CAVITE – A white box with gold ribbon trimming, a bronze handle, and soft fabric lining.
It's not a small casket but a creative portfolio by Grade 12 student, Yokozhi Janairo.
Yokozhi's elder sister, Michicko Janairo, said the portfolio is a requirement for his Physical Education subject.
The assignment was to make a receptacle that could hold quizzes, papers, and other class activities. Given the task at hand, Yokozhi's classmates came up with bedazzled boxes and envelopes.
The 18-year-old student, however, decided to take a humorous slant on the class requirement.
"Naisipan po ng aking kapatid na gawing portfolio ang kabaong style dahil ang mga gawain sa school ay nagbibigay stress sa kanya at mga kapwa niya mag-aaral, kaya gusto niya nang pagpahingahin ang mga ito (My brother thought of making a casket-style portfolio because schoolwork can be stressful for him and his classmates, so he wanted the papers to be at rest)," Michicko told the Manila Bulletin on Friday, Sept. 30.
"Makulit po talaga siya, lagi pong nagpapatawa (He is naughty, he always jokes around)."
Michiko said she and her family were surprised to see Yokozhi's dark comedic approach to the assignment.
"Gulat lang po, pero 'di po pinigilan kasi support lang po kami sa mga gusto niyang gawin," the elder sister said.
Yokozhi's teacher also got the joke and appreciated the unique portfolio.
"Ang reaksyon ng kanilang guro ay nagulat at natuwa, sabay pabirong sinabi ang 'Grabe, nakakatakot naman i-check ito, nakakataas nang balahibo (Their teacher was surprised and pleased, and jokingly said, 'Checking this is spooky and hair-raising)," Michicko shared.
"Ganun din ang reaksyon ng kanyang mga kaklase (His classmates had the same reaction)."