17 minute read
OPINION
10 Do What You Gonna Do By Jericho Cardejon
“These unprecedented times..” Kapagod ‘di ba kapag paulit-ulit mo naririnig o nakikita sa telebisyon, radyo, at maging sa timeline mo sa social media. Noon tuwang-tuwa ka pa na nagkaroon ng biglaang walang pasok tapos malalaman mo, may bagong buhay na palang paparating sa’yo.
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Walang nakakaalam, ni hindi nga kamo napaghandaan. Pero, kamusta ka ngayon? Nasa ayos ka ba na kalagayan? Yung pamilya mo, mga kaibigan mo, ayos lang ba sila? Ang hirap isipin na sa isang pitik lamang, mababago ang lahat ng nakasanayan mo. Noong isang araw nasa kompyuter shop ka pa, nakikipagbardagulan sa Facebook, pero ngayon halos buong araw ka nang nakaharap sa Google Classroom at tamang nood ka nalang ng Youtube kasi hindi ka nakikinig sa online meetings niyo. Kamusta ka na? Naalala mo bago nangyari ang “unprecedented times”, yung stress level mo di mo na mailarawan. Ngunit ngayon, heto ka dumoble pa kamo ang stress at halos magkapalit na kayo ng mukha ni Tiktok. Sabi mo sa sarili mo, “nakakapagpasa naman ako, okay na yon.” Siguro nga okay na yon, pero may natutunan ka ba? Hindi mo ba naisip konting panahon na lamang at isa ka nang ganap na Inhinyero. Nahimasmasan ka, humarap ka sa salamin at tinanong mo ang sarili, “Konti nalang pala, tapos na ko. Handa na ba ko? Kaya ko ba? Bahala na.”
Oo, kaya mo. Kakayanin mo. Inhinyero ka, hindi ka nilagay kung nasaan ka ngayon, kung hindi mo kaya di ba? “Paano? Hindi ko nga gets yung lesson?” Don’t you worry, my child. For I will be there for you. Diretsuhin na kita, my dude. Kung sa tingin mo man hindi mo nagets yung lesson, ‘di mo talaga nagets yung lesson pero, may alam ka paano gawin yung bagay na yon. Kada maencounter mo ulit yung topic na ‘yon, yung utak mo magkakaroon ng flashback. Para ka na nag-Avatar State pero di ka nag-glow. Nagscroll ka sa Facebook, tumambay ng ilang oras sa Tiktok, at nakichismis pa sa Twitter. Nakita mo yung internet friends mo may ganap sa buhay pero ikaw, kamusta ka na? Naisip mo, “may stable na internet at maayos na kompyuter naman kami, bakit di ko gamitin?” Kung kaya’t, sinimulan mo mag-aral ng libreng online courses, nagbinge watch ng mga lessons na hindi mo nagets noong klase, at nagsimula ka magonline-selling. Things are getting better, ika nga. Bumabalik na yung positive outlook mo sa buhay. Masaya ka kasi nagiging masaya ka. Naisip mo ito na yung bagong nasa larawan. Nakikita mo yung sarili mo na kahit hindi mo man naintindihan yung ibang lessons, meron ka pa rin naaral at nadagdagan pa ang marketable skills mo. Nakikita mo na sarili mo habang nakasuot ng itim na toga, at handa na sa panibagong hamon ng buhay.
“Kaya ko ‘to!” sabi mo.
At some point in our roller-coaster life journey, we embark on our lives. We get to the part where we reach our lowest point. Sometimes we give up bago pa man tayo magsimulTa o kung saan malapit na natin maabot ang dulo ng linya. Naiisip natin ang napakaraming effort na ginawa pero bakit wala pa rin, walang ganap. ‘Wag ka mag-alala, makakarating ka sa dulo. Matatapos din itong “unprecedented times.”
Kaya mo yan! Do what you gonna do, my dude.
TRANS-form: Letting trans take the
center stage By Eldrin Gulapa
Idon’t need to win Miss Universe. I just need to be here.
of diversity. In this day and age, we are slowly stepping forward to a more These lines led the path and left a mark during Miss Universe 2018 as Miss Spain Angela Ponce took her historic walk as the first-ever transgender woman to compete in the prestigious competition. And recently, a FilipinoAmerican beauty Kataluna Enriquez won Miss Nevada and is about to conquer Miss USA, which sparked up the conversation as it trended on several social media platforms. Some were grateful, especially the allies and members of the LGBTQIA+ Community for their representation in the global stage, while the latter disagrees. It reflects the domino effect of the progress the world is making in terms inclusive and accepting society. Allowing transwomen to join gives them the chance to carry not only their names or their countries but the whole community. It gives them the platform to amplify the voices of the abused trans people, knowing how rampant it is nowadays. In 2020, at least 44 transgenders, the majority being Black and Latin, were fatally killed in different violent ways. Sadly, it is said at least because usually, these stories were ignored or misreported, even in our country. And all of the victims were human, who do not deserve to have their lives taken. This number reflects the need for proper education to walk towards justice and equality for transgender people. These people have fought a long time and took decades of struggle fighting for trans visibility. Belonging to a community suffering from inequalities, injustices, and discrimination justifies their eagerness to be seen and heard. If pageants such as Miss Universe will give them a platform to speak their voice and fight for what they are passionate about, especially trans and LGBTQ rights, there is nothing wrong with hearing their stories and allowing them to do so. It is a leap towards creating opportunities and breaking stereotypes and barriers for LGBTQIA+ people. They also need empowerment to realize their ambition and be a catalyst for future success. They deserve a spot not only in beauty pageants but also in our acceptance, because transwomen are women. And they are not just women… they have fought all their life to be one. Awakened Sympathy: Save a Life By Anjielyn Cortes
Mental health problems are invisible suffering. It’s happening even when we’re able to physically see each other, then how about now that we are merely seeing their smiling profile.
Mental disorder is an everyday battle for those who are struggling with their mental health that will sooner deteriorate, ended with the resolve that death is the only way to escape the pain. Yet most are still justifying that it isn’t as serious as physical illness. The experts have one thing to say, “No one is spared.” As the pandemic drags on in the country, in a 2021 figures by Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), suicide cases rose by 25.7% in 2020 compared to the previous year. The country is still struggling to reopen the economy due to its failed pandemic response and along with that, the cases of deaths due to self-harm also increased The government urged religious groups and spiritual leaders to lend a hand in counselling and providing guidance to their followers to reduce their anxiety and prevent them from “self-destruction” during this pandemic. Well in fact, somehow these religious groups also contributed to the stigma against mental illnesses that those who commit suicide are being sent to hell making most of us afraid to talk about this issue. Each of us plays an important role in ensuring mental wellness aside from religious groups; our family, teachers, the government and the youth themselves. Parents and teachers should focus on preventive efforts by being equipped with knowledge of mental health to avoid a full-blown mental disorder among the youth. And for the government, what we need to ease our anxiety and prevent ourselves from “self-destruction” is a solid response for this pandemic- free mass
testing, social programs, unemployment insurance, subsidies for the poor and accessible programs dealing with mental illness. We need hope. To my fellow youth, act now before it’s too late. Avoid just taking an action when someone had already overdosed himself, hung himself, slit their wrist and bathed himself with blood. When people suffering sees that you are ready to help, they won’t hesitate to seek aid. Mental health is not a taboo topic that should be fought alone and discussed in whispers. It is a conversation worth a solution. To this stigma that a dramatic Facebook post of someone seems to be a laughable thing, be sensitive enough. To this stigma that being depressed signifies lack of faith to God, pray for them. To this stigma that being with a depressed person seems to be inheritable, empathize. To this stigma that a happy person will never harm himself, please see through them. It is hard to battle an invisible disease if you won’t look through and beyond what you merely see. Let’s not wait for the time when their invisible suffering will turn to be a physical pain before sympathizing. Talk to them and listen up. In this online world, looking out for your friend is just one click away. You never know, you might save a life.
Money is Evil
By Kriz Louraine Samillano “Money is the root of all evil and it makes the world go round.” This article absolutely agrees with that statement. I believe that we should start by understanding the fact that money is essential in people’s lives, no matter how much we deny it or change its concept. It will always be important for us to survive to this thing we called life. I feel this way for two main reasons. First, when we define evil, it is profoundly immoral and wicked. And when wicked is present, bad things can occur and injustice always follow. When money is perverted to use in aspects of sinful and being immoral, it uprooted to be in a form of bad doings that makes it evil. The fact that people who has power sometimes creates more money is responsible, example for the argument that money is evil. And as we know that “more” is always too much, greediness and all forms of insecurity, rival, richness can happen on the way. Second reason, money is evil in a way that it has value. When things has a value, people are more concerned about it. The focus and the temptation will always be there until people do something about it, especially in getting it. For example, a person who earns standard minimum salary will demand for a higher pay, the CEO who has billions of money will pursue project that produce trillions afterwards, the hungry and poor people will strive to survive, and money is the key to it. Although aiming for more is not a bad thing but when out of control, it can be destructive and can cause immorality afterwards. The needs for more money will prolong and it never ends, until people will do bad things to get it and make it happen. Money is evil because it moves people. It is very highly that people treat it as a king, something that can’t live without. Something worth risking everything for, and in this world that’s pure of survival and less of living, money becomes life. However, when there’s a life, there’s a good and bad and normally, what’s right is always set aside, evil always wins. —money is power.
By Napoleon Aquino
The Mystery of Accomplishment The SDU Heads for Academic Year 2019-2020
By Micah Bernarte and Nadine Angeli Peñaverde
IEshikawa 15 Case Study Competition is the yearly contest from the various schools and colleges held on January 23, 2021. This year, Group Agsikapin won the title of the National Level in the Yearly IEshikawa 15 Case study Competition!
In the skirmish of unfathomable thoughts against large colleges from one side of the country to the other, the IE of Bulacan State College indeed demonstrates their greatness, and the Group Agsikapin: Rhea Mae Pagayon, Chabelita Panao, Spear Joseph Pascual, and Marecia Louise Prez won being champions.
Almost two months of competition, the finish line is unperceived. Every day is full of uncertainties, doubts, and fear. Third week of November 202 was when it all began, one month later, the case study problem was given to them.
Neill Jack Realingo Head, IExtension A.Y. 2019-2020
Being a member and leader of IE Extension Unit (IExtension) is enjoyable but also requires a lot of efforts and responsibilities. It taught me to manage my time, it also developed my personality to be more confident because of meeting and talking to different individuals. I also learned to apply my Industrial Engineering knowledge in real life situations, either community or company-based projects.
It is an intense fight with confidence and determination they prepared - and - invested - more effort. Addressing Industrial Engineering of BulSU felt so supernatural and overpowering however the tension built simultaneously. Assurance exceeded the pressing factor, in any case.
Catastrophe. The way to progress has never been simpler. As January 15, 2021 approached, they held their breath – hoping their name would be called as one of the Top 5 Teams to enter the Final Round. And they saw their name, Agsikapin, flashed in their phone screens, and made it to the Final Round. One final step and their determination and perseverance to win home the bacon is beyond doubt.
They were eager to win and needed to leave behind the motivation to everyone who had a fantasy to be effective all alone. They kept on continuing to lock in and emptied everything into long periods of hardship preparation. There is no space for fatigue, just for upgrades that need to challenge their cutoff points. The ability to compose is rarely enough. You ought to have a bold heart, psyche, and soul to finish the components of your group as a magnum opus. Until January 24, 2021 came, where sweats became tears, breakdowns became breakthroughs, and fear become confidence, they won as champions, and this is not where everything stops – they would not like to be self-satisfied but in this year, they assembled all the strength and immovable force of inspiration that this time they made it to the title. Our life is an unwritten book. Expect plot twists, character changes, and undiscovered events and setting. But as they make it bit by bit, they ought to be the star of their own story. As they dare to read and critique all aspects of the pages, it is the failure, tortures, troublesome works, and constancies and inconstancies that make their story worth telling. With those, it is evident that they are just human like you. They are making mistakes like you; they have failures like you, but what made them where they are right now is the dedication and hard work they put in every way.
Regardless of how much perspiration, blood, and tears that shed, I am more than able to learn and be the bull horn of my kindred youth. Winning is only a fantasy for me and it worked out as expected. You should not be a remarkable achievement from the start. Just like them, winning will also work for you. Lastly, it gives me a memorable experience because of different activities and projects wherein I bond with my co-students and professors.
Carmela Lomotan Head, IEnquisitive A.Y. 2019-2020
My entire journey in IEnquisitive was absolutely incredible. Accepting the leadership part was filled with hesitations at first, but, I could say now that it was a golden opportunity that I had as it put me into situations that have bolstered me. I grasped the practice of not just leading the team, but, leading myself as well with a goal of giving more than what is expected.
In return, once everything has been settled and the whole team has been appreciated, I also had extra happiness and fulfillment. Every competition, training, and workload had numerous lessons handed to us. I owe these great experiences to the whole IEnquisitive family and to our adviser, Engr. Hazel Caparas.
Ronald Baluyut Captain Ball, IE Maroon Falcons- Men’s Basketball A.Y. 2019-2020
“Peace of Mind. Ayan ang
nararamdaman ko. Kasi bukod sa nakakapagpahinga ako sa acads, nailalabas ko pa ang talento ko sa sports.”
Saka syempre masarap din sa pakiramdam na nakakabonding mo ang mga nasa department natin sa pamamagitan nito. Sa pagiging leader naman, mahirap na masaya. Mahirap kasi madaming kailangang asikasuhin bago ang event, maraming kailangang gawin. Pero nagiging masaya naman kasi nagiging worth it lahat ng pagod kapag naging successful tayo.
Lawrence Ignacio Head, IEnvest A.Y. 2019-2020
Being the head of IEnvest and at the same time, the Vice President for Finance and Resource Generation of ISIE-BulSU is a challenging responsibility. As the one who deals with the finances of both entities, it is not easy to figure out how to have financial stability with limited resources. I have learned how to manage businesses, generate funds, solve financial problems, and dealing with big companies for sponsorships. In this journey,
Zaira Calaguas Head, IEducate A.Y. 2019-2020
It has always been a great opportunity for me that I once became the head of the SDU which markets IE. As I started to be its member, I got to know more about IE since we were the ones who introduce and share the idea as to what an IE is. To tell you honestly, it is very memorable in a positive and negative way but it is indeed very fun. Encountering different problems are normal and having sleepdeprived nights are also expected. But as we all know, everything that happens teaches us lessons.
Being appreciative of progresses anyone makes and all positive things happening around us would be a great help for someone to get motivated for everything they are doing. Lastly, being the leader, I always ask for my members’ opinion for every task and project that we have to do. As a former head, I believe that leadership is being able to get your members do their tasks not because it is their job, but because they are motivated and willing to do so.
Rizdell Baltazar Respicio Head, IE Dance Troupe A.Y. 2019-2020
be one of the leaders of the SDU. Back when I was a member of the IE Dance troupe I enhanced my personality through the help of my fellow senior co – members and especially from our loving coach. He helped us a lot, not just in our dance routine but explaining us how both dancing and real life problems are related. He would explain how to use the things we do in our routine and apply it in our daily lives. Like for example when I was a new member of this group I had no one else to talk to. But then it taught me how to cope and adapt in different types of people around me. Our drills helped us to be whole within ourselves, we got out from our comfort zone and become who we are today. They saw greatness in me for being a good leader so they voted me to be the president of the IE Dance troupe. This was my biggest challenged knowing that i can’t even help myself to be good enough, then they are expecting me to be a good example to other members. I just know i love dancing, but being a good leader to other members was the best moment in my life. I became more than the person i was before, pushed myself to have the greatest output in every work i invest on. Passing on the knowledge through experience to my IE Dance troupe family. Yes, we consider each other as a family member because that is what IE dance troupe really is.
A family that you could rely on and be a shoulder when you are in need. And i could say being a part of this family was one of the best thing that has ever
Jasmin Mae Malla Head, Koro Inhinyero A.Y. 2019-2020
First as a member it’s a pleasure to showcase my talent. Di naman talaga ako magaling, frustrated lang (Sipag lang). And masaya lang talaga kumanta ng may kasama. Then, when the time na I will be the head for KI (Koro Inhinyero), magkahalong takot at the same time masaya. Kasi big responsibilty yun, pero masaya kasi mas big impact din ung masheshare ko sa co-members ko. We’re not just a group of people singing to show our talent.
