ENGLCOM PORTFOLIO

First Term SY 2010-2011

Co, Justin C.

ECE-EL

Miss Edna Miraflores

1

Foreword

This is a compilation of the requirements in the Englcom course of Co, Justin C. of block

EL2, accomplished within the first term of SY 2010-2011. The requirements include two major

essay, four minor essays, one revision of a minor essay, two reflective essays, and one diagnostic

essay. Composing each of these requirements needed adequate allotment of time and tedious

effort. Producing each of them required the use of brainstorming, outlining, and researching. All

of these were developed in the course.

Among the requirement essays, I am most proud of my comparison and contrast essay.

This was the essay where I relatively scored the highest. It was about comparing the similarities

and differences of two technologies, namely DVD’s and Blu-ray discs. I researched the

appropriate references about my topic and properly outlined their differences and similarities. I

chose only to compare relative information that readers would understand. I would say that

essays that have proper organization of thoughts as well as being suitable for readers are most

effective.

Every essay that I made was not without its own difficulty. I had a hard time finding the

right adjectives to describe my topic, the bat, in the descriptive static essay. I had to find more

information about the bat before coming up with ways to describe its appearances, features and

behavior. The comparison and contrast essay was easier to research information on, but

organizing its outline took a longer time. My problem with the process essay was how to relate

each process to one another. The major essays were the most difficult to write. The major essays

needed deeper understanding of the topic. Each paper needed sufficient references that were not easy to

find.

2

Table of Contents

Essay Type Title of Work Essay:

Score / Perfect Score

Process Req’t:

Score / 50 pts

“The Chosen One “ An Improvement in

Appearances

/ 50 n/a

Justification Essay

( for “The Chosen One” )

/ 50

n/a

Reflective Essay

( Exit Level )

n/a

Argumentative (Major Essay) K plus 12 / 100 / 50

Cause & Effect (Minor Essay) Driving Accidents / 50 / 50

Major Essay

Extended Definition Change in a Person

88/ 100

38/ 50

Minor Essay

Descriptive ( Static ) The Bat 44/ 50 50/ 50

Descriptive

( Process )

An Improvement in Appearances

40/ 50

n/a

Comparison & Contrast DVD’s and Blu-ray

48/ 50

50/ 50

Reflective Essay

( Entry Level )

n/a

Diagnostic Essay n/a

3

The Chosen One (Process Essay)

An Improvement in Appearances

Appearances, first, catch people’s attention; then, they give them a good impression.

When a person’s appearance emanates confidence and decency, people will notice him and will

more likely listen to what he has to say. It is important to maintain or improve appearances to

look more presentable and decent. Taking care of the body and health will greatly improve one’s

appearance; therefore, a man needs to consider proper grooming, exercise and eating right.

Practicing good grooming and hygiene will keep a man’s body clean and neat, even when

different pollutants are present in the community. Using products appropriately on different parts

of the body, like the hair, face and skin, will benefit a man’s appearance greatly. Shampooing

keeps his hair clean and dandruff-free, but it should not be done more than once a day to keep his

hair from drying up or losing its natural oils and minerals. Facial scrubs and cleansers moisturize

and wash away excess oil from his face. Exfoliants unclog pores and remove dead skin cells.

These products should not be overused though, or else, his skin may become dry and irritated.

Getting a regular haircut and shaving are also necessary. He should not let hair grow too thick

and messy. Good grooming and hygiene makes a man look decent and adds to his appeal.

After good grooming and hygiene, one may improve physical qualities through different

types of exercise. For an overweight man who has an unsightly bulging belly, he has to burn

calories and fat. He has to do cardiovascular exercises like running, bicycling, or aerobics. While

a scrawny man needs to gain more muscle mass. He needs to consider weightlifting to build up

his muscles. Whatever type of exercise he does, he needs to set a goal first then consistently

follow his program. He also needs to get enough rest for the worn out muscles to repair

4

themselves. After regular exercise, his body will become fit, toned and defined. What is good

about exercising is that it not only improves physical qualities, but it also improves health. More

energy and vitality will boost a man’s confidence and compliment the improvement of his

appearance.

The most important step towards improving appearances would be eating right. There are

different kinds of foods to avoid and to eat. Junk foods are processed food packed with sugar, oil

and fat. A man should avoid this kind of food, for they have no nutritional value and, they will

only cause him to gain weight. He should lean more into adding the basic go, grow, and glow

foods to balance his diet. Eating enough go foods, like rice and bread, provides energy. It will

make a man seem ready to take on any task. Fish and meat are grow foods packed with protein.

These will help a man gain mass as muscles. Fruits and vegetables are never lost in a balanced

diet. These pack vitamins and minerals necessary for the regulation of bodily functions. Drinking

plenty of water is also necessary. It rehydrates the body and keeps skin from drying up and

wrinkling. Eating right is important because it compliments what a man does when he grooms or

exercises. He will feel well; he will have clearer vision, stronger hair and nails. A man will

improve his health as well as appearance by eating right.

A man has all the right reasons for wanting to improve his appearance; he will gain

confidence and give good impressions by looking decent and presentable. An urban setting and

an unhealthy lifestyle are factors that ruin a man’s appearance, so he must consider achieving a

healthy body as the surest way to take care of his appearance. A man can improve and maintain

his appearance if he makes good grooming, proper exercise and eating right a habit. These are

simple steps to take, but they require persistence in following through.

Averill, F. Top 10: Habits That Ruin Your Appearance. from

http://www.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/top-10-habits-that-ruin-

your-appearance_1p.html

5

Justification essay (for the chosen one)

I chose to revise my descriptive process essay because it scored the lowest among all my

minor essays. My essay did not sound like a process. The steps that I described were too long

and wordy. In addition, the steps that I enumerated did not have a clear connection with each

other.

I resolved to outline my points properly. My main point was taking care of the body as a

way to improve appearances. I clarified the processes that were important in realizing the topic. I

aimed to omit unnecessary details and to shorten my entire essay without losing the message. I

explained the steps better by giving examples and their corresponding results. I believe that my

revisions have made the essay’s message clearer.

6

Reflective Essay: Exit Level

I was able to write six essays and learn new skills in the entirety of the ENGLCOM

course. Each essay needed brainstorming and outlining. I improved on these two aspects through

constant practice in writing essays. These helped me to come up with ideas on what to write and

to organize my thoughts properly. I learned how to research on topics that needed deeper

insights. Research made my essays more convincing because I added facts to justify my points. I

also realized the importance for proper citation of references. All my essays needed citation.

I would never have expected that the class would be enjoyable. The lectures were very

informative. We did other activities besides lectures and writing activities. I have expected my

weaknesses to improve after the course and they did. I believe that my critical thinking was also

practiced well.

The course did help me. I learned from it and I had certain realizations. I still need to

improve if ever I am going to pass future courses. What is important to me is that I pick up

things and do not entirely waste any course that I enroll in. I should be able to understand and

retain the lessons I learn.

7

Argumentative Essay

K plus 12

DepEd data shows that out of a hundred elementary students, only 43 finish high school,

23 pursue tertiary education, but only 14 are able to really finish (as cited from Sisante, 2010).

The National Statistics Office (NSO), on the other hand, says that there are about 2.8 million

unemployed people as of January 2010. 5 out of 10 of these people are aged 15-24 years. To

address these problems of youth dropouts and unemployment, the current administration is

proposing to incorporate a K-12 plan in the education system. This means that, after

kindergarten, students will have to take up an added two more years of education, a seventh

grade for primary and a fifth year in secondary levels. While people expect that adopting a K-12

education plan in the Philippines will be expensive, the Philippines should still push for its

implementation, for it would prepare students with a curriculum of varied educational

orientations, make high school graduates legally and gainfully employable, and give Filipinos

global competency.

Putting K+12 into effect in Philippine schools will cost a great deal. It would mean an

increase of up to 2.5 million pesos in high school and 3.8 million pesos in elementary schools

from SY 2010-11 to 2016-17. Investing in this plan would cost about P149.9 billion for five

years or P30 billion a year (Cost of setting, 2010). These figures will give the government a

problem in implementing major changes in the present curriculum. Parents will also feel the

financial burden of enrolling their children for two more years. It would be even tougher for

larger families who have to cope with sending every child to school for 13 years.

8

The government should first endeavor to fix other problems of Philippine education.

Most schools lack teachers and proper facilities to compensate for added years. According to the

Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Representative Antonio Tinio (2010), “teachers must

first be given priority first so as to ensure that they stay in the Philippines.” There is also a

shortage of classrooms in more than 45,000 public schools in the country.

Money would be an issue in the education sector, with or without the implementation of

K+12. The government needs to compensate for students, teachers, facilities and quality

education. K+12 is the cost of a better quality of education. That is why the Department of

Education will give details concerning the K+12 plan. This will inform the public about the

structure of K+12 including its financial aspects. Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda

(2010) also said that the K+12 program is regarded as basic education so the government would

still be looking to shoulder most of the costs. K+12 is free.

In a nationwide issue regarding the implementation of the K+12 plan, there are factions

in both sides. There are still groups like the Teachers Dignity Coalition (TDC) who back the

K+12 proposal, if the government can solve existing problems with the education system. In a

Social Weather Station (SWS) poll in August 2003, 70 percent of parents agreed to a bridge year

for college or a fifth year in high school if their children scored low in high school readiness test.

Even the head of the Senate committee on education, arts, and culture, Senator Edgardo Angara

(2010a) is in favor of adopting K+12. He says that K+12 is not anti-poor, but its implementation

should not be rushed too.

Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro defends that (2010) the “K+12 enhanced basic

education proposal is not just a look at adding 2 years in basic education, but more important is

the quality of the curriculum.” “K+12 would not only focus on academic orientations, but also

look into other fields like arts or agriculture.” Students will have more time to study general

education subjects. They will also have the opportunity to learn different skills from the added

9

curriculum. The additional one year to high school will give students the time they need to

prepare for college and choose an appropriate career course.

The administration considers re-introducing technical-vocational education in high

school. Basic education subjects, like calculus, math and science, will also be the focus of

improvement. Students will then graduate at an average age of 18-19. Secondary graduates will

therefore gain more skills, and become more mature. Employers would deem them more credible

for work. The poor will benefit from the K+12 program by being equipped for employment

without getting a college degree. K+12 would be a plausible solution for using quality education

to counter unemployment and high dropout rates of college students. Angara (2010b) has stated

that, "In the end, it's going to help the poor because the poor gets its fighting chance in quality

education. The worst thing to do to the poor is to deprive them of health and education,” and “…

those who were employed after completing basic education can become self-sufficient in

pursuing a college degree as working students.” Those who benefit from the 12-year education

plan will be more productive to society.

The administration is seeking for Philippine education to compete in the global arena.

The K-12 educational plan is the global standard cycle for basic education, but the Philippines is

the only one in Asia to still use a 10-year cycle. All the topics about science and math are

compress within four years of high school. Some are even skipped because of the lack of time.

Students are also pressured to absorb all the lessons quickly. Filipinos who decide to study

abroad are sometimes required to take up two more years before going to college (Angara,

2010c). The K+12 plan the DepEd is planning to implement would modernize Philippine

education, and keep Filipino students’ literacy at par with international standards.

Implementing the K+12 educational plan would be very expensive, but in the long term,

equipping students with quality education would resolve major problems. The added years in

high school will prepare students for college, or qualify fresh graduates for employment.

10

Filipinos should accept the K+12 to be able to compete with international standards. The

Philippines should invest in progress. K+12 will generate competent graduates that will shape

the country’s future.

Villafania, A. Despite opposition, DepEd pursues 12-year basic education plan. from http://loqal.ph/science-and-education/2010/08/09/despite-opposition-deped-pursues-12-year-basic-education-plan/.

Cost of setting up two additional years and universal preschool. from http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view/20100814-286806/Cost-of-setting-up-two-additional-years-and-universal-preschool.

Five reasons for an expanded high school program . from http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view/20100814-286805/Five-reasons-for-an-expanded-high-school-program.

Cabacungan Jr., G. & Burgonio, TJ. Palace: ‘Pork’ control limited to 2010 budget. from http://politics.inquirer.net/politics/view/20100522-271389/Palace-Pork-control-limited-to-2010-budget.

Unemployment rate drops to 7.3% in Jan. from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/03/16/10/philippine-jobless-rate-73-jan.

Corpuz, N. DepEd bares 12-year basic education plan. from http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/09/10/deped-bares-12-year-basic-education-plan.

dgraphicrookie, . Editorial: K-12 Education in The Philippines. from http://www.bukisa.com/articles/334773_editorial-k-12-education-in-the-philippines#ixzz0xPBOCa3v.

Sisante, J. Corruption in DepEd is a major challenge for Aquino. from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/193413/corruption-in-deped-is-a-major-challenge-for-aquino.

Teachers wary of \'trial-and-error\' 12-year educ program. from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198195/teachers-wary-of-39trial-and-error39-12-year-educ-program.

Sisante, J. & Tan, K. DepEd to detail K-12 education plan on Oct. 5. from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/198250/deped-to-detail-k-12-education-plan-on-oct-5.

Serrano, B. Surigao del Norte gov wants entrepreneurship taught in schools. from http://www.gmanews.tv/story/199141/surigao-del-norte-gov-wants-entrepreneurship-taught-in-schools.

12-yr education cycle under Aquino mulled. from http://www.abs-

cbnnews.com/nation/06/15/10/12-yr-education-cycle-under-aquino-mulled.

Ison, L. DepEd\'s \'K Plus 12\' plan draws mixed reactions from lawmakers. from

http://positivenewsmedia.ca/am2/publish/Education_20/DepEd_s_K_Plus_12

_plan_draws_mixed_reactions_from_lawmakers.shtml.

11

Cause and effect essay

Driving Accidents

Vehicles have different classifications. There are sedans, SUVs, vans and trucks. People

use these vehicles to travel or transport goods, therefore, driving and riding in vehicles are

unavoidable for people. It is the most common and convenient way to get around the city, but it

is not without hazards and certain risks. These risks involve harm to people as well as damage to

property. Driving accidents may occur when people drive aggressively, they get distracted, or

weather conditions cause difficulty in driving.

People who drive aggressively are usually impatient, selfish, or daring. They do not

consider the traffic rules and the safety of other road users. Aggressive driving may include

cutting other vehicles, quickly changing lanes, disregarding traffic lights or signs, tailgating,

over-taking, or speeding. Engaging in such actions increases the risk of hitting people, colliding

with other vehicles or crashing into infrastructure. The severity of the damage or harm of any

crash depends on the speed and size of the vehicles. Driving aggressively may cause accidents,

so it is more prudent to drive calmly, to give way to other vehicles and follow traffic signs and

speed limits.

Driving requires adequate skill and knowledge of traffic rules. It takes a driver

concentration and focus to keep his eyes on the road, his hands on the wheel, and his mind on

driving. The moment he gets distracted and loses focus on driving, he increases the risk of an

accident. Using cell phones while driving, adjusting the car radio, rubbernecking, attending to

passengers, or looking at the scenery cause the driver to take his eyes off the road. Driving under

the influence of alcohol and driver fatigue impairs the driver’s abilities on the wheel. It only

takes split second decisions that make or prevent accidents on the road, so a driver needs to be in

condition and full attention when going on the road.

12

There are also external factors that cause driving accidents. The weather affects the

condition of the road, the car and the driver. Rain makes the road slippery and decreases traction

of tires and the efficiency of car brakes. Heavy rains and cold weather reduce windshield

visibility for the driver. When the driver cannot see the road or stop in time, the vehicle would be

more likely to hit something. In some cases, typhoons have caused landslides on roads beside

mountains. It is advisable to slow down during bad weather conditions or to wait for the weather

to improve.

Driving and riding in vehicles come with the risk of accidents. Aggressive driving,

getting distracted, and bad weather are the common causes of car or road accidents. Accidents

that claim lives and properties may be prevented when people are mindful of their driving. They

should always practice giving way, keeping to the speed limit, and obeying traffic rules. The

road would be safer when drivers consider the safety of other road users.

The 6 Most Common Causes of Automobile Crashes. Retrieved dd, yyyy, from

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/07/20/the_6_most_common_causes

_of_automobile_crashes.htm.

13

Extended Definition

Change in a Person

Change is defined by Dictionary.com as a “transformation, modification, or substitution.”

According to Heraclitus (c.535 BC - 475 BC), “The only constant in the world is change.” The

Greek philosopher meant that nothing in the world is permanent, and something will eventually

become different from what it was originally. For a person, change is natural. It is a continual

development process in different aspects. It may be simply defined as a transformation, but it is

more complicated than that for people. It may be a change for the better or for the worse, and

change in one person encourages change in others around him. Change, for a person, is a

continual and natural process of transformation where he grows physically, gains maturity and

adapts to the environment.

Change is a transformation in the human body’s form, and it is the same as growth.

Change happens to a person when he goes through different stages in life where he will not look

the same all throughout. Beginning from the womb, the transformation starts with a single cell in

the womb forming tissues. The tissues form organs, and the organs form body systems. Different

body systems will form a baby. The process is slow, but the changes will help the baby survive

outside the mother’s womb once it has been given birth. After birth, the baby is now a fully

formed person, but he is still helpless on his own. He then comes into childhood and continually

grows. The baby’s growth to being a child has made him more capable of doing some things by

himself. He can eat and play on his own, but he still has to be supported by his parents. A person

experiences more radical changes when he enters adolescence. His features become more distinct

with his secondary sex characteristics’ development. Puberty is the mark of all these changes.

His Adam’s apple and muscles develop. His body structure would get bigger. He gains height

and a deeper voice. Also, body and facial hair start to grow. At this point, he may seek to further

14

develop these changes to his advantage with exercise and proper grooming that will make him

more attractive. He now has more energy and strength to do things on his own. Adolescence has

the most vitality, so a person should engage in numerous activities and learn different skills

while the body never seems to get tired. The longest stage in a person’s life is adulthood. The

body is at its peak at the start of this stage, just coming out after adolescence. The appropriate

changes would have taken place, and the adult will be able to handle more stress and

responsibility than when he was a kid. After a certain time though, the adult’s body changes yet

again. He starts to age and deteriorate. The skin becomes dry and wrinkled. His hair starts to turn

grey, or he may start balding. His metabolism slows down, and his muscles and bones weaken

over time. This is inevitable for everyone. Deterioration continues until a person’s heart stops to

beat. For a person, physical change means development, growth, deterioration and death.

Change is the development of the mind – the gaining of insight and self-awareness.

Relating to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (1943), mental change may be portrayed as an

evolution of the psychological needs of a person in five tiers. Mental change is a measurement of

a person’s maturity, what he considers to be important. The mind is like a sponge, and ideas

come and go. After every stage of life, a person thinks differently of what he needs. He first

comes into the world with no awareness as an infant - a child with the lowest form of need. He

does not think too much or too hard. He only knows his physiological need, food and water.

Clothing and shelter come after. When he starts to gain realization of the things around him, his

views start to change. He moves on to the second tier, considers his other necessities, safety and

stability, and how he will acquire these. He thinks of his family for safety. He receives formal

schooling to further his knowledge and to use it in securing a good job, satisfying his second

need. Another way of gaining knowledge is through experiencing life trials. The more a person

reflects on his trials, the more he might further develop his insights. After some time, the person

will realize his other needs. He thinks in a deeper way because the third tier is not only about

him, but also concerns others. Love and belonging are his main concern. The next tier shifts his

concern to himself. After receiving love from others, he realizes that he also needs recognition

from others as well as himself to gain self-esteem. It may be when he receives an honor or

15

graduates that people will look up to him, and he will feel a sense of accomplishment. He will

think that he is worth something. It is very important for a person to know his self-worth in order

to move up to the highest level need, self-actualization. He thinks positively to achieve his full

potential. The period it takes for a person to change and develop his insights is indefinite.

Change is the shift of concern from a person’s thoughts - what he considers to be essential.

Change not only concerns the growth and development of a person, it also deals with

external factors like the varying environments a person is subjected to in life. Change is adjusting

and adapting to other people and situations. A person’s home is the first environment that he

adapts to. His family will be the people that will mold his character before he goes out into the

world. It depends how he has been brought up that will prepare him for the different people he

will meet in school, at work or in public. He must be taught proper conduct, so he will be more

acceptable to society. Another setting of change would be when a person enters schooling.

There, he meets different people with different upbringing. He learns to mingle and to make

friends. It is also unavoidable to meet people whom he will disagree with. In high school, the

transition from primary school is easier. There is still more workload, but the presence of peers is

a great help in coping with pressure. It takes a more drastic adjustment in college though, for a

person needs to be more independent and responsible for his actions. The consequences that

follow any misdemeanor have more bearing on his prospect of graduating. If he becomes more

industrious and prompt, he will be able to graduate on time, and find a good job. The work place

is yet another situation where an individual must adjust with his colleagues. He must work as a

team player to finish projects well. Where change is natural for a person, adjustment is a must

when dealing with others.

When a person looks at himself through a mirror, he will see how time has given him

wrinkles on his face. After getting the promotion he has worked for, a person will wonder what

will be his next aspiration. When he presents a proposal to his superior, he has to act professional

and has to be prepared. In different situations, change happens to a person. It is a process of

16

growth, a development in thoughts and an adjustment of behavior. It is certain that change is part

of all human life, and it will have different meaning to each individual.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs., from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow\'s_hierarchy_of_needs.

change. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged. Retrieved August 04, 2010, from

Dictionary.com website: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/change

Secondary sex characteristic. from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secondary_sex_characteristic.

17

Descriptive Static Essay

The Bat

Of all the creepy and eerie creatures that wander the night, one such animal stands out

among the rest to strike fear in the hearts of men. It is a creature unbound by solid ground, but

rather, it inhabits the vast skies. Having deep dark eyes, large pointed ears, sharp fangs and

claws, skewed triangular wings and a body covered in black to brown fur, it well looks like a

living gargoyle roaming the cold night. Coming in different sizes, as small as a rodent or as big

as a hawk, it flies in colonies by the millions, enough to engulf the twilight of dusk into pitch

black darkness and fill it with swooping and screeching noise. With such description, it is no

wonder that people have associated this animal as a symbol of horror for generations. Truly

without a doubt, it is the bat that may well be the most fascinating creature of the night for being

the only mammalian flier, using echolocation as a means of navigation, and having behavior that

benefits as well as it intrigues many.

Unlike any mammal in the world, the peculiar bat is the only one that is able to feel the

cool breeze of the night high above in the air. This is because no other mammal, except it, is able

to fly truly, although it needs to launch from atop a high spot in order to gain momentum to fly.

It differs from the flying squirrel that glides along the air because it can start flapping its wings

once airborne. Its forelimbs have really long, elongated, bony, yet bendable fingers webbed with

thin skin membrane extending from the body forming triangular and skewed wings, and by

moving the fingers and changing the shape of its wings, it flies with acrobatic maneuverability

across the air, making sharp turns and zigzagging patterns along its path in a matter of

milliseconds. Amazingly, a bat can catch and eat unsuspecting prey in midair, also being able to

drink water while maintaining to be airborne, skimming the still pond water to drink one drop at

18

a time. The bat’s skill in catching food while flying at 6 miles per hour comes with its design.

Before catching up to prey, a bat must first find and locate it while flying in near total darkness.

Being a nocturnal creature, the bat usually starts its hunting spree at dusk, right after the

bright red sun has set and the twilight begins to turn from shades of purple to deep dark blue.

Contrary to popular belief, the bat is not blind. A regular bat has normal eyesight like that of a

human, but even a human with 20/20 vision will find great difficulty navigating through a

scenario filled with darkness. Therefore, to aid the bat for efficiently hunting unsuspecting prey

in an obstacle-filled jungle, it has developed a method used in conjunction with eyesight to help

see in near total darkness- echolocation. A bat can emit high frequency sound waves, inaudible

to humans, through pushed-up, pig-like snouts, and these sound waves bounce off obstacles back

to the bats large ears. The bat interprets how long it took to hear the high frequency echo and

forms a mental image of the surroundings. It is relatively easy for a bat to navigate whilst flying

through a thick forest or in a tight stalactite-filled cave. The use of echolocation is so accurate

that a bat can even avoid flying into a strand of spider-silk, thinner than a strand of human hair.

For the longest time, the bat has had a nasty reputation for being a symbol of fear, able to

raise even the thinnest hair strands at the back of faint-hearted people’s necks, because of its

grotesque features like deep black eyes, sharp fangs and misshapen pushed-up snouts. The

typical notion that the vampire bat sucks blood like fictional vampires do, coupled with the

knowledge that the bat comes out during the cold and dark night, only adds more peculiarity and

mystery to the winged creature.

It makes sense to fear such a strange animal, but there is more to the bat than what meets

the common eyes of the terribly misinformed. Contrary to popular belief, the bat is practically

harmless to people when left alone. There are only three species of vampire bat, and there is no

truth to the myth that a vampire bat can suck up dry a man of his blood. It makes a small incision

to the skin and drinks the blood that flows out, usually consuming about two tablespoons of

19

blood per day for sustenance. Most bat species are voracious insectivores with thousands to

millions of them roaming the vast skies every night, hunting for insects, devouring tons of the

pesky critters every night, effectively acting as natural pesticides. While a percentage of bats eats

tasty fruits or drink sweet plant nectar, they mutually contribute to pollinating flowers and

dispersing seeds across the leafy and muddy jungle floor. Even a bat’s foul smelling fecal matter

may prove useful as mineral rich fertilizer for human farmers. The bat’s existence is invaluable

for the maintenance of the environment’s ecology while benefiting human population living near

bat colonies.

The skewed-winged bat really does possess such frightening features distinct from other

mammals. It makes sense that fear may be instilled deep in the hearts of people who cannot stand

the sight of a grotesque creature. However, when looked at from a different perspective under the

surface of the bat’s skin, there is so much uniqueness to be found in one such peculiar creature. It

holds so many secrets in its anatomy, physiology and behavior that will leave anyone fascinated.

Being the only mammal to fly, using echolocation in navigation and having behavior beneficial

to ecology, the bat may well be the most fascinating of creature among the animal kingdom.

Harris, Tom. "How Bats Work." 01 June 2001. HowStuffWorks.com.

http://animals.howstuffworks.com/mammals/bat.htm 07 July 2010.

"Bat." wikipedia.org. 7 July 2010<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bat>.

20

Process Essay

An Improvement in Appearances

Appearances, first, catch people’s attention; then, they give them a good impression.

People notice a person for what he looks, and they only stay around if what he says makes sense.

He might have something important to say, but if his appearance does not emanate confidence,

then he will not be noticed in the first place. Caring for appearances is not about being vain, but

it is about being presentable and looking decent. A man needs to consider proper grooming,

exercise, and eating right to improve his appearance.

A man must make it a constant habit to practice good hygiene and grooming because

throughout the course of the day, he will encounter different pollutants, especially in an urban

community, that may ruin his appearance. To keep clean, he can use different products that will

maintain or enhance his appearance. Shampooing keeps hair clean and dandruff-free, but it

should not be done more than once a day to keep the hair from drying up or losing its natural oils

and minerals. Washing the face should be done with the appropriate face products, like facial

scrubs or exfoliants, that unclogs pores covered with dirt and dust. It is important not to overuse

anything to avoid irritating or drying the skin. Keeping hair neat is also included in proper

grooming. A man needs to have his hair cut at least every month, and he has to shave his facial

hair when it grows a little too thick. He should use a clean razor and shaving cream. A man that

keeps clean and neat lets people know that he considers hygiene important. He will improve his

appearance.

Physical qualities may be inborn, or they may be developed. A man can only do so much

to take care of his face, but he cannot change his face. On the other hand, he can still improve his

21

physical qualities through different types of exercises. For an overweight man who has an

unsightly bulging belly, he has to burn calories and fat. He has to do cardiovascular exercises

like running, bicycling, or aerobics. While a scrawny man needs to gain more muscle mass. He

needs to consider weightlifting to develop his muscles. Whichever the case, he has to set a goal

for himself then consistently follow his workout program. Rest is also a factor when exercising.

A man has to get adequate rest or sleep for his muscles to have time to repair themselves. The

effects on his appearance that he will notice would be a fit, toned, and defined body.

Simultaneously, he would improve his health, gaining more vitality and stamina. Having a

beautiful body is a way to feel comfortable, to lose insecurities and to gain confidence.

Exercising for a fit and healthy body is a sure way to improve a man’s appearance.

“We are what we eat,” is what most people say. This is true, and it shows in a man’s

appearance. There are different foods that may harm or benefit a man’s body, internally and

externally. A man, looking to make the most of what he eats, should avoid eating junk foods.

Junk foods are processed food packed with sugar, oils and fat. They have no nutritional value,

and they will only cause a person to gain weight. Adopting a balanced diet is more beneficial to

health. It also comes hand in hand with exercising. A man should eat fish and meat to add protein

in his diet. This gives him the bulk he needs. Rice and bread, on the other hand, are staples for

carbohydrates. He gets his energy from them, but he should not eat more than he will burn. He is

most encouraged to eat fruits and vegetables. They pack vitamins and minerals that regulate

body functions. He will have clearer vision, and stronger hair and nails. Drinking plenty of water

is also necessary for a man. It will keep him hydrated, keeping his skin from drying and

wrinkling. The surest way for a man to feel good inside and out is to eat the things that are good

for him. Eating right gives him all the right nourishment while complimenting his workout,

giving him an enhanced appearance.

A man has all the right reasons for wanting to improve his appearance; he will gain

confidence and give good impressions by looking decent and presentable. An urban setting and

22

an unhealthy lifestyle are factors that ruin a man’s appearance, so he must consider achieving a

healthy body as the surest way to take care of his appearance. A man can improve and maintain

his appearance through good grooming, proper exercise and eating right.

Averill, F. Top 10: Habits That Ruin Your Appearance. from

http://www.askmen.com/grooming/appearance/top-10-habits-that-ruin-

your-appearance_1p.html

23

Comparative Essay

DVD’s and Blu-ray

Technology cannot be separated from a normal person's life. It is always present in either

aspect of leisure or of occupation. To justify such statement, a person needs only to ask himself

if he has ever played music through his car radio, watched a movie on television, or made a

document on his PC. The manner that technology has made it possible to do such is through the

use of optical data discs, the conventional Digital Video Disc (DVD) and the more recent Blu-

ray disc (BD). Most are more familiar with the DVD than the Blu-ray because of widespread

piracy of movies on DVD’s, but some are quickly appreciating the Blu-ray. Although DVD’s

and Blu-ray discs are both optical data discs, they differ in ways like manufacturing, memory

capacity and market price due to availability.

DVD’s and Blu-ray compare to be physically and functionally similar. Both are circular

discs with holes in the middle. The discs are made of a plastic material called polycarbonate.

They have the same dimensions, having a diameter of 12 cm and a thickness of about 1.1 mm to

1.2 mm. Manufactured to hold multimedia information, either one may contain audio files, video

files, picture files, games or computer programs. For most people, the most common use of the

discs is for home viewing of movies.

Although DVD’s and Blu-ray are physically identical, their differentiation lies in how the

discs are made and how data is written and read. While the discs are made of multiple layers of

polycarbonate, there is a different layer for recording data. A laser is used to burn data into pits

on the recording layer. The laser is also used by disc players to read the pits. For the DVD, the

recording layer is compressed between two polycarbonate layers and the data is read by a red

24

laser. Two problems may arise when playing a DVD. The first one, known as birefringence,

occurs when the the polycarbonate layer on top refracts the red laser into two separate beams.

The second, called disc tilt, happens when the beam cannot perpendicularly read the data because

of irregularities on the surface of the disc. On the other hand, Blu-ray incorporates new

technology that can avoid these risks. The Blu-ray’s recording layer is on top of the disc and a

more focused beam, a blue laser, is used to read and write data. The lasers used by the two discs

also play an important role in how the two compare in capacity.

People compare the capabilities of DVD’s and Blu-ray. Both hold multimedia

information, but the Blu-ray was made to store far more data than the DVD. This is because the

blue laser that Blu-ray incorporates has a shorter wavelength. The beam is more focused,

therefore, it can burn smaller and more pits of data on the same area of the disc. Blu-ray discs

can store 27GB up to 50GB. It has a larger memory capacity than a DVD. The DVD’s red laser

has a longer wavelength, so it burns data on a larger area of the disc. Memory is more limited on

a DVD. A single recording layer DVD can only store 4.7GB of data. People may prefer watching

Blu-ray movies because the added memory capacity enables movies to be played in high-

definition. High-definition is the Blu-ray’s main feature. It has better sound quality and has

higher pixel resolution that displays more vibrant colors and sharper images than the standard

definition of a DVD movie.

Both discs are presently available for consumers, but it is important to note that the DVD

came out in the market first in 1997. Since then, movie titles have been sold under the DVD

format, and DVD’s have become widespread. There are about ninety thousand plus titles on

DVD. It is possible to pirate DVD’s, so they have become cheap. On the other hand, Blu-ray was

released in 2006. This new format is expected to one-day replace the DVD. It is considerably

new, and it is better protected from piracy with encryption. It, along with the Blu-ray player, is

sold at a higher price than DVD’s. Buying a new collection of Blu-ray movies and a Blu-ray

player would be expensive. Fortunately, for consumers who have already bought an existing

25

collection of DVD’s, Blu-ray players are able to read DVD’s. The Blu-ray may have more

features, but DVD’s will still be popular in the market for years because of its affordability and

availability

DVD’s and Blu-ray are light and compact, so they are ideal for storing multimedia data.

Examples of files that may be written on them are music, pictures, games and documents, but

movies are the most common type of file stored on the discs because of the large memory they

take up. Most often, consumers buy DVD’s and Blu-ray to watch movies for their leisure. It is

sensible to compare them first before choosing to buy which format. The DVD and Blu-ray are

both optical data discs, most commonly sold as movie titles, but because they differ in

manufacturing, memory capacity and availability, consumers have different reasons on which

disc format to buy.

Symeou, S. (2009) The Advantages and Disadvantages of Blu-Ray. from

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Blu-

Ray&id=3368103

Watson, S. "How Blu-ray Discs Work." 16 October 2004. HowStuffWorks.com. from:

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/blu-ray.htm

Alleman, G. A. "How DVDs Work." 25 October 2000. HowStuffWorks.com. from

http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/dvd.htm

Blu-ray vs. DVD. from http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6463_7-6462511-2.html.

Kayne, R. (2010) What is a DVD-ROM? from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-dvd-

rom.htm

Wynn, L.S., What are Blu-Ray Discs? from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-blu-ray-

discs.htm

26

Reflective Essay: Entry Level

After graduating from high school, I can say that I have acquired intermediate skills in

reading and writing. I have been taught how to formulate ideas, organize thoughts and revise

pieces. It is also relatively easy for me to understand how English grammar works. Even up to

now, I encounter instances that allow me to exercise my competencies in English. I most often

read articles, references and books, listen to the radio and watch documentaries that add to me

information that is most useful for better forming ideas.

Now I am faced with a new course, I believe that Englcom would fill some space in my

room for improvement. Normally, I have a hard time organizing my thoughts. I am sure that after

the course, I would be able to better organize my thoughts and express them coherently. I also

aim to develop and improve my skills in critical thinking and analysis on literary pieces or

essays.

Having been explained the syllabus for the course by my professor, I believe that the

course would be rigorous on me, but it would achieve the objectives for our class.

27

Reading Diagnostic Essay

The selection describes the unofficial results of the 2010 elections, particularly the

Presidential and Vice-presidential race. It tells that this year’s election has a chance of

proclaiming two candidates, Noynoy and Binay, to the top executive positions in the Philippines.

The article tells of the different outcomes, especially the vice-presidential standings, as

one major upset of the 2010 polls. It also came as surprise that not all politicians with power won

positions as expected.

I do agree with the author, Mr. Dromila, that Senator Escudero’s endorsement of former

Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay would not be the sole cause of his seeming victory in the

polls. The author suggested that Senator Escudero’s endorsement would not have been much

credible since he withdrew his plans for running as president as an independent candidate. Also,

the fact that being the mayor of one of the richest cities in the Philippines, Jejomar Binay has

accomplished numerous feats like establishing different networks in the nation and aiding his

countrymen through different local projects. His accomplishments would be a more acceptable

reason for why he is leading in the polls.

At present, the active participation of the youth has greatly influenced the results of the

elections through spreading awareness in wise voting, protesting anomalies in the government

and organizing candidatorial forums for the masses. Even as the time is nearing to proclaiming a

new administration, the youth will have an important part in the Philippines’ development. I

myself, as part of the Filipino youth, have plans on joining organizations in school that will help

in contributing aide to my fellow fellow citizens, for it has been reminded to me that I shall

become an achiever for God and for country. Within my four-year stay in De La Salle, I will not

only excel academically, but I will also actively participate in any nation-building project the

school will organize.