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A dance of love By: Megan Chloe C. Marquilencia

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A dance of love By: Megan Chloe C. Marquilencia

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A dance as graceful as a rose,

Each step reveals a tale that flows.

A dance of romance and culture,

Filled with emotions and bright color.

The fan sways within the music's beat,

Step by step, their moves are so neat.

The handkerchief flows like the wind.

Its beauty and meaning lie within.

A dance from within our nation,

We care for with our affection.

Our nation treasures with respect,

This dance is how we all connect.

A dance that brings joy and delight,

A symbol of love, pure and bright.

Cariñosa, a dance of grace,

Our country, we gladly embrace

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The tale of the Masskara festival By: Megan Chloe C. Marquilencia

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The tale of the Masskara festival By: Megan Chloe C. Marquilencia

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In a small town in Bacolod, Maria and her best friend Maya, were playing in the fields near Maria’s house. While they were playing, Maria noticed her mother, Angelina, through the window, looking worried about something. Wanting to check on her mom, Maria asked Maya if she could take a break because her mom looked upset. Maya told her to go to her mom and that they could play later.

When Maria went inside, she saw her mom, Angelina washing the dishes and asked, “Mom, are you okay?” Angelina replied, “Of course I am, why are you asking, Maria?” “You look worried about something.” Maria explained, “I’m just worried about your Lolo; he’s been sad for a while, and I don’t know why.” Angelina explained, Maria, wanting to help said, “I can help cheer him up!” and went off to find her grandfather.

Maria found her Lolo working in the fields and asked him why he was sad, but he just denied it and continued to harvest the crops. Eager to help her Lolo, she asked the neighbors to see if they knew why her grandfather was sad or if they could give her advice, but they all turned her down or ignored her as they were busy. Finally, she decided to ask her uncle, Mang Tinong, who was working with her Lolo in the fields.

“Mang Tinong, do you know why Lolo Paulo is sad?” Maria asked. Mang Tinong replied, “Ah, it’s because the villagers aren’t helping him harvest the crops anymore.” Maria asked, “Why aren’t they helping him?” Mang Tinong explained, “They’re too busy with their phones; it’s like they’ve forgotten about our traditions.”

“Then how can I convince them to help with the crops?” Maria asked. Mang Tinong encouraged her, saying, “I’m sure you can figure that out, you’re a smart kid, Maria.” He then returned to his work.

Taking Mang Tinong’s advice, Maria started to come up ideas to convince the villagers to stop using their phones, and learn more about their traditions. Maya tried to help her, but Maria insisted she could do it by herself. She tried many ideas, but nothing worked. Losing her motivation, and with no one to help her, she couldn’t come up with new ideas.

One day, Maya called her, “Maria, how are you?” Maya asked. “I’m okay,” Maria responded. “Did you figure out how to convince the villagers to focus on our traditions?” Said Maya. “No, they’re not listening to me! At this point, I might just give up,” said Maria. “What about your Lolo? Don’t you want to cheer him up by showing that people still celebrate Filipino culture?” She suggested.

“I want to cheer him up, but the villagers won't listen to a kid like me,” Maria replied. “Don’t give up yet! I have an idea.” Said Maya. “What is it?” Maria asked. “We could parade around the town! Show off traditional costumes and music to get their attention,” Maya suggested. “That’s a great idea, but how can we organize a parade with just the two of us?” Maria asked. “I can gather some friends and relatives to help us,” Maya replied.

With newfound motivation and a new plan, Maria began gathering friends and relatives. They created traditional costumes using papier-mâché, bought confetti, made props, and designed banners. Once everything was ready, the group dressed up and started the parade from Maria’s house to the town.

People gathered to watch with interest and curiosity. As the music played and the group marched, more people joined, amazed by the parade. Leading the group, Maria saw her Lolo in the crowd with her mom by his side. She saw, for the first time in a long time, he was finally smiling.

The end.