Veritas

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

Tuesday, 5 Feburary 2008 | Maiden Issue | Davao City, Philippines

FRANSISCO RUPENTA

I SALUTE YOU, MAMA: MILITANT MOTHER JOINS THE MOB OF STUDENTS LAST FEBRUARY 1 AGAINST THE COMMERCIALIZATION OF STATE COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Students walk out

In protest against education’s commercialization

Batman goes into the night

By Mae Galarosa

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his headline is nothing but common in tabloids, newspapers and televisions.

Threatening and killing of media people is a very rampant issue that embraces the society nowadays. It is a disease that is incurable, a virus that is hard to stop.

When will media professionals be able to

UM ball team wins two

by Camille Rosales

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write freely without fear and manipulation?

This has been the question way back the martial law years up to the present.

The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) organized a nationwide walk out last February 1 encouraging students and youth to protest against the commercialization of state colleges and universities.

By Mick Basa NUSP Mindanao Vice President Makpil Camacho said that there is no more affordable education due to the Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOPI).

“Ang kirsis na ito’y pinatutunayan ng lumulobong bilang ng mga kabataang hindi makapag-aral, lalung-lalo na sa kolehiyo.” Camacho said.

Students coming from state colleges and universities in the city joined forces at Freedom park, Roxas Avenue. Some students from private institutions, such as Ateneo de

Ateneo now on air

Coming out the rut and making hasty decision in writing and publishing is not a surprise but for some it is something they will not consider doing for what reasons? Of course it will be Family.

Batman / page 5 competition at the University of Mindanao Gym Sunday.

Mass Comm students celebrates Blue Knights’ maiden launch

by Mick Basa Hale to the defending champions as they swallow Davao Doctors College eagerness into 144 “Please don’t stop the music.”

– 81 coached by Roderick Conda

The reverberating line of this song as it was being played Wildcats crushed DMMA college of Southern marks a new history of the Ateneo de Davao University. he University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats had their second straight win in Philippines into 64- 40 in the opening game they Davao City Prisaa meet basketball had Saturday.

On 14 January 2008, the University’s first ever radio Wildcats / page 4 station, DXGN Blue Knights 89.9 FM, aired its maiden broadcast 11 to 1 PM across Davao City.

Atty. Pilariza Baldovino in one of her statement in Circularis, said the Blue Knights FM is a joint program of the Humanities Division and the Engineering and Architecture Division. University.

Radio / page 4

Opinion

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Slap to her face

Noli Jane Pacunla

When the 14th president of the Philippines sworn into office June 30, 2001, she promised to give “education for all”.

But the current condition of Philippine education betrayed Ms. Arroyo. Her own admnistration and predecessors had stripped off budgets for state tertiary education There is a big threat in state universities and col-

Editorial leges (SUCs). It has become commercialized that there are plans to privatize higher public education institutions.

Ms. Arroyo has told SUCs to become “self-reliant”. This means that the SUCs can impose TOFIs and generate income trough privatized services, sell assets and collaborate with private companies.

The senate bill 1399 by Sen. Pangilinan added power to SUCs administration to hike TOFIs. In 2001, University of the Philippines has gone by 300 percent tuition fee increase. The Philippine Normal University (PNUI), on the other hand, beats UP by its 400 percent increase last 2003.

According to Emily Vidal of Bulatlat.com, SUCs “generate income by selling or leasing land and privatizing part of their operations”. University of Sout Eastern Philippines (USEP), for instance, bills students for energy fee.

UP has alotted land property for the so-called Science and Technology Parks (S&T). However the land area, measuring 163.3 hectare in Diliman, Quezon City, is larger than S&T facilities. This S&T, according to National Union of Students of the Philippines Mindanao Vice President Makpil Camacho , is allocated for commercial purposes such as call centers. It also includes product manufacturing, hotel shopping center, supermarkets, gym, swimming pool, theaters, financial institutions, specialty stores, leisure facilities, warehouse, entertainment center, 24-hour helipad, and condominium.

Now it turns out that free education is now a prank and a myth. That it is a history where state colleges and universities were used to be free for the poor.

Now it is a fraud that we think studying in a government college is affordable – compared to private universities that may be a bit higher but has justified fees and provides students the quality education they need.

Editor in Chief Mick Jethro Basa Managing Editor Mary Rose Galarosa Associate Editor Devona Jumamil Sports Writer April Camille Rosales Columnist Tina Nandwani Staff Writer Joy Brittany Libre ______________________________ Moderator Eduardo R. Fernandez

Do you still know Norma?

Decades ago, a young girl became part of our collective memory.

Her striking blonde hair, seducing lips, and a baby voice seduced us with its innocence. And her early death that made it possible to let her go.

Norma Jean Morteson, Miss Marilyn Monroe.

Million’s of words were written about her. Her mysterious death and her love affairs to famous men. Known to many as a pretty screwed up girl and to most - a dumb blonde. Apparently it shows that no matter what words were said about her, years after her death she was still being talked about.

she married James Dougherty in exchange of security and three meals a day. At least for a while until she decided she would not stay Norma for long.

She left him to pursue her acting career. It was during that time when she met and married legendary baseball player Joe DiMaggio. Many know the famous skirt-blowing scene. But not many know that is the reason of why in less than a year they were divorced. Last was famous playwright Arthur miller, five years later they divorced.

Untouched by stardom, but not of the evil people who surrounded her. When Norma turned MarA year later Marilyn Monroe ilyn, she rose to stardom. She was found dead in her home. told her friends and even some reporters of her being raped.

The year she died rumors No, not once. But at least nine times as she was growing up. spread the country like a virus, questions unanswered regardHer life was not easy. In fact ing her death and love affairs biographies written about her - especially with the Kennedy tells she never had an easy life - brothers. Some say one of them from one foster home to the next. killed her to shut her up, cause And when finally they thought the blonde finally lost it. She she could make it on her own was to come out with the press no one wanted her anymore. conference on her affairs with them. And if the affairs were At the age of sixteen true, if the Kennedy’s did do it.

Was it fair to say they were just trying not to smudge on their crystal clear reputation? One can only think and come out with theories. But no one will really know what really happened that night.

“Dogs never bite me, just humans”, Marilyn once told Truman Capote, her good friend.

It’s a good thing she knew.

Monroe was born on year of 1926 and died on 1962. She accomplished so much from an abandoned child to one of the greatest comedians in America.

Nedyela a Russian magazine wrote, “When you speak of the American way of life. Everybody thinks of chewing gum, Coca-cola and Marilyn Monroe”.

Do you still know Norma?

She is Marilyn Monroe - an icon, a bombshell and a tragedy.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

‘Queen’s land’ In the world, Queensland is a progressive state in Australia where in tourism is Queensland’s leading tertiary industry. They provide highquality product development and marketing of their goods. Also they build and maintain strong working relationship in Industry, Regional tourism organizations and all level of Government in the state. In short Queensland is united.

This is the Queensland information you get when you might search QUEENSLAND in the internet, obviously not related to the Queensland of Davao that has long been in the center of controversies the past years for various infractions.

The Queensland motel that is being single out even though there are a lot of illegal and ugly structures at times beach, is because the unveiling statue of David, and expansion project of the baywalk along Matina Aplaya,

Davao City that is said illegal.

This is the real deal of Queensland here in Davao City.

Recently, I have been to times and the Queensland beachfront it serves as my favorite strolling place where in I can go there to breath sea breeze. The place is

much better than before thanks to the Queensland for making paved roads and making it convenient to all walks of life to experience a new feel of breeze, a new park to be exact.

Facts has been released and I started to be frightened that continuing project for a bay walk park has been a site for murders, rapes, and even drowning for the past months.

It wasn’t cool enough for me anymore that it scares people to go to that place.

But the real issue for this infamous Queensland motel and beachfront is that the continuing project is not permitted in a word it is illegal. A lot of hearsay came up on this beach works. But the city government of Davao has ordered it to stop the working of the bay walk park.

Also, they want to help the Queensland management to secure permits for its on going project for from the concerned government agencies.

Why can’t the management of Queensland listen to the City Government? It wouldn’t harm us nor stop us from going to the new promenade if they be legal in all their works. It is much better if they follow the City’s request and soon they will make the place a sensible nice attraction.

How can you forget someone?

Dear Miss Dee,

How can you forget someone who doesn’t deserve your love but he is the only one you can imagine yourself doing silly stuff with and most of your friends or rather all of them don’t like him for you? How can you forget someone who made you break the rules?

Serenity (*) Dear Serenity, Foregetting is just a matter of time & letting go is hard to do, but you know you can forget someone if you really want to, but when doubts hold you back that’s the hard part.

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

First, throw away all the things that reminds you of him.

Second, don’t sleep with his t-shirt on or spray his favorite perfume in your pillow. And third, look some diversional activities to shift your feelings.

If your friends are the reason why you want to forget the guy, then you nust divert your attention to them. But, if you really like the guy, no one

Pills, laptop, and condom

Just yesterday I caught Trust Family Planning Program doing a very disturbing TV advertisement.

There was this woman having an acne problem and confides to a beauty expert on what to do. This expert encouraged her to use contraceptive pills to control her pimples.

Wait a minute. What does birth control pills do with pimples?

They simply eradicate it.

The problem is, audiences are given a new way about contraception. That it’s not just about birth control, its also about the face.

Advertisements act that way. First they give you a problem. And next, they give you a solution. But the problem they say is not about pimples nor overpopulation. They say the problem is you. That you don’t have a face to show to the world. That you do not have any confidence to face the world with many children. They say that you are the biggest problem, and they want you to buy their product.

It also makes me think about the thinnest laptop that they say.

The Macbook Air is so thin that it could fit an envelope. Everyone has been talking about that laptop and that brown envelope when it appeared on cable TV and on the internet. People want to buy it. Because it fits in an envelope.

Why do you want to put a laptop in an envelope then?

can stop you from loving.

Maybe your heart, or maybe you both broke many rules. But remember, there are many people in the world, Many boys. There’s someone out there for you. Forget and search.

Miss Dee

Apple Computer boasts its Macbook Air that it fits in an envelope. The thing is we are not after a laptop that will be stupidly placed in an envelope. We do not put laptops in an envelope. The truth is, we buy bags that would fit an expensive thing in.

I also saw how advertising sell condoms in different flavors.

I hope they do not sell it like rubber balloons. They don’t sell a lot.

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Lady Bulldogs bite off Brokenshire College

By Camille Rosales The Rizal Memorial Colleges (RMC) Lady Bulldogs piece by piece bite off the defensive approach of the Brokenshire College in 40 - 33 in the resumption of the Davao City Prisaa Meet at RMC Gym Saturday.

Student Leaders heads the mob against Philippine Education commercialization

NUSP, continued...

Davao University, Brokenshire College, Philippine Women’s College, and University of Immaculate Conception, also came.

Recently, University of the Philippines increased its tuition fee by 300 percent.

League of Filipino Students (LFS) ADDU Spokesperson Karlos Manlupig said “kaning walk out gihimo sa mga estudyante tungod sa nagagrabe nga krisis sa komersyalisasyon sa edukasyon sa Pilipinas”.

“Out of 42 million youth, gamay lang ang porsyento sa nakaskwela ug nakahuman ug kolehiyo”, said College Editor’s Guild of the Phils.

(CEGP) Southern Mindanao Coordinator Leigh Dalugdog.

In a press conference held last January 28, Camacho said that there is an undergoing intervention of private companies inside the state institutions.

The recently signed senate bill 1399 by Senator Pangilinan manifests that these public institutions will be converted into self-reliant schools so the

government will no longer provide funds. Camacho also cited that UP Diliman College Editor’s Guild of the Phils. (CEGP) Southern Mindanao Coordinator Leigh Dalugdog also added that the senate bill 1399 will give power to institutions such as UP to increase tuition fees.

Dalugdog said that they will pursue a dialogue with the local government units and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in relation to the marginalization of the student’s rights after the walk out.

Governor Uy takes it all

by Mae Galarosa

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Press conference with Governor Arturo Chiongkee Uy and the Ateneo Mass Communication students took place last February 1. 2008 at the Provincial Capitol of Nabunturan in Compostella Valley.

The welcome speech and opening spiels was given by a tourism officer of Compostella Valley followed by a dance number from the Bulawan Capitol Dancers.

Governor Chiongkee was then introduced and the floor was ready or the throwing of questions. Uy talked about the

Radio, continued....

The radio program airs from Monday to Saturday with a variety of shows for each day.

The first radio program was hosted by Noewen Lamoste and Aaron Dalaza. “It was an overwhelming experience because I became part of Ateneo’s history”, Lamoste said.

10th founding Anniversary of Bulawan Festival this coming March 3-8, 2008 in which small miners will donate some silver and gold to make one kilogram solidarity ring. According to Uy it will symbolize the unity and solidarity of the people of Comval.

A student who is also the resident of Nabunturan asked the Governor how far is Nabunturan from becoming a city. Uy said that he talked to Mayor Umoy and hopefully by 2009 Nabunturan will be the first City of Comval.

Uy also mentioned that they do not only prioritize road networking, Agricculture and The radio station has been a promise for many years.

Now, the project came to life through the “fusion of youth, University budget, and magis.” said Atty. Baldovino during her welcome address for the radio station launch.

Blue Knights 89.9’s station is

mining of Comval but they also promulgate education.

According to him there are no funds for education that reach the province so they are trying to discuss the matter with Deped because the Governor believed that education is very important to the progress of a city.

Governor Uy sees Comval to be more progressive in five years time with some of the roads cemented and the people will start to benefit from the rubber industry.

The Press Conference did not last that long because the Governor needs to go to Nabunturan for important matters.

located inside the Humanities Division and is currently taken charge by fourth year Mass Communication majors.

Now that Ateneo gets to be heard across Davao, the University aims to bring closer the Ateneo spirit to the community. Blue Knights FM aims to educate, inform, and entertain.

Both team exhibits each power in ruling the court as they give equal tight defense strategies and moves.

Pacana #8 who scored 26 points of the U.M bulldogs was hurt twice inside the court by the physical defense that was shown by team brokenshire.

The meet serves as the selection basis for the Davao Region Prisaa Championship schedule in the second week of March.

Other sports event like Judo and Foorball will be played on February 15 to 16. Only volleyball and basketball were played in advance due to the big number of teams entered.

Games will resume on weekends on different venues.

Wildcats, continued...

Coach Conda said: "We will try to defend the championship with our younger players” in previous interwiews.

Indeed the wildcats worked hard defending their title.

BCAP coaches ball clinic

by Camille Rosales The Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines(BCAP) with the BAP-Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas organized a three-day basketball coaching clinic on February 28 to March 1 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Coliseum in Manila.

The well-known South Korean shooters Shin Dong Pa and Yoo Hee Hyung will be there as resource speakers.

Tim Cone of the Alaska Aces, Yeng Guiao of the Red Bull Barakos, Derrick Pumaren of T&T Phone Pals, and Ryan Gregorio of the Purefood Giants will be the instructors.

Ateneo de davao University(AdDU) Blue Knights coach Cholo Elgino received an invitation from BCAP secretarygeneral Tanny Gonzalez. So did other Davao University coaches have been invited to attend this said clinic.

Gonzales said the Coaches will learn the most up to date and effective drills and shooting techniques from the top Filipino and South Korean coaches.

Physical therapists and medical aids that will join the training will also learn the latest injury prevention and protection through this Seminar He added.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

THE MINDANAO VERITAS

Come to

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Brew Crew’s Cofee Shop

To have and to hold

by Mae Galarosa

C

old mornings and empty nights.

These are what I’ve got for 9 months now.

Nine months of being single and having no one to share special moments with.

Being not committed to someone is fun. You can go out with your friends anytime you want not missing heaps of unforgettable events with them.

But it is lonely though, for when the fun is over you will feel the deep longing of being loved in a special way.

There are many men out there but the sweet magic I’ve been looking for is nothing to be found.

It is so hard to let another man come into my heart when someone is still there – someone who came and sets the ideal but stayed for a while.

What makes it hard is I looked for him in every man that comes into my life. I tried to repeat the memories we had but in the end I become nostalgic. I know I am being unfair to some guys but it is just difficult to forget such beautiful love.

In this point of my life, I am moving on and letting go for I know keeping something bottled up inside makes it more difficult.

Now, I am trying to stop deciding with my mind what I want my heart to feel because I realized that letting go is a matter of choice.

Looking forward for another love in this realm is what I have to do this coming Valentines day.

by Devona Jumamil

B

ig colorful balloons with excellent arrangement of different types of flowers blazed a Monday morning at the heart of Davao City.

Built at the vicinity of Juan Luna St., Davao City, The Brew Crew’s Coffee House owned by the FHE Corporation formally opened last June 25, 2007. Not like any other coffee houses, Brew Crew’s is filled with accommodating waiters, friendly cashiers and of course an approachable manager who constantly go there for monitoring.

The design of the house made it unique with 3 rows of circular designs at the right side of the wall, sacks of coffee beans with a sign board, sacks of coffee beans with sign boards in the corner of the stairs, message board for costumer’s shout out and the wall of fame.

On October 8, 2007, few months after Brew Crew’s started the business, the FHE Corporation opened Bruncher, an extension of The Brew Crew’s Coffee House. Bruncher is an abbreviation of BReakfast, lUNCH and dinnER. Just like BC, the designs were originally made by the corpora with its colorful pans hanged at the wall, and colorful tables and chairs surround the area.

People who chill at BC are mostly students from Ateneo de Davao University, both graduates and undergraduates. Then eventually, high school students invade the pad. The place is conducive not only for learning, but at the same time, for fun. Not just only a coffee house but also a home.

Batman, continued...

They fear that when worst comes to worst their family will be put into danger.

One man’s life was risked once again for being brave enough and fight for what he believes in.

Ferdie Batman Lintuan a radio commentator of DXGO Davao was shot dead on christamas eve, 28months after her wife died of cancer.

What will happen to his four sons now?

Who will send them to school. How will they survive? These questions are very important to be answered for what happened with the children of media workers who were killed brutally should not happened once again.

Being a media professional is a noble job for it is not easy to be the eyes of the people. It is a test to one’s credibility and dignity. They play a major part in our society because of this there must be programs that will protect the media workers and their family.

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

AY big love ou and your wife had a fight. She gets to bed and you land up in the couch.

But wait she is your first wife.

Why don’t you just transfer yourself to your second wife and if her bed is filled with your toddlers then the third wife is happily waiting for you with open arms catching on to what I’m talking about?

I’m talking about Polygyny. It is a form of polygamy known as the practice of having more than one wife at the same time. Of course this is illegal but it does not mean it does not exist. The first wife is recognized by the law and the rest are mistresses – but highly supported.

by Tina Nandwani

” There was an old fellow of Lyme Who lived with three wives at one time. When asked, ‘Why the third?’

He replied, ‘One’s absurd, and bigamy, sir, is a crime.”

A limerick by William Cosmo Monkhouse about a man from the town of Lyme in Dorset, England tells a remarkable explanation isn’t it?

HBO just last year came up the series called big love about a man and three women who practice Polygyny.

The series shows you the truth of polgyny marriages how the tree wives meet up once a month for allowance and discuss home repairs and talk about the schedule of the day when there husband can be with them.

Lobo cast tours Davao

image courtesy of HBO.com

You have to wonder how they don’t get jealous. That’s the beauty of the series it depicts facts like most of the people who are polygamist in Utha the characters are based from there for some this may be a sick custom but if you look closer it’s pretty special.

In one part of the series, the youngest wife tells all of them this “ I did not just marry bill (Bill the husband), I married all of

Filipinos claim to be very family oriented people, but let’s try putting the entire family in one roof and let’s see how the wife will handle taking care of the sister-in laws, brother inlaws their kids the grand parents. This would drive anyone mad.

No one has the right to say their family oriented if their just living with their spouse and kids and meet with the rest of the family once a week.

My suggestion is they watch Big Love see how it is see to live the rest of your lives with the word drilled in your head adjusting.

their just living with their spouse and kids and meet with the rest of the family once a week.”

Dance Four) Shaina Magdayao, Ray-

P

by Joy Libre

iolo Pascual and Angel Locsin launched Lobo, the newest teleserye of ABS-CBN in Nccc mall of Davao last January 27,008.

“ I prayed for this.” said Piolo and Angel added “ Pinangarap ko talagang makatrabaho si Piolo at ngayon natupad na.” photo by Joy Libre

you” you don’t hear this line very often now.

“No one has the right to say their family oriented if

Lobo is directed by FM Reyes and Cathy Garcia-Molina. Everyone are excited about it because it will be the first teleseye of Angel in abs and the first time she will be paired with Piolo Pascual, one of the hottest star in the industry.

PIOLO PASCUAL & ANGEL LOCSIN

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

Piolo and Angel together with Ryan Eigeman and the UD4 ( Ultimate

ver Cruz, John Prats and Maja Salvador arrived at Nccc mall of Davao at 8:30 am to practice the production numbers with Davao’s dancers the Maharlika and Frisky Frolic to be aired in Asap ’08.

Some of the press of Davao was given the chance to throw questions to abscbn’s talents in their respective dressing rooms at around 10 am.

Piolo Pascual and Shaina Magdayao will also have a kissing scene and it will be Shaina’s first mature role. “May tiwala naman ako kay Piolo at alam kong hindi niya ito aabusuhin.” Shaina said.

In the entertainment area, fans were very excited to see the Manila artist especially Angel Locsin.

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

It's a need

by Tina Nandwani

I

always wondered what other teenagers were doing, if they weren't in school.

They must have been very lucky watching tv the whole day playing video games. At least this is what I thought until I heard about child labor. I would not wish to be in their position even if it means doing overtime in school.

HOROSCOPE

compiled by Camille Rosales

Now I’m a college student and child labor still exists. But then come to think of it: these kids are not the only kids who are out of school, in fact now we can thank the goverment or it.

Last February 1, angered students from state colleges and universties walked out.

Why? Because of the commercialization of higher tertiary education. To walk out of their classes: to fight, to stay in shool. Can you see the irony?

Education is not luxury but a need we need this for various reasons. But mainly to surivive in the real world where we all have dreams of a nice career. But how are we able to fulfill this dreams without education?

For the students who are reading this: Thank your stars your not part of the fiasco going on now.

Gemini Virgo

Certain planets are casting a strong influence on your day: this is not good news today. Brace yourself for some tension in a specific relationship. Don’t assume that you’re right and that someone else is wrong over a particular matter: chances are that you’ll both need to listen to each other!

Aries

Today is likely to be a continuation of yesterday, only without the work or school. Like Leo you will continue to be in an adventurous state of mind: anything that provides a healthy adrenaline rush will appeal. Bungee jumping could be far too excessive though; know your limits!

Libra

The moon will do you no favors today.

It’s the weekend and most of the minor but annoying influences shift away, leaving you free to decide your day.

One pesky influence will remain, which could materialize in real terms as an unenthusiastic friend or a wet-blanket attitude. Stay positive and ignore someone’s grumblings!

Communications are likely to be challenging or confusing.

Return phone calls; answer letters; attend any correspondence. In addition: check any traveling arrangements; brace yourself for last minute changes, and keep your sense of humor!

Taurus

Scorpio

As an earth sign you will be able to appreciate all those little things that make life so rich. Take your time today; don’t rush; linger over anything that grabs your attention. Travel into the countryside or to the coast; alternatively, visit a national park. A change of scenery will be a veritable tonic!

Cancer

Both Mars and Uranus will set the cat among the pigeons. There is a definite middle-ground, but you might need to make the first move. Don’t rely on yesterday’s successes to get your own way today. In a similar way to Gemini it’s possible that you’ll need to be more attentive!

Sagitarius

Money continues to look rocksolid, but an unwelcome planetary influence suggests that you might be asked or expected to spread yourself too thin.

A request from someone for your help or advice should be considered, but don’t let them place all their burdens on your back!

Aquarius

The moon is warning you that you need to switch off. There is a danger right now that you will allow yourself to be taken over by the demands of an external influence, possibly work. You need to remember that today is the beginning of the weekend and have some fun!

Pisces

: The moon points towards a mixed day. If you avoid romantic problems you’ll find the day goes much more smoothly. Cash matters look solid and the chance to get away should be snatched up.

Alternatively a jaunt to the mall with friends will provide enough of a break too!

Fun and socializing should be very high on your agenda today. You have had a very mixed week and now it’s time for you to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. An evening out with some new friends is likely to lead some interesting new contacts being made!

If you overspent slightly yesterday don’t worry; today’s planets will bring the chance to generate a few more bucks, but you will have to overcome that moon influence that could hold you back. Keep a piece of bloodstone with you today to keep your energy and enthusiasm ticking over!

A string of brilliant aspects offers a perfect start to the weekend. Romance continues to simmer, thanks to the sun. For singles: dates with a difference are high on the agenda, while attached Leos should take their partners to somewhere exciting and fun where you can indulge the inner child!

Capricorn Leo

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THE MINDANAO VERITAS

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2008

My unforgettable journey

by Mick Basa

I

hate to travel with a group. Itís embarrassing.

When I do that, people will notice how loud I snore, how large my clothes are, and how huge my appetite is.

But things changed when our Philipžú ÊÁÉÊǺ ¶Ã¹ ¨Ä¸¾¶Á ¨ÎÈɺÂÈ ¸Á¶ÈÈ ijºÌ ÉÄ «¾È¶Î¶È »ÄÇ ¶ IJºÁ¹ ÉǾŠMy company were much open. I thought that I would stand odd from them. They are Sociology majors whom Iíve been with for almost two years. They are so different from my other classmates ñ they were so warm and do not mind whoever you are.

Emotions inside my heart mixed as the trip started. Inside the plane we rode going to Cebu, I pictured out a beautiful promise through the city lights below the clouds from the window I was gazing.

I promised to myself, ìIíll make the most of this tripî.

Despite the crowd I traveled with, I felt that I am alone. Being alone is meaningful for me. During my trip to Visayas, I experienced to be alone.

One night in Dumaguete, I left the hotel to walk around the city. It was wonderful. É Ì¶È ÂÎ IJÇÈÉ É¾Âº ÉÄ Ì¶Ã¹ºÇ ɽº ¹¶ÇÀ night while the whole city is sleeping.

I love solitude. When we stayed in

Not a toy

by Tina Nandwani

A

form of assault where one individual forces another to have sexual intercourse is against that person’s will.

It may be defined as forcing a person to submit to any sex act. Does the definition mean anything to you? does the word come in mind?

The word is rape.

It’s sad to think of anyone going through this. It’s much more sad to think of a human being doing this to another human being. But then again this has happened a number of times so by now we should get used to it.

When I was a little girl I wasn’t the are-you-afraid-of-the dark type. I loved watching murder cases. It never terrified me - in fact it was one of my favorites so if ever you show me a picture of a dead body I wont be horrified. But if you tell me a story of a person who has been raped she/ he would be in mind for nights. But it does not mean I’ll stop informing myself on the horrors of rape.

Cebu, there was a beautiful piano in my friendís house situated in a living room wide open facing a beautiful horizon of a city that was as if they were waiting for a beautiful symphony. It felt rewarding as I ÁºÉ ÂÎ IJüºÇÈ ÅÁ¶Î ÉÄ É½º ·Á¶¸À ¶Ã¹ ̽¾Éº keys while I breathed solitude before a dazzling horizon of a city.

Solitude is my virtue. For more than two weeks, I felt that it was given to me.

“

My trip to Visayas, traveling with a group, was meaningful to me.

...I breathed solitude before a dazzling horizon of a city.”

In fact I read twice as more.

As it goes to history there are many kinds of rape. For example here is statutory rape where in adults face the law if they have sexual intercourse with minors regardless whether it was conceptual. Another type of rape is called date rape which is pretty popular in this country. We don’t need to elaborate on that. The worse is gang rape - this needs no explanation.

Many people think that because I talk so much about movie stars that I would love to work in Hollywood someday. But that is so far from the truth the main reason why I would want to be a journalist is because to help those who are in need of my help to tell their stories This article is for those who have been victimized by someone more powerful than them. This article is for those who do not have the strength to fight back. If your a victim fight so that when other victims see your strength they to will have the courage to fight back.

Tuesday, 5 Feburary 2008 | Maiden Issue | Davao City, Philippines