The MARIAN Magazine October 2015

MARIAN

THE

The Official Student Publication of Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Ang Opisyal na Pahayagan ng Saint Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

Vol. LIV No. 3 | October 2015

tanikala Ang tunay na mukha ng lipunang ating ginagalawan

A

ng isang bisikleta, may dalawang gulong, manibela at kadena. Sa bawat padyak sa pedal, umuusad ang kabuuan. Ang kabuuang magdadala sa dakong nais kahantungan ng isang tao. Ang kahahantungan ay hindi sa lahat ng oras dumaraan sa pino at pulidong tawiran, kadalasan, mas nararanasang lampasan ang baku-bako, matagtag at liku-likong mga daanan. Mahirap kontrolin sa manibela, pudpod ang gulong. Ganiyan ang maaaring kahantungan. Ganiyan na nga ang ating lipunan. Makakaya mo pa bang tumawid, kung sa bawat hakbang mo ay iniisip ang kaligtasan, winawari kung malalampasan ang paglalakbay na buo ka’t masaya.

Ihalintulad mo ang lipunan sa isang bisikleta. Sa bawat padyak ng tao, kaakibat nito ang isang layunin – ang mabuhay at maging masaya. Katulad ng isang tanikala, ang isang kawing nito ay katumbas ng isang kuwento ng isang indibidwal. At ito ang bubuo sa isang tanikala ay ang istorya ng pang-araw araw na buhay sa nagbabagong lipunan.

Sa bawat ikot ng gulong, ay ang pagsibol ng bagong pag-asang kaakibat ay paghihirap. Sa bawat pag-inog ng tanikala ay ang pag-usad ng gulong. Ngunit, patuloy pa rin tayong sumusulong, pumapadyak – nabubuhay. Dahil hindi sa lahat ng oras, nasa itaas o ibaba ka. Ito ang pagwawangis na kinalakhan ng bawat kuwento ng tao – ang kuwento ng totoong lipunan.

The MARIAN

athecboovuetr

Asserting your trust.

Empowering your voice.

is the official student publication of St. Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior permission from The MARIAN. © 2014

B

note EDITOR’S

Yumiko Angelius M. Yoshiy Features Editor

Be read!

Articles?

Literary Pieces?

Photographs?

Comments?

Suggestions?

Reactions?

Love notes even? e-mail them at smu.themarian@gmail.com

efore anything else, writing in the native language of Filipino for me was a big challenge.

So this time, please allow me to speak in this note in my most comfortable language, English, as I was brought up speaking English.

Behind every story lies a deeper one.

The world is full of stories. From the moment you step out of your house, you’ll get to realize that there is more to what meets the eye.

Well, that’s true. Just like here in the fifty-fourth installment of The MARIAN’s magazine, we envisioned it to be a myriad of different stories and that is what we came up with.

But, as I said, there’s a deeper story behind every story and the magazine also has so many backstories.

The drama, the laughter, the overnights, the late night sleeps and more drama. It was all worth it – so worth it.

Thanks to Neome and Kym, for helping me out think and develop our theme and magazine. To the other eight members of the squad, and my three high school bestfriends, now studying in Manila, thanks for all the random stuff that helped me to be more creative for the magazine.

Thank you also to Kuya Emman, Kuya Pepe and Kuya Marc for the extra push while we’re doing this issue.

Cover Photo by Kym Rombert Quezon

And to the awesome staff, thank you so much! Arigatou gozaimasu! Xie xie!

Thank you! Maraming salamat!

To those who continue to patronize and read the six annual issues of The MARIAN, you are the very reason why we are doing this.

And to the Almighty Creator, all glory is Yours.

This issue will show you what it really feels to know those not only people on the spotlight but also those that we usually give less or no attention at all. Allow this issue to also take you for a 360-spin on what our society has to offer you today – from the best of our province’s food trips to a throwback playlist that rekindles our groovy past.

Be a winner in life as you take tips from Marians who shared to us a couple of life hacks in our new section, Learn From A Marian. We also introduce also our collated section, “Lifestyle” that talks about how to truly to live in your own sense of perspective – from food and travel hits, to fashion guides, to study hacks, and to tips for you inner technogeek.

I won’t keep you longer, feel free to flip through the pages and feel yourself get lost into the miscellany of stories inspired by sacrifice and greatness; and after reading, go out and see for yourself what we are talking about.

tanikala OCTOBER 2015

TA B L E SPECIAL

Hillarie Parungao on the Spotlight 5 Rapped to the Top 8 The UWC Journey 10 Learn from a Marian 12

O F

C O N T E N T S

GATILYO

LIFESTYLE

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The Filipino Test of True Street Cuisine 74 Nueva Vizcaya Gastronomic Tradition 75 Hangout Spots 101 76

SOCIETY NEWS

Self-assessment is the first stepto love your course, new engineer says 14 Former NV Saniata is Ms. World PH 14 SMU climbs up two places in HRT weekend 14 Limbagan is a go despite Lando 15 DEVCOM

RA 10361: Ang batas kasambahay up close 20 NV is PH’s top three quality corn producer 22 Salt + Water equals Light 23 EDITORIAL

Typhoon Lando in Numbers 30 AlDub: A showcase of Filipino Values 34

Telstra 70 The Good, The Bad, The Laptop 71 FASHION & STYLE

Full on sweater weather 72 VIP ACCESS

Pasilip sa A-220 56 LOVEWINS

Tatlong Mukha ng Pag-ibig 62 PEOPLE

FILIPINO

Heneral Luna: Bayan o Sarili? 50 Felix Manalo 51

LOVE & RELATIONSHIP

Rekindling the lost ‘us’ 64 Brother from another mother 65 REVIEWS

2015 Bests 66 The Social Outlets 67

OPINION MUSIC HEALTHWATCH

Mental Disorders: More than just crazy 52 What the facts 53

FAITH & LIFE

Life in greater retrospect 78 Faith: Uniformity in Diversity 79

The Seconds 39 Behind the Sceneries 40

Democratic Consciousness 25 Respect-ations,Equal footing on the red carpet,It’s Showtime 26 T’rant’sparency Please, O for Overlooked Silence, Unjustly Ridicule 27

TECHNOCRAT

The Forgotten Indie Music 68 The Throwback Playlist 69

SPORTS

“Experience, not winning that counts,” - Navalta 81 The Fun in the VB Fam 82 Twisted Sports 83 LITERARY ATTEMPTS

The Scorpion Stung 88 Isang Pagkakamali,Softening Grounds, Ms. Fortunate, Silang Nagsawa na 89 Clockwork 90 Split Image 91

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MISS WORLD PHILIPPINES 2015: H i l l a r i e Pa r u n g a o o n t h e S p o t l i g h t

by Yumiko Angelius Yoshiy

“Hillarie Parungao, Nueva Vizcaya.”

H

er introduction during the coronation night was as simple as that.

Maybe after hearing “Nueva Vizcaya” many wondered where that is. Is it a province? Or a city? Or a part of Nueva Ecija or the Visayas islands? That could be the scenario on the night of October 20 or not. But little did everyone know that in a few hours candidate number 19 from Nueva Vizcaya would be Miss World Philippines 2015.

Yes, Nueva Vizcaya. The province where the reigning Miss World Philippines 2015 started as the simple Hillarie Danielle Ang Parungao – from the girl who aspired and worked hard for her dreams to the lady full of heart and advocacy.

Get to know Miss World Philippines 2015 as she shares her story on how she climbed the stairs landing her on where she is now today.

Hillarie tells us how her Miss World Philippines journey is taking shape. From how she started her crown’s and advocacy’s journey to how she is preparing for the Miss World 2015 pageant.

BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE. As the Miss World

motto goes, ‘Beauty with a Purpose,’ Hillarie proves that she has the heart to help out others, even before the competition started. Her advocacy, “KATUWANG: Fight Against Child Mortality,” started while she was still in college. Taking up Nursing in her collegiate years, she found herself in the streets of Manila spreading awareness about child mortality.

“My background in Nursing is the reason why I chose community nursing to be my advocacy. Not only that it is close to my heart but I also have a first-hand experience to what is really happening to the community. I’ve started a long time ago, but now, it’s on raising more awareness and strengthening my project because as I’ve said this has been ongoing since I was in college.

When I decided to join Miss World Philippines and they told me to come up with an advocacy, I told them that the best advocacy that I can come up with is what I’ve already started a long time ago and is really something close to my heart. I would say that in 2009, I’ve been doing it already and even in Manila, I’ve already been spreading awareness about child mortality by going to the streets of Ermita and Baseco.”

STORM SURGE. On the night of Hillarie’s victory, Nueva Vizcaya was being buffeted by Typhoon Lando with strong winds and heavy rains. Little did she know,

that her home province was going through a hard time. But despite such, her victory gave a surge of hope to her fellow Vizcayanos as she turned her victory as a medium to reach out and help the province through the help of the Miss World Philippines Organization.

“Little did I know na ganoon na pala kalakas ‘yung damage na nangyayari sa atin. When I heard the news the next morning, I was really worried, I was kinda emotional even after I just won and I was talking to the Miss World Philippines Organization to help me out with projects to help me spread awareness of what had happened to my province and how I can help.

One actually told me that, “Alam mo ‘yung nanalo ka lang, sobrang laking tulong na nu’n.” Sobrang nakakatouch, kasi hindi ko talaga alam na malaki talaga ‘yung impact nung pagkapanalo ko. So I am very thankful. This is my blessing, this is all our blessing.”

A FIRST FEAT. Hillarie’s win became a feat not only making her the first Vizcayano to win the Miss World Phillipiness crown but also because she is the very first full-blooded Filipina to be crowned such.

“So, in spite the stereotypical type that the half-Filipinas and half-foreign could win Miss WorldPhilippines, I really took my chance in the competition. I would say that it was an advantage because you know, when you’re really determined to get something and ‘pag sabi nga nila na underdog ka,

mas matapang ka.”

A SEASONED SOLDIER.

Many do know that the lady from Solano, Nueva Vizcaya started joining pageants at a young age. She was Miss Solano 2006, Saniata ti Tribu Biskayano 2006 and Miss Asia Pacific World 2014 Third Runnerup. She debunked the myth, that despite the titles she isn’t pressured with the Miss World 2015 pageant in Sanya, China on December 19.

“I represented the Philippines at that time and I’m still representing the Philippines now.

But I would say that, this is really big for me because it really carries my advocacy because at Miss Asia Pacific World, I was trying to represent lang the Philippines pero wala akong dalang advocacy. Pero ngayon, going to Miss World, I really want to create a change so it’s not easy to be heard and it’s not easy to bring an advocacy with you that people would actually look into, I would want people around the globe to really know what’s happening in the world, especially our children.”

PREPPING UP. One of the duties of Miss World Philippines is to represent the country in the Miss World pageant and Hillarie is on the course of preparing herself for the December competition as she eyes for the second Miss World crown for the Philippines – after Megan Young’s historic crown-clinch in 2013.

“I’m going through a time in preparing but kayang-kaya because I have all the resources

and all the support I can get from you, from Aces and Queens, from Nueva Vizcaya, and from the entire Philippines. So hindi biro ‘yun, ‘yung makakuha ka ng maraming message randomly from sa mga strangers na bata, mga babae, lalaki, tomboy, bakla na telling me na kaya mo ‘yan. Diet also, kahit na medyo payat ako. There’s a Sport Challenge kami in Sanya, China, so we have to be prepared also, not only physically but mentally and you know I’m also trying to strengthen my emotional quotient. And through you people who are supporting me, I think I am very much ready to fight on December 19.”

KEYNOTE EDGE. Just like any other competition, Hillarie is already looking into her potential competitors for the Miss World crown. But, she believes that her maturity, life experiences and upbringing will help her launch herself above the rest of competition.

“I think my edge would be that aside from I am already mature, I have experiences in life and I’m very easy to relate with. So that I guess, is my strength because you know coming from a family [that wasn’t] well-off when I was growing up, so not necessarily poor though. It really taught me the value of charity.

It really inculcated to me the value of compassion. And it’s really easier for me to touch other people’s lives through the things that I do and who I really am as a person.” october 2015 The MARIAN 5

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“

Sobrang nakakatouch, kasi hindi ko talaga alam na malaki talaga ‘yung impact nung pagkapanalo ko. So I am very thankful. This is my blessing, this is all our blessing.”

“

INDUSTRY OPPORTUNITIES. At the age of

19, Hillarie entered the modeling industry. Even way before winning the Miss World Philippines 2015 crown, the commercial and print model has been receiving offers for her to enter showbiz.

“Meron naman, meron namang nag-offer sa akin pero siguro as of now I’m not looking into entering showbiz muna because I want to fulfill my duties first as Miss World Philippines 2015 and I’m really focused into trying to get the crown – the second crown for the Philippines.

And whatever happens in the future, I’m pretty much open to it, we’ll see. But I’m not closing my doors to show business.”

YOUNG ACHIEVER. At the age of 24, Hillarie considers her advocacy as her biggest achievement yet. But, despite that she still wants to reach out and achieve more with the help of the crown and with the duties and responsibilities that come along with the crown.

“Coming up with my own 6 The MARIAN october 2015

advocacy and actually having these people around me right now to help the advocacy of a 24-yearold is not easy to do. If you link up with me, with volunteerism and to get commitment with different agencies to work with you, that is I think would be my greatest accomplishment. I try to keep my feet grounded. No matter what I achieve, I still go back to my roots, I still go back to where I came from. And that’s the reason why I try to reach or try to go further because ‘yung feeling ko na kahit na achieve ko na ‘to there’s something more that I can do.”

RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP. Hillarie may be your Miss World Philippines 2015, but she too, is a registered voter, just like any other. Hillarie shares that in accord with her advocacy, her ideal leader of the country is someone with integrity. “[I want] someone who’s committed to look sa education system natin sa Philippines, especially for children. Generally, sa lahat. Kasi medyo parang medyo na-ooverlook siya and also

health care, I would definitely look into platforms and someone who’s committed and honest."

HONEST DREAMER.

Her road to the crown wasn’t the easiest despite her exposure in the field but her persistence landed her to where she is now. A model, a beauty queen and most especially, an advocate, Hillarie’s dream isn’t a dream anymore.

“I think I’m very persistent kasi so in everything that I do, I really put my heart into it. I’m really passionate in everything I do and I try to focus into one goal and I think that is my secret.

And for me to penetrate in the modelling industry was not easy, at the age of 19. And people were asking me, “How did you do that?” and I told them that I dreamt of it and I worked hard for it. It comes hand in hand.

Winning the Miss World title and promoting my advocacy come hand in hand because the very reason why I joined Miss World Philippines is by the way to really have a bigger voice, to create awareness about the problems that are happening in Nueva Vizcaya,

in the Philippines and the whole world.”

Nueva Vizcaya may be landlocked or surrounded by mountain ranges but that doesn’t mean that we are also locked away from being a voice to our fellow Filipinos – Hillarie Danielle Ang Parungao is a good example.

Every beauty queen has her own story to share to the world but Hillarie encompasses all of it.

She’s not only a beauty queen or a model, but she’s also a daughter, a sister, a friend, a dreamer, an achiever, and an advocate - all responsibilities she has to take upon with or without the crown.

“Hillarie Parungao, Nueva Vizcaya.”

Yes, her introduction during the coronation night was really as simple as that. But, Hillarie Parungao wouldn’t settle for anything less, it may be simple but behind the simplicity is a message that she wants the whole world to hear. M - with reports from Neome Czarina Valite, other details from Kriztina Ezzabelle Parungao.

BIG DREAM JIMBOY MARTIN

IN CHASE OF THE

by Joresa Dainty Aseron

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Name: HENDRIX JIM BALASOTO MARTIN Nicknames: Drix, Jimboy Birthday: October 12, 1997 (18 years old) Address: Brgy. Curifang, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya Greatest Achievement as of October 2015: ONE OF PBB 737’s TEEN BIG FOUR

I

Way Back Home

His life before the fame The young Jimboy who studied at Solano East Central School was known as the little child who is always the one to break up fights. Unfortunately, this also resulted to him being involved, not as a mediator but 8 The MARIAN october 2015

as a proponent. But when he stepped to his secondary level in 2010, Solano High School (SHS) was his training ground to gain more confidence. maturity and responsibility.

He was discovered by his teacher, Mr. Andres Balico Jr., and convinced him to join various pageants which then made him a school heartthrob.

batch before the latest PBB teens, but no one was available to accompany him.

When he was already a graduating student, Jimboy, being a campus personality, never took his crown off after being awarded as the Lakandula ng Kalikasan 2nd runner-up of Nueva Vizcaya, SHS’s Prom King and Most

“ Since then, it was

confirmed that he truly wants to join the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house.

In fact, he was going to audition in Manila with the batch before the latest PBB teens, but no one was able to accompany him.

“

n our country with 7, 107 islands, more than 101 million Filipinos, and 18 regions, who would have thought that a 50 centavo load from thousands to millions of people changed the life of a simple young man inclined with big dreams in life?

Can you imagine how fast it is to turn his wheel of life upside down just after trying to audition last May at Robinson’s Place Santiago.

After almost half a year of extraordinary experiences which he didn’t expect to happen, the imagination inside his head came out from his eyes, hands, heart and feet then altogether eager to convert his past to living-thedream type of life.

They say that the Jimboy they knew is the type of person who brings his index and middle fingers together and salutes the people around him. Will this single salute transform into millions of Filipinos’ hands, specifically Novo Vizcayanos, saluting him for what he will become after going out from Kuya’s house?

At a very young age, he garnered different awards like Mr. Solano High School, Mr. Poise, Mr. Winsome Smile, Mr. Photogenic, Best in Uniform, Mr. Ramp Model and many more.

He truly wanted to join the Pinoy Big Brother (PBB) house. In fact, he was going to audition in Manila with the

Valuable Player in basketball.

He turned himself as a more responsible student who is always punctual to come to school just to operate the SHS’s sound system. He also leaves school late to fix electric fans and lights, which according to his adviser, Mr. Filomeno Viloria, is a way of having a free meryenda whenever he’s

hungry. With these, he’s the only person teachers look for whenever there is a problem in their classrooms which is related to electricity.

Inside the IV-Mahogany room where he’s the vice president, Jimboy was the consistent top 1 student even if he’s the silent type of person.

He graduated as the first honor of their class, SHS’s best in Electricity and the composer of his class’ graduation song entitled “IV-Mahogany Batch 2013-2014.” That was the time of the year when his adviser discovered that Jimboy is really a good rapper and song writer.

After graduating, he was an agriculture student at Isabela State University, Echague Campus for the first semester. When the second semester came, he transferred to Aldersgate College, Solano to follow his dream to become an electrical engineer. Despite the financial problems their family had, he strived for the best as a student and as a crew at Mang Inasal, Solano. At that time, he was a working student and he never stopped forgetting his job at SHS wherein he still visits the school during programs just to help operate the sound system.

He once told his fourth year adviser about his future success as an electrical engineer.

“Kung yayaman ako, magpapatayo ako ng sarili kong power plant,” he said.

Moreover, he’s also described as a raketista who works for money, to save money.

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Last June 20, 2015, it was confirmed that he was one of the PBB housemates after trying to impress the SantiagoCity-based to Manila-based judges by rapping, which later made him as the “Barrio Rapper ng Nueva Vizcaya.”

After almost five months of showing the country what and who he is inside and outside the house, he did every task Kuya gave him and never failed to make his family proud.

He showed that he really is determined for his family. He became a significant reminder on how important family is in one person’s life. In his whole duration of stay in the PBB house, his determination to win for his family was obviously strong and it got stronger especially when his baby sister, Maria Henna, whom he called Jimgirl, was born in September.

When asked about his plans after the show, he said that he’s planning to study.

However, he also wants to try to enter the music and acting industry.

As of now, the Big Night will come to the Big Four Ylona Garcia, Franco Rodriguez, Bailey May and Jimboy Martin. Will a Novo Vizcayano make his way to the top and make history given the fact that it’s the reality show’s 10th anniversary? Are people convinced to vote him? Will our number of votes again save him, help him reach his main goal and make him as the PBB 737 TEEN BIG WINNER? M

JIMBOY: Inside Out TM: Who is Hendrix Jim for you? Describe him.

Angelica Martin (sister): Responsible, devoted person, humble, masipag, mabait at maaasahan.

TM: If he is not from Nueva Vizcaya, will he still be your Big Winner?

Why? Sarah Genil Cruz (supporter): Oo naman. Jimboy pa rin ako. Bukod sa pagiging talented ni Jimboy, nakita ko rin sa kanya yung pagiging totoo niya sa sarili at pagiging responsableng kapatid at anak. ‘Yung pagsali niya sa PBB ay ‘di lang para sumikat kundi para rin makatulong sa pamilya niya na sa kanya ko lang nakita na wala sa ibang housemates. Naging mabuti rin siyang kaibigan sa loob ng bahay at buong tapang na hinarap lahat ng pagsubok ni Kuya.

TM: How can you say that he deserves to be a Big Winner?

Jo Marielle Absalon (friend): Deserving siya kasi matatag siyang tao. Matibay. Magaling [din] siyang makisama tsaka meron siyang mga mapagmahal na fans at mga kaibigan [kaya] nakuha niya ang puso ng mga tao. Siya ‘yung tipo na positibo sa lahat

ng bagay at iniisip ang pamilya.

Roxanne Munar (close friend): Si Drix kasi ‘yung tipo na maski madaming humahanga sa kanya, (SHS pa lang dati sikat na siya), kase nga gwapo sya, humble parin siya. Sobra. Hindi siya ‘yung tipo na gagamitin niya ‘yung pagiging gwapo at sikat niya para makapagyabang sa iba. Deserving siya. Kita naman ng lahat kung ano at sino siya sa PBB house.

Nagfocus talaga siya sa kung anong goal niya. Hindi sya pakitang tao para lang maimpress ‘yung iba sa kanya. Hindi siya nakipagsabayan sa pagiging sosyal ng mga kasama niya.

Kung simple siya, simple siya. Hindi niya kinahiya kung saan siya nanggaling, kung anong buhay niya sa probinsya. Isa pa, ‘yung dream niya talaga mahalaga sa kanya, para sa family. Dun talaga siya kumukuha ng lakas niya. “Para sa family”.

TM: What are the special characteristics he showed inside the house that you would like to confirm?

Sir Filomeno Viloria (4th year adviser): Hindi siya sinungaling. Hindi niya [kasi] ikinahiya ‘yung sitwasyon ng kanyang pamilya. Hindi siya pikunin dahil mahaba ang kanyang pasensiya.Totoo rin ‘yung takot siya sa multo (laughs).

Sir Andy (pageant coach): Down to earth, hindi siya nahihiya kung saan siya nagsimula at saan siya galing. Then asset niya rin ‘yung pagiging flexible niya. Kaya niyang pakisamahan kahit sino. october 2015 The MARIAN 9

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ZHARINA NIKKO CASIL 10 The MARIAN october 2015

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JOURNEY The united world college

by Neome Czarina Valite

Before she graduated from Bambang National High School, her school received a letter from the United World College (UWC), announcing their different scholarship grants to their different campuses around the world. Nikko, along with her other schoolmates, tried their luck.

Despite all the requirements to be submitted and examinations to be accomplished, Nikko didn’t stop in filling out and submitting application forms, way before the deadline. As days flew past, doubts started to flood over Nikko’s mind about her chances for the grant but with a little push from her friends, teachers and family members, she cemented her decision and fate to pursue her dream to go to UWC. After the screening in Manila and after waiting for less than a month, she received the news of her chanced fate – she was granted a scholarship. UWC offered her a 75% scholarship grant of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program for two years at UWCMaastricht, Netherlands.

As what seemed that the stars are aligning up, the only thing that was stopping her from pursuing her dreams was the financial stability to cover the remaining 25% not covered by the scholarship, her travel costs and her personal expenses during her stay abroad.

“To be honest, I was really surprised of how big was the amount of money that we needed to provide in order to confirm my attendance to UWC, it came to a point na I said to myself I should just quit. And my parents did not want me to stop school and rely on something unsure. But in the end, everything was made possible by God. I have realised many things along that journey of ups and downs., Nikko said in an interview.

Her story was carried by online news platforms – Rappler, and Indiegogo, which opened an opportunity for other people to know about what she dreams of and eventually help her to really achieve that dream.

It wasn’t that easy but she and her family were able to raise enough funds to support the expenses that nearly hindered her from pursuing her UWC dream.

Her UWC journey started in August this year. But, before she pursued her UWC dream, she first enrolled in Saint Mary’s University taking up AB Journalism.

“Just dream big, don’t keep yourself limited just because of your fears and “ifs.” Take risks to make your dreams come true. Do your best and exert full effort in everything.

Never get disappointed when you fail once because there’ll be more. Basta pagtrabahuan mo lang ng maigi kung pinapangarap mo, maniwala ka sa Will ni God para sayo.”

Now, she is in Maastricht taking up an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and after two years she plans to come back to the Philippines to continue her degree of Journalism in SMU. After her life’s chapter in Maastricht, she plans to return to her home country.

She would be opening another chapter – a chapter full of experience, a chapter full of fulfilled dreams, and another chapter of dreams to fulfill. M

Zharina Nikko Casil UWC SCHOLAR

“Just dream big, don’t keep yourself limited just because of your fears and “ifs.”

Take risks to make your dreams come true.. Do your best and exert full effort in everything.”

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LEARN FROM A MARIAN

By Naiomi Justereen Bangad, Ron Louis Cutillon & Karl Cyril Pobre

W

hat makes a Marian unique?

Aside from the beauty, brains and exceptional talent, every one of us is topnotch in our own way. Whether it is being the class clown or Cupid, every Marian has something that makes him/her unique. Come help yourself to some great advice as you read on and learn from these Marians.

ON ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Atty. Marie Joy Payumo-Salgado Dean, College of Law

Help your classmates. “The best way for a student to learn is to help classmates who do not understand a particular topic in a class. That student will retain it better if he/she shares the knowledge. If you are going to explain it to your classmates, you are in deeper understanding of the topic rather than to contain the knowledge just by yourself.”

Be humble enough. “If you don’t understand a particular

“You should still have 6-8 hours of sleep everyday. Exercise and drink a lot of water.”

Boosting your immune system. “Dahil stressed kayong mga estudyante ngayon, take multivitamin supplements. That is very important sa inyo ngayon kasi sometimes, ‘yung immune system natin with the stress and with the loads of pinag-aaralan ninyo, mga researches niyo or mga kailangan

niyong ireview medyo bumababa ang immune system natin. And when that happens kasi, you are more vulnerable to any kind of diseases.”

Food. “Students also tend to eat more of “quickie” foods. ‘Pag may nakita sila diyan na nabroil na hotdog, ‘yun na siguro dinner nila. So even if gaano ka kabusy as a student, you have to manage your meals in such a way na nakakain mo pa rin yung kumpleto.

Because that is one way of how you can sustain your strength, your health.”

ON STRESS MANAGEMENT Ma’am Melchora Bautista, RPh Faculty, School of Health Sciences

“I think that family is the closest thing to your heart. At the end of the day, wala kang ibang matatakbuhan kundi sila. Sa age kasi nating mga college students, we tend Sakti Violy Kumar to hang out more with our peers than our AB English 4 family. We spend so much time focusing on how to grow up, how to take care of ourselves that we forget that our parents are also growing old. So I think that this is the time when you have to mingle with them, and get to know them better. It’s love and respect that ties a family together, no matter the circumstances.”

ON FAMILY

12 The MARIAN october 2015

topic, be humble to ask the teacher in a respectful way.”

Pray and lift it all to God. “Just pray, surrender everything. If you did your best, do not worry about it. If you do not meet your expectations, maybe you’re aiming for 95 and you only got 90, don’t worry too much. Don’t worry for a particular failure because that will teach you a lesson. Every failure is necessary for greater success.”

“Kung gusto mo talaga ‘yung pag ta-travel, it will be your number one priority. Saving is another way of financing your travel.

Pag merong pera, mga ¾ no’n, kailangan mo na siyang i-save for travel or siguro mga ¼, sabihin na natin, para hindi sila mahirapan.

You can put it in a bank account.

Meron yung mga ATM accounts na masyadong mababa yung maintaining balance tapos kina-cut nila yung mga cards para hindi nila mai-withdraw kaagad yung mga pera pero sa akin kasi ‘pag meron kaagad yung pera ang ginagawa ko, ginagamit ko na siya for travel.

If you’re into that, yung ‘pag may

pera travel kaagad, kailangan wala kang plano kasi kapag may plano ka do’n ka mahihirapan pero kapag wala kang plano mismo, anywhere you can go as long as intact do’n sa budget mo. Kung meron kang planong pupuntahan, meron ka talagang specific budget na pagiipunan pero minsan, pwede mong iturn around yung situation in which yung destination mo will be based from your budget and not your budget will be based do’n sa destination mo.”

ON TRAVEL Sir Mark Ian Soriano Faculty, School of Business

1. Be who you are, not what others want you to be. Magpakatotoo sa sarili.

2. Be OPTIMISTIC. Always stay positive.

3. Practice. There’s no harm in trying. If you fail, learn from it and do it again.

4. LOVE what you are doing. Never get tired of what makes you happy.

5. Lastly, ENJOY!

ON SELF-CONFIDENCE Veronica Bastero BS Accounting Technology 3

the

MariaN “If you inspire others to do more, learn more and become more, you are a leader. In managing time and responsibilities, simple.

Just do your best and make the best out of it. Meron naman tayong tinatawag na delegation of tasks. As

leader, hindi mo naman kaya everything eh. Ang tanging ginagawa ko lang eh just go with the flow. Kung ano ‘yung kaya ko, ‘dun lang ako. You don’t need to be the

best. Just do it kasi ginusto mo.

Just do it kasi it’s your passion.

Just do it kasi mayroon kang responsibility na inatang sayo ng mga students. Nagtiwala sila sayo, kaya gawin mo.”

ON LEADERSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES Xyrhyll Jayron Espiritu BS Political Science 4

“Siyempre uunahin pa rin ang studies. Pag na-maintain niyo talaga [‘yung relationship] eh siyempre mahalaga pa rin ang studies para sa future

niyo. Magset kayo ng limits o kaya pang-balance sa lahat ng gagawin niyo. Time management sa lahat. Pag nakapagdesisyon ka na kasi na maghahanap ka na talaga ng serious relationship,

may goal ka nang ise-set.

Tapos ‘yun na yung dapat mong i-maintain hanggang kayo. Gagawin mo lahat ng pwede mong gawin para mamaintain yun.”

ON LOVE AND RELATIONSHIP Regie Martillana and Rya Yzabelle Caramat BSCivil Engineering 3

“

The greatest lessons in life are learned from a collective of our experiences from the dullest moments to the most vivid ones.

Always bring mint candies Always brush your teeth. to freshen your breath.

Regular bathing is required.

Never forget to bring a It’s good to bring drinking water handkerchief or wet wipes to to keep yourself hydrated. wipe your sweat.

Avoid intake of greasy/oily Do take showers if you foods. will.

It is good to have some break.

Bring face powder for it Breathe and laugh with your helps in absorbing excessive friends. sweat.

Do not use too much make-up.

Know yourself first. “You need to know yourself first before you know others so kailangan bago ka makipagkaibigan sa kanila, kilalanin mo muna sarili mo kasi you can’t understand others if you can’t understand yourself.”

Take good care of them.

ON PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT Marc Bernard San Juan BSEd-Physics4

”

“You should take good care of them kasi it’s our mission as Christian students to have good relations with others. Kailangan dapat alagaan ‘yun, hindi lang ‘yung relationship, pati yung tao din.”

Expect nothing. “When you expect something from them, it’s not friendship anymore.”

Lastly, inspire others to be friendly.

“You should also encourage others to be friendly, kasi pag nakita nila na friendly ka, maiinspire din sila na maging friendly gaya mo.”

ON SOCIALIZING Cyrelle Shane Abalus BSInformation Technology 3

Keep yourself motivated.

Find fun/happiness in Indulge yourself with studying. goals to fulfil.

Always welcome good Meet deadlines. vibes.

Gratify yourself with an Deny bad influences. inspiration.

Couple your goals with

action.

3R’s: Rest, Relax and Reflect.

Above all, keep the Faith.

ON STUDYING WELL Jeanmarc Bareng Master of Arts in Languages

Truly these Marians could teach us a thing or two. Not just on standing out positively but also on becoming better, well-rounded persons. After all, there is something in all of us that makes us different from everybody else and that is not a bad thing. It’s a matter of turning that ‘something’ into ‘something else.’ M october 2015 The MARIAN 13

news The MARIAN

Former NV Saniata is Ms World PH 2015

by Neome Czarina Valite

October 2015

Self-assessment is the first step to love your course, new engineer says

by Bryan Wong and Henrich Coniega

“Assess yourself why in the first place you enrolled the course. That’s the first step.”

This was the advice of Engr.

Rowena Perez, ECE, ECT, to the Marian community after passing the 2015 Electronics Engineering and Electronics Technician Licensure Examination last October.

In spite of passing the board, she enumerated some problems that could be encountered in preparing for the said examination.

“Kung hindi mo ma-visualize [ang] sarili mo as an engineer, think twice. I think isa ‘yun [sa] problema, itong [Electronics and Communication Engineering]

field kasi natin, very broad. You need to keep yourself up to date with the changing technology,” Perez explained.

Moreover, Perez emphasized that in order to succeed in different courses, especially engineering, one must acquire self-orientation and resilience in studying. She also added that time management, hardwork coupled with prayers plus motivations in life, especially her family were among her edge while preparing for the exam.

Other Marian Electronics and Communication Engineering graduates who upped the school’s performance after passing the exam were as follows: Engr. Jeanie

Gem J. Alayu, ECE, ECT; Engr.

Randy S. Dominguez, ECE, ECT; Engr. Rowena Joy C. Perez, ECE, ECT; Engr. Juvelyn D. Manzano, ECE, ECT; Engr. EvonnJhunel A. LacarECE, ECT; Engr. Steven B. Vallevo, ECE, ECT; Engr. Vergil Alec C. Tamani, ECE, ECT; Engr.

Jerry R. Gamiao, ECE, ECT; Engr.

Terry Excel S. Dela Cruz, ECE, ECT; Engr. Mark Joseph M. Biag, Ece, Ect; Engr. Mel B. Miranda Iii, ECE, ECT; Engr. Winsor A. Laña, ECE, ECT. This year’s national passing rate was 39.94 % while SMU posted a 28.57 % passing rate. M

SMU climbs up two places in HRT Weekend

by Joresa Dainty Aseron

Out of more than 25 schools in Northern Luzon, Saint Mary’s University ranked 3rd place, a tie with Saint Louis’ University, ranking them 2 steps higher compared to last year’s 5th during the 12th Annual Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism (HRT) Weekend at Baguio Country Club, Baguio City, Oct. 15-17.

According to Mr. Marvin Eslava, Hospitality and Tourism Management instructor and SMU’s faculty-in-charge for the event, the result was pleasing despite the conflict of schedules of practices with the final exam and the new dates of the event which was SMU’s semestral break.

14 The MARIAN october 2015

“Basically, the result was okay since majority of the competing entries have awards.

Actually, 95-96% of the entries we joined have awards,” he said.

He then furthered that the participants and coaches are affected since the practice time was every vacant time during the exam week while teachers were in the middle of preparing the grades.

Moreover, they finally planned to join this year’s HRAB Got Talent Version 2 which Eslava described as ‘positive’ when it comes to the result.

“This year, we only participated in the Got Talent wherein we ranked 1st [runnerup] and champion. This is

actually the first time that we joined the Got Talent and the result was very positive,” he said.

The champion in the said event was awarded to Rosette Galzote and Kevin Pagadut, both HRM seniors while Kelly Jea Fortich, BS HRM 2, grabbed 2nd place.

SMU representatives who got gold medals in their respective events were Christian Ramos, Johmerson Pascua, Rhoniel Manuel, Mark Anthony Manzano, Yumiko Angelius Yoshiy and Kym Rombert Quezon.

Silver medal awardees were Angelica Niña Caleja, Arvin continue to page 16

Parungao

Photo by Missosology

A blessing amidst the storm.

Typhoon Lando’s onslaught in the province did not stop Hillarie Danielle Parungao, Saniata ti Nueva Vizcaya 2006, from bringing home the crown as Miss World-Philippines 2015 held at Solaire Resort Casino in Parañaque City, Oct. 18.

The 5’6’’ tall beauty from Solano beat 25 other candidates for the honor to represent the Philippines in the Miss World 2015, taking home several special awards including best in swimsuit, best in sports challenge, best in fashion runway and best in long gown.

She was also the sponsors’ bet as she was awarded the Miss Zen Institute, Miss Technomarine, Miss Solaire, Miss Figlia and Miss Phoenix Petroleum titles.

She has also proven her win with her response in the semifinal question-and-answer round as she was asked “What is the significance of being a beauty queen in this society?”

“As a woman, I uphold the value of compassion. And I want to be a beauty queen because I want to share compassion with continue to page 18

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TRANSFORMED. High School and College students from the region and nearby provinces gathered together in the name of responsible campus press during the 4th Limbagan, an invitational campus journalism seminar of The MARIAN, at the Aula Maria Hall, Apo Pilo Building, Saint Mary’s University on Oct. 21-24. (Photo by The MARIAN).

Limbagan is a go despite Lando

by Hannah Mae Calagui and Ron Cutillon

Despite the onset of typhoon Lando, almost 80 campus journalists from all over the region attended the fourth installment of Limbagan, an invitational campus journalism seminar of The MARIAN (TM) on Oct. 21-24 held at the Aula Maria Hall, Apo Pilo Building, SMU. When asked about continuing the seminar despite the unstable weather, Rhowen Belisario, overall chairperson and managing editor of TM, said that it was a huge challenge for the whole organization to pursue it for there could be so much more to consider.

“About typhoon Lando, napakalaking risk na i-push through ‘yung Limbagan kasi kasagsagan ng bagyo noong Monday (Oct. 19) and it’s the day na kailangan naming mag-decide kung itutuloy ba [‘yung Limbagan] o hindi na kasi kung sa 20 pa kami magde-decide, it’s too late na para i-cancel lahat ng invitations [sa mga schools] and orders from the caterers kasi 21 ‘yung event,” said Belisario.

He furthered that if they would push through with the rescheduling of the event, three lecturers would face difficulties

Editor’s Note

with their schedules since two of the speakers have important appointments in the proposed new dates, making them unavailable for the said seminar. So it was decided to go with the original schedule.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Jose, TM editor-in-chief, stated that the whole event was indeed a success but there were still points for improvement.

“For the [past] four years, nagaattend ako ng Limbagan and now that I’m one of the organizers of the event, I would say that it is really successful kasi from the previous years, it keeps on improving.

Limbagan makes sure that it will give the audiences what is it’s main objective which is to mold the campus journalists not only here in Nueva Vizcaya but in the region as well. Syempre, naroon ‘yung aim natin na committed yung campus journalist sa responsible journalism,” said Jose.

The Limbagan committee raised the number to eight journalism experts from last year’s five, adding two new topics in the seminar lectures; TV & Radio Reporting and Online Journalism which were discussed

by Janford Bonifacio, a former TV correspondent of ABS-CBN

For comments and suggestions, visit The MARIAN office at A-220, Fr. Lambrecht Building The MARIAN produces the following types of publication: or e-mail us at smu.themarian@gmail.

Newsletter, Literary Folio, Art Folio, Tabloid, Magazine and Broadsheet com

Regional Network, Santiago City.

For the third time, Prof Ben Domingo Jr., chairperson of the CHEd Technical Committee for Journalism, shared his knowledge on development reporting and sports writing; Hazel Buctayon, editor-in-chief of ‘The Voice of Sierra Madre, discussed about editorial writing and was also this year’s keynote speaker. Other speakers were Melvin Gascon, a news and photo correspondent of the Manila Times, media ethics and investigative journalism; Leander Domingo, also a correspondent of the PDI, on news writing and newspaper management; Mark Nicole Anicas,

one of the most followed text bloggers on Tumblr, for creative writing and photojournalism and Marc Oliver Fernandez, a graphic artist at Kalbe International, on editorial cartooning and comics strip making.

Participating schools were as follows: St. Vincent School, Kingsway Christian Academy, San Francisco High School, Nueva Vizcaya State University and Saint Mary’s University. With its theme ‘From Ink to Action,’ Limbagan aimed to transform young journalists from ordinary campus to truth-committed individuals acting upon their writings. M

LANDO EFFECT. With the continuous downpour for three-straight days, the water level of the Magat River rises and engulfs ricefields at Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, on Oct. 18. (Photo from Manila Bulletin)

october 2015 The MARIAN 15

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NSTP mentors, studes attend reg’l confab

by Charlotte Jace Fabian and Veronica Ortiz

With “safe” as one of the platforms of the university’s Clean, Healthy, Safe and Friendly program, Marian NSTP teachers and students attended the 8th Regional NSTP Implementers Congress held at Hotel Carmelita, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Oct. 28-30.

The said seminar aimed to prepare students and teachers for any disaster to come in the community.

“The training is for teachers, implementers, and students so that they can enhance their skills or knowledge for disaster preparedness,” said Mr. Sherwin Marciano, NSTP Coordinator and also one of the delegates to the said seminar.

Those who attended were taught on how to conduct earthquake drills in schools, water search and rescue, and how to use the fire extinguisher as well as the improvised one.The seminar also served as a way for people to easily know what to do during disasters.

“Sharing knowledge or skills

CPA board passing rate increased

Strict compliance to retention policy helps, SOA dean says

by Stacey Lee Nicole Ortiguero and Kruzyl Cayusa Strict compliance was a help!

This is what Dr. Eleanor Domingo, CPA, dean of the School of Accountancy exclaimed after the release of the October 2015 Certified Public Accountants Board Examination in which SMU posted a 63.16%, passing percentage higher than last year’s 36.84%.

“Malaki yung increase ngayon compared to the previous, siguro it is because the students are more focused this time kasi talagang we are very strict when it comes to [the] retention [policy] and when a student gets a grade of 83% wala nang adjustments kasi dapat ang grade na pinakamababa nila sa accounting ay 84%,” she added.

Torina Inamag, CPA, left an advice to the undergraduate students who are planning to take such examination.

“I advise them to study well especially during their undergraduate years. They should not think that they will just study well during the review program, huwag nilang iasa sa formal review ang pagpasa because review is just a summary. During exams, they should not get nervous because God knows they did their best and so God will do the rest,” Inamag added.

Moreover, Rey Alton Ludan considered passing the exam to be his biggest achievement as of now, which is every BSA students’ aim too.

“So far, passing the board has been my biggest accomplishment and I believe, as a BSA student, being a CPA is really the main goal. Sabi nga ng halos

16 The MARIAN october 2015

lahat ng mga reviewers namin during our integrated classes (last sem 5th year), “sa PICC, during your oath taking as a CPA, ‘yun talaga ang totoong graduation niyo”, Ludan said.

Other Marian passers were the following: Kriselle Abalos, CPA; Rona Acob, CPA; Marlon John Aliac, CPA; Stephanie Ann Ananayo, CPA; JudimyrAiza Apolinar, CPA; Karl Vinson Asuncion, CPA; Jeanette Balansayo, CPA; Jay Arvin Balutao, CPA; Claudine Bancifra, CPA; Julio Barroga III, CPA; Stephanie Basilio, CPA; Roxanne Bernardino, CPA; Jonathan Bulan, CPA; Kristine Mae Calacala, CPA; Vanessa De Guzman, CPA; Hayzel Domingo, CPA; Princess Domingo, CPA; Miguel Dungca, CPA; Christine Joy Eblahan, CPA; Vincent Marc Eraña, CPA; Ma. Nonethjoy Eugenio, CPA; Ehman John Genove, CPA; Mary Jane Guyud, CPA; Rea May Hermosura, CPA; Sheena May Hernandez, CPA; Torina Inamag, CPA; Geraldine Junio, CPA; Janlaine Kimmayong, CPA, Sheena Mae Kitong, CPA; Peter Nattong Lachaona Jr., CPA; Jayfel Laciste, CPA; Earvin John Lucero, CPA; Rey Alton Ludan, CPA; Keith Lugay, CPA; Jomar Maculanlan, CPA; Rivalyn Magday, CPA; Louchelle Maraddag, CPA; Charlyn May Moises, CPA; Jacquelyne Movida, CPA; Cathleen Oldico, CPA; Richelle Oliveros, CPA; Roger Peralta, CPA; Justine Quenery, continue to page 17

should be taught in the simplest way to be easily understood by the participants to appreciate and apply in their schools and offices,” Marciano added.

According to Faye Allison Bruno, BSEd-2 and President of the Literacy Training Service (LTS), the seminar was a good way to inform the public in disaster preparedness. “[Syempre] as a student, isang magandang opportunity iyon na makasali sa isang seminar na ganon.

At kahit 2 days lang yon, ang dami talagang natutunan. Kahit bata ka man o matanda, pwedeng pwede ka pa din makasagip ng buhay,” she said.

Together with Marciano and Bruno were Domingo Guntalilib, faculty of the Mathematics department, three Marian Emergency Response Team (M-ERT) members, and two Reserved Officer Training Corps (ROTC) students from Saint Mary’s University.

The theme of the congress was “Enhancing Disaster Preparedness for Resilient Community.” M

SMU climbs up...

Jasper Lucero, Gerald Pascual, Joey Pascua II, Angelyka Bermudez and Manuel. The bronze medal was bagged by Mary Diane Cabading, Kenny Robert Esquejo, Kurlt Justin Guiab, Fortich, Justin Miguel Cortez, Joey Pascua II, Arxel Reigh Catubay, Lyca Mae dela Cruz and Blanche Necesito.

Others were Cedrick Guiao, John Kevin Rubio, Karl Argene Colisao, Judy-Ann Orpiano, Armel Felix, Franz Isko Mannag, Karen Dave Lobusta, John Rey Piñera, Fortich, Yvone Daon, Deseree Suzaine Dote and Nello Taripe Jr. who got diplomas.

Also, Jason Ko, Yoshiy, Fortich, Anvilla Jelene Garcia, Piñera and Lucero garnered 4th place in the HRT Quiz Bee. With the results, Rhoniel Manuel, BSHRM 3, said that it’s possible to snatch the title if their practice started earlier.

“Ang plano noon, two months before HRT [weekend] ang practice. Tapos biglang a week before na lang. I think ‘pag na-push ‘yung two months practice, possible na maagaw

from page 14

namin ‘yung title for overall champion [from University of Baguio],” he said.

For twelve years straight now, the University of Baguio is still the defending champion, with the University of Cordilleras trailing behind, and the two mentioned CICM schools placing at the third spot.

Along from Eslava, faculty coaches were Mr. Mark Ian J. Soriano, Mr. John Michael C. Ibarra, Mr. Michael Noel A. Abiva, Miss Lara Regine B. Julian, Miss Aira Leigh N. Suguitan and Mrs. Aileen P. Lamson.

Aside from the HTM faculty coaches, SMU also tapped professionals to further enhance and prepare the students for the competition.

Industry professional consultants include Chef Job Lorenzana, Chef Vicente Adriano Tiongson and Chef Rhonagail Apaga.

The main objective of the activity was to showcase the culinary expertise not only of the students, but also professionals.

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SMU takes part in annual ICFC

by Karl Cyril Pobre

Saint Mary’s University (SMU) landed 5th after competing with different schools from Northern Luzon in the elimination round of the 17th Inter-Collegiate Finance Competition (ICFC) at the University of the Cordilleras (UC), Baguio City, Oct. 16.

There were eight participating schools in the said competition which include SMU, UC, University of Saint Louis (Tuguegarao), Saint Louis University, Finma University of Pangasinan, University of Baguio, Lorma College and King Fisher College.

King Fisher College was named champion, University of the Cordilleras as 2nd placer and Finma University of Pangasinan came in 3rd.

Jimmy Labayog, BSA 4; Jaypee Grueso and Michael Bryan Sagaysay, BSA 5; and Kaitleen Garingo and Reecah Shane Pagador, BSFM 4, represented SMU for the group quiz bee.

Mr. Jerome Marquez and Ms. Loreta Garlitos served as their coach.

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Strict...

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CPA; Monalyn Joy Recile, CPA; Claudine Faye Reyes, CPA; Jordan Reyes, CPA; Allen Ray Ringpis, CPA; Norviliza Sangbaan, CPA; Desiree Santos, CPA; Ryan Kevin Sarandi, CPA; Donita Rose Solis, CPA; Arianne Tamayao, CPA; Kayleen Joy Tindungan, CPA; Leika Mae Tolentino, CPA; Jenelyn Toluan, CPA; Francis Leo Tugab, CPA; Justine Nicole Valenciano, CPA; Mark Vincent Valmores, CPA; Shelly Hazel Viernes, CPA; Lilibeth Yasay, CPA. Domingo advised students who plan to take the CPA board exams someday to focus their mindset, be disciplined, study and read. Also, students must prioritize their studies through reading and solving problems.

“Kasi once na pumasok ka sa Accounting Program yung mindset mo talagang maka-focus na sa ‘I have to study, I have to aim,’ and give focus to your priority and your priority should be your studies. Kailangan yung mindset mo, alam mo na yung dadaanan mong hirap. Since ‘yun ang ginusto mo, you should be ready enough, you have to prepare yourself for whatever tough encounters you may have in the future,”she furthered.

SMU once again produced another set of CPAs above the national passing rate which this year was 46.01%. M

KEEPING THE FAITH. In line with the celebration of the Mission-Vocation month this October, the Marian community performs a living rosary at the Verbist Amphitheater on Oct. 30. (Contributed photo)

SMU posts third win in CE reg’l elims quiz

by Rhowen Belisario

For the three consecutive years, Saint Mary’s University emerged champion in the regional elimination of National Civil Engineering Student Quiz Bee (NCESQ) including this year’s conduct at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan, Oct. 7.

Errol Santos, a senior BS Civil Engineering student continued the tradition of excellence and the legacy of his predecessors as he emerged as champion in the said competition while his partner, Daryl Faye Aguila ranked 2nd after breaking the tie with the delegates from Isabela State University- Echague and Isabela State University-Ilagan campus.

For the past three years, the School of Engineering and Architecture has been posting wins in the said competition since they started sending students to compete in the said event.Santos is the third student to win the said competition, following his predecessors Engr. Michael James Ramos and Mark Kevin Gajes.

According to Santos, he did not expect to top since the

CONSISTENT. Errol Santos (2nd from right) and Daryl Faye Aguila (3rd from right) lead the Marian Civil Engineering participants as they clinched champion and 2nd place respectively in the regional elimination of the National CE student Quiz Bee on Oct. 7. (Contributed Photo)

competition was just a day after their final exam, giving him and his partner very little time to prepare for the said tilt.

“October 7 kasi ‘yung quiz bee eh katatapos lang ng exam namin ng 6, kaya kahit puyat at pagod kami the whole week, bumiyahe pa rin kami kinagabihan para lang makaattend. Preparation and review is very minimal lang din kasi ‘diba sa aming mga engineering students ‘pag finals eh may mga plates pa kaming tinatapos.”

Santos explained.

When asked if he was pressured with the fact that he needed to maintain the feat, Santos said that he was more nervous than pressured during the competition.

Santos wanted to offer his victory to the Lord because according to him, the whole winning thing is a miracle considering the fact that they lacked reviews and preparation.

“Gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa kanya [God], continue to page 18

smu.themarian@gmail.com october 2015 The MARIAN 17

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Typhoon Lando

NV lawmakers declare ‘state of calamity’; Over 408 M damage recorded

by Emmanuel Jose

Local officials of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, during their regular session, declared the entire province of Nueva Vizcaya under state of calamity on Oct. 26 due to Super Typhoon Lando.

Towering mightily over the town of Solano, the newly-constructed Poong Nazareno Shrine and Bell Tower was blessed on Oct. 11. the five-story high tower houses the shrine of the Black Nazarene on the Ground Floor and holds the three bells on top (Photo by Johmelia Lantion)

The declaration, held at the People’s Hall Provincial Capitol, was made after the release of an initial report of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) recording more than 408 millionworth of damages on both infrastructure and agriculture.

Having been listed under Public Storm Signal no. 3, Nueva Vizcaya was one of the hardest hit provinces in Northern Luzon to experience heavy rains for threestraight days causing unabated floods and high winds damaging various infrastructures and drenched vast tracts of land.

THREE DEATH TOLL

Former NV saniata...

others. Compassion leads to a greater society of love, hope and a brighter future for everyone,” she replied.

In the final question, she was asked about the philosophy she lives by and Parungao said, “My philosophy is to always rely on compassion—because compassion can open doors to many challenges in life that we can resolve, [so] that we can progress as a society.”

Along with Parungao’s rubystoned crown, she also won P1 million which she hopes to use in chosen projects.

“I joined this pageant because I was looking for a better venue to have a voice,” she told the Inquirer.

“I will use my title to strengthen my advocacy, called ‘Katuwang,’ to help eradicate infant and child mortality locally, and hopefully, around the world if I become Miss World,” she said.

Parungao is set to come home on the second week of November; Her homecoming activities will include a motorcade around Bayombong and Solano, a courtesy call to the mayor of Solano and the Governor’s Office, a press conference and a fundraising charity dinner for her advocacy.

Parungao is currently preparing for the 2015 Miss World pageant which will be held in Sanya, China on Dec. 19. M

SMU posts... kasi parang everything came in a luck and miracle. Sobrang hirap ng mga tanong and thankful ako sa kanya for keeping me in a good condition para masagot lahat ng tanong,” Santos said.

18 The MARIAN october 2015

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They were accompanied

by Engr. Aurus Tiam and Engr.

Jacqueline Guinsatao. Santos will represent Region 2 in the national level to be held at Bacolod City in Dec. 2-4. M

Of the 15 municipalities of NV, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Kasibu and Bambang were named among the most affected areas.

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), three casualties were reported, two from Nueva Vizcaya and one in Aurora, Isabela.

Nueva Vizcaya casualties were Agapito Ducusin, 47, from Centro Watwat, Kasibu, and a 6-year-old kid from Sitio Villaluz, Abian, Bambang. Both died from drowning due to the strong water current.

LANDSLIDES LEAD TO ROAD INCONVINIENCES

The stretch of the national highway in Brgy. Tactac in Sta. Fe town to Carranglan, Nueva Ecija was temporarily closed due to landslide brought about continuous raining on Oct. 18.

As a result, the national highway was unpassable, which impeded commuters from time to time.

Evaliza Agamata, PDRRMO officer said that several stranded commuters have been served with food while others cooked their food in houses along the road.

Also, accidents caused by overloaded cargo trucks contributed to the delay among the commuters going in and out of Cagayan Valley region.

408 MILLION IN DAMAGES

In the final damage report released by the PDRRMO on Oct. 24, agriculture incurred the highest damage with an estimate of 365 million, followed by 187 million and 103 million damages to municipal roads and to irrigation and facilities respectively.

As for the cost of damage in provincial roads and bridges, 18 million damage was reported by the provincial public works and highways. In addition, the continue to page 19

WISDOM WITHIN YOUR GRASP Saint Mary’s University Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya tel nos. 078-321-2221 • 078-321-4436 www.smu.edu.ph

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ALMOST DONE. The Provincial Government of Nueva Vizcaya constructs the new Nueva Vizcaya Pasalubong and Livelihood Center (NVPLC) in order to promote the province’s products and give local entrepreneurs an avenue to learn and further innovate quality products. The NVPLC is expected to be finished towards the end of the year.

(Contributed Photo)

NV bags ‘Most Outstanding’ award for ARTA implementation

by Emmanuel Jose

It was in 2010 when the province of Nueva Vizcaya was awarded the last outstanding award.

And just recently, the Provincial Local Government Unit of Nueva Vizcaya was once again awarded the Most Outstanding award for the implementation of the AntiRed Tape Act (ARTA) during the 2015 LGU incentives and awards ceremonies on Oct. 31 at the Zen Hotel, Santiago City, Isabela.

According to the Provincial Administrator and Anti-Red Tape Management Committee and CoChairman Maybelle Sevillena, the PLGU was outstanding in the year

2010.

“Our province gained back the said recognition during our first and second term and finally, we got the highest award this year for the first time,” said Sevillena.

Further, Sevillena added that the award is granted to provinces who exemplified proper implementation of RA 9485 or the Anti Red Tape Act of 2007.

“The award is given to provinces who have distinguished performance and accomplishments in compliance with RA 9485, thereby achieving a transparent, accountable and responsive LGU eliminating

bureaucratic red tape providing efficient delivery of essential public services,” Sevillena added.

BARANGAY AND MUNICIPAL LEVEL AWARDEES District IV of Bayombong was awarded as the most outstanding for the barangay level, while Alfonso Castañeda for the Municipal level was givenoutstanding award.

Brgy. Murong of Bagabag and Brgy. Ibung of Villaverde clinched the outstanding award for Barangay Public Information Assistance Center and Barangay Peace and Order Committee respectively.

Provincial gov’t marks Zumba anniversary

by Naiomi Justereen Bangad and Ridge Ross De Veyra

Dubbed as “Zayaw sa Kaluzugan 2015,” the provincial government of Nueva Vizcaya celebrated the first-year anniversary of the Zumba Fitness Program in the province on Oct. 31 at the Fr. Cornelius Tonus Gymnasium, Saint Mary’s University.

The fitness program was in line with Governor Ruth Padilla’s Prayers ‘N Faith program and was also based on The Great Filipino Workout, a Civil Service Commission circular that encourages all government agencies to adopt a health and fitness management program, according to the official website of the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

The celebration was planned a few months back but because Typhoon Lando had the province placed in a state of calamity, the proceeds of the Zayaw sa Kaluzugan will then be

ZUMBA DELUXE. With their vivacious moves, Novo Vizcayanos dance their way during the first year anniversary of Zumba held at the Fr. Tonus Gymnasium on Oct. 31. The proceeds collected will serve as donations to the victimes of Typhoon Lando (Contributed Photo)

donated to the victims of the typhoon here in the province.

Congressman Carlos Padilla and Vice Governor Lambert Galima were also present in the event and delivered their messages in support to the said program spearheaded by the provincial administrator Maybelle

Sevillena.

With an aim to add color and spice in the Zumba anniversary, celebrity brothers Joshua and Jason Zamora, certified ‘zins’ or Zumba instructors and members of the dance group “The Manuevers” were invited to spearhead the event. M

OTHER AWARDS Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Evaliza Agamata also received the award for Nueva Vizcaya being the outstanding PDRRMC under the Project Prepare –Ready 24/7 category.

Meanwhile, the awards were received by the PLGU officers headed by Governor Ruth Padilla, Assistant Provincial Budget Officer Manuel Tabora, and Bambang Mayor Flaviano Balgos received the plaque of recognition from DILG Assistant Secretary Josefina Castilla Go and DILG Region 02 OIC Director Marlo Iringan. M

NV lawmakers declare... from page 18 Department of EducationNueva Vizcaya submitted 19 million cost of damages to school buildings and facilities.

Meanwhile, Resolution No. 2015-1949 authorizes the utilization of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund to cause remedial measures of damages incurred on infrastructures, agriculture, irrigation and livestock.M

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RA 10361:

ang Batas

kasambahay

Up Close

by Francis Vicmudo

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insan hindi na ako nakakapagpahinga sa sobrang dami ng pinapagawa [ng amo ko]. Sisigawan ka at hindi [ka] makakakain [ng maayos.] Mahirap, syempre. Pero wala akong choice ‘eh. Kailangan kong buhayin ‘yung pamilya ko sa pagsisilbi sa ibang pamilya.

Tita Carmen* is a stay-out domestic worker from Don Mariano Marcos, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya and is one among the hundreds

of domestic workers across the Philippines who were maltreated by their employers.

After 16 years, Congress has finally passed Republic Act No. 10361 otherwise

known as the ‘Domestic Workers Act’ or ‘Batas Kasambahay’ signed by President Benigno Aquino III which caters the protection and the welfare of domestic workers or kasambahay.

Simplified RA 10361 RA 10361 is a landmark piece of labor and social legislation that recognizes for the first

20 The MARIAN october 2015

time domestic workers as similar to those in the formal sector.

As specified under RA 10361 Article 1 Section 2

Paragraph C: “The State recognizes the need to protect the rights of domestic

The passage of the bill caused the masses, especially the domestic workers and employers, to voice out their views and opinions regarding the law.

workers against abuse, harassment, violence, economic exploitation and performance of work that is hazardous to their physical and mental health” This law strengthens respect, protection, and promotion of the rights and welfare of domestic workers or kasambahay. It also provides the domestic workers a safe work place environment and a good relationship with the employers.

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THE LAW AFTER ITS IMPLEMENTATION

Charisma Satumba, director of the Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), claims that since the implementation of Batas Kasambahay, a lot of domestic workers have benefitted from the law.

“The reports on abuse and unjust working conditions of domestic works have increased since the law was passed,” said Satumba.

But there are still those who remain in the dark. Satumba said it is difficult to monitor the working conditions of every domestic helper, especially since they are usually stuck at home and have no other avenues to voice their concerns unless they approach DOLE. Tita Carmen honestly said that she is not very familiar about the Kasambahay Law but she has heard about it before.

“Sabi nila maganda raw para sa amin [mga kasambahay] ‘yon. Pero wala naman bagong nangyari pagkatapos maipasa nung batas. May batas man o wala, pareho pa rin,” she said.

LEADS

The said mandate provides domestic workers the benefits and the rights that some employers denied them, including paid leave, day off, health and social security benefits.

Tessie Fernandez of Lihok Pilipina Foundation Inc. believes that the law is a deterrent for violence and abuse as it will help address the situation of some domestic workers like helpers who are not given days off or those who were physically abused by their employers.

It also sets the minimum monthly wage of domestic workers at P2,500 for kasambahays in Metro Manila, P2,000 for those in chartered cities and first class municipalities and P1,500 for those in other municipalities.

She said the law affects the chances of some domestic workers to go to school and earn a degree since some employers might no longer be able to afford it.

LAGS

Since the law mandates a minimum wage, Fernandez said there is a risk that domestic workers who are already getting more than the minimum will get a lower salary, since there are employers who are concerned only with meeting the minimum requirements of the law.

Because of certain provisions of the law, the relationship between the employer and domestic workers is bound to change.

“We have no qualms about protection for the helpers and giving them benefits. We support that and in principle, we are for the law. But once you fix certain conditions and put monetary value to everything, mawala na ang pagkafamily member ng relationship,” Fernandez said.

Just like any other profession in the world, being a kasambahay doesn’t make a person inferior over the white-collared workers in the field. As a democratic nation, the government must take into account that every bill passed in congress should go for the people, by the people and of the people. M

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NV is Ph’s Top 3 Quality Corn Producer, receives 3M incentive

By Rhenzyl de Guzman

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espite its being degraded and in sloped land condition, as described by Bureau of Soil and Water Management (BSWM) Chief Agriculturist, Engr. Samuel Contreras, Nueva Vizcaya was still awarded by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the country’s top 3 quality corn producer during the 11th Philippine National Corn Congress and 3rd National Quality Corn Achievers Awards (NQCAA) at Fontana Leisure Park in Clarkfield, Pampanga on Oct. 22.

“This is the first time that the province won an award in the national level and we are hoping that we can make it to the top and become a hall of famer too,” Brigido Lopez, senior agriculturist and provincial corn coordinator said.

Meanwhile, the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Isabela placed first and second respectively in the recently concluded NQCAA 2015.

As a reward, the province of Nueva Vizcaya received a 3 million incentive.

HALL OF FAMER The DA has also recognized the town of Villaverde as one of the NQCAA hall of famer. It was in 2013 when the municipality was also recognized as one of the top performing municipalities 22 The MARIAN october 2015

in corn production.

Also, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya was among the 25 outstanding NQCAA municipalities.

Villaverde and Bagabag placed 8th and 10th placers respectively. The former received a 2 million incentive while 1 million was given to the latter.

Moreover, municipal agriculturists Julia Torio of Bagabag and Concepcion Viernes of Villaverde were also granted as hall of fame awardees as quality corn program coordinators.

Last 2013, the municipality of Diadi was also recognized as one of the top 24 producers of corn crops by the DA during the NQCAA.

THE PEOPLE OF NV Felix Perez, a corn vendor, said that he is proud of the efforts and achievements of the

province.

“Nakakaproud. Siyempre, bilang isang nagtitinda ng sweet corn na produkto ng Vizcaya, nakakatuwang isipin na nakikipagsabayan ang probinsya sa mga producer talaga ng mais,” he said.

Perez hoped that for the next NQCAA Awards, Nueva Vizcaya will still be granted and be recognized by the national government.

Also, Marlyn Pablo, owner of a corn mill, wishes the production of corn will still nourish and continue to give a livelihood for the NV farmers.

“Sana talagang mag-increase pa lalo yung production ng mais dito [sa Nueva Vizcaya.] kasi kahit na kaunti yung production natin, madaming mga nagsasaka ang nagbebenefit sa mais, “ Pablo said.

As for Rolando Orden, one who works on a corn field, he is happy to know that their crops

are being recognized and gives honor to the province.

“Bilang isang nag-aani ng mais, masaya ako kasi nakikilala yung probinsya bilang isa sa mga top quality corn producers sa bansa,” Orden said.M

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SALT equals + WATER

Light

A FILIPINO INVENTION

FOR POOR FAMILY HOMES

by Charlotte Jace Fabian and Rhenzyl de Guzman

HOW DOES IT WORK? To make the SALt possible two basic components are needed — salt and water. The lamp usually runs on salt and water, or saltwater. Salt water can operate just like a regular battery, but with the added benefit of not being a dangerous or flammable chemical. Also, it doesn’t emit harmful gases and leaves minimal amount of carbon footprint which makes it environmentally friendly.

Meanwhile, ocean water could also be a great substitute for salt and water.

Use ocean water to power up the lamp that can give light up to 8 hours. Salinity

BUSCALAN AND THE BUTBUT TRIBE

The small village of Buscalan, Kalinga within the great mountains of Cordillera, is home to some of those 16 million families living without electricity. It is the home of the Butbut Tribe known for their

is expressed by the amount of salt found in 1,000 grams of water. Store ocean-water in bottles and use them to power up the lamp anytime, anywhere.

Moreover, according to the study conducted by the United Nations, the Philippines ranked 3rd as the most disastrous country in the world, due to typhoons and earthquakes. And, during brownouts or blackouts, families use kerosene or battery-powered lamps and/ or candles as an alternative lighting, which sometimes cause fire incidents. A steady supply of food, drinking water, and sustainable lighting source is needed during these kinds of scenarios.

headhunting tradition long time ago, and the home of the famous traditional tattoo artist, Apo Wang-Od and her inheritor, Grace.

They have been living without electricity and for them, life stops after dark. They close stores early and make sure to be home before sunset. The night is just for

SALT'S INITIATIVE REACHES ASIA SALt has reached the attention not just of the locality. The SALt invention also joined international competitions and received awards in Asia.

SALt received the People’s Choice Award –

Startups Nations Summit 2014 in South Korea, Echelon TOP 100 Asia Summit 2015 in Singapore, Asia Entrepreneurship Award 2015 in Japan, among others.

Aisa Mijeno with residents of un-electrified Barangay Gabi and a prototype lamp. (Photo from the Internet) sleeping. Lighting up their homes takes a lot of effort. They need to cut wood to create fire, or walk long hours to the nearest town to buy fuel for their lamps.

Mijeno witnessed the lives of the Butbut tribe when she lived in the community during an immersion in 2011.

“People did not have access

to electricity and had to walk 12 hours to reach Bontoc, a town about 50 kilometers away, to get kerosene for their fuel-based lamps,” she said.

The Butbut tribe was the main inspiration of Mijeno in inventing the SALt. Her mission is to reach 80 lamps and donate it to 80 families. M

https://www.techinasia.com/salt-light-poor-homes-philippines/

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here are 7,107 islands in the Philippines with a growing population of about 100 million. According to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), 16 million families don’t have any access to electricity since 2013.

In order to provide an alternative and more efficient source of lighting to those who use kerosene candled lamps, Sustainable Alternative Lighting (SALt) was invented by Engr. Aisa Mijeno.

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Solar-Powered Streetlights ng LGU Bayombong Nina Kimberly Atitiw and Kruzyl Cayusa

Actual Streetlight Model

Sabi nga sa isang kasabihan, “You will only appreciate the beauty of light in darkness.”

Kamakailan lamang ay inilunsad ng Pamahalaang Lokal ng Bayombong ang solar-powered streetlights, ang pinakabagong programa ng bayan na naglalayong magbigay ng sapat at magsisilbing ilaw sa mga pangunahing lansangan ng Bayombong sa pagsapit ng gabi.

Ang nasabing solarpowered streetlights ay bumabaybay mula sa kahabaan ng Maharlika highway hanggang Sta. Rosa Diversion Road.

Ani Leonardo Juan, Project Development Officer ng LGU Bayombong Project Development Office, malaki ang maitutulong ng nasabing proyekto sa pagtitipid ng kuryente. “[Ang pangunahing layunin ng solar-powered streetlights ay] para makapagbigay ng ilaw sa ating mga constituents sa gabi at the same time hindi 24 The MARIAN october 2015

tayo makaka-consume ng malaking electric power supply,” ani Juan.

Dagdag pa niya, mas malayong magtagal ang buhay ng mga bagong streetlights kaysa sa nakagawiang streetlights na kumokonsumo ng mas malakas na kuryente.

Ayon sa pagsusuring isinagawa ng mga contractors ng nasabing proyekto, ang kapasidad ng mga bagong streetlights ay kayang magtagal nang hanggang sampung taon.

Inihayag din ni Juan na ang proyektong pailaw sa lansangan ng Bayombong ay sinuportahan ng provincial government ng Nueva Vizcaya.

“Ang project na ito was funded by the provincial government. Naipa-bid namin ito for about 2 Million pesos”, ani Juan.

Inaasahan ng mga opisyal ng munisipyo na

magiging malaking tulong ito sa lahat ng mga mamamayan ng Bayombong partikular na ang mga residenteng nakatira malapit sa lugar na pagtatayuan ng mga solarpowered streetlights.

Isa nga sa makikinabang sa nasabing proyekto ay si Job dela Cruz, isang traysikel drayber na namamasada tuwing gabi.

“Maganda. At least sigurado na [iilaw] ‘yan kahit na mag-brownout pa,” ani dela Cruz.

Bukod pa kay dela Cruz, mabibigyan din ng benepisyo ang mga naglalako sa lansangan tuwing gabi, maging ang mga estudyanteng umuuwi mula sa eskwelahan, pati na rin ang mga Novo Vizcayanong namamasyal sa kapitolyo.

Higit sa lahat, malaking tulong ang proyekto lalo na sa mga motorisa sa gabi upang maiwasan ang anumang aksidente sa daan.

Ayon kay Romulo Oliveros, isang street sweeper sa gabi, malaki ang maiaambag ng solar-powered streetlights sa seguridad ng nasasakupan ng proyekto sapagkat maiiwasan na ang mga insidente at nabibiktima ng hold-up.

“Siguro naman dahil sa mga ilaw na ‘yan, malilimitahan na yung mga

taong masasama ang loob.

Kapag maliwanag kasi ang lugar, malaki yung chance na safe kasi halimbawa may holdup, madaling maiispatan ng mga pulis,” ani Oliveros.

Bukod sa matitipid na pondo ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Bayombong sa paglulunsad ng proyektong ito, mailalaan sa iba pang mga programa at proyekto ng munisipyo ang perang matitipid.

Sa ebolusyon ng ilaw mula sa gasera, pagkakaimbento sa kandila, paggamit ng bumbilyang de kuryente at hanggang sa ngayon na nadiskubre na ng siyensya ang ilaw na pinagagana ng enerhiya mula sa araw, maaaring sa paglipas ng panahon, wala nang gagamit ng kuryente at mangyaring lahat na ng kabahayan ay gagamit ng teknolohiyang solar-panel.

Kakambal na nga ng teknolohiya at inobasyon ang pag-unlad ng isang bayan. At ang solarpowered streetlights ay isang proyekto na nagpapatunay na patungo na sa malakihang pag-unlad ang kabisera ng Nueva Vizcaya – ang Bayombong.

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editorial

EDITORIAL DEMOCRATIC CONSCIOUSNESS Seven months to go. Much has been planned. Yet, much is still to be planned. It may be an understatement but immense pressure is starting to dawn not only on the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) but to the whole Philippines as well. Seven months to go before the May 2016 Philippine Presidential Elections.

For the past presidential elections in 2010, 2004, 1998 and the others, the country was faced with a problem – in fact, a mountain of problems that piled up one after the after. The Philippine government in different administration through the COMELEC tried to resolve the pressing issues but as they are in the process of resolving such, problems still continue to occur.

Innovation after innovation, from the traditional ballot system to the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine, stricter guidelines on candidacy and revised biometrics monitoring, these are just but a few of what had changed in the previous years.

But, despite all these, there always seems lacking, something unexplainable, something out of place, and something out of

question. That there was something wrong in the system itself. It was a common notion that the country’s electoral system was to blame because the government was corrupt, insufficient funds were allocated, application for candidacy weren’t thoroughly screened and misconceptions about candidates were whaling around – yes, these are just but a few. But come to think of it, aren’t Filipinos still tired of playing the blame game?

Filipinos tend to blame anyone who could be blamed – it’s nearly a tradition of some Filipinos to do such.

As funny as it seems, Filipinos always have that special way of blaming the government for any failure of some sort but if one would closely examine the democratic system of the government, one would have the epiphany that the government seats are filled by the popular vote. As democracy would be defined in layman’s term, the people have the power to choose the person who will lead them and the country to progress.

On the merest of all perspectives, the best proponent of change are the people themselves. The popular vote of the people could set change to the problem that the electoral system is facing today. Rather than criticizing

candidates of their off-tangent platforms and issues, why don’t the people try to choose which would be the most able candidate. Rather than questioning candidacy guidelines why don’t they put into their minds that the most able candidate to become the country’s leader is based on what norms usually dictate. Rather than complaining about the long queues at the biometrics center, why not contemplate on what it really means to be a voter.

We all have our ideals on whom the next president, vice-president or next senators would be – we have our own sets of “ideal ones.” But, are these set of standards really standard to everyone?

No, it’s too relative. Also, people tend to pressure candidates about issues that aren’t tackled by their campaign platforms, that’s the very reason why they use platforms – to inform people about what problems they can answer.

People also tend to underrate the fact that candidates are also human beings like us, they’re not superheroes.

We also have our own ideals to what the electoral system should project – a clean, honest and peaceful way of seating future leaders. But our ideals may not be the ideals set for where the Philippine society is thriving in today.

Societal standards aren’t really created by

what the society is or dictates, but on a better playing field, societal standards are created through a collection of personal standards of the popular vote. These standards are created through a clamor of the consensus of the people.

We complain too much on why the elections are such – cheapskates, underplayed and nowhere near good. As harsh as that, yes. A presidential election is no joke at all. We’ve all seen how such happens. And we know how the other elections were cheated, were problematized by recurring and new problems.

The Philippines has still a long way to fully trudge on to where we want it to be – on a system where fair games being played on, away from the stereotypicality of what we see and what is seen.

Seven months to go. And for that reason, the period is long enough to ruminate things. Let the saying “Every vote counts” a cliché be for we are lucky to have the power to choose who’s who.

May the blame game stop us from being unreasonable as blaming is immaturity. After all, change can never happen overnight. M

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RESPECT-ATIONS “Respeto naman guys!”

Does the previous line ring a bell in your mind? If yes, then you are one of those people who were somehow, in some way, wrangled over veneration. If no, then you might consider reading this.

Back to my childhood days, I am always reminded by my parents the virtue of respect. According to them, it is one of the important values a person should have for the reason that respect is automatic. Do as you would be done by. Likewise, it is something people can be admired for.

Of course, there are many ways

opinion

on how people pay respect. For us Filipinos, the most exemplary way of modeling respect is saying “po” and “opo.” The more aware children are of what respectful actions look and sound like, the more likely they are to practice those behaviors in their daily lives. This is surely a common experience that almost all of us have gone through.

I grew up guided by the idea that respect, though unwritten, will always be reciprocated. This kind of ideology is somewhat closely associated with the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them

26 The MARIAN october 2015

power of words – it can break people’s heart and confidence.

This is the respect due to all simply because they too are persons.

Some people know how to give respect. But also, some people have lost their common sense and failed to show some respect to others.

RESPECT TO AUTHORITY. Holding a position doesn’t give someone a leeway to suppress the second-rate. But for him, it is the action to be. Having been ranked that only a few dictated him to be, he abused his authority. He was blinded by the laurel over his head.

Showing deference to those in authority is more than just a salute.

With such practice, one conforms with the law.

Respect is a two-way process. If you want to be respected, pay some respect. He might have violated my social expectations, I chose not to view him bad-mannered. Just like what I have mentioned previously, respect is relative. Respect should be a watchword. And still, I opted to respect him. M

IT’S SHOWTIME!

EQUAL FOOTING ON THE RED CARPET

Don’t read!

Rated SSSSPPPPPGGGGGGG. You better stop now or else… . . ….you’ll regret holding on to this page.

If I still have your eyes with these words then let me remind you that this is no ordinary column article. I can still offer you the chance to save the purity of your thoughts and the sanctity of your soul.

Well then, before you start taking a glimpse of what’s the mystery below, I must advise you to at least be open-minded and try to set aside any prejudiced thoughts about anything you believe of what is right.

At the beginning of the article, I told you to stop and yet you are now reading the 10th paragraph of this opinion article. Hoooooray!

Congratulations bro. (I see you raising eye brows, cursing me for my foolishness. Yeah, I know. This is the 7th. Thank you for counting the previous paragraphs.) I told you to stop and still you went on reading this piece of junk.

do unto you.” Do something good to people, and these people will also do something good for you. But this social expectation of mine has been violated just recently. The following expresses why: RESPECT TO ONESELF. He always puts up a face. He smiles and then gives a smirk. How we model ourselves give others a picture of who we are. It is important, however to behave and be obedient when people are around. But what is more significant is who we are when people are not there.

When you thought respecting yourself is hard, think again. Because what comes next is even more difficult.

RESPECT TO PERSONHOOD. He was that close to stepping into the border line. Cracking jokes is good when it is all for fun. But then, what if the joke is too aggressive and that it started to provoke a tension in the group? With the employment of foul words doesn’t count it a joke anymore. Yes it is just a word, but never should we underestimate the

You call it the reverse psychology or you may slap this issue on my face for using such cliché technique and for having you until this very word but hey, it’s effective though. It’s quite amusing how opposite always attract each other and how similar things repel, just like how I warned you to stop but you still continued. Amazing, right?

Opposite always attracts and for how many years, this had never change, but I must insist that it should be at least, be modified. We are living in the place with the chain of the status quo keeping us to what is just acceptable. Unfortunately, love for one is submitted in the bias of this judgment. That love and relationship are only meant for selected pairs and that marriage be only exclusive for the opposite sexes.

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Magpasikat!

Bukas sa ating kaalaman kung sinu-sino ang mga napaparangalan, nabibigyang papuri at kung sino ang may mas malaking naitulong. Sila ang mga tinatawag nating sikat. Sila ang nakikilala, sila ang namumukhaan, sila ang tumatatak. Minsan, sa hindi maikubling punto, sila rin ang mga tinatawag nating ‘pasikat’.

Maraming pagkakataong nasaksihan ko ang mga ganitong hindi maiiwasang pangyayari. Hindi ko naman maikakaila na oo, dapat nga naman silang parangalan, kilalanin at bigyang-pugay sapagkat may nagawa silang malaki. Sila ang naghirap, sila ang namuno, ipinakita nila ang kanilang mga sakripisyo upang mapasakanila ang mga parangal na kanilang inaasam-asam. Sila ang mga patok sa publiko Nakuha mo na ang mata ng tao, ikaw na ang sinisigaw ng mga labi nila, sa iyo na rin sila nakikinig. Natutuwa ka na. Ngunit, magiging masaya ka kaya kung malalaman mong may mas karapat-dapat na parangalan kaysa sa iyo dahil kung tutuusin, siya ang nagambag ng mas malaking kontribusyon?

Hindi sila nakikita, hindi sila

maaninag. Hindi sila iba, at mas lalong hindi sila outcast. Sila ang nasa likod ng karangalang tinatamasa mo, ang mga dapat mo ring bigyang parangal o kung maaari, pagbigyan ng karangalang iyong natanggap.

Nakakalungkot lamang isipin na kung sino pa ang mga nag-alay ng mas malaking parte, ang mas nagpakahirap at mas maraming pawis ang tumagaktak, sila pa itong hindi nabigyan ng kahit kaunting parte man lang sa mga papuri sa’yo. Matitiis mo bang magpakasasa sa tagumpay mo habang sila nakamukmok sa gilid, pinagpapatuloy ang trabahong inutos mo, na sa kalaunang matapos, ikaw na naman ang aani ng palakpak at hiyawan mula sa mga tao?

Sa kagustuhan kasi nating makilala, nagagawa na nating kalimutan na lamang ang mga kasama natin sa pagtamasa ng tagumpay.

Hindi na natin nakikita ang mga tunay na mukha ng tagumpay sapagkat natakpan na ng kasikatan ng mga taong makapal lamang talaga kung makaastang sila ang tunay na kumilos, ang may mas malaking parte. continue to page 27

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t’RANTS’parency, please

Of all things free that you shouldn’t be afraid to use, let it be your academic freedom. And of all things that you should suck on, let that not be using that freedom.

It’s been a long issue that students were given a voice to use but instead of actually using it on the right places, they’d pour it on social media. And instead of actually seeing results, well, it goes the other way around.

I’ve been a witness to multiple cries from students who have been experiencing academic injustices from their professors, but they choose to stay silent and accept the fact that that is their fate.

So it’s fate that your teacher will destroy your dreams in the most unjust way? Now, tell me if you’d still accept that.

opinion O FOR OVERLOOKED SILENCE

Just like in love, “Kung alam mong mali na, huwag kang magpakatanga pa. Oo, mahal mo, pero kawawa ka na. Kaya tama na ang pagpapakatanga. Lumaban ka.”

But before attacking, ask yourself: “Tama ba itong pinaglalaban ko?” because as much as you have the right to fight for your academic freedom, look at the consequences of your actions before you attack immediately.

In life, you don’t always get offered a right to voice out your feelings when you see things are unfair because life really is unfair. But in school? Well, you better grab on to that right because that only lasts for 4-5 years and do it in the proper way to the right persons to report to.

Remember: The customer is always right. M

Unjustly Ridiculed

Imagine a white clean coupon bond with a black small dot in the center. Honestly, what is the first thing you would notice? Most people would say it’s the black small dot.

Just like with the image of the men in uniform- the Philippine National Police. The offenses of few personnel stained the reputation of the whole police force. It gave negative impressions to the public that they would even describe them as “buwaya” and “kotong cops”, among others. But, they do not know the real story behind the majority of policemen who do not deserve to be called as such.

To put life in danger in order to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of having peace and order in the society is a great sacrifice. It is an invaluable sacrifice that upon entering the police force, they are

aware that half of their body is already buried six feet below the ground.

Therefore, it is not right to unjustly ridicule the policemen. It is because you owe to them peace and order. You even owe to them noiseless and peaceful nights giving you deep and safe sleep until the next morning.

However, people criticize the PNP based on what they see in the media- policemen involved in bribery, robbery, drugs and other crimes without them knowing that these policemen are just a small part of the whole organization.

They do not know that dedicated and reputable policemen do exist also. They are not aware of those lives sacrificed in pursuit of their duty- to have peace and order in continue to page 28

“Saan ‘yun?” “Saan ang Nueva Vizcaya?”

In relation to my write-up about Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Danielle Parungao, that scenario when she first introduced herself was a very likely scenario.

It could draw attention to where the landlocked province of Nueva Vizcaya truly is. Many are saddened by this reprehensible issue, even me, but there could be a better side to as why we shouldn’t be.

As the name literally translates, Nueva Vizcaya is synonymous to “New Vizcaya” and developing point of perspective, this what we call a problem, maybe not a problem at all. People quote clamor for fame.

We usually want to be known as some place put in the map. It somewhat irritates me so much when I would see posts such as “Naibalik na ang Vizcaya sa mapa ng Pilipinas!” and hashtags such as “#ProudNovoVizcayano.”

First and foremost, when did Nueva Vizcaya get erased in the Philippine map? If I remember it correctly, the provinces was one of the earliest established province in the map, with its former boundaries still including the now-separate province of Quirino. It pains to see my fellow Vizcayanos that they treat their own home province as somewhat forgotten and erased from history itself. It was never erased – just to state hardly.

Secondly, why only now would people flag the hashtag “#ProudNovoVizcayano,” when personalities are being made known – Hillarie Parungao, Jimboy Martin

and Darren Espanto, just to name a few. Does that mean they are only proud to be Vizcayanos only when someone from the province raises our banner? It’s a sad state that we only choose when to be proud of our province. We have to be sensitive enough about issues such as this – a little more mindful as such.

I would plead guilty to this claim. Yes, I am guilty. But as I got to realize that I was guilty, I learned to accept the fact that there are more than what meets the eye.

Maybe the province’s quaintness is a solution of the hard penetration of commercialization; that it helps the local community business industry to thrive thus raising awareness of such.

The quaintness also helps us to be more mindful that there exists a better triangulation of efforts to promote the province; that in this way of interaction we get to know the people better, the people building the local community itself.

These are just but a few reasons why I, as a tourism student, believe in such. Maybe the quaintness of the province is a solution to the dying norms of community interaction.

Maybe this quaintness is the answer to what truly is the purpose of our province to the Pearl of the Orient – a simple reminder that the country’s most important asset is its people.

As I would put it through a line in one of my favorite contest spiels, “…and most especially, the hospitable [Filipino] people, that may it rain or shine, is available 365 days in the Philippines.” M

It’s Showtime...

Bakit kasi, kung sino pa ang tunay na kumikilos, sila pa ‘yung hindi napapansin?

Kung tutuusin, pare-pareho lamang tayo ng inaambag, oo may mga nasa itaas, sila ang ating mga lider, ang mga namumuno sa atin upang gumawa, magtrabaho at magpawis. Sa kasagsagan ng gawain, relax lamang sila, akala mo napapagod, kung umasta parang kawawa, kung magsalita akala mo siya lang kumikilos. Mali. Malingmali. Minsan nalilinlang tayo sa mga ipinapakita nila. Ang nakikita ng mata ay hindi puro katotohanan, karamihan pakitang-tao lamang.

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Sa ating lipunan, masuwetre ka na kung makakasalamuha ka ng isang taong handang isakripisyo ang mga karangalang natanggap upang ipakilala ang mga dapat na parangalan.

Humanda tayong kilalanin sila, magbigay at magparaya rin. Hindi lang ikaw ang nasa likod ng bawat tagumpay.

Handa ka na bang ibida rin sila, at hindi lang ang sarili mo? Kung hindi pa, sali ka na lang sa Showtime, sisikat ka dun. Bembembebem bebembem.

Manood lang ako baka may magpasikat, gusto kong matunghayan.

M october 2015 The MARIAN 27

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ATTACK ON TITANS

There are people who think superiority is everything. Where amongst their actions, they deem them as quite the absolute law. Needless to say—the start of corruption.

In a way I am enticed whenever elections are coming. The golden era for every nation as I should say. Hungry fellow Filipino’s being fed. Donations among the poor and calamity inflicted communities.

Renovations around the neighborhood.

Free check-ups in barangay halls and

health centers. Lowering of prices of basic commmodities. Out of the blue merchandise (glasses, bawlers, fans and etc.). New waterproof tarpaulins for covering our vehicles from the wet weather or the cold season. Kidding.

Wow, don’t you wish that every day would be the elections? But then again its just the elections.

I simplified the facts about the society and took my attention towards our current situation. Like a bunch of kids

ALT + F4

When we’re taking our examinations, we usually hear our professors reminding us that we shouldn’t stick too long on one item.

They tell us to move on to the next and go back to the items we skipped if there’s still time left. They make moving on look so easy, maybe it really is that easy and it’s just us making it more complicated.

Have you ever wondered why it’s easier to forget where we left our cellphone that we were holding a minute ago compared to forgetting that one embarrassing moment that happened two weeks ago? That’s the magic of the human mind, we tend to forget the things we think we shouldn’t and remember those we think we should forget.

Remember five years ago when Pnoy promised to show us “Ang Tuwid na Daan?” A few months before the next presidential elections, I’m pretty sure we can agree that the path is far from straight. Multiple issues throughout the President’s term has made the voter’s double think their decision of giving him the highest position in the government.

Let’s add to the equation his Vice President whose name is as tainted as the President himself. Did we eat some kind of forgetting fruit? How did we somehow look past all these issues and allegations to the point that the latter is now a candidate for presidency in the next election?

And when it comes to remembering

28 The MARIAN october 2015

the things we shouldn’t allow to stay in our head, why does it feel that amnesia is the only thing that would make us forget?

Do you remember your first heartbreak?

Or that time your best friend proved to be your worst enemy? Or maybe that time when your teacher made your life a living hell? The pain, the tears, those sleepless nights; so many details but how important are these things compared to the real issues surrounding us? We put so much effort in forgetting but we end up retaining the memories more.

Whenever our province is placed on the national spotlight, why is it that suddenly more than half of our population start claiming that they’re proud of our province? Did we magically forget about the mining problems we’ve been experiencing? What about the never-ending corruption claims hanging over the government we have here?

There’s nothing wrong with appreciating the bountiful blessings this year has brought us but that isn’t and should never be enough to make us overlook the shadows of our history. When the fame and buzz die down, what are the chances that we’ll still remember the plagues surrounding the province we claim to be so proud of?

Our lives are filled with tabs just like in our favorite browser. Some of them we have to keep open, but for the most of them, all we need is the courage to click that red ‘X’ so we can focus on the things that really matter. M

scattered over a vast sand playground.

Mindless of those people around us, watching placing their fabricated gifts and toys in front with their alluring ‘nursery rhymes’.

Of course. Some of us are vulnerable to those freebies and stuff that we are simply compelled from thinking straight on what exactly am I going to doShould I take it? Should I vote him/her?

Some of us, even before the elections had already engaged with the so called “vote buying” anomaly. I guess maybe they have been threatened or they really need money. But who am I to blame them for their profitable wagger, besides we are what we choose—or become what we choose to be, right?

Given the right of freedom and suffrage, each individual is tasked to come up with his/her decision to change the fate of the country for the next six years. One thing I learned in my science class was to observe and understand before making a conclusion. Sometimes there are those decisions that we need to think further before we make the final

one.

Yes, we are a complex community and that two heads are better than one but still that doesn’t make up to the fact that sometimes we are being decieved by the people we serve. Basing from past experience, actual news and senatorial debates we can conclude on the probabilities that it may happen again. Needless to mention the famous Napoles Scam which bought so much apprehension towards the Philippine Government.

This upcoming elections I heard that there are some “brilliant” candidates for the highest seat in the Philippine Government. I have heard of their repertoir of appealing propaganda which makes me want to think twice if I have to let my finger be stained with a permanent ink or not.

Anyway, I’ll let you think of your own decision for the country. I need to take my time too in thinking about this 3K filled envelop laid infront of my door.

Goodluck guys. M

Unjustly...

the society just like the PNP-Special Action Force wherein 44 brave policemen were brutally killed in the Mamasapano clash with their primary purpose of issuing warrants of arrest to two high profile and most wanted terrorists hiding in the terrains of Mindanao.

So, is it right to judge the whole PNP just because of those few bad men? If it is, then should I also blame all the Chinese for the melanin contamination of their

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products wherein not just thousands but millions of people were affected?

Should I also blame the whole media for the hostage fiasco that happened in the Manila Grandstand wherein the suspect was able to have an access outside the bus because of media’s live coverage?

Every profession has its imperfection and it is not right to criticize the whole organization just because of the behaviors and faults of some members. M

Equal footing on... with the fast changes of humanity.

I don’t mean to argue with people who believe and uphold the sanctity of marriage for I really respect them. Arguing and pursuing other people to believe on your claims are just a waste of time. It’s like answering the unending question of what came first between the chicken and the egg. Everybody has the right to believe on what he/she thinks is right and true.

People are bound to love and be loved, no matter who you are and what you become. Loving does not ask but rather gives, it does not judge but rather accepts. There are no specific guidelines for your heart to follow and understand what love means. You just wake up one day liking someone with no reason at all even if sometimes this love makes your sexuality questionable. Love and relationship are two of the most

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complicated things about humans but never try to look for an answer with these complications; it will only lead to other complications.

Everybody has the right to love and be loved even with the same sex.

Loving people with the same gender does not question your manhood or your character as a person so as long as you love each other unconditionally without doing something wrong then it is acceptable.

When you insist that relationship and marriage are only meant for the opposite sexes then it is tantamount to concluding that gender and not love is the lone criterion for two people to be together and vow in matrimony.

If you ask me if same sex marriage should be patronized in this country because of this lone reason of love and care with the LGBT couples then maybe it should. M

GATILYO Photos by Ma. Johmelia Lantion, Izen Querido， Hannah Mae Calagui and Kym Rombert Quezon

MATANGLAWIN

Ibaling yaong paningin Kilatisin at iyong kilalanin Itong bayang dati’y maunlad, matagumpay Nilupig, nilustay, inabuso, ngayo’y nakaratay Saan nga ba hahantong ang buhay sa mundo?

Saan patungo ang mga pangakong napako?

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THE AFTERMATH: TYPHOON LANDO

IN NUMBERS

by Emmanuel Jose

30 The MARIAN october 2015

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“Palagi pong nababaha ‘yung sa amin lalo na kapag may bagyo. Hindi naman abot tao ‘yung baha noon, pero ngayon lampas na po sa tao yung baha.”

This was according to Princess Noema Nafuran, a junior AB Journalism student of Saint Mary’s University and a resident of Brgy. Abian, Bambang, Nueva Vizcaya, when asked on the impact of Super Typhoon Lando in the province.

Of the 15 municipilaties of Nueva Vizcaya, Bambang was one of the heavily affected areas where a six-year-old girl lost her life by drowning and was found three days after under Abian Bridge. Lifeless. Floating. Bloated.

october 2015 The MARIAN 31

society INFOGRAPH: the

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15

1 3INJURED 2 MISSING CASUALTY

affected

municipalities

CASUALTies

38,500 affected PERSONS

DEATH TOLLS

TOTALLY DAMAGED

affected FAMILIES

P 804, 107, 856. 65 Estimated total cost of damage

P 103m

BARANGAYS

cost of damage to irrigation and facilities

P 19.6M

9,670 583HOUSES 41HOUSES PARTIALLY DAMAGED

affected cost of damage to school buildings and facilities

128

Source: PDRRMO 1st endorsement, FINAL DAMAGE REPORT in Nueva Vizcaya on Oct. 24 as of 03:00 pm

Super Typhoon Lando, the most powerful typhoon of 2015 so far It was the 12th tropical storm to enter the Philippine area of responsibility. The track of Super Typhoon Lando moved Northwest of Luzon at 5 kph with strength a maximum of sustained winds at 150 kph and gustiness of up to 185 kph.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), raised public storm signal number 3 on areas in Northern and Central Luzon. Nueva Vizcaya was included in the list.

Heavy rains and gusty winds, with flashfloods and landslide warnings were expected. Preemptive evacuation was executed among all residents along the flood and landslide prone areas.

LANDO’S TREK As of 5:00 pm weather bulletin of October 18, Lando 32 The MARIAN october 2015

entered the vicinity of Nueva Vizcaya. The eye or the center of Lando was located, based on all available data including Subic Doppler Radar, in the vicinity of Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya.

Bayombong, the capital town of the province was still quiet around 7:00 pm, everything was peaceful. Except for the rain. Hours later, heavy downpour was felt. The electric power was shut down as the wind started howling and the trees started dancing. Lando was just around the corner. While members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) were on standby alert.

At 3:00 am the following day, the whole province of Nueva Vizcaya was under Lando’s outburst. The PDRRMO started monitoring the road conditions as rescue teams were on red

alert. NV Patrol group started to roam around the municipalities of Dupax del Norte, Dupax del Sur, Bambang and Bayombong which are forecasted by the PAGASA weather advisory to be directly hit and damaged by Lando.

The heavy rains and gusty winds brought about by Super Typhoon Lando resulted to the

swelling of the Magat River and massive landslides after effects in the upland and lowland municipalities of the province.

Residential and agricultural lands were flooded. National and provincial roads were closed due to landslides and uprooted trees in the mountains of Santa Fe and Kayapa.

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CASUALTIES The Philippine Government aimed for a zero-casualty case in the onslaught of Super Typhoon Lando. However, the NDRRMC reported three deaths – one from Aurora, Isabela, and two from Nueva Vizcaya.

Agapito Ducusin, 47, from Centro Watwat, Kasibu, and a 6-year-old kid of Sitio Villaluz, Abian, Bambang, died from drowning due to the strong water current.

THE TRUTH BEHIND THE TV REPORT According to Nafuran, the news coverage of a primetime news program in the country has slanted the story.

It turned out that the 6-year-old kid and her older brother were scolded by their father which resulted to the immediate vamoose of the two to the house of their mother.

On their way, they have to pass a hanging bridge to get to the other side. But because of the continuous rain, both children lost their balance and slipped under the rushing water.

The older brother fortunately

escaped the call of death.

Unfortunately, the vulnerable six-year-old drowned into the water.

However, a certain Malou*, testified that she had seen the two walking away from their home, unsure where the two siblings were going.

“Madami po ‘yung nagreact sa news report, kasi impossible na maglalaro yung mga bata kasi malayo po ‘yung bahay nila sa school kung saan malapit sa hanging bridge kung saan nalunod yung biktima,” said Nafuran.

Nafuran added that as journalists, it is the responsibility of the reporter to know what the truth behind every story is. Also, for Nafuran, it is about knowing the two sides of every story and reporting objectively.

Meanwhile, other injured victims were Maverick Tulia, Garry Raza and Lito Villanueva who survived the tempest of typhoon Lando. Meanwhile, Renante Laoeng, 25, from Barangay Muta, Kasibu, was reported missing due to the strong water current.

UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY “Dati po walang putik.

Maayos naman po yung lugar namin. Pero pagkatapos po nang pananalasa ni Lando, nagkaroon na po ng putik sa daan. Putol na po yung mga puno. Yung iba, natumba,” said Nafuran.

After series of continuous monitoring and updating reports from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Nueva Vizcaya Provincial Police Office and other local agencies, the province of Nueva Vizcaya, according to local lawmakers, declared a State of Calamity as per Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution no. 2015-1949 on October 26, 2015.

With the help of the nearby communities and Bambang Mayor Flaviano Balgos, the evacuees and victims of Lando were attended by volunteers through the distribution of relief goods. Also, a national network foundation extended its utmost assistance through relief goods distribution.

OTHER ISSUES AND CONCERNS PDRRMO noted that insufficient rescue gadgets and supplies were contributory factors on the communication barriers between municipalities and barangays for immediate responses from the head unit.

Also, PDRRMO added that in some municipalities, the community (residents) were resistant to comply with the preemptive evacuation.

With all these, the PDRRMO recommends the purchase of rescue gadgets and supplies like the radio and satellite phones to all municipalities. In addition, coming up with an ordinance regarding the execution of the pre-emptive evacuation in highly vulnerable areas during typhoons or any emergencies should be done, in support to the provisions of RA 10121, also known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 that mandates to strengthen disaster management in the Philippines that is prone to natural hazards.

This is Nueva Vizcaya. It may have been lashed by Super Typhoon Lando, but these numbers are just proof that Novo Vizcayanos are capable of withstanding the harshest setback of nature. Further, these numbers do not represent the total loss that the province had.

It may sum up to hundreds of millions but the resiliency of the Novo Vizcayanos will keep pace with any material setback. These are just but natural occurrences and a wakeup call that nature has its own way of retaliation and keeping its balance in the ecosystem.

M october 2015 The MARIAN 33

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ALDUB:

A Showcase of Filipino Values

by Emmanuel Jose

“PURO KAYO ALDUB. PURO NA LANG PAGTATANGGOL KINA YAYADUB AT ALDEN ANG INATUPAG NG ALDUB NATION. KAMUSTA NAMAN KAYO SA USAPING ISYU NG BANSA? MAKAKATULONG BA YAN SA EKONOMIYA NG PILIPINAS?”

T

he fans were deeply bashed. AlDub turned AlDogs. The AlDub nation drew flak. A few solid AlDub supporters argue against the issue and stand up for their idols. In a little time, these supporters hold their grudges as the AlDub loveteam continuously stir social networking sites. They made history. The fans grew bigger in number. The tweets were limitless.

The Aldub fans are real. Organic and powerful.

JULY 16, 2015. The sun was at its peak, twinkling in the eastern hemisphere of the globe. It was just an ordinary day for some people because nothing much is happening, except at Brgy. New Kababae, Olongapo City.

A girl was dressed in white with her face colored by a fresh-look makeup.

The only distinct look about her was her lips dyed with cherry. She was Yaya Dub. She was nothing but ordinary, however, there’s something in her. And the people loved that. She was voiceless yet outspoken. And that makes Yaya Dub stand out from the rest – extraordinary.

JULY 16, 2015. Inside the Broadway Centrum in Quezon City where the longest running noontime variety show, Eat Bulaga, resides, another story was told. Jimmy Santos, Allan K and Vic Sotto were the segment hosts for ‘All for Juan, Juan for All.’ A mestizo was focused on the split-screen of Eat Bulaga, side-by-side with the live streaming of the event at Brgy. New Kababae, Olongapo City. He was smiling. He was laughing. He was the ‘accidental’ loveteam partner of Yaya Dub. His name is Alden.

The audience, not only inside the Eat Bulaga studio, felt the so-called kilig or the romantic excitement. The audience and viewers in their respective homes started to feel the good vibes brought about by the unexpected birth of the AlDub loveteam.

It is with no doubt that the loveteam insinuated a great deal in the showbiz industry. And that instances on fanboying and fangirling gratifications of many Filipinos nowadays prove that the emergence of this fandom turned out as a phenomenon.

The AlDub phenomenon was a total craze and has taken the Filipino nation by storm.

If not all, majority of Filipinos won’t call it a day without a slice of AlDub.

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Be it locally or overseas, every Filipino converses in between breaks about the episode of the Kalyeserye. Every household must know about AlDub. And so with you, as expected, you must know at least a thing or two about it. Not unless you’re an alien living in Mars? But the question is why do Filipinos give so much emphasis on showing their love and support for Yaya Dub and Alden so much? Here

are some of the reasons why, according to Leander Marquez, a philosophy instructor: From a philosophical perspective, Saint Thomas Aquinas teaches us that one of the general properties of one being is beauty – the property that makes a being pleasing to behold. In this sense, we find pleasure in looking at something beautiful. Similarly,

commenting on aesthetics associated beauty with that which attracts, pleases or satisfies our physical (senses), emotional (passions) or intellectual (reason) faculties.

Most importantly, the theme that holds everything together is that of a “budding love.” And that Marquez would like to believe that, for most people, love is still perceived as something beautiful.

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Filipino traits and values, when gleaned carefully, are embedded in the Kalyeserye.

Yes, it may already be implied and be as obvious as it is, the AlDub loveteam underscores Filipino moral and social values.

society

1.RESPECT FOR THE GREY HAIRS The AlDub Kalyeserye underscores the virtue of respect for elders. The kissing of hands (pagmamano), the use of po and opo, following orders and listening to advice and admonitions are but simple ways on how to showcase respect for elders.

2. PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

(Pag may tiyaga, may nilaga) In the previous episodes of the Kalyeserye, Alden and Maine waited for the right moment. With both patience and perseverance on hand, they were able to surpass the challenges they came face-toface with.

Alden, who passed all the challenges laid by Lola Nidora (Aunt of Yaya Dub), was later granted permission to visit Maine in their mansion.

Using the hashtag #AlDubMostAwaitedDate for the Kalyeserye’s Sept. 26 episode, Yaya Dub and Alden finally had their first date, generating 25.6 Million tweets overnight – one historic event in the pages of the AlDub loveteam.

The Filipino value present in this episode was about fulfilling the duties and obligations in the house and putting the family as a first priority. Yaya Dub was faithful to her obligations in giving Lola Nidora her medicine on time.

ALDUB IN COMPARISON WITH OTHER ‘NATIONAL ISSUES’ AlDub in comparison with other ‘national issues’ may not be appealing to many Filipinos. That instead of focusing on national concerns, Filipinos are more likely to focus on personal and family concerns.

The AlDub phenomenon has caught Filipinos in a general scale for it highlights deep-seated values. But still, above all cultural values that need to be rekindled by the Filipinos, one of the most essential lessons that Filipinos can pick up as a nation, is that

Filipinos should learn and strive to make national issues as their own personal issues.

Perhaps, such can initiate a move for the Filipinos to give more attention to these issues as they have given the AlDub loveteam. M october 2015 The MARIAN 35

Sources: http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/ispeak/107273-aldub-philosophy-filipinos Photos from the Internet

3. BLOOD IS THICKER THAN WATER

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LDR: Malapitang Pagkilala sa mga Alagad ng Kalinisan at Kaayusan nina Den Mark Lorenzo at Gwenn Edphine Naui

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abigay na ang tatlong libong piso sa’yo mula sa alkansiya nina inay at itay, umaasang masusuklian pagkadating ng panahon. Hawak mo na ang kinabukasan mo. At dahil nakapagpareserve ka na ng subjects mo, magbabayad ka na lamang at makakaenrol ka na.

Binigay mo ang pera, resibo nang bumalik na. Pinaprint mo na rin ang enrolment form mo, pinirmahan at officially enrolled ka na.

Bahagi na ng binayaran mo ang serbisyong makukuha mo.

Nakukuha mo ba ang katumbas ng binabayaran mo?

Kasi sila, sapat na ang dalawang daan at respeto upang masulit din naman ang alay

nilang serbisyo. Sila ang nagpupunas sa mesang iniwanan mo ng pinagkainan at sadyang tapon ng juice, ang nagtatanggal sa mga ‘bubble gum’ na dinikit mo sa urinal, ang nagfuflush sa baradong urinal na alam mo na nga lang na barado ay binobombahan mo

pa ng pasabog mo nang pantog. Ang nagpupulot ng mga napkins mong iniwan sa may cubicle at hindi sa basurahang dapat kalagyan.

Ilan lamang yan sa mga pagsubok na kinahaharap nila, trabahong mas mahirap pa sa pagiging

ina, kapatid, anak o parte ng pamilya.

Ngunit sa puntong ito, wala nang mas malayo pa sa relasyong kinahaharap nila dahil malapitan na natin silang makikilala.

“Walang pahinga sa canteen kasi hindi naman mawawala ang mga kumakain. Mahirap, maraming pasaway.” Ganito na lamang bigyang katuturan ni Marylyn Camungao, 48, ang pamamalagi sa H canteen.

Ayon kay Camungao, kahit sinusuway na nila ang ilang estudyante, sila pa ang may ganang magalit. Napapahiya raw sila dahil binabastos sa harapan ng maraming tao.

“Kahit ganito lang trabaho namin, sana respeto rin naman kasi nahihirapan din naman kami,” ani niya Wala silang magawa kundi gawin na lamang ang kani-kanilang mga trabaho sapagkat doon sila kailangan at hindi sa pagsuway ng mga suwail na mga estudyante.

Hindi biro ang maglinis sa mga palikuran. Masangsang na amoy, mapanghi at marumi.

Ngunit kinakaya ni Marifi Pastores, 43, para sa anak nitong nasa kolehiyo.

“Mahirap pero kaya pa namang tiisin e, para sa pamilya.

Kinakaya,” pahayag nito.

Nang matanong ukol sa problema sa kaniyang trabaho, ito na lamang ang binitiwan niyang salaysay.

“Alam na nga lang nilang barado, iihian pa nila, kaya ‘yun mahihirapan na naman kaming magpaflush. At isa pa, may mga basurahan na nga lang sa loob ng mga cr, hindi pa naman magawang itapon ang mga ginamit na tissue at minsan pati mga napkins.”

Ang tangi na lamang niyang pakiusap, matuto rin sana namang sumunod sa mga alituntunin para rin sa ikabubuti ng nakararami.

Isang istudyante rin ang nakapagsabi, itago natin siya

sa pangalang Maria, minsan raw pumasok siya sa CR sa RT nadatnan niya ang isang LDR staff.

Madumi ang palikuran, nagkalat ang mga tabo at tissue sa mga cubicles. Hindi na nakapagsalita si Maria dahil pinangunahan na agad siya ni ate ng paghingi ng paumanhin sapagkat sila raw ang may kasalanan sa nadatnan niya.

Sila na nga itong naabuso, sila pa itong humihingi ng pasensiya.

“Siguro, hindi kinakaya ng iba dahil minsan, mabaho, maraming ipis, nakakapagod. Kailangan kong magtrabaho para sa mga anak ko, sa pag-aaral nila,” ani ni Eva Mae Guillermo, 34.

Ayon naman kay Jenifer Mejia, malaking tulong na rin ang mga sakripisyo niya para sa sarili.

“Kaysa nakaupo ako at walang ginagawa, naisipan kong samahan sila sa pagiging alagad ng kalinisan, nakatulong pa ako sa pamilya ko, pati na rin sa mga nangangailangan ng kalinisan,” salaysay nito.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga

kuwento ng ating mga alagad ng kalinisan. Sila ang nasa likod ng malinis at mabangong mga palikuran, kapaligiran, mga hallways, faculty room, administrative offices, ang mabilisang responde sa kaayusan sa canteen at ang magaganda’t nakakaaliw na mga parke sa unibersidad.

Kadalasan mo silang nakakasalubong suot ang berde, asul at lilang mga tshirt. Walang tatak sa harapan, tanging makikita ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan sa likuran ng kanilang mga suot.

Sila ang mga LDR Manpower Services employees, ang kasama natin sa kalinisan at kaayusan ng unibersidad. Makikilala mo kaya sila ngayong alam mo na kung sino sila at ang kontribusyon nila sa edukasyon mo? Hindi kilala, hindi nabibigyang pagkakataon upang maipakilala sa karamihan.

Ngayong alam mo na ang kuwento nila, handa ka na bang kilalanin pa sila ng lubusan? M

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Being Filipino society

A GLIMPSE ON FILIPINO NORMS

by Stacy Lee Nicole Ortiguero and Ron Louis Cutillon

“Mano po!”

“Opo.” “Tabi-tabi po.”

1

These are some of the things that we have grown up practicing, we say ‘mano po’, ‘opo’, and ‘po’ to show that we respect older people and also to uplift the idea that Filipinos are people of discipline and respect. And the fact that we have strong belief of the supernatural entities, we are taught to say ‘tabi-tabi po’ when going to new and unusual places.

Have you ever found yourself being scolded by your mother while sweeping the floor at night for it will bring bad luck to your home? Has anyone told you not to sing while cooking because you might marry an old man? Or have you ever seen someone wearing an amulet for the belief that it will protect him and will bestow extraordinary powers? Well, if you do, I congratulate you! You are living the Filipino way!

Being part of the Filipino culture, we have come face-to-face with norms, values and traditions that make us who we are. From the beliefs we got from our grandfolks to the food we eat, they serve like fibers that are woven together resulting to a totality of a society bound by rich culture and significance. Through the years, modernization is taking its place, but we have not and will never forget our identity as Filipinos.

So, let’s indulge ourselves into knowing the different Filipino norms and beliefs.

Kissing of Hands.

Filipinos give a lot of importance to respecting the elderly, thus, demanding appropriate manners from the youth. And by doing the gesture, one can show that you are respected.

4The Love of Fiestas.

Filipinos are known for their love for joyous occasions like fiestas wherein every town has its own. It has been a tradition for Filipinos to prepare for their fiesta, in celebrating the happiness and the first establishment of their town.

2 ‘Po’ and ‘Opo’.

5 Bayanihan System.

3Utang na Loob.

6 Filipino Concept of Shame.

We use these words to connote respect when we communicate with people. We don’t usually say yes as it is, we say ‘opo’. And with the word ‘po’, we add it to our sentence, we don’t say “Kamusta ka?”, instead we say “Kamusta po kayo?”

A debt of gratitude for someone’s act/s of kindness. This implies that when people do something good for you, you should never forget it and when the day comes that they will also need your help, you would be willing to do your best to reciprocate the goodness they did.

This is one distinct practice that we Filipinos are proud of; it is helping one another on a difficult task without expecting any payment. This implies that people must help one another given the fact that we are all brothers and sisters. Hence, one for all, all for one!

It is a sense of propriety and abiding rules that is set by the norms of behavior. Commit a crime and shame befalls on your name and your family.

This also indicates that your shame is not yours alone, but is also your family’s.

Aside from these, Filipinos also have beliefs that influence their lives. Some are rather bizarre and unusual but these are some of the things that make Filipinos unique.

Belief in Supernatural. Like any other culture, the Philippines has

Agimat. These are amulets that are worn by believers saying that these

folklores about supernatural beings. Many creatures lurk in the imagination of Filipinos. ‘Tikbalang’, ‘Kapre’, ‘Aswang’ and ‘Tiktik’. These scary monsters are believed to exist especially in the early times, bringing fear to both children and adults.

will give them the protection from bad elements. It is also believed that these can give supernatural powers to the bearer. Up to the present, there are still those who are faithful to the power of ‘agimat’.

Superstitions. Filipinos have a lot of superstitions, rooting from our ancestors; they are passed to us by folks.

• Never sweep the floor at night for it brings bad luck.

• Don’t sing while cooking for you might marry an old man.

• Don’t sleep when you are full because it will give you nightmares.

• Don’t cut your nails at night for your mother will die.

• Don’t let your tears fall on the coffin of a dead person for his/her soul will visit you.

• Wash your face with your menarche so you won’t have pimples.

And these are the underlying cause of the vibrant Filipino culture, the values, norms and beliefs we have. The things that make us unique from the other natonalities, things that give flavour and passion in being a Filipino. And with that, you can say, “I am living the Filipino way!” M october 2015 The MARIAN 37

BEAUTY.

WIT.

CHARACTER. TALENT. Who will be the next faceS of the Marian community?

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people

THE SECONDS

by Jireh Reyes

E

very time our History teacher asks us who the first man on the moon was, it is no doubt that we’d say “Neil Armstrong.” It’s an everyday thought that we unconsciously know who set the first step or first in everything but it’s also time for us to get to know who trailed behind them – specifically, those who inched a little farther away – the seconds.

KUMBHALGARH

FORT TOWER SHANGHAI

SHEPARD, JR. May 1961, he became the first American and the second person to fly in space next to Yuri Gagarin.

Shepard is also the oldest person to walk in the moon.

He piloted the first United States human space flight and he named it “Freedom 7.” He also successfully completed the said mission in almost 15 minutes.

Helu is known as Mexico’s wealthiest man, and the second richest self-made billionaire, with a net worth of $62.9 Billion as of October 30, 2015, next to Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates. He is the owner of more than 200 companies in Mexico which is called “Slimlandia.”

Kumbhalgarh Fort, a 36-kilometer-and-3,600-feet-high perimeter wall, is the second largest wall in the world after the Great Wall of China. The fort Mewar (a region of south-central Rajasthan state in western India) fortress is located at the westerly range of Aravalli Hills in Rajsamad District in India.

TYSON

CARLOS SLIM HELU

EDWIN EUGENE “BUZZ” ALDRIN JR. The 85-year-old astronaut accompanied Neil Armstrong on the first moon landing in the Apollo 11 mission becoming the second person, and now the only living person who stepped on the moon in 1969.

He is better known as Buzz who inspired the character Buzz Lightyear in the animated film Toy Story.

GAY

Gay is an American sprinter who competes for 100 and 200 meter dash with a personal best of 9.69 sec. in 100 m and 19.58 sec. in 200 m.

His 9.69 seconds best is declared as the American record and makes him as the second fastest athlete ever next to Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt.

Others may say those in the second spot are only the second best but come to think of it, they may come in second but that doesn’t mean they aren’t one of the best – or they aren’t good in what they do. M october 2015 The MARIAN 39

Sources: http://mentalfloss.com/article/12379/12-men-who-walked-moon | http://www.forbes.com/billionaires/list/#version:static | http://www. popularmechanics.com/technology/design/g1705/21-tallest-buildings-in-the-world/ http://hillfortsrajasthan.nic.in/kumbhal-fort/intersting-fact.html\ | http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1356420/Gherman-Titov.html | http:// www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/nasa-knows/who-was-alan-shepard-k4.html | Photos from the Internet

ALAN

The Shanghai tower is the tallest building in China, and the secondtallest in the world, after Burj Khalifa in Dubai. The tower stands as a megaskyscraper in Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai rising over meters (2,073 ft) high and with over 128 stories.

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BEHIND THE SCENERIES the people behind the limelight

by Francis Vicmudo

1

2

Name: Me Galate

Department: Physical, Plant, Property and Development Office (PPPDMO) Age: 44 years old Years in Service: 9 Motto: “Everything I do, I do it for the glory of God.”

Name: Edilberto Suarez II

Preferred Name: Edil Department: Physical Plant and Properties Development and Maintenance Office Age: 55 years old Years in Service: 36 Motto: Just think positive!

3

Name: Paz Salamanca

Department: Alumni Services Age: 56 years old Years in Service: 19 Motto: Kahit sino man ang tao, kahit ano pa ang trabaho, kailangan ng respeto.

Every movie has its actors and actresses who are captured by the cameras. But once the director is done shouting “lights, camera, and action!” the behind-the-scene actors and actresses will take over, not in front of the camera but for the camera to keep in motion.

Lights on! As three behind-the-scene actors and actresses of Saint Mary’s University uncover their stories.

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She is a woman living

a definite advocacy. She stands not as tall as the beauty contestants of Miss Earth but she stands for the protection and preservation of Mother Earth.

As an agriculturist, Galate is motivated in sharing her knowledge and in rendering services as a part of the Land Holdings Management and Development Division of the Physical Plant and Properties Development and Maintenance Office of the university.

She finds her work very challenging but she is deeply

from SMU for another work.

Moreover, she is also passionate in teaching. As a faculty member of the School of Arts and Sciences, she is teaching foreign languages specifically Nihongo and Mandarin.

On the other side, Galate is family-oriented. She is a mother of three, one college student who is taking up Bachelor of

“

Masaya ako dahil I can apply my advocacy [in my work] which is to protect the mother earth.

“

passionate in contributing her own little ways that support the betterment of nature.

“Masaya ako dahil I can apply my advocacy [in my work] which is to protect the mother earth.”

In her nine years of service, her role as a nature-protector has given her hands on experiences that she considers to be stimulating.

“Sometimes may mga teachers [na] nagsasabi [na] ‘naka-uniform ka [tapos] nagpupulot ka [ng kalat]?’

Eh bakit? Kapag nakauniform ka [ba] hindi ka [na] pwedeng mamulot? ‘Yun ‘yung para sa akin, yung hinding hindi ko ikakahiya. Kasi it’s everybody’s business to keep our environment clean.”

Despite those moments, she still loves her work that is why she has no plan of moving out

Science in Biology and two junior high school students in grades 8 and 9. As a mother and career woman, she firmly believes that she gives justice on playing both roles.

“Yun ‘yung challenge ng nanay [at ng career woman], kasi ang nanay [ay] trabaho mo ‘yung bahay at pamilya. Syempre kailangang magtulungan [ang bawat miyembro ng pamilya].

Napapag-usapan naman ‘yun [trabaho].”

At 44, experiences have taught her to become a good companion to everyone.

“Kailangan mong makibagay sa lahat ng tao sa lahat ng panahon. Minsan kailangan ‘wag mo [nang] isipin kung sino ka, [basta] makibagay ka lang.”

“Kasi once na in good terms ka sa lahat [ng tao] wala kang problema,” she added and then laughed.

2

His loyalty has made

him stay and motivated him to continue serving Saint Mary’s University. A man who is deeply passionate with his work. He is busy as a bee but has never been busy for his family.

In his 36 years of service, time management has always been his rival but he is deeply attached to his work that is why he has to control everything.

“50-50 ako sa work [and family],” Suarez said.

He was once assigned as a secretary of the College of Commerce (now School of Business) and of the Office of the Registrar. Also, little does everyone know that, he has also experienced teaching for two and a half years.

After his secretarial and teaching work, the late Rev. Father Jan Van Bauwel appointed him as bookstore

manager at the same time supervisor of working scholars up to this time.

“I am proud of my work because of the good comments [I receive].”

He is also a contented man.

“Masaya [ako]. I’m happy with my work. Binibigay ko naman lahat, ang good service and in return [nabibigyan din ako ng good benefits].”

Asked what lesson he has derived from his work, he said “Give and take.” “[Also] I love my work because, at my age, we need to do more [such as exercise],” he said then smiled.

3

She believes in the

power of combined prayers and action which she considers as best armors in her journey.

Asked how she overcome her struggles in life she answered: “Prayer lang at tatag lang siguro ng loob. Kasi kahit mag-pray kung hindi mo naman alam [ang] gagawin mo, wala rin. Kasi kailangan mong mag-decide or gumawa ka ng paraan kung paano

mo i-overcome [yung] problema mo.”

“Kailangan maging matalino ka rin. Kasi kailangan mong magdecide para sa sarili mo. Kasi ‘yung hindrance na ‘yun ikaw ‘yun e. Ikaw lang ang tutulong sa sarili mo,” she explained.

The three are clear representation of those people committed in serving more people. Whether seen or not, either you’re working in front or back, what is important is that you are still a part. Indeed, whether you are seen in-front-of-the-camera or not, the most important is not the recognition from others, but it is the recognition of the one’s dedication and hard work for his/her own craft. M

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Ang mga Natatanging

Kwento ng

Mamamayan NINA DEN MARK LORENZO, YUMIKO ANGELIUS YOSHIY AT EMMANUEL JOSE MGA ULAT MULA KAY NEOME CZARINA VALITE

MGA KUHA NINA KYM ROMBERT QUEZON, IZEN QUERIDO, HANNAH MAE CALAGUI KRISTINE ANN GUMILET AT JOHMELIA LANTION

“

Isa na namang ordinaryong araw. Tingin dito, tingin doon. Walang bago.

Umikot ako muli. Nakita si Lola na nagbebenta ng kung anu-anong dahon. Wala pa rin.

Minsan pa. Napansin ko ang isang pamilya na nakaratay sa gilid. Wala pa rin talaga.

Nagkamot ako ng ulo, napaisip kung bakit walang bagong istorya o anggulo man lang na maisusulat para sa magasin.

Umuwi akong talunan.

Hindi dahil sa wala akong istoryang maisusulat.

“

42 The MARIAN october 2015

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coverstory Ito ang pinagtagpi-tagping kwento ng anim na iba’t ibang mamamayan.

Si Lola Laurencia, Si Mang Leonardo, Si Ariel Villuan, Si Ate Emily, Si Renz, at ng isang binata.

Pinagbuklod sila sa iisang sanaysay upang iparating sa atin ang totoong kalagayan ng lipunang ating ginagalawan.

Ang lipunang ating ginagalawan sa ngayon ay isang lipunang hindi alam kumilala sa kung ano ang tunay na nangyayari. Isang lipunan na kung saan hindi mo agad mapapansin na mayroong mga kwentong nakakubli sa bawat pitik ng katawan, sa bawat tagaktak ng pawis, kasabay ng pag-ihip ng

hangin sa pisngi at balat ng bawat taong nakapaligid.

Sa mundong ating ginagalawan sa ngayon, hindi madaling maghanap ng mga katangi-tanging kwentong maibabahagi, mga istoryang hindi pangkaraniwan, mga kwentong kapansin-pansin, kung ikukumpara sa paghahanap ng

mga kwento ng mga kilalang tao.

Lingid sa ating kaalaman na sa likod ng mga istoryang ito ay ang naitagong katotohan ng ating lipunan. Lingid sa ating kaalaman na sa likod ng maingay na paligid ay ang paos nang boses ng mga taong kailanman ay hindi narinig ng karamihan. At lingid din sa ating kaalaman na sa likod ng

mga balangkas na ito ay ang mga naitagaong mukha ng lipunan.

Hanggang kailan nga ba sila mananatiling pipi? Hanggang kalian nga ba sila maisasantabi?

Hanggang kalian nga ba sila kikilalaning ‘sino’ ng bawat isa, kung ang tunay na mukha ng lipunan ay sila?

Mas pinili kong maging masaya. Ayoko maging pabigat. nakasanayang buhay.

Katuwang niya sa buhay ay ang kaniyang pamilya, mga anak at apo. Matanda na siya ngunit imbes na kumain, umupo, matulog ang gawin, nangibabaw ang tulak ng kaniyang damdamin. Hwag mo nang tanungin dahil may sarili siyang

Sa bukang-liwayway nagsisimula ang araw niya, bago pa man kumagat ang dilim ay magtatapos ang kaniyang pakikibaka dala ang ngiti sa mukha sapagkat ginagawa niya ang sakripisyong ito para sa ikakaligaya niya.

“Maaga akong

“

“Maaga akong nagpaparito para makabenta ng madami pagkatapos uuwi ng mga bandang 5 o 6 pm. Pero pagkarating ko dun magpapahinga lang saglit tapos magsasaing. Kakain lang mula sa napagbentahan ngayong araw at tapos na ang araw ko,”

“

Tumilaok na ang tandang, kasabay sa pagputok ng liwanag.

Panibagong araw na naman upang ipagpatuloy ang kaniyang buhay. Isang minuto bago magalas singko, nakapagtimpla na ng kape bilang painit sa gutom na sikmura. Alas-sais ng umaga, larga na. Kinse minutos lang ang biyahe at nasa tunay na siyang mundo – sa isang maliit na puwestong nakahanay ang kanyang ikinabubuhay.

“Simple lang naman ang pangarap ko, maging masaya lang sa ganitong paraan. Wakas ng kuwento.”

Mahigit tatlong dekada na niyang ginagawa ang pagtitinda ng nganga. Dito na siya tinubuan ng uban, dito na siya tumanda kung kaya’t ganoon na lamang niya pinapahalagahan ang kaniyang mga paninda. Wika niya’y nalulungkot siya kapag sinusuway siyang magtinda ng kanyang pamilya.

“Ayaw nila na magbenta ako, pero sabi ko, hayaan niyo ako na maging masaya rin tutal hindi naman ako hihingi sa inyo,” paliwanag niya.

“Walumpu’t pitong taong gulang na ako. Matanda na kung tutuusin ngunit may karapatan pa rin naman siguro ako upang hanapin ang kaligayahan ko.

At ito yun.” Ganito na lamang niya pakatuturan ang kaniyang

mga dahilan.

“Hindi sanay ang katawan kong walang ginagawa kaya kahit mahirap, pinili kong maging ganito ang buhay ko dahil sa ganitong paraan, nagiging mas kapaki pakinabang ako. Sa katunayan kasi, nahihiya akong humingi sa mga anak ko dahil may kaniya kaniya naman na silang pamilyang binubuhay, ayoko nang dumagdag pa,” paliwanag nito na may lungkot sa mata.

nagpaparito para makabenta ng madami pagkatapos uuwi ng mga bandang 5 o 6 pm.

Pero pagkarating ko dun magpapahinga lang saglit tapos magsasaing. Kakain lang mula sa napagbentahan ngayong araw at tapos na ang araw ko,” pahalakhak niyang sambit.

Naibahagi nga nito na kaunti lang ang kita. Maswerte na siya kung naka dalawang daana ng kita. Minsan naman wala talagang benta. Napakahirap

isipin na maghapon siyang kumakayod, at agad din na mauubos ang kaniyang kinita sa mismong araw din na iyon.

“Yung kita sa pagbebenta binibili ko rin lang ng bigas, ulam tsaka yung mga kailangan na rin sa bahay. Walang naitatabi dahil siyempre kailangan ko rin naming kumain sa arawaraw. Okay na iyon,” sambit nito habang nakangiti Sa kabila ng kanyang kalagayan ay hindi pa rin siya sumusuko sa hamon ng buhay.

Ani nito kailangan maging matatag, kundi babagsak ka talaga, hindi ang sarili mo kundi ang buhay mo.

“Kinakaya. Kung ipaphintulot mong hindi kakayanin ng katawan, susuko ka talaga. Dapat kayanin mo rin,malay mo makapagbigay ka pa ng inspirasyon sa iba,” pahayag nito.

Siya si Laurencia Dabin, isang patunay na hindi sapat ang umaasa lamang sa tulong ng iba, kundi ang magsikap upang mabuhay ka.

Nakakayanan ni Lola Laurencia na buhayin ang sarili sa simpleng paraan na kinakaya niya. Kung iisipin ay matanda na siya para magbanat ng buto ngunit ito pa rin ang nagbibigay sa kaniya ng ligaya.

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Registration No.:S-1590 Plate No.: DP9255 “Ito na yung bumuhay sa aking pamilya.”

Ang mga numerong ito ang kasangga ni Mang Leonardo Javier, 52, sa kanyang arawaraw na buhay. Ito rin ang nag-ahon sa kaniya mula sa pagkakaroon ng karamdaman hanggang sa ngayong may pamilya na rin siya.

“Dati akong magsasaka, ayos naman ang bukirin, hindi gaanong kalakihan pero nakakatustos sa kailangan ng pamilya. Ayos naman na yoon sa amin.”

Ani nga nila, hindi nasa iisang araw ang buhay. Malay natin bukas makalawa, iba na ang tinatahak nating landas.

Ganito nga ang nangyari kay Mang Leonardo.

“Kada anihan noon, at dahil malakas-lakas pa ko kabankaban ng palay ang binubuhat ko. Pero dumating ang isang

dagok sa buhay ko.

isang araw, may masakit sa likuran ko.”

Dumating nga ang isang araw na hindi na nakayanan pang magbuhat ni Mang Leonardo. Hindi na rin siya maaaring magsaka dahil sa patuloy niyang gamutan, isa pang dahilan ay naitinda na ang mga sakahang kaniya noong pinagkukunan ng mas malaking capital na pangunahing pinagkukunan niya ng pera para sa kaniyang pamilya.

“Ang sabi ng doctor, patchyposis raw ang kalagayan ko. Nanlumo ako dahil ang una kong nasambit sa isipan ko, ang pamilya ko. Paano ko na sila bubuhayin?”

Ang patchyposis ay isang kundisyon na kung saan may nabaling parte sa spinal column. Kung hindi maagapan ng mabilis ay maaaring magdulot ng depormasyon ng likod, na sa malalang kaso, maaaring ikakuba ng isang taong mayroon nito.

“Dahil na rin siguro ‘yun sa

pagbubuhat ko ng mabibigat, tapos nalalamigan. Bale umabot ako ng siyam na buwan sa ospital para sa tuluyang gamutan at dalawang taong pagpapahinga.”

Nasasaktan siya dahil naitinda na ang lupang sinasaka niya noong siya ay nagpapagaling pa lamang. Ito sana ang malakaing panulungan ng kaniyang pamilya. Kaso, para kay Mang Leonardo, ito ang buhay na kailangan mong sabayan.

“Babalik sana ako sa pagsasaka ngunit wala nang masaka dahil naibenta na. Yung napagtindahan doon, ginamit sa panggamot sa sakit ko, kaya sinabi ko, hindi puwedeng panghabang buhay na akong ganito, dapat ako ang bumubuhay sa kanila at hindi sila,” pahayag nitong halata sa mukha ang panghihinayang.

Ngayon balik na sa pamamasada si Manong.

Nanumbalik na ang tamis sa kaniyang mga labi.

Kailanganin man niyang umalis ng bahay ng alas-sais ng umaga at gumarahe alas singko ng hapon ay masaya niyang isinasalubong ang kaniyang kinita kay Misis.

“Hindi na ako namamasada sa gabi, pagkauuwi na ang anak ko, uwi na rin ako, bale sabay kaming darating sa bahay, magkakahera na si misis.

Kadalasan,

P300 lang ang naiuuwi ko, pagkamalakas naman ang pasada, P400. Dagdag pantustos sa pangaraw-araw na buhay,” paliwanag nito.

Sa pamamasada, hindi lahat ng oras ay may pasahero ka. Parang sa buhay, hindi lahat darating sa iyo, minsan kailangan mong maghanap upang makausad ka sa biyahe.

Ngunit ang nakakasakit lamang sa damdamin, yung mga inaasahan mong pasahero, aayawan ka dahil sa malawakang pagpapaliwanag, mapanghusga sa anyo, na hindi mo kakayaning ihatid sa paroroonan.

“Minsan kasi, may mga umaayaw sa akin siguro dahil sa kundisyon ko. Ayaw nilang sumakay yung mga mapili, kadalasan, mga maaarte,” pabiro niyang sambit ngunit namutawi sa kanyang mukha ang sakit.

May bukol sa dibdib at hindi pantay ang balikat. Ganito si Mang Leonardo, ngunit ang pagaakala ng ilan ay may matinding siyang kapansanan.

Hindi ganoon. Isa siyang normal na tao, normal kung huminga at normal ang pamumuhay.

Siyang nakabangon sa matinding karamdaman, piniling ituloy ang buhay.

Hindi sumuko, hindi kinahiya ang hulma bagkus ipinakitang kaya rin niya gaya ng iba. Ikaw, kailangan mo matututunang lumabas sa lungga at gawing mas kapaki-pakinabang ang buhay mo.

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Hindi ako humihingi ng kapalit, kung may ibibigay, salamat may pangkain na ang mga pamangkin ko.

Hindi niya prayoridad ang sarili niya. Makatulong lamang sa iba, ang nais niya. Hindi na humihingi ng kapalit si Ariel Villuan, 37 sa pagiging alagad ng trapiko sa tapat ng isang fastfood chain sa Solano.

Ang kinikita niya sa pagigging alagad ng trapiko ay ang siyang pantustos para sa kanila. Wala siyang asawa ngunit kasama niyang namumuhay sa kanto ay ang kapatid niyang babae at ang pamilya nito.

Wala silang bahay na inuuwian. Nakikisilong lamang sila sa anino ng mga karatulang malaki sa lansangan. Mainit, oo ngunit ito ang kanilang tahanan at naroon ang buhay nila.

Ang lahat daw ng bagay sa mundo ay may dahilan. Lahat ng kinahinatnan, may pinagmumulan.

Ani nila, hindi na sila tinanggap sa tahanan ng kanyang lola.

Pinagtabuyan na raw sila kaya sa

lansangan na lamang nakatira, sa anino ng iba umaasa, sumisilong sa tuwing umuulan, naghihintay ng limos. Araw-araw, ito ang kwento ng pakikibaka nila.

Bakas sa kaniyang mukha ang hirap at sakit na ipinagtabuyan.

Hindi na lamang siya umiimik sa tuwing tinatanong siya patungkol sa nasabing tahanan.

“Hinahayaan na lang namin sila. Masaya naman na kami sa ganitong buhay.”

Masaklap ang mga pangyayari, iyan ang kalagayan nila, ang tunay na kuwento magsisimula rito.

Dati siyang mangangalakal.

Katuwang niya sa buhay ang bawat bote, plastik at bakal. Naging maayos naman ito ngunit isang hindi inaasahang pangyayari ang yumanig sa buhay ni Mang Ariel.

Isang araw, habang nangangalakal, may kung anong ingay siyang narinig sa kaliwang tainga. Napapikit siya, nagdilim

Buhay Teleserye.

Mala-teleserye ang kaganapan.

Iyakan at dramahan. Ganyan ang tagpo ng mga susunod na kuwento. Nagkahiwalay ang mga magulang. Nawalay sa mga kapatid.

Nanirahan sa tiyahin at inapi.

Nakituloy na lamang sa bubong ng kaibigan.

Oo. May mga kwento pa rin na talagang ganito. At ito ang kwento ng binata na nagtitinda ng mga lobo. Katorse anyos, murang edad, ngunit imbes na pumasok sa paaralan at matuto, nakikipagsapalaran at kumakayod sa lansangan ng Solano.

“Naghiwalay sila. Dinadamay nila ako sa away,” panimula niya.

Bata pa lamang siya ay natikman na niya ang pait ng buhay. Hindi man lang niya nalasap ang tamis ng pagiging bata dahil naghiwalay ang kanyang mga magulang at nagkaroon na rin ng iba’t ibang pamilya.

“Taga-Sta. Rosa, Laguna po.”

Mula Laguna, dinala siya ng kanyang ama sa Brgy. Quirino, Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya upang ilagi sa kanyang tiyahin dahil napagpasiyahan ng ama niya na mangibang bansa upang magtrabaho.

“Ayoko nang mag-aral. Ang laki ko na. Nahihiya na ako,” dagdag niya.

Dahil nga sa paghihiwalay ng magulang niya at pag-iwan sa kanya ng kanyang ama, natigil siya sa pag-aaral sa eskwelahan at namulat sa katotohanang kailangan niyang mairaos ang kanyang sarili.

“25 po ang komisyon ko.

Singkwenta po ang bawat piraso ng lobo.”

Ngunit sa likod ng bawat lobong nabebenta niya ay ang totoong dahilan kung bakit pinili niya nalang na tumigil sa pag-aaral at magtinda – hindi lamang dahil sa iniwan siya ng magulang kundi dahil na rin sa pang-aapi at pangaabuso sa kanya ng tiyahin niya at ng mga pinsan.

“Porket mayayaman sila, akala mo kung sino na sila,” pagsisiwalat niya.

Dahil nga sa pinagtabuyan na siya ng kinikilala niyang pamilya, natutunan na niyang kilalanin ang kaniyang mga kaibigan bilang

ang paligid nito. Nagising na lamang siya, wala na ang boteng hawak-hawak niya.

“Nabangga ako. Napilay ang kaliwang paa ko, baldado na akong maituturing.”

Hindi ko ititigil ang buhay ko dahil lang sa pangyayaring iyon.

Kailangan kong ipagpatuloy ang buhay ko. Wala akong maaasahang iba kundi ang sarili ko.

Bagama’t baldado, mas matatag pa siya sa bakal na hawak niya. Nagpatuloy siya sa buhay at ngayon abala siya sa kaniyang gawain na ang dapat may trabaho ay isang sekyu. Siya ang naging traffic enforcer sa paglabas-pasok ng mga sasakyan sa isang fastfood chain.

“Minsan piso yung inaabot, minsan din naman, mga tirang pagkain, kahit maliit man kung ituring, malaking bagay na yung mga iyon sa akin.”

Maayos naman daw ang

sitwasyon nila sa harapan ng nasabing kainan. Pag gising sa umaga siya na ay kumakaway sa gitna ng mapanganib na daan.

Maging sa pagsapit ng dilim, ganoon pa rin ang kaniyang gawain.

“Naninirahan kami sa tabi ng community center, may mga karton kami doon, doon kami natutulog at pansamantalang sumisilong. Kung umaga na, narito na kami, simula na ng buhay. Tuloy ang negosyo.”

Minsan mang bumulagta sa daan, hindi ito nagging rason para ang buhay ang kaniyang sukuan.

May dinaramdam man, hindi niya iniinda, dahil mas pinili niyang ipagpatuloy ang buhay kaysa magmukmok sa sulok na puno ng alikabok.

Hindi siya ordinaryong alagad.

Saklay ang puhunan, pulang pito ang kaibigan. Serbisyong iniaalay, walang kapalit na hinihintay.

pamilya. Mga kaibigang katulad niya ay binubuhay na lamang ang sarili sa pagbabakal-bote and kung anu-ano pa. Kung makakadami ng benta, sama-sama na rin sila maglalaro ng computer games sa mga gaming shops bilang libangan nila mula sa araw-araw na pagbabanat ng buto.

“Mga isang libo. Pang-libre ko sa kanila,” dagdag niya.

“Gusto ko sana makapagtapos pero wala na.”

Kahit na sinukuan na siya ng kanyang kinikilalang pamilya, hindi pa rin nawawala sa kanyang isipan na makuha ang kanyang diploma at umasenso sa buhay kahit nasa ganoong estado na siya.

“Hindi na.”

Sa murang edad ay natutunan na niyang hindi maniwala at dumepende sa tulong na ibibigay ng awtoridad dahil

nawalan na rin siya ng tiwala at kumpyansa na matutulungan pa siya ng kinauukulan kung kaya’t siya na lamang ang bumuhay sa kaniyang sarili.

Isa lamang siya sa napakaraming batang hindi na nagpatuloy sa pag-aaral dahil sa bigat ng problemang kanilang pinagdaanan at pagdadaan pa.

Isa siya sa mga out-of-school youth. Hindi man busog ang kanyang isipan sa mga akda at akademikong impormasyon, ngunit sumasabog naman sa dami ng aral ang kaniyang puso at pagkatao.

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Ang kahirapan ay isang krimen.

Dahil sa paniniwalang ang kahirapan ay isang krimen, minabuti na lang ni Emily Villuan, 27, na iwanan ang Sitio Sto. Nino Dos, San Jose, Nueva Ecija at pumarito na lang sa Curifang, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya upang makatakas sa mga pagkakakulong at pagkakawalay sa asawa at sa apat na anak.

Isa pang paglabag sa batas ay makukulong na sina Emily at ang kanyang asawa sa piitan ng San Jose at maihihiwalay sa mga anak na dadalhin sa isang bahay ampunan sa Pampanga

kumpletong pamilya.

“Meron nang gustong umampon sa kanila. May bayad pang trenta mil. Oo meron, pero ayaw ko.”

Sa hirap ng buhay, natuto na ang kanyang pamilya na makiligo sa community center at kung saan-saan, natuto na rin si Emily na lubusin ang benepisyo ng gobyerno nang ipinanganak niya ang kanyang mga anak kahit pa man may posibilidad na mailayo sa kanya ang mga anak upang mabigyan ito mga ng mas magandang buhay.

“

“Umaasa pa rin kami na mabibigyan kami ng gobyerno ng mas magandang buhay.

Hanggang umaasa pa rin kami,

“

dahil sa kanilang pamumulubi at paghingi ng kaunting limos.

Tumakbo na lamang sila papalayo sa kinagisnang bayan patungo sa isang buhay na hindi malayo sa dating estado nila. Ngunit ngayon ay may kalayaan na silang maglagi kung saan nila gusto.

Kasama ang apat na anak at kanyang asawa natuto na sila na mamuhay sa pinakapayak na paraan na maari. Ang makakain araw-araw ay ang nag-iisang nakapagpapasaya sa kanilang pamilya .

“Makakain lang araw-araw ay masaya na kami. Pwede na ‘yun,” ani niya kasabay ng isang malaking ngiti.

Bilang isang ina na ilaw ng tahanan, mas pinipili na lang niya na buhayin ang kanyang apat na anak kahit pa hindi niya ito mapag-aral. Kahit pa may mga taong gustong ampunin ang mga ito upang pag-aralin ang mga bata, mas nangingibabaw pa rin para sa kanya ang pagiging isang isang ina at ang larawan ng isang 46 The MARIAN october 2015

“Sa VRH. Sagot ng DSWD kapag nanganganak. Pero, hindi ako takot at hindi ako naniniwala na mailalayo ang mga anak ko sa akin,” paliwanag ni Emily habang dinuduyan niya sa kamay niya ang talong-buwang-gulang niyang bunso.

Sa lahat ng paghihirap na kanilang pinagdaanan ay may mumunting pangarap pa rin siya para sa kanyang mga anak – na sila kahit papaano ay makapagaral at makapagtapos. Ngunit ang pangarap na ito ay tila isang pagpipinta na lamang sa hangin at matutuldukan ng kakulangan ng pera at kakulangan ng tulong at atensyon sa gobyerno.

“Tumutulong lang naman sila kapag binabaha, ganoon. Hindi naman sa libreng edukasyon para kahit papaano may makapag-aral ang aking mga anak.”

Hanggang sa ngayon ay umaasa pa rin ang pamilya ni Emily na kahit kaunting asenso sa buhay ay maibibigay ng gobyerno.

Bakas sa kanilang mukha, sa likod

ng bawat ngiti at tawa ng maganak ay ang pangarap ng mas magandang kinabukasan.

“Umaasa pa rin kami na mabibigyan kami ng gobyerno ng mas magandang buhay dahil patuloy pa rin naman kaming umaasa.”

Ang kwento ni Emily ay isang

kwento na puno ng pagmamahalan at pag-asa kasabay ng hamon ng panahon at ng lipunan. Isang kwento na hindi maikukubli na ang totoong mukha ng lipunan ay mga taong hindi kailanman nabigyan ng pagkakataon upang marinig kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay.

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Sakripisyo para sa iba.

Madaming nangyayari sa paligid. May dumaraang mga pampasaherong sasakyan. Andiyan ang tricycle, jeepney at mga pribadong sasakyan. Maya’t-maya ang pagtawid ng mga tao sa kalsada na tila may hinahabol. Nagmamadali kahit pa’t napakaraming dala-dala.

Siya si Renz, 27. Nasa isang kalye kami sa bayan ng Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Nasa magkabilang parte kami ng kalsada. Si Renz ay nakaupo sa tabi ng cement mixer. Sa kanyang harapan ay ang mga hallowblocks na kanina pa pinagbabanatan ng buto ni Jimboy, kapwa niya manggagawa.

Hindi nalalayo ang kwento ni Renz sa maraming kababayan natin. Isang tipikal na kwento ng isang hayskul graduate na hindi masyadong pinalad sa karera ng buhay upang maipagpatuloy ang pagaaral at makatungtong sa kolehiyo at magsunog ng kilay para sa nais na kurso.

Pamilyado na si Renz. Apat na taon ng kasal sa kanyang asawa.

Nabiyayaan ng isang supling.

Katuwang niya ang asawa sa pagaaruga at pagtustos sa mga gamit pambahay. Sapat naman raw ang kinikita nilang mag-asawa sa isang araw upang mapunan ang mga pangangailangan sa kanilang bahay.

“Hindi ko ‘to permanenteng trabaho. Sideline ko lang.” ani Renz.

Bukod sa pagiging construction worker, may sinasakang palayan ang pamilya ni Renz. Ito ang pangunahing pinagkukuhanang kabuhayan nina Renz at ng kaniyang pamilya. Paminsan minsan lang naman daw ang pagpasok niya sa construction. Ang paminsan-minsan ay umabot na sa apat na taon. Sa kabuuang apat na taon niya sa pagiging construction

worker madami na siyang kinaharap na ingay bukod sa operasyon sa mismong construction site.

“Ang hindi ko makalimutan, noong nabagsakan kami ng sariwang semento at mga bato. Nasugatan kami. Nagalusan ako.”

Kwento ni Renz na nagkamali ng pagkakatali ang semento na inaakyat gamit ng slider. Maliit na bagay lang daw ito para sa kanya kahit na nasugatan at nasaktan siya kasama ng iba pa niyang kasamahan sa trabaho. Ni walang proteksyon sa ulo at maging safety harness man lang. Nang tanungin namin siya kung bakit, kaniyang winika: “Meron naman kami niyan e (safety gears). Pero sagabal kasi sa trabaho yan. Lalo na ‘yung hard hat.

Mainit sa ulo.”

Kakambal na ata ng trabaho ni Renz ang disgrasya. Kaya kahit na alam niyang lapitin ng hindi magandang pangyayari ang kaniyang trabaho, para sa kaniya ay nag-iingat naman ito. Normal na raw ang mga pangyayaring may sugat o gasgas sa katawan matapos ang isang araw na gawain. Kumbaga nagsisilbing patunay raw na ang mga galos sa katawan ni Renz na nasa isang marangal at malinis na trabaho siya.

Ngunit bukod sa pagsasaka at pagiging construction worker ni Renz ay may iba pa siyang pinagkakaabalahan. Pumasok siya bilang CSI o Crime Scene Investigator. Mag-iisang taon na rin niya itong propesyon.

“CSI ako. Tumutulong sa paghuli sa mga drug pushers dito.”

Ipinasok si Renz ng kaibigan niyang pulis upang maging isang CSI. Para kay Renz, isang mapanganib ngunit masarap sa pakiramdam ang

makasama sa pagdakip ng mga taong tulak-droga. Ipagpapatuloy pa rin daw ito ni Renz sapagkat sa bawat kasong kasama siya, nakakatanggap din siya ng kaunting datong. Isa itong pangdagdag sa kinikita nilang magasawa sa araw-araw na pagbabanat ng buto.

Payak at maayos naman ang buhay ni Renz kasama ng kaniyang asawa at isang anak. Sapat na raw na makakain sila tatlong beses sa isang araw. Kaligayahan na niyang maituturing ang pagsasama sama nila sa iisang bubong. Kuntento na siya sa ibinigay na kapalaran ng Panginoon at patuloy na susubaybayan ang kapalaran na ibibigay ng tadhana.

“Sa mga kabataan natin ngayon.

Hwag na wag ninyong mamadaliin

ang buhay. Mag-aral kayo ng mabuti para maging maganda ang hinaharap ninyo. Hwag niyo akong gayahin na hindi nakatungtong sa Kolehiyo.”

Naniniwala pa rin si Renz na iba pa rin ang taong may pinagaralan. Hindi man siya nakatapos na may hawak na Bachelors degree ay nahanap na niya ang tunay na misyon niya sa mundong ito. Isang construction worker na patuloy na masusugatan upang mabuo ang pangarap ng ibang tao. Dito sa mundong mapaglaro ang tadhana, isa lang si Renz sa mga taong naging madiskarte upang hindi maranasan ang kahirapan. Isa siya sa mga nangangarap na minsan ay mapansin siya ng lipunan.

Ngunit sa kabila nang lahat ng ito, tayo ay itinadhana sa iisang lipunan. Saan man, gaano man kalayo o kalapit, ang mga landas natin ay magkukrus isang araw.

Magtatagpo-tagpo tayao sa iisang kanto, makakasalubong hindi lamang ang mga kilala, kundi pati

ang mga bagong mukha. Hindi nalalayo ang kwento ng ating mga buhay mula kila Lola Laurencia, sa pamilya nina Emily, kay Mang Leonardo, kay Renz at ng isang batang maagang namulat sa hirap ng buhay.

Bagamat magkakaiba tayo ng estado at pananaw sa buhay. Nairaraos din ng bawat isa ang sariling mga buhay sa iisang lipunan. Isang lipunang mapanghusga, isang lipunang marahas na sa bawat galaw at sa bawat salitang binibigkas ay may

masasabi ang ilan.

Ito ay ilan lamang sa mga mukha na sumasalamin sa mga kwentong hindi pa nabibigyan na sapat na pansin. Ilan lamang ito sa mga kwentong nagpapakita ng totoong takbo at galaw ng lipunan.

Umuwi akong talunan.

Hindi dahil sa wala akong istoryang maisusulat.

Kundi dahil sa hindi ko napagmasdan ng mabuti.

Ang mga kwento ng totoong mukha ng lipunan. M october 2015 The MARIAN 47

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Fourth Impact: the road to chasing their dreams

by Precious Agnaen and Charlotte Jace Fabian

T

“Poverty is not a hindrance to success.’’

A girl group composed of four sisters with an inspiring story; singing their hearts out; singing for the glory of God; and chasing their dreams-Fourth Impact.

With hundreds of people who auditioned for the X Factor UK, the Filipina group, Fourth Impact, made their way into chasing their dreams.

Now, they continue to pave their way to victory.

Fourth Impact proved to the world that poverty is truly not a hindrance to success and victory. If we work hard and believe in ourselves, we can accomplish our goals in life.

CREATING THE DREAM The Cercado sister group, was formerly known as Fourth Power, composed of sisters Mylene, Irene, Almira and Celina (aged 19-27) is an all-female quartet from Santiago City, Philippines.

Before their UK stint, the group performed under the names “MICA”, “Gollayan Sisters” and “Cercado Sisters” and have been singing and performing live since 2001.

The first to show potential in singing was the second daughter, Almira.

Every time Almira would compete in singing contests, the three younger sisters would join dance competitions.

Aside from joining contests, the sisters would make a living out of performing at different events, wherein in 2002,

they were discovered by a fellow citizen during a wedding where they were invited to sing.

From then on, they started to compete in different singing competitors and talent shows like TV 5’s Talentadong Pinoy, GMA’s Protégé, and ABS-CBN’s It’s Showtime just to name a few.

The group was also chosen to represent the Philippines in the World Championships of Performing Arts (WCOPA) in 2006 and was awarded as the Grand Champion for a junior vocal group in Hollywood.

KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE Fourth Impact didn’t come from a rich family, but that didn’t hinder them from success.

Erlinda Gollayan Cercado, the mother of the sisters, said in an interview that it was not easy for her and her husband to raise them. Poverty even forced her husband to push carts, buy and sell bottles and newspapers in the streets of Manila, while Erlinda would sell tupperware and beauty products to their relatives, friends, and even strangers to help them in their household expenses.

With their hardwork and faith, they still managed to send their five daughters and one son to school.

FEELING THE DREAM This year, the Cercado sisters flew to the United Kingdom to try their chances on the X Factor UK under the

name Fourth Power.

According to Simon Cowell, a judge-mentor of the show, the girl group received the biggest “Yes” the judges have ever given in the X Factor.

The girl group also received a standing ovation, not only from the judges, but also from the audience.

“In terms of first auditions, this is probably one of the best I’ve ever seen.”

Simon Cowell commented after the girl group performed their rendition of Jessie J’s hit song Bang Bang in their audition.

When Simon asked the girls why they wanted to take part in the X Factor UK, they said that they wanted to see him. But when asked of other motives, they honestly answered they wanted to see Queen Elizabeth.

“People say it’s the British X Factor, you know, shouldn’t it just be open to British people? And I’ve always said, we welcome talent from all over the world. And you are incredibly welcome,” Simon said to the girls.

After making it through the auditions, the group advanced to the second round of auditions at Boot Camp where they performed their rendition of David Guetta’s hit “Titanium”.

After advancing in the Top 12 finalists, Fourth Impact was the first to showcase during this season’s first live show and performed Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea’s “Problem” with matching powerful vocals and diva

dance moves.

They are mentored by X Factor mentor-judge Cheryl FernandezVersini and she chose Fourth Impact to be part of her final three together with Alien Uncovered and Reggie N’ Bollie during the show’s Saturday live episodes.

As they advanced in the different rounds of the competition, Fourth Impact has been compared to Little Mix too often, but, according to a news blog, UnrealityTV, Little Mix, the winner of X Factor 2011, gave the best advice to Fourth Impact.

“You just need to keep that [confidence] up, it shines when you’re on stage and if you can keep that up, you’ll fly the way through,” said Little Mix’s Jesy Nelson.

Recently, there were news about the girls being shy at first but it turned out that they were professional musicians and have been known to have won a series of talent competitors lately. There was also a report saying that the group has records out on the market in Amazon and as many as five million views on their YouTube channel.

“Producers were well aware who the girls were before they arrived in front of the judges ‒ so it was no surprise that they were fantastic on the show,” told by a source of The Mirror.

Now, not only do the Filipinos support the girl group, but the whole world. Everyone is following their story and X Factor journey, everyone is voting for them. The Filipino people surely know how to impress the world. M

48 The MARIAN october 2015

Sources: Asianjournal.com | Metro.co.uk | Rappler.com Dailymail.co.uk | Photo from the Internet

hrough time and anecdotes, people have proven that even if one wasn’t raised in the wealthiest of families, one can still conquer the challenges of life and its hardships by motivating one’s self.

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people THE 2016 ELECTIONS

PRESIDENTIABLES

BY: RHENZYL DE GUZMAN

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The 2016 national election is fast approaching.

Who shall be the 16th president of the Republic of the Philippines? Will it be administration candidate Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, opposition leader and incumbent Vice President Jejomar Binay, Senator Grace Poe who topped the senatorial race in 2013 or Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago who ranked second in the 1992 presidential election?

MANUEL “MAR” ARANETA ROXAS II

JEJOMAR “JOJO” CABAUATAN BINAY

Running mate: Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo

Running mate: Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II

Party: Liberal Party

Party: United Nationalist Alliance (UNA)

Platforms: Economy Study proposals on lowering income taxes Focus on foreign direct investments, tourism, agriculture and job creation Anti-graft and corruption Appoint Cabinet officials based on their integrity, trust and confidence Continuous transparency and rules-based governance Continuous anti-graft and corruption efforts Reforms No amendments in the 1987 constitution regardless of economic provisions No additional creation of departments

On Sept. 27, 2006, The Office of the Ombudsman found probable cause to indict for graft charges Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, his wife Elenita and nine others for the alleged irregular purchases of office partitions and furniture amounting to about Php232M from 1999 to 2001. However, the complaint was dismissed by virtue of his re-election to public office.

Platforms: Labor An increase in both salaries and benefits of public school teachers and health workers, members of the police force, and other public servants.

Economy Redesigning and re-engineering of the transportation system, building more infrastructures and the creation of more jobs.

He aims to improve the situation in the state colleges and universities, public health hospitals and clinics, police stations, and mass housing.

Reform He proposes to change the constitution to boost the economy and speed up the country's development.

MARY GRACE POE- LLAMANZARES

MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO

Running mate: Senator Francis Escudero

Running mate:

Party: Partido Pilipinas

Party:

In June 2015, United Nations Alliance (UNA) interim president and Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco claimed that Poe lacks the 10-year residency requirement for a presidential candidate.

Poe had previously been working in the United States after finishing her graduate studies there and only returned to the Philippines after her father’s death in 2004. She then revoked her US citizenship to assume the role of chairperson of the MTRCB in 2010.

Platforms: Agriculture Crop insurance for farmers Permits Standardized feeding programs for children

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

People’s Reform Party In 2012, she became the first Filipina and the first Asian from a developing country to be elected a judge of the International Criminal Court. She later resigned from the post, citing chronic fatigue syndrome, which turned out to be lung cancer as a reason.

She has also written books covering topics in law and the social sciences. She has served three terms in the Philippine Senate.

Platforms: Economy Invest heavily in public infrastructure Invest in agriculture productivity-enhancing projects Reforms in the tax system

Labor Increase of wages and benefits for teachers Strengthening of job matching for the youth Allocation of jobs for the people

Laws Support on the higher court rulings on DAP and PDAF Passage of the Freedom of Information Bill Passage of Customs Administration Act Amendments on restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution

Election Reform Voter's education Prevention of electoral fraud Removal of restrictions on campaigning through the internet

Anti-graft and corruption Formation of a task force that will review all government projects Solve corruption inside Bureau of Customs

october 2015 The MARIAN 49

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo/profile-manuel-mar-ii-araneta-roxas http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/botomo/profile-jejomar-jojo-cabauatan-binay http://philnews.ph/

He gave up the presidency for running mate Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Before the death of former president Corazon Aquino, Roxas was prepping up for his bid in the 2010 presidential elections through different infomercials. When clamor for an Aquino presidency arose, Roxas gave way to Aquino.

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5Heneral Luna2 Bayan o Sarili? ni Jireh Reyes

Kalaban ang kalaban. Kalaban ang kakampi. Kalaban ang sarili.

D

ito umiikot ang makasaysayang obra ni Jerrold Tarog tungkol sa kabayanihan ni Heneral Antonio Luna.

Mula sa mga palabas na El Presidente at Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, ang Heneral Luna ang nagbigay ng pinakamalaking epekto sa mga manonood dahil sa pagiging bidang kontrabida ni Luna sa palabas, at hindi maigigiit ang kagalingan ng mga gumanap at mga naging bahagi ng palabas.

Ang kuwento ni Luna ay hindi lang sumasalamin sa normal na ideya ng kanyang pakikipaglaban sa mga mananakop sa bansa bagama’t isa rin itong repleksyon sa kataksilan ng ating sariling gobyerno noong unang panahon. Dito tumakbo ang ideya ng kabayanihan sa kwento-bayan o sarili? Isang katanungang bumabatikos sa ating henerasyon dahil sa untiunting paglaho ng salitang ‘makabayan’ sa ating mga

buhay.

Ang imahe ni Luna ay naiiba sa mga karakter ng bida sa mga kwento. Sa kagustuhan ni Luna na makalaya ang bansang Pilipinas sa Amerika ay gumamit siya ng mahigpit na stratehiya ng pamamalakad sa puwersa militar ng bansa sa paniniwalang walang kung sino man ang nakakaangat sa batas maging ang presidente na nagbunga ng paglalarawan sa kanya ng gobyerno bilang isang mayabang, malupit at abusadong Heneral.

Marami ang nalungkot at nadismaya sa kabaluktutan ng sistema ng gobyerno noon kabilang na ang heneral.

May mga namumunong walang sariling adhikain, walang kakayahang mamuno, gahaman sa negosyo’t pera at mga namumunong pabor sa kapitalista.

Ipinapakita lang sa kasaysayan na mas pinili ng gobyerno ang pansaraling kapakanan kaysa sa bayan taliwas sa ipinakita ni Heneral Luna sa pagpili ng kalayaan

laban sa kapayapaan na siyang nagdulot ng patuloy na paglaban sa giyera laban sa Amerika.

Sa kabilang banda, may mga nagpakita pa din ng kabayanihan hanggang sa huli kabilang na rito sina Col. Paco Roman at Capt.

Eduardo Rusca na laging nasa likod ni Luna hanggang sa kanyang kamatayan.

Ang mga itinuturing nating mga bayaning sina Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini at Gregorio Del Pilar na naging patas sa pakikitungo sa magkabilang panig ngunit hindi mawari ang tunay na intensyon sa inang bayan.

Isa pa sa mga karakter na idinagdag ay si Joven Hernando, isang mamamahayag na magsusulat sa buhay ni Luna sa kuwento.

Mabigat ang naging karakter ni Joven na sumisimbolo sa makabagong henerasyon.

Ipinaaalala ni Joven sa kwento na kinakailangan nating malaman at matutunan kung ano katotohanan sa

kasaysayan, kung sino ang naging tunay sa bayan at kung sino ang mga tumalikod sa sariling lipunan.

“Hinahangad ng Pilipinas ang kasarinlan at pananatilihin kong buhay ang adhikain ng aking bayan hanggang sa katapusan. Mas magandang mamatay sa digmaan kaysa tanggapin ang pamumuno ng dayuhan…”

Ang mga linyang sabay na binibigkas ni Joven at ni Heneral Luna sa pagtatapos ng kuwento na sumisimbolo ng adhikaing gustong panatiliin hanggang sa ating henerasyon.

Ang hapdi at pait ay dinanas ni Luna hindi sa mga kaaway kundi sa sarili niyang mga kababayan. Ang katapangang ipinakita ni Luna ay nasuklian ng kamatayan – ang kamatayan sa kamay ng sarili niyang bayan.

Ano nga ba ang bayan?

Sino nga ba ang bayan?

Sino ang tunay na bayani?

Bakit kailangan pang mamili sa bayan at sarili? Mga katanungang sa likod ng kuwento. M

“Kalaban ang kalaban. Kalaban ang kakampi. Kalaban ang sarili.

Ngayon Joven, mamili ka ‘ang bayan o ang sarili?”

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ANG SUGO: FELIX MANALO ni Rhowen Belisario

“Ikaw na aking hinawakan mula sa mga wakas ng lupa, at tinawag kita mula sa mga sulok niyaon, at pinagsabihan kita; Ikaw ay aking lingkod, aking pinili ka at hindi kita itinakwil; Huwag kang matakot, sapagka't ako'y sumasaiyo; huwag kang manglupaypay, sapagka't ako'y iyong Dios; aking palalakasin ka; oo, aking tutulungan ka; oo, aking aalalayan ka ng kanang kamay ng aking katuwiran.”

- Isaiah 41:9-10

S

a muling pagkakataon ay binuhay ang mga alaala ng isang taong naging pundasyon at haligi ng isang Iglesia. Muling bibigyang linaw at liwanag ang kaniyang mga gawain at doktrinang itinuro sa mga unang kaanib ng kapatiran na naging saksing buhay sa lahat ng pinagdaanan nito bago nakarating sa kanyang kasalukuyang estado.

Siya’y isang anak, kapatid, kaibigan, estudyante, pastor, asawa, magulang at ministrong nagbigay ng aral sa mga taong uhaw sa katotohanang pilit na hinahanap ang para sa kanila’y totoong relihiyong lubos na sumasalig sa banal na kasulatan.

Felix Y. Manalo, isang pangalang hindi sinulat sa buhangin para tangayin ng dalundong ng tubig dagat, ni hindi sa ere para mahipan ng hanging amihan, bagkus ay inukit sa bato nang hindi makalimutan magpakailanman.

Isinabuhay ang kuwento ni Felix Manalo mula sa kanyang pagkabata kung saan pinalaki siya ng kanyang mga

magulang na may takot at pananalig sa Diyos hanggang sa kanyang paglaki at pag-anib sa ibat-ibang relihiyon bilang paghahanap sa isang relihiyong nagtuturo ng mga aral na lubos ang pagkakasalig sa Biblia.

Nang hindi niya mahanap ang relihiyong ito ay siya na mismo ang nagtatag ng isang relihiyong kanyang tinawag na Iglesia Ni Cristo at ngayon ay laganap na hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas kundi pati narin sa ibat-ibang sulok ng mundo.

Ipinakita sa pelikula kung papaanong ang mga unang kapatid sa Iglesia ay inusig at kinutya ng mga tao ng sanlibutan dahil sa mga doktrinang itinuro at ipinaganyaya ng kapatid na Felix Manalo. Ang pagsabog ng unang digmaang pandaigdig ay isa sa mga ipinakita sa pelikula bilang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas at bahagi ng kuwento ni Ka Felix Manalo. Sa pananakop ng mga Hapon ay siyang pag-igting ng mga paguusig at pasakit ng mga unang kaanib. Ipinakita rin sa pelikula kung paanong lumaban ang Ka Felix sa mga kagustuhan at kahilingan ng mga Hapon.

Kung si Rizal ay lumaban sa mga Kastila gamit ang kanyang pluma, sinanasabing si Ka Felix ay nakipagbaka sa mga mananakop na Hapon gamit ang salita ng Diyos.

Ang pelikula ay ginawa sa direksyon ni Joel Lamangan at sa panulat ni Bienvenido Santiago. Ito ay inaasahang matatapos noong nakaraang taon bilang parte ng selebrasyong sa ikasandaang anibersaryo ng Iglesia Ni Cristo. Ngunit dahil sa mga hindi inaasahang pangyayari ay hindi ito nakaabot sa tinakdang panahon kung kaya’t napahaba ang paghihintay ng mga sumubaybay sa pelikula.

Isa sa mga kadahilan ay ang

pagkakakulong ni Senador Ramon Bong Revilla na siya sanang gaganap sa karakter bilang Felix Manalo kung kaya’t pinalit sa puwesto ang aktor na si Dennis Trillo.

Ang pelikula’y hindi lamang para sa mga kaanib ng Iglesia Ni Cristo bagkus ay para sa lahat dahil ang kuwento ng isang tao ay kuwento ng bawat Pilipino. Ang mga kuwentong ito’y nakabuhol sa bawat hibla ng kasaysayan bilang iisang bansang may isang diwa at lipi, anumang kasarian, anumang lahi at anumang relihiyong pinaniniwalaan. M

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MENTAL DISORDERS: More than just “crazy”

by Chantal Therese Tayaban and Gelene Kaye Valdez

P

eople stare as if you’re different, but there’s nothing physically wrong with you and yet either their eyes are focused on you or they’d rather not meet yours. The stares often come with whispers, gossip and stories that are not even half the truth. But when you try to explain, their perceptions are clouded by the misconceptions that time and again have been confused for facts.

With the filing of Senate Bill 2450 or the Philippine Mental Health Act of 2014, it’s time to stop turning a blind eye to people being called “crazy” who deserve the same respect given to everyone else. It’s time to bury all the absurdity regarding mental disorders and allow the truth to surface.

CLINICAL DEPRESSION

No it it’s not just in one’s head.

It affects the person physically, emotionally and in every other aspect. People keep claiming that they have depression, but a diagnosis is an absolute must so the proper treatment can be given.

But it is common for people to experience some symptoms of the disorder but it has to occur for two weeks and reoccur frequently. It’s not merely feeling sad, and it isn’t taboo to talk about it. By being open about the topic, more people can admit they are depressed and that they need help. Finally, admitting one has depression doesn’t mean they are weak, it shows the person is strong enough to admit s/he needs help.

BIPOLAR DISORDER

Contrary to common belief, people who suffer with bipolar disorder do not specifically mean that they possess two personalities but rather they experience unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the inability to carry out day-to-day tasks. People 52 The MARIAN october 2015

with bipolar disorder experience unusually intense emotional states that occur in distinct periods called “mood episodes.” Sometimes, a mood episode involves symptoms of both mania and depression.

Moreover, bipolar disorder can be treated with proper treatment so that people with this illness can lead full and productive lives.

OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER

Double checking on things has somehow become second nature, like double checking if the stove is turned off before leaving the house or if the door was locked and others. But people with OCD don’t just double check things, rather they check it many more times.

Persons with OCD often feel the urge to check things repeatedly that sometimes it looks like rituals that they do over and over again. And there are so many different forms of this disorder, from cleanliness to just pronouncing a single word.

For example, if people are obsessed with fragrance on their clothes, they

may develop a compulsion to apply and re-apply perfume. People with OCD can’t control these obsessions and compulsions. Often, these rituals, thoughts and routines end up controlling them. But just like the other disorders, one must not claim they have it unless a proper diagnosis has been done.

SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER

Imagine brewing worst case scenarios in one’s head whenever social interaction is needed, partner that with uncontrollable shaking of the whole body to the point wherein one would rather avoid all forms of interaction than experience all of these. Most experience butterflies in their stomach before going onstage or when talking to strangers, but when it starts affecting every aspect of a person’s life, that’s when it becomes a disorder. And it’s not as if it’s all in the mind, just like other disorders, proper treatment and medication has the potential to help the person dispel his/her social fears.

BIZARRE MENTAL DISORDERS

COTARD’S DELUSION

Also known as Walking Corpse Syndrome wherein the person believes that s/he is dead and doesn’t exist. Even to the point that they think they’ve lost their internal organs and sometimes they can even feel bugs inside eating their flesh.

CAPGRAS SYNDROME

Those diagnosed with this believe that someone in his/ her life has been replaced by an imposter. The problem arises in visual recognition and emotional responses of those diagnosed.

HYALOPHAGIA

Characterized as a subtype of Pica—a disorder wherein a person has the impulse to eat objects with no nutritional value for a period longer than a month in an age inappropriate for such behavior.

This certain type of Pica focuses on the compulsion to eat glass or anything with the said material.M

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WHAT THE FACTS

by Diosavel Salvacion and Joresa Dainty Aseron

You think you already know all the things that happen inside your body? The causes and effects? The do’s and don’ts? Well, think again. You might miss some of the newly discovered studies by researchers all over the world and some facts you didn’t know exist.

Nope. We won’t tell you that this is about radiation that can destroy your eyes and the rest of your body. This is all about the melatonin, a hormone which makes you feel tired, that isn’t properly secreted after your phone conducts a stream of photons to your eyes and tells your brain not to discharge it. When you do this consistently, toxins from the neurons that the glial cells must remain clean in our body.

Effects:

•Faltering attention •Impaired memory •Challenged ability to comprehend •Gaining more weight If you’re a healthy adult, it is recommended to sleep for 7-9 hours a day.

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DO YOU WEAR BOXERS AND SLEEP NAKED?

For guys, can you believe that a recent study tells that men who wear boxer shorts during the day and sleeping with no clothes in bed can lower the levels of damaged DNA in their sperm compared to those who wear tight underpants the whole time? Doing these can lead to better semen quality parameters which is therefore associated with each other.

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CHEWING GUM BOOSTS BRAIN POWER

There’s no need for you to mix coffee and sugar in the morning or drop-by in a mini grocery store to buy some energy drink. All you need is a piece of chewing gum to feel more alert. Studies show that mint-flavored gum can reduce feelings of exhaustion. Another separate research has said that chewing gum can improve your mental ability by 35 percent.

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DON’T BLAME THE JUNK FOODS!

Ingestion of yummy fried foods, liters of soft drinks, candies, plenty of chocolates and etc. are often considered as the primary cause of obesity.

But say hello to a new study that says “They’re not the real culprit.”

“Simply put, just because those things can lead you to get fat doesn’t mean that’s what is making us fat,” according to the study.

In researches, your consumption of junk food is tied to your BMI when you’re chronically underweight or morbidly obese.

What can you do?

•Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods.

•Monitor your overall calorie consumption.

(Some foods have them inscribed in the nutrition facts) •Be conscious of eating foods with added fats.

5

THE MORE YOU SWEAT, THE MORE YOU LOSE WEIGHT.

No, you don’t. Even sweating for 45 minutes can’t give you health benefits. Why not consider the power of short workouts? It even helps you better than long strenuous exercises which means that lesser gym hours is better than struggling for longer hours.

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POOR POSTURE

You tired? Well, slouching doesn’t help. In fact, it will make you feel even more tired. Poor posture can lead to many problems as you grow older, such as pain, poor balance and restricted movement. Exercise can also help your spine improve your core stability and flexibility. However, elders don’t have to worry. They can participate in Yoga to correct spine curvature.

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GET BETTER SLEEP BY BRUSHING YOUR TEETH IN THE DARK

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EXERCISE WON’T MAKE YOU THIN

When you’re tired and ready to sleep, you walk inside the bathroom first, click the lights on and brush your teeth while taking in the artificial ambience of the room’s electric lights.

Science says no to this. By exposing yourself from that kind of lighting before sleeping means not telling your body to relax, but rather to wake up.

You may want to dim your lights, avoid coffee, don’t overuse glowing electronic devices and try to brush your teeth in the dark.

If you think exercise alone can make you lose weight, you could be wrong, honey. Exercise without proper diet will not lead to any significant weight loss results. However, even though you may not lose weight, exercise still has many health benefits.

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WOULD YOU RATHER STAND UP OR SIT DOWN?

We can’t deny the fact that boys stand up when they pee while girls don’t. But in fact, sitting down while peeing improves bladder release and for boys, it may decrease prostate problems.

So, would you rather stand up or sit down?

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DRINK A HOT BEVERAGE TO COOL OFF

Would you dare to drink a hot beverage in a hot summer afternoon or cold beverage instead? Drinking hot beverages during hot season cools you off. It’s because when your body increase in temperature, it will increase your sweat production. Then as your sweat evaporates, you cool off naturally for a longer period of time instead of sipping cold drinks which will only cools you off for an instant. M october 2015 The MARIAN 53

Sources: http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/10-surprising-health-facts/ www.sciencealert.com http://www.health.com/

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AVOID USING YOUR PHONE BEFORE YOU SLEEP.

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INTO THE STORM The Grueling Struggles After

by Frances Mira Butay and Brent Jericko Narciso

A

fter the gruelling storm surge that struck most parts of Luzon comes another wave of potential threat that lurks below the murky waters of the flooded areas hit by Typhoon Lando. Here are some of the most common diseases to think about before sinking your foot on those murky waters.

1 4

Common Colds

The most common of all disease outbreaks, which is usually characterized by runny nose, itchy throat, watery eyes, sneezing and sometimes accompanied by fevers, headaches, and body aches. The disease can be easily contracted when an infected person has come in direct contact such as sneezing and the person’s body fluids.

Amoebiasis

Careful with Entamoeba histolytica, this tiny parasite which is the causative agent of Amoebiasis can give you the hell of a nightmare. This disease can be obtained from infected bowel when ingested. The usual manifestations are diarrhea (sometimes with or without blood), stomach cramps and fever.

During the rainy season (and/or the typhoon season), water supplies may be subjected to Entamoeba histolytica and can spread to anyone at anytime.

2 5

Food/Water Poisoning

The span of a storm passing through a specific area is enough to post a potential health threat when it comes to our supply of consumable goods. Food-borne illnesses are the results of devouring foods contaminated by bacteria, parasites and viruses. Clearly, this particular illness is no laughing matter - as it can be life-threatening.

3

Leptospirosis

This one can be taken through direct contact with the urine of the infected animal. The microorganism causing leptospirosis is Leptospira spp. This particular microorganism can dig its way into our body through any cuts or abrasions on the skin. The symptoms include: high fever, severe headaches, muscle pains, chills, redness in the eyes, skin discoloration, vomiting, diarrhea and a rash.

Dengue

Due to typhoon Lando, the risks of people getting struck by dengue have increased. The stagnant water from floods can and will breed more mosquitos which will then lead to more Dengue victims. We suggest a thorough clean-up from the storm’s aftermath. This famous viral infection carried by the Aedes mosquito has led to more deaths every year deeming it as the most feared disease outbreak. Because of its symptoms, it is sometimes mistaken for flu or a viral infection in its earlier stages. Manifestations of its symptoms usually appear two to seven days such as high fever followed by joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, nose bleeding, abdominal pain, and vomiting. These symptoms may then progress to something much worse like massive bleeding, shock and at worst cases, death.

As the storm surge signal subsides, the possibilities of after-storm extremities are just lurking around the corner. We’ve prepared some hacks for you to get well-prepped up on how to keep your safe away from any health issues, life-threating or not.

INCREASE YOUR IMMUNITY. Power up your immune system by taking lots of healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.

Also, taking vitamins such as Vitamin C enhances the body to strengthen and provide additional protection from diseases.

CLEAN UP. The kind of surrounding reflects on the type of disease that may thrive in a community.

A clean environment leads to a healthy lifestyle. Always keep your surroundings clean and green, spill stagnant waters which can be condusive for the growth of dengue mosquitoes.

54 The MARIAN october 2015

WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR.

Dress according to the weather. Wear your raincoats and boots when you think there is a good chance of walking a flood prone area. You don't want some bacteria clinging all the way up to your skin.

Apply mosquito repellants during the day especially during dengue outbreaks.

VACCINATION. Flu vaccines can help you prevent from having the same disease when exposed.

Most of these are already available in hospitals or health centers nationwide.

EAT HEALTHY FOOD.

Even during times of calamities, always make sure your food supply is clean and safe for consumption. Washing hands thoroughly before handling any food must be observed. Make sure the food you eat is cooked thoroughly; raw foods may lead to an upset stomach, or worse a bloody trip to the toilet.

CONSULT A DOCTOR.

Being mindful of the aforementioned diseases, immediately consult a physician upon the onset of the signs and symptoms.

Our health is a very vital aspect of our life that we need to protect. Being a country prone to many calamities, it provides us with great evidence which is just fitting that we need to prepare ourselves for the possible disease outbreaks. M

RESOURCES: http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/cold-guide/understanding-common-cold-basics?page=2 http://www.healthline.com/health/food-poisoning#Prevention9 http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/leptospirosis/en/ http://ideas.health.vic.gov.au/diseases/amoebiasis-facts.asp http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/dengue-fever-reference http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/158634.php http://www.panahon.tv/blog/2014/09/top-9-illnesses-during-rainy-days/

Disease Hacks (Preventive Measures)

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Zombie Mode

Deactivate

Z

by Gelene Kaye Valdez, Gliaczy Grace Gapuz and Robelyn Mae Lising

ombies, as they say, is just a perfect word to describe students when examination days come. Not because they chase and eat people’s brain around them but because of those big eye bags and bloodshot eyes, haggard looks, aching heads and lousy movements due to sleepless nights of studying.

Yet, everything has a solution! So come on, get out of that zombie shell of yours by following these simple do-it-yourself steps that will surely help you swift through the breeze in taking the exams.

Take a 20-minute walk Studies and researches have provided proof that exercising or walking for about 20 minutes before taking an exam can help increase and improve academic performance. So, it has been proven that exercise can boost your memory and brainpower plus, isn’t it great to wander around a nice scenery before you wander your eyes to those formulas and theories including Pythagorean theorems?

Teach what you have learned If you truly and deeply understood the lesson, then it would be easy for you to share it to others because you know what it means and what the heart of the lesson is. In this way, you shared the thought of the lesson and also you helped yourself retain and review the lesson better. Yet, if you don’t get anyone to listen to those chemical symbols, why not teach a bunch of stuffed toys instead?

Study with your friends Studying in a group can help you gather fresh knowledge to enrich your learning experience, but studying with a huddle of buddies can help you more. This is so, because you are reviewing while you are alleviating your stress. Being with your friends can make you merry and develop some of your hormones and at the same time to having a close bond with your buds.

Take regular study breaks Take a little bit time for your break. When your brain is working, you need to have a regular study time-out to help your brain take up more information.Also keeps you motivated and concentrated when you are working. Take a short break after 45-50 minutes study as your concentration will become crippled after this period, anything new after an hour and a half does not get equated.

Don’t stay up all night before an exam Be certain to get sufficient rest the night before your exams.

When you’re asleep, your brain equates the information you have mastered when studying, so getting a good night’s sleep will aid you remember those vexing Trigonometry formulas you need for your exam! So ditch those study overnights. Besides, you do not want to become a zombie again, right?

Meditate Research says that meditation before reviewing can boost students’ concentration while studying. Not only will meditation helps you to be focused before studying but it will also helps degrade pre-exam stress and amend both mental and physical wellness.

Discover new ways to learn Trying new methods of studying can help you find out what technique really works for you. If you’re using old method of studying and you’re bored or still not progressing, why not try a new one? Use technology for your advantage. For example, you can watch educational shows and download educational apps from the App Store or from Google Play, or why not use some flashcards or watch some documentaries about the lesson? In this case, you can be more eager and it will be easier to review because you’re using a different way and maybe this will benefit you to understand the lesson better than before.

Surely, there are a lot of ways or solutions on how to study effectively but everything always and really depends on the person. If a person truly has the spirit of determination, honesty and perseverance, then there is no doubt in reaching the academic tilt. But if one doesn’t even exert effort and always relies on others, then, to the depth he will remain still. M october 2015 The MARIAN 55

VIP ACCESS

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PASILIP

SA A220 ni MariANT, ang opisyal na tagapagsalita ng The MARIAN

NAILIMBAG NA NILA ANG KWENTO NG MGA IBA’T IBANG MGA GRUPO AT PERSONALIDAD SA UNIBERSIDAD. Nakilala na ninyo ang mga bumubuo sa SMU Performing groups. Nalaman na ang kwento sa bawat indak ng SMU Dance Troupe, narinig ang totoong tinig mula sa malaanghel at nakakatindig-balahibong boses ng SMU Chorale Society, natunghayan ang buhay sa likod ng pinilakang tabing ng SMU Artists’ Circle, at napagtanto na importate ang pagtitimpla ng mga instrumento sa paglikha ng maganda tunog ng SMU Band.

Ganoon din ang bawat bola na ibinabato, raketa na iwinawasiwas, at ang net na tinatalon ng mga atleta ng SMU Varsity Team.

Nabigyan na rin ng pagkakataon na makilala nang husto ang bumubuo sa SMU ExtraCurricular Clubs. Maging ang volunteer group na Akyat Nueva Vizcaya, kung saan nakita ang kagandahan, hindi lamang ang mga tanawin sa bundok ng Mt. Ugo kundi pati na rin ang mga katutubong nasa malalayong lugar. Natunghayan ang kanilang matinding sakripisyo upang maipakilala ang mga katutubo natin.

Hindi mo siguro malalaman ang mga istorya sa likod ng mga nabanggit kung wala sila. Sila ang nagsulat, nagpaunawa sa iyo sa bawat katagumpayan at inspirasyon sa buong unibersidad maging sa labas ng tatlong tarangkahan ng Saint Mary’s University.

Sa puntong ito, sila rin ang aking ibibida, ang The MARIAN, ang mga tao sa likod ng opisyal na pahayagan ng Saint Mary’s University. Saksi ako sa lahat ng pangyayari sa mga buhay nila. Ang pagpasok nila ng napakaaga para sa isang event na kailangan nilang ibalita hanggang sa pagkatok ng mga security guards sa pinto ng office ng alas nuebe ng gabi dahil curfew hour na at kailangan na nilang umuwi.

Handa ka na bang pasukin ang loob ng A220? Handa ka na bang marinig ang mga kwento nila? Alamin ang katotohanan sa likod ng mga haka-haka ng Marian community sa mga miyembro ng The MARIAN. Halika na, pasok na. You are warmly welcome! Huy. Silip ka muna sa mala-operating room window sa pinto.

october 2015 The MARIAN 57

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Myth #1

Myth #4

be like “The MARIAN siya. Wow.” Parents “Wala ka

MariaANT: “Hindi po sila elitista. Katulad din lang po sila ng mga ordinaryong

estudyante sa loob ng kampus. Nag-aaral, minsan nga nakikita ko silang nahihirapan sa pag-aaral. At hindi rin po madaling pumasok sa The MARIAN, trabaho rin po ito. Ako nga, mumunting langgam sa loob ng office, official spokesperson pa.”

Myth #2

“The MARIAN ka.

Dapat alam mo ‘yan.”

Myth #3 Classmates be like “May pasok ba?,” “Bukas ba angAccounting Office?,” “May flag ba ceremony bukas?”

MariaANT: “Unang una po sa lahat, MariaANT: Hindi po sila informamga manunulat po sila at hindi porket manunulat po sila ay mga chismoso at chismosa na po sila. Hindi naman po porket The MARIAN na sila ay alam na nila lahat ng mga kung anu-anong kuwento sa loob ng unibersidad.”

58 The MARIAN october 2015

tion center. Hindi rin po mga mga call center agents ang staff na kapag may katanungan kayo or problema ay dali-dali nila kayong masasagot o matutulungan. Hindi po sila isang malaking calendar o planner. Mas lalo na pong hindi sila ang pinag-kukuhanan ng yearbook at graduation photos.

namang pasok ngayon. Bakit sa school ka na naman pupunta?”

MariaANT:

Hindi sila nagliliwaliw at mas lalong hindi sila nagdodroga. Para malinaw lang ho. “Sabi ko nga po, trabaho din po nila ito. Kasama na sa kanilang mga trabaho ang pagsasakripisyo ng oras para sa pamilya.

Katuwang nito ang ‘di maipaliwanag na saya na dala ng dedikasyon upang mapagsilbihan ang kanilang kapwa estudyante sa ngalan ng pagdadala ng balita.”

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Myth #5

Bachelors of Arts in The MARIAN MariaANT: Sa dinami rami ng kanilang kailangan gawin at tapusing mga trabaho, napagkakamalan silang may

isang degree pa sa unibersidad. Upang sabihin ko po, isa lang silang hamak na mag-aaral, may iisang kurso lamang.

Ngunit mukhang hindi sila kuntento rito kaya naman, hindi lamang natatapos ang pagkakaroon ng assignments sa loob ng classroom kundi responsibilidad rin nilang maghatid ng balita. Ngunit ani nila, ito raw yung kurso na wala kang binabayaran, bagkus nakakatanggap ka pa.”

Myth #6 Hindi kami aktibista, pawang katotohanan lamang ang aming ipaglalaban.

MariaANT: “Hindi

sila kabilang sa College Editors’ Guild of the Phlippines, ang popular na lupon ng mga aktibistang mag-aaral. Sila po ang boses ng mag-aaral, ahente ng katotohanan.Uulitin ko, hindi sila aktibista, dahil paliwanag nila, hindi sapat ang sino, saan at kanino. Kailangan din nilang malaman kung bakit at paano. Not all news is good news. Ginagampanan lang nila yung tungkuling ipaalam sa inyo kung ano ang mga dapat mong malaman. ng balita. Ngunit ani nila, ito raw yung kurso na wala kang binabayaran, bagkus nakakatanggap ka pa.”

Myth #7

Myth #8

Ubos na. Nagbayad naman kami. Puro ka nalang MariaANT:

“May ipapagawa ako sa inyo, let’s do some Math: (Magazine = Php70; Litfolio = Php 100; Newsletter, Tabloid, Broadsheet, Artfolio) School organ fee: 100 per sem, total= Php200 every year.

Pitong issues ang naililimbag nila kada taon. Kung tutuusin ang 100 pesos na ibinabayad mo kada sem ay kulang pa kung susumahin ang lahat ng issues na inuuwi mo, pinapambalot mo ng lamesa sa boarding house at panangga sa ulan. Masuwerte ka kung nakompleto mo ang isang set ng issues ng TM sa bawat taon at para naman sa mga luging lugi dahil nauubusan ng pinipilahan naming issues, abay sorry naman po. First come, first served basis po ito. Nagpost naman kami ng ads sa fb at sa bawat bulletin board sa loob ng campus. Kaya sa susunod na may issue ang TM, sumugod ka na sa office bago mo pa sabihing: “ubos na? nagbayad naman kami”

The MARIAN

MariaANT: “Nakakataba

ng puso at minsan, nakakalaki rin ng ulo ang pagiging academic scholar. Yung tipong bahay, klase, bahay. Para sa mga pilosopo, boarding, klase, boarding. Oo nga’t sikat ka sa katalinuhan, ngunit masaya ka ba? Naririnig ko nga, lagi silang nasasabihang, sige diyan ka na lang sa The Marian mo. Puro ka na lang The Marian. Para po sabihin ko sa inyo, hindi lamang sila organisasyong kumakalap ng balita o pahayagang naglilimbag ng mga kuwentong pakahuhugutan ng inspirasyon sa buhay o ang lupon ng mga malikhaing kamay at obra o ang grupo ng mga kumukuha ng larawang tumitingkad sa mata ng mambabasa. Sila rin ay pamilya, hindi man pinagbuklod ng dugo, pinagtagpi naman ng pagsasamahan, bonding na napakatibay, sandata sa iisang hangaring ihatid sa inyo ang nararapat niyong malaman sa lipunang iyong ginagalawan. Sana maunawaan mo.

Kapag nagawa mo, ikatutuwa po nila.

Maraming salamat! ” october 2015 The MARIAN 59

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Dahil na-engganyo na akong magsalita, magkukwento na rin ako ng mga katawa-tawang pagkakataon na aking natunghayan bilang opisyal na langgam ng pahayagan.

May pagkakataon na may staff akong nakikita na nakatambay sa labas, naghihintay yata siya ng kasama na may susi ngunit hindi niya alam na naka-bukas naman na pala ang pintuan. Hindi sa lahat ng panahon, gamitin ang utak, minsan yung kamay din. Subukan mong hawakan ang doorknob, subukang ipaikot, doon mo malalaman.

Natunghayan ko na rin ang isang gabing bigla na lang ayaw magbukas ang kanilang pintuan, nakulong ang pitong miyembro ng pahayagan sa opis habang ang isa ay nasa kabilang dako at humingi siya ng tulong upang mabuksan ito. Hindi na lang pala ang nasa labas ang napagsasarhan ng pintuan, maging ‘yung mga nasa loob na rin.

Napanood ko na rin ang mga katawa-tawang mukha nila habang nakatulog sa mga silya ng opisina dahil siguro pagod na rin sila sa katatrabaho, may mga humihilik, nagsasalita at umaaksyon habang tulog. May mukhang kung ano at ‘yung iba naglalaway na rin. Silang mga bangag lang kung ituring, para malinaw lang, hindi po sila nagdodroga, sadyang pagod lamang at puyat.

Nasaksihan ko rin kung papaano nagiging boarding house ang aming opisina. May kusina, sala, kwarto at kung anu-ano pa, ngunit lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami, ang aming opisina’y walang tulak-kabigin sa porma, dati itong palikuran. May rice cooker din sila na nakapag-luluto ng kung anuano maliban sa kanin – pancit canton at mga wirdong de lata. Walang renta, walang bayad ngunit naging tahanan. Kumpleto rekados, ika nga.

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Itinuring na nilang tahanan ang mumunting espasyo sa unibersidad. Bagyo ma’t delubyo ang sumalanta, pasukin man ng tubig, mailipad ma’t magulo, masira ang mga pinaghirapan, matawag man sa itaas upang magpaliwanag, makutyang hambog, masabihan mang mali-mali ang mga ibinabalita, mabigyan ng memo dahil kinakatok na ng sekyu sapagkat alas nuebe lampas na ng gabi nasa opisina pa rin, sila na diretsong puyat ang kinakaharap, Sabado’t Linggo nasa trabaho, nahihirapan

sa pagkalap ng mga panayam at mga ulat na magpapatotoo sa mga haka-haka, sila na hindi man lang naiintindihan ng karamihan ay sila pa itong laging nagpapaliwanag upang ipaalam na pinagsisilbihan rin kayoang bumubuo sa Marian community. Hindi sila naghahangad na makilalang lubos, tanging ang pang-unawa lamang ninyo ang kanilang nais. Na sana maiba rin ang tingin natin sa kanila. Sa mga haka-hakang nalalaman, handa nilang isiwalat ang buong katotoohan, mismo sa harapan ninyo.

Ilan lamang ito sa mga kwento ng pahayagang ito. Ilan lamang ito sa mga talaan ng kung ano ang buhay sa loob ng mumunting opisina. Ngunit, mara-rami pa silang kwentong kahit ako ay hindi ko minsan nakikita o nasusubaybayan.

Kahit ano pa mang balita o tsismis ang kumakalat tungkol sa The MARIAN, katulad ng “scam” daw sila o mga sadyang bully dahil natawanan nila ang isang pagkakamali o kahit batikusin pa man sila ng iba, walang pa ring titinag sa samahang pinagbuklod ng iisang mithiin, ang layuning mapaglingkuran ang buong sangkatauhan ng katotohanan. Sa araw-araw na magkakasama, sa bawat oras na magkuwentuhan at sa bawat minuto’t segundong magtrabaho, hindi kailanman mawawala ang presensiya at ideya ng pagiging isang pamilya- ang pamilyang kanila nang kinalakhan. Wala nang makakahigit pa sa pagsasama nilang nabuo sa loob ng A220 na kung tawagin na nila ay isang pamilya – pamilyang The MARIAN.

O ayan, babush na. See you sa next issue.

Love, MariANT! october 2015 The MARIAN 61

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Tatlong Mukha ng Pag-ibig

#LOVEWINS

by Rhowen Belisario and Francis Vicmudo

S #IstoryaNgPaasa

a lansangan na ating tinatahak, may tatlong klase ng tao na makakasalubong natin. Isang babae, isang lalaki at isang nasa gitna na makikipaglaro sa dalawa. Hindi ito ordinaryong kwento ng pag-ibig na madalas naririnig. Ito ay kwento ng mga ordinaryong tao na nagmamahal nang extra ordinaryo sa paraang alam nila ay makatao.

Sa mga taong nagmahal ng sobra-sobra, you know, tatanga tanga, para sa inyo ang mga kwentong ito.

Magtatatlong taon na simula noong nakilala kita. Dalawang taon na ang lumipas simula noong sinabi mo sa akin na “Mahal kita.”

Ngunit bakit ganon? Sa bawat araw na hiniling ko na kasama kita ay tila pinaparating ng iyong mga mata na sana iba ang iyong kasama. Tinitiis ko kahit na minsan binabaliwala mo lamang ako. Mahal mo ba talaga ako?

Dumaan ang isang taong.

Marami na ang nagbago. Mga pagbabagong hindi ko inakalang magiging ako. Pagbabagong hindi ka man lang pumasok sa isip ko na kakayanin ko. Pero nangyari.

Ngayon, tatanungin kita, mahal mo pa rin kaya ako?

Disyembre, Taong 2013 Bumuntong hininga ako sabay sara ng aking bag na aking gagamitin para sa isang kaganapan ng mga kabataan sa sektor na aking kinabibilangan.

Oo, napagpasyahan kong aliwin ang aking sarili. Magliwaliw at nang maranasan ko naman ang “ligaya” sa katagang “Maligayang Pasko.”

Sumapit na naman ang gabi.

Habang binabalot ng dilim ang buong paligid ay sumasabay na naman ang mga ala-alang tila bumabalot sa aking puso at isip.

Patulog na ang lahat habang ako, pinili kong maglagi muna sa isang lilim na sa tingin ko ay walang makakakita sa akin.

Niyakap ko ang aking sarili upang kahit papaano ay maibsan ang lamig na dala ng hangin. Sana ganon na lamang kadali. Sana mayakap ko rin ang aking puso para mawala na ang lamig nito.

“Okay ka lang?”

62 The MARIAN october 2015

Madilim ang kanyang kinatatayuan kaya hindi ko gaanong maaninag ang kanyang hitsura. Kahit hindi ko pa siya masyadong kilala ay niyakap niya ako ng mahigpit. Higpit na sapat para maramdaman ko na may karamay ako, na hindi ako nag-iisa at may taong nag-aalaga sa akin.

Unti-unti akong kumalas mula sa mahigpit na yakap.

“Hindi e. Mahal ko naman siya e. Sobra! Naguumapaw pa nga. Pero bakit ganon? Lahat ng sobra nasasayang.” Tuluyan nang tumagaktak ang aking luha. Siguro dahil na rin sa awa ay ibinalot niya ang kanyang dalawang kamay sa akin.

Siya si Paul. Dala na rin siguro ng sakit ay ibinulalas ko sa kanya lahat ng sakit, poot at galit na aking dinaramdam.

“Bakit kaya ganon? Gusto ko naman na kalimutan siya pero pakiramdam ko sa bawat paghinga ko ay siya pa rin ang nasa isip ko.”

Ngumiti lamang siya. “Hindi ba sabi nga ni Popoy sa pelikulang One More Chance,” na baka kaya tayo iniiwan ng mga taong mahal natin kasi baka mayroong darating na mas okay, na mas mamahalin tayo. Hindi ‘yung taong parati tayong sasaktan at papaasahin. ‘Yung nag-iisang tao na magtatama ng mga mali sa buhay natin.”

Disyembre, Taong 2014 Halos araw araw akong sinasamahan ni Paul sa buong Christmas break. Minsan nga, siya na rin ang gumigising sa akin at pinapagayak ako para sa

kaganapan sa buong araw, sabay text sa akin ng “Good morning.

Ingat ka sa maghapon.” At may nakangiting simbolo sa dulo.

Kahit korni yung iba niyang biro ay parati niya akong pinipilit makinig para lamang matawa ako at maibsan ang aking dinadalang ala-ala ng kahapon.

Ang cute niya ‘no? Hindi nakakasawang tignan ang kanyang maamong mukha.

Napakalaki ng kanyang pisngi na kinukurot ko kapag wala akong magawa. Mukha siyang bata at kung minsan isip bata pa rin pero, nakakatuwa at hindi ako magsasawang kasama siya.

Hunyo, Taong 2015 Isang araw, mag aala-una na ng madaling araw tumunog ang aking cellphone. Hindi ako nabigo, siya nga. Bigla akong nagtaka dahil inabot na siya ng madaling araw. Tila may importanteng sasabihin kaya sinagot ko ang tawag. “’Di ba friends lang tayo?

Bakit ganon? Naiinis ako dahil bakit sa’yo pa. Bakit sa tinuturing ko pang halos kapatid na.

Naiinis ako sa sarili ko, pero mas mahihirapan ako kung pipigilan ko. Pakiramdam ko nahuhulog na ako. Sayo.”

“Wala ka man lang bang sasabihin? Mahal kita. Mahal na mahal kita. Ikaw lang sapat na. Napapasaya mo ang araw ako. Ikaw ang kumukumpleto ng bawat patak ng oras ko.

Hinahanap ko ang mga yakap mo. At sana hayaan mo ako na mahalin ka.”

Tila bumabalik ang ala-ala ng aking nakaraan. Mauulit na naman ba ang lahat? Natatakot ako na baka hindi siya sigurado sa nararamdaman niya at iiwan niya rin ako kapag huli na ang lahat.

Kapag napaniwala na naman ako sa mga ilusyon ng buhay na may tao na aalalay, mag aalaga at mamahalin ako habambuhay.

“Paul, lasing ka lang. Alam kong hindi mo alam yang mga sinasabi mo. Nandito lang ako.

Magtutulungan tayo. Hindi kita iiwan.”

Narinig ko ang unti unti niyang paghagulgol. Ramdam ko na rin ‘yung sakit na kanyang pinapasan. Literal na masakit na. Sobrang sakit. Para ko nang pinapatay ang aking sarili.

Nobyembre, Taong 2015 Parang kahapon lamang ang lahat. Kapag tinatanong ako kung okay ba ako, isa lamang ang nagiging tugon ko. ‘Oo, okay ako.’

Pero tinanong ko ang aking sarili, okay nga ba talaga ako?

Binalikan ko ang mga mensaheng araw-araw na ipanapadala ni Paul sa akin noon.

Sana naging mas malakas ako noong sinabi niya na ‘mahal niya ako.’ Sana hindi ako naunahan ng takot at nadala sa pait dulot ng aking nakaraan.

Sana sa bawat mahahabang mensahe niya na ipinapadala niya sa akin ay natutugunan ko ng mas mahaba pa para maramdaman niya na mahal ko rin siya. Sana sa bawat hiling niya na gusto niya akong makasama ay sa kanya lamang ako nakatingin para naging panatag siya na siya lamang at wala nang iba.

Biglang sumikip ang aking puso. Tila literal na tinutusok ito ng karayom. Hindi ko na napigilan ang paunti-unting pagdaloy muli ng aking luha.

Matagal na rin nang huli akong umiyak.

Alam ko naman… Simula nuong una palang na…

“Mahal ko rin siya, mahal na mahal.”

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#LihamNgPinaasa #LihamNiUmaasa

Para sa Paasa, Pinigilan ko naman sarili ko eh, sobra. Pinigilan kong mahulog sa isang sitwasyon na alam kong hindi ko alam kung paano ako makakaalis. Pero hindi. Hindi. Tuluyan akong nahulog sa iyo. Alam kong mali.

Maling-mali. Maling pag-ibig sa maling panahon sa maling paraan.

Alam ko, isa ka sa mga ‘famous’ kung tawagin sa campus.

You’ve got the looks, the eyes, the height, seems like everything about you is near perfection kaya naman kung tilian ka ng mga kababaihan, sobra. Ang hirap mong kasabay dahil sa tuwing may makakasalubong tayo (noong kaibigan palang ang tingin ko sa iyo) lahat napapatingin sa’yo. Pero hindi ko lubusang maisip kung ano ang rason kung bakit ka naging paasa hindi lang sa akin ngunit pati na rin sa iba mo pang naging ex.

Freshman palang tayo, sabi nila, may pagka malambot na ang iyong puso. Hindi ako naniniwala nun, hanggang naging magkakilala tayo. Halos lagi na tayong magkasama nu’n. Simula nu’n, namuo na ang pagtingin ko sa’yo nang patago. Paano ba naman, sa tuwing tumitingin ka sa’kin, ang lagkit ng tingin mo na halos wala nang bukas. Sa tuwing wala kang magawa, naroon ako para tumawag at nang may makausap ka o ‘di kaya nama’y magka text tayo pampalipas oras habang hindi ka pa inaantok. At

pagdating naman sa school, may mga beses na magkasama tayo, halos buong araw. Sabay kakain ng lunch, tatambay, magrereview sa library during examinations.

Sa mga oras na iyon, sobra akong nasiyahan, nag-enjoy kasi nakasama kita.

Ang hindi ko lang lubos maisip, may mga pagkakataon na bakit nagpapakita ka ng ‘care’ kahit alam mo naman na ganito ako. Kahit na nakapagtataka na minsan lahat ng mga kilos at salita mo, binalewala ko nalang kasi magkaibigan lang talaga tayo. Sana hindi na lang. Sana hindi na lang tayo sobrang naging close, okay na ako sa pagiging magkakilala. Ang mindset ko pa nga nuon, okay nang pinakikilig mo ako sa mga simpleng bagay na ginagawa mo. Alam kong alam mong may pagtingin ako sa’yo.

Sana hindi mo nalang ako pinaasa sa mga bagay na alam mong masasaktan ako.

Bakit ganun? Bakit ka pa nagpakita ng mga motibo kung hindi rin lang naman pwedeng maging tayo sa bandang huli?

Ano yun? Sadyang ganiyan lang talaga ugali mo sa lahat ng taong mapalapit sa’yo? Ayun. Nagpaka t*nga ako sa’yo. Hanggang dito nalang.

Lubos na nagmahal, Pinaasa

Tatlong Mukha ng Pag-ibig

#LOVEWINS

To HIM,

Six years, 5 months, 3 weeks and 4 days ago from this day, I met the most mysterious guy in high school.

The first time I saw you, I knew from the moment that there’s something different about how I felt.

This may be love, of infatuation, but I’m pretty sure you already occupied a big part in my heart.

I have been moving along inside the campus without you even noticing my presence. I doubted if you noticed but there were times that we brush each other’s shoulders while waiting at the very long line in the canteen, or when we are lining up to enter the church every Friday for the students’ mass, and if you didn’t even noticed one time when we held each other’s hands for the Lord’s Prayer. Those simple things that happened to me are one of the most precious moments I’ll always treasure in my whole life.

To the guy who became the student body president; the guy who topped the NCAE; the guy who has the sweetest smile and overflowing confidence, the guy who never fails to keep my heart pounding hard and to the guy who brought me back the sunshine of my life. My whole high school years came to life as you fill the empty places of my sad, boring life.

Your graduation day was the most painful moment of my high school experience. The day when you were smiling in front of the cameras together with your classmates, friends, teachers and family members is heart breaking.

Honestly, I shed a tear when you sang your graduation song. The moment you were celebrating were the times I was in pain, realizing the fact that you are leaving me behind.

That day, I swore that I will do whatever it takes for you to notice me when the time comes as our paths cross once again and let destiny do its thing. I never had any other crush since the day you left and I made you as my inspiration to do well on my studies. I graduated with flying colors, top the NCAE and passed the different admission test from different universities across the country. I passed UPCAT, SLUET, and some entrance examination

from nearby universities in Luzon.

The day when I was scheduled for an interview on one of the universities is the day I made up my mind to enroll to the school where you are studying. My parents know nothing about what I did, but I certainly told them the truth after that incident.

Since then, my life was complete seeing you every day, stalking you behind the benches and accidentally meeting you along the corridors. Those moments were priceless but I must admit I never had the courage to let you know what I feel for you, simply because I’m gay and you’re straight and I’m too naïve back then to believe about the possibilities that might happen between us.

Six years, 5 months, 3 weeks and 4 days had passed and I’m still hiding this feeling inside.

I know you don’t read that much but I hope you’ll be able to see this letter someday. I just want to let you know that I don’t have any regrets loving you in secret. Thank you for unconsciously inspiring me every day. Thank you for giving me reason to wake up and face the world with courage and strength because I know we’re just breathing the same air, we’re under the same sky, and you’re just a few meter away from me.

Just a few months from now and you’ll be graduating, leaving me again. The hardest part is bidding you goodbye without even telling it to you literally and verbally. Thank you for everything and I know that this love of mine we’ll be kept in secrecy, maybe forever.

You never know how much you’d help me to become who I am today. I will always be here for you, supporting you in background, stalking you behind the benches, and probably meeting you again in the next years to come in the real world.

Who knows? Maybe this love waits. Maybe there is a happy ending for us too.

Or at least, maybe!

Coz this love wins.

Love, You’re no. 1 stalker

Maraming klase ng pag-ibig. Iba’t ibang paraan. Iba’t ibang kasarian.

Ngunit sa huli, PAG-IBIG pa rin naman ‘yan. #LoveWins M october 2015 The MARIAN 63

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Rekindling The Lost

By Naiomi Justereen Bangad and Ridge Ross de Veyra

“US”

It’s all over. Whether for the right reasons or not, your relationship with that special someone just ended. And before you know it, you sink into that pit where all broken hearts go and fall into a cycle of screaming, crying and endless cups of ice cream. So the dreaded question pops up: What now? Take a break from all the breakup rituals, sit back and think deep about what to do now with the help of this quiz.

Remember, be frank and brutally honest, and at the end you’ll get your answer.

Isang Linggong Pag-ibig Tadhana Ikaw At Ako

A.

B. C.

1. WHAT SONG DESCRIBES YOUR LOVE STORY?

Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko

D.

We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together

A.

Happy Break-Up Muling Ibalik

B.

3. WHAT IS YOUR BREAKUP SONG?

C.

Happy Together

D.

Snake In The Grass: Hindi lahat ng ahas nangangagat, yung iba, nanunulot.

A.

Him/Her: I want to forgive. But I can’t.

B.

Parents: “Anak, mag-aral ka muna. Mamaya muna ang landi.”

C.

Me: I admit. I made a mistake. But it will never happen again.

No. I’m better off without him/her in my life.

Yes. We could give being friends a try.

Yes. We were friends before we became lovers.

5. WHOSE FAULT WAS IT?

Drake & Sophia (Just The Way You Are) Ivan & Patchot (Must Be Love)

D.

Alden & Maine (Kalyeserye)

A.

“It’s not you, it’s me.”

B. C.

“You had me at my best, she had me at my worst.

But you chose to break my heart.”

“Bogs, syinota mo bestfriend mo.”

D.

“You deserve someone better.”

A.

I don’t care about my feelings anymore. I don’t wanna get hurt again.

6. HAVE YOU MOVED ON?

B.

Yes, ‘cause I’ve met someone new.

C.

Yes, I have forgiven him/her not because he/she deserves peace, but because I deserve peace.

No, ‘cause I still love him/her and nothing makes sense now that he/she’s away.

A.

A.

No. Once is enough.

B.

7. DO YOU WANT TO STAY CLOSE?

C.

No way. That would be a waste of both my time and his/hers.

A. 9. ARE YOU WILLING TO TRY AGAIN?

B. C.

Of course. And this time I will be better.

4. WHAT FAMOUS LINE BEST DESCRIBES HIS/HER LAST WORDS BEFORE YOU BROKE UP?

B. C.

D.

D.

Maybe. But I don’t think it will be worth it.

2. WHICH COUPLE BEST DESCRIBES YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

Top & Samantha (Talk Back And You’re Dead)

D.

Yes. I just can’t imagine a life without him/her in it.

No. I’d rather not get hurt by the same person again.

A.

D.

8. DO YOU THINK THAT THERE IS A SECOND CHANCE FOR THE TWO OF YOU?

10. DO YOU SEE YOURSELF HAVING A FUTURE WITH ANYONE ELSE?

B.

No. We were never meant to be.

C.

Yes. But that is unlikely.

D.

Yes. I know that there is a perfect time and place for us to be together again.

A.

Yes. Any future is better than one with him/her in it.

D.

B.

No. We were never meant to be.

C.

Not really. It’s quite hard to imagine.

Absolutely not. A future with him/her is the only future I want.

MOSTLY A’S:STRANGERS - It may be painful, but the MOSTLY C’S:FRIENDS - The relationship may not have been the best solution may be for you to accept that the relationship has ended and that there is no hope of getting it back. The best thing to do is to work on yourself, focus on the more important and bright side of things and find happiness again.

MOSTLY B’S:ACQUAINTANCES - You are at that stage where you and your ex are neither friends nor strangers.

Being around each other is awkward and uncomfortable, but be nice and polite because you and your ex have a chance of getting past that awkwardness and soon become friends.

64 The MARIAN october 2015

Yes, we’ve all been there. Being lost after the end of a relationship is something that everyone goes through. What’s important is to keep in mind that love is not all rainbows MOSTLY D’S:LOVERS - Kiss that Swift song goodbye and get back together! You and your babe may have hit a rough patch, but that is what and butterflies. Sometimes there are makes couples stronger. You are obviously still very much in love, so don’t sticks and stones too. And when you realize that these experiences are as let the love go to waste. Go after the one that got away and never let rare and priceless as falling in love, go! you will never be afraid to fall. M best, but there is always something worth saving. In this case, save the friendship. There are couples who remain friends after the breakup. You and your ex could become one of these people. If you have an open mind towards being just friends, don’t let the opportunity go to waste.

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love&relationship

by Stacey Lee Ortiguero and Lexter Rodriguez

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e often limit our definition of a brother as someone who came from your mother as you do, someone who lives with you in a single roof. A person whom you are directly related to, given that you are born of the same parents. What we tend to overlook is that he can be anyone, yes, he can possibly be anyone!

Friends by chance, brothers by choice

Do you have a friend whom you treat as a sibling?

Someone whom you could share all your weirdest secrets and will never ever judge you.

Someone you could act crazy with and accompany you almost everywhere. A person who is like a brother, who helps you through everything, be it a petty problem or a really serious one.

A friend who never makes you feel you are not alone, someone who shines light in your life.

Someone who insists that you should never give up on the things you dream of. A brother who celebrates your victory and grieves your loss.

And when you are lost in the dark, he is there, your

personal guiding light. When the world seems to turn its back on you, he will be the one who drops everything to build a new world with you. A friend who makes you feel that you have a purpose in this world, a living reminder of how great it is to be alive. A person of dual purpose a friend and a brother.

Your Cousin/ Brother

Do you have that favorite cousin whom you wish is your brother instead? You share a lot of similarities and interests that being cousins is never enough. You could tell all your secrets and mischiefs and you don’t have the fear that he will spill your beans in front of your parents. You might even thank heavens because you are blood-

Schoolmate, Best mate, Best Bro

As we know, the school is our second home, our teachers are second parents, and hence our schoolmates are our second brothers and sisters too! And as school brothers and sisters we are rather obliged to look after the welfare of our schoolmates.

Not to treat them as a competitor but to look at them as siblings. And in school, we spend most of our times which is enough reason to be wellacquainted.It is a brotherhood built on knowledge-seeking, being in the same institution yearning for a common goaleducation.

Our schoolmates that we daily hangout with, may it be on school or not, can really be considered as siblings.

Four-legged Brother

Nobody said that you can only be brothers with human beings. No one said that a brother is required to speak and act like a human because sometimes, our pets can also be our siblings. Knowing that they are loyal and true to their masters, we can take them in our arms not as pets but as family. For they also have feelings like us.

Our pets are animals created by God for us to take care of. They aren’t just things to be considered as possessions but they are also our giddy, licky, annoying, cute siblings!

The Best Brother Ever

Yes. He is the best brother anyone could ever have. He is someone who has long saved us from the perils of life. Giving us all the inspiration. He redeemed us from all our shortcomings, from our sins. You must’ve known now his name, Jesus.

Him who lived a life of holiness and goodness. He paved us a path that we must follow for us to be righteous as He is. Our brother who died in the cross to save us from our vicious sins.

He was sent by our heavenly Father to open us up and accept His goodness. And we shall follow Him and live in the light of His words. M

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Photo from the Internet

BROTHER from another MOTHER

related, Hence, you don’t need much effort to convince your mother for asking permission when you want to be with him.

He is very supportive too; he keeps on telling you he is always behind you when you are really nervous. And taps your shoulder for a job well done. He is always there even if your life turned upside-down, he never leaves you alone and helps you cope with all the problems you have in your life. And of course, he’s the person who would stand by you every time. It must be so nice to have a cousin like that, don’t you think so?

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review

by Ron Louis Cutillon and Diosavel Salvacion

O

nly movies tell us that there is something in life which is worth watching. With its high number of hits and worldwide gross, these movies, undoubtedly, are meant to appeal to us. So, if you have ever gotten so attached to a film that brought you more tears, laughter and suspense, these 2015 movies will surely bring you more.

On the coast of Costa Rica, Jurassic World luxury resort is built which provides a new attraction – genetically engineered stealth killing dinosaurs – escapes which cause the other dinosaurs to be aggressive and it is up to the former military and animal expert to save two young brothers from an all-out assault.

It all started terribly awry when Tony Stark and Bruce Banner try to jump-start a peacekeeping program called Ultron and things went wrong when Thor, Incredible Hulk and the rest of the Avengers were forced to reassemble. The Avengers was put to a test to stop Ultron from his terrible plans. Along the way, they met Pietro and Wanda Maximoff.

Riley is a happy, hockey-loving, Midwestern girl. Everything turned the other way when his father started a new job in San Francisco. Riley was guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. They live in Riley’s mind where they try to guide her through everyday life. As Riley adjusts to a new life, chaos followed in headquarters resulting to conflict on how to navigate a new city, school and home, when Joy and Sadness were swept into the far reaches of Riley’s mind, so Anger, Fear and Disgust were left in the Headquarters.

After defeating international terrorist Owen Shaw, Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), Brian O’Conner (Paul Walker) and the rest of the crew have separated to return to more normal lives. However, Deckard Shaw (Jason Statham), Owen’s older brother, is thirsty for revenge. A slick government agent offers to help Dom and company take care of Shaw in exchange for their help in rescuing a kidnapped computer hacker who has developed a powerful surveillance program.

Evolving from single-celled yellow organisms at the dawn of time, Minions live to serve, but find themselves working for a continual series of unsuccessful masters, from T. Rex to Napoleon. Without a master to grovel for, the Minions fall into a deep depression. But one minion, Kevin, has a plan; accompanied by his pals Stuart and Bob, Kevin sets forth to find a new evil boss for his brethren to follow. Their search leads them to Scarlet Overkill, the world’s first-ever super-villainess.

After her father unexpectedly dies, young Ella (Lily James) finds herself at the mercy of her cruel stepmother (Cate Blanchett) and stepsisters, who reduce her to scullery maid. Despite her circumstances, she refuses to despair. An invitation to a palace ball gives Ella hope that she might reunite with the dashing stranger (Richard Madden) she met in the woods, but her stepmother prevents her from going. Help arrives in the form of a kindly beggar woman who has a magic touch for ordinary things.

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review

SOCIAL OUTLETS:

Facebook pages every Marian should know about

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by Chantal Therese Tayaban and Lexter Rodriguez

here’s more to Facebook than scrolling through your newsfeed liking every photo that you come across. It’s more than laughing at the quotes, vines and articles that your friends share. And it’s more than spending hours and hours stalking the person you’ve always liked but never had the guts to talk to.

Beyond keeping in touch with your so-called friends, connecting with people who are miles away, and entertaining yourself with the never-ending choices of games and what not—this popular social media site has more up its sleeve.

Marians are known for being interested in several of things and on Facebook, there’s a page for everyone and it’s time to shed light on pages you might be missing out on.

Pages for when you want to express your inner poet…

Depinisyon

There’s more meaning to the things surrounding people. And that’s exactly what this page does. Depinisyon, a book originally written by Marc Anicas started as this page on August 2014. It’s a modern dictionary that provides deeper but just as true meanings to everyday words. It was created to reveal the hidden value to simple things such as chargers to stairs and promote the native language as it’s written in the dialect.

The Artidote

With a following of over 157 thousand which was only founded on May this year, the page is an avenue where art-lovers or otherwise can be a community dealing with things from the human emotion to the deeper meaning of life. It posts frequently about things anyone can relate to, making one feel as if the posts were specifically meant for the one reading it. The curator, Jovanny Ferreyra, hopes that the viewers not only appreciate the art but he hopes that the pieces can also somehow heal those who see it.

Berlin-artparasite Poetry and visuals don’t only translate mixed feelings into artworks but can also change the way of living, loving, and thinking of words.

Founded by media consultant Marcus Johst in late 2011, this project initially started as an online magazine to showcase the works of artists in Berlin but it has emerged to become a disruptive voice like a parasite by taking a unique approach to art and writing, making people relate to every single post about human life.

Entertainment

Pages for when you’re sick of staring at your friend’s selfies and you just want a laugh or a distraction…

BuzzFeed

Killing time has never been so easy with pages such as this proven by its more than five million likes. From articles to videos, one can laugh their hearts out or learn a thing or two from the wide variety of entertainment provided here. And it’s not all nonsense because this page sometimes also tackle about real issues and stories about real life people. And there are more specific pages like BuzzFeed Style, BuzzFeed DIY and many more that are worth looking into.

9GAG

Described as the ‘best source of fun,’ this page has become a familiar sound to anyone who has spent time on the internet. With almost 17 million followers, this page has been bringing smiles and laughs to everyone’s lives since July 2008. With a mix of videos, memes, photos and even articles, there’s a gazillion ways to boost one’s mood here and with minimal effort.

Information

Pages that keep you posted about what’s important…

The MARIAN

Never miss a beat about the university by following this page. It publishes announcements, provides news beats fresh from the sources and occasionally opens freedom walls where students can share what’s on their mind regarding a certain issue to its more than 13 thousand likers. And anyone can message any queries regarding the university and its administrators try to answer each as fast as possible. And it’s the official Facebook page of the Official School Publication of SMU. M

Photos from the Internet

Literary

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music

By Johmelia Lantion and Charlotte Jace Fabian

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lug in your earphones, play in shuffle mode, and suddenly you forget the world around you; that is a sign that you are under the magic of music.

As you listen to the song, wondering about the message of the music, observing the singers pitch, or memorizing the lyrics, have you ever wondered about the origin of the artist and the music itself?

Most of us tend to say “independent” when we hear the word “indie.” More or less, it is what it is. As simple as that.

From the words itself ‘Indie Music,’ it is a music produced independently from major commercial record labels, moreover; it is a do-it-yourself approach in recording and publishing

INDEPENDENT LABEL VERSUS MAJOR LABEL Most music artist choose to go from independent label to major label because of fame, higher possibility for an artist to produce a high-end quality of music, and higher opportunity for the artist to produce a high-end quality of music, and higher opportunity for the artist to be put to albums sold around the world; thus increasing the chances of greater success.

Possibly, you know who Katy Perry and Taylor Swift are, they were known for their ability to communicate with other people through music. Both of them, in fact most of the music artists came from independent labels where they composed their own songs, produced their own album, but due to the abovementioned reasons, they shifted to major label.

Although, some major artists go back as independent artist, one example is Bradley Joseph, according to him being in the field of Indie music “generally offers more freedom.”

“You have to be well-rounded in both areas; business and publishing. You have to understand how to make money, keep it track of what is in demand, and helps you make the most out of your talent. But some artists just want to be involved in the music and don’t like to the added problems or have the personality to work with both,” Joseph explains.

In the end, an independent label can be successful as long as the artist has strong musical reputation.

68 The MARIAN october 2015

INDIE IN THE PHILIPPINES Amidst the big names in the music industry, some bands still produce music as independent labels perform in different gigs around the country to inspire the Filipino youth to produce their own music.

The bands known for indie music are The Squibs, Camshot, Imaginary Friends, December Avenue, Talata, and more, they were all merged in one group known as Manila Indie Band put together by Gig Philippines.

The group has one mission and that is to promote independent music, according to Gig Philippines, indie music is the mother of all music no matter what county or race it was produced and without independent music, the music that we hear today might not exist.

Music has definitely been a part of the lives of not only Filipinos, but also to everyone. It has brought about so many changes not only to an individual’s life but also to the society itself. No matter how radical changes become Indie Music would forever inspire the hearts of singer-songwriters and the common people. M

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music

The Throwback

PLAYLIST

By Precious Agnaen and Henrich Coniega

W

ell, it’s one for the money, two for the show… and three for a throwback playlist!

Music has changed through the years. From Beethoven’s classical piano composition to Michael Jackson’s groovy hits to digitally enhanced electronic beats of David Guetta, music is indeed a vivid representation of generations and became an integral part of the society.

But what is really the golden age for music?

Most of us would say the 90’s. Not only had it produced critically-acclaimed songs but also prominent vocals and bands. However, some of us would tend to say it’s the era where they grew up. So, what we’ll be giving you is something in between. Lay back and take a break from twerking as we bring you back to the days where people wear studded belts and suede shoes It is a time of upheaval in society, fashion, attitude and especially music. Before 1963, the music of the ‘60s still reflected the sound, style and beliefs of the previous decade and many of the hit records were by artists who had found mainstream success in the 50’s like Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Dion, and The Everly Brothers. In 1963 and the years that followed a number of social influences changed what popular music was and gave birth to the diversity that we experience with music today.

The 60’s! “"MY GIRL"” THE TEMPTATIONS - 1965

This song was “written with all the women in the world”. It opens with a bass line followed by the ascending drum figure. Finger snaps come in accompanied by drums and strings and then the vocal-a classical and harmonious arrangement perfect for a cozy night.

The 70’s!

Because of its jazzy beat, “Dancing Queen” came up with arguably the world’s first Euro Pop Disco Hit. According to the BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Evans, when this song was played at a Windsor Castle event, Queen Elizabeth said “I will always try to dance when this song comes on because I am the queen and I like to dance.”

"DANCING QUEEN"

"STAYIN' ALIVE"

ABBA-1976

BEE GEES-1977

This was a very important decade in music history. It was the greatest period for music, an era where rock and pop were coming out. Known as the “decade of excess,” the 80s brought a more visual experience to music. From fireworks at concerts to MTV.

THE POLICE - 1983

“"HEY JUDE"” THE BEATLES-1968

Disco was the definition of the ‘70s. Although it’s popularity was relatively short-lived, the genre hosted a great deal of songs and artists that people are still dancing today and had a large influence on the fashions of the decade, too. Progressive rock was another popular genre during this time. This type of music was typically characterized by rock music combined with another genre, such as classical or opera, to create a hybrid genre.

The 80’s "EVERY BREATH YOU TAKE"

Originally written by Paul McCarthney as “Hey Jules,” this song was meant to comfort John Lennon’s 5 year-old son Julian as his parents were getting through a divorce. This was changed to “Hey Jude” from the Oklahoma stage play character.

Although people tend to see this song in a positive light, lead singer Sting insists it’s a song of obssession, jealousy and surveillance of a lost lover. So if you’re planning to add this to your wedding playlist, think again.

The title and lyrics were very racy for a pop song, which made it more difficult to find someone to record it. Madonna had released only one album and was known as a dance singer, so her record company didn’t mind having her record a song that would generate some controversy. It became a huge hit and created a new image for Madonna that set her apart from other singers.

The song’s about much more than just dancing and having a good time. It deals with struggle and aspiration, sung by their trademark high-key-falsetto style.

The 90’s

Music in the 90’s can be simply described as diverse. Diverse meaning that music has been segregated into hundreds of groups. Hip Hop, that emerged in the era, became a way for young urban Black artists to express their musical talent.

Techno and rave, also made its way to history, as its beats go together like rock and concerts or hip hop and jams. Raves are places were dancers, DJs and dopers come together to experience the essence of techno music.

The hit song“Macarena” wasn’t exactly a feel-good dance song but according to the song’s English version, this song is about a girl named “Macarena” who cheats on her boyfriend with two friends while he’s being drafted into the army.

"LIKE A VIRGIN"

"ONE SWEET DAY"

MADONNA-1984

MARIAH CAREY-1995

"MACARENA" LOS DE RIO-1994

This song is about death and wanting to be with a loved one after they passed. The lyric “I’ll be with you that sweet day” which means “when I die I will be with you then” was originally inspired by the death of David Cole, the co-writer and co-producer of C+C Music Factory. Mariah wrote this to let everyone know the pain she was feeling.

It is essential for human beings to feel the harmony and beauty of life through music. Hence, there are lots of songs in our minds that remind us of those old days where life was simple yet full of fun. So if your song doesn’t appear on this list, you can still stream it on Youtube anytime. As we say, stop “sippin’ that dessert” and have a throwback party with your favorite throwback songs! How retro was that!

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technocrat

Adieu slow internet!

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by Bryan Christopher Wong

ejoice fellow avid internet users, because our misery may finally come to an end - thanks to Telstra!

Telstra Corporation Ltd., or popularly known as Telstra, is a telecommunications and media company in Melbourne Australia that specialized in building and operating telecom networks and markets, mobiles, internet access, pay television among others.

Dubbed as the largest telecom in Australia, it offers internet speeds reaching up to 30 megabits per seconds (mbps) in selected urban areas. In Melbourne, data transfers can reach up to 100 mbps, making it one of the fastest internet speed in the world.

August this year, the Australian telecom company confirmed that they are aiming and on-the-plans to tie up with San Miguel Corporation, one of the biggest group of companies in the Philippines. But as of the writing of this article, a date is yet to be announced when Telstra would start its formal business operations in the country.

According to Bloomberg, Telstra is willing to invest $123 million or 5.75 billion Philippine pesos. The impact of the so-called “Telstra Movement” will greatly affect the country’s telecommunication industry as it would be a contender against existing telecommunications companies.

But, despite these, existing markets aren’t bothered by their new competitor.

"We just have to deal with it when they come. It’s anticipated that San Miguel will do it whether with Telstra or another partner."

Manuel Pangilinan

Chairman of PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telecommunications)

"While the entry of another competitor into the mature Philippine telco (telecom) market is something we are closely looking at, Globe has had a long history of fighting a larger, well-resourced incumbent. We were a challenger brand for quite some time and now we have emerged a leader."

Ernest Cu

President of Globe Telecommunications

Although the leaders of Globe and PLDT may seem ready to fight off the upcoming challenger, the Filipino netizens, however, are more than excited to welcome Telstra in our country. Who can blame them? As we all know, the Filipinos’ use of online services is rapidly increasing. Services like video chatting, social networking, content sharing, gaming, and many more are demanding faster internet speed. Slow internet speed has been an issue that has been overlooked and disregarded for many years, and it’s about time this issue finally gets resolved. M 70 The MARIAN october 2015

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technocrat

by Ridge Ross De Veyra and Polaris Norton Sagabaen

M

obility. That is the key to surviving college. In order to finish your thesis due the succeeding day; or to rush your plate after weeks of procrastination and slacking off; in order to finish the layout of some pamphlet atop other projects given by your “generous” professor; and to provide an awesome report that will wow your instructor to the point that you almost become her favorite, you need to be mobile. You don’t have to be just fast, you also have to be smooth, smart, intuitive and best of all, versatile. And it’s not just you that needs to be those things, it’s not just your groupmates on your projects, or your allowance – constantly on the verge of zeroing out – but it must also be your tools. And one important tool in acing out college is your laptop – that beautiful gizmo which latched itself in your neck holding your entire academic life in its hundred-gigabyte memory.

In order to perform well in class, your laptop must perform well too. And here are some of the laptops that will surely aid you in your college life:

Toshiba Chromebook II THE GOOD. The Toshiba Chromebook 2 has an excellent 1080p screen, good Chrome OS performance and a nice feature set including a full-size SDXC card slot, fast 802.11ac wireless and great-sounding speakers.

THE BAD. Build quality, particularly the lid, feels a bit flimsy. Battery life in our benchmarks, while good, fell short of competing models.

THE BOTTOM LINE. If you’re looking for an all-around solid Chrome OS experience -- with one of the best screens we’ve seen on a Chromebook -- the Toshiba Chromebook 2 should be your starting point.

Toshiba’s first Chromebook looked good enough, but because it had a 13.3inch screen, it was bulkier than the 11.6-inch models it was competing against.

For the 2, Toshiba shaved off as much as possible so it is closer in size to those smaller-screen Chromebooks while keeping the 13.3-inch screen.

The result is more screen to work with and a more spacious keyboard to type on, but without occupying too much more room in your bag.

Microsoft Surface Pro 4 Microsoft, seamlessly changing the landscape of mobile computing. After the launch of its predecessor, Microsoft Surface Pro 3, the company returns with a newer, slimmer and feature-packed ex caliber that is the Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

THE GOOD. It sports a stunning PixelSense display, a sensitive stylus, an ample size of memory and storage, and a decent set of rear and front cameras for a laptop. In addition, the graphics does not fail what one expects from a Microsoft computer, which is to say, Surface Pro 4 stuns the market with its 6th-generation Intel HD graphics.

THE BAD. Although it has pimped its specs in comparison to its precursor, the design of the hardware still haven’t changed a bit. The screen is only 12.3-inch which makes it seem quite the mid-range laptop despite its features. Moreover, the battery only lasts for about 6 hrs. and 5 mins which, doesn’t seem much compared to its competitions in the power-hungry market.

CONCLUSION. For people who look more on the aesthetics of a laptop rather than on its functionality, one would consider Microsoft SP4 to be beautifully designed – looking high-end, refined and futuristic. On the other hand, if one chooses to look on the functionality of a computer, then SP4 would not meet the needs of a heavy user/ tech-savvy individual.

MacBook 12-Inch THE GOOD. The new 12-inch Apple MacBook is amazingly thin and light, has a premium look and feel, and is available in three colors. It offers better battery life than other laptops with Intel’s Core M processors, and performance that’s as good as or better than those models. The new USB-C port allows you to charge from an external backup battery pack.

THE BAD. Its performance and battery life falls short of the MacBook Air and Pro. The new keyboard is shallow and takes some getting used to, and sharing a single port for all accessories as well as the power cord is almost immediately frustrating.

THE BOTTOM LINE. If you can live with its limitations, the new 12-inch MacBook delivers a groundbreaking design that points the way to the next chapter of laptops.

Looking only at a spec sheet, it’s easy to see why this new MacBook might be a tough sell. The MacBook uses Intel’s new Core M processor, designed for slim, light laptops, hybrids and tablets with premium prices. It’s efficient enough that full laptops can even run fanless, allowing for quiet, cool operation. But, the Core M has disappointed in the handful of Windows systems in which we’ve already tested it, turning in sluggish performance and mediocre battery life, the latter an unforgivable flaw for computers designed to be as light and portable as possible.

Alienware 17 High-end gaming at its finest! If you want to find your gaming ex caliber that can perform as well as you believe you can, look no further with Alienware 17 – optimum gaming at your fingertips.

THE GOOD. The 2015 version of Alienware 17 features an NVidia GeForce 980M GPU on top of its 17-inch 1080p display making it perfect for you gamers and film geeks out there.

THE BAD. With powerful specs come some downfalls. The laptop packs quite a muddy audio quality and usually heats up after some time of usage.

CONCLUSION. Alienware 17 (2015) is sexy, sleek and the ultimate gaming laptop featuring a long-lasting battery, superb 1080p display and unparalleled GPU performance.

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fashion&style

Sweatshirts are flexible enough to suit any style. You could either use a plain shirt to pull that all-sweatshirt look or a polo or polo-shirt and pull up its collar to have the true gentleman feels.

This typical buttoned jacket never fails to suit anything. Pair your zip-up or buttoned jacket easily with anything underneath and that look’s a sure win-win.

Striped hoodies are always a loud statement. To be able to wear that requires utmost confidence as it hides your shirt or polo underneath. Be sure you’re comfortable and confident as you walk along the hallways.

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It’s the time of the year when the winds are blowing cold breezes. When this happens, well you might want to check your closet and rummage for your cold-days apparel – your sweaters, your cardigans and well, whatever suits your style.

Here’s a guidebook on the different “sweater” OOTDs and other alternatives that you could use when the breeze hums its colder breezes.

Your jersey jacket is always a safe field to play on. Match any inset, shirt or polo with that jersey jacket and you would easily pull of the “boy next door” look.

That “bad boy” look can easily be created by choosing the appropriate leather jacket for the occasion and pair that up with a plain black shirt for a fresh bad boy look.

Hooded sweatshirts are fun to use.

With its versatility, you could either finish it off with a polo for a finished look or just the hooded sweatshirt for a sporty look.

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Knitted crop tops are something to watch out for. Match that top with a white inset as it pulls off a clean easy-go-lucky look.

Models: Dennis Nathan Requilman, BSTM3 and Gillian Katherine de Mesa, BSA Hair and Make-up by: Marc Bernard San Juan, BSED-Physics4

fashion&style

Remember that the cardigan is a piece itself. Pair your cardigan with a plain block colored shirt plus matching black pants.

Just make sure your coloring blocking isn’t off.

Pull-up your knitted sweatshirt sleeves up to your shoulder to perfect that breezy look.

The simplicity of it helps you to easily pair it with any pants or skirts, just be mindful about your color schemes.

Hoodies are versatile as it fully hides your chosen inset. You can wear your hoodie without any inset, just make sure that it looks modest.

To pull of that “girl next door” look, just take out your zip-up jacket and strut your style with it. Be mindful of color blocking, as you can look drab in the wrong colors.

It may not look like your typical sweater OOTD, but wearing a proud statement stripe shirt would surely serve its purpose in keeping you warm and drawing second looks from the people around.

After all these, it’s still up to you on how you’ll pull your Instagram-worthy OOTD, just make sure that you’ll wear those with confidence and set to conquer the fashion world. M october 2015 The MARIAN 73

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lifestyle

The Filipino Test of True Street Cuisine

by Mary Joy Agbanlog, Stacy Nicole Ortiguero and Gliaczy Gapuz

F

ilipinos are well known for making and preparing varieties of food which for other people are not edible anymore. According to them: “walang nasasayang na parte ng hayop sa isang gutom na pinoy”. From head to foot, inside and out, Filipinos will always find a way to prepare a dish out of these parts [Chicken feet (adidas), chicken intestine (Isaw), pork blood (betamax)] and many more beyond the imagination of a resourceful Filipino cook.

These foods are found usually on every corner of the streets of schools, churches, parks and many more. Eating street foods in the Philippines is very amusing not only to Filipinos but also to foreigners because of their unique taste and experience. Aside from their taste, they can also provide health benefits which make people happy but make sure that they’re safe or you could suffer the perils of an upset stomach.

I’m sure you know what I’m talking about or else you’re not yet a fully realized citizen of this country

1. The Cues

6. Boses ang puhunan. This is not the voice.

2. Balls are food too.

7. An old fashioned shake.

Known as substitutes to rice, banana and camote were made a merienda with a twist with its caramelized brown sugar coat. They are popular for being skewered in a bamboo stick, deep fried in oil.

These are popularly known as banana and camote cue.

Balls are not just for sports because everywhere you can see push carts and stalls selling fish, squid and chicken balls. Fish balls are made of finely pulverized cuttlefish, deep friend until golden brown and dipped with a sweet or spicy sauce, at your option.

3. Egg invasion.

KwekKwek and Tokneneng are of a different kind. The former is a coated hard boiled quail eggs in an orange batter while the latter is a chicken or duck coated eggs. They are deep fried until crisp. Just like fish balls, they can be easily seen in the streets.

4. The fighter food

It’s not kicking, it’s a kikiam, a Chinese food made of ground pork spiced with vegetables and wrapped in bean curd sheets. Like the others, it is fried and dipped in a sweet or spicy sauce.

5. Rings in the mouth.

If there’s a ring, there must be an “I do.” But for this time, the ring is for food and it is a squid breaded with spiced flour, fried and paired with a sweet and spicy vinegar combi. Thi is not just an ordinary food but also a ‘pulutan’ among Filipinos, too. This is calamares.

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Rarely can you find a taho vendor not shouting for its product.

It is a must. Taho, a bean curd made of soft silken tofu became one of the considered best protein food for its arnibal or liquefied sugar topped with sago or tapioca pearls.

Without the use of blender, the shaved or crushed ice flavoured with sugar and artificial colors, were topped with milk powder and chocolate syrup is one of the favorites of Filipinos, especially the kids.

8. Nuts for the brain.

This time, peanuts are not for the brain, but for the mouth first. There are varieties you can choose from. There are boiled, raw, skinless, spicy peanuts, cashew nuts, castanas or chestnuts. It’s up to you to choose.

9. They are not all barbecue (grilled foods).

Barbecue, as many call all the grilled foods including isaw, adidas or chicken feet, or dried chicken or pork blood, ulo ng manok or helmet or chicken head, puwet ng manok or chicken ass, balat ng baboy or barbecue pig skin, tenga ng baboy or grilled pig ears, leeg ng manok or grilled chicken neck, balun-balunan or grilled chicken gizzards, atay ng manok or grilled chicken liver, butse or deep fried crop of chicken.

10. The nocturnal food.

At night, this is the famous food for the nocturnal people, for the drunkards, too. Balut are hard boiled 3 week old duck egg. The looks of it is not quite good since the nearly formed embryo can be seen. However, balut are very high in protein and aphrodisiac.

Proper way of eating balut is to suck the amniotic fluid before peeling it off.

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NUEVA VIZCAYA A Gastronomic Tradition

by Ma. Veronica Ortiz

Citrus

is also known as the Nueva Vizcaya’s golden harvest that is why the province is dubbed as the “Citrus Capital of the Philippines.” Citrus production is mostly found in the highlands of Kasibu, a municipality favored with climate and soil ideal for citrus cultivation. Around Vizcaya, stalls are scattered in streets with vendors selling citrus fruits like oranges, honey dew, sweet ponkan, yacon, red chandler pomelo and seedless Satsuma.

Tupig

is made of glutinous rice known as “diket.” Sugar and the milled diket is flavored with semi-pulverized peanuts and corn or any desired flavor. It is usually wrapped in banana or coconut leaves then grilled for at least five minutes. A kilo of flavored diket can produce 100 pieces of tupig, one of the Ilocanos favorite delicacies. Although best eaten when hot, it can be stored up to three days in room temperature.

Tilapia

is an African freshwater fish that has been widely introduced to many areas for food. Vizcayanos prefer tilapia to be directly cooked over the grill with scales, as it prevents the fish from sticking to the grill. Government projects such as provision of fast-growing species, accreditation of private hatcheries to ensure supply of quality fingerlings, establishment of demonstration farms, providing free fingerlings to newly constructed fishponds and dissemination of tilapia to Diadi, Nueva Vizcaya helped the growth of tilapia production in the province.

Diket

or glutinous rice is an ingredient in making its by-products namely biko, bibingka, inangit, tupig, kalamay, tinudok, etc. Farmers plant this glutinous rice served to guests during special occasions.

Examples of diket products are: •Biko - a Filipino rice cake made from sticky rice, coconut milk and brown sugar. It is referred as “kakanin” and is often eaten as a dessert or meryenda.

•Bibingka - made from galapong (milled glutinous rice), coconut milk, margarine and sugar. It is traditionally prepared during dawn masses on Christmas season.

•Inangit - made from glutinous rice and can be wrapped or served in a platter-line with banana leaves topped with sliced ripe mango, sweet beans or coconut sport.

•Kalamay - made from glutinous rice, muscovado sugar and coconut cream. Served during holidays or special occasions, eaten for breakfast with a cup of coffee on the side. Latik, a residue of coconut milk, is sprinkled on top of the kalamay for a better taste.

Buko or coconut is a fruit of the coconut palm whose outer fibrous

husk yields fiber and whose nut contains thick edible meat and coconut milk. Buko has many health benefits in which includes improvement of the cardiovascular health, antioxidant which means it helps cleanse our system and it also reduces our craving for sweets and improves insulin secretion and utilization of blood glucose.

With the various kinds of food and cuisine, Nueva Vizcaya proves to be an epitome of “the new paradise,” as the name of the province translates. A paradise endowed with resources properly consumed by its people and a paradise that is continuously enriched for the benefit of many.

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Sources: http://www.panlasangpinoy.com | http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nueva_Vizcaya | http://www.tourism.gov.ph | http://www.pinoyadventurista.com | http://www.itsmorefuninthephilippnes.com Dailymail.co.uk | Photos from the Internet

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early eight hours form the capital of the 7,107-island archipelago, blessed with natural resources, laden with culture and tradition, considered as the “Gateway to Northern Luzon,” the province of Nueva Vizcaya is a true paradigm of paradise.

As it lies in the heights of mountain ranges, it is renowned with its breath-taking sceneries and extraordinary experiences on the different parts of the province. To complete the escapade, one should not miss the mouth-watering delicacies, food and cuisines of the Viscayanos.

Let’s a take a glimpse on their rich and well-known food varieties.

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HANGOUT

SPOTS 101

by Yumiko Angelius Yoshiy and Neome Czarina Valite | Photos by Kym Rombert Quezon

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or nearly ten months every year, a student must face the odds of battling out academically – pushing pens to write down and memorize schemes to cracking their brains with much academic theories. But those ten months don’t have to be really stressful. Take a break, sip some juice and relax a little.

No this isn’t a review of who’s the best or what not, but this is a guidebook where you can hang out with your friends and create a universe of your own alongside good food and good company, or just by yourself where you can get to really think of your future plans or even how the universe started.

FAMOUS BELGIAN WAFFLES Well, it could be from Belgium or not, but it is surely inspired from the famous Belgian waffle recipe. As their motto goes, “The Original Waffle Sandwich,” you are offered to select your very own sweet or savory filling for your waffle sandwich. Pair your waffle with their signature Malaysian coffee or hot chocolate brew.

BRGR.CO

They surely have the biggest burger in town, measuring up to six inches. Aside from the burger storm, they also serve different finger foods such as onion rings, French fries and an array of sandwiches.

If you don’t have the appetite for any of these, well, they also serve pasta of different sauces.

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RICANITA'S

Ice Cream Shop and Cafe

Located in Solano near the St. Louis Beltran Parish Church, this hangout spot is a perfect getaway from the stress of academic life. Aside from the staple ice cream variants and coffee and hot beverages selection, they also offer Filipino rice meals and other treats like frappes, cakes and other pastries.

FRAPPE DISTRICT It seemed like frappes became a trend this year and this hangout spot surely bit into the trend. From a miscellany of ice-blends to a medley of homemade concoctions to gulp down, your caffeine cravings would surely be satisfied. Pair your chosen ice-blends with homemade pastries or handmade burgers.

INFINITEA

Sorry to say that they don’t have an infinite selection of tea-based drinks, but they surely have a wide of drinks to suit your taste, and of-course, all are tea-based. Aside from the beverage selection, they also offer different treats and rice meals. Well, you could just bond with your friends over a tall glass of frappe or you could chow down over for lunch.

NACHO KING We’ll take you to Mexico with this corn treat topped with a variety of toppings or so, cheesy or not or whatever is available, it’s your choice. Let the cheese dripping start and take over. Share some with your friends and attack a jumbo-sized tray full of cheesy goodness.

Well, it’s up to you know, where you will satisfy your cravings for good food and good company.

Just take note to make each moment memorable while hanging out. Call your friends on your next trip to any of these hangout spots and start creating your own universe. Happy eating! M october 2015 The MARIAN 77

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LIFE

in greater

RETROSPECT

by Michael Guina-at

Looking at different races and attitudes, different perspective towards life is developed within them. As they say, as an individual grows, he unknowingly learns to view life at different angles.

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very person has its own approach towards life. Some would say that LIFE is….

An indefinite journey

Some consider that life is a long journey with an indefinite end. They believe that it is a battle to survive in the modern world we are living today. They also say that this journey entails a lot of positive attitudes to conquer whatever hindrances that keeps them from continuing.

It’s on them to choose whether they’ll use a horse to reach the end of their travel or they’ll stand alone and walk bravely.

It is on them if they will always depend on others to get what they want or they will do it themselves. In this journey alone, people will encounter others of different spectrum.

There are those who’ll come to test them and there are those who’ll come to help.

It is undeniable that in this journey of life, some could not already carry the burden within them. In result, some take their own lives and some just quit and live hopelessly.

Others, because of this burdens, often find themselves crying in the corner of their room and often find themselves feeling like nothing good is left .Sometimes, people believe that when they reach success, their journey ends there. But it doesn’t. In every success lies another success

that needs to be attained. That is why life is called “a never ending journey.”

A Race

Looking at what life is today, it could be said that it is just like a race. A race in which people will try everything just to win: a race to become the best and a race to become famous. It is usually a contest between the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak, and between the powerful and the not.

This race requires an individual to be alert and smart in order to win. If an individual fails to have this, it is hard for him to top himself in the society. As they say, everyone can rise in their own circumstances if they are dedicated and passionate on what they want.

To race with others is not wrong.

It is just an implication that life is meaningless if everyone does not combat to survive and reach their own dreams. Always remember that no matter how hard the race is, a goal attained honestly is the best.

Just like writing with a Pen

Others believe that life is just like writing with a pen: that when you commit an error, you can’t erase it but can continue to write another paragraph or sentence.

Sometimes, we try to erase it but it turns out to be worst than before.

Like life, its process is not perfect.

Everything that people do is written and remains unchanged.

Every time, we commit mistakes both consciously and unconsciously. There are times when we thought it is alright but it’s not and there are times.

People do things in their own way.

They do what they want without realizing what comes next. They do things that they would regret afterwards. With the state of life today, only few live their lives in a decent way. Some succumb to vices such as gambling, while some to crimes and so on. After realizing these wrong ways of living, some would try to erase everything in their past. Although they couldn’t do anything to that has already happened, they keep in their minds that the past is a learning experience. Like the ball pen, it’s hard to erase when it is written but can be replaced by a new paragraph where new stories are made.

Blowing Wind

While others believe that life is a journey or what, some keep in mind that life must go on as the wind blows .They say that in order for you to continue living, you shall follow wherever the wind will take you. Sometimes this calls the word “diskarte.” If you have this according, you’ll

probably live without enduring pain and hardship. You’ll also learn more ways and means to survive in the battle of life.

If there is joy, go with it; if there is sorrow, put yourself unto it; and if there is pain, endure it. People who view life in this way believe that happenings in life are like the wind when it passes by: it hardly comes back. So when there is something to enjoy, enjoy. Bite all the opportunities while you can for who knows what will happen afterwards.

Life is just the wind that teaches everyone to go with the flow.

Like the katakataka leaf

A katakataka leaf is just only one, yet when you plant it, it multiplies in number.

That one leaf could produce many roots. Like life, our life is only one but its purpose is otherwise. Our life could produce a hundredfold of generation. And our life, despite it is one can achieve a lot of success. It depends on the person on how he will make his life fruitful and worth living.There are a lot of things to discover, to learn and experience if we are not only afraid to come out from our shelves.

To live is not just to live. Life is full of flavor that you have to shake it well to turn those ingredients for the best taste of your life. This include the sweet and sour moments and to the worst, sometimes bitter. Life also does not give what you want. Instead it gives you what you need to teach you, to hurt you, to love you, and to make you exactly the way you should be. M 78 The MARIAN october 2015

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Faith, Uniformity in Diversity

by Kruzyl Cayusa and Kimberly Atitiw

Hindus acknowledge multitudes of gods and goddesses.

Buddhists say there is no deity.

New Age followers believe they are God. Muslims believe in a powerful but unknowable God. Christians believe in a God who is loving and approachable.

“ The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”

“

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iverse religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, New Age and those following Jesus Christ are each quite unique. And of these one confirms that there is a personal, loving God who can be known in this life. Jesus Christ spoke of a God who welcomes into a relationship with him and comes along side as a comforter and mighty God who loves and cares.

In Buddhism, it is a single journey at being free from aspiration. In Hinduism, a person is on their own attempting to achieve freedom from karma. In Islam, the individual follows religious laws for the sake of heaven after death. And in New Age, the individual is working at their particular divinity. In Jesus’ teaching, you see a personal relationship with a personal God, a relationship that passes over into the next life.

Numerous religions place an individual on their own, striving for spiritual perfection. But no matter how wise, no matter how gifted, no matter how influential other prophets, gurus, ministers, and teachers might be, they had the presence of mind to know that they were imperfect just like the rest.

Jesus Christ, however, never referred to any personal sin. Instead, Jesus has forgiven people of their sin.

All are aware of their faults, the areas of their lives that may cause others to think less, areas that would make them wish were not there but perhaps it’s an obsession, a mood, impurity, hateful annotations. God loves everyone but hates sin, and he has said that the consequence for sin is separation from knowing him. But God provided a way to be forgiven and know him. Jesus, the Son of God, God in human form, took all the sins on himself, suffered on a cross, and willingly died for the sake of mankind.

God is offering a complete forgiveness

because of Jesus’ death for manhood. This means forgiveness for all the sins of the past, present and future.

Through Christ, God offers a real freedom from sin and guilt. He does not leave a person’s failures on their shoulders, with a dim of hope of becoming an improved person tomorrow.

In Jesus Christ, God reached toward humanity, providing a way to know him. “For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) Many religions focus on a person’s spiritual efforts. With Jesus Christ, it’s a twoway interaction between you and God. He welcomes a person to go to him. “ The Lord is near to all who call upon him, to all who call upon him in truth.”

You can communicate with God, who will answer your prayer, give you greater peace and joy, provide direction, show you his love, and transform your life. But it will not mean that life will become perfect and free of problems.

But it means that in the midst of life, you can relate to God who is willing to be involved in your life and faithful in his love.

This is not a commitment to a method of self-improvement like the Eight Fold Path or the Five Pillars, or meditation, or good works or even the Ten Commandments. These seem clear, well-defined, easy-to-follow paths for spirituality but they become an oppressive attempt for perfection, and connection with God is still distant.

Many today think that faith is antiintellectual. That there is reason on one side and faith on the other. This, too, is a very great misunderstanding of what faith really is. So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. It is not mere emotion. Faith with an ever powerful someone like God or Allah is always arguable but it wouldn’t be faith if we won’t try to believe. M october 2015 The MARIAN 79

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sports

EDITORIAL

Under the name of this university are the athletes striving hard for glory in the field of sports. Sacrificing their tremendous efforts and precious time just so they could be rounded up into competitive athletes. They train under the scorching heat of the sun and even in the chilling coldness of the rain, to be better and to play better. The goal: aim for the shiny gold medals not only for themselves but especially for the name of this institution.

We are aware that different organizations exist for the different aspects of interests that the students of this institutions

PRESENT ABSENCE

are inclined to. Our graceful dancers have their Dance Troupe, our talented singers have their Chorale Society, our amusing artists have their Artist’s Circle, and our hardworking athletes? None.

The university is undoubtedly compliment-worthy with all projects it has accomplished and is currently doing. Buildings, a new operating gate security system and it would be out of breath if it’ll mention it all.

But, with all this, we can’t even see a Sports Club come to reality. Is it important? Well, given that we have athletes burning with passion to be effective in their games; shouldn’t we give them the privilege to have their own organization? To empower

BAGONG ULAM

Habang tinatakam naming magkakaibigan ang pananghaliang half cook na chopsuey, may chika akong narinig sa kabilang table, “Wala raw bagong teams sa University-Week, ‘nu ba yan” Bigla 80 The MARIAN october 2015

namang sumagot ang kaibigan ko, “Ok, nothing’s new.” Wow, dumugo ilong ko. Hindi dahil sa walang team-up sa U-Week sa isang kutsarang ingles na kaibigan ko.

Hindi naman sa nangingialam na kami ng mga kaibigan ko,

them and to motivate them to merge and come together to build a more powerful club of athletes.

How hard is it to materialize a club? To design a structure, is it really that difficult to make an organized departmental sports club? On this subject, we should have the drive to stir us into making this long wanted club possible. Are we lacking this drive?

Athletes neglecting the possibilities of broken bones and body pain, with much endurance and perseverance.

Are they underrated? Don’t you think it is about time to make the provision of a club to recognize their deeds come to reality?

For some, it might seem that a club is nothing but a title for a group of certain people, they must realize the importance of such. For them, it might be insignificant, but to the people concerned, it might be a big deal for them to have a clear representation of themselves being athletes.

Can this be the cue to finally brainstorm and ponder on the construction of a sports club?

Or should we just let it go and be contented in its absence? This is yet to be answered, by whom?

The Almighty and ever-powerful, we shall forever guess. M

pero mag-aapat na taon na kami sa unibersidad na ito pero wala na namang bago sa ika-apat na U-week namin. Baka siguro hindi kami nakikisali sa mga laro, kasi nakakatakot namang mapahiya sa harap ng maraming tao ‘pag nagkamali, kasi hindi naman kami sanay na ganun. Tyaka, kahit ilang beses na kaming nakitry-out para ibandera ang school namin, wala pa rin, yung mga mas may experience pa rin ang pinipili. Twelve lang ang napili sa try-out, pang-13 ako, praktis naman ako ng praktis, ‘nay, bakit?

Baka rin siguro hinihintay lang namin ang time para lumabas, tuwing lunch break, kasi mahirap na ma-absent sa attendance,

masa-sanction ka pa. Hamon din yung maghahanap kami ng room makapaglaro lang ng computer games, mahirap na kasi ma-OP sa U-Week, lahat sila nag-eenjoy, ikaw, nganga. Mahirap din pag U-Week ‘no, biruin mo, hilera ng pagkain, ‘di mo alam pipiliin mo, ang hirap pumili, kaya para hindi na mahirapan, ‘wag ka na lang bumili.

Oo nga pala, minsan sumali na rin ‘yung kaibigan ko ng isang event. Pagkatapos ng kanilang regu, wala pa rin ‘yung meryenda, yun pala, yung maghahatid dapat, nakinood sa movie marathon ng kanilang department, kaya ayun, kinailangang pumunta sila sa continue to page 81

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“Experience, not winning that counts,”-Navalta

by Reynaldo Coloma Jr.

Urged to be the winners of three sports events, Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines Meet, Congregatio Immaculati Cordis Mariae Meet, and Private Schools Athletic Association Meet, the SMU varsity team rigidly conducts training but Sports Coordinator, Ronda Navalta insisted that “it’s not winning that counts”.

“Mostly naman it’s not the winning that count most, but the experience of the athlete, kasi kung natalo man sila ngayon, at least natuto sila para next time, alam na nila at mag-iimprove pa, pero habang nagpapractice sila, we hope pa rin na manalo sila,” Navalta said.

The sports coordinator also said that SMU’s biggest strength is on individual categories like racket events and they also find hard time to practice for team games.

“Mostly racket games tayo nananalo, sa mga team games kasi, iba-iba yung nanalo, du’n mo talaga makikita na bilog ang bola, tyaka sa mga team games, mahirap mag-practice kasi you don’t have common time, tuwing Wednesdays and Saturdays afternoon lang sila nakaka-practice, unlike sa individual, kahit mag-isa mo lang mag-practice pwede,” Navalta said.

Navalta also added that the teams are concentrated on the different areas of training like endurance and flexibility.

Filipinas stand out in int’l ice skating tilt

by Ron Cutillon and Mary Joy Agbanlog

Gliding across foreign ice lands, the Philippine Figure Ice Skating Team outshone all others and brought home the gold in the 2015 Asian Junior Figure Skating Challenge (AJFSC) at the Festival Walk, Glacies, Hong Kong, Oct. 5-7.

Six of the 21 Filipino delegates won gold medals, namely: Amanda Sophie Hernandez (Music Juvenile), Emee Marjorie Dy (Basic Junior Ladies), Kate Orrock and Ann Cathryn Lagemann (Basic PreNovice Girls), and Charmaine Skye Chua and Diane Gabrielle Panlilio (Basic Novice Subgroup A Girls).

Meanwhile, Aiko Shibata (Basic Novice A), and Hannah Solomon (Basic Novice B) earned silver medals while Felicity Eco and Cacai Eid (Basic Pre Novice), Alexa

Gonzaga (Basic Novice A), Johanna Tecson and Sofia Nagrampa (Basic Novice B), and Misha Fabian (Basic Junior) grabbed the bronze.

Other figure skaters from all over the country mainly from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, and Thailand also joined the competition.

The said annual tilt is one of the events of the Philippine National Figure Ice Skating Team and is to be followed by the Philippine National Finals in November in preparation for the 2017 SEA Games at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The AJFSC was hosted by the Hong Kong Skating Union and was allowed by the Asian Skating Union.

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“Concentrated sila sa ibang areas ng training nila, yung iba nasa endurance na, yung iba nasa flexibility na sila, yung iba naman nagsusustain na lang,” Navalta said.

Though the team was not able to defend the championship title in the CEAP Meet, Navalta still see the persistence of the Marian athletes.

“Kasi nakikita ko naman yung persistence and nakikita ko yung discipline nila sa training,” Navalta said.

Navalta also said that the ranking in the previous CICM Meet, basing on the tally, SMU landed second.

“Hindi na-release yung result

pero kung pagbabasehan yung tally, second tayo,” Navalta said.

Navalta also expressed the possibilities of the next CEAP meet to be held at SMU but the tentative schedule was not yet announced.

“From this time on, we haven’t meet for sports for CEAP pero if meron, probably dito sa SMU,” Navalta said.

Meanwhile, CICM Meet is scheduled on February 11-14 and RPRISAA will be on March 4-6.

Further, Navalta also shared that taekwando will be returned as one of the events of the upcoming University Week.

Bagong... building nila na nagdi-distribute ng pagkain sa kabila ng layo at pagod nila. Kaya lugi rin minsan.

Baka rin siguro walang bago kasi kuntento na kaming humiyawhiyaw para sa players namin at sa mga performing groups namin. Aba, mahirap kaya mapaos, sakripisyo ‘yun brad, para sa ika-uunlad ng team niyo. Sabay hawak ng mga banner o di kaya letra ng initials ng schools niyo, kantyaw sa kabilang grupo.

Siguro, mas nakakadala rin yung hiyaw ng ibang tao na nanonood sa ibang sports kahit na ‘yung pinapanood mo e interesting para sa’yo, tuloy, natulak ka ng ibang tao, imbes na checkmate na yung pinapanood mo, 3-points ang narinig ng dalawang mata mo. O ‘di ba?

Tyaka meron din minsan, inaannounce na ‘yung overall champion pero ‘yung inaabangan naming beach volleyball, hindi

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pa tapos. Tapos pinapatigil kasi wala na raw bearing. Wow. Wow talaga. Akala ko ba time namin ‘to para mawala naman ang stress sa school(kahit kunwari stressed), e hindi naman pala, hanggang dito, pataasan pa rin.

O baka naman kill joy lang talaga ako sa mga pwedeng panoorin na gaya ng sinasabi nilang enjoy?

Hindi kaya wala talagang bago? O baka hindi ko lang tinitignan ang bago? O baka naman hinihintay ko palagi ang highlights ng Week?

-----------------------My dear friends, walang bago hangga’t nananatili tayo sa ating kinasanayan. Napakaraming naihanda para sa Week na ito, hindi lang natin ito nakikita at tinitingnan.

Kung meron man, baka patak-patak lang. M

VICTORY:

WILL IT BE YOURS? University Week 2015 12.8-11.2015

october 2015 The MARIAN 81

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The FUN in the VB Fam

by Gwenn Edphine Naui

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laying a sport with an aim to enjoy, to train, or to win will always bring people together and will continue to give joy to a player's heart. But to treat your teammates as your family is deeper.

In grade school and high school, every student had the opportunity to enjoy street games and explore athletic events.

Academics, those times wasn’t as demanding as it is now in college.

A few years back, it will not hurt your grades to stay late in school for a two-hour training with your high school’s basketball team. However, things change and it’s not that way in college anymore. But the thing is, despite college’s demand for time and focus, many can’t resist the alluring of the empty courts around the campus. And these athletes at heart give in and play.

It all started when a class of Civil Engineering students were enrolled in PE 4 on 2013. Some of them enjoyed playing before and after the PE class, wherein they met players from School of Arts and Sciences and School of Business.

The group expanded when a class of Electrical Engineering played in the court. There were 13 of them, six each team and one referee. They were amazed when one of the varsity players, Dominic Villanueva, now the captain of School of Engineering and Architecture Team, played in the court. Then, the group grew bigger when even the spectators became referees, lineman, and other officials of the game. They were 82 The MARIAN october 2015

from School of Accountancy, School of Education, and School of Public Administration and Governance.

Until they come up with an idea that they should name their group as VB Fam (Volleyball Family), because for them, they are more than a team.

These people gave in to the call of the courts every day playing in the volleyball courts within the mini forest wearing their university uniforms and black leather shoes in the middle of the school hours.

But the truth is, half of them are not even players of the sport they are playing- this is their pass time.

Benedict Agudong, BSCE 4, is one of the many regulars of the volleyball courts of the university.

He said that playing volleyball is just a hobby. He developed because of the influence of his friends. Everyday, Agudong and his friends appear in the volleyball courts to play that served as a bonding instrument for their clique. When asked if he or his friends know their playmates, he said they don’t. In fact, he said that this pass time of theirs became an avenue to forming new friendship.

“The other people [with us on court] are acquaintances but some are people that my friends just invited to play with us and eventually, I get to know these people too,” Agudong added.

The other half of the people we watch everyday on court, the actual athletes, on the other hand, take these opportunities to become more in tuned with the sport and to witness skills that will help them in the actual game. While others play for bonding and friendship, these athletes play for passion and happiness.

Valiant Earth spiker, Maridel Flores, BSED 2, expressed her joy in playing in the volleyball courts, especially when you meet new faces to play with, then in an instant you gain new friends. Flores also said that playing inside courts with unfamiliar people you need sensibility and responsibility.

“When you’re playing [with the random people on court], you need to know how to pick up the ball. You don’t just play and play.” Flores said.

Flores also mentioned how playing the sport you love in the middle of hectic school hours relieves stress and removes fats, as she jokingly added. Despite this, Agudong beforehand, mentioned that regular visitors of the courts like them, manage time between making school works and running with a flying volleyball just fine because they know their priorities.

One of the highlights of their day is their daily mini-tournament.

Whoever their teammates are, the group usually agrees in a game to have a prize whoever wins, and that prize is, the loser will treat the winners after the game. And sometimes, this mini-tournament is one set for against six. It’s Villanueva or “Kuya Bato” as they call him, against whoever the six will be. a\ According to them, most of the time, “Kuya Bato” wins.

At the end of the day, this group have the same feeling that they miss when they go home.

“Yung bonding ng bawat isa, yung kamustahan, sabay kumain, sharing ng thoughts, at siyempre yung tawanan “pag naglalaro,” Ian Rivera shared.

The courts of the university are kept alive by the people who can’t keep their desire to play the sport they enjoy silently. They may be athletes, athlete-wannabees or maybe mere passersby, they can’t help but play. Sports, without a doubt, brings people and passion together, whether in an official match or in a friendly game. These people chose the healthy way of occupying their vacant periods by being with friends, meeting new people, improving skills and simply just being one with their passion, joy, sports, and their second family.

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Twisted Sports

by Reynaldo Coloma Jr. and Stacey Lee Nicole Ortiguero

P

layers always want challenges especially when their opponent is considered a dark horse. But what if a sport will be twisted, will they take the challenge? Here are some of the twisted sports in the world, and, some already took the challenge.

UNDERWATER

HOCKEY We’ve heard of hockey on ice, but have you heard about hockey under water? Certainly, you would say it is something crazy but believe me when I tell you that this sport really exist.

With the added thrill that the players might get drowned under water, Under water hockey is a lot similar to ice hockey. The distinction is that the players use wooden or plastic sticks about the size of a banana to push around a metal puck around the floor of a pool.

WOOD

CHOPPING

No, this isn’t the overly tiring chore this time, for now it is a sport. Yes a sport. There is a lot more to timber events.

The great outdoor games turns lumberjacks into amazingly competitive athletes. From log rolling to tree topping to the hot saw and more, the playing teams are to exhaust efforts to win the game. Some of its activities are speed climbing, logrolling and wood chopping.

Source: http://news.discovery.com/adventure/extremesports/slideshow-extremely-unusual-sports.htm

STREET

LUGE Similar to Jackie Chan’s movie in 2012, Chinese Zodiac, street luge is a sport that combines the safety concerns of the luge with the gentleness of pavement. Participants lie on what is essentially an enlarged skateboard designed to hold the human frame. Gravity does the rest of the work.

DOG DANCING

Who would think that this entertainment would eventually become a sport? Dog dancing may be more of an art than sport. However, you classify what could be one of the surest signs yet of the apocalypse, dog dancing, also known as canine freestyle, combines coaching, dancing and the discipline.

Although it may seem like an amateur pastime, dog dancing is actually a competitive sport with contests held in the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and other countries with pet owners who have too much time on their hands.

BUZKASHI

Played on horseback, the traditional Central Asian sport known as buzkashi may seem to be a lot similar to the sport polo.

But instead of playing with the typical wooden mallets and a ball, participants use the carcass of a cow or goat. Yes, carcass of animals.

Each team consists of 10 players, five of which are in play at any time in the game. Players will score by dragging a carcass across the opposing team’s goal line. The players often play rough when competing against one another.

Well, dead animals as objects of the game is a reasonable cause why.

These games maybe new for us, but the fun behind this makes these sports exciting, excluding the risks.

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TEACHER THE VARSITY THE Clarissa Sulio BS Business Administration-Financial Management 3 Baseball “You can learn little from victory. You can learn everything from defeat.” – De Vera A product of San Francisco High School, Lamut, Ifugao, he started out playing with a yellow tennis ball, pitching it up to the sky and catching it like a softball.

He, by then, dreamed of being in a baseball team. He aimed to be the best. Out of excitement, he joined the SMU Baseball team, not to impress but to express.

Pursuing his goal, he pushed through, wanting to play and enjoy his college life.

Being a 3rd year

Financial Management student, De Vera faces so many struggles.

He’s neither Captain America nor Captain Barbell but he fights with all his might. People see him as an ordinary student but his teammates see him as a heat; a fastball soaring into the sky with fast velocity.

In their team, he functions as a fielder and he practices on Wednesdays and Saturdays with the team. He encourages young athletes to play on for seeing them play inspires him in every game. De Vera said that punctuality is another key to being a better player.

THE WANNABE Nayomi Ciara Bedey BS Accountancy 2 Volleyball

She is not an ordinary haymaker. She aims to be the ace who can give honor to her school. She dreams of being an official member of the SMU Volleyball team.

Never backing down, she wants it badly and she is never giving up.

Despite being a transferee from Saint Louis University - Baguio, Bedey manages to engage into sports and acquaint herself with the Marian community.

84 The MARIAN october 2015

She decided to sign up for the tryouts not only for the School of Accountancy Volleyball Team but also for the SMU Volleyball Team.

At present, Bedey is undergoing trainings to pass the recruitment process. Applying all the skills and tactics that she had learned while in high school, she believes that she can and she will. No matter how hard it would be, it will never back her down. Playing it out is her goal for now.

BEED-MAPEH 2 Table Tennis

“Follow your spin in your life to know what to do when the returning comes.”

At a young age, she involved herself in the world of sports as a badminton player in fifth grade and a beginner in table tennis during her senior year in high school.

In being a topnotch paddler, it all started when she was at the Gym lobby

passion on hand, she reaped the title in the two Catholic Education Association of the Philippines (CEAP) Sports Meet and the CICM Meet in the doubles category with Jericca Faith Miguel.

She also joined Regional Private Schools Athletic Association twice, but she was

“ Follow your spin in

your life to know what to do when the returning comes. watching the best paddlers of her time and in that instant, she decided that she wanted to be one of them. She loves this sport because she finds comfort in it and considered it as the destined sport for her lifetime aside from being an educator in the future.

At some point she wanted to give up because of the strength of her opponents later, but she was able to overcome the fear by trusting herself and her partner.

With hardwork and

“

Victoriano de Vera

chosen to have a spot for nationals, fighting for Singles B. But in her third try, she won in Singles B and became a representative for nationals with Miguel as her partner.

As a teacher and an athlete, she would like to give wisdom to those who also crave to be on top, giving the statement— ‘Workout on what you want and just do it with all your heart.”

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MORE THAN JUST AN

ATHLETE

by Ron Cutillon, Reynaldo Coloma and

Muscular. Tall. Perfectly fit. It is more than their bodily physique. What lies within are the commanding skills, burning passion and ferocity, the eagerness to conquest.

Triumph doesn’t necessarily mean going for gold, but the vitality towards victory.

But what exactly are athletes made of?

Take a look and never dare to underestimate.

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CUPtain’s half-time

Break

by Jimboy Manitchala

It cannot be denied that almost sports can cause unexpected accidents, and over the years, there are many different stories of athletes who got injured. Some of them take only an hour or a minute to continue their careers, some took years but sadly, there are some unfortunate players who are not able to do their loved sports anymore.

This story is not far behind with our Marian athletes. As the Intramurals and the Regional Private School Athletics Association Meet (RPRISAA) approaches, one of the well-known athletes in our campus shares the same story after having a serious injury causing not to play for this year.

Continuing his basketball career, Callejo was able to garner several medals after SoEA Basketball Team winning for consecutive championships under SoEA during Intramurals. He was also a two-time MVP in 2013 and 2014.

THE JUMP BALL

It was on the last week of August when the Villaverde Inter-Baranggay Basketball Championship was held. Brgy.

Ibung and Brgy. Bintawan Norte fights in the game. Callejo was in the side of Brgy. Ibung.

It’s only about two minutes before the last quarter finish when the trial on his basketball career came.

He executed a lay-up and as he jumps back to the ground, he stepped someone’s feet and that causes his feet a twisting. During that time, he thought that it was just a simple sprain but unknowingly, it was a crack on his bones.

“Nag-aim ako ng lay-up, [at nang] pagbagsak ko, nakaapak ako ng paa, at iyon ang nag-cause ng twisting. In that moment, hindi na nagmove pa iyong paa ko, iyong body [ko] nalang ang nag-turn.

Tapos ang akala ko sprain lang, may crack na pala” He got little disappointed after

With the inspiration from his family, Michael Callejo learned to play basketball when he was in Grade 1. His passion and love for this sport eventually grow that made him the content of the different leagues or games in the school and even outside the school.

“Grade 1 palang ako ng matututo akong mag-basketball.

Thanks to my titos, pinsans and kuya’s in basketball” he said.

As he enters into his college years, he joined the School of Engineering and Architecture Basketball Team during his freshman years but unfortunately he didn’t make it the tryouts. And year after through his remarkable skills, he was able to pass in the SMU Basketball Team and finally joining the SoEA Team back in 2011. He became as a point guard and shooting guard in basketball.

86 The MARIAN october 2015

THE BLOCK

not finishing the game one, “Yung gusto mong manalo pero wala kang magawa,” he said.

The team’s chance to grab the Championship crown died out after losing the game two and game three when Callejo did not make it to this part of the game.

THE PASS

Based on his x-ray, they found out that he got a sprain on his right foot and has a fracture in his right fibula. The doctor recommended that he must take some rest doing his favorite sports and it takes time for him to get back to the basketball court.

Since it was not easy for him to get back to the court, he felt jealous whenever he sees someone playing sport, but he believed that he need some rest for him to finally recover.

“Andyan iyong inggit pero kailangan kong mag-rest para makarecover at makabalik na sa dati. Marecover mo iyong shape mo, marecover mo iyong stamina mo at iyong game mo. Huwag munang pilitin kung hindi pa pwede,” he said.

But even if he is still at a bad condition, he still misses and practices some basic basketball skills with the help of others.

“Charge shooting drill lang [ang nagagawa ko] kasi hindi ako pwedeng tumakbo, kumukuha ako ng mga kasama ko para magbalik ng bola.”

From the time when the accident happened, his coaches and uncles are still positive and cheering him up saying “kaya mo yan tol.”

Callejo decided that he will not push himself for this year but instead looks forward to get back to the court a year after.

University Sports Coordinator, Ronda Navalta says Callejo is a loss to the basketball team but despite of Callejo’s situation, the team is still motivated and challenged to be at their best.

“Basically, loss siya, si Mr. Callejo, you know naman how he plays, tyaka twice na Palaro[ng Pambansa] player siya, I don’t see na nademoralized ‘yung team , I find them challenged and Callejo is there during the training,” Navalta said.

But considering him as one of the best player in the SMU Basketball Varsity Team, the big question remains if the team will handle the situation as the RPRISAA is fast approaching as one of their best players is at break.

Do they become like Brgy. Ibung or Brgy. Bintawan Norte? M

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Native Games in Nueva Vizcaya

by Gwenn Edphine Naui

Native games that persist to represent culture continues to reign alongside Filipinos' passion for today's sports.

Almost every day of life is a regular encounter with the most famous sports known to men. For Filipinos, whom are entitled with the most interest in basketball and boxing, it's part of our daily routine to turn on the TV for some NBA, PBA, or NCAA action. But beyond the games that tickle the interest and thrill of Filipinos are indigenous games that do not only represent interest and thrill for us, but most importantly, hold culture and legacy.

The native groups of Nueva Vizcaya like the Ifugaos, Igorots, and Ilocano are part of the decreasing number of natives who practice their native games in festivals or other special gatherings.

The Ilocanos

The Ifugaos

The Ifugaos are known for their unique ways of solving disputes among members in the past. But besides inter-tribal marriages and the typical duels, the occurence of their native games was actually another method of solving these feuds. Today, these games are played as part of festivals or special occasions.

One native game that Ifugaos play is bultung. This game is the group's version of wrestling and it's actually one of the few games that the Ifugaos still use as cultural justice system.

Another is guyyudan or just like the typical tug of war which is most of the time played by ten participants from different municipalities.

The Ifugaos also play the very famous kadang-kadang or akkad. This is a game in which all members of two competing groups are expected to race around a post and returning to their original position while they use a 5 feet high pole in running.

Hanggul, the arm wrestling for men, is also a native game played by the Ifugaos.

A game called kakaiit is played by two participants who are skipping on one foot while they try to topple each other.

There is a huge number of Ilocanos in Nueva Vizcaya. But there are some games that are actually old and indigenous for this dominant group.

A unique game that Ilocanos play is called kukudisi. This game involves competing to see who can hit the an-anak, the shorter stick, which has been tossed in the air and stuck into the baseline, respectively with the in-ina, the larger stick, the farthest.

A popular pastime among the Ilocanos is torsi or their term for wrestling, it is basically a test of strength. Torsi is played a top a table by two contestants to find out who between them have the more

formidable fingers.

Another classic of the Ilocanos is siyatong or pikyaw game. This game is an outdoor activity where you dig a small square hole (slanted) where you put the small wood so it sticks out. Player A hits the wood with the stick so it catches air enough to be hit by the stick.

Culture is what makes a group unique and games are what can bring the group closer. But native or culture- embedded games create something more fun and significantcamaraderie. There is a special bond existing among members of native groups but the games they play to represent their culture develop that bond and makes it stronger.

The Igorots, just like the Ifugaos, conduct their indigenous games as highlights of town festivals.

The Igorots

The group also has their version of the famous arm wrestling which they term as sanggol or sangsanggor.

Another famous game that is not only played by the Igorots today is tatsing lata. This game is played by multiple children using their slippers to hit a targetted can placed at a certain distance.

Another game Igorots play is taktakdang. This game is just like the Ifugaos race while balancing on a stick.

A fun game usually played by girls is the karkarching. In this game, the players draw a figure on the ground which will serve as their pattern to hop on while avoiding the area where the rock they threw went in.

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The Scorpion Stung

by Ridge Ross De Veyra

“Hello! Are you there?”, I asked myself once as I sat on this wooden bench that stood on the perimeter of our school’s sports’ field. I was lonely; which pretty much was the description of my everyday life.

It seemed like a typical day for me: alone, depressed, anxious and longing. My only companion was my heavy bag that contained all the necessary stationery materials that aid me in my classes and some things that I consider AS my lucky charms (such as rosaries and fans and coins.)

“God Rupert! Can you stop being a weirdo for once?!”, I hiss at myself. I admit that I am weird.

Sometimes I don’t like that term, sometimes I do. Whenever I feel proud of my eccentricity, I tell myself, “Being called weird is like being called limited edition. I must not deny it. Is just have to take pride on it.” However, there are times when my depression gets the best of my positivity which results to my overthinking regarding the abovementioned matter.

Perhaps the reason why I’m pretty much alone all the time is because I am too weird. I am too different and too abnormal that people just stay away from me. It feels sad. My pride is my depression. I am my own undoing.

There are times when I imagine myself as this cool jock in high school: popular and handsome and adorable and what not. I do it so that I could somehow keep myself happy amidst this Great Depression blazing inside me. Some of the time, it works. I suddenly forget my sorrow; however, much of the time, it doesn’t.

There’s this story that I once heard on one of my favorite TV Shows. It’s about this frog and scorpion. Once there was this frog and scorpion who were trying to cross the river. The scorpion asked the frog if he could carry him across the river so they could both cross.

The frog was hesitant because he was afraid that the scorpion might sting him. ”Promise me you’re not going to sting me. If you sting me,

I’ll die and we’ll both die in the river.” The scorpion agreed so the frog gave him a ride. When they were in the middle of the river, the scorpion stung the frog. “Why did you sting me?!”, asked the dying frog. “I’m sorry, it’s just my Nature.”

The story ended in the death of the frog and the scorpion. It was tragic but the same time, meaningful and relatable.

It makes me wonder, what if I’m the scorpion? What if weirdness and loneliness is in my nature?

What if no matter how much I try to change, I still won’t be able to stop myself from driving people away?

I have friends- an ensemble of the most amazing people in the world. However, there are times that I just feel lonely. There are times when I wonder if they really consider me as a friend or a random companion.

The whole time I was sitting on that bench, I was pondering upon the things that made me feel so depressed. It was disheartening so I took out my phone and checked for new messages. I was hoping someone was looking for me to spend their lunch with or squander the vacant time with. However, NOTHING. There was nothing.

It always happens to me and yet, I can’t seem get accustomed to such. I still feel depressed whenever I look at my inbox.

I started going through my phonebook and texting my friends hi. I do that all the time whenever I feel lonely. I text my friends Hi. I wonder if they notice that. I wonder if they can sense that when I text them Hi, it means I’m very lonely and desperate of accompaniment.

Loneliness to me is analogous to pain; I have very weak tolerance of the former and the latter. From time to time, people get sad and alone and after a few reflections,

they start to feel well and get over the reasons. Unfortunately, the case is different on me. When I start feeling lonely or depressed, there’s no stopping of my thoughts and emotions from bombarding me.

“Yes! I am here!”, said an echoing voice that sounded very near. It startled me so much I almost fell off the bench.

“Who are you? Where are you?”, I asked with eagerness and curiosity.

“I am you. I am here. Here.

Here. Here.”, said the echoing voice.

His words descended into echoes until it faded into mere silence.

I am you, he said. Was I talking to myself? Did my thoughts just respond to me?

“I need your help. Help.

Help. Help.”, he replied. What did he mean? Were I just asking myself some help? Why now? Why respond now?

“Who are you? Why do you need help?”, I replied.

“Because I’m changing.

Changing. Changing. Changing.”, all of his repercussions had echoes. It almost felt like I’m talking to myself who is trapped somewhere dark and cavernous.

“Changing? What kind of change? Aren’t all changes be for the better? Why would you need help with that?”, I was shocked with his plead. Why would he need help with the change that’s coming to him? All my life, I’ve been looking for some changes and he’s just rejecting them?

“No. You don’t understand. I’m changing.”, he replied again. This time, it had no echo.

“I’m changing into a Monster.”, he said. M

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Isang Pagkakamali

literary

by Precious Agnaen

Softening grounds

by Blake Henry

O pag-ibig nga naman ng kabataan Labis labis kung magmahalan Wari’y nakita mo na ang iyong kapiling senyales ba talaga ito ng tunay na pag ibig?

No beauty I see amidst the meadows The sound of dead air that caressed the place For a long time my once called home—Vanished Together with the memories embedded beneath it How gruesome was the day it all happened The cries, the destruction, the flood How dreadful it is to witness your family drown Consumed and carried by the strong current

Malalim na emosyon ay di dapat Pinaiiral sa mura pang edad Maya’t maya’y puro away at tampuhan Ngunit bakit may nabuo pa rin sa tiyan?

Crushed by a repertoire of falling debris It meant no relief to survive such tragedy When all you had has been swept away like dust Society washed away, it progressed no more

Ito ba talaga’y bunga ng pagmamahalan O isang pagkakamaling di napigilan Napunta kayo sa pagsubok na di matatakasan Isang problemang ka’y hirap lutasan

Now heaps of clumps and ravaged garbage Neither to be called a cemetery or a vast landfill I clasped my hands and called high above Simply not to curse nor speak sourful words

Paano na ngayon ang buhay na nabuo?

Ipapalaglag niyo na lang ba ito?

Nang hindi malaman ng mga magulang niyo?

Eh! Pano kung kayo ang may buhay nito?

But prayer and hope as he may give To pray for the souls unprepared for death That the society so long as our ancestors stood Shall lend a helping hand to victims like us

Nasa huli man ang pagsisisi Nawa’y magsilbing leksyon ang isang pagkakamali Bunga nito’y kailangang tanggapin Mahalaga’y bigyang pagkakataon din

silang nagsawa NA

by Den Mark Lorenzo

Siksika’t gipitan Sitwasyong aking kinalagyan Dalawampung taonng tahanan Dito naging kapaki-pakinabang Isang minuto ang lumipas Yapak ni sekyu’y kumaripas “Baldo, laya ka na” Hindi na ako lumabas, para kanino pa?

That after three long years of waiting We too might once again rise back To speak of the government with their promised support Despite their unsuccessful efforts of rescue

Ms. Fortunate

by Sharra Intugay

Looks to the left, scans the right Do you think everything's alright?

The sun shines so bright But is everyone happy in your sight?

As I still ask for their blessing at hand No sarcasm or hate No gesture of anger or exasperation But forgiveness and acceptance For one last time gazed upon the land I saw a tiny sprout amidst the horizon Not as an attachment for food

The elites hold the light The poor's life as black as the 'night' Waiting for her mighty knight For her welfare, he will fight Those on the throne sitting with pride As for Ms. Unfortunate, they don't mind!

Countless tears her eyes have cried All the fears she is trying to hide She sleeps with an empty tummy While others are wasting money She wishes to go to school and study But others play education like its funny The lonely Ms.Unfortunate suffers pain She lives her life in vain Gets cold and sick when it rains She's a captive, all tied in chains Is there someone else who cares for her, While this world is dragging her to hell?

Are you Ms. Unfortunate?

Or the carefree elite? october 2015 The MARIAN 89

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Clockwork

by Frances Mira Butay

Murmurs started to circulate around the area; the women cunningly fabricating stories that they deemed fit for the rumours they originally heard.

The aristocrats watching at a safe distance on the far-edge of the town square; just enough to see what will happen in a couple of minutes.

It was only a matter of time before the persecution started. The townsfolk gathered around the gallows just before dusk to witness what others may consider as “the only entertainment” in this dull village. The very atmosphere was unnerving as the people talks about what happened that morning at Baron’s estate…

“I heard he was killed by that servant girl…”the town’s baker whispered to the merchant beside him.

“The orphan they took in?”

“Precisely! The Baron’s widowed mother found him dead in his room with that same girl kneeling beside him.”

A carriage then entered the scene leaving the people biting their tongues. From inside the carriage, two guards came out dragging a girl that looked no more than 16.

The people began to whisper to each other again, questioning how can such a young lass murder the person who took her in as a servant when she had nothing and no one to count on as a child? She had a frail body frame, hollow eyes

88 90 The The MARIAN MARIAN october october 2015 2015

and a broken lip. By the looks of things, she was beaten mercilessly with her body covered with bruises and blotches of blood stained her tattered clothes.

Her eyes looked dead from the inside as she sneered at the comments the people muttered about her. She heard every false word, each blind accusation, each fabricated story.

Yet, she said nothing against it.

She knew from the beginning that this was going to happen, from the moment the young Baron’s mother summoned her to her room at the dead of night.

“I need you to do something for me,” the Baron’s mother said as she entered, “We all know that you are uneducated, orphaned and alone in life. You have no obligations to support anybody, you live to serve us, right?”

She nodded.

“Then I need you to take the fall for me. I have big dreams for this estate, dreams that my stepson won’t allow. And so I planted a strong poison in his wine a few hours ago, he should be dead by now. I need you to come to his quarters at the crack of dawn and set up the place to make it look like you murdered him.”

Before she could even deny, the Baron’s mother slammed her hand on the table and retorted, “May I remind you, that I own you. You will do as I say. Besides, who would miss a kitchen wench like you?”

And that’s the end of the conversation.

The plan went off like clockwork. She got caught, had a

trial- in which the Baron’s mother paid off the jury and the judge to hold their suspicion and was sentenced to death.

As she walked towards the gallows, the people paved a way for her and the guards that held her binds. She wasn’t afraid of anything, not even death. She knew what the world was and how it worked.

Like a clock, the gears turn the hands in a single direction-once it has turned, nothing can turn it back. The clock’s power source are the selfish intentions of the aristocrats, the wealthy, and the affluent. The gears are the people who make things happen; knobs perfectly interlocked together to attain a single goal: and that’s to make the hands turn the way it should.

This is how she saw society.

For her, there are only two kinds of people in the world: the power source and the gears.

She and all the extra pieces make up the face of the clock, hiding the true mechanism behind it. They serve as a distraction, making people turn their attention to them and the clock’s hand while they completely ignore the processno matter ruthless and sadistic it may be- in which the clock’s hand are made to turn.

At the age of 16, she has completed her part. Her neck has been placed in a noose yet she felt no fear; she only stared up the clock tower in front of her and waited….

The executioners gave the orders. The lever was activated.

And now her time is up. M

The

MARIAN The Official Student Publication of St. Mary’s University, Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya

EDITORIAL BOARD

Split Image

by Aika Kate

2014 - 2015

Emmanuel Jose AB Journ 4

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Den Mark Lorenzo

BSA 4

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rhowen Belisario

bsa 3

MANAGING EDITOR

Neome Czarina Valite

bsa 3

NEWS EDITOR

Rhenzyl De Guzman

bs crim 3

DEVCOM EDITOR

yumiko angelius yoshiy

bs tourism mngt 3

FEATURES EDITOR

brent jericko narciso

bsp 4

LITERARY EDITOR

I careful evade the night as walk down the dark and perilous alley.

A few blocks more and I’m already there. My earings glamour in the midnight light as my lips all tainted in luscious hue kept all its way to my workplace. I arrived and directly entered the room, as expected they were there. Waiting. Hungry for a midnight’s feast. I gave my signal and all of a sudden I was gone. Stripped in gore and shaved dignity. My mind wanders for support and a cry for help. When everything that is happening now can not simply stop. Not an hour or two it was over. Our manager climbed into my room and delivered my pay of the day. Hastily I rushed out of the building.

Sore and beaten. But motivation I am driven. The happiness I’ve felt as my pocket has once again been filled with all my sacrifices. With all efforts I changed back into my wardorbe, the scent of night in me already gone.

It was already morning. No time to waste. My lips now pink and plum. All dressed up, tranformed into a plain brown gown. My hair drapped in white cloth. In all fairness I was again in the attire I had grew up with.

Silently I walked the stone aisle that lead to my home. My real home. In front was the old wooden doors that took me in for the last 15 years. Carefully I pushed them open. It swung and creaked as the burst of laughter and giggles filled the room where I surprised by a dozen homeless children. The people I consider my family.

Among the crowd I saw Mother Theresa, the head of the orphanage. I hand her my envelope. I could see the joy in her smile as she placed her hand over my head for blessing.

In a few minutes time the mass shall start. I clasp my hands and once again gazed upon those old wooden doors. The same doors that kept her secret for the last 15 years.

I stood in all my gait then closer I slowly closed them.

Reynaldo Coloma, Jr.

bs ce 4

SPORTS EDITOR

chantal therese tayaban

bs psych/ab gc 3

ONLINE EDITOR

Naiomi Justereen Bangad

Ab Journ 3

OPERATIONS MANAGER

jireh reyes ab journ 3

CIRCULATION AND COMMUNICATION MANAGER

milvin manitchala

bsece 4

CHIEF ARTIST

Kym Rombert Quezon

bs tourism mngt 3

CHIEF PHOTOJOURNALIST

marc ryan brosas

bscoe 4

CHIEF LAYOUT ARTIST SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

mary joy agbanlog. joresa dainty aseron.

Kimberly Atitiw. Kruzyl Cayusa.

Rojes Gaile Jamandre. Mark Jeremy Melad.

Jamie Angel Pascual. Lexter Rodriguez.

Diosavel Salvacion. Jimboy Manitchala

JUNIOR STAFF WRITERS

Michael Guina-at. Gelene Kaye Valdez.

Karl Cyril Pobre. Stacy Lee Nicole Ortiguero.

Frances Mira Butay. Precious Joy Agnaen.

Charlotte Jace Fabian. Francis Mar Vicmudo.

Henrich Coniega. Robelyn Mae Lising.

Yvan Joselle Lucas. Ma. Veronica Ortiz.

Gliaczy Grace Gapuz. Sharra Intugay.

Gwenn Edphine Naui. Ron Louis Cutillon

SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST Izen Querido

JUNIOR PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Hannah Mae Calagui. Henry Catama Jr Kristine Anne Gumilet. Ma. Johmelia Lantion Cherile Ross Santos.

SENIOR LAYOUT ARTIST RIdge Ross De Veyra

JUNIOR LAYOUT ARTISTS

Bryan Christopher Wong. James Cafirma.

Polaris Norton Sagabaen

SENIOR ARTISTS

Jaimie Solance Bautista. Jarra Moreno.

Mackenzie Earl Casem. Kevin Paul Castañeto.

Charles Arthemi Guarin.

Louise Joyce Naguiat

JUNIOR ARTISTS

Evfrid Dolthon Cabral. Raniel Dulnuan Maria Paula Laureta. Sheila Marie Awitan

advisers JOHN G. TAYABAN, RPM, RP CLARA MANGOLINCHAO-GONZALES, PHD

For comments and suggestions, visit The MARIAN office at A220 or e-mail us at smu.themarian@gmail.com

The MARIAN

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