Abstract
Learners deserve only the best and the safest learning environment for their future. This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of high school students on the phenomenon of rido, particularly on the changes brought about by the rido phenomenon toward their attitudes and behavior, their coping mechanisms including their learnings and insights from their rido experiences. Fifteen conversational partners uncovered their lived experiences which were carefully analyzed. The themes that emerged from the study include: all on the losing end, optimism amidst distress, and aspired turning point. The essence of the study revealed that the life that the Conversational Partners (CPs) lived mirrors an ordeal. Also, their lived experiences all led to a losing end, leaving them in struggle, desolation, and strife. Despite being exposed to a cycle of violence and conflict that seemed almost impossible to stop, the CPs developed an optimistic view of the unpleasant and dangerous situation they were in. They developed behaviors or ways of managing themselves while caught in a chaotic situation. They did not overlook at the adverse blow of the rido phenomenon as they acknowledged they needed to remain alert and be prepared at all times for they never knew when the next attack would occur again. For them, the best way out was to seek for peaceful settlements, expressing that conversations under the principle of peace should be pursued by everyone especially those who were directly involved in the conflict.
