CREATIVE NONFICTION

Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023

WRITTEN ACTIVITIES
Activity 1.1 ANALYZATION OF TEXT

The Forgotten Ones

Mary Jade Dondonay
Have you ever felt how hard is it to be taken for granted? But what if
the society has totally forgotten you, would it be harder than it already is?
It was a humid afternoon Manila when after almost two weeks of
working in Balintawak Market, I’ve decided to unwind and give myself a
break. The warmth of sun’s ray as it kisses my skin felt like hell. It seems like
I have stated all types of curses in my head for not bringing an umbrella as I
walk on the banquets and sidewalks of Novaliches, Bayan in Quezon City.
The some coming from the vehicle add up to my irritation as I sneezed every
now and then. I regretted going out for a second and realized that it was not
the break that I wanted. It feels like it was the biggest problem in the world
that time.
As I continue walking on the clothing area, I saw three children maybe
ages five to six wearing their rugged-like clothes holding paper cups asking for
coins to every people that’ll pass by the area. The tiredness and hunger were
etched on their faces that they almost want to beg for they haven’t eaten since
last night. Their bodies were that thin like a piece of a bamboo, their big
bellies were waving and it is evident that they lack of nutrients.
Then it hits me. At that time, I have realized how stupid I am earlier that
time for ranting such things when in fact those children have all the rights to
speak up for experiencing the hardest in such a young age. Those children
who are years younger than me making ways to earn money but there I was,
complaining for heat. It broke my heart seeing those children because I’ve been
there. Memory when I was younger flash back. I have experienced stomach
ache for not having to eat because my father lost his job. What hurts me the
most was seeing my parents’ problematic faces thinking where to get food to
eat. I learned how to value education and started appreciating the hard works
and sacrifices of my parents as such a young age. They’ve done lot for us that the
word “thanks” will never be enough to express my gratitude for them. I am
lucky that our parents are taking good care for us that although they were not
able to finish their studies, they took full responsibility of giving our basic
needs. Their parents may be irresponsible enough to stood up and take
responsibility for bringing them to the world that’s why they are the one who
suffers. And I think that’s the saddest.
After giving them coins, I continued walking. Upon entering the
area where accessories are located, I saw an old man sitting in the dirty
banquet where an umbrella is the only one that protects him from hellish
sun ray. He looks dirty in his black rugged- like tee shirt and ripped shorts
with his white hairs waving hello. The dirt caused by the dust around was
present on his wrinkled body, an understatement that he has not taken
his bath yet. I was standing on his back, observing. He lends his hands
as if asking
Student Learningfor money on every people that pass by and will utter the word
Materials
“pangkain lang po”. Out of pity and curiosity, I went in front of him end
asked him where were his children; he answered “may kanya-kanya nang
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
asawa”. I frown in dismay and nodded. Upon hearing his answer, I’ve
realized how ungrateful his children were. At that moment, I promised
myself to take care of my parents ‘til the day they bid their farewell in this
world. I can’t afford to see my parents in his situation. And I think, that’s
the
least that I can do to pay them back.
Life had been really hard to those people who are less fortunate. It
seems like they’ve been forgotten not only by their loved ones but the
society. Now, I realized why my parents are working hard for us to send to
school and have a better life because they’ve been there and don’t want us to
be in that situation. Those less fortunate people deserve to experience the
best in life for they’ve been through enough. But, no one will help them but
themselves. They should be the one to act first and the rest will follow.
For people like us, if we thought that we have the heaviest problems,
think twice or thrice. There were people out there who suffered a lot but are
still fighting, and so us too. Take every problem an opportunity to be stronger
and be an inspiration to other people. 

Questions:

1. What is the story about? What is the main topic of the text?

The story revolves around a group of people who have been rejected by society and are
currently struggling to survive in a harsh and lonely environment. The story sheds light on the
harsh realities faced by marginalized communities and the importance of empathy and
compassion toward those who are often overlooked. The main topic, in this case, is a clear
focus on how poverty and neglect can cause a lot of suffering in the community.

2. Who is the main character? Who are the other important characters in the story?

The narrator is speaking from the first person point of view, so the main character of the story
is the author herself. Other characters include the three children, aged 5 to 6, and the old man
sitting on the dirty banquet.

3. Where does this story take place? How does the setting influence the storyline or sequence of
events? Are there any conflicts or problems in the story?

The story takes place in Manila, in Balintawak Market, and Novaliches, Bayan, in Quezon
City. The setting influences the storyline by highlighting the struggles of the less fortunate and
how Mary Jade has come to realize them. The situations she encountered made her realize that
"life had been difficult for others who were less fortunate. It seems as if they have been
forgotten, not just by their families but also by society." The main conflict in the story is about
the life choices that change the author`s life while flashing back to the similarly experienced
"forgotten ones" reflected in the story.

4. How does the conflict progress? Do things get worse or better?

The conflict progress by how the author observes the less fortunate and remember her own
experiences. The conflict got better because the author offered solutions.
Student Learning Materials
5. How does the conflict get resolved?
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
The author resolved the conflict by making a promise to herself or himself to care for her or his
parents until the day they left this world.

6. What are the most emotionally-charged parts of the story?

The most emotionally charged parts of the story are when Mary Jade encounters the three
children and old man and realizes the struggles they are facing. The tiredness and hunger were
etched on their faces they almost want to beg because they haven't eaten since last night. The
author expressed her emotions by stating her reflections, like thinking about being so thankful
for her parents` sacrifices for her.

7. How would you have reacted differently if you were the main character?

If I were the main character, I would also be sad, but I would immediately take action for these
people. I would immediately try to talk about and open up about this problem with the DSWD
(Department of Social Welfare and Development) to address the situation immediately. I will
report it immediately to them since it is providing social protection and promoting the rights
and welfare of the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged individual, family, and community to
contribute to poverty alleviation and empowerment through SWD policies, programs, projects,
and services implemented with or through LGUs, NGOs, POs, GOs, and other members of
society. Reporting these incidents would lessen the burden on both the poor and society while
promoting the common good. I can also raise funds through social media or in our community
to provide these people with the daily necessities they need.

8. Do you remember any similar series of events you experienced?

Yes, I did. I also had a similar experience with the author in how she encountered kids on the
street and old people at banquets. I always give them coins if I have any or sometimes a P20
bill because I get easily emotional when I see people like them. When I was a kid, I also
experienced extreme hunger for days because we didn't have any money for food. My parents
also worked very hard for me, so I can still go to work every day even if we don't have enough
money left. I also thought about how I can take care of my parents when they are no longer
young enough to do so, because I am so thankful for them for providing for my needs and
supporting me in achieving my dreams. I am thankful that we didn't get to the point of having
to beg money on the streets for us to eat.

9. What was the most memorable part of your own experience?

The most memorable part of my experience is when we get to the point where we make a one
peso fish cracker as our meal for the day. We have been surviving for days, and the soy sauce,
salt, vinegar, and other condiments are already gone, but luckily we still have one kilo of rice at
that time, so we forced it to last until six days so we can still eat something. That was such a
harsh experience for me as a five-year-old that I can never forget it

Student Learning Materials

CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
Activity 1.2
New coronavirus mutation found in the
Philippines
Gaea Katreena Cabico

A mutation of the novel coronavirus believed to be more infectious than

the original variant has been detected in the Philippines, genomic
researchers said.
The new mutation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, has
been reported to have become the dominant coronavirus strain circulating
around the world. Researchers called the new strain G614. When the
outbreak began in the country last March, the original D614 genotype
showed up in the positive samples collected by the Philippine Genome
Center (PGC). But in a new study, genomic researchers detected both the
D614 and the G614.
“We now report the detection of the D614 variant among nine
randomly selected COVID-19 positive samples collected in Quezon City in
July. In the month of June, both the D614 as well as the G614 have been
detected in a small sample of positive cases,” PGC said in an August 13
bulletin. “Although this information confirms the
presence of G614 in the Philippines, we note that all the samples tested were
from Quezon City and may not represent the mutational landscape for the
whole country,” it added.
Last month, researchers from the Los Alamos National Laboratory in New
Mexico and Duke University in North Carolina published a study that a
specific change in SARS-CoV-2 virus genome is more infectious in cell culture.
The team analyzed the data of 999 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in the
United Kingdom and observed that those infected with G614 had more viral
particles in them.
They, however, did not find evidence of G614 impact on disease severity.
In other words, it was not significantly associated with hospitalization status.
“There is still no definitive evidence showing that carriers of the G614
variant are actually more transmissible than those with D614, and the
mutation does not appear to substantially affect clinical outcomes as well,”
PGC said.
The genome center stressed the importance of continuously
monitoring G614 to help formulate containment, diagnostic and therapeutic
strategies.
“Itong sinasabi nila na D614G mutation may higher possibility na mas
transmissible siya, mas higher ang level niya na makaka-transmit sya sa iba
or infectious. Pero wala pa rin tayong solid evidence to say na ‘yan talaga ay
mangyayari,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a media
forum Monday.
(They say D614G mutation has higher possibility that it is
transmissible, it has higher level that it can transmit to others or infectious.
But we still don’t have solid evidence to say that will happen.)
She also said that the PGC has been authorized by the DOH to continue
the study
Student to Materials gather
Learning more information about
the virus. The novel coronavirus has so far infected
161,253 people in the country despite imposing one of the longest and
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
strictest lockdowns. Of the figure, 112,586 have
recovered and 2,665 have died.

Questions:
1. What is the main topic of this report?
The report discusses the discovery of a new mutation in the Philippines, the G614, which
may affect the efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines. It also highlights the need for
further research to understand the potential impact of this mutation on vaccine
effectiveness.

2. Is the overall purpose of the report clear? What would the author like us to do with this
information? 3. How does the author start and end this report?

The overall purpose of the report is clear. The author conveyed the information explicitly
by showing citations and evidence. The author wants us to be aware of the situation
surrounding the new mutation and to be alert about it. The author showed the
information by stating the main idea, which is the news about a more dangerous
mutation of COVID-19, and then he wrapped up the conclusion by stating that further
research is needed about the topic and the number of people that have been infected,
died, and recovered from COVID 19.

3. How efficiently did this report convey information to the reader?

The report conveyed information to the reader in a clear and concise manner, providing
both the main idea and the necessary follow-up information. The author's conclusion also
highlights the importance of continued research on COVID-19. As a reader , I've had great
satisfaction in reading the text because it is presented cohesively, so I can understand the
ideas easily. The author provided evidence and other supporting details that strongly
support the thesis statement. He used brackets and citations to strengthen the
information, which makes this a good formal informational text.

4. What makes this report interesting or uninteresting?

  The report's level of detail and the relevance of the information presented make it
interesting to read, while the lack of a clear structure or engaging language could make it
uninteresting for some readers. This report is also interesting because it tackles a new
controversial topic, COVID-19, which is relevant news in today's society.

5. What might the author have done differently to convey information more clearly and
more interestingly?

To convey information more clearly and interestingly, the author could have included
more real-life examples or personal stories related to the controversial topic.
Additionally, the author could have used more visuals, such as graphs or charts, to
present the data in a more engaging way.

6. What were you surprised to learn about the topic?

StudentI Learning
was surprised
Materialsto learn that the Corona virus has a more dangerous mutation, which is
G614. This mutation is believed to be more contagious than the original strain of the
virus, and it has quickly become the dominant strain in many parts of the world.
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
Additionally, studies have shown that individuals infected with this mutated strain may
have higher viral loads, which could potentially increase the severity of their symptoms.
The virus is still evolving.

7. What other topics would this type of informational report be good for describing?

This type of informational report would be good for describing the current state of the
pandemic, the latest updates on vaccine development, and the impact of the virus on
different industries and sectors. It could also be used to discuss the effectiveness of
various public health measures and strategies for mitigating the spread of the virus.

8. What makes this type of writing different from narrative writing?

Narrative writing is focused on telling a story and evoking emotions, while informational
report writing is more objective and focuses on presenting facts and data in a clear and
concise manner. Additionally, narrative writing often includes characters, dialogue, and
plot development, while informational report writing typically does not.

Activity 1.3

Can’t schools resume where they’re

ready – as usual?
Jarius Bondoc

Can't public schools reopen wherever they're ready? It's usual

anyway. Classes don't all start on the day the Dept. of Education sets. In
these 7,641 islands there's always disruption somewhere. Typhoon, fire,
flood, landslide, earthquake, volcano eruption, tsunami, rebellion retards
entire provinces or towns. Schoolhouses are turned into evacuation centers
for days or weeks. Sometimes teachers simply are unavailable. Still DepEd
district supervisors, school principals, and teachers swiftly adopt
contingencies. They stick to sequential syllabuses per subject for the fixed
number of schooldays. Through weekend makeup classes and rush
alternative workbooks, affected schoolchildren are able to catch up.
That old normal is valid more than ever in this pandemic. Ready areas
can be made to proceed with "blended learning". Unready ones can be
helped to catch up with them as before.
COVID-19 has set back schooling nationwide by two months. Last
Friday, President Rody Duterte had to further delay to Oct. 5 the already late
Aug. 24 back-to-school. There was generally a sigh of relief in Metro Manila,
Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna. The capital region, one Central Luzon
province, and most of Southern Tagalog mainland just weren't ready.
With coronavirus infections surging there, preparations couldn't be
completed. Dozens of "modular learning materials" needed to be printed per
Grade 1 to 12, for distribution to millions of students. Yet there weren't enough
duplicators for it, plus reams of copy paper, ink, staplers, folders, and
packaging envelopes. DepEd funds were rushed to the field; still supplies
Student
weren't Learning
always Materials
in stock. Some city halls readily lent photocopiers to schools;
others weren't as quick. Resourceful faculty borrowed materials from
neighborhood businesses; teachers may not solicit from parents or use
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
personal money for official purposes. To make matters worse, the
retightened lockdown in those regions forced schoolmasters to retain only
skeletal workforces. The President had to make a call.
Things aren't as bad in erstwhile hotspots. Contagion has subsided so
community quarantines have been loosened in Batangas; Cebu, Mandaue,
and Lapu- Lapu cities; Minglanilla and Consolacion in Cebu province; and
Zamboanga City. The rest of the country has even less restrictions. Some
island provinces like Batanes, Siquijor, and Dinagat have no infectees at all.
Why not let them reopen schools ahead? After all, they're ready. There
should be no face-to-face classes, of course, and local officials must maintain
anti-COVID precautions.
That too is now Duterte's call, DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones told Sapol
radio show Saturday. Previously the DepEd was legislated to open the new
schoolyear no later than August. A new enactment amid COVID-19
transferred to the President the authority to hold school or not during
emergencies. Perhaps localized assessments can be made for Duterte's
appreciation. Already decided is that ongoing private schools are to stay; the
rest may open as planned on Aug. 24, so long as not face-to-face
classes. Resuming schooling is as existential as reviving the economy. The
longer the school break, the more the loss of skills students learned the
previous year. Risk is grave of youths losing interest in school
altogether, leading to aimlessness, juvenile delinquency, and poverty. In
poor locales school is the venue for feeding malnourished tots. School is also
an emotional security blanket; Briones recounted on-air children aged 9 and
10 writing her that they miss their teachers, classmates, and the joys of
learning. Social equity is also a factor. Some private schools never
stopped classes during the lockdowns, but just shifted to online mentoring.
They've had the modules for decades, said Atty. Joseph Estrada, managing
director of the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations.
Fortunate are learners whose educated parents kept them enrolled. Due to
prolonged "walang pasok", those in public schools will be left behind. The
effects are life-long, in productivity and incomes. Norway calculated
"conservatively" at 1,809 kroner (P8,823) the cost to a learner per day of
nursery to high school shutdown. Half of that is the lost income of parents
who must babysit instead of work. The other half is how much less today's
schooler will earn in the future because of stunted education. Incomes
are much higher in Scandinavia. But Filipino policymakers can derive
ideas from that. The longer schools stay closed, the more the poor lose.
(Likely due to lost livelihoods parents transferred more than 400,000 offspring
from private to public schools, Briones cited June enrollment stats.)
It will be a tough call for Duterte. Of 23.2 million enrollees nationwide,
21.6 million are in public schools. One in three is in Metro Manila and
Southern Tagalog mainland. That more than seven million children would be
affected by school unpreparedness is boggling. Still he might see results by
September, and so advance school opening.
Meantime, the printing of homeschooling lessons must be finished.
Requesting anonymity, one Metro Manila teacher has set up smartphone chat
groups of her pupils to reintroduce them to schooling. She has another chat
group of
Student parents.
Learning (It works on Facebook Messenger even if the learner's gadget
Materials
has no cash load; not bad, for starters.) Another teacher in Southern Tagalog is
training to teach subjects other than her specialization, since the modular
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
materials so requires. Both suggested improvements in the television
component, since very difficult to access even on government-run stations.

Questions:

1. What is the author's main argument?

The author is suggesting that schools should be allowed to reopen when they are
ready, taking into consideration the local situation and the number of COVID-19
cases in the area.

2. What would the author like us to do in the text?

The author would like readers to consider this perspective and potentially
support the idea of reopening schools in areas with low or zero cases. The author
wants us to take action towards addressing the issue discussed in the text,
whether it be through personal changes or advocating for larger systemic change.

3. How effective was the argument, from your point of view?

In my opinion, the argument was very effective, as it not only highlighted the
urgency of the issue but also provided actionable steps that individuals can take
to make a difference. The author's call to action was clear and motivating. The
argument was quite strong to argue with. As a reader, I am convinced by the
author's statements and reasons. I believe that the classes should still continue in
some places because I strongly agree with the statement that "The longer schools
stay closed, the more the poor lose."

4. Do you have any prior beliefs or opinions that might affect how persuasive you
perceive the argument to be? What about other readers who are likely to read this
piece?

It is important to acknowledge and reflect on our own biases and how they may
impact our perception of the argument. Additionally, considering the potential
biases of the target audience can help tailor the argument to be more effective.

5. What would be some other good topics for this type of argumentative writing?

Some topics like gun control laws, the death penalty, K-12, LGBTQIA+ issues,
abortion, divorce, mandatory ROTC, climate change, immigration policies, climate
change, and social media censorship could be good options for argumentative
writing. It is important to choose a topic that is relevant and has multiple
perspectives to ensure a strong argument can be made.

6. What were the primary sources to support the author’s argument?

The primary sources that are used by the author are personal statements and
interviews with important figures like President Duterte and DEP Secretary
Briones.
Student Learning Materials
7. What makes this type of writing different from an informational report or a
narrative?
CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023

The purpose of a persuasive text is to convince or encourage readers, but A

narrative text is a text that provides personal experience and insights, while an
informational report is a text that simply provides relevant information to the
reader.

PERFORMANCE TASK

1. Title of the Text: Rizal and the Moth or The Story of the Moth

2. Author: Jose Rizal

3. Genre of the text: Drama(Anecdote)

4. Summary (2–3 sentences) The moth story is about a young and a mother moth
who are both flying near a candle lamp. The mother moth advised her child not to
fly too close to the lamp as it would burn his wings. The young moth did not listen,
causing his wings to catch on fire, and he was burned. That`s why Rizal's mother
told him to not imitate the young moth and always listen to his parents if he didn't
want to get burned like that.

5. Literary Elements (Theme, Style, and Point of View; Details and Descriptions;
Scene and Summary; Techniques of Fiction such as Characters, Plot, Poetic
Devices or Figurative Languages; Personal Reflection; Diction; Sentence Variety;
and Lyrical Language)

Theme: Fate, Moral Obedience and Sacrifice

Narrative Structure: Narrative with Flashback

Style and Point of View: First-person point of view with lyrical, casual and reflective
voice.

Details and Description:

The story details the narrator's childhood memory of the time his mother read him a
fable about two moths. The description focuses on the setting of the memory, including
the environment of the narrator's town and home—the river, the mountains, the lake,
the bamboo groves, the petroleum lamps, and the quinque and carriages. Additionally,
the description focuses on the characters, including the narrator himself as a young child,
his mother, and the moths around the oil lamp. Finally, the description focuses on the
emotions of the narrator and the imagery evoked by his mother's story—the light, the
moths, and the warnings and advice.

Scene and Summary:

The story takes place at Rizal's childhood home and the summary is all about Rizal's
witnessing the death of the young Moth and he learned a lesson from it. The story follows
a young boy as he is taught a lesson about the dangers of temptation by his mother in the
Student
form of Learning Materials
a story about two moths. Through this, the boy learns that although it may be
tempting to go after what you want, sometimes it can be dangerous and even deadly but
some things are worth dying for.
 CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
Techniques of fiction:

Characters: Rizal, His Mother, and the moths that are the primary characters in the story.

Plot: In the tale of the moth, a mother and her young are seen flying close to a candle
lamp. The mother moth warned her youngster to avoid flying too near the lamp because
doing so could burn his wings. The young moth did not pay attention, which led to his
wings catching fire, which resulted in burns. In order to avoid being burned in such a
way, Rizal's mother advised him to refrain from acting like the young moth and to always
listen to his parents.

Poetic Devices/ Figurative Language:

● Imagery - For example, the light is described as “cheerful” and “dazzling”, and the
moths are described as fluttering with “playful and uneven flight”. There is also
"crystalline and gay river," "bluish mountains," and a "white surface of the lake."

●Simile: "sparkling like a mirror" and "like the little skilled skaters on ice"

●Metaphor: "I looked at my mother who leafed through the book as if looking for it,
and I got ready to listen with impatience and wonder."

●Personification: "The light agitated its golden tongue on one side, a singed moth in
one of these movements fell into the oil, clapped its wings for sometime and died." and
"shaded by murmuring bamboo groves"

●Alliteration: "Marveling at the ease with which she made them and at the sonorous
phrases that she cold get from some pages that cost me so much effort to read and that I
deciphered haltingly."

Personal Reflection:

The author showed his personal thoughts in feelings in the story. The personal reflection
in the story is the idea that it is worth sacrificing for what you believe in, even if it means
putting yourself in danger because of the statement "light is the most beautiful thing
there is in creation and that it is worthy for a man to sacrifice his life for it." The story
reflects the lesson that the boy learns and emphasizes the importance of following your
morals, even if it means going against what is easy or tempting.

Diction:

The author uses vivid and descriptive language to convey the story. He uses words such
as "murmuring", "crystalline", "bluies", and "sparkling" to create an image for the reader.
He also makes use of words in Spanish and Tagalog to further add to the story's
authenticity.

Sentence Variety:

The author makes use of a range of sentence lengths and structures to keep the reader
engaged. He uses short and direct sentences, as well as longer and more complex
sentences, to create interest and variation. The story also a mix of simple, compound, and
Student Learning Materials
complex sentences to create an effective narrative flow.

Lyrical Language:
 CREATIVE NONFICTION
Week 3 – THIRD QUARTER SY 2022 - 2023
The author employs poetic language to bring the story to life. Phrases such as
"murmuring bamboo groves," "sparkling like a mirror," and "cheerful flame" are used to
create a vivid, dreamlike atmosphere. He uses sensory imagery to create a vivid and
detailed picture of the story in the reader's mind. He also uses alliteration and repetition
to emphasize certain words and phrases.

Student Learning Materials