Scientia first issue 2012 2013 by Test

COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN Y. SY

scientia

scientific inquiry in the light of free press THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE BICOL UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SCIENCE MEMBER: COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES BUNGKARAS, ALLIANCE OF STUDENT PUBLICATION OF BICOL UNIVERSITY

JUNE-OCTOBER 2012 • ISSUE NO. 1 • A/Y 2012-2013

CS opens 1st University S&T Fest by: Fiona Llaneta and Shiela Soterio

With the theme “Science, Technology and Innovation: Working Together for Growth and Development”, the Bicol University College of Science College Student Council (CSC) spearheaded the 1st university-wide Science and Technology (S&T) Festival last July 23-25, 2012. The Festival Starts This year’s S&T Fest was carried out primarily by the BUCS-CSC jointly with College Based Organizations (CBO). In the first day, students attended a mass at the Albay Cathedral, followed by a parade led by the Bicol University Band from Peñaranda Park to BUCS. The ribbon cutting marked the official opening of the three-day event while the booth

launching took place after. An opening remark from the College Dean, Dr. Lucy P. Estioko succeeded shortly after the performance of the Bicol University Dance Troupe and Bicol University Band. Each CBO put up their booths – “Type Kita, Type Mo Ko”, “Piso mo, Load mo! Sagutin mo trivia ko!”, “AYTI Henyo!”, “Scratch mo, load mo!” and the Social Wall (SimSimi, Facebook, Twitter) from the Circle of Unified Information Technology Students (CircUITS), “Code Wall: Freedom Wall with a Twist” and Pi Challenge from Computer Society (ComSoc), “IGPS” from Symbiosis and lastly, the booth from Chemical Science Society (CheSS) which included a game wherein as the wire is touched by the loop, the bell goes off and the game’s

over. Furthermore, series of sports events was preceded by the BUCS Amazing Race organized by the Sports Club. The winners for the said event were John Paul Betis, Joaquim Rolando Leyco, Darwin Baraquil and Roy Alexis Bico, all from BSIT2A. At the same time, a symposium with the theme, “Science and Technology: Implication on Social Development” was held by the Peer Councilors Organization (PCO). Moreover, Scientia, the official college publication, organized iSip: Literary and Art Expression for Development. The winners for the different events are as follows: Essay Writing 1st - Mae Ann B. Punzalan - BS Computer Science 4A

Raposon leads Bicol IYD delegates by: Rhona Jane Malate Gregory Jan Raposon, a 4th year BS Computer Science student and the College Student Council’s (CSC) Public Information Officer (PIO), was elected as the Regional Representative in the recently conducted 13th International Youth Day (IYD) celebration held at New Era University, Quezon City on August 10-12, 2012. This year’s IYD with the theme: “Sustainable Energy for All: A Key in achieving Millenium Development Goals (MDG’s)”, was organized by the United Nations Association of the Philippines (UNAP) through the United Nations Youth Association of the Philippines (UNYAP), the youth arm body of UNAP, in partnership with Na-

2nd - Jasper Jules S. Balbuena - BS Information Technology 1A 3rd - Mavicon San Jose - BS Biology 2A Poem Writing 1st - Nescelle Maria Reniva - BS Education 1B (BUPC) 2nd - Jake Clarence Alim - BS Information Technology 3B 3rd - Anelyn Pantilone - BS Computer Science 4A Photo Essay 1st - Jojie R. Alvarado - BS Computer Science 3A 2nd - Arby Hadap - BS Computer Science 4A Slogan Making 1st - Shiela Gabales - BS Computer Science 4A 2nd - Vanessa Mae Sta. Ana - BS Biology 2A 3rd - Marianne Mae Atanante - BS Information Technology Poster Making 1st - Davis Christian Buendia - BS Architecture 5A 2nd - Heinz Wilbert P. Binu - BS Information Technology (BUPC) 3rd - Stephen Jon L. Acuna - BS Information Technology 1A Scientia also hosted 1st The Hunger Duel (Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel) in the afternoon, in which, throne of being the best goes to a BSArchi5A student.

tional Youth Commission (NYC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) The annual event aims to mobilize the youth leaders on current issues and concern and also to promote volunteerism among young people in the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. The 13th IYD was participated by different young leaders around the country and across the Asia Pacific region who has the passion for nation-building by becoming part of the initiatives through network-

The Celebration Continues For the second day of the celebration, a Tree Planting Activity at Mauraro, Guinobatan, Albay headed by UN-

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Student leaders participate 10th SGT by: Rhona Jane Malate

HAPPY IYD! Raposon and Dulay, together with the other delegates of the annual International Youth Day.

Raposon leads... • from page 1 ing and making goodwill with other youth leaders. Eugenio Jesus Dulay, a first year BS Biology Student and a Junior Councillor of the CSC also joined the said event alongside Raposon. Different workshops and plenary sessions were prepared by the organizers to achieve the objective of the 13th IYD celebration. Among the highly endowed guest speakers of the said event was NYC Usec. Leon Flores III, Cong. Mitos Magsaysay of

1st district of Zambales, Dr. Metodio Palaypay, DENR Executive Director of National Committee on Urban Pest Control, Atty. Marilyn S. Manait of the Administrative office of Hon. Ma. Rachel J. Arenas, representative of the 1st district of Pangasinan, Mr. Magelano Espiritu, Jr., the President and CEO of School Volunteer Program Philippines, and Judge Aurora Recina, UNAP President. ♦

Freshmen Orientation starts AY anew by: Michelle Dreu and Janine Martha Dominguiano

Symbiosis Last June 29, Symbiosis held their Freshmen Orientation for the Academic Year 2012-2013. The orientation was held at CSB3 Auditorium, participated by Mrs. Amelia Dorosan, faculty of Biology Department and with 90 freshmen students, eighty percent attended and 75% of parents were there. Every year, Biology Department holds this event along with the parents. To show that the faculty are united with the students, the speakers, Ms. Daile Salvador and Lorena Dino discussed about the history of the department and the organization of Symbiosis, the new curriculum, the activities, plans about the making of their office and preparation of the upcoming biohouse that will be located at the CSB3 rooftop and the expenses of being a biology student. The parents were grateful because they were able to be oriented about the payments of the students. Aside from the above discussions, they took the side of the parents and students through open forum regarding their reactions, comments and suggestions about Biology department. CheSS The Chemical Science Society held their Freshmen Orientation last June 22 at CSB3 Auditorium. Approximately 50 students attended. To formally start the programme, Dr. Lucy Estioko gave her

opening remarks. Mr. Samuel Bobiles, Department Head of the Chemistry Department, was the speaker of the orientation. He introduced the faculty and discussed the Chemistry Department. CheSS officers were also introduced and they gave information about the activities held in their department, like the Chemistry Week, and also discussed the possible expenses in their course. After the discussion, the faculty gave their advice on how to cope up with subjects and on how to make it as a Chemistry student. ComSoc The Computer Society held their orientation at CSB3 Auditorium last June 21 2012. Seventy-seven freshmen were there. Mikhail Chavez, the Internal Vice President of the said organization, discussed the vision, mission, goal and objectives of the college. Maica Mae Mangente, Treasurer, presented the members of the faculty of the Computer Science and Information Technology Department. Prof. Benedictio Balilo explained the curriculum of for Computer Science. The officers presented the freshmen, ComSoc also held their General Assembly with regards to the Welcome Party of the said department. CircUITS One hundred twenty freshmen students attended the Freshmen Orientaturn to page 4

Thirteen Bicol University College of Science (BUCS) student leaders joined the 10th Student Governance Training (SGT) held at Coastal View Resort, Sto. Domingo Albay last August 18-20, 2012. The BUCS participants in the SGT’s decade of active student leaders training were representatives of the College Student Council (CSC), Scientia - the College Publication and two College Based Organizations (ComSoc and CircUITS.). Anchored to the theme “Mission (I’m) Possible: Be where the action is; Target: Student roles and actions in Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM)”,

this year’s three-day convention included the following topics: Personality Development, Maritime Domain Awareness, Sustainable Youth Development, Youth Advocacy: Agents and Strategies, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management. The Student Governance Training is a yearly event of the BU University Student Council to convene all the active student leaders throughout the University representing their respective College Student Councils and College/University Based Organizations. ♦

Scientia takes part in Rayterista 4.5 by: Rhona Jane Malate

Scientia, the official student publication of College of Science (CS), sent Dick Dela Vega, Senior Editor of the publication to the annual Rayterista press convention, as the event turned 4.5 last July 1, 2012 at the BUCAL Amphitheater With theme “Campus Press Revolution through Social Media”, the whole-day seminar aimed to figure out the role of today’s social media to campus journalism. Various seminars and workshops were set for the attendees, who were journalism students of the College of Arts and Letters and delegates of dif-

ferent college publications in the university. Later, in a caucus participated by the delegates of college publications, a resolution entitled “A Resolution requesting the BU administration to allow the university and college publications to put out publishable materials at the University website” was presented. Dela Vega, on behalf of the Editorial Board and staff of Scientia signed the resolution, saying that such move will benefit not only the plurality of CS but also the whole university itself. ♦

CS Studes joins Albay Youth Summit by: John Melwin Balasta and Niño Beruela

Students from the CS and IT Department along with other youths both from different academic institutions and out-of-school organizations participated in the 2012 Albay Youth Summit (AYS) at Albay Astrodome last July 12, 2012. AYS was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay and Globe Telecommunications. With the theme “Kabataan: Ako ang Pagbabago”, the confab aims to challenge young Bicolano on how their education, training and experience can help them to become active and responsible citizens of their nation. Furthermore, AYS also point towards the preparation of the youth as the next generation of leaders by providing them with knowledge, resources and encouragement to create positive changes in their communities. “Masaya sya kasi napakainteresting ng mga speakers at napaka interactive” said by Jostin Jericho Rosal, an IT student who attended the summit.

Prominent personalities such as Senator Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, and Representative Mitos Magsaysay graced the morning part of the day-long activity as speakers for some plenary sessions. Moreover, attendees were awed as various acts of talents on bartending, photography and dancing were showcased later on their workshops in the afternoon. Globe Telecom also launched the Plastic Bottle Recycling Project which aims to minimize the use of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles as one of the steps to address the challenges towards the sustainability of the environment. Globe Bridging Communities will also give a grant of P15,000 to any college or university which will have the biggest collections of PET bottles for recycling. An additional amount of P10,000 and P5,000 will also be given to the next two academic institutions that will have big collections of bottles. ♦

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award. FLAUNT IT IF YOU HAVE IT. The cosplayers line up during the event proper.

According to Jeff Rey Agapito, President of ComSoc, he is very thankful and would like to express his appreciation to all of the people who participated and cosplayers who joined and watched the said event and made it successful.

”I was overwhelmed together with my co-organizers that helped in this said event and for the judges and the masters of ceremony. The cosplayers showed that they were really there to express and show to others what they’ve got and what talents are really for and not just to impress others.”, he added. ♦

Clash Core competition ‘12 rocks Ibalong Festival by: Mark Joseph D. Franco

In partnership with the City Government of Legazpi, Otaku Bloodline Guild and University Student Council, the Bicol University Computer Society (ComSoc) spearheaded the first ClashCore cosplay competition held at Albay Astrodome last August 26, in line with the celebration of Ibalong Festival this 2012. The event encourages cosplayers from all around the Bicol region to enhance and develop their skills, talents and self-confidence by impersonating their favorite characters from any manga or video game. It also encourages anime and game enthusiasts alike to watch the said competition. The competition was divided into two different categories, namely WalkIn Cosplay Competition where “walkin” cosplayers accomplished tasks from stations that were scattered all over the venue, and the Individual Category where the cosplayers had the chance to show the audience the character he/ she is portraying and demonstrate the

special attitude or traits the character is well-known for. The board of judges for the competition were the following: Ms. Glaiza de la Cruz, founder of cosplay group Sorsogon Anime and game enthusiast; Mr. McAndrew Percillo, a photographer of Packshots Digital Photography and Atty. Melissa Abadeza, Councilor of the City Government of Legazpi. Afterwards, the judges revealed the victors of the said contest. For the major awards, Shiela Precones, who cosplayed “Ranger” from the anime “War of Immortals”, bagged first place and received Php 6,000.00 and a trophy, followed by Ara Mae Batilo, who portrayed “Konan” of the “Naruto Shippuden” in second place, who also received Php 4,000.00 and a trophy, and lastly Jett Baclili, who cosplayed “Gilgamesh” of “Fate/Zero”, ranked as the 3rd placer and received Php 3,000.00 and a trophy. For the minor one, Rina Meneses, who cosplayed “Saber” of “Fate/Stay Night”, got the Photographer’s Choice

S & T • from page 1

YAP, BU-CSC and PICE was pushed through. Many students took part in the said event and even students from other colleges in the university were encouraged by the organizers to join.

Moreover, the last day of the event was fired up with the outreach program of the CSC and the Junior Councilors in Albay Central School. Going together with them, the actively participating CircUITS’ Arts.Zip: Photography CBOs organized their own events. in Motion was participated by students CircUITS supervised the “I Have from the college. A symposium about IT”, while CheSS once again launched K+12 hosted by Symbiosis was held at another Project Signage. Symbiosis the CSB3 Auditorium and a medicinal gardening project that took place at Al- conducted a symposium about Dengue Vector among Grade 4 and 5 pupils of bay Central School. Albay Central School which was folCheSS also conducted a seminar on chemical instrumentation. The last lowed by another outreach program. event for that day was the AVP Mak- In the afternoon, UNYAP handled a ing Contest organized by ComSoc. The symposium entitled “Plastic Bag Ban: winners for the said event were Grego- Friend or foe?” at CSB3 Audtitorium ry Jan Raposon, Ian Lleva, and Noriel while CheSS managed an outreach proParaiso from BSCS4A. gram. ♦

CSC marks School Year start with a bash, Students make mixed reviews by: Maria Ester L. Ibanez and Yasmin Peralta with reports from Eunice Soriano and Jackielyn Ramos

To welcome the opening of the academic year for the students of the College of Science (CS), the College Student Council (CSC) held an acquaintance party last July 6, 2012 at the Albay Astrodome. With the theme Shades of Fun in Black and White, the celebration aims to welcome and help new and returning students adjust with their new environment and to mingle with other students, raising the hopes up for camaraderie. The event was started with an opening number by the Bicol University Dance Troupe together with the CSC, a mob dance by the Circle of Unified Information Technology Students (CircUITS) Dancers which was repeated twice, and a selection of students who outshone the others were also picked and named as “Faces of the Night.” The most awaited part of the event came through the announcement of winners of the raffle draw. Of all the students of CS, only 18 were lucky enough to have the prizes: 15 for the consolation prizes which were 2.0 GB flash drives, and 3 for the major prizes. The 3rd prize is a hard drive, 2nd prize is a digital camera and the 1st prize is a Blackberry Curve. (Names of winners were withheld upon request.) Moreover, despite the success of the party, some students complained about the too much waiting for the party to start and the foods were not

enough. Babylyn Mina, a third year student of BS Chemistry told Scientia that: “Ayos rin kaso boring, last year mas okay, mura lang ang bayad. Ngayon 150 lang, wala pang photobooth.” Also a fourth year BS Chemistry, whose identity wants to be withheld, said that he is not satisfied in terms of food. On the contrary, a first year IT student said that he enjoyed the party and it is good enough. “Hindi nasayang ang bayad namin dahil super enjoy ang party at halatang ‘di tinipid”, he stressed out. He said that they enjoyed so much that after the party they kept on talking about it. He also said that he heard positive feedbacks from his classmates. A freshman Computer Science student also said that he was so overwhelmed because of the grand welcoming for them and they had a very nice start in the college. The same responses were given by the Biology and Chemistry students. For them, it was the best Acquaintance Party so they made sure they didn’t miss it. After hearing the said responses, the CSC officers were also happy for the success of the event that they organized. “We tried to make this party remarkable and different for all. Despite of lapses and flaws we had good feedbacks from majority”, said by John Jervie Alcera, CSC Representative and Co-Chairman, Acquaintance Party. ♦

COURTESY OF CHRISTIAN Y. SY

SHADES OF FUN, SHADES OF BLISS. The CSC officers during the opening number together with the BU Dance Troupe.

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NEWS

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Freshmen Orientation • from page 2 tion of the Circle of Unified Informa- Science and Technology Days and IT tion Technology Students last June 17, week that is usually held during the 2012, Friday, at the CSB1 3rd Floor. The second week of February. CircUITS orientation was started by the Dean of President – Carlo Paolo Reginaldo, also the College, Dr. Lucy Estioko, as she explained the new resolution about the gave her opening remarks in the pro- departmental fee that was approved and gram. The faculty of the department will be implemented in the next semesand Prof. Rodel Naz, Department Chair ter. of the CS/IT Department, explained CSC the implementation of “No Shifting As the first semester of the academPolicy” in the department of Comput- ic year start, freshmen students of the er Science and Information Technology. College of Science had their freshmen Professor Lea Dela Rama discussed the orientation last June 15, 2012 at CSB1 curriculum of the said course. Professor 3rd floor. The building was opened at Christian Sy, Coordinator for Student exactly 8:00 AM for the registration of Activities, gave career orientation for students. At 8:30 AM the orientation the possible job opportunities in relation proper started. Dr. Lucy P. Estioko, with the course. Dean of the College of Science, gave

of Chemistry, Prof Rodel Naz, Department Head of Computer Science and Information Technology, Marie Rose Jasanero, Department Head of Physics and Joseph Miranda, Department Head of Math were presented along with the different faculty members of each department. The Vice President of the College Student Council, Nikkol Mediavillo, read the vision, mission, goals and objectives of the college. Neria Gomez, University Librarian, gave information about the importance and benefits of the library. Merlie Arbo, OIC, Office of Student Services explained the student services and benefits. Dr. Julio Abainza, Physician of the BU Medical and Dental Clinic, talked about the medical and Past activities and events were her opening remarks. Prof. Lilybeth dental services, Rosario Frick, MAEd., shown and presented to the freshmen Ase-Cajuday, Department Head of Biol- RGC, Guidance Counselor discussed on students like the yearly celebration of ogy, Samuel Bobiles, Department Head coping up and adjusting in being a col-

lege student , and Rachelle Anne Miranda, USC Chairperson presented the University Student Council Officers. After they tackled about the library, student, medical and dental, guidance services, Presidents from CheSS, ComSoc, CircUITS and vice-president of Symbiosis presented the College Based Organizations (CBO) and UNYAP, University Based Organization was also presented by the President—Pete Francis Abareta. Publications were presented, UNIBE- University Publication and Scientia- College Publication. Jonathan Jaime Guerrero, College Student Council Adviser presented the College Student Council Officers. The orientation ended with Charmaine Malonzo, Assistant Dean, College of Science, giving her closing remarks. ♦

Bicol University College of Science SCIENTIA The Official Student Publication of Bicol University College of Science Legazpi City FINANCIAL REPORT 1st Semester AY: 2012-2013 : Php :

Balance from 2nd Sem AY: 2011-2012 Late Collection : Number of Students: Amount Collected (1st Semester) Number of Students:

8,583.75 450.00

15 :

27,600.00

920

Breakdown of Expenses: Operational Expenses Printing of Receipts Enrolment Expenses Transportation Printing & Photocopy Jobs Office Supplies Screening of New Staffs Team Building Activity Presswork Wallnews Reimbursements RAYTERISTA 4.5 BUCS Student Leadership Training BU Student Governance Training Sci-Tech Days (iSip)

Cash Inflow Cash Outflow Remaining Balance*

190.00 150.00 300.00 492.50 495.00 168.50 500.00 500.00 117.00 328.00 50.00 1,000.00 400.00 1,980.00

: : : : : : : : : : : : : :

Php Php Php

*Remaining Balance will be used for the printing of the 1st sem print issue Prepared by:

Sgd.

Czarina Jane C. Baliza Managing Editor, SCIENTIA Noted by:

Sgd.

Regina Pia B. Relova Editor-in-Chief Recommended by:

Sgd.

Prof. Franklin Miranda Jr.

10/10/20123:55 PM

36,633.75 6,671.0 29,962.8

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NEWS

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Fresh Accountability An Interview with the New Assistant Dean by: Brian Frank Bustenera “Since I wasn’t in Bicol University (BU) for my study leave, I needed to adjust myself to many things when I came back to BUCS. First, I needed to adjust to being a teacher once again. I needed to study and prepare the lessons everyday not for my own understanding and consumption, but on how I would be able to convey well to my students the ideas, concepts and appreciation of the lessons”, Prof. Charmaine A. Malonzo, Assistant Dean of the Bicol University College of Science (BUCS), briefly stated accordingly in an interview. Prof. Malonzo replaced the former Assistant Dean Prof. Phil Morano. Adjustments

this time I need to have a wider perspective of many administrative and academic concerns”, she added. “Crucial decisions are to be made almost every day. But if you have the passion in what you are doing, it would not be difficult to adjust to new situations” she said. Hardships/Difficulties Adjusting to her new obligation, Ma’am Sha still faces some struggles up until now. “Hardships and difficulties dwell on the negative aspects of life. I’d rather call them as challenges because it shows a more positive outlook”, she explained. “I consider myself as a student of life. I take every challenging situation that comes in my way – as a teacher, family woman, an administrator – as source of wisdom and inspiration. I am constantly learning and re-learning many things. Every time that I learn something new, the more I realize my ignorance and inadequacies. Nevertheless, we should always take challenges as avenues for improvement”, she added. “My greatest challenge for now is on how I could help the College improve its services, to grow more and achieve the dreams woven during its birth in 2004 and that would be a challenge even if I’m no longer in this office acting as the Assistant Dean”.

Prof. Charmaine A. Malonzo, a registered microbiologist, served as former BUCS Planning Officer (SY 2006-2007) and as Chair, of the Department of Biology (SY 2007-2009). She will graduate this second semester SY 2012-2013 in MS Microbiology at UPLB. She resumed office this first semester Academic Year 2012-2013. “Ma’am Sha”, as they call her, said that just about two weeks after she was reinstated, she was requested to serve as the Assistant Dean of BUCS so she needed to adjust and take heed to the challenges of being part of the administration. “I was the Chair of the Department of Biology before I went on study leave so somehow I knew something Comments/Suggestions: on how to run an organization. But being the On student leaders (Publication and Assistant Dean is very much different because CSC):

“Be the real voice of the student body. You are there to guard the rights of the students. You should look seriously into the issues that involve the rights and welfare of the students. Sponsor more activities that would promote active participation of students in the discussion of their rights and welfares and help them make informed decisions on political and social issues of this country that directly or indirectly affect them. I believe there are better things to do than to hold parties”, she explained. “Where is Scientia? I can barely feel you. Make yourself known by the students. I know the challenges of campus journalism, having been a campus journalist myself (News Editor of The Perspective, the official publication of UPLB), but you committed yourself for the service of the students so you have to surpass those challenges and have your presence felt by everyone in the college,” she justified. On students: “Make the most of your lives as students. Prioritize your lessons and relevant activities – not DOTA (ito pa rin ba ang kinalolokohang computer game o meron ng iba?) or Facebook. Be disciplined. The simple act of placing your garbage in the proper place speaks about it”, she mentioned. On administration:

“BU has been in existence for 43 years and yet there are still many academic and administrative policies that are vague. It is quite a sad fact that there are still some matters whose policies are yet to be made. We are proud to say that we are already ISO accredited and that many of our programs are Accrediting Agency of Charted Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) accredited but it seems that many things are forgotten and “come back to normal” after the accreditation visits. We should make the “accreditation spirit” alive every day. I hope that everyone in the University – from administrators to students-should feel the essence of what excellence really is as well as the underlying responsibilities attached to it. Perhaps this is part of our evolution as a University”. ♦

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT CSC

2012 BUCS Intramurals with the Sports Symbiosis Club. Sports Events, Indoor Games, May 21, 2012-June 1, 2012: assisted Board Games, LITMUSDA, Intramurals July 6, 2012: Organized Biology Freshin the enrolment for 1st semester aca- Pageant and Laro ng Lahi are the events men Orientation during the Intramurals demic year 2012-2013. July 12, 2012: Completed the Animal September 17-22, 2012: Supported June 1-3, 2012: sent the CSC PresiHouse Room at the 2nd and 3rd Floor dent and Vice-President to the 8th Na- BUCS athletes during the BU Olympics. of CSB3. tional Congress Student Council Alliance July 26, 2012: Hosted the Acquaintof the Philippines at Cebu City. ComSoc ance Party for Biology students. June 15, 2012: Organized the FreshJune 25, 2012: CS Freshmen Orienta- July 27, 2012: Completion of conmen Orientation. tion and 1st General Assembly struction of Symbiosis Office. June 22-24, 2012: Sent CSC Treasurer and a Representative to 1st Bicol Region- July 12, 2012: Helped in organizing July 23-25, 2012, S&T Festival: Oral Youth Summit at Naga Regent Hotel. the Albay Youth Summit at Albay Astro- ganized the Symposium on K+12 at dome CSB3 Auditorium; conducted the annual July 6, 2012: Organized the BUCS Acmedicinal gardening; organized Outreach July 20, 2012: Hosted the CS Acquaintance Party at Albay Astrodome. program at Albay Central School. quaintance Party dubbed as “The UnJuly 23-25, 2012: Organized the First known Party” at CSB1 Function Hall. August 3, 2012: Organized 2nd LegisUniversity-wide Science and Technology lative Assembly July 23-25, 2012: Organized Comdays. puter Programming Competition, AVP August 10-12, 2012: Sent CSC PIO Making Competition, and the Program CheSS and a Junior Counselor 13th Interna- Exhibit during the Science and TechnolJune 22, 2012: Organized orientation tional Youth Day at New Era University, ogy Festival. program for freshmen. Quezon City. August 26, 2012: Organized ClashAugust 18-20, 2012: Sent partici- core cosplay competition at Albay Astro- June 23, 2012: Hosted the Chemistry Acquaintance Party. pants to the 10th Student Government dome during the Ibalong Festival Training held at Coastal View Resort, September 5-7, 2012: Organized BU 2nd week to the 4th week of July: Sto. Domingo Albay. Inter-collegiate DOTA Competition dur- Conducted a seminar on proper Time September 5-7, 2012: organized the ing the BUCS Intramurals. and Stress Management

July 23-25, 2012: Hosted the 9th University-Wide Science and Technology Quiz Bowl, the Project Signage, the CheSS Booth, the Chemical Instrumentation Seminar, Chemistry Exhibit and the Outreach Program. September 22, 2012: helped in the realization of an Outreach Program at San Francisco National High School.

CirUITS May, 2012: launched the Enrollment Assistance Program June 21, 2012: Conducted the Freshmen Orientation June 22 ,2012: Organized the 1st General Assembly for IT Students July 13, 2012: Conducted the “Paint the Night: a CirCUITS Acquaintance Party” at the CS B1 Function Hall. August 1 ,2012: Organized the 2nd General Assembly for IT Students July 23-25, 2012: Organized a booth for the Science and Technology days Celebration and hosted an Outreach Program for the children at Vel-Amor Daycare Center. ♦

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COMMENTARY

scientific inquiry in the light of free press

Carpe Diem

Dick Harence S. Dela Vega

When Ignorant People Know so Much

EDITORIAL

“Not-So-‘Kay” Advocates other thing, and yet they haven’t even read the full bill or law yet. Ask them what they are fighting for and they’ll tell you twisted reasons, out-of-this-world defences and nonchalant statements. So why go into a war without any weapon? Why write without a pen and paper? Why fight for something you The RH Bill has been a long time source of argument don’t even know the half of ? not only in the congress but the whole country as well. PeoI have been nurturing this thought for quite some time ple mistake it always for “pro-premarital sex”, while others and my eyes were more than opened when the AMALAYER see it as prolife. The Catholic Church stands by its statement issue came out. Various comments, most of them negative, that they are anti-RH because of its provisions, while even some beyond the belt, a few to her defense, came out of a number of conservative groups and influential individuals the minds of different people from different walks of life. have reported to be supportive of the said bill. Some blurted out words that nobody would ever want to hear The Cybercrime Law, on the other hand, created a big- them say to them. People went on and on for days judging ger noise than that of the RH bill. Mainly because the people her, condemning her, a few, defending her, without knowing nowadays are engrossed with social networking found in the every single and minute detail about what happened on the cyber world. It created a huge support system which led to LRT station that day. Just because she was caught on camera reconsideration of the law even if it was already to be imple- with that kind of attitude, doesn’t automatically make her the mented. It pushed for the “Black Revolution”, the Filipinos, most evil person alive. It just so happened that we are in the changing their display photos in different social and media age of technology where at just one click, your life might be sites in order to express their detest on the said law. Sotto was changed forever. bashed for days and weeks on having pushed through with Forgive me, if ever I offend anyone, but I believe that the bill, saying he was trying his very best to push the law all it’s true if I say that our generation nowadays is filled with for his benefit. people who always choose to go with the flow and be in with People have their choice on what stand to take, whether the trend in whatever aspect of life it may be instead of havpro or anti a certain bill. People have the freedom to decide ing a firm ground on principles and values. Most of us always for their own on what statements they need to be firm on end up advocating for something we don’t even know quite and defend whenever they will be asked. But what caught my well. The adults always describe teenagers as people who attention more than the two much talked about issues are the decide everything in the spur of the moment and based on people. Not entirely all of them, but the Filipinos who are intense feelings. We can’t even tell them that they are lying because, as far as I can see, it’s true. “Not-So-’Kay” Advocates. News segments, news programs, news articles, articles and blogs on the internet, radio programs in different broadcast stations and other media have been bombarded with reports for the development of two bills – the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill and the Cybercrime Law.

Should I open up an issue or argument, would you be I don’t get it why people opt to change their profile pictures on Facebook with, “I am Pro-Life, I am Pro-RH able to make a firm stand on what you would conclude with? Bill.”, or change it with a plain black picture. Ask them why Or would you be one of these “not-so-’kay” advocates the they did it, they’ll tell you they are pro something, and anti the world has trained? ♦

Sometimes those people who are deemed as intelligent are the real ignorant in this world. Watchful, critical, outspoken. We admire such people who possess these traits; they are always in the frontline delivering their discourses about so many insufficiencies and what the person-in authority must do with it. It seems that they are the only vigorous part of the said-to-be passive studentry. We must thank them for being our voice and for expressing the concerns that must be attended to. It’s good to know that there are people who are willing to give their service and to do what they think is right. “Everything is on the right track”, those students are just doing what is right and that’s what I told myself in my first year in this college, not until I was able to view the different panoramas of the situation. There is something wrong – something that’s quite confusing to me. It’s normal to see them picking out the governing council, but an unusual thing happened as they began to tease those persons whom they think are not doing their jobs because of their keen relationship with the council officials. FRIENDS SILA, KAYA DI MACRITICIZE, sabi nga ng iba. BIAS SILA PALIBHASA, GANITO, GANYAN, dagdag pa nila. I was amused when I heard these statements from a few persons outside. How could they create an assumption without even asking to know the truth? Geniuses, I guessed. I DON’T LIKE HIM/HER, PARA LANG YAN SI ANO…, PORKET GANITO SYA NAGI NA SYANG HEAD NG CBO NA YAN? sabi nung isang CS student. Why are people so judgmental nowadays? Is this assumption rational or just a biased conclusion? A day came when I was informed that someone is questioning the legality of the designation as a CBO head of a certain person in the college, imploring that there is such a rule about the requirement of being head of the said CBO. Sana, nag-apply din daw sana siya kung di rin naman masusunod yung rule. Why is he throwing arguments without even bothering to investigate if his information is right? Anger. Confusion. It caused the atmosphere to begin to boil unusually. Why are they doing this? What would they have? Is it about the difference of their ideologies for they belong to different political parties? Is this about more than personal matters? Sometimes I wonder why people keep on creating presumptions based on a few and sometimes unproven info? Is it just like searching truth out of ignorance or shall I say finding a needle inside a mall? Maybe they are doing this because the government is ‘not’ that responsive or maybe just too tired of them. I just want to clarify that I have nothing against them. I cannot say that they are doing mistakes, for we have different perspectives of ‘what is right and what is wrong’. All I want to tell them is to do self-reflection or perhaps a few asking before uttering or doing anything. ♦

SCIENTIA | Editorial Board and Staff A/Y 2012-2013

Regina Pia B. Relova Editor-in-Chief • Gianelli Kristeen P. Camases Associate Editor • Czarina Jane C. Baliza Managing Editor • Dick Harence Dela Vega Senior Editor • Brian Frank Bustenera Inquiry Editor • Pete Francis Abareta Arts and Graphics Director • Rhona Jane Malate Senior Writer • Staff Writers Julie Ann Alabin, Michael Jhun Angelo Bea, Lysa Bueno, Mark Joseph Franco, Kent Andrew Llamson, Fiona Rae Llaneta, Maydel Luceñada, Sarah Jane Paliza, Debbie Restum, Shiela Mae Soterio • Ian Lleva Senior Lay-out Artist • Lay-out Artists Jahziel Rae Arceo, Maria Jenica Callos, Vincent Oscar Maceda • Bernadette Susano Head Photojournalist • Photojournalists Vanna Esther Bas, Yasmin Peralta • Noriel Paraiso Senior Cartoonist • Cartoonists Niño Beruela, Dominica Dino, Jeam Sedric Espinosa • Researchers John Melwin Balasta, Myla Frondozo, Maria Ester Ibañez • Franklin Miranda Jr. Adviser

scientia

COMMENTARY

scientific inquiry in the light of free press

E-Rej

Regina Pia B. Relova

Hot Isyu Sa buong taong inilagi ko dito sa College of Science, masasabi kong ngayong taon ang pinakamaingay. Samo’t saring reklamo, samo’t saring isyu. Isyung walang katapusan, batikos na ang lalim ng pinaghuhugutan, at mga reklamong hindi na kayang pantayan. Kung iisa-isahin ko na lahat ng isyung narinig ko, malamang, magmumukha na ‘tong blind item o report ng mga bagay na minsan eh, hindi naman talaga napatunayan, o kaya naman mga bagay na na-exaggerate lamang dahil sa palipat-lipat na kwento ng mga tao. Ayoko rin naman magmukhang telenobela ang kolum na ito. Isyu sa ticket, reklamo sa bayaran, dayaan “daw” sa pageant, ano pa ba? Hindi raw dapat si ganito nandirito sa lugar na ito, hindi raw dapat siya ang nasa posisyong iyon kasi may pinagtatakpan daw siya, wala raw silang ibang ginawa kundi magmalaki, at kahit anong talino at galing daw nila, mga “monster” daw ang mga ugali nila. Halos linggu-linggo nitong semester na ito, may mga isyu akong naririnig o nakakalap kung kani-kanino. Mga salitang hindi naman na talaga dapat bitawan pa, mga sabi-sabing hindi naman napatunayan ng iba. Sa opinyon ko lang naman eto mga kaibigan ha, bago kayo magreklamo at magsalita, isipin niyo muna, may basehan ba kayo? Makakatulong ba sa kapwa niyo ang mga pinagsasasabi at pinaggagagawa niyo? Kasi kung hindi lang naman, mas mabuti pa atang manahimik na lang kung wala ka rin namang sasabihing maganda. Yung iba kasi, akala nila, tuwing sinasabi nila ang mga napupuna nilang mali, o ang mga opinyon nila, okay na sila. Yung ibang tao, nasisilaw sa galing ng iba magsalita, pero kung tatanungin mo, hindi naman nila alam kung ano ang pinaglalaban nila. Salita nga ng salita, reklamo ng reklamo, wala namang nagagawa para makatulong sa paghahanap ng solusyon sa mga problema. May mga taong malalakas ang loob magsalita, mas madalas eh, sila pa yung walang alam. Hindi sa pinagbabawalan ko kayong maglabas ng saloobin niyo, pagkainis o pagkagusto niyo sa paraan kung paano pinapatakbo ang institusyong ito, pero dapat matuto tayong maging considerate. Sa sobrang pag-arangkada ng teknolohiya, nakalimutan na ata ng mga tao kung paano makitungo sa mga nakakataas sa personal. Yung idadaan sa usap lahat, idadaan sa tamang proseso, at hindi sa simpleng pa-post-post lang, o pa-tweet-tweet lang. Lahat ng bagay, may tamang paraan, may tamang lugar, may tamang panahon. Tandaan natin na iba ang taong maraming sinasabi, sa taong may sinasabi. Sa mga opisyal naman, madalas, hindi napapakinggan ang mga hinaing ng mga estudyante. Bakit? Kasi nakatuon sila sa kung ano ang nais nilang mangyari. Minsan, nakakalimutan ng hingiin kung ano ang maaaring imungkahi ng mga sinasakupan nila. Minsan, masyado ng naaliw sa posisyon nila, na nakakalimutan na nila lahat ng ipinataga nila sa bato noong eleksyon o nominasyon palang. Minsan din, pinapakitunguhan na ng maayos, hinahanap na para maayos ang gusot, hindi mo naman na mahagilap. Yung iba naman ginagamit ang posisyon nila sa paghila sa ibang tao pababa, o para manipulahin ang mga nasasakupan nila. Ang mga Pilipino pa naman, kahit saang parte ng mundo o ng Pilipinas, matanda man o bata, likas na mayroong Cory Aquino, Jose Rizal at Andres Bonifacio sa kaibuturan ng kanilang mga puso. Basta sa tingin nilang may ipaglalaban sila, humahayo. Biktima ka man o ikaw ang gumagawa ng ingay ngayong taon, malalaman mong iba na ang atake ng mga tao. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, kung meron akong limang piso sa bawat batikos, panghuhusga, reklamo, at isyu na para sa akin eh, aba, mga kuya at mga ate, milyonarya na ata ako ngayon. Bagay na hindi ko ikinalulugod ng sobra, pero bagay na ipinagpapasalamat ko. Weird ba? Magtataka kayo, bakit ko pa papasalamatan ang mga taong walang ibang ginawa kundi pagsalitaan ka ng hindi maganda, nakaharap man o nakatalikod? Simple lang. Dahil sa kanila, mas ginaganahan akong magtrabaho ng maayos. CSians, aanhin niyo naman ang mga taong kating-kati hilahin kayo pababa kung mas marami namang naniniwala na kaya niyo lahat? Aanhin niyo naman ang mga taong sinisiraan kayo kung mas marami namang taong nagtitiwala sa inyo? Aanhin niyo naman ang mga taong

wala ng ibang ginawa kundi pagsalitaan kayo ng masama, kung It’s a hidden and common weakness to us humans that we can’t admit all of these things brought to us through our mas marami namang tao ang nagpapalakas ng loob mo? existence must come to an end. Christian or not, it is in our P.S. Oo nga pala, bato bato sa langit, ‘di ko na kasalanan will, “free will” should I say, on how life will become as we kung matamaan, okay? want it to be. In an epic poem I’ve just read, as I recall, LuciP.P.S. Huwag mag-assume na lahat ay para sa’yo. Malay fer said to a pure soul he held captive, “The world is another mo, para sa iba. ;) ♦ form of hell, and humans are its demons.” I read it twice for I found it interesting. Basing on our ethical situation being the world as our dwelling place, logically, if hell really exists, it might’ve expanded its circles to the endless souls that they would welcome at their gates. Can’t imagine how terrible such Czarina Jane Baliza punishment would that be. Stick to your faith I suggest.

iCzap

‘BU Student Lounge’ Andito ako ngayon sa tinaguriang STUDENT LOUNGE ng Bicol University. Gagawa kasi ako ng article para sa SCIENTIA. Nagbabakasakali na may makuhang inspirasyon dito. Buti nga malapit lang sa college natin itong Student Lounge, may matatambayan na ang mga tulad kong CSian. Naalala ko nung fresh pa ako, este freshman pa ako, wala pa tong Lounge na to. Tanda ko, ang mga bilihan ng pagkain o kaya mga ‘food stalls’ ay nasa may Centree. Tapos biglang lipat sa likod ng CSB3, hanggang sa napatayo na nga BU Student Lounge. Naisipan kong bumili ng meryenda, konti lang kasi nakain kong agahan kanina. After kong makabili, naghanap ako ng mauupuan. Hay, daming estudyante ngayon. Kung sa pagbili mo ng shake ay nagkakaubusan ng pearls, meron ding ubusan ng upuan. Kaya ang peg,‘standing ovation’. Okay lang, isipin na lang, may cocktail party at diretso na sa paa yung kinain. Pagkalapag ko ng pagkain ko, may mga langaw na nagsidatingan. Aba! Uunahan pa ako sa pagkain ko. Shupe mga langaw! Let me eat in peace! Pag-alis ng langaw, may bago akong bisita – bubuyog. Sweet ko ata masyado. Di ko kayang bugawin ang bubuyog. Buti nalang may bakante nang mesa, at may upuan! Lipat agad ako. Hooray! Nakaupo rin ako. Kaso medyo madumi ang table. Tapos na akong kumain, thank you Lord for the food. Oras na para mag sulat. May mga napansin akong mga nakasulat sa table, daming mga vandal. Maya maya umulan. Kala ko ambon lang, lumakas pa. Naku po, stranded ako dito. Dapat siguro may gutter yung mga roof. Para sa isang daan lang yung bagsak ng my ulan, at hindi yung bawat sides ng roof may tulo. After ng ulan, isa-isang students ang umalis. Boogsh! (‘Di ko alam sound ng nabagsak...) Hala! Nadulas si kuya. Infairness, walang tumawa sakanya. Ang babait naman ng mga studs. Pagkatapos nun, napansin ko ang dumi pala ng lounge. Naalala ko tuloy yung pinangako ng isang CSC officer nung nangangampanya pa lang siya sa HARAMPANGAN 2012. Sabi pa nga niya, “kahit pagpalinisin ko mga officers ko, gagawin ko.” Sa’n na kaya yung pangakong yon? O sige, alis na rin ako sa lounge tutal tapos ko na rin naman article ko. Peace out! ♦

PaperMoon Brian Frank D. Bustenera

Prophecy becomes History “Live like we’re dying” as a song goes. A phrase that addresses a certain point. Simple yet meaningful. We set afoot to our existence without any fear of death in particular. Living as if we own the “gift” we call life. Recently, a professor in a particular subject shared to us, what his stand is regarding the issue on the “end of the world” or some might say “judgment day”. He said years have passed, yet the “prophecies” were attested to be fictitious and he jokingly said,”Gawin na ang hindi pa nagagawa.” as I recall. His line was indeed savored with humor and left me with a hanging thought. Memories and images of my loved ones flashed. I felt a slight distortion in my mind absorbing the words I just heard.

“I should finish my unfinished businesses.”, I said to myself. Travel the world? Nah. Plant lots of trees? Better. Spread love? Kornihun XD Loads of things to do, so little time. Nobody knows God may use some Old Testament tactics to His creation. Get my point? What would you do? Be a better person while you have the chance. Live life to the fullest. Sayonara! ♦

Cryptic Scheme

Gianelli Kristeen Camases

A Call for a Change When it comes to money matters, people tend to overreact and not understand the reasons why certain consequences are being imposed by the authorities (or in our case, the departmental organizations). Every year, the same problem on the collection of the fees arises and the same people are complaining. This leads me to wonder if something is wrong with the people imposing the fees or with people who are complaining about it. Is it so wrong to ask why such punishments are being imposed and if it had been ratified by the students? Is it so much pain to answer these questions that will lead to better understanding on the part of the students who are complaining? The officers of the concerned organization should be ready in answering such questions from the members of the organization that they are handling. They should be visible to the students so that they will know whenever the students are having difficulty at grasping why such retributions are made and enforced. I think, the main problem on the part of the organization is the proper information dissemination, wherein most organizations only rely on social media like Facebook for the dissemination of the information. As student leaders, they should not hold the student personally liable for the troubles that they’ve caused only because they did not get the information or answer that they need on time. Better understanding and much patience should be possessed in handling organizations, and not just personal judgments and opinions for the student who is asking questions. On the other hand, students should do their part in attending the General Assembly (GA), which is always held with prior notice to the students or members of the organization. All questions, suggestions and reactions should be raised there so as to clarify their beleaguered minds about the sanctions and other matters. Let us all remember that no large scale action or decision can be made by any organization without the approval of its members. And therefore, we cannot expect an organization to do its function and the activities expected by the members if the fees or budget required by the activity is not met a week prior to the activity. As members, we cannot expect them (the organizers) to magically have enough money for the activity without at least 75%of the population paying their fees. It is very hard to organize things without the requirements, especially if the requirement that is lacking requires money. If questions are to be asked after the GA, we can consult the officers, the adviser of the organization, the CSC officers or even Sir Christian Sy, the College Student Activities Coordinator for our college. I’m sure they’d be glad to entertain our questions. Let us all treat each other with the respect that we all deserve. We should not blame one another, instead, we should all take some action that will take us closer to the solution and not do things that will harm the organization and the people running it. We are not only members of the organization, we should treat each other as members of a large family that should help each other succeed and not tear each other down. ♦

COMMENTARY | FEATURE

scientia scientific inquiry in the light of free press

I-Speak Anong reaction niyo sa bagong format ng ID? • Ang reaction ko po about the ID ngayon is masyadong light although maganda ang background kasi ung 4 pillars ginamit unlike before na yung admin building at naamaze din po ako kasi nakuha kaagad yung ID in just a minute. Thank You – 091246XXXXX

• The new format of ID was good and I think it is better than the past format although I didn’t experience having an ID like those, this new format showcases the four pillars of BU, which symbolizes what a true BUeño is. – 091842XXXXX • Ahm, boring po ang ID ngayon. Maliit ang background ta sang picture quality pangit din. – 094698XXXXX • Uhm. Di po naming alam kung anu yung format ng ID. – 094840XXXXX • Mas maganda po yung dati. – 090779XXXXX • About the ID, ahmm… I found it good po… mas ayos po ang ID ngayon kaso lang po medyo di po maganda ang lace and case kasi po parang low cost po ang mga materials kaya parang brittle na po ang case while yung lace po baliktad… haha – 09484XXXXXX

• Hindi po masyado clear yung background. Hindi nababasa yung nasa 4 pillars… and yung bicol university hindi rin nababasa. Yun lang po :) in addition. Pangit yung pagkuha ng picture… haha especially yung sa mga babae. Mas formal yung dati. Mas Malaki yung informations… mas medaling maidentify. – 093056XXXXX • Mas maganda po yung dating ID (front only)… pero mas maganda yung back ng ID ngaun… 4 pillars ung ngayon… maganda rin sana pero kulang ng details sa left side. At ginawakasing sa right yung pic… mas cute kung mayroong details sa left. Pero appreciated din yung ngayon kasi pinapakita yung 4 pillars. – 091944XXXXXX

About validation nung enrollment • Okay lang naman,, medyo matagal, mainit pa. Sana mapa-aircon na dun. Kunti kasi yung computer, ay hiindi yung maga tao dun kaya mabagal talaga. –Franzen, ComSci

• Ayos lang, kaiupan ito para mapaaloy, tapos dapat katabi lang yun ng Cashier. –ComSci • Ang haba ng pila! Hindi inexplain

kung bakit may validation. Pati ibang Colleges andun pa, kaya matagal yung process ng pag paenroll. –ComSci, 3A • Dae na dapat, dae na ito pinagibo samuya. Dagdag pa sa pila. –S.M.R • Double effort. –Melvin • Time consuming. –Bio, 1C • Hassle. Matagal. Imbis na matapos agad kailangan pang pumunta sakanila. –Chem, 2A • Pandagdag pa ng paghihirap sa pila. Nakakaaksaya pa ng time. Imbes na dae na mapila, mapila ka pa. - HelloguysBio • Parang mas naging magulo. Imbis na deretso na kailangan pa mag parahalat. –Bio, 1C • Bwiset! Kalaba-laba san pila. Warang pulos. Ang haba haba ng pila tapos mapirma man lang. -20 • Dagdag pasanin, na pwede man sanang sa Registrar kan kanya kanyang College. –Thomas Torres • Wala ako masabi. Kasi first time ko naman dito, first year pa lang. –Bio • Super haggard. Epal. Bagulbulun pa. – GCE • Nganga. -Pretty

Campus Whispers Betrayal Students complained about the so called “betrayal of public trust” of a certain org. They gave their trust and shared some “personal” issues to them, not knowing that their “personal” stories will be also shared to others. Tsk. Tsk. You better keep your secrets on your own. Intimidation? Certified members of a certain revolution in the college are reportedly doing some sort of unusual way just to increase the number of their recruits. Aw. Would you like to be contained inside a room and never be let go until you agree to join them?

Pirates of the Caribbean A group of techies is helping other people to have a genuine Windows 8 without hurting their federal reserves. It is just that they are like pirates sailing in the high seas, if you know what I mean. Post of Mass Destruction A certain student in the college succeeded in creating an FB post of mass destruction. The said post about 20 something created a commotion in their org – and one of their pioneer official of was offended and hurt which led to him withdrawing his support. Hhhmm. How sad. Only one deserving for presidency A number of students are claiming that they have seen a tweet from a CSC President aspirant saying that he is the only one deserving to sit on the post. Tweet! Tweet! Well, he is freakin’ confident. Urge of Nature Due to urge of nature, two students from two different colleges of the university were reportedly caught making some kind of miracle in the CSB2 restroom. Just guess their genders. ♦

scientia

FEATURE

scientific inquiry in the light of free press

Maria Without the Tiara by: Shiela Soterio, Jackielyn Ramos, Fiona Llaneta

“Maria” – is this name familiar to you? Of course, probably yes, because this has become a household name to every student who visits the student lounge, especially the CSians. What’s the big deal about Maria? What makes him a trending topic is his physical appearance which makes him stand out from among a pool of people. This is the reason why some of the students make friends with him but it can’t be avoided with the way he looks, others, mostly guys, discriminate him because he’s gay. He cross-dresses and wears a tiara while serving the customers but even though he wears this unusual attire, he is so approachable and he knows what’s wrong and right. He is doing his best to do his responsibilities and give a good service to us students. He doesn’t want other people to get mad at him that’s why he just ignores non-sense jokes thrown at him. For Maria, what’s important is his work because it is for his future. Knowing that he can surpass all the difficulties and problems in life, we only need to be good-hearted and honest as what he has stated. Aside from these information, there’s still any things that you should know about Maria for you to be inspired and know him better. Getting to know him Our so-called “Maria” goes by the name of Rico in “real life”. He is the youngest of the eleven children of Will and Adeline. His father works as a barangay kagawad in their respective area, Oras, Castilla, Sorsogon. His mother also works in their barangay as a health worker. The 12th day of December, 1994 was the very first time he felt his mother’s warm embrace when he was welcomed as their eleventh child.

headbands and other women’s apparel have been an everyday fashion statement for him. Having this new face in our lounge, everyone took notice and was confused about his life until CS students Jervie Alcera and Mheljor General approached him and asked his name, but unfortunately he refused to answer that’s why they started to call him “Maria”. It was taken from the TV series Maria la Del Barrio due to the appearance and character he showed to everyone, not to mention, his noticeable tiara. Inspirations and Goals in Life “Kahit ganito ako, ginagamit ko sa tama.” These are the words from Maria that shows he is humble yet strong enough to carry whatever burden life may bring. And just like every one of us, he is also holding onto one belief that keeps him on the right track: “What is beauty when your brain is empty?” In fact, after graduating in high school and a one year rest from his studies, next school year, he is planning to be a working student. He intends to take-up Bachelor of Secondary Education in Aquinas University of Legazpi every Sunday.

When asked about He took his elementary and secondary education in Oras Elementary School and Oras Na- his inspirations, the first tional High School respectively. He decided to take a different path instead of pursuing his educa- name that he uttered was tion. He chose to leave the household and start a new life in Legazpi, Albay. the Almighty God. In Some may see it strange that a youngster like him coming from a complete family who can addition to that, there is support his financial and emotional needs and can be there for him every time he wants to, still a “special someone” that decides to leave it all behind. But every person comes with a unique and different story. In Maria’s adds color to his everyday case, he may seem to have a perfectly normal life, but in reality, some things in his life are not per- life; and now he is happily fect. “Wala kasi silang time sa amin, puro na lang sa barangay,” he said. For him, through moving sharing his special moto Legazpi, maybe he could somehow find happiness in other things and would eventually fill the ments with that someone missing piece in his heart. for half-a-year now. Also, Why and how did he become “Maria”? his goals of having a selfRico is a simple guy with a feminine heart. When their family problem started to get the owned future house and best of him, Rico decided to go to Legazpi. He applied to a canteen/store in our college student’s happy family motivates lounge and hoped for the best. The owner of the store where he applied as an employee accepted him to wake up every him, setting aside what makes him different because of respect. With all their utmost support as morning with strength. ♦ second parents of Rico, he started to wear fashion dresses like a real girl. Tights, miniskirts, tiaras,

“ I’m

17, and I’m pregnant. by: Fiona Llaneta

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In the rapidly increasing teenage pregnancy rate in the Philippines, having to know about a teenage girl getting a bun in the oven is not anymore a big shock to most of us. In fact, some are getting used to the situation and simply going with the flow. Yet since we are in a country with a conservative custom, there will always be a number of people who stay confused and not open regarding this type of issue. We can’t say that the open acceptance of some Filipinos is a bad thing and the discomfort of the others is the opposite. But I guess the overly shown rejection of others is more upsetting. Yes, we have been given the privilege of freedom of speech but going beyond the limit is unfair and wrong. Way back then, I couldn’t also understand why such things happen to some so young and somehow singled them out with prejudice. Until I heard this story about a young woman who will be experiencing the bumps of early motherhood, then I found answers to the questions I had in mind and knew the story behind. “Kasi ako, regular yung pagmens ko. So yun, after two months, ‘di na ako nagmens. Ayun, naghinala ako na yun nga, buntis ako.”. Jen* was just 17 when she found out that she was pregnant. The baby is the product of her one year and two months relationship with her boyfriend. “He got worried when I told him about it—that our parents might get all furious and might eventually separate us.” Jen has a strong persona on her own but paired up with Alvin*, her boyfriend’s support, she knew nothing can bring her down and stop her from living the life she has now as normal as it could possibly be. Alvin, his cousin and a friend’s mom were the first persons who knew about the situation. When I asked her why she didn’t tell anybody else about it, she just shook her head and smiled—a way of saying she doesn’t know. “I’m not just a chatty type of person.” For a first-time mother and considering she had it in an early age, it’s so unusual that Jen barely had any difficulties at all. There are certain changes that she encountered but only very minimal. Like her appetite abruptly went down from her normal. “Now that I’m pregnant, I stopped being a foodie. It feels like the whole thing in my stomach’s

*Names changed for privacy

already full and in any minute it will burst”, she covers her mouth and laughs. “I also found myself arguing with my boyfriend most of the time. (I’m) lucky he understands me and my everyday mood swings”, she adds. But for her, there’s no more time for regrets and her baby is the most important thing in the whole world now. The baby made their relationship much stronger. It’s seen clearly in her face that though there might be people who see what they have done as a humongous mistake, she still keeps her head up high and stay strong. “I know I disappointed my parents. I know they had a plan for me and getting pregnant wasn’t a part of it.” But she became much more concerned for Alvin. “Yung tita kasi niya ang nagpapadala ng pera na pang-aral niya. I was worried because if she finds out, she might stop sustaining him with his tuition. That means, he might not be able to go to school anymore.” She kept on attending her classes and wasn’t ashamed of her bulging belly. I asked her if she’s afraid of the consequences that may come along the way, she just said, “Hindi. Basta andyan siya. Alam ko di niya ako iiwan.” Jen’s still lucky because she possesses a tough character which makes it a lot easier for her to adjust in her changing situation and environment. With also the help of her boyfriend who never left her since day one, there’s nothing she could ever ask for. Through Jen’s story, there are two things we should realize: learn to value careful decision-making and start growing sensitive with the people often scrutinized. The latter tells us that it’s not alright for us to give nasty and unfair comments regarding people which have done something wrong. Judging others without knowing their story behind will not make us a better person most especially when we know that they also make an effort to live a normal life. While the former says that, some things in life must be planned very carefully for the right time. There are certain decisions we make that will cling on to our lives forever. As for having a baby at an unexpected point in time, there are some drastic measures we might consider doing like abortion. Imagine killing an unborn child just because of a wrong decision we had made. Some say it’s their only choice when fear of rejection and responsibility comes out. Still, we all know it’s off beam. Jen also thought of doing this because she was desperate. But later on, she had grasped what would happen after she aborted the baby. It could’ve been worse. “Never correct a wrong by another mistake.”, quoted Jen. ♦

*Names have been changed

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LITERARY

scientific inquiry in the light of free press

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scientific inquiry in the light of free press

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ACROSS 1. cord worn around neck 2. prepare food 3. Boolean operator 4. public relations officer 5. after short time 6. semisolid mixture used for cleaning teeth 7. Rico a.k.a _____. 8. college adviser or rule enforcer 9. expression of surprise or disdain 10. police 11. abbreviation of Metro Rail Transit 12. register something formally 13. used for comparison 14. as soon as possible 15. official school publication of CS 16. genre of music 17. College Student Council

DOWN 1. small portable computer 2. imitating anime characters 8. humorous expression of stupidity 10. Computer Society 15. conjunction 18. site for video sharing 19. Defense of the Ancient 20. first name of the CSC president 21. Information Technology 22. one of the Akatsuki 23. mutually beneficial relationship 24. it revolves around the sun 25. green cornetto 26. front part of hoof 27. after expected time 28. opposed to something 29. reverse of off 30. cellphone 31. scientist specializing in chemistry

Prof Hunting by: JMB

DIRECTION: Find the 18 hidden surnames of our professors here in CS. Do it vertically, horizontally, diagonally or backwards. Goodluck! Z

YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN BUCS...

BY: NORIEL PARAISO