Name: Jose Antonio A.
Nablo BSA3
DEAD STARS
by Paz Marquez Benitez
I. Explain the title:
The title "Dead Stars" symbolizes lingering emotions that have lost their meaning or have faded over
time. Just as dead stars continue to shine even after they’ve burned out, Alfredo’s love for Julia seems real for
a while, but it no longer exists. The light of these "dead stars" reaches Alfredo, but the actual feelings are no
longer alive. It’s about holding on to something that no longer has life, only the illusion of it.
II. Synopsis:
Alfredo Salazar is a man in his thirties, engaged to Esperanza, a woman he has been with for many
years. Although they are close to getting married, Alfredo falls in love with Julia Salas, a woman he meets
while visiting his family. He is torn between his duty and commitment to Esperanza and his attraction to Julia.
Alfredo struggles with his emotions, questioning if he truly loves Esperanza or if his feelings for Julia are
more real.
However, Alfredo chooses to stay with Esperanza and marries her. Years later, Alfredo meets Julia
again, and he realizes that his feelings for her have faded. What he thought was deep love was just a
temporary attraction. The realization that his love for Julia was like a "dead star" makes him understand that it
was never lasting or real in the way he imagined.
III. Site situation related to the story:
The situation in "Dead Stars" reflects real-life dilemmas of love and relationships, where people often
confuse infatuation or desire with lasting love. Alfredo's experience can be related to modern-day issues of
emotional confusion, where someone might question their long-term relationship due to temporary feelings
for another person. The story captures the idea that sometimes we hold onto past feelings or illusions, not
realizing that they no longer have substance.
This situation is also common in relationships where people feel obligated to follow through on
promises or long-standing commitments, even when their feelings change. Many can relate to Alfredo’s
internal battle between what is right and what feels new and exciting.
IV. Reaction / Reflection:
"Dead Stars" speaks to the universal theme of lost love and emotional confusion. Alfredo’s journey
shows how we often idealize people or feelings that no longer exist, much like how the light from a dead star
reaches us, even though the star is long gone. This story teaches us about the importance of being honest with
ourselves and others about our feelings.
It also makes us reflect on the nature of love—how it can change over time, and how what feels
intense in the moment may not last. Alfredo's realization at the end teaches that sometimes, what we think we
want isn’t real, and holding onto the past can prevent us from appreciating the present. It also emphasizes the
value of commitment and loyalty, as Alfredo ultimately stays true to his original promise.
Name: Jose Antonio A. Nablo
LUPANG TINUBUAN
by Narciso Reyes
I. Explain the title:
"Lupang Tinubuan" translates to "native land" or "homeland," representing the place where one was
born and grew up. The title reflects the strong emotional bond people feel toward their roots. It emphasizes the
idea that no matter how far people travel or how much they change, they remain deeply connected to their
homeland. The title captures the idea of identity, belonging, and nostalgia.
II. Synopsis:
The story follows a man named Tinong, who returns to his hometown after spending years in the city.
In his absence, the place has changed, and he no longer feels completely at home. The story explores his inner
conflict between his deep love for his homeland and the sense of alienation caused by the changes he sees.
Tinong’s return to his roots is both a homecoming and a confrontation with the realities of time and change.
Through Tinong’s eyes, the reader sees how his hometown has been affected by colonization,
modernization, and outside influences. The traditional ways of life have slowly faded, and Tinong feels torn
between accepting the changes or holding onto the past. The story reflects the struggle between old values and
new realities, as well as the inevitable impact of time on everything we hold dear.
III. Site situation related to the story:
"Lupang Tinubuan" is relatable to people who have left their homes to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Many people experience feelings of disconnection when they return to their hometowns after a long absence,
seeing how much has changed. This can be especially true for those who move from rural areas to cities or
those who migrate abroad for work or better opportunities.
The story can also be tied to the Filipino experience of colonization and modernization, where
traditional ways of life were changed or replaced by foreign influences. The nostalgia and longing for a
simpler, more familiar time reflect the experiences of many people who feel a loss of cultural identity when
their homeland changes due to outside forces.
IV. Reaction / Reflection:
"Lupang Tinubuan" is a powerful story about the pull of one’s roots and the inevitability of change. It
reflects how much our identity is shaped by where we come from, and how difficult it can be to see that place
change over time. Tinong’s experience reminds us that while we may grow and move on, our homeland is
always a part of who we are.
The story also made me think about the importance of preserving cultural heritage and traditions in
the face of change. In a rapidly modernizing world, it’s easy for old ways of life to disappear. Tinong’s
emotional journey teaches us that while change is unavoidable, it’s important to stay connected to our roots
and not forget where we come from. It also highlights the sadness and conflict many people feel when they
realize that their homeland is not the same as they remember.
