The Wheelhouse Newsletter 2017 2018

VOLUME 31 NO. 1

STEERING TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE CAMPUS JOURNALISM

THEWHEELHOUSE The Official Student Publication of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc.

EDITORIAL

K-12 Education Program: Advancement or Abasement?

The tertiary level of education has been a part of this big change.

VMA PERSONAGE

FEATURE

“I set goals. I work hard. I equip myself. I stay focus. I take a pro-active stand and I perform.” - Dr. RJ S. Vargas

Every stroke has a story to tell, every color has a lot of emotions to yell.

On the Closer Look

Mr. Gayas: Artwork of Life

CULTURE, ARTS & HERITAGE

“ISA KA DEKADA NGA PANATA” A decade of devotion and passion...

VMA Greetings!

It’s been three months since I started as the moderator of The Wheelhouse publication and I learned several things specifically - the culture of the school, the ethos of the publication and again personally - on how to handle my time in teaching, advising and of course, family and ‘friends’ time. Putting myself in this shoe has an utmost responsibility handling three later four pubs namely The Wheelhouse, The Lighthouse and The Anchor and soon, The Polaris (sigh).

Message from the Moderator

Fun. Thought-provoking. Inspiring. These are the words which I can best describe my three-month term.

Fun. Yes, it’s fun because you are dealing with different personalities in and outside the office (the students and the faculty and staff). You are surrounded by both college and high school that includes junior and senior high school students and I could recall my involvement in this kind of organization when I was a college student.

School Year 2017-2018

KRISTELLE JANNE P. SA-ONOY Editor-in-Chief

Thought-provoking. It is thought-provoking because learning is emerging when you are in the publication. We should not stop finding activities that can better ourselves for this community. In this kind of turf, you should be analytical, creative, logical, systematic, and a good balancer in decision-making, develop concepts in writing, creating worthwhile learning opportunities, and most of all - leading. It challenges me a lot.

JOSE FLORICO L. GALIMBA, JR. Associate Editor SHANE PIA Managing Editor

Inspiring. It is inspiring because you are a catalyst to your students, colleagues and community. It is inspiring to see others that they are passionate to what they are doing.

It drives us to step in the line to do better.

JEMARK S. BELARMINO Internal Secretary

This is our first issue of The Wheelhouse this academic year as we highlight the local culture of the school, a treasure that needs to be underscored. May we give you a good read through the articles we compiled at this point of time. Thank you very much.

JOHN DEL B. VILLANDO External Secretary

Yours in service,

KENTH CHARLES C. GASCON Editorial Assistant

MR. ELMER JOHN E. BASA Publications Adviser

ALEX L. ALPAR Senior Layout Artist

All of us has faced challenges in our formative years and we struggle with them.

Personally, I am confronted with challenges unusual to any others of my age.

LOURENZ RODNEY A. INTO Junior Layout Artist CARL N. BEBOSO Senior Feature Writer JAN RICK M. ROJO Senior News Writer

Criticism. A part and a fragment of being a campus journalist. It is inevitable. You don’t know when it started and when it’ll end. You just have to live with it.

We in the publication get that almost every day, not just every time we publish an output.

Yet, we don’t treat criticisms as shackles that halts us from stepping forward. Rather, they are that which sustain and nurture us to become more than what we are today.

Message from the Editor-in-chief

We may have printed you, our dear readers, a bad impression last time, but it is not too late to make an alteration and change your perspective on us. The time is ripe to bring you the upgraded facade of The Wheelhouse Publication.

I am done talking. Flip through the pages and may the contents and information will impart in your hearts and minds. I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as we did making it.

CHRISTIAN P. FRONDA Junior Photojournalist

Sincerely yours,

Contributor: MS. JONA MACARANAS Public Relations Officer / Librarian

KRISTELLE JANNE P. SA-ONOY Editor-in-chief

ANTHONY F. NOBLEZA Junior Sports Writer

MR. ELMER JOHN E. BASA Publications Adviser

STEERING TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE CAMPUS JOURNALISM The Wheelhouse is the official student publication of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. No part of this printed material may be reproduced by any means without prior written permission and approval from the moderator.

PRODUCTION STAFF Models

Donessa E. Santoyo John Jeffred M. Rondain

VMA Poseidon Dance Theater Adviser

Mr. Danny E. Vale

Photographer

Mariane Cabanillas

Paint / Make-up Artist

Harold E. Subebe

Concept

Mr. Elmer John E. Basa

Creative Director

VOLUME 26 NO. 1

STEERING TOWARDS RESPONSIBLE CAMPUS JOURNALISM

THEWHEELHOUSE The Official Student Publication of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc.

CULTURE, ARTS & HERITAGE

Shane Pia

“ISA KA DEKADA NGA PANATA” A decade of devotion and passion...

This newsletter was made using Adobe InDesign CC 2015, Adobe Photoshop CS6, Adobe Lighroom 5 and Adobe Illustrator CS5.

THEWHEELHOUSE

EDITORIAL

1st Semester, Academic Year 2017-2018

ILLUSTRATION: LOURENZ RODNEY A. INTO.

VOLUME 31 NO. 1

K-12 Education Program: Advancement or Abasement?

Filipino students are known to be competitive in the international community despite our previous education system which hindered us from becoming more competitive. Nevertheless, the education system of the Philippines is enhanced from the 10-year basic education to a 12-year program through Republic Act 10533 or also known as “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012” by the Aquino administration.

Are we ready for the advancement in our education system?

The aim of this law is to broaden every Filipino graduate who can finish the basic education to be holistic, vocational and responsive to the rapidly changing and increasingly globalized environment of the country. It is said to serve as the key to our nation’s development.

A requisite augmentation whereas the increasing of the quality education is vital to our nation’s progress. However, K-12 program is a challenge to all stakeholders of every academic institution in the Philippines in all forms and is confronted with resistance from all sides most especially to us, college students.

With this implementation, both public and private secondary and tertiary schools are experiencing an immense transition and adjustments in each facet.

VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. is one of the educational institutions in Negros Island Region and also a distinguished maritime school that offers strands in adherence to K-12 law - driving all resources into the new program which requires a complex senior high school student population addressing basic setback such as shortage of classrooms. The institution has yet to resolve the large gap of student-classroom ratio but then our institution was still accepting enrollees for senior high school.

The academe has 183 students from the junior high school (JHS), 2007 from the senior high school (SHS) and 1,439 students from the college department enrolled this semester.

With a total of 3, 629 students, we only have 47 classrooms. The SHS students have already occupied most of teaching classrooms in the campus while the college students are having their classes on the few remaining available teaching spaces. However, those “few remaining teaching spaces” can accommodate the college students but we cannot deny the fact that there is a possibility that it can compromise the quality of education which the school can give. Even the shed houses, the Taga Hall 1, the bar, the kitchen, the RSB gym and the library in VMA campus, and also the function hall and the bar at VMA-TSTC (Yamada) are converted into classrooms thus, the students will still be able to meet the standards of the school.

On the other hand, the school is preparing a reinforcement through the construction of the ASEAN Studies and Learning Center, an additional edifice to address the needs of each learner in this humble institution.

Yes, in every beginning of transition there are struggles, adjustments and inconveniences to all of us but on the brighter side, it brings novelty and fervor to youth in the international arena. The Philippine government aspires to have this excellent and tremendous goal to every Filipino as stipulated in our rights. We are certain that we are not the only school who are experiencing this immense and drastic change but what we need is to balance the cooperation of every participant in each educational institution and the government. K-12 law may have skirmishes today but for sure it will be a great part of the country’s feat.

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COLUMN When there is nothing to learn from criticism, can you rise above and soar?

Defying Mediocrities Text by KRISTELLE JANNE P. SA-ONOY

“We don’t want to know our weaknesses. We don’t want to admit it and we do not want others pointing them out on us. A mediocrity at its finest.”

The Millennials (also known as the Generation Y ranging 18 to 29 year old individuals) are often called to be selfish, self-centered and solipsist as they are more concerned of themselves rather than others.

According to the Pew Research Center 2015 study, more than half of the millennials, 59% labeled their generation as ‘self-absorbed’ while 49% said they were ‘wasteful’ and 43% said they were greedy. Other generations such as Generation X, baby boomers and other age groups despised this generation as frivolous, good-for-nothing, and responsible for ruining the world.

Are millennials really that different from older generations or is it just a mere description of the youth in a general sense? It is like picking up a single wolf in a pack and judge them as a whole based on that wolf being picked.

Millennials, as being treated mean as it is, still have the willingness to both accept the importance of standards that society establishes and make strenuous efforts to live by those standards. They tend to create change, break away from the stereotype and defy prejudice as

“It does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop”. This was Confucius’ words of wisdom that taught us young people to persevere and to be dedicated in reaching our goals in our lives and recall our most definite purpose in this world.

What Lies Ahead

Text by JOSE FLORICO L. GALIMBA, JR.

“Every shipwreck is a new beginning and it leads into a beautiful disaster.”

We can’t stop the time from running, a couple of months or years from now we are destined to face our fate. Most of us aspires to be a multi-millionaire captain or a ship owner, dreamed to be a successful business man or woman who owns a lot of properties and investments, a famous chef of a five-star hotel or a head of department of tourism.

Whatever path you’re going to take, always remember that being a college student, tons of patience, learning, sacrifice and hard work are required for us to achieve our dreams. It is a survival of the fittest, if you’re courageous enough to take risks then it’s possible and easier for you but if not, it’s a very rough and long journey to walk.

04 THE WHEELHOUSE

I know some of us are tired of school. Every time a bunch of annoying reports, projects and memorization comes, we all fall on our knees. Admit it, sometimes we get lazy in reviewing our

they step on the fast-pace evolution of the society.

The millennials are far more willing than the past generations to support personal and societal development. This generation moves beyond the boundaries of innovation; disrupting their industries, endowing their communities, and surpassing social barriers.

Enzo Pinga, 27, uses aquaponics farming, which is farming without using soil and began a movement ‘Youth Farmers’ (an online group for agriculture enthusiasts) which aims to encourage more young people to get into farming. (Juego, Inquirer.net)

Another millennial who took a step away from the generality of millennials is Matthew Cua, 28, founder and CEO of SkyEye Analytics (an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle service) providing services like performing aerial surveys and produce maps. He is also a part of United Nations Office for Coordination of Human Affairs.

THEWHEELHOUSE We now begin to see a picture of an emerging generation that is more socially liberal, globally cooperative, conservative and responsible. They are the product of their times and are willing to try new things differently than the past generations. The millennials stand out in their willingness to ascribe negative stereotypes to their own generation.

“

Yes, the millennials have that egocentric and self-absorbed entitlement, but a generation’s greatness isn’t determined by those labels, it is on how they react to the challenges that befall them.

”

These two millennials are some of the many who prove that regardless of what other age groups label them, they will stand out and keep on ascending above mediocrities.

How about you? How will you react to the challenges in front of you?

Are you the narcissistic millennial or would you rather be one of those rational millennials?

“

The boundless sacrifices of blood and sweat of our parents from finding all sorts and means just to provide our needs and wants for the betterment of our own lives is priceless. We should not complain but instead, pay them back them through studying harder and making them proud.

notes during our quizzes and exams that results to a low and incompetent grades. According to senior administration lawmaker, while the average level of high school and elementary students drop out rates in the Philippines in 2017 is reaching 4.8 million or an 11% increase since 2012 which is very alarming.

If you feel like you’re giving up, just relax and breathe some air, we’re on the same boat, clear your own thoughts and fasten your grip because life’s greatest storms are about to come.

”

We should always bear in our mind and engrave in our hearts the importance of education and its benefit in the near future. Just imagine how fortunate we are because we are sent and enrolled in a high-class and prestigious universities and colleges to study and take the course of our own choice.

There's no easy way and secret for success, it is always predetermined. All we have to do is to be persistent and exert more efforts and passion on everything we do. Always trust and believe in yourself that everything will be alright and everything will fall into place.

Most importantly even how many times we flounder in pain, remember your failure doesn't define you but determination does, so together let us soar high even though the chains of insecurities keeps on hauling us down.

THEWHEELHOUSE

Others see achievers very lucky and blessed with so much intelligence and potentials. Others envy them for what they possess. Others may admire them for being excellent at all times. Others may find them distinguishable than the ordinary ones. Do you even wonder why they are exceptional? I guess, most of the people like you wanted to blend in but achievers prefer to shine. What does it take to become an achiever? Let me tell you what it is like to be one.

When I was young, my parents would always ask me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I fondly answered, “I wanted to be the most excellent student in our class. I will have a lot of medals and I will let my classmates touch it.” I was around five years old at that time but as a kid my dreams were too big for me.

My parents would always notice that my mindset was way more advanced than any other kids of my age, like I would rather choose books over dolls.

At times, I maybe kind of hesitant about being so proactive but I really wanted to show everybody what I am capable of.

Just like you, I, personally, tend to have setbacks, what ifs, second thoughts and maybes in my head. I hate taking a leap of faith and prefer to stay on the safe side. Risking is something you will never forget, you will never know whether the outcome is good or not. Risk will take you to a higher form of thinking, deeper understanding of life as well as taking

If we have a vision and clear mentality of image that we want to pursue, our eagerness to accomplish something becomes stronger. It gives us the desire to achieve it and conceive our vision to reality.

SET YOUR GOALS. Setting your goals has a major impact. It is a great manifestation to generalize your goals in the near future. We apply our vision to our goals. Even the basic things we surpass in everyday action like our grades at school, making lots of money, getting a better job, and becoming professional of all sorts.

UNDERSTAND. We need to comprehend things. Stamp on your mind that you need to finish what you’ve started.

As we look at the bright side of life, we manifest things evidently, which give us realization on continuing what we have started without minding the thoughts of others. In my situation, I solemnly consider myself as an introvert - I love to read. I’m quiet and those stuff my kind of personality wants to do.

Some people think that I am a total shut because I have a dark secret identity but wait, it’s the opposite

COLUMN you to your full potential. When you risk, bear in mind that you might fall, but if you are really into it, then it’s worthy at all. Indecisiveness is a decision. So you should better be sure about your decisions or you will regret it for the rest of your life. Conceptualize ahead, envision your goals. Think of something else that would benefit you and the people around you. Set your visions to achieve in the long run. Achievers are risk-takers.

“

When goals are reached, it shows accomplishment and gives a person pride.

”

As a grown-up, goals and achievements are important parts of everyone’s lives. I’m the kind of person who loves off doing well and working my best to succeed, it is how I was raised. I am always bombarded with a lot of school works meeting the deadlines.

I’m a sleep-deprived person and at times, I even skip meals yet I know all my handworks are worth it. Honestly, I love pressure. I have lived my life everyday full of pressure, challenges and good stress. I am already used of working under extreme pressure and to accomplish one is already an achievement for I wanted to live up with the expectations of all the people that surround me. To prepare and achieve is

of me. I am silent not because I am deadly. Can you change your mind on how you see things? Can you pause for a moment and ponder about how personality works? Life is short so I always do significant things that would not only benefit myself but also others as what Mother Teresa said “You don’t wash the dishes because you are told to do so but you wash the dishes because others will be eating after you.”

BE VALIANT. Show bravery in facing consequences because that will make you stronger.

Life might be painful but you have to endure that pain until it hurts no more. It may have afflicted you at first but sooner you will be fine.

It will serve as your inspiration and your strength. For example, consider yourself as a plant – those challenges and life problems are your sunlight and water to help you grow tremendously. Your roots will serve as the master of your concessions and it will expand through years to develop maturity.

BE CONFIDENT. You need to trust yourself but always remember selfconfidence is different from being over-confident.

in my blood, it is how I was brought up by my parents, and how I will bring my own kids ups someday because it has helped me go through life with great ease. There is something special about setting out on a journey to achieve what you wanted in life, going through all the ups and downs of any personal change and finally reaching the goal or someone else set for you. I guess families are agents for our success.

There might be a valuable prize when you reach the goal, yet the actual value isn’t necessarily vital. For example a certificate to show you passed an exam is only a piece of paper yet the value of that reward is tremendous and gives you great sense of personal achievement. Something which shows you and others what you’ve been through on your journey of change can enhance your own sense of its value.

You don’t have to be the most talented and intelligent person to be called an achiever. All you need is perseverance and determination to reach what you wanted in life. At this moment, I still wanted to achieve more in life. Aim high and reach the goal of success. Take every chance, drop any fear. Many doors of opportunities will open for you, all you have to do is to grab it and make it into a realization. Achievements are wrapped in different boxes. Accept, embrace it with eagerness and joy in your hearts. The bottom line is we are all achievers in our own right.

Sometimes people around cast mere opinion to point it against you. They can either idolize or cram and break you at the back of their psyche but before they descended in your life, you are already you.

You live your life as you wanted to. You make and decide your own decision if which prospect to choose from. We must step out not to be extra different but to make the difference.

“ The greater the pain, the stronger we become.

Achievements Text by SHANE PIA

“When goals are reached, it shows accomplishment and gives a person pride.”

Momentum

Text by JEMARK S. BELARMINO

“The greater the pain, the stronger we become.”

”

We made many mistakes and errors but I strongly believe that it is all part of learnings and that also signifies that we tried. Time is more precious than any valuable and expensive things in this world.

We may never bring back the past but we learn from it. Don’t let your past experiences affect your life today. Focus your mind set to reach your goals. Conflicts are universal but you have to stand to make the difference.

THE WHEELHOUSE 05

COLUMN

Professionalism is the potent key towards our success Text by JOHN DEL B. VILLANDO

“A true professional exhibits the qualities of honesty and integrity.”

Professionalism means “The conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person” (Merriam-Webster dictionary). In other words there are three main qualities that a professional must have: first, intellectually or how did you attain your profession; second, physically or your appearance; and the last thing is the right attitude of a professional.

To be a professional it takes courage.

We know that it is very important to be professional if we are striving to be successful someday but what does ‘being professional’ really mean? Hence, we need to acquire the three qualities to become one.

First, intellectually, it includes the competences and skills of an individual. To be a professional you have to be expert in your chosen field. You have to be ready mentally and skillfully because professionals get their job done. Second, a professional is physically ready at all times. No one would hire an employee who is always absent in his/her duties. Other also find professional as a respected kind of person by just looking on how she/ he dressed, so you have to dress appropriately in your workplace, it can add value to you. Lastly, to become a true professional, you

must have the right attitude on how you deal things. Right attitude would not cost you money. It requires you the right manner, character and discipline to your respective work and to your coworkers. Examples of these are, first, always be polite. It is nice if you are greeting everyone you are interacting with. Also, professionals such as teachers, public accountants and engineers are observing their work code of ethics.

For three years of being a student in VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc., I also experienced some difficult situation and issues where I have to be professional in handling decision in any problem.

As a member of my family, as student in the classroom, and a staff in the publication, issues are normal speaking with personal issue and work issues. In organization, I always apply this principle that my personal issue will not affect my performance.

I should know how to set a line between personal problems and focus in doing my job.

Being a professional in facing some problems that I encountered helped me a lot especially to my upcoming profession as a future seafarer where maritime industry requires

PHOTO ESSAY

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a strong person in handling things.

Professionalism is a vital concept in any professional field. I am at the state which I can say that I am now ready to confront any obstacles in my upcoming degree because through professionalism it can improve me and make anyone better. Thanks to the word “professionalism”.

Even though you belong to the maintenance, cashier and waiter, you can still demonstrate professionalism.

“I’m tired”, “it’s too late”, “I can’t take it anymore” and “I hate him a lot because blah blah blah”. We can also use those excuses however in a span of time, it is still in our hands if we really want to become a successful person in our chosen field someday.

“ ”

A true professional exhibits the qualities of honesty and integrity.

They never compromise their values and they will do the right thing even if it means taking the heaviest stone. Professionalism is based on how you dress, your academic degree and the skills that you acquired and also the most important thing is having the right attitude in our work.

Professionalism is the potent key towards our success.

SCHOOL UPDATES

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

FEBRUARY

19 Pre Final Exam 22 Blood Letting Activity

06 Start of Classes for Second Semester 20 Students Orientation 24 Parents Orientation

01 Midterm Exam 05 First Monday Mass Praise and Worship 08 Fire Drill 14 Teachers Day 15 Pre-Final Exam 19-23 Foundation Week

OCTOBER 06 First Friday Mass Praise and Worship Community Outreach Program 16 Final Exam 18 Pre Job Orientation Program (Octoberian)

Technical Education and Skills Training Center (Yamada) executed the fire drill operation last August 11, 2017. It aimed to develop awareness of the students of TESTC premise before and during the fire disaster. This activity was made possible through the efforts of Mr. Erwin G. Apsay, VMA school nurse, CAGERS and Bureau of Fire Protection./Jemark S. Belarmino

06 THE WHEELHOUSE

24 Start of Enrollment for Second Semester

DECEMBER 01 First Friday Mass Praise and Worship 11 Prelim Exam 14 Christmas Party

JANUARY 03 Classes Resume 05 First Friday Mass Praise and Worship

MARCH 05 Finals Exam 08 Pre Job Orientation Program (CAR) 19 Final Exam (Undergrad) 23 Recognition Day 25 Graduation Day

INFORMATION SOURCE: Student Affairs and Services. GRAPHICS: Alex Alpar.

CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES

CAMPUS NEWS

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VMA Prexy leads ASLC Ground Breaking VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. inaugurated the blessings and ground breaking ceremony of ASEAN building last January 20, 2017 at the VMA Grandstand.

The said event was lead by VMA president, Atty.

Juan N. Orola, Jr. together with the members of the Board of Trustees namely Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas, Commodore, PCGA, Chairperson, Atty.

Danilo P. Cruz, Vice Chairperson, Epifania O. Balenia, Corporate Secretary, and Engr. Bart N. Orola, City Councilor, Corporate Treasurer. /Jose Florico L. Galimba, Jr.

ASEAN Studies and Learning Center (ASLC) The VMA GLOBAL COLLEGE AND TRAINING CENTERS, INC. (VMAGCTCI), a dominant player in the New Educational Landscape in Negros Island, has obtained the approval, accreditation and support of DepEd, CHED, TESDA, MARINA and the Bureau of Immigration in enhancing the Maritime Profession and Education and also in providing High Quality Education in Tourism, Information Technology, Financial Management and Entrepreneurship, TESDA in demand Shortcourses, and Basic Elementary and High school Education.

To concretize its strong commitment to the task of providing High Quality, World Class Education, and ASEAN specialization , and in keeping with its strong resolve to contribute its share in enhancing the Educational Landscape in Negros Island Region, VMAGCTCI, has continuously upgraded its plant and facilities, faculty, instruction and its administration, also decided to construct a new ASEAN STUDIES AND LEARNING CENTER ( ASLC) at the Main Sum-ag Campus, In Honor of The ASEAN SUMMIT 2017.

The ASEAN Studies and Learning Center is the name given to the 2-storey building which is still being constructed. Ten of the rooms of this building will be labeled Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and each of the room will contain icons and images of the country it represents, in honor of the tenmembers of ASEAN which is having its 50th year celebration of its foundation in 2017 here in the Philippines. One of the ASEAN senior minister meetings is being held this fourth week of March in Bacolod City. Upon its completion, this will be fully equipped with the ASEAN culture and information, ASEAN accreditation and ASEAN skills Training.

Like the Americans who have immersed their people and students through education on amity of states of the USA and the economic unity of the European Union, Filipinos could also start build strong relationship with the ASEAN neighbors by studying their cultural and economic features.

ASLC will house Speech Lab @ (150 sq m. 48 students) , Audio Visual Room @(125 sq. m.), 9 Units Standard Classroom @63 sq.m. each 30 - 40 Student per Classroom, Cyber Library @( 108 sq.m. ( 72 Students with computers, High School and College Library @( 405 sq.m.) , Server area and Faculty Rooms @( 2 units @ 21 sq m. each).

VMAGTCI embarked on a P100 million upgrading of its facilities, instruction and administration, in order to contribute in the changing of the educational landscape in the Negros Island Region and help propel our local and national economy to higher levels and with its upgrade facilities, VMAGCTCI will be able to attract more students from Visayas and Mindanao to obtain their education and training In its College and Training Centers. * JGMACARANAS-PRO/ LIBRARIAN

THE WHEELHOUSE 07

CAMPUS NEWS

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Bacolod City emerges as the Top Model City in the Philippines “We will not allow mediocrity” he added.

Country’s oldest newspaper, The Manila Times, proclaimed the Bacolod City as the number one Model City among 145 cities in the country during the awarding ceremony of the forum “Philippine Model Cities” at the New World Manila Bay Hotel in Manila last May 11, 2017.

Batangas, Davao, General Santos, Laoag, Mandaluyong, Naga, Parańaque, Quezon, San Fernando, Sta. Rosa, Tagaytay and Zamboaga were also part of 13 finalists where Bacolod was the only Visayan city who included on the list.

Mayor Evilio R, Leonardia together with the City Administrator, Atty. John N. Orola,

Jr., president of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., Congressman Greg Gasataya, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, Councilor Em Ang, Councilor Dindo Ramos, City planning and Development Office head Mary Jean Ramos, City Development Council Vice Chairman George Zuleta and acting PIO head Danny Dangcalan received the award.

“This credible and prestigious award validates what Bacolod is now. This inspires us even more to promote a culture of excellence, not just for contests like this, but to cultivate a high sense of responsibility in our people” Leonardia said.

CBP 23 takes step A dream comes true.

This was emphasized by Engine Cadet Rymar A. Tugado, Ventis Maritime Corporation, the class valedictorian and a licensed Mechanical Engineer bridging to Marine Engineering Program during their Recognition and Launching Ceremonies of CHED Bridging Program Batch 23 held at VMA Gymnasium, last June 23.

“As I open the next chapter of my life, I will continue to cherish the experiences that VMA shared on me. I will always remember that this institution taught me everything on how to be a disciplined person,” E/C Tugado said.

With the theme, “The ASEAN Challenge: Integrating Skills and Professionalism in Global Education”, 28 cadets from Bridging BSME to BSMAR-E who came

08 THE WHEELHOUSE

from different colleges and universities in the Philippines, received the certificates of completion.

During the said event, Captain Diofonce F. Tuñacao, Philippine Navy (Retired), Assistant Vice President for Training, Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific (MAAP) delivered his inspirational message to the candidates.

According to Capt.

Tuñacao, the commencement was just the beginning of their journey and as they leave the portals of the college, they are starting to maneuver their own vessels.

“Wherever you sail someday always remember where you came from,” Capt.

Tuñacao added.

In the middle of the ceremony, Dr. Elizabeth O. Salabas, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also gave her word of

encouragements to the candidates and as she led the program, she extended her deepest appreciation to the following shipping companies who became the major sponsors of every completers: K-Line Maritime Academy Philippines, Veritas Maritime Corporation, Ventis Maritime Corporation, New Filipino Maritime Agencies, World Marine Co. Ltd., and Leonis Navigation Company Inc. “This success would not be possible without the overflowing support of the VMA Administration, Board of Trustees, Parents, Guests, Speakers, Sponsors, Faculty, Staff and all whom, in one way or another helped and contributed the bridging program,” Dr. Salabas added./ Jan Rick M. Rojo

The cities were judge according to these criteria: Peace and Security, Rest and Recreation, Research and Development, Health and Education, Clean and Green, Road and Home, Livelihood and Employment, Youth and Elders, Tax Services, and Emergency/Disaster Preparedness.

This would not be possible without the support of Dante Ang II, president, chief executive officer and executive editor of The Manila Times together with his father Dr. Dante Ang, chairman emeritus of The Manila Times and the judges who gave their time and effort to determine the winner.

This forum aims to recognize effective and innovative local governance that improves the quality of life and make local business environments friendlier and it touches on urban planning and sustainability development for the Philippines. /Lifted from The Visayan Daily Star, J.D.Villando

Launching sponsors deliver their messages to the graduating cadets.

(L to R) Dr. Carlitos N. Orola, Dr. Remedios Johanna S. Vargas, Capt.

Tuñacao, Commodore Elizabeth O. Salabas and Mrs. Epifania O. Balenia

E/C Tugado delivers his valedictory speech.

Publication Photos by Jan Rick M. Rojo

NEWS FEATURE

THEWHEELHOUSE

Neophytes’ Orientation Program: A Tool for Discipline Text by: Kenth Charles C. Gascon & Jemark Belarmino Photos by: Jose Florico L. Galimba, Jr., Christian P. Fronda & Carl N. Beboso

A word that our teachers often talked about, DISCIPLINE. It is not about the designation, it is about the impact that creates results as we are holding ourselves for a higher set of standards.

Neophytes’ Orientation Program (NOP) is an annual event for the students to enact proper discipline in campus level headed by the Dean of Discipline, CPO Dionisio L. Milano, PN (Ret.). According to Mrs. Christine P. Salvador, High School Department Principal, NOP has existed and has been practiced since the school operated and proven effective.

Neophytes’ Orientation Program aimed to develop your courage to face the obstacles, your perseverance as you dwell on it, your kindness as you help your comrades along the way and your discipline to follow, to act and to live the true mark of VMAer. Perhaps, a modern teacher task is not to cut down learners but to moisten their arid deserts of values by using NOP as a tool for discipline.

“It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird; it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg! We must be hatched or be bad,” Words from C.S. Lewis, these lines emphasizes that we must go beyond our limits and never let ourselves settle for less. That portrayed the students dressed in their Spartan-attire on the 14th of July.

Some of their faces were painted with smiles and excitement. Others were startle with frown as they went on to the RSB Gymnasium to start their Neophytes’ Orientation Program (NOP).

We placed more than 2,169 college and senior high school students in the gymnasium to implement the so-called understated word ‘Discipline’. Inked with a permanent marker to mark their strand and section in their upper right chest and a big mark at the back, they

bended their knees and held their calves to execute the duck-walk from the clinic to the accounting office.

Splashes of water sprinkled their faces and bodies as they crawled from the accounting office all the way to CAGERS.

Then, college students clambered the oriented bars and tossed themselves in the muddy pond. Some of their white shirts turned into oozy ones as they came up. Afterwards, they carried their partners and ran towards the single elevated bar in front of the simulator and climbed again.

Guided by their respective teachers and accompanied by their assigned NROTC officers, the neophytes jumped the hurdles set for them to pass through.

CAGERS rescued some of the students who were not able to continue the other obstacles because of health ailment in breathing (hyperventilation).

These obstacle course were indeed extreme, as you can evidently see the scrabbles in their countenance, their sweat marks that testify their responsibility as well-disciplined students.

Sweat began to flow on their heads. Some of their arms were covered with sheath as they rolled into a serpentine path from the canteen then crawled again beneath the rows of chairs dampened with coconut leaves. In the field, they were tasked to walk-by to the elevating thin platform one by one.

“

These obstacle course were indeed extreme, as you can evidently see the scrabbles in their countenance, their sweat marks that testify their responsibility as welldisciplined students."

The heavyweight rope served as a final obstacle for all of them, where teamwork and helpfulness of their comrades from the very beginning had been established. Some of them clasped each other palms as sign for surpassing all the obstacles.

After their morning inauguration, it was being followed by the afternoon orientation with Commodore Elizabeth O. Salabas. Representatives from each strand were given some questions about their expectations to VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. as well as their reactions about the conducted NOP. As a result, dismayed faces were seen to some of the students who honestly seek for more battling obstacles. She boldly ended it with three sighted points: first, you have to accept that you have committed a violation; secondly, you have to promise that you won’t do it again; and lastly, don’t do it again.

The activity was successfully done; it was indeed full of fun and flashes of smiling faces you will manifest as the struggle ends with victory. NOP is a way of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. to show the importance of obedience to the rules and regulations implemented by the school campus. Because in the end, as they face for their own professions in the near future, they will look back and give thanks to their alma mater for this extraordinary experience and as a tool that projects discipline.

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COVER STORY

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CULTURE, ARTS & HERITAGE

“ISA KA DEKADA NGA PANATA” A decade of devotion and passion...

Text by MR. ELMER JOHN E. BASA & KRISTELLE JANNE P. SA-ONOY

“Halleluiah, bulan (moon)!”

It all started with a shout to the moon when the children from Mambucal Resort, Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental screamed with their bodies covered with varieties of mud as a work of art by an artist-director, Rudy Revenche and later it became a festival to showcase the work of art through coating the body with a mud and taking a kick through parades and dance showdown at Mambucal Resort.

Officially, Mudpack Festival is celebrated annually as it hail strides that man has made in preserving nature, similar to the primitive age.

The idea of a mud-slinging fiesta is a creative one, especially because it brings participants as close to nature as they can possibly get.

Becoming one with and celebrating Mother Nature is the essence of this spectacular festival.

There is a wide array of ways to imagine the impact of mud in one’s life. For example, one sees mud as a mundane object that can stain your favorite pair of shoes when rain starts to pour as it wet the dry Earth. Everyone sees mud for its different form of perspective. The mud or clay they say is the most flexible thing by metaphor because one can be molded through a skillful master, the potter. Nonetheless, a specific group of people like the entrepreneurs see it as a livelihood like pottery, a beauty regimen to people who are ‘beauty conscious’ in layman’s term but this particular clay or piece of dirt has become a piece of art - an overt passion to one dedicated and passionate person in this institution.

Seeing that this consistent passion and dedication has brought a decade of victory, this virtuous feat made an indispensable trademark to VMA community.

THE PRIMER

It was year 2006 when the VMA Poseidon Dance Theatre was founded by Mr. Danny E. Vale, artistic director and choreographer of VMA Global College. Started with only ten hefty maritime students whom Sir Vale considered as newbies in the world of dance. “Kabudlay sa sugod kay syempre mga lalaki nga bukod panglawason, mga tig-a lawas. So, ang una

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gid namon nga gin improve is ang movement sang dancers through ballet before ko sila gin introduce sa contemporary and modern dance.”

Mr. Vale said. The group has undergone through intensive trainings to make their bodies cope with the movements. It may not be their usual routine, but they endured every strains, back and body pains for dancing. That is how passionate the forerunners of Poseidon are.

As a new organization, Mr. Vale acquainted the Poseidon (student performers) to different kind of dance through letting them join various dance competitions. The first and most notable was the tribal dance competition during the Mudpack Festival (celebrated every third week of June annually featuring the biodiversity and the distinct multi-colored clay present in Mambukal Resort, Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia). At first, the main aim was to expose the Poseidon to the community outside the academe. Unexpectedly, the group won as the first runner up.

“Winning wasn’t a part of the plan. All I wanted was for them to learn from their experience.” Mr. Vale stated.

THE TRIUMPHS

There is always a room for improvement - a chance to become better than yesterday and be best for tomorrow. From the humble beginning of ten members, the dance theatre paved way for two additional performers. From ballet and basic contemporary dance exercises, the training became more strenuous and vehement as they practiced modern dances. Dancers exerted more effort and time than before. There are times that they had to finish their practice late at night just to perfect their piece. Walked out the gym tired, exhausted, worn out but, full of energy the next day. That’s how passionate and avid they are.

“The pain you feel today will be the strength you will feel tomorrow.” An everyday reminder for Sir Vale to his dancers.

June 2008. Poseidon once again joined the Mudpack Festival with all excitement, thrills, and enthusiasm but the odds are always on their way. With a tight budget, they only had to use a tent to spend the night. The amalgam of the sounds of heavy rain, crickets and noise

outside the tent disturbs the cessation of the dancers and it does not stop them to dominate the tribal dance competition. Focus, passion and determination brought the VMA Poseidon to the top of the bar.

“Ending the competition as the Champ was the best feeling ever especially to the students. Their time, effort and all the struggles was all worth it.

Their smiles that time were priceless. Seeing them happy because we won was enough reason for me to teach them more.” Mr. Vale said.

After their triumphant victory, Poseidon Dance Theatre continued to become more fervent and zealous on dancing. It became the soul of their lives as what Sir Vale shared that dancing did not just enhance their (the dancers) confidence but also moved them to become a better person.

It made them holistic individuals. They did not only learn how to dance but also they pertained discipline and knew ethics that honed them to be the best. He defined a dancer as dedicated, athletic, never gives up, controlled, emotional and resilient.

Consistency is the key to keep the feat. Until then, the VMA Poseidon constantly participates in the Mudpack Festival. With the same struggles, constricted budget and inconsiderable weather welcoming them each year, they keep their passion and the fire burning. They never failed in showing and displaying their passion for dancing and as a result, their victory since 2008 is consistent up to the present.

PUTTING THEIR LAURELS ON

In their 11th year of consistently participating in Mudpack Fest, Poseidon is unstoppable. With the theme “Pray. Heal. Celebrating Life.”, they earned their deca-title as the champion of the tribal dance competition in their winning piece ‘Alamat ng Ahas’.

A decade of success. Being the ten-time champion of the tribal dance competition in Mudpack Festival, VMA Poseidon Dance Theatre proves that unswerving passion, love and fortitude cannot be mocked by any circumstances one may encounter.

May the PANATA and legacy continue…

THEWHEELHOUSE

COVER STORY

“Winning wasn’t a part of the plan. All I wanted was for them to learn from their experience.”

-Mr. Danny Vale

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VMA PERSONAGE

THEWHEELHOUSE

ON THE CLOSER LOOK DR. REMEDIOS JOHANNA ‘RJ’ S. VARGAS Vice President for Academic Affairs

Photo and Primer by MR. ELMER JOHN E. BASA

PRIMER The field of academe is a hectic and also a diverse world where individuals who have passion to educate, edify, serve, and inspire lives are actually gathered. In fact, it is a challenging and quite a bit of inspiring task among any other arenas in the professional world as we reckon it.

What are your plans and goals in developing this institution?

Just like any school heads, I want VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. to be in the Map – to become the Center of Excellence and Development whether in research or in the infrastructures of Faculty. But of course it’s a long, difficult and quite a tedious process to do.

I think we can achieve that one step at a time. First, we have to develop, if not, implant the culture of excellence to our teachers, to our staff and to our students. If we all have the same mind set, common objective and a common goal - anything is possible.

These are my development goals for the school: have a complete paradigm shift coupled with the improvement of our facilities, training of teachers and accreditation of our school programs.

I want the school to be on top of the helm. Accreditation of programs leading to autonomous status with the students availing all the benefits of these achievements. But these are supposed to be a shared vision between the school and the students.

How can you handle student complaints, dealing with fellow professionals?

We have a system and a mechanism to handle student complaints. It is part of our Quality System especially in promoting customer satisfaction. I was the Student Personnel Services (SPS) Head for four years, not all complaints should be acted upon though they deserve to be heard and given attention to. There is a need to verify it first and determine its objectivity before you act on it. Same goes with the complaints from teachers and colleagues.

Nevertheless, whatever the case may be, it should be dealt properly with a degree of professionalism.

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Preparing a bunch of paper works for the accreditation, managing the quality of training and standards for both faculty and staff in college and high school (as it benchmarks the quality of education that the school wants to give), uniting all stakeholders in the school & community, and preparing it for its wider development in all aspects are some duties of a vice president as it

What is the greatest challenge you encounter being the VP? It is how to change myself. Before, I don’t really have that confidence in dealing with people much more to speak in front of people. I used to work on the background and I was not really trained to be on the front line. But now, I am evolving and changing so to speak.

Thanks for the support of everybody.

What are your adjustments in holding your new post?

One of the adjustments I have to make is how to balance my family time and my work. With my position, I have to attend meetings even on weekends and attend out of the town seminars and trainings.

I have to manage my time really well on top of the frequent accreditations and inspections by ISO, CHED and MARINA. I even have to minimize my travel activities just to attend to all my responsibilities.

pillars the school president in bringing the institution to excellence.

Now, let’s zoom in our lenses as we take a closer look to our dear Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Remedios Johanna Salabas-Vargas, or also known as by her mannish nickname, ‘RJ’.

What do you want the students and the administration to expect from you?

For the students – I want to assure them that I will work really hard to give them their money’s worth by providing them the quality education, competent teachers, quality programs and state of the art facilities.

For the administration – to be hard working manager, complementing and collaborating with the organizations activities, help them formulate goals and plans towards the achievement of the school’s vision and mission.

Before being the Vice President for Academic Affairs, what was your plotted plan in your career?

Before I assumed the position, I am more or less prepared as far as my

academic qualification is concerned.

I have long plotted my career path, that at the age of 28 I will finish my Master’s Degree and at the age of 31 my Doctorate Degree. If I was not installed as VP for Academic Affairs, maybe I am still traveling or taking a Post Graduate study abroad.

What are your recreational activities despite of your busy schedule?

I enjoy traveling whether alone or with friends and with my family. During these times I combined business and pleasure.

Despite my hectic schedule I can still manage to squeeze in time for out of the country travels or even out of town trips with friends and co-workers. In between I do ‘Zumba’ – my way of releasing my stress to empty out and refresh.

How do you take the challenge as our new Vice President for Academic Affairs?

I set goals. I work hard. I equip myself. I stay focus. I take a pro-active stand and I perform.

What is your message to everyone in this institution?

I would like to thank everybody for their support. My two years stint as VPAA is far from smooth but not all stormy because of your support. Once again, I urge you, let us work hard to better our school. Institutional success is a collective enterprise. It cannot be done alone. It needs the participation and involvement of everyone. Let’s rally together towards a progressive VMA. Questions made by Shane Pia and Jose Florico L. Galimba, Jr.

VMA PERSONAGE

THEWHEELHOUSE

HOW SHE TAKES THE LEAD

MRS. EPIFANIA O. BALENIA

Corporate Secretary and Officer-in-charge of VMA Bookstore Text by KENTH CHARLES C. GASCON

S

Photo by JAN RICK M. ROJO

he is a woman who knows how to draw a line between work and personal relationship; stern in a sense that she wants her subordinates to work based on their turf and always be on time but still shows a motherly love to her employees.

The one who wants managerial operations to be organized and informative…

Decently dressed in black suit and khaki-colored pants with eyeglasses and eyebrows on fleek, this woman welcomes us with a smile on her rounded-face inside the President’s Office which suits the venue for our interview.

“I have a long name, it’s E-P-I-F-A-N-I-A, Epifania, it means ‘sunshine’ in Greek,” she started. Mrs. Epifania’s affectionate voice makes the room serene and calmer. “I could feel myself on that name. I am a very happy person, love to tossed in to people that could laugh. I love to make them feel good.”

Brought up by their parent’s persistence and determination, she gives importance to her parent’s discipline and guidance towards them.

At present, blessed with two children who were also nurses, she modestly lived with her husband who was also her high school sweetheart.

This gentle hearted and faith driven woman was an advocate of helping Filipino communities and recently the president of Negrense’s Midwest.

Dropping the genuine smiles for the last 55 years as a nurse, who would ever think that a keen medical apparatus will turn into a stroke of pen and strands of paper works? Not until February, when Mrs. Epifania O. Balenia, the second eldest sister of Orola siblings, took over as a substitutive marketing head and seated as the new officer-in-charge of the school bookstore.

At first, she has no idea about marketing, but with the help of her compassionate sisters, she was able to adjust in a different atmospheric task. She said that it was like learning from the bottom, learning from left to right and learning through reading.

Maybe switching from something unknown phase and urgently changing your task hold was a tough decision, but with the expertise and background of the reliable staff that surrounds her they undergo with a hit and meet process by changing the marketing strategy – by making it more exciting.

It was a big transitional gap between the public and the private school not only in the financial aspect but of course with the whole concept.

With all of their heads being put together in the marketing department, they had formed a team who was successful in a sense that they have stratified and developed a more complex idea in attracting the students. They have divided the task and contributed their parts according to their capability. They make it more rousing by simply not leaving the students just to take their entrance examination but also by touring them inside the school for an informative indication of what VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc. can give them for their future endeavor.

At the same time, the bookstore was able to adapt to the drastic recent demands of 2,190 junior and senior high school students that were structurally sited in a way that they are convincing, by having a more accessible processing of IDs and adequate school supplies.

It was a sturdy union of two different departments, where the marketing office is where they will go to grow in this business and the bookstore department is where there are things needed to be done and accomplished. It was like reconstructing the two areas in such a way that it will be defined on the areas where it belongs.

Maybe some of us can’t serve two masters at the same time, but this woman has a lot to offer on her plate. She is a woman who were refining two departments and clasping each of them to offer the best service for the students of VMA Global College.

AS A LEADER

She likes to inspire people that she worked with.

Particularly in a group, they both join hand in hand together to achieve their goals. She is a woman who knows how to draw a line between work and personal relationship; stern in a sense that she wants her subordinates to work based on their turf and always be on time but still shows a motherly love to her employees. The one who wants managerial operations to be organized and informative.

Looking at the financial aspects and securing if it was in the right track, – where it was coming from and what is exactly to be done – she said, “Everything must be written down as a procedure.”

Albert Einstein once said, “Life is like a riding bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving.” Carrying two loads over your shoulders will be made possible by acting one with your team. That’s how they keep on curving their waves towards the victory of their visions.

This isn’t just a product of a singular idea but of a constructive mindset. As this sunshine-bearer leader had said, “In my part, we’re doing all WE can. You always have to look where you came from and share whatever you have accomplished.

Always share because God knows it!”

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FEATURE

THEWHEELHOUSE

Captain Galleys Text and Photo by CARL N. BEBOSO

"Anyone who eats at the canteen is treated like a captain."

"I hope you will enjoy the services. We need your ideas so that we could satisfy you through our tangible and intangible products, we want you to be happy and joyful and to build the culture of giving here in our campus.

Thank you!"

Canteen as we all know is a place which food, drinks and small supplies are sold. Located in front of office of the Dean of Discipline (DOD) and near the campus bookstore, you can find this delish dining hall of VMA Global College.

Students like us are inclined to refreshments especially if we have schoolworks and oftentimes we occupy it for study purposes and along with it are the snacks and other munchies available for our research and assignments.

WHAT’S NEW IN VMA CANTEEN? Ideas and development collaboration would be a big help to the new canteen in-charge, Jhun Mharby Orola as he took the step in changing the prospect of every customers by putting up equipments to improve ventilation. In a few months he will set up a big industrial ventilation that answers the student’s complaint about the canteen’s ventilation. Furthermore, he also accepts students to work in the canteen as their part time job. This opens an opportunity for students who wants to be part of the institution at the same time to earn that can help them in their daily allowance. The foods they serve are healthy and budget-friendly to the consumer and especially to us, students. In addition, there is an open grilling station in which the students

14 THE WHEELHOUSE

can see the cook grilling the patty of a burger.

The canteen has derived to go with the trend by this innovative concept of Jhun Mharby Orola.

Keep an eye because the best is yet to come.

THE BEST SELLERS This might be their pleasure to serve the best taste and quality food for their costumers featuring their best-selling various sandwiches, pure beef burger and iced coffee. Beef as the main course in burger making came from pink fresh flesh of cow turned into a flavorsome patty and their secret recipe as an add-on in the indulgent taste of burger that has been exposed to its tenderness when it is grilled. A perfect match also can be added if there is this perfect blend of coffee bean resulting into an aromatic and chilling-savor iced coffee that when you smell it, its natural aroma will drive away sleepiness and being drowsy to students. Aside from this, they also serve the “lutong bahay” style during lunch time.

ENTREPRENEUR GOALS “I don’t hire workers but willing to be future leaders.”

Every business minded person begs for profit however, there are always someone who is out from being ordinary. Instead of pleading for income, they are service-oriented than profit.

That simply indicates that not all businesses will operate for profitability. Giving publicity to the venture, they promote good services and trains employees to work professionally in performing their functions in serving the community. That kind of goal in building a bridge that can open a strong camaraderie between students and workers and to assure everybody that this time ,foods served in the canteen is healthier.

PERSONALS Being the manager and the leader is not that easy.

You are handling different personality and people with different backgrounds and it requires you to have a strong interaction. “They work with me not work for me.” Mr. Orola said. A motivation that keeps jobholders to work ecstatically. He has that charismatic and humorous approach of treating his staff. He believes that everyone who works with him has that dreams, a dream to be pursued after a couple of years in working in the canteen. Mr. Orola provides scholarships to advance and improve workers’ lives because he looks at his subordinates working in hotels and other business establishments some time in the near future.

FEATURE

THEWHEELHOUSE

“As long as we are here on Earth and still breathing, life must go on. We can’t avoid problems in our daily lives because it is already constant and it depends on us on how we are going to face it. Just be strong and have faith together with your infinite determination to gain what should be.” These words started to stream from an extraordinary lad who stands out in the battlefield of life where he is known to be a warrior and a hero to his friends, family and loved ones.

Those words came from Mr. Jydh Gratian M. Gayas, a TESDA graduate who holds Cookery NC II from Barangay Camangahan, Guimbal, Ilo-ilo. An Ilonggo whose passion made him stood sturdy and conquered the scorching wave of challenges with the right attitude and a holistic person to achieve his goals in life.

Mr. Gayas is the eldest among the three siblings of a jeepney driver and a barangay health worker. He always help his father by being the conductor of jeep, he always do this whenever he had vacant time in his classes. After he graduated in high school, he also tried to be a construction worker in a peryahan, a scrapper, who looked for and collected unused items to be sold; he even conceived charcoal to add to his parents’ income as well as to ease poverty. Forsooth a man of art; he paints a portrait but there’s a twist, an ink of his own blood and sweat, a razor painting brush that serves as his keen consequences that marks his hard work and the canvass is his future life. What a fascinating artwork he’s about to unveil!

As his stroke continues, he did not finished his college because of life-difficulties, but never in his own psyche appears to give up, “Because giving up is for the weak people only,” he said. “For I believe that poverty is not a hindrance to achieve success, it’s just a matter of satisfaction of life, how you’ll take it and live with it but the only thing that you can do is deal with it,” he added.

Then suddenly he saw radiance above the horizon, a tremendous boom-shot materialized and appeared so true. When he got the information that the VMA Global College, a TESDA training center that offers TWSP Scholarship, hence he immediately packed his things up and went to VMA Global College to bide his journey.

VMA TESDA gave him vibrant pigment, which lightens his dark shaded past. The TESDA Community and instructors that served as critics in his training, molded him to be globally competent and life ready to the new chapter of his concessions; but taking his first step was not that easy. He dwell with sadness and faced everything independently; but despite of these, his hope strengthens that he believed that after a pouring darkness of rain, there’s always a smiling bow of colors that sparkles from above. A sign of chance and emerging basics of him.

His eyes speaks louder than his heart wrenching words, “God knows how blissful I was when I passed the institutional screening for cookery NCII, everything will fall into pieces, I know that God’s plan is worth the wait,” according to him.

Then things gradually changed, he was a cook of Ading’s Pala-pala Bacolod City three days after he passed the National Assessment, and now he’s running a business in Ilo-ilo City together with his fiancé. He’s

MR. GAYAS:

Artwork of Life

Text and Photo by JEMARK S. BELARMINO now earning more than he expected, half of his income goes to his parents in order to pay his other siblings’ tuition fees enrolled in college.

“With this, I conclude that VMA TESDA and being a cookery NCII holder helped me transfigured my life, my family’s future and finished my artwork as a simple painter of my own.” His ending words. He just painted the most powerful element of nature using his own experiences, tools and bizarre imagination.

“Every stroke has a story to tell, every color has a lot of emotions to yell.”

Not everyone is given a chance to persist, but it depends on a certain persona if he/she choose to give up or to keep moving; according to ingenious scientist Albert Einstein “education is the key to success” but being uneducated is not a hindrance to pursue your satisfying desire, cause I strongly believe that the greatest end of life is not intelligence but hard work, patience and willingness. If life keeps on pulling you beneath, take a step backward, deep breathe and know where you up to, but never give up! May Mr. Gayas serve as an inspiration not only to us students, but also to those who believes that life is unworthy; we all have a chance mate! Make your stroke with your canvas and conceived your most alluring and breath-taking ARTWORK!

“stroke Every has

a story to tell, every color has a lot of emotions to yell.”

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CAMPUS NEWS

THEWHEELHOUSE

VMA welcomes foreign christian preachers Fifty-eight Christian preachers from China, Singapore and USA, and the representatives from the Student Movement for Christ International (SMCI) had come along to VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. and conducted a room-to-room gospel campaign activity last July 4, 2017.

“We welcome this kind of event here in VMA to develop the students’ spiritual growth,” Dr. Remedios Johanna S. Vargas, Vice President for Academic Affairs, said as she welcomed and greeted the group.

Mrs. Magdalena Candelario, Scholarship Coordinator, together with the working students, Supreme Student Government (SSG)

officers, The Wheelhouse and The Lighthouse Publication staffers, assisted and toured the said guests.

The student body of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. actively participated and were blessed by the gospel and at the same time learned a lot of wisdom that are essential for success.

“I felt blessed because people from the neighboring countries came here to share the gospel of God. I was grateful that many students heard the word of God that will develop our spiritual life.” Gen Khaled S. Erellana, a student of STEM Maritime 12- Alpha, said. / Jose Florico L. Galimba, Jr.

Atty. JNO welcomes students A.Y. 2017-2018

Update

We want you to become gold-stand students, by this, VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. will provide you a quality training, education and we will develop your discipline.

Maritime students appreciate engine room simulator and walkthrough stations

Instructor’s Station After the construction and inauguration of Engine Room Simulator in VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc. last November 15, 2016 the said building became a part and a pride of this institution.

According to 3/E John Kriepniz Jamili, head of Engine Room, the Kongsberg Engine Room Simulator complies with the laboratory procedures and requirements of Commission on Higher Education and Standard Training and Certification for Watchkeeping (STCW) as amended 2010 and ISO 9001:2008 Quality Systems for VMA cadets based on the duly approved Facilitators’ Guide.

The engine room simulator facilities include two walk through stations, which also serve as briefing and de-briefing rooms, five student stations and one instructor station.

To ensure that the facilities are functional, the maintenance personnel follows the Preventive Maintenance Systems (PMS)

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Student’s Station that includes maintenance procedure, maintenance checklist and annual maintenance plan.

“Through the use of engine room simulator and the help of our facilitators, the institution will produce competent students in every aspect of their specific job onboard ship,” 2/E Sidney D. Artieda, Head of Engine Simulator said.

Maritime students are now using the engine simulator during their lectures and laboratories and expressed their appreciation for the facilities.

“The optics of machines is present and accompanied by the realistic sound which will make you feel you are really inside an engine room. It is operational. The knowledge that you will get in such simulation is big because it’s like you’re actually operating a certain machinery or system.” Emmar P. Villa, BSMar-E 3-A said. /Jose Florico L. Galimba, Jr.

This was the encouragement of Atty. Juan N. Orola, Jr., president of the institution, to over 1700 students during the opening ceremony of the academic year 2017-2018 at RSB Sports Center last June 13.

“The main reason why the institution was chosen by you, by your parents, by your teachers is because we have different ways of training and educating students through the word ‘discipline’,” Atty. Orola Jr. added.

Commodore Elizabeth O. Salabas, chairperson of the VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., also present in the event, gave her message to the students that through inculcating the true meaning of hurts, hurts that will be heard and through pain they would realize who they really are.

Moreover, Dr. Remedios Johanna S. Vargas, Vice President for Academic Affairs, led the introduction of the faculty; while Mrs. Ellisther Niña S. Ligna, Head of Human Resource Department, facilitated the introduction of the staff.

The morning activity was filled with performance as the Poseidon Dance Theater headed the sing and dance number as part of welcoming to the new students.

The said program was spearheaded by the Supreme Student Government under the supervision of Mr. Arnel Ginete, MAED together with the support of The Wheelhouse Publication and SSG officers of High School department. /John Del B. Villando

THEWHEELHOUSE

COMMUNITY NEWS

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. Reymar Torato, Cham Ashkena Bonode, Kenneth Villarma, Valerie Mae Muchuelas, Eman Caro and Jhunel Francisco. Publication photo by Alex Alpar.

BSHRM students participate in Sabor Bisaya 2017 Students from Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management bagged three bronze medals as they competed into various competitions in Sabor Bisaya 2017 at SMX Convention Center Function Hall 3, SM City Bacolod from July 19 to July 21, 2017.

The event is spearheaded by the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Negros Occidental (HRANO), Council of Hotel and Restaurant Educators of the Philippines - VI, and National Food Showdown.

Eleven participating schools from all over Visayas also joined in the said event, namely: VMA Global College and Training Centers Inc., La Consolacion College – Bacolod, University of St. La Salle – Bacolod, University of Negros Occidental – Recoletos, Southland College – Kabankalan, Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod, St. Therese – MTC, CASAP-Bacolod, Northern Negros State College of Science and Technology, Bacolod Academy for Culinary Arts, and Iloilo Science and Technology University.

With the theme “Getting the Perfect Combination”, the event aimed to bring camaraderie to all participants and to showcase their cooking skills in culinary arts as well as their skills in the field of hospitality.

All faculty members from HRM department as well as students from BSHRM-3 and BSHRM-4 were present and served as audience to support their representatives.

Reymar Balboa, Jemark Belarmino and Pearl Marie Sergio were awarded as eighth place (diploma) during the qualifying round of Chef Wars 2017 last July 20.

Participants who had received medals last July 21 were: Eman Caro, Valerie Mae Muchuelas and Reymar Torato as Bronze (third place) in seven participating schools for the Table Setting – Student Category, Jhunel Francisco and Cham Ashkena Bonode as Bronze (second place) in four participating schools for The Filipino Carver – Student Category, and Kenneth Villarma as Bronze (second place) in five participating schools for the Flair tending – Student Category respectively.

“We actually have this in mind, ‘Expect for the worst and hope for the best’.

But, of course, we expected a lot. The sentiments from the people made us believed that we did well as what we hope for. To be honest, it’s kind of disappointment to the whole team, though we encourage ourselves to anticipate less during the whole duration of the competition just to avoid dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, we are proud and happy that VMA stood out among others and it’s a great experience though. For us, learning is more important than winning.” Valerie Mae Muchuelas said.

“We want to thank first to our Heavenly Father. We owe every success and failure (with learnings) to Him. Second, to the administration of VMA Global College and Training Centers Incorporated for their unending support that all things made possible. Third, to our teachers who gave all their considerations to all the participants and to the students who cheered us with pride and dignity. And lastly, to our mentor, Mr. Heries V. Trance, who generously shared his knowledge and skills to us and invested his time, patience and effort to make this a success.” she added.

Atty. Juan N. Orola Jr., president of VMA Global College and Training Centers, Inc., was also present during the event. /Alex L. Alpar

BSIT instructors join ICT Computer Training

Five information technology employees of VMA Global College and Training Center’s Inc., who joined in a Computer Training and Certification Sponsored by the Negros Island Region office of the Information and Communication Technology Department and an Association of Call Center operators of Negros Occidental, obtained high certification ratings.

Agustin Gumogda, Kemp Lumangyao, Ronald Cuer, Shadrock Villegas and Hubert Jay Lisas, all employed as the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program instructors and staff of VMAGTCI, participated in the EC Council’s Certified Secure Computer User v2 Training on June 30 and July 1, 2017, that was capped by a certification examination, that is internationally recognized.

Mr. Hubert J. Lisas, Dean of BSIT , garnered a rating of 94% in the examination, while the four others obtained scores above 90%.

The splendid performance of the five VMAGTCI employees showcased the high quality education they are receiving from their Alma Mater.

The training and certification examination that followed were administered by the EC-Council USA, which is based in Albuquerque, New Mexico, together with its local partner BNeFIT (Bacolod-Negros Occidental Federation for Information and Communications Technology). /Jona G. Macaranas

THE WHEELHOUSE 17

WHAT’S NEW WELCOME ABOARD

3/E Elbern Apuhin

Ms. Glennie Grace G. Arostique

Atty. Hope Marey D. Mr. Roland 3/E Aaron 2/M Shin Sazon G. Rivera B. Londres Art D. Duca

Present choices determine future rewards.

The beauty about learning is that nobody could take it away from you no matter how many mistake you’ve done

Take chances, fail, learn for in these three, you will find what life really maps out for you.

Instructor, BSMarE

Instructor, BSIT

Instructor, BSBA

Asst. Dean of Discipline

Beyond the mountains of sacrifice, there’s a valley of success.

TESDA-Bacolod accredits another program for VMA - TESDA VMA Global College and Training Center Inc. - TESDA was officially accredited by the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) - Bacolod to uphold Housekeeping NCII program last August 23, 2017.

The institution has also eight accredited programs as competency assessment centers, Domestic Work NCII, Travel Services, Food Processing NCII and Bartending NCII were some of it that the registered venue can be located at TESDA Training Center Building.

and those were as follows: Cookery NCII, Food and Beverages Services NCII, SMAW NCI and SMAW NCII, Bread and Pastry Production NCII, Housekeeping NCII, and Bartending NCII.

The accredited programs were made possible with the help of Dr. Carlitos N. Orola, VMA - TESDA Head, Mrs. Stella A. Recaido, assistant for TESDA matters, and to the rest of TESDA registered core trainers, assistant trainers and VMA - TESDA staff.

Republic Act 7796 otherwise known as the “Technical Education Centers and Skill Development Act of 1994” aims to promulgate relevant strands and implement programs geared towards a quality assured and inclusive technical education and VMAGCTCI was also a registered skills development and certification Training Center of TESDA programs system. (TESDA Mission). /John Del offering seven accredited programs B. Villando Moreover, Cookery NCII, Food and Beverages Services NCII, SMAW NCI and SMAW NCII were also offered and the registered venue can be found at VMA Main Campus.

18 THE WHEELHOUSE

Instructor, BSMarE

The quality of education is not measured from what you get from it but what you become of it.

Instructor, BSMT

Do not let go of a dream until you are ready to wake up and make it happen.

PUBLICATION PHOTO: Christian Fronda and Anthony Nobleza. GRAPHICS: Alex Alpar.

THEWHEELHOUSE

Pa -HUGOT Naman Diyan!

Sa panahon ngayon, marami na ang nagiging trending o pinapauso gamit lamang ang tinatawag na social media; isa na doon ang “Hugot”. Narito ang ilan sa mga pamamaraan ng paglalahad nito: Hugot na may halong pagpaparinig

“Mabuti pa ang exam, sinasagot niya. Eh ako, kelan pa kaya niya ako sasagutin?”

Hugot gamit ang Produkto “Pabili nga po ng isang shoulder board. Nawawala kasi yung isa eh, tsaka pinagalitan ako. Kahit anong hirap yung dinadala mo sa balikat mo. Makikita pa rin nila yung maling ginawa mo.”

Hugot gamit ang “Always ... but never ...”

“Always seryoso but never pang sineryoso ng taong mahal ko.”

Hugot dala ng sitwasyon “Kung late ka, mangakig na si Ma’am or si Sir. Hambali bala ‘At least nagsulod dyapon, at least nag try, at least wala nagsuko dayon.”

Hugot na dapat o hindi dapat tularan

Doon tayo sa taong miyembro ng isang organisasyon. Kahit na nahihirapan na siya sa kanyang serbisyo, inuuna niya pa rin tayong mga ordinaryong tao.

Hugot gamit ang Slogan “Test paper para sa mga taong naghihintay ng forever.” *Isinumite nina Errol Garbanzos, ‘Ram’ at ‘L.A.’

Senato,

Dhonna

TOP SONGS (AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2017) Two Less Lonely People in the World (Official Movie Theme Song of “Kita Kita”) KZ Tandingan Dahil Sa’Yo Iñigo Pascual

Maghihintay Ako Jona Pusong Ligaw Jona

Pasensya Ka Na Silent Sanctuary Tulad Mo TJ Monterde Sila SUD

Dating Tayo TJ Monterde

Mahal Ko o Mahal Ako KZ Tandingan Hiling Mark Carpio

Source: http://billboard.ph/billboardphilippine-top-20-september-4/

SPORTSFEST General Tally 2017

EVENTS

TEAM 1 HS

COL

TEAM 2 HS

COL

TEAM 3 HS

COL

TEAM 4 HS

COL

LITERARY, MUSICAL AND DANCE LITERARY COMPETITION BINALAYBAY 18 15 6 9 IMPROMPTU SPEAKING 18 18 12 15 15 9 9 12 DAGLIANG PAGBIGKAS 18 15 6 9 MUSICAL COMPETITION VOCAL SOLO 12 15 9 21 21 12 6 18 VOCAL DUET 12 12 15 9 6 6 21 21 DANCE COMPETITION HIP HOP 60 10 30 20 GROUP MTV 20 10 50 30 CONTEMPORARY DANCE 40 60 20 30 MODERN STANDARDS 10 60 20 40 LATIN AMERICAN 10 60 20 30 POINTS PER DEPARTMENT 42 221 36 275 42 179 36 219 TOTAL POINTS 263 331 221 255 RANK 4 2 6 5 SCORE 70 90 50 60 PERCENTAGE 21% 27% 15% 18% SPORTS BASKETBALL (MEN) 30 20 40 60 BASKETBALL (WOMEN) 10 40 20 50 VOLLEYBALL (MEN) 50 60 30 10 VOLLEYBALL (WOMEN) 50 20 60 10 SWIMMING (MEN) 10 15 30 20 SWIMMING (WOMEN) 0 30 35 20 SEPAK TAKRAW (MEN) 60 50 30 10 CHESS 25 30 35 10 TABLE TENNIS (MIXED) 35 20 10 15 MARATHON 15 20 0 25 TOTAL POINTS 285 305 290 230 RANK 4 2 3 6 SCORE 70 90 80 50 PERCENTAGE 21% 27% 24% 15% DANCE SAYA RANK 4 6 3 2 SCORE 70 50 80 90 PERCENTAGE 14% 10% 16% 18% MR. AND MS. VMAGC 2017 MR. VMAGC 2017 90 170 70 100 MS. VMAGC 2017 30 60 90 90 TOTAL MR. AND VMAGC 120 230 160 190 RANK 4 1 3 2 SCORE 60 100 70 90 PERCENTAGE 12% 20% 14% 18% TOTAL PERCENTAGE 68% 84% 69% 69% OVER-ALL RANKING

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TEAM 6 HS

COL

12 21 21 12

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COL

15 9 18 6 9 18 18 15

40 50 60 40 10 50 30 50 40 50 45 252 42 309 297 351 3 1 80 100 24% 30% 10 30 20 30 30 10 20 10 30 30 235 5 60 18%

50 60 40 40 25 25 40 20 25 35 360 1 100 30%

90 100 190 2 90 18% 72%

20 170 190 2 90 18% 98%

3

1

5 60 12%

1 100 20%

Information Source from Tabulation Committee. Layout by Alex L. Alpar.

WHEELHOUSE ECHOES We would like to express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to every special person who made this newsletter a success through their overflowing passion, dedication and good heart.

Our utmost thanks to Ms. Jona G. Macaranas who submitted and contributed her articles.

Also extending our sincerest thanks to Mr. Elmer John E. Basa, VMA Publications adviser, who patiently edited and proofread our articles. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Remedios Johanna S. Vargas, VPAA, Mrs. Epifania O. Balenia, Corporate Secretary and OIC of VMA Bookstore, Mr. Jhun Mharby D. Orola, Canteen in-charge, Mr. Jydh Gratian M. Gayas who shared their inspiring life experiences.

To the guards, thank you for

ENTERTAINMENT

Are you a SMART SHAMER? Expressions such as “Ikaw na magaling!” or “Edi wow!”

Are one of those quick common responses to those who have new ideas to share. Because they take such sharing of ideas as an offense.

Speaking fluently in English became a measure of intelligence Commonly, a lot of Filipinos would say “Nosebleed!” when someone fluently speaks English, as if the language is very new to their ears and is not the second language of the country.

Smart shamers negatively degrade themselves instead accepting their mistake Instead of accepting that they were wrong, they acted negatively by sarcastically downgrading their selves. This reaction also occurs when a word that is considered as deep in a conversation.

They discourages people to strive to be smarter They tend to make people smarter than them to refuse their geeky side. source: http://smartshaming.blogspot. com

WORD HUNT

Instructions: (1) Complete the words by filling the space provided. (2) Use the crossword puzzle below to find the answer.

1. Ex_ _ pl _ r _ 2. _ ra _ i _ _ de 3. Fu _n _ e _ t 4. C _ i _ al _ _ 5. S_ _ag_ 6. D e _ r _ _ e 7. Va _ i _ y 8. C _ m _ it 9. T_ n_ _l 10. W _ r _ _ d

securing our safety and of the office every time we have an overtime during the production of the newsletter.

To the Poseidon Dance Theater who imparted in the production of the cover page, especially to Mr. Danny E. Vale, artistic director and choreographer of VMA Poseidon; to the management of Mambukal Mountain Resort for guiding us and allowing us in the collection of mud needed for the models; and our earnest thanks to Makinaugalingon Printer and Bookbinder who is the workforce in publishing this newsletter.

And last but not the least, we offer our supreme thanks to our Lord who is the source of all this glory and success.

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Compiled by Alex Alpar & Lourenz Rodney A. Into

THEWHEELHOUSE

THE WHEELHOUSE 19

THEWHEELHOUSE

GALLERY

VOLUME 31 NO. 1

1st Semester, Academic Year 2017-2018

VMA Sportsfest 2017: Fostering Discipline and Excellence