Unfinished Tales by Daisy Tarnate

How Long Will The Beauty of Nature Last?

tarnatedaisy4 — 2025-09-14 10:40:51 UTC

I was awakened by the afternoon light—making every surrounding shine gold. As I rushed outside the house, I saw my sister heading into the forest. I ran after her, not thinking I still hadn't worn my slippers, but still I continued—the feeling of grass was ticklish. We held hands as we reached the top—it's mesmerizing. Something out of a fictional book. As I sit on the grass and feel the wind, I look up—the sky is orange and the trees are dancing—"I want to come here again," I mumble to myself. My sister sat right next to me. "Want to hear a story?" I immediately answered yes. "A long time ago, there was a lover; they loved each other so much. But one started demanding more, and the other kept giving. The other one became greedy, while the other one lost its beauty." She suddenly cut off the story and stood up. "Next time we come here, I'll continue the story." I smiled. "Then let's come here tomorrow!" I said as we held hands and were about to go home, as the sun was about to rest. I ask, "Ate, do you think this beauty that I am seeing now—how long will it take to run out?" We both look back at the forest—"We don't know, but the other one was selfless, ready to give—willing to wait until the other one comes back to its senses," she said, smiling at me. "Don't you think that was unfair?" I asked. My sister just looked at me and tugged my hands. "That's why make sure to..." I opened my eyes—a dream. I fell asleep while painting—"This beauty of nature, how long will it take to run out?" I mumbled as I got ready. As I set foot out of the house, a few trees, buildings, and the smoke of cars appeared right in front of me. "When will that next time be, the tomorrow? What can I do to give back that selfless love?" I kept walking—it was unfair; the other one kept giving while the other one kept wanting more.

"The ending of the two lovers has yet to be determined"

Color of the wind

tarnatedaisy4 — 2025-09-14 10:42:51 UTC

"Color of the Wind," a song from the Disney animated series Pocahontas, advocates respect for all living things by depicting nature as a living entity rather than a possession, challenging the Eurocentric viewpoint that sees the Earth as a resource for control. The song suggests that true understanding and value stem from a spiritual connection with nature.

Our world, Our Fight: Climate Change and the Filipino Spirit

tarnatedaisy4 — 2025-09-14 10:49:47 UTC

Are you okay with this? Floods, heat, and lost forests are happening. Or do you consider these as natural challenges that are beyond our ability to resolve? Are we ignoring what's happening, maybe because we're comfortable enough to not pay attention? Is this how things will be from now on? Climate change isn't just a future problem. It's been a problem since the 1900s. But many people aren't doing anything—they just watch. We need to make changes now; our future depends on it.

We should be taking care of our world, not suffering because of it. But what have we done? The signs are everywhere. All our problems are connected, and climate change is a collection of all our actions—it is our realization that we are now facing the consequence. UNICEF Philippines said in 2021 that kids here are in danger because of climate change. This crisis stems from a corrupt system where the vulnerable are neglected. Climate change is real, and it's made worse by greed.

Rising seas and storms threaten our coastal towns, a fact highlighted by the World Bank's 2022 report. Extreme weather replaces familiar seasons, causing stronger typhoons, droughts, and disappearing islands. Oceans that are getting warmer and more acidic are damaging marine life and affecting our fishing communities, a situation also detailed in the same World Bank report. A small rain causes streets to turn into rivers in places like Manila, exposing poor urban planning. In a 2023 article from Rappler, it was pointed out that poor urban planning contributes to the flooding issues in the capital. The impact is worsened by over-construction, house-blocked rivers, and trash-blocked drainage. The Philippine News Agency has also reported on how poor solid waste management worsens flooding. We witness corruption in projects that are supposed to help us. Our protector, Sierra Madre, is being destroyed for financial gain. According to a BBC News report and an Earth Journalism Network article, the Sierra Madre is threatened by illegal activities. Nature demonstrates the effects of our deeds.

We want things to be fair. Filipinos are strong, but being strong doesn't mean we should have to deal with hard times all the time. We need to stand up and ask for changes. The future of our kids, our survival, and fairness are all reasons to fight. UNICEF Philippines says that climate change is a threat to the rights and well-being of Filipinos. The World Bank said in 2022 that climate change makes poverty worse. Taking care of our environment means taking care of our people and culture too. Typhoons, floods, and rising prices make life harder, and yet some people make money from our suffering.

We have the ability to overcome this. Start by making small changes in your daily life, like reducing waste and using less energy, to lessen your carbon footprint. Join local environmental groups and participate in community initiatives to promote sustainability and raise awareness. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a larger movement for a healthier planet, empowering us to create a better world together. We refuse to be a victim of the climate crisis!