PARALUMAN by BulSU Pacesetter

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Pacesetter Lampoon Magazine 2016

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Features

Volume XX Number 99 March - August 2016

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Table of Contents

Pacesetter

OPINION

EDITORIAL

Patnugot ng Lathalain: John Roniel Canimo Mga Kasapi ng Pamatnugutan:

EDITORIAL NEWS

FEATURES

LITERARY

TOSP 2016

17 59 DEVCOMM

Christian Dale Abad, Anna Rose Alejandre, Rod Harvey Camay, Rems Miguel Castro, Maricar Contreras, Steffy Shanon Dy, Carl Angelo Espiritu, Kevin Facun, Arphie Gabriel, Mark Antony Illustrisimo, Marjory Infante, Julianne Kristiana Siscar, John Michael Tribol Mga Manunulat: Jeimi Belleen Aesquivel, Anjelo Alcanar, Alixandrei Alincastre, Patricia Ann Alvaro, Nicole Beltran, Jaybee Bermudez, Russel Cyra Borlongan, Ma. Katrielle Candame, Evelyn Cruz, Jenalyn Cruz, John Marc Cruz, John Moises Cruz, Jonah Micah Cruz, Tricia Marie Cubillas, Jennifer de Guia, Donna Thea dela Rosa, Reggie Rey Fajardo, Grace Marie Hernandez, Ierah Keihl Jaochico, Enrico Miguel Maghinang, Ronaldo Magsakay, Carl Joseph Mercado, Patricia Morales, Shairah Lyneth Nabong, Adrian Carl Nicodemus, Ericka Mae Pabalan, Abigail Marie Pelea, Danna Le-an Puato, Danica Rodriguez, Mary Rayne San Pedro, Marielle Rosette Sta. Anna, Adam Angelo Tizon, Dean Carlo Ventura Mga Litratista: Steffi Dy, Fionamae Abainza, Michael Locsin, Jezreel Mariscotes, Patricia Alvaro,Ron Canimo Mga Lay-out Artist: Rod Camay, Vincent Pablo, Hector Nunag, Rems Castro Mga Dibuhista: Argee Dacuyan, Rhiegan Sumabat, Kit Cabanag, Vincent Cabanag, Allen Cruz, Rems Castro, Jezreel Mariscotes

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SPORTS

70 66

74 ENTERTAINMENT

Ang babae ay hindi parang isda, Bibilhin sisenta â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sang kilo, sasalatin kung makinis o matinik Sa tuwing ikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y naiinip. Ang babae ay hindi parang isda, Na ihuhulog sa kumukulong mantika Walang laban Pagpipyestahan Model: Lalaine Locsin Photography: Michael Locsin, Fionamae Abainza Post Process: Rems Castro

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inaltrato ka ng lipunan. Binusalan ang mala-rosas mong mga labi. Iginapos ang malalambot mong kamay. Ginalusan ang makinis mong balat. Hindi ka na halos makakita dahil sa mga luhang walang tigil sa pagtakas mula sa maamo mong mga mata. Dinig ko ang hinaing mo sa mundo at saksi ako kung paano ka nito dalhin sa mumurahing kwarto para sakmalin ang iyong pagkatao. Tatlong oras, o higit pa. Pipira-pirasuhin nila ang ‘yong kaluluwa. Hihimay-himayin ang karapatan mo’t kalayaan. Ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, hindi ka na padadala sa nakasanayan. Ihahayag mo sa mundo ang silbi mo sa mapang-abusong lipunan. Magiging higit ka sa sinabi nilang ilaw ng tahanan. Ipapamalas mo ang tunay na halaga ng isang babae at ang lihim niyang ganda na itinago ng pasa’t dusa. Hindi ka na nila muli pang maaapi. Dahil isa kang babae. Ikaw ay babae. Ito ay para kay ina, at sa lahat ng biktimang binansagang ‘puta’.

Editor’s Blog

4 Editorial

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EDITORYAL

Editorial

Kuwentong Adobo

KUNG MAY NEGATIBO SA PAGBABAGO

Ang Pilipinas. Mistulang gusgusing musmos na nakatanghod sa bagong putaheng ihahain ng kusinerong tagaMindanao. Paano kung hindi akma ang mga bagong sangkap sa adobong kinagisnan? Sa pagdating ng bagong administrasyon, mayroon ding malaking pagbabagong inaasahan sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte bilang pinakamataas na lider ng bansa. Marami ang umaasa na matatapos ang kahirapan, ang krimen at higit lalo ang korapsyon sa Perlas ng Silangan. Anim na buwan. Palalambutin sa kumukulong batas ang mga krimeng hindi na bago sa panlasa ng mga Pilipino. Ibubulog ang mga patakarang piñatas mula sa mga karanasan sa nakaraan. Hahaluin ang mga panakot, yabang at paninindigan. At saka tatakpan ng mga pangako. Pakukuluin. Anim na buwan. Sapagkat ito ang panahon na ipinangako ni Duterte sa kasagsagan ng kaniyang pangangampanya, panahon na masusugpo niya ang krimen at droga sa bansa. Ngunit hindi pa man din naguumpisang pormal na maluklok ay unti-unti nang nararamdaman ang kaniyang pamamayagpag. Magandang balita man o hindi. Positibo man o negatibo. Bago pa man pumasok ang buwan ng Hunyo, sa isang press conference sa Davao City kung saan pumutok ang iba’t ibang mga isyu tungkol sa mga plano ni Duterte sa kaniyang pag-upo sa pwesto, pumutok din ang usapin sa naganap sa press conference ukol sa pagsipol niya kay Mariz Umali, isang reporter ng GMA Network.

Isang sipol. Milyong komento. Marami ang uminit ang ulo. Tiningnan ito bilang pambabastos sa isang babae lalo na sa harap ng publiko at maraming tao. Tiningnan ito bilang insulto, lalo pa’t ang gawi ay nanggaling mismo sa pangulo. Nakasaad sa Davao City Ordinance No. 5004 na ang pagsipol ay isang uri ng pambabastos at pagharas sa isang babae na siyang ipinupukol kay Duterte sa paglabag niya mismo sa kaniyang sariling ordinansa sa Davao City. “Cursing, whistling, or calling a woman in public with words having dirty connotations or implications which tend to ridicule, humiliate, or embarrass the woman such as ‘puta (prostitute),’ ‘boring,’ ‘peste (pest),’ etc.” Isinasaad ng ordinansa na isa itong paglabag laban sa karapatan ng kababaihan sa ilalim ng Republic Act 7877, or the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, and the provisions of the Revised Penal Code on Acts of Lasciviousness na may parusang pagkakakulong ng isa hanggang anim na buwan at may multa sa halagang P10,000 to P20,000. “I was exasperated by the question. Whistling is not a sexual thing. You do not have any business stopping me. That is a freedom of expression.” Ito ang naging depensa ni Duterte laban sa kaniyang sinasabing pambabastos kay Umali. Hindi maipagkakaila na ang presidentelect ay naiiba pagdating sa pagpapahayag ng kanyang sarili. Iba-iba rin ang naging reaksyon ng mamamayan patungkol sa nahalal na presidente ng Pilipinas. Nandyan na may mga tagasuporta at bumabatikos sa bawat salitang bibitawan niya. Hindi rin maiiwasang hati ang opinyon ng sambayanan kay Duterte lalo

na’t isa na s’yang presidente. Mas malawak at marami ang makakarinig ng kanyang mga salita, mas matindi ang magiging epekto.

din sa bansa ang asal ni Mayor nang sabihin niyang “Dapat Mayor ang mauna” sa nangyaring panggagahasa at pagpatay sa isang Australyana.

Sa kabila ng depensa ni Duterte ay hindi maikakaila na lumalabas itong pambabastos kay Umali sa tainga ng karamihan. Maaring maging dahilan ng ilan na ang pagsipol ay isa lamang parte at paaran ng freedom of expression ngunit kung manggagaling ito sa isang taong siyang dapat na nagpapahalaga sa kalayaan ng pamamahayag, isa itong kabastusan. Pagiging abusado sa kapangyarihan, kawalang moral sa mga taong kanyang pinamumunuan.

Dagdag pa rito ang pag-alma ng National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP), matapos sabihin ng pangulo na hindi ligtas ang mga tiwaling mamamayahag sa mga kikitilan ng buhay sa kanyang pamunuan.

Samakatwid, ang presidente ang siyang nagsisilbing imahe ng bansa. Ngayon, hanggang sa bumaba sa kanyang rehimen, si Mayor Digong ang sasalamin sa lahat ng kaniyang nasasakupan. Sa pagkakaluklok niya bilang lider ng bansa, iniluklok din siya bilang parisan ng kaisipan at kaugalian ng mamamayang sakop ng kanyang kapangyarihan. Para kay Mariz Umali, bilang isang mamayahag ay hindi siya nagpaapekto sa sitwasyon at ipinagpatuloy lamang ang kaniyang trabaho. Nanindigan at sinubukan pa ring ibalik ang sitwasyon upang makuha niya ang sagot sa kaniyang tanong kay Duterte sa kabila ng tawanan ng mga tao. “It may have been improper from a president-elect but, of course, we will continue to do our job and we are not expecting any apology from him personally,” saad ni Umali sa isang interview sa News To Go. Bukod sa isyung ito na nagpapintig sa tainga at puso ng Gabriela at ng iba pang grupong nagsusulong ng karapatan at kalayaan ng mga kababaihan, nagging usapin

Binigyang diin ni Ryan Rosauro, chairman ng NUJP na ang pahayag ni President-elect Duterte ay isang malaking pagyurak sa pangalan at ala-ala ng 176 na mamamahayag na pinatay mula pa noong 1986. Ilan anila dito ay walang duda na pinatay dahil sa kanilang pagiging mamamahayag tulad nina Edgar Damalerio ng Pagadian City, Marlene Esperat ng Tacurong City, Gerry Ortega ng Puerto Princesa at ang 33 biktima sa Ampatuan massacre. Maraming dapat baguhin sa sistema ng bansang hilaw pa sa kaunlaran. Dahil sa paundapundap lamang na apoy sa pabago-bagong administrasyon, hindi na tuluyan pang naluto ang adobong hinihintay ng mga Pilipino. Marami ang nagtangkang magbawas ng sangkap. Marami din namang nag-lakas loob na magdagdag. Ngayon, ang kusinerong naka-toka sa paboritong putahe, gumagawa ng sarili niyang proseso at aksyon. Kaakibat ng bawat niyang paghalo at paghulog sa mga nakalistang pampalasa, magiging repleksyon ito hindi lamang ng kanyang sarili kun’di ng buong karinderya. Gustohin man ng lahat ang bagong lasa at aroma ng nakakatakam na pagbabago, huwag sanang malimutan ang nakagisnang kabutihan sa kultura at nakasanayang moralidad ng isang Pilipinong paborito ang adobo. Simple ang mga sangkap, ngunit masarap.

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MIDDLE ROAD

Huling pag-iisip sa may gitna ng kalsada Julianne Kristiana Siscar

***

he lives inside of her head and oh boy you don’t know what it feels like.

Para sa huling column ko bilang miyembro ng opisyal na pahayagan ng Bulacan State University, hirap na hirap akong mag-isip kung anong maaring isulat. Wala kasi kong mapaghugutan. Wala akong maramdaman. Naubos na yata. Pero naisip ko bakit nga ba kailangan ko pang humugot para magsulat. Hahayaan ko na lang ang aking mga daliri na ihayag kung ano ang nasa isip ko. Ang nangyari masyado kong maraming iniisip. Kalat ang ideya. Oo, sa edad kong disinuwebe, marami na kong iniisip. Overthinking, ika nga. Nariyan kung ano ba talaga ang gusto kong mangyari 5 years from now, hindi rin ako mapakali kung wala akong panggastos at buryong buryo rin ako kapag natetengga ko sa bahay. At marami pang iba. Sa sobrang dami, hindi ako makapagsulat. Lumipas ang maraming araw, wala pa

rin akong masulat. Hanggang sa sumuko na ko sa pag-iisip at humanap ng paraan para makakuha ng peace of mind. Dumadating sa punto na naiinis ako dahil sa sobrang daming iniisip, ‘di ko namamalayan na nakakasakit na pala ko ng damdamin dahil sa pagiging grumpy ko. We’re not perfect, there will always be a time that we will think too much and stress too much. But we have the control of our feelings. May kakayahan tayo para maiwasan ang ikasisira natin. Hindi nakakabuti para sakin at para rin sa iba. Nakakasira ng relasyon. Nagreresulta sa hindi pagiging kuntento. Nakakasakit ng damdamin ng iba. Hindi talaga maganda. Ikasisira ng sarili mo at ng kasiyahan mo. Kaya naman kapag dumating na sa puntong sumobra na. May sumita na. Hihinto ako. Babalikan ang sitwasyon kung saan ako nagkamali at kung ano ang nangyari. Makikita ko ang mga epekto nito at gagawa ng paraan para hindi na maulit. I always take note that I will have those extra miles to improve myself. Kahit paulit-ulit. Para sarili ko at

para sa iba. Huwag mong i-focus ang lahat ng bagay tungkol sa’yo. Hindi umiikot ang mundo sa iisang tao. Kada iniisip kasi natin na puro tayo na lang ang nasasaktan, nakakalimutan nating may mali rin tayo. Sa sobrang pag-o-overthink natin, naisasantabi natin ‘yong mga taong handa naman talagang makinig at ang resulta we tend to push them away dahil lang puro sarili lang natin ang iniisip.

We’re not perfect, there will always be a time that we will think too much and stress too much.

Overthinking tends you to think of what might happen and what circumstances you might encounter. Sa sobrang pagiisip natin sa mga bagay bagay tungkol sa sarili natin, nakakalimutan natin ang damdamin ng ibang tao. Overthinking also leads us to do acts that we might regret later. So breath and clear your mind. If we already did something out of overthinking and stressing too much, diyan papasok ang re-assessing ng sarili, acceptance at forgiveness sa nangyari. Minsan isang trip lang sa simbahan o sa mall, magiging okay ka na. Isang relaxation lang kasama ang mga kaibigan, magiging okay ka na. Higit sa lahat ang pagsabi ng thank you at isang masayang kwentuhan, magiging okay ka na. *** Memories flashed by, she tasted the bittersweet of it and then suddenly her heart aches. But then she doesn’t want to lose herself. She started to have a mindset that all will be well. She already realized that happiness starts within herself.

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ENIGMATIC PARADIGM

Sadyang malaking exam ang mundo at walang mangyayaring kopyahan dito John Michael Tribol

arahil maraming tao ang naguguluhan kung ano man ang gusto nila, kung sino man ang gusto nila, o kung bakit nandoon sila sa lugar na gusto man nila o hindi, oo sadyang magulo maraming may ayaw sa gusto ng iba at mayroon namang mga bagay na gustong gawin ng iba pero binabalewala no’ng mga mayroon na. At kung gaano kagulo ‘yong ibig sabihin no’ng talatang nauna, gano’n din kagulo ang mundo. Wala e, sadyang gano’n lang talaga siguro, pero hindi naman kasi laging gano’n, ‘yon lang kasi ‘yong sinasabi ng karamihan o baka no’ng mga tao lang na kakilala ko. “Tao lang naman kasi ang nagsasabing kailangan mong magtagumpay agad.” Ito ‘yong linya na minsan kong narinig no’ng nakaraan pero hindi ko na nakalimutan ulit, sadyang mahirap lang sigurong tanggapin na malamang nga nasa tao lang na nakapalibot sa atin ang pressure na magtagumpay agad tayo. ‘Yong mga tao na nagsabi sa’yo na itong kurso ang kunin mo na malayo naman talaga sa gusto na kahit magreklamo

ka walang nangyari at pinili mo na lang manahimik, ‘yong mga mapang-matang tao na nagtatanong kung bakit ka pa nag-shift at magdadagdag ka pa ng isang taon, ‘yong mga taong mababa ang tingin sa mga hindi agad nakapagtapos sa loob ng prescribed na taon ng kursong kinuha nila. Sa likod ng mga taong hindi gusto ang kurso nila, mayroong isa na sinasayang ang pagkakataon na nandon sila sa gustong gawin ng nauna. Sa likod ng mga nagsi-shift, mayroong isang umalis sa

Siguro nga mas masarap magtagumpay kung minsan kang mapatumba na katulad ng basketball

kurso na ‘yon para magbigay ng pagkakataon sa iba. Sa likod ng mga taong mapangmata, mayroong isang nahihiya sa buhay niya dahil sa sinasabi ng iba. Oo, minsan nakakapagod din makinig sa sinasabi ng iba. Oo, minsan nakakapagod din malaman kung ano pa ang opinyon ng iba. Oo, minsan sadyang nasa utak lang natin ang sasabihin ng iba. Pero kahit na ano pa at kahit sino pa, isang apir para sa lahat ng nagpapatuloy kahit hindi na nila gusto ang ginagawa nila, isang fist bump sa mga taong nag-shift at tumayo sa prinsipyo na sundin kung ano ‘yong gusto nila, at isang saludo sa lahat ng maiiwan man ngayong taon e hindi mawawalan ng pag-asa. Na kahit ano pa mang dahilan sa hindi mo pagmartsa ngayong bakasyon, kahit man bumagsak sa thesis o sa isang minor na pa-major, kahit man nag-shift ka at halos umulit muli sa simula, o sa minsang tinamad sa mga bagay na hindi nila gustong gawin, darating ang panahon na sasampalin niyo ng katotohanan ang minsang nagsabing bakit niyo ginawa o bakit nangyari ‘yan. Siguro nga mas masarap magtagumpay kung minsan kang mapatumba na katulad

ng basketball mas masarap lumaban hanggang sa huli kaysa magpatambak sa kalaban. Puno man ng sugat o sakit ang katawan mo pagkatapos ng giyera, ang mahalaga alam mo na ang gagawin mo sa mas malalaking giyera sa tunay na mundo dahil sa lahat ng napagdaanan mo. Mauuna na kong magsabi ng congratulations, kaysa sa mga pulitikong alam naman nating political ad ‘yong mga tarp na ‘yon, sa mga nakatapos on-time at nagpakahirap para tapusin ang lahat sa nakalaang taon. Pero isang pagbati sa lahat ng minsang bumagsak, minsang naligaw, sa mga nagshift na nagdagdag man ng isang taon o nagpakahirap magsummer, sa mga taong dumami na ang naging kakilala dahil sa dami ng naging kaklase, dahil sa hindi niyo pagbitaw sa hirap na binigay man ng mundo o kayo mismo ang gumawa. De, biro lang. Walang makakapagsabi kung kailan ka magtatagumpay at hindi ka minamadali ng mundo para magtagumpay agad dahil walang deadline ang mundo, at oo wala kang kailanganang kopyahin o tularan na kung ano man o sino man, dahil iba ka sa kanila at espesyal ka sa sarili mong paraan.

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PRAGMATIKOS ENNOIA

Finding way out in Jobstreet Arphie Gabriel

ressure. Para kang karneng unti unting lumalambot. Naghihina.

Sa bawat araw at mga linggo na bumibilang. Minsan nakakawala din ng pag-asa. Nakauubos ng pasensya. Nakapapagod din maghintay. Nakapapagod mauwi sa lahat ng lakad mo, sa lahat ng pagod mo. Tapos masasayang lang. Uuwi ka pa ding luhaan, nabawasan ka pa. Honestly, hindi biro ang maghanap ng trabaho. Okay, sabihin na nating madaming trabaho diyan. Oo, pero mahirap maghanap ng perfect job na aayon sa kurso mo, sa gusto mo at sa trabaho na sasapat sa pangangailangan mo. Ito ang dilemma kapag fresh graduate ka. Kapag wala ka pang work experience. May mga company kasi na mas pinipili ang may experiences sa field na inaapplayan mo. Kailangan lang talaga ng confidence, eagerness, sipag at tiyaga at higit sa lahat kung paano mo ipapakita sa employer mo na kaya mo ang trabahong gusto mong pasukin. Hindi mo pwedeng sabihin na wala kang choice.

Mayroon at mayroon. ‘Yon nga lang parang mas pipiliin mo na ‘yong best na option na mayroon ka. Para lang mapunan ang needs mo. Swerte mo kung ‘yong

Huwag tayong magpadala sa pressure ng iba’t ibang elementong p’wedeng maging dahilan ng pagsuko o pagpili sa trabahong ‘di naayon sa mga plano mo.

parents mo kaya ka pang buhayin, sustentuhan ang mga luho mo at sinabing magbakasyon ka muna at magpahinga. Ang sarap pakinggan. Pero dapat after mong magbakasyon at magpasarap buhay ay ready ka na sa sabak ng totoong buhay. Pressured ka naman kung ‘di ka man sabihan ng parents mo pero alam mo sa sarili mong dapat ka ng magtrabaho. Lalo na kung ang sitwasyon ninyo ay kapos sa buhay. Alam mong kailangan mo ng makatulong sa pamilya mo. Higit na mas mataas ang pressure kung bread winner ka ng pamilya. Gusto mo ng matanggap sa trabaho pero anong petsa na , wala pa rin. Tipong ikaw makapaghihintay pa, makapatit’yaga pa pero ang pangangailangan ng pamilya mo, hinahabol ka na. Pero this is life. Life is survival. Life is a battle. Life is a war.. . between you and other applicants. It is also a hard choice over dream and immediate needs. Bottom line. Huwag kang susuko. Para sa mga nasa school pa at gusto ng makatapos. Huwag kang magmadali. Hindi mo alam baka kapag nakatapos ka

na at nagtatrabaho ka na. Mas gugustuhin mong mag-aral na lang ulit na para bang wala kang iintindihin kundi ang pag-aaral mo at ang baon na hihingin mo sa magulang mo, pwera na lang sa mga nagsasariling sikap makapag-aral lang. Para naman sa Mga fresh graduate gaya ko. Kung naghahanap ka man ng trabaho. May darating din sa atin. Konting sipag, tiyaga at galing lang. Makukuha rin natin ang job na gusto natin. Huwag tayong magpadala sa pressure ng iba’t ibang elementong p’wedeng maging dahilan ng pagsuko o pagpili sa trabahong ‘di naayon sa mga plano mo. Yes we can achieve what things we put in our minds. Magkakatrabaho ako. Magkakatrabaho ako. Magkakatrabaho ako. Magkakatrabaho ako. Magkakatrabaho ako. Makikita mo. Mangyayari ang gusto mo. Pero ang sinasabi ng isip at bibig ay nagiging mas makapangyarihan kung sasamahan ng kamay, kilos at gawa, samahan mo na rin ng pananalig. Kudos!

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anong klaseng industriya ang nais niyang pagkaabalahan. May mga pagkakataon lang talaga na napapaisip ako kung kagaya ko ay nararamdaman din ba nila ang napakalaking pagkakaiba ng mundo na ginagalawan namin ngayon. Batid kong malaki ang pag-asa. Kaya naman, ikagagalak ko kung mababasa ito ng mga estudyanteng sabik na sabik na mag-Abril. Hayaan niyong ialay ko sa inyo ang aking huling pagkakataong tumipa dito sa huling pahinang itinalaga para sa akin. At sana hayaan niyo ring bigyan ko kayo ng kahit kaunting mga payo, bilang kaibigan.

REVERSE POLARITY

Huling pagkakataon at huling pagtipa sa huling pahina Maricar Contreras

alawang buwan na ang nakalipas simula noong makamit ko ang inasamasam kong diploma

Kung aking bibilangin, labing apat na taon ng buhay ko ang iginugol ko sa pagpasok sa eskwela. Ngunit sapat na pala ang dalawang buwan upang mapagtanto ko na mahirap palang masanay na maging estudyante. Sobrang daming konsiderasyon ang ibinibigay sa atin ng mundo simula sa pamasahe hanggang sa mga responsibilidad bilang tao. Sa mga oras na ito, ibangiba ang mundo na pinapasok

ko at ng mga kasabay kong nagtapos noong Abril kumpara sa pinanggalingan namin. Kahit paano’y nagkaroon naman kami ng ideya ngunit palasak man, iba pa rin talaga kapag ikaw ang nasa sitwasyon. Bilang mga bago sa industriya ng pagiging propesyunal, lingid sa kaalalaman kong maraming beses muna kaming magkakamali upang matuto at mas maging batikan sa mga pinili naming gawin. Katotohanan na marami pa rin namang hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa nakakahanap ng kumpanyang mapapasukan, at marami pa rin sa amin ang hanggang sa mga oras na ito ay nalilito pa kung

Kung nasasabik ka nang makatapos, siguraduhin mong masusulit mo ang mga huling buwan na papasok ka sa eskwela. Ibigay mo ang lahat sa mga pagsusulit upang pumasa ka. Sulitin mo lahat ng puyat para sa mga gawain upang makatanggap ka ng magandang marka. Itaas mo ang kamay mo kapag alam mo ang sagot. ‘Wag kang mahihiyang magsalita dahil sa totoong mundo’y bihira na makakuha ng pagkakataong tumayo upang magpaliwanag at maintindihan ka. Makipagkaibigan ka. ‘Yong tipo ng mga kaibigan na alam mong sa buong buhay mo makakaagapay mo na. Hindi mo kailangang taasan ang ‘yong mga pamantayan upang matagpuan ‘yong mga tao na ‘yon. Sa aking karanasan, matatagpuan mo lang ang mga totoong tao sa buhay mo kapag natuto kang tumanggap ng mga sarili mong pagkakamali at magpatawad. Tumanggap ng mga sarili mong pagkakamali at magpatawad nang paulit-ulit. Maniwala ka, sulit lahat ng kababaang loob na gagawin mo kapag natagpuan mo na sila. Paniwalaan mo sana ang aking susunod na pangungusap. Kolehiyo ang pinakamagandang

Opinion

lugar o pagkakataon upang makabuo ng mga tunay na relasyon at ng matibay na pundasyon para sa hinaharap. Nawa’y katulad ko’y matagpuan mo rin sila. Kapag may nakikita kang mga mali, sa klase, sa kolehiyo, o kahit sa buong unibersidad, sa kung paano sila mamalakad. Huwag kang magdalawang isip na magpahayag. Lalo na kung may naiisip kang mga solusyon. Huwag mo sanang sayangin ang mga ideya na maaaring maging sagot sa mga problema. Tanggapin man nila o hindi ang mga suhestiyon mo, kahit paano ay ginawa mo na ang parte mo. Isa ito sa mga pinagsisisihan ko kaya sana’y sa paraan ng pagsusulat ko nito rito ay maiwasan mo na upang wala ng masayang pang mga ideya at matuldukan ang mga bulok na sistema. Hanggang sa mga oras na ito ay hindi ko pa rin alam kung paano ako mamamaalam ng may kabuluhan. Sa pagkakatanda ko, isa sa mga nagtulak sa akin upang maging kabilang sa publikasyong ito ay ang huling akda ng isa rin sa kanilang mga manunulat. Parang umihip lang ang hangin at ako na ang nagpapaalam ngayon. Sana’y nagawa ko ito sa hindi sentimental na paraan. Hangad ko sanang magpaalam ng hindi emosyon ngunit aral ang maiwan. Sa lahat ng mga naging inspirasyon ng mga akda ko, malaking parte kayo ng buhay ko. Salamat sa pagbabasa ng Reverse Polarity hanggang dito sa pinakahuli. Sa pagtangkilik sa mga tula, sanaysay, dagli, at maiikling kwentong naiambag (kahit papano hahaha) ni Desolator, buong pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong ipaabot. Salamat sa pagkakataon Pacesetter! Hanggang sa muli!

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10 Opinion

Pacesetter

LOVE LETTERS

Walang pasok, basa ang chalk Isang liham pamamaalam John Roniel Canimo

indi lahat ng nananalanging “sana walang pasok” ay tamad.

Umaalingawngaw parin sa buo kong pagkatao ang arawaraw na bilin ni mama bago ako pumasok sa eskwela. Dapat walang mali sa exam o quiz. Dapat laging nagtataas ng kamay at aktibo sa recitation. Dapat sa mababait na bata lang makipagkaibigan. Dapat sumunod lagi kay teacher. Dapat ganito, dapat ganiyan. Hanggang sa sumuway ako isang araw. Hindi naman kasi ako matalino, sinisipagan ko lang. Hindi rin ako gano’n kabait, nagpapahaba lang ako ng pasensya. Pero lumaki akong nakatanim sa pagkatao ang talino’t bait na laging ipinapaalala ni mama. Lumaki akong laman ng iba’t ibang contest at sabitan ng medalya. Naranasan kong matalo at umiyak, mapalo at hindi maibili ng pangarap na laruan. Lumaki akong goal-oriented. Naging competitive sa maraming pagkakataon. Naiinggit sa panalo ng iba, hindi nakukuntento sa pwestong pangalawa. Naging bata ako, kumbaga. Kinain ako ng matatayog na pangarap. Nagpagapi ako sa kulturang inimbento namin ni mama. Dahil sa pag-aakalang ang buhay ay nasa harap ng

pisara, nilamon ako ng sistemakung saan ang pinapahalagahan ng mundo ay ‘yong mga matatalino, may titulo, iskolar, sikat ang pangalan. Sistemang dumudurog sa kaluluwa ng mga talunan, outcast, simple, ordinaryo, tagahanga, at mga tumpulan ng tukso. May diploma na ‘ko nang mapagtanto ‘kong hindi pala talaga patas ang tingin ng lipunan sa mga tao. Mas papahalagahan ka kapag may karugtong nang Dr. o Atty. ang pangalan mo. Mas mamahalin ka kapag may napatunayan ka na, kapag kilala ka na ng marami, kapag mapapakinabangan ka na nila. Masakit isipin na kung sino ang mas nangangailangan ng pagpapahalaga, sila itong hindi mabigyang pansin ng mundo. Silang mga gumagawa ng takdang-aralin sa tabi ng gasera. Silang mga kumakalam ang sikmura kahit umpisa pa lamang ng klase. Silang mga walang kaibigan dahil kulang ang kakayahang sumabay sa usong damit o bagong labas na gadget. Silang pinandidirihan dahil sa ibang pananaw sa sekswalidad ng tao. Silang nababagabag tuwing gabi at ilang beses nagtangkang kitilin ang sariling buhay. Kung makakapagsalita ngang tunay ang bumubukang sapatos, marahil magmamakaawa siya sa amo niya na pakawalan na siya. Na dahil sa sobrang sipag pumasok ng estudyanteng binu-bully lang

naman sa classroom, pati ang mga gamit niya’y gusto na rin siyang talikuran. Na dahil sa sobrang kagustuhang makatapos ng ordinaryong estudyanteng minaliit ang kakayahan, pati sarili niyang bait ay gusto na rin siyang takasan. Kung kaya ko lamang yakapin ang lahat ng kabataang nagsisikap sa kabila ng kahirapan, naisip kong sana’y may yumakap din sa’kin no’ng mga panahong suot ko ang bumubuka kong sapatos. Bulag ang gobyerno. Dahil bigo silang makita ang pagsisikap mo. Manhid ang mundo. Dahil hindi na niya ramdam ang paghihirap mo. Iba’t ibang uri ng tao ang nakasalamuha ko sa halos labing-apat na taon ko sa paaralan. Iba’t ibang personalidad, antas, kapasidad. Iba’t ibang pananaw. Ngunit isa lang ang pagkakatulad nilang lahat, minsan silang tinamad pumasok sa eskwela, minsang natakot sa mga taong huhusgahan sila, minsang pinanghinaan ng loob na ipaglaban ang pinaniniwalaan nilang tama. Sila ang mga taong itinuturing kong aral sa eskwelahan. ‘Yong mga kwento nila, mga tagumpay at kabiguan, paghihirap at pagsisikap. Higit pa sa kung anong nalalaman ko sa kursong tinapos ko, natututo akong umunawa ng iba’t ibang klase ng tao. Naaalala ko parin ang bilin ni mama na dapat maging matalino ako’t mabait sa

eskwelahan. Hanggang ngayon ay baon ko parin ito kahit hindi na ‘ko estudyante. Ginagamit ko ang talinong mayro’n ako para intindihin ang sitwasyon ng mga tao, ang buhay nila, at kung paano nila iniraraos ang maghapon sa ilalim ng malupit na langit. Baon ko rin ang kabutihan. Kahit minsa’y nalilimutan, araw-araw kong inaaaral kung paanong magpatawad. Ilan lamang ito sa mga bagay na hindi ko natutunan sa loob ng silid aralan. Ilan lamang ito sa mga bagay na hindi nakasulat sa mga aklat o pahayagan. Dahil ang tunay na aral na nalikom ko sa labing-apat na taon ko sa paaralan, ay itinuro ng mga taong nakasalamuha ko sa loob nito. Ilan sa mga bilin ni mama ay nasuway ko. May mga binagsak akong exam at quiz. Maraming beses akong natameme sa recitation. Nakipagkaibigan ako sa mga umiinom ng alak, nabarkada, nakitulog sa kung kani-kaninong bahay. Nakipag-relasyon ako sa maling panahon. Tumaliwas sa nakasanayan. Lumiko sa daan kung saan mali sa mata ng lipunan. Pero natuto akong huminto. Manumbalik. Magbago. Salamat sa mga basang chalk. Dahil hindi lahat ng nananalanging “sana walang pasok” ay tamad, ilan sa kanila’y tulad kong sabik sa tunay na aral ng buhay.

Pacesetter

Paraluman

Opinion

WILD CARD

Still we will rise Kevin Facun

llow me to lift you from an uphill of stereotypes.

You might think that the main reason you are sent to school is to get a fine job after receiving your hard earned diploma. But guess what, it is not. You are here for more than that. You are enrolled to a multitude of classes to get your own set of astute lenses to see beyond the walls of what once we perceived a just society. We are not labeled proud and intellect individuals for nothing. We are unbowed and not easily bent because we are expected to know better than other people. But along with the privilege to learn is a responsibility to educate. It is not enough to know about what is rotten and flawed in the society; it is also our duty to make an effort to somehow correct it. Why? Because we have the knowledge. And people who don’t, look up to us. We have the resources and we are certainly capable to discern what is right and stood for it. And in a country where plurality of opinions exist lies an open trade for warfare. Filipinos, unconsciously love to battle. Maybe because of our history of colonial oppression, I don’t know. But one thing is for sure, we crave for it and

sometimes we get ourselves too involved that we strike our own with harsh and fatal words. But this is not the proper way to educate and give back.

who don’t deserve it, hold on tight to your principle. As part of the youth who are privileged with quality education, with all the opinions before you, what will you choose?

We are not given the right to self-expression to flash our commentaries to earn likes and social media praises. Reputable people need not to show off to earn respect. They are valued through their actions.

It is your principle who will help you navigate across what is right in the face of adversity and lead you directly to the truth which clears out stereotypes and deter your actions with a clear conscience.

It is just unfortunate that the ones who are truly working their asses to give fair and balanced news are now being preyed by clueless people because of this ridiculous bandwagon.

Pacesetter has been operating for the past 44 years with a great principle to serve and inform the students. We are not given anything in return for our hard works and efforts. We write with the burning passion to re-write what was once wrongly interpreted by the society.

For some reason, though it is disheartening, our own President-elect Rodrigo Duterte, himself started a culture of discrediting journalists by labeling them ‘lowlifes’ while saying, “corrupt journalists… vultures of journalism can die for all I care [because] you’re asking for it.” As if mockery to the memory of 172 journalists (at latest count) slain in line of duty to expose crime and corruption, another stereotype has been born and will forever ridicule their profession. However, likewise I said, we exist with a plethora of views but at the end of the day what matters is respect. And when you run out of respect to people

We need to step out of our comfort zones despite

We are not labeled proud and intellect individuals for nothing.

academic responsibilities to see to it that no students’ rights are trampled upon, to feature the predicaments of the marginalized sectors and to amplify the stifled cries of the voiceless so that they can finally be heard. Unfortunately, through the years we are lampooned by the studentry. With lack of appreciation to our efforts, sometimes we see our newspapers trashed and neglected. While Runningman strives hard to run and continuously set the pace, some greet us with stones that make us plunge to the ground. But I have long since accepted that. What I can do now is to change the way you see us. In behalf of the publication’s editorial staff and the myriad aspirations they dedicate to all the students, let me promise you, as their next editor-in-chief that this year we will be different. We will break through the stereotype that you once brand us. Pacesetter is not merely an organization meant to entertain. We exist for a noble purpose. Despite criticisms and failures. Still we will rise.

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12 Opinion

Pacesetter

UNCOMMON SENSE

Ang Lihim ni Maria Clara Marjory Infante

***Para sa mga tikom ang bibig at takot magsalita. Para sa mga matang nakapiring at walang makitang pag-asa. Para sa mga naghahanap ng mga kasagutan at hustisya. At para sa mga taong gustong marinig ang katotohanang matagal na itinago sa lipunan.

Wala nga namang lihim ang hindi mabubunyag. Isa rin ako sa mga biktima, katulad ng libu-libong minolestiya at hindi mabilang na susunod pa. Labing tatlong gulang ako nang tumalon sa sinasakyang tricycle pauwi galing sa eskwela. Madilim na at kaunti na rin ang mga tao sa kalsada. Natatandaan ko pa ang lahat kahit halos anim na taon na ang lumipas. Sariwa pa ang takot at kaba. Hanggang sa ngayon. Halos mag-aalas nuebe ng gabi nang pumara kami ng isang pampasaherong tricycle ng aking kaibigan upang sabay na makauwi. Hindi ko alam na ang gabing iyon ay ang susubok sa aking murang isipan. Simple lang ang kasuotan ko nang gabing yaon. Walang bakas ng pagkakaroon ng malisya kung tutuusin. Unang nakauwi ang aking kasamahan. Kampante pa ako at walang pagdududa. Hanggang sa pinaandar ulit ang motor, bumilis kaysa sa normal na pagpapatakbo. Iniyuko ng drayber ang ulo at sinabi, “Iha, alam mo ba ‘yong short cut papunta sa

inyo, ituturo ko sa’yo.” Paulit-ulit. Ipinipilit n’ya ang ibang daan kahit na alam kong wala namang ibang lagusan patungo sa amin. Mas tumulin ang pintig ng aking puso. Sa inilabas na datos ng Center for Women’s Resources (CWR) noong Marso 2016, sa loob ng 53 minuto, may hinahalay na dalaga, 7 sa 10 biktima nito ay bata at sa loob ng 16 na minuto, isang babae ang pinapatay. Sa likod ng humigitkumulang 37 batas sa Pilipinas na magsisilbing proteksyon ng mga kababaihan at kabataan, patuloy pa ring tumataas ang bilang ng mga nabibiktima. Pabata nang pabata ang pinag-iinteresan at mas nagiging karumaldumal ang pagpaslang. Ipinamulat sa akin ang walang-awang pang-aabuso sa kababaihan at kawalan ng hustisya sa sariling bayan. Isa rin ako sa mga biktima, katulad ng libu-libong minolestiya at hindi mabilang na susunod pa. Ngunit hindi ako natakot na maging alisto. Sa pagmenor ng motor dahil sa papalikong daan, tumalon ako mula sa aking sinasakyan. Mapalad akong hindi inunahan ng kaba kahit na balot na ng takot ang aking sarili. Binalikan ako ng drayber at tinanong kung bakit ako sapilitang bumaba. Kitangkita ang libog sa kanyang mga mata. Wala sa sarili. Tadhana nga naman at may nakasabay akong maglakad na dalawang matandang babae at nagpanggap na aking kamag-anak. Hinatid

nila ako sa amin. Wala pa rin sa sarili. Linggo ang lumipas bago ako muling natauhan. Akala ko, katapusan ko na noon. Takot akong pagtawanan at gawaing tampulan ng kwento kung sakaling kumalat ang pangyayaring ito. Anim na taon na ang nakalipas, tanging pamilya at piling kaibigan lamang ang nakakaalam. “Rape culture” kung maituturing. Imbes na mas bigyang-pansin kung ano ang dapat masolusyonan hinggil sa kaso ng pangmomolestiya, pasalita man o pisikal, idinadaan na lamang lagi sa kasagutang “ganyan talaga, masanay ka na.” Sa mga nakalipas na panahon, bumabagabag pa rin sa isipang paano nangyari ang lahat. Hiya at takot ang bumabalot na nagbubunga kung bakit patuloy na isinisisi sa sarili ang pangyayari. Isa rin ako sa mga biktima, katulad ng libu-libong minolestiya at hindi mabilang na susunod pa. Takot na akong inaabot ng dilim sa daan. Matinding trauma ang dulot nito sa akin. Hanggang sa ngayon. Isa rin ako sa mga biktima, katulad ng libu-libong minolestiya at hindi mabilang na susunod pa. Idinidikta sa lipunan na hindi dahil walang karapatan ang mga kababaihang umuwi nang ligtas kahit na gabi, na pinipili ng ilan na pumorma at magsuot ng palda o shorts , na mas gustong kasamahan ng mga dalaga ang kalalakihan at makipag-inuman. Ngunit, ipinamumulat sa atin na ang kalalakihan ay may kakayahang

pagsamantalahan ang kababaihan dahil babae “lang” sila. Sa simpleng pagbibiro at pagpapaintindi sa mga mamamayan na ang mga kalalakihan ay may pangangailangan sa tawag ng laman maging sa kahit na sinong p’wedeng parausan ay may malaking epekto para sa bawat isa. Patuloy itong pagpapasapasahan at iisiping ito ang dapat na makasanayan na isa lamang itong katatawanan. Isa rin ako sa mga biktima, katulad ng libu-libong minolestiya at hindi mabilang na susunod pa. Berbal na pangaabuso o simpleng pambabastos. Biktima ako at binalot na ng takot. Biktima ako ng isang bangungot na hindi na mawawala sa isipan. Biktima akong nais magsalita upang makapagbigay boses sa mga biktima rin. Biktima ako na ginagawang biro at pinagtatawanan kaya nanatili ang mga ganitong kwento sa pagiging lihim. Ang dating Maria Clara na tahimik at mahinhin ay nagbago na, mas hinubog at hininog sa karanasan ng kahapon. Aalisin natin ang busal sa ating bibig, ibubukas ang matang nasisilaw sa takot at panghuhusga, hahanapin at ipaglalaban ang hustisya, at ipaaalam sa lipunan ang katotohanang matagal nang nakakubli. Wala nga namang lihim ang hindi mabubunyag. Sana sa pag amin sa katotohanan ay matapos na ang nakasanayan.

Pacesetter

Paraluman

Opinion

VOICE OVER

Sa Pagitan Carl Angelo Espiritu

akatutuwang pagmasdan kung paano sumasayaw ang mga alikabok sa kudlit na siwang tinatagusan ng araw. Umiigpaw. Gumagalaw. Kumukumpas ang mga kamay. Nagsasalasalabit ang mga paa sa katawang nakikita lamang ng imahinasyon. Patuloy sa pagyakap ang mga alon sa pampang matapos nitong maglayag sa pusod ng karagatan. Saglit na bibitaw sa pagkakahagkan ngunit mayamaya ri’y babalik sa mga bisig nito. Paulit-ulit na lalapit ang alon sa pampang at kakawala ngunit panatag pa rin itong may mauuwian at mababalikan. Nakatanaw naman ang mga ulap sa taas at tahimik na nag-iipon ng mga biyayang ibubuhos maya-maya lamang. Tanaw n’ya ang lahat at ang kanilang pangangailangan- ng uhaw na halaman, ng tigang na lupa, ng pagod at hapong katawan na pare-parehong naghihintay sa mga patak na papawi sa mahabang paghihintay. Ngunit sa totoo lang, sa hindi mabilang na pagkakataon ay mas malaya naman talaga silang mga bagay na walang buhay kaysa sa atin.

Habang malayang sumasayaw ang mga alikabok sa sinag ng araw, gano’n nakakulong ang isip ng karamihan sa atin na tanggapin silang nagnakaw ng sandaling umindak sa makukulay na ilaw sa gabi. Sa mga oras na inaakala nilang ligtas na sila sa matatalim na tingin at salita ng lipunan dahil sa pinagbabawal daw na pag-iibigan. Habang nakatunghay ang buwan at mga bituin, 49 na buhay ang binawi sa karahasan ng gabi. Ang mga hagikgikan at halakhakan ay napalitan ng sunud-sunod na putok ng baril . Pumalahaw ang mga hikbi. Napundi ang makukulay na ilaw. Nagtapos sa malungkot na tugtugin ang

...mas malaya naman talaga silang mga bagay na walang buhay kaysa sa atin

kanina lang ay nagsasaya at magigiliw na puso ng Orlando. Mabuti pa ata ang mga alon, may kasiguraduhang may mapupuntahan at tatanggapin ng dalampasigan. Hindi kagaya ng mga mangingisdang nahihimbing pa ang araw ay pumapalaot na ngunit ngayo’y ‘di makapangisda sa sarili n’yang bansa. Napakasakit sa kalooban na bakuran ang itinuturing mong tahanan.Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, palaisipan pa rin sa kanilang mga mandaragat kung kailan muling magbubukas ang baklad ng kabuhayan. Umaasang mabawi ang dati naman talagang kanila. Na hindi pa lunod ang mga pangarap ng mababaw na kaligayahan at dapat sana’y pantawid sa kumakalam na tiyan. Na hindi naaangkin ang isang lugar sa laki o liit ng kalaban- walang Pilipinas o Tsina, mayroong lamang pantay na karapatan. Hindi ko lubos isipin na kung gaano katahimik ang ulap sa pag-iipon ng pakakawalang mga patak, ganoon na lamang ang pagkakarambola ng 6,000 magsasakang pinagkaitan ng sariling mga butil na ihahain sana sa hapag-kainan. Hindi kagaya ng kaligayahang dulot ng patak ng ulan, dugo ang dumanak matapos paulanan ng bala ng kapulisan ang walang laban na mga mamamayang umaasa sa bigas, hindi sa

bala. Ang pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka ng Cotabato ay nagiwan ng tatlong kumpirmadong patay, 166 na sugatan at 88 nawawala na hinihinalang inaresto at dinala sa himpilan ng pulisya. Marahil kung titignan sa ibang pamamaraan, malaya nga tayong nakapapamuhay sa araw-araw- makipaghabulan sa mga pangarap, sisirin ang kagustuhan at kaligayahan, maglaro sa imahinasyon, lakbayin ang mga nais puntahan at marami pang iba. Ngunit kung titignan sa mas malawak na perspektiba, hindi man natin madalas mapansin ay bilanggo pa rin tayo, hindi lamang sa personal na lebel ngunit sa kabuuan ng bayang ating tinatapakan. Nakabusal pa rin ang bibig ng karamihan dahil sa takot na mamatay kapalit ng katotohanan. Laruan pa rin tayo ng ibang bayan dahil sa kaunlaran at kapangyarihan na mayroon sila. Bulag pa rin tayo sa pagtanggap ng kasarian at katauhan. Bingi sa mga hinaing ng sarili nating mga kababayan. Sumatotal, sa pagitan nating mga nilalang na may buhay at sa mga bagay na walang buhay. Talo tayo sa kanila. Hindi kasi lubos ang kalayaan.

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14 Opinion o top it off, I want to say that High school sucks and no matter how many times we graduate from it, as long as we keep growing, the world just becomes a larger high school for us. But getting to the point, I hate high school, let me explain why.

And before you say that I’m just an old hag that sat in the corner all of my time in high school itching each day just propel out to college just to be a writer to state such cruel words in my future column fuelled with grit, no I am not. I am actually an overachiever in high school, did almost all the things you can do there, I had friends that I still keep in touch with, and most specially, I did have fun. But in hindsight I ponder, “was it fun, at all?” In my opinion, now that I am four years far from it and I can speak outside the circle, high school is not safe place for young ones because it is the age where we should recognize who we are and what we want but because we are taught that we should be in boxes or frames that we should navigate to, we just realize things inside the borders that society set for us. This is the thinking that confuse us because at the time that we commence with our secondary education, there is a pressure that we should know the career path that we will take for the rest of our lives and only a few successfully do because of what not of kindness they have done for the Gods to be kind to them to fully-realize despite of all the drama going on around, but for others who are not lucky enough the struggle will stretch out. Fitting successfully to these social norms is the actual premise that caused High School Musical 1 to be such a hit. A varsity player should always be tough and strong, not singing or baking and a geek should be academic-centered not dancing are some of the examples depicted in the film. Thankfully, these characters broke the barriers they are faced to but we must also raise that this is a work of fiction and as much (maybe) as it is made to tear down the clauses of High school, in reality, it takes so much more than a musical to crash these

Pacesetter

walls. What it takes to fracture all of these down is a strong and preserved mind to comprehend that there is a much much bigger world than high school and in retrospection, it is just a place full of around 500-1500 people who are all confined to a relatively small building for about seven hours a day, five days a week that makes up a self-contained little universe in their heads and the world revolves around who broke-up, whole flunked the subject, and some odd things that we don’t realize that are happening too around the bigger world. In an article published by Joshua Mandel, Psy.D. about Social Life in Middle and High School: Dealing With Cliques and Bullies, he mentioned that cliques can blur individuality and prevent members from mixing with members of other groups. They usually require some degree of conformity - in appearance, attitude, or behavior. They can oust members for no apparent reason, and they can pressure kids into group activities in order to fit in, creating interpersonal conflict and bully behavior. The mentality of cliques can cause a girl to starve herself just to be as thin as her friends are, in the worst cases, bulimia and other eating disorders while boys can turn into aggressive beasts to conform what his “pack” is doing just to be in sync with the group. And even though cliques can have a strong positive effect on selfworth and provide a social niche to develop a sense of belonging, support, protection, boost selfesteem by making kids feel wanted, develop a sense of identity, and regulate social interactions. But peer pressure is also a thing to think about as scientists know group pressure is a powerful influence over health behaviors, including alcohol use, smoking and exercise. High school is when we first do the “bad” thing we are taught not to do, on graduation day, some have been drunk and smoked cigarettes, a few had sex, and little tried drugs. But it is not the pressure that we should blame, the hardest thing to admit in this that the pressure we feel is just an

Excelsior

I hate high school, and you might, too Mark Anthony Illustrisimo invisible force and what define us is how we react to it. Bullying is also a factor why I loathed high school so much. In high school, pack bullying was more prominent and characteristically lasted longer than bullying undertaken by individuals that may be physical bullying or emotional bullying and be perpetrated within schoolyards, school hallways, sports gymnasiums, classrooms, and most specially now, social media. The idea of “follow the leader”type of living in high school cringes me so much today. Thinking of how one can act and speak so mean to one while everyone is watching and no one cares to stop because it is fun at the time being makes me want to facepalm myself over and over

again. So what is the point of all this? Is this just a group of words to tear your high school memoirs? We all remember the filledwith-bliss, magical, most important time of our lives (sarcasm alert). Those memories float to the surface every now and then, bringing a smile to our faces or making us instantly nauseous. Some of us look back on those four years with pride, while others of us breathe a sigh of relief that they’re over. I read somewhere that “time is a good thing. It gives us distance, clarity. It allows us to see what was important, what was stupid, and what we might still be holding on to that shouldn’t matter anymore.” And maybe this is my point.

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Last Leaf of Yesterday’s Breed Christian Dale Abad

isclaimer: I am writing this late in April with no idea on who will win the upcoming election. Come what may but please. Please.

To the bloodshed of yesterday that will be forgotten now and will be buried deep beneath the ground tomorrow. Never Again. It was late in March when I saw a viral post in Facebook regarding a netizen’s support for Duterte-Marcos’ candidacy, saying that martial law can finally be brought back to the Philippines if they were to be elected. Don’t take it wrong or anything, I know the potential of both candidates, they can be as qualified as they can be however, that is the subject of argument in here. It is the point of bringing back yesterday’s Proclamation 1081, pushing an idea to bring back martial law. As I began reading, I also started despising him, and more than the one thousand netizens who liked and supported his vision. And as I scrolled down to see other posts, these statement drew a straight punch in my face.

“Wala akong paki, mas mabuting ibalik ang Martial Law para ng sa gano’n tayong mga Pilipino e magkaroon ng disiplina sa sarili. Mas mahigpit, mas mabuti.” Wow. I was so amazed really, amazed on how someone can be composed of 30% naivety and 30% arrogance and 40% desperateness. To think that the most efficient solution this person can think of is to bring back martial law to force discipline in the minds of every Juan Dela Cruz in the country. If only the likes of him who patronizes the “kamay na bakal” can manage to read and give time to the lessons of history, maybe then he’ll begin understanding that never would he want to see his children and his grandchildren with fear painted in their faces. “Wala akong paki” was a powerful statement enough, coming from someone who was not there when people started missing. When people were killed. When people were tortured. “Wala akong paki” was a blind statement for those who never knew what happened back then. I hated the statement. Each word. Each letter.

But then the feeling slowly faded and turned to questions. Too many questions. I started to wonder why people would cling to such ideas, maybe it was me who was the naïve, arrogant and desperate considering that I’m not on the shoes they’re wearing right now. I don’t know. Maybe all the pain that needs to be endured, the poverty, and the tolerance for the corruption that keeps on lurking in our government. Maybe they’re already tired, tired of all the lies, disappointment and broken promises. I’m not in the position to say that they’re wrong for thinking that way. For I am not sharing the equal pain that they

We are the product of yesterday’s pain, sacrifice and suffering.

may be enduring right now but still, to hold on to such things to ease the hurt will not kill the very feeling itself, it may delay but sooner or later, it will pay back, it will pay back to the point that the price for wishing martial will be too high already. Only then when the regrets will start to surge in, but we won’t be able to do about it anymore. Too much sacrifice has been paid off to make sure that we’ll be able to embrace the freedom that we longed and deserved, until this mentality came, poisoning the roots that our founders planted for us. It is the blood of the millions who gave off their life that laid the foundations of the free ground that we’re standing right now. And then they came, a number of people pushing ideas that will once again shackle the feet of our countrymen. Let’s not give in to false hopes that may blind us from the reality. Let’s not wait for another people power for us to realize our mistakes. Never again. We are the product of yesterday’s pain, sacrifice and suffering. And may we be the last batch of that yesterday’s breed. Never again.

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Broken and Mended: The Cycle of Regrets and Acceptance Anna Rose Alejandre

oo much heartache…

If only things had been easier. If only a Genie can make us travel back in time and will let us change things that we had done before maybe we would not ask “what if?” or “if only?”. But I guess it would not be that easy. I know you do have regrets in your life, but come to think of it, if those things did not happened before will you be able to accept who you are now? The answer is within your heart. You have overcome those memories that had haunted you for so many days, months or even years. I know you do have a lot of “what if?” and “if only” but you should not let yourself feel down and disappointed because of it. If you wanted to cry, to shout your feelings out loud then be it. Let yourself be free

from hesitation, anger, fear and sadness. Maybe you had been broken, left behind or taken for granted but believe me or not… there will always be something or someone that will mend your broken heart. It may not be as you expected but then acceptance will always be the best cure for those unsaid feelings and sorrow moments. I guess taking risk isn’t that bad. As someone had said to me before that, “You would not know that you can unless you tried it.” Sooner, you will experience a lot of new things in your own journey and I know you will create your own story of success by accepting those things that had happened to you before with all your heart and facing it courageously. Be the first one to encourage yourself and lift yourself up with who you are before and who you should

be now. I guess not everyone could have a perfect start but then maybe you can have a better one, better than you had planned or expected.

Speak and be yourself. Because your lives are connected and not all the times you can just escape and left those questions unanswered.

Why not try to find your best listener and commentator? Perhaps this could be a big help. Do the things you haven’t done before, be someone who is matured enough to handle things and try to blend contentedly with the environment you are into. Speak and be yourself. Because your lives are connected and not all the times you can just escape and left those questions unanswered. Be a manager, a manager of your own self. Be a writer, a writer of your own story. Be a lecturer, a lecturer of your own lessons. And be a person who is willing to accept things with utmost as he/she can with all his/her respect with his/her individuality.

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Communiqué defends crown at 2nd GGP By Ericka Mae Pabalan and Jonah Micah Cruz The second time around. College of Arts and Letters’ (CAL) Communiqué retains its title as Best College Publication after beating 14 other college publications of Bulacan State University (BulSU) in the 2nd Gawad Galing Plaridel (GGP) hosted by the Office of Student Publications and Information (OSPI) in partnership with Pacesetter, March 19. Advancing with rough seven points against second placer The Mentor’s Journal, the two-peat champion is caught in admission saying they were anxious throughout the competition but did everything to bring home the title that night. “Siguro sa una talagang nakaka-pressure pero mas pinili lang namin na i-turn ‘yong weaknesses namin into our strengths. Given the fact na kami ‘yong nanalo no’ng first GGP. So ‘yong pagiging pressured ginawa naming pagiging prepared,” revealed James Austria, Editorin-Chief of Communiqué. The annual intercampus press-conference and award’s

night on its second year served as an avenue for student journalists to manifest not only their skills in writing but also bridge deep connections among publications through energizing performances. Meanwhile, newly appointed OSPI Head Mrs. Estrella Fajardo expressed her appreciation after the success of the event. “It was my first GGP and it was a notable experience, seeing the students cheering for their publication is already a reward for me as they were tasting the fruits of their labors. Mahuhusay silang lahat at nakita ko sa kanila ‘yong enthusiasm to learn and eagerness to win. The way I see it, OSPI will never run out of good writers,” she said. In addition, former Student Publications Director and now Director for Student Services Dr. Romulo Mercado Jr. is also given recognition that night for a decade worth of service in promoting the practice of freedom of expression inside the institution.

BACK TO BACK. The Communique retains as the Champion at the 2nd GGP. Photos by Steffy Dy

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SEEK pilots 1 ZWAMP in BulSU st

By Nicole Beltran and John Moises Cruz Due to increasing generation “Magra-round kami sa of waste inside and out of the university, Sentro lahat ng colleges at campuses ng Edukasyon para sa na maglagay sila ng board Ekonomiya at Kalikasan member na magiging head ng (SEEK) together with Supreme proyekto sa departamento nila, Student Government’s (SSG) at magsasagawa rin kami ng mga Environmental Committee led symposiums at seminars para the two-day Summit in Zero maging aware sila [BulSUans],” Waste Management Program explained Ramos. (ZWAMP) held at Bulacan In line with this, parallelState University, June 16-17. session second day took The first day kicked-off place at Hostel and CS AVR with the General Assembly of participated by the members of faculty and employees of the the administration, students and university in Valencia Hall, canteen personnel, respectively. later succeeded by the plenary Dr. Tessa Oliva, session attended by members of the administration, selected Coordinator of Ecological Solidfaculty members, student Waste Management of Miriam leaders, officers of various College, and Dr. Marlon Pareja organizations, utility and of Environmental Resources engineering personnel, stall Management Center from De La Salle University-Dasmarinas owners and employees. in addition, discussed the programs and Engr. Eligio Ildefenso, exemplary Executive Director of National activities they had organized in Solid-Waste Management their respective schools. Council (NSWMC), the event “In Miriam College, we keynote speaker shared laws governing ecological have four waste bins for proper management and programs, segregation of wastes, may mga penalties for implemented waste real wastes pa na nakadikit sa management rule violations, bin so that they [students] know also giving explanation to the kung saan ilalagay ‘yong mga state of waste segregation of the basura nila”, shared Oliva. country. Participants of the event Followed by a lecture also shared their gratitude to the from Dr. Donna Paz Reyes, said event. “Na-realize ko ‘yong Department of Environment mutual benefits na makukuha Chair of Miriam College, ng university natin kapag we discussing and encouraging put into action ‘yong mga plano everyone to participate in na nahayag sa seminar, right making BulSU a ‘Dark Green now, it’s a must na isagawa na School’ in support to President ‘yong ganitong programa”, said Cecilia Gascon’s goal for the Renz Pineda, BS Biology 3A who attended the said event. university. Meanwhile, Dr. Ciriago Garcia, Head of SEEK, ended the first day giving light to other banner projects supported by the SG’s Environmental Committee headed by Sarmiento CampusGovernor Edward Ramos.

With this, Gascon left a challenge to everyone who participated in the two-day event as she quote, “I am hoping starting today, everyone will be responsible for the betterment of our institution.”

ENVIROSMART. A seminar was conducted first ZWAMP to implement proper waste ethics in BulSU.Photos by Fionamae Abainza and Michael Locsin

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BulSUan secures spot as TOSP national nominee By Jennifer De Guia

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Bulacan State University (BulSU) was once again placed into limelight after John Roniel Canimo earned a title as one of the Regional Awardees (Region III) in the 2016 Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) held at the Officers’ Club, Clark Freeport Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga, May 30. Aiming to give honors to graduating students who do not only excel academically but also dedicate themselves in volunteerism and leadership, TOSP committee conducted an elimination process last May 26-30 in line with an awarding ceremony attended by the region’s top 20 finalists, seeking for 10 best students to represent the region with the Pusong Bayani concept in the National screening. “Being an outstanding student of this country requires passion and dedication to serve. Ang kailangan lang ay malaking puso sa bolunterismo. Kapag nagsisilbi ka sa ibang tao, nagiiwan ka rin ng bahagi ng pagkatao mo sa kanilaat that point, you are considered as outstanding,” shared Canimo a Journalism graduate and also former Features Editor of Pacesetter.

TEARS OF GLORY. John Roniel Canimo became very emotional as he accepts the award. Photo by TOSP

After the formation, Canimo will now serve as an official candidate to the National Search Pool. “‘Yong experience ko sa formation ay parang summary ng buong school life ko. Nando’n ako para i-assess ang sarili ko. It was superb. Ang sarap sa feeling na after those sleepless nights and cramming moments of being a studentleader, here I am, harvesting. It was all worth it,” he added. Meanwhile, Mr. Sherwin Paringas, Head of Student Organizations (HSO) expressed his gratefulness for the distinction Canimo brought for BulSU. “It’s an honor because he represented our university and the fact that he won is already a feed, success na ‘yon and hopefully, manalo [nationally]. It’s another privilege,” he stated. Canimo is also the second BulSUan given a chance to represent the region in the selection of National Awardees for the past nine years of the program.

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BulSUan wins big in UST PodCon 2016

By Russel Cyra Borlongan

Exposing untold stories during election period, Daniel Briongos, BAMC-4A from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) made his way to success as he bagged 2nd place for his radio documentary entry in the annual UST Podcast Convention, April 18-20. UST PodCon is an annual interschool competition hosted by the University of Santo Tomas, in partnership with Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), which calls for responsible radio broadcasting and podcasting with this year’s theme “Media Responsibility Amidst Election.”

FIRST IN HISTORY. For the first time a Law student reach the 10th spot in the anual Board Exam. Contributed Photo.

BulSU grad ranks tenth highest in 2015 Bar Exams

By Ronaldo Magsakay

Overtaking renowned law schools in the country, Atty. Ronel Buenaventura, graduate of Bachelor of Laws, proved that state universities can also produce top notchers as he secured the 10th place in the 2015 Bar Examinations announced by the Supreme Court, May 3. B u e n a v e n t u r a accumulated a score of 85.75 percent, far higher than the bracketed passing grade of 75 percent requirement. According to Atty. Nenita Dela Cruz-Tuazon, Dean of College of Law, this distinction earned by Buenaventura only justifies the changes they are

making to lift the standard of education the college offers. “First time [may nagtopnotch]. Apart from that, isang blessing pa. Before ang nakakapasa sa’tin dito sa College of Law ay apat o lima. Ngayon siyam. The students are now very much inspired and very much encouraged to continue the path na in-establish ni Atty. Buenaventura,” said Tuazon. Apart from Buenaventura, eight BulSU graduates also passed the said exam. Four of them are first timers while the latter half are repeaters. SC declared that the national passing rate in the year 2015 was 26.21 percent,

noticeably, much greater compared to 2014 Bar Exam passing rate which recorder a total of 18.82 percent. On the other hand, Buenaventura shared that he also struggled in answering some parts of the exam like Political and International Law and Remedial Law. Due to this, he gave words to his fellow BulSUans who wish to take the aforementioned exam in the future. “Para sa Law Students natin na magte-take ng Bar sa mga susunod na taon, ‘wag kayo bumitiw sa inyong mga pangarap. Isakripisyo niyo na ang anim na buwang review para makapasa kayo,” advised Buenaventura.

His documentary, ‘Sakripisyong de Bangka’ presented the struggles and sacrifices of public teachers amid election period as they bring all election paraphernalia’s using boat to set off in Pamarawan [an island in the City of Malolos, Bulacan]. “’Yong inspiration ko ay ‘yong organization ko, ‘yong MCSA (Mass Communication Students’ Association). Kasi ito ‘yong unang paglahok ng org namin sa Podcasting Conference sa UST. Kaya hiniling ko talaga na sana manalo kahit mag-3rd lang para ‘ka ko sa org, sa CAL at sa school dahil mga malalaking unibersidad at kolehiyo ang sumasali do’n,” shared Briongos. Briongos also shared how tough it was for him to do this documentary alone as his org-mates were busy with their thesis and doing other entries for different competitions. “Kaya nag-decide ako na ako na lang gagawa mag-isa. Nagpunta ako ng isla, gumawa ng script at nag-edit. So basically, from pre-prod to post-prod ako lang pero siyempre organization (MCSA) at BulSU ‘yong nirerepresent ko,” he added. Furthermore, he encouraged those who want to make their own documentaries to be observant and to find unusual yet worth-telling stories. “Documentary is not about how a person delivers a story. It is about the story itself. Ang dokumentaryo ay nagbubukas sa ating mga mata kung ano ba talaga ang nangyayari sa ating lipunan sa kasalukuyan,” Briongos ended.

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BulSU, SPI address social problems thru LeX Bulacan program By Enrico Miguel Maghinang

BREAKING BARRIERS. Twenty one students from Singapore cross academic barriers to resolve community based problems in Bulacan. Photo by Norberto Ramos

Embarking on a 14-days journey to empower lives, 25 students from Singapore Polytechnic International (SPI) along with their Bulacan State University (BulSU) student counterparts address real life problems through Learning Express (LeX) Bulacan program, March 27-April 9. Aside from providing knowledge beyond textbooks and deepening international friendship, one of the program’s core objectives is to extend social innovation to impoverish communities which are often forgotten by the society. “The most valuable lesson I’ve got from the LeX program is decision-making. In life, we will come to a point when our decisions will have the biggest impact. And whether our decisions are right or wrong what matters is we take a stand and we are committed to the decision we make,” shared Jhomel Kyle Vicente, BS EE student and one of the participants. LeX is a multi-national and multi-disciplinary program which challenges students to look deeper into the problems faced by the society with the use of Design Thinking Methodology wherein they undergo stages of Sense and Sensibility, Empathy, Ideation and Prototyping. Participants were also immersed into communities wherein they have to live with the residents for three days and experience firsthand their way The Board would like to extend its gratitude and congratulate the following graduates who kept the pace for the past years. Daniel Briongos John Roniel Canimo Jai De Guzman Ma. Maricar Contreras

of living. “During the program, we had to go out of our comfort zones. We ate food we don’t usually eat, gain unique friends, and do really crazy things. In a span of two weeks, we all get to be close friends and I can say that my experience in the program is life changing,” elaborated Jasmine Platon, Business Management student. Together with selected students from the College of Engineering, Business Administration and Nursing as well as participants from BulSU Hagonoy Campus, Singaporeans manifested their solutions to local issues through inventions and projects in different communities of the province particularly Malolos, Plaridel and Pulilan. LeX Bulacan is now on its second year of promoting diversity and social awareness in the international scale spearheaded by Engr. Nasher Jimenez and Engr. Erwin Magsakay from the College of Engineering. “Though we started as strangers with different views and opinion on things, we perceived what we think is the best solution in the end. Eventually this diversity became our major strength. After all, you can only make a rainbow with many different colors, likewise a team can only be made with many different personalities and strengths,” ended Alphaeus Ng, student participant from SPI. Donna Thea Beatrice Dela Rosa Rogielle Delos Santos Steffi Shannon Dy Arphie Gabriel Erika Mae Pabalan Julianne Siscar Mary Rose Zarate Padayon!

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Pacesetter Paraluman BulSUans boast creativity in SiBul and CineRep flicks By Dean Carlo Ventura and John Marc Cruz Bulacan State University (BulSU) students flaunted excellent skills in the field of multimedia arts after showcasing award winning amateur films despite inadequacy of resources at the Cine Republica (CineRep) and Sine Bulacan (SiBul) 2016, January 22 and February 19. IKID. Directed by Florez Screenshots from Ikid.

KARGADOR. Directed by Abelardo Maclang.

CineRep on its third year, as part of Vamos a Malolos, opened its gates to all filmmaking enthusiasts especially students from different colleges and universities. BulSUans stood out among the tough competition notching the best film award through “Kargador”. “Nagpapasalamat ako kasi ‘yong team na kasama ko noong Bituing Marikit [our first film] ay ‘yon din ‘yong mga kasama ko dito, talagang pinaghandaan namin kung ano ‘yong mga pagkakamali namin noon, binago at inayos namin sa Kargador kaya ayon nagbunga siya,” said Abelardo Maclang, director of the film. Landing in second is “Diskaril” while “Ikid” in the third spot where both production teams have BulSU students and alumni. Edelberto Laring, head organizer, was very thankful to the participants who contributed to the success of the event. “Naka-tatlong taon kami sa kabila ng maraming challenges and issues. Ang purpose nito ay para maging medium to

promote history, culture, social and environmental issues. Naniniwala kami na ‘yong multimedia lalo na yung visual arts ay makakatulong para i-advocate ang mga kabataan sa ganito,” he stressed. A month later, College of Arts and Letters (CAL) conducted its annual week which also highlighted SiBul, a local film festival of the college. Displaying, high grade cinematography while featuring obscuring Filipino native sports, BA Malikhaing Pagsulat production team bagged the best film award with “Pitik Bulag”. “Suntok sa buwan, ito ang aking pagtingin no’ng nagpapapasa pa lang kami ng konsepto sa Multimedia Division. Hindi forte ng MP ang teknikal na aspekto ng paggawa ng film, may takot ako, malaki. Pero ngayon, tingin ko ligtas na sabihin na hindi lang naman pala sa bagay na ‘yon umiikot ang filmmaking,” said Vergel Gabriel, director of “Pitik Bulag. Winners from both festivals received cash prizes, trophies and recognitions while Pitik Bulag got an invitation to Cinema Rehiyon III in Naga City. Also, unlike the previous years, viewers got to enjoy a more grandiose viewing experience in SM Marilao who co-presented the SiBul entries.

DISKARIL.Directed by Marvin Chavez.

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BULSUONE THRIVES. From left to right Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon, Aldrin Umali, Laurene Caparas, Jhapet Raymundo, Patricia De Guzman, Shairah Dimagiba, Joshua Garcia, Jayson Baquiano, and Dr. Romeo Inasoria. Photo by Norberto Ramos

BulSU One dominates SG Elections By Jaybee Bermudez and Ronaldo Magsakay After a landslide success against opponent Stand BulSU, Supreme Student Council (SSC) is now under BulSU One’s rule after Commission on Student Elections (CSE) announced their full-slate victory, February 29. v The Student Government (SG) is dominated by the yellow party as they also sealed 59 more seats in the Local Student Council (LSC) compared with Stand’s 38. “Una nagulat ako no’ng nalaman kong straight Bulsu One ‘yong nanalo, tapos naisip ko na dilaw na naman pala ‘yong nasa itaas ngayon. Masaya rin naman pero maganda sana if nahaluan ng Stand BulSU ‘yong SSC para may contrast,” expressed Rachelyn Pabines, BAJ-1A. On its fifth consecutive year, BulSU One again managed to elect the Student Head from their team as former Senator Aldrin Umali from College of Architecture and Fine Arts stood tall over Krizia Galvez from the more populous College of Education.

Umali prevailed with 11,535 against Galvez’s 6, 680 votes but shared that he has more battles to win after the election. “I was relieved kasi given na galing ako sa maliit na college sobrang threatened ako na kalabanin ‘yong isang estudyante na galing sa isang napakalaking college. And then no’ng manalo ako threatened pa rin ako dahil hindi komo full-slate ay magiging complacent na the whole year,” he admitted. Moreover, Laurene Caparas was reelected as the Vice President with a total of 11, 930 number of votes over Arjen Manlapig who garnered 6, 133 votes. All of Umali’s five senators seat with him with Patricia De Guzman in the top spot with 9, 595 votes, Shairah Dimagiba in second with 7,867, Joshua Garcia ranked third with 7, 005 while Jhapet Raymundo and Jayson Baquiano made it to the fourth and fifth slots with 6,774 and 6,147 votes respectively.

3rd Pandawan immortalizes Munsayac By Dean Carlo Ventura Living legend.

Center for Bulacan Studies (CBS) once again paid salute to an iconic Bulakenyo as it recognized Jose Rey “Ka Joey” Munsayac in the 3rd annual Pandawan at the College of Education (COEd) Library, March 12. After recognizing Jun Cruz Reyes and Marcelo H. Del Pilar, CBS made their third honorary to Munsayac of San Miguel, Bulacan – a nationalist, historian, activist, environment advocate and a writer. “Ang kumilala sa’kin ay ang academe, at bilang kilalanin nang gano’n ay nakakatuwa. Kasi sa PUP at UP iniisip ko ‘di kaya dahil nagturo ako roon o kakilala ko ‘yong mga propesor kaya ako kinilala, pero sa BSU, wala akong kakilala kaya tumaba ang puso ko n’ong malaman ko ‘yong tungkol dito [Pandawan 2016],” Munsayac stressed. Students from different colleges, on the other hand attended the program to witness the tribute for Ka Joey’s contributions. “Okay lang po sa’kin [to stand]. Nakakatuwa kasing magkaroon ng mga ganitong event, especially for the students for them to raise their awareness, realize and set their own exemplary that they might use in academics o sa iba pang aspect,” David James Michael Lim of BSGE 1-F stated. Speakers from different bodies also came up to discern Ka Joey’s excellence in writing and his impact to the field. Meanwhile, Dr. Fausto Hilario of CBS expressed his gratitude for the participants’ continuous support and looks forward to a grander program in the future. “Hindi ito isang sikat na proyekto katulad ng ibang mga programa na mayroong artista pero naniniwala ako na paunti-unti na dahil sa mga proyektong ito mapupukaw natin ang interes ng mga kabataan sa pagsusulat at pagmamahal sa kalikasan and I am looking forward for this event to be more influential and huger,” he ended.

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CAL Faculty cries over excessive taxation, withdraws membership from FAU By Russel Cyra Borlongan and Ronaldo Magsakay Due to over taxation and some other issues, more than 30 instructors from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) decided to pull out their membership from the Faculty Union (FAU), January 29. TRAVEL TIME ON! Tourism students are now allowed to have travel trips as commemorated by Dr. Cecilia Gascon. Photo by Fionamae Abainza

Gascon lifts travel ban for Tourism studes By Miguel Maghinang, John Moises Cruz After being denied for a year, Bulacan State University (BulSU) Tourism students rejoice as they were once again permitted to conduct subject-related trips outside the university as per President Cecilia Gascon’s blessing with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approval, February 2016. Labeled as Academic Tours, interested students should pass strict list of requirements made up of 17 documents such as medical, rotary, parental consent, insurance, and others before they can be allowed to join the trip. “I don’t want my students to be transactional but I want them to be transformational. Kasi ‘pag transactional ka, kaya mo lang ginagawa ‘yong bagay na ‘yon kasi may inaantay kang kapalit,” Professor Shane

Frias Velasco said on the true essence of field trips. Velasco, being one of the most eager personnel to bring back tours in the college stated that for accidents to be prevented students should not be forced to participate and made them realize that these activities are meant to expose them to locations and infrastructures related to their subjects and courses. “Well, hindi naman lahat sumama, like for example sa 50, may apat na ‘di sumama. Ganon talaga, we cannot please everybody. But what’s more important is hindi naging motivation ‘yong dahil ‘required’. At ito naaprubahan at pinayagan ng CHED. Pinaghandaan namin ito November 2015 at February naisakatuparan,” he furthered. In the recent tours, students visited North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) traffic

control room, Malacañang and the House of Representatives to gain awareness of the Philippine Constitution and the roles of the different sectors of the government. They rode the Philippine National Railway (PNR) and attended travel expos in SMX before going to the NAIA Terminal “The tour was actually good. A better start indeed after the tragedy. Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm na after a year bago pa man kami maka-graduate nakapag-tour ulit kami. Being a Tourism student naniniwala ako na ang tour ay hindi dapat mawala, considering na sa program namin tour is our laboratory. Maaring may nangyaring hindi maganda noon, pinag-aralan na ‘yon ng nasa mataas na hukuman, pero hindi pwedeng isarado sa lahat yong kaalamang dapat naming makuha,” imparted Patricia De Guzman, Tourism 3-A.

According to James Villafuerte, one of the said instructors, the Union that should protect the interests of its members is doing the opposite thus adding more burden to them as employees. “The idea about the withdrawal came as early as 2014 naka-draft na ‘yung letter although may mga naka-sign doon nagdecide ang grupo na i-defer ‘yon until this year na bumalik ulit ‘yong usapin. This time may panibagong signing at natuloy na ‘yong withdrawal,” he stated. He also clarified that it is not the taxes alone, he iterated that they disbranch from the Union because of its lack of concern for the labor force. Initially, 27 faculty instructors from CAL decided to withdraw their membership but the number of sympathizers that share the same sentiments has grown to over 30. Apparently, this notion has not reached FAU President Hermie Bautista yet but she said she will take a look at the issue closely. “Actually I don’t have any knowledge on what they [CAL Instructors] wanted and why did they withdraw their membership. Anyway the letter was addressed to the Execomm. And I was not able to discuss that to them yet, but maybe we’ll discuss that on the next board meeting,” concluded Bautista.

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Ecorangers plots new means to save Angat-Ipo Dam

MASTERMINDS. Ecorangers together with affiliate associations think new ways to save Ipo from being deforested. Photo by Jezreel Mariscotes By Ierah Keihl Jaochico and Ronaldo Magsakay Taking the lead. Devising new means to save Angat-Ipo Watershed, Bulacan State University (BulSU) Ecorangers spearheaded a joint forum with University of the Philippines (UP) Mountaineers and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at the College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP) AVR, March 10. Bannering the theme “From Sea to Ridges”, participants shared their insights on the Best Practices in Reforestation and State of Angat-Ipo Watershed that raise awareness with corresponding actions on protecting the unguarded dam from deforestation. “Seemingly ‘yong Angat may force protection do’n, while the unprotected is Ipo. So, we searched for Ipo. ‘Yon ‘yong idea,” said Fredrick Macale, Director and Founder of Ecorangers. Guest advocates shared the importance of this environmental discussion and revealed what drove them to

pursue their cause to restore the forest and the watershed. “Unang una para sa aming mga taga-Metro Manila, doon kasi galing ang tubig namin. Kapag hindi napangalagaan ‘yong watershed, tataas ‘yong filtration. Kapag tumaas, mas magiging mahal ang paglinis sa tubig kaya eventually, mahal ‘yong ibabayad namin para sa tubig,” shared Fredd Ochavo, UP Mountaineers member. Furthermore, legal actions were claimed to be executed by the DENR through the help of the “Bantay Gubat” financed by the government. In addition, they also promised to extend support on the mission of Ecorangers. Macale clarified that this forum is purely crowdfunded. He furthered that despite seeking support from university administration, still, their request was not granted. “Dapat tinutulungan nila ‘yong students sa mga projects pero we feel na sila pa ‘yung nagiging dahilan para bumagal ‘yong process. Baka sa pagiging overprotective nahahadlangan na nila ‘yong development. Due to that, honestly, we feel abused,” he expressed.

GADC rallies to promote women empowerment

By Patricia Ann Alvaro Congresswoman Ma. Victoria SyPledge for parity. Alvarado, who was represented To give birth for a whole new by her daughter Rosario Syrevolution against gender Alvarado-Mendoza, told her discrimination, Bulacan State audience that women play a vital University (BulSU) Gender and role in grooming a better nation. Development Center (GADC) “Katuwang ni Juan si Juana formally opened the National Women’s’ Month celebration sa katagumpayan ng sambayanan through “Juana Walk” within kaya hindi natin dapat isantabi university grounds, March 14. ang buwan na ito kasabay ng karapatan at pangangailangan With the theme, ng kababaihan,” she explained. “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda”, BulSU faculty and In the end, not only the students from different colleges women were touched by the participated in the said activity event’s advocacy but its success led by its first female president, is also shown through its impact Dr. Cecilia Gascon. in the opposite sex. “One month is actually not enough to celebrate women’s month. Here in the Philippines, we are so fortunate that the country strongly recognizes the value of women as seen in many leadership and government. This is the role of women’s month, to change women’s role into a better perspective,” Gascon pointed. After the walk, a back-toback seminar in the morning and afternoon was held in the Activity Center highlighting gender balance and women’s rights to leadership. Meanwhile, guest speaker

“Na-appreciate ko ‘yung kahalagahan ng mga kababaihan sa komunidad pati ‘yung role ng GADC sa BulSU. Sa panahon kasi ngayon nawawala na pagpapahalaga sa mga babae. Na-realize ko ang importance nila [kababaihan] na pantay nang sa’ming mga kalalakihan,” Joseph Andre Gaspar, BAJ 1-A stated. In line with the celebration, GADC also organized a break dance competition called “Break the Chain” on March 21 and a lecture on awareness about Human Immunodeficiency (HIV) Virus, March 22.

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Inscribing the ink of misconception on a prostituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journal By Ierah Keihl Jaochico Reflecting prism of lights bouncing to a dancing canvass, not laid on the floor but constantly moving to the beat with motion as she holds everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. On the floor is the preferred place when the sun starts to dissolve in the horizon, it is the time where she faces the stage with tantalizing fashion. Now she is about to open what has been forcedly zipped, it is her moment to sate her own craving for the thing that she has been deprived of -- freedom of expression.

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iyam na taon na ‘ko dito. Ito ang sumuporta sa paghinga namin ng anak ko,” said Olivia, not her real name, a night entertainer since 2007. All the way from Leyte to Bulacan, Olivia claimed to found the key behind the curtains of a room inside a place where women’s body is the bestselling product to somehow redeem her from the poverty to support her six year old son. “Nabuntis ako noon, ‘di ko alam kung saan kukuha nang pantustos, kaya pumayag ako nang may nag-alok sa’kin na pumasok dito,” she narrated with her eyes wandering back to reminiscent of her past life. Olivia reveals the initial stage of overwhelming fear towards the prey that she is obliged to tame each and every time since she lay foot on stage. As an aftermath, it almost brought her to the edge of being fantasized to the idea of resting in heaven.

Paraluman brought her to the quite familiar dimension of depression. “Depresyon ang kalaban ko no’ng una. Dumating sa punto na mas takot na ‘ko sa sarili ko kaysa sa mga hawak ng mga lalaki sa katawan ko. Tipong kahit maraming tao, tingin ko ako lang mag-isa sa mundo, pati bata sa sinapupunan ko, nakalimutan kong kasama ko,” Olivia uttered as she recalls the darkest state she’s been through. Yet the unexpected light has opened the eyes of the young Olivia and leads her to the threshold of belongingness. Her nostalgia towards a family is diverted to the second family she found in the company of her co-workers that transformed their place as entertainment bar at night and a warm home during the day. “Hindi ko namalayan, unti-unti nagagawa ko nang ngumiti, hindi sa dahilang kailangan, para magka-tip sa customer. Kundi gusto ko at ‘di ko mapigilan, kasi nakahanap ako ng pamilya at kakampi laban sa mga manghuhusga,” the girl stated when she finally grasped her reason to go on.

Negativity bias is indeed embedded in our society that has proved to be the main cause of throwing judgement against others, and that stigma has put to stop Olivia’s happiness and

Without any anticipation, Olivia left herself defenseless due to the safety she has been given by her new family. For that reason, she is found completely devastated when her family on the province gets wind of her source of income.

Depresyon ang kalaban ko no’ng una. Dumating sa punto na mas takot na ‘ko sa sarili ko kaysa sa mga hawak ng mga lalaki sa katawan ko.

“Akala ko okay na ‘ko. Pero gaano ka man pala katibay sa inaakala mo, kapag malapit sa puso mo ang nagmaliit sa’yo, mahirap pa ring magpakamanhid. Nang dahil do’n, tuluyan nang nawala ang totoong pamilya ko. Pero siguro napagod na rin akong maging mahina, kaya nanindigan na lang ako at ginawang motibasyon ang anak ko para maging matibay,” she verbalized the words with pained eyes. In essence of the temporary ups and constantly downs of her life, discrimination in the field of

prostitution has been purported to be a daily vitamin in order to nourish her shield for daily life. “Wala kaming kakayahang diktahan ang magiging pananaw nila sa’min o sa trabaho namin. Hindi ako pwedeng magpaapekto kasi mas mahal ko ang sarili at anak ko kaysa sa mga salita ng ibang tao,” Olivia said. In a span of 9 years, Olivia has obtained a working permit for the job where she spent almost one fourth of her life. Yet on the critical side, Melissa Farley, PhD, Founding Director of the Prostitution Research and Education, who wrote “Bad for the Body, Bad for the Heart” about Violence Against Women, tackled the pitfalls its legal permission. “Laws that justify legalization or decriminalization of prostitution to safeguard women’s health fail to address the psychological harm of prostitution,” Farley explained. She emphasized the gruesome tendency of acquiring PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) as she claims it to be normative among prostituted women. As well as the Disassociation that is unfortunately requirement for surviving prostitution. “The said disorder is characterized by anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, flashbacks, emotional numbing, and hyperalertness. Symptoms are more severe and long lasting when the stressor is of human design,” Farley added. Due to the fluctuating emotional condition of Olivia, she was asked about the occurrence of the symptoms when she was in the dragging moment of life, “Oo, natatandaan kong ilang beses kong naramdaman lahat ‘yan noon,” she confirmed. Meanwhile, the hurdles along her journey do not seem to cease. Olivia was finally

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introduced to the feeling that she often radiates -- temptation. Now, it bounced back at her. She met a man that made her felt love is just around the corner. “Nagsimula lang sa ‘yon sa text, hanggang sa nagkita at nasundan ng ilan pa. Una, trip lang kasi mahirap dito sa trabaho ko. Pero ‘di ko inasahang hahantong sa gano’n ang pagsasamahan namin,” Olivia shared the kick-start of her biggest obstacle yet. On the other hand, the man was completely clueless about the job of the woman he is investing his interest in. Olivia chose to keep the type of her job to her lover as she dreads the nagging consequences. Yet, as they said, this is a modern fairytale; happy endings are not the highlight of the story. Olivia came to the wisest decision she ever affirm to make in her whole life -letting go. “Ang pagtatapat ng totoo sa kanya ay parang pagtapos na rin ng lahat sa’min. Takot ako no’ng panahong ‘yon. Kasi siyempre, minahal mo ba rin ‘yong tao. Natakot ako at nagisip at the same time. No’n lang pumasok sa isip ko na habang nandito ako sa trabaho ko, hindi para sa akin ang paghahanap ng seryosong mamahalin. Magkakasakitan lang,” she declared while shadowing downcast with pride as a lining. No woman ever dreamed of having to use their body to fill-up their growling stomach. Olivia is clearly a victim, a prisoner of this society’s stigma. Yet she learned to gradually unlock the cage; used her wings to fly, slowly... but now, with certainty. Her story speaks for the unheard torments behind the living souls. And this is Olivia’s journal. “Dito, malaya ako. Pero siguro katiting pa lang ang alam ko. Ngunit sigurado ako sa isang bagay, may buhay sa labas nito at hindi panghabangbuhay ‘to,” Olivia ended.

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Runway Confessions Gape on the Next BulSU Fashionistas Miguel Maghinang and Danna Le-an Puato

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potlight on, runway models bring it on!

hallways of the school, people would think she’s a professional runway model but is actually a professor.

The crowd cheers as they eye their pick among the gorgeous line of models that are gracing the runway with their chic looks and to-die-for outfits and ensemble.

Under the influence of her stylish mother, Joyce Aggabao a professor from the College of Social Science and Philosophy continues to prove that even busy ladies can enjoy the spotlight while being comfortable.

Get ready for the runway of a lifetime folks because these models will blow your minds and make you head over heels with their captivating charms only here at BulSU Runway Fashion Show.

“My inspiration is my mom, kasi kahit pumapasok siya sa school or kahit sa ibang lugar siya pumunta, nakikita ko ‘yong sense of fashion niya and dahil doon nagagaya na rin ako,” she shared.

Introductory runway walk

Apart from her mom, foreign personalities like Jessie J and Demi Lovato also contribute a huge part to what she chooses for her daily OOTD (Outfit OF The Day).

For a woman fashion is important, you have to look good to be presentable every time you face the world. Dresses, high heels, and makeups are the usual starter pack for a lady. The first model walks in beauty, like the night of cloudless starry skies. Introducing, Angelica Corporal a seventeen-year old beauty studying to become an engineer and aims to prove that she has both brains and beauty. Her style is inspired by Cara Delevigne, in which channels a boyish yet stylish look. “Bihira ako magsuot ng pangbabae na look at sa tingin ko mas kilala ako ng tao sa boyish look ko, kumbaga ‘yon na ‘yong trademark fashion style ko,” Angelica said. As to why she prefers those types of clothes, Angelica says that it is something that is common to other people and is fresh to eyes when others would notice. On the other hand, the next model dances in the spotlight with her optimism, as she incorporates her good vibes through the clothes she wears from her everyday duties. Whenever she walks down the

These models have now shared their own stories and let us have a glimpse on their lives as one of the considered ‘celebrities’ in the campus. Wardrobe collections preview Now that we introduced our models, it’s now time for them to reveal their usual style and share it to the people out there for them to take a look at or inspire on, if possible. Angelica wears simple ensembles like tees, pants and sneakers for her to be comfortable with her total getup and be ready to conquer the whole day ahead of her with no discomfort at all. “Mas mahalaga kung saan ako mas komportable kasi kahit na ano man ang suot mo kapag kumportable ka kaya monng dalin yung sarili mo at makikita yung totoong personality mo”, she added. Her attires on her events are different from her normal style, however. From boyish look she transforms into a stunning woman, where she

wears glamorous gowns and dresses high heels and makeups since during events, she prefers to wear something fresh in everyone’s eyes. Meanwhile, Joyce’ fashion style is more of a chic laid back and sometimes sophisticated style that is not seen in most styles of professors in the university. “Ang usually kong sinusuot sa BulSU ay pants, blouse and flat shoes lang, kung minsan naman ay dress na pina-partner ko sa wedge shoes. Kumportable naman ako sa mga sinusuot ko sa BulSU, kasi mahirap din mag-focus sa pagtuturo kung ‘di ka comfortable sa suot mo or sa itsura mo,” Joyce shared. From the four corners of the classroom to the halls of the university, Professor Joyce Aggabao still makes sure to not confuse fashion and her comfort by following the prescribed dress code for government employees. “Dapat magpakita pa rin ng proper decorum at modesty, kasi may sinusunod na pamantayan na ibinaba ng Civil Service Commission (CSC) para sa mga government employees, mayroong dress code under RA 6713, CSC no. 14 and 25 series of 1991.” she said. Comfort in Style Before the models head to the stage once again to bid the audience goodbye with their last walk, they shared some sentiments with regards to their fashion style known to many in the campus. For Angelica, some clothes are not as comfortable as you see it on pictures and. Sometimes the comfort of a girl is sacrificed because of the style her clothes, some people call it “Tiis ganda” , that’s why for her, it is more important to be comfortable in what you are wearing. She mentioned that you

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can show your personality in your style, glam, boyish, sophisticated, etc. as long as you look good and feel good it is enough to show everyone what you’ve got. On the other hand, Professor Joyce Aggabao reminds everyone that you can’t always wear what you want when in the university, given the imposed dress code. The dress code describes that the appropriate attire for female government employees should be shirts and appropriate blouses, but is already more than enough for the stylish professor to create a twist in her outfits. Fashion is dressing up in style to look pleasant, simple as it may be but elegant to look at. Comfort in wearing a dress is important, but you don’t have to always be classy and sassy at work, what is important is how you project yourself while being comfortable with what you’re wearing.

Dapat magpakita pa rin ng proper decorum at modesty.

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Diary of a Nun Redirecting Path from The Chosen Calling By Jaybee Bermudez, John Moises Cruz, Patricia Morales

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rom millions down to the chosen ones the calling.

Decisions could be a matter of either a chance or a choice. Chance for those unexpected and sudden and choice for people who are willing and afraid to take the risks. Undoubtedly, the hardest thing to do is to decide ‘cause at the end of it is sacrifice - that could either make or break us. Tying the knot of an unbreakable bondage, look upon yourself. Reflect from the eyes to where you belong. Contemplate nothingness into peace. Embrace your difference as the world throw daggers within. Let your soul be drenched in an overwhelming freedom to where goodness is innate and purity is everlasting. The decision It was, is and will never be easy to take choices far from reality. The ones you never imagined or even aspired before. It just suddenly pops out in the corner of mind and soon the path one is taking. Ruela Mesa, 24 years old, is a perfect image of unpredictable change of heart leading her way to the doors of being a nun. She willingly accepted the challenge God has given her - to serve and spread eternal love to the world. According to her: “Ang pagmamadre ay hindi pinipilit. Mayroong tinatawag na calling na nararamdaman ng isang taong tinatawag ng Panginoon para magsilbi sa Kanya as a lay.” Being a nun often misinterpreted by other people. Shallow definitions without the understanding of values of heavenly love and conviction are planted in minds which tend to grow without the ability to bear fruits.

Paraluman Sacrifice is along the choice of being a nun. Worldly allurements and riches are left to meet the Lord’s sanctity. She obliged to understand the people more than she could in order to manifest His unfailing comprehension and forgiveness. “Kapag nagmadre ka, ginigive up mo ‘yong karamihan sa mga materyal na bagay na na-eenjoy ng mga tao na hindi naglay. Marami kang isasakripisyo. Kailangan mo rin unawain ang mga tao sa paligid mo nang higit pa. Kung naiintindihan mo na sila dati, kailangan mas lawakan mo pa ang pag-unawa. Ipapangako mo rin sa Panginoon ang sarili mo at pagsisilibihan mo Siya lagi sa abot ng iyong makakaya.” The responsibility Just like all the jobs in the world, a nun also has its responsibility to God and other people. It is a commitment in between the linkages of man to Him - a mediator of heaven and earth. As for Ruesa, she believes that her main purpose is to let others feel that they are worthy and with equal rights and opportunities, “As a nun, you should look at your fellow people equally. Whatever they’ve done, whatever mistake they’ve committed, hindi mo sila pwedeng husgahan dahil ang Panginoon lang ang may karapatang manghusga. Alam natin na bawat isa ay pwedeng magkamali,” she explained. She values the idea of forgiveness, for each of us is a sinner in the eyes of God. Just like a mother to her child, she tries to understand the crisis of life of other people without any prejudice and share to them the goodness of Him for inspiration and enlightenment. “As a nun, you should be open to help them [other people] by understanding them, parang ina sa kanyang mga anak. Bawat isa sa atin ay

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pantay sa mata ng Diyos kaya bawat isa ay may karapatang lumapit at magmahal. Hindi lang naman lay ang pwedeng magmahal,” she added. According to her, everyone deserves to be loved on who they are no matter what horrible things they did in the past. Love should not be biased - it should be equal and fair for all who want to love and want to be loved. The empowerment A nun reflects and embodies women’s faith. She represents the wholeness of femininity as to God’s image, just and acceptable. She’s a visual comparison of a loving and forgiving mother, sister or even a child. As for nun Ruesa, there are three important matters to empower women. “Unang-una prayer. The best words that we can learn in our life is acquired through prayer. Secondly, ‘yong pagiging humble, na kahit minsan may mga pagkakataon na hindi maiiwasan na magagalit na, na minsan umaangat ‘yong pride ng tao kaysa pag-intindi, ‘yong maging ugali sana ng mga kababaihan ‘yong manatiling humble. At ‘yong pinakahigit sa lahat ay ‘yong pagmamahal,” she elucidated. She upholds that love should be the center of every women’s decision. Judgments should be avoided and let understanding takes place. The world is imperfect and so are people so learn to appreciate others and respect them the way they should be. “May mga pagkakataon na may nagkukulang, at may hindi pagkakaunawaan, pero sana pagmamahal pa rin ang maghari para patuloy kang umunawa at patuloy mong mahalin ang iyong kapwa despite their mistakes,” Ruesa ended. The decisions we made define our purpose. And to Ruesa, the path she took is her calling for a better world.

Bawat isa sa atin ay pantay sa mata ng Diyos kaya bawat isa ay may karapatang lumapit at magmahal. Hindi lang naman lay ang pwedeng magmahal.

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Switching on the bulb of a Mother with a thousand children By Patricia Ann Alvaro and John Marc Cruz

Metaphorically, she brings light to every woman in town. To others, strong leadership may only be accomplished by men but not for the 68-year old Chairperson of Panlalawigang Komisyon ng Kababaihan ng Bulacan (PKKB), Dr. Eva Medina-Fajardo. With her wit, exceptional skills in

communication and passion to enforce womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right, Dr. Eva has been almost two decades in the service since former Governor Obet Pagdangan led the province. Since 1994, PKKB is a quasigovernmental, which means an office hold by the government but run by the non-government officials and

aims to create policies under the empowerment of women all through the Province of Bulacan. Women serve as their children and Dr. Eva has been their longtime mother ever since. All over the Philippines, PKKB is the first provincial commission created. Through this, nearby provinces like Baguio and Quezon were inspired and organized a commission ensuring the rights

and equality of women. Serving as an umbrella organization of more than 300 women government office and non-government organizations (NGO) in all over the province, PKKB established by 11 women commissioners and 1 chairperson through Executive Order No. 96-07 and Board Resolution No.

Pacesetter 215 conceptualized by former Governor Pagdanganan and continuously reinforced by former governor as well Josielyn Mendoza and today, Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado. Like what mothers usually do, aside from guarding and protecting every woman’s right, Dr. Eva and the rest of the commissioner of PKKB are moving around, assigned to different districts of Bulacan to attend and come up to the full welfare of every women. Doing what they can in their power just to protect their children. “PKKB would like to see that women are benefiting and participating in social development, business, environment, politics and all,” Dr. Eva said.

It is all because we would like to acknowledge women shines in different aspects like in business , environment and overseas.

Paraluman Before, Dr. Eva has become the Chairperson in PKKB, she holds Committee on Family Relations and touching spirituality for two years. Because Dr. Eva is also a pastor, it became not just an obligation to the committee where she is in but more importantly it became a lifetime call, a work where God wants to be used exceptionally. Year 1996, Dr. Eva’s hardships as a mother to her children have paid off, where she became the chairperson of policies, projects encapsulated by different awards and achievements were dominated by PKKB in the lead of Dr. Eva. Enhancing the skills and pushing back the potentials of the Commission and its members, she joined NGO World Forums for Women like in Beijing, China, the commission has been recognized by the Office of the Malacañang as the one of the most Gender Sensitive Government and awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Local Government Unit (LGU) Programs in the Philippines. “I think, up to now, we are only province who have completed the organization of Local Council for Women because we aimed of this Konsehong Pambayan o Panlungsod para sa Kababaihan ng Bulacan o KPK na sa buong Pilipinas, tayo ang nakapagorganize nito. Because of that, the other women’s organizations in the Philippines were asking how we do that in the province.” Dr. Eva added. Mothers are dedicated individuals indeed, even with a tight schedule, Dr. Eva who is also the senior pastor of More Than Conquerors Fellowship (MTCF) Church, founding Directress of Clarion School Incorporated and Chairman of Malolos Water District, she never failed to participate on the celebration of women empowerment internationally. PKKB initiates the Province of Bulacan to intensify March as a Women’s Month. Mothers would have to think of something to let their children

be known and regarded as significant. Every second Monday of March is a Bulacan Women’s Day exclusively for the province compressing their events like awarding of the Gawad Medalyang Guinto every year in accordance to Proclamation No. 224 and 227 of PKKB. “It is all because we would like to acknowledge women shines in different aspects like in business, environment and even overseas. It is to encourage and challenge all the women of Bulacan that we could do something more than the usual,” she expressed. Furthermore, according to her, PKKB built the Medalyang Ginto Award and was the highest honor that can be given to any women or women’s organization all over the province Despite retiring age, Dr. Eva didn’t stop but pursue more in PKKB. With her help, the commission advocated in creating a focal point system in LGU composing teams from different gender sensitive head of the departments of the Capitol. She is a mother that never stopped despite the years seemingly trying to get a hold of her. “It is like a team working for the Gender and Development (GAD) plan and budget. We enforce na dapat mag-allot ang bawat LGU at least 10% of their general budget assisted by the Commission on Audit (COA) in implementing the focal point system,” she insisted. Generally, PKKB intensified in the whole province different constitutional rights and laws protecting the women in all ways such as Republic Act 7877 or the AntiSexual Harassment Act of 1995. Dr. Eva did what she could like how a mother would do if her child is in such danger. According to her, sexual harassment cases from campuses came at their office in such ways like “Quatro o Kwart”, green jokes inside that classrooms pertaining to a specific student. Dr. Eva even cited a case from Bulacan State

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University (BulSU) where a female student complaint, she was sexually harassed by a professor. “[The action did about the harassment on BulSU] I personally went to BSU and I told the professor that something is happening here. They called for the Commission on Decorum and Investigation (CODI) and hold the issue.” As to Dr. Eva, being a concerned mother, CODIs should be the one protecting men and women from any university, community or group of people that should never be gendered but should be acquainted regarding gender issues which being scientifically and psychologically sensitive. Dr. Eva in the 20 years of serving the commission that focuses on women has been an effective leader and women’s right advocate not only empowering but inspiring and engaging women to another level of impacting the society both in local and national. Motivated by so much passion and care for women, she has become more than just a chairperson but a mother to many while moving around in schools, barangays and offices changing atmosphere while creating transformation and vivid colors of triumph and dreams. “PKKB brings me around. It has been my access to society. I can go to different places; they accept me as a leader and speak about transformation. I enjoyed the work because I talked to people. I talked to couples para ‘yong mga anak nila maayos. It is all because of one thing, I have a dream. I want to see an arising mighty generation in the land,” Dr. Eva ended. Being a senior pastor, a lola to eight grandchildren, a mother of three, a chairperson, and an advocate of change and equal rights to women at one time is never an easy job. Still, Dr. Eva proved that it only takes one heart willing to serve a province regardless of fame and money, only with a dream. She is a mother that seeks only the happiness of her children and nothing else more.

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Ang kasaysayan sa mata ni Lola Matea ni Evelyn Cruz at Jennifer De Guia

Lilipas ang panahon, malilimutan ang ilang panaw na sandali, kakaripas ang mga alaala palayo sa memorya ng mga pantas, ngunit hindi mababago ang historya.

Nakaukit na sa kanyang kulubot na balat ang bawat pangyayaring naganap bago pa man magsimula ang Komonwelt at demokratikong republika sa bansang dinaanan na rin ng maraming administrasyon. Masasalamin sa kanyang namumuting buhok ang kahirapan at kasarinlang inangkin ng Pilipinas mula sa mga mananakop. Siya si Matea Bagay, isang Bulakenyang saksi sa pagpapalit ng henerasyon

at pagbabago ng pulso ng bawat Pilipino. Ipinananganak sa Bulacan at dito na rin lumaki, naninirahan ngayon sa Cupang, Pandi si Lola Matea. Siya ang itinuturing na pinakamatandang babae na nanunuluyan sa Bulacan sa edad niyang 107. Sa kadahilanang hindi na nakakarinig ang matanda, minabuti ng Pacesetter na ang kanyang anak na si Natalia

Matea na lamang ang magbahagi ng kwento ng kanyang ina na nagpasalin-salin na rin sa kanilang angkan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hindi siya nakapag-aral dahil noong panahon na iyon ay wala pa ring naitatayong paaralan sa lugar namin. Noon namang dumating ang panahon na may naitayo na, napakalayo naman nito sa baryo kaya sabi niya [lola Matea] pinili nalang niya na hindi na mag-

aral para hindi na rin mahirapan ang mga magulang niyaâ&#x20AC;?, kwento ni Natalia nang maitanong kung ano ang natapos na kurso ng kaniyang ina. Madalas sabihin sa atin ng ating mga magulang na wala silang maipapamanang kayamanan sa kanilang mga anak kung hindi ang pagbibigay dito ng magandang edukasyon. Sa pahayag na ito ng anak ni lola Matea masasabing

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Paraluman marami talaga ang napagkaitan ng pribelehiyo na makatuntong sa paaralan. Dito nagmitsa ang pagnanais ng mga matatanda na makaranas ng edukasyon ang bawat kabataan dito sa Pilipinas. “ Lagi niyang kinuk’wento sa’min na noong panahon niya, imbis na naglalaro ang mga bata sa labas o pumapasok sa eskwela, mas pinipili nilang manatili sa bahay dahil din sa takot- kasi anytime may mga putok ng baril, may mga nagiiyakan, nakakatakot daw talaga.” Taong 1909 nang isilang si Matea. Sa panahong ito ay nakagisnan niyang sakal parin ng mga dayuhan ang kalayaan ng bansa. Sapagkat tangan na ng Estados Unidos ang karapatan ng mga Pilipino sa taong 1898, nasaksihan na ni lola ang hirap ng tulad niyang babae sa kanyang pagdadalaga. “ Kinukwento niya sa’min no’n, mga babae ang kadalasang pinupuntirya ng mga dayuhan. Marami siyang kakilala at mga kaibigan na napagsamantalahan at hindi na natagpuan, lalo na noong panahon ng Hapon. Mas naging mabigat ang kalbaryo nila no’ng panahon na ‘yon dahil naaabuso ang mga kababaihan noon,” pagpapatuloy ni Natalia. Noon pa man ay hindi na pantay ang pagtingin sa mga kababaihan. Madalas na ang mga Maria ang ginagawang aliwan ng mga opisyal man o kawal ng pamahalaan. Lagi kang agrabyado sa karapatan kapag ipinanganak kang babae. Ngunit sa pagtatapos ng mahabang panahon na pangaalipin ng mga hapon sa bansa, nakatagpo si Lola Matea ng lalaking magpaparamdam sa kanya ng tunay na kahulugan ng pagkababae. “ Nasa edad 30 siguro nang magkakilala si Ama at Ina. Ang ligawan daw noon ay sobrang higpit saka maraming proseso talaga tulad ng pupunta ang binata sa bahay ng dalaga, pagsisilbihan nito ang mga magulang, mang-iigib, magsisibak ng kahoy. Hindi tulad ngayon na sa cellphone nalang nagkakasagutan ang mga magkakarelasyon at kung sa’n saan nalang nagde-date,” pahayag ni Natalia. Dagdag pa nito, iba pa rin daw kung sa bahay nililigawan ang babae. Mas pormal at mas may paggalang ang manliligaw sa mga magulang ng babae at pati na rin sa puso nito. Masasabing malinis talaga

ang adhikain ng isang manliligaw kung harapan niyang ipapakita at ipapakilala ang sarili sa mga taong malapit sa puso ng kaniyang nililigawan. “Istrikto kasi ang mga magulang noon, lalo na ang mga tatay. Kaya nacha-challenge talaga ang mga manliligaw. Isa pa, ang mga kababaihan naman noon ay sobrang konserbatibo. Mahahaba ang mga palda at mga kasuotan, halos walang balat na ipinapakita, kasi ayaw din nilang mapagsamantalahan ng mga dayuhan kaya gano’n.”

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nakatulala.” Gayonpaman, ipinagmamalaki ni Natalia na malusog parin ang kanyang ina sa kabila ng katandaan nito. Ang susi raw sa maayos pang pangangatawan ng matanda ay ang maayos na pagkain nito at sapat na pagtulog. “Ang paborito niyang kainin ay isda at mga gulay. Hindi rin siya kumakain ng karne, ‘yon ang sikreto niya kaya malakas pa rin siya hanggang ngayon at walang sakit,” pagbabahagi pa ni Natalia.

Saad din ni Natalia na noong panahon ng Hapon, ang mga babae ay walang magagawa kung gusto silang gawing mga parausan at alipin ng mga sundalong Hapon kung kaya naman takot silang makipagmabutihan sa kalalakihan at iniiwasang lumabas ng kanilang mga bahay.

Mahilig ding magtanim si lola Matea noong kaya pa ng katawan nitong mag-alaga at magdilig ng mga halaman nila sa bakuran. Hanggang ngayon naman ay may mga tanim pa rin silang bulaklak na hilig daw pagmasdan ni lola Matea tuwing ito ay nauupo sa labas at nagmumunimuni.

Natapos ang mga pananakop, nagdaan ang maraming administrasyon hanggang sa bumagsak ang bansa sa mga kamay ng diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos- sa panahong ito, mas naging masalimuot ang bawat araw ng pamilya ni lola Matea sa ilalim ng Batas-Militar.

Huling pahayag pa ng anak ni lola Matea: “Siguro kung ang ina ang kausap niyo ngayon, sasabihin niya sa lahat ng kababaihan na alagan nito ang kanilang mga sarili at kumain ng tama para kung darating ang panahon na magkaka-anak na sila, maaalagan nilang mabuti ang kanilang mga anak gaya ng pagaalaga niya sa amin.” *** Hindi man narinig ng aming grupo ang tinig ni lola Matea, ang masilayan at mahawakan ang pinakamatandang babae sa Bulacan ay itinuturing na naming pagsalat sa kasaysayang nililimot na ng modernisasyon. Ang malaman ang kaniyang kwento mula sa bibig mismo ng isa sa mga bunga ng kanilang pagmamahalan ng kaniyang namayapang asawa na si Eusebio Bagay, ay tinatanaw naming isang karanasang hindi matutumbasan ng anomang halaga.

“ Kabi-kabila ang putok ng baril, magulo ang bawat gabi, noong mga panahong iyon, sabi ni Ina, parang wala kang karapatang mangarap. Isang tao lang ang may hawak ng lahat, si Marcos lang daw ang nagpapaikot ng mga araw. Nabalot daw ng takot ang bawat sandali,” pagsasalarawan ni Natalia. Sa dalawampung-taong paghahari ni Marcos, dalawampungtaon ding nawalan ng boses ang sambayanan. Naranasan ni Matea na matakot sa bawat kaluskos at magdasal para sa pagdating ng bukas. Hindi nawalan ng pag-asa ang matanda hanggang magtapos ang rehimeng-Marcos noong 1986 at mamayagpag ang kalayaan sa pangunguna ni Pangulong Corazon Aquino. “ Hindi na gaanong nagkuk’wento ngayon si Ina pero natatandaan parin namin ang mga k’wento niya noon pa man kasi gusto raw niyang maipamana ang istorya ng mga karanasan niya na parte na rin ng kasaysayan. Madalang na ring magsalita at matipid na rin siyang kumilos. Kadalasan maaabutan mo lang na nakaupo siya d’yan sa may harapan ng bahay namin at

Nadatnan namin si lola Matea sa labas ng bahay habang nakaupo sa silya at nakatanaw sa paligid. Magkadaop ang kanyang mga palad, nangungusap ang malamlam na mga mata at ang kaniyang tindig ay sumisimbilo sa kung paano niya kinaya ang pait ng buhay sa iba’t ibang panahon. Si lola Matea, buong pusong ginugol ang mga taon sa pag-aaruga sa kaniyang mga bunga. Hinubog siya ng sentenaryo upang maukit ang kasaysayan sa kanyang mga mata. Si lola Matea at ang istorya niya- parte ng bawat kwento ng kababaihan sa mundo.

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By Russel Cyra Borlongan

Researchers: Carl Angelo Espiritu, Kevin Facun and Maricar Contreras Photos by: John Roniel Canimo Having a buddy to travel with you is always exciting but having someone to compete with you in an adventure is not only challenging but also worth trying. Rummaging the depths of Angat and Norzagaray in Bulacan, these two travelers were not just bound to feed their wanderlust but were also up for some twist in making their trip worth remembering. Our first challenger, Eruel Geronimo, thought that this challenge will go beyond his expectations, “Ito siguro ‘yong susukat kung hanggang saan at kung hanggang ano ang kaya kong ibigay para sa isang buong araw na non-stop and all-out adventure. I’m excited.” Before accepting the challenge, Eruel anticipated that he would be rivaled with someone having the same built like him but instead he was about to be competed with a confidently beautiful lady, Ara Andus. “Inaasahan ko na magkakaroon kami ng

magandang laban dahil nga sa magkaiba kami ng kasarian at inaasahan ko na mage-enjoy talaga ko sa task namin na ‘to,” Ara said. They started the trip at [time], exploring first the magnificent caves of Pinagrealan in Brgy. Bigte, Norzagaray which is not only a mere tourist destination but also a historical place for it was once a hiding place of the Katipuneros including Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo during the Hispanic era. As they dip themselves inside the cave, marvelous rock formations astonished the two but if someone failed to bring a lamp there, he will miss those wonders because it was really dark inside. Eruel shared that it was his first time to penetrate a cave almost 300 meters away from its entrance but how he felt was worth the risk.

“’Yong tunog na lang talaga ng hininga at pagpatak ng tubig ang maririnig mo. All was in their absolute calmness and darkness,” he said and recounted that he also felt something eerie as they continued. “May mga anino

akong nakikita sa peripheral vision ko following me both sides I think they were the guardians of the cave protecting us.” Eruel warned those who want to visit the cave to be extra careful because half of their

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Paraluman bodies were immersed in the water inside making it hard to see where their feet will land as they step forward. “Madulas ‘yong bato na tinatapakan at kinakapitan. Malaki ang tendency na kapag nagkamali ka ng tapak at kapit, babagsak ka, sharp pa naman ang edges ng mga bato,” he narrated adding that his height also gave him a hard time avoiding the rock formations ahead. “Actually, kung wala akong helmet, ang dami kong bukol. Five times akong nauntog.” Like Eruel, Ara also experienced struggles while excavating the caves beauty. “May monthly period kasi ko no’n kaya parang napaisip ako kung lulusong ako o hindi pero s’yempre bawal umayaw kaya ginawa ko.” She also mentioned that there were some parts of the cave that were hard to get through but it didn’t discouraged her. “First time ko kasing

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pumasok sa sa kuweba kaya excited ako. Sa TV ko lang kasi sya nakikita dati pero sa araw na ‘yon na-experience kong pumasok. Masaya. Na-enjoy ko at masasabi kong uulit-ulitin ko pa ‘yon.” Meanwhile, both of them gave a positive remark about each other’s determination to explore the cave despite their aforementioned difficulties. She enjoyed every single moment. “Nakangiti lang s’ya kahit komplikado na,” Eruel said. “Nahirapan lang si Ands humanap ng makakapitang bato kaya may mga times na inaaalalayan ko s’ya. Nadulas din s’ya twice siguro pero nakaya naman.” On the oher hand, Ara said she never saw any fear with her rival. “Nage-enjoy din s’ya katulad ko ng nasa loob kami. Competitive s’ya dahil lagi n’ya kong tinatanong kung suko na ba ko at kaya ko pa, tinatawanan ko lang s’ya.”

With just a Php20 entrance fee, Pinagrealan Cave will surely give you a priceless experience. After exploring what’s inside the Earth, the two adventurers’ next stop was to enjoy the creations of nature on the Hill Top, a trekking site located in Angat which gave them a mesmerizing Angat Dam view. This could offer anyone a refreshing ambience that will soothe their soul brought by the relaxing cool breeze that circumnavigates the place, making it known as the Little Baguio of Bulacan. Ara said that before reaching the prize, tourists must be able to surpass the difficulties while climbing the hill. “Mahirap ‘yung papaakyat kami. Nakakahingal at nakakapagod,” she said. “Masakit din sa balat yung sinag ng araw, isa yon sa mga nakapagpanirap sakin.” Hill Top is a part of the Cordillera Mountain

Bulacan

Norzagaray

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range surrounding the Angat Watershed Forest Reserve which supplies power and irrigation in most parts of Luzon and is said to be the largest dam in the country. The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) residence can also be seen on Hilltop. It was around 2pm when they started the trek and they admitted that the climb wasnt easy because of the exhausting heat. “We had three water breaks talagang matarik ang daan. Every step must be intact because just like snake and ladder game, isang maling galaw at gugulong ka pabalik to your starting point,” Eruel pointed. Despite those challenges, the two has proven that there is no other way than up. Though they were set to outsmart each other on the journey, they managed to have a friendly competition by lending a hand to each other in times of need. “Actually, nagtutulungan kaming dalawa. Minsan tinatanong ko s’ya kung okay lang s’ya at kung kaya pa n’ya. Nagtutulungan kami kapag may madudulas na at kailangan ng makakapitan,” Ara said. On the other hand, the male competitor encouraged aspiring trekkers on Hilltop to keep their eyes on the prize. “Nonetheless, mawawala naman ang pagod when you finally

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reach the reason for your climb: the magnificent scenery up there.” From navigating the depths below to climbing the way up high, these travelers were now in their route to finish the course but they were not willing to end the journey by simply packing their bags to go home. Getting down the hill was thrilling itself so Eruel advised that trekkers should be in control because of its slippery slope. Ara also shared her struggles while doing so, “Dahil pagod na kami sa paglalakad parang tinutulak na ko ng katawan ko sa bundok para gumulong na lang papuntang Bitbit River pero s’yempre hindi naman pwede ‘yon kaya dahandahan lang dapat.” Like how they pursued going up to see the majestic view on top, their efforts to reach the finish line has also been rewarded as the magnificent scenery at Bitbit River welcomed them surrounded by big chunks of rocks and lined with the famous Bitbit bridge of Norzagaray. This site is open for camping and swimming. “Pero dahil tanaw na ang finish line from our position, struggle turns into motivation. And I did it. I finally meet the breathtaking Bitbit River,”

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claimed Eruel. It seems that the delightful experience made our two voyagers forgot that their journey was a challenge between them. More than outwitting each other, Eruel and Ara realized some things during the game. “[I learned] To appreciate other’s worth. At the end of the day, wala namang magtatanong kung nakaya n’yo ba, kundi kung na-enjoy n’yo ba. And we enjoyed it. To travel to is to enjoy,” exclaimed the gentleman. For Ara, the challenge proved that women also have the stamina to overcome those tough situations that most people think that only men can do.

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“Nagkataon lang siguro na mas malaki ang pangangatawan nila samin at may dagdag na lakas pero sa liksi naman at galing ‘di kami nagpapahuli,” the lady explained but she further reiterated that she won the game. “Pagkatapos ng task samin at papauwi na kami nakita ko sya’ng tulog na sa jeep at ako gising na gising pa hanggang makauwi kaya para sakin ako ang nagwagi sa task na ‘to,” she boasted. The two has shown us that the best way to get to where you want to go is by taking cautious steps at a time partnered with someone who could help you even the path isn’t a safe straight line.

Experience nature and unravel the hidden riches of Bulacan. From Malolos, ride a jeepney heading to Bocaue, From Bocaue ride another jeepney to Angat, From Angat Proper, rent a tricycle to Pinagrealan Cave. Pass Angat Dam as you make your way to Hilltop. Finally, reinvigorate yourselves from the tiresome trip as you take a splash in Bitbit River.

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Testimony of a woman along the old road of faith By Russel Cyra Borlongan

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Pacesetter n most of history book pages, women’s roles in wars were to nurse wounded soldiers, take care of children left at home, and make food for the refugees but there are stories untold of their valor and bravery enough to hail them as heroes but still, most of them are not recognized.

Soldiers wear their best armors when they go to war but this warrior is clothed not with a breastplate but with a long dress, not with combat shoes but slippers to protect her feet, and hair tied up in a bun instead of a helmet. Meet Cecilia ‘Inang Celing’ Gonzales from Hagonoy, Bulacan, born in 1934, during the Japanese Occupation. Having born in the era of World War II, Inang Celing’s young eyes already witnessed so much cruelty. “Namulat ako sa giyera anim na taon pa lang ako. Nakita ko pa ‘yong sa Capas nanggaling ‘yong mga tao, ‘yong kung tawagin eh Death March na kapag nabuwal e sinasaksak na ng bayoneta, pinapatay na. Nasaksihan ko ‘yon,” she recounted. “Naranasan kong magtago sa balon, sa hinukay na lupa kapag sinabi na nandya’n na ‘yong mga Hapon.” The 82 year-old grandmother also recounted that they felt their lives were always threatened and they couldn’t sleep soundly at night for fear that anytime, the Japanese soldiers might came to abduct them or kill them. “Nasa bukid kami noon, hinahabol ng mga Hapon ‘yong mga HukBaLaHap, tapos pinadadapa nila kami para ‘di kami matamaan kasi nagbabarilan sila,” said Inang Celing. Although it was hard for them to live peacefully, Inang Celing and her family was a bit secured than the others for her father is a ‘tinyente’ or lieutenant del barrio at that time, who gave them advanced instructions to save their lives. She also remembered how her neighbors were sunken to poverty, having merely banana shoots for food but she was grateful that her grandfather’s firewood business flourished that time that’s why they didn’t starve. There was also an opportunity to study high school but Inang Celing chose to stop

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schooling. “Umuwi ako no’n, first year high school, no’ng tine-test kami no’n sa Literature, English at Math, ‘di ako makasagot,” she confessed. “Sabi ko ‘Amang, ayoko na. Sayang lang ‘yong pera na pinampapaaral mo sa’kin. Mananahi na lang ako.’ Sinabi ko ‘yon sa amang ko, mainam na ‘yong nagtatapat.” Fortunately, her father listened to her.

At the age of 15, young Cecilia bravely went to Manila to conquer the world of labor as a dressmaker and after three years, she brought home some bacon and built her own dress shop in their house earning enough money to buy their needs. “Dalaga ako pero nakakabili ako ng sala set, eskaparate, tsaka katre na yari sa yantok,” said Inang Celing. “Sixtyfive pesos kinikita ko sa isang linggo. Mura kasi lahat ng bilihin noon. Wala nang ‘yong giyera noon.” Anyone might say that Inang Celing surpassed the first battles she went through without incurring so much pain and wounds but the hardest obstacles came when she started building her own army – her family. “No’ng nag-asawa kami ng Amang, wala kaming pambili ng kape sa umaga. Hindi rin kasi malakas ang katawan niya. May pinagtsutuperan siya noon, Ninong namin, kaso namatay [Ninong]” she recalled. “Alas dos na kami kung kumain ng panghalian kasi wala siyang trabaho. ‘Pag ako e pumupunta sa pinsan ko at makakahingi kami ng 25centavos, ibibili ko ‘yon ng tinapay sa tindahan, 6 na piraso, karyoka ang tawa do’n, tig-iisa sila [her children].” With teary eyes, she narrates the downfalls and sufferings that her family encountered especially in their finances but she was thankful that she raised up her soldiers well to understand their situation, “’Pag sinabi ng anak ko na ‘Inang ‘pe,’ kape daw, ‘wala kako anak e.’ Tumutulo na’ yong luha ko noon,” said Inang. “‘Pag sinabi kong wala, tatahimik na lang siya ‘di katulad ng ibang bata riyan na ‘pag hindi naibili ng gusto e ngangawa na.” Despite those trials, she tried to be the best wife and mother she could be, as how women embraced their women duties based on Filipino customs during those times, “Hindi kami katulad ng mga babae ngayon na wala na ngang makain nagsusugal pa, umuupo sa Binggo-han o

nagma-Mahjong,” she mentioned. “Bagamat may iilan nang ganoon noong panahon namin, taong bahay lang kami noon, naglalaba, nagluluto, nag-aalaga ng mga anak.” Her family’s sufferings were brought to an end when she acquired her greatest armor. “Noong 1987, tinanggap ko ang Panginoon sa buhay ko, at binago niya ang buhay ko simula noon.” She also shared how miraculously the Lord prepared her first before receiving promotion. “Kung Siya ay nakilala ko na noong 1986, wala naman kaming ipapatotoo sa tao tungkol sa pagpapala Niya. Sasabihin ba naming wala kaming makain? Kaya kapag ako ay nanalangin, sinasabi ko, kaya pala binago muna Niya ‘yong buhay namin kasi gagamitin Niya kami sa paglilingkod,” she said. “Dati wala kaming palabigasan, ngayon nakakabili kami ng isang kabang bigas. Dati asin lang ang ulam, ngayon lahat meron kaming gamit.” Since then, she vowed to serve the Lord sharing the word of God with everyone she meets – relatives, neighbors, even strangers. The lives of her three children manifests the blood and sweat that Inang Celing has offered since all of them are now having a joyful and blessed spiritual lives with their own families, serving well in the ministries they have chosen which proved that Inang has been a good and faithful servant and conqueror at the same time. Inang Celing’s unwavering belief and submission to God became her foundation to build harmonious relationship inside her family which became an instrument to influence many people to fight the good fight of

Yong babae noon puro kasimplehan at sa buhay talaga nililigawan.

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faith like what she did. Because of that, people consider her as their mother in faith, calling her their ‘Inang.’ She also happened to share her testimonies in Japan which ironically, the home of those people whom she used to hide before. She also mentioned her secret to a happy relationship with his husband who is peacefully resting now, “Hindi naman ako magmamainam na hindi kami nagkaroon ng problemang mag-asawa, nagkakaroon din pero hindi kami nag-uusap ng masasakit na salita at hindi ko siya sinusumbatan noon na kesyo wala siyang trabaho, hindi niya narinig sa’kin ‘yon.” Cecilia Gonzales left a simple advice to women and wives, “‘Yong babae noon puro kasimplehan at sa bahay talaga nililigawan,” she uttered. “Sabi rin sa Biblia, ang mga babae dapat magpasakop sa kanilang mga asawa dahil sila ang lider ng tahanan, ngayon kasi ‘yong ibang mga babae mas matapang sa mga lalaki.” Inang hopes her story will be an inspiration especially to those women who are about to lay they arms down and if all women will acquire the weapons of faith and submission to God, she believes they will also surpass decades of storms and trials like her. “Kailangan nila ng pagsunod dahil kapag iyan ang pumasok sa isip mo, pagpapalain ka ng Diyos, bibigyan ka Niya ng katagumpayan at hindi Siya sinungaling gaya ng mga tao,” she ended. The way women have fought their battles yesterday might not be the same as how women will face their struggles today but let not the time of their lives fighting dragons be just written just in books but in the heart of everyone – maybe not with their names but with their sacrifices that made a mark in the generation they have lived. There’s always a warrior inside every daughter, wife and mother – in the soul of every women. Through winning or losing, one thing is always sure – they have fought and will always fight a good fight. Long live, women!

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Press Meets Pres A Fast Talk with the BulSUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Lady Pres

By Tricia Marie Cubillas and Alixandrei Alincastre

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he is more than what meets the eye.

She was the last woman standing against three other candidates. A woman who entered a battlefield all new to her while the others know it all too well. Even so, she conquered and was hailed as the first-ever woman president of Bulacan State University. Keeping calm, staying composed, and making history. A façade, an impression she left to most people. But she is more than that. Let us all meet the woman who’s behind all of these, beyond what everybody sees—Dr. Cecilia N. Gascon as she shares bits and pieces of herself. Know the Basics Name: Cecilia N. Gascon Nickname: Cecile Age: 50 Birthday: May 20, 1966 Birthplace: San Antonio, Los Banos, Laguna Favorite Food: Green, Guava, Salmon If you could have any other job, what would it be: Broadcaster Most important thing in life: Love and Peace Motto: Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you Philosophy: Above all else, God is sovereign Who is your crush? Fernando Poe, Jr., Piolo Pascual Thing you are most proud of? I have raised a child; I have established a plantation One word to describe your life: Contented If you are not today’s university president, where do you see yourself at the moment? A researcher Greatest lesson that life taught you: Always give a space for yourself Top three priorities in life: Family, Job, Health If God will grant you one wish, what would it be? For my daughter to become a lawyer What is your philosophy or value that you hold dearest in life? Always have compassion

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A Mother She Is A mother of how many? I only have one daughter, Chielo Antoniette. Describe being a woman and a mother. A woman is a partner who can make a difference. A mother builds the child’s character and his/ her future Any difficulties from balancing work and family? When a family member is sick or my presence is badly needed but I still prioritize the need of my family. Do you apply same strategies being a mother in handling a huge institution like BSU? There are principles of being a mother that can be applied to BulSU like proper time management, discipline, caring. Compare yourself when at home and in the office. I have more patience and perseverance when I am at the office. What is the greatest lesson a mother could ever know? That a child will not be a child forever, that they need to be independent, that they need to shape their own dreams, that they will have their own family. A President on Duty How would you visualize BulSU in the next years under your term? A Level V SUC (State University and College) How do you handle problems especially when it all comes at once? Prioritize based on the extent of the problem On scale of 1-100, how would you rate yourself after months of service? 85 What more can we expect from Ma’am Gascon? I will be prioritizing Faculty Development, 7-Storey E-library building with facilities since I want the students enjoy going to the library and learn, a cleaner campus, university in a park, and be a Level V University—number one in the region. We had always seen her as a woman making history but the truth is, she is also just like you. She is a woman who just simply soared higher for herself and for her family. And just like you, an ordinary lady who also became a mother to 50,000 BulSUans, hoping and dreaming for a better future.

A child will not be a child forever, that they need to be independent, that they need to be independent, that they need to shape their own dreams, that they will have their own family.

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agrabyado.

ng mali kasi sa mundo, kapag may ipinanganak kang babae, lagi kang

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Minulat tayo ng mundo na mas superyor sa kahit sinong nilalang ang mga taong ipnanganak na lalaki. Mga kalalakihan ang naatasang magtaguyod ng pamilya, magbigay ng pinal na desisyon, kilala bilang malakas at matapang, pinagbubuwisangbuhay ng reyna. Lalaki ang naging imahe ng tao, maging ng pinakamalakas na pwersa ng sanlibutan. Ngunit dumating ang modernong panahon kung saan unti-unti nang nabibigyang pansin ang kakayahan at importansya ng mga kababaihan. Sa pagkabuwag ng mga tanikala na minsang pumigil sa karapatan nilang magsalita ay natutong sumigaw ang mga eba ng lipunan. Ngayon, ating alamin kung ano ang mga hiling nila sa mundo at hinaing sa gobyerno. “Ang hiling ko po sana ay ang seguridad laban sa masasamang tao. Nadadalas na rin po kasi sa mga balita ang mga babaeng nare-rape at biglang nawawala na nagiging dahilan ng pangamba sa tuwing kami ay wala sa aming bahay.” -Carissa Chelize Leoncio, BSGE 2H “Equality kasi up until now minamaliit pa rin ang mga abilities ng mga babae. At saka hanggang ngayon ino-objectify pa rin ang mga babae as sex objects. ‘Yung tipong kahit naka shirt ‘yung babae, tapos may madaan na lalaki, sisipulan na

WOMEN’S SPEAK

Hiling at Hinaing

Si Eba sa hindi pantay na trato ng lipunan Ni Ronaldo Magsakay Dibuho ni Rhiegan Sumabat

Pacesetter o kaya magsasabi ng ‘hi babe’ which is annoying.” -Celily Grace Nocum, BS Pscyhology “Pagkapatas-patas sa lahat ng aspeto: maging sa batas man o kahit sa pangaraw-araw na buhay. ‘Di kasi makakaila na kahit na nasa makabagong panahon na tayo, ‘di pa rin maiiwasan ‘yung mga katagang “babae kasi ‘yan eh.” Sana mabura na nang tuluyan ‘yung nosyon na ‘yon.” -Mica Antoniette Buenavista, BS Accountancy “Magkaroon sana ng mga lider o mga tinaguriang pulitiko na magkaroon ng mapagarugang mga kamay tulad ng ating mga ina. Nang sa gayo’y maramdaman ng sambayanang Pilipino ang haplos ng tunay na pagbabago at masaganang buhay. Iba kasi talaga ang aruga ng isang babae.” -Alice Marasigan, BAB 1A “Lagi kaming pinagbabawalang lumabas ng gabi kasi baka mapagsamantalahan kami o kaya mapagkamalang pokpok. E bakit ang mga lalaki? Hindi sila pinagbabawalang lumabas sa gabi? Dapat sinasabihan din sila na huwag silang manggagahasa o manghuhusga na kapag may babae sa gabi, pokpok na.” – Genevie Aspera, BS Tourism 2A “Mas paigtingin ‘yung batas sa mga women-related abuse, crimes, at kung maari ibalik ang death penalty sa pang-re-rape. At sana rin bigyan din nila ng pansin ang proteksyon sa bawat lugar upang mabawasan ang mga krimen sa ating bansa. “ -Isabel clavio, GE 2J ‘‘I ask for priority lane

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for women. I know this is too much, pero I experienced na kasi na mabastos sa pila, ‘yong tipong ikinikiskis sa’kin lahat ng pwedeng ikiskis ng lalaki, madalas nahihipuan ako at kapag umangal naman ako, sinasabihan akong maarte, saan ako lulugar ‘di ba? So sana magkaroon lagi ng hiwalay na pila ang lalaki at babae sa anomang sitwasyon dito sa bansa,” – Angelica Canimo, BSED 4A, Bustos Campus

“Kapag may na-rape na babae, laging sinasabi na baka maikli ang shorts o seductive ang suot kaya napagdiskitahan ng mga manyak. Wala ba kaming karapatang magsuot ng damit na gusto namin? ‘Yong malaya kami at hindi nagaalala na may mambabastos sa’min kahit magsuot kami ng kahit anong gusto namin? Lagi kasing babae ang sinisisi ‘pag may nagagahasa e. Kami na nga ang biktima, kami pa ang mali.” –Angelica Mendoza, COE 1C “‘Yung mas mahigpit na seguridad para maiwasan ‘yung pananakit, pangmomolestiya at panggahasa sa mga kababaihan. At mas mabigat na parusa para sa mga kriminal na may kinalaman sa pananakit

sa mga babae lalo na sa mga kabataan.” -Iya Xande Lee Ixales, BSHE-FPE 2C “Maging fair ang minimum rate ng mapaprobinsya or Manila man para hindi na congested sa Manila kasi kaya lang naman nagwowork mga tao do’n ay sabi nila “mas malaki” ‘yong kita nila. Which is totoo naman unlike sa provinces kaya marami ang dumarayo ng Manila. Unang apektado kasi do’n ay mga kababaihan- magulo sa Manila. Hangga’t maaari ay makaiwas sana kami sa pamamalagi doon.” -Jermaine Garcia BAMP1A “Bigyan nating pagpapahalaga ang mga babaeng inaabuso ng asawa, single mother, at mga kabataang babae na maagang nabubuntis. Hindi ako feminista, humihingi lang ako ng karapatang pagpapahalaga mula sa ating gobyerno, dahil maraming kababaihan ang naabuso dahil walang alam o ‘di nakakapagaral.” -Denise de Guzman, Marketing Management 3A “Sana mas pagtuunan nila ng pansin ang mga

‘Yong tipong ikinikiskis sa’kin lahat ng pwedeng ikiskis ng lalaki.

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taong nangangailangan ng tulong especially ‘yung mga kabataang di nakakapag-aral, mga pamilyang nahihirapan, mga walang trabaho at saka sana ‘yung next administration natin magkaroon ng unity. Isa pa, paigtingin ang mga batas na nagsusulong sa karapatan ng mga kababaihan.” -Maria Lorena Cuese, BED 4A General Education “Pantay na pagtingin sa kababaihan pati na rin sa ating LGBT community. ‘Di kasi maalis ‘yung discrimination among them especially sa employment sector. “ -Liberty S. Bernal, BS Architecture 3A “Sana magkaroon ng mas maraming public comfort rooms para sa mga kababaihan. Nahihirapan kasi kami dahil laging mahaba ang pila sa mga cubicles, dahil nga mas inconvenient kaming umihi. Saka paano kung dinatnan kami di’ba? So sana lang may mas maayos at maraming comfort rooms na nagkalat para sa mga babae.” –Quincy Vinuya, BSED 4H Makabago na ang mundo. Nakikipagsabayan na ang mga kababaihan pagdating sa responsibilidad at pangarap ng maraming uri ng tao sa lipunan. Aminin man natin o hindi, ngunit babae ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nabubuhay. Kaya’t sa pag-ugong ng kanilang boses sa sangkatauhan, iyong pakinggan ang kinikimkim nilang hiling at mga hinaing. Ang kababaihan ang tunay na perlas nitong ating bayan. Huwag sana silang sisirin at sirain kapagdaka. Pahalagahan natin sila at ilayo sa kaisipang ang nilalang ay agrabyado kapag isinilang na may puki.

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i ina. Mag-isa. Patungong finish line.

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Pacesetter

Pumutok ang baril na hudyat upang ipunin ang lakas, bumuwelo’t bumuwelta sa daang walang ibang kalaban kundi ang tindi ng sikat ng araw, pagod at pagkahapo, at pangamba kung kakayanin bang mag-isa, kahit wala ang haligi ng tahanang ilaw nalang ang lumalaban. Tunghayan ang kwento ng dalawang magkaibang ina na kasalukuyan pa ring humahangos sa gitna ng karera patungo sa magandang kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak. Unang kalahok: Maagang karera ng batang ina gabi.

Estudyante sa umaga, ina sa

Ito ang buhay ni Anna, hindi niya tunay na pangalan, mula sa College of Home Economics na kabilang sa mga inang umasa na may kasama siya sa laban na ito, na hindi siya nag-iisa at may kaagapay sa bawat hakbang, BulSUan na single mother. Nakilala ni Anna ang ama ng kaniyang anak dahil sa pareho silang sumasali sa mga modeling search, hanggang sa nagkamabutihan sila ng loob, at kinalaunan ay naging magnobyo. “Naging kami last week ng July 2014, nabuntis ako ng December 2014. Gano’n kabilis. Madalas kasi ako sa kanila, sinusundo n’ya ‘ko sa’min lagi ng patakas. Kasi hindi kami legal. Then no’ng nalaman niyang positive, sinuggest n’ya kaagad na ipalaglag ko [‘bata]. Bumili s’ya ng pampareglang gamot dahil bata pa ko no’n at 17 lang na-brainwash ako kaya ininom ko rin sa sobrang takot,” pag-amin ni Anna. Kahit pa ilang beses na ininom ng dalaga ang pampalaglag na ibinigay ng kanyang nobyo ay hindi ito umepekto. Kinalaunan ay napagtanto ni Anna na mali ang ginagawa nila, at nang muli siyang pilitin ng binata na patayin ang bata sa sinapupunan niya, hiniwalayan na niya ito.

Solo Flight Karera ng isang ina nang tumakbo ang ama

Ni Danica Rodriguez, Mary Rayne San Pedro at Alixandrei Alincastre

“Nalaman din ng parents ko ‘yong kalagayan ko. Umamin ako sa kanila dahil takot na takot na talaga ‘ko. S’yempre nagulat sila, pero sinabi naman nila na hindi nila ‘ko pababayaan. Tinanggap nila ‘ko at ang dinadala ko nang walang pag-aalinlangan.” Sa kasalukuyan tuloy lang ang laban ni Anna. Bata man sa edad bilang isang ina, ang karerang ito raw ang mas

bumuo sa kanya. Hindi naging problema ang pagkakaroon n’ya ng anak sa kanyang pag-aaral bagkus ay inspirasyon at lakas n’ya ito. “ ‘Pag ramdam kong pagod na ‘ko sa mga school works. Iha-hug at iki-kiss ko lang baby ko, okay na ko. Ready to fight na ulit. Napakasarap sa feeling na pagkagaling mo sa eskwelahan, tapos ramdam mo lahat ng pagod, sakit ng ulo, init at stress

Pacesetter

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tapos biglang may isang munting anghel na tatakbo at sumasalubong sayo pagkapasok mo ng pinto na umaakmang nagpapapangko at iki-kiss ka. Sobrang sarap.”

kapag nakatapos siya’y babawi siya sa mga ito at sa lahat ng mga taong tumulong sa kanila ng kanyang anak matapos silang abandonahin ng ama nito.

Marami mang pinagdaanang hirap si Anna pagdating sa pinansyal dahil mga magulang nito ang sumusustento sa kanilang mag-ina. Ngunit sa kasalukuyan ay mas responsableng anak na at ina si Anna.

“Kapag naaalala ko ‘yong mga panahong buntis ako at wala siya [nobyo], may galit pa rin sa puso ko, naiiyak ako at may mga pagsisisi. Pero sinasabi ko nalang lagi sa sarili ko na nandito na ‘ko sa punto na ‘to, kailangan ko lang lumaban at maging malakas,” sambit pa ni Anna.

“Actually no’ng mga panahong nagbubuntis ako at nakapanganak na hindi ako ang gumagastos sa baby ko. Lahat ay parents ko. Then ngayong 2016, may opportunity na dumating sakin. Nagkaro’n ako ng part time job at hawak ko ang oras ko dahil home based ang trabaho. So ngayon ako na ang nagpapasahod sa yaya ng baby ko. At nakakapagbigay pa ako ng kahit maliit na share sa nanay ko.” Ipinapangako niyang

Naiiyak ako at may mga pagsisisi. Pero sinasabi ko nalang lagi sa sarili ko na nandito na ‘ko sa punto na ‘to, kailangan ko lang lumaban at maging malakas.

Ikalawang Kalahok: Positibong ina sa kabila ng mahabang karera Malapit na sana, bumitaw pa ang isa. Tanaw na ang finish line, napupuno ka ng galak dahil umabot ang pagtakbo niyong dalawa hanggang sa puntong ito, ganitong kalayo, nananatiling magkahawak ang inyong mga kamay. Ngunit, sa pagdaan niyo sa malulubak na daan, sumabay ang bagyo, bumitaw siya sa’yo, sumabay sa ibang tao. “Nagtaksil si ex-husband. We were okay naman no’ng we were together. Araw araw, we were praying. We do appreciate each other, tinitignan ko rin, saan ako nagkulang.”

Ayon sa kaniya, minsan niyang nahuli ang kanyang asawa na may ibang babaeng kinahuhumalingan: “Actually, being a Christian, pinatawad ko pa. Tapos sabi ko, last na ‘to ha ‘di ka na uulit ha. Pero (takshapo) niya! Umulit pa rin. Kaya, hiniwalayan ko na talaga.” Sa kaso niyang ito, may iilan mang naawa at kumukutya sa’kanya, nananaig pa rin ang mga taong hanga sa kaniyang katatagan at kasipagan. Lalong lalo na sa kaniyang pagmamahal sa trabaho at apat na mga anak. “Noon ang tinitignan kong disadvantage lang, pera e. Pero when I learned to work hard, to sustain their needs, feeling ko napunuan ko naman kung ano ‘yong kulang. Ang isang bagay na hindi ko talaga mapunuan, is really the father kasi I’m still a mother.” Aminado siya na minsan siyang nakipagrelasyon sa iba upang magkaroon ng father figure ang kaniyang mga anak ngunit kinalaunan ay hindi na muli niyang sinubukan at hinayaan nalang na ang kaniyang mga kapatid na lalaki ang umagapay sa kaniya. Aniya, “ may kabiyak man o wala, tuloy ang laban.”

Ito ang pahayag ni Josefina Ochoa Ph.D, R.Pm, propesor mula sa College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP) na isa rin sa mga lumahok nang may kasama sa karera ngunit kinalaunan ay kinailangang tumakbo at lumaban kahit pa siya’y nagiisa na lamang.

“Siguro araling mabuti ‘yong magiging partner. Tignan mabuti ‘yong commitment niya towards the marriage, towards the family before you enter the marriage. And be strong, kumapit sa Panginoon.”

“I was asking myself, what happened? Tapos, I thanked God He has given me this. Pero siyempre naisip ko, kailangan ko nang bumangon, may klase ako. Magtuturo ako, mag-aaral ako. Nilakasan ko lang ‘yong loob ko,” pagbabahagi ni Josefina.

Magkaiba man ang karanasan ng dalawang inang ito na kung tawagin ay mga single mothers o solo parent ayon sa classification ng DSWD, kapwa iisa ang karerang kanilang tinatakbuhan. Sila’y kapwa nagmahal, umasa at nabigo ngunit bumangon at

Palatuntunan ng laban

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nagpatuloy sa pagtakbo. Paliwanag ni M.V. Bagaforo, isang Psychologist: “There are several factors that would affect a teenage pregnancy and even solo parenting. Of course number one would be the culture itself. Well as you see sa Philippines hindi pa tayo ganoon ka open sa ganong style.” Dagdag pa niya, masyadong stereotyped sa ating bansa hindi tulad sa western culture/setting na hindi na big deal ang mga ganitog kaso: “Filipinos are conservative in nature and find these issues taboo. Number 2 would be or might be the issue itself kasi as you see may positive and negative effect sa isang teenage/solo parent ‘yon. Whether the mother or the father.” Idiniin din ni Bb. Bagaforo na naka-depende parin sa pagtanggap ng single mother ang sitwasyon niya, kung tatanggapin ba niya ito ng positibo o uunahin niya ang tingin ng ibang tao. Ngunit ang sigurado, kapag napagtagumpayan ng isang ina ang kanyang pagbubuntis, nabubura ang mga takot niya at napapalitan ng saya’t pagasa lalo na kapag nakikita niya ang anak niya. Si Anna at Josefina, patunay na hindi hadlang ang kawalang-kapareha upang maging masaya sa buhay. Kapwa sila nagagalak dahil sa tunay na kahulugan ng kanilang pagiging isang tao at ‘yon ay ang gampanin nila bilang ina sa kanilang mumunting mga anghel na kasa-kasama sa karera nila sa buhay. Dahil sa huli, hindi naman binibilang kung ilang beses silang nadapa, ang importante ay kung paano silang tumayo at lumabang muli.

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Kwento ng Makasaysayang 21 Kababaihan Nina Grace Marie Hernandez, Shairah Lyneth Nabong, at Carl Joseph Mercado

Pacesetter

Pacesetter Ang babae ay isang rosas, maganda sa paningin, nakakaakit sa nakararami; ngunit kung pitas-pitasin, marahas at tila walang maamong pagtingin. Walang imik at nakapiit lamang sa kani-kanilang tahanan. Taga-silbi kung laging ituring at walang kahit anong edukasyon ang nakagisnan simula pagkabata. Ganito ang naging sitwasyon ng mga kababaihan noon sa Pilipinas nang panahon ng Kastila. Ang mga babae ay nakukulong sa gampanin lamang bilang maybahay na siyang tumutugon sa lahat ng pangangailangan ng kaniyang asawa at pamilya. Nakatatak na sa isipan ng nakararami na iyon lamang ang tanging gampanin

Kung hindi magbabago ang babaeng Tagalog, hindi siya dapat magpalaki ng anak, at sa halip ay gawing paanakan lamang.

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ng mga kababaihan noong panahong iyon.

“During those years, ang kababaihan ay lagi lamang sa position na kung ikaw ay may asawa, ang pinuno [ang] laging lalaki. Kumbaga lagi kang submissive lang sa asawa mo,” ani Cecilia Geronimo, Vice President for External Affairs ng Bulacan State University. Dahil na rin sa takot sa maaaring ibunga ng anumang pagsalungat sa nakagawian, marami ang naging takot at pinagsawalang-kibo na lamang ang ninanais na pagbabago. Ngunit hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon, mananatili lamang walang imik ang mga rosas na pinagbubuhusan ng dahas. Sa pagkakataong ito, nakahanap na nila ang kanilang sandata. Piniling maging iba sa nakararami ng natatanging 21 na kababaihan mula sa lungsod ng Malolos. Bagaman nabibilang sa mga mayayamang pamilya, binuo ng mga kababaihan ang petisyon para kay gobernadorheneral Weyler na magbukas ng panggabing paaralan upang kanilang matutunan ang wikang Kastila sa ilalim ng pagtuturo ni Teodoro Sandiko. Giniit nila ang hangaring makapag-aral noong ika-12 ng Disyembre, 1888. Sa katunayan, ayon muli kay Geronimo, 20 lamang ang tunay na bumuo ng petisyon at ang natirang isa ang siyang nagabot ng liham sa gobernadorheneral. Isa man ito sa mga hindi inaasahang hakbangin, napagtagumpayan ng mga kababaihan ang kanilang petisyon sa kondisyong ang madreng si Señorita Guadalupe Reyes ang kanilang magiging

guro. At dito na nagsimulang umusbong ang mga tinik sa paligid ng mga rosas. Sa pagkakataong ito, unti-unti nang napagtanto ng karamihan ang kahalagahan ng mga rosas na ito sa lipunan. Kinalaunan ay umabot ang balitang ito sa Dakilang Propagandista na si Marcelo H. del Pilar na siyang nagbigayalam kay Dr. Jose Rizal tungkol rito. Hiniling ni del Pilar na sulatan ng pambansang bayani ang mga kababihan dahil sa kanilang angking tapang at sa paniniwala na rin na ang naging suliraning iyon ang magpapamulat sa mga Pilipino ng kanilang sitwasyon. “Ang kamangmangan ay pagkaalipin; sapagkat kung ano ang isip ay ganoon ang tao: ang taong walang sariling isip ay taong walang pagkatao; ang bulag na tagasunod sa isip ng iba ay parang hayop na susunod-sunod sa tali,” wika ni Rizal sa kaniyang bantog na liham. Bukod sa paghangang inihayag ni Rizal para sa mga kababaihan, nagbanggit din siya ng mga matatalinhagang pangungusap at mga pangaral ukol sa pagka-makabayan at abisong pagnilayan ang mga turo ng mga prayle. Iginiit din ni Rizal ang kahalagahan ng isang ina sa pagpapalaki ng mga mabubuting miyembro ng lipunan. “Kung hindi magbabago ang babaeng Tagalog, hindi siya dapat magpalaki ng anak, at sa halip ay gawing paanakan lamang; dapat alisin sa kaniya ang kapangyarihan sa bahay, sapagkat kung hindi ay walangmalay niyang ipapahamak ang asawa, anak, bayan, at lahat.” Ipinadala ni Rizal kay del Pilar ang kaniyang liham noong

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ika-22 ng Pebrero, 1889 na siya ngayong ginugunita bilang anibersaryo ng 21 kababaihan ng Malolos. Ang liham ay isinulat sa wikang Filipino na siyang lubos na mauunawaan ng mga kababaihang bumasa nito. Ang naging hakbang na ito ng mga kababaihan ng Malolos ay naging malaking tulong sa tinatamasa ng mga kababaihang edukasyon ngayon. “The major contribution ng mga Kababaihan ng Malolos ni Rizal ay doon nag-umpisa ang pagkakaroon ng edukasyon ng mga kababaihan [ng buong Pilipinas]. Kung hindi i-eeducate ang mga kababaihan, nasaan na tayo ngayon?” pagtatapos ni Geronimo. Marahil isa na ang aksyon na ito sa mga pinakaunang hakbangin para sa pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga kasarian. “Ipinanganak ang tao na pare-parehong hubad at walang tali. ‘Di sila nilikha ng Diyos upang maalipin,” saad ni Rizal. Sa unang tingin, ang anumang magagandang bagay ay maaaring ituring na magaganda lamang sa mata ng bawat isa. Kagandahan lamang sa labas na anyo nito, kagandahan na walang laban at walang karapatan, kung saan aabusuhin ng nakararami at gagamitin sa pansariling mga interes. Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi lamang kagandahan ang mayroon ang mga rosas na ito. Taglay na rin nito ang tinik na nakapalibot sa kanilang katawan. Isang sandata o kalasag, laban sa sinumang mapangahas na hamakin ang taglay nitong kagandahan.

50 Features ay mga kaniya kaniyang katangian na siyang unti-unting magbabago sa katawan ng isang binata at dalaga. Ngunit paano kung ang mga katangiang para kay Adan ay mapunta kay Eba?

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Dagdag pa ni Pamela, ang ganitong kaso raw ay hindi naman niya gaanong binibigyang pansin kahit na ito lagi ang nagiging bala sa kanya ng mga bully. Para sa kanya, ang kagandahan ng isang babae ay hindi lang naman makikita sa mukha, kun’di sa buong pagkatao- sa personalidad at sa puso.

Kandidata 1: Bigotilyang Dalaga Asset kung maituturing para sa mga kalalakihan ang pagkakaro’n ng mabalbon o makapal na buhok sa katawan, ngunit paano kung isang babae naman ang magtaglay nito? Ito ang kaso ni Pamela Andrea Ponce, mula sa College of Social Science and Philosophy. Aniya, biniyayaan siya ng hindi lamang makapal na buhok sa ulo kun’di maging sa buong katawan kaya’t maging ang buhok sa ibabaw ng itaas niyang labi o bigote ay makapal rin at kapansin-pansin.

Dahil na rin sa kalagayan ni Pamela ay naging tampulan siya ng tukso noong siya ay nasa elementarya at high school pa lamang. Nauwi pa umano ang panunuksong ito sa pagtawag sa kaniya na ‘unggoy’ o ‘gorilla’. “No’ng elem and highschool days ko, lagi akong inaasar ng mga kaklase kong mahaharot. One time tinukso akong unggoy daw or gorilla. Meron din dati no’ng kakapanuod lang namin ng Narnia, inasar ako no’ng kaklase ko na ako raw si Aslan, ‘yong Lion sa Narnia, kasi daw ang balbon ng mukha ko,” k’wento pa niya.

Gayunpaman, nagawa pang magbiro ni Pamela sa Pacesetter nang tanungin siya kung may advantage ba para sa kaniya ang kondisyon niyang ito. “Ang advantage sa’kin ng pagiging balbon ko , hindi ako gaanong umiitim. ‘Tsaka minsan, asset pa yung pagkakaroon ko ng bigote,” pabiro niyang sabi. “Unique yo’ng mga babaeng may bigote kasi iilan lang kaming ganito.”

Halina’t saksihan ang mga kababaihang biniyayaan ng ekstrang katangian na sa mga kalalakihan mo madalas masasaksihan.

“Inborn po ito [bigote]. Hindi naman ga’no nakakagulat sa parents ko since both silang may pagkabalbon kaya siguro ganito ako kabalbon,” paglalahad ni Pamela.

Pacesetter

Kandidata 2: TikasAtleta

Nina Reggie Rey C. Fajardo, Adrian Carl Nicodemus at Ericka Pabalan

Teka, babae ka ba? Isa ang pisikal na kaanyuan ang pamantayan upang matukoy ang kasarian ng isang tao. May mga bagay na tila ba inukit at idinikta ng kapalaran na inilaan lamang para sa mga lalaki at gayundin sa babae. Kadalasan, ang mga pagbabagong anyo sa katawan ng tao ay lumalabas pagtungtong ng tinatawag na puberty stage.

Wala sanang kakaiba kung tunay ngang manlalaro ng isports itong ikalawa nating kandidata, ngunit hindi, wala siyang hilig sa anomang klase ng ballgame o anomang larong pampalakasan kaya’t problema para sa kanya ang pagkakaroon niya ng malapad na balikat, payat na mga binti at malalaking kamay at paa na pawang katangian ng mga atleta. Kilalanin si Joyce Cruz, nasa ikaapat na taon mula sa kolehiyo ng mga bihasa sa computer na naniniwalang hindi lahat ng mukhang sports player ay atleta talaga, dahil ang iba ay pinagpala lang talaga kahit labag sa kanilang kagustuhan. “Kapag nakatalikod ako’t naka-messy bun na buhok, napagkakamalan akong lalaki na long hair lang. Minsan nga natawag pa ‘kong kuya habang dumadaan sa Activity Center e. Sakto kasing may mga naglalarong volleyball, inaaya nila ‘ko, akala ata nila player ako,” kwento ni Joyce. Ang katangiang ito ni Joyce ay nakuha niya marahil sa

Pacesetter pagiging aktibo niya sa C.A.T noong nasa hayskul pa lamang siya. Aniya, madalas siyang nagpu-push-ups at nagbubuhat ng mga mabibigat na bagay no’n dahil sa utos ng commander. Ngunit kahit pa tila mala-adonis ang kanyang pangangatawan ay itinanggi niyang siya ay tomboy. Kwento pa niya, medyo boyish siya sa pananamit at kilos ngunit hindi raw siya nagkakagusto sa kapwa niya babae. Sa katunayan, may kasintahan ngayon si Joyce at sila ay magdadalawang-taon nang nagmamahalan. “Boyish na kung boyish, pero I’m not into sports kahit gano’n. Kahit madalas akong mapagkamalang lalaki, babae pa rin ang puso ko, at nakalaan na ito para sa boyfriend ko. Kahit pa lagi rin niya ‘kong inaasar na mas malaki pa raw ang katawan ko sa kanya, na mas macho pa raw ako, mahal na mahal ko ‘yon.”

Bago natin hanapin yung pagtanggap ng iba, dapat matutunan mo munang tanggapin ‘yong sarili mo. Kaya dapat proud ka na ganyan ka.

Paraluman Sanay na si Joyce sa mga pangungutyang natatanggap bagkus sinasakyan na lamang din niya. “Masayahin kasi akong tao at palabiro din, kaya kapag may nang-aasar sa’kin, sinasakyan ko nalang. Never kong inisip na mada-down ako dahil sa mga biro nila,” pagtatapos niya. Kandidata 3: Bosesbinata, katawang pang-mama Dominante rin sa kalalakihan ang pagkakaroon ng matipunong katawan at malaking boses. At ang dalawang katangiang ito ay kapwa makikita kay Karen, ‘di niya tunay na pangalan mula sa College of Home Economics. Unang beses na nadiskubre ni Karen ang kakaibang pagbabago sa kan’yang katawan noong siya’y nag-aaral pa lamang sa elementarya at miyembro ng chorale group sa kanilang simbahan. “At first ‘di ko napapansin ‘yong boses ko, sinabi lang ng mga kaklase ko na parang may iba raw sa boses ko, hindi raw pang-babae tapos nasira ‘yong boses ko dahil sa sweets and cold beverages tapos inuubo na ako,” kwento ng dalaga. Ayon pa kay Karen, ang sanhi naman daw ng maskuladong braso nito ay ang pang-iigib niya mula sa kanilang poso noong bata pa siya. Hanggang sa nahilig din siya sa pagpunta sa gym at pagbubuhat ng mabibigat na bakal kaya’t nagkaroon siya ng biceps. Dahil dito, hindi niya maiwasan ang mga pangungutya ng ilan. “Malaki talaga ‘yong boses ko. Kapag magbi-video ng mga kung anu-ano, itatapat sa akin tatawa ako tapos ipe-play, ayun malaki talaga boses ko pati ako nagugulat. Sa braso, oo nabu-bully minsan pero nung nag-form na yung biceps, hindi na except pag nakasando ako, sasabihin nila may boxing daw,” paglalahad niya.

Nang napansin ng mga magulang ni Karen ang kaniyang kakaibang sitwasyon, sinabihan nila ito na baguhin ang pananalita at huwag nang mag-gym. Ngunit ayon sa kanya, may mga humusga man sa mga katangian niyang ito, marami rin naman ang humahanga. “Sa boses syempre yung iba nagugulat lalo na yung new meeting of friends pa lang na parang, hello babae kaba? ‘Yung mga friends kong lalaki, na-astigan at na-amaze sila kasi mas may muscle ako sa kanila pero sa mga babae naman, natatakot sila lalo na kapag nakakapa nila ‘yun [biceps] kasi tourism course ko tapos parang bouncer daw ako.” Katulad ni Joyce ay nakahanap din si Karen ng isang taong tatanggap sa kanya ano man ang kakaiba sa kanyang itsura’t katangian. Hindi naging hadlang ang mapanghusgang lipunan upang makahanap siya ng lalaking magmamahal sa kanyang kaibahan. “Naiinggit lang siya [kasintahan] sa biceps ko. Sa boses ko kapag nagti-trip ako sa tawag, natatakot s’ya. But the truth is tanggap niya ako. Kasi kailangan mo lang naman ng taong tatanggap sa mga kakulangan mo, sa mga bagay na wala sayo, para mapunan niya iyon at mabuo ka,” pagtatapos ni Karen. Opo – Babae po sila Bagamat may mga taglay na kakaibang katangian ang mga kandidatang nakilala natin ay babae pa rin sila- may mga sensitibong damdaming madaling masaktan. Karapatdapat silang hangaan dahil sa kabila ng mga ito ay nagagawa nilang humarap sa maraming tao at patunayang hindi hadlang ang mga ‘di-pangkaraniwang katangiang taglay nila. “Be proud kasi unique tayo. Mayron d’yan na mang-aasar at pagtatawanan tayo kasi kakaiba tayo. Pero bago natin hanapin yung pagtanggap ng iba, dapat matutunan mo munang tanggapin ‘yong sarili mo. Kaya

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dapat proud ka na ganyan ka, kasi ‘pag proud ka at makikita nilang masaya ka naman sa itsura mo, kahit ano pa sabihin nila hindi ka maaapektuhan no’n kasi ikaw mismo sa sarili mo confident ka na maganda ka,” ayon kay Pamela. Tulad din ng sinabi ni Pamela, ayon kay Joyce ay dapat tanggapin ng mga tulad nila kung ano ang ipinagkaloob sa kanila at higit sa lahat, buhusan ng pagmamahal ang sarili. “Well all I can say is magpakatatag ka kung mahina ang loob mo dahil hindi normal yo’ng feature na ‘yon sa isang babae. May instances nga na maraming manunukso sa iyo. Pero ayos lang yo’n. Tanggapin mo kung ano ang mayroon ka dahil sino pa ba ang magmamahal sa iyo kung hindi mo nga magawang mahalin yung sarili mo. Sabi nga sa kanta, ‘learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all’,” ani Joyce. Para naman kay Karen, may dahilan ang Diyos sa mga ibinibigay nito sa atin at dapat itong ipagmalaki. “Bago ka ipagmalaki ng iba dapat magmumula sa ‘yo ‘yun at yung pagtrato sa mga ganito, dapat normal pa rin kasi babae pa rin kami, deserve namin ang pagtrato at paggalang na dapat para sa amin. Hindi man tayo kasing gifted ng mga beauty queens and models sa Victoria’s Secret but I know God has a purpose kung bakit tayo o ako ganito. We are blessed kasi buo parin tayo as a whole—‘wag natin ikahiya physical man, talent, skills, or boses man,” pagtatapos niya. Sa huli, ang mga babaeng ito, napagkakamalan mang Adan kung minsan, hindi parin maitatangging tunay na magagandang Eba sa kani-kanilang paraan ng paghabi sa makulay nilang pagkatao. Na kahit ano pa mang katawan, boses o itsura nila, ang mahalaga ay masaya sila at kuntento na siyang mga sangkap sa isang perpektong buhay.

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52 Features

Every big tree comes from a tiny seedling. A seed turns into a plant and after some years grows into a tree, and with enough sunlight and water, the glorious tree is now ready to give birth to a seed that will seek to live its own life.

Reaping the blossoms of like mother, like daughter seedlings By Jeimi Belleen Aesquivel and Nicole Beltran

lone flower appears, followed by another, and another, and soon, the whole tree is filled with tiny flowers around its branches, a flower that shall bloom into something else, far more wonderful than you’d imagine. Springbirth

The tree of life was happy to see itself filled with several flowers that will soon grow and wonder how long it has been since she waited for that day to come, like a familiar story she once knew, growing up. It’s not about how high you’ve reached and how far you’ve come, it’s about how you find a way to even

Pacesetter

Pacesetter move a single step. That’s what Babyruth Franciso and her mother, Jospehine Franciso from Pulilan, Bulacan believed in, but they don’t just walk their way to the ladder of success, instead, they sing their way up. “Sa pagkanta, naitaguyod ko ang pamilya ko, noon, bago ‘yong contest, ‘yong 80 pesos na pamasahe, magiging 3000 pagkatapos ng contest, magdadasal talaga ako na sana manalo ako para may makain kami,” Josephine said as she looked back to the past. Babyruth was 2-3 years old when she was first heard by her older brother singing a ‘Regine Velasquez’ song, in which she was able to sing well, even reaching every high notes in it, from then on, her brother sneaks her every now and then to a videoke bar to hone her newly-discovered talent until victory becomes closer to her. “Marami na akong nasalihan, sa mga fiesta, ‘tsaka pinanlalaban na rin ako sa school ,nakasali na ako sa Wowowee, Showtime at EatBulaga, sa mga contests naman na gano’n, pinakamalaki ko nang nakuha ay 10,000,” Babyruth shared. Meanwhile, Josephine, also known as the “Antigo ng Bulacan”, shared that it was purely unexpected that Babyruth would soon follow her footsteps in the world singing and has never taught her daughter anything about it but since she sings most of the time, her children soon learned everything from her. Through this talent, Josephine used this in a way of supporting her family. “Para sa anak ko, huwag lang siya maniwala sa talento niya, humingi dapat ng tulong sa taas. At saka mag-aral talaga muna, mas maganda talaga ‘pag may pinag-aralan, para hindi rin bababa ang tingin ng ibang tao,”

Paraluman Josephine ended. Even though Josephine wasn’t able to finish her studies, her singing got her through with everything in life, and as of now, her only wish is to see her children finish their studies for her to witness the fruit of her labor before. Unchanging season The tree of life smiled upon finishing its story, as the fruit continuously grow and develop itself. Education is the key to success, as others would say, but for Czarina Mendoza from Bustos Campus, it is a passion that runs in their family. Taking up Bachelor of Education Major in TLE, Czarina hopes to become just like her mother who’s profession is a teacher. “Malaking role po si mama kasi naging inspirasyon ko po siya , ‘yong work ni mama na pagiging teacher, parang naging passion ko na rin, nagustuhan ko na rin siya, ‘tsaka sabi niya sakin, maganda po ‘yong education kasi maraming pwedeng opportunities doon,” according to Czarina. When it comes to teaching strategies, Czarina is also similar with her mother, they both take teaching seriously but at the same time, they also see to it that the students still enjoy by incorporating effective teaching strategies such as throwing jokes during lectures to make the discussion more light. According to Czarina, her mother served as one of her inspirations to take up her current course, because she believes that it is one of her mother’s missions, to serve other people not just for the sake of money. “Para sa kanya kasi hindi siya trabaho, parang misyon niya talaga iyon kaya gusto ko

para maging gano’n din, para makatulong ako hindi lang dahil sa pera,” Czarina shared. Aside from their passion for teaching, both also share the same trait, which is possessing humility. They know how to be thankful with what they have and to not boast whatever they have in life, in return, they were able to maintain a good relationship with other people. “Sabi ni mama, kahit na may kaya sila dati, hindi raw habambuhay ‘yong pera na iyon, kaya kahit gano’n, nag-aral siya, matiyaga kasi siya, ‘tsaka si God yung center ng buhay niya, gaya ng lagi niyang sinasabi sa’min,” Czarina ended. Spring transformation

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napagkakamalan na ako si mommy, tapos siya natatawa na lang siya sa mga remarks ng iba,” Thea shared. According to Thea, ever since she was a kid, she already shared a similar appearance with her mother, only developing further as she reached adolescence. It’s also the time when she notices that she actually looked like her mother. There was this one time when one of her father’s colleagues shared that he saw Thea and her mother walking together, and he mentioned to her father that he was actually confused when he saw them, not knowing who’s Thea and who’s her mother.

At last, after the long wait, one flower began to ready itself for metamorphosis, preparing to lose it petals and getting rid of its old look, it then turns into a small round fruit, finally witnessing the world.

“Siyempre nakakatuwa na kamukha ko talaga mommy ko, pero minsan hindi ko rin alam kung ma-ooffend ako kasi ibig sabihin magkasingmukha rin kami ng age,” Thea said, closing the statement with a laugh.

Delighted, the tree of life couldn’t help but smile to itself because it looks just like her when she was young. Here is Thea Panganiban from the College of Arts and Letters, on the other hand, perfectly take after the appearance of her mother.

As one of her parents, Libay is also considered as one of Thea’s inspirations on life where in everything that she does will be to repay for her mother’s hard work and patience in raising them all to be good individuals.

People who don’t know Thea would have probably mistaken her as her mother, Ma. Libay Panganiban. Their appearance is seemingly uncanny that it’s as if Thea is staring at a mirror whenever she looks at her mother. Among 3 siblings, Thea was the only one who took after the genes of their mother, while her younger sister and brother got the looks of their aunt and father, respectively. “Maraming nagsasabing sobrang kamukha ko raw si mommy, lalo mga kaibigan ko, may iba pa nga,

“Gusto ko rin maging katulad niya someday, hindi lang sa looks pati narin sa pagiging strong and capable na tao, kaya na-i-inspire ako, parang nai-seset ko ang goal na dapat maayos ang buhay ko,” Thea ended. Like other trees, different as they can be from one another, they all share the same thing, bearing the fruit of their lives one day. That no matter its size or shape, it is their own fruit and it will always be, and that like them, it will be the ones to continue to live the life they once lived in this world.

Paraluman

54 Features

Pacesetter

Liham mula sa selda Ni Ronaldo Magsakay

Madilim ang gabi. Nakakabinging katahimikan ang nananaig. Wala maski kaluskos na maririnig sapagkat ang lahat ay mahimbing sa kanilang pagkakatulog. Sarado na ang mga selda. Tulog na rin ang guwardiya. Kampanteng magiging magandang gabi ito para sa kanilang lahat. Walang kaalam-

alam na sa likod ng nangangaing dilim sa pagkawala ng liwanag ay may kababalaghang nagaganap. Gamit ang pluma ay unti-unti nilang hinabi ang mga salita na nais iparating sa kung sinuman. Kung sino ang makakabasa ay walang nakakaalam. Kung saan tutungo ay malaking katanungan. Isinulat nila ang kanilang kwento na

nanatiling sikreto. Ibinuhos nila sa sulat ang buhay nilang mas makulay pa sa kahit anong dibuho. Dalawang babae na umani ng magkaibang titulo sa loob ng parehong piitan. Sila ang pinakamatanda at ang pinakabatang babae na nakakulong sa selda ng Bulacan Provincial Jail (BPJ).

Pacesetter

ang matapos ang liham, ipinasok na sa botelya at saka itinapon sa labas ng bintana.

Hinayaang anurin ng tubig ng dagat. Sa paglayo ng liham na tangay-tangay ng alon ay mapupunta ito sa kamay ng hindi kilalang pagkatao. Ikaw ang siyang nakatagpo. Kaya’t iyong buksan at basahin ang dalawang liham mula sa selda. Nilamukos na papel Sinimulan mo ang pagbabasa sa unang papel sa botelya. Nagsimula ito sa “Sa sinumang makakapagbasa,” at saka tumuloy sa pangangamusta. Kumusta? Na-wirduhan ka na hindi kayo magkakilala pero eto siya at nangangamusta. Nakilala mo siya bilang Aling Iska. Ayon sa sulat siya ay 76 na taong gulang na, aniya siya ay payat, hindi gaanong katangkaran at hindi mababakas na siya ay nasa edad na 76 na. Sa iyong pagbabasa nabanggit niyang siya ay mula sa selda. Nais mong ihinto ang pagbabasa dahil dito ngunit pagdidikta ng kuryosidad mo ay ituloy mo ang nasabing pagbabasa. Kaya iyong itinuloy. Siya ang pinakamatandang babaeng nakakulong sa loob ng BPJ. Sampung taon na siyang nakakulong nitong Marso. Dati siyang labandera bago makulong sa piitan, pinasok din niya ang pagiging masahista at pagtitinda upang makatulong sa asawa niyang driver at maitaguyod ang kanilang pamilya sa laya. “Napakahirap ng buhay dito [sa loob ng kulungan]. Napakasakit sa damdamin. Sobrang lungkot dito sa loob hirap sa laya,”aniya. Ayon kay Aling Iska mahirap makisama sa

Paraluman mga taong nasa loob ng kulungan. Nabasa mo rin ang pagrereklamo niyang mainit sa loob ng kulungan na para silang nasa loob ng pugon at tila mga pagkaing niluluto. Problema rin ang suplay ng tubig sa pangaraw-araw.

lamang siya nang siya ay ipasok sa pihitan. Magmula noon ay hindi na niya nasumpungan ang malamig na simoy ng hangin na umiihip mula sa kanluran at malimit na rin niyang masulyapan ang umaapoy na Haring Araw.

“Hinihingi ko lng sa Diyos na ‘wag niyo ko papabayaan dito sa loob,” lahad niya.

“Mahirap. Sobra. Sa labas nagagawa ko lahat dito hindi. ‘Di ako makakilos ng maayos. May time na nagkasakit ‘yung tatay ko wala parang nagsisi ako na sana ‘di ko na lang ginawa ‘yon sa laya para di na ako nakulong,” pagsisisi ni Bea.

May pagkakataon daw na hinahanap-hanap niya ang mga dati niyang ginagawa . Ang kumita ng ‘di galing sa pamilya. Pakiramdam niya isa siyang pabigat. Kada dalawang linggo ay dumadalaw ang kanyang pamilya upang bigyan siya ng perang panggastos. Dalawang libo o minsan naman ay isang libo at limang daan. Nakadagdag pa sa pasanin nito ang sitwasyon na pari ang kanyang kapatid. Dahil dito minarkahan siya ng mga tao bilang masamang imahe para sa kanyang kapatid. Ayon sa liham, pamilya sila ng Katolikong sarado. Kahit na mahirap ay kinakaya ni Iska ang buhay sa loob ng preso. Bilang pinakamatandang babaeng bilanggo siya ay iginagalang ng kapwa niya bilanggo. “Ako nga ‘yung pinakamatanda , ako rin yung walang ginagawang violation. Kagalang-galang ako rito,” saad ni Iska. Tumapong tinta Sa ikalawang sulat naman ay nakilala mo ang babaeng nagtatago sa pangalang Bea, ang pinakabatang babaeng bilanggo sa BPJ. Siya ay 19 na taong gulang at dalawang taon nang nakakulong. Hindi niya binanggit kung ano ang kanyang kaso pero ang depensa niya nadamay lang siya sa gulo. Bago makulong si Bea ay isa lamang siyang normal na estudyante, hanggang sa siya ay nabarkada. 17 anyos

Madaming itinuro ang tadhana kay Bea. Natutunan niyang tumawag sa Diyos, ang magdasal at magtiwala rito. Aniya sa labas ay malimit siya ang magdasal sa Panginoon. Madaming pinagsisihan si Bea ngunit naniniwala pa rin siyang ang lahat ng bagay ay nangyayari sa mabuting dahilan. “Siguro pagsubok lang sa’min [ito] kaya siya nangyari. Kung nasa laya lang ako barkada lang ang aatupagin ko kaya mainam na siguro ‘to,” aniya.

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botelya upang alamin kung may isa pang sulat na maaring basahin. May nahulog na kapirasong papel. Binasa mo ang nakasulat. “Ikaw ay mapalad,” ito lamang ang mga salitang nakasulat sa kahuli-hulihang liham. Kahit na kakaunti ang salita ay naiintindihan mo ang lahat, ang dahilan ng pagkuk’wento. Ikaw ay mapalad dahil ikaw ay malaya. Masaya ka sa nalaman mong ito dahil sa mga panahong iyon ay halos isumpa mo na ang mundo. Hanggang sa napagisip isip mong may mga tao pa palang mas mabigat ang pasanin sa iyo ngunit kinakayang mabuhay nang nakangiti habang pasan-pasan ang mapait na kasalukuyan. Marahil sila ay nagkamali pero nagpatuloy silang mabuhay para itama ito. Sina Iska at si Bea, nais nilang mabuhay ka ng masaya at may pasasalamat kagaya nila. Dahil higit sa lahat, ikaw ay malaya.

Sa selda ay hinahanaphanap ni Bea ang yakap ng kanyang pamilya, ang kanilang presensya dahil kahit na dinadalaw siya ng mga ito tuwing Linggo ay iba pa rin daw kapag kumpleto ang pamilya. Upang hindi siya mainip at magkaroon ng pagkakakitaan ay nag-isip ng diskarte si Bea. Natuto siyang magtinda ng mga kakanin at suman upang magkaroon ng kita sa loob. Katulong ang kanyang nakilalang kaibigan ay nairaraos nila ang araw. Kumikita siya ng 150 piso kada araw sa pagbebenta. Silyadong sikreto Matapos mong basahin ang kanilang liham ay nagtaka kung ano ang punto sa pagkukwento. Bakit nila ito ginawa? Bakit nila ito pinabasa? Sinuri mo ang pinaglagyang

Ako nga ‘yung pinakamatanda, ako rin ‘yung walang ginagawang violation.

Paraluman

56 Features

Pacesetter

“All my life, I’ve been respectful, done what men told me. I know better now. I’m worth no more, no less than you.” -Maud Watts

MOVIE REVIEW

Suffragette Contributed by Lariane Mae P. Magno

quality. The one thing that people have been striving to have since the beginning of time, and the one thing that people never really get precisely and completely up to this day. In some countries, before women were given suffrage or the right to vote especially on political elections, the horror of torture for speaking up, riots and other forms of maltreatment were experienced first. Recalling actual events that happened during the first movement on the right to vote for women in United Kingdom, Suffragette centers on the life of Maud Watts. It was played by Carey Mulligan, a mother and a wife who works on a laundry together with his husband and has a decent family and home. For a while, Maud was convinced that she was satisfied with how she stood in the community as a woman and complied on everything that she was told to do, until the day she sees her co-worker, Violet Miller, portrayed by Anne-Marie Duff start a riot on the street by smashing windows and crying out words that depict the desire of the suffragettes to have the equal right with men to vote. A spark starts in Maud’s interest to see what the suffragette movement was all about, but she is still hesitant to join when she

was invited by Violet to see what it was like to testify in front of the ruling party on the suffering that Violet had to go through in her life as a woman and why it is right to have the chance to vote. However, Maud witnessed a horrific scene in the place where she works that brings back something in her past and encourages her to see Violet’s testimony. On the other hand, on the day of Violet’s testimony, an unfortunate event comes up that leads to her inability to testify in front of the ruling party, and Maud becoming her only alternative. Maud refuses to stand as Violet’s proxy, but seeing that there is no one else do it, eventually gives in and presented her own testimony. This is where Maud’s attendance in Suffragette meetings becomes frequent, and also where her social life becomes chaotic. As joining the suffragette movement was discouraged, Maud’s neighbors and co-workers started to judge and accuse her and became highly suspicious of her actions. Her husband, Sonny, also started becoming distant from her as her actions started affecting his daily activities at work, affecting Maud’s relationship with their son, George. Maud’s character build up was gradual but evident throughout the film, with the change of her attitude, words and perception being clear evidences. With the inspiration of the head of the suffragette movement, Emmeline Pankhurst, who was played by Meryl Streep and her deep relationship with her son,

Maud’s grasps to the thought of finally having the chance to have a different life and her determination to bring other women to join in fighting for their rights became stronger. This film, however, did not only tackle the women’s fight for suffrage, but also the torment and consequences and broader issues that some women up to this day still experience such as the lack of legal right to keep their children. A serious tone was kept throughout the whole film, but this does not hinder the interest of the audience, and in fact, adds more to it. The scenes are not the type that puts the audience to the edge of their seats, but rather makes them sit back, observe and ponder. The words were kept simple and straight to the point- yet heart piercing. The best feature of this film

is the diversity of the characters. It did not use stereotypical ways in setting personalities for every character, and did not only group the characters into the usual two types which are the “Good” and the “Bad.” Some characters were sympathetic over the other characters, but were not exactly willing to help them. Some were mad at the others, but with concern still left inside them. Every character holds a mixture of both the good and the bad, which perfectly showcases what it’s like to be a human. Suffragette modestly but honestly showed not only how difficult it was for women to live and speak out during the days when male chauvinism was apparent, but also, on the other hand, the unity and perseverance of some women during this period to have their voices and desires be heard by the ruling party.

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t is the kind that transcends the borders of cliché love stories.

Paraluman BOOK REVIEW

“Para kay B” is a book that does not only give you oneshot but five liberal faces of love in its ugliest and prettiest sides. Each story is jam-packed with one’s idealism and fanaticism of reality, and all this, compacted in a single book written by the award-winning, Ricky Lee.

Waiving to superficial, the book’s cover, is unequivocally curiosity-inducing. It sends off a bizarre yet magnifying vibe the moment it meets one’s eyes. The man jumping from the sky persuades its viewers to join him, fly with him as the readers delve deeper into the content of the main book. Thus, the focal point, big capital B signifies an assurance that your imagination would be covered,

the downside of it is utterly hard to disregard. Due to the particular style, it opens some probability of incomprehensibility. Moreover, the collision of English and Tagalog word, or what they called Taglish draw a strong demeanor of colloquial, Pinoy feels-casualnarration. Para kay B is indeed a gem in a sea of stones in our modern Philippine Literature. It casts fresh air to the Filipinos who constantly search for a rope to hang-on despite being pushed into the cliff of mainstream, it is truly a breather.

Let the search begin! Five girls, one goal. Life is not life, if it is fair. Only one would bring home the bacon. It would not be more apparent from the subtitle itself, it theorizes 4 out 5 of us were all left devastated by love. Through Lee’s intricately lucid writing, words from the books transform as invaders that will shake-up the core of your empathy with Irene, Sandra, Ester, Erica and Bessie. He made it certain that it is not only the hands that move, but it will get all your senses moving hysterically due to overwhelming sensation it brings to readers. Lee has written more than a hundred film scripts since 1979, earning him more than 50 trophies from award-giving bodies. He is a writer with contemporary and realism. His own masterpieces have expanded over twenty years which include writing short stories, plays, essays, teleplays, and screenplays. He is a true pride of his chosen field, his short stories won first prizes at the Palanca Awards for Literature for two years in a row. Thereafter, he never joined any literary contest believing that writers should not compete with each other.

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Lee’s disposition to deviate from the typical taste of writing that has been forced to be imbibed by us, has finally redeemed us. In an instance, the evident pattern where the writer’s perspective is either playing the third-person role or the acclaimed protagonist in the story right at the beginning of a story played significant evidence. “Love knows no boundaries”, this book once again proved the aforementioned statement’s credibility. Yes, it is true that love is the main ingredient of this writing, and it would not taste complete without some spices like social realities, political killings, poverty, and gender inequality all bearing weight in the current situation in our society. He dragged the weight of emphasis on the role of women in all corners of the society.

Ierah Keihl M. Jaochico

yet as you try to move it, the 3D effect will take part, an enough evidence to prove that it is capable to collide with reality. Scribbled typeface or handwritten font, an unusual option for many publishers has been put into use in the

book Para kay B. It radiates the existent, although invisible personal bond between Lee and the reader by making it appear like it was intendedly made for their eyes to see, and for their minds to read. On the other hand,

In a nutshell, this story would gently knock on the doors of your emotions; caress them ceaselessly, until they become dependent to the new feeling that makes them feel more existent than ever. Eventually, it will stand to prove that everything has to end. Consequently, you will end-up wrecked, yet renewed. As for the characters, they are mud molded in diversity. Each of them acquired ardent personalities that have the capability of shoveling their own space in your mind and you will have no choice but to keep them for good, for they are the images of the warrior within each of us who believed, keep believing, and will believe in the power of love, despite its stained reputation.

Paraluman Isang Gabing Walang Katulad 1 Features

Pacesetter

Pokaret Mahal,

Kamusta ka na? Alam kong tandang-tanda mo pa ‘ko. Malilimot mo ba kung paano ko ipinaranas sa’yo ang isang gabing walang katulad at ‘di malilimutan? Ang mga ungol na pinagsaluhan natin. Kung papaano kita napa-nganga nang isambulat ko ang lahat sa’yo. Kung papaano ka nag-init sa kabila ng malamig na panahon habang papalapit ako. Ramdam na ramdam ko ang pagkabalisa at kaba mo noong mga oras na ‘yon. Marahil ito pa lamang ang una mong pagkakataon na makaranas ng ganito pero wala ka ring nagawa nang dumampi na ko sa iyo. Pagkatapos no’ng araw na ‘yon, agad din kitang iniwan. Alam kong nasaktan kita, nasaktan kita ng sobra-sobra. Sino ba naman ang matutuwa na iwanan ang pusong sugatan at luhaan. Marahil kung tatanungin ka kung may puwang pa ba ko sa puso mo, mariin mong sasabihin at iiling ka ng wala. Baka nga gusto mo na lang ibaon sa limot lahat ng alaala na kasama ako. Ngayon, kita pa rin ang bakas ng mga kukong ikinayod ko sa’yo. Ngunit marahil ay nabawi mo na ang pagod ng gabing walang katulad. Napawi mo na ang uhaw nang maubos ang lahat ng lakas mo sa buong katawan. Sana’y may natutunan ka sa isang gabing kapiling ako. Nagpapaalala, Yolanda

Pacesetter

Paraluman

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Sino ang pumatay kay Sir Domingo? Asadong Patola Masungit. Malupit. Strikto. Manyak. Dirty Old Man. Iyan ang naging deskripsyon ng mga estudyante ni Sir Domingo nang atasan silang ilarawan ang propesor sa Matematika. Kitang-kita ang malaking galit sa mata ng iilan sa kanyang mga estudyante. Natagpuang walang buhay ang guro kahapon sa may faculty room bandang alas-otso ng gabi. Usap-usapan na nagpakamatay daw ang guro ngunit ayon sa autopsiya, pinatay ito dahil nagtamo ito ng siyam na saksak at ang pinakamalala ay ang sa puso nito. Ayon sa Janitor na naglilibot-libot, pagkatapos ng huling klase ni Sir Domingo, dumeretso ito sa banyo. Hindi naman niya alam kung gaano katagal ito nanatili ‘ron dahil umalis na siya pagkatapos

linisin ang silid-aralan. May apat pinagsususpetyahan ang pulis na pumatay sa propesor: Si Andrew, estudyante na kabilang sa basketball team, kamakailan ay napagalitan ito ng propesor dahil sa pagiging late. Si Maria, estudyante sa culinary arts, ito ang apple of the eye ng propesor. Si Ma’am Fe, science teacher, huling nag-out sa mga guro bago matagpuan ang bangkay at ang Janitor, na all-around sa campus no’ng maganap ang krimen. “Nako, wala po akong alam diyan. Nag-iikot lang po talaga ako no’n at pagkatapos ko pong linisin ang silidaralan, dumiretso na po ako sa kuwarto... kuwarto ko.” ani ng Janitor. “Ay, wala po akong

kinalaman diyan. Tanggap ko naman po ang pagkakamali at pagkukulang ko. Wala po akong karapatang magalit kay sir at wala pong dahilan upang magkaroon ako ng sama ng loob sa kanya. At may training po kami no’n,” kuwento ni Andrew. “Paano ko naman po magagawa ‘yon? E babae po ako tsaka bakit naman po papatayin ko si Sir? E pasalamat na nga ako nagkakagusto siya sa akin. Wala po akong alam dahil may cooking class po kami at si Ma’am Fe. Tinuturuan po kaming magluto ni Ma’am Fe no’ng mga oras po na ‘yon,” pagtatanggi ni Maria. “Huli akong nag-out dahil nag-ayos pa ako ng grades. Buhay pa siya no’ng umalis ako.” saad ni Ma’am Fe. Kilala na ng pulis kung sino ang pumatay.

Pacesetter

Tungkulin ni Juana MalinaMnaM

Nangigitim na naman ang paligid ng mga mata niya Tumatagaktak na ang luha at pawis Hindi ko na alam kung alin ang nagmamantsa sa sahig Isang araw na naman ang lumipas Nabugbog na naman si Nanay Wala akong magawa Gusto rin niya Kumikita naman siya para sa amin Ang mga paltos sa mga buko ng daliri niya Mas dumami Hindi na malambot at maamo ang mukha niya May katigasan na Ganito ba kapag boksingero ang nanay mo?

Kung bakit sa gabi lang kumikislap ang mga bituin Twisted Persona

Nagtataka ka ba? Kung bakit sa gabi lang kumikislap ang mga bituin? Kung bakit do’n lang, nakikita ang kakayahan nilang magningning? Kung kailan tulog ang lahat? Kung saan patay ang mga ilaw, at walang nakakakita? Hindi na ako magtataka... Dahil ang alam ko. Ginawa ang gabi para sa mga bituin... Para sa akin. Sa mga kagaya kong kontento na Nakikihati... Sa saglit na oras na dulot ng dilim.

It Is Well With My Soul Bethany

“Create in me a pure heart That’s what I long for A heart that follows hearts after Thee” We sang together in chorus Delightfully bringing our praises To He who deserves all the glory Offering our lives to the One Who keeps His promises Delivers the broke And oaths to reach the lost So we’ll keep singing together in eternity Hoping that You’ll hear us Here beneath the torment Here where the wages of our sins Are paid.

Alak at ang luha Yuenday

Windows

Tulala. Nakaupo sa kama, nagiisip. Malalim. Nakatingin sa blangkong dingding. Habang nakadungaw sa kaniyang mga mata Ang lungkot, pighati at sakit. Hawak ang isang sigarilyo Puno ng usok. Papasok sa loob niya. Ibubuga ….saka maglalaho. Patak ng ulan ang musika mula sa bubungan Kasabay ng luha, tumutulong paunti unti Balot ng pagkasawi ang buong silid Puno ng mga upos ng sigarilyo at botelya ng alak Tanong sa sarili…. Ano kaya ang mas nakalalasing? Ang alak o ang luha? Ang pait ng alak o ang alat ng luha? Kumuha muli siya ng sigarilyo Sinindihan… Hithit buga…. Hanggang wala na siyang malasahan. Wala na siyang maramdaman.

By Donya Estrella

Did you see? Who is she? Who is he? Do you really know who is he? Can you see it in her eyes? She is in the windows Do you see him beneath the windowpane? Change the pane from tinted to see through For you to know him better Come to her door and look at her Stare in her eyes and know her better As you see in her eyes who is she For you to tell if he is the one you like As the eyes is the window to our soul For you to know the mate of your soul Through her window, through his eyes.

Talo ang maghubad MalinaMnaM

Hindi tayo magkakilala Pero nilapitan kita at umamin sa nadarama Sa kagustuhan ko na mahalin mo ako Pumayag na maging kaibigan mo Sabi mo gusto mo muna akong makilala Kaya ipinakita ko ang balat ko Ang bawat marka at peklat ng mga pinagdaanan ko Sinundo kita araw-araw suot ang simple kong pagkatao Ang pag-ibig ko sa iyo Lahat ng dungis Hinubad upang makilala mo Ako Pero sa sobrang humaling ko sa’yo Sa pagmamahal ko sa iyo Hindi ko napansin na wala kang hinubad Nalaman ko na lang na sumama ka na sa iba At napagtanto na Sa huli…. Hindi pala kita nakilala.

Pacesetter

Susugal ako Fleur

Hindi ko alam kung ilang milya O kung gaano pa kalayo ang dapat kong tahakin Upang maabot ang matarik na daan… patungo sa iyo Ngunit isa lang ang alam ko… Darating ako. Hindi ko alam kung hanggang kalian At kung gaano katagal ko pa bang dapat igugol ang bawat araw at oras ng paghihintay ko sa iyo Basta’t mangangako ako. Magbabakasakali ako. Hindi ko alam kung gaano kaikling panahon Akong mananatili. At kung gaano katagal na lang ang itatagal ko Sa mundong minsan nating pinagsamahan at pinagsaluhan. Subalit isa lang ang alam ko.. Itinulak mo ako patungo sa rurok at bingit. At sa wakas, naatim ko na rin ang sinasabi nilang Langit.

Taingang Kawali Don Salvador

Kung nakinig ka lang sana Naintindihan mo sana Kung naintindihan mo kahit kaunti Hindi ka sana nagalit Kung hindi ka makikinig Bakit ka nagagalit? Tulad ng mantikang nag-iinit Kung madarang sa apoy tumitilamsik Sa kawaling may iisang hawakan Iisa ang tainga Na hindi nakikinig Hahawakan upang takpan Papasok ang sandok sa kawali Saka naman ilalabas ang usok Pakakawalan Ang niluluto Walang lasa Matabang.

Kwentong Barbero Pedobear

Binilang ko kayong lahat Kayong mga pilihim na ngumingisi Sa tuwing lalapit sa akin Magbabakasakali Isang gabi... Bilang ko kayong lahat Kayong mga palihim na sumisilip Sabay binubulong lahat Panghuhusga sa inyong katabi May tainga ang lupa May pakpak ang balita. Isa? Dalawa? Sampu? ‘Di na mabibilang sa aking mga daliri Dinadaan na lang sa tantos sa aking braso’t binti Malalim, mahapdi, madugo. Nalaglag ang tainga Sa talim ng dila ng barberong dalahira.

Palda ni Nena

Donya Estrella

Perlas ng singilan Altruistic

Si Elena Ubod ng ganda, mabait at matalinong dalaga. Siya ang hiyas ng pamilya. Pinakatatagong yaman ng kaniyang ama Buhok na alaga ng kaniyang Ina Sa kutis niyang malaporselana Mga matang lulunurin ka sa ganda Nakadungaw sa labas habang nakakadena ang diwa niya Siya ang pinakatatagong yaman ng pamilya Kaiingat ingatan higit kung magkagipitan na Siya ang sagot at bahala sa lahat Kaya ng dumating ang pinagkakautangan nila Ang kukuha sa kaniya…. Walang nagawa. Kundi siya ay sumama. Pumapalahaw…. Isinakay sa traktora.

Sa bawat hampas ng tinipid na tela Umiindayog ang halimuyak Kumakampay ang kaniyang alindog Sariwa pa, gaya ng isip niya mura pa Sumasaliw ang lakad na kumakandirit Gumigiri sa daan, agaw-pansin Kinabukasan akay ni Ato Magkasamang rumarampa Magkalaguyo Pagsapit ng ilang araw, si nena Nakapaldang muli Ngunit may dugo Buhat-buhat ni Ato, tumatakbo palayo.

Part-time job Closeted

Umuuwi akong mahina at may dalang mga marka Minsang may kalmot, kadalasa’y pantal na Gawa ng mga nagpyestahang lamok Hindi naman ako pumasok para manuntok. Nagtatrabaho sa gabi Nagaaral sa umaga Mahirap makiusap sa mga guro Hindi nila alam ang aking trabaho Ginagawa kaming mga aso sa gabi Pinagpupustahan. Pinepresyuhan. Pinaglalaruan. Hindi ako basagulero Hindi ako lasenggero Sadyang hindi mo lang kasi ako kilala.

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Pacesetter

“Ang babae ay hindi parang isang isda Bibilhin, sitenta ‘sang kilo Sasalatin kung makiniss o matinik Sa tuwing ika’y naiinip Pupukpukin ang ulo Kung ito’y buhay at pumapalag-palag ‘Pag huhubaran At simulang halukayin ang kaluluwa sa tiyan Para ihanda sa kukalam mong kalamnan…

This world changes as fast as the beating of your heart when you run chasing them – their standards, their principles, their idea of women – it’s like an endless race. And when you get no replies, your skin darkens, or your heels give up, where will you find hope to continue, a light to save you, or a hand to pick you up? Hunting for answers might be hard for some but for Thea dela Rosa, she found her rock and refuge in the depth of poetry to deal with the present issues women are facing. Feminine, simple and quiet – these words describe Thea of BA Mass Communication4C – whose character is evident in the poems she writes which reveal the soft spot on her heart when it comes to issues concerning women. For her, poetry is always a safe haven when there’s nowhere to run. Thea said there’s always this storm that devastates women – violence; although they are considered fragile beings, they have become independent and brave to stand and fight Violence Against Women (VAW) but sadly, not all of them could do that but with the help of laws and organizations, more victims hiding in their

By Russel Cyra Borlongan dilapidated comfort zones are rescued but she added that some VAW are no longer seen the way they should be in today’s society. “Minsan nate-take for granted kasi mas nagiging liberal na ‘yong society,” Thea said. “Kung dati, big deal ‘yong sex without consent, or pagnakaw ng halik, yakap ng partner na lalaki, ngayon, minsan nagiging connotation na normal na lang naman ‘yan, ‘yong iba nga eh..,’ may ganong thought.” Violence against Women (VAW) has also been stereotypically pictured in wounds and bruises seen in faces and bodies of women but Thea saw that underneath the healing skin, there’s a continuous hemorrhage which is the hardest to cure – the emotional pain. “Ang pinakamasakit do’n, ‘yong

hindi sila napapansin kasi walang konkretong ebidensya o basehan ng violence kasi walang sugat o anupaman pero pinakatotoo ‘yong emotional violence,” told Thea. “After no’n [violence] ‘yong mga thoughts ng mga babae na ‘bakit ginawa sa kanya ‘yon?’, ‘may mali ba sa’kin?’ Sobrang lawak niya [VAW] pero walang masyadong umaabot.” Because Thea’s heart melts at the sight of this unceasing battle of women, she tried building a castle through poetry, turning bricks thrown to them into words which may serve as a sanctuary when the war keeps raging. Her femininity and affectionate soul for women manifests in every poem she authored that were mostly published for Pacesetter, hoping that people will listen to her battle cries and feel what she feels about the struggles of

women. But after two years of trying to build strong walls through precious poems, her fervor to continue burnt down to ashes. “Maski ako, naumay na rin sa realidad, I find those poetry hopeless and useless,” Thea recounted. But as she was preparing for another battle – making their thesis, it ignited her vision that she might create an advocacy campaign paper to acquaint people with the underrated form of VAW which is emotional violence. “Katulad siya [emotional violence] ng abstract painting, pwedeng may nakakintindi, pwedeng ‘yong iba, idi-disregard lang ‘yong piece kasi hindi naman nila maiintindihan, walang concrete shape o figure na mabuo,” Thea explained telling that emotional violence is different from physical

Pacesetter violence which is more evident and obvious. “Nag-aim kami na gumawa ng isang positive advocacy campaign para sa isang negative issue.” At first, Thea found their thesis in despair because most of advocacy campaigns about VAW are highly focused on physical violence alone, both in local and international, “Napakahirap kasi babanggain mo ‘yong nakasanayan at dapat sa ibang paraan kasi wala kaming makitang similar campaign pero we applied Guerilla Marketing Strategy as advised din ni Sir Pao, kaya mas naging malaya kami.” The way she felt watching typical advocacy campaigns that depicts brutal scenes led her to quest for ways to make their campaign uniquely possible, “Mahina ‘yong loob ko sa gano’n. Minsan pipikit pa ako habang naunuod kami ng ad. Paano pa kung naranasan ko exactly ‘yong napapanuod ko? Paano ko makikita sa dulo ng ad na may pwede pala akong lapitan? Kaya ayon, naisip ko ‘yong mga tula.” Voices inside her told her to quit but she refused to listen to them and chose to take heed to the cries of women and eventually, she found some people whose vision are the same as hers. “Napanuod ko si Ms. Kooky Tuason, advocate

Ang pinakamasakit do’n, ‘yong hindi sila napapansin kasi walang konkretong ebidensya o basehan ng violence kasi walang sugat o anupaman pero pinakatotoo ‘yong emotional violence

Paraluman

siya for women empowerment. Na-introduce din siya sa spoken word bilang artist. Do’n ko din na-realize na doon mag-tetake part ‘yong poetry, ‘yong power of words.”

Their thesis, “Blow the Orange Whistle: A Development and Evaluation of an Advocacy Campaign toward the Issue of Violence against Women at Bulacan State University Using Guerilla Marketing Strategy” aims to make everyone realize that a woman who suffers emotional pain needs someone’s time, empathy and listening ears rather than forcing them to undergo usual therapy procedures or court hearings causing wounds to reopen. “Unique siya [thesis] in a way na nagkakaroon ng ibang outlet ‘yong babae, direct or indirect man sa pamamagitan ng pagsulat, artwork or simply pakikipagdaldalan,” discussed Thea. “‘Yong pinakasimpleng form na magiging comfortable ‘yong babae. ‘Yong pinakasimpleng need na may makikinig at kaibigan na nandiyan to understand – ‘yong may puso.”

She said that it would be a big help for those who have no access to the authorities and those who can’t afford to file a law suit. “Maramdaman ng mga babae na hindi sila nag-iisa or may pwede silang pagsabihan ng nangyari sa kanila sa paraang hindi na nila kaialangang visually i-recall ‘yong alam naman nilang na-experience na nila -- parang it’s more of therapy na kaya ring gawin ng babaeng mag-isa.” Because their groups sharpen their irons enough to make this advocacy campaign work, their paper has been awarded as the Best Thesis in the whole College of Arts and Letters but more than the award is Thea’s devotion to fight VAW, “Honestly, it’s more of personal reasons kung bakit nagkaroon ng ganoong research. Habang ‘yong iba, in a quest of a standout academic topic, there’s I who’s in a battle between my personal angsts.” For her, the prize is not the title given to their paper but the enlightenment while she was moving mountains and

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searching for answers. “Nagholdon ako do’n sa salita no’ng binubuo namin ‘yong campaign, I realized na pwede pala akong magfit-in but not settling kung ano ‘yong naksanayan,” Thea said. “What’s good about us, modern women, is hindi tayo nagse-settle sa pag-seek kung paano natin matutulungan ‘yong sarili natin, pa’no mabubuo.” Words that make women feel they are not worthy are the sharpest sword that can struck them down but Thea has proven that words are also the softest arms that will embrace them and that no one should allow this world to put them in a box of standards where insecurities will envelope their souls but be courageous to stand up, run their chosen race and win. …Tatanggalin ang hasang Para ‘di umimik Pupugpugin ng asin Sa tuwing nanlalamig Paparausan ng tubig Kung gusting maglambing Ang babae’y hindi parang isda Na ihuhulog sa kumukulong mantika Walang laban Pagpipiyestahan”

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Scrape and shine beneath the crown of Bulakenya Beauties By Mariel Rosette Sta.Ana, Jonah Micah Cruz, and Ma. Kathrielle Candame

Pacesetter

ven queens have their own stories to tell.

People know it all. From their daily work schedule as if their lives are an open book for everyone to read. In which clearly, people all enjoy doing so, treating these ladies as the epitome of perfection in every way possible. But underneath the glamour of every crown, there are scratches that are unknown to everyone and untouched by the public. Witness as these ladies share their inner self and deepest secrets of their heart from when they are traveling the road to their victor. Standing out higher than crowns Beginners start with dreams that kept and to be done. Before holding the title and called as the winner, every lady must be called in their names to initiate the fire in the ramp as the beginning of the competition. The first lady is an Accounting freshman student from Bulacan State University who is every bit as fine as her name. Lady Santos admitted that she never dreamt of being

Bata pa lang ako nangarap na ako na maging isang beauty queen.

Paraluman

a beauty queen when she was a child, but for the sake of her uncle’s wish, she tried her luck in the battle for the crown. “Una, sumasali ako para sa kaniya, pero kalaunan naging pangarap ko na din talagang maging beauty queen,” Lady shared.

Following her instincts and dreams, she joined and won her first pageant in school. After that, she has reaped more and more titles and crowns. Lady became the Golden Jubilee Queen of Assumpta Academy, Ms. STI Teen Idol 2015, Binibining Obando 2014, BulSU’s Ms. Executive Looks 2015, and Reyna ng Bulakan 2015. Unlike the first lady, this next in line have dreamt of becoming a beauty queen ever since she was a kid. Her very first try of her luck was when she was in 2nd grade last 2008. Using her faith as a stepping stone, she bagged titles such as Ms. Santol, Ms. CAP 1st runner up, Ms. United Nations, and Ms. STI Teen Idol 2016. “Bata pa lang ako nangarap na ako na maging isang beauty queen. Kaya naman sumali na agad ako. Na-boost ‘yong selfconfidence ko dahil do’n,” Maicah Salvador, who is from Pandi, Bulacan, explained. Similar to Lady, Cariza Francisco had also been radiating her effortless beauty in the grounds of BulSU, and has graced beauty pageants ever since she was a child. “Noong una wala akong idea sa pageants hanggang sa naaya akong sumali no’ng elementary ako. After ko maexperience ‘yon, kahit natalo ‘ko naging masaya pa rin ako at naging inspirasyon ko ‘yon para mas galingan ko pa,” Cariza recalled. And the roller-coaster ride of Cariza’s life began after that. She proved her domination on the stage, and hoarded titles after titles: Ms. Bulprisa 2011 (District Meet), Ms. Bulprisa 2011-1st Runner Up (Provincial Meet),

Binibining San Ildefonso 2014, Reyna ng Bulacan-Binibining Republica 2015, Ms. Bulacan State University 2015, and the Binibining Republica Filipina 2016. Timeless beauties Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Through this, beauty is ageless. However, time is hard to manage for being a beauty queen and a college student at the same time which this is one of their great contenders, but Lady, with the help of her family and her ever-supportive uncle, is managing to balance the weight of the crown and her studies and sort out her priorities.

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“May mga nasa-sacrifice sa pag-aaral kaya bababa ‘yong grades mo lalo na kung wala kang time management, ‘tsaka ‘di ka na makakasama sa mga quality time with friends kasi most of the time busy ka sa pag-aayos for the competition o paghahabol sa studies,” Cariza admitted. Speechless victorious crowning moment On the latter part of every event, all of the candidates deserve to have their own crown of appreciation for every sacrifices and challenges they have passed through in defeating themselves between other women.

“Madalas kasi nakakapagod. Madalas puyat ka. Mula umpisa, palagi kong sinasabi sa tito ko na hindi ako sasali ‘pag may pasok. Ayoko ng a-absent para lang sa mga practice or photoshoots. Kaya dati palang nasanay na ‘ko na kahit may pageant ako at practice ‘di ako uma-absent sa klase,” she stated.

“Isa sa lesson na natutunan ko ay ‘yong ‘wag kang makipagkumpetensiya sa iba kundi dapat sa sarili mo. Every competition na sinasalihan mo ay dapat mas nahihigitan mo ‘yong limit mo. Gawin mo lang ‘yong best mo at i-enjoy mo lang ‘yong ginagawa mo. Do’n pa lang panalo ka na,” Cariza explained

Her dedication to her studies was also the one that stopped her from continuing her campaign in the Student Government (SG) elections this year. As you know, she was entered as one of the candidates running for senator, but she eventually decided to back out a few days later.

When the exceptional beauty once called to accept the title, there is something that is much important than the crown a real beauty queen gained that she can never forget.

But the road is never too smooth at all times; Maicah has also experienced hardships while pursuing her dream and calling, especially now that she is also a college student. “S’yempre [problema] sa pera kasi gastos talaga ang pagsali rito at syempre emotional din dahil nakaka-stress at nakakapressure ang pagsali sa mga ganitong contests. Kaya malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa pamilya ko, dahil mino-motivate nila ako, na kaya ko.” But of course, it’s not always rainbows and smiles that are seen by our eyes. There also came a time for a raging storm along the way.

“‘Ang nagmamataas ay ibaba, Ngunit ang nag papakumbaba ay itataas ng Panginoon’, ‘yan ang natutunan ko sa tagal ko bilang isang beauty queen. ‘Tsaka tumibay lalo ang pananampalataya ko sa kaniya. Ang saya sa pakiramdam no’n na s’ya ang kasama ko sa buhay at sa lahat ng ginagawa ko,” Maicah ended. These experiences of joining in each war of beauties and brains taught us the power of confidence and believing ones weakness and strengths. And the most precious thing behind the scratches and the glimmer of the crown is a lady confidently beautiful with a heart. “If you’ve started to believe in yourself, being the best will just easy for you to be,” Lady ended.

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Pacesetter

Nina Mariel Rosette Sta.Ana, Adam Angelo Tizon at John Marc Cruz

Pacesetter tinanim ang isang buto ng ayuda at tulong sa mga mamamayan ng Sitio Buga ng Sta. Elena, Hagonoy, Bulacan kung saan ito’y uusbong sa pamamagitan ng Project Kabute-han na binuo ng Department of Social Science katuwang ang College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP), Management Economics Society (MECO Soc), Eco Rangers at Pangkalipunan

Matuturing ang Sitio Buga na isa sa pinakamahirap na komunidad sa Hagonoy, kung saan ang progreso ay natatago ng mga bato sa daang-putik patungo dito. Ang mamamayan sa sitiong ito ay nabubuhay lamang sa pangingisda at pag-pe-pedicab na siyang pangunahing transportasyon sa naturang lugar. Marahil ay hindi rin naman naiiba ang Sitio Buga sa mga mahihirap na lugar na nangangailangan ng suporta, ngunit ayon kay Bobby Lopez, chairperson ng Department of Social Science, natatangi raw ang sitio kaya ito ang napili nilang abutan ng tulong. “To be compared kasi with other communities with similar conditions, what you notice among the people is that they are striving hard to improve their living condition. I think that’s the characteristic that we’ve been looking for in our adopted community. One that is not just dependent upon help coming from people, that they’re also doing their part,” ani Lopez. Kaya naman bilang adopted community ng naturang kolehiyo, matapos lamang ang dalawang linggong preparasyon, ang maliit na sitio ay nakatanggap nitong Disyembre 10 ng mga Noche Buena package, laruan para sa mga bata at oyster mushroom bilang kapital na pandagdag kabuhayan sa mga mamamayan.

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Ayon kay Lopez, napili nilang magpamahagi ng kabute dahil bukod sa madali lamang itong alagaan ay matagal rin ang pakinabang ng isang fruiting bag dahil nagbubunga ito ng tatlo hanggang apat na ani. “Nag-conduct na kami before ng livelihood training program sa Sitio Buga na mushroom culturing. Sabi nga namin sa kanila, madali lang ang pag-aalaga ng oyster mushroom, ’tsaka may market na bumibili talaga nito. So naging part ng aming fund-raising activities na some percentage of the money raised will be allocated for buying mushroom fruiting bags na gagamitin bilang panimulang kapital ng mga taga-Sitio Buga,” paliwanag ni Lopez. Sa pamamagitan ng pangangaroling at pagbebenta ng maliliit na papel na kabute sa halagang sampung piso kada isa, na siyang ididikit ng mga nakabili sa mga ‘Puno ng Kabute-han’ na nakapaskil sa gusali ng kolehiyo, ang tatlong organisasyon ay nakalikom ng pera na ginamit sa pamamahagi ng naturang kabute. Nagbunga ang pagtulong na ito at nakatanggap ng limang sample fruiting bag ng oyster mushroom o pleurotus ostreatus ang mga opisyal ng Samahang Nagkakaisang Mamamayan ng Sitio Buga. Ang fruiting bag na ito ay naglalaman ng pinagsamasamang apog, darak, asukal, kusot at mga kemikal. Ngunit tila naudlot pa ang pagtubo ng pag-asang hatid ng mga kabute. Ayon kasi kay Leonora Alfonso, adviser ng samahan at kagawad ng Sta. Elena, may ipapamamahagi pa sanang 150 na kabute na ipapakalat sa iba pang mamamayan ng sitio, ngunit sa ngayon ay hindi pa rin nila ito maaaring itanim. “Maganda at sayang kasi ‘yong proyekto kaya tinanguan namin. Kung mapapaunlad ng samahan, maraming makikinabang. Eh

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kaso nagkaroon ng problema. Bale noong nag-seminar, dapat ibibigay na ‘yong 150 [fruiting bag]. Starting daw ‘yon, e kaso wala pa kaming paglalagyan at hindi pa handa [‘yong lagayan]. Kaya pina-hold muna namin kay Doctor Ray Naguit,” panghihinayang ni Alfonso. Gayunpaman, naudlot man ang progreso ng proyektolaking pasasalamat pa rin ng mga mamamayan ng Sitio Buga dahil puno pa rin sila ng pag-asang magbubunga rin ang Project Kabute-han. “Nakakatulong talaga, kaya openhand kami na tinatanggap lahat ng binibigay ng BulSU. Sabi nga nila hindi lang iyon ‘yong huli [pagtulong], may mga susunod pa. Hindi lang naman kasi ito ang natulong nila sa amin, kaya sobra-sobrang pasasalamat namin talaga. Kinakalinga kasi [kami] kumbaga,” sambit ni Alfonso. Ayon na rin mismo kay Lopez, hindi lang ito ang huli nilang pag-abot sa mga taga-Sitio Buga. Plano raw nilang i-institutionalize ang proyekto, kung saan taun-taon ay mangangalap sila ng pondo upang patuloy na mamahagi ng mga patubong kabute sa mga mamamayan rito. Kaya naman sa panahong handa na ang taniman, maaari nang umpisahan ng mga taga-Sitio Buga ang panibago nilang laban dahil nasa kamay na nila ang pag-asang magpapatubo sa pagbabago ng kanilang pamumuhay. (Photo from freshcropmushroom australia)

Nakakatulong talaga, kaya open-hand kami na tinatanggap lahat ng binibigay ng BulSU. Sabi nga nila hindi lang iyon ‘yong huli [pagtulong], may mga susunod pa

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May pera sa basura.

Ito ang kadalasang paniniwala ng mga taong salat sa buhay ngunit kahit sabihing may makukuha mula sa mga patapong bagay, hindi pa rin maiaalis ang katotohanang malaki ang magiging epekto nito sa kalikasan, kalusugan at hanapbuhay. Nakasaad sa Republic Act 9003 o Solid Waste Management Act of 2002 na ang isang bayan o siyudad ay kailangang makapagpatayo ng isang sanitary landfill para magkaroon ng masinop at maayos na pagtatapunan ang mga basurang nakokolekta sa buong komunidad. Samantala, sa Barangay Salambao sa bayan ng Obando inilunsad ang Obando Sanitary Landfill ng EcoShield Development Company (EDC) sa panahon ng dating alkalde Orencio E. Gabriel na inaasahang magbibigay solusyon sa matagal nang problema sa basura ng bayan. Sa kabilang banda, ayon sa Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology o PHIVOLCS, ang bayan

ng Obando ay isang coastal municipality at below sea level. Ito rin ang catch basin ng mga toxins na galing sa mga basurang nagmumula sa mga bayan ng Meycauayan, Marilao, Valenzuela, Navotas at Malabon. Samaktwid, dahil isang coastal community at napupuntahan lamang ng bangka ang sinasabing tatayuan ng landfill, maaring matinding perwisyo ang idudulot nito hindi lang sa mga katubigang nakapaligid dito kundi maging sa hanapbuhay ng mga residente. Kinikilala rin bilang fishing industry ang Obando at isa ito sa mga munisipalidad sa Bulacan na pinagkukunan ng lamang-dagat kaya kapag inilagak na sa katubigan ang landfill, mabababoy at lalayo ang dagat na magreresulta sa pagbagsak ng industriya. Marami ang naging tutol sa nasabing proyekto lalo na ang mga mamamayan. Ayon sa mga ito, bumaba ang kanilang kita dahil sa nakaambang panganib na ihahatid ng landfill sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Kapag nabuksan na ang landfill sa lugar, tinatayang kakatas ang basura na karamihan ay mga mixed wastes mula sa mga ilog

Pacesetter sa karatig-bayan at maiipon ito nang tuluyan sa tubig na magreresulta sa pagkamatay ng mga lamang dagat. “Naapektuhan na kami, naapektuhan na lahat, ‘yong mga hindi nangyayari sa ilog ng Obando, nagaganap na. Kagaya no’ng mga talaba, maraming talaba dito sa Obando, ngayon wala na nagkamatay na lahat,” ganito ipaliwanag ni Minerva Lacson, 49-anyos at isang tindera ng talaba ang kaniyang mga nasaksihan sa kaganapan sa bayan ng Obando. Magkakaroon din ng tsansa ng water pollution kung saan ang lahat ng lamang dagat sa kailugan ay magkakaroon ng lason gaya ng cadmium, arsenic at mercury. “Pwede silang makaapekto kung ‘di susundin lahat ‘yong kondisyones na nakalagay. Lahat naman ng bagay kapag ‘di ginawa ng maayos, may epekto. Pero kung susundin nila ‘yong conditions pwedeng ‘di sila gaanong makaapekto,” banggit ni Obet Pulumbarit, Supervising and Environmental Management Specialist mula sa Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office.

Katas ng peligro sa pagtagas ng sanitary landfill sa Obando Nina Adrian Carl Nicodemus, Carl Mercado at Ronaldo Magsakay

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Paraluman Sinasabing sa Barangay Salambao rin natagpuan ang isa sa mga tatlong patron ng bayan ng Obando, ang Nuestra Senora de Salambaw kung kaya’t tutol ang simbahan sa landfill dahil masisira nito ang historical value ng lugar. Dagdag pa nila, hihina ang produksyon ng talaba kung saan mayaman ang Obando. “Talagang malaki ang epekto nito [landfill] sa kabuhayan ngayon dahil sa polusyon. Actually nga, dito sa Obando wala na kaming sariling talaba. Mahina na rin ang pangingisda dahil kokonti na lang ang nangingisda dito sa baybayin ng obando,” ani Sister Tess Bondoc, Vice-Chairman ng Parish Pastoral Council ng Obando. Malaki ang magiging epekto hindi lamang sa kapaligiran pati na rin ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng mga residente ng Barangay Salambao kung sakaling itatayo sa isang coastal area ang landfill. “S’yempre, hindi maganda sa kalusugan dahil katapat lang namin yung ginagawang landfill. If sa Obando na talaga nakalagay yung landfill, maaapektuhan

‘yong pangunahing hanapbuhay ng mga tao sa amin dahil yung katas ng basura, mapupunta sa ilog, masisira ‘yong mga lamang dagat,” tugon ni Janmay Tangonan, BulSUan mula sa BSED 3A, major in Biology. Ipinaliwanag ni Vice Mayor Zoilito Santiago na nagbaba ng ordinansa ang Barangay Salambao na pinagtibay ng administrasyon noon at nagkaroon ng reclassification kung saan ang palaisdaan na matatagpuan sa lugar ay naging basurahan. “Nagpatibay sila [dating administrasyon] ng isang ordinansa na kung saan po ay makakapagtayo ng landfill sa Salambao. Gayundin, ang isang ordinansa na kung saan ni-reclassify nila yung lupa from a fishpond ay ginawa nilang basurahan at ito ay noong nakaraang administrasyon din,” dagdag pa ng bise-alkalde. Gayunpaman, nagpaalala naman si Sis. Bondoc na miyembro ng grupong No-ToObando-Landfill Organization sa lokal na pamahalaan na isabatas na ang panukala tungkol sa tamang pagtatapon at pagsasaayos ng mga basura para maging solusyon sa

Devcomm matagal ng problema ng bayan. “Actually, in-e-encourage namin ang municipal government na talagang ipatupad ang zero waste management na kung saan magkakaroon tayo ng recycling machine para lahat ng plastic. ‘Yong mga nabubulok naman, ma-compost at makatulong sa mga tanim. Sa mga bahay-bahay pa lang, magsimula na magsegregate,” payo ni Sis. Bondoc. Samantala, nakabinbin pa sa Korte Suprema ang status ng landfill at pinatawan ito ng Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) dahil nakitaan ito ng ilang irregularidad. Panay pa rin ang hearing at pagpapataw ng petisyon ng mga pro at antilandfill kaya’t tumatagal ang hatol. Ang batas na rin ang nagsasabing dapat magkaroon ng sanitary landfill ang isang bayan para sa kalinisan ng buong naakupan ngunit kung ang mismong kalikasan na rin ang maapektuhan pati na rin ang kaligtasan at kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan nito ay pagisipan ng mabuti bago tuluyang malason ang katubigan sa bayan ng Obando na siyang bumubuhay sa masigla nitong kultura at tradisyon.

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Dayuhan sa sarili nilang bayan sa pagbaba ng mga Aeta sa kanayunan Nina Cyra Borlongan, Ronaldo Magsakay, at Nicole Beltran

â&#x20AC;&#x153;May kumakamkam sa lupa namin sa Zambales, pero hindi pa namin gaanong alam kung sino [ang nagpapaalis], basta pinapaalis na kami. Kukunin na raw ng may-ari, papatayuan na nila ng building siguro kasi hindi raw kami nakakabayad sa Coop [kooperatiba],â&#x20AC;? paglalahad ni Anna Lyn Kabali, isa sa 300 Aetas na taun-taong dumarayo sa Bulacan tuwing Disyembre sa pag-asang maambunan ng biyaya.

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a mata ng karamihan, ang pangunahing dahilan ng mga Aeta sa kanilang pakikipanuluyan sa mga karatig-bayan, partikular sa Lungsod ng Malolos ay ang panlilimos upang maibsan ang pagkalam ng kanilang sikmura subalit higit pa rito ang nakapanlulumong katotohanang sila ay ipinagtatabuyan sa sarili nilang pamayanan. Bagamat tapos na ang pananakop ng mga dayuhan sa ating bansa, mayroon pa rin tayong ilang mga kababayan na hindi makalaya sa paninikil at pang-aagaw ng teritoryo ng mismo pa nating mga kababayan na nagtulak sa kanila upang sila ay maging dayuhan sa sarili nilang bayan. Ayon kay Anna Lyn, sa Marcelino, Zambales sila orihinal na nakatira maging ang kanilang mga ninuno subalit naitulak sila palayo nang sumabog ang Mt. Pinatubo noong 1991 – dahilan upang ang ilan sa kanila ay lumipat sa Iba, Zambales at pumunta sa mga urbanisadong lugar na malayo ang estado ng pamumuhay sa nakasanayan nila. “Sa Iba kami nakatira ngayon. Nagtatanim ‘yong mga asawa namin do’n sa bundok. ‘Pag walang ani, kamote tsaka mais lang ang kinakain namin. Mahirap ang buhay do’n sa bundok,” paglalarawan ni Anna Lyn. “Sinasabi nga nila [anak] sa’min, ‘Mais na naman? Kamote na naman?’ Kawawa ‘yong mga anak namin. Wala naman kaming magawa.” Dahil sa ganitong sitwasyon, napilitan silang mga Aeta na bumaba ng bundok at dumayo sa kabayanan ng Malolos upang manghingi ng tulong sa mga tao. Subalit hindi maiwasang gawin silang tampulan ng tukso at pagbintangang nautusan ng mga sindikato ng mga taong hindi alam ang kanilang tunay na kwento. “Hindi totoo ‘yon

Paraluman [sindikato]. Kusa kaming nagpupunta rito. Walang nagutos sa’min. Nagko-commute kami sa bus ng Victory Liner tapos bumababa kami rito [sa Malolos]. Bultuhan kami kung pumunta taun-taon, mga 300 kami,” paglilinaw ni Anna Lyn. Bagamat naibahagi rin niya na may mga produkto silang ibinebenta sa ibaba ng bundok gaya ng handicrafts at mga gulay, hindi pa rin ito sapat lalo na’t may ilang kumpanya na patuloy sa pagkamkam ng kanilang mga lupain at humaharang sa kanilang mga produkto na siyang salarin sa paglubog ng kanilang kabuhayan na nagtutulak sa kanilang patuloy na bumaba sa kanayunan. Sa kabila ng Republic Act 8371 na naglalayong protektahan ang karapatan ng mga pangkat etnikong gaya ng mga Aeta, tila mahina pa rin ang pangil ng batas upang pigilan ang ilang mga kompanya na agawin ang lupaing nakalaan para sa mga indigenous people dahil sa komersiyalisasyon at hangad na umunlad ang kanikanilang negosyo. Sa kabilang banda, ipinaliwanag naman ni Edilberto Larin, direktor ng Center for Bulacan Studies ang mga sanhi ng kanilang pagbaba sa mga siyudad at ang mga epekto nito sa pamumuhay ng mga Aeta. “Ang daming factors, ‘yong mining, land dispute, o kaya pagka-contaminate ng mga lupain nila so eventually, bababa sila ng bundok. Pagbaba nila, magfa-factor in naman yong isa, mau-urbanize sila. Makakatikim sila ng pagkain sa urban, magdadamit ‘yan so maiisip nila ‘mas okay pala dito,’ so hahanap sila ng means para mamuhay sa urban area,” paliwanag niya. Ayon kay Larin, dahil sa patuloy na pagmimina sa mga kabundukan, malaki ang nagiging epekto nito sa pagbabago at pagkasira sa natural na lifestyle ng mga tao na walang sustainable income na dahilan ng migrasyon nila sa kanayunan. Idinagdag pa niya

na bukod sa pagmimina, isang suliranin din ang pananamantala ng ilang pribadong kompanya na humaharang sa mga produkto ng mga Aeta na makapasok sa mga kabayanan kung kaya’t hindi nila makuha ng buo ang kita na dapat ay sa kanila. “Sa ibang kaso, wala naman kumukuha ng lupain nila pero dahil ‘di nila mai-access ‘yong kanilang main products dahil nga sa panggigipit ng sa kanila ng isang company sa entry point nila papunta sa pamilihan,” paliwanag ni Larin. “Napipilitan tuloy silang magkaroon ng second party so hindi sila kumikita ng maayos. Ang impact noon sa kanila ay maghanap ng ibang pagkakakitaan.” Kung sa sarili nilang bayan ay hindi na mabigyang-pansin ang kanilang mga karapatan at sila’y nalalamangan, hindi rin maiiwasan na sa bayang dinarayo nila, na bagama’t may nagmamagandang-loob ay nakararanas rin sila ng hindi maayos na pakikitungo ng mga tao na ang hangad lamang nila ay tulungan ang mga gaya nila. “Oo, nakararanas kami [ng panunukso]. Tinatawag kami, Aeta daw, gano’n. Alam naman namin,” paglalahad ni Anna Lyn na umaming nasasaktan sila sa panunudyong ginagawa ng mga tao. “Nananahimik na lang kami. Baka kasi sabihin dayo lang kami rito, kung anu-ano pa sinasabi naming,” Bagamat maraming hindi magagandang karanasan ang mga Aeta sa kanilang pakikinuluyan, nariyan pa rin ang ilang mga tao, grupo at indibidwal na nakadarama ng kanilang paghihirap at hindi nag-atubiling sila’y tulungan, gaya ni Jeff Lobos, propesor mula sa College of Arts and Letters. Sa pamamagitan ng programang ‘Hatid Kasiyahan’ ni Lobos, nagawa niyang palitan ng ngiti ang alinlangan ng mga Aeta, “Dati akong batang lansangan. Alam ko ‘yong hirap na matulog sa lansangan, magtinda sa lansangan. Binigyan ko sila ng kailangan

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nila, groceries, tsinelas,” pagbabahagi ni Lobos. “Masaya ‘yong experience kasi ‘pag sinabi kong pumila sila [Aeta], pipila sila. Masunurin sila,” Iminungkahi rin niya dapat bigyan ng edukasyon ang mga Aeta upang mapagyaman ang kanilang mga produktong handicrafts at turuan sila ng iba pang livelihood projects na akma sa kanilang kalagayan sa kabundukan subalit hindi rito natatapos ang solusyon sa suliranin ng mga Aeta kundi dapat ring pagtibayin ang mga batas na mangangalaga sa kanilang mg karapatan at alisin ng mga tao ang panghuhusga sa kanila. “The problem is tinanggal natin sila do’n sa natural habitat nila. Hindi natin sila tinuruan how to maximize where they live and how do they live. It’s better to teach them on how to live and let’s not judge them as if they were groups of syndicates too. We need to understand them and give voice to those who are unheard,” pagtatapos ni Larin.

Walang nag-utos sa’min. Nagko-commute kami sa bus ng Victory Liner tapos bumababa kami rito [sa Malolos]. Bultuhan kami kung pumunta taun-taon, mga 300 kami,

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Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fight against

PCOS

The Battle They Can Never Hide By Patricia Ann Alvaro

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a problem in which a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hormones are out of balance. It can cause problems with your periods and make it difficult to get pregnant.

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“’Pag ‘di raw na-treat ‘to in the long run, p’wede akong mahirapan na magka-anak, at linked din daw siya sa hypertension at diabetes. Kinabahan ako do’n sa ‘di magkakaanak at diabetes, marami kasi sa pamilya namin ang nahihirapan magka-anak at may lahi rin kami ng diabetes so I know kailangan agapan ko na agad ‘to.” An ounce of awareness is worth a pound of prevention. Regina May Francisco, a journalism graduate from Bulacan State University (BulSU) is just one from growing cases of younger women diagnosed by an endocrine system disorder called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). As to livescience.com, endocrine system is the collection of glands responsible in the production of hormones that regulates metabolism, growth and development, sexual function and reproduction, sleep and mood and even tissue function. That is why women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that

bago natin hanapin yung pagtanggap ng iba, dapat matutunan mo munang tanggapin ‘yong sarili mo. Kaya dapat proud ka na ganyan ka,

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developed cysts (fluid-filled sacs) called follicles located in each ovary which blocks the way of the hormones being produced.

According to an article published by Business Mirror a year ago, about five to 10 percent of women ages 20 to 40 have PCOS in the Philippines. In the case of Francisco who has an irregular menstruation since high school but later been regular, she just noticed last February that she was again delayed for almost two months. Turning 22, she thought that having this irregular menstruation once more is not normal like what been used to tell her by her mom that her body is just adjusting to changes. “Dati kasi pag nade-delay ako ng ilang mga buwan, sasabihin ng mga kaibigan ko normal lang daw ‘yan pero nag-wo-worry na ako kasi alam ko na ‘di na ‘to normal. Kaya nagpa-check-up ako nito lang at diagnosed ng doctor, may PCOS daw ako,” shared Francisco.

production and distribution of hair such as in arms, legs, above the lips and around the face of a woman is being manifested. This can also affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation. PCOS had proven that it was not just a hormonal imbalance disease to women but also a serious condition that implies a huge health disparity like obesity, anxiety and depression due to its complications and effects. Furthermore, what made PCOS different is that, even today there are still no findings about its probable cause. Though some may say that it is a geneticallyacquired disease, there is no concrete basis that PCOS is either hereditary or not. Because of this, different organizations like PCOS Challenge Incorporated which is a nonprofit support organization advancing awareness for women and girls about PCOS serving over 35,000 members worldwide.

According to her, she was not even aware of what PCOS is until she had her check-up. According to her doctor, her body produces more estrogen from progesterone causing a hormonal imbalance. Francisco was even asked to maintain a healthy lifestyle since PCOS may lead to hypertension, diabetes and infertility. Due to her condition, it affects her life and also her workings.

In the Philippines, it has only one established organization that focuses in raising Filipino women’s consciousness about PCOS, the PCOSians.

“Ni-request ko sa boss ko kung p’wede ba na matulog muna ako sa pantry buong umaga kasi ‘di ko kaya ‘yong sakit. Nababawasan ang productivity ko sa work dahil do’n, at ‘di sana mangyayari lahat ng ‘to kung regular [menstruation] lang ako.” On the other hand, about 70% of cases with PCOS affect the physical appearance of a woman being diagnosed. Instead of progesterone and estrogen being produced, women with PCOS often produce higher-than-normal levels of androgen. In that way, growing of severe acne and excessive

“I researched and contact group from USA, I even gave some leaflets in Sibulan Negros Oriental during the time when I was living there to my friends, family and some people anywhere I go. It is not because I have selfpity but because our country needs awareness where women’s health is not a big deal from our health government,” said Antilegando.

Wilmita Lacida Antilegando, 33, from Cebu and the founder of PCOSians, was inspired to reach out a lot of woman from different parts of the country because she was also diagnosed with PCOS last 2008.

Catering almost a thousand of Facebook users about PCOS, Antilegando found way to help and communicate with what patients need to do about PCOS,

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its treatment and concerns to all the Filipina who suffered from PCOS. “Since it has no findings yet if it is genetically either [the cause of PCOS], it inspires me to be involved with other’s concerns and motivates me most is each time I share this syndrome a lot of our ladies was encouraged to be checked up [for early detection],” said Antilegando. To intensify greater prowess information about the disorder, PCOS Awareness Associations declared September as PCOS Awareness Month worldwide to inform the public that even there is no particular cause for PCOS, it was never late for an awareness to fight against it. Although there’s no cure for PCOS, there are several ways that the condition can be treated and managed. According to PCOS Nutrition Center, early detection through ultrasound is a one step to fight against PCOS. Regular exercise and proper medications are also an effective way to normalize Body Mass Index (BMI) and hormones and an effective way to improve insulin levels of a patient diagnosed with PCOS. Early diagnosis and treatment of PCOS may help reduce risk of long-term complications and anxiety but having an awareness and deeper knowledge about PCOS can actually make a great difference. Same with Francisco, prevention is always better than to cure. “Hindi normal na irregular ang menstrual cycle mo lalo na’t pass puberty ka na. ‘Wag matakot magpa-check up, gumastos kung kailangan, kasi sa huli, para rin naman yan sa kalusugan natin. Higit sa lahat, ‘wag natin gawing taken for granted ang katawan natin,” Francisco ended. On the other hand, we could never change the fact that what cause PCOS in a woman’s ovaries is still indefinite. Thus, it paved a way to a bigger picture that this is not only a battle of every woman who suffers from it but it is also a fight of all the ladies and women.

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Concealed services in the nights of flea market By Ierah Keihl M. Jaochico

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nown for its wonderful natural resources, Philippines is a captivator that holds the interest of the foreign eye. Yet, among the primary sectors of our economy, service is unbeatable in its place and its erroneous foundation is prostitution. As abundant as the islands of this country, night clubs are found not only in urban areas, but also in the most remote villages. Moreover, the ‘hostitutes’ who are typically women are now diluting the youths. “17 pa lang talaga ako, pero 19 ang edad ko rito [night bar]. Ito ang unang trabaho ko no’ng tumigil ako sa pag-aaral. Kaya no’ng may nag-recruit sa’kin, ‘di na ‘ko naka-ayaw. ‘Di ko na rin kasi alam kung sa’n kukuha ng pang-kain,” spilled Lyn, not her real name, an entertainment seller, or what commonly known as “prostitute.” According to a survey conducted by the International Labor Organization (ILO), prostitution is one of the most alienating forms of labor. Over 50% of the women surveyed in Philippine night bars said they carried out their work “with a heavy heart”, and 20% said they were “conscience-stricken.” The conducted interviews with Philippine bar girls revealed that more than half of them felt nothing when they had sex with a client, and the remainder said the transactions saddened them. It has been three months since Lyn settled on working in this dungeon where she faced her greatest nightmare,

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yet forced to bear in order to survive the reality of her life.

who have issued permits and licenses to bars and brothels.

of Health (DOH) awareness campaign.

“Takot, binalot ako ng takot no’ng una salang ko sa costumer. Ayaw kong mahawakan. Nasusuklam ako sa mga maduduming tingin nila. Do’n ko naisip na baka ‘di ko kaya,” she loathly expressed.

In response to this, AntiProstitution Act, Senate Bill no. 2341 is proposed by Sen. Pia Cayetano where she estimated a hike to 800,000 if not given the needed immersion.

The official Public Health Office added to the report that more males are being infected with HIV with 508 cases last year. The fast-paces spread was the effect of unprotected same gender sex.

As time proceeded quickly, with her attractive physique, Lyn is hailed as the most requested in the existing bar in the corner of City of Malolos, Bulacan. This particular night bar is quietly but publicly operating for several years granted the permit by the local government with licenses of the 15 masseuses’ who offer night services. “Ang mga GRO [prostitutes] namin dito ay licensed. Ikinakaltas namin sa sweldo nila buwan-buwan ang bayad do’n. Kaya kapag dito sila nagtrabaho, bawal silang pumasok pa sa iba,” tackled by the manager of the bar. On the report of Philippine Statistic Authority (PSA) last February 2013, half a million have made prostitution as their profession and in that count 60,000 - 100,000 are children and commonly trafficked for exploitation in the sex trade. “Nag-re-recruit kami, minsan sila ang lumalapit.Taon ang itinatagal ng mga workers namin dito. In fact, 9 years ang pinakamatagal. May mga ibang nag-abroad na at bumalik pa rin dito,” added by the manager. While prostitution is technically illegal, the existence of it is only in the paper. For it is often practiced and even encouraged by local government

Consequently, the prominent nationwide organization known as Gabriela Women’s Party who are advocates for women rights took part against the arising possibility of decriminalization of prostitution in the country. Now that the prostitution is placed on the spotlight, the United Nations pushed the decriminalization of the certain matter as a prescription to curb the spread of STDs in the blossoming business. As a result of their (UN) study, legal recognition of sex work as an occupation enable sex workers to claim benefits such work-related banking, insurance, transport and pension schemes. On the opposing side, Gabriela asserted that legalization would give pumps, owners of prostitution dens, and their costumers the leverage to further exploit women as well as children and minors. “We believe that it’s not the answer to prevent the disease, but a comprehensive health program for Filipino. They are driven due to poverty and Human Trafficking,” fired Luzviminda Iligan, Gabriela’s spokesperson. On the other hand, the beginning of Lenten season was a kick-start for the Local Government to launch action and education on HIV and AIDS through the Department

Meanwhile, Lyn harken back to her terrorizing experience with a costumer where she was left defenseless under the man’s forceful hands. “Natural dito ang makukulit, pero that time, nagpumilit talaga siyang [costumer] ilabas ako, sinakmal niya ako sa braso. Akala ko mahahatak niya ‘ko, buti dumating ang manager ko,” she reminisced with horrified eyes. Albeit, Lyn confessed that she badly desires to get freed from the path she has chosen to trek due to lack of alternative for living. “Gusto kong umalis dito kasama ang kapatid ko. Ang buhay sa labas nito, nando’n ang pangarap ko, ang makabalik sa pag-aaral. Pero ‘di pa ngayon, kasi wala pa ‘kong sagot sa kung paano,” ended Lyn with a lit of hope, threatening to be blown. The assigned extinguishers are the ones who lead on spoon-feeding the cells where women were held prisoners of social stigma. We play a big part as a contributor. Freeing oneself to misconception is lending a key to dignity to the true victim of this society. “Our present laws seek to penalize only the women engaged in prostitution. Our laws do not penalize pimps, bar owners and operators or those who pay to use and abuse these women,” concluded Ilagan.

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Paraluman

Glance to the fluttering flights of Gold Gears Supergirls By John Moises Cruz, Ronaldo Magsakay, Jonah Micah Alday, John Marc Cruz

Pacesetter

Pacesetter ith her extreme prowess and ability to fly Supergirl took over the small screen by storm last October and made history in television as she was the only female superhero to appear as a lead character in any show in almost four decades in estimate.

With that, women empowerment is clearly shown as slowly growing in media stepby-step, but just like her, heroes can also be seen in Bulacan State University (BulSU) Gold Gears lineup as they are not just students, not also just student-athletes but more. Neophyte but keeping the fight As the spacecraft of Supergirl crashed on the Earth, she discovered her enormous power and started to embrace it just like on how Rose Ann Rocabo of College of Architecture and Fine Arts embraces arnis as her field of sports that is new to her. But that is not what qualifies her to be a hero, there is more to her, aside from being an athlete, she also works with a part-time job. Outrageously, behind the sticks she gropes, is her responsibility as an assistant secretary and a yaya to support her financial necessities and to generate income that will be useful for her studies. “Ano ako, assistant, secretary, yaya, kasambahay. Kung ano ‘yong ipagawa ng amo ‘yon ‘yong ginagawa ko. Bale nag-a-adjust din ‘yong amo ko, inaalam niya ‘yong schedule ko ‘wari ang pasok ko is three times a week. ‘Yong mga day na wala akong pasok tinatawagan niya ko tapos pagdating ng 5 [PM] training,” Rose Ann described. However, issue on time management is not merely avoided as there are circumstances that her trainings and work are set on the same time making one of her priorities taken for granted, but she explained that whenever it happens, she never forgets to apologize for her incompetence. She clarified, “Yes, may time na nagkaka-conflict kasi katulad kapag may project ‘yong amo ko, ako ‘yong ‘pag sa computer kailangan i-rush. Humihingi ako ng pasensya sa coach ko kasi do’n ako, aminado

Paraluman

ako na ‘di ko pwedeng bitawan ‘yong trabaho ko dahil doon ako kumukuha ng pampaaral sa sarili ko. Pangbaon ko araw-araw ‘tsaka tuition.” But just like any beginner, proficiency on the chosen sports was not yet fully established. She undergone trainings for the past months since June and carried the pressure of being one of the members of the university’s pioneer arnis team. According to her, she was not able to play for the team the last time due to some instances that push her to strive more. “Bago lang siya sakin ‘yong arnis, kasi actually ‘di talaga ako ‘yong tipo na sumasali sa mga outdoor competition kasi more on academic ako pero no’ng nagcollege ako sinubukan ko dahil na rin sa friends ko na inaya ako na why not i-try para maiba naman ‘yong environment na hindi naman academic,” she explicated. Up until today, Rose Ann is still struggling with juggling all her academic, athletic, and work priorities with just two hands but she does not whine about it because she believes that handling all of these things with a preserved mind is what qualifies her to be a hero. Athletic and academic warrior Beyond ability is a responsibility as Supergirl accepted her real identity as a Kryptonian, she also accepted the responsibilities she have to shoulder. Similarly, Hyacinth P. De Guzman of BSIE-5B took opportunities on basketball and volleyball even she excels on her academic standing. She is part of the IE Falcons and COE Redantz Women’s Basketball Team and aside from these are her affiliations on various groups such as IExplore: Official Research Team of IE Students in BulSU and Student Research Coordinator. Furthermore, she received awards for her enthusiasm in both sports and studies. Such as runner ups and champion in basketball for Engineering Week and PIIE Car 123, 1st runner up - Research Contest (PIIE Car123; Jan 2015) and semifinalist at SIKAT Solar Design Challenge. She said, “I enjoy everything that I do naman and lagi kong iniisip ‘yong mga taong naniniwala sa kakayahan ko kahit minsan dumadating sa point na kahit ako

pinanghihinaan ng loob. Basta above everything I do, it’s always pray then play.” She was not really into basketball since elementary and high school. She was into board games at that time. But as she entered the gates of BulSU, she was given to take a break for the sport and soon enjoyed it. “’Yong pagiging player ko kasi medyo weird dahil pang board games lang naman talaga ako dati. ‘Yong basketball bata pa lang kasi ako may court sa harap ng bahay namin lagi akong nakikilaro tapos tinuruan ako ng papa ko kaya ayun na-develop lang no’ng college kasi nagkaroon ako ng interest sa women’s basketball team,” Hyacinth expounded. But just like any other typical-athlete-stories, shortfalls and struggles were inevitable. She came to a point that she wanted to give up her sports career. She explained, “Dumating sa point na parang ‘di ko na kayang pagsabayin kasi nasa-sacrifice ‘yong ibang bagay at nauubos talaga ‘yong oras ko ‘di rin kasi biro ‘yong i-maintain ‘yong grades lalo na private scholar ako tapos may mga laro pa pero ‘pag ganon kasi iniisip ko na lang ‘yong mga taong naniniwala sa kakayahan ko.” The field she chose to taught her lessons in life and even though it is really hard to balance her responsibilities as a student and athlete but she still managed to do. “Una [kong natutunan] is ‘yong tiwala. Tiwala sa sarili, sa ka-team at sa taong naniniwala sayo. Second, is ‘yong pakikisama at pagpapakumbaba. Learn from your mistakes sabi nga and in every game may bago kang matututunan. Simula sa pagkatalo hanggang sa pagkapanalo. Sabi nga, you can’t win unless you learn how to lose,” she ended. To-the-rescue-Supergirl A true hero reveals her ability during an unexpected disaster, setting her on her journey of heroism even when it comes to protecting her city with the heart for service and Jhendel Ignacio Ilawan of BSHRM 3F is one of millions like her. Given that she is gifted in her craft, she’s also helpful in her own ways to alleviate the hardships her parents suffer just to support

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their everyday living. “Matatawag ko pong sideline lang kasi ‘pag wala akong training sa BulSU tinutulungan ko po ang nanay ko at tatay ko magtinda sa palengke para po ‘di sila masyado mapagod,” Jhendel explained. Just like Rose Ann and Hyacinth, she also experiences struggles on managing her time when it comes to studies, sports and work, but just like them, she handles her baggages with courage just like a true hero seen in comic books and movies. “Sa umaga aral, sa gabi training, sa weekends tulong sa aming tindahan ‘pag kailangan ng tao, gano’n ko binabalanse kung minsan ‘yong subjects ko ‘di ganon kasagaran sa oras do’n ako gumagawa ng assignment or project namin,” she described. According to her, it’s not really hard to manage time if you want the things that you are doing. There are certain people in her life that she makes as an inspiration so that she will never be tired to sacrifice. “Nasasayo ‘yon kung gusto mo ‘yong ginagawa mo. Pero s’yempre minsan sumusuko ka na sa hirap katulad ko po ang hirap pagsabay-sabayin lalo na kung ikaw ‘yong leader ng team pero iniisip ko na lang na makakaraos din ako ‘di naman ‘to ibibigay ni God sakin kung ‘di ko kayang lagpasan,” Jhendel expounded. For the past three years, she is a member of the BulSU Gold Gears volleyball team. And with that short span of time, she and her team proved their excellence and skills in line with their sports. “Mga nalabanan namin no’ng SCUAA at national ta’s no’ng 2nd sem sa Lubao, Pampanga, champion din po. Ang nakakalungkot lang lagi na lang natatapat na walang national. Isang beses lang ako nakapag-national sa Tuegegarao kaso 1st runner up lang kami no’n.” Being super doesn’t mean they are perfect, just like any supreme being we see in films, they also struggle. They also weigh cross on their burden weary shoulders. They sometimes break a wing, but just like Supergirl, these Gold Gears Superwomen never ceases to yearn for new horizons. Believing one day, with their capes engulf with hopes, they will reach the spot they were working for.

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76 Sports

Pacesetter

Not Your Ordinary Girlfriend Mga Babaeng Raker Na Rin Ng Online Games

Nina Adrian Carl Nicodemus, Anjelo Alcanar at Abigail Marie Pelea

irl·friend /gerlˌfrend/ noun: ang madalas na kontrabida sa gaming life ng isang online gamer.

Pangunahing dahilan ng pag-aaway sa ngayon ng mga magkasintahan ay ang kawalan ng oras dahil sa pagkahumaling sa mga online games ng mga kalalakihan na nagreresulta sa pagsikat ng kantang “Dota o Ako”

ni Aikee at Sabrina noong 2012. Normal rin sa mga magkasintahan ang pagpunta sa mga sine, parks, at restaurants para mamasyal at mag-bonding para ipakita ang kanilang sweetness at pagmamahal sa isa’t isa. Pero iba na ngayon, ang mga girlfriend, hindi lang cheerer sa loob ng mga computer shops, ang iba sa kanila, team mate pa ng kanilang boyfriends at gamer rin. Narito ang iba’t ibang mga kuwento ng

hindi pangkaraniwang #RelationshipGoals ng mga online gamers. Forever gamers Isa na rito si Marjelyn Martirez, mula sa BS MATH, CS 4-B na siya ay naglalaro na ng League of Legends o LOL bago pa man niya nakilala ang kaniyang kasintahan. Ito rin ang nagturo sa kaniya tungkol sa pag-improve pa ng kaniyang skills at gameplay na hindi niya dati alam.

“Naglalaro na po ako ng LoL nung nagkakilala po kami pero sya ang nagturo sa’kin dun sa gameplay ng ibat ibang champs na di ko pa alam,” ani Marjelyn. Ang paglalaro nila ng LoL ay itinuturing niyang special bonding nilang magkasintahan dahil mas lalo nilang nakikilala ang galaw ng isa’t isa bukod sa ito ay parang pinaka-date na nila, “Masaya kami pag naglalaro. We can really feel companionship kahit virtual world s’ya.”

Pacesetter Sumali na rin si Marjelyn sa mga tournament ng LoL katulad ng Teemo Cup kung saan siya ay nahugot ngunit hindi siya nakapaglaro ng mga pustahan. “I once joined a tournament, Teemo Cup actually pero pustahan hindi, never. Nahugot lang ako nung nasali ako. Wala kasi akong ginagawa, may mga kaibigan akong sumali, kulang sila ng isa so sinali nila ako,” kuwento pa niya. Madalas silang naglalaro ng kaniyang nobyo pero nitong nakaraang thesis ay hindi nila ito masyadong napagtuunan ng pansin dahil sa mga requirements na kinakailangan pero kapag may oportunidad na sila ay makapaglalaro, kinukuha nila iyon. Dagdag pa ni Marjelyn na hindi hadlang ang may nobyo para maglaro ng online games at nakadepende ito sa time management. Dugtong pa niya, hindi nagseselos ang kaniyang boyfriend sa tuwing naglalaro siya dahil magkasama naman silang naglalaro. Naniniwala si Marjelyn na “once a gamer, always a gamer” dahil hindi na niya iiwanan ang paglalaro ng LoL kahit sila’y magiging mag-asawa sa hinaharap at ipapasa niya pa ito sa kanilang magiging anak para isang buong pamilya sila ng mga gamers. “Once a gamer, always a gamer. Saka balak nga namin ituro ‘to sa future son or daughters namin para dynamic team kami,” pagtatapos niya. Learners are the best Ang susunod na gamer ay mula sa College of Arts and Letters kung saan 2013 pa lang ay nakikipagtagisan na siya ng lakas. Ayon kay Janneth Agulto ng BA- Journalism 3A ay natuto siyang maglaro ng Ragnarok dahil sa impluwensya ng kanyang boyfriend na kapwa gamer din. Sabay nagsimula ang pagkahilig niya kasabay ng nag-uumpisa nilang relasyon. Kwento ni Janneth noong una ay lagi siyang laman ng pangtatrashtalk, lagi siyang nasasabihan ng bobo ng kanyang kalaban hanggang sa itinanim

Paraluman niya na dapat gumaling siya sa paglalaro ng Ragnarok at dahil sa pagpapatuloy na pagpapalakas ng kanyang character, hindi niya namamalayang naadik na siya dito. Sa labis na pagkahumaling nagiging dahilan na ito ng away ng kaniyang boyfriend. Sa ilang pangyayari hindi nila napansin [ng kanyang mga ka-grupo] na nasisira na ang Economy ng kanilang guild. Simula noon nag palipat-lipat siya ng guild na sinasalihan. Kasabay nito ang “up and down” ng kanyang buhay. Napagisipan niya na mag iba ng online games at lumipat siya sa Dragon Nest. “Aminadong napalakas ko yung Character ko [Avril] feeling ko kasi kahit mahina ako sa tunay na buhay malakas naman ako sa virtual” esplika ni Janneth. Pero napagtanto niyang napapabayaan na niya ang kanyang pang araw-araw na gawain. Lagi siyang inaaway ng kanyang boyfriend dahil napababayaan na raw niya ang kanyang pagaaral. At naging limited na lang ang pakikipag communicate niya sa kanyang mga kaibigan. “Noong bumagsak ako sa isang subject [ Statistic ] narealize kong masyado na akong na carried away ng larong ito” dagdag niya. Dahil dito, bumangon siya sa katotohanang kailangan niyang ibalanse ang lahat ang pag-aaral , pakikipag relasyon at paglalaro. Unusual from the rest Dedikado sa kanilang paglalaro na kung minsan ay di nila alam na nawawalan na sila ng oras sa kanilang mga mahal partikular na sa kanilang mga karelasyon. Ang dilemma nga ng mga kababaihan na galing sa isang kanta: “Anong pipiliin mo, DotA o ako?” Ngunit paano kung naiba sa karaniwan ang sitwasyon? Ganito ang istorya ni Lucy, ‘di niya tunay na pangalan, isang nursing student na mahilig maglaro ng online games at kung minsan ay kasama niya pa sa paglaro ang kanyang boyfriend na

kaklase niya. “Naglalaro na talaga ako. Dati kasi ako mahilig maglaro ng online games. Actually, lahat ng games adik ako [minsan] kasama ang kapatid ko,” saad ni Lucy. Hindi ordinaryo na nakahiligan na maghawak ng mga pambabaeng laruan, halos ‘nagbabad’ siya sa harap ng computer nang kanyang kabataan. Gaya ng love story ng ibang magkarelasyon, magkakalase sina Lucy at ang kanyang boyfriend ngunit lalong naging close sa isa’t isa dahil sa isa pa nilang hilig – ang anime. “Pareho kasi kami mahilig sa anime pero minsan nagdedebate kami kasi siya mahilig sa One Piece, ako Fairy Tail. Nagdedebate kami about dun kung ano ang mas maganda at dun kami naging close. Siguro dahil na rin sa anime pati rin ‘yong paglaro ng online games na pareho naming hilig kaya kami nagkadevelop,” dagdag pa ni Lucy. Bonding na rin kung ituring ni Lucy ang paglalaro ng online games kasama ang kaniyang boyfriend at madalas silang mag-asaran at mag-trash talk na parang magkalaban sa isang tournament pero nanatili pa rin silang sweet sa isa’t isa dahil pareho pa sila ng hilig. “Ang sweet na kasama ko ang aking boyfriend kasi boyfriend ko na, kalaro ko pa. Masaya din sa pakiramdam ‘yon kasi parehas kayo nang hilig. Hindi kayo mabo-bored sa isa’t isa,” ani Lucy. Ngunit mas mahalaga lalo na sa mga estudyante ang i– prioritize ang kung ano ang mas

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mahalaga sa kanila, lalung-lalo na ang time management at dagdag pa ng ating bida na malaking challenge ang pag-aaral lalo na sa kaniyang kursong kinuha. “Sa Nursing kasi, alam naman nating mahirap ‘yun at may duty din kami, may time naman ako sa aking sarili sa aming dalawa, nagsasama lamang kami, gagala o kakain or maglalaro na lang ‘pag may pera. Gusto ko nga sumali ng mga tournaments or pustahan kaso hindi pa eh. Mas prioritize ko ‘yung pag-aaral so di ko masyadong inaadict [ang sarili ko],” pagtatapos ni Lucy. Ang siste ganito, nakita mo ang boyfriend mo na naglalaro ng online games. Sa una, ang unang reaksyon mo ay magagalit ka dahil pakiramdam mo ay nakalimutan ka na niya dulot ng kaniyang paglalaro. Parang sa isip mo gusto mo na siya sigawan at pagalitan. Pero dahil sa mahal mo ang boyfriend mo at masaya kang nakikita na masaya siya, sumabay ka na rin sa paglalaro at hindi mo namamalayan na nagkakasundo na kayo at nagkakaroon pa ng bonding. Kalaunan, nahilig ka na sa paglalaro na ikinatuwa naman ng boyfriend mo dahil makakasama ka na niya. Hindi masama ang maglaro ang isang babae ng mga online games lalo’t kung gusto lang nilang samahan at gayahin ang hilig ng kanilang mga nobyo pero ang lahat ng sobra ay masama kaya dapat pakaisipin din na mahalaga pa rin sa isang relasyon at pagmamahalan at paguunawaan na hindi nasusukat ng kahit anong teknolohiya lamang. Illustration from google

We can really feel companionship kahit virtual world s’ya.

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Paraluman

Kayo Noon, Kami Ngayon

Ang mga Susunod sa Yapak ng Tagumpay

Nila Patricia Ann Alvaro, Nicole Beltran at Mary Rayne San Pedro Hindi magiging lumang tugtugin ang mga matatagal nang atleta hanggatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t patuloy ang mga bagong atleta sa pagtakbo ng awit ng kanilang bagong henerasyon. Kung pag-uusapan din lang ang pinakamabibilis at pinakatanyag na mga babaeng atleta, hindi nagpapahuli ang Pilipinas dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;yan. Ngunit, pagkatapos ng maraming taon at dekada, maitutuloy pa kaya ang matagumpay na takbuhing ito?

Pacesetter

Pacesetter Tamis ng Tagumpay Taong 1981 unang namayagpag ang pangalang Lydia De Vega sa Southeast Asian Games o SEA Games na ginanap mismo sa bansa. Humakot ng gintong medalya ang noo’y teenager na si De Vega sa 200 at 400 meter dash events. Matapos nito, sunud-sunod na ang pagkapanalo ni De Vega sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon sa Asya. ‘Di naglaon, ang tubongMeycauayan na si De Vega ang tinaguriang Asia’s Fastest Sprinter na may record na 11.53 segundo sa 100 meter dash ng 1986 Seoul Asiad. Kasingbilis ni De Vega ay kasingtayog naman ng mga pangarap ni Kimberly Cabuhat ng BPE 3A ang mga nakamit ni De Vega sa larangan ng sports. High school pa lang si Cabuhat ay sumasali na siya sa 400 meter dash ng CLRAA Meet at Palarong Pambansa taong 2013. Ngayong miyembro siya ng BulSU Gold Gears, gintong medalya ang inuwi ni Cabuhat noong State College and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) 2014 na ginanap sa Tarlac College of Agriculture sa 800 meter run habang silver medalist naman siya sa 400 meter dash. Noong 2015, bronze medalist naman si Cabuhat sa National SCUAA noong nakaraang tao sa parehong kategorya. Gaya ni De Vega, sa murang edad pa lamang ni Cabuhat ay nahumaling na siya sa sports na ito habang sunud-sunod ang parangal na natatanggap niya dahil dito. Para sa kaniya, susi sa tagumpay na ito, pag-eensayo. “Ang event ko talaga ay 400 meter dash at low hurdles. Masaya ako at nag-e-enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko. Ang sikreto siguro, train like there’s no finish line,” saad ni Cabuhat. Ayon pa kay Cabuhat, sampung taon mula ngayon, nakikita niya ang sariling hindi humihinto sa pagtakbo sa pamamagitan ng pagtuturo o pagko-coach na sa mga susunod na mga babaeng atleta kagaya ni De Vega. “After 10 years, gusto kong maging coach para lahat ng itinuro sa akin ituturo ko naman sa mga gusto ring maging atleta. Dahil sa mga nangangarap na maging atleta kagaya ko, kailangan ng disiplina, tiyaga at focus sa lahat ng ginagawa mo,” pagtatapos ni Cabuhat. Bumubuhos na parangal

Paraluman Bago pa man ibigay ang korona kay De Vega, nauna nang maging namayagpag ang Pinay na si Mona Sulaiman, tubong Mindanao na itinuring na “Asia’s Fastest Woman” noong kaniyang panahon. Kauna-unahang Pilipina rin si Sulaiman na nakakuha ng tatlong medalya sa iisang event noong Asian Games na ginanap sa Jakarta taong 1962. Marami rin siyang nasungkit na medalya sa iba’t ibang events ng track and field. Kahit na softball ang naunang sports ni Sulaiman hindi maipagkakailang nakilala rin siya sa track and field. Tulad ni Sulaiman, nagsimula rin si Micha Ella De Guzman, miyembro ng Gold Gear sa sports na track and field sa larong softball. Minsan siyang kasali sa intramurals sa larong softball ng kanilang paaralan nang makita ng mga opisyal ng Bureau of Public Schools kung gaano siya kabilis tumakbo at ito ang naging daan para kunin siyang maging track and field player. “Elementary pa lang, athlete na ko. Grade 6, nagsimula akong maglaro ng softball, tapos no’ng nag-high school ako, kinuha ako ng coach ng softball para ituloy ‘yong paglalaro ko pero no’ng nagcollege, nag-try ako sa track and field, nakuha naman akong varsity. Do’n na nagsimula ‘yong pagsali ko sa mga competitions sa larong ito,” pagbabahagi ni De Guzman. Mahigit 26 na mga medalya na rin ang nakuha ni De Guzman sa iba’t ibang sports na nilaro niya. Kabilang na ang 2nd place medal niya na nakuha niya noong SCUAA 2014 sa Javelin Throw, isang field event sa larong track and field. Tulad ni Sulaiman, mataas din ang pangarap ni De Guzman na magbigay karangalan sa bansa. Matiyagang pinagsasabay ang pagaaral at ang hindi birong buhay ng isang babaeng atleta upang untiunting matupad ang mga pangarap hindi lang para sa kanyang sarili kundi para na rin sa kaniyang pamilya at sa bansa. “Hindi porke’t babae ka, hindi mo na kaya. Kayang kayang makipag-sabayan ng mga babae sa mga lalaki sa kahit ano pa mang larangan ‘yan,” pagtatapos ni De Guzman. Hamon ng Buhay Isa ring Pilipinang atleta ang nakilala ilang taon na ang

nakararaan, si Elma Muros bilang isa sa pinakamabilis na mananakbong Pilipina sa kaniyang panahon. Sa edad na 14, nagsimula ang kaniyang karera matapos siyang makitaan ng potensyal sa isang panrehiyong kompetisyon. Sa paglipas ng panahon nang si Muros ay nagsimulang gumuhit ng kasaysayan sa Asian sports, hindi matatawarang husay ang kaniyang naipamalas ‘di lamang sa Pilipinas kundi sa buong mundo matapos makasungkit ng iba’t ibang parangal at patunayang ang mga Pilipina ay ang Asia’s Swiftest Women. Ni-recruit si Muros ng isang gobernador sa Romblon at nakakuha ng scholarship sa Roosevelt College kung saan ipinadala siya sa Baguio upang mag-training para sa mga internasyonal na kompetisyon sa ilalim ng programa ng Gintong Alay. Katulad ni Muros, ni-recruit din si Melit Capa mula BSP-SPE1 na ipinanganak naman sa San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan at ngayo’y atleta ng Bulacan State University (BulSU) dahil sa taglay niyang talento. “Siguro noong naglalaro kami dyan sa complex. May nakalaban ako sa CLARAA. Tapos yung mga nakalaban ko na nakagraduate na rin ng high school, na napunta dito [BulSU], ikinekwento ako kay coach Mona [Monalisa Mendoza] na magaling nga raw ako. Hanggang sa tine-text na ako nila Coach Mona”, pagbabahagi ni Capa. Dagdag pa niya, si Mendoza talaga ang nag-recruit sa kaniya kasama ang isa pang coach ng BulSU na si Honey Joy Salaysay. Mula dito, binigyan si Capa ng full scholarship at libreng dorm sa loob mismo ng unibersidad kasama ang iba pang atleta. Kasama rin ang allowance na tumutustos sa kaniyang pag-aaral. Ayon kay Capa, hindi talaga niya hilig noon ang pagtakbo hanggang sa madiskubre siya ng isang coach ng Physical Education (PE) sa Sapang Palay National High School kung saan siya nag-aral at kalaunan ay kaniyang ni-representa sa iba’t ibang kompetisyon sa pagtakbo. “Simula 1st year [high school] athlete na ako. Puro gold medals ‘yong napapanalunan ko”, paliwanag ni Capa. At kahit lumipas na ang panahon ni Muros, ito ang nais ipagpatuloy ni Capa na nangangarap na magawa rin ang kasaysayang ginawa ng idolong

Sports

si Muros at gayundin ay marating ang rurok ng tagumpay ng atletang kaniyang hinahangaan. “Siya [Muros] talaga ang idol ko. Dalawang beses na kaming nagkita. ‘Yong una sa Ultra Pasig, tapos nagpa-picture pa ako sa kanya. Sinabi ko sa kanya na idol ko siya. Tapos sabi naman niya idol n’ya ako kasi nakita niya ako ang husay ko raw tumakbo. ‘Yong pangalawa sa Davao,” masayang pagbabahagi ni Capa. Bukod sa huwarang kampeon ng Asya si Muros, nakapag-uwi ng ginto at nakapagdala ng karangalan para sa bansa, ay nangggaling din si Muros sa hirap ng buhay at kakulangan sa kakayahan ng pamilya ngunit hindi ito naging hadlang upang maabot ang pangarap, isang bagay na tatak ng mga Pilipino. At para sa katulad ni Capa na nanggaling din sa isang mahirap na pamilya, ito ang kaniyang inspirasyon kung bakit hindi humihinto ang kaniyang mga paa sa pagtakbo. Sentro ang Panginoon sa kaniyang mithiin at nais makatulong ni Capa sa pamilya gamit ang talento. “Nagpapatuloy ako sa pagtakbo kasi ito yung nagpapaaral sa akin. May nagbibigay naman sa akin ng baon kaso nahihiya rin ako. Gusto ko namang tumulong,” paliwanag niya. Bilang isang atletang nagsisimula nang sumabak sa mas malawak na parang ng takbuhan, iisa lang ang malinaw para kay Capa – ang marating kung ano man ang narating ng idolong si Muros. Pangarap na hindi lang para sa ikagiginhawa ng pamilya, kundi para sa Pilipinas, sa lupa kung saan nagsimula ang kanilang karera para sa pangarap. Mahigit ilang taon at maging dekada na ang lumipas, marahil marami na ang lumimot sa noo’y mga kilalang pangalan nila De Vega, Sulaiman at Muros sa mundo ng pampalakasan. Ngunit, dahil sa mga kagaya nila Cabuhat, De Guzman at Capa, hindi na mabubura pa ang kakayahan ng mga babaeng atleta na makipagsabayan hindi lamang sa mga kalalakihan ngunit maging sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa. Mananatiling nakatatak at nakaukit ang mga karangalan at naiambag ng mga batikang babaeng mananakbo sa puso at isip ng mga sumusunod sa kanilang mga yapak at hindi sila tiitigil sa pagtakbo sa hamon ng pampalakasan.

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The world’s most famous sports heroes came from a woman and it is an unspoken commitment of a mother to be the first cheerleader in line of the fight of their children. It is indeed undeniable that for every success, there is woman in the form of a mother behind it just like these three athletes from Bulacan State University (BulSU) Gold Gears whose aspirations sprung out of maternal love. The woman behind every stroke First on the list is Red Jethro Alonzo Sumilang from BPE SWM, a merman from BulSU Gold Gears swimming team that is certain that if there is someone who would always be on his back to support him along the way, it would be his mom. Jethro’s journey as a swimmer started from a very young age of 10 with a great influence of his family on whom he is today.

Supermoms The Women Behind

He likes to think that it runs in the blood as shared that his grandmother was a softball player, his grandfather was a chess player while his father was a basketball player, sister that was also a swimmer and his mother who is an archer, a family of well-rounded athletes. “Super laki ng impluwensiya [ng nanay ko] in a sense na hindi pa kami swimmers, araw-araw na kami gumigising nang maaga para mag-exercise. Taekwondo po ‘yong unang pinasok kaya lang, ayoko, nakakasakit. Pinalipat kami ng swimming kasi walang physical contact with competitors,” said Jethro. Some of his remarkable accomplishments as a swimmer are when he won a gold medal during BulSU Intramurals and when he was one of BulSU’s representatives for swimming and he brought home a silver

Gold Gears’ War

By Reggie Rey C. Fajardo, Lex Alincastre and Jenalyn Cruz

medal at the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA). At a very young age, when he was on his sixth grade, he was chosen to be a player for Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA). He even shared some of his mom’s advices before the competition starts. He mentioned that his mom’s usual remarks are, “Walang kaibi-kaibigan pagdating sa competition, lahat kalaban. ‘Wag kang magbigay ng laro mo, unless may sure gold

ka na. Hindi ka man makakuha ng medal, pag na-beat mo ‘yong best time mo, okay na ‘yon. Do your best. Make us proud anak! Make God proud! Pray ng madami, focus!”

fees, their sacrifices, and their experiences together that has made him who he is today. He narrated one of his priceless moments with his mom, who he has also called as a stage mother.

He admitted that at first, he enjoys playing, but then “’Yong katatapos lang lately he has revealed that he felt ng event ko na 1, 500 meters, pressured but he has to keep on mamatay-matay na ako tapos going for his scholarship. nakaabang na si Mama sa may ready bench, may dalang His mom would even Gatorade. Pag-massage at encourage him through pagsabi niya ng ‘Nice swim everything, every training they anak!’ tapos may bonus pang had, all the hardships they’ve kiss.” he reminisced. been through, the coaches’

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Paraluman The woman behind every smash Another one with oozing mother support system is Sean Landelle Salamat, a Legal Management student, from BulSU’s Table Tennis Team that claims that his mom has always been there for him and he’s proud to say that he is a Mama’s Boy. He was a fruit of two players; his father was a player during his college days, while his mother was an athlete when she was a high school student. No wonder why Sean became a fine table tennis player with the support of his loving parents, especially his mom. “Malaki impluwensiya nila sakin kasi sila yung nag-momotivate talaga ‘pag nahihirapan ako dati. Sports talaga ng family namin ang table tennis. Pati sila lolo naglalaro, dati no’ng bata pa ako t’wing linggo naglalaro kami no’n as a bonding ng family namin Ito talaga ang nakahiligan ko na sports simula no’ng bata pa ako kasi iba yung saya ko kapag naglalaro ako

Walang kaibikaibigan pagdating sa competition, lahat kalaban.

no’n,.” he shared. When he was 11 years old, he started playing pingpong during his elementary days and was a champion for four years at the Bulacan Private Schools Association (BulPriSA). During the CLRAA last 2012 he was also hailed second place. He mentioned that his greatest achievement so far is being their batch’s Athlete of the Year when he graduated in high school. Last BulSU Intramurals, he was the second place in Table Tennis Men – Singles. He disclosed some of his mom’s ways on how she supports him in every match. “Lagi niyang sinasabi sa akin bago ako maglaro na ‘H’wag kang mang-gigil sa bola. Relax ka lang palagi’. Siguro ‘yon ‘yong kahit na manalo o matalo, lagi mo lang i-enjoy ‘yong game kasi palagi kang may matututunan sa bawat laro mo,” Sean added. His mom was a stage mother, he shared. Plus, he is also a mama’s boy, but it never seemed like they were mother and son in his games, because their closeness and their treatment with each other were comparable with intimate and solid friendship. “Halos lahat ng laban ko kasama ko si Mama lagi siyang nanunuod at nag-vi-video sa akin kaya kung may babalikan ako siguro lahat ng ‘yon, iyon ay ang makita ko ulit reaksyon niya kapag kinakabahan,” he recalled. The woman behind every ace Last one with an uber maternal support is Austin Delos Santos, from BSTM 1G, a BulSU Gold Gears player of tennis, the sport that helped him and his mother build a firmer connection with each other which also happened to be their source of bond. Most of his family

Sports

members are tennis players that brought him to the game. When he was four years old, he would be with his mom at the court every time that she will play and when he turned 8, the doors of tennis finally opened for him. “No’ng una di ko gusto maglaro. Pero no’ng nakita ko na kaya naman pala, ako na mismo nag-pu-push sa parents ko na i-expose ako sa tennis.” he aforementioned. ‘The Backhand Slice’, it was a title given to his mom because of her extreme ability at backhand technique, meanwhile, Austin was called ‘All Around’ because he is first-rate on and off, in and out the court. Some of his mom’s words that would fill his heart with confidence are to always have that killer instinct, focus and offer everything to God. “Halos lahat naman ng moms gano’n [stage mother], being a mom s’yempre anak nila ‘yong naglalaro so kasama sila sa intensity and sa nervousness ng players. Siguro ‘yong mga time na nakakapaglaro pa kami together. [moments na gustong balikan],” Austin ended. You have witnessed how these sports warriors grow and build-up by their supermoms, it is safe to say that nobody have to worry about these warriors giving up and losing hope for you have been assured that their heroes disguised as their mothers will never let them down. A lot have gone and seen sports warriors have gone and fought hard with each of their distinctive battles, but what everyone cannot see in these feats are their makings, their build-ups, and their baby steps towards their victories, but their mother have seen it and have been a part of it. For every great man, there is a woman, no, rephrase that, for every great man, there is a greater woman.

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*dhrumrhollzschhhh* *Spharkhelz tu da lep tu da rayt koszch itez ang phakszch ganoirnmm dyowshza op kahayuhiman arawnd da Bulzu Lansha eng ume-Elszha suah pak ganoirmmm! Chalong! itz bin ey chlong tayms zins wi du disch layk majhiwajang black bhoxksz en lansha op hapeyningz ang jumanap arawnd Bulzu Lansha en kenot howldzh dis phelingzch anomoyrz leszh ezcapoh nuahs diz in ayr chewsch *Spharkhelz en iszh taym tu tigpay shuam mahusokshicks nuah judhi nu proflhachkssch wit ateng szhegment edisyown nhang “Jhear Chalong.”

Jhear Chalong zshenchederz dhihgitz 1: Umi-Elsingsz orkotbels whaphuckbels lahayk Frojenz. Lezhe! ghow! Lezhe ghow! khent jhold it eneymoyrz! koz itez nuah binidictihis nuah tayiz meykz kez lumelegetchow na akiz fisczh en tegpeyen kez itiz imbiykez to dah zagada inetchiz ng akeching majhondang fezchkich. koz wititit makaphuag conjeal jhon’t fil itiz na shongot na itiz zuah kanyang robuzchi tibayens na Khlanz de ulingz layk getzch getzh aw na fezhx. en meykz lansha lansha zum op di zthudentbelz en bheep bheep puah “ nuah I mezzyooo bheeee” “jhabaz tayiz bheeee, ezcapo ezcapo ” en witit umistop eng azhungotz nuah itiz. en derz moyrz itiz na jeym of charotz na jeym nuah itiz ens may mga babyla siyang bini-bheep bheep everiii sectionez. wit! jinojobi kez inish pag akiz ni charotz ni tiz le-leshgo ang akez fisch zuah makhuapal mouhong kreepy fezhc. Jhear Chalong zshenchederz dhihgitz 2: da rayz op di khamushiterong ayenschies *thenenenene* inzhsertzs ekshmen kyem zsxhongzxah hir khocxz wit akez makapeygesh suah balur nitez coz op di reyzonzxh en duah tikitikiks op habs feslak nitey na habadubadoooluskshang ng aruanahen en meyks mi imbiy tu da hayest kizzame op da unibersiti chos he gebs a mhuarks op ayenshies zuam mga bibis ibin wiz ziya nuah spot inzayd da por kurnin royms en wititit akez makapagchaoling shockers kashe kinyowa raw ni zthudents eng jehat ng requirements bat sthill ayenshiez puah rin. awardd!!! wit keneye ng nyowsline kiz itiz en imbiy na imbiy tu da 99th flowrres de mayowz eng khilai kez.

Jhear Chalong zshenchederz dhihgitz 3: Insekyura kamhutheraschs iz da peynhel kawntdawn nuah mga bheybhessh et it is nuah wangsha eng jhuling shogontis nuang dyozha na itisxch kayis wititit en tigpayens nuah itish. Jinojobi nuang kokorichi kes nuah imbey nuah imbey coz op dish arshungotshingzhing nyomber treyshzh nuah itey eyschpesyali zuah kanyingz cheber sa zthudentzh niya nuah wititz nuah eklabuzh ni charot niya waz eng mga zthudents nuah havsh na it is havsh na itish bhutmomerasxh cosh op di inshecurity nitis zua ishang proflhuckszh e nag chena eng isiyzhings ey shumolat anez ni anata en echozing en myeks boglacks shum op hish zthudents ibin jastos der jastos hir na empegs! KAIMBEYZ!

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Lampoon Magazine 2016

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