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ALCEDIAN XIV Magazine Flipbook PDF
Volume 14 Issue No. 1 - Academic Year 2019-2020
The official magazine of The Kingfisher, the official student publicati
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There are stories we chose neither to hear nor to speak. But these stories can’t be shelved forever like a book we haven’t touched except the day it was bought on a book sale. Its pages has to be flipped or else its termites might feast on it, and it will be gone forever. Lucban is a library of these unread and underappreciated books, waiting to be shook from dust and web, lurking on its most darkest and most still corner. Therefore, the ALCEDIAN XIV offers you revelations and confessions that a part of us holds as well. Stories that shouldn’t be read on bedtime if we wish a sound sleep. It’s time we unravel this story that is Lucban. Take few steps back and get to see the picture behind that bigger picture. And you might see a part of yourself who you haven’t seen before.
MARVIN R. CURIOSO ASSOCIATE EDITOR - CREATIVE
FOREWORD
alcedian xiv
ALCEDIAN XIV
Contents
55
WHAT HAPPENED TO TUESDAY? A PAGE VISIT AND CULTURE TOUR AT LUCBAN
cover stories
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ANG NAWAWALANG BANTAS SA KWENTO NG PANANAMANTALA KAY EBA
49
ANG ESPASYO PARA SA IYONG PAG-ISKAPO
52
HINDI LAMANG BASTA PUTI ANG MGA SOMBRERONG BUNTAL NI SIMANG
58
THROUGH ROPES AND SLOPES: LUCBANIN’S UNPARALELLED LOVE AND DEVOTION TO THE DIVINE
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editorial
8
editori al cartoon
9
opinion
18
36
O f To y s , G a m e s & Playground: Exploring e v e r y co r n e r o f Lea r n i n g Pa r k
38
youth p oints
19
38
n ews 27
28
42
ROTC: The Snappy Tr u t h o f t h e M a n d a te
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DEVCOMM FEATURE
Hindi Lang Puso ang Sa Iyo‘y I a a l a y : Ku n g Pa a n o n g M u l i n g I b i n a l i k a n g Pa g ga m i t n g D a h o n n g S a g i n g s a Pa g ka i n
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P I C K A N D PAC K : Z i p p i n g Down Mosquitoes and Leavings in ‘ Wa l k i n g Tra s h ba g s ’ L i b re n g Tu l o n g M e d i ka l Hatid ng Ospital na de Gulong
70
SPORTS FEATURE
f e at u r es 64
VOX POPULI
66
HISTORY AND C U LT U R E
Remember: The Rise of Forgotten
67
74
SPORTS PERSONALITY
TINAMISAN Serving Sweet Victories on Center Lane
Set Fire on Ice: Unveiling the Secrets of Figure Skating
66
72
SPORTS SCIENCE
CASE 101: Criminal Investigation in Pole Vault
46
The King of Philippine Road Amidst Divergent Road
69
A N A LY S I S
Philippine Basketball Leagues (PBA vs MPBL)
44
devc om m A N A LY S I S
EDITORIAL
PH Gold Squad
39
A N A LY S I S
31
s p o rts
68
Seek and Keep: The Untold Mystery of M i n o r B a s i l i c a d e Ta y a b a s
PERSONALITY SKETCH
Unlocking the Story behind A r t i s t s ’ Tr i u m p h
The Conception of Ma’am Mia: Pride and Color of TRANS-forming
TRAVELOGUE
Delving & Discovering: The Beauty of Unisan beneath Solid Ground
QUEZON DELICACIES
Pa g h a i n s a m ga K a ka n i n g Ta g a - Q u e z o n : P i n a t a m i s n g Kultura’t Kasaysayan
COLLEGE SURVIVAL
Ghostbusting 101: Tips on Handling “Ghost Professors”
75
Burrying your Gross Habits
76
S C I E N C E A N D H E A LT H
77
Finding Ways on How to Sneak Sleep
78
REVIEWS
Walkthrough the Hidden Benefits of Mobile Gaming
80
literary
88
photography
94 Arti sts ’ pag e/c om ic s
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The Kingfisher The Official Student Publication of Southern Luzon State University Main Campus - Lucban, Quezon
FREEDOM is the highest form of LEARNING.
EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF A.Y. 2019-2020
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Arthur D. Lao ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR TECHNICAL RELEASES Margarete B. Caguioa ASSOCIATE EDITOR FOR CREATIVE RELEASES Marvin R. Curioso
LETTERS TO TH E
EDITOR GET IN TOUCH!
MANAGING EDITOR FOR INTERNAL AFFAIRS Del Christjon B. Sogabo MANAGING EDITOR FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS Irra Mae N. Vito
D ear E d i to r, COPY EDITOR FOR TECHNICAL RELEASES Ronalyn G. Masbaño COPY EDITOR FOR CREATIVE RELEASES Jesselyn M. Mirandilla NEWS EDITOR Meg-Ryan S. Reonal DEVCOMM EDITOR Mariel V. Tadiosa
I pas s e d t h e SLSU ad m i s s i o n te s t an d was ab o ut to en ro l l fo r Rad i o l o g i c Te c h no l o g y p ro g ram . Th e Co l l ege o f Al l ied M e d i c i ne (C A M ) s ai d t h at we s h o ul d wai t fo r an no un ce m en t s and we we re s h o c ke d t h at we we re t ran s fe r re d to d i fferen t p ro g ram s s uc h as BS B i o l o g y, BS N urs i ng , an d BS M i d wifer y. Can we s t i l l t rans fe r bac k to t h e Rad Te c h p ro g ram ? - N e i l Le e Pat
SPORTS EDITOR Erika Jane U. Tarray FEATURES EDITOR Lorraine Anne B. Coronado LITERARY EDITOR Dominique Imojeanne D. Vacunawa VISUAL EDITOR Ma. Claudine F. Verzosa ONLINE JOURNALISM EDITOR Zedric R. Dalde
D ear N e i l Le e Pat , Th e K i ng f i s h e r we n t to t h e CA M an d c l ar i f i e d t h e i s s ue. CAM s ai d t h at t h e C o m m i s s i o n o n H i g h e r E d ucat i o n (CH E D ) fail ed to s i g n t h e p e r m i s s i o n o f Rad Te c h o f fe r i n g i n t h e un i v e rs i t y. T he d e par t m e n t al s o s ai d t h at t h e pap e rs are co m p l ete d bu t o n h o l d , wai t i ng fo r CH E D to i n k i t . Th us , t h e re i s s t i l l no defin ite ans we r i f y o u can o r cann o t .
ARTS & GRAPHICS EDITOR Jasper S. Peralta
- Ed i tor
SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Maryll Jane Urgino JUNIOR STAFF WRITERS Reese Vera De La Cruz Gersy Luces Dan Jester Medenilla SENIOR GRAPHIC ARTIST Kristell Nae J. Pardines JUNIOR GRAPHIC ARTISTS Jean Ann Collantes Fatima Mae de Guzman INTERNS Marion Althea Antonio • Krizzia-lyn Araja • Jericho Pagana • Renalyn Hipolito • Dianne Mae Bingcang • Unice Faith Cataquiz • Archie Linsasagin • Maireen Jocel Oracion • Joanne Mae Reyes • Mary Joy Susaya • Dhanna Grace Pante • Hannilyn Tutor • Mian Virrey • Myca Mabilangan • Ella Lavado • Junnie Goyada
HEAD, STUDENT PUBLICATIONS Essex Vladimer G. Samaniego DEAN, OFFICE OF STUDENT AFFAIRS AND SERVICES Prof. Edsel P. Paroan UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Doracie Zoleta-Nantes, Ph.D.
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D ear E d i to r, I t r i e d cal l i ng t h e SLSU te l e p h o n e n um b e r to as k fo r so m e i nq ui r i e s , b ut un fo r tunate l y t h e re’s no o ne t h e re to a n swer t h e p h o ne , j us t an auto m ate d p h o n e re s p o ns e . I s t h e re a n y p o s s i b l e way, as i d e f ro m cal l i n g an d m e s s ag i ng t h e e x ist in g page fo r j us t an i n q ui r y ? - A n n e A . Te nd e d D ear A nne A . Te nd e d , Th e ad m i n o f f i ce ad m i t s t h at t h e re’s no p e rs o n i n cha rge to ans we r t h e te l e p h o n e . One way fo r y o u to h av e an answer fo r y o ur i nq ue r i e s i s to as k a fo r m e r o r c ur re n t s tud e n t o f t he uni v e rs i t y o r e l s e go p e rs o n al l y to t h e un i v e rs i t y and i nqu ire. - Ed i tor
EDITORIAL
INDIE BELONG
In this world where different social status exists, its either you belong or indie belong (not belong). Senator Grace Poe proposed a bill to the senate “Philippine Independent Film Incentives Act of 2019” in which an award-winning movie will be granted a five million incentives (P5M). The proposed bill seeks to promote and support the Filipino indie films production and filmmakers yet it seems to be a vague support to say so. This bill is proposed to show support to the indie artists but conditions are set and made, which shows bias to those who will not reach or meet the award-winning piece. Assuming that the bill was passed, local indie filmmakers will be fighting head-to-head just to receive the incentives but also, they will be competing against international films for a certain award. This bill only recognizes the indie film which is just a part of the whole indie arts specifically performing arts, musical arts, visual arts and literary arts. Still, the government shows bias to the other indie artists because maybe they still not recognizing them and the bill is just for show. On the other hand, Indie artists strive and used different platforms for their works to be sold and be recognized by the public. For example, the usage of online streaming services like YouTube and Spotify, are used by indie music artists. Facebook, Twitter and other social media accounts are used by the indie painters, digital artists, graphics illustrators, and tattoo artists to advertise their masterpieces. And some indie film uses media networks to promote their works. In 2011, Filipino Indie artists has been recognized for their work worldwide. Ronald Ventura, a painter, sold his artwork “Grayground” at an auction in Hong Kong for $1.1M (2011). The “Norte: Hangganan ng Kasaysayan” received the 2013 Nuremberg International Human Rights Film award. The film “Shift” is awarded as best picture in the 2014 Osaka Film Festival-Grand Prix and in 2016, Patricia Perez Eustaqio’s site-specific installation “The Mountain is Coming” was featured in Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Despite of all the awards and recognition internationally, maybe some haven’t heard any of this since it’s not in the mainstream. Even foreign country recognized our indie artists we must also recognized that Indie belong.
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EDITORIAL CARTOON
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PROXIMA SINING arthur d. lao
finishing touches
“
i am about to finish my artwork that i’ve been working on for years inside the place that i considered home. I am not a writer by nature. Apparently, writing this column can be compared to a fish that tries to fly. However, I wouldn’t waste spaces given to me for this page, just like how I value spaces in my canvass when I play with my colors and pigments. Let me show you my piece. I’ve been making visual arts, political cartoons, graphics, and layout designs in my five-year stint in KF (The Kingfisher). When I was joining the publication, my only reason was that I wanted to get published in Pagsibol, KF’s literary folio. I remembered back in high school that I am exhilarated every time my brother, who also had been part of it, brings copies at home. When I entered college and finally became a KF, I realized however that being a campus journalist is more than just getting your name published. Rather than individual exposure, the responsibility to serve the whole studentry and SLSU community by giving factual information is the most vital concern. We are always after with the students’ interests and not the interests of the administration or any officials. We have the privilege to splatter inks and let the pens talk; by having the courage to stand and speak whether it is in favor or against a concerned party. This privilege though, must be and is being practiced with the highest value of responsibility and accountability. That’s the core of being in a printed media. We just can’t afford to break our creed and principles. I remember when a resource speaker namely Joel Pablo Salud, a known author and editor, once told us that media is always biased. We are biased in a sense that we are always in the side of searching for the truth. But what is more important is that
media should be fair and balanced, that both of the concerned parties must be heard. Being a campus journalist isn’t a smooth ride. There are plenty of raised eyebrows everywhere. There is intimidation whenever they realize that you’re being one, especially when we conduct interviews. They always assume that they would be criticized and their ‘good’ image would be stained. To those officials, let me tell you that we do publish articles to spark discussions, not to throw shades. Thus, we ensure that all of our releases are authentic and factual, supported by interviews through recordings. Also, we do not have control over the minds of the students and other readers so do not put your blame on us when you’re hearing comments not on your side. Instead, stick to the real issues and use these critisms to fix whatever the problems are. Anyway, talking about personal aspect, being KF requires us to be good at multitasking. Both of academics and publication demand valuable time and attention. The pressure that they both give leave my head scratching. We attend classes on weekdays thus we need to work overtime for our releases. We have to endure all the stress and exhaustion. Some people told me that I should consider quitting. I must admit that there were times I could have left but didn’t. Probably, it’s not just about quenching my thirst in doing my passion anymore. I cannot afford to leave the family that not just honed my skills but greatly contributed to my personal growth. If I would be asked, I rather choose to have sleepless nights doing our thing than to have a sweet good date with my pillow. I would like to express that I am proud that I, once became a campus journalist. I salute all those who took the guts, fearlessly expressing and continuously standing for what is truth without favoring anyone. Let us not let them stop us. I am about to finish my artwork. It has been a great long five-year journey and my paint brushes are now ready for the next canvass. Padayon!
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ODDVAINTURE del christjon b. sogabo
reading this is the key
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there are lots of door ahead. Doors are made as an entrance to somewhere or for exposing linked something. In movies that I have watched, the wardrobe was a magical portal on Earth linked to the world of Narnia and the doorknob located at the very end of the rabbit hole leads you to the Wonderland. There is also an anywhere door which was the most famous gadget mainly used to transport the user to wherever location they desire and a red door which serve as the entrance to various portals and demon lairs. For my last column, I would like to share the doors that I chose to open and those that I remain closed. During the time that I was holding my enrolment form for my first year in college, I wasn’t really sure of which program to choose. I just opened the door of Engineering course because I believed that it would make my parents prouder, and honestly, that was one of the few courses that I knew. After two years of dwelling, I realized that I am like a bird who tried to swim but is really meant to fly. I then decided to close that door against all odds. I opened a new one as a Communication studentextremely far from where I came from. Just like my first door, it was not easy but this door is fulfilling. I don’t care if that door made me six years in college. It’s a six years of learning after all. It didn’t make me lose anything but rather gave me more opportunities to gain more. As I open that new door, it opened a series of more doors ahead of me. But took me two years before I had enough courage to knock at the door of the dungeon located at the left wing of the university gymnasium. I am really fond of writing. My first story was my version of a horror story that I read in a ten-peso Kababalaghan book bought at tiangge. Then it was followed by my cliché so-called-romantic novels inspired from Wattpad stories in high school days. I was first year when Pagsibol took my virginity and from then on I was longing for that feeling. I wanted more and it led me wanting to see my name on it. I brought my application form together
with my courage that I earned during the past two years in college. Being a campus journalist allowed me to explore more doors –locked doors that only those who are privileged can enter. Commitment and passion is the key, commitment for the responsibilities and passion for the service. Opening these doors requires bravery and intelligence because behind these one should have to stand for what is right. I need to take a deep breath for this last door. It takes time for one to have courage to open this door to someone. Some chose to remain it close and some just open it for only few people. Deciding to remain it close is okay because it was, it is and it will never be easy. It’s not a one-time thing. Everywhere you go people acts as if you are required to expose this door but it is not. You and only you have the right to open it. Opening this door to someone gives benefits and risks. This can be freeing and can bring you closer to the people you love. But it can also be stressful and dangerous. I have this door since I felt something unusual with my sense of affection. I built this door really tough to avoid discrimination. I hated myself. The people made me hate myself. In this world that being different is not normal. And when you do not agree on their standard you do not belong. Why is there a problem whom we chose to love? And the saddest part is that even others who have the same door criticize you as if you have to act like them and if not they will raise their eyebrows. But I believe that we should just go along beyond ordinary. Being true to ourselves will give us freedom to live our life and to choose what we want. This time I am giving you a chance to open this door. Just knock twice for a sign of respect. Still, I know there will be lots of door that I will encounter. Some may bring me to my dream Wonderland that will test my bravery and compassion. Some may be a portal to somewhere for opportunities or some may challenge me to face my fear and my own demons. We have our chances which door is for us to open. Whatever door we enter one must dive, evolve and live.
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BEDROCK
Margarete B. Caguioa
divorce
“
it has been 5 years since i’ve taken my vows to you and agreed to this fixed marriage but i think i’ve done my part. i want a divorce. I think I had enough of all of your broken promises and I want to cut the ropes that tied us together. But first, let me share my experience in those 5 years of running around a circular path of our marriage where you promised me something and then you broke it again and again. I agreed to this fixed-marriage since you promised me that you will offer and give me all the things that would make me happy. That’s why I am convinced to transfer to you SLSU during my second semester of my first year. I’m a Civil Engineering student from my former school instead you said that I will be a temporary Computer Engineering student since there’s no available slot. You promised me that after I finished the semester, you will give me the slot to my dream profession so I can fulfill my dreams. That is our deal. Year have passed and I just followed-up to you about your promise of giving me my dream profession but you just said the same promise. I replied to you ‘It’s okay, I can still wait’ since I promised myself that all I need is patience to work this relationship that we have but I’m terribly worried that time because I sensed something different in you. And my hunched was correct! The one thing that I’m begging you for the past years, was just given it to someone
else. And the saddest part is, it’s you who gave you’ve gave that slot to someone else. It crushed me into pieces. I don’t know why you’ve prioritized her rather than me, given that I’m your wife and we had an agreement. Is she richer? Now, I remember! She brought her mom and talked to you. As far as I remember we have our vows, the rules and regulations, but how come I didn’t know that? Or better yet, you should have told me so I could bring my entire family. Or maybe it was really just your habit? Choosing those with power and letting those weak ones behind. Even though this is a fixed-marriage I don’t deserve this kind of treatment. I thought that if I enter this fixed-marriage I will be loved and will make me happy but instead I feel like I’m a battered wife. You have ripped my clothes and forced me to wear the ones that were totally out of my style. But still, I would like to thank you for running with me even though it’s not the typical path. You gave me a different road to take where I met a new family. A family where I can speak up and where my voice is heard so that it could reach not only you but other students that are committed to you. I still do but I’m tired. Tired of all the things that you made me do even when I don’t want to. I still do but I’m broken. Broken into pieces every time you break your promises. I still do but I had enough. Enough of all of you. This will serve as a lesson not to commit in someone that you don’t knew well. Unfortunately, no matter what I say and no matter what I want it still doesn’t matter. I would still carry your name since this country is still discussing the case of divorce.
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A POSTERIORI marvin r. curioso
palpak na naman
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nang umulan ng kapalpakan sa mundo, nakalimutan ng slsu maghanda ng payong. Sa isang pamantasan na ang tingin sa ganitong klase ng pahayag ay mapanira, walang base at purong akusasyon na binatay lamang sa personal na adyenda, na “ibinubukod-tangi” bilang mga aktibista, rebelde at subersibo ang mga estudyanteng nagpapahayag ng ganitong uri ng saloobin ng pagkadismaya sa palakad ng administrasyon, pagsubok na maituturing ang itimo sa ilang saradong utak, mapa-guro man o estudyante, na hindi tayo karapat-dapat sa mga katangahan at kapalpakang ibinubuhos ng ating pamantasan. Hindi maling sisihin ang intitusyon sa mga kabulukang tinitiis ng ating mga sikmura dahil, unang-una, hindi tama na laging mamaluktot tayo sa kumot na binibigay nila at sa baluktot na pahayag: wala naman kayong binabayaran, free tuition naman. Fact check: Ang libreng pag-aaral ay karapatan natin at hindi pribilehiyong isusumbat sa atin kung kailan nila gusto. Sa kabilang banda, maraming programa ang ating pamantasan na kapaki-pakinabang o naging dahilan ng masigabong palakpakan. Ngunit kung titimbangin, hindi matatawaran ang bigat ng naidulot na pasakit sa mga estudyante ng mga desisyon ng dating administrasyon na tila pinag-isipan nang isang upuan lang. Sa totoo lang, maraming kapalpakan ang nais kong tukuyin pero kukulangin ang isang column sa haba ng listahan. Bilang isang estudyante ng College of Engineering (CEn), hayaan mong umpisahan ko sa kontrobersyal na paglilipat ng mga estudyante ng nasabing kolehiyo sa SLSU Lucena. Una sa lahat, katangahan kung hindi masisilip na hindi naman akreditado ang mga kurso ng engineering sa Lucena, at na nasa matinding panganib ang kinabuksan ng mga estudyante roon dahil mahihirapan silang humanap ng kumpanyang papasukan dahil hindi akreditado ang kolehiyong nagbigay sa kanila ng diploma. Pero salamat pa rin dahil natigil ang planong ito dahil
napatalsik ang administrasyong nagpatupad nito. Ngunit paano kung nanatili ang administrasyon at ang plano nito? Isipin mo na lang ang saligutgot at gulong idudulot nito. Isa pang kapalpakan ang agarang paglilipat ng mga estudyante patungo sa SLSU – Tayabas, samantalang hindi pa naman tapos itayo ang mga silid at gusali nito. Ang bagsak ng mga estudyante? Sapilitang pagkaklase sa barangay hall. Naging kontrobersya rin ang pag-aalok ng kursong B.S. Radiologic Technology sa mga freshmen ngayong taon. Ngunit sa “hindi inaasahang” kapalpakan, lumabas na hindi pa naman handa ang pamantasan upang ialok ang nasabing kurso dahil sa kakulangan nito sa mga guro at kagamitan. Dinagdagan pa ang kapalapakan nang ialok sa mga estudyante na tahakin ang “pansamantalang” kurso tulad ng B.S. Biology at B.S. Nursing. “Pansamantala lang naman” ang pangako sa mga estudyante dahil “baka” sa susunod na taon ay buksan nang tuluyan ang kursong ito. Ngunit paano kung hindi na ialok pa ang kurso? Muli, isipin mo ang nararamdaman ng estudyanteng pinili ang pamantasang sa halip na tumupad sa kanyang pangarap, naging daan upang masira ito. Hindi ko sinasabing laging palpak ang sistemang pinapairal ng SLSU, o hindi pinag-iisipan ang mga ginagawang desisyon bago ipatupad, o wala itong kakayahang magbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon. Sa totoo lang, kaya nito. Pero sana lang, mabawasan na ang mga kapalpakang pinapairal nito dahil hindi biro ang mga bagay na nakataya tulad ng kaligatasan, pangarap, at kinabukasan ng mga mag-aaral na umasang dadalhin sila ng pamantasan sa landas na gusto nilang tahakin. Lahat ng ito ay saloobin lang naman ng isang estudyante na bukas ang mata upang makita ang ganitong uri ng kabulukan, at isip upang makapagsiwalat ng mga maling bagay sa perspektibo ng isang mag-aaral. Kaya sana, sa susunod na pag-ulan ng kapalpakan, huwag lang basta payong ang ihanda ng pamantasan, dapat asahan na laging bagyo ang paparating nang sa gayon mas mapagpalanuhan, mas mabawasan ang katangahan at laging bukas sa pagpuna ng mga nagawang
kapalpakan.
COLUMN
RULE OF THUMB Irra Mae N. Vito
fight or flight?
“
why do birds still fly with lost feathers? Stepping off the edge of a cliff is both a risk and inception. Choosing between to fear or to face goes beyond fret and courage. However, it is a cusp of choice. A choice of whether to focus on academics or not; to get involved or just be passive; to serve or be served; to speak or to write; to endure or leave; to migrate or to stay and; to continue or to stop. And each choice is indeed a renunciation where losing feathers is sure to happen putting everything into question that makes me overly conscious of the good reasoning, better thoughts, and best words. Life offers a lot of uncertainties out of all the certain things I have prepared for. In my flight to my destination as a student and as a Kingfisher, I know I may be scathed, people on land may release bullets out of their guns or arrows from bows, or throw disputes that would greatly obverse all the truth. I remember when I was passing the RFID, a man with a gun on his waist and all equipped with titles of fortress and patches of courage poked me on my head after knowing that I am part of The Kingfisher. From there, I had hints that there might be rather putative views which made me flap harder to soar higher. And this choice of becoming a Kingfisher has become my everyday mantra where I ought to seek for the truth infallible. No matter how many times I get my feathers poked out, as long as I serve for the students who were mainly being forsaken of the rights and benefits by the hideous moves of the administration, I will choose to. Kingfisher is not a pest nor a prey, it is a pride, historically and in this contemporary. We are not flying foes, but we can be when oppression exists for we are fortress of the students. We ought to leave our nest not just to spread our wings but to spread what students must know and of what must be heard from
them. I would choose to keep on soaring for identity- not for our own pleasure but to break the chains of false identity of The Kingfisher. Despite this firm goal, once a bird gets hit on its wings, it tumbles. I admit, I have thought in countless times to wing away to all responsibilities in the publication. It feels like my wings are not tough enough and taut to fly against the strong winds and airwaves. But there’s something that holds me back-- those I left in the nest. I also fear of falling and failing. Again, I behold being infallible in actions especially with my words to write and speak. I am afraid to fail in academics after failing to balance it with my role in the publication or after being personally attacked by someone in the institution I criticized. I might miscalculate the right speed and velocity of flying. I also get tired of coming back to sanctuaries of different kinds where I have been repeatedly refused to feather. And of those who won’t consider nor allow us to flock. But looking for worms to feed up the nest is just the same as seeking for facts to fill the articles, both are responsibility and will never be wrong. Why can’t it be out of the cage? Why are those being hidden? Why did they deny? I haven’t reach the perfection as connoted in Jonathan Livingston Seagull. Quoting, “Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know, and you’ll see the way to fly!” Wherein perfection means the ability to move, fly, and write between time and space in ways that an average student might not. I still have lots of queries in my mind to answer but it all end up with the reason which I would find out upon flying beholding the perfect idea of freedom and flight being limited by nothing at all. And so, I stopped writing my resignation letter and bound to fly again with flawed yet stronger wings. A Kingfisher still flies with lost feathers after coming back to its nest then fights. ALCEDIAN XIV
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hindi ako si maria clara
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PRESS N’ PLAY jesselyn mirandilla
noong tinanong mo ako kung bakit ayaw kong magsuot ng bakya, para mo na rin akong tinanong kung bakit ayaw kong isuot ang sapatos na mas malaki o mas maliit sa mga paa ko. May iba’t ibang sukat ang mga sapatos; may malaki na kapag sinuot mo ay maaari kang madapa at meron ding maliit na mag-iiwan pa ng sugat sa ‘yong mga paa. At sigurado ako na hindi rin mawawala ang mga taong ipipilit sa ‘yo ang sapatos na gusto nilang ipasuot sa ‘yo, dahil tingin nila ay mas babagay sayo. Katulad ng mga taong pilit na magdidikta ng kung ano at sino ka sa lipunang ginagalawan mo. Sa lahat ng sapatos, pinakatanyag pa rin ang barya ni Maria Clara. Unang ipinakilala si Maria Clara sa akdang Noli me Tangere— isang dalaga na mayroong hindi makabasag pinggang imahe na tumatak sa isipan ng mga Pilipino at kalauna’y naging batayan na rin ng isang pagiging dalagang Pilipina. Ngayon, kapag nagsuot ka ng maiksi, ang tingin agad sa iyo ay pakawala. Kapag pulang-pula ang ‘yong labi at pisngi, susundan ka agad nila ng malisyoso o mapanghusgang tingin. Ginagawa pang dahilan ng ilan ang suot at ayos ng kababaihan para makatakas sa kaso ng pambabastos na kanilang kinasasangkutan. Ayon sa isang survey ng Social Weather Station, 88 porsyento ng mga babae na may edad 18 hanggang 24 ang dumanas ng iba’t ibang sexual harassment katulad ng catcalling, panghihipo at iba pa. Tinatayang 50 porsyento ang walang ginagawa matapos maranasan ito, habang 20 porsyento naman ang hindi makapag-react dahil sa takot.
Ang nakakadismaya pa rito, ang tingin ng marami ay kasalanan ng babae kung bakit sila nababastos. Dahil dito, napipilitan ang mga kababaihan na ibahin ang kanilang nakagawiang ayos at pananamit sa takot na maulit pa ito. Ipipilit nilang isuot sa ‘yo ang sapatos na hindi naman talaga kasya sa mga paa mo. Sa totoo lang, hindi mo naman kailangang pakinggan at sundin ang lahat ng idinidikta sa iyo. Hindi ko sinasabing huwag mong pakinggan ang mundo, mas maganda lamang kung pakikinggan mo rin ang boses mo. Ultimo si Maria Clara nga na balot na balot ang katawan at mas pino pa sa asin ang kilos ay nagawa pa ring pagtangkaang gahasain ni Padre Salvi sa akda. Hindi kailanman magiging tamang dahilan ang ayos ng isang babae para malaman kung sinong irerespeto at hindi. Kahit punuin mo ng kolorete ang iyong mukha, magsuot ka man ng maiikling damit o makabasag ka pa ng ilang pinggan at baso, huwag kang matatakot sa sasabihin at magiging masama tingin ng iba. Dahil kung may respeto sila ay rerespetuhin ka nila, maging kabaliktaran ka man ni Maria Clara. Lagi mong tatandaan na kung kailangan mong isuot ang sapatos na babagay sa ‘yo, mas kailangan mong malaman kung kakasya ba ito sa mga paa mo. Pwede mo rin namang isuot at pagkasyahin ang masikip o maluwag na sapatos na gusto nila para sa ‘yo. Dalawa lang yan; magtitiis ka o hahanapin mo ang sapatos na talagang kasya sa ‘yo. Hindi ko kasukat ng paa si Maria Clara kaya naman ayaw kong isuot ang kanyang bakya. Hindi ko rin kailangang maging katulad niya para masabing dalagang Pilipina. Dahil ako, higit sa lahat, ang nakakaalam ng tamang sukat ng aking mga paa.
COLUMN
BEYOND THE SURFACE mariel v. tadiosa
dirty talks
“
if media is a dirty hand, no amount of handwashing soap could clean the 99.9% of its germs. When I was a kid, I’m fascinated with everything media offers to its viewers. It sounds weird but at the age of nine, the forms of entertainment that attracted me were not only limited to barbie dolls, paper planes nor board games because I used to open the television during mundane afternoons just to watch travel shows, showbiz talks and magazine programs. These made my childhood a bit remarkable. I see media before as a smooth and clean hand divulging the world of fun, reality and adventure. Perhaps, that is the reason why I dreamed of becoming a part of it. As I enter college, I took Bachelor of Arts in Communication. This is where my knowledge about media and information became wider and complex. I have learned that regardless of age, race, status or gender, we can all practice our freedom of speech and expression. This is exactly what social media users and most importantly, all media companies and networks are exercising at present. But on the latter part of digging deeper about the issues related to media, an extensive epiphany hit me hard as if I were slapped triple times in the face. Media is dirty. This is what our professor told us. But it is not the journalists’ nor other media practitioners’ fault why it goes that way. They are only dependent on media companies that governs them and decides what kind and how much of information the public should know. Media has become dirty for money has always been involved in the process. Journalists still write what they were instructed to, no matter how heavy it is in their heart to publish an article that opposed what they
believed in because at the end of the day, they will receive huge amount to keep in their pockets. Afterall, having no money to feed their family is much harder to bear than bottling up conscience. Journalists are overworked but underpaid, said Mr. Rustum Alvarez of Radyo Pilipinas. This is basically the reason why the so-called envelope mental journalism became prevalent, as it increases the income of media companies and its journalists apart from the income generated from numerous advertisements. Envelope mental journalism is the act of broadcasting or publishing news that feeds the special interest of some government officials, public personality, business corporation or institutions in exchange of money. This has become the home of hidden propaganda and the house of news fabrication resulting to misleading beliefs of audiences. Indeed, media is currently and continuously getting so much dirt on its hand. As a future media practitioner, I am certain on what could possibly happen as I immerse myself in this kind of environment. It will not be easy for sure. The moment I enter, I will be surrounded with so much dirt and toxicity. Media would try to make me question myself on why did I even enter this field in the first place. But one thing I would keep in mind is that, I am serving the people. My words would create an impact and so I will choose to leave a positive one. Among the hundreds of media practitioners in this country, I will be one of those who will not be easily swayed by money in exchange of somebody’s economic or political gains. I will stand firm in disseminating information based on reliable facts because I am concerned on how this information would shape the beliefs of people. Indeed, if media is a dirty hand, it will be hard to clean. But I will be a handwashing soap to kill even 0.1% of its germs.
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COLUMN
THE GREAT PERHAPS ma. claudine f. verzosa
just in the nick of time
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we wake up each morning to blaring alarms that artificially disrupt our circadian rhythm and forcefully yank us from the ever enticing embrace of sleep. From a very young age, we are conditioned to comply with society’s enforced notions of punctuality. This forced sense of respect for time, through convoluted overlays of socioeconomic constructs, allowed society to effectively monetize the commercial marketability of our very lives. But what is time, anyway? Objectively speaking, time—the foremost critical influencing factor in our daily lives is nothing more than social convention. Early Egyptians were credited with being the first to have divided the day into smaller portions according to how the sun casted the shadow of stakes on the ground. As technology progressed, so did our understanding of time. It wasn’t until the 16th century that the scientific study of time began with Galileo Galilei. It was Sir Isaac Newton’s concept of absolute time that was widely accepted by classical physicists at his time. Basically time, according to Newton, was external to the universe, and so must be measured independently of the universe. But we, being limited by our own physiology and technology, are only capable of perceiving what he called “relative, apparent and common time”, which can be observed in the measurement of perceivable objects in motion (like the heavenly bodies) and clocks that we use to measure the everyday passage of time. When Einstein published his Special and General Theory of relativity the scientific community felt the need to update Newton’s concept. According to relativity, time is interwoven with the very fabric of space and cannot be taken separately. Hence you get 4-dimensional space-time (3 dimensions of space plus time).
The current consensus among modern physicists is that time does not flow. Well, not in the conventional sense anyway. It’s not a linear progression of cause to effect. Contrary to our perception of time, which we view through our own goggles of thought governed primarily by memory, our definitions of time are as are mirrored in the tenses we use in grammar: We remember the entirety of our lives before today, we experience living it presently, and we hope to still be alive to experience it tomorrow. However, as Einstein said, “The distinction between the past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.” This implies that every single instant of our lives can be reduced to three coordinates of space and the corresponding interwoven coordinate of time, laid out there—never flowing, but just are. As part of our human experience, whenever we go through hardships and feel like nothing ever goes right, and we cannot see any silver linings at all; just remember: the distinctions are but a stubbornly persistent illusion. We have our choices among a lot of undefined, non-deterministic variables and uncertainties, but if we break the very walls that define the tenses, then there’s really nothing to even worry about. When photons are generated by thermonuclear reactions at the Sun’s core, their sheer magnitude, the greatly varied densities among succeeding layers make the mean escape path for each photon so miniscule that it takes up to a Million years for a single photon (ray of light) to travel from the core to the outer surface of the Sun. But when it does, it only takes it 8 minutes (and change) to traverse the distance from the Sun to Earth travelling at the speed of light. And every single ray of light fulfill their purpose: they nourish life. Plants get to make food, that in turn starts a cascade of energy transfer via innumerable food chains and food webs all across the planet. No matter how seemingly impossible your current predicament may seem, everyone eventually fulfills their life’s purpose.
COLUMN
INEVITABLE TRUTH jasper s. peralta
para sa aming mga pinugutan
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marami ang nagtatatanong at nagtataka kung bakit tinanggal ang college of industrial technology sa listahan ng mga kolehiyong pwedeng pagpatalaan ng mga bagong estudyante sa ating unibersidad.
Kaya may mga haka-haka at espekulasyon na lumabas sa mga taong aking nakasasalamuha sa loob at labas ng aming kolehiyo, bakit pa raw kailangan ang College of Industrial Technology kung napag-aaralan naman na ito sa Senior High School, sa TESDA o sa iba pang vocational school? Posible ring napag-iwanan na talaga ng panahon, kulang sa kagamitan, pasilidad at kakayanan na makasabay sa takbo ng bagong industriya ang aming kolehiyo kaya naman napagpasyahan ng nakaraang administrasyon na alisin na lang ito at magbilang na lang ng mga araw hanggang umabot sa araw ng aming pagtatapos upang tuluyan na nga kaming mawala at maglaho sa ating unibersidad. Ngunit ito lang kaya ang tunay na dahilan ng ating nakaraang administrasyon kung bakit inalis na lang nila ang aming kolehiyo o hindi naman kaya’y umay na ang mga ito sa mga magugulo, pasaway at mahihina ‘pag dating sa academics na mga estudyante kaya walang habas na lang kaming pinugutan at inilagay na lang ang mga ito sa College of Engineering. Huwag naman sanang iyon. Oo. Aminado naman ako. Mga pasaway at magugulo talaga ang ilan sa amin pero hindi ito nangahuhulugan na lahat kami ay ganu’n na rin. Ika nga, ‘pag nakakita ka ng bulok na prutas sa isang puno ay hindi nangahuhulugan na ganu’n din lahat ng bunga nito. Gano’n din sa academics. Hindi porke’t mahina na kami pagdating du’n ay wala na kaming silbi at wala na kaming mararating sa buhay. Teka, sa trabaho ba kailangan mo pang ipagyabang at ipakita na puro uno ‘yung grade mo? Kaya sa nakaraang administrasyon, mawalang-galang na
po. Ano po ba kami? Mga basura na dahil sa hindi n’yo na kami gusto at dahil masama na kami sa paningin ay basta-basta na lang n’yong itatapon kung saan-saan? Paano na po ang mga estudyanteng nangangarap pumasok dito para mag-aral at dahil wala na ang aming kolehiyo ay magtiwala na lang kay batman at pagkatapos magtapos ay doon palang nila maiisip na mali pala ang kanilang napiling kurso. Paano na ang mga mahuhusay naming guro na napilitang lumipat at umalis dahil dito? Sayang naman dahil ang hirap humanap ng kwalipikado at may matagal nang kasanayan pagdating sa pagtuturo. Paano na lang ang mga nakaraan naming alumni na nagpapatunay na kahit hindi ka kagalingan sa pag-aaral at pasaway ka nu’ng nag-aaral ka pa ay pwede ka pa ring magtagumpay sa buhay? Paano na lang ang limang dekadang pamamalagi ng aming kolehiyo dito sa ating unibersidad at lahat-lahat ng mga naiambag at naitulong namin sa paglago at pag-unlad ng ating unibersidad? Kaya’t lubos ang aking tuwa nang malaman ko ang balita na ibabalik na ang aming kolehiyo, bagama’t sa SLSU Lucena na ito itutuloy. Magkagayon, ano man ang kahinatnan ng desisyon ng bagong mga namumuno sa unibersidad, kung ito ang makatutulong at makapagpapaunlad sa mga estudyante at faculty ng buong College of Industrial Technology, bakit hindi na lang tayo umasa at maniwala. Kaya sa pagtatapos ng lahat at sa kahuli-hulihang pagkakataon, sa ngalan ng lahat ng mga kasalukuyan at nakaraang mag-aaral, faculty, mga alumni, mga aral, alaala at sa ‘yong ika-55 taong pagbibigay ng tahanan sa aming lahat, gusto kong sabihin sa ‘yo ang mga katagang ito. Para sa mahal naming mandirigma, “Paalam, Salamat Sa Lahat”.
ALCEDIAN XIV
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YOUTH
POINTS
EDUKASYON — PARA SAAN?
Sa gitna ng mapanubok na panahong umiiral sa bansang nagtatangkang makawala at umangat sa mapanlinlang na sistema ng kapitalismo, ano nga ba ang saysay ng nagpupumiglas at nagpapaka-transpormatibong ideya ng mga malalaya, radikal, at optimistikong mangingisip?— ang edukasyon. Sinasabing sa sistema ng edukasyon nakasalalay ang pangunahing tunguhin ng isang bansa sa pag-unlad: kung nais ba na lumilok ng mga manggagawang sanay sa isang metradong pagkilos, mga malalayang mangingisip na mangunguna sa isang pambansang rebolusyong industriyal, sosyo-kultultural, at politikal, o mga nagkakaisang indibidwal na nagtataglay ng kasanayan sa ideyal at mas produktibong kompromiso. Kung gayon pala na ang pangunahing tunguhin ng edukasyon ay mga resulta, isa rin lamang itong ilusyong nilikha ng kapitalismo na tuon sa indibidwal na pag-unlad. Ngunit laging may sasalungat sa ganitong ideyolohiya. Mayroong mag-iisip at gaganap na mga aktibista upang ireporma ang sistema. Mula sa limitadong eskala ng ating sistemang pang-edukasyon, lumalabas na ang pagkatuto ay maaaring edukasyon para sa edukasyon at edukasyon para sa masa. Hango ito sa isang sikat na konotasyong “art for art sake” at “art for the masses”. Bakit nga naman hindi? Ang edukasyon ay sining din—mapagpabago, transpormatibo, malaya, at tumutugis sa mga mapang-alipin at masalimuot na sistema ng lipunan. Kaugnay nito, naging inspirasyon ko rin ang mga focus group discussion (FGD) na aming isinagawa kasama ang mga kaibigan at kakilala mula sa iba’t-ibang kurso. Sa nasabing FGD, iisa lang ang naging pokus na tanong. “Bakit kinuha mo ang kursong pinag-aaralan mo ngayon?” Nailagom ang mga tugon sa dalawa. Una, para makatulong sa kapwa at bayan (edukasyon para sa masa) at ikalawa, para linangin at tuklasin pa ang sarili at sariling kakayahan o dahil personal itong malapit sa kanilang puso (edukasyon para sa edukasyon). Sa ganitong lagay, ikukulong natin ang diskurso sa dalawang konseptong personal kong dulog. Ang Pilipinas ay isang bansang agrikultural na nagtatangkang maglunsad ng industriyalisasyon upang makasabay sa globalisasyon at dito magsisimula ang diskusyon sa dalawang konsepto na aking binigyang pansin. Ayon sa mga estadistika ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) noong 2016-2018, higit na mas mataas ang bilang ng mga estudyanteng kumukuha ng mga kursong inhinyerya at teknolohiya kumpara sa agrikultura. Noong 2016-2017, tinatayang may 448,550 magaaral ang kumuha ng inhinyeriya kumpara sa 127, 287 mula sa mga kursong agrikultura. Noon namang 2017-2018, may 370,710 na mag-aaral ang inhinyeriya at teknolohiya habang may 100,922 naman sa agrikultura. Samantala, higit na mas mataas naman ang bahagdan ng mga estudyanteng nagsisipagtapos sa agrikultura kaysa inihinyerya at teknolohiya.
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JAIMEL NICOMEDEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, ANG BINHI
Noong 2016-2017, may 18.46% na nagsipagtapos sa inhinyeriya at teknolohiya. Mas mababa ito kumpara sa 19.02% na mga nagsipagtapos ng agrikultura. Kapansin-pansin rin ito sa sumunod na taon, kung saan 23.43% ang nagsipagtapos sa inihinyerya at teknolohiya habang 26.53% ang nagsipagtapos sa agrikultura. Dagdag pa rito, ayon sa estadistikang inilabas ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) noong 2018, may 10.9 milyon ang mga manggagawa sa bansa na kabilang sa sektor ng agrikultura at halos 13,000 lamang sa inihinyerya. Mula sa datos, makikitang mas episyente, kapakipakinabang, produktibo, at mas angkop tayo sa agrikultura. Sa ganitong lagay, nasa tamang direksyon ba tayo? Hindi ba’t kataka-taka na sobrang daming estudyante sa kursong inhinyerya ngunit ‘di hamak naman na kakaunti ang pangangailangan sa mga propesyonal na ito kumpara sa tumatanda, umuunti, at marhinalisadong sektor ng agrikultura? Kung kapapanayamin ang mga nasa Kolehiyo ng Pagsasaka (CAg), isang malaking “para sa bayan” ang aalingawngaw sapagkat ang kurso mismo ay nakabatay sa pangangailangan ng bansa. Ito ang konsepto ng edukasyong para sa masa na nakatuon sa pangangailangan ng komunidad at bansa. Buhat sa ganitong konteksto ng diskurso, tahasan kong ipinahahayag na pansarili ang kursong inhinyeriya ngunit hindi ito limitado at partikular. Ang puntong ito ay nakabatay sa sosyo-kultural na konseptong umiiral sa ating lipunan sapagkat sa normal na usapan, ang pagkuha ng kursong ihinyeriya ay para lamang mismo sa konsepto ng edukasyon– upang tuklasin ang sarili, sundin ang dikta ng puso, o para sa pamilya (maiahon sila sa hirap o dahil may linyang propesyonal na sinusundan). Sa totoo lamang, kailan ba tayo nakarinig na kumuha ng kursong engineering na nagsabing para ito sa bayan? Kung hindi “wala” ay sobrang bihira, hindi ba? Ano nga ba ang masama sa ganitong tangkain? Siguro nga’y pagod na ang lipunan na mangarap para sa bayan sapagkat nakalugmok tayo sa sistemang de-kandado, mapamilit, at mapang-alipin. Nabulag tayo sa konsepto ng edukasyon para sa edukasyon, ang pagtupad sa mga interes na nakabatay sa indibidwal na pangangailangan ng isang tao. Walang superyor sa dalawang konseptong ito, o kapwa importante ang mga tunguhing ito. Ngunit, sa ilalim ng konteksto ng nanunubok na lipunan, ano nga ba ang mas mahalaga at dapat unahin? Dito ko iiwan ang tanong. Edukasyon para sa edukasyon o edukasyon para sa masa? “Bayan o sarili? Mamili ka!” *nais mo rin bang magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagbahagi ng iyong column sa taunang magazine ng The Kingfisher? ipadala lamang ito sa opisyal na gmail o Facebook page ng pahayagan.
ALCEDIAN XIv
news HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF FOR TORCHBEARERS
CTE seals 5-peat CAF title // MEG-RYAN S. REONAL & RONALYN G. MASBAÑO
College of Teacher Education (CTE) Torchbearers defended their title for the fifth time as they claimed the overall championship in the Culture and Arts Festival (CAF) after accumulating 69 points in the domains of music, visual arts, dance and performing arts, Sept. 26-27.
Torchbearers bags 4 golds out of 13
WILDFIRE College of Teacher Education fiery secures gold for the fifth time. // PHOTOS BY DEL CHRISTJON B. SOGABO & IRRA MAE N. VITO
College of Teacher Education (CTE) bagged four gold medals, one silver and three bronze medals leading them to the overall championship crown. CTE representatives Pia Clarisse Deapera, Jerica Jade Borja, Lynssel Aureada, Rea Mae Bagnizal, CJ Zoleta, Czar Augustus Lopez, Janry Ramiro, and Dennis Roldan won gold in the Contemporary Dance Competition; Irvin Francia and Leah Marie Napiza got the first place in Vocal Duet; Donn Henley Castillo claimed top spot in Charcoal Rendering; and Allysa Lucelle Reynales secured the gold medal in On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest. Moreover, CTE’s Jackielyn Marace placed second in the Photo Contest. CTE also won third place in radio drama, live band and hip-hop.
ALCEDIAN XIV
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NEWS
SLSU-Lucena, Dragons secure 2nd, 3rd spot
STRUM Wiliam Pascua struck judges with his rendition of ‘Bato sa Buhangin’. // PHOTO BY MARY JOY SUSAYA
With accumulated points of 51, leading by five points in front of the the third placer College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) - Lucena Campus was hailed the second overall leader.
SLSU Lucena’s William Pascua won gold in the Instrumental Solo Guitar-Category; Andrey Marcos got the first place in the Painting Contest; and John Carlo Peña claimed victory in Pencil Drawing Competition.
SCRIPT College of Arts and Sciences Radio Drama team heartfelt simulcast their unique storyline. // PHOTO BY MA. CLAUDINE F. VERZOSA
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Moreover, Lucena’s representatives Charllemagne Sacriz, Efraim Ortiz, Maryan Joy Dimaala, Allan Yvez Crisanto and Carla Denysse Roma placed second in Radio Drama. Also, John Romar Gapasangra got the bronze medal for On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest while their representatives won third in the Contemporary Dance Competition. Meanwhile, despite having only one gold medal, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) claimed the overall third place after accumulating 46 points along with two second place and three third place outing. Dragons’ Mark Gerald R. Labitoria, Unice Faith Cataquiz, Gramiel Austria, Mary Joy Susaya, and Khristian Paul Medina won gold in Radio Drama with their piece “Pinagbuklod ng Pagkakataon”. “Sobrang hirap, mahirap sa ideas, mahirap sa script, sa members, so hindi talaga naming naisip na aabot kami sa gaanitong level. Nagdoubt kami… [pero] ipinaalala sa sarili naming na hindi naman kami (sa sarili) talunan kasi mayroon kaming skills,” said Medina one of the casts. On the other hand, CAS bagged the second place in Contemporary Dance Competition and their representatives for Hip-hop won silver. In addition, Jesselyn Mirandilla won third in Charcoal Rendering Contest; Althea Clabita placed third in Pop Solo Competition; and Glenda Marquez got bronze in Kundiman Singing Contest.
NEWS
CAS tops research, extension In-house Review // ARCHIE LINSASAGIN
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLSUCAS.NET
Bagging three best paper awards out of four categories, faculty researchers and extension facilitators from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) dominated this year’s In-house Review of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) held at SLSU-Lucena Campus, September 26. With their research paper entitled “Be engaged and decorate through sharing on mobile (Beads on Mobile)”, Prof. Julie Avila, Ms. Vanessa Cadeliña, and Ms. Anna Sulapas received the best extension program accolade.
For the Social Sciences category, Dr. Helen Daya, together with co-faculty researchers Prof. Gino Cabrera and Prof. Noreen Echague were awarded for their paper entitled “Psychological Well-Being of College Students of SLSU: Validation of the Personal-Social Responsibility and Wellness Module.” Meanwhile, hailing best in the Natural Sciences category, Mr. Essex Vladimer Samaniego and Mr. Wilfredo Barrera Jr. bagged the best paper award with their paper entitled “Density, Distribution,
and Diet of Invasive Alien Species of Frogs of Mt. Banahaw-San Cristobal Protected Landscape.” With regards to the benefits of their research paper, he stated that its primary concern is the conservation of native species of Mount BanahawSan Cristobal Protected Landscape, and the protection and conservation of the environment. “This invasives (alien species of frogs), together with disturbances which are becoming prevalent in our forest ecosystems, will then harm the environment and displace or compete with native wildlife, worst, prey in them which will result to their extinction.” Samaniego added. Samaniego also said research is important because all the problems are directly addressed without proper research, analysis and assessment end up bad. “Everything that we are enjoying right now are products of this so-called research,” Samaniego said. Three offices in the university including Office of Vice President for Research, Extension, Planning, and Development, Office of the Director for Research, and Office of the Extension Services) facilitated the annual review with the assistance of Southern Tagalog Agriculture, Aquatic and Resources Research, Development and Extension Consortium (STAARRDEC). Panelists from University of Rizal System (URS), Batangas State University (BatSU), and Cavite State University (CvSU) evaluated twentyone both completed and ongoing faculty researches and extension programs subjected to the annual review.
Buddy’s owner, 6 others are SLSU’s first alumni awardees // JESSELYN M. MIRANDILLA
Owner of Buddy’s Restaurant, together with six other alumni of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) were named as “Outstanding Alumni” in different fields during its very first search for outstanding alumni, August 2. As part of the celebration of the Second Grand Alumni Homecoming of SLSU on August August 2, Maria Nova Veluz of Buddy’s Restaurant received the Business and Industry Award while Loida Caludia Talambayan was awarded with Education Award. Other awardees were Glendo Caagbay as Entrepreneurial Awardee, Mario Subeldia as Outstanding Artist, and Board Member Iris Armando as Young Alumni Awardee Also included in the set of outstanding alumni were Rosalina Tenepere for Government Service, and Donards Kim Tañedo for Community Service. Originally, there were eight awards but no one was nominated for the ‘Outstanding Inventor/ Scientist Award’ leading to its exclusion to the awards given. In connection with this, SLSU Alumni Federation Inc. (SLSU AFI) were able to select the awardees from the 19 nominees those who have
PHOTO COURTESY OF SLSU ALUMNI FEDERATION INC. FACEBOOK PAGE
passed the criteria they have prepared for each award with the help of the search committee headed by Msgr. Antonio L. Obeña, H.P. According to Mr. Joel Erandio, president of SLSU-AFI, the committee spent almost three months in selecting the final awardees. “By March, we officially open the nominations for SLSU outstanding alumni and ended on June 21 with
six days extension from the original due date, June 15,” Erandio said. However, Erandio said that there is still no guarantee that it will continue for the next years eventhough the current year’s event was successful “It depends to the next administration of alumni federation. I am hoping that they will do that better than on what we did,” said Erandio. ALCEDIAN XIV
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NEWS
TARGETING ZERO-CASUALTY DURING QUAKES
SLSU-CERT to attend national level seminars // RENALYN HIPOLITO
Southern Luzon State University (SLSU)Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT) will be attending higher level preparedness seminars and simulations to assure that there will be no casualties during earthquakes. According to Prof. Edsel Paroan, head of CERT, they received invitations from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to participate on higher level of preparedness seminars and simulations. “We were able to send participants and volunteers to some kind of trainings na sponsored ng OCD at DILG para magkaroon ng mas mataas na level ng kaalaman ang ating mga CERT members on how to manage emergency crisis,” said Prof. Paroan. In connection to this, CERT stated that there were no reported casualties during the reported magnitude 5.3 earthquake of epicenter located at Burdeos, Quezon which rocks the rest of the Quezon province on September 13. CERT added that they became more eager to participate in national seminars to make sure that their team could manage similar incidents. Moreover, Prof. Paroan mentioned that they had an orientation held on the first week of September for new CERT volunteers to strengthen the team during disasters and emergencies. “Ang target nga kasi natin is to reduce risks at malaking bagay para sa CERT ‘yung maintenance ng ating mga volunteers. It’s a good thing na maraming may alam ng gagawin sa oras ng gantong sakuna,” he said. With that, Prof. Recie Beatriz, principal of SLSU - Laboratory Schools, encouraged students from STEM strand to attend the said orientation
ALERT Prof. Edsel Paroan, Dean of OSAS, delivered his speech for alertness and preparedness. // PHOTO BY DEL CHRISTJON B. SOGABO
for it would provide them enough knowledge about Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) which will be one of their subjects in the next semester. “In preparation doon sa malaking kinatatakutan (the big one) at least dapat prepared ang bawat isa lalo na ‘pag dumating ‘yong sinasabing intensity ng lindol na pinakamalakas, lahat tayo apektado, so kung meron tayong kaalaman... ‘yong ibang tao pwede mong matulungan,” said Prof. Beatriz. A total of 122 participants attended the orientation, mostly comprised of SHS students from Grade 11 and Grade 12 under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strand and freshmen from the university. Meanwhile, Alexandrei Michael Cook, BS Biology- I said in an interview, he joined the team to learn further from professionals and to help the community.
“Iba kasi yung turo from textbooks kaysa sa learning from experience. Bukod do’n, gusto ko rin kasi talaga ‘yung makatulong sa pagliligtas ng pamayanan at ng buhay ng bawat miyembro ng paaralan,” he said. Furthermore, CERT emphasized that there were no specific changes on their plans and preparations regarding earthquake preparedness but they are now joining high level trainings to learn how to use advance equipment like Artificial Defibrillator (AD) and Artificial External Defibrillator (AED) funded by the university. “‘ Yong mga activities naman natin in relation to preparedness especially during earthquakes ay dirediretso lang. Consistent tayo du’n. Kumbaga ay meron tayong mga definite activities na ginagawa like drills, basic first aid and basic life support training to make sure na may mga kaalaman tayo in case of emergency,” Prof. Paroan stressed.
9th MSPC Convention upholds integration, research // MARYLL JANE URGINO & GERSY LUCES
Mathematical Society of the Philippines (MSPC) CALABARZON promoted mathematical research, education and application, and interdisciplinary integration during its 9th Annual Convention and General Assembly on promotion at Southern Luzon State University (SLSU), September 7. MSPC is an organization which aims to provide avenue for mathematics educators, researchers and students to share their research results and interests. “ Yung number one [objective] naman namin is maspread yung mga research, work on mathematics education, application on interdisciplinary and camaraderie,” said Prof. Gilbert L. Olicio, MSPC Vice President. In line with this,Dr.Maria Cristeta Cuaresma of Graduate Education and Institutional Development Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture
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(SEARCA) presented her research with the title “Mathematics Education: Responding to the Challenges of Dynamic Environment”. Dr. Emmanuel Cabral, associate professor of the Department of Mathematics of Ateneo De Manila University, discussed his research entitled “A Computable Generalization of the Improper Reimann Integral”. “There’s no such thing as permanent kailangan lahat even sa technology nagbabago. Informative [ang bawat session], in a way na mas madaming discoveries na hindi mo makukuha sa area,” said Mr. Philbert, a teacher from San Idelfonso College, said on his second-time participation to the event. Moreover, in coordination with the Casio Education Philippines, the “Teaching of the Least Mastered Skills” segment highlights the event. “One goal of Casio Education Philippines is to facilitate the teachers in delivering the teaching of mathematics inside the classroom. We also
acknowledge Department of Education (DepEd) has this new Results-based Performance Management System evaluation for teachers in which among the seven domains is the integration of technology in the teaching and learning essence. We really are trying to help Filipino teachers to realize the goal of the DepEd,” said Reynaldo Torres of DepEd Malabon Division. Aside from the plenary talks and workshop for students and educators in CALABARZON, the convention also features business meeting and elections for new MSPC officers. The one-day convention consists of 150 participants from senior high schools, colleges and universities from different participating schools in the region was deemed a success and participants expect innovations for next year. On the other hand, Laguna will host MSPC’s 10th Annual Convention and General Assembly.
NEWS
Late CMO delays random drug testing // JERICHO PAGANA
RANDOM SLSU students along the hallway on the issue of the delayed drug testing. // PHOTO BY ZEDRIC R. DALDE
Due to the late issuance of CHED Memorandum Order (CMO), Southern Luzon State University - Random Drug Testing (SLSU - RDT) team delayed the preparation and implementation of the random drug testing for higher year students. In accordance with the Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drug Act, the CMO No. 18 series of 2018 or the implementing Guidelines for the conduct of drug testing to students on all Higher Education Institution aims to promote a drug-free campus.
The team already started the mandatory drug testing for freshmen students during the first semester while higher year students will be undergoing testing during the second semester According to Prof. Edsel Paroan, dean of the Office of the Students Affairs and Services (OSAS) and a member of the RDT team, they are not fully ready for the random drug testing because of the late issuance of the CMO. “Nadelay talaga (random drug testing). Nagbigay lang ng Special Order samin si Ma’am (Marissa) Esperal, officer- in- charge. Saka talagang late iyong
dissemination ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) regarding on the issuance of the CMO,” Prof. Paroan said. With the help of Management Information System (MIS), the RDT team focused on the process of how they will select the participants in the randm drug testing. Prof. Paroan also stated they are in the process of crafting any possible intervention that will fit on the students that ensures corrective approach. “Actually, if we discovered na positive ang isang bata, hindi siya punitive kasi corrective ang ating approach with regards on the treatment ng mga magpapositive na estudyate,” Prof. Paroan added. Meanwhile, 18 out of 20 students agreed on the corrective approach of the RDT team regarding the consequences that the drug positive might face. They also concluded that there are more negative consequences that the students might face when they are expelled. “Tama naman talaga na counseling kasi kung maki-kick-out sila ay malaki ang possibility na lalo silang malululong d’yan sa droga na ‘yan,” said Jan Joshua C. Nocus, freshman student, said. On the other hand, the school administration will shoulder the expenses of the random drug testing of the higher years. As of now, there are no records of any drug positive students at SLSU-Main Campus. The RDT team ensures that they will give a high consideration on the confidentiality of the drug test result in order to protect the human rights of the individual.
Students, local food handlers joins safety and sanitation seminar // MEG-RYAN S. REONAL
Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) students and local food handlers underwent seminar on food safety and sanitation which introduced the benefits of a safe food environment to the community held at the College of Teacher Education- Audio Visual Room (CTE- AVR), September 3. SLSU aimed to have an equitable access to healthy food for the whole community of Lucban and promote public health through the “Food Safety and Sanitation” seminar in celebration of Science and Technology Week. “When in doubt, throw it out,” Zandro Q. Omlas R. N, former Sanitation Inspector III of Tayabas City Rural Health Unit- Lucban, stressing that if the food is doubtful of eating then it has to be trashed. The inspector emphasized the importance of cleanliness and sanitation in achieving the goal of the local health unit toward healthy food environment. He also tackled the probable diseases that the community may acquire from unhealthy practice of food preparation and retailing.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANALIZA PAVINO MIRALLO
Omlas discussed particularly the do’s on food business and handling such as: Right choice; Right cooking; Right storage; and Right handling. In connection to this, the organizers of the seminar distributed sanitary materials to the participants and teach proper use and utilization. “Napakalaking tulong po sa akin nung seminar kasi kumakain at bumibili rin ako ng mga street food...
upang mapanatili ang kaligtasan, syempre doon tayo bibili kung saan tayo magiging ligtas,” said John Carlo T. Baliwag, BTLEd II- Home Economics. This year’s Science and Technology Week promoted the well- being of the community with the theme “Science for the People Enabling Technologies for Sustainable Development”.
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IHK modifies SLSU march’ steps // IRRA MAE N. VITO
Institute of Human Kinetics (IHK) reformed the step movements of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) March to make it simpler and easier but with deeper meaning, and to fit all ages. IHK did six modifications particularly to the equivalent actions whenever “alma mater” and “SLSU” are sung. Pivot turns, cross steps, and facing sideward were also changed into a marching motion, forward-backwards steps, and opening arms sideways, respectively. “Hindi naman masyadong lumayo at mas lalo namang napaganda at lumalim yong kahulugan ng aksyon lalo doon sa chorus na mayroong nakasaludo sa kilay, sa may sintido, na kapag nababanggit ang alma mater ay nakalagay sa may dibdib at naka-close yung fist na nagsi-signify ng iyong pagmamahal sa alma mater,” said Prof. Victor Francia, IHK faculty. Changes were also made so that the march can be executed with ease by all faculty and employees of different. “Base rin (ang ginawang modifications) sa mga comment ng mga faculty and employees na nahihirapan sa ibang movements especially doon sa mga umiikot at doon sa ang paa ay nagii-square at nagko-cross. So, naisip naming ngayong taong ito ay ma-modify para mas lalong makasabay at nang hindi na nahihirapan ang ilang medyo ma-edad o medyo matanda na nating kasamahan,” Francia said.
STEP UP Faculty members and students as they move to the modified SLSU march. // PHOTO BY HANNILYN TUTOR
SLSU March choreography was first introduced 12 years ago in accordance to the request of Dr. Cecilia Gascon, university president that time. Meanwhile, side from the video guide being forwarded on group chats of the faculty, colleges, and student councils, IHK is still working on plans and ways of disseminating the new SLSU March step movements to the whole SLSU community including the satellite campuses. “Actually, every Monday, every flag ceremony dito sa main campus, ‘di ba ginagawa naman natin (yong slsu march) so ‘yon ‘yong isang way ng dissemination. Pero ‘yung initiative namin na by college ay siguro wala pa,” said Prof. Federico Ceribo, IHK faculty.
Meanwhile, the freshmen students piloted the learning of the modified SLSU march as part of the P.E. 001 course syllabus and as presented during their orientation. However, some students in higher years remain unware of the said modification since they are not required to attend flag ceremony. “Hindi ako aware kasi una, wala akong balita na napalitan na pala ‘yon (SLSU March steps), walang post o announcement akong nakita. Tapos binaon ko na sa limot (‘yong steps) kasi nung SHS (Senior High School) lang required umattend ng flag ceremony,” Rica Batchain, BSBA- II Financial Management student, said.
Students complain on delayed issuance of uniforms // MAIREEN ORACION
THREAD Dressmakers were focused on sewing the prescribed school uniforms. // PHOTO BY HANNILYN TUTOR
Freshmen students from different colleges of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) complained about the three-month delay in the release of their uniforms ordered in the University’s Business Affairs Office (BAO).
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According to the affected students, the months of waiting for their school uniform is unjustifiable and needs to be voiced out for action. “Napakatagal na po kasi simula no’ng umorder po ako ng school uniform at saka P.E. uniform sa BAO
tapos hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin po. Tapos na lamang po ang prelims ay wala pa rin. Sana naman ay maaksyonan ito,” a student of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) said. Furthermore, according to a student of College of Accountancy, Business Hospitality and Administration (CABHA), she did not see the progress regarding the issue because it took long period of time before BAO release another batch of uniforms. On the other hand, Ms. Melanie S. Cadao, head of BAO, said there are approximately 200 students who availed school uniforms and 400 students ordered P.E. uniforms. However, according to her, despite the small number of orders, there are still delays in issuance of uniforms due to the quality of the materials used. “Ang naging stand ng ating manager ng garments ay ipadala ‘yong sample para ‘yon ang gayahin nila so hindi ko alam kung ano sa ngayon ‘yong prosesong ginagawa ng procurement office do’n sa t-shirt,” Cadao said. In connection to this, dressmakers assured that there is enough workforce to sustain the number of orders and they already out-sourced some of the uniforms for fast issuance.
NEWS
SLSU targets to bring off Dughay Project quarterly // MEG-RYAN S. REONAL
After Dughay projects’ success, Prof. Edsel Paroan, dean of the Student Affairs Office and Services (OSAS), confirmed the continuation of the activity and targets to conduct it every quarter. In an interview, Prof. Paroan plans to continue Dugtong Buhay Project—a bloodletting activity which intends to augment blood supply scarcity in Quezon. “Aside from motivating them to (get) involve... ‘yong intangible na essence nito is spirit of volunteerism and love for life,” said Paroan. “Open for public ang blood donation,” as Prof. Paroan also encourages the public to engage in the said project. Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) conducted its first Dughay Project last February and the recent project was its second time during the 55th Foundation Anniversary of the Institution, held at SLSU- RPN Grandstand on August 28. OSAS head also stated that aside from blood donations, the activity also provides free blood test, for HIV, Hepa and other diseases but will consider the utmost confidentiality among tested blood donors.
LIFE SAVER SLSU studs and faculty members donate blood to save lives. // PHOTO BY DEL CHRISTJON B. SOGABO
“Para sa akin, okay kung magiging continuous ang bloodletting activity... nakakatulong ka na sa iba, matutulungan din ‘yong health mo,” said Margarit Cabalsa, College of Teacher Education (CTE) student.
SSCF to distribute first aid kit to SCs // ARCHIE LINSASAGIN
LEAD SLSU SSCF President Anna Cabrera prepares SCs with first aid. // PHOTO BY HANNILYN TUTOR
Southern Luzon State University - Supreme Student Council Federation (SLSU - SSCF) will initiate the allocation of first aid kit to local Student Councils (SCs) of different colleges, and satellite and extension campuses of SLSU Maria Ana Cabrera, SSCF President, said the objective of the project is to guarantee preparedness
and to equip local units with necessary supplies for probable emergencies inside the university premises. “Kapag meron ka noon (first aid kit) kampante ka na kahit anong mangyari, mayroon kang gamot na maibibigay. Meron kang bandage na maiko-cover sa sugat. At hindi ka matatakot na mayroong sakunang mangyayari kasi handa ka,” she stated.
The said activity was a collaboration between Supreme Student Council Federation (SSCF), Campus Emergency Response Team (CERT), Red Cross— Lucena Chapter and accredited organizations as the spearheaded by the OSAS.
SSCF also considered the absence of clinic in the extension and satellite campuses and emphasized that it is necessary to hand out first aid kit as intervention. As for this concern, Cabrera added they are working on putting up clinics in satellite campuses but they need to increase the number of enrollees first in other campuses to hire healthcare providers for the demand of students. With regards to health services of university clinic in SLSU-Main Campus, she said, “sufficient (‘yung serbisyo ng clinic) pero maganda pa rin ‘yung palagi kang ready. Kahit meron tayong mapupuntahan, meron pa rin tayong sa atin dapat.” According to Beatrice Lagaya, officer from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), the first aid kits will be beneficial especially to the distant colleges that encounter difficulties in sending victims from the actual site of incident to the university clinic. “Maganda na ‘yung nabigyan na kaagad ng first aid sa respective colleges nila para ‘pag dadalhin na sa clinic, examine na lang for record,” she said. The Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) and Student Organization and Activities will fund and subsidize the aforementioned project amounting Php 48,000. SSCF is also eyeing to expand the project through first aid kit distribution and reading program for children in adopted community they will be selecting soon.
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SLSU holds very first Stat Fest // DIANNE MAE BINGCANG, MARION ALTHEA ANTONIO & KRIZZIA-LYN ARAJA
FE(A)ST First Stat Fest became feast for students starving for mathematics knowledge. // PHOTOS BY HANNILYN TUTOR
In line celebration of the 30th National Statistics Month, Mathematical Society of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) conducted its very first Statistics Festival that highlights the importance of innovating statistical systems, processes and technologies through exhibits and several statistics-related games. During the celebration, an exhibit entitled “Stat on the Move”, showing the functional literacy rate of the population, unemployment rate, and population density in the Philippines to accurately measure progress and produce useful and reliable data for planning. The month long celebration also highlighted SLSU students’ talents and skills related to
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statistics. Ma. Danee Drew Palad, from Laboratory High School (LHS) placed first place for Data Journalism while Loui Andrew Villabrosa from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) topped the Data Cartooning. “Hindi lang po ako nag-focus sa data na ibinigay, nagkaroon din po ako ng another angle which is to know how to manage poverty and why poverty is severe in our country, kailangan ko pong maipakita that government and citizen has something to do with it,” Palad said. Moreover, the team from College of Engineering (CEn) composed Adrian Cabriga, Eugene Felomeno, Gabriel Luigi Bernal, and Maria Carmela Calamigan dominated the Stat
Olympics while Kate Diane Reodica from the same college proved her competence by dominating the Statrathon. Moreover, a seminar-workshop tackling Regression Analysis and Model Building in R was held to promote the importance of statistics in the academe and nation building, the provision of reliable and timely data is essential which can be further be guaranteed through data innovation. In connection to this Prof. Jed Frank S. Marqueses, program chairperson, said the celebration of the Statistics Festival was a directive from the office of the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) President, Dr. Marissa C. Esperal.
NEWS
analysis
ROTC: The Snappy Truth of the Mandate
H
ouse Bill 8961, an amendment to the previously encted Republic Act 7077, better known as Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Act, was passed last May 2019. It is an act dedicated for Mandatory Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) in all public and private Senior High Schools. For those who passed the bill, this is a great opportunity to instil discipline, nationalism, and patriotism in the students by giving them a sense of purpose; respect for the laws and authority; and obedience to the rules and regulations. Furthermore, it is said that students learning the basics of the military even for a short period of time may help them hone their skills and leadership potentials in order to avoid being brainwashed by communist rebels. The bill also prohibits any kind of training aimed for political agendas, and physical and mental torture, such as hazing. However, not all are in favor of this bill no matter how good the intentions are. After the first public hearing on August 2019, people are outraged by the bill, taking into social media how disappointed they are with the government’s priorities. The program estimates to costs the government 38 billion pesos for successful implementation.
Not to mention the previous cases of corruption when ROTC was in its’ peak when students bribed their commandants and get grades with flying colours without lifting a finger, teaching students the easy way out. Critics also fear that it is letting military presence inside schools which can easily be institutionalized. Thus, making recruitment for the Armed Forces of the Philippines a piece of cake. The senior high school students of SLSU stated their opinions about the bill. “Para po sa akin, hindi naman necessary na mandatory iyon. Kasi sa point of view ko po, ang kahulugan ng ROTC ay isang training ground para sa pagpapalakas ng hukbong sandatahan na kung titingnan pong maigi, hindi naman ito papalakasin at papalawigin kung walang magaganap na digmaan,” said Ma. Danee Drew Palad, Grade 11 STEM. “Maganda po siya para mai-ready yung mga students sa pagli-lead. Hindi naman nila iyon ituturo kung walang benefits sa estudyante,” said Thrisha Marjerie Go, Grade 11 STEM. In the end, the outcome of the program will depend on its implementation An assurance to the integrity of the leader and a relevant course to study would help the students and the country, if not then, these are all waste of time.
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Region 4A’s first sea ambulance in Panukulan // DAN JESTER MEDENILLA
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOH CALABARZON
World’s Largest Eco-Friendly Steel Wire-Rod Manufacturing Facility Soon to rise in Quezon // MARGARETE B. CAGUIOA
An 8 billion investment steel plant to rise in Barangay Malabanban Sur, Candelaria Quezon which is said to be the world’s largest eco-friendly steel wire-rod manufacturing facility of Steel Asia. According to Bejamin Yao, Steel Asia ChiefExecutive-Officer (CEO) and chairman, the facility is the first in the country to manufacture wire rods and wire mesh which were costly imported to make paper clips, staple wires and screws. Also, the company will hire more than 1500 construction workers and office staff prior to Quezonians. “(The plant) will create many business opportunities to support the operation. It will create small and medium enterprises. We expect many of these new businesses will be formed by Candelaria’s entrepreneurs- whom one day maybe global exporters,” Yao said. According to David “Jayjay” Suarez, Quezon Governor, this will help the development and growth of the province since the First and Second
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Districts are identified as commercial-industrial areas and the rest are agricultural areas. “We are able to usher in a new chapter of development and provide greater hope for Quezonians who have to look for jobs and opportunities in other regions and provinces,” Suarez said.
Department of Health (DOH) Region IV-A under the Rural Health Unit (RHU) donated and formally turned over CALABARZON’s first sea ambulance to Panukulan, Quezon to provide easy access to healthcare services of patients from Geographically Isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDA), September 6. The sea ambulance is outfitted with the necessary basic life support equipment such as oxygen, resuscitator, defibrillator and immobilization devices so that person with serious injuries can be first stabilized and transported faster to a hospital. Also, the sea ambulance will transport patients from far-flung areas of Panukulan to Claro M. Recto Memorial District Hospital (CMRMDH), a 25-bed capacity health facility located in Infanta, Quezon. “Lahat ng RHU ng Polillo Island ng Quezon ay ikakabit natin sa mainland hospital at uunahin natin ang RHU ng Panukulan, at kung may pasyenteng nangangailangan ng mas mataas na antas ng paggamot, gagamitin natin ang telemedicine upang maka-access tayo sa mga espesyalista na nasa Maynila,” said Eduardo Janairo, DOH CALABARZON Director. DOH-CALABARZON said the sea ambulance can transport patients from Panukulan to Infanta within 45 minutes if there is a good weather condition. Moreover, as part of strengthening the healthcare system of CALABARZON, DOH will soon purchase seven more sea ambulances for Quezon’s GIDA to ensure a faster response to deliver, transport and provide emergency health care to patients in need of immediate treatment. “Isang parte lamang ito ng implementasyon ng universal health care system at hindi lang ito para sa mga pasyenteng nangangailangan ng agarang pagpapagamot sa ospital. Magbibigay din ito ng preventive health care services,” said Janairo. Other municipalities and RHUs that will soon receive sea ambulances are Alabat, Calauag, Patnanungan, Perez, Quezon and Polillo.
DEVC OMM BRIEF
Tayabenses scream for Prime Water’s attention To catch the attention of Prime Water in addressing water interruptions in the city, various groups from Tayabas headed by Lovely Meadows Calmar Homeowners Association initiated a black shirt protest and noise barrages, October 2. Julius Luces, Tayabas City Councilor said that the consumers deserve to know the
reason behind the poor service of Prime Water. Moreover, Tayabas City Mayor Ernida Reynoso also supported the protest and stated that to solve water crisis, her office created Tayabas Water Council, a special task force which will conduct studies and bridge negotiations among potential water reservoir in the city.
DEVCOMM
Atimonan RHU to offer more health services, programs // MARYLL JANE URGINO
Atimonan Local Government Unit (LGU) give rise to a two-story building of Rural Health Unit (RHU) to provide more health services and programs to the community. The bigger and improved RHU, located at Leon Guinto Blvd. alongside with the two newly constructed building of Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and operation center of Municipal Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), provides health services for free and only require minimal fee on other services which need laboratory examinations. “Mas maaliwalas dito kaysa dun sa dating building, masikip. Nandito na pati lahat, siguro sa mga susunod na taon hindi na kami [mga kapos] mahihirapan na pumunta pang ospital at magbayad nang malaki,” Mrs. Marife Deseo, a resident from Atimonan. Dr. Richard Argulla, Municipal Doctor and RHU Head, said that the unit offers a variety of healthcare services such as regular consultation, Integrated Management with Childhood Illnesses (IMCI), National Immunization Program or Vaccination, Family Planning, Pre- and Post- Natal Check-up and Environmental Health services. “So anytime mag-ooperate ‘yan, kausap na namin ang DOH (Department of Health), ipo-provide namin ‘yong services. Sa laboratory naman, level II na kami doon, lumipat lang kami dito sa mas malaki ‘yong area
PHOTO COURTESY OF J.CERVANTES ENTERPRISES’ FB PAGE
pero parehong level II na ‘yong lab,” said Dr. Argulla. Furthermore, Dr. Argulla said that through the newly-build RHU, more patients can have access to the health services not just the residents from Atimonan but also from nearby municipalities such as Alabat and Plaridel. “There are times na may nache-check up ako na taga ibang bayan dito, pero kung tutuusin taga Atimonan lang dapat talaga kasi lahat naman ng bayan may RHU. Pero this is open for all,” said Dr. Argulla.
Also, some facilities that will soon to operate in RHU are the X-ray machines, ultrasound, Electrocardiogram (ECG) and the newly constructed Birthing Home Center which only needs Department of Health (DOH)’s grant of operational license to provide services to the community. RHU Atimonan is also looking forward to (DOH)’s plan of donating diagnostics such as the CT Scan and the MRI which are highly beneficial for future diagnostics.
IN FINANCING ASF PREVENTION
Rep. Enverga urges Committee on Appropriations to Raise DA Fund // JESSELYN MIRANDILLA
PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIAN TAN OF RAPPLER
Mark Enverga, the House Committee on Agriculture chair and Quezon Province Representative strongly requested the House Committee on Appropriations to raise the
Department of Agriculture fund by at least P10 billion to finance not only African Swine Flu prevention related programs but also to provide means to other additional programs for different agricultural fields.
The said increase is due to the House Committee on Appropriations cut the budget of DA for 2020, reducing it from P333 billion to only P71.8 billion that is three times lower than the agency’s original proposal. Roberto Gajo, the Provincial Administrator, said that even other processed meat products from Quezon was also affected by it. “Immediate action that congress should take would be to ensure that the budgetary needs of the agriculture department should be augmented to enable them to be responsive to probable needs and to protect the local hog raisers industry,” said Enverga. Other government representatives have also expressed their opinion regarding the restoration of DA budget to ensure the protection of both the consumers and the hog-raisers. “We also trust that the private sector will not take advantage of the situation and keep the prices of pork within the suggested retail prices for our consumers,” said Argel Cabatbat, Ang Magsasaka Partylist Representative. In addition, Enverga also suggested to start filling up positions for veterinarians and assisting the provincial and municipal veterinarians to help in preventing the ASF from spreading and entering the province.
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Lucban’s Public Museum relocates to a Private Residence // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
SPACE Colorful and creative arts also need space. // PHOTOS BY MARIEL V. TADIOSA
Ronalyn went to Escuela Pia and left disappointed when she didn’t find the Museo de Lucban. According to Marvin C. Verano, Lucban Tourism Officer I, the relocation of the museum has been in and out repeatedly of the Escuela Pia building due to some problems and the said building is under renovation. “After more than 2 years ay medyo nagkaroon ng
konting problema napalabas ang museum and then bumalik ulit sa loob, and then napalabas ulit at ngayon ay mayroon sa aming nagpahiram ng place, ito ngang sa Racelis residence at naisipan muna naming dito muna ilagak itong mga items plus itong mga paintings ng Art Guilds,” said Cornelio Rañeses, Lucban Historical Society President. The new location, a private residence of Racelis’ in Avenida Rizal cor. Plaridel Street is not
ideal to the tourists and on lookers especially to the Lucban Artist Guild and Lucban Hisorical Society due to consequences. “Libre ‘yong bahay, pero ‘yong monthly bill, ‘yon ang medyo paggagstusan namin. Kami mismo ang naboboluntaryo para magbayad sa mga gastusin doon, e sabi ko dito (Escuela Pia), wala kaming gagastusin kase provided na ang kuryente, telepono, may staff pa na nagbabantay,” said Verano. Also, the security of the artifacts, artworks and the museum itself is at stake since no one commits to volunteer. Since the renovation of Escuela Pia is ongoing the LHS-LAG decided to evacuate the place and transfer to a private house to preserve the old collectibles and paintings while the renovation is ongoing. Moreover, after the relocation the LAGLHS re-open and conduct an exhibit “Museo de Lucban-SaLAGsak Art Gallery” to showcase the arts and artifacts. “Makikita natin ‘yong sibilisasyon ng isang bayan, from mga sinauna, modern hanggang sa maging civilized, makikita natin ang kultura, kaugalian, tradisyon at lahat ng mga nangyari,” said Mr. Efren Nantes, LAG current president.
TUPAD Program uplifts Quezon Senior Citizens // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
To provide livelihood programs for retired Senior citizens in Quezon, the Provincial Government conducted the 24th Provincial Convention of Senior Citizens promoting the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Probinsyano Partylist’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay para sa Disadvantaged/ Displaced Workers (TUPAD) Program. TUPAD program caters livelihood projects which include animal livestock, fishing, and farming. Quezon Governor Danilo Suarez said that they are planning for the allocation of materials for plant production as well as distribution of crops such as cacao, coffee beans, coconut seedlings and fruit bearing trees. The program offers livelihood projects not just among retired senior citizens who worked from different government agencies but also from private and public universities in the country. Gov. Suarez believes that with the help of TUPAD program, senior citizens will have the strength to cope up with the present state of industrialization in the province and will still manage to contribute to agricultural productivity. “Let’s be productive, let’s not be idle and let’s prove to this world na tayong mga senior citizens ay marami pang magagawa,” said Gov. Suarez. He also believes that senior citizens will still be able to benefit from the huge projects that are about
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF QUEZON PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICE
to be implemented in the province particularly in 2nd District under the progress and development program of Congressman David Suarez. Moreover, Cong. Aleta Suarez, Quezon’s 3rd District Congresswoman said that the importance of providing livelihood programs among senior citizens is to sustain their body’s ability to work amidst aging. TUPAD program is part of House Bill No. 5362 or the Senior Citizens Employment Opportunity Act to ensure the automatic employment allocation for Filipinos aged 60 years old and above. Cong. Aleta Suarez is one of those who authored the bill. On the other hand, in the said Provincial Convention, seven senior citizens from different
provinces received centenary recognition award. Each were awarded with 100 thousand pesos from the national government and 40 thousand pesos from Gov. Suarez and Cong. Aleta Suarez. The recipients of the award are; Petra Bargo, 100, from Pagbilao; Avelina Mañebo, 99, and Natalia Mendoza, 102 both from Tiaong; Corazon Malabanan 102, from Tayabas; Rosario Baldovino 100 from Alabat; Maria Lustado, 100 from Padre Burgos; and Natividad Estrecho, 100 from Macalelon, Quezon. The convention was facilitated by Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) headed by Sonia Leyson and the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) of 40 towns of Quezon.
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analysis
ER DIV T S D AMI D A RO INE P P I IL F PH O G KIN THE
V U P OF S I LYS A N A
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WORDS // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
A
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ILLUSTRATION// ARTHUR D. LAO
The jeepney cannot travel both ways of a divergent road at the same time.
fter the Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) Modernization Program signed into law by the government in 2017, the ‘King of Philippine roads’ was caught in the middle of a divergent road; one leading to a path where the society is sticking to the same old jeepney and one leading to a path embracing the newly upgraded ones. The iconic jeepney has been a prominent public means of transportation in the Philippines which have roamed the streets for more than five decades. Filipinos on busy streets got used to the loud and resonating sound and smog emissions from gas-engine jeepneys as well as to its tight seats overloaded with passengers, but they endure all these just to get to their destination on time. They are also accustomed to ‘pakiabot bayad’ system in their daily commute. On the otherhand, modern jeepneys also called ‘e-jeepneys’ is starting to dominate the roads in the country. These upgraded units have combustion engines with low carbon dioxide emissions. There is also a speed limiter device, a dashboard camera and GPS navigation system. These are also equipped with flat screen TV and CCTV cameras. The units are also air-conditioned, with comfy, spacious seats and sturdy hand railings. E-jeepneys are also using tap-card based fare collection system. However, with the implementation of PUV modernization program, jeepneys which are more than 15 years old was subjected to massive regulatory phase-out. This is a huge burden to small-time jeepney drivers who treats their jeepneys as a treasure because it is their daily source of income to support the needs of their family. Transport groups opposed to purchase of e-jeepneys because the unit is much costly with its price ranging from one to two million pesos which the drivers could not afford. On the other hand, Department of Transportation (DOTr) solution to this would be the founding of transport cooperatives consisting of jeepney drivers and operators where the government will provide them with subsidy of P80 000 while the rest of the payment would be from loans through Development Bank of the Philippines and Landbank of the Philippines. The government gave a subsidy of P2.2B to these banks to provide loans among transport cooperatives. PUV modernization program open the path towards government-ruled franchising system. Therefore, the schedule of jeepneys’
departure on the terminal and the routes to travel will be well-regulated and mandated because the government have the full control. It will be easier to decongest roads and plan routes that will minimize traffic congestions in highly saturated areas. Also, road safety and policies will be much easier to roll out since the government can easily regulate PUV operators. In addition, trainings for e-jeepney drivers are offered to ensure safety in roads. The training includes the test of knowledge about the technicalities of driving, safety measures, and proper etiquette in dealing with passengers. Lucban Quezon is an evidence that even provinces can cope with the PUV modernization program despite all of its cons. Lucban Genesis Transport Service and Multipurpose Cooperative (LGTSMPC) one of the province’s largest transport cooperatives have a total of 15 modernized unit from Isuzu. The modernized unit travels the 60-km route of Lucban-Tayabas as well as Mauban-Lucena City route. The e-jeepneys guarantee a comfortable travel for passengers. John Carlo Reginio, BA Communication II said that he travels with ease because the new units are air-conditioned and has spacious seats. “May designated seats talaga for passengers unlike the old jeep na we are currently using na talaga namang pinagsisiksikan ang mga pasahero kahit alam nilang sobrang siksikan na. Therefore, e-jeep will give us a hassle-free commuting, hindi na nga siksik, naka-aircon ka pa,” said John Carlo Reginio of BA Communication II. Public utility vehicles in the Philippines have come to the age of modernization, and the upgraded jeepneys- the modern Philippine king of roads reign the country’s public highway. Jeepneys must not be stuck in the divergent road of dilemma. Instead, jeepneys inevitably has to take the modern ways; the path which embrace development and changes to cope with the changing demands of our country. REFERENCES Adrian, M. (2019 October 1). PUV Modernization Program: Here’s What You Need to Know. Retrieved from https://imoney.ph./articles/ jeepney-puv-modernization-program/. Cruz, C.A. (2017). Check out the standard dimensions and features of the modern jeepney. Retrieved from https://google.com.amps/s/www. carmudi.com.ph/journal-check-out-the-standard-dimensions-and-features-of-the-modern-jeepney/amp/. Tuquero, L. (2019 October 7). PUV Modernization gets no budget in 2020: Who suffers? Retrieved from https:// www.google.com.amp/s/ rappler.com/nation/241904-dotr-no-budget-puv-modernization-2020-who-suffers.
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o s u P g n a L i d y n a Hi l a a I y ’ o y i a S g n a k i l a n i b I g ng Mulin gkain o a P n a a s a g P n i g g Sa g Kun N n o h a D ng
t i m a g g a P ang RGARETE
MA WORDS //
MA NEWS
ÑO OF G E C. BACU F PEEWE
URTESY O
PHOTO CO
A
B. CAGUIO
t-lahat ahil laha d o o t o t o. ng dahon nit bi mo ito a g s n a a s a it h m ga o ka lagang wan, bun uso at ta a p t y a a k , m o s g u ng an ing p , saging la aging sa ‘yo, mag Sabi nila s igay ng ay maibib
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imula ng ipasa noong October 29, 2009 ang Ordinance No. 2367 na nagreregulate sa paggamit at pagbebenta ng mga plastic bottles, containers, wrappers at Styrofoam sa mga malls, karinderya, panaderya at iba’t ibang gusali at establisyamento. Taong 2012 lamang ng masimulan ang paghihigpit sa paggamit ng mga nasabing uri ng plastic kasama na ang mga nagtitinda sa palengke kaya napilitan ang mga mamimili na magdala ng sariling lalagyan sa tuwing sila ay mamimili. Isang dekada na ang nakakalipas ngunit marami pa rin ang makikitang basura sa paligid na halos karamihan ay plastik. Kaya’t isang ideya ang pumasok sa isang eskwelahan na muling gumamit ng dahon bilang lalagyan ng kanilang pagkain. Ang Quezon National High School ay isa sa pinakamalaking eskwelahan sa buong Quezon na umaabot sa mahigit isang libong populasyon na mga estudyante. Inilunsad ng eskwelahang ito ang paggamit ng dahon ng saging na sinusuportahan ng manila paper alinsunod na rin sa ordinansiya ng lungsod. Mayroong singkwentang (50) food stalls sa loob ng paaralan na gumagamit ng dahon ng saging kapalit ng mga tyrofoam containers at mga plastik. Nagsimula ang pagpapatupad ng ganitong gawi dahil sa inisyatibo ng Technology and Live-
lihood Department ng nasabing eskwelahan sa kooperasyon na rin ng mga nagtitinda sa loob ng paaralaan. Simula ng gawin ang nasabing eco-friendly project ay marami ang nabigyan ng benepisyo nito. Unang una na ang kalikasan na kung saan umiiy a k na dahil sa dami ng polusyon na nanggagaling sa produksiyon ng plastik at mga plastik mismo na nagiging sanhi rin
ng mga pagbaha sapagkat hinaharangan nito ang mga pagdaloy ng tubig sa mga drainage system. Isa pang benepisyo nito ay ang pagkita ng
mga nagtitinda sa pampublikong bilihan sapagkat dito bumibili ng mga dahon ng saging ang mga nagtitinda ng pagkain sa loob ng eskwelahan. Ang mga pinagkainan at ginamit na dahon ng saging ay ginagawan ng paraan ng eskwelahan upang magawa nila itong pataba o fertilizer sa kanilang mga hardin kaya kahit natapos ng gamitin ang dahon ay nagkaroon pa rin ito ng silbi. Dahil sa inisasyon ng nasabing eskwelahan ay maraming mga karatig eskwelahan din ang gustong sumubok na gawing lalagyan ng pagkain ang dahon ng saging sa halip na mga plastik. Sa ganitong mga pamamaraan ay makikita na makakatulong ka na sa kalikasan ay hindi ka rin nakalabag sa ordinansa ng lungsod. Marami na ring mga establisyamento at organisasyon ang gumagawa ng ganitong pamamaraan upang malimitahan ang paggamit ng plastik katulad ng Bulata National High School ng Negros Occidental na kung saan gumagawa ng mga tasa gait ang bamboo, mga mangkok gamit ang bao at plato gamit ang dahoon ng saging. Ganun din ang Liberty Commercial Center sa Legazpi Albay na kung saan ginagawang pambalot ang dahon ng saging upang ibalot ang mga gulay sa halip na gumamit ng plastik. Ito ay isang patunay lamang na ang ibinibigay sa atin ng ating inang kalikasan ay dapat rin nating ibalik sa pamamagitan ng mga inobasyon at teknolohiyang ating nagagamit sa henerasyong ito. Kung tayo ay inaalayan ng higit pa sa puso ay dapat rin natin itong ibalik upang manatili at magpatuloy siya sa kaniyang ginagawa na kung saan ay makakabuti rin naman para sa atin. REFERENCE https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/offbeat/quezon-national-high-school-goes-green-serving-hot-meals-onbanana-leaves/ar-AAI6VpS?li=BBr8Mkn
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PICK AND PACK
ZIPPING DOWN MOSQUITOES AND LEAVINGS IN ‘ WA L K I N G T R A S H B A G S ’
WORDS // IRRA MAE N. VITO ART // KRISTELL NAE PARDINES
WHAT OUR LITTLE POCKETS CANNOT BEAR ARE PUT INSIDE BAGS INSTEAD.
O
ne of the practices a child must learn is putting trash in their pockets when there’s no bins around. This is a timeless virtue that must not be restricted until childhood only. But, with the enormous trash and garbage around, pockets seem to be too little to bear today’s loads of trash. The previous months have challenged man’s ability to resist from the consequences of their own deficiencies. Unclean environment resulted to vast number of Dengue cases which reached the outbreak status in Quezon Province. According to the data of Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), there were 3,623 dengue cases with 12 deaths in the province recorded from January 1 to August 6 this year, 2019. In terms of back packing, the heaviest things are placed in the most bottom. This creates a satire in the current environmental situation that Philippines would be brought down by massive amount of trash generation. According to government data, Philippines produces an estimated 43,684 tons of garbage daily, including 4,609 tons of plastic wastes which are expected to increase by 165 percent to 77,776 tons by 2025 and this has to be zipped.
Bag of Solution
Zippers open the same way it close. Cleanliness is always the start and the end of any environmental dilemma. In July 2019, as the first quarter of the school year started, Ms. Charlet B. Timbre a product of Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) College of Teacher Education who is now teaching in Paaralang Elementarya ng Lucban (PEL)-3B, innovated the ‘Walking Trash Bag’ as a campaign for a cleaner school environment against Dengue. As a science teacher, Ms. Timbre integrates this project to 5 R’s of waste management─ Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Repair and Rot, which in
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fact is the new highlight in the K-12 curriculum. “Naisip ko kung paano ipapasok ‘yong values ng itunuturo ko sa mga bata. So instead na make an album of this and that, naisip ko na why not na ‘yong recyclable materials na pwede pa naman talagang gamitin ay gamitin talaga namin in everyday (life) namin dito sa school,” she said.
Bag Raid
Trash has indeed given us an appetite for art. This bag can pull off any fashion sense as it is designed not only as back packs but also made as sling, shoulder, or belt bags depending on the students’ (not to mention their mothers’) creativity. ‘Walking Trash Bag’ is made of a 6-liter water container with horizontal cut to its quarter top to serve as the opening of the bag. With locked zippers and fastened straps, waists and backs of the PEL students holding the bag are all set to roam around the school compound to pick the trash using tongs at 6:30 in mornings. With all efforts in motivating the students, Ms. Timbre easily imposed the campaign to the students. “Pinakanta ko sa kanila (students) ‘yong Masdan mo ang Kapaligiran tapos pina-internalize ko ‘yong meaning. Hindi sila nahihirapn in the sense na sila na mismo ‘yong nagtatanong kung pwede na silang mag-walking trash bag, minsan sasabihin nila, ‘3:30 na po teacher, hahanay na po kami.’,” she said.
Backpacking Habit
With their bags on, 59 Grade 4 students of PEL-3B piloted the onset of the ‘Walking Trash Bag.’ Picking up trashes has become the 6:30 AM habit of the students. During the walk, students fill in their bags commonly with candy and biscuit wrappers from ground and canals which results to clogging. On Fridays, cleaning scope extends to PEL-Pineda, school annex, as their 3 o’clock habit.
Through the student’s eagerness and teacher’s motovation, ‘Walking Trash Bag’ significantly made difference to the cleanliness of the school environment. Evidently, dengue cases drops soon after this was implemented.
Bag Trend
After gaining popularity in social media, receiving acknowledgement and even criticism from netizens, it reached the provincial and local authorities, and as well as private individuals who showed their support by donating hand gloves, face masks, and other materials essentials for the children’s health safety and sanitation. By Executive Order No. 74 Series of 2019, all public and private schools, and the whole community of Lucban, Quezon must establish and adapt the ‘Walking Trash Bag’ concept as environmental awareness. With this, Ms. Timbre, who was recognized as an Earth Warrior of Lucban, collaborates with the school heads and barangay officials to conduct forums and talks teaching them procedures on how to make and utilize the bag. As the bags are all packed, Valenzuela City, Laguna, Camarines Sur and the whole province of Quezon inquires for adaptation of the innovation, making ‘Walking Trash Bag’ ready to go. Taking bigger steps with the ‘Walking Trash Bag’ is definitely not a small piece as what elementary kids can pick up. What’s more with little pockets turned into bags? Picking trash up would tell a great story of change you can bag up. REFERENCES R. Romulo ( July, 2019). Philippines: A leader in garbage. Philstar Business. Retrieved from: https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/07/05/1932006/philippinesleader-garbage S. Mawis (May, 2019). Property Rules: Solid waste mismanagement in the Philippines. Philippine Daily Inquirer Column. Retrieved from:https://business.inquirer. net/270819/solid-waste-mismanagement-in-the-philippines#ixzz64cEePl8S
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L i b r e n g T u l o n g M e d i k a l h at i d n g
OSPITAL NA DE GULONG ARTIKULO // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
SINING // JASPER S. PERALTA
Sa kilo-kilometrong layo ng bawat bayang nangangailangan ng tulong medikal, may mga taong salat ang bulsa sa salapi na humahadlang upang mabigyang-lunas ang iniindang karamdaman. Masuwerte kung maituturing ang mga pasyente sa bansa na nagagawang makapagpagamot sa mga pampublikong ospital dahil kumpara sa mga nasa sulok ng malalayong bayan, naroon kalimitan ang mga nagtitiis at nagpapaliban ng pagpapagamot ng karamdaman. Mas inuuna nilang punan ang pang-arawaraw na pangangailangan. Mas pinipili nilang ipanglaman na lamang sa sikmura ang dapat sana ay pangpagamot sa ospital. Ayon sa pananaliksik na isinagawa ng Philippine Statistics Authority noong 2017, anim sa kada sampung Pilipino ang namamatay na hindi man lamang nakapagpakonsulta sa doktor o kahit sa mga pampublikong ospital. Ito ang nagtulak sa pagsasakatuparan ng ‘Hospital on Wheels’ (HOW). “Ang pinakang layunin nito ay matulungan ang ating mga kababayan na may kakulangan sa kapasidad na magbayad, na masilbihan,” sabi ni Dr. Jim Sanchez, HOW Founder. Nagsimula ito noong 2007 sa ‘Mobile Surgical Unit’ (MSU) gamit lamang ang isang abandonadong container van na isinaayos ang porma upang magsilbing operating room. Nasa loob nito ang mga medikal na kagamitan gaya ng Operating Room (OR) lights, dalawang operating tables, anesthesia machine, e-cart,
electrocautery, suction machines, oxygen tanks, mga medisina, surgical supplies, at iba pang pasilidad. Tinatahak ng MSU na ito ang malalayong lugar sa bansa upang makapaghatid ng serbisyo. Noong Enero 2018, mula sa MSU ay in-expand ito at nabuo ang ‘Hospital on Wheels’. Inilunsad ito ng Republic of the Philippines (RP) Health craft Carrier Foundation Inc. sa pangunguna ni Dr. Sanchez. Ang RP Health craft Carrier Foundation Inc. ay mayroong anim na air-conditioned buses at isang support van na umaabot sa apatnapung talampakan (40ft). Sa loob nito ay mayroong suplay ng tubig, gas, generator sets at prefabricated tents na magdudugtong sa anim na mga bus kung saan isasagawa ang mga surgical operations. Sa pamamagitan nito, mas maraming operasyon ang naisasagawa. Dagdag pa rito, patuloy na naisasakatuparan ng HOW ang layunin nito dahil na rin sa donasyon mula sa mga indibidwal at iba’t ibang organisasyon at institusyon na nais makibahagi at magbigay rin ng tulong sa mga kababayan natin. Sa loob ng maraming taon, mahigit labinglimang libong libreng surgical operations na ang naisagawa sa HOW gaya ng cleft lip, hernia, thyroid goiters, knee amputations, pagtutuli at maging pagsugpo sa benign at malignant soft tissue tumors
na maaring maging sanhi ng malalang kanser kapag hindi naagapan. Sa dami ng medical missions na isinagawa, marami nang dako sa bansa ang narating ng HOW gaya ng Batangas, Cavite, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Rizal, Infanta, Candelaria, at maging sa ibayong dagat gaya ng Albay, General Nakar at kung saansaan pang lugar sa bansa na nangangailangan ng tulong medikal. Isa sa mga napuntahan ng HOW ay si Ronie Barcel mula sa Candelaria, Quezon na mayroong malaking bukol sa likod ng ulo. Ang ininda ni Barcel na bukol sa loob ng maraming taon ay natuldukan sa loob lamang ng dalwang oras na operasyon sa loob ng HOW. Hadlang man ang salat na bulsa upang malunasan ang iniindang karamdaman ng mga kababayan nating nasa malalayong bayan, nariyan naman ang ‘Hospital on Wheels’ na hahamakin ang kilo-kilometrong distansya makapaghatid lang ng libreng tulong medikal sa mga kapos-palad. REFERENCES INQUIRER.net BrandRoom. (2017). Mang Inasal’s 2017 Gawad Pilipinoy awardee is ‘Hospital on Wheels’ founder. Retrieved from https://mang-inasals-2017-gawad-pilipinoyawardee-hospital-om-wheels-founder/amp. FWCAdmin. (2018 May 13). CNN Hero Nomination: Dr. Jim Sanchez. Retrieved from https://www.friends-who-care/2018/05/cnn-hero-nomination-dr-jim-sanchez/. Orillo, M.C. (2016). The Hospital on Wheels Philippines. Retrieved from https:// thehospitalonwheels.com/.
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s e m a G , s y o T : d Of n u o r g y a & Pl WORDS AND PHOTOS // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
E X P L O R I N G E V E RY C O R N E R O F L E A R N I N G PA R K It wasn’t the very first time I stepped on a park filled of so much things to play, but that’s not what made my heart fluttered; it was seeing kids with so much enthusiasm in eyes as they explore every corner of the colorful park.
After a long tiring day of school, I took about a half-hour ride on a gas-engine jeepney and fifteen minutes quick ride on a tricycle before reaching my destination - Mate Elementary School situated in Brgy. Mate, a rural area of Tayabas City. The school wasn’t that big to cater large number of pupils but it’s amazing that they are huge enough to equip children with effective learning materials and comfy environment to make learning more interesting.
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With the collaboration of all the seven teachers of Mate Elementary School headed by the school principal Mr. Jeffrey Dimailig, they come up with the idea of converting the front ground of their school a park for learning. The generous donations of its alumni and the charitable donation of Tayabas Community Multi-purpose Cooperative made the construction of the park possible. The eagerness of teachers to make their
pupils be more interested in reading ignited the founding of the park. Children on early stage of school finds reading a bit boring because almost all their attentions are directed to fun and games. This has been a big challenge to grade-school teachers. So, to make entertainment and learning become one, they come up with the idea of a park for learning. It’s their goal that every pupil they handle would be able to read with comprehension.
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“Ang main goal namin is mawala talaga ‘yong nonreaders, na lahat ng bata ay angkop sa grade level nila,” said Ms. Dianne Cabuyao, Teacher I. The school adapted different reading approaches in every game of each station of the learning park. The reading approaches include ABAKADA, Fuller, Claveria and Marungko technique.
Kinderlandia: the step to learn ABAKADA Kinderlandia has four seats and a single table surrounded by a variety of plants and flamboyant fences. This is the place where kinder start to learn the alphabet as well as the counting numbers, basic parts of the body, the 12 months of the year, types of weather, geometric shapes and familiarizing the different units of society.
Colorful Fences: Pronounce right every vowels and consonants These colorful fences standing on the aisle have words intended to teach the pupils the proper syllabication of vowels and consonants. They will need to read the words so they can move forward to the next station.
Popsicle Sticks: Beware of Silent Letters This game tests the reading skills of pupils when it comes to words with silent letters. The mechanics is easy. One will random-
ly pick a single popsicle stick, if the pronunciation is right, she/he will win the popsicle stick, the one who gets more popsicle stick will be the winner.
Matcha Eggs: Matching synonyms and antonyms The test of familiarity to antonyms and synonyms will challenge the players of the game. They will need to match the matcha egg toys into corresponding partner depending on what the teacher asks to. They have an enrichment notebook where they will write the matched words.
Bingo Card: Crossing out homophones and homonyms It’s not the typical Bingo card play because instead of numbers, words are printed on each box of bingo card. The player of the game is tasked to simply cross out words under homophone or homonym until forming vertical, horizontal or diagonal lines from the crossed-out words.
Snake and Ladder: Reading Adventure A very easy game where all the players need to do is to read the part of speech they happen to land into after rolling the dice. If they fail to read it correctly, then they’ll not be able to move forward to reach the finish line.
Read and Punch: Read right to win a prize Just read a passage correctly, even a bit of error isn’t allowed so the player get a prize which can be ballpen, pencil and notebook. This builds a sense of competence because the prizes energize the players’ mind and interest.
Reading Hub: Read all day under the Hut A small nipa hut was built where pupils can read a variety of reading materials that would help them enhance not just their reading skills but as well as their reading comprehension. Every after class, they can sit in here together with their friends and enjoy while learning. As I was losing myself upon staring at how serious the kids read, and laugh when they mispronounced a word, I didn’t notice how fast time passed not until I look my wristwatch. It was nearly quarter to four o’clock when I finished the ecstatic exploration. But before heading out the park, a little girl caught my attention. She was wearing a pretty pink vest that suits her neat uniform and ponytail. Her name is Jaris Meryl Salen and I found out that she was one of the so-called “Little Teachers” whose task is to assist in reading the other pupils from lower grade levels. Jaris aspires to become a teacher someday. Guess what? It was all because of the learning park which inspires her to become a future educator. Fresh air, relaxing environment, beautiful scenery, the accommodating teachers and the welcoming pupils made me want to stay the place a little longer. If it weren’t the projects and quizzes I have in mind, I would not have the thought of leaving early. As I walk towards the school’s exit, all I have in mind was that someday I would want to come back to see once more the genuine smiles and innocent laughter of children as they play on the park. Their priceless expressions I think, were much incomparable to the happiness that modern gadgets bring to young generation at present. Indeed, this learning park is not just a place of fun, plays and games but a venue where children could start to turn their happy exploration into a bunch of knowledge.
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SPORTS
sports
PH GOLD SQUAD
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any Filipino celebrated the success of this gold squad but no fellows shared their burden. The Philippines has been making noise in the sports industry after four Filipino claimed Olympic gold medals and world championships. The gold squad composed of skateboarder Margielyn Didal, pole vaulter Ernest John (EJ) Obiena, female boxer Nesthy Petecio and gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo have struggled their way to raise our flag. Upon their shoulders were burdens the government cared nothing about. Skateboarder Margielyn Didal who recently achieved the highest finish made by Filipino was back then chased by the police and securities for skating in the streets of Cebu City. Due to the lack of government facilities to cater the need of the skateboarder, Didal has to skate her way on the streets, risking her life. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena have found personal support from Olympic champions Sergey Bubka and Thiago Braz, who were both a product of his renowned Ukrainian coach Vitaly Petrov. Support that the government must have given in the first place if they are not too busy increasing the incentives of Philippine Basketball teams. Also, female boxer Nesthy Petecio was also unnoticed by the government. Luckily, a private corporation (Association of Boxing Alliance in the Philippines, Inc) saved her from the lack of financial funding and had given her training opportunities, duties that should have been done by the government. In addition, gymnast Carlos Yulo had to leave the country for Japan to train under coach Munehiro Kugimiya for three long years because our country is not paying attention to amateurs like him. This gold squad are only recognized after their success, aspiring athletes were not given a spotlight. Remember that Philippines had lost Chess Grandmaster Wesley So due to the lack of support coming from the government, it is not surprising if the same fate happens to this gold squad. The Philippine government must not only celebrate the success of Filipino athletes, they must be part of it. Or else other supporting country will.
SPORTS
SPORTS
ANALYSIS
ILLUSTRATION // ARTHUR D. LAO
Philippine Basketball Leagues (PBA vs MPBL) WORDS // REESE VERA DE LA CRUZ
asketball has been part of every Filipinos lives, our great appreciation for the sport can be seen throughout. From the endless berate of tatays’ shouting at television screens during a game to the hand painted lines of a basketball court in every barangay. To no surprise, the creation a certain Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) by founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao has been a new Filipino favorite in addition to the known Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). Let’s manoeuvre through MPBL and PBA’s characteristics, charismas and criticisms by breaking down the facts and specifics within the leagues. With 31 teams, (23 from Luzon, 3 in Visayas and 5 in Mindanao) the MPBL works in a regional and barangaylevel leagues with home and away games, following FIBA rules but moving like the National Basketball Association (NBA), they plan to have two conferences, North and South where the best teams will face at finals. While PBA, with 12 teams owned by franchise corporations, plays a mix of rules from the NBA and FIBA rulebook, without a home court. Notably, MPBL gives emphasis on home grown, local talents as they only allow one Filipino-Foreign player with a height limit of 6’4 and only five ex-professional players,
to give chances to amateurs, which the league represents. Contrary to the professional PBA where Non-Filipino players are not numbered but are called “imports” that could play at certain conferences, with a height limit of 6’10 for The Commissioner’s Cup and 6’5 for the Governor’s Cup. Criticisms for the PBA since the creation of MPBL has solicited different reactions from people, praising the latter’s foundation as a better venue for collegiate level players and basketball amateurs to showcase their natural talent at the sport. However, MPBL founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao clarified that the league will stay the same way and do not wish to become at par with the PBA. Transfers wouldn’t also be an issue as they had come up with rules regarding players and coaches’ transfers to lessen the burden of going back-and-forth from one league to another. Moreover, they plan to join forces to rid the system of game-fixing, illegal betting and gambling. Although people see a rivalry between the leagues ever since the establishment of the MPBL, Commissioner Willie Marcial do not see them, or any other basketball leagues as a threat to PBA. He said that rather than treating them as competition, we should support them as they are avenues that provide livelihood to players, coaches, and common people.
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TORCHBEARERS TARGET TO DETHRONE
FUEL, eager to keep their seat on top // MARYLL JANE URGINO
FIRED UP CEn and CTE fueled up their blazing fire during their training to defend their title. // PHOTO FROM KF ARCHIVES
College of Engineering (CEn) FUEL and College of Teacher Education (CTE) Torchbearers set to keep their fire burning as they take action in preparing for the upcoming InterCollegiate and Campuses Athletic Competition (ICCAC), one seeks to preserve their title as the other aims to overthrow the reigning champs. During their preparation, FUEL admitted they had a hard time recruiting players that will play to represent their college which, as they see, will affect in defending their crown. “Actually, kahit ako pressured sa paghahandle ng mga players dahil unang-una, kulang kami sa players, kasi halos lahat graduating na. Tapos road to 9peat pa kaya dikdikan kami ng mga captains sa pag-encourage ng players from main campus and Lucena campus para irepresent ang CEn,” said John
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Mari Tumambing, CEn-Student Council (SC) Sports Committee Head. Despite their budget-shortage for training venues outside the campus, FUEL started their training a week before September aiming to keep their throne and be held as 9peat champs. On the other hand, another college aims the throne which threatened FUEL’s road to 9peat as Torchbearers craved to unseat the defending champs and be heralded as the new ICCAC overall champion. “ Yung mga freshmen ko na players ang laking addition nya sa team kasi halos lahat naggraduate na last year. Before mag-ICCAC nag-uundergo kami ng training sa labas ng school tapos may mga tuneup games din sila,” said Karen Garcia, CTE-SC Sports Committee Head.
Unlike FUEL, Torchbearers started their trainings and try-outs earlier, as they prepare their teams during the last week of August, with hopes to dethrone the reigning champions. “More on sa ball games (focus) kasi ‘yung mga individual games ay kokonti ‘yung sinalihan namin at ‘yung mga players namin sa individual ay ‘yung mga datihan nang players, kaya may tiwala na kami sa kanila unlike sa ball games du’n kami maraming nawalang players kasi halos lahat ay graduate na,” added Garcia. Two colleges, one goal—ICCAC overall title, as they push their limits preparing for the games, many other colleges and campuses will be on their road to championship, the one with best preparations, trainings, and skills will prevail.
SPORTS
Dragons, Eagles targets Taekwondo gold // LORRAINE ANNE B. CORONADO
Aiming for the championship title in taekwondo, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dragons and College of Agriculture (Cag) Eagles prepare their kicks and punches for the Inter-Collegiate and Campuses Athletic Competition – CuIture and Arts Festival (ICCAC-CAF). They may be competing for their respective colleges in the ICCAC-CAF, still the Taekwondo team prepare as one being on the same league called the Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) Cardinals. Guided by Ms. Vienna Salvatiera, the new coach for Taekwondo, they held their regular training every week scheduled every Tuesday and Thursday inside the school grounds and outside the campus every weekend with the help of Sir Milpet John Maroto, former coach of the Taekwondo team. “Dahil madaming bago, in-expect ko talaga na mahihirapan din ako sa pagco-coach, sa pagte-train pero hindi pa rin naman ako gano’n nahihirapan kasi tinutulungan pa rin ako ni Sir Maroto,” said Ms. Salvatierra, Keeping an eye on the medal with the help of two coaches, representatives of CAS Dragons prepared to fight in taekwondo Women’s category with their consistent training. “‘ Yung mga kalaban ko kasi no’ng last na game ay kilala ko po kasi magkakasabay kaming magtraining. ‘ Yung taga-Lucena ay hindi ko kilala kaya parang nakakatakot,” said Georgie Marie Martinez, Bachelor of Arts in Communication II.
STRETCH To kick higher, CAS and CAg stretch to the fullest. // PHOTO BY HANNILYN TUTOR
Packed with the braveness of a real dragon Martinez committed to practice hard, despite the fear, in order to achieve the gold medal. On the other hand, CAg Eagles wanted to snatch the gold this time as they aim high and train hard for this year’s competition. “Syempre nagte-training ka kasi gusto mong
manalo, iisipin mo na dapat manalo ka,” said Jim Cary Cabangon, Taekwondo Silver Medalist of ICCAC last year, BS in Agriculture II Proudly spreading their wings, Eagles want to assure they keep the gold and continue soaring at the top as they expect to showcase their best on their fight to win and get a hold of the gold.
Dual-Tech, Torchbearers suit up to spike in Sepak // JESSELYN MIRANDILLA
With their burning passion and heightened courage to fight, SLSU Lucena Dual-Tech and College of Teacher Education (CTE) Torchbearers prepared to catch the ball in Sepak Takraw for this year’s Inter-Collegiate and Campuses Athletic Competition (ICCAC), September 24-27. Being the reigning champion of the court, Lucena Dual-Tech prepared to keep the gold and blocked those who try to steal it. As part of their preparation, Dual-Tech focused on managing their time between academic priorities and trainings. “Naging problema lang namin (ay) napasabay ‘yong prelim examination namin kaya hindi kami nakapag-focus talaga sa training,” said Lester Dublois, Dual-Tech spiker.
Because of the conflicts on their schedules, they spent their spare time improving the basic skills to develop their connection inside the court. According to Dublois, they also had a hard time composing their team for the game. “Merong mga willing at talagang marunong pero hindi sila makasali, kasi nga napasabay sa prelims tapos mga 1st year pa sila kaya nag-focus talaga sila sa acads,” Dublois said. But despite of having difficulties in finding players who wanted to participate for this year’s ICCAC, Dual-Tech was able to train with enough time. Meanwhile, CTE Torchbearers ignited more the fire and prepared to snatch the gold this time.
Unlike the Dual-Tech team who experienced difficulties in finding team members, Torchbearers had the same members as the previous ICCAC. However, due to the lack of place to train, they were able to practice for just one night. “Isang gabi lang kasi (ang) daming nakaschedule sa court. ‘Di kami makasingit,” said Ronald De Pedro Jr., Torchbearer spiker. Nonetheless, the team believed that they have greater defense this year because of better teamwork and communication inside the court. Torchbearers also aimed not just to grab the gold, but to show a good game to all the audience. “’Yong makalaro ako ng paborito kong game (ay) blessing na ‘yon. Bonus na kung mananalo,” De Pedro said.
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E S A C
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s po rts sc i e n ce
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a notorious ng sports event to From breathtaki ts entice our ional sports even at ns se r, re de ur m g games but ines and thrillin ut ro its on es nerv ort. The rills, like this sp th nt re ffe di s ve some gi ts in athletics, erview of the spor following is an ov nce in it. story and the scie pole vault, it’s hi
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- The horiz Evidence #1: BAR standards. the by d above the groun in the box - It is the covering Evidence #2: BOX er part of oth the e to t the pole will slid which ensures tha . ching on anything st the box without cat It is the simple : STANDARDS #3 a at Evidence r ba tal horizon vault. It holds the the on equipment in pole ing nd pe de above the ground particular height y. pla ll wi r category the vaulte fibre glass pole - It is a 15-17-foot the Evidence #4: POLE er the bar. Half of vaulter up and ov ch mu e used to push the tor res to er harder from the oth side is stiffer and d. nte pla is nd the pole after it energy that can be
L A N I M I N IN
SPORTS
CR STIGATIO INVE
ABO
OG ON S
Y ARRA NE T
&E
JA RIKA
J A RIST RALT L CH R PE E P S R JA WO NS // RATIO T S U ILL DE DS //
Reenactmen t of the high into the air and pulls Crime themselves in pole starts to to the handst straighten. The vaulte and as the rs 4. Over the run as fast top – Flying as he through the vaulters cont air, the vaulte ort their bodi can for abou es so that they rs the t 40 Vaulters use are facing the gymnastics tr meters away cr os from ai sbars. ni ng handstand – – such as tu to help maste the starting po cking, rolling r their maneu int, and ver. about 16 st eps. Addition Confession of to Victims Since 1980, 20 the approa athletes have ch suffered skull died pole vaul fractures. Acc ting, while 38 velocity, othe ording to Dai have r 44 have sustai ly Pennsylvan ned serious in factors ian reports, ju ri is es an d 3 (1 deaths alone ) Ej Obiena, c o n s i d e re d in 2003. Filipio pole va , cruciate ligam ulter suffered ent (ACL)tea from an ante such r in 2017, that rior as for 6 months. how effectiv left him out of ely the vaul horizontal ru the sport ter’s nning veloci vertical veloci (2) Austrian ty is conver ty, since this pole-vaulter ted into determines th Kira Grünber that will carr injury in trai e amount of y the vaulter g suffered a ning and desp m om en up serious tu ite emergenc an m d over the ba “angle in” and pa ra ly ze d y surgery, ha by r. This throug the accident. “angle out” th s been left Her injuries ha h the at the vaulter’s ground at the ve left her tetr body makes start of the va aplegic. with the ult. Upper body strength and Ve rd ic t of the Case the height of of mass play The pole vaul s an importan the vaulter’s t is all about center t role. Since up with the am energy built energy conver bo th are intimatel up during va ount of mecha sion. The kine y tied ulter’s run tu nical work th tic taller person stored in a po rns into pote at must be do , the higher le as th ntial energy e va ne is ul . The te their center r be distribution of th nd e s po it le recoils, it un nearly 90 degr of mass. Lik mass affects ce leashes that en ewise, the ees. When nter of mass. higher center up and over th ergy to help pr In general, m of mass than e ba opel the vaul r. en have a women do. Th ter likely be able The kinetic e taller the va to hold the po energy, of th ulter will le higher and at takeoff. Th co e nv runner’s appr erted, throug will be higher e faster a vaul h the pole va oach speed in the air t sprints towar ult, into the po is energy is avai jump height. d the vault ba lable for the va tential energy r, the more of the ul t. According to Because of these, pole va Popular Mec fundamental hanics Magaz vaulters run at ulting is inhe techniques in ine, there are rently danger fu ll speed, almost po fo le ous; ur va fo ul 100-meter sp ot tin 1. Approach fiber glass po g. rint with a 15 – The faster th le in yo ur -1 ha 7e vaulters spri nd the more ener up , si th de en down to clear bending it, tr nt down the ru gy they transf a bar in the ai ying to get nway, likely ki er to the pole the box. Idea r. In a lli si ng w m hen they plan ple word, vaul lly, the athlet themselves. V es reach top ters are t it in aulters are falli 12 strides. they pole vaul speed in mor ng from the hi t, so it ’s easier e than 10 or ghest when to ge t hu rt 2. Plants – E If you are a , easier to get ntering the bo typical human killed. should bent x at an 18-deg with your ow , getting 10 about 70 perc n power may feet off the gr ree angle, the be en po ound t di le of ffi 120 and 160 another traini cult, but for po its original he ng day. Some degrees, depe ight, or betw le vaulters, it ’s of nding on th een just th momentum. an e killers have be d punished bu e vaulters’ he en caught, tr t this case will ight and ied, remain open. 3. Takeoff – Th e potential en ergy in the be back to the at nt pole is tran hletes’ body as Freese, S. (20 REFEREN 13, March 27) sferred CES a kinetic ener bearingnews. . Webpage foo org/2011/12/ ter for Bearing gy. The vaulte pole-vaulters-e News. Retrie Ne lso mb n, rs jump race-off-season/ B. (2016, Jun ved from http:/ e 13). Middle. com/sports/a /www. distan thl etics/Middledistance-runnin ce running. Retrieved fro Troyer, M. (20 m https://www g. 12, October .britannica. https://prezi.co m/ejuhfxg-j8vm 15). Pole Vault: Sport Sp ecific Comm /pole-vault-spor Visual Dictio on Injuries. Retrie t-specific-comm nar y Online. ved from sports-games/ on(n.d.). Retrie injuries/. track-field/jum ved from htt ping/pole-vault p://www.visu www.popsci.c .php. aldictionaryonli om ne.com/
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s p o rts p er s onalit y
TINAMISAN SERVING SWEET VICTORIES ON CENTER LANE
N O T Y O U R T Y P I C A L P O O L AT H L E T E WORDS // DEL CHRISTJON SOGABO with reports from ERIKA JANE TARRAY & DOMINIQUE IMOJEANNE VACUNAWA
PHOTOS// ERIKA JANE TARRAY & DOMINIQUE IMOJEANNE VACUNAWA
FILIPINOS ARE KNOWN FOR HAVING SWEET TOOTH OR HAVING CRAVES ON SWEETS. WE ALWAYS FIND OUR OWN PERFECT TASTE WHICH INCLUDES COMPLETE INGREDIENTS WITH ACCURATE AMOUNT. BUT WHAT WE DON’T KNOW, SOME GREAT DISHES DO NOT CONTAIN ALL THE INGREDIENTS- SOME JUST HAVE WHAT ARE ONLY AVAILABLE.
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O
ur fondness on sweets is as strong as being a fanatic of sports including swimming where a PagbilaWin’s pride Marco Tinamisan is known for his talent and success with his uniqueness and perseverance that inspires the whole country.
Take your Marc-o!
Before Marco was featured in famous television programs such as Mag TV Natin `to, GMA, Timeout, and even interviewed by an influential TV reporter, Kara David, this physically challenged who was born without his legs and an arm had experienced lot of discriminations and judgements. Those bitter experiences contribute to his doubts on pursing his athletic journey until his teacher convinced him to join a swimming competition. Swimming has always been a part of young Marco’s days together with his cousins. They used to sneak out to swim on a nearby river at their place. It was just a hobby back then without knowing that this childhood leisure activity will give him a lot more opportunities. His elementary teacher gave opportunities not only to showcase his talent but also to take that chance to prove something for himself and to others- inspiration for those who believes in him especially his family with full-time support and his source of strength and realization for those who judged him for his disabilities and degraded his capabilities.
First taste of diving
First taste battle is always remarkable like the first time you savor your favorite dessert. In Marco’s case, his first competition was when he was in fifth grade that led him to more bigger competitions outside their school like when he joined Southern Tagalog CALABARZON Athletic Association (STACAA) provincial sports competition. It is not always easy for starters. One must be familiar with the sports matter and in Marco’s case he was clueless.
“Noong sa Laguna, muntik na akong mamatay noon. Hindi na ako makahinga. Malapit na ako noon sa finish line, pero nakalunok ako ng maraming tubig, nanikip yong dibdib ko. Pero umabot pa rin ako finish line, kahit hirap na ako. Tapos naging 1st ako. ‘ Yon ‘yong naka-tatlong gold ako. Pinilit ko kasi yon, kasi kung di ko ipipilit yon, ibig sabihin noon hindi ko kaya. Kaya pinilit ko talaga, kahit wala na talaga hangin, itutuloy at itutuloy kong pilit. Para maipakita ko sa kanila iyong katatagan ko.” If you want something, you will do something to have it despite of all the odds. Marco never stops from learning and mastering his talent until he’s familiar with it that sooner it became his passion. “Ang paglalangoy ay parang ibon, habang kinakawag mo `yong kamay mo sa tubig, para bang nakakalipad ka, malaya ka, parang kaya mo pumunta sa kahit saan mo gusto.” His determination makes him stronger to continue and improve his craft but never risking his quality time with his family and his health at all cost.
nila ikahiya. Magandang ipakita nila kasi may naiinspire sila kahit papaano.” Truly, swimming is a challenging and demanding sport that is also one of the toughest. But Marco remains strong and persistent not only for himself but also for those who believes his talent. Marco is more than an inspiration to his family and friends but he is also a sweet and gentle companion, just like what his last name says. He treats his deficiency as a gift and used it to improve the standards of the society for others like him. “Ipagpatuloy lang nila yong pangarap nila. Wag silang mahihiya na ipakita yong kaya nila. Wag nilang isipin yong mga negatives dapat positive lang. Nakakapang-hina kasi ‘yon. ‘ Yong mga taong mapanghusga sa ’yo na tingin nila ay hindi mo kaya. Pero dapat pilitin mong ipakita sa kanila na mali sila, believe in yourself.” Currently, Marco’s swimming career is supporting him as a grade 11 student, planning to pursue an Information Technology course in college while continuing his passion for swimming. You don’t need to have all the ingredients like how Marco manage to find his perfect taste despite of his condition. The lane for developing your talent will not always be sweet, it will sometimes be sour and most of the time be bitter, but with great encouragement and determination, surely, the victory will always be sweeter than the hardships.
Candied strokes to finish line
It’s not bad to try other flavors. Tinamisan then discovered that he can also do other sports as he had tried playing basketball and volleyball and even badminton proficiently. He did not look his disabilities as weakness to do lesser but instead a greater chance for more capabilities. “Wag (silang) matakot ilabas ‘yong talent nila, hindi porket kulang-kulang o kung anong meron sa kanila, ay wag
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SET FIRE
ON ICE
U N V E I L I N G T H E S EC R E TS O F F I G U R E S K AT I N G WORDS // ERIKA JANE TARRAY
ILLUSTRATIONS// JUNNIE GOYADA
You can set fire on ice when you find out various strategic secrets underneath the blades of your boots.
BUILDING THE CONFIDENCE TO LEARN
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Power up your thoughts and believe that you can etch your own name through discovering what makes figure staking one of the most anticipated events of the Winter Games – including powerful and breath-taking moves, elegance, and athletic prowess. Every skater’s smooth and intricate glide across the ice, keeping the balance while doing dizzying spins, breath-taking exhibitions, and detailed footwork sequences manifest unsubtle skills and passion to display and show the world what they got. And like them, you can slay – you can establish your throne in the ice rink.
Confidence always makes a difference, as well as in learning new sport activity. With this internal power, we can perform any skill and overcome challenges along the way. We feel motivated and enabled to conquer our fears and explore the depth of discovering the essentials of sports (Morris). To determine the hope and motivation to be the next world-class figure skater, building selfconfidence must be taken into account as a crucial element that can bring us to the attainment of our goals. It often associates with the capability to develop the fundamental skills needed in sports activities. Many physiologists perceive that the self-confidence plays a significant role to summon accomplishments just like learning and mastering figure skating. On the other hand, the absence of it may lead to inconsistency of performance and insufficiency of efforts to excel inside the ice rink (Sports Psychology Information & Resources). Rifkin (2018) and Taylor (2009) identified various effective keys to build and improve selfconfidence in sports which can be significantly applied to become a certified and victorious figure skater. In order to gear up oneself for gaining steadfast confidence, it is necessary to begin with enhancing physical body conditions that would pave the way to perform well. Poor and vulnerable
body condition can directly affect one’s interest and desire to learn since the latter may view his or her physical self-feeble and not for athletic activities. Being physically fit as athlete’s one of the noble assets contributes to boost self-confidence. Additionally, believing in oneself to remain standing amidst all challenges sustains the selfconfidence. It maintains the flaming passion to keep going notwithstanding difficulties and distractions along the way while learning new things. Moreover, creating a picture of oneself receiving accolades and setting goals to achieve can inspire and elevate one’s confidence to work hard in order to meet its fulfillment. Lastly, being focused on learning and continuous practicing to gain needed skills must be considered for the foundation and enhancement of self-confidence. Negligence and inadequate preparation may trigger self-doubt that can affect the whole learning process. Having undistracted thought and giving extra time going over the skills until one feels confident can wrap up the idea and impose self-discipline while learning. With these important keys, beginning to ignite the passion to learn inside you through developing and honing your self-confidence will be your first rock to step into. Eliminate your selfdoubts and get ready to set fire on ice!
SPORTS Unleash your fear of the slippery ice and start befriending with it while exploring the basic and fundamental steps in figure skating. In every downfall, never be discouraged and lost the appetite to learn. Make this thing a motivation instead to keep moving forward. Farris (2019) identified basic steps to learn which serve as the foundation of gearing up the skills. First on the list, set your feet on the ice with the guide of the rail. The surface of the ice rink is slippery that usually frightens the beginners. Keep calm, steady your feet and hold onto the rail in order to keep the balance especially in executing first skating moves. Secondly, get ready to stand with your own feet as you move away from the rail. Gain the courage you must work up in order to find and sustain your balance. Incrementally, start moving away from the rail and bend your knees a little. Let your feet support the succeeding moves and avoid making extra gestures such as swing the hands and arms around. As you learn how to rely on the power of your feet, proceed to the next essential step – practicing falling and getting up on the ice. Upon learning how to figure skate, falling is expected and perceived as inevitable situation. Never be dejected when you keep falling amidst several attempts – it is the mean to set you ready for a broader aspect of skating. With regard to this part, bend your knees and squat into a dip position and start falling to the side while leaning a mite forward. With the harmony of your feet, knees, and hands, get ready
HONING THE REQUIRED SKILLS
to stand up in order to advance to the next step. One of the most exciting part of learning figure skating is creating a sequence of continuous and smooth skates on the ice. In order to execute this, learning how to move forward must be practiced by keeping the balance as if you are riding a scooter down the road. Maintain the coordination of both feet with each other and skate around the ice rink. Another fundamental step is learning to stop. It basically allows you to manipulate and control your move most especially in cases of potential mishaps that must be prevented as much as possible. It can also be done by means of keeping your feet apart, doing a maneuver (similar to skiing) with the use of blade’s flat, and pointing your toes inward. Furthermore, after learning aforementioned steps, be consistent in improving the building blocks of figure skating through gliding on the feet and performing dips. Learn how to march across the surface and slide softly on two feet for a limited distance. In doing a dip, squat down and keep the arms and rear in the same level – it is also a good example of warming up your knees. Lastly, having a sense of enjoyment while learning always makes the latter noble. Have fun exploring and discovering more things after mastering these essential elements. Make the ice rink your own ground of comfort to try end eventually master new moves like spinning, lunging, doing swizzles, gliding on one foot, skating backward and more. You are few steps closer to become a certified figure skate! Be ready for sharps and glides. In skating, what you will need is a very sharp blade in order to grip the ice properly. The sharper the blades are, the safer you are. According to the reputable technicians, you need to be fitted in order perform the game well. Choose your best blade because your safety depends on it. Your greatest fall is your weapon. Always remember that falling does not mean failing. In every sport or competition, the crown is not always yours. Sometimes you lose, sometimes you win but your biggest prize when you lose is experience. Obviously, there is a possibility that you may get hurt, but wearing protective gears will help you especially during practice. Your socks must give you comfortable feeling. Most guys will wear a thin trouser type o sock, and most girls will wear either skating tights or knee highs that are from the same material as skating socks. It is not important if your socks have the best design. What matters is the feeling of comfort to execute the routines well. Also, make sure to tie your skates tightly to achieve perfect balance and to prevent possible injuries. Practice makes perfect. This will help building the strength, stamina and flexibility that is needed on the ice. Many skaters may take classes in dance, or participate in other activities such as running, or just working
LEARNING THE BASIC AND FUNDAMENTAL STEPS
out in the gym. There are also numerous off-ice drills to help build height and strength for jumps and for overall stamina. During practice, if you manage that there is something wrong with the stunts, try observing and imitating. It is the perfect way to find the right stance. A learner keeps note. Jot down things that help guide your practice. It is very helpful when you are working on a new element. By just looking at the things that will help you grow. Focus and love what you are doing. For some, skating is a fun activity that will give us entertainment and enjoyment at the same time. Worst times cannot be predicted where you will have to buckle down and practice. Be dauntless and discover new techniques as well. Do not get discouraged if you do not get an element right away. Skating takes years to learn, but can be a lifetime sport, so there’s no need to rush the process. You don’t need to rush the process because everyone starts as a beginner. In the long run, we became better and better. REFERENCES: Farris, J. S. (2019, January 30). Learn how to ice skate in 10 steps. Retrieved October 5, 2019 from https:// www.liveabout.com/step-by-step-beginning-ice-skating-lesson-1282381 Morris, A. (2019). Developing confidence in sport. Retrieved October 5, 2019 from https://believeperform.com/developing-confidence-in-sport/ Rifkin, B. (2018, December 5). How to improve self-confidence in sports. Retrieved October 6, 2019 from https://www.sportsrec.com/6764549/how-to-improve-self-confidence-in-sports Slater, J. (2012). What can I do to improve my ice skating skills? Retrieved October 6, 2019 from https:// www.quora.com/What-can-I-do-to-improve-my-ice-skating-skills Sports Psychology Information & Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved October 6, 2019 from http://iceskatingresources.org/Confidence.html Taylor, J. (2009, November 9). Sports: introduction to confidence. Retrieved October 6, 2019 from https:// www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-prime/200911/sports-introduction-confidence
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INFOGRAPHIC INFOGRAPHICS
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MENTAL HEALTH COVERSTORY
ESPASYO
ANG
PA R A
SA IY ONG
PAG-ISKAPO ARTIKULO// MARGARETE B. CAGUIOA panayam nina RENALYN HIPOLITO at MIAN VIRREY
KUHANG LARAWAN// DHANNA GRACE PANTE at HANNILYN TUTOR
KUNG HAHANAPIN MO ANG IYONG SARILI SA MAGULONG MUNDONG ITO, TANGING ESPASYO ANG SIGURADONG KAILANGAN MO.
LUCENA CITY, QUEZON
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Pagsisimula sa Kawalan Minsan kakailanganin mo munang magsimula sa wala hanggang sa magkaroon ka ng isang lugar kung saan kaya mong ilabas ang iyong sama ng loob. Noong 2007, isang pamilya ang nagsimula ng kanilang negosyo sa kanto ng Quezon Avenue at Trinidad, Lungsod ng Lucena, na kung saan nagtayo ng kung anu-anong maaaring pagkakakitaan sa kanilang nirentahang lupa. Dati itong bakery hanggang sa ginawa nilang boutique. Naging bilyaran din ito, naging kainan, naging Zumba place rin at tindahan ng mga pasalubong hanggang sa kung anu-ano nang negosyo ang itinayo ng pamilyang Lagos dahil sa iba’t – iba ring tao at kamag-anak na nagpapatakbo rito. Patuloy na humahanap ang pamilyang Lagos ng isang oportunidad upang makilala at lumaki ang kanilang negosyo.
Unos sa Paghahanap ng Tamang Espasyo Sa iyong patuloy na paglalakbay at paghahanap ng espasyo, laging may kalakip na unos at pagsubok na dadating at haharang sa iyo bago ka makarating sa iyong patutunguhan. Dahil sa pagkakaroon ng sari-sariling buhay at personal na dahilan, hindi naging maganda ang pagpapatakbo ng pamilya Lagos sa kanilang negosyo. Ang iba sa kanilang kamag-anak ay nagsipag-abroad at ang iba naman ay may sarisariling trabaho na halos wala nang natira upang humawak at magpatakbo nito. Naisipan ni Ms. Rhe-ann Lagos na pagsabayin ang kaniyang trabaho at pagpapatakbo sa kanilang family business hanggang sa may
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isang grupo ang nagbigay ng suhestiyon sa kanya na magpasagawa ng events dahil hindi naman nagagamit na ulit ang espasyo. Sa isang suhestiyong ito ay hindi nila aakalain na magkakaroon ng magandang layunin ang kanilang lugar.
Pagkahanap sa Espasyo Kapag sa tingin mong nahanap mo na ang tamang lugar, doon ka manatili at simulan mong ilabas ang lahat ng iyong nararamdaman, galit man iyan, kasiyahan, kalungkutan o kahit anong emosyon ang iyong nais ilabas. “Nag-start kasi ‘yong ESPASYO nu’ng lumapit sa akin ang... hindi naman totally lumapit, parang nag-suggest sa akin ‘yong Guni-Guri collective, tutal ‘yung space n’yo naman sa likod (ay) hindi nagagamit, (mag)pa-event tayo,” sabi ni Ms. Lagos Pumayag naman si Ms. Lagos sapagkat maganda naman ang naging intensyon ng grupo sa paggamit ng nasabing espasyo. Nagsimula ang espasyo na iyon na pangalanang ESPASYO sapagkat sa tuwing naghahanap ang mga artists ng Guni Guri Collective (isang grupo ng mga artists sa Quezon) ng espasyo, art space ang kanilang tawag. Bago simulan ang nasabing event, isang malawak na pagpa-plano at paghahanda ang ginawa ng Guni Guri Collective. Sa paglalahad ng isang miyembro sa pagpapakilalang banana girl, ganito ang kaniyang pahayag: “Before kasi nu’ng space pa lang sa loob n’yan, kami ‘yung nagbaklas, nagpintura nu’ng pader, (at) naglinis. So talagang this is a space for the youth, by the youth, ta’s ‘yung mga ginastos namin dito (ay) puro ambag, ‘yung mga profit galing du’n sa mga events
namin or baka may mga magandang loob na nagdodonate. Bale self-sustaining din kami in a way gawa kase walang ibang susuporta kundi tayo lang naman.” Ika-25 ng Pebrero, taong 2017 ng magsimulang mag-exhibit ang Guni Guri Collective at ipakita ang kanilang mga sariling obra, mga paintings sa iba’t ibang klase ng medium at sari-saring mga displays. Simula noon ay nagkaroon at nasundan ng iba’t ibang events ang espasyo.
Paglaki ng Maliit na Espasyo May mga pagkakataong kapag nakahanap ka ng espasyo ay magiging iyo lamang iyon. Minsan, maaari mo rin itong ibahagi sa iba o hindi kaya ay may nauna sa iyo at inyo na itong pinaghahatian. Pagkatapos ng ilang events ng Guni Guri sa ESPASYO ay nagkaroon din ng iba’t ibang events ang sumunod, katulad ng mga events ng mga grupong Parsouth, Sinkerswim, Foodnutbumps, Goulife at Bahaghari. Noong una ay nagkaroon sila ng problema sa pag-aayos ng mga events dahil halos walang tumatangkilik ngunit may isang tao sa pangalang Bryan “Tomerts” Merto ang naghikayat at sumuporta sa mga grupo upang manatiling magkaroon ng kaganapan. “Hindi nawala yung support niya (Tomerts) sa group (Parsouth at Sinkerswim) tapos siya lang ‘yung pinakaconsistent. Sabi niya hindi kahit nasa abroad siya, gusto niya tuloy-tuloy kasi artist din siya, musician din siya kumbaga parang maraming nabibigyan, (at) natulungan na artist, kumbaga napapakita nila kung anong meron sila, ‘yung talent nila,” sabi ni Ms. Lagos. Upang mas maging kilala, gumawa sila ng
COVER STORY page sa social media. Ginawa nila itong plataporma upang mas mabilis nilang maipakalat ang mga magiging events sa ESPASYO.
Pagkahanap sa Sarili Minsan, kapag nagkaroon ka na ng space, dito mo makikita kung ano nga ba talaga ang kahalagahan ng mga gawa at magagawa mo pa sa mga susunod na araw. Ang ESPASYO ay nagsilbing tahanan ng mga artists na naghahanap ng lugar kung saan maaari nilang ilabas ang kanilang mga talento. Ito rin ang nagsilbing lugar kung saan nagkaroon at mas lumawak ang pamilya at mundong kanilang ginagalawan. Tulad ng sinabi ng isang artist na nagtatago sa pangalang banana girl sa isang panayam, dahil sa kulang na pagsuporta sa katulad niyang indie artist ay gumawa sila ng space para sa kanila na kung saan ay open at welcome ang kahit sinong performer, kahit saang lugar o kahit saan ka mang lugar nanggaling. “‘Yung mga activities (art exhibit at live performances) kase na ‘yun ay malapit sa puso ko kasi I believe na maraming pwedeng gawin, maraming kayang gawin at pwedeng i-offer ang mga youth natin. Kitang kita naman ‘yun, ang ganda nga dito kasi ang ESPASYO, siya ‘yung proof na ‘pag nagsamasama tayo, kaya nating gawin (ang) kahit anong gusto natin ‘di ba?,” sabi ni Banana Girl. Hindi lamang nagsilbi ang Espasyo bilang event center. Nagsilbi rin ito bilang lugar kung saan nagkakaroon sila ng mga feeding programs at mga relief operations. Isang halimbawa ay ang sunog na nangyari sa Brgy. Ibabang Dupay, Lungsod
ng Lucena. Nagsilbing lugar ang ESPASYO para ipunin ang mga damit at mga donasyon na ibibigay para sa mga nasunugan. Nagkakaroon din sila ng mga fund raising events para mas marami silang matulungan dahil hindi naman ganoon kalaki ang kinikita nila sa tuwing nagkakaroon ng mga events. “(Para) Sa amin, it’s only right to give back to the community din, para syempre masaya lahat. ‘Yung mga kinikita namin, pang-maintenance lang dito tapos ‘yung the rest nga, (ay para sa) mga feeding programs at saka sa mga homeless,” sabi ni Banana Girl. Para kay Ms. Lagos, nagsilbi ang ESPASYO bilang lugar kung saan nakita niya ang sarili niya na makisasalamuha sa iba at maging selfless para sa ikabubuti ng iba. “Siguro kasi dati iisipin mo lang sarili mo, nu’ng nagkaroon ako ng ibang responsibility lalo sa ibang tao na hindi ko naman family member o ano man, parang napaisip ako na kaya ko palang magbigay na walang kapalit, kumbaga masaya ka lang sa ginagawa mo, kumbaga lahat naman (kami) ganu’n,” sabi ni Ms. Lagos
Realisasyon sa Pag-eskapo Iba’t ibang realisasyon ang iyong babaunin sa iyong pagbalik sa iyong realidad. Katulad ng artist na si Banana Girl, marami na siyang naging karanasan dahil sa pagsali niya at pagiging parte ng ESPASYO at ito ang kaniyang nasabi: “Ako naman, mahalaga s’ya sa ‘kin kasi katulad nga nu’ng sabi ni Alvin, isa s’yang espasyo na kung saan pwede kang maging ikaw. Unang-
una ang ESPASYO. Lagi naming pinapaalala sa mga pumupunta rito na safe space siya. It’s a place na walang judgement regardless sa socio-economic standing mo, raise mo, ethenticity, gender expression, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, age, religion, body shape, size, and ability. Judgement free itong zone na ‘to pero syempre ibig sabihin naman nito ‘di namin tino-tolerate ang negative behavior. ‘Pag may negative behavior tayong nae-encounter, syempre ginagawa naman ng management ang lahat para ma-ensure na safe ang mga guests natin. So ayun, the space has the right to keep away ‘yung mga tao na sa palagay namin ay hindi sumusunod dito sa aming adhikain na ito.” Ayon naman sa isang artist na nagtatago sa pangalang John Weak: “Kapag nandito ako, parang wala ako sa Lucena kaya okay na gusto ko rin yung isolation dito.” Ayon kay Ms. Lagos hangga’t may ESPASYO, magpapatuloy silang suportahan ang sino mang nais na magtanghal at magpakita ng kanilang angking talento na may malayang pagbibigay ng serbisyo at walang kahit anong bahid ng panghuhusga. Patuloy silang tutulong sa abot ng makakaya ng lugar sa kung sino man ang nangangailangan. Minsan kapag tayo ay naguguluhan sa mga bagay katulad ng romantikong relasyon o kaya ay relasyon sa pamilya o kaya naman ay mismong sarili na ang iyong kalaban, espasyo lang ang minsang iyong kakailanganin para kumawala at bumalik sa dating pagiging ikaw.
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HINDI LAMANG BASTA PUTI A N G M G A S O M B R E R O N G B U N TA L N I
SIMANG
Kung may kulay man ang pagtanda, kasing puti ito ng mga hibla ng buhok at buntal. ARTIKULO AT KUHANG LARAWAN // IRRA MAE N. VITO
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K
asabay ng pagputla ng mapulang longganisa, nawawala na rin sa pinta ang kulay ng paglalala ng buntal sa Lucban. May ilang kilala lamang ito na panali sa longganisa, ngunit dati ay higit pa rito ang gampanin ng buntal para sa mga Lucbanin, katulad ng pagkakakilala ko kay Nanay Simang na s’ya namang nagpakilala sa akin sa buntal.
mayayari. Ginawa ko, pinalala ko sa kapitbahay. Pagkatapos nung dal’wa ay kumukuha uli sa akin at s’ya daw ay lalala uli. Ay ‘di naisipan kong ako’y magpalala,” kwento niya.
Sa kanyang puting-puting buhok at baluktot na likuran, bakas kay Zosima Ibarrola-Brillon, 84 taong gulang, ang pagdaan ng buntal sa kanyang mga kamay mula pa noong 1972, mga panahong laganap pa ang industriya ng paglalala.
Sa tinagal, para nang ugat na daluyan ng kanyang buhay ang mga buntal, gayundin siya para sa buhay ng industriya ng buntal na nakalala at hindi na maihihiwalay sa kanya. Si Nanay Simang na lang ang nag-iisang nagpapalala ng buntal dito sa Lucban. Siya ang pinagkukunan, pinagsusulitan, at nagsusulit sa mga exporter ng sombrerong yaring buntal.
Naunang dumampi sa kanya ang mga sinulid at tahiing tela. 22 anyos siya nang mamasukan bilang mananahi kasama ng kanyang asawa sa tinatawag nilang tahian ng Daya. Kasabay nito, isa rin si Nanay Simang sa maraming mag-iipon o taga-pamahagi at kolekta ng mga lalahin at nalalang buntal noon bilang sideline. Dito, nakita niya kung gaano kabilis dumami ang bilang ng mga maglalala na nagpatingkad sa industriya ng puting buntal. Ngunit sa pag-edad ng panahon, isa-isang nanlagas ang kaniyang mga kasamahang mag-iipon hanggang siya na lamang ang naiwang nabubuhay. Kaya naisipan niyang umalis sa tahian at ipagpatuloy ang naiwang lalahin ng mga kasamahan. Sa kabila nito, aminadong hindi natutong maglala si Nanay Simang dahil na rin sa likas na pagka-komplikado nito. “Nag-umpisa ako sa dalawang lalahin lang gawa ng inopera ako sa goiter. Ay ‘di wala akong gawa sa bahay. Ako’y nahili sa mga marunong lumala. Kahit masama ay nabibili ay. Naenganyo akong umato. Pagkabili ko sa dalawang lalahin, aba ay ‘di ako magkaari. Sabi ko, aba sayang naman aring lalahing ari kung ‘di
Tuwing Pahiyas, natatanging ‘di makulay at puting-puti ang bahay ni Nanay Simang dahil pinupuno niya ito ng mga buntal na sombrerong nakadikit mula sa pader hanggang kisame. Bukod sa para mas makatipid dahil iyon ang mayroon siya, isang paraan niya ito upang maipakilala ang buntal at ang kultura ng paglala sa bayan ng Lucban. Umaabot sa dalawang daang sombrerong buntal ang naisusulit ni Nanay Simang sa mga exporter kada buwan. Kakaunti ito kumpara sa mga napo-prodyus ng kanyang mga taga-lala noon. Dahil na rin sa pagbabago ng panahon, nag-iba na talaga ang pagkilala ng mga tao sa buntal. Mula sa labing apat, mayroon na lamang limang mag-iipon at mabibilang na lamang sa mga kamay ang mismong taga-lala ni Nanay Simang sa panahon ngayon, lahat pa sa mga ito ay maeedad na tulad ng 90 anyos na si Gng. Prescilla “Nanay Ilang” Platino na ayon kay Nanay Simang ay mabilis pang lumalala. “Ngayon, ang hanap buhay ng mga babae ay pamamasukan, mas malaki ang kita ay. ‘ Yong katulong ay uwian ay di madali kaysa lumala. Ang lalahin naman ay isang lingo ay isa, sa mabagal lumala. Sa mabilis ay dalawa. Pang-naiiwan lang sa bahay ang paglalala ay, pang-lola, pero hindi na rin at nagsisipag-alaga na ng mga apo,” sabi ni Nanay Simang. Minsa’y sinubukan na raw ni Nanay Simang na itaas ang bigayan sa mga maglalala ngunit hindi pa rin ito nakapag-engganyo sa mga kababaihan upang bumalik o subukan ang paglalala.
ZOSIMA IBARROLA-BRILLON 84 TAONG GULANG
Hindi maipagkakailang maliit ang kita sa ganitong industriya. Umaabot sa P250 ang isang export quality na “Balik Hat” na quarto y media singko ang ulo na pinagpaguran ng higit sa dalawang tao sa loob ng isang linggo. Ibawas pa rito ang P65 para sa puhunang buntal na malaking diperensya sa dalawang piso at limampung sentimong presyo nang magsimula siyang magpalala at ang P130-150 upa o bayad pa sa maglalala, sampung piso sa tagalinis o suksok, taga-higit, taga-laba at taga-plantsa bago mayari ang isang balik hat. Naglalaro lamang sa 25 hanggang 30 piso ang natitira kay Nanay Simang.
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“Kung ako lang ang masusunod, gusto ko silang (mga kabataan) matuto. Pero hindi na talaga nila magugustuhan, sa ‘king palagay.”
Hindi na man kasing linaw at liwanag ng kulay na puti ang kanyang memorya, hindi niya malimut-limutan kung paano nagsimula at nagbago ang industriya. Ang halaga ng kanyang kita noon ay alam niyang sapat para sa mga bilihin, pangangailangan, at edukasyon ng kanyang apat na mga anak. “Marami (ang maglalala) noon. Malaking tulong ang lalahin, nakapagpa-aral nga ako ng mga anak. Pinilit ko silang paaralin, gawa ang katwiran ko ay hindi ako napaaralan kaya anak ko naman ang pinilit kong makapag-aral. Sabi ko, h’wag na silang gumaya sa akin, mahirap ang ‘di nakapag-aral, mahirap ang ‘di marunong,” sabi ni Nanay Simang. Bagama’t may kani-kaniyang pamilya na, nanatiling katulong ni Nanay Simang ang kanyang mga anak sa pagpapalakad ng mga lalahin. Si Mang Rolly, ikalawa niyang anak, ang kanyang kanang kamay pagdating sa produksyon ng mga sombrero. Siya na rin ang kadalasang naglalala para sa finishing ng mga yaring Balik. Samantala, si Reylina at Rosalie naman ang nakikipag-transaksyon sa mga mag-iipon at sa supplier ng buntal sa Sariaya, Quezon. “Napapag-usapan namin ng mga anak ko na habang mayroon (pang mamimili ng buntal na sombrero), tuloy iyon kahit ako’y wala na, sila ang hahalili sabi nila. Tulong-tulong na silang magkakapatid at maigi rin naman (na kabuhayan),” sabi niya. Nangangamba si Nanay Simang sa tuluyang pagkawala ng kulturang ito sa bayan ng Lucban. Madalas niyang ipagkumpara ang kanyang mga pinagdaan noon at ngayon na bukod sa kakaunti
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nang bilang ng mga kababaihang marunong maglala, dumadalang na rin daw ang supply ng buntal ngayon. May mga pagkakataong walang dumarating na buntal dahil wala nang bumubunot ng mga ito bago pa tanggalan ng tinik, baakin, ibibilad, iiluhin, iilasan at iba pang mga hakbang bago ganap na maging material sa paggawa ng mga sombrero. Tila mas takot pa si Nanay Simang na mamatay ang kultura ng paglala na kanyang pinipilit buhayin kaysa sa sariling kamatayan. Hindi matatakasan ni Nanay Simang ang pagtanda, may mga sakit na siyang dinadaing, malabo na ang mga mata, mahina na ang pandinig at mabagal na kung lumakad. Ngunit malinaw pa sa kanyang diwa ang realidad ng katayuan ng paglalala, ayon sa kanyang ebalwasyon. Para sa kanya, kasabay nilang tatanda at malilimutan ang paglalala dahil na rin sa lumalaking pangangailangan ng mga tao upang mabuhay na hindi naman maiaasa sa mga buntal lamang. “Kung ako lang ang masusunod, gusto ko silang (mga kabataan) matuto. Pero hindi na talaga nila magugustuhan, sa ‘king palagay. Gusto kong may matuto pero hindi (magiging madali). Nakikita kong hindi. Kung ‘yong mga dati (maglalala) nga ay ayaw nang lumala, ‘yong ngayon pa kaya,” sabi niya. Kay Nanay Simang dumadaloy ang natitirang hibla ng kulay ng kultura ng paglalala ng buntal. Katulad ng buhok, puputi at maaari itong mawala sa panlalagas. Puti ang buntal at may ipuputi pa ang mga ito hanggang sa hindi na makita pa.
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o t d e n e p p a h at
? y a d s e Tu Wh
N A B C U L T A R U O T E R U T SIT AND CUL
A PAGE VI
WORDS // DEL CHRISTJON B. SOGABO PHOTOS AND LOGO COURTESY OF LUCBANIN TUESDAY FACEBOOK PAGE
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COVER STORY You don’t have to pack-up your things and travel the foot of Mount Banahaw in the Province of Quezon to experience the rich culture and its colorful and somewhat tragic history. Lucban with its different spots, festivals, food and even a church, is now only one click away, you can visit, try and enjoy its culture by just browsing your phone. Just save the day – it’s Tuesday.
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‘Happy Tuesday, mga buslog’
‘Alin ba, ati?’
Facebook is a major player in the world of social networking with more than 2.20 billion monthly active users. Facebook Pages were specifically engineered for businesses yet it is also a tool that allows many interesting opportunities like promoting culture. It was September 29, 2019 when Raymond Dean, a BS Nursing graduate of Southern Luzon State University, established the rising and most trending Facebook page for the entire municipality of Lucban, the Lucbanin Tuesday. Lucbanin Tuesday is a Lucbanin version inspired from the Tagalog Thursday of JoKoy, a famous FilAm stand-up comedian. According to Dean, the videos and memes about Lucbanin words and culture was first posted on his personal account but with public demand he founded the page. The page is intended to promote Lucban culture and serve good vibes. It is also for those who already visited or those who wanted to visit the art capital of Quezon. This also brings memories and connections to every Lucbanin and to those who have Lucbanin friends. Dean is both the admin and the editor of the materials that he posts on Lucbanin Tuesday.
The first ever Lucbanin word video tutorial was posted on October 1 with its first expression ‘uu aa’. Based on the video tutorial, ‘uu aa’ is a Lucbanin way of saying ‘yes’. It is pronounced as ‘u-u a-a’ with emphasis in each vowel showing a strong agreement to something. From then on, the page was posting Lucbanin terms and expression video tutorials every Tuesday. Another Lucbanin word video tutorial posted was about how you tell someone to back off or don’t do something to yourself. This Lucbanin expression is ‘igi’, pronounced with a long last vowel sound sustained in rising intonation, which reached over five thousand views and hundreds of shares and comments. ‘Buslog’ is one of the most commonly known unique Lucbanin terms. It refers to the mood and attitude of someone when pissed off or annoyed. Some example that was shown in the video tutorial was when the meal ordered was served but not well done and the costumer will ‘buslog’ and resist to take it unless it was cooked the way he likes. Another one was when there was a problem on water supply then someone will ‘buslog’ and rant about it.
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Recently, the Lucbanin Tuesday has fifteen video tutorials that were posted every Tuesdays of the week and the page had reached over 6,000 followers.
Lucbang Finagfala Aside from Lucbanin terms and expressions tutorial video, the page also publishes photo memes and essays about Lucbanin culture and tradition. One of the most trending photo memes was the Proposed Lucbanin Typhoon Names for year 2022 with its hashtags #StaySafeMgaBuslog and #LucbanAhoon2022. The typhoon names listed alphabetically are Alemba, Buruti, Chaka, Damusak, Eme, Finagfala, Gahol, Hambog, Istanga, Jableg, Kiri, Lamog, Maminkmink, Nasirinuhan, Olay, Paigtingan, Qaqoqa, Rikit, Siati, Tipay, Ulaga, Vudin, Wis, Xiaramo, Yanuihhihh and Zuaurahin. The admin of the page also posted example of lines in hypothetical scenarios in the caption for some of the typhoon names like, “Parating na po ang bagyong Lamog, wala po munang lalabas at kakaaduwa,”, “Wala na po ang bagyong Hambog, hambog nga,” and “Di na po tuloy ang bagyong Siati, si ati,”. The image gathered over 1,200 reactions and comments which led to another photo meme
COVER STORY about Proposed Lucbanin Typhoon Names for Year 2023. Both photo memes were posted with proper disclaimer saying that the post was only intended for fun and has no means to offend someone. There are also photo memes of parody lines from Filipino movies and famous personalities through Lucbanin tone like the trending photo meme of Ms. Universe 2018 Catriona Gray refusing a tagay or a drink and a movie poster parody of One More Chance starring Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz which has converted the movie title to Atuhee Uli. According to Dean, he was a former student journalist when he was in high school that makes him also inclined on writing which he showcased on his essays posted on the page. The topic of the essays was about lives of Lucbanin which was really relatable to every resident of the municipality.
One of the essays was about how important and relevant for a Lucbanin to always bring an umbrella due to wet weather of the town throughout the whole year. Like on photo memes and videos, the essays also have humor that catches more readers and shared post. Since, the Lucbanin was being related to every sentiment of the essays, it engaged comments that contains their personal experience about the topic.
Like, share and follow Content creators are on the rise today. The trend of starting customized channels, pages and uploading videos to highlight various aspects are popular in different platforms, but not all contents are well established. Lucbanin Tuesday is a great example of a Facebook page which really caters not just entertaining stuffs but also materials that were able to connect, engage with, and delight fans, as
well as promote culture and tradition. According to Dean, there are times that he loses motivation and there are times that he thought of deleting the page because it consumes most of his time. But it flatters him whenever he meet someone giving sweet-talks and telling him on how uplifting the contents of the page are and how it gives positive vibes to every avid subscribers. Those simple appreciations give him motivation to continue making awesome contents not only for him but also for the pride of the whole town. The uniqueness and authenticity are the factors and maybe the reasons why this new page influences lot of people online making it one of the topics of conversations inside and outside the town. This page proves that you don’t have to do everything, instead just focus on the core needs of your followers. I must say that Lucbanin Tuesday makes every day well spent.
https://www.facebook.com/LucbaninTuesday/
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COVERSTORY COVER STORY
THROUGH
ROPES AND
SLOPES LUCBANIN’S UNPARALELLED LOVE AND DEVOTION TO THE DIVINE
WORDS // MARVIN R. CURIOSO PHOTOS // MARLON VILLAVERDE*
GRASPING THE DIVINE THE LUCBANIN WAY. The night of the Good Friday is supposed to be a night of prayer, silence and solemnity. But this night is not an ordinary night, not for Mang Dante and the thousands of devotees who anticipate the arrival of the Mahal na Señor. Wearing their white t-shirts with a portrait of Jesus printed on it, all is hoping to get a chance of holding on to the rope that’s attached to the image and help in carrying it around the town. And with a sense of unimaginable faith, Mang Dante might have a chance to wipe his sweat-soaked t-shirt on the glass coffin believing that it will give him strength to go on his journey that is life.
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THE START It is said that the Santo Señor Sepulcro or most commonly known as Mahal na Señor was made by the order of Don Saturnino Riles y Cristobal, the Gobernadorcillo of Lucban back in 1840. Since then, the image of the Mahal na Señor became the icon of faith of the townsfolk of Lucban (Lucbanin). The tradition of the Lucbanin to carry and pull the image of the Mahal na Señor flourished on the time when the image returned to Lucban after it was pawned to Cirilo David in Manila on July 31, 1893 by the siblings Don Geronimo Rilles Cristobal and Doña Adriana Rilles Cristobal in exchange for Php 700.00 (Nantes 1952). By that time, Lucban experienced disasters and mishaps, and the Lucbanin’s mourned as if a part of them were taken away. So, Juan Rañola together with the united people of Lucban, out of great persistence and great love for the Mahal na Señor, used their own money to purchase the image and returned it on March 6, 1894. The return of the image was welcomed by the people of Lucban, priests and laymen, and a musical band. The church bells were rung. It was a day of celebration, for at last, the Mahal na Señor has returned to its home. On the other hand, an agreement was made between the children of Juan Rañola to have the chance of taking care of the Mahal na Señor. Every year, the heirs of each sibling are chosen by means of a draw lots to be the camarera. The camarera is the family who will be responsible for the image during the procession and the whole year round, including housing the Mahal na Señor. The draw lot is performed in front of representatives of each heir before the first Sunday of the Holy week. However, the image of the Mahal na Señor, even if it was owned by a rich family, stayed on its true home, on the heart of Lucban, the St. Louis Bishop Parish, for the whole year since then. It would only be returned on the house of its camarera during Holy Week particularly on the Good Friday. THE WAY It was on the year of 1942 when the town of Lucban was destroyed by the great fire caused by the Japanese during World War II, and the church, its home, is one of the fire’s casualties. But the Mahal na
Señor, according to Patricia “Taring” Villa, were saved by the Rañola’s a day before the Japanese burned the town (Maceo 2015). The Rañola’s took the Mahal na Señor from the church and saved it. They carried it to Mt. Banahaw but the Japanese were also feeling to this mountain because the Americans are coming, and the Japanese kill every Filipino they see on their way. They believe that the Mahal na Señor saved them. The Mahal na Señor were then brought to the farm of the Rañola’s until the war ended at 1945. The farm is now popularly known as Batis Aramin. The priest would fetch the Mahal na Señor in the house of the camarera. This is where the pag-uusong starts. There are four ropes attached to the carriage, two in front and two in back. The devotees would take a hold of the ropes, pulling and pushing the carriage to the church, around town, then back to the church. On the streets, the mag-uusong await for their turn to hold the rope. They believe the rope would give hope that they and their family would be blessed for the year. Jayson Maceo, the grandson of Patricia Villa and a pious devotee of Mahal na Señor, shared his experience with the divine and the importance of the tradition of nag-uusong in every Lucbanin. “Ang mga gawain at tradisyong ito ay malalim ang ugat sa puso ng mga Lucbanin kung kaya’t ito ay patuloy pa ring yumayabong hanggang sa panahong ito. Ang imahen ng Mahal na Señor bilang visual aid ay nagpapakita ng malalim na kahulugan sa mga nasusulat sa Biblia na minsang may Manunubos na nag-alay ng buhay para sa atin” In this kind of tradition, it is easy to paint the devotees as blind fanatics when you see the thousands of men pushing each other, bumping, shouting and scrambling just to touch the rope and to help carry the Mahal na Señor across the town. But that is quite the contrary, the entire experience not only adheres with the faith of the Christians but it is also a genuine expression of the every Lucbanin’s desire to commune with the divine. Fr. Noel Cabungcal, the kura paroko of the St. Louis Bishop Parish also quoted: “Nakikita nila ang paghihirap na dinanas ng Panginoong Hesus, katulad ng nararanasan ng mga nakararami. Sa tuwing magpupunta sila rito, parang iyon ang pinagkukunan nila ng lakas,” Fr. Cabungcal said. ALCEDIAN XIV
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*Marlon Villaverde’s photos secured the 3rd place during the 2018 International Photography Awards (IPA)
THE DESTINATION Mang Dante, by this time, had touched the rope, scrambling among the devotees, and finally, he could hear the “palakpak kawayan” in a distant. That’s when he knows that they are about to reached their destination. Since chiming of the church’s bell is not allowed during Lenten Season, bamboos were used instead. This is called the “palakpak kawayan”. Dozen of bamboos were cut in its midsection, down to a rectangular hole, about a quarter of its length, and it will be clapped together to make a sound. As they enter the church, Mang Dante took off his white shirt which is already soaking with his sweat, and threw it to the “hijos” - the ones who were protecting the carriage and who have been organizing the procession. The hijos then, wiped the glass coffin of the Mahal na Señor with his shirt and threw it back to him. But this tradition doesn’t end like that, after the men travelled the image around the town, it will be then the women’s responsibility to bring it to its new camarera. This proves that everyone would like to experience what it is to be one with the divine, might be man or woman, young or old. The sacrifice they went through, being pushed around during the procession, and the hardships, are the ways they show God that they are making sacrifices and seek forgiveness for their sins. Pulling the ropes, accompanying the image on top of the carriage for hours, every bump, every sweat and every bodily pain, all these are forms of intimate prayer to the Lord. Mang Dante has lost a pair of his slippers but what he received in return is far greater joy. He has now the strength and confidence to take every step on the muddy and cruel road of the world knowing that Jesus Christ got his back. For the last time this night, Mang Dante took a last glimpse of the Mahal na Señor, smiled, did the sign of the cross, and went home to his family.
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REFERENCES Nantes, Pantaleon (1952) “Kasaysayan at Tala ng Bayan ng Lucban, Quezon” Dela Paz, Cecilia (2008) “Poon at Panata: Sining at Paniniwala sa Mahal na Senyor ng Lucban, Quezon”, Philippine Humanities Review vol. 10
STORY COVERCOVER STORY
ANG NAWAWALANG BANTAS SA KWENTO NG
PANANAMANTALA KAY
EBA
ARTIKULO // LORRAINE ANNE B. CORONADO
KUHANG LARAWAN // ZEDRIC R. DALDE
Bawat linya ay sa tuldok nagsimula at bawat pangungusap nama’y sa tuldok din nagtatapos. Natuldukan na ang mahabang panahong pananahimik ni Eba ngunit may kulang pa ring bantas sa kanyang kwento.
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M
adalas hindi naririnig ang mga hinaing at hindi nabibigyang pansin ang pagtutol ng mga kababaihan sa karahasan ng mundo. Sa talamak na krimeng nangyayari sa bansa, madalas na mga kababaihan ang nagiging biktima at isa sa pinakamatunog na isyu ay tungkol sa sekswal na karahasan. Ayon sa datos ng Philippine National Police (PNP) noong 2015, isang Pilipina ang nare-rape kada 58 minuto. Bagama’t paulit-ulit na naisusumbong, maraming kasong isinasampa ng mga biktima ng rape ang binabasura ng husgado na tila pinagkakaitan sila ng hustisya. Dahil kilala ang mga Pilipino sa kulturang may pagkakonserbatibo, madalang na pag-usapan ang mga sensitibong paksa tulad ng pakikipagtalik at kabilang ang rape sa mga isyung hindi napagtutuunan ng malalim at komprehensibong diskurso. Patuloy ang pagtaas ng bilang ng krimeng ito ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon ay sarado pa rin ang isip ng ibang tao tungkol dito. Ang rape ay hindi biro at kakatwang usapin kundi isang seryosong isyu ng lipunan. Ito ay krimen at malaki ang epekto nito sa mga biktima hindi lamang sa pisikal na aspeto gayundin sa emosyonal at mental. Nakasaad sa Batas Republika bilang 8353 o mas kilala sa tawag na The Anti-Rape Law of 1997 kung paano at sino ang maaaring makagawa o makasuhan ng rape. Sinasabi sa article 266, 1. Rape is committed by a man who shall have carnal knowledge of a woman under any of the following circumstances: through force, threat, or intimidation; when the offended party is deprived of reason or otherwise unconscious; by means of fraudulent machination or grave abuse of authority and when the offended party is under 12 years of age or is demented, even though none of the circumstances mentioned above be present.
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PINAKAMAHIRAP NA STAGE AY NO’NG NAGBUBUNTIS AKO KASI SOBRANG NAPAG-USAPAN AKO NG MGA KAPITBAHAY NAMIN TSAKA SA SCHOOL NA RIN. MAY TIME PA NA SA HARAP KO SILA NAG-UUSAP TUNGKOL SA AKIN.
2. By any person who, under any of the circumstances mentioned in paragraph 1 hereof, shall commit an act of sexual assault by inserting his penis into another person’s mouth or anal orifice, or any instrument or object, into the genital or anal orifice of another person. Maaring sampahan ng kaso at makulong ang sinumang mapatutunayang sumuway o lumabag sa mga nakatala sa Saligang Batas. Walang tiyak na edad, hitsura at maging estado sa buhay ang mga nabibiktima ng rape, maging bata, matanda, mayaman o mahirap, maliit o matangkad man. Wala rin itong pinipiling lugar. Sa kabila ng mga patayan at iba pang krimen na nagaganap araw-araw, marami ang walang kamalayan sa mga naitalang isyu ng rape at hindi naresolbang kaso sa bayan ng Lucban, Quezon. Noon, ang pananaw ko sa kaso ng rape ay masyadong sensitibo na kailangan ay sa pribado ito pinag-uusapan. Ngunit nagbago ang pananaw at pag-iisip ko tungkol dito nang makilala at makapanayam ko ang isang biktima. Kung gaano kahirap at nakatatakot na maranasan ang karahasan ng rape ay ganoon din kahirap aminin na biktima ka nito. Maaari itong mag-iwan ng panghabang buhay na trauma sa biktima kaya naman hindi ko inaasahan ang matapang na paglalahad niya ng kanyang kwento. Natuklasan ko ang istoryang naganap limang taon na ang nakalilipas. Taong 2014, sa edad na katorse anyos, naranasan ni Eba (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) ang malapastangan ang kanyang pagkababae ng isang lalaking pinagkatiwalaan niya at inakalang kaibigan. Musmos pa kung tutuusin ngunit matapos ang limang buwan ay nalaman niyang nagdadalang-tao siya. Si Eba, na nagiisang anak na babae sa tatlong magkakapatid, ay nabuntis ng gumahasa sa kanya.
‘‘
Malaking hamon ito hindi lamang sa kanya kundi pati sa kanyang mga magulang. Matapos nilang malaman ang nangyari ay nagpasya silang humingi ng tulong sa awtoridad at magsampa ng kaso sa gumahasa sa kanya. Doon nagsimulang mawalan ng bantas ang kwento ni Eba, hindi na nagawang matuldukan ito hanggang sa kasalukuyan na siya’y dalawampung taong gulang na at hindi na lamang isang mag-aaral kundi isa nang ina sa limang taong gulang na bata. Interview excerpt: KF: Paano mo nalagpasan ‘yong pinagdaanan mo bilang isang biktima ng rape? Eba: Naging matatag ako, natutong tumanggap ng pagkakamali at panghuhusga ng mga taong nasa paligid ko. KF: Ano’ng naging pinakamahirap na yugto sa pinagdaanan mong problema? Eba: Pinakamahirap na stage ay no’ng nagbubuntis ako kasi sobrang napag-usapan ako ng mga kapitbahay namin tsaka sa school na rin. May time pa na sa harap ko sila nag-uusap tungkol sa akin. KF: Hindi mo ba ikinahiya na nagbuntis ka bunga ng rape at ngayon ay isa ka ng ina? Eba: Hindi naman, proud naman ako na may anak ako. KF: Mayroon ka bang pinagsisisihan? Eba: Kung sa anak ko, hindi naman ako nagsisi sa kanya kasi alam ko naman na hindi siya ibibigay sa akin nang walang dahilan at blessing naman siya sa ‘kin. Pinagsisihan ko lang siguro ay ‘yong sobrang pagtitiwala sa ibang tao tsaka ‘yong maling pagpili o pinagkatiwalaan na mga kaibigan noon. KF: Sa tingin mo, makabubuti ba kung ilihim
COVER STORY
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GUSTO KO LANG NAMAN MAKULONG SIYA, PAGBAYARAN NIYA ‘YUNG GINAWA NIYA, MAGPAKALALAKI SIYA (AT) TANGGAPIN NIYA ‘YUNG KASALANAN NIYA.
ang rape upang makaiwas sa eskandalo o ipaalam sa awtoridad upang mabigyan ng karampatang aksyon? Eba: Para sa akin, hindi naman dapat ‘yon ilihim o ikahiya lalo na kung ‘yon talaga ang totoong nangyari. Pero dahil nasa mundo tayo ng mapanghusga, mas pinipili ng iba na ilihim na lang dahil ayaw nila na mapag-usapan. KF: Ano ang masasabi mo sa kaso ng rape/ panggagahasa sa ating bansa? Eba: Siguro dapat maging fair, tulad nang sa ‘kin, hindi porke tauhan siya ng may mataas na posisyon, dapat maging fair sila na dapat ‘pag alam nilang may kasalanan ‘yong tao, dapat ‘di nila kinokonsinteng lumayo o takasan ‘yong ginawa nila kasi may mga kaso ring gano’n. That time, hindi lang ako ‘yong nando’n na nabuntis. Tapos parang lahat kami (ay) natakasan no’ng may gawa sa amin. Noong time na ‘yon, tatlo kami tapos no’ng nanganak ako, may dalawang bago. KF: Sa mga kapwa mo naging biktima ng rape, ano’ng masasabi mo sa kanila? Eba: Kailangan nilang umahon kahit mahirap, kahit may manghusga, kailangang harapin kasi ‘di naman ibibigay sa ‘yo (ang problema) kung ‘di mo kaya. KF: Ano ang dahilan mo, bakit ka pa rin nagpapatuloy? Ano ang nagbago sa pangarap mo noong bago ka maging biktima ng rape at ngayon? Eba: Nagpapatuloy ako kasi gusto kong bigyan ng magandang buhay ang anak ko at gusto ko rin na maging proud sa akin ang pamilya ko kahit na nabuntis ako sa murang edad. Noon, pangarap ko lang makapagtapos ng pag-aaral, magkaroon ng trabaho at makabawi sa magulang. Ngayon, gusto kong bigyan ng magandang buhay pamilya ko lalo na ang anak ko. Gusto kong maging successful balang
araw at gusto ko na mabigyan ng hustisya ‘yong nangyari sa akin para lalaki ‘yong anak ko na hindi hinuhusgahan ng ibang tao. KF: Paglaki ng anak mo, ano’ng pangarap mo para sa kanya? Ipaaalam mo ba sa kanya ang naging karanasan mo? Eba: Pangarap ko sa anak ko (ay) maging masaya siya, matupad niya lahat ng pangarap niya. Willing akong sabihin sa kanya lahat kapag nakakaunawa na siya kasi ayaw ko na sa ibang tao pa niya malaman kasi baka mag-iba ‘yong tingin niya sa akin. KF: May gusto ka bang iparating do’n sa umabuso sa ‘yo? Eba: Gusto ko lang namang makulong siya, pagbayaran niya ‘yung ginawa niya, magpakalalaki siya (at) tanggapin niya ‘yung kasalanan niya. Gusto ko ring sabihin sa kanya na tumanggap siya ng pagkakamali niya. Hindi lahat ng bagay ay matatakbuhan niya at kung mabibigyan ako ng chance na malaman ‘yung dahilan niya kung bakit ginawa niya ‘yun, sana sabihin niya at kung sakali man na may pamilya na siya, sana nagagampanan niya yung responsibilidad niya. Walang kahit na sino mang babae ang gugustuhing mabastos at masira ang pagkababae kabaliktaran ng sinasabi ng marami na kasalanan mismo ng mga babae kung bakit sila napagsasamantalahan. Patunay ang pahayag ng Philippine Commission on Women na kailanman ay hindi naging kasalanan ng babae ang magahasa. Ang katawan, hitsura, pananamit o maging kilos ng isang babae ay hindi imbitasyon upang labagin at gawing bagay na pagnanasaan o target ng sekswal na karahasan. Nawa ay mabigyang aral ang lahat, lalaki man o babae upang magkaroon ng sapat na
‘‘
kaalaman at mabigyang babala para maitigil na ang krimeng ito Mahirap isipin ang kawalan ng hustisya para kay Eba at sa iba pang naging biktima ng rape. Tumatak sa akin ang nabasa ko sa isang pagaaral ayon sa National Sexual Violence Resource Center (2004) na mas madalas na gawin ito ng mga kalalakihan sa bansang hindi nabibigyan ng kaparusahan ang paggawa ng sekswal na karahasan. (Men are more likely to commit sexual violence in communities where sexual violence goes unpunished.) Matapos ang aking pakikipanayam ay namulat ang aking isipan at humanga ako sa katatagan ng mga babaeng naging biktima ng rape. Gayunpaman, alam na ng lahat na kapag nanatiling tikom ang mga labi ni Eba ay hindi maipaglalaban ang karapatan. Ngunit ang pagkamit sa hustisya ay hindi nagtatapos sa pagsasatinig ng mga pananamantala. Dahil hindi magkakaroon ng tuldok sa karahasan laban sa kababaihan kung mananatiling bingi at bulag ang hustisya laban sa mapagsamantala at kung mananatili pa rin sa kaisipan ng marami na ang pananamit ang siyang dahilan ng pagkakaroon ng sekwal na pang-aabuso. Matagal nang panahong walang imik si Eba sa mga karahasang natatamo niya galing sa mundo at hanggang ngayon, naghihintay pa rin siya kung matutuldukan pa ba ang kanyang kwento. SANGGUNIAN Padilla, Dangerous times for women in a culture of rape in the PH, RapplerPH.com 2018 Retrieved from https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/177403-dangerous-times-women-philippine-culture-rape Republic Act No. 8353 [The Anti-Rape Law of 1997] - PHILIPPINE LAWS, STATUTES AND CODES - CHAN ROBLES VIRTUAL LAW LIBRARY Retrieved from http://www.chanrobles.com/republicactno8353.htm#.Xee6DOgzbIU Rape is a crime, never a woman’s fault Philippine Commission on Women National Machinery for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Retrieved from: https://www.pcw.gov.ph/article/rape-crime-never-woman%E2%80%99s-fault
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vox populi
VOX POPULI
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VOX POPULI
ave h U O Y T E R C E S T S E K DROP THE DAR ING R E V O C N U T E R G E R U DISCOVERED that YO
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PERSONALITY SKETCH
rom the ground of our soul, there is something that feels familiar every time we hear the word shaman, or priestess, or healer. Between history and present, there lies the forgotten ones. Something that comes from within tells us to name it… to name her.
F
HISTORY
&
CULTURE
REMEMBER AS SHE STANDS
In the context of indigenous tradition, Babaylan was the priestess of the ancient Filipinos. During the Spanish colonization, women dominated the country being the majority of the Babaylan. Although, the Babaylan is mostly referred as she, men also take role as a Babaylan and were called as bayog. However, they are required to wear women’s garments and act like one before becoming one. Being a Babaylan is beneficial for both women and men. It can help a man to develop his femininity and balance his masculinity while it helps a woman develop her masculine side and stabilize her tenderness. But before standing as a Babaylan, a person must undergo through stages first. The first stage was called Baracatan. The next were the Sangguhan, Handugan, Tagbungan, Sagbayan, Turupadan and the last stage was the Babawangan. In these seven stages, there were corresponding tasks that the candidates must do to prove their worth to the chief Babaylan. She will be chosen based from her performance from the first stage to the last stage.
BETWEEN HEAVEN AND EARTH
Babaylan was a mambabarang. And that is another thing that legend makes us believe in— how the Babaylan became one of the followers of darkness which is actually far from what Babaylan truly is. Babaylan heals the spiritual and physical illness of an individual. By knowing the spirits that cause
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THE RISE OF THE
FORGOTTEN WORDS // JESSELYN MIRANDILLA ART // ELLA LAVADO
the illness, she was able to heal anything and anyone. Along this power to heal the sick, Babaylan can also ensure a safe pregnancy and lead ritual to honor different divinities. Babaylan can access the spirit realms. She can get in and out of different state of consciousness. It is easy for her to communicate with spirits from different worlds. Through this, she finds any lost soul and brings them back into its physical body and even transmits knowledge then and there. Babaylan also serves the community as a folk therapist and philosopher because of her indisputable wisdom. When a Datu needs help, he seeks an advice to her. She helps to the restoration of the community’s social structure by her words. She who heals, wanders and restores harmony to her community cannot be found in the darkness but in between heaven and earth.
AS SHE FALLS
The Spanish colonization is believed to be the main reason why the Babaylan tradition in the Philippines fell. It all started when most of the Babaylans led the revolts against the Spaniards. Since then, they considered her as a threat to their plan of dominating the world using Christianity and a threat to the entire colony as well. Both the Spaniards and the Babaylans found themselves battling at the boundary of heaven and earth with their spiritual beliefs as their weapon, but the former eventually pulled their swords and aimed
to destroy the Babaylans and the tradition itself. The Spaniards used their forces and destroyed all the Babaylan’s sacred ritual instruments and anito, dishonoring the Filipinos. They pushed the Babaylan tradition on the abyss of nothingness thinking that it will be buried forever.
REMEMBERING THE FORGOTTEN ONES
She is still with us because in the first place, she never left. She never left the ground between heaven and earth. Although, she wears a different dress, speaks a different dialect, and even changed her name, she’s still that Babaylan who heals, wanders and restores harmony to the community. We may not know where she is, where she went but one thing is for sure, the Babaylan is walking among us like a shadow, waiting to be redeemed, to be remembered. Again. Across the highest mountains and deepest oceans, she tried to reclaim the path she once owned. As we found her watching the sun sets with a glimpse of hope in her eyes, touching our soul’s root, she silently uttered her unspoken words, “I am the Babaylan.” REFERENCES Strobel, L. (September 2015). Introducing BABAYLAN: FILIPINOS AND THE CALL OF THE INDIGENOUS. Retrieved from http://halohaloreview.blogspot.com/2015/09/introducing-babaylan-filipinos-and-call.html Dimapilis, H. ( July 2019). The Datu, The Babaylan, and the Death. Retrieved from https:// philippinesgraphic.net/the-datu-the-babaylan-and-death/ Carpio, A. (May 2019). Pinay in Power: The New Babaylan. Retrieved from https://philippinesgraphic.net/pinay-in-power-the-new-babaylan/
HISTORY AND CULTURE PERSONALITY SKETCH
W
ith a fascinating view of Mount Banahaw and Mount Cristobal as its background, the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel proudly stood in the city of Tayabas, the Home of Culture and Arts of Quezon Province. The Minor Basilica de Tayabas that was built in the year 1585 holds the title as one of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines and claimed as the longest church during the Spanish colonization with its aisle measuring 103 meters that neither an earthquake nor lighting can break, along with the faith of every Tayabense. Behind the beautiful structural and architectural designs of the church, beholds many stories to tell and lots of mystery to be revealed.
Seek and Keep THE
UNTOLD
MYSTERY
OF
MINOR BASILICA DE TAYABAS WORDS // JERICHO PAGANA PHOTOS // HANNILYN TUTOR
There are mysteries hidden inside the walls, covering themselves with the old bricks and blocks of Basilica, waiting for someone to find them.
The Glowing of the Church Iron Cross It is still a mystery for every Tayabense on how the church survived with minimal damage after the World War II. Way back in 1947, the iron cross at the top of the church cupola miraculously glowed. It happened one evening when the whole town of Tayabas was covered with fire, witnessed by Doña Aurora, the wife of late President Manuel L. Quezon. Many speculations about the incident arose. Some says that it was just a reflection of fire from the burning town of Tayabas while other says that the light on top of the church was actually not the cross, but Saint Michael Archangel himself, holding a sword and protecting the church. Up until now, there is no concrete explanation about the glowing of the cross.
Bomb in deep slumber inside the Basilica The mystery of the unexploded bomb inside the Basilica remains unsolved. Way back 1945, during the Japanese colonization, Tayabas was bombed by US Air Force. Three bombs were dropped by the US Air Force and P38 lock head were used in their second raid. Miraculously, the church was spared from destruction because the bombs did not explode. No one knows if there was a problem on the bomb installation itself, but some wanted to believe that it was the Tayabense’s faith that saved the church and the entire city from destruction.
Secrets of the Century-Old Clock and the Church Belfry Along with the marvelous and fascinating design of the church, one of the largest and oldest clocks in Asia resides at the belfry of the Basilica that was installed in the year 1881. Unfortunately, the clock was heavily damaged during the World War II and became unnoticed for the next 30 years. Luckily, in the year 1971, three concerned Tayabense parishioner namely Mr. Gregorio Salvatus, Dr. Juan Rosales and Mr. Daniel Riola lead the restoration of the ancient clock. Mr. Agapito
Zafranco, a professional clock repairer and inventor was hired for the rehabilitation of the clock assisted by his three sons. The ancient clock and the raging sound of the bell did not only hold the time of the past but also witnessed the bed of blood at Alitao bridge and how the Spaniards beheaded Hermano Puli.
Mysteries of the Gigantic Bell Another mystery is residing inside the tallest building of the town during the Spanish colonization, the Belfry. Centuries had passed but many Tayabense are still puzzled on how and when did the giant bronze bell measuring one meter long with Spaniard’s inscription and names of Roman Catholic Saints was placed on the top of the Belfry. With small passages and weak flooring, how could a
huge bell be at the top of the tower? That question remains unsolved. Back then, there was another giant church bell besides the present one, but it was buried underneath the Basilica for an unknown reason. It is said that the bell was used by the late Tayabense but unfortunately, it fell. Because no one can lift the bell from its original position, the land started to swallow it until it was totally buried together with its secrets. Minor Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel of Tayabas serves as a symbolic structure that linked the Tayabense with the past and a silent witness of the city’s growth through centuries. And the mysteries inside its historical structures stay as a reminder that the Basilica is not just a place for public worship, but also holds some of the greatest treasures of the Tayabense that are worth to keep. ALCEDIAN XIV
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PERSONALITY SKETCH
U N LO C K I N G T H E S TO R Y B E H I N D T H E
ARTISTS’ TRIUMPH WORDS // MARIEL V. TADIOSA
PHOTOS // LIFTED FROM NET
While everybody was asleep, this writer is wide awake spending the night with his pen and paper. Democrito ‘Norman’ Ragudo must be the man of creative ideas; a versatile artist who have his passion not just in making scripts but as well as giving life to it. Ragudo is a multi-talented playwright, director, production designer and a visual artist. He has the aesthetic sense to see the best design for a production set whether for a theater play or a film. He had been a production designer on several local independent films and a script writer and director of street and theater plays. He has written the plays, ‘Balo sa Patay, Balo sa Buhay’ and ‘Minsan sa Bundok Banahaw’ which both exhibits culture and tradition of the town of Tayabas. Every step towards success starts with strong aspiration. Ragudo admires his fellow Tayabense, the late Orlando Nadres who was the person behind the famous line “You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copy-cat”. He was inspired of Orlando’s works, so he turned this inspiration in pursuing his craft. When aspiration becomes stronger, nothing could deter a dreamer from achieving his dream. “Kahit saang larangan kung gusto mong maging magaling, you should be passionate about your work, about your craft,” he said. In other words, Ragudo have also encountered a lot of problems along the productions of film and theater plays. Financial issue would be his greatest enemy, but he does solicitations and ask financial support from National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for some of his large productions. Ragudo is the proof that one can resolve work problems because nothing is impossible if determination, passion and dream firmly stick together.
Switching from the real-life personality into a totally different persona is such a hard thing to do. But, not for this man, Angelito “Popoy” Talavera who is a veteran theater actor for almost 32 years. At the time he stepped up on stage, a different Popoy astonishes the audience. It was as if another soul devoured his body that he effectively portrayed every role given to him. Before he graduated in college under Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at the Enverga University, the well-known director and screenwriter Orlando Nadres gave him a break in 1988 for portraying the role of Julie Aquino in the play “Hanggang dito na Lamang at Maraming Salamat”. It was his very first time to perform in theater play, so he gave much time and effort in internalizing the role. His goal was to touch the emotions of audiences while he’s performing in stage. “Kapag ikaw ay mag-stage actor, lalabas ka sa entablado, h’wag kang mahihiya dahil ang ipakikita mo ay buhay ng isang tao,” he said. Every actor’s weakness is memorization of long dialogues and Popoy is not an exception. Internalization of character is easy, forgetting the lines is difficult to handle. But because his professionalism takes over such flaws, the show as they always say must goes on.
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We can all say that music is life for it has always been part of our routine to listen to our favorite songs. But for this man, Victor ‘Vhyck’ Nosce, music is not just life but rather the love of his life, because music has been his childhood sweetheart and his greatest love. When Nosce was in primary school, his interest in playing instruments arouse. He served in the church as sacristan and there, he often got to see the church band. He then fell in love with music, and this inspired him to pursue his interest in learning to play the piano and later, the guitar. Nosce’s love for music becomes deep and unstoppable. He started playing church songs when he was in high school and composing songs and teaching a choir when he entered college. The choir he took care of which competed in regional competitions received numerous awards. What challenged Nosce was the wavering commitment of some members of the choir. Sometimes, they do not give much time for the choir due to the lack of consent from their parents. Also, financial issue arose, but they managed to overcome it all well. “Tiyaga lang (ang) lagi kong sinasabi, pati commitment, interest and selflessness ‘yon ang kailangan,” Nosce said. Until now, music is still in Nosce’s heart and he still falls in love with it over and over again. The story behind the triumph of these artists is worth unlocking and their stories serve as an inspiration for those aspiring artists of tomorrow.
W
e have a talk with Ma’am Mia who found and gave birth to her own self. For over three decades, this promising transwoman professor lived as Leomar Miano - the man she was born with.
Her yesterday’s contrast
On her childhood days, little Leomar was just a normal kid, but unlike the other boys at his age, he used to stay at home doing household chores while his parents were farming to suffice his needs and his other six siblings from their hometown at Panukulan, Quezon. Totally different from other stories with the same preference, Leomar does not experienced bullying and discrimination although he was softer than the usual kids. Back then on college days, she knew she had an inclination for anything feminine, but she kept on reminding herself that she was just having a gender identity crisis. At the age of 24, Leomar had a girlfriend that last for more than a year.
She first came out to her cousins where they advised to tell it to her family because they are the one who will understand no matter what. At first, her mother did not take it easily but after they have a heart to heart talk eventually, she then accepted her. “Sabi ko sa kanya, what if magpalit tayo ng sitwasyon at try mong mamuhay doon sa kalalagayan ko kung ano ang mararamdaman mo. Kasi pinipilit mo na pigilan ‘yong bagay na gusto kong gawin o edi magpalit tayo at ako ‘yong pipigil sa gusto mong gawin.” After her mother, she then told her sisters and lastly his brother who also embraced what she really is. From that, she decided to let go Leomar and baptize herself as Mia.
tao, but of course you can’t avoid na may masasabi sa ‘yo ang ibang tao, hindi mo naman mapi-please lahat.”
Brightness of tomorrow
Today starts with hue
She was asked about planning of marriage and her answer were, “Para sa akin, sacred kasi siya (marriage itself ) para sa male and female, siguro baguhin ‘yong term. Mas maganda siguro ay magrequest sila na maging legal ‘yong pagsasama nila but not marriage.” Although she admitted that she is aiming for a lifetime partner, she said that marriage is not necessary as long as they are living together. Their love and acceptance are enough for her. Marriage is more than a piece of paper, there is so much more. She also supports SOGIE Bill for the right of everyone especially for the LGBT community. According to her, religion must not compromise with the matter because being true to yourself is not a sin as well as choosing to be happy. “Everytime na nagdadasal ako, tinatanong ko kung kasalanan ba ‘yong ginawa
The turning point was on 2017 when she started researching on how to take a transition. It started with hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) to change testosterone to estrogen. She also started consulting on experts for proper
M MIA
F MA’A O N IO T P E C N THE CO and
r o l o c Pride rming
of
trans-fo N B. SOGABO
RISTJO WORDS // DEL CH
AR MIANO
PHOTOS // LEOM
A rainbow appears on a Thursday afternoon at the three-storey building of College of Administration, Business, Hospitality and Accountacy. “Noong time na ‘yon mahal ko siya at pinanindigan ko ‘yong pagiging kami. Pero syempre, alam ko sa isip ko na niloloko ko siya at niloloko lalo ‘yong sarili ko. Hindi naman tama na para ma-cover ko kung ano mang nararamdaman ko ay manloloko ako ng ibang tao.” She graduated AB History and took her Master’s in Business Administration at Southern Luzon State University and also worked as an instructor at the same school on 2012. Miano’s awakening took place when she flew abroad and became a company HR staff at Saudi Arabia for eight months and came back to continue being a professor at Southern Luzon State University. But she had no concept of what a transgender is. It was not until she realized she want to have a lifetime partner. For her being a real woman, in and out, she will find someone to be with. “Kasi kung ako ay magiging lalaki ang appearance, dapat kailangan ko magkaasawa which is hindi ko kayang gawin tapos I need to have a family of my own kaya sinabi ko na kailangan ko magkaroon ng transition, kailangan ko mag-change ng preference.”
medications in preparation for sexual replacement. “I want to undergo sexual reassignment, kasi ‘yon ang ultimate goal ko. And if you are not going to take medication for your hormonal replacement, hindi ka pwedeng mag-undergo ng sexual reassignment kasi kailangan majority ng hormone mo ay estrogen.” According to her, her first month of taking the med was painful. The therapy caused severe breakdowns on her body because it lowers its resistance. Little by little, she felt the change with her body, so she also started to change her clothing from loose shirt to blouses and dresses. She has needs to feel it, to verify it for herself, for her real self. Gladly, she did not experience any difficulties when she came back at the university because her workmates warmly welcomed her new self. Although, she was prohibited for cross dressing due to the university code. “Basta noong tinanggap ako ng mga magulang ko, hindi ko na iniisip pa ang sasabihin ng iba kasi sila naman ‘yong pinaka-importante. At the end of the day, kapag may nangyari sa ‘yo sila naman ‘yong tatakbuhan mo. Hindi ko na pinapansin ‘yong sasabihin ng ibang
kong maging ganito. Hindi naman ako nag-aadvocate na maging gay or transgender. Ang ina-advocate ko kasi is being true to yourself, ipakita mo ang totoong ikaw kasi ‘yon ang nararamdaman mo. Hindi ka magiging masaya kung tinatago mo. If you are hiding in your shell, you are not going to get the maximum happiness. Kaya everytime na nagdadasal ako kung kasalanan ba ito na naging totoo ako then patawad pero hindi naman ako gumagawa ng kasalanan against sa neighbor ko, sa ibang tao” On the other side, she also wants to tell every member of LGBT community to be respectable to be respected and always aim to prove their worth to increase society’s standard. Currently, she’s still teaching and also a candidate of PhD in Business Management at Adventist University of the Philippines. It was raining but still, we can see the sun when we left the building and had our goodbyes with Ma’am Mia. Truly, it takes sunshine and rain to make a rainbow like how Ma’am Mian faced every color of life from darkest to its brightest. Indeed, Leomar was no longer Leomar. Leomar is now Mia. It’s time to bring Mia’s true self out. ALCEDIAN XIV
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TRAVELOGUE
DELVING& DISCOVERING T H E B E A U T Y O F U N I S A N B E N E AT H SOLID GROUND
WORDS // LORRAINE ANNE B. CORONADO
PHOTOS // DEL CHRISTJON B. SOGABO
There is something more beyond what our eyes can see, just like how beautiful places are concealed; Caves make us appreciate the beauty of nature even in the dark and under the deepest part of the mountains of Unisan, Quezon.
MALVEDA / BONIFACIO CAVE UNISAN, QUEZON
Unisan, originally called Kalilayan is perhaps one of the oldest among all other towns in Quezon province. Composed of 36 barangays, Unisan is known for many tourist destinations including Malatandang Beach, Mag-Asawang Bato Beach, and Kalilayan River. But among all those water related tourist spots at Unisan, another interesting place can be found between two barangays namely Bonifacio and Rizal. Aside from showcasing the sands and bodies of water in the rich land of Unisan, there exists the infamous Malveda Cave.
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Towards the Entrance Before we decided to travel to Unisan, we were briefly informed by one of our interns about the debate on the cave’s real name. The intriguing idea made us decide so sudden to proceed on our travelogue early Saturday morning; we agreed to go to Bonifacio cave on Bonifacio day. Straight from our overnight, we all lack of sleep that day but we persisted in travelling even if we came 3 hours late than our planned time of departure. It took us more than 2 hours of travel from Lucena Grand Terminal; we needed to pass by the towns of Pagbilao, Padre Burgos, Agdangan before we reach Unisan. Upon seeing the cave, we get ourselves ready to finally clear the questions in our minds: Which barangay does this cave really belong to? Is it Bonifacio or Rizal? The mystery of its name and legitimacy of the titleholder of the cave is the first thing we aimed to know before entering the cave.
Inward the Cavern This cave once initiated a controversy according to the stories we heard; which is similar to the argument of who deserves to be the national hero of the Philippines, whether it is Bonifacio or Rizal. But in this case, the said cave is registered under the name Malveda’s cave and Bonifacio cave based on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the data from the tourism office. It is also explained that the reason for two different names is because there are also two caves. If you would look at the GPS of DENR, the two caves have different entrances and exits; the Malveda’s cave is the one located at the top while Bonifacio cave is at the bottom. The cave existed even before 1980’s and was declared as a tourist attraction approximately on
the year 2000, according to the interview with Hon. Andres Pamplona, Barangay Captain of Bonifacio. The total land area of 16 hectares covering the cave is technically under the jurisdiction of the Malvedas. Pedro Malveda, who is a resident of Barangay Bonifacio bought the land and therefore owns the cave which is why it is named after him. However, the cave is currently under the supervision of Barangay Ilayang Rizal including its tax declaration since the cave is in between the two barangays but bigger part of the land is a part of barangay Rizal.
Into the Unknown Two barangay officials, one is a Counselor and two other volunteer guides who are also member of Sangguniang Kabataan of Unisan came with us together with our Intern Unice Cataquiz who is a resident of Barangay Almacen. We went inside the cave fully geared, wearing our helmets and with flashlights in our hands. Tourists who would like to go to the cave are advised to wear shoes. But wearing slippers is also not a bad idea because of the water flowing inside the cave. There are some parts where the water level almost reached our waist and most part are rocky and could be slippery, so extra care is needed, indeed. It is honestly our first time to enter a cave; we are like intrepid adventurer entering an open door without knowing what is inside. The sight of the cave walls even from its entrance is both thrilling and fascinating. We undoubtedly felt the cold from the water and the breeze of the wind inside the cave. We spent 2 hours inside the cave appreciating beautiful formation and the structure of the cave with all the bats flying around inside. As we observed the cave, we cannot help but to notice the destruction it has from the past years, the shining stalagmites and stalactites are nowhere to be found. Also, the vandals on the cave walls screamed for the natured disapproval
of destroying its beauty and natural resources. The officials in-charge said that they do clean and guard the cave, but they cannot fully protect it due to lack of fund. Thousands of people go and enter the cave every season of Holy week, and maybe the current status of the cave is a call to maintain and preserve its beauty for development of the barangay’s eco-tourism.
Exiting the Antre We are just mere student journalists who happen to be given an opportunity of seeing a one of a kind cave hidden in the far land of Unisan. The two barangays with the name of two great heroes just like the cave itself contains a part of the culture and history of our country. Now the question is not about who really owns the title of the cave because all the residents from both barangays have one desire, and that is to take care of the cave. Their concern now is how they can make it beautiful as new and how to achieve progress for the cave’s restoration. Sustaining the beauty in a kind of natural habitat like this cave is more than the fame it can have in the future. The advocacy to preserve this sanctuary where we get natural resources should be uplifted not just for the tourists who will go there but for the residents of Unisan and the next generation who will benefit from it. We may not have left any material and financial help in return to the warm welcome and kind hospitality they showed us but for the two barangays caring for the cave, let our words soar up in the sky like how the bats spread their wings up in the cave ceiling. Nature really has an incredible way of presenting God’s creation, for even the darkest place beholds beauty; we just journeyed deep through the holes of Malveda cave and witnessed the wonders under the land of Unisan.
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QUEZON QUEZON DELICACIESDELICACIES
TAGA-QUEZON PAG HA I N S A MG A K A K A N I N G
PINATAMIS NG KULTURA’T KASAYSAYAN
WORDS // ERIKA JANE U. TARRAY & DOMINIQUE IMOJEANNE D. VACUNAWA PHOTOS // THEBITCHYSIDEOFLIFE.WORDPRESS.COM, KAPUSOMOJESSICASOHO TWITTER PAGE, PANLASANGPINOY.COM, GMA PUBLIC AFFAIRS - PINAS SARAP
Matagal na sa kani-kanilang hulmahan ang mga minatamis na ito, ngunit sa pagtagal ng panaho’y hindi lamang sila ang nahulma, kundi pati na rin ang mga mamamayang tumatangkilik.
K
asabay nang nilikha ng panahon ang mga masasarap na putaheng ginagawang panghimagas o di kaya nama’y meryenda ng mga tagaQuezon. Madalas na handa sa tuwing may okasyon, at madalas din namang nasa hapagkainan maski sa mga normal na araw. Hindinghindi na nga maialis sa kanilang panlasa’t talagang hinahanap-hanap na ng kanilang sistema. Mula pagkahain ng minatamis na kakanin, hanggang sa maubos ay naghatid ng napakatamis na ngiti. Kilalanin ang mga kakaning hatid ng iba’t ibang bayan sa probinsiya ng Quezon.
1 - Are na ang Patabol ng Sariaya
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Kaugalian na ng mga Sariayahin ang paghahanda ng patabol sa tuwing gaganapin ang kanilang piyesta na Agawan Festival. Kilala rin sa tawag na sinulbot na ang ibig sabihin ay palutang-lutang dahil sa paglutang nito habang iniluluto. Madalas itong inihahain sa hapon, pang-meryenda. Ang pagluluto ng patabol ay binabalot ng kultura’t paniniwala. Kailangang tahimik ang pagluluto, lalo na ang pagbibilog sa galapong na pangunahing sangkap, dahil kung hindi’y madaling masisira ang galapong at hindi mapeperpekto ang hugis.Samantala, ang sarsa naman ng patabol na ang mga sangkap ay pinaghalong gata ng niyog at tinunaw na panutsa ang nagbibigay linamnam sa mga binilog na galapong—na kasunod din namang inihahalo sa kumukulong sarsa, upang manuot ang sarap. Lingid sa kaalaman ng iba na kasabay ng selebrasyon ng Pahiyas ay ang Agawan festival ng ALCEDIAN XIV
Sariaya na pagbibigay pugay rin sa masaganang ani. Ang patuloy na paghalo ang kumakatawan sa pagod at hirap dulot ng pagsasaka sa kabilang banda ang tunaw na asukal ay literal na simbolo sa tamis ng buhay na bunga rin ng paghihirap, ang malagkit na bigas naman ng patabol ay ang tanda ng madikit na samahan ng mga naninirahan. Patuloy na pagsagana hindi lang ng Sariaya ang siyang hangad ng bawat taong kakain ng Patabol. Kaya’t Parine na’t sabay nating abangan ang pagsulbot ng patabol.
2 - Kata na’t tikman ang nilubak ng Real Tulad ng sa mga karatig probinsya, isa sa mga produkto ng Quezon ang saging na saba at kamoteng kahoy. Kung kaya’t naging malapit sa mga taga- Quezon ang nilubak. Sa bayan ng Real ay pirming mabenta sa mga mamamayan ang kakaning ito mapa-gawa sa kamote o saging man. Isa sa mga pinakasimple at madaling gawing meryenda ang nilubak. Hindi kumplikado ang paggawa nito lalo na ang paghahanap ng mga sangkap. Ang tanging kailangan lang ay saging na saba, kamoteng kahoy, asukal, at margarin. Tipid ito at masustansiya rin kung kaya naman napamahal na sa mga taga-Real ang pagluluto at paghahain ng pagkaing ari. Bahagi na ito ng kultura at kaugalian ng probinsiya noon pa mang unang panahon. Nagsisimula ang proseso ng paggawa ng nilubak sa paglagay ng saging sa bayuhan. Mahalaga ang mahinay at maingat ngunit mapwersang pagbayo upang maging maganda ang pagkakamaligat ng nilubak. Pagkadaka’y ilagay na ang asukal at
margarin. Saka muling babayuhin upang mahalo ang mga sangkap. Bayuhin hanggang sa maging perpektong lambot. Ilagay sa pinggan at ihugis na parang isang bundok. Saka pahiran ng maraming margarine hangga’t mainit-init pa. Maaari nang tamasahin ang tekstura’t linamnam ng nilubak.
3 - Baydi na ang sumang Infanta Sinumang hindi pa nakatitikim ng sumang Infanta’y talagang may malaking nalalaktawan. Kilala ang suman ng Infanta sa ‘di pangkaraniwan nitong sukat na 2-3 pulgada. Madalas na naipagbibili at agad na nauubos ang mga ito lalo na tuwing Niyugyugan Festival. Maaaring magkaroon ng pagkakatulad sa lasa at proseso ng paggawa ang mga suman sa bansa ngunit natatangi itong suman ng Infanta. Kagaya ng ibang mga suman ang pagkabalot nito sa dahon ng saging o buri ngunit may kaibahan pa rin ito. Ang sumang Infanta ay hindi mabibili ng tingi-tingi o paisa-isa dahil makikita ito madalas na nakaisang bugkos sa bilang na bente o higit pa. Hindi rin gaya ng iba pang suman, maaari nang kainin ang suman ng Infanta kahit walang sawsawang asukal sapagkat matamis na ito. Samakatwid, sumang Infanta lamang ay sapat na. Mabigat sa tiyan at tiyak, mabubusog ka. Ngunit kung mas gusto pang mas pasarapin pa ang sumang Infanta ay bagay na bagay ito sa tsokolate. Hindi lamang ang suman ang matutunaw sa iyong bibig, ikaw mismo’y matutunaw rin sa sarap ng sumang Infanta.
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4 - Tikme ang tikoy sa anahaw ng Gumaca
magbubuklod ang panlasa ng mga taga-Quezon na ang hanap ay sarap ng tikoy sa anahaw.
May iba’t ibang uri ang mga tikoy ngunit ang isa sa mga klase nito na tiyak tatatak sa iyo ay ang sa tikoy sa anahaw ng Gumaca, Quezon. Kakaiba ito sa tikoy ng mga intsik o kahit sa tikoy na gawa ng ibang probinsiya dahil sa espesyal na balot nito. Tuwing pasko kalimitang nakikita ang tikoy, dahil ang lagkit at litik nito ay sumisimbolo sa pagbubuklod ng pamilya. Kaugaliang pinoy na ngang maituturing ang paghahain ng tikoy tuwing kapaskuhan. Hindi pa man pasko ay hayaan ninyo akong ihain ito sa inyo. Kilala ang tikoy sa bayan ng Gumaca dahil sa kakaiba nitong hugis. Matagal na kasing ipinagbawal ang plastic sa bayang ito kaya naman, gumawa ang mga taga-Gumaca ng alternatibong pambalot sa kanilang tikoy—ang anahaw. Bukod sa binibigyan nito ng katangitanging hugis ang kakanin, naging mas mabango rin ang tikoy sa anahaw kumpara sa ordinaryo. Kaya naman, sa pagbukas ng balot nito ay
5 - Pudtrip itong Puto-bao ng Agdangan Isang pinagmamalaking kakanin ng bayan ng Agdangan Quezon ay nahahawig sa puto bumbong. Nakaugalian nang lutuin at ihain ito sa tuwing may handaan kaya naging tatak na ng bayan at maging ng mga kalapit nito tulad ng Unisan. Maraming namamatay sa maling akala. Pero kung dahil sa puto-bao naman ang iyong maling akala, ayos lamang sapagkat sa unang kagat dito, ang iyong akala’y agad ding maitatama. Madalas na nalilinlang ng lilang kulay ng buto-bao ang madla. Inaakalang sangkap din sa putaheng ito ang ube. Subalit gaya ng nakararami nating kakanin, ang puto-bao ay gawa sa malagkit na bigas. Hindi lamang ang rebelasyong ito ang gugulat sa iyo sa unang kagat ng puto-bao. Pati na rin ang napakasarap na palaman sa loob
nitong tinunaw na asukal at niyadyad na niyog na talagang gugulantang sa iyong panlasa. Bagama’t matagal ang proseso ng paggawa ng puto-bao’y napakadali naman nito. Una’y ibababad ang malagkit na bigas sa kulay ubeng food color. Saka hahayaang matuyo magdamag. Kinaumagaha’y maaari nang iluto ang palamang niyog at asukal. Saka ialalagay sa loob ng puto bao, para lamang muling ihulma nang pabilog. Pagkadaka’y maaari nang i-steam. Sa simpleng preparasyon at mga sangkap, kagulat-gulat na putahe sa sarap. Tradisyon na ang pagluluto ng mga kakanin para sa mga pinoy. Lalo na ang mga taga-Quezon na naghahatid ng iba’t ibang kakanin ayon na rin sa kung anong pangunahing produkto ng kanilang bayan. Hinuhulma ang bawat kakanin sa kanikanilang mga perpektong hugis at sa prosesong ito, hindi lamang sila ang nagiging perpekto’t umuunlad. Tayo rin. SANGGUNIAN Carreos, F. (April 2017). Going to Quezon? Don’t miss these 8 delicacies. Retrieved from https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/04/02/17/going-to-quezon-dont-miss-these-8-delicacies Nicerio, N. A. (September 2016). Food Trip: Puto Bao. Retrieved from https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2016/09/food-trip-puto-bao.html Nicerio, N. A. ( July 2016). Food Trip: Suman in Quezon. Retrieved from https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2016/07/foodtrip-suman-in-quezon.html
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COLLEGE SURVIVAL COLLEGE SURVIVAL
Ghostbusting 101 TIPS ON HANDLING “GHOST” PROFESSORS WORDS // REESE VERA DE LA CRUZ
ILLUSTRATIONS // ELLA LAVADO
Is there something strange in your classroom? Professors are missing but school works pile up? Maybe it’s time to check the teacher ghostbusting guide— the holy grail you’re looking for if you want to know how to deal with bad college profs. good luck and adios then disappear for the day. But do not be afraid, your classmates are here. If your class is left in confusion amidst chaos, you won’t be the only one suffering. Create a study group amongst yourselves and work your way through the module. Have group discussions on what you’ve learned and understood. 40-ish heads are better than one after all.
More often, profs have valid reasons on skipping classes. May it be seminars, too much work load, sudden calls for faculty meetings, personal leaves, etc.They could also be considering the module and what it requires. Maybe the lesson doesn’t need constant supervision. We also have to consider what the teacher is really doing with their time. We can reflect and realize if we think a certain professor is “bad” just because our opinions collide with theirs, or their work ethic is unlike ours. Sometimes, teachers like to challenge their students as a form of compliment and we shall accept it with passion.
Do a mini background check Right from the start you have the upper hand. You are given a sheet of paper that will hold your faith for the semester, the enrolment form. There, we are given the list of subjects we need to take, and the professor assigned to teach them. Do not hesitate to ask around what kind of professor you should expect. Approach their former students and inquire about their teaching strategies, student-teacher relationship, the simple stuff.
Find someone to help You and your classmates’ conclusions about lessons might not always be on point. If there are parts of the module that’s quite difficult to understand with same-level peers, go find yourself a tutor. An upperclassman would be a great advantage. Someone within your course, to guide you on rough territories from finish to end.
Team up Professors go Missing in Action or what you commonly called as MIA for several reasons— some are justified, others will remain mystery. They would probably hand you a module, say self-study,
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If all else fails, change schedules If worse comes to worst, your last option is to go to the school registrar and request for a class change. It’s an unproblematic process and will save you from future hell. However, do be weary of deadlines on submitting your request. Missing that would mean a test of patience for a whole semester. There is still a worse than worst option though, drop the class and retake it the next semester. Just hope it wouldn’t be the same professor then. So if there’s still something strange in your classroom, who you gonna call? REFERENCES:
Put yourself in their shoes
https://www.lipstickalley.com/threads/signs-of-a-bad-college-professor.1221602/ https://www.educationcorner.com/bad-college-professor.html https://www.usnews.com/education/blogs/professors-guide/2010/01/06/10-warning-signs-of-a-bad-professor
COLLEGE SURVIVAL
BURRYING YOUR
GROSS HABITS WORDS // MARVIN R. CURIOSO
F
ILLUSTRATIONS // ARTHUR D. LAO
if you think you’re doing it cool, then you have been greatly misled.
rom the filthy bedsheets to the unwashed dishes left to rot in the sink, you have to admit that college life is one of the nastiest stages of your life. So, here are the top gross habits of a college student, the harm it does to us, and how to save your asses from these self-made harms.
THE IMMORTAL BED SHEET Maybe it’s because you have no enough strength to do this loathsome task, or you are prioritizing your social life more than, say, proper hygiene. No matter what the reason is, one should bear in mind that your bed sheet couldn’t wash itself. Just think of an army of microbes building their own colony on your sheets next time you disagree dumping it in the laundry basket. NOT-SO FUN FACT: Accumulated food crumbs, dead skin and sweat on a single sheet is a resting haven for critters. Not only it will be a good way to get different types of dermatitis, it will also leave a smell that will make your classmates question your sanity. Plus, even when we sleep, we continue to perspire so the fibers of your bed sheet could be a tub for saliva, urine, genital fluids, and fecal matters. Festive, isn’t it? Let go of the memories and just bring it to the laundry shop.
THE SOCK THAT SUCKS There will be only two reasons why your partner might break up with you: either one of you cheated, or your feet stink. Some people care less on dumping straight to the laundry basket their socks after a day of a weary battle at school
but believe me you’re doing yourself more harm than saving yourself some detergent. There’s a lot more ways of conserving water and not washing your socks is absolutely not one of them. NOT-SO FUN FACT: Wearing the same socks for consecutive days will give you fungal infections like Athlete’s foot. The reason is fungi commonly build up on damp and dark areas, and those pair of socks you have immortalized is not an exception. Wear a pair of fresh socks every day. Cottony socks are the best. Also, use roomy shoes made with natural materials like leather to allow your feet to breathe.
THE PROCESSED FOOD TRIFECTA Stuffing your grocery basket with your alltime favorite instant noodles and a variety of canned goods becomes a weekly routine every Sunday nights at Ongville. Well, the truth is, the food pyramid is actually broader than these choices and making these foods your regular meals would cause acne, weight gain, fatigue, stomach-aches, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, impaired reflexes, lack of concentration, and the list goes on. NOT-SO FUN FACT: These foods offer zero nutritional value, and only serve as a source of glucose and sodium to keep us going. The only thing they’re rich with is trans-fat, which is the main ingredient for heart disease. Feed your body with fiber, proper vitamins and minerals that we can only get from real food like meat, fruits, and vegetables. We are what we eat, remember?
THE FAITH OF PLATE You cooked your food. You ate. You dumped all the dishes on the sink and bids goodbye. Most probably you would wash it when you needed it again, say, for the next two days or even a week. If it’s not the grossest habit a college student could possess, then I don’t know what is. We take the liberty of not having our mother around so we could rot the plates we use to eat rather than “punishing” ourselves with this simple task. NOT-SO FUN FACT: Research says that the sink is one of the dirtiest places in your house, in line with your toilet, bathtub, bed sheet and the remote control. Food particles left from plates and left to soak in sink can serve as a breeding ground for illspreading bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella. So, man up and do yourself a favor: wash the dishes right after you eat.
Seeing a habit being done by almost everyone doesn’t mean it’s admirable and potent. College life can be a total mess, but you still have time to change. Burry those gross habits, so you can give birth to ones that would save yourself from harm and embarrassment. REFERENCES: Do the dishes: Why you should keep up with the washing up (Wynne, 2016) The Importance Of Washing Bed Sheets Regularly (Ramiccio, 2016) Nine ways that processed foods are harming people (Gunnars, BSc, 2017) Fungal infection warning: Why you should never wear unwashed socks (Clark, 2017) What Your Bad Kitchen Habits Are, Based on Your Gross Hygiene Habits (Rotstein, 2017)
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SCIENCE HEALTHAND HEALTH
WALKTHROUGH THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF
Mobile Gaming WORDS // REESE VERA DE LA CRUZ
ILLUSTRATIONS // JUNNIE GOYADA
Most of the time, people associate gaming with bad habits, poor life choices and addiction. Often using it to escape boredom, waste time, or just plainly indulge in leisure.
I
t is established that mobile gaming connotes many negative opinions but as there is light to everything, we are going to find the rare gems that makes mobile gaming worth your while.
But researchers agree that completion of a task within a game boosts player’s drive to complete more tasks. It is the art of pulling people of all ages into virtual environments, having them work toward meaningful goals, persevere in the face of multiple failures, and celebrate the rare moments of triumph after successfully completing challenging tasks. (Engels et al. 2014) The diversity of context in gameplays, could spark interest in other fields of real-life activities. It could very well kick start a passion for new things which ultimately is the goal of many gaming platforms.
gg team
Over 70% of gamers play their games with a friend, either cooperatively or competitively. With internet mobile games catering to large audiences, connections through in-game chats and streams is relatively easy. Making bonds among people who share the same interest for the game and eventually leading to tangible acquaintances. Social skills are manifested in forms of civic engagement: the ability to organize groups and lead likeminded people in social causes (Prensky, 2012). Multi-player online games such as Mobile Legends or Arena of Valor, and MMORPG’s increase the chances of its players to involve themselves in charity, volunteer work, and the like.
1-UP Brain Power Contrary to popular belief that gaming rots your brain, researches have highlighted the fact that it is beneficial to a player’s spatial awareness. It improves memory and helps gamers keep track of certain patterns and tasks. In addition to spatial skills, scholars have also speculated that video games are an excellent means for developing problem-solving skills (Prensky, 2012). Being “digital natives”, modern gamers are exposed to, little to no instructions and solely base on specific visual cues to guide them. This technique gives emphasis on analytical and theoretical abilities to plan, answer, and evaluate various ways around a problem in the game thus translating to real-life.
hp regen We’d often hear reasons that people play mobile games to reduce stress but losing one can aggravate them. However, participating in casual video games produces changes in brain waves consistent with improved mood. (Russoniello, et al. 2009) Mobile games are said to increase right alpha brain wave activity that is supposed to induce the feeling of excitement and euphoria whether you are playing solo or competing with others. The end game is that you will definitely feel better and more relaxed after.
some more benefits include It promotes creativity. From graphics to gameplay, we can see the craftsmanship developers put into their games. It is also conveniently on the go, anytime, anywhere, let’s play, and it costs less than standard gaming equipment. Combat that Final Boss that says gaming is bad for you. Flaunt that badge of gamer honor because now, you have something to rebut when somebody says you have a gaming problem. Walkthrough has ended, would you like to read the benefits again? Yes/No
REFERENCES:
+Buff It makes you motivated. When you think of gaming, motivation wouldn’t exactly come to your mind. In fact, we’d think of the opposite.
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Granic, I. Lobel, A, Engels, R. 2014. Benefits of Playing Video Games. Radboud University Nijmegen. American Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/ amp-a0034857.pdf Russonielo, c. O’brien, K. Parks, J. 2009. The Effectiveness of Casual Video Games In Improving Mood and Decreasing Stress. Volume 2, Issue 1. Journal of Cyber Therapy and Rehabilitation. Virtual Reality Medical Institute. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289131468_ The_effectiveness_of_casual_video_games_in_improving_mood_and_decreasing_stress https://www.vitadaily.ca/lifestyle/4-top-health-benefits-of-playing-mobile-games-1.23362109 https://www.techwalla.com/articles/the-advantages-of-mobile-phone-games
HEALTH HEALTH
Finding ways on how to sneak sleep WORDS // MARYLL JANE URGINO
ILLUSTRATION // FATIMA MAE DE GUZMAN
More school works require less sleep, but that is far way better than not sleeping at all.
G
etting a quality of sleep patterns and enough sleep is considered to be an achievement in the tiring life of a college student. Most college students get 6-6.9 hours of sleep per night according to a study by University of Georgia. When you head to college, you are now responsible for your alarms. No one is around to lecture you about missing class or staying up too late and the fate of your grades depends on balancing proper sleep with attentiveness and punctuality. Most people get a typical 8-hours-straight of sleep or regarded as monophasic sleepers, meaning they get all of their rest in one long chunk, typically at night. Meanwhile, Polyphasic sleepers, snooze in short bursts throughout the day instead of sleeping all night. Even Leonardo da Vinci, Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison are all said to have been Polyphasic sleepers. This have been why the extra time awake is what led them to become some of the most creative and intelligent minds in history.
Biphasic Cycle Also known as the Siesta Cycle, popularized by its use in Spain – not to mention college campuses everywhere. This cycle involves sleeping for six hours overnight while taking a short nap or a power nap which is a sleep session that happens during the day, between 1:00 to 4:00 PM, and lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. Interestingly, research has shown that sixminute naps, known as ultra-short sleep episodes, can improve declarative memory. It’s a type of long-term memory that pertains to our ability to recall facts and knowledge. It was also proved that people who can make the case for 60 minute naps are also good for cognitive memory processing.
every 6 hours), which results in 2 hours of sleep time in total. This is best suited to those who don’t require much sleep, or those with the DEC2 gene, also known as short sleepers. This might also be beneficial for those who can fall asleep quickly once they get to bed. The advantages of the Dymaxion include that is has the most waking hours of any cycle, which best for those who prioritize efficiency over sleep.
Uberman Cycle
Everyman Cycle Aptly named, because every man, woman, and child should seriously consider giving this sleep cycle a shot. This type of sleep consists of a 3.5-hour spell of core sleep and three 20-minute naps spread out across the day. It has longer waking hours than most sleeping cycles, meaning you can achieve a lot more with your day. Once adapted properly, this routine offers more flexibility than other sleep patterns. Enough for a quick boost of energy without the hangover effect of a longer sleep period.
Dymaxion Cycle
Derived from the word übermensch – German for superman. This cycle is apparently much more natural while being the most efficient of all sleep cycles. Instead of four 30 minute naps, this cycle uses six 20 minute naps equally spaced throughout the day to keep you well rested. Once you manage to adapt this cycle, you apparently join the ranks of Those Who Can Fall Asleep Anywhere and at Any Time. However, you also won’t be capable of functioning for more than about three and a half hours at a time. On the other hand, in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, the best sleep cycle is whatever works for you. While many may suffer sleep deprivation from these alternative sleep cycles, others may thrive. Above any unusual sleep patterns, it’s massively important that you still get enough sleep, in whatever form that takes. It is best recommend having roughly eight hours sleep per night. The life of a college student requires at least 30 hours’ worth of work crammed into a 24 hour day; making it hard to sleep, and deadlines even harder. With these new ways of sleeping, you can find ways to get 3-6 extra hours a day to boost study. REFERENCES:
While this one, is named for his brand name, combining the words dynamic, maximum, and tension. The Dymaxion cycle consists of 4 x 30-minute naps throughout the day (roughly
Business Insider, These Alternative Sleep Schedules Could Save You 20 Years Normally Spent In Bed, Christina Sterbenz (2013) Restonic, 3 polyphasic sleep cycles you may not have heard of, unknown char wala pong nakalagay na name (2015) The Tab, Alternative sleep cycles all college students need to know about, Liam Power (2015)
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REVIEWS
MOVIE REVIEWS
hintayan ng langit ni Juan Miguel Severo RATING: Tired of waiting for forever in this life? Maybe you’re waiting in the wrong time. The play “Hintayan ng Langit” written by Juan Miguel-Severo and adapted to a movie, directed by Dan Villegas, lets you explore the flame of a romance that never died. Through heart-wrenching one liners, precisely-timed humor and deep self-reflection, it will take you to the story of two dead, old souls. The agony of coming so close to grasping your loved one and them slipping away from your fingers happens too often in this movie, but it doesn’t make it less hurtful after each one. The story of ex-lovers, Lisang and Manolo, made us all ugly-cry. Portrayed by veteran actor and actress, Eddie Garcia and Gina Pareño, whose on-screen chemistry made us believe that true love never truly dies. One day, Manolo, a new soul and tenant in this hotel-esque portrayal of the afterlife is brought to Lisang’s room, a long time tenant whose travel to heaven keeps on getting delayed. Turns out these two were past lovers.
yellow rose by Diane Paragas She learned that her Filipino mother might soon be kicked out of the country. And so at 17, she began preparing for life without her. Squarely dropped right into the middle of the immigration debate comes Diane Paragas’ Yellow Rose and what it means to be an American hiding in plain sight. The titular Rose (Eva Noblezada) is a 17-yearold undocumented Filipina teen who secretly dreams of becoming a country music star of old. Told throughout the smoky and dreamy landscape of a sleepy small town in Texas, it captures the relationship Rose shares with her mother Priscilla (Princess Punzalan) whom works as a cleaning lady for the motel they reside in. To think that one day you’re living your life and going about your daily routine, only to have it suddenly disappear right in front of you, is shocking. And when Rose cries, squeals, and yells after her mother in pure desperation, you can’t help but feel for its lost. Her character’s frustrations are incredibly felt; her naivety and youthful energy as she strove for her own independence are endearing; and her struggles to learn to stand on her own feet as a young girl who suddenly lost her mother are heartbreaking.
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REVIEWED BY // DAN JESTER MEDENILLA
RATING:
The film revolves around the themes of resiliency and identity, told through an oft-overlooked yet unique lens of American cinema: the lives of Filipino immigrants. What stood out in the film was on how incredibly authentic and real this film felt to the Filipino experience. As most immigration stories seem to document Mexicans, the Philippine experience seems to go unheard. Yellow Rose is an incredibly real Filipino-American story that doesn’t slap you in the face with cliché Filipino sayings or moments. Rather, it’s a sweet, dramatic and incredibly emotional story that pulls on your heartstrings and provides younger generations an understanding of the struggles our immigrant parents had to endure in foreign countries. It took Paragas 15 years to make a film that deals with real world issues in an entertaining format and feels perfectly tailored to our times. It’s ending leaves many questions unanswered—an apt artistic choice since so many who are in the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) system await their fates in an uneasy limbo. And yet, filmgoers can leave with a sense of hope and the feeling that there is a place in American culture, even in country music, for all of us.
REVIEWED BY // REESE VERA DE LA CRUZ
Shot in dim-lit lightings and a vintagestyle vibe, it lets you in on how intimate the movie is. Utilizing tapes and cassettes, it gives off that warm feeling of an old Filipino flick as if you’re taking a peak into your grandparent’s love story. Plot driven by dialogues and flashbacks, Garcia and Pareño gave their character justice as they take you through the middle of extremes avoiding too much humor and too much drama to give emphasis on the lines without ruining the romance and passion given off by the pair. The theme, regret, will really get you towards the climax of the story where the revelations come to light. Tears will flow as you see the pain of the past that held the lovers’ back. Hintayan ng Langit will make you long for love. It is romantic, creative, touchy-feely, and well worth your time. Tired of waiting for forever in this life? Maybe you’re waiting in the wrong time. Maybe forever’s in the after-life.
REVIEWS
ang ikatlong anti-kristo ni Eros Atalia
BOOK REVIEWS
REVIEWED BY // JESSELYN MIRANDILLA
RATING: Amidst all the crumbling faith and beliefs, one man came and change it— he is the third anti-Christ. With his exceptional style of writing, award-winning author Eros Atalia received his third Don Carlos Palanca Award for his book “Ang Ikatlong Anti-Kristo”. Using Nostradamus’ concept of the third antiChrist, Father Marcus was born as the main character of the book. The story revolves around a newly ordained priest who attempts to bring back the faith of the people and inspires them to commit to the Church again. He foresees the future events and heals the sick through miracles. His compassion and benevolence made him well-known during his stay in the town. Through time, he will realize more about miracle, the world, and himself. The book depicts various social issues. With this, Atalia explores how evil coexists
with miraculous acts in the world where politics and religion take the lead. It does not just intend to tell a story, but to also move the readers. It will make you realize how faith can change everything. Despite of having a more serious content unlike any of his other works, Atalia did not forget to use his distinctive humorous style in narrating the story. He also used familiar words with deeper meanings behind it. It is worthy of the award, indeed. Reading this book might shake your beliefs and put you in doubt, but it still depends on you whether you’ll let it defy your faith or not. Let me ask you: when there’s nothing left but faith, to whom will you give it? Then, ask yourself again after you finish reading this book.
the manifesto on how to be interesting by Holly Bourne
REVIEWED BY // DOMINIQUE IMOJEANNE VACUNAWA
RATING: We wish to leave a mark in this world… we all want to be remembered. After receiving another rejection letter from a publishing company, Bree, a not-so-popular-high school-girl decided to make another project. And this time, she tries blogging. And to do that, she must live a life she never tried living before. She changed herself almost overnight and befriended the popular personalities in their high school. Risking her comfort and dignity for her writing material, she gave birth of the Manifesto on How to be Interesting. This is a story of a struggling teenage girl, climbing up the social ladder, bringing the weight of people’s curiosities of what being popular really means, only to fall again due to the repercussions of the risks she has taken. Being interesting has become expensive for her—what are the costs? In this young adult novel, Holly Bourne gave light to issues that aren’t
talked about much in this society such as self-harm, bullying, and other mental health issues. She tackles these sensitive topic in a way that it is easy to read and digest. The novel flowed smoothly, even though, everything seems too quick, but it will just make you keep on turning every page. However, some views on this novel may make your eyebrow raised, and question how Bree discusses these beliefs, and at some instances, disagree with her. As a writer, Bree wanted to be interesting and leave a mark in the world. She equated this with popularity, that’s why she wrote her manifesto. But as she continued on with her problematic experiments, she discovered that there is more than just what popularity and being interesting really means. She discovered what people really need to be in this world. What we all really want. We all want to live a happy life.
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LITERARY
Black hole -Nikki Vacunawa
Hi. It’s been a while. I never thought i’d meet you again. Because for a long time, i wondered
why we even had to meet. Why i endured your warmth even if it’s too unbearable. Why i didn’t take my eyes off your brightness and why i thought you illuminated my dark world. Why i longed for
your lyrical words—amazing how the moments we shared seems to be indescribable, yet you’re able
to describe it with ecstasy. Why i kept my mouth shut anticipating your next steps, your next move, your next thrusts… Why did i let my core collapse for you to nothingness? Why did i let you? Why did i let myself ? Why did—
Ako, sa Row 4 -Marvin Curioso Sa likod ko piniling umupo, katabi ng basurahan, sa lilim ng electric fan, sa pader na bakbak ang pintura at mga bangkong walang sulatan. Tumitig sa sahig upang hindi makatagpo ang mga mata nila Ako ang kadalasang dahilan ng tawanan, kalabog ng bangko at palakpak, sipol, at kinuyumos na papel at sila ang dahilan ng takdang araling tinapos nang puyat, tuyong ibinubo, at natuyong luha sa manggas, Ang mga tingin nila ay matalas, nag-iwan ng butas Ang mga tingin nila ay matalas, ginawang pantasa.
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LITERARY
Blacked-out faces -Reese
Burrowed under cold blankets turns gray as shots fire from the outside
Credentials -Irra I haven’t been to many places may it be domestic or international. I used to remain where the world Put me to step on to wander I haven’t heard all the world’s music And it’s genres and the artists. I rest on flats and sharps Like what people usually note I haven’t tasted caviar yet any on multiple plates. I eat what is on the table whether it be food or not
The siren wails as a lady screams with terror and horror seeing red colored streets Beside the cracked out pavements and weeks worth garbage lies a body blue and lifeless A farmer is hunted with unclear reason, coming from a hard days’ labor in fields of white and gold A death of one leading the massacre of many as the mud that feeds became a river of tears
but I have seen what you have not For you are blind And you chose to I have talked to the mute For you are deaf And you chose to But still, You have what I do not have And you are what I cannot be. I fought against those who were not fighting Yet, I still lose.
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LITERARY
Laro tayo -Reese Sa likod ng palda ng isang gusgusing ina, nakatago ang balisang batang patirik na ang
mata. Sa kadahilanang ‘di pa naiibsan ang lakas ng kalam ng tiyan, na nakikipagsabayan sa
harurot ng lansangang tinatawag nilang tahanan. Kung saan ang patintero’y ‘di na masayang laro, kundi delikadong realidad. Isang talon para sa saya, dalawa para magpapansin ang batang
nakalahad ang palad kay ate, kuya, “sige na”, tatlong hakbang para sa ismid ng mga taong
umiiwas sa dungis, at apat bago mabangga sa agaw-buhay na pakikipagsapalaran. Ang larong minsang nakakalibang, magdadala pala sa kanya sa huling hantungan. Sa ilalim ng palda ng isang gusgusing ina, nakatago ang bangkay ng isang bata.
A day to end -Mariel When the dawn comes, she used to sit On her room’s balcony With a cup of coffee Worrying about what the future might bring. At night when everybody was asleep Her mind was wide awake Full doubts, Of fears, Of anxiety, Thinking that she’s not enough Nor even worth it. Every morning she wakes up— only to wait for the day to end.
UNBOXING -gersy She’s coming with a box Excitement sinking Into my bones Imaginative as I thought With dolls and other toys Some chocolates of our choice But above all Of finally seeing her At last it’s here As the box came Little by little The eagerness rising But coldness embrace it Eyes grew watery My chest felt heavy After all She kept her words She came in a box
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LITERARY
What is reel? -Jesse
As soon as I closed my eyes, I felt a strong force pulling me. And for a moment, I couldn’t see anything but darkness. It was the sound of a loud siren that hauled me up from the ground. Various shade of white and black welcomed my sight. Then, it became a series of different colors until I realized, it’s the sky I was looking at.
It took me few more minutes staring at nowhere, lying on the ground before I decided to wander around. But I couldn’t move an inch when I saw what surrounds me.
There were enormous buildings and large cables above that seems to connect one place to another. But what caught my attention the most was the clear blue sky, the fresh air I am breathing, and the song in between the swaying leaves and flowers.
I was still in awe when I heard it again— clearer and louder this time. I took a step and started following a trail thinking that the answers may be written on the wall. I was wrong. There are no walls nor answers but a hologram of someone. Or something. I really couldn’t tell.
Before I managed to say a word, it uttered something that only left me with another pile of questions. “Welcome to the future.”
It was the sound of a loud ring that woke me up. The white ceiling met my eyes and the sunlit kissed my skin like it always does. I turned off my alarm clock and looked outside my window to see a familiar view. There are buildings
and cars, large houses, and malls. Unlike from what I have dreamed, there are no trees and songs, neither clear blue sky nor breathable air.
If it’s truly the future that I just saw, I envy them.
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LITERARY
Wanderlust -Lorraine Coronado Most people travel the same path So, I decided to take the other way But just because I’m on a different track doesn’t mean I’m lost I know to myself that I can travel alone No matter how muddy the road may be Or even if the trail turns out to be rocky I can still manage to stand strong But then, every person has their weak point We cannot really avoid the unpleasant fall Still, when there’s someone to help you stand up It’s a good thing to know that you are not alone
I learned a lot upon all my adventures Now I know that from loving, comes acceptance And where you can find peace is called home But home isn’t only a place, it can also be a person. By the time you have found your own, The one that you kept on searching for, It would be the end of your lone venture, Roaming may not stop, but you will always be at home.
No regrets -Meg Ryan Reonal
That night, I was thankful for the dimmed light that I can see you on a concave looking
It was three years ago when our bodies combined. It was only you. I know, because
glass. It was our soul’s reflection, both alive. Living for the minimal moment, limited desires. I have not held on to anyone’s arms. You’re a stranger and so I am. No regrets. You told me that you’re a sinner and I asked you, “why?”. The agony of a first timer is the curiosity itself. I said, I don’t care, drive me to cloud nine. No words. Your soul inside me wrecking my flesh
while my lips touches elsewhere, I aspire. It was a journey of trust or it was only me saying?
Still, no regrets. It was an hour of the hottest sweating, clinging and exploration. As we both
murmur for climax, avalanche of nothingness has come. This is the only image I remembered after I received your farewell letter.
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Downfall Chronicles -Jess The hard wall starts to tumble and this isolated ground begins to crack all your thoughts and remorse are all consumed by their mocks, all the whispers and hopes are silenced by their taunts hummingbirds are now singing the story you’ve always wanted to tell; about the crushing of the crusted soul, about the chronicles of your downfall and all while painting your canvass, with rainbow as your sunrise until the music stops and all you can is to hit the inimical wall of his reality And punished those who dragged you And treated you like an intruder In the place that you have created.
Fa r f r o m h o m e -gabo I am forever home alone.
Ever since, it felt like I’m in a wrong family. We just have the same genes but far from being
the same. It’s dinner time again and I have to face them. Like I said, I have to… I just have to. I
am wearing the blue shirt from the woman who gave birth to me. They call her my mother.
She declared this shirt as my favorite, but the truth is, it’s not. Because I don’t have favorites. More of hates—like, I hate everything. I am odd and yes, I am aware. Then, I heard three knocks, it’s Grace. “Carl, anak, ready na ang dinner.” I opened the door and looked
at her ever-smiling face. “Nagluto ako ng Caldereta, paborito mo—” . I followed
her downstairs to our dining area. There they are. The man in ties is her husband, drinking his sugar-free dietary coffee. On his left, having a phone on his hand, a
27-year-old dentist, Ivan the eldest. They seemed a replica of each other in many ways.
“Abot pa ako sa dinner!” And there she came from the door, Pia the princess. The most
precious of all. “Ibaba mo na ang bag mo at maupo ka na dito sa tabi ko,” the mother said as she sits right next to her husband. “Sige nga, bunso kwentuhan
mo uli kami tungkol sa mga friends mo at sa debate contest mo kanina,” Ivan
said excitedly as I remained standing looking at them. They’re like a perfect family on TV series, eating dinner together while having a conversation about
what happened from the rest of the day. I interrupted the catching-up scene as I said, “Hindi ko paborito ang Caldereta.”
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Maligayang Pagdating -marvs Nagising ako sa isang hindi kilalang silid. Halos mabulag ako sa liwanag ng puting ilaw na bumungad
sa akin. Pinilit kong tumayo ngunit may mga gapos sa aking mga kamay at katawan na pumigil sa’kin, doon ko lang napansin ang mga karayom na nakatarak sa aking mga ugat. Napasigaw ako sa takot. Mas lalong kumirot ang aking tiyan nang mapabaling ang pansin ko sa aking kaliwa at nakita ang kalunos-
lunos na sinapit ng aking anak. Nakuha rin nila ang anak ko. Wakwak na ang kanyang tiyan, nakita ko ang ilan sa kanyang mga laman-loob sa isang timbangan, at sinisipsip ng mga tubong may karayom ang kanyang dugo. Napasigaw ako sa lungkot at galit dahil sa kahayupang ginawa nila sa anak ko. Lumapit sa’kin ang isa sa kanila at hinawakan ang aking noo.
“Hindi ka namin sasaktan, ‘wag kang mag-alala.”
Mga sinungaling! Pinapatay ninyo kung ano ang dapat na manatiling buhay. Winawasak kung ano
ang dapat na buo. Tinatakpan ng maitim na ulap ang sarili ninyong langit. Wala kayong iisang paninindigan
at pinagwatak-watak ng sarili ninyong mga dila. Kayo ay parasitiko sa sarili ninyong planeta kaya marahil kilala kayo ng buong kawalanan at kinakatakutan ng lahat.
Nagkamali ako. Naniwala ako na may pag-asa pa kayong magbago. Na hindi lang pananakit ang
kayang ninyong gawin. Pero ngayon, heto. Pinatay ninyo ang anak ko na naniwala ring mababago niya kayo. Habangbuhay na kayong lalamunin ng inyong pagkamakasarili. Pero ang ‘habangbuhay’ na ‘yon ay ilang minuto na lang ang itatagal.
Sana sinunod ko ang mga nakatatanda, noong una pa lang.
Sinubukan kong pumiglas sa pagkakatali pero napansin ko na papalapit ang isa sa kanila sa akin.
Pinitik niya ang karayom na hawak niya.
“Maligayang pagdating sa aming planeta.”
Ngunit bago pa mahuli ang lahat, ginawa ko ang ingay. Sumabog ang aking buong katawan kasama
ng planetang wala ng pag-asa.
Loop -Nikki Vacunawa Yesterday, I found a painting, a marvelous work of colors blended together to
make an aesthetic art. Behold, a group of creatures calling out a beautiful lady out of her uniqueness, their eyes glued at her out of limerence. Today, I painted a world. With every brush stroke, I created a place where that woman might belong. Mesmerized by
her bizarre beauty, I thought, she deserved another universe of her own—a kingdom
where she’ll be worshipped by all. I colored it green, watered it with tears, and I bled admiration… tomorrow, the world will be found.
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Would you like me?
-Ronalyn
I am an animal Not a pet, not a dish But somehow sensational. Some look at me with abomination Like I am an embodiment of disgust. Yet some believes, That I am just as deserving As any living being, Worthy to satisfy the cravings Of uncommon tastes. I have insecurities Engraved to my very skin. I need a constant validation.
Though I know, Deep in my core, that I can never please everyone. After all, I could only satisfy the ones I serve. And just like anything extravagant, I am never for free. The price depends upon your intrepid, How much of my exoticism can you take?
Neil -Marge It feels like nothing on this earth that anyone could feel when
I’m with Neil. His long arms embrace me with warmness that even
my parents couldn’t give. His eye that can see through me when I’m in my solitude state where my friends couldn’t tell behind my smiles. He
brings the light of the stars when I’m smiling as he says. Everything that happens to me when I’m with him is dimensionless. I feel like I’m floating, even gravity can’t pull me down. How I miss my Neil.
ARTS // JASPER PERALTA ALCEDIAN XIV
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PHOTOGRAPHY
amos Ma. Claudine F. Verzosa
durungawan Hannilyn Tutor
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PHOTOGRAPHY
Kandungan Zedric R. Dalde
halimuyak ng siyudad Arthur D. Lao
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photography
PHOTOGRAPHY
PHOTOS // ZEDRIC R. DALDE ALCEDIAN XIV
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duality Zedric R. Dalde
tanghal Dhanna Grace Pante
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pamalit Zedric R. Dalde
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COMICS
FIND THE HIDDEN
by Junnie Goyada
DARK HUMOR ni ART
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COMICS
ar tists’ pa g e
ALCEDIAN XIv
toons
BENTAHAN
ni Kristell Nae Pardines
BANDWAGON ni Jasper Peralta
DANGAL
ni Junnie Goyada
AKYAT ni Botards
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panaghoy mixed media
Junnie Goyada and Ella Lavado
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epekto ng trapo water color on vellum
Ella Lavado
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pakikibaka acrylic & spray paint
Junnie Goyada
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ekspresyon mixed media
Ella Lavado
Nabulag sa katotohanan digital art
Jasper Peralta
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Kudeta mixed media
Jasper Peralta
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