Checkmate: Fight for the dreams

“Tap! Tap! Tap!” the sound of the pieces on the board game as they were moved by the
players. Focus, think very neatly and never rush, that is the mindset. Some would say that this
game is so hard to understand but to others this is a fun and very engaging game. Aside from
academics, sport is also one thing that is being catered for in a school. And one of the school
activities that we have is the sports meet, and one of our schools’ entry is chess.

“Practice lang ng practice at enjoy playing” is what Jill C. Sta Ana one of our chess players
who is a Grade Three student, similar to this is what Dane Micheal Caboboy said “Enjoy playing
and keep practicing”. What they said was entirely true, we shouldn’t just play but rather enjoy
also. Because when we don’t enjoy there is the fear within us, and being afraid might lead us to
something not good. These two young boys may seem just enjoying the game but they are
seriously minding every move they have to make.

These duo, Jill and Dane have made a long drive of tense and entertainment and never
once pulled over. Can you believe that Jill started playing when he was just kinder and all the way
to now that he’s grade three? Amazing right? On the other hand, Dane began playing chess in
grade four all the way to grade six. Both had a different reason to start, and it was all because of
their mighty parents! Jill’s mother is an Outstanding International Chess Grandmaster, whilst
Dane’s father is an ordinary but skilled chess player. And so, that’s where they got their talent!
For Jill, he placed second in the District, fourth place in Inter-District and 21st in Metro Town
Chess Kick Hub King Score. His aptitude is so awe-inspiring! At last, Dane placed a tough first
place in the Metro Town Chess Kick Hub King Score. Both kept winning just by their one and only
strategy, it’s to enjoy and practice. For that, they both wish to be an International Chess Master,
and they do believe that they can reach this expert level in their upcoming journey.

In joining something that includes strong challenges, never back down in place. You may
have potential and be a perfect fit for it! But, as said, always enjoy that experience and practice.
“Practice makes perfect.” As they said. A popular motivating quote everywhere to remember. Just
like what they do and remember to reach a new checkpoint of journey and experience.
 Thw History of the Historian

It’s Xiao Time! Ever heard this line, sounds familiar right? Well then, who even is Xiao?
“Nothing’s really exciting in my life, except perhaps my attempting to be in touch with history”
he remarked. Xiao Chua’s patience, intelligence and dream-chasing mindset as a youthful child
then began to believe that he can reach his dreams of being a historian once he flourishes in a
fine age and felt that burning passion within him. “Be a historian” that is what he pinned as his
objective that he brings with him everyday.

Do you know who sets that burning passion within him? It’s his grandmother, yes you read
it right, his grandmother. As his grandmother gave him a set of encyclopedias along with her
stories that are solely about Philippine History. He had gained tons of understandings and
insights that he was able to construct in his wide spaced mind. As people around him says,
growing up he was such a far different kid from others. Him following the path that he wanted,
allowed him to managed being successful. Also, with the help of his grandmother bringing him to
school, standing in front of the class pretending to teach his imagination of being a sensational
teacher with the love in history. His passion towards history grew more when he witnessed the
EDSA People Power Revolution. His skill in writing allowed him to achieve being editor-in-chief.
And finally all his hard work lead him to his spot of being a teacher and historian, the things he
once dream off.

“Always look back to the past, emulate our triumphs, never repeat our mistakes. For the
past will open doors for the future.” he remarked now that he bagged the victory of success. As
proud and inspiring as he can be, he continuously follows his righteous path and crosses the
bridge as he pass the spark to other people. Remember, never give up on your dreams nor doubt
yourself, even when that journey takes long just like what he did, learn from the history of the
historian.
 Two Timer: The Multitasker

Tick! Tack! Tick! Tack! Kriiiiing! Goodbye teacher, goodbye classmates, see you again
tomorrow! “Time to go home!” yelled at by other students, but to some this means time to go
and work extra. After hours of classes in school, some learners need to work extra to be able to
help their families who need extra help. Selflessness, hard work and loving are just words that
closely define these kids, being able to extend their hands due to the situation they have is just
amazing. Would you do the same as they do? Who are these kids?

Crystal Jane R. Suba, Dexter M. Del Rosario and Junior C. Vitug are among those who must
work extra to help their families. Each has stories to tell about what they do and why they do
this, but one thing is for sure, we’ll learn from them, and we’ll be inspired by them. Crystal is a
12-year-old who sells barbeque by the bridge with her auntie directly after her classes that lasts
until 12 midnight. She had been doing this since she was in grade 4, an amazing student. Dexter
is an 11-year-old whose work is helping or guiding people while parking their car at McDonalds in
the morning every weekend, who can help his family who doesn’t have water and electricity at
home. And lastly is Junior who is a 13-year-old who sells sampaguita along with his grandmother
who is a senior citizen every weekend the whole day.

Aren’t these kids amazing? At a young age they are working hard to be able to help their
family, but they are not forgetting their studies. Working hard to be able help their family but not
forgetting their studies because they have big dreams. They are holding their dreams so they
can finish their studies while working. Crystal wants to become a teacher, while Dexter wants to
become a policeman, on the other hand Junior dreams to become a soldier. These kids have an
amazing dream not only for themselves, but for their family. If you ask them closely, you’ll know
more about their reasons for hard working. It’s all about helping their family and be able to rise
from the situation they have now.

A lot of learning was gained upon speaking to these three, they have an inspiring story
that has a lot of learnings and inspiration that we can get. Being able to know their hard work
you will come to realize how lucky you are for not experiencing what they are going through.
What they have and what they do teaches us how to be thankful and grateful for what we have
and be generous and kind to working students we see around us. They are not to laugh about but
to be inspired about their sacrifices and strength. They are an inspiration to many, the
multitaskers.