Editor In-Chief:
Lovely D. Flores Associate Editor:
Daryl Niño Jabil News Editor:
Baby Jane Uytico Feature Editor:
Shannon Rañin Filipino Editor:
Sherlane Kate Laluna Cebuano Editor:
Nichee Orocio Sports Editor:
Karen Celetaria Layout Editor:
Nikko Dajao Art Editor:
Sheen Ponce Cartoon Editor:
Aldwin Payot Photo Editor:
Kathleen Dea Velasco Circulation Manager:
Rotsen Angelee Oporto News Writers:
Helen Grace Illut John Paul Pepito Feature Writers:
3 Editor’s Note 4-5 President-in-Focus: CNU & ITS UNENDING JOURNEY TO GLORY 6-7 Investigative Journalism: LOOKING FOR THE STUDENT’S MANUAL; CRIMES 8-9 Tudling Sugbuanon: GARBO SA CNU 10-11 Pitak Filipino: LIHAM 12-13 Educators’ Board: EXTRATERRESTRIAL FINDINGS ON ASTEROID CTE 14-15 Liberals’ Museum: ON STEREOTYPING CAS 16-17 Nurses’ Station: INTO THE SEA OF WHITE UNIFORMS AND GREEN LANYARDS 18-19 Trending: PHILIPPINES VS ITS PEOPLE 20-21 Feature: TUESDAY MOURNING 22-23 Photo Essay: WRECKING BOHOL 24-25 Topnotcher’s Corner: THE WAY TO TOP 26-27 Feature: BUOYANCY 28 MOSULTI PA KO! 29 Feature: BLIND EYES THAT CAN SEE 30-31 Feature: A LITTLE GIRL’S TWILIGHT 32-33 Feature: PROFESSIONAL OF THE NIGHT 34-35 Travel Section: FANTASTIC FUNTASTIC ISLAND 36-37 Feature: BRINGING OUT THE FASHIONORMALITE IN YOU 38-39 Charge to Experience: YUME TABI: MY TEN-DAY JOURNEY TO THE ‘PEOPLE OF THE RISING SUN’ 40 Movie Review: DI INGON NATO: WHAT WE WE TALK WHEN WE TALK ABOUT ZOMBIES 41 Entertainment: FUN FACTS 42-43 ANG SUGA KOMIKS
Rona Joyce Fernandez April Jireh Hermogenes Demi Bernice Eslit Merlisa Betito Sports Writer:
Earl John Besario Cartoonist:
Ronald Rey Ensalada Layout Artists:
Niña Abrea Nicole Rubillos Photojournalists:
Cathy Ann Jugasan Claire Diane Tabanas Yvette Fernandez Merlisa Betito Technical Adviser:
Dr. Leonora T. Dotillos
The best helping hands are attached to the wrist. Photo by: Kathleen Dea Velasco Text by: Shannon Rañin Lay-out by: Nikko Dajao
EDITOR’S NOTE
Are we crazy? Are we masochists? Why do we smile in front of problems? It is such an irony for a people fraught with difficulties to be among the happiest people on Earth. Lovely D. Flores Editor-in-chief
There is a movie I saw that is very relevant to what our country has been going through. It is about three young and amazing protagonists. Probably you have already seen it but I would like to reiterate it for emphasis and for those who do not know. Three siblings lost their parents due to fire at a young age. Because of that, the custody is passed on to their nearest relative, a cousin, who only wants to get their fortune. He tries to kill them using a ‘railroad accident’, which they astonishingly manage to get out of. After that, they are passed on to their uncle who is later on killed by their cousin. Their lawyer decides to leave them to their aunt who lives precariously on the edge of a cliff. Their cousin once again arrives, this time disguised as a sailor who takes their aunt’s trust. Not long, the aunt dies of leeches in a nearby river, a plot by the cousin. Then the cousin, realizing he couldn’t kill the three children whatever way he tries, plans to marry the oldest child. The marriage is impossible because they are close relatives, so he staged a play with a wedding scene. He makes the children actors and convinces them that they are all actors following a script to entertain an audience. But he casts a real judge. In the end, when he was about to expose that the marriage is indeed real, the second child finds a way to burn the marriage certificate in time. Their cousin’s crimes are revealed and he is jailed. The orphans are then carted off to their next guardians.
The movie is entitled, A Series of Unfortunate Events- a title Philippines can relate to. The terrorism in Zamboanga, the Pork Barrel issue, floods, the ship collision, and the Visayas earthquake plastered the headlines of all newspapers. We have been a host of a series of unfortunate events. The amazing thing about the movie, however, is not the constant danger and disaster brought by their cousin. The amazing thing is how the orphans get through every disaster, how they help one another, and how they never give up. In turn, the amazing thing about us is not how many people died, how many properties were destroyed, or how many times we are featured in the CNN. The amazing thing about us is how, amidst a flood, we carry our clothes or TVs with a smile; how in the face of widespread corruption, we break apathy and demand accountability; how in the pleas for help of our quake-stricken fellowmen in Bohol, we help through relief goods and prayers; and how even after deaths of loved ones, ruined houses, and an uncertain future, we still hold on to God. Mahatma Gandhi once said, if life gives you more than you can stand, kneel. In the end, neither are we crazy nor are we masochists. We are just a people blessed to have Light. In this issue, we have stories that may seem sad and gloomy. We have featured stories about a street child in Lampposts on Dark Streets, a rape victim in A Little Girl’s Twilight, an ex-prostitute in Professional of the Night, a blind student in Blind Eyes that See, ship collision victims in Buoyancy, and earthquake victims in Shaking Visayas. In searching for light, we have to go to the dark- that is the only way to fully understand and appreciate it in all its different rays.
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We have conquered the board examinations for nurses and educators. We have carved crimson-and-gold trophies and medals to copious art competitions in the country. Indeed, the words “Cebu Normal University” have become a gigantic title for an educational institution that has been sailing across oceans for more than a century. It has never stopped carrying promising minds on board; never failed in developing them for four years before reaching the port of employment opportunities. But while it may be entertaining to know how excellent we are in this oceanic journey, especially that we’ve been declared as one of the top twenty-two state universities that sailed the best in the ‘Philippine Educational Sea,” the navigation towards this level of excellence has never been easy. In an interview, Dr. Marcelo T. Lopez, the captain of the ship, shared his experience in managing the university for four years. Well, not just his experience, but also his sentiments about the people and things that matter in the university and the plans blueprinted as the ship continues to sail forward, across horizons.
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Keeping its Balance Why the university keeps on achieving excellence until now, Dr. Lopez attributes it to “vision management.” The vision, according to him, is the desired future of a university. “You do not just forecast the future; you do not just make a lofty statement of that future,” his hand swayed for emphasis, “but you manage that vision.” “Managing the vision would call for curriculum review, upgrading faculty competencies through trainings and studies, and improving facilities.” These three are the main parts of the educational ship that he believes his administration “is giving the most focus.” On the other hand, he has also emphasized that another key to excellence is consistency — especially in the performance of both the program accredi-
tation and the board examination. “We cannot just tell the whole world that we are excellent,” he added. “That source of information must come from outside to be valid.” That is why our performances in the accreditations and examinations are important, they are tests set by regulating bodies not from outside the university. They are the parameters used to measure our excellence. “And it may be possible that our programs are highly accredited, yet the performance in the board exam may not show.” Gladly, we’ve kept the balance by continuously obtaining gold in both.
Navigating around the Globe Now that the university’s excellence has already spanned across the archipelago, what more shall we aim for but to extend our route throughout the world? “We’ve been targeting other countries as destinations of our graduates,” the president announced happily, then telling how hardworking our education and nursing graduates are outside the country, “without necessarily pushing our own citizens to leave the country for immigration.” The faculty members, on the other hand, have proven that though the steering wheels of the ship might have been made locally, their hands that are handling here have already been internationally sealed for being globally competent. Their research journal, as revealed by the president with a big smile, has just received an international accreditation a few months ago. The president is also looking forward to the coming of foreign students at our school gates. Just recently, the eleven states of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region have come up with The ASEAN Integration to begin by 2015. According to him, this project would make the ASEAN countries borderless among each other in the exchange of culture, goods and services, and education. “We should be ready to open our doors to welcome students from the ASEAN nations,” the president exclaimed, then he remembered about
PRESIDENT-IN-FOCUS
an interview with the University President by Daryl Niño T. Jabil the Muslims. “Is our cafeteria ready to serve HALAL foods?” he smiled at that thought. “And are we ready to provide them with their prayer nooks? They pray several times a day, so even when they are in the class, they may excuse themselves, kneel at a corner, and do their ritual or prayer.” “Categorically, we are not yet that ready but we have been making moves towards the eventuality of opening our doors to ASEAN countries.”
Sailing Against the Wind and Waves The university isn’t perfect. While it continuously hooks triumphs for years, there are still times when it needs to face some opposing waves and wind — forces that would slow down the university’s cruise towards its destination. Classrooms, lobbies... Say for example when students would complain of not having a proper classroom for their lectures. Because of the lack of classroom, others would just have their lectures at the lobby outside the speech laboratory or by the side of SM Hall while some Physical Education students are screaming and playing a meter away. Is this how a level-four accredited university, dubbed as a Center for Excellence, declared as one of the top 22 state universities nationwide, hold some of their classes every day? This problem has also been observed last school year. It might be because the classrooms before were disproportionate. As the president defines it, “there were oversized classes of, say, 70 students, and there were undersized classes of less than 20.” But that was before, when the scheduling system was still open. This year’s shift to ‘modified block sectioning system’ had been introduced as a way to maximize the classrooms, among other reasons. However, the problem remained the same. It has also been observed that despite the limited number of classrooms, the university
has admitted more and more first year students in some undergraduate programs this year. Why did we admit a great number of freshmen even if we still have the same number of classrooms? The President bowed down his head, no more swaying of hands. Then slowly, he answered: “Yes, I know.” For gathering a student population that is more than the number of classrooms the university can provide, he explained: “We are preparing for the next few years. By then, we will lose first years and second years because of the K-12 program. A hundred and thirty of our regular faculties must be given classes by the time.” “We also have a problem with some of our teachers.” That’s what came out from his mouth after pausing for a while to breath. He had been asked to think about a problem that, he believes, may impede the university’s continuous pursuit for excellence. “Even if we hold classes not in a classroom, the quality will never falter,” the president added with a slight exasperation, if only all the teachers would be committed in helping their students. His observation: “Some teachers would skip classes.” If it weren’t because the teacher is wandering around or sleeping at his or her cubicle, the teacher must have be on a training provided by the university. “We have been given 20 million pesos per year for the trainings of our teachers.” But it has already been agreed that whenever a teacher leaves for the training, he or she must leave some activities and assignments for the students to get busy with. However, there are still some who won’t. There may be more problems other than these, yes, but they aren’t enough to wreck the ship. That is why we have plans: to further propel the journey despite some irregularities.
wind gone mad, to move forward, the captain and his subordinates must speed up the engines. The ship must push itself harder than these opponents. For the university, speeding up the engines would call for the future developments — plans looked upon by the administration. Among these are the erection of the seven-story building and the finishing of the University Terraces. There is also a plan to enclose the back portion of the Samuel McClintock Hall with glass walls a few months from now, as proudly promised by the president. By the time, the hall will also be cooled down with a centralized air-conditioning system. There will still be classes to be conducted there for sure, but there won’t be any more noises from physical education students. The growing number of PE classes may also be given a new home soon. “We have a plan to sign a memorandum of agreement with the Cebu City Sports Center to hold our PE classes there.” But this is just a plan though, for the administration will still call for a meeting with the management of the sports center and look for the price if the university can afford it. “I don’t want the students to pay ten pesos every time they go there, that price is too much for them.” These plans will indeed speed up the engines once completed: there will be more classrooms conducive for the students’ learning and the teachers, inspired by these changes, may become more committed in educating these young brilliant minds boarded on the ship. The journey towards excellence is never an easy ride. There are obstructions like that of the waves, and sometimes, the weather is not so friendly. For times like this, we just have to sail forward. The reason why CNU has cruised this far is because no matter how hard the waves and how evil the weather may be, the minds and the hearts of the people inside Speeding up the Engines it are still working hand in hand, united, With the waves gone wild and the that makes the ship as sturdy and as resilient as it is today. ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
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text by Shannon RaĂąin photos by Yvette Marie Fernandez
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2010. That was the last school year the Normalites received their copy of the Student Manual which is like the Bible for the studentry.
Students, parents, teachers and school administrators have developed student’s manual/handbook and outlines appropriate, responsible student behavior. It describes violations of the Student Code of Conduct and associated interventions and consequences that may be enforced. It discusses student rights, privileges, and responsibilities. It is intended to set standards for students to conduct themselves in a way that is respectful and helps to build a climate essential for learning. Every student must be provided with this.
INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM
Crimes
by Lovely D. Flores Loud and Clear! Students ought to know their rights as much as they have to know their responsibilities. The new ones, especially, have to know these things to be guided through out their college life. Nobody wants to be brought to the Dean’s or Students’ Affairs office not knowing what he/she has done wrong. The Basic Rights of the Students letter c under section 9 (CNU Students’ Manual
her life, actions, and emotions. But we have the right to receive reasonable protection and security within the school premises (CNU Students’ Manual 2008, p. 81). What really happened? Was the teacher too immoral? Was the student too dumb? Is the silence and inaction of the administration a show of protection to the students? And if it was a hoax, what has the administration
So where is our Student Manual? In an interview with the SSG President, Mr. Danrey Cabatingan, we were informed that the student manual has to be reviewed and is still in the process of revision spearheaded by the Vice President, Mme. Isok. The copies that few students have were still the 2008 revision. For the time being, the governors of each department will be given the 2008 revised student manual photocopy plus its soft copy, to serve as their guide temporarily. The whole student body hopes to be provided the manuals within this school year.
2008, p. 81) states that the students have the right to know or to be informed of the rules and regulations affecting them. It is of little wonder why female students wearing very short skirts can still enter the campus or why gays who cross-dress can enter when they should not even have shaved eyebrows (CNU Students’ Manual 2008, p. 87).
Silenced and Forgotten? Whatever happened to the math teacher and the math student who caused quite a sensation and horror to the whole CNU Admin, Faculty, and students alike when the student posted her experience in the FB page, COAN? The teacher could be sued for Qualified Seduction. The students, too, have the responsibility to discern properly his/
done to bring back the sense of security to the students? Responsibility and Right. These times when many seem to follow the songs Let it Be and Come What May, the students are blinded. There are things you are not allowed to know because of confidentiality. Do not allow the little you are allowed to be taken away from you. Without the Students’ Manual, ask. Know your responsibilities. Know your rights. Know what you are expected to do. Know what you have to expect from other people. Remember: Ignorance is not innocence but sin (quoted from Robert Browning). ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
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TUDLING SUGBUANON
sa panulat ni Nichee S. Orocio |
D
aghan jud ug bati ang CNU , ug tungod ani nanga-buta na kita. Nasalipdan sa mga bati sa skwelahan atung panan-aw ug nakalimot na ta sa pagsibog niini arun mas makita pa natu ang kanindot sa atung tunghaan. Paga-ingnon pas mga kowts-kowts “It’s easy to complain than to appreciate”. Tinuod jud siguro kay mas daghan bitaw tag malibak kaysa sa maday’g sa ubang taw. Mas naa man gyuy impak ang atung pag yaw-yaw sa mga bati kaysa sa pagsay-say sa mga nindot. Ug karun , atu sa nang isibog sa maka-diyot lang ang mga bati. Ari sa tas mga nindot mga higala (positive din tayo pag may time). Naka-suway na ba kang gipangutana ug asa ka skwela? Nya ug mutubag kag sa CNU kay pangutan-on nasad kang “aw mag maestro diay ka?” naa pay mas updated nga pangutana ay, kana bang pangutan-on kang “unsa imu gikuha didtu? maestra o nursing? Kasuway jud ko ani nya wa jud tawn
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naapil sa papili-an akung kurso,pero sige lang ,das kahig “taga normal ko”. Tungod kay ug maka-dungog na gani kag Cebu Normal University ilado na kayo ning tig-gama ug tig-panday ug mga maayong maestro ug maestro nga angayang ika-pasigarbo. Di pud pa-uwahi ang atung mga nursing uy, sauna kung mag uwawuwaw pa silang maglakaw sa campus kay lahi ilang uniform kaysa atua kay lage kuno “simang ra”, pero karun? Sama sa tagalog nga termino nga “taas noo” (nganu kahang “taas noo” sa? Naa diay “ibabang noo”? Imagine kung imung agtang nas imung suwang. Payts ra? Haha ,anyway) hangad-suwang na silang maglakaw sa tibuok tunghaan labi nas kadalanan . “Kebs uy! CNU College of Nursing ko , 100% passing rate sa board exam” Laktud pagka-storya, pasar na sila daan, unsa guy 100% ninyo. Pero ayaw sila sayun-sayuna kay lisud pasaron na ilang kurso . Di mada . You deserved the 100% guyz . Kamo na jud!
Dili pud ta baha-on ug ting-uwan nya malakaw ra pud natu ang managlahing bangko, simbahan ug kapulisan. We are in the heart of the City. Well , pasalamat tas atung mga great great great grand grand grandparents nga ari jud nila gitanom ang CNU. Ug pasalamat pud tang God kay ug wa jud tawn ni naguba ning atung skwelahan bisag unsa nay nangabot rung panahona. Daghan na kayo nig kasay-sayan nga angay sad natung ika-pasigarbo . Maong ayaw nalang mo pagyaw-yaw nganu guba ug karaan atung mga classroom ,hunahunaa nalang nga nag teleport mo ug nibalik mo atung mga panahon sa gubat nya naka-surbayb mos mga bala ug bomba nya kay wa man mo nangamatay maong ga klase sa mo. Ug parte ug pasikatay , sikat pud ta uy! Liman kang mu-ari ang mga artista local man o nasyonal kay dire mag Halad sa Kapamilya, ug ang uban mag shooting paras Buena Mano Balita ug Maayong Buntag Kapamilya.
TUDLING SUGBUANON
| kartoon ni Aldwin Payot Permi pud ipakita atung karsada, ang Osmena Boulevard, sa TV. Di lang kay kani ra, naa pud natu ang mga gwapa ug brayt nga mga estudyante, nga di pud palupig sa mga pageants. Nindot pud ang impluwensya sa atung environment, mga scholars man gud nya kugihan mag-tuon maong maka-pressure sad usahay ,maganahan pud tag tuon kay di man sad ta ganahan ma-ulahi sa klase . Nya ganahan sad ta mutupong sa ilang mga ka-kugi. Taas pud nig standards kining skwelahana. Di lang kay sa mga estudyante nga kiniskisan jud ug mu-agi pag mga pag-sulay una nga mahimung normalite, hasta pud sa atung mga titsers. Future Educators raba ta dire (general nalang para madali ,bisag di jud tanan gud) maong best of the best teachers jud na o sa bisaya pa mga banggiitan nana atung mga maestro ug maestro. Busa mga frets, ayaw nalang mo kahibulong nga ang final exams sa ubang skwelahan
kay daily quizzes rana natu. Nya ilang daily baon kay tuition fee nana natu. Pero ayaw pag maoy diha , Scholar’s ng Bayan ta! Ilang mama ug papa nag-bayad na natu. Naa natu ang buwis sa katawhan, ang singot sa mga nag-trabaho ug gitagan-an tag kwarta sa gobyerno. Nya magreklamo pa mo? Wa mo maikog nga kamo pay gipa-skwela aning atung nasud nya magpa sosyal-sosyal pa jud mo? Mag night life ,inom-inom ug china nga touch screen ang cellphone nga wa man gani moy kapalit yellow pad ,mangayo raman gani mos inyong tapad. Mag reklamo pa mong hugaw o guba ang mga facilities sa skwelahan. Ang pangutana , gitarung ba na ninyo ug gamit?Ay kog ingna manga-guba lang nag kalit ug gitarung man diay na ninyo ug gamit. Wa ba mo ga pataka ug labay sa basura? Kinsa may gabuhat sa hugaw? Kita rasad. Ako? Proud kong TAGA NORMAL ko uy ! Bahala nag ingnun ko nilang
pobre, cheap ra akung skwelahan o nag-skwela rakos usa ka State University. Oh lage! State University ra lage ko ga-skwela pero tan-awa lang sad ang quality of education nga akong na tagam-tam, maayo pa’s inyo! Kana inyong mga nindot nga facilities? Huwata lang among 7-storey building diba mag nganga mo. Wa paman gani mi tarung nga facilities nya maayo naman gani mi , samot nag naa dba guyz? (Suporta-e ko ninyo bi ! Nangugat nakog tinayp dire.) Kana inyong mga mahal nga tuition? Wa mi nahangol ana uy, love mis government kay mga bright man mi. Way suya-ay! Paga-ingnon pang Papa “Wala mana sa kanindot o kamahal sa skwelahan, naa manas pag-paningkamot sa estudyante nga mu-skwela ug tarung ug makahuman” Idolang Papa sa? Hihi :) Bitaw ,hangad-suwang kaayo nakong isyagit nga taga-NORMAL ko , Ikaw proud ba sab ka?
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PITAK FILIPINO
ni Sherlane Kate Laluna larawan ni Sheen Ponce
Dear Ma’am Charo, Magandang umaga po, Ma’am Charo. O, ngiti ka naman dyan. Wag ka masyadong magdrama tiih, saying ang ganda! Ako nga po pala si Bituing Marikit. Isang hindi normal na prinsesitang naninirahan sa madidilim na sulok ng Normal (madilim talaga dahil masyadong epal ang power interruption). Nakikita ninyo ako minsan pag tumitingin kayo sa salamin sa mga palikuran. (Ang mga palikuran nga pala may pa vendo-vendo machine ng nalalaman kaya lang wala namang tubig na dumadaloy sa gripo. Tapos, nakakamukhasim pa ang amoy at mga UFO na palutang-lutang. Sarado pa talaga ang ibang cubicles o kung hindi naman ay ang buong palikuran talaga ang hindi pwedeng gamitin. Magdusa kayo sa UTI.) kapag trip ko, tumatambay lang ako sa MP 339 at nakikisali sa mga pictorials. Selfie-selfie din pag may time. Kadalasan, pa rampa-rampa lang ako sa beysment at alam na, nakikipaglaro sa mga nagagawi doon. Ewan ko nga lang ba kung bakit sila natatakot eh ang ganda-ganda ko naman. At dahil likas akong mahilig sa adbintyur,
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nag-anyong Normalian ako isang araw. Gusto ko kasing makahanap ng Tunay na Pag-ibig . Pumasok sa isang klase kaso, wala akong naintindihan sa sinabi ni Sir kundi “How” at “Why” period. Walang eksplinasyon. Hanggang sa nabuhay ang katawang-lupa ko nang ”Same question, Sir? Same answer pud Sir.” Yun oh! Nag-alburoto tuloy ang aking mga alaga. Nagdidyeta pa naman yata ang mga tao dito. Kung makapananghalian , 12:30 na eh! Kaya hindi ko na tinapos ang klase at pumuntang Kiosk. Aba eh muntik ko nang sapakin ang mga chararat na naghilamos ng harina na tinernohan pa ng uling sa kilay at labing akala mo inupakan dahil sa pula. Mantakin mong gumagawa ng takdang-gawain sa kainan! Kitang ang sikip na dito dahil tinayuan ng silid-aralan ang kakapiranggot na lugar na ito eh. Alangan namang doon kumain ang mga tao sa silid-aklatan at dito sa kiosk gumawa ng takdang-gawain, diba? Inilakad ko nalang ang aking matataas na takong sa U-Café. Habang naglalakad, naisip kong baka kaya sila dun gumagawa ng
PITAK FILIPINO
mga takdang-gawain dahil wala na silang lulugaran sa maliit na silid-aklatan ng Unibersidad lalo na ngayon na inaayos (pa rin) ang ikatlong palapag ng gusali. Kung ako, hindi rin ako papasok dun para mag-aral. Maingay akong mag-aral eh kaya bawal ako dun. Hindi naman ako makasingit sa airport este, student lounge kasi kaunti lang ang upuan doon. Ano ba ‘yan? Wala namang mapaglalagian ang mga mag-aaral dito. Kaya siguro nagiging Estudyante Mall ang E Mall eh. Biglang may nasamyo akong di kaaya-aya. Nasa Inayawan Landfill ba ako o Payatas Dumpsite? Ang baho! Ang kalat pa ng mesa. Ganito ba kayayaman ang mga tao dito at nasanay silang may tagaligpit ng basura nila? Kung sila kaya iligpit ko? Biro lang. Tatakutin ko nalang sila para matuto. Bwahaha. Naglalakwatsa lang ako noon sa Acad ng narinig ko ang isang BS Biology IV student na naghihimutok. Paano ba naman kasi, ang mga titser daw nya sa mga major subjects nya noon, talak ng talak eh hindi naman nila marinig sa hina ng boses. Natural, wala silang
maintindihan. Tapos, kapag may tanong sila, ipinagpapaliban daw muna hanggang sa susunod na pagkikita pero hindi rin pala sasagutin. Sagot naman ng lalaking de salamin, wala raw tamang information dissemination tapos kulang pa ng mga silid-aralan at pasilidad. Sabat naman ng isang CTE practicumer, iyong school bus nga raw na dapat ay naghatid sa kanila sa Medellin ay sira kaya nag bus nalang sila. Ang dami pa naman nilang bitbit na gamit. Sabi naman ng beking kasama nila na bukod sa Cebu Naning University, Cebu Nursing University na nga raw ang CNU. Kailangan pang patunayang muli ng CTE na Education ang flagship ng Unibersidad. Power interruption, mabaho, marumi, walang tubig o kaya’y saradong CR, maliit na kainan, nagkalat na basura, mabahong U-Café, kakulangan sa aklat, maliit na silid-aklatan,kakulangan sa lugar na mapaglalagian para magpahinga o magaral, kakulangan sa mga silid-aralan, mga i lang guro na kinakapos na sa dedikasyon sa pagtuturo, sistema ng
pagpapakalat ng impormasyon, sirang mga pasilidad. Ito ba ang mukha ng nangungunang State University sa bansa? Siguro nga’y wala talagang perpekto sa mundo. Naririndi na ako sa dami ng mga hinanakit na narinig ko kaya nagbalik na ako sa aking kaharian sa ilalim ng kinauupuan ni Rizal at pinagnilayan ang aking mga nasagap na balita. Bigla kong naisip, hindi ko pa pala nahahanap si Tunay na Pag-ibig. Kasi naman Ma’am Charo eh, mga kafederasyon ang karamihang nakasalamuha ko! Ang laki ng problema ko.
Lubos na gumagalang,
Bituing Marikit
P.S. NORMALIAN po ang tamang tawag sa mga taga-CNU, hindi Normalite. Dahil ang salitang Normalite ay galing sa salitang “Normal” at “Socialite” na sa madaling sabi ay hindi nababagay sa atin. Sabi nga ng titser namin na galing sa ESOL department na kung ang mga taga-La Salle nga raw ay La Sallean na at hindi La Sallite; ang mga taga-Ateneo, Atenista; ang mga taga- USC, Carolinian, mga pribadong paaralan pa ang mga iyan, bakit ang mga taga-CNU, Normalite? “That’s not correct.”
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EDUCATORS’ BOARD
text by Shannon Rañin | cartoons by Sheen Ponce & Ronald Rey Ensalada
E
veryone craned their necks to get a better view of the creature from outer space. The alien made visual contact and awkwardly smiled---its first attempt at communication. It was to become the very first visit in the history of Normalkind. And I was the alien. I made my way at the back of the class, my white nursing uniform conspicuous in a crowd of plaid skirts. The CTE department was given to me as an assignment by our head alien (but always in a good way) editor in chief for my article. The teachers were very welcoming. Dear Normalites, I have jumped from one class to the next and I have made interesting discoveries which I can say are also familiar in my home department. Poor ventilation, noisy environment, and unholy hours are every student’s archenemy and my salute goes to those who were able to bear with it. They are blessed with the longest attention span necessary
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EDUCATORS’ BOARD
to ignore all kinds of pollution be it scorching atmosphere, sleepy afternoons, and chattering classmates. In the classes that I sat in, I observed a lot of things that made me realize that teachers and students whichever department you are enrolled in, follows certain academic relationship. For one: passionate teachers equal to passionate students while incompetent teachers equal to bubonic plague …err, uninspired pupils. There seems to be a lot of things to be taken into account. I once asked my newfound friend, who was my seatmate, what she would do if she couldn’t catch up with the discussion. She said she would have to try to understand the topic at her own pace. She pointed that learning doesn’t always come in a straight line; the learning ability differs from one student to another and always in different situations. There is always that
classmate who during long discussions could remember the topics just by listening and talking them through. Some lean on the use of imaginations, vibrant colors and movements, these students are the visual learners. There are the doers too, those with kinesthetic learning style who prefer role plays and demonstrations. Imagine a bunch of these idiosyncrasies in one room! Too bad though, teachers cannot cater to all learning styles of his or her students at the same time. But the teachers do play a very important role. As William Arthur Ward said “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” The CTE instructors challenge the students of the CTE department to surpass them in the near future. To teach and put up with their pupils’ endless questions and concerns, to touch lives and inspire them to become the best they can be.
They know that sometimes, some of the students’ learning can only be trusted to themselves. One lesson that no college is very good at teaching is that in life you should not expect others to spoon-feed you directions. We don’t remain a pupil in a four-walled classroom all our lives. What is real education? Since higher education is what our university champions for, the Normalites are always hungry for real education- one that challenges the intellect and questions paradigms, not one of remote memorization of notes and plain conformity. Students demand more, much more. (‘Till my next extraterrestrial visit. P.S . Thank you to Dr. Dayagbil, CTE Dean for making this possible. I made friends in the course of this adventure. Best regards to Donna, Kit et.al!)
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part from being branded as nanings in general, it is believed that each College in the University has its individuality. Students think that they can tell from which College a student belongs based on how he/she looks let alone how he/she acts. “Ay basta gagmay ug bag ‘nya di kayo magbagu-od (kay) mura’g wa’y dalang books o di kaha kanang kung maka make-up lang, wagas. Basta chill bitaw ‘nya feel nako di mahadlok ma-late, CAS na na!” a friend once said. CAS people may disagree to this; however, one can’t simply think for another. Not a CAS student can control how others perceive them but others can look closely and see if these people deserve to be thought of that way. Throwback It could be remembered that last semester, AngSuga published the Intramural Forum (see story at AngSuga Publication Volume 33,
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issue 2, pages 26-27 or go to http:// www.angsugapub.wordpress.com) wherein each College commented on what others say about them. CAS people then were stereotyped as those with identity crisis, required to know Freud, Shakespeare, and Charles Darwin, chill (academically speaking), and useless. Naturally, they defended themselves but their answers were but fragments of the story. This time, let us swim deeper into the ocean. “…gagmay ug bag…mura’g wa’y dalang books…” ”Mi professor es bonito.” “Muy bien. Muy bien. Flat one.” And the class shrieked with laughter. You guessed it right, I’m in a Spanish class – my first day of immersion – and staring right in front of me is the “…professor es bonito”, Mr. Crisanto Toledo. With the bright atmosphere and the affability of the teacher, I feel welcomed here. I feel like a CAS student except, I have a quite bigger bag than most of the students in the class. Using
my almost accurate calculation (forgive me, I’m a math minor), it also looks heavier than their bags. No, don’t jump into conclusions yet. I know too well that I can’t raid their bags – unless I flash a search warrant which I don’t have – but I can take a peak. So when the person just close enough for me to take a fast look opened his bag, I grabbed the opportunity. A notebook and I’m guessing it’s a workbook are what I saw. Plus the Spanish book and ball pen which are on top of his chair. Bingo! That makes my bag really heavier. But look, though they have smaller and lighter bags, they got the stuff they need in there. That’s basically what matters. So, why bring bigger bags? “…kung maka make-up lang, wagas…” Human Behaviors with Ms. Maricel Andamon forms the second day of my immersion. This is a class of SGP-PA (Students’ Grants-in-aid Program for Poverty Alleviation)
scholars. Lucky me, this is an experience-sharing session. And luckier me, I don’t wear mascara. We know these people have many heart-wrenching stories to tell. Some are discriminated both physically and financially, belittled, and discouraged even by their own families. Tears were shed. Mascaras were ruined. Come to think of it, these mascaras, eye liners, eye brows, lipsticks, and blush-ons gives them happy faces. Remove them and you see people, struggling just like most us, or perhaps struggling more than most of us, but still standing strong. Then maybe, make up is not about looking presentable alone. Maybe, for some, there’s more to it than meets the eye. “Chill” People in front are listening. Those at the back are well, talking, while those seated at the middle of the classroom are oblivious to their teacher as they are consumed in their own world. The teacher continues to talk and crack jokes while some of his students look sleepy. These very students are dubbed as
“chill” with their awesome number of units to take and amazing class schedules. However, we simply can’t jump into conclusions and that’s what I realized during my immersion. With creative presentations left and right, reporting, experiments, thesis, and case studies, where in these oh-so-headache-inducing-activities are “chill”? Guys, take it from me, maybe they don’t look as busy as we are but they’re also under pressure. “Useless” I walked into this class and sit with SGP-PA scholars, then suddenly go “Whoever said that CAS people are useless, I dare you to come here and listen to these amazing people!” Problems in the family, health, money, school, the list goes on. Amidst all these, they wake up every day with the fire in their eyes proclaiming to the world that “Someday, I will be successful. One day, I will suffer no more”. So they go to school and work hard to reach their dreams come hellfire and brimstone. Sitting with them, I see their
LIBERALS’ MUSEUM
smiles as they chat with friends. I see their tears as they share their experiences. But when I looked closely, there are their eyes burning with desire. When these people graduate, they will be the ones to help their family, get them out of the portals of poverty, send their siblings to school, alleviate their sufferings. Now tell me, is this what you call useless? Because they don’t have to pass a Board Exam? We even have a lot of successful CAS graduates now. One of them is AngSuga’s very own former editor-in-chief, Jona Bering, who is a Palanca awardee for her Cebuano short story. Palanca Awards is a national annual contest held to recognize outstanding literary works. The measure of usefulness and success is not on topping the board exam, after all. It can be achieved when you reach your goal, satisfaction, and fulfillment. And when you look around, you see that finally, people are happy because of you, and that makes you even happier than anyone else.
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NURSES’ STATION
text by Rona Joyce Fernandez photo Merlisa Betito
It must be very tough being a nursing student. First, there is the everyday routine of tying your hair in a bun despite how late you are. Then there are the inevitable stormy days where you’d wish you could be water and stain proof for a day… on second thought, make that forever. Never mind running like a delusional shopaholic on Christmas sale and scraping your knees just to make it to class on time. You’d trade your soul for some sleep and a day, a lifetime even, without taking quizzes. Don’t forget the set of uniforms you have to iron. And the books! No problem if it was of Queen Rowling’s but unfortunately these aren’t. Sigh.
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Nursing study is tough but at the same time humbling. Imagine wanting to devote yourself to extend care to strangers and empower them at your best and making this as a profession. It’s not easy to witness joy at reunion, birth and recovery and at the same time watch people grieve over malady, loss, and death. And there are the inescapable reprimands from your college instructor who only wants you to do better not only for the patient but for yourself as well. “Amo man na sila pagabadlungon. Kay naa man gyuy mga usahay na dili malikayan nga masayop. Kaning estudyante lagi ta. Amo silang pagasultihan dili lang
para sa pasyente kundi para sad sa ilang kaayuhan.” No matter how high the caffeine level in their bodies may be, nursing students are no match for Mr. Sandman (Rise of the Guardians, anyone?). Nursing students do doze off at classes too. Who could blame the poor fellows for studying their brains out and overdoing their assignments? Although these students in white are boosted with exemplary academics, they are still vulnerable to boredom, gossip, and sleep. These are pretty much typical for a student, of course. They are no superman. They are the next generation of efficient medical practitioners.
NURSES’ STATION
The College of Nursing may be the pride of the institution at the moment but it doesn’t mean their students are receiving extra special treatment than that of the yellow and checkered societies. Nursing students sit on wrecked armchairs too. Other students mourn over the presence of dusty blackboards and babble about how they believe nursing students are lucky to have projectors (at the time of the writing of the article). Yes, they do have projectors but it doesn’t mean they are immune to power shortages. Everyone is equal, just on different scales. Maintaining a 100 percent passing rate every year is something to be proud of, nursing student or not. At present, Cebu Normal University is the top performing nursing school nationwide. This recognition impressively bannered at the administration building all thanks to the unending passion of the people behind to bring out the best from the best. Such honor is so huge, the college could not afford to waste time. As early as now, the fourth
year nursing students are being prepared for the 2014 board exams. The recognition does not give assertion. It fuels more dedication to never settle for mediocrity. How does it feel to be the next batch of hopeful board passers?
“PRESSURE COOKER. We know it’s hard, but the best is yet to come.”
HAHAHAHA. Btaw pressure oy. Nya karon kay di paman kaayo intense ang review. Chill pa man. Every Sunday ang review namo then lecture pud then next Sunday kay exam. At least lingaw then makat-on jd kag daghan.” Surely the pressure will continue to intensify in the coming days and normalites will be anticipating and hoping that these next set of takers will continue and pass on the legacy. It sounds like everything in the nursing department is all work and no play. Believe it or not, whatever you like, nursing students do know how to party. And by party, meaning PARTY. People mistake them for lacking creativity as they are medical folks but that’s a big, BIG
myth. Their acquaintance party that kicked off a few months ago was proof on how these white-uniform-wearing students throw a party. And what a party it was. “Nindot kayo ang ilahang staging ug lights. Nindot ang whole package jud, bisag sa picture ra ko nakakita. Di ka makatuo nga makabuhat silag ingun ana. Abi nakog puro ra na sila tuon ug duty. Maayo gyud kayo. Super bongga jud.” Like any other student, they are versatile and exceptionally talented as well. You’ve probably read, seen and heard of their masterpieces. They excel in different fields of endeavors too, aside from getting a 100 % passing rate. This liberal’s short visit in the island of emerald lanyards and white seas could not pack up everything there is to be said about the college of nursing. Nonetheless, she wishes every student out there, liberal, educator or nursing to believe that we are all the same. Yes, we are fighting different demons but we are fighting in the same battleground.
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#TRENDING
text by Lovely D. Flores | photos from the wires
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y mother posted the results of www.yourbirthdaysays. com on her Facebook. Ingon didto ang mga na-taw sa iyang adlawnatawhan kay angayan magpolitiko. I pressed Like but after a beat, I pressed Unlike. “Grabeh pud, politician jud?” I said, scrolling down the home page. “Ngano man diay?” mom asked. She was standing behind me, peering unto my FB. “Kabati ana. Mga kurakot na silang dako!” So, nastrong ko diba? “Kung magpolitician man gani ko, magtinarung sad gyud ko uy. Mutabang gyud ko anang mga nanginahanglan,” Mom said earnestly. “Nah! Ma, when the system of corruption surrounds you, it swallows you. Mao ayaw na lang gyud.” “Nya naa man ko’y Ginu-o. Di man ko magparehas ana nila nga mga nagpakabutabungol nalang sa mga kalisod sa palibot! ” So, nastrong napud ug apil si madir di ba? “Ma, kung ganahan gyud ka mutabang, di na ka mag-agad sa kwarta sa gobyerno. Ihatag nimo na ang gamay nga na-a sa imong bulsa.” Nilakaw si mama kay nibukal na ang tinolang manok nga iyang giluto. Sure ko naghunahuna na to ug ikatubag si mama. Everybody in my family, even my four year-old brother, never wants to lose in an argument. Pero, ahaka. Nag-plano man kaha ni si mama nga mu-dagan sa Barangay Elections. I remember my friend who goes to CNU but is from the province. She reminded
her mother never to file a Certificate of Candidacy. “Bantay lagi ug maminaw ka atong mga nagsigi ug anhi-anhi, Ma. Ayaw na pagdungag-dungag ug problema sa imong kinabuhi. Mahibaw-an gani nako Ma, di na gyud ko mu-uli diri ba,” my friend reiterated to us during lunch. Nowadays, when Napoles is such a big issue, nobody wants to be associated with politicians. Most of us think that they are the prime causes of our nation’s poverty. Personally, my blood boils when I see government cars parked in SM or Ayala. Nagjeep raman gani ko padung SM. Natabunan pa ni akong pulbos sa ka-abog sa mga dan diri sa Cebu. Nya sila maayong pabugnaw-bugnaw sa sulod. Hoy! Ni-apil raba ko ug bayad ana! Mga baga ug nawng! Devious swines. Unfortunately, I also know corruption’s real deal in our country: everyone does it. A couple of months ago, I overheard some students talking about a project. One said she asked for Php 200 from her mother but it turned out they only have to pay Php 150. “More for me,” she said. So, there- the most classic type of corruption. Keeping somebody else’s money. If many can steal from their own mothers and fathers, then surely, stealing from somebody or something that is not attached to them personally is easier. Another classic that I always want to hit is the slug instructor- always carrying around a false sense of intellectual supremacy that everyone, except him or her, sees as empty and brittle. An added similarity is the laziness- an unbelievable kind of laziness where he/she assigns all the researching and the explaining to the
students. What does he or she do? He or she receives the salary! Pwede nato nga basulon ang mga Katsila sa pag-ukit sa katapul ug pagpakita sa mga binipisyu ni-ini. Pwede nato nga basulon ang mga Hapon ug mga Amerikano sa ilang gipasunod nga utok sa pagkala-ug. So, let’s blame them! Hey, you people with long noses and white skins! How dare you invade our lands and leave with our golds! You messed up with our heroic mindset taught by Laong-Laang and Urduja. You lazy farts! You imperious earwax! You white butts! Wow. It’s good to have that out of my system. Didn’t know I had that. Pero nalubong gihapun ta sa hitak ug pilit nga lapuk sa kakurakot. If we want to progress, we’ve got to work it and move it. But who wants to sweat? We want to be splayed on a comfortable sofa watching a movie about a hot guy and a hot girl with the remote control on our left hand, and the mobile phone on our right, with a bucket filled with junk food between our legs, and a jug of soft drinks on the table beside. And don’t forget the maid behind the sofa waiting for a command! We only have to open our mouths and say, “This is life.” Too bad, that’s not going to bring us anywhere. With our laziness to do real work, love for the good life, submissiveness to leaders, and constant blaming, we are going nowhere but down. O. Kung magpabilin ta sa atong daut nga kina-iya, adto gyud ta padung sa basurahan sa labaw pang kapubrihun. Pero mura’g kutob ra gihapun ni akong gipangsay-say sulod ni-ining papela. Wa’y la-ing lihok nga mahitabo kun dili mao ang pag-ukab sa sunod nga dahon sa magasin. Pero si Mama nibalik na gikan sa kusina. “Day, na-a kay nahibaw-an nga dropoff center for relief goods para sa Bohol?” I smiled. At least, somebody in my family knows when an argument is not worth it.
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FEATURE
Churches may crumble, bridges may fall, houses may crush to dust Amidst the Choco bitten hills and cracked up roads A mother’s cause of greatest mourning will always because of losing one’s child …. Almost.
Prologue A 7.2 magnitude earthquake had shaken the faith of Boholanos on October 15, 2013. As of now almost 200 were deceased and immense numbers of public and private properties were destroyed. Landscapes and tourist attractions were ruined. And the once hospitable and cozy ambiance of Bohol was turned into grey. To some people, this was just a passing event, a simple talk of the town, a petty gossip that would eventually be buried in the pag-
es of worn out history books or by mere hearsays with no tangible origin. People might had paid sympathy and even lend a hand to those who have shriveled of hope. Despite the cringed-worthiness of the event, some people have used this golden opportunity to step unto others to get ahead of them. Hoarding of relief goods, subliminal use of help as a means to gain fame and uphold political influence and price hikes to basic commodities had surfaced. Ostracized by fellow Filipinos, Bisaya
text by Karen Celetaria photo Kathleen Dea Velasco
(Cebuanos and Boholanos) had also suffered from a fair share ‘you deserve it’ messages from social networking sites. In addition, the quake which wrecked infrastructures coaxed a photo fest for Facebook and Instagram users. However, this earthquake did not only take the sliver of livelihood, homes and buildings but also the fathers, mothers and children who lost their lives. October 15 would not only stand as Eidul Adha but also a tragic jinx engraved to
FEATURE the hearts of its victims whom got crumbled of their strongest scaffoldings as well as the ties of their families. Unbeknownst Jinx October 15, Tuesday. A free pass from a day hauled in a four-walled classroom for students and an early wash day for mothers. The faint smell of grassland, the dew drops glistening from early morning sunlight, buzzing radio shows and few morning shows graced the 8 am of Boholanos from Centro, Ilaya, a mountainous barangay next the 10-foot-high wall stretching three kilometers of Anonang, Inabanga. Birds chirping and chattering of fathers going to plow the fields and elderly brothers tired from watching fruit orchards. Not until a deafening grumble of the
ground and fleeing of birds coupled with screeches of the people awakened the cozy atmosphere. This alerted Sally Rodriguez (26) currently doing her laundry at the spring after she heard his only son’s call for help. “Muoban man gyud na ko nang bataa basta mamasahero ko ug habal-habal, kato lang gyud adlawa siya nahabilin sa balay” Dexter Jay’s Rodriguez (2 years and 6 months old) grandfather said. “Nagbasol gyud ko nga ako siyang gibilin sa among silingan para magdula sa balay” he added after he reiterated his grandson’s bubbly attitude before the incident. Nobody knew the looming danger that had catapulted the family that day. No one knew that the toddler desperately called for help that never came, how he managed to reach the exit door of their home that plummeted to his body and buried his body alive… almost. Bloody Trail After seconds of earth shattering tremor, a tattered remains of the houses and cracked roads remained. Yet a frantic mother Sally shouts for his son Dexter overpowered the noise. “Niligid na gyud iyang Mama sa pagpangita sa bata” Rochanne, Sally’s sister said as she recalled the catastrophic event. She said that the family tediously looked for their only child around their crumbled house with their relatives. “Wala gyud ming nadunggan nga hilak, mao to nagtuo ko nga patay na gyud ang bata” Rochanned added. She surveyed the dilapidated lump of hollow blocks and broken beams of the rear end of the house, she noticed a trashed wood with dried beads of blood. Worried, Rochanne delved into the dump of gravel just to find an unconscious Dexter with only his bleeding head and nose free from debris. Athanasy of Pain They say that a child’s smile is the mother’s cure of stress and
make her happy. Likewise, a child’s mishaps and injury can incur mother’s greatest agony. However, for Sally finding his son in the midst of dilapidated wall caused her abysmal feelings. “Dili nako maamgo ang kabalaka, kahingawa, kahadlok ug kaguol nga akong nabati atong panahuna” Sally said. Weary from minutes of extrication of the boy’s limp body, the mother had no choice but to commence her journey to the nearest hospital (about 10 kilometers away) by her own feet since there were no motorcycles available due to quake. After almost 30 minutes of crying while hiking, the child gained consciousness. The moment the child’s eye opened was the greatest gift that her mother received in her 26 years of life next to his child’s birth. Fortunately, a habal-habal driver took pity at them and drove to the hospital. Such luck had multiplied, the child did not acquire serious injuries after CT scan. The family however suffered from debts due to hospital expenses. Bleak Twilight Enduring the aftershocks and rain sheltered only by their makeshift homes, Rodriguez family has never been thankful in their entire life. “Bisan pa sa nahitabo sa a mong pamilya, mapasalamaton gihapon mi kay walay naangol namo bisan usa” Dexter’s grandfather said. Every calamity always has two sides- a dreadful impasse that will wantonly sprout loss and a test that will strengthen the bonds of people to rise up to erratic challenges of nature. This proves that this earthquake is neither a curse nor a threat to cower upon. Sometimes, it brings something to be thankful for and opportunities even as people ventured to turn the tragic aftermath that juts our smooth plain and hills for tourist destination. “You have to be broken in order to be whole again” so thus Rodriguez family. Despite living in uncertainty, their family is happy for every second of it. ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
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photos by Kathleen Dea Velasco lay-out by Nikko Dajao
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TOPNOTCHER’S CORNER Kung makadungog mo sa term nga “topnotcher” ba, unsa inyong ma hunahunaan? Ako saona, makahuna-huna gyud dayon ko ug tao nga super naning, kanang kinaon ang libro, halos wala’y social life, kumbaga, “studies first” jud ang peg. Maong pagsulod gyud nako sa college, wala na jud ko nangandoy ug ingana. Basta maka-graduate ug makapasar lang gud sa board, payts na nah. Tingali makapangutana mo, “O, ni-top man lagi ka?”. Ayaw ug kabalaka. Dili ra kamo ang na-shock pag gawas sa resulta sa June 2013 NLE. Daghan kaayo ta. Hehe Sige, para magkasinabot tah, atong sugdan sa sinugdanan. ANG SINUGDANAN Sukad pa pagka-bata nako, daghan gyud ug mo-ingon nga bright kuno ko, liwat sa akong papa. Achiever kaayo ko pag elementary gud. Pero pagtungtong nako ug high school, wa na. Didto nanggawas tanang kabuang. Laag-laag, barkada-barkada, pero wala sad ko magpalabi. Igo lang gud lingaw-lingaw. Didto sad nako na-realize nga di gyud diay ko bright. Kay ug bright pa ko, naka-graduate unta gihapon ko with honors. Naka-realize ko nga ordinary ra gyud diay ko nga estudyante. Isa sad ko sa murag libo-libo ka estudyante nga napugos ra mag nursing. Tinuod. Ganahan gyud unta ko mag pilot.
Pero unsaon tah man, di man gyud ko pa-skwilahon unless nursing akong kuhaon. Wa ko’y na-hems. Mao to, nasulod ko sa CNU. Pag una palang nga adlaw, akong huna-huna gyud, “ako gyud ning i-enjoy ang college bisag napugos ra ko.” Ug diha, ako gyud gi-enjoy ug taman. Naka-porma na mi og barkada sa among section, halos kada adlaw naa’y laag. Usahay, mag cutting pa mi para magduwa ug dota. Huna-huna nako ato, basta pasar, ok na nah. Ug sa dihang akong mga grado, ga kapyot ra sad gyud intawn. Akong mga libro, kada human sa school year, in perfect condition gihapon kay wa gyud mahilabti. Lagot kaayo akong papa nako. Ngano kunong di ko maningkamot nga para ra daw nah sa akong kaugmaon. Ang ako-a sad, nganong
maningkamot man ko nga di man ko ganahan sa akong gibuhat? Wa pa siya na-kontento nga nakapasar ko? Aning mga panahona, wala gyud nako na-appreciate ang sakripisyo sa akong papa para nako. Ako ang eldest namong managsuon. Lima mi kabuok. Akong mga manghod gagmay pa. Nag look-up sila tanan nako. Pero puro dili maayo akong gipakita nila. ANG KANGITNGIT Akong kinabuhi sa college grabe ka gubot. Laag diri, laag didto, uyab-uyab, inom-inom, bar-bar. Hasta sa akong pamilya nawad-an na ko ug panahon. Akong huna-huna naa ra gyud sa lingaw-lingaw. Pero pag-abot nako ug 4th year, didto na nagsugod ug ka-usab tanan. Una, na-elect ko as 4th Year Batch Representative sa NSC.
text and photo by Sherry Mae Ampil, 8th Place, June 2013 Nurses Licensure Exam
Pasabot ana, ako ang mag-facilitate sa tanang kinahanglanon para sa graduating nga batch. Dili siya lalim nga responsibilidad, especially nga naa pa-gyud mi Research, ug mag start na sad mi ug review para board exam. Grabe ko ka GGB atong mga panahona. Akong pamilya pa-gyud, mas nanginahanglan na nako. Bag-o palang gasugod ang 2013, puro na gyud kalisod among naagi-an. Usa, ug ang pinakabug-at, na hospital akong great grandmother nga super pinangga ko. Ni pass away na jud siya after a few weeks. Sakit kaayo to para nako kay wala jud siya makaabot nga mupaso ko ug mudawat sa akong diploma. Ug sa past few years, na neglect pagyud nako siya. Kanang magpa-BP siya, mag kusmod-kusmod dayon ko kay kapoy. Pero siya ang wala’y undang gyud nga nagpahinumdom nako kung unsa ka importante ang pamilya ug pagskwila. Pagkawala na niya, didto ko nakamatngon sa akong mga kabuang. Unsa kataas nga panahon akong na-usikan sa akong pagpasagad sa akong pagskwila ug sa akong pamilya. ANG PAG-AMPO Daghan pa ko ug lain nga gipang-agian nga pagsuway, labi na among pamilya. Sa katong mga panahona, gipakita ni God nako nga panahon na para mag-
bag-o. Bahala’g pila nalang ka semana ang nabilin before graduation, ug pila nalang ka buwan before board exam. It’s never too late. Basta musalig lang gyud ko Niya, makaya ra gyud ang bisan unsa nga pagsuway. Dili sad lalim uy. Old habits die hard baya. Pero naningkamot gyud ko. Na-ukab na akong mga libro nga nalubong sa abog, wala na ko mu-absent, panagsa nalang kaayo makatulog during review. Mangurog nalang gud akong mga kamot kay sige’g laklak ug kape. Bahala’g kapoy. What’s two more months of suffering, ‘di ba? Tungod sad sa encouragement gikan sa akong friends, family, among review center ug uban pa, ug sa akong inspiration nga maningkamot jud para sa akong mga manghod, na-usab gyud akong panan-aw. Akong aim nga mu-pasar ra, ni level up! Ni-aim na gyud ko nga mu-top. Usahay maka-ingon ko nga murag ambisyosa ra kaayo. Pero ingon pa sa Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Basta naa Siya sa imong kinabuhi, wala gyu’y imposible. Mao to. Nagpapilit ko ug mga inspiring signages sa akong kwarto para ma motivate ko every day. And siyempre, dili gyud mawala ang pag-ampo.
ANG GAPAS-AN SA PANA Kabaw ko nga dili sayon nga magbag-o. Kumbaga, it’s easier said than done. Pero just because lisod siya, doesn’t mean imposible. Usahay man gud, ang mga pagsuway nga atong masugatan, negative kaayo atong panan-aw ba. Dili nato dayon makita ilang purpose. Pero ingon pa nila, “An arrow can only be shot by pulling it back. So when life is dragging you back with difficulties, it means that it’s going to launch you into something great.” Mao gyud ni nga saying ang nisulod sa akong huna-huna pagkita nako sa resulta sa among board exam. Kana ganing maka-ingon ka sa imong kaugalingon nga, “Lord, mao diay. Salamat kaayo. Karon, nakasabot na ko.” So karon, siguro naguol ka ig dawat nimo sa imong mga grado nga agaw-buhay kaayo. Tungod kay naa ka sa ubos pirmi, dili nalang sad ka mangandoy nga musaka. Akong ikasulti ra gyud nimo kay, “Mata na!” Ngitngit imong palibot karon kay gapiyong man ka. It’s never too late. I tell you, sugdi karong adlawa. Stop procrastinating. Be proactive. Make plans. Set goals. Challenge yourself. Take action. Work hard. Don’t stop. Don’t ever quit. And of course, always trust God. Wala’y imposible. Maabot gyud ang kahayag. ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
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passengers dominated the daily papers. Among them are two pairs of couples who have rewritten the tragic tale of Jack and Rose from Titanic.
August 15. It was almost 10 o’clock in the evening, when the MV Thomas Aquinas of 2Go Shipping departed calmly from the port of Nasipit, Agusan del Norte. The ferry was bound for Cebu for a brief stopover before heading to Manila. 831 people were on board, 715 of which were passengers including fifty eight babies, and 116 were crew of the ship. Four of them were couples: Danilo (65) and Maritha (names concealed due to nursing ethics), and Artemio Mabolis (81) and Esidra Mabolis (78). August 16. The tranquil ocean was startled when the 40-year-old ferry, approaching Cebu, collided with the cargo vessel, Sulpicio Express Siete past 9 o’clock, Friday night. A huge bang was heard and the passengers scurried to jump into the ocean as the ferry began to sink. The following day, juxtaposed pictures of mourning families that cried for justice and array of dead and missing
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Bon voyage! Or not A pendulum is hanging over me like a ticking time bomb. Gasping for air, I hear the last notes of a symphonic tango of my beating heart not subdued by the diabolic ebb and flow of salt water towards my lungs. I taste bitter sticky liquid gradually coating my skin pulling me parallel to the seabed. Despite my futile efforts, a grip on my hands reminds me that there is a thin line between death and living and I incline towards the latter. A light creeps beckoning me towards it and everything went black…. ~beep... beep What is the worst part of drowning? It is when you wake up in a bed while the one you love ends up in a morgue. Somehow surviving does not sound good anymore. “Ayaw ko biyai!” This is what Danilo, 65-year-old late wife’s words before they were swerved by sudden slap of current inside the sinking MV Thomas Aquinas. “Dili man to siya kamao mulangoy, mao pagsugod ug kagubot naggunitay ra gyud ming duha”, Danilo said
while keeping a face devoid of emo ala nako damha nga kato ray makabuwag namong duha,” he added after a while.
Barters and Reminiscence Thirty five years of marriage that bore two fruits, the couple have always wanted to go back to Agusan del Norte after staying for almost 15 years in Manila. “Magbakasyon ra unta mi, muduaw lang gud unta” Danilo uttered. However, the vacation ended as most tragic tales do. “Niingon gyud ko niya nga mag trucking na lang mi, pero namugos gyud sila nga mag-barko lang daw” and thus started their journey back to Manila. “Diha nga padung na mi dunggo, nikalit lang ug siyagit ang mga tawo unya na palong ang suga. Gigunitan na dayon nako siya kay wala na gyud mi kakuha ug life jacket” Danilo explained while he tried to find their way to safety. “Ayaw ko biyai mao na iyang giingon, dili gyud na nako makalimtan. Ako siya giingnan ‘ngano gud intawn’ pero sa ulahi nabuhian gyud nako siya” Danilo tried to hold his tears. At this point, his daughter who traveled from Agusan to Cebu intervened. It made my stomach sink knowing that the man, who used to pacify his wife’s tantrums and stress by dancing around her, only had memories to tell but no one to hold onto. “Sakit sad bitaw, naguol gyud na siya kay nakaluwas siya ug bata, pero si Mama wala,” his daughter expressed stoically. “Pagkadawat namo sa confirmation nga nakit-an na iyang patay nga lawas, ganahan na gyud siyang mugawas diri sa hospital,” she added.
text by Karen Celetaria and Nikko Dajao photo from the wires cartoon by Aldwin Payot
Danilo though has lost his wife diverted his attention to making ends meet with his co-passengers who suffered the same faith by constantly talking to them and aiding their financial concerns. On the other side of the room, there was another couple who radiated happiness the most, Artemio and Esidra Mabolis.
The Jack Dawson “Pagkadungog namo sa kusog nga buto, ako’ng gikuptan akong asawa, ug nangita mi’g paagi ng makagawas sa barko,” Artemio’s eyes were teary as he shared his tug-of-war with the striving people, the sinking ship in the vast ocean, and the last grip of hands he had with the love of his life one dark night. “Pero nagka-buwag jud mi pag-ambak na namo sa dagat. Wa nako kahibaw asa siya.” He tried his best to find his wife, but darkness swallowed his sight and he had lost track of his wife. “Nagsakay nalang ko sa salbabida, walo man mi ato kabuok. Ako nalang jud gihatag ang tanan sa Ginoo.” They had been on water, floating for almost an hour before being rescued. Worried for his wife he said, “Ginoo, kung mamatay man gani ko, maytag buhi ra ang akong asawa.”
The Rose DeWitt Bukater “Kung mamatay man gani ko, maytag buhi ra akong bana. Wa ko kahibaw unsa among padulngan. Pero kung mabuhi ko ug siya dili na, makakita lang ko sa iyang patay’ng lawas, sakto na,” Esidra related her story of being doomed by a catastrophe they didn’t expect. “Hawid lang sa pisi,” a man of teenage years said to her as he tried to pull her up the rubber boat. She was weak, her hands were shaking and trembling. “Nihawid jud ko hangtod nakasaka ko ato
bahala’g sakit.” She believed that her husband was still alive and that she needed to survive for her family. Not long enough, she landed safely, thinking that her husband would survive.
The Fear of Unknown Esidra was brought to Chong Hua Hospital for prompt treatment and debriefing. Every second and every minute of the hour, she thinks of her husband and her family. She was one of the 751 survivors rescued on that tragic night. Artemio was still missing. “Sus, mura ko’g gihulugan sa langit ug lupa!” Her daughter Eva, 53 years old, flew from Manila to Cebu immediately after hearing what happened. “Masaya talaga nung tinawagan ako ng bayaw ko [from Cebu] na isa sa mga survivors si Nanay. Pero wala pa kaming ideya asan si Tatay.” The Miracle Reunion The next day, a call from a rescuer
uplifted the spirits of Esidra and her family. Artemio was found and was transported to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for treatment. After being discharged from Chong Hua hospital, Esidra, along with her 2 daughters, rushed to VSMMC to look for the head of their family. “Sus, grabe kalipay pagkita nako sa akong asawa nga buhi pa.” Artemio almost cried sharing the best moment they had. “Grabe talaga ang milagro na sa ilang edad, ay nakasurvive pa sila sa trahedyang yun!” Eva narrated how happy she was that moment. “Ampo lang jud,” said Artemio. “Salig lang,” Esidra added. That unfortunate night ended with the arrival of dawn. Its horrors, however, are still among the people whose lives are permanently affected by the collision. Let us pray that those people will find light amongst the darkness clouding their hearts.
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Naay SGP-PA scholar na na-diagnose nga nay bun-og ang heart. Nakahibaw siya ana pagpa-medical na niya pag 1st year (2nd year na siya karon) as requirement sa enrolment. War a daw giingnan nga ipatumar or what ang mga taga clinic niya bisag kahibaw sila. If ang gihilantan tagaan ug tambal, nganong wala man ni siyay nadawat na action? “Ako, particular kaayo ko anang sa heart. Ako gyud na tan-awn gyud kay kahibaw ko nga rigorous kaayo na diri. Ug nay deperensya sa heart, naa gyud mi listahan ana diri kay kahibaw mi ug kinsa gyud tong mga nay deperensya sa heart. Ug mosulti siya sa iyang ngalan, among tan-awn ang iyang record. Kay ug wa siyay ngalan, unsaon man nato pagkahibaw? So, mahulog ni siya ug hearsay. Nya kami, dauton mi nila unya gahimo ra mi sa among trabaho diri. Ang mga naay findings sa heart, ako gyud gipang refer ug mga cardiologists. Ug wala ni siyas among listahan, wa gyud ni siyay findings. Bun-og? Wa man nay bun-og ang heart. Basta naa mi findings, amo man nang aksyonan. Ug naay reklamo ang estudyante, amo nang matagaan ug tambal. Kana siya, kanang nag reklamo, paanhi-a na siya diri arun magtapos mi kay dili ko mutuo anang iyang bun-og sa heart. Bun-og? Makitan ba diay na ang bun-og sa chest x-ray? Sa ICG? Gawas pa, nganong mabun-og man ang heart? Ug magyawyaw man gani ko, tungod kay gusto nako i-disiplina. Awa ang estudyante, ang time sa clinic 8 to 5 pm. Mu-break jud mi ana ig 12 ky dili man mi front line, kay usa raman ko ka doctor. Ug emergency, mubiya jud mis among kaon. Naa man say uban na magpahungit sa samad, muanhi ug alas dose. Ipa voice out sad ni nako ninyo sa Ang Suga. Ang ako lang ba, sila, discipline themselves nga kahibaw sad sila kung unsa ang time muanhi diri. Ug muingon sila na strikta kaayo ang mga taga clinic, dili mi i-strikta. Mosulti lang mi sa tinuod.” - Jucel Ann M. Jumao-as, M.D. School Physician
“Sa tinuoray lang.... KAPOY NA KAAYO ANG NURSING! <Di kabayran ug kwarta ang kakapoy> Pero what makes us going? Ang thought nga someday we will bring pride and honor to CNU. Hi batch 2014! Kita nay sunod!!! Pero humanon sa ta ning fourthyear! AJA!”
“I came back to CNU in the year 2010, same time when Class 2014 also came in as first year students. I have been with them in a number of subjects and clinical rotations. I have been a witness of how they grew into better student nurses. I have been with them in the pressures of the profession and have been the reason for some of the stresses that they faced. But I am proud to say that no matter how stressful the situation is, they always end up smiling and fulfilled with what they have done. I know it isn’t easy for this batch to face the challenge of the upcoming NLE since the success of the previous 4 batches has brought so much pressure on them. But knowing the kind of students that they have become, I know they will still all come out successful. YOU CAN DO IT Class 2014!” - Mr. Laurence Garcia, RN Clinical Instructor “As I always say, CNU – CN Batch 2014 is a batch that never fails to amaze me. They are of superior intelligence, good character, genuine heart, and persevering attitude. They learn easily with just a simple instruction and what’s best about them is that they know what to anticipate given a certain situation. They don’t just think of what is now, but they also think of the possibilities that can happen in the future; an attitude that is developed in a nurse. Inculcated in each of them are the values of a true compassionate nurse. As they near their graduation, I am very much confident that they are responsible, diligent, and worthy nursing graduates of CNU College of Nursing and that having achieved that makes them a pride not just to the university, but to their families as well. There is more to this batch that can be expected, and that their service to mankind in the near future will be a good contribution in the nursing profession and for the good welfare of the entire world. ” - Mr. Jose Mari Louis Alforque, RN Clinical Instructor, Batch 2014 Coordinator
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FEATURE
text by Helen Grace Illut | cartoon by Sheen Ponce
I
t was one of those times when our teacher had to attend a seminar. My classmates were quite a sight. Some were watching a horror movie, others were reading, there were few who are sleeping and still, there were those who are eating. In short, each of us has his/her own way of spending such vacant time. She was, as usual, silent while sitting on her usual seat and from time to time adjusting her glasses which, I suppose, might be slipping through her nose. Born on the twenty-seventh day of the eleventh month, the six month old fetus’ eyes were not yet fully developed therefore, was born without sight. However, this doesn’t stop her from doing things that normal children do. Though oftentimes silent and shy, she is a friendly person who has a bright smile, cheerful and confident. She never acted different, yet you might wonder if she’s really unable to see. Once you see her, you can guess she’s been through a lot and is still striving to achieve. But, once in her life, she experienced comparing herself to someone who is better than her. She even blamed God for all the problems that she’s going through. She had insecurities like most of us and these became her weakness. She
admitted that during those times, she felt alone. But, she soon realized that God gave her good friends and a family who always show their love and never left her side. And that God loves her so much. Because of this, she became closer to Him and tried her best to be a good individual. She neither feels different nor special because of her condition. She never allowed this to drag her down and is always looking at the positive side of life. Contented and happy of what she is, she never wished to be on other people’s shoes. When I asked her about how she sees life, she answered: “Life is short, so we should cherish it while we can”. Indeed, she is making the most out of her life. Her condition did not stop her from chasing her dream—to become a teacher. Not only she wanted to teach children who have the same condition as her, but she would also want to share her experiences with them. I also asked what her opinion about hope is. She said, “Hope is a chance”. While saying this, she smiled. A bright one. A smile that’s full of hope and contentment. Surely, hope is a chance. It is a chance to start anew and to change for the better. It is a chance to live our life in a fruitful way. A chance to love and to be loved. A chance to stand back to our feet when we stumble. It
helps us to see through the stormy path. It gives us a chance to believe and trust God in His plans for us. A chance to move on with our lives. A chance to prove something. A chance to reach our dreams and a chance to appreciate and thank even the tiniest blessings that God gave us. One doesn’t need to have normal eyesight in order to view things in a positive way. Just like her, she cannot see but she sees the things that others cannot see even with both eyes open. Life is wasted if you worry about the things that can never be changed. Life is a battle and in a battle, one doesn’t always win. True enough, there might be downfalls but giving up is not the only option. If you feel like giving up, there are people who are more than willing to be your refuge. We call them friends. Most importantly, pray. It is one way to remind ourselves that God will never fail us even if we oftentimes fail Him. And if you hate or doubt yourself, believe me, acceptance is the only way. It is not about your appearance or what you are today. You just have to be yourself and believe that even if you are different, even if how many times you stumble, and even if how many times you fail, there will always be a chance, and there will always be hope. ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
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FEATURE
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FEATURE
If you were a nine-year old who lived in poverty with a family who is alleged to be uncaring and you suddenly got raped and you died because of it, what would you think is light? Her mother is a housewife. Her father does odd jobs here and there when somebody calls for his help. She was the second of four children. She liked eating Dragon Seed and playing Chinese garter. She had many friends, young and old. She had boyish hair and a cheerful smile. She was just a child. But she woke up at dawn to knock on doors, looking for somebody who might want their garbage out before work. It was five pesos for every heavy bag carried by a small child. She already knew how to help her family. She was nine-years old but she did not know how to read. Once, she went begging for a can of beef loaf in a neighboring store so that her friend’s family could have breakfast. She also had an unusual number of adult friends who ranged from neighbors to American religion sponsors to the wife of an ex-mayor. She was one of those children who have so much to bear in life. But Ella handled life with a bright smile and a kind heart. But suddenly that day came. It was around four in the morning. Ella Marie Lasala and her friends were playing hide-and-seek in front of Hoops Dome which is in Brgy. Gun-ob, Lapulapu City. It was only less than 90 feet
away from the police station. According to her mother, a man came who gave the other children money to go away. The next thing people noticed was the dead body of a child lying on her back, her arms stretched above her head with shirt lifted up to her chest, the underwear missing, a spot of blood between her legs, and her mouth that was foaming red and white. She was discovered at 8:30 in the morning by the Clean and Green workers some 100 meters away from the police station. There were only two who were on-duty that dawn thus, no police was able to stop the suspect. Fortunately, the suspect was quickly captured because her playmates identified him in the police station. Junniel “Jojo” Dusaban is a construction worker with a burly body. Jojo confessed that he is indeed the rapist but he denied killing her. He might not have wanted to kill her but his heavy arm covering her mouth and nostrils suffocated her. He was charged, not of Rape but of Homicide because she was killed. The trial is undergoing. The life of a wonderful child ended in tragedy. So what is light for this rape victim? What is light for a dead girl? A whole life to rot in prison for the rapist? A wake up call to her parents to care for the
children more? Her death itself? Life after death? Nobody could put words in Ella’s mouth as to what could possibly be light for her. But she, herself, could be light. Through her, parents would care for their children more. Through her, people would start looking twice at street children and maybe show a bit of love. Through her, we would remember that somebody is fighting a harder battle- a battle she should not have fought, and be inspired not to give up on our own ones.
text by Lovely D. Flores photos from the wires cartoon by Aldwin Payot
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FEATURE
an interview by April Jireh Sevilla-Hermogenes cartoon by Sheen Ponce We were sitting on a portion of this huge church. Voices echoed on the sanctuary, people passed by without a turn, it was only the two of us on that gloomy corridor, and from outside the sky was translucent as my motives were- to know her story. “Those moments molded me to what I am today. Mao jud to’ng mga panahon nga gibantayan ko’g maayo sa Ginoo.” She said those words bravely as if there was not a single scar left on her heart. She was only seven years old when she witnessed a terrible episode in her life. One night, she was awakened by pinches from her older sister. Staggered, she quickly opened
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her eyes but what she saw drained her innocence. She tried to help her sister but she was held tight by her mother that she couldn’t move. “My older sister was sexually abused by our stepfather many times.” The smell of burnt candles envelope the place while the idea of a 7 year-old crying for a helpless rescue seemed to constrict my breathing. As I looked at her, it seemed that her eyes flashedback to that moment. You could see the sorrow that has lingered in her soul for decades. The countless brutalities happened until her sister got pregnant. What made it worst was their
mother’s decision for an abortion to cover up their stepfather’s mess. To escape from such a dreadful situation was the only way out for her sister to liberate herself from a monstrous stepdad and an unloving mom. “Gibiyaan ko ni Ate.” she sighed. She tried to help her sister and became a witness to that terrible case but their mother, the person who was supposed to be the light of the family, deliberately chose and took her stepfather’s side and protected him. At her young age, she was devastated and had no choice. As a result, her mother forced her to stay in an orphanage. She lived there until the age
of fifteen. Her hatred against her mother possessed her. Until one day, when she was in her sixth grade, a priest approached and encouraged her to pay her mother a visit. Tourists wandered on the vestibule, appreciating the beauty beneath the temple. The aroma of the flowers displayed outside the temple reflected a little girl’s yearning for a mothers caress. Hoping for reconciliation, she went home. Unfortunately, things didn’t come out as she expected. It was time for her to return to the orphanage. Not being able to provide for herself, she asked for fare from her mother. But instead of receiving a few coins, she got nothing but torn hope and worthless chatter. She continued to plead and even knelt down and earnestly begged her but it was all worthless and in vain. With asphalt marking her knees; all the anger, pain, sorrow and the bitter truth made her stand up on her own two feet as she spoke; “Ma, di jud ko makalimot sa imong gibuhat nako ug ni ate. Imo’ng gipili nang lakiha keysa namo! Ang ako raman unta kay imong ihatag ang imong pagkainahan nako nga imong anak.” It was so hot outside; the sun was an uneasy companion. No wonder why many people get in the Church. It is like a refuge from the burning glare of life. She continued talking and didn’t mind the countless by passers in this humid and hot environment. She was enticing me to linger in her loneliness while telling her life story. When the priest at the orphanage died, she strived to study with no support from anyone. She became a working-student but it wasn’t enough for her daily provisions. One night when she was strolling along with her friends at the park, a woman approached and invited them to work in Cebu. Stirred by curiosity, they all agreed to the unexpected offer. “We had no idea of the kind of job we got into until we found out that it was filthy and degrading to the young innocent women like us.
We were stuck to that stinky society and we became sex slaves. I shouldn’t have left my place and I shouldn’t have let curiosity blind me, I shouldn’t have... ”. Distressed, she begged to be allowed to go back home but then again she was ignored and her plead was unvalued. With that, she had no choice but to work. And as professionals of the night they have to please men in sin. They were forced to take drugs and give their full service to the clients of the night. She ‘worked’ for 6 years. Until one faithful day, a priest had an outreach at their place. She was offered an educational scholarship in a respected school. She wondered that maybe it’s time to give herself another chance- a good chance to change. The people inside the parish stood-up as the bell hit their chorus. Singing an anthem, the congregation held hands. The Word of God that showed faith and hope captured the young woman’s inner being and brought out the decision to change to be a better person. She continued to study from sophomore year in high school then through college and took up nursing aid and practical nursing courses respectively. Then, she worked as a volunteer nurse aid in various organizations. She was able to visit many places in the line of her work such as Masbate and Brazil. Now, she is already an outreach worker at a non-government organization, helping children and women who—like her— had no proper guidance, who lacked love and respect. She works with her heart to make those unloved children happy and make them feel wanted and cared for. She plans to be a missionary and go full-time someday. But for now, she is a living testimony of hope to people she encounters. She also helps them by encouraging them, giving them light and hope for a brighter tomorrow, and teaching them that every person is precious in God’s sight. At the end of my interview, a question made her smile:
FEATURE
Being busy and all, do you ever pause to look at the sky for a moment? What color is it for you? Is it grey? Or tinted red? Is it blue? Or pitch black? She looked at me. Her sweet brown eyes were filled with delight and she answered: “White because I know that the color symbolizes purity and peace. God squeezed out my cloudy past with hope and He replaced all my heartaches with peace and forgiveness. I know He is in control.” We got-up and shook hands. Before I turned away I asked, “What was your name again?” She smiled and said, “Martha”. That name, there was something familiar about it but I couldn’t quite place it. I am happy because I am sure of one thing she is differenttransformed and filled with love and hope. She has faith. The Church is empty now, waiting to be filled-up with people bringing their prayers any moment.
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TRAVEL SECTION
text by John Paul V. Pepito photos by Nikko P. Dajao and Rotsen Angelee Oporto
I was staring at the 25 feet vertical distance of my toes to the water and the other unimaginable distance of the surface of the water to the seabed. I heard my friends chant, “Ambak na! Ambak na! Ambak na!” The height of the cliff was already turning my legs into jell-o and the pressure from my apathetic friends, if they called themselves that, was heart throbbing. To end the agony, I took a deep breath and thought, ‘’Sirena ko.” And before I knew it, I was already falling to the deep blue sea.
Where were we going? Medellin! Last August 6 the Ang Suga staff sat and calmed their excited nerves as the bus came to life and moved forward. Laag na ni. (Big thanks to the town mayor, Ricky Ramirez III!) After a restful four- hour ride, the van reached the town at last. We excitedly got off the bus and took our lunch. Then the real journey began… We took a 30- minute ride on a pump boat to an isolated island in Gibitngil before reaching the tourist spot. We passed through deep blue waters that revealed rich coral cover— within the rich island is the 9- hectare fish sanctuary wherein you can see lots of sea creatures like dolphins and other marine animals. Fresh sea air whipped our faces. Fishes traveled side by side the boat.
The big open sea was such a refuge from our usual cramped life in the city. After a hundred different poses for the camera, we saw limestone cliffs begin to peek from the horizon. Then came the white sand shore, which many would readily call the town’s mini Boracay. Humble start The island was named as Isla de Amparo after the only daughter of its former owner, Don Pedro Rodriguez. Before, Bantay Dagat headquarters is the only structure you can find at the top of the colossal cliff made of limestone until many town folks would love to spend their past time in the place for swimming, cliff jumping, and diving. That prompted the local government to develop the place back in 2000. From an entrance fee of P10 per visitor, the island earned P800 a month from the time it was developed. It becomes P100, 000 now, according to our guide Dexter S. Diola, as it can accommodate an average of 2, 000 tourists every weekend. Since it is an LGU- operated property, the income will go to the town’s emergency- disaster fund, health services, and livelihood programs, among others. Economically, tourism in the island
NICE TO KNOW! compiled by Shannon D. Rañin
SLEEP OVER WHEN SWIMMING’S OVER! Is overnight allowed? YES! You could avail the cottages but you have to pay again for the night’s stay. It is not the usual extravagant lodge room because it is small. Its cottages are the typical wood-walled rooms with a “sugbahanan” just beside it. The night’s breeze would suffice as air conditioning since the cottage is built on a large rock (the same rock where you can cliff dive!) Another option is you could bring your own tents for camping, free of charge!
helps the livelihood of the residents in Brgy. Gibitngil. Apart from fishing, some fishermen would rent their boats to tourists who wish to visit the place. As a result, they gain extra income to sustain their everyday needs. More Fun in the FUNtastic Island The cottages are situated on the rockcliffs themselves. Our cottage is on top of the rock-cliff. From there, anyone can cliff-dive to a full length of 25 feet. It is a good source of adrenaline for anyone who deems his or her life too relaxed. If you can’t stomach that much height and depth, there are lower levels, don’t worry. There is also a zip line from one rock-cliff to another that traverses over the blue green sea. There are also other activities that anyone will surely love like kayaking and snorkeling. The sea surrounding the island is protected by their government. Everyone can enjoy the fishes, the corals, and other marine species that are encouraged to live and propagate in the area. During the time that we went there, the island was preparing for some developments. They wanted to add rappelling and scuba diving as one of its major activities. Surely, with those two added, more tourists will flock the municipality. AFFORDABLE RATES! Wise travelers know the tricks of making affordable trips and satisfying ones wanderlust. We must first deal with our budget, one of the most nagging concerns among explorers. At present, going to Funtastic island is more affordable than any other adventure spot— entrance fee per head is P10. There’s no other way of reaching the island except renting a pump boat.
Boats offering roundtrip are only worth P 1, 500 and can cater a maximum of 20 persons. If you come with a group of ten, it’s P1, 000. What’s good is that prices are negotiable. To those who love boating, the island has two available kayak boats to fill your fancy. Each is P150 per hour of usage. The zip line is P50 per ride. For cottages, rates range from P50P250 depending on the cottage’s size and location: cottages of lower elevation during daytime are P50 while cottages near cliff diving board, which are on top, are P250. For overnight stay, it becomes P250- P500. Many people are already visiting the place. To have a hassle-free experience, you can make reservations (boat and cottage) beforehand. Simply call the municipal hall at 426- 2031 or e- mail at medellinmayor@gmail.com. Pack up We headed back to the mainland after hours of FUNtastic experience. We cliff-dived, zip lined, kayaked, and swam among many others. But it was time to listen to our grumbling bellies. We had barbecue at the beachfront for an afternoon dinner. We ate our pusu hungrily and bit at the barbecue eagerly because a day off like that had or bodies spent. And just when we thought nothing could possibly end the day better, the sun colored the skies a wonderful mix of marmalade. You can just imagine the pusu stopping halfway our ketchup-colored lips. That day was what people live and die for. Jealous? Don’t be! Go and have fun in that wonderful place. Go and have fun in FUNtastic Island.
CANNING YOUR BOUNTY However, there are no restaurants or large market on the island where you can buy food for dinner. It would be best for the family to pack your meals ready before you set on this island. Or, you could ride the boat back to Kawit Market where you could buy fresh fish meat and other ingredients for your planned menu. There is no better way spending the night cooking sinugbang isda and seafood with your family for bonding moments! Bring your pillows, comforter, jacket/sweater too, you don’t want to shiver restless during the night. The basic necessities: To the wanderers, do not forget to bring lots and lots of water! You would want to grab a cold drink after a dive on the cliff! Bring tissue. You know nature’s call. To the skin conscious, bring your sun block lotion. You don’t want to set off without getting a shot of the sunset, don’t forget your cameras!
SOLAR ENERGY AS SOURCE OF ELECTRICITY! You can ask assistance from the residents if you want to charge your phones/laptops. The cottages only have the lightings at night. This is not like the ambiance of a city life. CARDS AND BARDS Overnight stay on the island requires imagination! There are no clubs or karaoke here to kill your time. How about a game of cards with your friends? Bring along your guitars too! The barkada could jam and sing to the moon at your heart’s content.
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FEATURE
text and cartoon by andez Rona Joyce T. Fern
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FEATURE
Raise your right hand if your school uniform is not your favourite outfit. Yes, I thought so. Now, raise your left hand if you want a more stylish school uniform.
I’m correct for the second time. Yes, we all want to be sophisticated and all at school but the answer dear friends is NOT having a more stylish uniform. I know, I know. But before you fret and turn to the next page and babble about how confusing and discouraging I am, put your hands down. Jeez, people might think you’re crazy. Yes, you read it right. The answer to your prayers is not having a more stylish uniform. Before we begin, I would just like to clarify that this isn’t about being a copycat of your fashion idols. Fashion my friends, is not about trying to hard and lavish spending. It’s about bringing out something fresh from a worn out closet. Now, let’s get down to business. Since your school uniform is already absolute, the only thing you can do is to match it with the right and appropriate accessories, makeup (optional), and hairstyles to accentuate your look. Of course, hairstyles do matter. Remember, your hair is your crowning glory but it doesn’t mean you have to run and leave me hanging here because you have to get a hair-rebond. Chill. Sit. We’ll get to that. Wearing accessories is innate in every girl but this shouldn’t be an excuse for you to put on every beaded or chained bracelet on your arm. Modesty always strikes the biggest impact. If you like to wear dangling earrings, make sure to keep it simple. If you are on to gem and pearl studs, do not sport the very large ones. Never wear big hoop earrings at school. A wristwatch and a bracelet or a layer of two is already enough. It looks predictable, right? But here’s the trick, choose accessories with shades that justify with your skin color. Bold, intense primary colors and cool pastels enhance dark brown, brown and pure olive skins. Take risks too by trying on cool hues such as true white, blues, reds,
fuchsia, lemon yellow, hot pink, and blue greens. For those medium and golden-olive-skinned, black, true grey, and navy make fantastic base colors. Other shades that go well with your features are evergreen, tangerine, turquoise, aqua, and red oranges. If you have pale or fair skin, stick to darker colors that contrast with your skin. Blues, emerald greens, and primary colors will make you look stunning. Be brave to give vivid and bold a try. Integrate black and reds as well. Go with icy tones such as teal and turquoise if you have rosy pale skin. Avoid pastels, beiges, and oranges as they will wash your color. Bags and shoes are primarily based on convenience so I’m going to leave that portion behind. Just make sure that these are in harmony with your accessories and are sported properly. As for makeup, I am honestly a stranger in the seas of blush ons and eye shadows. Anyways, in choosing the shades, skin color is still the number one priority. Shades of pink provide fair-skinned girls with glow. Tones that should be avoided (especially during the day) are gold, silver, and other metallic tints. Always choose a foundation that’s the same (no paler and no darker) color as your complexion. If you want to highlight a sun kissed effect, try bronzing powder, illuminator or blusher. For those who have dark complexion, use foundation with yellow or golden undertones. Stick to neutrals. Brush a line on your lips with a neutral shade and fill it in with a high-shine gloss in a tinge of bronzy brown or shimmering mauve. Don’t forget to wear your makeup lightly, were in school to learn and not to party. A girl’s hair is one of her most precious “assets” next to her phone, her new bag, her favourite shoes, her natural features and the list goes on. The hair is more than obvious but its genuine value of
enhancing beauty and femininity is sometimes neglected. No one really has the time to do intricate styles on their hairs but a combing couldn’t harm you. I experiment on my hairstyles and it’s actually fun, you should try it some time. But since you are always on the run for both academic activities and girly gossips, you can wear it laid back or adorned with a headband, a clip or two but not those with big, dramatic designs on it. Stop rolling your eyes; hey, those clips won’t make you look cute. If you are required to keep your hair in a bun, try experimenting by doing regular braids that mimic headbands and hair ties. It’s on YouTube, no worries. If ponytail is your signature style, try out something new like covering the hair tie with little braids or anything different from your usual routine. Braids are ordinary but you can always try out altered styles. But the main point here is to always make sure your hair is properly taken care of and the rest will follow. So there you have it. I’m pretty sure you’re still angry with my concept of being fashionable without the aid of stylish uniforms but hey, it’s true. What I’m trying to tell you, yes, you, the one whose eyebrows have turned into a monobrow is that you can always be presentable even in the absence of a Burberry-like school uniform. The decision really lies in your hands. It’s either you want to be branded as chic because you have the grandest uniform ever or you want to be hailed beautiful because your style is simple yet banners your personality as a Normalite and as an individual. Think outside the box and look beyond the wardrobe. For those who are smiling now because finally, you have been given tips that could turn you into a demigod, I can’t wait to see you bring out the fashionormalite in you.
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text and photos by John Paul V. Pepito
n March 11, 2011 2:46p.m. a magnitude 9 earthquake hit Japan with an epicenter in the ocean some 130 km east southeast of Oshika Peninsula, Miyagi Prefecture. The earthquake triggered a massive tsunami that devastated the eastern part of the country. It ruined Miyagi Prefecture then Fukishima and Ibaraki Prefectures. The estimated damage caused by the disaster was approximately ¥16.9 Trillion (USD 211.25 Billion), more than half of the $300 billion total cost of natural disaster destruction worldwide that year. It was Japan’s strongest recorded earthquake since 869 (Jogan Sanriku Earthquake, Magnitude 8.3) and 1611 (Keicho Sanriku Earthquake, Magnitude 8.1). Large earthquakes in the last hundred years that had struck the country hit Sanriku Coast on 1896 and again in 1933. The Meiji-Sanriku Earthquake hit the country with magnitude of 8.2 while the 1933 Sanriku Earthquake occurred with magnitude 8.1. In March 2011’s case, it seems that earthquakes in 1896 and 1933 both occurred at the same time. It reached as far south to Fukushima and Ibaraki Prefectures, covering some 500 km north to south and 200km east to west. Two years after the disaster, I was able to visit Japan under Kizuna Project of Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) and National Youth Commission of the Philippines. Kizuna (Bond) Project is a program that invites youths to Japan from other countries in Asia- Oceania and North America, which aims to promote understanding ang suga publication | volume xxxiv issue i | sy 2013-2014
with regards to Japan’s revival efforts in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake. The program which is being run by the Japanese government includes a visit to the disaster-affected areas, youth interaction within the local people and participating in volunteer activities, among others. There are three batches in the Philippines and I became part of the second batch last March 11- 20 with 74 students from the different universities of the Philippines with six supervisors from different agencies. I was one of two students from Cebu and the only representative from CNU. (Other BA Communication alumna Nikki Apao made it to the first batch.) As youth ambassadors, we were submitted to lectures for us to get to know how the disaster affected and continues to affect Japan and for us to understand the country’s condition after the tragedy. Visits to disaster- affected areas Our batch has been assigned to visit Iwate Prefecture which is located in Tohoku region, the second largest sub-national jurisdiction in Japan in terms of area. It also suffered greatly from the devastation of tsunami. The delegates stayed in Kuji City which is 550km away from Tokyo known for its amber stones and ‘Ama’ women divers. We visited disaster- affected businesses in the city such as Marusa Saga Shoten Company, a seafood processing business in the city, Kuji Fisheries Cooperative Fish Market and Sanriku Railway Company which already have resumed operation for us to learn the actual damages and their recovery efforts.
An estimated 8.6- meter tsunami waves that hit the city swallowed both seafood businesses Marusa Saga Shop and Kuji Fisheries Cooperative Fish Market. The fish market, days after the disaster, resumed its operation but no one dared to buy fishes despite low prices shared the President of Kuji Fisheries Cooperative in teary eyes. The President of the market brought us to the building where the tsunami strikes. He gave us a lecture on what really happened during the massive earthquake that happened two years ago. There, we spotted some areas in Kuji City that was ruined by giant waves. After the fish market, we went to Marusa Saga Shop. The company president emotionally shared to us his experience during the devastation of the tsunami. Many said that Japan recovered fully from the catastrophe, but no. Though the country, in terms of public utilities (electricity, gas, and water) and infrastructure already recovered, most victims who have lost their families, friends or colleagues were still trying to recover their normal lives. The process, however, is not easy. In the program, sufficient consideration for the sentiments of the local people is a must. Thus, we behaved in an appropriate sensible manner upon interaction with local people. From the way they tell their stories, I can feel that their experience keeps on haunting them. Just as how the Sanriku Railway train operator told his experience in during our “Disaster Study Train Program” in Tanohata Train Station. The Sanriku Railway Company is a small railway company founded in April 1, 1984
CHARGE TO EXPERIENCE
as a third-sector railway line, taking over the former Japanese National Railways lines. The company, familiarly known as “Santetsu,” operates the Kita-Riasu Line (71.0 km) and the Minami Riasu Line (36.6 km), which run along the Sanriku coast of Iwate, and has 71 employees. Immediately after the massive quake of the March 11, 2011, electricity went out in all Santetsu stations and communication systems were disconnected. The tracks and stations were washed away by the tsunami, bridges were damaged, tracks were buried in rubble, and trains were submerged in the water thus, were unable to move. Fortunately, no one got hurt. As pictures of the before and after scenario of the place were shown to us, I spotted places which have already undergone changes. However, the company did not stop their operation. Restoration work is being carried out under the full cooperation of the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency, in an effort to resume operations of the Minami-Riasu Line between Sakari Station and Yoshihama Station in April 2013 and full operation in April 2016. Good thing is that they have this program called “Train ride to learn about earthquake disaster” wherein you will be toured and lectured on the affected area while riding the train. It aims to educate passengers about earthquake disaster and disaster prevention while riding on trains along the partially recovered line. Passengers will also learn about the violence of nature, value of life, and importance of connecting with others.
Amazingly, the scenic spots along the Santetsu line where trains will slow down or stop were also very beautiful, thus we learned and enjoy. During our ride, we offered prayers for the souls of the victims. The train stopped in front of the ocean and silence ate the whole place. Reconstruction efforts The buildings in Japan are all patterned in “Taishin” principle (meaning quake resistant) as it is required under the law. For education, the Japanese established “Bonsai Kan”, a life safety learning center in which visitors can learn about damages caused by disasters, such as earthquakes, flood, or fire as well as on how to prepare for mitigation of damages before, during, and after disasters. Most of the main cities in Japan equip their own Bonsai Kan to educate their citizens and to make them disaster prepared. We visited one in Tokyo, the Honjo Life Safety Learning Center. In case of emergency, the center shall be a back- up facility of the Disaster Countermeasures Headquarters. The center is located within a firehouse premise. There are several facilities in the center. There we were taught the dos and don’ts before, during, and after disasters. These includes the Audio- Visual Room, where we watched a docufilm on the Great East Japan Earthquake; the Earthquake Simulation Section where we felt how strong the Magnitude 9 earthquake was; the First Aide Training Room where we were taught how to save the life of an unconscious; the Urban Flooding Experiential Section where we tried to experience the
difficulty in opening the flooded doors in malls and cars; and the Fire Fighting Training Section wherein we were able to know the proper use of fire extinguishers. Moreover, they also created “Breakwaters”, huge tripods used to control waves from the ocean. Life changing experience I never thought that I will be part of the program— I never expected this dream to become an experience. I almost give up when I didn’t make it in the first batch. I even forgot what I hoped for. However, God is good-- all the time. He knew how I wanted to experience staying under sakura (cherry blossoms) trees and my desire to play in the mud of snow. I will never forget how everyone has to get nude in the onsen (public bath) while taking a relaxing bath in the hot spring. Likewise, the whole- night stay with the Demachi family wherein we tasted local dishes such as ramen was very memorable. Throughout the program, I dreamed of wearing a kimono but I turned out wearing a Filipiniana while entertaining the Japanese with our very own ‘kuratsa’ on the cultural night. My stay there is so short yet the experience gave me the knowledge that we can share to inspire people and bring awareness to the community and on what it takes when one is mentally prepared and aware. The people behind the Project really did it well. Disaster awareness and preparedness has been part of Japanese culture. I hope to see the time that it will be ours too. Arigato gozaimasu.
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Everybody gets bitten and infected. Then dies. On the next few hours, they rise again and bites everyone around. “Di Ingon Nato,” the proud Cebuano film by Ivan Saldarriaga and Brandon Relucio, captures the days of survival of a remote community in the mountains when one by one, people are dying from infected bite-marks of the unknown, and later rise again from their death — as a living dead. What has possibly caused the predicament?
movie review by Daryl Niño Jabil
T
he mysterious plague must have begun that night when Dario (Franco Reyes), a farmer who lived with his wife Yenna (Mercedes Cabral) and son Nat-Nat in their small home, had a tuba-drinking session with his friend who, after the session, promised to come back the next morning for their work. Morning came, and Dario waited for him at the doorstep for hours, until Yenna, who was doing the laundry near the river at the time, saw him walking toward her. She hollered to him, but before she could notice the friend’s different posture, the man forcibly grabbed her and tried to bite her in the legs. Yenna shouted so loud enough to let Dario hear it. He came with an axe and smashed and hacked his friend to death. He saved his wife, but Yenna had already been wounded on her leg. Or it must have spread when a local murdered a strange girl in the cemetery. It stunned the village’s captain, Lauro (Rez Cortez), knowing personally that the suspect was neither a sadist nor a cunt in the community. He had been a law-abiding man. Upon the investigation, the local stated in rambling speech that the girl tried to kill him. She was a demon, the man said, and when he killed her, the demon went inside his body. He might have saved himself to a sooner death, but the teeth of the girl he killed had already left a wound on him. Whatever caused the plague, it must have been the reason why another girl who had fever after coming home wounded from the woods died under the care of Maribel, the community
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nurse who was also the captain’s daughter. Later that day when the quack doctor Nong Pinong chanted a spell to the dead body, the dead girl suddenly rose from her bed and acted like a hungry beast. I used the term ‘whatever,’ for the real cause, the real back-story is still blurred for me as a viewer. The community’s fight for survival becomes more intense by the minute as more and more people flock the clinic with wounds in various parts of their body. But the main catalyst of the plague remains unknown, at least to me. The movie has an excellent touch of visual effects, making it more realistic to see victim’s intestines coming out of the body, being eaten by the zombies. But a story without a rigid foundation is like a labyrinth with a thousand ramifications, the viewer becomes confused. So, I begin to ask, what do we talk about when we talk about zombies? And the subsequent scenes told me answers in different angles. For Nong Pinong, it is the wrath of the enchanted spirits, the di ingon nato, because man’s abuse to nature. But Maribel, who had studied nursing in the city, believes there is a scientific explanation in all of these, and not because of the di ingon nato for they don’t even truly exist. But after all the speculations and guesses of the characters, none seemed to fit perfectly with the scenes that were depicted. I, the viewer, is still feel thirsty for revelations. I believe the story lacks pulp in its juice mixture. I am expecting some answers for my questions or a revelation in the end as to how the catastrophe began, why did it happen, and what
would be the resolution for this in the end. But when the final frame of the film came, I felt like I was stuck in the midair, expecting to fly higher, but the gravity took me back to the ground. I was left with my questions unanswered. But I realized something: when we talk about zombies, we don’t just talk about them the way Hollywood movies do. And that becomes the movie’s redeeming value! “Di Ingon Nato” didn’t fail to show an essential zest of Filipino storytelling: soft emotions, the bloody juice of our drama. While hundreds of zombie films have been taking the international stage, only a few, if there were any, were able to raise a flag of soft emotions in the midst of bloody zombie madness. When Dario decides to kill his wife because the wound on her leg has turned her into a living dead, he does it with all the grief and pain and the longing for the woman he once loved. Not because he is afraid to be bitten nor is it because he suddenly hates what she has become, but because of his love towards their son, and to her, so that she would not suffer any longer. The victims of the unknown plague is increasing, yet no patient is recovered, Maribel cries not just because of fear, but also because of her love for the community that she has devotedly served. She cries because she thinks she couldn’t do anything, and that her help was futile. The movie enlightens every audience that there is nothing that can beat fear in times like this but love. That can be Cebuanos’ take on zombie talks: we do it with love. I suppose, you can’t see these scenes in those blockbuster zombie films and TV series outside the country.
#912 Daniel Radcliffe broke over 80 wands while filming the Harry Potter movies because he used them as drumsticks.
#342 Minsan, lambing lang naman ang katapat ng tampo nya.
#2039 Pag ang lalaki kinilig, smile lang sa katabi. Pag ang babae kinilig, kawawa ang katabi.
#68 A single healthy human male produces enough sperm in two weeks to impregnate every fertile woman on the planet.
#7210
#786 Oxford Dictionaries name ‘selfie’ as 2013’s word of the year.
#190
“Kung walang nagte-text sayo, andito naman ako. I-text mo lang ako at Segundo lang, magrereply na ako.” - 7210
#452
“QUIET!” - sigaw ni striktong classmate na feeling mayor
#583
The German for “contraceptive” is Schwangerschaftsverhütungsmittel. By the time you’ve finished saying it, it’s too late.
#583
The ‘@’ symbol is known as ‘amperstat’.
Ang “I love you” ay dapat pinaoadama. Hindi yung hashtag lang sa G.M.
#96
#654
#4315
#713
“PATUNGO NA” is the synonym of “NASA BAHAY PA” in text messages.
The letters in the phrase “The Titanic Disaster” can be rearranged to make “Death, it starts in ice.”
Hindi ko pa binubuksan, pero nakaabang na ang mga kamay nila. Tapos sila pang nagagalit pag hindi binibigyan. #truefriends
‘Twyndyllyngs’ is the longest word without any vowels that means ‘twins’; and ‘queueing’ is the only word with 5 consecutive vowels.
#2633
#9540
#3318
#42
A teenager from China once sold his kidney for US$3,400 to buy an iPhone and an iPad.
“KAHIT NA ANO” - ang pinakamahirap na regalo
Yung okay lang na mababa score mo, basta mababa kayong lahat.
Just like some people talk in their sleep, some sign language users sign in their sleep.
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The ANG SUGA Magazine is printed every semester. It is managed and published by Ang Suga Publication, 2nd Floor, General Services Building, Cebu Normal University, OsmeĂąa Blvd., Cebu City. The ANG SUGA Publication welcomes contributions (opinion, essays, poems, short stories, art works, and photographs). You may hand carry it to the ANG SUGA Office or send to angsugapublication@gmail.com. For comments, opinions, suggestions, contributions, and any concerns, kindly email us at angsugapublication@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook/WordPress (http://www.angsugapub.wordpress.com). Reproduction without prior notice and written permissions from the editors is STRICTLY PROHIBITED. The editors reserve to edit all articles for publication. Thus upon submission, all contributions become property of ANG SUGA Publication. 2013
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Then, whenever youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re finished with your poem, please let us know. Send it through angsugapublication@gmail.com.
Together, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll give that poem of yours some paper wings. And let it fly.
Iridescence.
The official Literary Folio of Ang Suga Publication
Soaring its way on the 2nd semester of this school year. Now whistling for promising poems. Help us gather a flock of poems that would make a book. Share this with your Normalite friends, there may be some hidden wings under their ribs.