Isang Pahina ng Nakaraan

063

Name: ASUNCION, Jezareel
Grade & Section: 12-Gauss
Date: September 5, 2023
Subject: Personality Development

Questions:
How is it like to be an adolescent?
How have you lived your life for the past 5 years?
Who do you think you are now?

Reflection: (3 paragraphs)

Being an adolescent in this generation, I still love the past culture of the Philippines. We used to call each other 'Ginoo' and 'Binibini,' 'Señor' and 'Señora.' I reminisce about the Bahay Kubo and haciendas, a culture where, if you liked someone, you would also court their parents. However, let's shift our focus because I want to reflect on what it's like to be an adolescent. As an adolescent, I typically focused on my education and future goals, facing academic challenges and making decisions about my career path, which could create stress and anxiety. 'I want to be an author someday!' my past self exclaimed as if she was born ready to write those long chapters and create interesting characters. However, little did she know that there was a path filled with challenges. As my teenage years passed by, I am thankful that I grew up with my parents, friends, and our Lord God. We discovered ourselves, made mistakes, and learned from them. We experienced what it's like to be a 'dalaga' and 'binata' and, lastly, learned to love ourselves.

Let's move on to the question I've been wanting to answer the most, 'How have you lived your life for the past 5 years?' Let's do the math, shall we? It's 2023 minus 5 years, which takes us to 2018. Hello, my past self! How are you doing? 'Oh, hi!' my past self responds. 'I recently read a novel by Binibining Mia, which ignited my love for our history. Because of that, I'm planning to write a novel in the historical fiction and fantasy genre. I also want to create more memories through my YouTube channel.' As I typed those words, I couldn't help but smile slowly and feel proud of myself. I've spent almost 3 years (and still counting) writing this novel and 5 years making memories on my YouTube channel. Within those five years, I've acquired numerous skills and knowledge. I've delved into subjects like 'astronomy,' honed my painting skills, sang and danced like a professional, and explored the realm of 'self-improvement,' which I share through writing and vlogging. My heart is filled with happiness and love for my parents and friends. I've also learned how to accept things as they are.

"Who do I think I am now?" you asked. I paused for a moment, contemplating this question. I found myself loving it. I believe the current version of me today is grateful for my past self, for she pursued the dreams we now share. Together, we have a goal to complete my first novel, entitled "Jardin de Rosas." Recently, I felt thankful for her. Why, you ask? While scrolling through my drafts and revising my chapters, I stumbled upon one chapter that I hadn't noticed I had already written. The first thought that crossed my mind was, "What? I did this?!" I couldn't believe that my past self had managed to write a chapter spanning 14 thousand words. It left me astounded. This accomplishment means a lot to me because, as a writer, I know that readers often appreciate longer chapters, just like I do. I am Binibining Jeza E. Asuncion, and I have several goals I aspire to achieve in the future, all because of my past self who continues to believe in me. With that in mind, I want to express my gratitude for asking such a thought-provoking question.