The Edge by dayanadeguzman

June - JANUARY 2012

June 2012 - January 2013

The Edge

v Sections | Volume II | No. i

The Edge

Official Community Publication of Barangay Bibincahan, Sorsogon City

REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION. Construction workers began the repair of the 1st street in OLV Bibincahan this early January. (Photo by Jorence Borja)

City government funds OLV street repair by Pia Espartinez

Construction crew began repairing 71 meters of 1st street in Our Lady’s Village this January. The Rehabilitation and Improvement Project is ongoing through the efforts of the city government and funds from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The portion to be rehabilitated – STA 0 + 194, STA 0 + 295, which is still part of the city road – is considered “critical” through an inspection back in 2010, when

the project was first proposed by then City Engineer OIC Edith Cornel. Funds were released only in 2012, which is why construction only started recently. Project cost is at P 426, 203. 25 with expenses on materials, labor, equipment, rental, and maintenance included. The project is now supervisead by the current City Engineer OIC Roel Domer.

ALS summit conducted by Dayana de Guzman

The Alternative Learning System Summit was conducted last June 21, 2012 at the Saint Louise de Marillac College of Sorsogon Ecology Park. The summit’s aim was to strengthen awareness on gender, promote connectivity among ALS learners and their community, and to develop disaster preparedness. The participants of the summit were the previous and present learners, the passers of Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A & E) Test, and

the Linang Dunong Grantees. The speakers in the summit were Dr. Florena Deuna and other nuns from SLMCS who talked about disaster preparedness. The budget used in the summit was from 10% of the Sangguniang Kabataan’s funds. The ALS in Bibincahan has been effective in Baribag and Barangay Madanan since 2009. It has supported 28 students in 2012 and an initial number of 30 enrollees this 2013 and has produced college graduates since then.

2M spent on infrastructures by Dayana de Guzman

Approximately P 2M has been released by barangay Bibincahan for the construction and rehabilitation of the structures within its vicinity for the year 2012. Chairman on Infrastructure Jonathan A. Rocha said that the funds for the projects came from

the City Engineering Office and from 20% of the barangay’s over-all funds. He added that the projects will help improve and develop the progress of the community. Infrastructure projects include street lighting; line canals at Santo Nino Compound,

Magsaysay Street, Gate 3 -- Saints Peter and Paul; pathways at Baribag, Idea Homes, Housing Project and Catleya; the Barangay Nutrition Council Office; the Materials Recovery Facility; the repair of the four daycare centers; and the rehabilitation of the multipurpose hall.

49 families relocated to San Lorenzo by Pia Espartinez, Bernadette Olbes and Ana Rivera

Forty-nine families have been relocated to Sitio San Lorenzo, Brgy. Bibincahan since April under the city government’s San Lorenzo SHDC Resettlement Project. The project targets 180 or so families who were “kicked out” of the Atienza Property in Brgy. Sampaloc where they are informal settlers.

According to Livia Lareza, City Zoning Administrator, the new residents can either avail a lot or a house and lot contracted to the National Housing Authority (NHA). In both cases, the properties will be registered to them. If the resident chooses to avail only a lot, the construction of the house will not be NHA’s concern

but the agency has set a maximum lot area of 100 square meters. NHA has coordinated with SORECO and Sorsogon Cooperative Water District (SCWD) for the electricity and water connections for the house units. Electric and water consumption, however, are already charged to the residents. The 3.5-hectare relocation site was availed by the government through the then representative Sen. Francis Escudero’s pork barrel or Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF). As of October, site development - construction of roads, canals, drainage systems, and house units that began in January – is ongoing. Lareza also said that the Resettlement LEARNERS. The ALS delegates from Brgy. Bibincahan Project is not exclusively attend the summit held in the SLMCS Eco-park last June 21, for the residents of Brgy. 2012 (photo from Brgy. Bibincahan’s records) Sampaloc.

The Edge

NEWS

June 2012 - January 2013

Daycare centers hold feeding programs for 2012 by Mariel Dipad

Feeding programs were held by the four daycare centers in barangay Bibincahan last 2012 to improve the health of the children and to help their families as well. The programs started on the first day of school, and were held spontaneously in the daycare centers at Saints Peter and Paul Village Subdivision (SPPVS), Baribag, San Lorenzo and Bibincahan proper (near barangay hall). According to Mrs. Evelyn Eli, one of the

daycare teachers, every morning of a school day, parents of the students cook the healthy meals, which are served during recess. Each daycare center was required to prepare a small cooking area and cooking materials. They spend a daily budget of P290 for the meals, excluding the rice, which is provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. The preparation of food is monitored

by the Barangay Nutritionist Scholars who also keep track of the health of the children by weighing them every end of the month. Kagawad Alfredo Dioquino, Health and Sanitation committee chairman said that the 4 malnourished pupils at the beginning of the program have improved significantly. The program, which has been running for two years already, is held on school days for six months.

Daycare centers repaired by Dayana de Guzman

A total of 400,000 pesos has been allotted for the repair of four daycare centers in Barangay Bibincahan which started last Jan 7, 2012. The daycare centers are located near the barangay hall, at Saints Peter and Paul Village,

Baribag and in San Lorenzo. B a r a n g a y Chairman Reynato Jaylo said that the repair of the centers will last for 15 days. He added that repair was needed since the classrooms were not that childfriendly anymore. The roof was leaking and

other facilities were deficient. The pupils conduct their classes temporarily in the newly constructed barangay hall extension every morning while repair of the centers is taking place. The barangay is still looking for sponsorships regarding the facilities like the tables and chairs. A total of 129 students are currently enrolled in the 4 daycare centers of Bibincahan.

Children from the daycare centers are fed during their Christmas party last December 20,2012.

Bibincahan MRF under construction by Mariel DIpad

A Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Sorsogon Diversion road has been under construction since December 2012 to adopt a new process of garbage collection and treatment. According to Kagawad Alfredo Dioquino, Health and Sanitation committee chairman, the MRF is where the wastes from the barangay which were not collected by the city garbage truck will be taken for segregation and storage. Dioquino also said that the garbage will be segregated into biodegradable, nonbiodegradable and recyclable wastes. There will also be a composting facility for the biodegradable waste, and a garden for the compost that

will be produced. He added that they will be training some people on handicraft, who will eventually be working on the recyclable wastes. Along with the construction of the MRF, a motorcycle will be purchased to collect the remaining garbage. An open sidecar will be attached to it. Kgd. Dioquino said they are waiting for the release of the motorcycle from the supplier, and for the construction of the MRF to finish. They are expecting to begin the garbage collection this January 2013. A total of 250,000 pesos has been used for the purchase of the motorcycle and for the construction of the MRF.

60 crimes recorded in 2012 by Dayana de Guzman

The repair of the 4 daycare centers started last Jan 7, 2012.

Brgy. Council buys multicab by Jorence Borja

Approximately P 300,000 has been spent by the barangay council of Bibincahan to purchase a multicab this early January. Barangay Chairman Reynato Jaylo said that the Suzuki multicab will be for emergency and rescue operations during calamities while a tricycle will be used

for patrolling in the said barangay. Brgy. Chairman Jaylo went to the CASA dealer in Manila last January 20 to purchase the multicab. He added that the citizens of Bibincahan can inform them of their concerns through their hotline: 09051174985.

Sixty crimes were recorded in Barangay Bibincahan in 2012. Based on records, ejectment (an action for the recovery of possession of property) was the most common type of case filed with oral defamation coming next. Other cases filed were grave coercion, moral damages, forcible entry, physical injuries, estafa, harassment, slander, robbery and trespass

to dwelling. B a r a n g a y Chairman Renato P. Jaylo said that aside from those in the records, many crimes were still committed by some residents of Bibincahan most especially the juvenile delinquents. He added that the tanods roam around the barangay especially at night to lessen these cases and to assure the safety of the residents.

June 2012 - January 2013

More’s the Criminal

If specific amendments will be made to the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 or RA 9344, anyone who is past the fifteen-year-old mark is staring an open prison cell in the face. This may as well be what most people want – those who had become victims of these juvenile delinquents – because this would mean less chances of “batang hamog” invading their homes and stealing from them. But, there is the underlying question in everybody’s minds: is this the solution? According to the act, the child in conflict with the law shall enjoy all the rights of a child until he/she is proven to be eighteen years or older. Underline “proven”; some delinquents see being a minor (even when they, themselves, are not) is a shield against imprisonment. We may assume that these rights are immunity to imprisonment, or any other form of criminal custody, and being given intervention programs by the DSWD. This is Section 7 of R. A. 9344 – Determination of Age – and it is what most of us now are trying to modify. Rep. Pastor Alcover filed House Bill 6047 to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 15 years old. His bill defines a child as one under the age of fifteen. He claims that anyone over 14-years-old can act with discernment, or can distinguish right from wrong. He says that because of R.A. 9344, the police have felt powerless against the minors who commit crimes. Many other legislators are proposing amendments, suspensions, or even entirely new bills, because more and more children are becoming criminals, and despite the law forbidding any form of punishment against them, even more people think it is time to make these kids responsible. So, this is what would happen if R. A. 9344 is indeed given amendments: juvenile delinquents are hauled off to prison where they can be subjected to crimes or learn deadlier crimes, or even both. Lowering the criminal responsibility age so the underage criminals of today would be inmates of tomorrow is not going to help. Sure, this would mean justice for all those who have been victims of these criminal children, but this would not really help anyone, would it? There have also been never-ending debates on whether a child acts with or without discernment when he does a criminal act. But, what of it? Not all children are the same – there are children who could have acted with discernment, and those who had not; this depends on the environment the child has grown and lived in. And although children have learned to equip themselves with an “I cannot go to jail,” it is still wrong to make these children pay through imprisonment. It would not change a thing, except maybe make people feel more secure, because criminal children are behind bars. This would only cause children to become more the victims, or the worse oppressors. And that is just one thing. What about irresponsible parenting or even neglect? These children could not have just decided to do something criminal, could they? The government has to remember that the children do not always do things on their own. It has to start looking deep within this issue; it has to stop blaming the children just because they are the most visible criminals. It has to

The Edge

OPINION

EDITORIAL

remember the most vital part of the original RA 9344 – that is, children who are in conflict of the law are free from any criminal liability, and should be given intervention programs. This would not only solve

the problem, but would also help create better citizens. Simply said, the government needs to see who to blame, who to run after, and who to protect.

Reconstruct, don’t destruct

While it has already been more statements, whatsoever – sure is than two years since Sangguniang one way to flush the public’s trust Kabataan (SK) unleashed their biggest down the drain. A big failure on the statement of “We will stay!”, the issue council’s part, yes, but if given the of the council’s abolition is still fresh legalities and technicalities needed to in our nation’s young political minds. reform the entire system, SK would House Bill 468, otherwise known as definitely be on its way to becoming a the “SK Reform and Empowerment better politically-oriented organization. Bill” mainly cries the SK’s plead for the Empowerment – as of now, SKs all government not to erase them from the over the country are all mainly focused face of politics and is evidence enough on sports activities, as that is what the that the council means to stay, a notion Constitution has basically assigned that I am more than happy to support. them to take charge of. However, part In 2010, the late DILG Sec. of that assignment also includes youth Jesse Robredo development. expressed his favor Facing facts, SKs of the abolition are now reduced of the SK, stating to bodies of youths that such measure scarcely eager Pia Angeli Espartinez would eliminate for their jobs divisiveness among youth inclined and would settle for mere barangay towards politics. According to him, with beauty contests and basketball the SK, more specifically its elections, playoffs. I am not saying both activities gone, there would be no separation are far from noble causes but both amongst youths in barangay, no winners are also becoming too commonplace and no losers to speak of. Essentially, to really light the flame of youth what we are trying to picture here is involvement. What we need and what a barangay with wholly represented HB 468 begs for is a much more definite youth – which is, by my opinion, role for the SK to play. The bill asks for equally possible with the Sangguniang the Constitution to wholly integrate the Kabataan in solid existence. SK in barangay councils, not just as In turn, this notion would be a committee for these sports events countered by pessimists. They believe hardly held in a year, but as part of the that the “evil seeds” of politics are decision-making body. Empowerment being planted in SK. That is, corruption comes again at this point as in, if the is already rampant within said council SK were to be part of the decisionand “pamumulitika” and not public making body, they are to be actively service is the main attraction in seeking their constituents’ say as well. winning a position. HB 468 aims to All in all, HB 468 calls for what abolish this pessimistic perception. Let could be the best path in which us explore the key words, shall we? Reform – the bill seeks out an we will pursue Jose Rizal’s “Ang intense makeover for the whole of kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” – SK. After the financial transparency it would eliminate the very reasons controversy with Jane Censoria Cajes, why others want SK destructed and 2008 elected National President, SK was looked down to with mistrust. reconstruct the council in its quest for An unaccounted amount of roughly granting the youth a place, though 20 million pesos – no financial relatively small, in Filipino politics.

cautionary thoughts

The Edge

OPINION

June 2012 - January 2013

A rise from Rectify the flaws the setup

After 15 different petitions in opposition even though it’s not filed against the new law the final answer for them. Citizens which is Republic Act 10175 are seeing the righteousness of or the Cybercrime Prevention this law only that some sections Act, the Supreme Court of the or part there are drastic which is Philippines issued a Temporary the reason why they oppose its Restraining Order preventing implementation. The internet is the law from going into effect. made for the people and with the The law was restrained due help of this cybercrime law it would to public outrage and immense be more beneficial for them. The only complaint of disapproval of the mass is that the people. The the law is being problem lies in too restrictive that while the law Jorence Jean Borja that it takes away is dealing about their freedom. the problems Because of the libel part of regarding child pornography, identity theft and file sharing, the law, the citizens will be afraid and other provisions of the law. to voice out the things that they The libel provision find wrong with the government or was the most controversial any system there is in our country. aspect since it describes that I don’t think that is a good thing people could be arrested for since there are many things that undesirable commentaries need more attention and solution. toward the government with Pointing out the problems is the the use of Facebook, Twitter only way to make them do their job. It is indeed good that this law or in general, the internet. The objective of the law is was proposed. There are just good. The good intention is to some flaws and unclear parts acknowledge the important role of that need to be given a clear what communication technology description and explanation. The can play for the nation’s overall internet is made for the people to social and economic progress. have their own benefits. Having But, in order for this law to be too much restrictions coming to the effective, people must be given a point that the government seems clear description and provision of the law because some sections controlling them is just not the written there were unconstitutional. people wanted to happen. Making A revision of the Cybercrime a little revision of this law must be Prevention Act must be done. done to make the unclear, clear The law was suspended by so that the part that needs to be the court and this is a win for those understood will be understood.

missions

Let’s be good stewards of our votes

Come May 13, 2013, the vote of the people. We can already Philippine general election will see or hear in our televisions and again take place. It will be the radios the different commercials first national, automated, and showing the politicians advertising synchronized elections under themselves to the people. We can the Aquino also notice that administration. the politicians The Autonomous and their families Region of Muslim have become Mindanao will Christine Joy Hiban very nice to the also participate people, as if they in this upcoming weren’t seen in election. There will be a their compounds for years. Some total of 18,022 national and politicians even create issues by local positions to be filled. any means that will make them As the date of the election popular. But one thing that I’m comes nearer, the candidates not happy about is their way of already have different techniques outsmarting the people through in order to gain the support and cont. p. 5

power

Much has been said about what was Dayana Alecs de Guzman obvious in the filing of the certificates of candidacy for the 2013 elections: political dynasties are alive and are set to be made. New dynasties are being built whilst the old ones exist. So how did the old ones subsist? Yes, we, Filipinos may be tired of these cliché political dynasties; but year after year, is it not us who decide who will assume the positions in office? It’s like Isaac Newton’s third law of motion: every action has an equal and opposite reaction. Well in this case, the reaction became more inconvenient. The blame for the retention of the political dynasty is on the refusal of the congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law similar to what is provided in Article II, Section 26 of the 1987 Constitution: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law”. Blaming the congress for the continuous existence of political dynasties is not objective. After all, we live in a democratic country where we should decide for ourselves. The fact is we are given the right to choose but sometimes, we don’t do it right. Our extreme sense of having “utang na loob” (gratitude) to those who grant us favors is what makes us want to at least give something back to them. In a country like ours, it seems that the government is the best employer and giver of projects to the people. Most of the time, we return what was given by the politicians who employ people who matter to us, help us get what we want, make our transactions easy and accept several offers to be called godfathers by people they barely know. When that happens, the loyalty we have continues with the other members of the politician’s families and then a dynasty is born, ready to last through generations. Political benefaction and the elite’s ruling over the economy gave rise to this anomalous political setup in our country. In a recent study, it was shown that 20 out of the 24 senators and 180 out of 240 representatives of the Lower House belong to a political clan or another. Even provinces, cities, towns are governed in the same vein by related blood who are mostly considered as ‘elites’ even in their own ways. Social scientists resent these elites who are parts of dynasties because they provide the best antidote to equitable distribution of wealth within the state. They rule the nation to the lament of the rest since they have power. Maybe it really is too late for the Supreme Court to consider some petitions regarding the “anti-political dynasty movement” nowadays. Let us just hope that the next people who will be in congress would realize the need to move our nation one step up the ladder towards development and maturity by defining terms and setting the limits of this issue properly. Political dynasty seems to be a vicious cycle, but what we need to do as a nation is to rise beyond our limitations.

changes

June 2012 - January 2013

OPINION

Desecration

Here, therefore, is the outcome The Reproductive Health (RH) bill is slowly losing its intent as the two of their “un-Catholic” ways: For days, sides – the proponents (pro-RH) and there has been lack of quorum in the the church (anti-RH) struggle to outfight House of Representatives due to the each other on it. While supporters absence of many congressmen. Why, of the bill fight by advocating it, the then, are there absences? The answer church chose to do something quite is simple: these congressmen are unexpected and startling, and quite steering clear of having to deliberate on and, eventually, vote on the RH bill. frankly, desperate. Everybody knows that in our voting system no form of control over the votes of the people is Worse is knowing that they allowed – examples, of which, are disobeyed not only the vote-buying and blackmails. But, the church, or more specifically, the constitution, because what they did is Catholic Bishops Conference of the an outright defiance to and disregard Philippines (CBCP) thinks otherwise. for the very religion they live by In fact, they warned – no, threatened – the pro-RH, who are candidates for next year’s elections, of using its power to persuade the people not to According to Majority Leader Neptali vote for them if they allow the passing Gonzales II, majority of the absentees of the bill. They would persuade people were supporters of the bill. So, why not to vote for pro-RH candidates, and are these representatives suddenly that makes them no less than all those losing interest in the bill they supported so once? Secretary Manuel Mamba, vote-buyers they condemn. The CBCP of all people should head of the Presidential Legislative know better – they know about the Liaison Office, said this means constitutional principle separating the that they “fearful” of provoking the church from the state. In short, they are parish priests. Remember that these not supposed to meddle with political legislators are also candidates for the issues. Worse is knowing that they coming elections, so they are clearly disobeyed not only the constitution, staying out of the church’s wrath; they because what they did is an outright would not want enemies during their defiance to and disregard for the very campaign period, would they? Also, the RH bill has gone religion they live by. They blackmailed congressmen, who were supposed through enough amendments one to come to a decision on the bill, by too many. Because of the protests deciding to abuse the power they had. and propositions made by the church, If we think about it, it seems the church the bill is beginning to morph into is willing to exploit religion, just because something unrecognizable; it is slowly deviating from being the “RH bill”. it does not want RH bill to be passed.

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The Edge Jorence Jean Borja Dayana Alecs de Guzman Mariel Joy Dipad Pia Angeli Espartinez Christine Joy Hiban Mrs. Dundee N. Lanuza Adviser, Journalism Mrs. Cleofe Ariola Head Teacher III, English

Blanca D. Rempillo Ed. D. Principal IV

The Edge

limits

Mariel Joy Dipad

One can see, now, how hard and how opposed to it the church is. This is well put in a statement by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, head of an antiRH group: “We are going to propose amendments line by line, section by section, until nothing is left of the bill.” This is the church we are talking about – it clearly is quite powerful. Sadly, that power is not exactly being used as it should. See how one threat of the church could keep politicians locked up in their homes, refusing to attend deliberations on the RH bill? However clear the motives of CBCP are, they still cannot just go around threatening and manipulating people using religion. It was fine when all they did was express their stand on an issue they found to be endangering morality, and tried to help amend what seemed to be an immoral bill then. But things got alarming when they, the church, resorted to blackmailing and threats. It is obvious how desperate the church is to prevent the passing of the RH bill. But, even with these actions by the church, more Catholics still favor the Reproductive Health bill. In a 2008 Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, it showed that 71 percent of Catholics favored the RH bill, and that this was higher at 73 percent among frequent Catholic church-goers. So, the church needs to remember who they are, and where they stand, because it is truly grueling to oppose the church. Unless the church changes its ways, it might lose more than it wanted to gain, including everything they stood for.

Let’s be good stewards of our votesfrom p. 4 corruption. Some of their acts are obvious that the people can even complain. The problem is that, people complain a lot from their mischievous acts but are not doing any actions about it. The candidates in this upcoming election must also be reminded that they should gain the trust and support of the citizens in a good and clean way. For a candidate to be able to get the vote of the public, he must have the “charisma” of a good leader. In that way, he can help bring power to their party as with his colleagues. He should also present an agenda or platform that he is sure to fulfil during his term to gain the trust and sympathy of the people. There is also an advantage for a politician to gain greater number of votes from his locality or hometown, so he should

have good attachments to his town people if he really wants to win a local or even a national position. This coming 2013 elections, I hope that the citizens will be able to vote wisely and make sure that their votes will not be wasted. I also read that election is the season of giving. It is not bad to accept money from politicians because this is a form of gifts to the voters. The voters did not ask for these gifts; rather this is the candidates’ form of acquiring the votes from the public. But even though some voters receive money, it is still up to them whom they are going to vote for if they go to the precincts because no one will know who they think deserve their votes. The power is in the voters’ hands. Vote for the one who will work for others and not for themselves.

Background photo from ipad.iwalls.org

The Edge

FEATURE

June 2012 - January 2013

The Half-burger Feature by Pia Espartinez

Forty pesos on a sunny Saturday afternoon bought me a spectacular gift for myself this Christmas season. Since the morning of December 15, we had been on the hunt for some newsworthy event and with less than stellar luck. Why? Because since morning we’ve been practically racing with time to catch up with a Christmas party at any of the three day care centres in Brgy. Bibincahan. The ones along Barangay Road and in Sitio Baribag had theirs done already and so with false beliefs, we were dead set on going to San Lorenzo. Our pretty little heads all foolishly supposed it’d be a pretty much short ride from the insides of OLV to the small day care nestled in San Lorenzo. Add to that the misconception of only having to pay ten pesos for a ride there. It turns out that getting to San Lorenzo meant forty pesos worth of a long (and butt-achingly so!) journey – we asked three people where the day care was and all of them told us to just press on. Reaching what could easily and truly be called “the edge” was more or less, satisfactory. No more of the butt aches and finally, something we could write a news article off of! The party was set up outside the day care compound, all little chairs and tables littering the front of San Lorenzo Elementary School. We arrived to the kids dancing to, as expected of today’s celebrations, the Korean hit Gangnam Style. Led by the Jollibee employee in charge of the party, all of them danced, some giving it their all and some shooting ‘I don’t trust you’ glances at the woman with a cap. Over the excited chatter and worrying heads of the mothers, we took some pictures for the paper. After one or two more dances, then came the most-awaited moment. Their teacher began distributing the food. At the back, from where we were taking pictures, everything seemed normal. Then Mariel decided to take pictures from the side of all the action. I followed and saw what was being handed to each child after their name was called. The kids, assisted by their dutiful mothers, innocently picked up their shares: a Styrofoam container of Jollibee spaghetti and fried chicken and atop, half a burger. As one who almost always had things in full, I found the sight upsetting. I doubt the kids realize that what they were having wasn’t the real deal. Besides, half is normally enough for any child their age. But even then, they were still having half a burger – their or their parents’ choice or not, it was a thought least comforting. They deserve having more, albeit just a little more, of what was enough especially this yuletide season. The sight of their older brothers and sisters was no less unkind. Over their envious glances at their siblings’ treasures, they were laughing merrily. They joined the dancing before, but now that a feast in their eyes has been served, all they started doing was patiently wait. They did – wait like vultures waiting for lions to abandon their kill. These other children were all around waiting for the little ones to finish without completely doing so. Just so that they could get their work and play worn hands on something grand, even if only leftovers. And this was such a low for me. After asking myself twice why these children were only having portions did I grasp the fact that it could be all that their families were capable of. The money could be all their parents could spare or barely scrape for before the paying deadline was up. I should be even happy for them, not wallowing in their halves. I should be happy for the parents, who probably and willingly took a bite off their Christmas bonuses or worked extra hard on the day before paying or hunted old coin purses and worn pant pockets just to see their children smile on a special day. I should be happy for these children who are, for once, having food they, most of the time, only see on mouth-watering ads. I should be happy for their siblings who had patience enough to let the younger ones go at it first. I should be happy for these children because they remain innocent to a worldly greed and remain appreciative of the graces many have started overlooking. That day and those moments, they bought me a realization far too under priced at forty pesos.

What a Journey It Has Been by Christine Hiban

A twenty-four kilometer distance, a jeepney fare of thirty pesos (or sometimes even thirty-five) and a forty-five minute ride are all I need just to get to the city proper of Sorsogon. An announcement that we are again going to work on our community paper reminds me that a fun and thrilling adventure would be experienced by a typical high school student like me. It really wasn’t my first time to go to Bibincahan, but it sure was my first time to roam around the barangay. At first I thought: if I was going to stroll around Bibincahan without the company of a person who is familiar with the place, I would definitely get lost. My very first impression of the barangay is its peaceful atmosphere. It‘s like wandering around a village where people are all cosy and warm inside their homes. My very first journey in Bibincahan was when we were assigned to survey local citizens about their chosen candidates in the upcoming general elections. With that task, my partner and I asked twenty-five residents about their choices. At that time, I could say that the people in Bibincahan are very approachable and hospitable. Despite the so-called “rocky roads” of the barangay and the striking heat of the sun, we still managed to walk around the barangay with smiles on our faces. After having our survey in the place, I thought that my adventures in Bibincahan ended there, but they did not. After our teacher announced that we were going to make a community paper for Barangay Bibincahan, our group decided to make a schedule for data gathering for probable news-worthy information. Our first trip to the barangay was to the barangay hall to have a talk with the barangay captain. There I found out many interesting facts about the local citizens and the place. We also found out that the different Day Care Centers in the barangay were having their Christmas parties either in the morning or in

the afternoon of the same day. So we set foot on covering every Christmas party held there, but after arriving late prior to two Christmas parties, we were only left with one Day Care Center to visit, and that is situated in San Lorenzo. Of course since we were hoping to get many news-worthy data, we decided to cover the event. It is fascinating to think that we managed to get a tricycle which was just parked outside the driver’s house. We assumed that he heard our voices outside their house looking for a ride to San Lorenzo. After having false thoughts about the distance of the place, we arrived at the very end of the road in San Lorenzo where the Day Care Center was situated. We paid a total of forty pesos just to get there, imagining that I paid ten pesos more than our minimum jeepney fair. For our second trip to the barangay, our feet led us to the barangay hall again to gather more news-worthy information. After an hour of interviews and note-takings, we decided to go back to school because it was just 11:30 am and we still needed to go to our next class. I laughed at the thought of crossing the street together with elementary pupils with the aid of a barangay tanod, because it really was awkward to see high school students who are afraid of crossing the street even if there is a pedestrian lane. It was until that time that I experienced crossing the street feeling like an elementary grade pupil. Barangay Bibincahan for me is a very wonderful place to visit. It has its hidden wonders that are rarely seen by the people in Sorsogon. It is the only place I know where I can find a bakery with different types of breads with sassy names and the only place I know where there are traced figures of men in the main road. Though we were given only a little time to make a community paper and a chance to explore the place, I still hope that this will not be the end of my journey in Bibincahan.

June 2012 - January 2013

The Edge

FEATURE

Restriction and Mercy

Photo from marketmanila.com

by Pia Espartinez

The Philippines in my head – the Philippines ten years from now – is a renewed society giving up what lives they know best to satisfy the qualms of the RH Act. By then, it’ll definitely be an amazing – if not socially taboo – sight to witness a five-year married couple with six children. It’ll be, more or less, horrifying and mortifying to have to support a clan of twenty when you’re forty. It’ll be common to hear talks about why it’s necessary to put at least a year gap between your children’s ages and why it’s mandatory to familiarize with all methods of family planning. It’ll either be disturbing or empowering to hear churchmen roar their disagreement to the Act. Yet, it’ll be spiritually to see children running around in siblings of two or three, all of them health, well-clothed, educated, well-mannered. By then, families – the parents, most especially – would have lengthy discussion about why or why not they should have a baby, may it be the first or another. Because by then, couples will be fully aware and knowledgeable about the consequences of growing families. Parents will be working harder. They will be thinking more carefully about spending their income. They will be taking care of their children and these kids’ precious little lives definitely more. And all these would make such a happy sight. Filipino society, although denied by an Act of some of its customs and practices, would grace my face with a smile, at least. Perhaps this may be highly delusional of me but hopefully, within the arms of RH… there might be no more children tapping your shoulder with a bony finger, greeting you a sloppy “Merry Christmas,” and then finally asking for a peso. There might be no more children going to school carrying books in supermarket plastic bags and in rubber slippers deserving of a five-hundred peso bill from Rated K. There might be no more thin mothers running to public health centers reporting a case of pneumonia in one child and a case of dengue in another and then a case of asthma in the other three. I guess, RH Bill would become a fine act of both restriction and mercy to the Filipino people. On one side, it’d let the people’s lives flourish but on another, it’d drown out old Filipino tradition like “more hands”. Either way, the RH Bill could be worth it – something so good in exchange for the plunge and shot to the unknown.

Waiting for Christmas by Mariel Dipad

What truly happened on the first Christmas night? Is it at all like what we see, now? The apparent answer is no. Another is: do we honor that very night with what we see, now? “Yes” cannot come as quickly as the “no” did, can it? According to the Bible, when Jesus was born – on a stable, with animals, so unfit for a king – angels were all over the sky, singing their hearts out, exalting His birth. Even then, there were carolers. The only difference now is why there are carols in the first place. When the Angels sang on Christmas, they were singing for Jesus. They were singing for Him alone. They were definitely not singing for a few coins. They did not raise their voices so people would hear them and reward them. No, they were singing, so people would know that Jesus has come. Sad as it may be, the truth is people have forgotten why “Christmas” is called as it is. It has been three days since Christmas, yet earlier today, we heard carolers outside the house. Of course, everyone went “May nagka-carol pa hanggan niyan? (There are still carolers, now?)” Raised eyebrows, included. While this would seem to be anyone’s reactions, it is not at all right. If we truly had the Christmas spirit with us, we would not have reacted as we did. Come to think of it, those people were singing Christmas carols three days past Christmas. Should we not have rejoiced with them, because we really should be exalting Jesus’ birth, regardless of time? Besides, did the Angels not sing after He was born? The point is, people have been celebrating this season for centuries, with festivities as grand as a royal ball, or as simple as a family’s home dinner, but we have let it lose its meaning through the years. Now, Christmas has become just a chance for relatives to come home, or for students to enjoy schoolwork-free days. It lost its sense as a man loses his teeth over time. Christmas used to be the long-awaited holiday; it still is, but only for mundane reasons. Here is an example:

Children are giddy for the Christmas season, because it is when they could fill their reused tin cans with coins from their singing (if it can be called singing). It is most annoying once I hear bottle cap hitting bottle cap followed by inaudible, off-key children’s voices, not because they disturb me (sometimes, they do), but because I know what they are after. Get this, once you hand them the money, they start wailing the “Thank you” part every caroling has. As if handing them the money is like an automatic turn-off button. I realized that some people readily give the children the money so they would leave immediately, while some stuck to the traditional “patawad”. I sometimes wonder, amid the Christmas season, if we have become too uncouth, willing to exploit the few days, we should give to Jesus, for our own selfish, human wishes. Three days after Christmas, and it feels like such a long time. Now, we have the rest of the year to await Christmas again. Let me correct that; it seems we have been waiting for Christmas for a really long time, now.

The Edge

FEATURE

June 2012 - January 2013

The Witty Superstar by Dayana de Guzman

Photo from gmanetwork.com

“Hindi ako naniniwala sa fate, destiny at soul mates. Ang mundo ay binubuo ng mga pangyayaring random na kaganapan. Bahala ka sa buhay mo.”

Photo from unomagazine.com.ph

This is just some of the many candid statements of the “Internet superstar” and book author Ramon Bautista. You might know or at least be familiar with him through the Nescafe commercial years ago when he had a rap battle against Francis Magalona. In the TV ad, he was wearing an oversized red shirt and bling around his neck as he raps: “Ako si Ramon Bautista, mukha akong artista—“ But really, who is Ramon Bautista? Aside from being a TV host, brand endorser, comedian, online celebrity and a book author, Ramon is also giving back to the institution which helpe d him start his film and media career. He has been a lecturer in the University of the Philippines Film Institute since 2002 while pursuing his Master of Arts in Film. Bautista met and found friendship with video director RA Rivera during his college days at UP Diliman. It was through Rivera that he got his first step to fame when the former uploaded on Youtube a spoof of American Illusionist David Blaine entitled “Dan Michael: Master Magician”. Ramon then started creating viral videos. One of his latest creations is “Tales from the Friend Zone” which has reached more than 400,000 views since it was uploaded last May 2012. True enough, it seems that there is nothing this ‘pogi’ man cannot do. He is an internet, TV, movies, and radio funnyman. And with the proficientlywritten Bakit Hindi Ka Crush ng Crush Mo? At Iba Pang Technique Kung Paano Makaka-Move On sa Wasak na Puso, he immediately started invading the Philippine literary scene. “If you happen to follow the internet action superstar, Ramon Bautista, both on Twitter and Formspring, I bet you’ll get struck by his witty words to each question asked and each quotable quotes coming straight from this intellectual man,” says a Tumblr blogger when asked about Bautista. His latest book features questions from Formspring users which he answers wholeheartedly. When asked about how to move on, his answers revolve mainly on a process he popularized – reverse bittering. According to Ramon, reverse bittering is done by “just staring into nothingness, thinking of that someone you wish you had or you wish you still have, then thinking of the worst things you can think of about him. Imagine your life would be dreadful if you had him because (insert worst qualities here), and so on. Then ask yourself, ‘You are so much better now without him, right?’” Some readers might find his frank and bitter use of words hurtful as it tells them the truth. He gives many pieces of advice which when summed up and understood well, would only mean one thing: No one needs to make self-pity in order to move on. All we need to do is to be happy and accept the sad realizations and wrong decisions we made in life. Ramon Bautista, aside from being the ‘internet superstar’, is a man with a witty personality that has his simple words to surely make us think, laugh and realize that, “Yes! He’s right!”.

The Edge

June 2012 - January 2013 ENTERTAINMENT

MOVIE REVIEW

Brave (2012)

by: Pia Angeli E. Espartinez

Disney and Pixar Animation Studios once again braved theatres all over the world with the newest addition to their hits line-up, Brave. Brave follows the story of Scottish, free-spirited Princess Merida and her relationship with her mother, Queen Elinor. Merida, since childhood, has been the adventurous and messy kind of princess. The rest of the royal family – that is, King Fergus and the gag show of Merida’s identical brothers, Hamish, Hubert, and Harris – is more than tolerating of Merida’s nature, even encouraging her at times. On the other hand, Elinor is very much Photo from Glitterazi.com against Merida’s extremely free living, garnering her doubtful and rebellious glances from her daughter. The turn point comes in when Merida is appointed to be wed, her hand to be won in an archery competition in which she, rightfully as a firstborn of a family, competed in and won against three less than stellar suitors. While this basically screams a case of teenage rebellion, of course with Disney on board, solving it would involve a guilt trip to realization with the aid of magic. Best to leave you to discover what kind of magic Disney decided to employ this time around but let it be known that, as expected, Brave ends on a happy note with a loving scene of mother and daughter reuniting. Overall the story has the signature Disney feel of it – a heart-warming family story and in this case reminiscent of the “father and son separated by odds” story of Finding Nemo. Plus, the dash of magic – will-o’-the-wisps leading to old crones and curses for sale – do enough to assert the company’s fondness for the child-friendly kind of supernatural. These two aspects gather the brownie points for Brave in most reviews but still, Brave is nowhere as good as Wall-E and Up, which both, no doubt, set up Disney’s standards at an all time high. Brave lacked the kind of metaphoric message in Wall-E (which is the blatant issue of environmental problems) and the kind of emotion Up wrapped around an almost similar adventure theme as Brave’s. Still though, Brave is worth watching – the heavily accented dialogues are entertaining enough without the recurring happy-go-lucky scenes with the triplets and Brave’s ending carries at least half of the emotion in Up’s montage of Carl Fredricksen and his wife’s love life. Technical-wise, nothing could be said about Brave. As always, Pixar delivers the best in the business with the animation. Praise is definitely due to the team who probably worked tremendously on Merida’s wild auburn curls, on the fascinating blue wisps, and on the bears with such fabulously done fur. Sounds are all clean and sharp, realistic in almost every sense. It’s not just about the sound effects either.The sound management wasn’t just all about the wind whooshes and bear roars but Disney really went out of their way to find voice actors and actresses to fit the Scottish nature of the characters. If a rating would be really needed, a 4 out of 5 would suffice for Brave – good entertainment value, awesome animation and sounds, and the magic of Disney family movies.

HEAVEN IS FOR REAL Indeed it is. Todd Burpo, with Lynn Vincent, testified to that when he wrote about his son, Colton, and the little boy’s journey to Heaven and back. This is a story that truly happened. It is one that can awaken and melt hearts, draw a gasp, or even turn out to be a tearjerker, especially when readers come to when Colton tells his family, in their Arby, about his seeing Jesus. According to Colton, when he was at the hospital – near death – and was having an operation, Jesus came to him with his angels and told him not to be afraid, while He made him sit on His lap. As slowly as his father and his mother, Sonja, managed to get him to tell them all about his moments with Jesus in Heaven, Colton’s story was drawn out – a story that makes the world marvel at. The most beautiful thing about this book is how childly Colton tells his story. He tells it so innocently and as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. An example was when his

by: Mariel Joy Dipad

father asked “You were in heaven?” and he answered with “Well, yeah, Dad.” He tells what happened in his most normal way possible – like a child describing what he saw as he saw them. In the book, we can learn things that we never thought we would have so beautifully told. In Heaven is for Real, we learn how Jesus looks with his very pretty eyes – as Colton has put it–, how big God really is, how people in Heaven are all so young (he saw his great grandfather there, looking as young as he looked when he was twenty some), and everything else he did with Jesus. Simply, we will be given a very vivid image of how much God truly loves us, especially children (as Colton repeatedly says every day “Jesus really, really, really loves children.”) We all have to read this book. Anyone who does will truly be warmed

by the childlikeness of it all. In the book, we will realize how different grownup faith is to that of a child’s. This book is sure to open anyone’s hearts on which type of faith to have. This book is perfect for everybody, and should be read by everybody. Not only will its readers feel so loved when they read this line from the book: “In my mind’s eye, I saw Jesus, brushing past all seminary degrees, knocking down theological treatises stacked high as skyscrapers, and boiled down fancy words like propitiation and soteriology to something that a child could understand: ‘I had to die on the cross, so that people on earth could come see my Dad,’” they will also be given pictures of the Burpo family, plus an image of Jesus, as seen and confirmed by Colton himself.

The Edge

June 2012 - January 2013

LITERARY

RAINBOW

HAIKU

by: Christine Joy Hiban

Radiance fills the skies, with the sparkling twinkles in your eyes Astonishment is all I can feel and the thought if this is for real

In every color that I see and everything that gives me glee

Out into the sea

Nothing can ever replace the happiness it gives to me,

Because only its marvellous spectrum of colors gives hope in me Overwhelmed by everything coz it’s so captivating,

Where wonders gone hiding deep Gleaming silently

Wondering why its brilliance never fails to leave its appearance.

Invisible by: Christine Joy Hiban

Stepping out of the shattered glass cage, Came a scene of people rushing there and by, Of a place where no one even seems to mind, That a person is walking by their side. Confusion starts to take over my mind, As people begin to move faster time after time. They continued to bump me, but no one seems to mind, That a person is standing by their side.

by: Mariel Joy Dipad

Mirror Walls Call me vain or full of air I see when you look at my hair. Your eyes twinkle at my skin so fair And so I say, life isn’t fair.

I’m pretty, I know, gorgeous even In the mirror, I see such a maiden. I look at me once, twice plus seven This is the face for whom men have fallen.

Alas, you say, have I lost my mind? No, in fact, I think you will find. It is the part of me that shined Now hand me that mirror, if you be so kind.

I started asking but no one seems to listen. I started shouting but no one seems to hear. I roamed around the place but no one seems to mind, That a person is screaming by their side. I searched for answers as to why people acted that way, But only found a shop filled with shimmering mirrors. I entered the place but the owner doesn’t seem to mind, That a person is talking by his side. I didn’t get any reply to the questions I had in mind, For the owner only answered questions of other customers instead of mine. So I walked around the shop and faced a mirror, then it came into my mind, That I am a person invisible by their side.

NEVERLAND by: Jorence Jean Borja

Up, up here I go, I fly high I see the sights there are to see Flying high as I touched the sky Never thought, I could have this glee

From this distance, I can now see Closed my eyes, counted one to three I’m now finally getting near There are voices that I can hear.

City sounds are not very loud Riding on these clouds, safe and sound Soaring though the wind with such speed Heading to this place, I once dreamed

World full of imagination A place with no separation A land without end, never end A place that is named Neverland

A land that is not far away, It is what many people say Place that is full of make believe I’ll surely not going to leave

We can really fly wherever We can indeed dream whatever Nights without sleep, throughout this night Now this is where I end my flight.

June 2012 - January 2013

STRENGTH by: Dayana Alecs de Guzman

Each year the light was less. Each year the grief was more. For long he’s been a mess, Now all good, this he swore: I was weak to be strong; I was strong to be weak; It was right to be wrong For now with pride I speak. ‘Only the strong survive’ Well, folks this is a lie For many weak men strive, And to real life they fly. “True heartaches and mistakes, How many hits should I take?” To myself, this I asked And through myself, answered. This strength inside of me Has now become my key For me to say this plight And to fight will all might. And now without regret This I tell you and swear: Being weak’s not a threat, Rather a test to dare.

LITERARY

UNDER THE RAIN by: Jorence Jean Borja

Pitter-patter, little Hana heard the sound Rain started to pour, so she looked around Spell of water drops on a window pane Little Hana enjoys watching the rain She started to wonder while staring at the rain “If I go out to play, am I going to enjoy?” She ran outside with her face full of joy Splash, splash on the mud, her dress got stain. Jumping in the puddles on a rainy day She didn’t mind getting wet, she just loves to play Making a lot of splashes, turning around and round Suddenly she stopped, oh my! She fell on the ground. She saw the sky above and stood up on her place Little raindrops started to say goodbye Mr. Sunshine is coming out from the sky On that rainy day, a bright smile can be seen in her face.

From Dusk Til Dawn by: Pia Angeli Espartinez

I’ll loathe you passionately Because the passion Naught but, like the Seven Hells, burns me And murders all satisfaction. You are flesh of Devil’s spawn And I’ll loathe you in words and in deed From the brooding dusk ‘til the looming dawn. But even then I’ll care for you deeply Because the depths Naught but, like gifting strangers, delight me And murder all that is unkempt.

The Edge

You are flesh of Angel’s spawn And I’ll love you in words and in deed From the brooding dusk ‘til the looming dawn. But most of all I’ll love you sweetly Because the sweetness Naught but, to clouds, lift me And murders all distress. You are itself Angel’s spawn And I’ll forever love you in words and in deed From the brooding dusk ‘til the looming dawn.

dream by: Christine Joy Hiban

I cannot help but run, Though this is not just for fun. I do not know where to go Even though I have my bow. My feet started trembling hard As I came across a shard, Where a man’s dead body lies And has wounds feasted by flies. I ran as fast as I could Then found a rock where I stood, Looking around there I saw The face that I always draw. His face is all I can find, And always came in my mind When I had those sleepless nights, That don’t fail to give me frights. He looked at me with worry Then started to say sorry But he then held up a spear, Before all things disappear. I open my eyes and try To wake up and not to cry Coz those visions always seem That they came from just a dream.

ENTERTAINMENT

June 2012 - January 2013

Fill in the Lyric!

The Edge

DOWN 3. “Throw your sticks and_____ .” -Katy Perry 1. “Cause I knew you were ______ when you walked in.” –Taylor Swift 2. “…And I'll be there in a _______, Oh-oh” – Simple Plan 3. “And who do you think you are, running around leaving _____” -Christina Perri 8. “Eh~ Sexy lady Op op op op oppa ______ Style” –PSY 9. “What doesn't kill you makes you _______. Stand a little taller” –Kelly Clarkson 12. “So shame on me now, Flew me to _____ i'd never been”- Taylor Swift 15. “I don't want my love to go to waste. I want you and your beautiful ____” –Jesse McCartney 16. “But here's my number, so call me _____” –Carley Rae Jepsen 17. “But I set fire to the ______. Watched it pour as I touched your face” –Adele 19. “Throw your _______ and your blows” – Katy Perry 20. “Cause I'm gonna stay through it all so jump then fall” –Taylor Swift

I Said I’m Saw Ree!

ACROSS

1. “While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping. Cos when a heart breaks no it don't _________.” -The Script 2. “And the moon shines so bright but I gotta dry these ______ tonight” –Krissy and Ericka 7. “Tell me how I'm supposed to breathe with no ___”- Jordin Sparks 8. “My universe will never be the same I'm ____ you came” –The Wanted 10. “Shot me out of the sky. You're my ________.” –One Direction 11. “Hey, I just met you and this is ______.” – Carley Rae Jepsen 13. “You can _______ on me like 1 2 3, I'll be there” –Bruno Mars 14. “Tell me how to get back to back to _______ paradise with you” – Simple Plan 18. “I believe this is right. So I'll hold on til the _____ “ –Greyson Chance 20. “Collecting your ___ of hearts” -Christina Perri 21.“Dance! (Ooh-hoo~) I Wanna Dance Dance Dance Da-Dance Wow Fantastic _____ -Big Bang 22. “_________ were meant to fly Hands up, and touch the sky” –NickiMinaj