"Timeless Tales: A Journey Through Classic Literature"

By Jolo Van Clyde S. Abatayo

In an era where social networking sites and online games captivate many, I extend an invitation to explore alternative pastures of entertainment and enlightenment. Take a delightful detour and immerse yourself in a book!

Indulge in these timeless classics available in our library. These literary masterpieces have triumphantly weathered the tides of time, offering endless enchantment and profound insights:

OLIVER TWIST

Charles Dickens unveils the grim realities of the criminal underworld and the merciless plight of orphans during his time. His stark portrayal highlights the socio-economic disparities and moral dilemmas faced by young Oliver. Can he escape the squalor and find redemption?

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

Harper Lee’s masterpiece intricately weaves themes of innocence, moral courage, and racial injustice. Journey to the Deep South and witness the moral battles of Atticus Finch. How will he navigate the tumultuous waters of prejudice and uphold justice?

THE GREAT GATSBY

Navigate through F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of the tumultuous Jazz Age. Experience decadence, idealism, and societal upheaval while unraveling the illusions and disillusionments of the American Dream through Nick Carraway’s eyes.

PRIDE AND PREJUDICE

Join Elizabeth Bennet in Jane Austen’s timeless commentary on 19th-century England’s society, where issues of manners, moral values, and marriage prevail. Elizabeth's journey through societal expectations and romantic endeavors continues to enchant readers globally.

LITTLE WOMEN

Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women” transcends gender in its appeal, addressing the interconnected themes of domesticity, work, and true love. It unfolds the sagas of the March sisters, exploring their endeavors in a society that poses limitations.

HAMLET

Embark on a perplexing journey with Shakespeare’s "Hamlet," a revenge tragedy rich with themes of betrayal, retribution, and existentialism. The uncertainties and layers embedded within provide a multi-dimensional reading experience.

FRANKENSTEIN

Mary Shelley’s "Frankenstein" invites you into a world where scientific ambition collides with moral dilemmas. Victor Frankenstein’s monstrous creation and the subsequent chaos explore themes of isolation, ambition, and moral responsibility.

Are you intrigued by these timeless narratives? Step into realms of fantasy and profound human experiences. Reading is not merely a pastime; it's an adventure, an exploration of diverse worlds and ideas! Your Library awaits, ready to envelop you in the warm embrace of stories untold.

The Papal Visit and the Philippines’ Fraudulence

 

            Peculiar. Intriguing.

            You know what, I’ve heard something about the mystery of the vanishing street children in Manila and it made me strangely startled. The enigmatic purge of the unfortunate buds for Pope Francis’ recent visit here in the Philippines was really puzzling.

            To guarantee a squeaky-clean and presentable Manila for the Pope’s pious sojourn, street children were scrubbed out immediately, as media chronicles. Father Shay Cullen, the Nobel Prize-nominated founder of the Preda Foundation says that these poor sprouts were thrown in jail. “They’re locked up in a dungeon,” Cullen said, revealing that some 20,000 children experience the wrath of jail cell annually across the country. With this, I have a dreadful question grilling in my mind. Why did they put these innocent kids in with older persons? I get goose-bumps every time I think about it. What soulless creature would do that? Witches!

            Pope Francis is known for his undying mercy and compassion especially for the young ones. Do you think this alarming issue would appease him? Why would the Philippine Welfare Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman tolerate such act? This is a swelling ignominy to our country! How would other countries digest this awful predicament? I, myself gnashed my teeth after hearing it because as a disciple of God and a full-blooded follower of the Roman Catholic Church, it is a manifestation of cruelty and clearly unacceptable. Awesome! It’s really more fun in the Philippines.

            “Lots of children have been brought here lately, says Paulo, an inmate. “We’re told that they’re being picked up from under the road bridges where the pope will travel.” This statement from him is a strong evidence of deception. If the Pope Francis famously washed the feet of inmates in a youth detention centre in Rome in 2013, there is no way the pope will want to visit our detention centers in Manila. Why is our regime a master of hiding and dishonesty? We all know that the pope loves and cares so much about the poor kids and he treats everyone equally, whatever or whoever we are. Why be afraid of telling the whole truth? Why lie and pretend?

            Of course, I don’t condone biases so let’s give the Welfare Secretary a chance to speak up. Would you like to hear her side? Well, as usual, alibis will really come out after a shameful issue. She needs to clean her hands too that’s why in a report from ABS-CBN.com, she said that they don’t tolerate that practice and they only put child abusers in jail. “We are not hiding the children. In fact, more than 400 street children will be singing during the send-off for Pope Francis on Monday. They have been practicing since December. The Pope will see and interact with them,” she added. What a big storyteller!

             As what our hospitality should be, if we have guests, it is usual for us to impress them just like cooking delightful foods to satisfy their starving tummies, and be cordial, but locking up away famished street children does not make sense because it is so not the track of the Pope for the Poor! He won’t discriminate! I completely have this aversion about this shameful controversy and I strongly believe that the Almighty Creator has too.

             Alas, even the president will wear the most deluxe and perfect Barong Tagalog. It won’t make him delightful! He’s a snail. I don’t know what’s his reaction regarding this disreputable topic. Shame on you P-Noy and on your pack of fraudulent subordinates! It is now impossible for the sacred church and our filthy government to marry! It’s really impossible.

Reference: http://www.philstar.com

Yang

By: Jolo Van Clyde S. Abatayo

Going to school isn’t typically a source of excitement for most students, and only a handful view it as a delightful pastime. For me, school provides a different kind of joy. Not so much for the lessons or activities, but for the opportunity to see someone special. Someone entirely unique.

Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Gray – and no, despite rumors to the contrary, I'm not the campus crush. Far from it, actually. I find myself cloaked in descriptors like "geek" and "nerd," all thanks to my penchant for eccentric eyeglasses and a wardrobe dictated not by fashion, but by parental preferences. Oh, and my consistently high academic performance certainly adds to the stereotype.

Yang, my singular companion, is a beacon amidst all of this. She lends me an ear for my most bizarre thoughts and gently offers her advice. Yang understands me in a way that others simply don’t. Unlike the mischievous youngsters who never miss an opportunity to mock me, she sees beyond the superficial.

But today, something is amiss. Yang, who always greeted me near the school entrance, is nowhere to be found. An unfamiliar emptiness fills the two days – Saturday and Sunday – and now, Monday is tainted with her absence.

An idea strikes me. I'll call her! But wait, she doesn't have a phone, rendering that plan moot. My mind whirls as an unfamiliar emotion courses through me. Could it be... love?

(Sensitive Scene Transition with Considerate Language)

(Melancholy music gently plays)

Suddenly, the narrative shifts. I find myself in a stark white room, confusion clouding my senses. "Where are you, Yang?" My voice is barely a whisper, despair creeping through every syllable.

The appearance of people in white uniforms intensifies my fear. Pain and anguish collide within me, but why? Why am I here? Why are they coming towards me?

Image: https://www.vecteezy.com/photo/7213547-happy-student-girl-hold-book-and-backpack-at-school-asian-girl

Rhapsody

By: Jolo Van Clyde S. Abatayo

I. Adrift in placid skies, so light, so fair,

Defying gravity with an ease, an airy dare,

Ascending to lewd heavens with nary a care,

Observing fireflies ignite the dark, a luminous affair;

 

II. Descending swiftly into a daunting barranca's hold,

Swaying gently to the sweet sonata, bold,

Penning freely an unfolding fantasia, untold,

Pursuing the elusive vessel of cornucopia, so gold;

 

III. At times, a sinister serpent subtly appears,

Its body, sinuous and stout, breeding fears,

A creature of mystery, its whereabouts unclear,

A horror paralyzing, sealing lips, a mute despair;

 

IV. Neither enchantment nor a hallucinatory vision,

They deem it a spectral form of premonition,

Others whisper of misconceived perception,

Ah, ’tis but a dream—an ephemeral illusion!

Your SCCYLC 2015 Facilitators/Faculty members of SCC and Student Facilitators with the brilliant and amazing Sir Iñigo Del Socorro , enthusiastic Mayor of Pikit--Hon. Muhyryn D. Sultan-Casi, supportive and active Director of Student Affairs--Ma'am Nelly Daguman Genosas , and the great and awesome,Arvel Garry Llaban Campollo . 

ACQUAINTANCE PARTY!

The Fourth Year Bachelor of Library and Information Science students with the LIS Faculty and Staff.