CREATIVE NONFICTION
Nove Joy Losbañes HUMSS 12 - A
Week 5
1. a.
As the health crisis continues to impose many threats around the world, we all
know for sure that the government is not the only one struggling from this new enemy
because travelers are also affected thinking of the ways on how to go back from their
homes. Thus, the stranded guy in Thailand had a hard time there since community
quarantine was extended by the Philippine government making him worry of the
expiration of his visa. Fortunately, Thailand Government was able to consider extension
but this did not change the fact that the traveler would still spend money in buying his
needs and other expenses. Based from the experiences he encountered, I can feel the
stress of managing his papers and the feeling that he couldn’t travel anymore in the
places he wanted to explore just like before.
b.
He was able to cope with the situation by hanging out in the hostel’s lobby while
having a cup of coffee or tea. He did blogging where he could share his travel
experiences to keep his day very productive. Since the place has a good connection of
high-speed internet, he can watch a movie as his past time and it also served as his way
to remove boredom. Through the good accommodation, he could really feel that he is
safe and alright.
2. If I were going to be stranded in a certain place, I would choose to stay in Greece,
specifically in Santorini because the place has a perfect view for sunset. I love watching the
orange mixed with red and yellow hues around 5:00 PM because it gives me a feeling of
satisfaction as well as relaxation. I lived for chasing sunsets in my life and Greece just offers
the best place to watch it. Looking at the pictures in the Internet, I could imagine sitting on
the whitewashed, cubiform houses with my special someone while having a good
conversation about life. It is something that I will forever look forward to that will turn into my
greatest memory knowing that this country is considered as an ultimate gateway destination
for exploring what is more to life.
Activity 1
My Travel Bucketlist
5 local destinations
1. El Nido, Palawan
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Kayaking
Explore big lagoon and small lagoon
Experience breathtaking views
Swim and enjoy the white-sand
beaches
Nagkalit-kalit Falls
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El Nido Party Boat
Full Moon Party
Snorkeling
Cathedral Caves
Pukka bar
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Sabtang Beach
Rock huts and narrow streets
2. Sabtang Island, Batanes
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Sinakan stone houses
Savidug stone houses
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Ivatan villages and their rich culture
Sabtang Lighthouse
Wear the Ivatan headress
Morong Beach
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Taste the local food
See the local products in Sabtang
such us their textile
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Shopping in General Luna
Rent bicycles and motorcycle for
tour
See the breathtaking views of Sea of
Palms Viewpoint
Snorkeling and adventure in Sugba
Lagoon
3. Siargao Island, Surigao Del Norte
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Cloud 9 surfing area
Swimming and sun bathing in
Siargao Island Beaches
Magpupungko Rock Pools
Tayangban Cave Pool
Swing and jump in Maasin Village
palm tree swing
Dining in General Luna
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4. New Bataan, Compostella Valley
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Hiking and see the breathtaking view
in the mossy forest
Visit the New Bataan Ecological
Park
Explore Malummagpak Falls
Bamboo Garden Spring Resort
Marangig Falls
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Aliwagwag Falls
Manurigao Falls
Butag Makalingi Falls
Relax in Westnuk Beach
Experience the beauty of nature in
White Peak
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Visit Syquia Mansion
Experience Vigan Kalesa Ride
Explore Baluarte Zoo
Visit the Bantay Bell Tower
Abel-Iloko Weaving Community
5. Vigan, Ilocos Sur
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Walking tour in Calle Crisologo
Visit Crisologo Museum
Antique and Jewelry Hunting
Try Ilocos Empanada
Bahay na Bato of Father Burgos
5 international destinations
1. Santorini, Greece
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it constitutes to magnificent sight of sunset
perfect place to have time for self-reflection and share thoughts about life with friends or
special someone
has rich culture
great food
incredibly scenic views
2. Kyoto, Japan
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it is Japan in a nutshell
cultural and historical heart of the country
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best place to experience traditional temples, shrines, gardens, geisha, festivals, and
shops
the place has various culinary styles and rich historic food tradition
very traditional and will make someone visit it again
3. Lake Brienz, Switzerland
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gives a strong sense of relaxation because of turquoise water in lakes and high
mountains
beautiful and breathtaking landscaping
the place is so magical with the surrounding mountains
one can experience good music from the violin making village of Brienz
perfect spot when taking a break because of its brightness and colorful fields making you
one with nature
4. Velassaru, Maldives
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it gives a youthfully chic atmosphere perfect for glamour and romance
jaw-dropping beaches
has minimalistic and mood-lit places to hang-out like bean bags and hammocks in front
of the beach
offers a spot for unforgettable sunsets
very romantic and an ultimate dream of tranquility for everyone
5. Kruger National Park in South Africa
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best place for wildlife experience and explore more about nature
fuses historical sites as well as vast landscapes
introduces the essence of a wildlife safari
very suitable for family to enjoy traditional safari comfort
offers a unique experience and will make you appreciate life more
3 food you want to try
King crab
Betute Tugak or Deep fried stuffed frogs
Street food in Japan
3 thrilling experience you want to try
sky diving
water slide especially in the largest ones in
the world
shark cage diving
ACTIVITY 2
A.
 Name of Place: Cebu City
 Date of Travel: October 24, 2013
 How to Get There: From Santa Barbara, we travelled first by land via jeep going to Fort
San Pedro for almost an hour. From the port, we took a 10-minute drive in the bus going
to the side of the port where the ferry of Trans Asia is waiting. We got an
accommodation in a 2nd Class Aircon (Lying) Room with a fare of 980 pesos. Our
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estimated travel from Iloilo to Cebu was 12 hours and 30 minutes. Our last trip going to
our destination was using a bus all the way to Camp Marina for 20 minutes.
Access to Basic Commodities: There are various access to commodities in Cebu City
just like the Ayala Mall, fast-food chains, nearby convenient stores like 7/11 where you
can buy snacks, eatery, Cebu Security Bank at Cebu-Mactan branch, J Center Mall, SM
City Cebu, Gaisano Malls, and shops beside the street where you can buy t-shirts and
other necessities.
Travel Companion: Classmates, Schoolmates, and Teachers
5 Significant Things about that Place:
1. Lapu-Lapu Shrine in Mactan, Cebu
2. Taoist Temple, Lahug, Cebu City
3. Magellan’s Cross, Cebu City
4. Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu in Cebu City
5. Handmade ukulele made by the locals and are sold in souvenir shops
3 Highlights of your experience in that Place:
1. Witnessing the strong faith of Cebuanos in the oldest church of Cebu after a
magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Bohol which affected some parts of the city.
2. Warm welcome of the locals especially in nearby shops and drivers of public
transportation.
3. Unforgettable tour in Taoist Temple and Lapu-Lapu shrine because we get to
understand more the history of Cebu.
 One quote/statement that best describes that entire travel experience.
“Travel turns you into a storyteller about an indelible investment you have made for
yourself.”
B.
An Unexpected Escapade
It has always been my dream to go in different places even just around Iloilo with my
friends, but my parents' income won't let me since it is spent only for important matter inside the
house and school. Never did I expect in my life that I would get to experience travelling because
of my love in joining camping at school. Last seven years, I was given the chance to spend also
seven days of adventure, bonding, learning, and exploring the Queen City ofq the South, Cebu,
with my fellow Girl Scouts. It was an impulsive decision made by my parents because it was
also the time when an earthquake occurred in Bohol left thousands of infrastructures broken
and its adverse effects extended in some parts of Cebu including our destination. Despite
everything, God still allowed my dream to happen.
From Santa Barbara, we took a 1-hour travel by jeep going to Fort San Pedro. While
carrying heavy loads, we transferred in a bus going to the other side of the port where the ferry
of Trans Asia is waiting. After we are all set, the engine started ready to leave Iloilo. Since it was
my first time travelling over the sea for many long hours, I cannot control the dizziness lingering
all over my head. Good thing that my mother advised me to bring Bonamin, a medicine effective
for reducing it. We slept in a 2nd Class Air-conditioned room with other girls coming from
various places in Iloilo City. Out of boredom, I went out the room and witnessed the meeting of
sea with the night sky. Adding more to the vibe was the cold breeze embracing all of me.
Twelve hours and thirty minutes have passed and finally, we arrived safely in Cebu! I was
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Nove Joy Losbañes HUMSS 12 - A
shocked because we were welcomed by Badjaos swimming under the ferry asking for a coin.
We were all shocked and stopped for a couple of minutes when they were storing the coins we
throw inside their mouth. The moment we stepped down on the grounds of the port, we then
took a 20-minute travel going to our last destination, the Camp Marina.
Getting ready for a week-long escapade, we pitched our tents and rested the whole
afternoon. On the first day until the fourth, we just spent it for activities in Girl scouting such as
adventure games, socialization activities, camp fire, disco, and closing program. On the fifth day
onwards, it is where our tour started. First stop, the temple built by Cebu's substantial Chinese
Community, Taoist Temple. The temple is located at Beverly Hills Subdivision, in Lahug, Cebu
City. We reached there through a taxi and the driver was so kind to us talking about his job and
how beautiful Cebu City is. The place was so peaceful and it will not cause you to pay for a fee.
Just bear in mind that you have to observe silence when you enter because it's a place for
worship. After taking some pictures, we tried burning Chinese incense since it is believed by
Chinese that it can be a form of prayer or warding off bad luck. I highly recommend this place if
you want to take some time for self-reflection because the overall vibe of the temple was just so
amazing.
Our second stop was where the battle between the Portuguese explorer Ferdinand
Magellan and Mactan Island chieftain Lapu-Lapu happened, Mactan Shrine. Inside was a 20meter bronze statue of Lapu-Lapu depicting the history happened in the place. It was built in
honor of their native leader Lapu-Lapu because he was the first Filipino to have repelled the
European aggression. We continued roaming around the place and I really felt a deep feeling of
relaxation beacsue it was an open field where we can hear loud sound of wind creeping all over
our body. Surrounding the shrine are souvenir shops that sell different kinds of souvenirs
starting from ukulele, keychains, t-shirts, pins, and accessories. There are also fresh seafood
restaurants inside the shrine and has clean comfort rooms.
Few meters away from the shrine is the Magellan's Cross with a painting showing
Magellan erecting the cross. Sadly, we cannot stay inside for a very long time and take pictures
because of the earthquake happened on that time. It was under renovation because of the
cracks and maybe the debris would fall.
Lastly, completing the whole tour, we went to Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
It's just a short walk going there from Magellan's Cross. The church may look very old, but the
faith of Cebuanos still remained. The church was also not new to hardships because the
earthquake caused some of its debris to fall and since it was built many years ago, bamboos
served as its support. We then brought a candle for just 2 pesos and offered prayer for safety of
everyone there. It was a big church with big hearts of people bound to preserve the culture and
history all of them have shared.
Time really went so fast. The seventh day came and it's our time to leave Cebu. I will
always look forward to the memories I created on this historic province with many hospitable
Cebuanos and new found friends from Aklan and Antique. This opportunity has opened a lot of
doors for me to know myself more and be responsible of my own self because my parents were
not with me. Without my love in joining camping, I could've lost this chance. On our departure, I
sighed because I do not know if when will I come back again, but what I am sure of was I
brought with me different stories of the people and places. Travel turns you into a storyteller
about an indelible investment you have made for yourself.
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Nove Joy Losbañes HUMSS 12 - A
ACTIVITY 3
Name of Place: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Month & Year: May 2025
Who do you want to go with those places? – Gabrielle Java and Zaira Grezelle Lamparero
Travel Timeline
Day 1:
On the first day, after we checked-in in a hotel upon arrival, we will first head to Jordaan,
a well-known place for garden courtyards, lively markets, and upscale eateries. We will enjoy
the good food there after a long trip from the Philippines with the place’s picturesque streets and
old buildings while eating on the famous houseboats. It’s our time to just relax, sit, peoplewatch, and have good conversation as we listen to the traditional Dutch folk music.
Day 2:
For Day 2, we will be having a day-trip to Royal Place Amsterdam, Botanical Garden,
and sightsee Vondel Park for these are places which we can have a unique experience in
seeing both natural and mandmade tourist spots that if mixed together could create a jawdropping view. Amsterdam offers a dose of nature and we expect that both Botanical Garden
and Vondel Park will have the best view of attractive flowers and peaceful ponds perfect for
relaxation. The architectural designs of Royal Palace highlights history and it is just so nice to
go in that place for witnessing classical exterior with magnificently furnished interior.
Day 3:
After a tiring day-trip in those three places, we will now be heading to one of Asterdam’s
most popular attractions and certainly a symbol for art preservation - the Rijksmuseum. In our
stay, we will make sure that we have something to learn from our tour and visiting a museum is
a key on checking that bucketlist. For this special experience, we can be able to witness more
than 8 000 important paintings and million cultural artifacts from the 13th century to the modern
day.
Day 4:
On this day, we will then be immersing ourselves in tranquility and inner peace in the
Oude Kerk (Old Church) and Nieuwe Kerk (New Church). These two beautiful historical
buildings would allow us experience the beauty in tradition and culture of Dutchmen as seen in
how they preserve those stained glass window and splendid piece of architecture. We will not
let this moment to explore more its majestic features dating back centuries ago.
Day 5:
Knowing the weather here in the Philippines, we can hardly take a ride using a bike in
places where we want to go unless it is early in the morning, therefore we want to take an
opportunity for having a bike tour in Bike City. We will rent bikes and explore the city of
Amsterdam without worrying of its cost since it’s completely free! It is a time to have ourselves
lost as we discover more about this wonderful place.
Day 6:
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Nove Joy Losbañes HUMSS 12 - A
We are already on our sixth day and this means that we must spend our time in doing
everything we missed to experience since tomorrow will be the last day. We will surely be
spending time in Dam Square for plenty of entertainment ranging from street performers to firstrate music festivals, Ferris wheel, and restaurants. After that, we will buy souvenirs in the huge
public squares that will serve as our memory of everything that we have visited and
experienced.
Day 7:
Before we fly home, we will be enjoying more of Europe back at Jordaan because it has
huge open-air market where me and my friends can hang-out, find local crafts, flowers, and
goodies perfect for filling a picnic basket. After some time, we will be starting to pack our things
up and head to the airport. Happy and at the same time sad, I know that this trip will going to be
one of the best and something that we will never get tired of sharing to others.
ACTIVITY 4
Name of Hometown/Province/Region: Santa Barbara, Iloilo
Specific Name of the Place: Iloilo Golf Course and Country Club
1. It was the first Philippine club that was accepted as an affiliate of one of the oldest and
most prestigious golf clubs in the world.
2. There is a pristine and scenic view of trees surrounding the historical plays which is
good for photoshoot and other events.
3. It has a museum showcasing golf memorabilia and golf archives that are mostly over
100 years in existence.
WEEK 6
1. The prisoners in the cell felt like they were caged animals being imprisoned for many
years and waiting for someone who would take their lives, thus the situation they are
currently in is so depressing and hard to bear since they neither have freedom nor
access to the outside world. Anytime soon, they will be hanged adding more anxiety and
sadness surrounding the whole cell.
2. The prisoner seemed to not care about what’s happening, powerless, and unresponsive,
but the moment he stepped down into the gallows when the noose was fixed, he began
crying out on his god preparing for his own death realizing that he was going to be
hanged.
3. After the hanging, the remaining characters behaved like nothing happens and are full
of subtle sarcasm because they can enjoy, laugh, and smile even after the execution of
another human like them. In fact, they are relieved that the job was done and started to
chatter again.
4. It is probably because Orwell find it unnecessary in the context to really specify the
condemned man’s crime and make his writing more general. He finds it odd that the
cause of someone’s death is because he has done something against the law or for a
certain crime.
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Nove Joy Losbañes HUMSS 12 - A
ACTIVITY 1
Death penalty has been a hot topic and issue in so many debates here in the Philippines
primarily because it is against the church and most of us are Christians, but it is way more
than that. It is always brought up by the leaders supporting the capital punishment and will
always be opposed by those who are not in favor of it. As seen in the past years, Filipinos
agree that our country’s inadequacy and failings in crime, corruption, and armed rebellion
are all rooted in a broken justice system. Its approval will never deter the crimes. There have
been so many attempts in reintroducing it however, all are clearly unlawful. With that, I firmly
withstand the idea of death penalty as a punishment for those who are convicted with such
crimes since our government can use their power to abuse those who are truly innocent,
incapable of defending themselves such as people with mental and intellectual disabilities,
and sadly, it targets the poor. I believe that everyone has the right to life and authorities
must impose evidence-based policies or strengthen current laws first if they really want to
deal with serious crimes committed.
Justice does not work if we will just focus on the concept of “an eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth” because it works if the systematic barrier to the problem is removed.
Address first the root of everything before jumping into conclusions. Now, this is a challenge
for all the law-makers to make people understand the adverse effects of death penalty if
implemented here in the Philippines. We already witnessed bloods in streets and scream of
people fighting for their rights. We should not let this happen anymore and this is my stand,
ACTIVITY 2
1. Human Experience: Lumad Killings in the Southern Mindanao
2. Summary of experience: Lumads, being an indigenous tribe in the Philippines, have this
communal private property as their basis of land ownership. Since it is communal, they
have the right to utilize any unoccupied land within the communal territory. Their
ancestral lands are rich in natural resources and minerals like gold and copper below so
government and private corporations used their power to take over their properties.
Lumads being incapable to match the forces by this unjust government, they raised their
voices through educating the children on how to fight for their rights, but it leads to series
of protests and eventually, extrajudicial killings supported by our president. This scenario
is truly an injustice to the oppressed sectors in Mindanao and a repression forever
suffered by the community.
3. I am a student but that doesn’t mean that I am incapable of extending help to our
repressed brothers and sisters in Southern Mindanao. Through joining the advocacies,
signing of petitions, and using the hashtags circulating around all social media platforms,
I know that I can be able to share the same sentiments and show a little help for them.
With this, I can make other people question the government of their wrongdoings and be
accountable for their actions. Regardless of ethnicity, all of us should share the same
rights. Lumads don’t deserve oppression and the killings. They deserve the right in
education and land ownership. We must indeed raise our voices against abuses made
by this shameful government.