Life of a Social Media Addict

                Not a single day goes by when I do not log on to my fan account on Twitter. I am absolutely hooked to my Samsung tablet just like how one is addicted to coffee. Unlimited scrolling, liking (used to be favoriting), and retweeting until my eyes felt like they’re on flames.

                This led me to my dreadful doom: a curfew.

                I’m pretty sure all mothers would do anything to get their child out of danger, even if it means to cage them inside their humble abode (or tower, in Rapunzel’s case). My mother is one of them. Due to my addiction to Twitter, she decided to take away my tablet when the clock strikes nine in the evening. Kid you not, but I did feel my heart drop when she gave me this punishment.

                And so there I was, lazily spread out on the sofa still dressed in my school uniform, savoring my time with my tablet, when I heard her voice from upstairs: “Give me your gadget!” In just a snap of a finger, time was up.

                I proceeded to work on a group research project, which required me to use the computer. Facebook became my bridge to communicate with my groupmates. Mother decided to check up on me, and when she saw that I was still using the Internet, she exploded like Anger on Inside Out.

                She became Gothel and I was Rapunzel. Well, without the singing involved, nor me having the luscious golden locks that went on for miles. She told me that the curfew lost its purpose if I was still going to use the computer. I defended my side thoroughly. “Ma, I’m making a group project.”

                “Then why are you on Facebook?”

                “Group project. I’m talking to my groupmates, Ma. You can check for yourself.”

                So she did, and when she saw that I was in fact in the ‘Investigatory Project’ group chat, she allowed me to continue whatever I was doing.

                Social Media isn’t just for lazy scrolling, after all.

                I still have a curfew, though.

-Jenika Gi-An C. Nero

Morissette: From ACT to the Philippines

                If someone had to ask me what is one thing I hate on a regular basis, I would no doubt say

 road traffic. Or maybe how excruciating the heat is here in our very tropical country. I’ll probably even mention both, although it’s technically not just one thing anymore.

                Anyway, going back to my first answer, traffic is a pain to all those who need to be in a certain place in a specific time. This goes out to students, employees, tourists, and to singers who have a mall show in their hometown to promote their very first album.

                MorissetteAmon, a pride and joy of ACT, proved that nothing is gonna stop her and the fans during her mall show at Starmall, Talisay City—not even getting stuck in heavy traffic. Her show started later than expected, but the wait was definitely worth it after hearing her very sweet high notes and powerful voice live.

                While waiting for the nightingale of Cebu, fans were entertained through Dance and Sing Offs, Bring Me’s, carrying out their inner DJs, and testing their listening abilities and whether they can differentiate their lefts and rights (a game which some of our fellow Asianistas participated in and surprisingly won).Also among the pumped up crowd were friends, colleagues, the most dedicated fans, and former teachers and schoolmates to support the singer.

                At long last, the audience erupted in chants and got up on their feet as the 93.9 iFM DJ’s voice boomed through the speakers: “MORISSETTE AMON, EVERYBODY!” And there, onstage, was the very beautiful and beaming superstar, 19 year old MorissetteAmon.

               

                The crowd was brought to even more cheers when she started singing. She moved the audience with every emotion she put into the songs. I mean, where do I even start in describing her voice? Angelic.Powerful. Will no doubt leave your jaw hanging. Not to mention her whistle tones—why can’t I sing like that?

                Even after all these years, Morissette continues to bring pride to the  Asianista family. Throughout the entire show, she calls out to her ACT family (that’s us!) to give gratitude for being with her in most of the crucial steps on the way to reaching her dreams.

                John Gabriel Nero, a classmate of Morissette, knew that their former class President was going to be famous someday, but did not expect that it’d be as early as the age of 14. “She has participated in singing contests on TV, but I never thought that opportunities would come easily for her. It’s a good thing that she is now able to do what she likes the most [singing].” He said in an interview.

                Nero, along with high school teachers Ms. Jacqueline Sampaga and Sir Marlowe Revolteado who had taught Morissette during her years in ACT, got the chance to reunite with the former Asianista during the show. They each bought an album, got a poster signed by the one and only singer, and of course took selfies with Morissette.

                Ms. Sampaga had no doubts when she mentioned how proud ACT is for Morissette and how we will continue to love and support her. “We wish you more success on your career. Good luck and fly high, Morissette!”

                To whatever the future may bring, the ACT family will always be here to support you. Continue living the dream, Morissette!

- Jenika Gi-An C. Nero

Nero places 5th in RSPC 2015

Jenika Nero placed fifth in the Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) 2015, under Feature Writing- English category, last December 10, 2015.

In the final day of the RSPC 2015, Nero, ninth grader, won fifth out of an estimated 95 participants from 19 divisions in the secondary level.

“I was very surprised and very thankful because after many years of joining the press conference, I finally won,” Nero said. This year was her fourth time joining the RSPC since 2012.

Nero mentioned that the given topic in feature writing: The Overcommercialization of Christmas, and the pressure of the new rule stating that drafts were no longer allowed in the competition made this year’s RSPC a big challenge.

“The feature writers of Talisay had this quote: ‘Patience is a virtue’ and we kept on repeating it, telling ourselves that it’s okay if we do not win because there will always be a next time,” she also said.

Names were called in every category’s top five, but none of them were from the Division of Talisay City, until Nero’s name was called. Her division erupted in cheers.

The school’s representatives were shouting in joy from the balcony when she headed for the stage.

“She made a name for the school and that’s a big inspiration, giving us hope for the next years to come,” Khylle Cabusas, a fellow RSPC participant of ACT-ISD, said. He also mentioned that Nero was teary-eyed in her victory.

Nero walked up the stage and received a medal in honor of her achievement. The medal was her first symbol of recognition for her hardwork from the press conference since four years of actively participating.

“It’s like an answered prayer,” Jeanille Cogtas, Journo’s coach, mentioned in an interview. “I’m proud because Jenika’s been working for it for years, so the moral of the story: don’t stop trying," she also added.

The closing and awarding ceremony was conducted in Don Celestino Martinez Sports and Cultural Center in Saint Joseph Village, Cogon, Bogo City, Cebu.

The RSPC 2015 in Region VII was held in a period of four days: December 7, 8, 9 and 10, hosted by the Division of City of Bogo.