SIRMATA Graduation Issue AY2012-2013

RELEVANCE

EXCELLENCE

GROWTH

SIRMATA

The Official Publication of the College Students of Mariano Marcos State University Volume XXX No. 4

Ilocos Norte

November 2012-March 2013

CALICA

1,926 graduates to march this year

FOR THE GRADUATES. The Sunken Garden in its most splendid and alluring greenery. On April 3, almost 2,000 graduates will be marching on these grounds to receive their diplomas.

Univ raises security after VP is shot

by Alwin Jay Sinang

The University intensified its security efforts after lawyer Ramon A. Leaño, vice president for administration and business, was shot inside school premises on Valentine’s Day. Police investigation revealed that Leaño was shot by two gunmen at the College of Law building between 6 to 7 pm on the said date.

The incident raised concerns on the university’s penetrability by outsiders. With parts of the university property open and without security guards, the administration is planning to add more security forces which will promote the welfare of the university’s constituents.

Patrick John Vidad, BSBA-MA graduating student who was at their college's building when the shooting incident happened remarked

that the whole class began to panic and was terrified. He said the incident showed lack of university measures in assuring its clienteles' security.

On the other hand, Police Superintendent Julius Corpuz Niegos said, “We will be looking closely to the internal connections of the victim, Attorney Leaño. We will be digging deeper into the security of the university, including every internal connections to the Vice President. There could have been anomalies that resulted in crime, and the probability of the crime’s connection to any personal allegation is high,”

The case is still under investigation although the two gunmen were caught the night the incident happened.

Meanwhile, Atty. Leaño is recovering from injuries he suffered as a result of the shooting.

MMSU: 10 years of sports supremacy

by Alwin Jay Sinang

Truly invincible.

The university has remained unstoppable in the regional sports arena as it emerged over-all champion – for the tenth time, consecutively - in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA-1) Sports Olympics held at the Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College, January 20-25, 2013.

Galloping away with 400.5 points, the MMSU Stallions beat the UNP Sharks with 286.5 points. The DMMSU Stingers followed with an over-all score of 253, beating PSU Buffalos’ 236.

Meanwhile, ISPSC Harvesters and NLPSC Tigers gained, 125 and 25 points, respectively.

The Stallions were the champions in swimming (men and women), lawn tennis (men and women), beach volleyball (men & women), volleyball (men and women), and in baseball and softball.

They also smashed their opponents, emerging champions in badminton (women) and table tennis (women.) They galloped victoriously and finished as champions in athletics (women).

They proved invincible in taekwondo, placing first in the women division.

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Inside

From a Bleeding Pen (Reprint... Charles Tuvilla) p6

Bio grad, summa cum laude, to lead class of 2013

A total of 1,926 candidates shall be pronounced graduates on MMSU’s 35th Commencement Exercises, April 3 at the Sunken Garden.

The number shows a significant hike in the number of graduates, having increased by 49.65% as compared to five years ago.

The College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) has the greatest number with 556 graduating students followed by the College of Teacher Education (CTE) with 354. The College of Health Sciences (CHS) has 296 candidates, while, the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) has a count of 245. The College of Engineering (COE)

has 198; College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), 111; College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD), 96; and College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology (CASAT), 18. The Graduate School (GS) has 38 candidates while the College of Law (COL), 15.

BS Bio stude to lead class

Dane Mikhael S. Calica (BS Biology, CAS) will lead this year's graduating class. With a general weighted average (GWA) of 1.19, he qualified for the honor of summa cum laude. He entered the university as a BS Nursing student in 2009, topping the College Freshman Admission Test (CFAT) administered that

year. Calica has been a perennial university scholar since he entered the University. It has been 14 years since MMSU last awarded a graduate with the highest Latin honors (Gemma Ulep, BS Accountancy, 1999.)

Joining Calica are four students graduating magna cum laude: Mark Alvin D. Bueno (BS Industrial Education, CIT) with a GWA of 1.40; and Sheila Mae Cardelanza (BS Education, CTE), Mischelle D. Mariano (BS Education, CTE), and Kim Lester D. Valdez BS Accountancy (BS Accountancy, CBEA), who all garnered a GWA of 1. 42 Additionally, 112 attained cum laude honors: 30 are from the BS Education Turn to p3

MMSU-led cultural team is nat’l champ

Setting history in the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC), Region 1 emerged champion in the 5th National Cultural and Literary Festival on December 12-14, 2012.

Beating all other regions in the Philippines, including the host, National Capital Region, the MMSU-led regional team bagged the overall championship, garnering 46 out of 85 points. PASUC-1 topped six of the 17 cultural and literary categories, winning the biggest number of gold medals acquired by any region in the association’s 45 year-history.

Three of these were won

by MMSU students: Sirmata’s Chief Editor John Vincent Toribio (BA English Studies, CAS) in DagliangTalumapti, Ira Canonizado (BSBA Management Accounting, CBEA) in Instrumental Solo and the Nasudi Chorale in Choral Singing. Other first placers were Donna Vierra Galletes (Pagsulat EDITORIAL

Security Check: We’re not safe p4

ng Sanaysay), Rovelyn Latosquin & Nikki Montemayor (Vocal Duet) from Pangasinan State University and Luis Angelo Abergas (Extemporaneous Speaking) from University of Northern Philippines.

Other winners from MMSU are: ABES students Jerich Clyde Panlaque (Second Place, Masining na Pagkukuwento) and Princess Khey Agbayani (Fourth Place, Story Telling); Civil Engineering student Glenn Mark Galiza (fourth, Charcoal

Stallions? p6

Rendering); Nursing student Christine Agullana (Fifth place, Vocal Solo.)

PESSDO Director, Prof. Arsenio Gallego and Sociocultural Affairs Chief, Dr. Ma. Victoria Domingo led the team in the said competition.

Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, PASUC Vice President for Luzon and PASUC 1 Regional Chairman congratulated the contestants and said “This only proves that Region 1 is Number One!”

LITERARY

Santhina Luna p7

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PeopleNewsEvents

Eagles’ flight silences Lions’ roar

by Mizpah Grace Castro

After a five-year University Palaro dynasty and a year’s possession of the perpetual trophy, the Red Lions of the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) finally yielded kingship to the College of Business, Economics and Accountancy (CBEA) Eagles. This was the stirring conclusion of the UniGames 2012, November 22-24.

The CIT reign was upended not only by CBEA, but also by the Fighting Maroons hailing from the College of Engineering (COE), who placed second in the overall tally of points, thus, caged the Lions at third.

However, despite losing in the overall tally, the STANDING OUT. A red lion batter missed his shot after unleashing his last chance Lions maintained their Sports to strike while the eagle’s catcher took advantage leading the team’s dynamic win.

Olympics championship.

Meanwhile, the College in the cultural events, resulting the CTE Rabbis (250 points); of Arts and Sciences in a final score of seven and the COE Fighting Maroons (CAS) Blue Wizards also landing them at third place. (243 points); the CAFSD Arsenio T. Green Panthers (142 points); retained their supremacy Prof. in the Cultural Olympics. Gallego, director of the physical CAS Wizards(123 points);

The displacement of education, sports and socio- CHSKnights (121 points); and the Lions can be attributed cultural development office CAST Blue Marlins(35 points).

Under the new scoring to the change in the scoring (PESSDO), tells, “This induced system this year. Prior to the excitement and anticipation system, the final standings this academic year, points of the athletes and other are: 1) CBEA Eagles; 2) COE accumulated by each college spectators. This will surely allow Maroons; 3) CIT Lions; 4) in all the competed events the colleges to strategize better CTE Rabbis; 5) CAS Wizards; determine their overall in improving their standing.” 6) CHS Knights; 7) CAFSD standing. CIT continued their Had the old system been Panthers; and 8) CASAT dynasty because of the bigger employed this year, a college Blue Marlins in eighth place. a week number of sports events. On that won only half of the sports Exactly the other hand, the new system events would have triumphed after the University Palaro, considered the colleges’ over a college that took all the cultural champions hailing rankings in both sports and top spots in the cultural contests. from the different colleges However, calculations represented MMSU at the cultural categories. T h u s , reveal that even if the old system Philippine Association CBEA, having ranked second in the cultural tilts and third in had been utilized this year, the of State Universities and athletic tournaments, garnered Eagles still would have emerged Colleges (PASUC)-1 Cultural five points, which placed them as the overall champion with an Olympics, which was also on top. Although CIT took the accumulated 320 points. They held the University (Batac overall championship in sports, would have been followed by Campus) where the university the college only ranked sixth the CIT Lions, (294 points); emerged overall champion.

ASHEL celebrates English month

by Jheia Lindhelle Paned

"This is another way for everybody to express their love for their arts and for the English language."

This was the statement of Jeceline Abad (BSBA-TM II), president of the Association of Students in Humanities, English and Literature (ASHEL) at the Opening Program of ASHEL Month 2013 at the Teatro Ilocandia. The event was joined in by students taking up English, Humanities and Literature.

With the theme “Maximizing Potentials through Culture and the Arts,” the event was highlighted by different events that aimed to develop and showcase students’ talents in academics, writing, public speaking, visual arts and music.

This festival, which is being conducted annually, began with an opening program on February 12.

It was then followed by a series of competitions among different colleges. The contests were essay writing, business letter writing, love letter

from MMSU: 10 years of sports...p1

Mr. Robert T. Barangan, university chief of sports, is proud of MMSU's decade of supremacy. He said that it is not the medals the athletes are contributing to the total points but rather, their humility that makes MMSU stay on top. "Let us not rest on our laurels, but rather intensify the drive for more and higher achievements,” he stressed.

This championship boosts the MMSU theme, “Breaking Grounds, Making Strides Towards Global Recognition.”

In their quest for greater achievement, athletes look forward to better sports facilities and equipment. Crisly Mabuti, a well-recognized athlete stressed the need for new equipment and

Sirmata organizes alumni homecoming

by Michael Nacario

To further commemorate Sirmata’s decades of responsible journalism, the publication organized its first Grand Alumni Homecoming, Teatro Ilocandia, February 16.

Former editorial teams, technical advisers and critics joined the event, which highlighted the theme “Sirmata at 30: Facets and Faces of a Bleeding Pen”.

Ms. Mae Ann Cacdac, associate editor of SunStar Baguio, the only daily newspaper in the north, was the guest speaker. In her speech, she exhorted the students to practice responsible and vigilant journalism, even as they pursue academic excellence.

A posthumous award to Dr. Sosimo Ma. Pablico, the man behind Sirmata's existence, was given to his

UNENDING GRATITUDE. Mrs. Barbara Pablico receives a Posthumous Award for his late husband Sosimo Ma. Pablico from Dr. Wilma C. Natividad (VPAA), Prof. Henedine Aguinaldo (OSSD-Director ) and Sirmata staff members during the Sirmata grand Reunion, Feb. 16.

widow, Mrs. Barbara Pablico.

Mrs. Pablico extended her gratitude to the Sirmata for recognizing her husband's efforts in strengthening the paper during his years.

She further encouraged the attendees, especially the students, to find their niche in their chosen careers.

The program was highlighted by testimonies of the former staff members and advisers.

TV Patrol Ilocos Reporter April Rafales, a former editor in chief, shared how she and her team fought for the paper’s autonomy in the face of RA 9184, or the

writing, storytelling, spelling, poetry interpretation, picture talk, oratorical competition, candle designing, card making (February 20) and musical competitions (February 26).

Other events include short film and music video making.

From the traditional intercollegiate contests, this event extended into the secondary level, and different high schools were invited to join the fest through a series of competitions held last February 20. The contests were spelling, declamation, oration, extemporaneous speaking, poetry interpretation, debate and more.

The event concluded with the awarding of winners.

"I believe this is just a stepping stone for everybody that will benefit not only the university but each of us. The key to promote the wellness and preservation of the art and the English language depends on how we use it today," said an ABES student.

Procurement Act and the Public Bidding Law which took effect during her time as the chief editor. She emphasized that she never regrets her decisions and protests during those times.

However, she stressed that the present editorial team and the next ones should “choose their battles.”

On the other hand, Provincial Communications and Media Chief Jun Arvin Gudoy, former associate editor, inspired further the younger generation by saying, “Don’t listen to us. Do what you feel is right.”

Activities such as Sirmata Henyo and TrenTanong spiced up the event.

The event was concluded through lighting of Sky Lanterns in front of the Teatro Ilocandia.

new strategies to further the performance of MMSU athletes in the regional and national competitions.

The new MMSU covered court, inaugurated on February 8, is expected to contribute toward achieving this goal.

Sirmata conducts press tilt

by Jheia Lindhelle Paned

Continuing its pursuit to promote campus journalism in the university, Sirmata conducted the ‘Bleeding Pen’ Press Conference last December 7, 2012 at the CAS-Multimedia Center.

The first of its kind, the conference was highlighted by competitions in news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, literary writing, opinion writing, development communication writing, photojournalism, editorial cartooning, comic strip drawing and literary graphics.

Through the competition, Sirmata aimed to enhance students’ journalistic skills, as well as to promote responsible campus journalism.

Around 100 students from the various colleges participated in the activity.

Atty. Brian Jay Corpuz, Sirmata’s former editor in chief and adviser, and Mr. Jun Arvin Gudoy, a Sirmata alumnus and chief of the Provincial Communications and Media Office, served as the judges.

Three best writers in each field were awarded with certificates, trophies and cash prizes during the closing program.

PeopleNewsEvents News Feature

MMSU celebrates 35th year

by Alyssa Marie jacinto

Marking its 35th year, the University celebrated its foundation anniversary on January 7-11 with the theme, “Breaking Grounds, Making Strides Towards Global Recognition.”

The celebration kicked off with the Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on January 7. This was followed by the Opening of Student Booths, and Opening of the Garden Shows, Foodarama, Trade Fair, Book Exhibit and Free Health Services.

During the Anniversary Convocation, Dr. Miriam E. Pascua delivered her State of the University Address (SOUA). In her speech, she cited outstanding personnel and students who have contributed to the university’s stride toward global recognition. In addition, she proudly revealed the university’s status in terms of its recognition

by CHED, TESDA and other accrediting agencies, performance in board examinations, as well as other performance indicators.

Lastly, she mentioned the research milestones of the university, citing partnerships with different universities in the country and abroad.

On the second day, faculty who attended trainings and seminars abroad presented their experiences in the annual Professional Journey Across Cultures. This year, the forum also featured an exhibit where the faculty showcased their travel and learning experiences.

Another highlight of the celebration was the engaging of the faculty in indigenous games, which allowed the audience - their students - to glimpse a lighter side of their instructors.

A Debate Cup was also conducted among college and high school students. According to Mr. Herdy La. Yumul, a culture of debate would be a demonstration of an institution's intellectual integrity and quality of student

MMSU FESTIVITY. Various photos during the MMSU’s 35th Foundation Anniversary signifying the university’s definition of festivity and celebration of all the reaped laurels. MMSU also aims to stride better to break more gorunds towards global recognition

development. The results of the competition showed the range of skill in MMSU constituents, with the final competitors hailing from the tertiary level, specifically CBEA, as well as the secondary level: MMSU-Laboratory High School, Laoag Campus.

An alumni day with the theme, “Alumni Pumaypayapay, Umaykayo nga Umay” was also conducted to regather university graduates of past years.

A CBEA Student Council officer opined that the

'extravagance' of the anniversary celebration can be validated by the many achievements of the university mentioned in the various speeches given as well as those demonstrated in the contests held before, during, and after Foundation Week. Employment rate of graduates, performance in board exams, international recognition and the degree of excellence shown by students from the regional to the national level are the evidence of a prosperous 35 years for MMSU.

MMSU produces first law grads

by Michael Nacario & Sam Pajarillo

Another feather will be added to MMSU’s cap as the university’s College of Law (COL) produces its first batch of graduates.

After the four-year rigid training and classes, fifteen (15) candidates for the degree Bachelor of Laws will march during the 35th Commencement Exercises at the Sunken Garden on April 3.

This first-ever batch is composed of the following graduates: Leizel V. Adap, Anna Marie G. Antonio, Fleurdeliz F. Credo, Dandy L. Cruz, Roger Galam, Enrique A. Gallardo,

May Encarnina P. Gaoiran, Ernielineo B. Labrador, Rowel Jake L. Leonador, Moera Joy N. Galing-Luna, Kristelle Joy Ann B. Quibuyen, Justine Precious A. Taggaoa, Mayveline P. Tajon, Ma. Trinidad A. Unciano, and Rizza Joy S. Vallestero.

Some of the graduates are planning to take the Bar Exams on October 2013. .

Atty. Brian Jay Corpuz, COL secretary and officer-incharge, said that the feat of this batch is very important because it is the first time that the university will send graduates to the annual bar exams.

Ernie Labrador, a graduating student, believes that MMSU law education is at par with other universities in the nation. "I am thankful to MMSU for opening this course because, indeed, it provides quality education with cheap fees," he added.

On the other hand, Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, university president congratulated the first batch of graduates for having been persistent and determined in pursuing their degree in laws.

She further expects that they will bring back the honor to MMSU.

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from 1,926 to march...p1 program; 29 from the BS Accountancy program; 12 each from B Elementary Education (BEEd) and BS Business Administration-Management Accounting (BSBA-MA); 7 from BS Industrial Education; 3 each from the BSBA-Tourism Management (BSBA-TM), BS Hospitality Management (BSHM) and BS Economics (BS Econ) programs; 2 each from BS Agriculture (BSA), BS Industrial Technology (BSIT) and BA English Studies (ABES); and 1 each from the BS Chemical Engineering (BS Chem Eng), BS Mechanical Engineering (BSME), BS Civil Engineering (BSCE), BS Biology (BS Bio), BS Environmental Science (BS EnviSc), BSBA-Marketing Management (BSBA-MM), BS Pharmacy (BSPh), and BS Nursing (BSN).

Furthermore, one ABES student shall graduate with high distinction. Also, graduating with distinction are two students from BEEd and one student from the BSChE program.

In summary, 121 are to graduate with honors.

Breakdown of graduates per unit

CBEA with the largest quantity of graduates, has 556: BSBA-MA, 144; BSHM, 97; BS BSBA-MM, 83; BSBA-TM, 55; BSBA-Human Resource Development Management, 43; BS Entrepreneurship, 41; BS Accountancy, 37; BS Cooperative Management, 31; and from the BS Economics program, 25 graduates.

CTE has 354 graduates: BEEd, 207; and BSEd, 147.

Likewise, the 295 CHS graduates are: BSNursing, 153; BS Pharmacy, 94 ; and BS Physical Therapy, 48.

COE has 198 graduates: 63 from BS Civil Engineering;

33 each from BS Computer Engineering and BS Electronics Engineering; 28 from BS Electrical Engineering; 18 from BSME; 16 from BS Agricultural Engineering; six from BSChE; and one from the BS Ceramic Engineering program.

The distribution of 111 CAS graduates is: BS Computer Science, 45; ABES, 34; BS Biology, 17; BA in Sociology, 8; and BS Mathematics, 7.

Meanwhile, the 96 graduates from CAFSD are as follows: 80 from BS Agriculture; 9 from Bachelor of Agricultural Technology; and 7 from the BS Environmental Science program.

Furthermore, CASAT has 9 graduates BS in Fisheries and 9 in BS in Marine Biology. totalling to eighteen.

The Graduate School will award 38 degrees: PhD Linguistics – 2; PhD Rural Development, 3; Master of Arts in Education, 19; MA in Mathematics, 4; MA Nursing, 3; MA English, Language and Literature and MA Public Administration – 2 each, and 1 each from the MS Agriculture, MS Biology and MS Mathematics programs.

The College of Law, with its first batch, also turned out 15 graduates with a Bachelor of Laws.

With this number, Dr. Miriam E. Pascua, university president, extended her gratitude to the teaching and non-teaching staff who contributed largely to the graduation of the students.

"This increase attributed to all those people whom the graduates have encountered for four to five years," she added She further congratulated the batch and wished them best luck in seeking their own jobs.

COE applies E-ID system

by Michael Nacario

The College of Engineering (COE) conducted a pilot implementation of an electronic ID system, designed to be implemented on the first semester of AY 2013-2014.

This is a part of a study, Improvement of the Electronic ID System and SMS Notification for the College of Engineering, conducted by computer engineering students.

“It introduces an electronic ID system using barcode with SMS notification to parents/guardians in which they will automatically know that their child has entered and gone out of the college. Also, this will eventually implement the “NO ID, NO ENTRY” policy of the school, secure the students, and prevent absenteeism and cutting of classes,” said Engr. Vladimir P. Ibañez, the research adviser.

The study is a continuation of a previous study of Computer Engineering students, with COE Dean Engr. Amiruth Rivera Cocson as adviser, in 2010. Instead of a single machine, four are already situated in all the possible entrances of the college.

COE-Student Council president Charmaine Sabado said that the project is definitely of good use since it will remind the students to make good use of their IDs.

This year’s proponents of the project are Dennis Aglubat, Irving Rambaud, Diana Rose Tambogon, Renan Mamala, Joferson Pacol, Romnick Sadumiano, Gilbeth Eymard, Andrew Quemquem, Franklin Apostol, Eireann Fel Pagdilao, Lemarie Eugenio, Elizabeth Irorita, Jeny Tess Ganot, Victor Macalma, Leo Jay Ramos, and Dennis Jay Quines.

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Security Check: We’re not safe

More than a month ago, Vice President of Administration and Business (VPAB) Atty. Ramon Leaño was gunned down right inside the campus, while students and other faculty members were still having classes at the College of Law and nearby buildings like CBEA. Moreover, the Teatro Ilocandia at the time also harbored an instructor and several students who were incidentally within close range of the gunmen’s exit point. Nobody else was harmed aside from the VPAB.

This assault has indeed raised alarm as regards the security measures in the university. Even before the shooting incident, however, the security functions in the university had been insufficient.

It is not only the welfare of administrative officials that is at stake at the moment. Only a few months ago, after the final Foundation Anniversary activity, an editor of the paper, due to the absence of streetlights on campus, chanced upon an unidentified drunkard’s brawl, which occurred within campus premises. Loss of school properties like electrical wirings and cables were also reported.

With these incidents composed of victims ranging from a student to a high-ranking administrative official, whose safety can be truly assured, then? How can the university claim conduciveness when delinquents may freely roam MMSU’s vicinity during nighttime and that firearms can be freely flared just beyond classroom windows?

The newly installed streetlamps lining the road in front of Teatro Ilocandia are considered as improvement.

However this is still seen as inadequate especially that the other stretches of road on campus are easily breached, if not widely open. The walls enclosing the proposed biodiversity park including the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) was also a failure as it was supposed to secure the place. Even the gates for vehicles have had their “curfew” tightened, but can these really make a difference? They read, “GATE CLOSED BY 6:00 PM,” but the fine print is missing: “Fields open 24/7.”

Whether the assaults were planned or not, the security inside the university should be intensified further.

We can safely say that the move of the university in trimming down the number of security guards was a bad decision. However, security guards cannot really function well without their proper equipment. In addition, the lighting of the university’s vicinity should be considered as a significant project to be implemented. A well-lighted place decreases untoward occurrences.

With the university’s goal of becoming the premier university in Asia, there is an immediate need to polish its components in the micro level. Aside from instruction, the security should be intensified if the university is serious about internationalization.

More importantly, the university should intensify its safety measures for the benefit of all because today, you walk along the alley and look at people like they are all gunmen. We are now living in fear. We cannot afford to risk our lives everyday. Until an appropriate solution is done, no one is safe.

SIRMATA Editorial Team 2012-2013 The Official Publication of the College Students of Mariano Marcos State University

My Idol: The Fearless YOU

Those who look down to see what is under the cliff through the edge know the world better... and they really worth.

My being a four-year baby has taught me that the curious take the riskiest threats as the wise ask deadly questions, while the cowards just die a natural death.

Today, the lessons that best run the world are those that provoke and contest the expected and those that change the notion of normality.

Rational and liberal people are those who defy conventions, those who constantly question the norms and gets irritated with fallacies.

The world calls this a symptom of a disease, a syndrome and insanity. They call them lunatic, delusional and psychotic.

I call them geniuses and the unlockers of progress.

They do not learn survival inside the classroom, they learn it down the streets late at night.

They respect others' opinions but they brutally inspire and enlighten them. They live through 'killing' the unnecessary and bringing the renaissances of true joy and fulfillment.

Call them the deviants. And they are relevant.

Editor in Chief

Michael Nacario

Associate Editors

Sam Audrey Pajarillo

Katya Lei Bariuan

Randell Dan Dalire

Mizpah Grace Castro

Managing Editors

Clarence Manarpaac

Oscar Agustin

Chester Alipio

Circulation Managers

Alwin Jay Sinang News Editor Marc Jaylord Guillermo Filipino Editor Michelle Galangera Iluko Editor Aivan Jericko Labuguen Illustrator Alyssa Marie Jacinto

Jheia Lindhelle Paned

Correspondents

Dyan Rae Rapacon Layout Artist

Dr. Florecita Q. Cortero Technical Adviser

Mrs. Luvee Hazel C. Aquino English Critic

Dr. Francisca Nicolas Filipino Critic

John Vincent Toribio

They do not adhere with illogical traditions and irrational customs.

They further contest what is obvious and analyze what is abstract.

People see the moon and they see art. People talk about poverty and they speak of the treasures in trash cans. People hear the speeches and they listen to whisperers. People feel the coldness and they sense the misty dews. You like a green tree and they appreciate a brown dry leaf.

While most realize using the eyes and human brain, these people use the heart and mind.

They do not listen to anybody and they just do what they feel is right.

They believe that there is no right or wrong in the world, that you just need to know how to be firm in your stand, and suddenly, defend and fight for your post.

They can be scientists, mathematicians, engineers, doctors, philosophers, inventors or an ice cream vendor. What unifies them is their knowledge of what principles they have and how to significantly use them towards developments and breakthroughs.

We need them the most now when we cannot seemingly see the realities. Everywhere seems to be a mirage fooling thy sight, thus, we need their philosophies as our thoughts only speak of what is superficial.

They are different and they are unique. They are outnumbered but they are powerful. They are true and they should be felt... and eventually, should be followed.

Battles and wars are about to come. People need their attributes to surpass all the tragedies. We need to be rationally creative, logically aggressive and uniquely performing.

I see no certain persons. I can see you. They are you. You need your true, different and new self to face the illusions and delusions around. Fear not. Be a deviant and prove your values are worth even more.

Bleed-While Alive Apathy in Action

Mizpah Grace Castro

Vol. XXX, No. 4 November 2012-March 2013

John Vincent Toribio

Historic Prophecies

Half of my undergraduate life is virtually over. Somehow, the prospect of having only two more years left of this (I gesture at the publication office, Admin, the roads connecting these to my college, and the mental replicas of experiences I had there in the past year) makes me wish I had not been fully on “Acads Mode” during my freshman year.

What have I experienced more since entering the campus press? Here’s a short list: forgotten assignments. Sleeplessness. Binge eating. Fake weekends. But it’s not

all bad. I have gained challenging, thus enriching, life lessons; an iota of courage, albeit mostly forced; and friends… no, a family. And strung together, these induced an itch for something that made me realize what it is missing from the average MMSU student: awareness.

MMSU has been in existence for 35 years; the campus press, for more than half of that time. Thus it saddens me to observe such widespread apathy in the university. Take the CSC rallies and election. Students were present, even voted. I cannot deny that.

Yet many saw the rallies as merely, “Awan klase,” did not bother to find out who were running, did not bother to cast votes, did not even bother to ask themselves why there was no actual competition during the election.

Oh, but they will bother to complain about the resulting governance.

This is not a defense of

the CSC, the SC’s, Admin, or even this publication. This is an offense against student apathy. The above was only a demonstration of this culture of passivity.

Passivity equates with ignorant whispers. The publication as a “bleeding pen” was coined implying that blood signifies life, but all this degree of student apathy implies is lifelessness. Many students are more concerned about the latest movies than the quality of instruction they are receiving, and we live in an era of “learners” who grumble relentlessly about tangible entities then turn a deaf ear to the outlets provided for them to instill the change they want in this place.

We, students, are the socalled lifeblood of the MMSU tributaries. But take no pride in being a stagnant pond. The University, and this Bleeding Pen, is in need of your ink. Let it flow now, while your time remains.

PepsCommentariesPoints

Dito ako Natuto...

Honoris Opus Stained Lenses

The responsibilities we choose to assume are the stories we attempt to write.

Every story, every slice of our lives has its lesson to teach, challenges to offer, and rewards to shower. I may be discouraged for patronizing unorthodox opinions in school, but whatever your disposition, always believe, that in life, it is all about learning, not about destiny.

Sleepless nights are underestimations of what it takes to finish a degree. It’s a stretch of potentials, chapters of neardeath experiences, and cascades of instances where the suspense of getting called by the professor triggers a unique chilling syndrome that suddenly blocks your sanity at the wrong time and at the right place.

College is the battleground where the doctrine of double

jeopardy is rendered ineffectual by a menu of long exams garnished with quizzes, and the only way to pass through them is to read your good old friends – #books #FinAcct and #Codals.

I took the liberty of choosing some of the maxims from my experiences and favorite subjects.

Sic utere tuo ut alienum non laedas – “the owner of a thing cannot make use thereof in such a manner as to injure the rights of third person.” Knowledge is not learned to be used for selfenrichment, but rather for the good of the many.

The great Abraham Lincoln assents to this by saying “Whatever you are, be a good one.” Our simplest common goal is to be good – act good and think good, to push the nation forward, and to constantly subdue the

Randell Dan Dalire

modern era of deadlock and drift.

Being a political baby and a student of taxation taught me the same theory: “the government always holds the leverage.”

Meanwhile, in economics, life is a double ended sword - our gain, is somebody else’s loss, Juan’s (RP) additional income, is John’s (US) additional expense. Moreover, “the scarcity of resources – time, man, money, forces us to make choices.” That’s why budgeting exists. And lastly, logic, teaching that life is mainly rational thinking and making well-grounded judgments from well-warranted

facts - “coconut trees bearing coconut fruits.”

Squeezed and forged by the rigors of the academe – it might nearly demonstrate how the journey had been, but the important thing is, we are finally stepping forward to take the lead in agriculture, business, allied medical fields, law, engineering, and the arts. All of these idealisms helped us to discover our real potentials, where we are born to excel, and where we could substantially contribute to attain our national objectives.

The sunken garden is a sheer reminder that graduation is an identity, an honor. It’s who we are – a mark embedded in the hearts of the 1,926 brave souls of batch 2013 – this year’s Honoris Opus. (honored work).

The glory is ours.

Euphoric, indeed.

A Child’s Plea to His Mom

The academic year is about to end and will resume again next semester unless petition letters of students who wish for summer classes are approved; especially in the College of Engineering where many students tend to enroll for summer classes due to prior deficiencies.

Unfortunately, their petition letters are held dangling with greater possibilities to be disapproved.

For a petition letter to be approved, students should find teachers who are either on Teachers’ Leave (TL) or Vacation Sick Leave (VSL) status in the duration of summer who should also be willing to serve in a pro-bono condition. It means that these teachers will not receive payment for serving.

Failure to meet these conditions means students are either to enroll in other universities and colleges offering the subjects that they need to take or they will

Pe r i p h e ra l V i e w s

M ichael C. N acario just wait until the subjects are offered in the university in a regular semester. The first option suggests that they spend a larger amount of money for tuition fees in other universities. However, it will help them cope with their academic standing. The latter could save them money however they will have to deal with the agony of waiting and bearing the postponement of their goal’s attainment.

On the other hand, students would not be suffering from this condition if they only studied well. However, this is not always about how well a student does his part. It is by considering the factors that affected his

academic performance. However, things have already happened so time should not be wasted by pointing fingers at anyone. And summer class in the university is the best solution.

Most of the students chose MMSU as their home not just for the reason that it provides better quality of education than other institutions, but because it provides a minimum amount of money to acquire the said quality.

They chose this university because this is the haven for poor yet determined students. This is their hope. However, for committing failures and experiencing setbacks in this educational journey, they need to find channels to cope with their lackings and tragedies. And in some cases, summer class is one of those channels for survival.

It should be understood that enrolling in other universities and colleges means burden to the parents and guardians, or even in

worse cases, to self-supporting students. This eventually paralyzes the mobilization of their academic journey.

The university allowing the students to cross-enroll instead of offering them a choice to stay is similar to a mother who decides to lend her children for adoption. It is an unbearable shame for a mother to let her children live with another woman’s house because of her inability to cater their needs.

This is the best university in the region and students deserve to acquire the quality of education that it provides. And since this institution prioritizes students’ welfare, all of their pleas as long as justifiable, should be accepted.

Dear MMSU, your hands are expected to help when your children need them the most. I care for my siblings. I care for this family.

Adiós vida universitaria

School may be over but life's lessons are yet to be learned.

In the University, we have experienced hardships that both recur and co-occur, making both our hands scratch our heads.

The axiomatic line “as a door closes, another one opens” reechoes, suggesting that as we leave MMSU, we, its offspring are off to ‘reality’.

While I can still call myself a 'people's scholar' and Sirmata's columnist, I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the individuals who made my college life awesome.

First, unending thanks to the Almighty One for the guidance

and blessings. As a writer and student, it has never been easy to balance these commitments. There were distressing and sleepless nights to finish tons of academic requirements and responsibilities given by my editor. With His providence, I managed to do it.

Second is to extend my sincerest gratitude to my Sirmata family for all the experiences we shared. Indeed, it was extremely fun to be in the paper for four years- for the laughs and issues we shared.

Third, thanks to CBEA, especially to the Business Administration department, which equipped me with necessary skills to turn one into a future business tycoon.

AweSam Thoughts

Sam Audrey Pajarillo

To the administration offices who helped the publication, thank you so much. To the OSSD for being so patient to the “makukulit na Sirmata”; to the people at the Accounting Office who give ample consideration on liquidations; to the Internal Control and Admin Services for considering that we have classes to attend to; and to

5

the Office of the President for the outstanding diligence to support the endeavors of the publication.

To my friends and classmates whom I can go full retard mode with, I can never imagine how my college life would be without you.

Lastly, to all the unsung heroes who made the last four years of my existence very meaningful, you have no idea how grateful I am.

We have worked hard.

We are now one step closer to our dreams. We will soon reap the fruits of our hard work. See you all on April 3! Congratulations, graduates!

Adiós vida universitaria! (Goodbye college life.)

by Dyan Rae Rapacon

Masasabi kong naging makahulugan ang pagtapak ko sa MMSU. May mga bagay na hindi ko ginustong mangyari, may mga bagay na gusto ko sanang mangyari ngunit naging mailap ang pagkakataon sa akin (at may mga araw na pinalipas ko ito). Ngunit may mga bagay rin namang nangyari na naging isang malaking instumento sa pagkahubog ng kung sino ako ngayon.

Apat na taon ako nanirahan sa unibersidad na ito.

Natuto akong makipagkapwa tao; naranasan kong tumayo sa aking sariling paa; dito ko nalaman na hindi kayang bilhin ng pera ang edukasyon; dito, natuto akong walang nagagawa ang hiya; tinuruan ako ng institusyong ito na maging isang mata at boses ng mga studyanteng bulag sa maling sistema.

Ito rin ang bumuo ng aking plataporma at integridad. Hindi ito kasing tayog ng unibersidad na ngumungodngod ng libo para lang makapagbigay serbisyo ngunit ito ay isang tahanang bukas sa lahat ng gustong matuto at may pangarap.

Ang MMSU ang naging pundasyon ko ng kung anuman ang mayroon ako.

Dito ko naipamalas ang mga bagay na alam ko sa sining at kultura. Dito rin ako natutong maging matatag at masikap sa pagharap ng mga pagsubok na imposibleng makamit ng isang tulad kong mahina ang puso.

Natuto akong hindi lang ang sarili ko ang kaya kong bigyan ng pangarap ngunit maging ang mga taong nakapalibot sa akin.

Dito, natuto akong magkaroon ng klarong larawan ng kung ano ang buhay na nakaatang para sa akin.

Hindi itatago ng MMSU kung sino ka, bagkus, ito ang magbubunyag sa kung ano ka at kung ano ang kaya mong gawin.

Hindi nito itatago ang iyong mga kapalpakan sa buhay, ngunit itutulak ka nitong pulutin ang mga pirasong binasag ng pagkakataon upang muling buuin.

Hindi man natupad ang hangarin ng puso ko noon... ngayon, kaya ko ng sabihing dahil sa MMSU, naging malinaw sa akin ang mga bagay-bagay, maging ng aking sariling buhay.

To the graduates '13: "I'd rather be a success at the thing I love than to be a failure at the thing I hate."

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PowerFeaturesSights

Of emerald green and yellow gold Stallion

by Marciano

MMSU has begun eradicating unofficial names to symbolize the university after President Pascua signed a memorandum regarding the standardization of such.

One of the reasons that spawned confusion on the identity of the university is the undefined colors representing it in different activities and competitions particularly in sports. The hues of ‘green’ and ‘gold’ used by the university vary every year. Observed to be inconsistent, the colors do not really follow a standard that is why the results become either darker or lighter every time.

To end this, the memorandum disseminated to faculty members and university personnel included the verification of the green and gold as emerald green and yellow gold.

At the very least, it showed the distinct characteristic of the university compared to universities that use green and yellow as their official colors, like Far Eastern University.

The most controversial symbol which brought mixed reactions from students is the formulation of the name 'Stallion'.

Tracing its conception, it was officially coined to answer the need for a name to call MMSU students and graduates.

The university was founded in the year of the Earth Horse following the Chinese Lunar Calendar. Also, Ferdinand Marcos, the founder of the university is known for horseback riding, as was his father, Mariano Marcos. These reasons appeared to be enough in considering a relevant name for the university indicating the unclear eradication of ‘Marianites’.

Previously, ‘Marianites’ was

BEWARE. I will stab your heart. With my pen.

I am young. I was born on the edge of a time where adversities define life. A time when those who govern hold the system of every breathing individual walking on the very same ground where these “lords” also tread on. These lords dress in business suits and enter humongous vicinity to make directives and rules that will apparently be violated by no other but them (they won’t be punished of course!).

A time when the space between the stuffed and the unfilled has already become normal to people to just accept it as their unalterable destiny; a black hole

"When someone becomes successful,

another God will be born. "

widely used by student leaders particularly the Central student Council (CSC) officers in naming MMSU students during student-related activities. Even the recent Leadership Camp held annually by the CSC incorporated the term ‘Marianites’ in the activity’s theme: “Marianites: Step up, Take a lead”.

To conform to the extensive usage of the term, the publication also used it since its unknown birth. During the Freshmen Orientation Program of the university, President Pascua welcomed the students saying that “borrowing from the Sirmata, you are now Marianites”. Those welcoming words alienated some faculty members and admin staff members, claiming that ‘Marianites’ do not really sound as MMSU.

An article titled ‘Marianites, Who?,’ written by Mr. Herdy La Yumul, attempted to question the existence of what we claim as our identity. According to him, we might be mistaken as affiliated with the Marians of St. Mary College and the sort.

During the University Games 2012, MMSU organized a grand introduction for the familiarization of the Stallions.

The stallion, a male horse, is described to be gallant, fast and strong. In comparison to MMSU’s performance, it is strongly galloping in the future as the premier university in Southeast Asia in "...we are not Chinese to adhere with their lunar calendar and adapt its notion on yearly symbols."

"our name...will only be recognized if we perform well and exceed people's expectations"

no time. Indeed, another sign of persistence in the realization of the university’s dream has come out.

The creature might symbolize the university’s potentials to dominate a portion of the Asian continent, however, it made high expectations on its performances and potentials waiting to be unleashed.

Although, I see that the usage of 'Marianites' does not really blur the identity of MMSU. Having used it for many years, it did not cause any questions from outsiders.

The region does not have any record of any school using the name Marianites, which contradicts the accusation of being a double of most schools’ labels.

It is but fitting to decipher the line when one who was and is still affiliated with MMSU can be called a Stallion. As far as it has been introduced, the scope of the use of the name Stallions is not clearly defined. Whether it is only coined for the SCUAA and PASUC

competitions or not, there is a need to clarify it. For the record, ‘Rooster’ was once used by the pep squad to represent the university in competitions. However, we did not use Roosters to mean the MMSU students and staff.

We consider that it is about time to coin something that is officially ours however, in coming up with our official emblems, we should take into consideration its real relevance. We have nothing against the name Stallions yet in clarification, we are not Chinese to adhere with their lunar calendar and adapt its notion on yearly symbols.

Also, not because the person behind the university’s existence was known for his skill in horseback riding, the university will adapt it and proclaim the necessity in adhering to it. I say that to coin a term is to dig deeper in MMSU’s characteristics and at least, its potentials and excellence.

I believe that the cause of the moniker's conception was forgotten because people out

there got very excited of releasing something that is new. It intended to unify us as a team, but it failed.

However, whether we like it or not, we are now MMSU Stallions. The characteristics of it will deeply describe MMSU as a whole and the majority of it is composed of the students. We are now expected to gallop higher being gallant, fast and strong. Labeled as horses trained to battle, we are highly expected to claim victory.

Avoiding mediocrity and sustaining excellence, the stallion draped with emerald green and yellow gold will continue the battle started by the unbaptized ‘Marianites’ and is expected to maintain and gain further distinctions.

The identity of MMSU is dressed with its uniqueness in every way however, it is strongly made by sustained and unparalleled excellence that it possessed through the years that passed and the decades to come. We then say, hold high the emerald green and yellow gold and ride the stallion towards unceasing excellence because at the end of the day, our name (whether Marianite or Stallion) will only be recognized if we perform well and exceed people's expectations.

From a Bleeding Pen that will, sooner or later, consume them out from this world.

Towering irons are the temples of any individual who aspires to be rich in my time, so eyes must gawk upward. When someone becomes successful, another God will be born. With other Gods, he will look down from his 98-storey shrine, with sparkling champagne on a hand and comfy in his shiny leather shoes made from another planet. He looks down on the ground where he came from and turns his back from the shacks, the rusting roofs, the noisy children, the murky faces, the deep railways, without noticing his same old reflection on the gleaming windowpane. He forgets the past (but the past won’t forget him).

Yes, this is undoubtedly the time of chaos, masticating the poor one’s living, not just be poorer but to be nothing. A time of lies, concealing the facts from the dumb, from the uneducated, from the good with these lords’

Charles Tuvilla

insipid tongues. A time of ghastly inventions made to disprove the faith and history in order to attest their vile ingenuity. A time of bloody hostilities for their personal and selfish definition of serenity.

Now stop. I just have had enough of it.

This is also my time: the time of the youth.

This is my time to talk.

My time to say the emotions you barred me to articulate. Emotions that you thought were too shallow to be worth hearing. A voice that you believed will just be an ignored whisper in the atmosphere. This is my time to escape the monotone of your 1-2-3 and A-B-C. I may have kept silent for a long time but it was not from my fear. It was my hope for a million other chances. A chance to improve.

My hope for a change. But you screwed it all up. Now let me take over. This is my time.

This is my time to act.

My time to get out and perform the tasks I have been craving to

Let the ink blend with your blood, giving your heartbeat a rhythm you can both dance with and shout for.

do. Duties you disposed from me because I haven’t “eaten enough rice” yet. Jobs repressed from my opportunity because you suppose that I can’t do it satisfactorily. But from now on, my innate talents, capabilities and devotion to work will prevail. I may not have been honed by experience but my commitment to work will be my anchor towards perfection. You do things to receive. I live to give.

Obligation is bliss. I am now the boss. Let me do it my way. This is my time.

I know this piece of work is not enough. But this is everything that I can offer for my time, for the meantime. And this fervor is much bigger than any promises made by the lords and accounts waved by the corporate gurus. I’m not even asking you to like my essay. It is enough for me that you feel my pen stabbing

your heart. Let its tip engrave an image of truth on its beating surface. Let the ink blend with your blood, giving your heartbeat a rhythm you can both dance with and shout for. Let the thump shatter the ribcages that confined your passion and sentiment for change. Then I will pull the pen slowly as you watch the mixture of blood and ink smudge the writing surface.

I am young, and I am snatching out the best in you. Because you are also young. We are young.

I am a writer. With my pen, this is the best I can do. You have a role to play, so do your best too.

Because this is our time.

We are the avatar of the past, present and future.

Therefore, we are the time.

Now, if you’ll excuse me. My pen is bleeding.

From Sirmata Issue (January 2003. This is Tuvilla’s winning entry during the National Search for Penstroke Journalist of the Year)

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TouchLiteraryMood

Santhina Luna ni John Vincent Toribio

“Lalaking manunulat si Lotus, 'nang. Palalakihin ko siya gaya ng kung

paano mo ako pinalaki. Siya ang tatayong 'nang ko. Ipagpapatuloy niya ang ‘iyong naudlot na pangarap…”

Sumunod na nga ang ilang sandali ng katahimikan… at tila nasa aking mga mata na ang bigat ng mga karagatan ng mundo. Hindi ko na mahadlangan ang pag-agos nito pabagsak sa kumot ni Nang. Nagtagumpay na siya sa kanyang huling hininga. Hindi ko sisisihin ang aking sarili. Panahon na niya upang magpahinga… hindi tulad ng kanyang mga aral. Magpapatuloy ang agos nito patungo sa aking anak. Kinailangan ko lamang lumihis ng bahagya. Kailangan.

Ako ba ang may sala? Hindi pa rin maalis sa aking konsensiya ang mga pangyayari. Hindi sana lalala ang sitwasyon ni Nang kung hindi ko hinayaang humantong kami sa ganoong kumprontasyon. Ako’y tila bata sa paningin ni Nang kahit na alam ko naman na ang aking mga ginagawa, alam ko naman na ang lahat ng klase ng butas sa mundo, alam ko naman na kung paano pinapasok ang lahat ng iyon. Nagagawa ko ang mga iyon upang makabili ng butong may karneng sa amin lang, hindi yung mga buto lang at nalawayan na ng aso. Gusto kong iparanas na may buhay din kami sa Sitio.

“Santhina, huwag mong gawing buto ang iyong pangalang nilalawayan ng kahit sinong aso, nakakulong man o iyong mga gala. Ang butong iyan ang tangi mo na lamang katibayang mayroon ka ring pagmamay-ari, may dignidad… na tao ka.”

Sa lahat ng mga makamakatang kataga ni Nang, iyon palang ang nagpaiyak sa aking kalooban, isa sa mga huli niyang litanya. Hindi ako nakikipagkita kina Ka Samuel, Rizal, Mercado, Don delos Reyes at iba pa tuwing alas sais ng hapon kung mayroon akong butong maiaahin sa kanila sa kalaliman ng gabi o kinaumagahan. Wala. Wala. Kailangan ko sila, ang kanilang mga gabi, ang kanilang mga kapangyarihan, ang kanilang mga kamay, ang kanilang puwersa, ang kanilang kama, ang kanila.

Bakit ba hindi naiintindihan ni Nang? Una, walang kumpanya ang may gusto sa isang aanga-angang ni hindi man lang nakapasok sa silid-aralan kahit isang beses. Wala akong alam. Bobo ako kung tawagin ng mundo, latang walang laman. Sa naibiyayang katawan na lamang ako nakasalalay, kami… si Nang na tatlong taong nakaratay sa kanyang uuga-ugang higaan at si Lotus.

Si Luistro? Kailangan ko ang lahat ng mga pulitiko, maliban sa kanya. Isa siyang pulitikong puro sabaw ng buto ang kailangan- isang serbisyo-publiko kuno… ngunit sa katotohana’y ibang serbisyo ang gusto. Sa pag-aakala ko’y tunay yaong aming anim na buwan. Sa akin, patay na siya, buto na lamang siyang pataba ng lupa. Dalawang bagay na lamang ang aking ipinagpapasalamat sa kanya- si Lotus at ang aming mga karanasang nagagamit ko magpahanggang sa ngayon.

Ngayong unti-unti nang kinukumutan ang buong katawan ni Nang, unti unti na ring nahuhubaran ang aking lihim kay Lotus. Huwag naman sana. ikamamatay kong balang araw malaman niyang ang kanyang ganda rin ay maaaring gamitin sa mga butas na maluwag, masarap at madali, sa mga butas na bumubuhay sa amin.

Nahuhubaran ako sa kanyang pagpupumilit.

“Meh, wala na po ba si Nang? Bakit po kasi kayo nag-away? Sino po iyong Don delos Reyes, Rizal at Ka Mercado? Isa po ba sa kanila sip deh? Sana, ‘wag mo na lang inaway si Nang para makuwentuhan pa ko ng Alamat ng Santol. Hindi pa po niya naikuwento ang Alamat ng Puso ng Saging e.”

“Suksukan man ng kahit ano ang lahat ng butas ng katawan ko, Nang, bubog, pako o kutsilyo… hinding-hindi pa rin mawawala ang mga una na ninyong isinuksok sa puso’t isipan ko!” ng paghampas sa akin ng belt ni Don delos Reyes. Sadista siya. Mas humihigpit ang kanyang kapit sa aking mga paing sa tuwing nakikita niya akong nasasaktan at nahihirapan. Kinailangan ko lamang tiisin sapagkat bilihan ng school supplies kinaumagahan. Kagaya ng parihabang markang iniwan ng kanyang belt sa aking likod, unti-unti na ring nagiging marka kay Lotus ang aking sala sa pagkwala ng Nang niya, ng aming Nang.

“Santhina, huwag ka naman na sanang magtago sa sarili mong anino. Maraming anino ang hindi totoo. Maraming aninong pagmamay-ari ng kung sinu-sino. Ang mga aninong iyon ang siyang loloko sa’yo. Itigil mo na ang pagtago sa mga anino ng mga silid na iyong tinutunguhan tuwing alas sais ng hapon. Kaninong anino ba ang pinakamalawak ang sakop? Kanino Santhina?

Kaninong anino ang mas nakapagpapaligaya sa’yo? Sa kanila o ‘iyang sa anak mo?”

Mahabang litanyang unti-unti nakapagpakulo ng lahat ng pulang likido sa aking katawan.

Bakit ba hindi naiintindihan ni Nang. Hindi ako kaaya-aya sa malinaw na paningin ng komunidad sa taglay na hangin ng aking edukasyon, kung kaya’t sa kanilang anino ako nagtutungo upang mayroong pambili ng kanyang gamot, ng kaniyang pagkain, ng kanyang buhay. Nasasarapan ako sa lilim ng kanilang mga anino dahil doon na lamang ako nakakakita ng liwanag sa bukas ni Lotus.

Si Luistro? Ito na rin ang aking paghihiganti sa kanya. Sa akin, lahat ng mga pulitiko, lahat ng mga may kapangyarihan, lahat ng may kaya ay mga mangmang ding nagtatago sa anino ng kanilang posisyon. Nagagamit nila ito ng magaling upang kontrolin ang ibang tao. Lahat sila sa akin ay mga kriminal, baliw at dugyot. Kaya’t lahat ng nasa posisyon ay parte ng aking paghihiganti sa kanyang pang-iiwan sa akin sa ere, sa kanyang kaduwagan.

Kung kaya’t sa aking bitag, sila ang tanga. Sa bawat segundong sila’y akin, tatlong bagay lamang ang nawawala sa’kin- lakas, dignidad, at maliit na porsyento sa pamilya. Sa kanila, apat na bagay- lakas, reputasyon, pamilya at pera. Panalo pa rin ako. Panalo pa rin, at sa bawat alas sais ng hapon, unti-unting nadadagdagan ang aking mga panalo.

“Suksukan man ng kahit ano ang lahat ng butas ng katawan ko, Nang, bubog, pako o kutsilyo… hinding-hindi pa rin mawawala ang mga una na ninyong isinuksok sa puso’t isipan ko!”

Iyon ang unang pagkakataong ibinulalas ko ang aking mga sentimyento. Unang pagkakataong ako’y nagsalita sa mundo sa aking posisyon at puwang dito. Ganoon naman kasi ang tingin sa lahat ng gumagawa nito, p*ta, pokp*k, bayarang baba*, salot. Kung kaya’t sa anino ako kung trumabaho. Nang, hindi ko man kayo muling mabubuhay, mananatiling buhay ang ilaw ninyo sa akin, sa amin ni Lotus. Lumihis ako sa saklaw ng ilaw na iyon, ngunit, alam na alam ko ang liwanag na iyon, Nang. Buhay ang liwanag mo sa’kin. Buhay. Kinailangan ko lamang maghanap ng iba pang ilaw upang mas lumiwanag ang kung anuman ang kay Lotus… Nang.

“Santhina, ikaw ang Santa ng aming buhay ni Adolfo. Luna, dahil ikaw ang nagsilbing liwanag sa aming gabi. Sa gabing ito, hindi ka man Santa at maliwanag… magpahanggang kailanman, ikaw parin ang aking Santhina Luna…”

Iyon na ang kanyang mga huling litanya. Iyon na ang mga litanyang hindi man lamang niya naisulat sa kanyang notebook.

Nang, taliwas sa aking pangalan ang aking mga motibo at mga gawa… Ako ay satanas at dilim sa gabi. Patawad.

“Nang, asahan ninyong hindi magiging katulad ko si Lotus. Si Lotus ang siyang bubuhay sa kagubatang ninais ninyong tirhan, ang pagsusulat. Siya ang ating Lotus, Nang. Lalaki siyang may edukasyon at hindi aasa sa buto. Lalaki siyang may reputasyon at dignidad, hindi magtatago bilang anino. Pangako, Nang… siya ang magiging Santa ng ating mga umaga at magiging bulaklak ng ating mga gabi.”

Unti-unting nadurog ang aking puso. Kasalanan ko nga. Nahuhubaran ako kagaya ng ginagawa ng lahat ng mga iyon sa akin. Tila nahahampas ako ng latigo kagaya

Resilience Marc Jaylord Guillermo

You marched in potholed lands, With garments of innocenceso crystalline pure Yet a wicked soul besieged by the bargain of zephyr and ardent blood.

You basked when the sun swaddled in scarlet rays that shines your castle in the sky, illuminating in the sea I’ll guide your path abode; that went dry.

Your exodus.

In the sea which drowned and left your dead beat body horrible-sinner you should repent.

If justice is still bindfolded?

An abyss, a hell meets your way?

Rise up and stand when mornings unfold their wings like resplendent butterflies of noondays.

Haikus of the Star Behind Juan Vicente Light rays blur beauty, When eyes commandeth the mind

Stars aren’t so real,

On how heart should beat.

If their rays strike you behind, Because you’re truer.

Lunacy takes you Through various intensities While lets you twinkle.

Mary knows the truth Where the light is coming from So she learns focus.

Sonnet 727

Your theatre and mine Juan Vicente A ray just summoned my innocent thought, Through a minute hole on the curtain behind, Rays continued to enter what to be caught, I was unveiled unknowingly with skin of a kind.

Brighter light and rays

Never have I been to this clueless and keen stage,

Open sensibilities

Where thrives a wave of strength and magnitude,

For righter choices.

Spotting dots of me leaving them balloon gauge, And opening the lights for a theatrical fraud.

Never will I be dancing, singing, acting and whatnot, Topping this wide yet focused space of the theatre, Because I know their eyes want a flesh and a circus plot, Not a real crystal art that victimizes to blind them a lot.

I know the play’s done and my role’s never to be undone, But their beats can’t blur me of the theatre that’s really mine.

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E xc i t e d a n g l a h a t n g mga magsisipagtapos sa 350th C o m m e n c e m e n t E xe r c i s e s n g M o r i o n a M a r c i a s St a t e U n i ve r s i t y.

S i n o b a n a m a n a n g hi n d i?

A n g u n i b e r s id a d n a a n g b a h a l a s a ka n i l a n g k i n a b u ka s a n .

D a hi l s a m g a l i n ka g e s n i t o s a i b a t - i b a n g m g a ko r p o r a s yo n a t i n s t i t u s yo n a t a n g m a t a g u m p ay n a p a g t a t a g u yo d n g I n t e r n a -tionalizationalizationalization, t r a b a h o n a l a n g a n g n a g hi hi n t ay s a m g a b a g o n g g r a d u a t e s . Pa t i m g a a pp l i c a t i o n l e t t e r s n g m g a graduates para sa mga perfect p r o s p e c t j o b s ay g i n a w a n a d i n n g Re g i s t r a r ’ s O f f i c e h a b a n g a n g mga gastusin sa unang limang taon n i l a ay i n a s i ka s o n a n g A c c o u n t i n g a t C a s hi e r ’ s O f f i c e . W a l a n g l i q u id a t i o n a n g ka i l a n g a n g i s u m i t e .

Ang mga nagsipagtapos s a k u r s o n g A c c o u n t a n c y ay d i r e t s o na sa mga branches ng Deloitte a n d Tu s c h e s a b u o n g m u n d o .

Ang mga Engineering graduates n a m a n ay t i n a n g g a p n a s a m g a malalaking Engineering firms sa D u b a i , S a u d i A r a bi a a t Ta i w a n .

Ang mga graduate sa College of H e a l t h S c i e n c e s ay bi n i bi gya n n g p a g ka ka t a o n g m a g - M e d i c a l s c h o o l s a H a rva r d . A n g m g a m a g a g a s t o s ay s a g o t n g u n i b e r s id a d .

Samantala, ang mga Agricultural a t A n i m a l S c i e n c e g r a d u a t e s ay bi n i gya n n g l i b r e n g p o n d o u p a n g p a l a w i g i n p a a n g ka n i l a n g p a g - a a r a l s a m g a n a t u k l a s a n g i n o b a s yo n s a l a r a n g a n g i yo n . A n g m g a C o m p u t e r S c i e n c e g r a d u a t e ay m a t a t a n g g a p sa mga Social Networking Sites upang tumulong sa pagpapabuti pa ng mga software. Ang mga bagong t a p o s n a g u r o ay m a bi bi gya n n g dagdag na sahod maliban pa sa ka r a n i w a n g s a h o d n i l a . A n g m g a s i l id - a r a l a n g ka n i l a n g p a g t u t u r u a n ay m a g i g i n g a i r c o n d i t i o n .

D a hi l s a n a g a n a p n a pagbomba sa isang mataas na o p i s ya l n g u n i b e r s id a d , n a g i n g p a r a n o id a n g i l a n p a n g m g a o p i s ya l e s , l a l o n a a n g m g a t e r r o r n a g u r o s a p a n g a m b a n g b a ka s i l a n a a n g i s u n o d . Kaya n a m a n s a tuwing lalabas sila upang magturo ay n a g b a b a l a t kayo s i l a . A n g i l a n ay n a g d i - d i s g u i s e n a L a d y G a g a , M i c h a e l J a c k s o n , Ka t y Pe r ry a t k u n g s i n u - s i n o p a n g s i ka t n a p e r s o n a l id a d .

Ganun pa man, ang mga s i k y u s a u n i b e r s id a d ay m ay d a l a - d a l a n a n g m a c hi n e g u n s . A n g b u o n g u n i b e r s id a d ay p i n a l i g i r a n n a n g m g a l i g ht h o u s e s . M ay mga electrical barb wires na d i n g n a ka p a l i b o t s a m g a g a t e n g u n i b e r s id a d . B a w a t l i g ht p o s t n a m a n ay m ay m g a hidd e n c a m e r a s .

I n a a s a h a n g m a g ka ka r o o n pa ng mga pagbabago at pag-unlad a n g u n i b e r s id a d . I N A A S A H A N .