Cover Letter

          In doing this e-portfolio, I must say that I was able to achieve the goals I've set for reading and writing. This course helped me improve my writing skills. I was also able to write my own essays. It is a great feeling to know that I was able to apply our professor's guidelines. I took a lot on effort to finish this e-portfolio. I was able to compose at least five different topic essays. This helped me in achieving good essays. I was able to think critically in choosing good topics.

       
       I've encountered a lot of problems in completing this e-portfolio. It is hard for me to choose topics that would gain interest from my future readers. It is also hard for me to organize ideas for my essays. I have also problems in citing my sources. I am also conscious in my grammar while writing different essays. I do really hope in improving with these areas.

          In achieving those difficulties I plan to practice more. I must be able to apply all my learning in this course. Writing must be done in a very efficient way. To be ale to produce a good-quality essay I must be able to use the techniques for good writing. I know that this is not the only course that we needed to write, thus I must be more prepare to do more.

          

                 I am most proud of finishing this course having knowledge about writing. I was also able to achieve and pass all the requirements and papers needed for this course. I was also able to do peer-editing to make me familiarize more in different mistakes in writing. I was also able to participate in the activities of this class.

        I have learned many things as a writer as I was taking this course. I have learned that I need to improve more as a good writer. I must observe more in my grammar, mechanics and the good choice of word in composing an essay.

         In writing essays I have encountered a lot of errors. Mostly, it is about verb tense, wrong choice of word and the clarity of words I want to say. I revised my essays to produce a more remarkable essays. It showcases the productivity of an individual on how they pass their final copy of an essay.

Table of Contents

1. Cover Letter
2. Argumentative Essay
     (Hero's burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos)
3. Extended Definition Essay
     (True Friendship)

4. Paragraphs
          a. Comparison and Contrast (Station Preference: ABS-CBN or GMA)
          b. Cause and Effect (Paris, France)
          c. Descriptive (My Ideal Place)

Hero's burial for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos

         

          Today, many from this current generation are divided in the issue if the chief architect of martial law deserves the same honor that of national hero at the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. The burial of Marcos issue is still alive, decades after his death. President Benigno Aquino III had already denied the burial of Marcos (Villafania, 20011). In contrast, the late Ferdinand Marcos deserves a hero’s burial because he has also the right to be respected.


          Marcos should be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” as a soldier not as a hero. This has been said by Rep. Rodolfo Biazon. It is because as a soldier he had served his country. The congressman also pointed out that one of the requirements for someone to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” is that “he should have been a soldier who served honorably”. One proof of this is he had fought during World War II in Bataan. He had showed bravery and gallantry in combat. Marcos’ greediness with his power who had abused many people during martial law had been the insisting topic considered by President Aquino not to bury Marcos in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. Aquino said many of the victims of the Martial law years have not been accorded any apology or compensation by the government. Marcos claimed that martial law was the prelude to creating a “new society” based on political views. During such times, the military take over the executive, legislative and judicial functions by virtue of its constitution. However, there are situations in which such measure is taken in order to cater selfish and corrupt desires to remain in power. Marcos and his corrupt, fascist and dictatorial rule had a total rejection during EDSA1. The people power revolution arises to topple and end Marcos regime. The true empowerment of democracy was exhibited in EDSA by its successful efforts to oust a tyrant by a demonstration without tolerance for violence. These are the cases wherein Marcos doesn’t deserve to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”.


          On the other hand, all presidents, heroes and soldiers are allowed to be buried in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. Marcos had been a good leader who only aims the best and modernization for our country. He had a good record as president and Filipinos expected him to be one of the best. Marcos being the 10th President of the Republic of the Philippines, he had various socio-economic and physical infrastructure accomplishments benefitting many Filipinos. He focuses on the construction of roads, and establishments of health centers and schools. He improved agricultural production to make the country self-sufficient in food, especially in rice. Marcos also tried to strengthen the foreign relations of the Philippines. His greatest achievement was he had helped the country economically. In improving our society Marcos launched number of economic programs. In his time Philippines has become one of the transporters of rice. He also focuses in the tourism of our country. The country was also became the remittances of overseas Filipino workers. These overseas Filipino workers not only lessen the country's unemployment rate but also earned much-needed foreign exchange for the Philippines. Marcos’ economic performance was strong. He was able to manage in uprising our country that has been already in its downfall. He also serves our country as a great soldier. These are the good points on why Marcos should have a hero’s burial in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”.


          They are saying that Marcos could have been a good leader, but I think he did well in fulfilling his tasks as a President. He made progress in education, agriculture, and industry. He declared Martial law to impose discipline within our country. Philippines is at its best during Marcos’ regime, I must say. We were able to compete globally in other countries. Marcos’ time only prove that we can be a better country and could undergo some changes for the better. I took a stand in giving Marcos’ a hero’s burial in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani”. It is because all of the presidents were just the same; they have been greedy for power. Marcos’ just use his power to implement what he wants for the country. He knows that he could give improvement and gives justice to his “new society”. This issue has been already argued for a long time; maybe it’s time for us to decide that Marcos deserves a hero’s burial. It is good that President Benigno Aquino assigned Vice President Binay in deciding regarding this matter. It was a great move to give it to someone who has no personal attachment and biases on the decision he will make. Marcos becomes a good, wise and responsible leader of our country.


References:


Time to bury Marcos. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/02/15/11/enrile-time-bury-marcos-libingan-ng-mga-bayani


Libingan ng mga Bayani. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/222701/news/nation/biazon-libingan-ng-mga-bayani-for-marcos-but-not-as-president


Burial proposal Under Review. (2011). Retrieved December 4, 2011 from http://www.thepoc.net/breaking-news/politics/11183-marcos-burial-proposal-to-be-studied-.html


The New Society. Retrieved December 5, 2011 from http://countrystudies.us/philippines/28.htm


Marcos Administration. (nd). Retrieved Decmber 21, 2011 from http://www.philippinecountry.com/philippine_history/marcos_time.html

True Friendship

                    

          An anonymous writer once said, “A true friend is like the best book, sometimes, the cover may not be so elegant but the contents are like bars of gold that you could treasure for a lifetime”. This quote states that friendship is a valuable thing that is hard to find but can last for a long time. Friendship as defined by Webster’s Dictionary is, “the state of being friends”. For me, friendship is an emotion expressed between two persons or among people in a group where they share similar interests and feel the importance of each other. A person is in luck when he finds a company of good friends he could interact, share many experiences, and develop camaraderie with. Naturally, situations are not always pleasant; conflicts and disagreement are inevitable. Indeed, friendship affects individuals either negatively or positively.

          Friendship is as subjective and diverse as people. It is a relationship that is unique. People are willing to give up and do not mind what others would say for the sake of their friendship. It develops through time and transcends all boundaries. It grows and changes just as an individual does. It is a give and take relationship in which one can learn from each other.

          How can we find true friendship? Signs include a certain degree of affection to one another. It involves genuine care, love, and honesty. Moreover, a true friend always lends an ear to hear his friend's thoughts and feelings. He can share his personal stories without fear of judgment or negative criticism. He serves as a wall that supports his friend no matter what.

         The best thing a person could have is having friends around him, and the best thing he could be is to be a friend to someone. In my personal experience, I have gained a lot of friends over the years. The best were in high school and in college. They knew me very well and accepted me for who I am. Acceptance of each others' strengths and weaknesses best explains that friends will be there through thick and thin. The language of friendship is not words but actions. It develops through each other's efforts. Friendship has also a great effect on individuals. It gives a person the motivation to do well in different activities. For example, you studied together for an exam. As the results were released and found out that your friend failed, you fell sad, but even worse when it was the other way around. It does not imply, though, that you do not want the best for your friend. It simply gives you the inspiration to study more and match what he has achieved.

          On the other side, friendship also has bad influences. Friends, especially teenagers, learn to discover and try new things. They tempt, whether intentionally or not, and influence one with their bad habits. As companions, some may simply tolerate his friends’ behavior without realizing that he is already doing the same. There are others as well who feel like those unpleasant behaviors don't rub off on them. All I can say is just need to learn how to redirect attention away from those potentially bad influences. Still, it is up to the person as to what kind of companion he chooses to develop a healthy relationship with.

         There are different kinds of relationships, but the best one of all is friendship. It is like a four leaf clover that is hard to find but lucky to have. It is a strong bond that no one else could break. Friends are important as water because one may survive but he will not be able to last long without them. A person and his friends may differ from one another but they do know his likes and dislikes, and his goals and dreams in life. Friends are the best and one can never feel any better without them.

References:

Friendship. In Webster’s Dictionary Online. Retrieved November 18, 2011 from http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definitions/friendship

Glasgow. Arnold H. Glasgow quotes. Retrieved November 18, 2011 from www.searchquotes.com/quotation/

Friendship. The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Fall 2009 Edition). Helm, Bennett, Edward N. Zalta. Retrieved from http:// plato.stanford.edu/archives/fall2009/entries/friendship/

The Definition of Friendship. In Example Essays Online. Retrieved November 21, 2011 from http://www.exampleessays.com/viewpaper/14522.html

Station Preference: ABS-CBN or GMA?

                         Watching television have been a part of today's modern society. People tend to spend their time in watching television for entertainment purposes. Having a large number of TV channels makes it difficult for people to decide on what to choose. But, there are two top TV stations here in our country - ABS-CBN and GMA network which are the primary channels that people usually go to. These two TV stations have their own programs that will lure people to watch their channel. In ABS-CBN they have versatile and popular artists. They offer great surprises and performances in their variety show - ASAP. Regarding their "teleseryes", people can relate more to its true-to-life stories. In terms of their reality shows, ABS-CBN still can capture the hearts of their viewers. Their top shows like Pinoy Big Brother and Biggest Loser helped and changed the lives of their contestants. It is also refreshing to watch their "koreanovelas". It gives a lot of twists and suspense. Lastly, in their news programs, it is very informative and interesting. It is because they give first hand news. On the other hand, GMA network has also good artists but they are inexperienced. They also offer a variety of shows for the different tastes of their viewers. In their "teleseryes", they don't present something new and they recycle stories. They have reality shows that are somehow pointless. They also have "koreanovelas" that are just about the same with ABS-CBN, and their news programs are direct to the point and striking. Despite the differences and similarities of the twostations, it still depends on the viewers' tastes. Nothing is a perfect station, people can switch to another if it gives them more satisfaction as a viewer.

Paris, France

             

                         Have you ever been to the world's most romantic city? A city where  love, art and fashion can be found on its every corner. The structures of tall and ancient buildings make it modernized and impressive to look at. What a pleasant atmosphere it could be! This city is also filled of stylish shops and it is the home of well-known fashion designers. The signature brands were made here, thus making it the fashion capital of the world. Who would not want to fall in love? The Paris, France is the perfect place to find love. After a long trip, you can dine, in their elegant restaurants offering large selection of delicacies and dishes. You could experience their word-class service with their great food. These are the main reasons why Paris, France is a famous tourist spot. The very city where I've always wanted to live, Paris. Staying in this city will literally let you experience he other side of the world.

My Ideal Place

              Have you ever been to the world's most romantic city? A place where you can relax and enjoy its atmosphere. Let's take a journey to Paris. It is the heart of France, famous for its artistic and impressive architectural structures. 

                 Who would not know the Eiffel Tower-a symbol of a modern and elegant Paris. Another thing is the Arc de Triomphe-a historic monument. Its colossal architecture was inspired by the Roman Arch of Titus. Everywhere you turn your head, you'll see a group of fascinating people, stylish shops and memorable environment. It's a great pride and feeling of space to see such arrondissements. Walk everywhere, until you reach the Seine River. As the sun smiles down at you, what a sophisticated look to see its rays hitting down the old buildings. Enjoy the smooth breeze of air within, and you could hear the water streaming. You could smell romance as you cross the bridge over the Seine River. 

     

                  And now, the end is near, focus your eyes to the beautiful city of light parks. Few can peel their eyes away in the city's scintillating lights. It is like fireworks. No one can replace the happiness like as if your heart is filled with a cheering crowd. It will transform your day to a extraordinary one, that will last an eternity in your memory.