It was a clear day in summertime. A jellyfish was freely swimming in one of the shallow beaches of the salt waters in the Philippine archipelago. The Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7, 400 islands. In the turquoise blue sea surrounding the tropical islands is where we see most of the underwater creatures, like Gelo the jellyfish.
It's not surprising that beach goers and divers are afraid of Gelo.
Few marine creatures are as mysterious and intimidating as jellyfish. Though easily recognized, creatures like Gelo are often misunderstood. Bathers and beachcombers react with fear upon encountering this invertebrate. But in fact, most jellyfish in the Philippine waters are harmless.
One brave diver, filled with excitement, went after Gelo and tried to capture him. But most jellyfish are equipped with a specialized venom apparatus (cnidoblast), which Gelo used for defense. 
Gelo was so scared of his predator. He fought back while coiling the diver's legs with his long tentacles and released a sting causing discomfort to the predator. The diver immediately tried to free himself an
d swam away from Gelo.
Gelo swam back to his habitat really frightened.
He decided to stay safely in his home in the sea bed with all his water creature friends. It would give him peace of mind while having fun playing, swaying and undulating with the sea animones, sea whips, corals and polyps.
For Gelo, one of the free-swimming medusae living in tropical waters like the Philippines, it's a wonder why people can't be friendly to him.
Can you?
Story and Illustration: TEACHER SOL
16 comments:
you should write a children's book. galing... i like the illustrations as well.
I agree with evi. You're a good artist din pala.
Hi Sol. All I can say is that your storytelling ability is quite revealing and your illustrations even more amazing. If you won't become a published author sometime in the future, it would really be a damn crying shame. Talagang napabilib mo ako dito. Bravo!!!
more!! :)
uuuuyyy... reminded me of my grade school years, when we were given permission to light candles and melt crayons on spoons! Oh joy!
hello Tr Sol! galing naman!! More!!
hey sol..what can I say, You have this really amazing talent even when were still in high school it was so unmistekable..wish I could draw like you hehe..I tried before but I guess it wasnt really wired into me..Proud of you friend!!
Kakatuwa! I like your drawings! :)
You must publish this!
SUSAN C.
DC Area Writing Project
Teacher Consultant
Maria,
What a great story. You need to publish it along with the illustrations.
Catherine T.
DC Area Writing Project
Teacher Consultant
Hi Maria,
This is a wonderful story. Children love stories such as this but, there's one part that needs to be revised a little. It is your last sentence. It is run-on and needs a little revision.
Marie B.
DC Area Writing Project
Teacher Consultant
Nice story, Sol! I’m sure it would appeal to both children and adults (especially environmentalists).
May I just make a small correction: I believe it should be the Philippines is an archipelago made up of more than 7, 400 islands.
Go, Teacher Sol!
Love,
Maria Lourdes Ledesma Ladrido,Ed.D.
University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Iloilo City, Philippines
galing ng illustrations! :-)
hello! just doin' my usual bloghop. nice story on gelo, the jellyfish. keep it up!
i love your little story and the accompanying illustrations! you are truly gifted. more, more! :-)
i like your gelo story. did you ever think of making
illustrated children's books? you seem to be good at
it. well, we'll talk about it some more when im there
na.
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