1. Are you proud of your national identity? Explain.

Yes, and there are many reasons to be proud of being a Filipina. Dates back to the time
of Spaniards, our ancestors fought with dignity and pride to protect the country at all
costs and that is the most cherished trait of Filipinos. We Filipinos are known for being
hospitable, we are stronger when united and the cultures and traditions highlighted
our nation. Together we overcome any calamities with our unwavering faith in the
Almighty that never breaks. Our nation is blessed with 7,640 islands and breathtaking
views that captured the hearts of many tourists. I am proud to be a Filipino because we
are able to smile even though we are having a bad day, the courtesy we show to
visitors. Who would not be proud for having wonderful cultures, colorful heritage,
and a land blessed with talented humans?

2. Has our national identity changed for years? Cite examples to justify your answer.

Yes, as the new generation turned the page of the new chapter where technologies and
Social media became prevalent and it led the youth to neglect their own cultures and
traditions and adopt the views and cultures of other nations that they have seen on the
internet or social media. The beauty and spirit of our nation can still be felt, but the
unity and hospitability of every Filipino change. We can see how other Filipino show
kindness to foreigners and act blindly when a homeless Filipino asks them for a penny
or food. We must have forgotten what ours and we must have forgotten to help and
uplift our fellowmen. Moreover, Filipino women are unassertive, decent, and valuable
in society but it is not comparable to the young women of the current generation for
our country is one of the highest adolescent birth rates among the ASEAN member
states having 180,916 total cases of teenage pregnancy.

1. How would you describe Mariang Makiling?

Mariang Makiling was a kindhearted goddess that possessed beauty and magic. She
was a fairy-like creature that has alluring eyes, delicate skin, and long black hair—
Filipina traits that make Filipino women unique from any race. I would describe her as
a benign and good-natured goddess who helped poor people and take care of Mother
Nature. She was not a materialistic woman, all she asked in return was a pullet as
white as milk and kindness towards nature despite the number of jewelry and clothing
she gave to people. She did not want to be interconnected with violence; she promoted
peace between nature and human beings.
 2. Describe the dwelling places people say that she inhabits. Why do you think
people have contradicting claims about her dwelling places?

Her dwelling places were never known but she lived in a humble hut somewhere on
the beautiful mountain Makiling, she would flit around forests, scurry over the fields
and appear after a storm where people will not see her real identity. Her dwelling
places were all hidden for she hides under disguises, an animal, an old woman, and
beautiful lass. People have contradicting claims because her dwelling place is never
known.

3. What are some of the charitable acts of Mariang Makiling? In your opinion why
would she perform these deeds?

MariangMakiling was very compassionate in helping poor and sick people. She loved
nature and human beings more than herself to the point that she would spend her day
helping the poor and providing for the needs of human beings.

She would appear as a young girl to help old women gather firewood, she would give
gold nuggets, coins, and jewels to people, she would lend clothing or jewels for
weddings, baptism, and feast days to folks in return for a pullet, she would offer a stay
for the tired peasants and give them cold drinks and foods and small parting gift of
gingers that turns into gold nuggets when they arrive home. She has an unwavering
love for nature and she used to appear after storms to calm the stream and fix the
broken trunks of woods.

4. In your opinion, why has Mariang Makiling’s presence not manifested lately?

MariangMakiling’s presence has not been manifested lately on Mount Makiling

because she swore that she will not appear in the eyes of people again after people
abused her generosity by stealing her jewels and being abusive to nature. She was so
hurt because she gave everything to people and yet they were not contented. She
witnessed how people abused the animals—she tried to stop them but hunters were
unbothered. It disappointed her that she refuses to come out anymore. Look at us, still
practicing and worsening the deed that she loathes. Look what we did to the nature
that she used to take care of, we witnessed how animals died and became extinct every
single day thus we must feel her wrath and never expect her presence again.

5. Juxtapose the character of Mariang Makililing and the archetype of Mother

Nature. What similarities and differences do they have?

Mariang Makiling and Mother Nature share have a lot of similarities; they provide the
needs and wants of people. They provide food, shelter, treasure, and relaxation to
human beings. They served as the life support of every animal and human beings
treated Mariang Makiling the same way they treated and abused Mother Nature. It is
no secret how Mother Nature and Mariang Makiling expressed their grief and anger
towards the cruelness of people, it resulted in earthquakes, storms, and various natural
disasters that might harm the lives of many. The only difference is Mariang Makiling
has the ability to stop the people from abusing nature while Mother Nature cannot
fight back and hinder the people from slaughtering the animals and grooming forests.
Another difference is, Mariang Makiling can personally cure and treat animals
however the Mother Nature can only offer shelter and food for animals.

6. Why is the legend of Mariang Makiling considered to be an example of

Philippine folklore?

This legend was told by our national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal. It is considered to be
Philippine folklore because it was verbally told from one generation to another.
Mariang Makiling was the most widely known diwata in Philippine mythology. Our
ancestors believe in gods and goddesses and it holds very traditional values and
beliefs of the Filipinos and Mariang Makiling was not influenced by Spaniards.

1. Whom is the speaker addressing in his speech?

The speech that was delivered by Sir John F. Kennedy was an inaugural speech thus he
addressed his speech to the American people and to the other nations that are
suffering due to enslavement and poverty. His speech was not only to call the leaders
of other nations; it served to captive the mind of every individual in the world.

2. What is the purpose of the speech?

Inaugural speech is used by Presidents to present their vision and mission for the
country and to set forth their goals for the nation. It must hook the attention of citizens
to let them know that you can lead a country. Its purpose is to persuade people on how
he can handle responsibilities and improve the current state of the country.

3. What aspiration does the speaker have as expressed in his inaugural speech?

Sir Kennedy’s aspiration is democracy—to be freed from the cold war. He believed
that democracy occurs when people contribute their parts to the common good as a
citizen and a leader must inspire and execute every plan that would save the country
and its people. “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for
your country.” It is the most inspiring quote that he exhorted during his speech, it
implies how important civic action and public services are. It calls for every individual
to do what is right for the sake of the improvement of the country.

4. How does the speaker persuade his audience to share the vision he has for his
country?

Sir John F. Kennedy used rhetorical devices to effectively persuade the audience that
makes us feel compassion and gratitude for those who fought for the prosperity that
many now have. Through the use of rhetorical devices such as strong dictation,
emotional appeals, powerful language, and brevity, Sir Kennedy was able to deliver an
effective speech that inspired lots of people.
5. How does the speaker end his speech?

He calls out for the people of America and citizens of the world, to cooperate and be
unified by helping each other get through the Cold war issues. “Ask of us here the
same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask for you” which means that
he is willing to help the other nations to succeed and he also stated that anything is
possible with Almighty’s help. Do good deeds and you will surely be rewarded.

1. Can you be totally honest to people without hurting their feelings?

Truth hurts as they say but nothing hurts more than being lied to and being deprived
of the information that you deserve to know. Lying is wrong, even if it is white lies it is
still the wrong thing to do. We can be totally honest to people without hurting their
feelings but let us be mindful of our words and always put ourselves in their shoes—
take it easy and think of how they would react to the information. Their perspective is
important to not invalidate their feelings and this will give us the opportunities to
speak and be honest. Just because their perspective is different does not mean it is
wrong, we all have a different points of view on different issues.

Moreover, being honest is not the same as being right. One can be honest and factually
wrong at the same time. You can also be honest and be factually right, but it will end
up hurting their feelings thus it is important to be humble with your perspective and
listen to the justification of the other side carefully.

For me, it is alright to be hurt knowing the truth than being hurt because of ignorance
because at the end of the day we will eventually forget it and this will serve as a
catalyst of change that will make you a better version of yourself.

2. Have our national leaders been successful in maintaining diplomatic ties with
our neighboring countries? Justify your answer.

As we have seen nowadays President Rodrigo Duterte did his best and successfully
became friends with neighboring countries and other large nations like Russia and
Saudi Arabia. We were also threatened by China but he managed to befriend the
leader of this country. Our country became the newest best friend of China and it is
beneficial since China is a crucial partner for national development amidst hopes of
bringing modern technologies to the Philippines and helping economically,
sociocultural development, and promoting regional peace just like the other member
states of ASEAN.

We have also seen how ASEAN helps not only our country but the rest of the member
states of the ASEAN improve economically and freed us from any war and issues.
1. What is the purpose of the poem?

Edgar Allan Poe spent the remaining days of his life drowned in alcohol and poetry
after his wife died and many scholars believe that Annabel Lee has been written to his
wife, Virginia Clemm. The purpose of the poem is to express the unwavering love of
the writer (Edgar Allan Poe) for his beautiful Annabel Lee.

2. Who is the speaker in the poem?

The speaker in the poem is the writer himself: Edgar Allan Poe who was best known
for his poems with unique genre and plot.

3. What is the general mood expressed in the poem?

The poem talks about the love that the young couple shared but angels envied them
that leads to the tragic death of Annabel Lee thus it is a shred of clear evidence that the
mood of the poem is sorrow because the speaker expressed his agony for the mournful
death of his love.

4. How would you describe the love that the speaker has for Annabel Lee?

The speaker’s love for Annabel Lee is insurmountable; he loved her more than
anything else this world can offer. They started loving each other when they were
young, their love was more powerful than those who were older and far wiser than
them that the angels were envious of their relationship. “Neither the angels in heaven
above nor the demons down under the sea can ever dissever my soul from the soul of
Annabel Lee” they were inseparable and he would never trade his love for anything.
Despite his love, he cannot do anything to protect his woman and save her from death,
so he would lie down by the side of the tomb of Annabel Lee wishing that he would
feel her embrace on lonely nights.

5. What caused the death of Annabel Lee?

“The angels, not half so happy in Heaven, went envying her and me—Yes! –that was
the reason (as all men know, in this kingdom by the sea) that the wind came out of the
cloud by night, chilling and killing my Annabel Lee.” They love each other endlessly
and their relationship was pure and perfect that angels coveted them. Thus, this stanza
implies that the speaker put the blames on angels who were envious of their
relationship. The jealousy of the angels was the reason why the wind came out of the
cloud and killed Annabel Lee.
 6. What are different symbols used in the poem? What do they mean? You may cite
lines from the poem to explain and justify your answer.

Edgar Allan Poe used lots of symbolism in this poem; Annabel Lee symbolizes his wife
Virginia Poe. Moreover, these are some symbolism presented in this poem:

The common symbol that was used repeatedly is the sea—symbolizes power for it is
looming and ominous that symbolizes loneliness, coldness, and emptiness.

“In this kingdom by the sea, a wind blew out of the cloud, chilling my beautiful
Annabel Lee” In this line, chilling means killing. “So that her highborn kinsmen came
and bore her away from me” it is clear evidence that the family of Annabel Lee was
also against their relationship, thus they took her away from him.

1. Can unity really be achieved amidst diversity? Why or Why not?

Certainly, unity in diversity is a notion that signifies harmony amongst people who
share differences around the globe. These differences may vary by race, creed, religion,
ideology, ethnicity, etc. Unity can be achieved amidst diversity because no matter how
different our cultures are, we all have one vision and mission in the world and that is
to have peace and cooperation and we all believe that love is more important than any
subject on this globe. We are all looking forward to existing harmoniously. It depends
on the leaders of every nation if they will put to action what they preach—enhance the
pleasant of teamwork and improve faith and bonding among people. As of today,
Russia started a war with Ukraine—its neighboring country, and people are now
living in fear due to the fact that it might lead to World War III and its impact on the
economy of every nation. We have seen how people from every nation scream louder
to stop the war because no matter how different our sides, opinions, and beliefs we all
want to live in peace, and to achieve unity, we should be aware of the importance of
each other’s social, cultural, and religious heritages.

2. How can you help foreign students who are studying in the Philippines for the
first time to easily adjust to Filipino culture?

It is no secret that our culture is unique from any other culture around the world.
Foreign students can easily adapt to our culture considering the fact that Filipinos are
kind and hospitable to help people despite race and diversity. In my purview, the only
way to help foreign students to cope with our culture is to let them wander, explore
and observe Filipinos on how they act, talk and socialize. I would introduce them to a
Filipino household and instruct them to do what every Filipino kid would do
(respectful addresses to those older than us and practice the “pagmamano”) I would
introduce them to Filipino cuisines, festivals, language, social life, and time
management.
 1. How does the writer describe the setting of the story?

The story took place throughout a single café scene where a woman meets up with a
former beau. In my purview, I imagine the characters in a London coffee house.
Mention of ‘St. James’ street’ could refer to this street in London. However, the coffee
house is decorated in a faux-Japanese style which reflects Vera’s romantic place.

2. How would you describe the characters in the story?

The writer named the woman Vera and the man is not. In my point of view, the man is
presented as a predecessor or an archetype. He is a sophisticated white man with
serious social shortcomings and who has fixated on goals that he had done in six years.
This man is a classical man or a walking green flag as I say, the sort of man Vera feels
she should be marrying. On the other hand, Vera is a classical woman too but she
mentioned that she sold her piano which means that she is living in poverty and
loneliness. She was easily offended and her desire to marry a man is not a good thing.

3. How would you describe the flow of their conversation? What does this imply?

Their conversation started nicely as the man shared his experience during his stay in
Russia and Vera was awkward because it was their dream to go to Russia together.
“As he spoke, so lightly, tapping the end of his cigarette against the ash-tray, she felt
the strange beast that has slumbered so long within her bosom stir, stretch itself, yawn,
pick up its tears, and suddenly bound to its feet, and fix its longing, hungry stare upon
those faraway places. But all she said was, smiling gently: “How I envy you.” The
conversation starts badly and gets worse when the man told Vera about the Mind
System he learned in Russia.

4. How would you describe the kind of relationship Vera and the man had in the
past?

I suppose that the man was Vera’s lover and they had such memorable moments
planning their visit to various nations like Russia. Moreover, Vera was a happy woman
when they were together but things did not work out that lead them to break each
other’s hearts.

5. What happened to Vera at the end of the story?

The ending of the story is interesting as by holding onto Vera’s glove the man was
trying to get more attention from Vera and he tried to rebuild their relationship but
Vera walks away because she was offended. After all, the man easily forgets their
childhood memories and is jealous at the same time because his former lover fulfilled
their goals while she was living her lonely life in London.
 6. Why do you think the writer chose Dill Pickle in the title of the story?

At first, I did not have a clue why Mansfield chose Dill Pickle as the title of the story.
However, the dill pickle is preserved, and the longer it is in the jar the more tasteful it
will become just like Vera’s love to the man. The longer she holds unto it, the more
love she will feel for the man. On the other hand, some people think that Mansfield
may be referring to the male protagonist in a slightly derogatory sense.

1. How does Kahlil Gibran define Freedom?

Kahlil Gibran expresses his interpretation of freedom in a meaningful way, he defines

freedom as it dwells naturally within our soul and nobody has the right to take it away
from us. Freedom can be outnumbered by fear and if this happens you have the power
to control it “the seat of the fear is in your heart and not in the hand of feared” letting
the fear sit on someone’s throne is impossible for it was created by your mind and
emotion thus you are the only one who can access and let it free. Freedom is not seated
on someone’s throne, because you made the law and you longed for yourself “If it is an
unjust law you would abolish, that law was written with your own hand upon your
forehead.” Overall, Freedom can be achieved by any one of us because it naturally
dwells within ourselves. To be free, one must stop searching for freedom, and to search
for beauty one must look inside themselves.

2. Who do you think is being addressed in the selection?

This selection is meant to honor every man despite the cultures and beliefs
everywhere. This is a good reminder to those who are fighting with silent battles and
to those oppressed by their manipulative minds.

3. What is the meaning of the line? “You shall be free indeed when your days are
not without a care nor your nights without a want and a grief, but rather when
those things girdle your life and yet you rise above them naked and unbound”?

This line implies that life is never free of cares, wants, and grief. This talks about our
inner freedom, Robert Kegan once said that “we have our cares, wants and grief
instead of letting them ‘have’ us” in other words, we must control our inner conflicts
instead of letting them control us. You can achieve freedom if you can rise above the
conflicts within you.
 4. What literary images does Gibran use in the selection? What do these images
indicate about freedom?

Kahlil Gibran used various literary images in his poem; he used metaphor, simile, and
personification to interconnect the situation of the reader to situations indicated in the
selection. Literary images in his poem indicate that love, self-compassion, or being
kind to oneself is the strongest method for changing how we relate to ourselves and
achieve inner freedom.

5. What do you think is Kahlil Gibran’s purpose in writing this selection?

Khalil Gibran wants to pierce the heart of every human especially teenagers to look
within themselves and freedom comes from mindfulness and self-compassion. This
selection aims to persuade us that no one can offer freedom to us except us. This aims
to help the youth to practice self-compassion at an early age for it can help them to take
control of their thoughts and emotions instead of letting these demons control them.
Thus, it will pivot their focus to optimism that adverts them away from inevitable
dramas.

1. Would you rather be righteous than be popular? Why?

Righteousness is a quality or state of being morally correct and justifiable, popularity

on the other hand is the state of being suitable to the majority where dignity and aspect
of a human being are based on fashion. Being popular does not last long because
people will eventually forget you and it might lead to arrogance and a desire to obtain
more worldly power. Lang Leav once said in her famous novel Poemsia “When the
fame comes, it will swallow you up like a tsunami. You won’t see it until it’s already
here.” Thus, I’d rather be righteous than be popular. Vast knowledge is a powerful tool
to overcome any endeavor in life, peace can be found in righteousness while peace
cannot be achieved in popularity for your life is being spied by someone else just
because you are popular. Moreover, correlating righteousness to religion it is clearly
stated in the Qur’an that a life of righteousness is the only way to go to heaven. Hence,
I believe that righteousness will lead me to the vast knowledge and provide stability to
my morality for it will produce good nectar.
2. Is there a way to totally eliminate corruption in the government? Explain your
answer.

Our country is indeed blessed with vast marine life and natural sources, however,
some leaders of our nation do not take full responsibility and give opportunities to
Filipino people. I need not learn more about how government works because it is
visible in my naked eyes how Filipinos pay taxes but the percentage of income is not
suitable for it, because most of the products herein the Philippines are smuggled. Our
country is democratic, we are free people thus to kill corruption people have the power
in their hands to choose and evict the leader who is hurting the system. Filipino people
need relevant tools to engage and participate in their governments. The head of the
country must be the one to figure out the eels in the system. Identify the priorities and
problems and then find solutions. Nowadays, we have seen the progress of President
Duterte’s administration for he punished corruption that led to the vital effective anti-
corruption effort, and I can say that he dealt with corruption successfully. Look at us;
look at the differences that he made. We have seen how many politicians rot in jail
because of corruption; we have seen how oplan tokhang changes the state of our
country. Overall, the most effective way to eliminate corruption is to have the best
leader who is not afraid to deal with any consequences for the better of the country,
and people must cooperate and play their roles in choosing the right one and be
engaged on knowledge about governments.
No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or
significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to
lead and sworn to serve.

It is the people from whom democratic governments draw strength and this
administration is no exception. That is why we have to listen to the murmurings of the
people, feel their pulse, supply their needs and fortify their faith and trust in us whom
they elected to public office.

There are many amongst us who advance the assessment that the problems that
bedevil our country today which need to be addressed with urgency, are corruption,
both in the high and low echelons of government, criminality in the streets, and the
rampant sale of illegal drugs in all strata of Philippine society and the breakdown of
law and order. True, but not absolutely so. For I see these ills as mere symptoms of a
virulent social disease that creeps and cuts into the moral fiber of Philippine society. I
sense a problem deeper and more serious than any of those mentioned or all of them
put together. But of course, it is not to say that we will ignore them because they have
to be stopped by all means that the law allows

Erosion of faith and trust in government – that is the real problem that confronts us.
Resulting therefrom, I see the erosion of the people’s trust in our country’s leaders; the
erosion of faith in our judicial system; the erosion of confidence in the capacity of our
public servants to make the people’s lives better, safer and healthier.

Indeed, ours is a problem that dampens the human spirit. But all is not lost.I know that
there are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, the sale and
use of illegal drugs and corruption. They say that my methods are unorthodox and
verge on the illegal. In response let me say this:

I have seen how corruption bled the government of funds, which were allocated for
the use in uplifting the poor from the mire that they are in. I have seen how illegal
drugs destroyed individuals and ruined family relationships.

I have seen how criminality, by means all foul, snatched from the innocent and the
unsuspecting, the years and years of accumulated savings. Years of toil and then,
suddenly, they are back to where they started.

Look at this from that perspective and tell me that I am wrong.

In this fight, I ask Congress and the Commission on Human Rights and all others who
are similarly situated to allow us a level of governance that is consistent to our
mandate. The fight will be relentless and it will be sustained.

As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of
the president. I know what is legal and what is not

My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising.

You mind your work and I will mind mine.

“Malasakit. Tunay na Pagbabago. Tinud-anay nga Kausaban (Compassion. Real
change.)” – these are words which catapulted me to the presidency. These slogans
were conceptualized not for the sole purpose of securing the votes of the electorate.
“Tinud-anay nga kabag-uhan. Mao kana ang tumong sa atong pang-gobyerno (Real
change. This is the direction of our government).”

Far from that. These were battle cries articulated by me in behalf of the people hungry
for genuine and meaningful change. But the change, if it is to be permanent and
significant, must start with us and in us. [applause]

To borrow the language of F. Sionil Jose, we have become our own worst enemies. And
we must have the courage and the will to change ourselves.

Love of country, subordination of personal interests to the common good, concern and
care for the helpless and the impoverished – these are among the lost and faded values
that we seek to recover and revitalize as we commence our journey towards a better
Philippines. The ride will be rough. But come and join me just the same. Together,
shoulder to shoulder, let us take the first wobbly steps in this quest.

There are two quotations from revered figures that shall serve as the foundation upon
which this administration shall be built.

“The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who
have much; it is whether we provide for those who have little.” – Franklin Delano
Roosevelt

And from (Abraham) Lincoln I draw this expression: “You cannot strengthen the weak
by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You
cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further the
brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men.”

My economic and financial, political policies are contained in those quotations, though
couched in general terms. Read between the lines. I need not go into specifics now.
They shall be supplied to you in due time.

However, there are certain policies and specifics of which cannot wait for tomorrow to
be announced.

Therefore, I direct all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce
requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to the
release. I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant
requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as
sufficient for all.

I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to refrain from changing and
bending the rules government contracts, transactions and projects already approved
and awaiting implementation. Changing the rules when the game is on-going is
wrong.
I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all government contracts,
projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to
perfection and finally, to consummation.

Do them and we will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later.

On the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic
of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations.

On the domestic front, my administration is committed to implement all signed peace

agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms.

I am elated by the expression of unity among our Moro brothers and leaders, and the
response of everyone else to my call for peace.

I look forward to the participation of all other stakeholders, particularly our

indigenous peoples, to ensure inclusivity in the peace process.

Let me remind in the end of this talk, that I was elected to the presidency to serve the
entire country. I was not elected to serve the interests of any one person or any group
or any one class. I serve every one and not only one.

That is why I have adapted as an article of faith, the following lines written by
someone whose name I could no longer recall. He said: “I have no friends to serve, I
have no enemies to harm.”

On the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic
of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations. On the domestic
front, my administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in
step with constitutional and legal reforms.

Prescinding there from, I now ask everyone, and I mean everyone, to join me as we
embark on this crusade for a better and brighter tomorrow.

But before I end, let me express the nations, on behalf of the people, our condolences to
the Republic of Turkey of what has happened in the place. We offer our deepest
condolences.

Why am I here? Hindi kasali ito diyan (This is not part of my speech). The past tense
was, I am here because I love my country and I love the people of the Philippines. I am
here, why? Because I am ready to start my work for the nation.

Thank you and good afternoon.

Source: Presidential Communications Office