Painting by Keano Sere単o
CMLife May 4
5 May CMLife
SSS
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-Curly Cone H!! SSSH H H HH! SS
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Imagine this -- a jam-packed staff house during a busy convention, the urge to release a no. 2 and the bathroom always being used. That's when things get pretty desperate. So that's why when i need to take a dump, my secret salvation was the Roxas Hall comfort room. Do you knwo why? Roxas is known to be a household of ghosts and spirits and too much stories have already been told that it was branded as a haunted house. But in spite of this, I looked at the brighter side. Since no one was brave enough to face the mysteries withing the hallowed hall of Roxas, it means I'd have the john all by myself! So even though the lights were flickering and there was a risk of seeing an apparition, i felt comfortable doing my private business there.
H!!
I remember it like it was just yesterday -CMLI JC-REB election 2008 during the 49th annual convention. It was the Big Run Scenario. We were asked to chew 5 Judge chewing gums as part of the process before running to the session hall. I was wearing reatainers that time and because I'm so nervous and didn't know what to do and because of that I forgot to remove it! I combined all the 5 chewing gums and made a big ball of chewing gum. When it's already my turn and they called my name and I immediately swallowed the gum and didn't realize that it stuck to my reatiners until I reached the session hall. At that point, I couldn't talk anymore to say the tongue twister (peter piper). I can't even talk and i can feel that I was already drooling! I made a timeout sign with my hands because I can't talk and I was already struggling to remove the gum from my mouth! I can remember that one of the voting delegatessaid "wait land daw po, yung retainers niya po nadikitan". Ate Rizza approached me and asked me if I was okay and all i could do was just point my mouth. Then in front of the voting delegates, I removed my retainers full of saliva and gum, lol. But at the end, it was okay and I was able tosurvive the election process. This incident was memorable yet embarassing. Akala nila may mamatay na sa electoral process dahil nakalunok ng bubble gum. Haha Mas nakilala pa tuloy ako ng delegates at that time!
GUM
-Jhona Gay
SSSH
11 May CMLife
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s e t o N e v Lo From: Liz To: Ate Bebs Dear Kuya Noriss,
Kuya Nori ss sana ma-enjoy through the use mo ang ak of social ing love com nati n kahit networki note ko ta ng. sayo para suma hi ya ang gr mik napilit nami Sobrang na-enjoy is I move oup.mara n ni Carl ko ang mi akong o nag ma in real na gingay hyper an life. Ku d random ya noriss tutunan, the be st of it kami ni words na so rr y sobrang carlo nu ”ano ang naging ng CD’s. dahil ta 1st lett Na-enjoy yo er?” and namin an congrats year “Nor ang block na na g g champi pala sa iss Maln on atin oriss”. sa Litmus . See yo u next Love, Matthew
From: Anna To: Kuya JD s e a ey h e m hav nce t they to si t y I a I p th ML ha C kes lso e y o m t , ver las told d in j hey a )) isa : nd t ere e y eon a w h L e . d c h T me st An re te un r A the r fir hool. hey p ppy. ith in my Dea t c e w ei ha hat enc er is will d t or th high s when roup i i r a ett r xpe r f e g m s ne lly the itato th yea pecia ke th MLI e the l his o of 4 il ma es t C e t ly, One r fac dy in lot m and et tha unate . Hop i a a e e e o e g h h r e f r t tu Un al for e t e m pic te are eciat handl won't tter. ega e, e a r e Lov r Del app still they the l rovid p t You f a t o h can ' d t part I can i a s so t's Tha ince v pro . k wor
CMLife May 12
Kho
Fr om: C ar mina To: Kuya Nomer
Fr om: Alexis To: Ate Rio
Fr om: Joy r e m o N a y u K To:
13 May CMLife
Travel Diaries
ALEXA FONTANILLA by
LA UNION I really love beaches. My summer will not be complete without at least one short visit to the beach. My family makes it a point to visit a different coastline every year. This year is extra special because we visited not just one, but four different places just to reconnect with nature and hear the song of the sea. If you’re living in Metro Manila, you don’t need to spend on airline tickets just to visit the finest beaches here in the country. With a lot of rising destinations in the North, all you need is a car and a spirit of adventure!
CMLife May 14
The province of La Union is known for the town San Juan, which is the surfing capital of the North. Its trademark – strong rolling waves – is the reason why both locals and foreigners flock to this part of Luzon. I saw a lot of surfing celebrities strolling around the beach when we arrived. They say that though the waves are not as strong as those in Siargao Island, it is much safer to do the sport in San Juan. The sunset looked magnificent
Travel Diaries
especially with surfers lining up the horizon. Beginner or pro, everyone was really welcome to surf. There were lots of surfing instructors ready to teach those who want to experience a thrilling adventure. Surfing gear was also available for rent. While in here, you have 2 accommodation options. If you want a place where you can mingle with a lot of people, especially surfers, you can stay in Kahuna Beach Resort. A lot of celebrities come
to this place during peak seasons. From morning ‘till afternoon, they offer surfing lessons and sell surfing gear. They serve dinner and drinks, accompanied by live band music until the wee hours of morning. If you’re a fan of more serene places, you can opt to stay in Puerto de San Juan. This place is more familyoriented with its wholesome peacefulness. We stayed in Puerto de San Juan because we wanted to enjoy a quieter beach. But during our stay,
we visited Kahuna numerous times because they offered relaxing spa services and served a variety of seafood. Aside from surfing, this town is also known for pottery. Here, you can buy jars of clay and figurines at a cheaper price compared to the ones sold in the city. We bought different pots for outdoor cooking and figurines for display. This livelihood of theirs was featured numerous times in different travel and magazine shows.
15 May CMLife
Travel Diaries
Have you ever wondered why La Union is a flourishing province? Let us consider the fact that they own a huge chunk of land which is rented out by oil companies. Their oil is cheap, and they earn a lot of money.
But aside from this, here in Poro Point, you will find one of the most luxurious resorts in the country – Thunderbird Resorts. Its Mediterraneaninspired architecture is truly an eye candy to visitors. It offers an authentic 5-star hotel experience, in addition to its seaside view, casino, and golf course. We booked for a deluxe room with 2 queen-sized beds. To our surprise, our room was upgraded into a suite for free! It was a huge addition to our experience for we only came for the spectacular view. CMLife May 16
Travel Diaries
The view outside our room was breathtaking as our balcony was overlooking the South China Sea. We made use of the different amenities such as the swimming pool, the beach huts, the bicycles, and the golf carts. In San Fernando, you could also visit MaCho temple, Botanical Garden, and St. William’s Cathedral. We weren’t able to visit the temple and the garden because they were closed during Sundays. Nevertheless, our whole stay in La Union was a memory to keep.
“The view.. was breathtaking!”
17 May CMLife
Travel Diaries
“
They say that you could find the most beautiful gem in the deepest part of the Earth. This treasure of a beach is found a few kilometers of rocky road off the main road. Locals even call it the “Boracay of the North.” I definitely agree because it offers an equally magnificent view of the sea. The beach is perfect for
I wading, with moderate waves like the ones in wave pools, unlike the strong waves needed in order to surf. For me, its beauty would be seen perfectly during sunset. Patar Beach is where I caught the most beautiful and romantic sunset in my life. I recommend swimming from 4pm until sundown to
WAS fully experience the splendor of the place. Not a lot of people goThey say that you could find the most beautiful gem in the deepest part of the Earth. This treasure of a beach is found a few kilometers of rocky road off the main road. Locals even call it the “Boracay of the North.” I definitely agree because it offers an
CONNECT WITH NATURE CMLife May 18
Travel Diaries
REALLY ABLE equally magnificent view of the sea. The beach is perfect for wading, with moderate waves like the ones in wave pools, unlike the strong waves needed in order to surf. to this part of Bolinao because tourists tend to stay near the main road. This is why you will really find solace in listening to waves crashing the shore.
“
During my stay here, I was really able to connect with nature. It was fun playing with waves and collecting shells from the seabed. It was an unforgettable experience, and I could safely say that this is the best beach I have ever been to yet. If you ever want to go to Patar Beach, you may opt to stay in Treasures of Bolinao
TO which is near the place. You could also choose to stay in Puerto Del Sol or Punta Riviera resort which is 15 kilometers away from Patar Beach. Patar Beach is open to the public but not a lot of people go there because it’s far from the main road and the popular resorts.
PATAR BEACH
19 May CMLife
Travel Diaries
Going to the Hundred Islands was actually a part of my family’s travel wishes. Its green coral islands were just simply a sight we would never want to miss. Its 123 sun-kissed islands are worth the long ride from La Union to Alaminos, P a n g a s i n a n . I would have to say that the main
attractions would be the 120 untouched islands. Nature, preserved the way it is, is very beautiful. In the 3 developed islands which are Governor’s Island, Quezon Island, and Children’s Island, you would find houses/ cottages for rent. The hundred islands could be reached after a 2030 minute boat ride.
HUNDRED ISLANDS CMLife May 20
The best islands for swimming are the Children’s Island and the Virgin Island. If you want to experience the thrill of cliff jumping, you might want to visit the stunning underwater cave of Marcos Island. Monkey Island, as its name suggests, is inhabited by monkeys while Bat Cave is populated by bats. However, Turtle Island is not occupied by turtles. It is actually a turtle-shaped island. In the late afternoon, after touring different islands, we went to a snorkeling area. We snorkeled
for an hour and saw different kinds of fish and sea creatures. This was the most unforgettable part of my trip because I was able to see up close colorful corals, clams in action, and large fish. I wasn’t able to take pictures but it was a memory for me to keep. We wrapped up our tour through visiting a small cave in Cuenca Island. After that, we went back to the town to fix our things and go back to Manila. It was my best beach outing with my family YET. It was
Travel Diaries
short (7 days), but it was full of memories. I will have to wait for a whole year for another adventure like this!
“It was my best beach outing with my family YET.”
21 May CMLife
Beyond the Golden Rule
d n o y e B n e d l o G the Rule
I w a s a sophomore w h e n C MLI was f irst i n t r oduced t o me. I a ttended i t s A nnual C o n venti on f or thr e e consecut ive v p roj ects. Lit t le did I k n ow, I was about to m eet one of t he gr e a test l oves of m y l i fe.
CMLife May 22
The Encounter During the first night of the screening, I was overly anxious and excited at the same time. There were many applicants at that time so I sticked with my group while I met new people. He was not one of the people whom I instantly became friends with. In fact, I only noticed him on the second night. He was too quiet and mysterious. I had no idea what occurred on his mind during the past nights until one group activity brought us to interact with each other. In between breaks, we shared a few stories
about our backgrounds and the application process. When I finally heard him speak for a certain period of time, I was impressed by his intellect. From that moment, I realized we could be good friends. Foreseeing Destiny He eventually became the president of the Junior Council while I assumed being the secretary of our batch. It was easy for us to be closer as our roles demanded us to be. We also frequented the food stores near the office along with my other batch mates. One of the events I could never forget was when my girl batch mate, he and I went to my home so I could put down my
Beyond the Golden Rule
school stuff and we could hang out together. My female companion asked if she could use our comfort room which I agreed to right away. As I have my own rules for visitors at home, I told him if he could wait for us outside the gate. For everyone’s knowledge sake, it is my rule to disallow male visitors at that time although my parents did not know about it. I wanted the first male visitor I bring home to be my boyfriend. But then again, I thought that I should be more hospitable to my guests so I let him in. Perhaps some rules are really made to be broken. Or maybe rules are meant to be broken to make
way for a better story. Rising Conflicts Weeks before the Annual Convention, things began to be complicated. I did not know when my
affection for him started, but I was sure that I was longing for us to become more than just friends. It was not supposed to happen as I knew from the start that we couldn’t be together. He was with someone else at that point in time. There was not even slight chance that he would look at me as his special girl. There came a night when he admitted to me that he and his girlfriend were encountering some problems in their relationship. I was quite surprised that of all the people he told his
“...I was sure I was longing for us to become more than just friends.”
23 May CMLife
Beyond the Golden Rule
secrets, he picked me. I was flattered, but I wondered why I was already hurting. Of course, he had no idea about my pain. It was too indescribable. To be honest, I came to a point when I threw away my studies temporarily just to see him. In effect, it somehow affected my performance in school. I guess I was too caught up by my emotions at the time that it was too much for me to handle other priorities anymore.
exhausted because my feelings would only go as far as daydreaming. One night when we held our meeting at his
house, we could not keep ourselves focused on work. As the time passed until we finished our tasks, he suddenly held my hand and drew me to his arms. It was a Pondering Moments different kind of embrace that I wanted to hold on While several forever. I felt secured friends were supportive and safe that no one is of my feelings, my going to harm me while conscience kept on pulling me back from “It was that moment him. I hated the fact that I was drowned by that I was the other girl. It was just wrong my overwhelming love for to insist myself to be him.” with him. Every day, I became weaker and I was in his embrace. It was that moment that I was drowned by my overwhelming love for him. It was indeed a huge mistake to fall in love with him, but I did CMLife May 24
not stop him. A friend and mentor from CMLI advised me to keep fighting because he was worth all my time and efforts. Truth be told, he and his girlfriend parted ways two weeks before our batch’s main event. Days after their break-up, he was avoiding me. We barely
spoke to each other. He only discussed with me a few things for the convention and nothing more. I was devastated and shameful of my actions. I never should have done it as I might lose my first love, even if we can only be friends. But as the Annual Convention was approaching, everything went back to normal.
Beyond the Golden Rule
experiences. Though some may not consider our love story to be one of the best, I always think otherwise. I may appear to be the villain to some, but I learned to be patient through this experience. I could never gain this important person, if I gave him up without putting up any effort. Lastly, I am extensively grateful to CMLI for giving me the best gift in my life partner. I did not only expand my social circle regrettably, I fell asleep in the organization, but while he was speaking I got more than what I his emotions to me. bargained for. It was a happy ending after all for the both of us. We may go past the courting stage, but it was all worth the A lot of memories were created during the convention. The people around us were witnesses to how much we are head-over-heels for each other. On our final night in the camp, we finally admitted our true feelings but
25 May CMLife
CMLife May 26
27 May CMLife
Photoshoot Outfit: glasses, swissflex Switzerland; sando, platinum mall in Thailand; shorts, gift from America; belt – human; watch – g-shock; shoes, trinoma department store.
Zoe de Leon Batch 2012
School: St. Theresa’s College, QC Affiliations: Theresian Magazine, STC Speech Choir, CMLI JC REB NCR 2012
CMLife May 28
Achievements: AY Foundation Award, National Discipline Award, I’m medyo bad girl ‘cause ...I stay up all night during the summer, meaning 12:01 - a time to sleep.
Photoshoot Outfit: shirt and shorts, Giordano; shoes, Dexter from Payless;
Javi Palana Batch 2012
School: FEU FERN Diliman Affiliations: FEU Basketball Varsity Achievements: UAAP Season 75 Juniors Basketball Champions, Rank 1 PAAS (Program for Athlete’s Academic Support) 3rd year & 4th
year, 1st place in Sports Writing in English DepEd Division II-B Press Conference I’m medyo bad boy ‘cause... I eat like a pig.
29 May CMLife
Anthony Batle Batch 2012
School: Claret School of QC Affiliations: Youth for Christ Achievements: Leadership Award, Best in Physical Education, Bronze in Social Studies Week Quiz Bee I’m medyo bad boy‘cause ... I don’t shake the drink before opening.
Photoshoot Outfit: shirt, Fred Perry; pants, Penshoppe; shoes, Sperry.
CMLife May 30
Photoshoot Outfit: shades, Rayban; shirt, Cotton On; accessories , Forever 21; shorts, Uniqlo; shoes, Sperry.
Belle Andaya “Duday” Batch 2009
School: Ateneo de Manila University Affiliations: Ateneo Management Association, Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo Achievements: 2nd Honors (High School), Balboa Leadership Award, Metrobank EMPA I’m medyo bad girl ‘cause ...I drove without a driver’s license.
31 May CMLife
Alexa Fontanilla Batch 2012
School: Holy Family School Affiliations: The Familian Editorial Staff Writer (2011-2012) Editor (2012 - 2013), The Familian Debate Society President, CMLI JC-REB NCR 2012 Staffer Achievements: St. Paul National Bible Quiz Bee 3rd Place District, 2nd Honorable Mention, Leadership Awardee I’m medyo bad girl ‘cause ...I like harassing jollibee/mcdo mascots.
Photoshoot Outfit: shades, Rayban; shirt, Cotton On; accessories , Forever 21; shorts, Uniqlo; shoes, Sperry.
CMLife May 32
Denise Anne “Denden“ Mijares Batch 2008
School: University of Santo Tomas Affiliations: UST Architecture Student Council, UST Red Cross Architecture Unit Achievements: Roque Roaño Leadership Award I’m medyo bad girl ‘cause ...I cut classes to go to the Dean’s office OR I leave a 4-hour class to buy milk tea and return to the same class.
33 May CMLife
He Says/She Says
What actions are considered as flirting? You flirt when you indirectly show advances or interest to another person. Touching, flattering, and even "bullying" can be considered flirting. Others flirt by directly expressing interest with another then taking them back as a joke. Obviously, it is never okay to flirt when you are already bound and committed to a partner or when you flirt with someone who already has a partner(that would be very rude, in my opinion). Flirting can be considered a healthy social activity, so sa mga single diyan, don't hold yourselves back!
- Gerald Paul Carmona JC-NEB 2011 CMLife May 34
He Says/She Says
When is it okay to flirt? Any casual act that can be considered as amorous can be considered as "flirting". Well, actually, you can always miscalculate what exactly flirting is. It can vary from a regular joke to spice up a conversation to a kiss. There are no terms or limits to it. Even in fact, as social beings, we are inclined to flirt a lot. It truly proves that no man is an island. I think, though, that we should consider how the other party is taking the flirting. We don't want to be giving the wrong impression, right?
- Vian Carlyn Dela Cruz JC-NEB 2011 35 May CMLife
Living the Legacy
CMLife May 38
Living the Legacy
39 May CMLife
Living the Legacy
CMLife May 40
Living the Legacy
41 May CMLife
Living the Legacy
CMLife May 42
DUMAGATS. . . up close and personal
Packed with my usual dry fit shirts, leggings, undies, training materials and pocket money, I prepared myself for my next adventure and outreach to the dumagat-remontados of San Ysiro, Antipolo. With me was my ever-loving partner-in-crime, Roy Camacho, who helped me established a “volunteer group” we called “Tao of Human Caravan Advocates” (“Human Caravan” for brevity). Thanks to Mommy B (Atty. Fernanda Balboa) and to my Holy Family School mentors, who inspired me to continue to be a leader in my own right.
and doing outreach programs for them, Human Caravan also started to conduct researches and documentations on the dumagat-remontados and their cultural heritage. We would like to help revitalize and to promote the dumagat culture through our contributions.
As we approached the hired jeepney parked in front of what the locals called “Haunted White House” near Antipolo Church, Roy and I immediately requested that we take the “top load” for a better view of the road, and for our “short adventurous “date” on our way to San Ysiro. That day, we were scheduled for an assessment on the distance learning education for college offered by Porta Coeli Center for C o n t i n u i n g Education (PCCCE) to the dumagat-remontad os of San Ysiro. PCCCE was established by e d u c a t i o n advocates headed by Sr. Mary Anne Sevilla, osc. Originally offered to domestic helpers in H o n g k o n g , PCCCE's program was later on introduced to the Philippines in 2010, with the dumagat-remontad
We have a lot of plans for the dumagat-remontados. The bottom-line, however, is for us to help empower them. “Empowerment” is one thing I learned from Mommy B. I am empowered and as a “leader,” I will continue to make leaders out of people... just like Mommy B.
Dumagats... to some, they are “negros,” “balugas,” “aetas,” and more, but for me, they are indigenous people who are Filipinos and who prove that there are still a lot of things to be learned and to be shared from our rich culture. 43 May CMLife
Wanted List
CMLife May 44
Wanted List
45 May CMLife
CMLife May 46
47 May CMLife
CMLife May 48
J-Celebs
49 May CMLife
J-Celebs
CMLife May 50
J-Celebs
51 May CMLife
CMLife May 52
Illustrations by Keano Sereño
53 May CMLife