PAGLAYAG VOL. 2

Sapaglalayag patungo sa kasarinlan, hindi mo mahihinuha kung saan ka pupulutin. Ngunit ang bangka ng kaalaman ay hindi kailanman naliligaw sa kanyang

Maramingdireksyon.dadaungang isla na puno ng iba’t ibang kwento na kapupulotan ng aral. Mga kultura’t tradisyon, pagkakakilanlan, pamumuhay at edukasyon na siyang babaunin patungo sa paglalakbay sa milya-milyang henerasyon. Hanggang saan at hanggang kailan maglalayag ang ating bangka? Inyo nang buklatin ang mga pahina na tiyak magdadala sa kasagutan ng inyong mga katanungan.Simulan na natin ang Paglayag!

EDSEL HARRY TURDA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SERIES.

GRAZIEL MAE 20-YEAR CAFFEINATED STUDENT WHO WANTS TO BE A PROFESSIONAL JAPANESE ENGLISH MANGA/ 99+ OTHERS). SHE WRITES WITHOUT

JAYSON SABONG

A MAN ILLUMINATED BY THE FIRE AND EMPOWERED BY THE HEART. HE IS A PHARMACY STUDENT, A SIRIB YOUTH SCHOLAR AND EXCHANGE STUDENT OF KU EOL PROGRAM, A PROLIFIC FEATURE, SCI TECH WRITER & CARTOONIST SINCE GRADE SCHOOL AND BROADCASTER DURING SENIOR LEVEL.

RANDY GIANAN

A COMMUNICATION STUDENT WHO PURSUES THE DEGREE FOR FUTURE PUBLIC SERVICE. A STUDENT LEADER WHO SERVES HIS CONSTITUENTS FOR EXCELLENCE. STUDENT JOURNALIST WHO SPEAKS FOR FAIRNESS. WITHAL, A PERSON WHO SHINES THE COLORS BEYOND ON WHAT THEY COULD SEE.

ADRIANNE LORENZO CORPUZ

ENZO IS THE SPORTS EDITOR OF SIRMATA, AND A STUDENT OF BACHELOR OF ARTS IN COMMUNI CATION. HE IS AN AMID FAN OF LITERATURE, AND AN ASPIRING PURSUANT OF A WORTHY STORY FOR HIMSELF.

RANDY GIANAN

BOUNDLESS, ONE WITHOUT LIMITS. A FOURTH YEAR MARKETING STUDENT WHO AIMS TO MAKE A MARK TO THOSE PEOPLE AROUND HIM. SOMEONE WHO FINDS JOY IN IN READING MURAKAMI AND A CERTIFIED SWIFTIE.

LUJEAN GUIEB

ALSO KNOWN AS LUSHAN, IS A CURIOUS GROUP OF ATOMS EXPLORING THE CHAOTIC UNIVERSE OF ART. SHE STARTED AS A FREELANCE VIDEO EDITOR IN HIGH SCHOOL, AND EVER SINCE THEN, SHE’S BEEN EXPLORING DIF FERENT MEDIUMS OF ART. AS A FIRST YEAR CPE STUDENT, ART HAS NOW BECOME AN ESCAPE FOR THE ARTIST.

EDSEL HARRY TURDA

JAMICO CRIS JINGCO

ALTHEA DELA CRUZ

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

CHRISTELLE ALYNNA S. AGUSTIN

ANGEL ALYSSA PASCUA

RIZZA SWERTE URBINA MANAGING EDITORS

GRAZIELLE REINA S. LARAN

MARIA ANNA JESSICA ROSQUETA CIRCULATIONS MANAGERS

SHAINA DWINE PABLO

NEWS EDITOR

JESUSA MAE SOMAOANG

FEATURES EDITOR

PRINCESS ALYZZA A. CALAMAYAN

LITERARY EDITOR

ADRIANNE LORENZO CORPUZ SPORTS EDITOR

ISSUE LAYOUT BY:

NEIL BRYANT BALIAO EDITOR

ANTHONY JOSEPH V. DUYAO LAYOUT ARTIST

IAN PAUL R. VILLANUEVA; DANA MERYLL GAPAS; GRAZIEL MAE G. RAMAT; KYLE NOJEN O. ANDRES; JAMES CARLO LUCAS; WARREN RACILES; MARY GRACE TAJON; MARC LOUIE PASION WRITERS / CASMIR REMYELL CADIENTE PHOTOJOURNALIST / AIRA NADINE Q. PASCUA; PAOLA JOY FRANCISCO; LUJEAN GUIEB; ILLUSTRATORS/GRAPHICSARTISTS/

EDMAR DELOS SANTOS; RANDY C. GIANAN JR.; HYUNG SUN JAMES MAESTRADO; RYAND ANGELO UGALDE; JAYSON SABONG; JESSA MARIZ CORPUZ; CHRISTIAN JAY PERPUSE; CORRESPONDENTS / MR. BRYAN R. REALGO; DR. BRYAN ELI B. SADORRA TECHNICAL ADVISERS / DR. EDITHA B. VALDEZ ENGLISH CRITIC / PROF. DJOANNA D. PUNGTILAN FILLIPINO CRITIC / DR. MARLINA L. LINO ILOCANO CRITIC

2022: Tiger’s Roar of Bravery

GRAZIEL MAE G. RAMAT

In this era of our lives where everything seems to be in a fast pace, we go on with the rushing flow of things for the sake of not being left behind. In between these times, there are days when we feel like pausing for a moment to ask“Amourselves…Iactually in the right direction?”

“Do I really like this path in my life that I have“Amtaken?”Iactually following the signs right?”Wedoubt our choices. Doubt, with the feeling of being lost in the endless possibilities of choic es, is scary. We are scared of changing our directions because we think that we might be alone and lost when we choose the path with lesser travellers. We are scared of the possibility that, what if we’re just wasting time doubting? But what if we’re actually saving it for the things that will make us feel really… fulfilled?

Content?Happy?Willitbeworth it?

The opportunities of the New Year 2022 might be thefectperlittlepushfor

everyone to take the leap gracefully like a tiger towards the things that we want to be. Like the rep resentation of a water tiger, having the strength and bravery is a must-have in life, and most especially, the self-esteem to make everything a reality. You want to make a new image for yourself? Go on. Not really sure of your college course? Take your time to feel what you really want. Is your current work environment burning you out? Find a better one. You want to move out and start anew? No one is stopping you. Want to establish an interesting small business? You got this!

Taking risks and making changes–big or small–is in favour this Year of the Water Tiger. You have the whole year of 2022 to find your enthusiasm in things back again. Who knows? The following years might bear the fruits of what we will be planting today, since it just doesn't happen overnight. Like they say, good things take time.

Let us also take this opportunity to make and build connections. One cannot grow alone; we don’t have everything that we need to grow. We need connec tions, the people around us–to help us become the person that we want to be. Do not be afraid to fail and be deceived, learn from every experience and mis take that we will encounter. Some of us might thrive in the great leap, some might crash and burn; but remember, fortune favours the brave.

This must be why the Tiger, in Chinese beliefs, is considered to be the king of all beasts. They conquer, and so should we.

As we make choices in life, luck may not always be on our side, but as long as we have the will power and bravery to take the leap… things will always fit in their right places at the right time. At the end of the day–or the year rather, we will look back and can

“I’vesay… made the right choice, after all.”

Atthe peak of mountains stacked by currency are the partakers of the richest ech elon of our society. With wealth as abundant as one can only imagine, these people are deemed as savant of business innovations and finan cial superintendence. Names like Warren Buffet and Jeff Bezos are only among the household identities of bill-dominant personalities that

QUEENrising a

clasp the world of commerce today. Perceived as royalty-like, these clever heads have long ruled the business industry as methodical as the prepotent of the medieval period. But in their words it is an ancestral map for many aspirants. The hope of meeting success rem iniscent of their testimony is an ignition to many business beginners, like Queenie Oamil. A student of

business curriculum, Oamil is a bred entrepre neur currently studying in the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy under the Bachelor of Science in Accountancy program. Her experience in her academic journey can be categorized as ex tremely constructive for her ideals. For the queen on the rise, the places to rule over are now ready, and it is

ADRIANNE LORENZO C. CORPUZ

her early steps that make her syn onymous with the billionaire men tality of the aforementioned names.

THE POWER AND THE BUSINESS

Oamil

is recognized as the founder of the “Samgyup Kween.” It is a shop for Korean Barbecue on-thego fanatics. Yet, the symbol of the business only expands from that, as Samgyup Kween’s list of goods are diverse, such as the prominent side dishes complimentary to the main course. While the business seems ultra simplistic, every subsisting detail expresses otherwise. The dedication it requires implies an abstract beauty of time and finan cial management, both of which she exemplified gloriously.

The business’ geographical invasion is also a witness of its own magnitude. For Oamil, Samgyup Kween is not just a big and ambitious business proposition, it is also a region-covering venture with the aim of becoming the biggest “samgyup” business in Ilocandia. The current scope? Samgyup Kween provides products in Batac City,

Badoc, Bangui, Dingras, Laoag City, Marcos, and Solsona. Oamil also detailed that her business supplies certain samgyup dine-in shops in the province. Seemingly progressive, she cleared that Samgyup Kween is just encountering its baby steps, or a small dent of what is already planned for the succeeding path.

“I envisioned this business to last as long as my drive to run it last. I am geared with long-term vision, and luckily I have the motivation to pair this business with my future aspirations. For me, this business, or any business in particular, does not rely solely on its longevity, but also enduring your part as the mind of the business to sustain its sig nificance even in the presence of determining factors such as time.” In the jungle of business industry, to construct a conventional idea is conventional itself, but to execute this idea, is viewed as even more conventional. Samgyup Kween is a great thought in and of itself, but the power connects to Oamil’s excep tional execution of foundational steps that made the business surge.

FAMILIAR INSPIRATIONS

From one light to another, passion is ignited by a kindle of inspiration. For the young owner, her abstraction of business is an out turn of a chain-reaction swayed by her parents. Passed in influences from what she considers as people of extreme significance, this power-centric mentality of Samgyup Kween is inspired by evident busi ness deeds. Family to family, her mother showed her how capable a driven person can be. Owning a meat shop situated in their hometown, Paoay, her parents appreciably clouted the purpose of profit-driven operations. Continuously, the theme of familiarity runs in the pillar of the business. Oamil remarked that it is an untold responsibility to inflict the positive influence of the business to her family, even within the next generations.

CONSCIENTIOUS DNA

Outside the familiar faces, overt business names and top dogs are bright sources of counselling for the

ness.busi-

the popular lavish personalities, Oamil is often hinted at by Elon Musk, the looming prime mover of notable companies. She is invested in comprehending the words of Tesla's astute leader, and among many successful start up stories of various momentous organizations. When asked if there is an obvious significance of knowing the stories of such minds, Oamil aptly“Yes,responded,runninga business is not just a simple trick of magic and luck. There should be a solid, foundational basis on which you can resonate the teachings from the acclaimednessmenbusithem-

selves, your own personal prop ositions, and the environment, along with the people you want to work for. These, among many more unmentioned, are the crucial fac tors in handling businesses. I am certain that in order for one to be a conquering business individual, you need to acquaint yourself with these recurring business concepts and theories. Part of me is eager to acquire these lessons, either by reading books, biographies, memoirs, testimonies, and the like, or by learning by gathering first-hand information myself. Fundamentally, improving your state as a business owner means improving your mental aptitude.”Atraitcan not only be bonded by blood, or by the magnitude of time. For the itching mind, jumbled letters debossed in multiple sheets of pa per are dependable paths for inspiration. This is the gist of the bookish pondering of the Samgyup Kween founder herself.

BORDERLESS SIGNIFICANCE

In a subsequent world of layered authorities, the Samgyup Kween

founder’s unfaltering rise as a businesswoman and a student is a dignified symbol of borderless significance. It is her valiant effort to multitask that made the financial stride to be successful. From the dreadful task of waking up at dawn, and endlessly studying until midnight, her ascendancy as an owner is an inclined encouragement for many.The sound of having an emerg ing business may inflict delightful perceptions for the students, but for Oamil, her actions that built her achievements should serve as an invitation for every young entre preneur and businessmen to fall in love with the undertakings of their chosen path. Oamil messaged, “Your age should not dictate what you can achieve. A little progress each day adds up to big results. Don’t let anyone hold you down and stay focused on your own plate until you’re done. There are a lot of opportunities out there, but if no one will open their doors, create one.” Nevertheless, there are no age implications when it comes to managing a business, or a dream. While

QUEENrising a

what a student does is the most im portant for her own good, it is also when one steps out of their box that they can find the greatest opportunities. Ironically, Samgyup Kween, a shop founded by the student, is among the rare group of flourishing commercial names that sponsored the 2022 Miss University pageantry. Certainly, when talking about growing influence, Oamil understands the statements exceptionally well.

BUSINESS IS ALWAYS IN ALL WAYS

Business

in nature is an ever-expansive venture of innovation. The main idea is the direction, and the action shall be proved righteous by the owner. For Samgyup Kween, the notion of retaining its current spot is sacrilegious, for the envisioned path of this business was never to be stagnant. Of course, there is the ever-present possibility of confronting obstacles, yet, for Oamil and her Samgyup Kween,

business is always the stronghold of hopeful vision and inventive strate gies.There is this rapid coalescence of trend, obsolescence, and inconsistent supplication of goods in the world of business, and as already expected, Oamil is ready to brace these challenges. For instance, the contemporary pull of the Korean market emphasised the upswing demand for “Samgyup” products, but when the time deems the strong trend irrelevant, Samgyup Kween is armed with additional ideas to retain their impressive growth. This is attributed to other meat products, such as smoked goods, and the like. Oamil easily shrugs off the idea of being irrelevant by saying,

“It is natural to anticipate the scenario wherein there could be a lot of conflicting factors in running your business. From the books, articles, biographies, there is this common factor of business enthusiasts’ suggestions, that building,

running, maintaining, and improv ing your business will never be a smooth sailing ride. From that, as an aspiring owner myself, I kind of built my expectations to the possible inclusion of challenges that may bring detrimental impacts to my business. Fortunately, these things made me understand that in every challenge, hides a foundational lesson that will improve my business. For that matter, I can say that there are still no crucial challenges that I can consider detrimental to me and to Samgyup Kween. However, when an instance of meeting these challenges will arise, I am extremely prepared to interpret these obsta cles for the benefit of growth and development.”Hardshipsmay come, but for Samgyup Kween, the obstructions, challenges, and obstacles all look the same; stepping stones for the business in all ways.

Nicolas kami nga agdamdamili, naragsak ti biagmi.”Kailiwko met lang unayen a dengdengnggen daytoy a kanta bayat panangbuya kadagiti agsalsala a napunoan maris ti langada ken isem dagiti rupada. Saanko pulos malipatan dagitoy a pasamak sakbaytayo a naibalod kadaytoy makapa patay a “Naragsaksituasion.apanagfiesta, ili a San Nicolals!”, bug kaw dagiti agsasala a kas panangipakita ti kinasindayawda a taga-San Nicolas.

DALIKAN!BANGA!MALABI!RANDYGIANANJR.

Damili. Maysa a tradision a naipaspasa kadagiti tattao sipod sakbay a simmangpet dagiti Español. Daga ti pagbiagan dagiti tattao ditoy ili a tawid. Nausar a maysa a paset iti kultura. Nagbalin nga agtraksion kadagiti turista. Ken itan, agnanayon a malaglagip a kas paset iti damag a napagsasaritaan iti Banga.naglabas.Maysa a produk to dagiti tattao iti San Nicolas a maysa a mangireprepresentar iti tingnga iti ilida – daydiay sirkulo. Maysa a mangiladawan no kasano nagbalin a maysa a tawid iti ili ken kasanao inpat eg dagiti tattao iti kultura ken tradisionda. Saan pulos a natay. Saan pulos a nagsabali. Saan pulos a Dalikan.nabati.

Maususar a paglutoan tapnon umimas amin a makan. Prito, lingta, digo, ken inapoy, awan sabali nga agimasen no aglutoka iti dalikan bayat panagwaras iti asok. Daan a pakasaritaan ngem aginggana ita panawen, napateg pay laeng iti pakausaranna.Malabi.Saan pulos makumpleto ti produkto iti damili no awan ni malabi. Pagurnon gan danom a pagdigos, pagbuggo, ken mainom dagiti taraken

a baka wenno nuang idiay taltalon. Nakakitaka met siguro iti kastoyen, dakkel a kasla masiteria a dakkel ti abotna. Dagitoy a pasamak dagiti saanko pulos mali patan. Pateg ken ayat kadagitoy a banag mangiwarwaragawagiti iti sangalubongan nga adda sibibiag a tawid iti aglawlawtayo.A

kas panangsubli manen iti dati a biag,

urayek manen dagitoy a Panagrarambakpasamak.itifiesta

ken panagraragsak dagiti tattao iti kailiwak la unay a kitkitan. Iso nga inton Disiembre manen, awisenka nga agbuya iti Damili, tapnon makitam ti kinapintas iti kultura ken “Agbiag,produktomi.DamiliFestival, hey!”

Why is studying so difficult?! I already have other stuff to mind than finding an X! Math please, she doesn’t want anything to do with you anymore, so stop asking me to find your X!” I chuck led when I heard what my sister said. She looks so frustrated solving her Math homework, which is due later today. “Who ever said studying was easy, dear Sophia? Besides, nothing’s difficult with your homeworks if you have listened carefully to your professor.”, I said. “Then what do you suggest I do, goddess of wisdom? Share to thee your thy wisdom, Lady Athena.”, she sarcastically said. I laughed at how comical she was. But I did give a few tips as to how to do well in your studies.

First and foremost, you need to motivate yourself. If you failed today, it doesn't mean you’ll also fail tomorrow. Set your goals, and use that as your motivation to do well. Stay focused, but don’t pressure yourself too much. Second, listen and participate as much as you can during discus sions. Actively participating in class is easier said than done, especially if you have an introverted personality. But there’s no harm in trying, and stepping out of your shell. Through participating, you are able to showcase your potential, and you can also show your professors that you understood the discussion. Third, try taking detailed notes during dis cussions. Note taking is a helpful skill to have, as this will ensure that you don’t miss even a single detail of your lesson, and you can use them as a reviewer for exams.

Fourth, don’t hesitate to ask questions. If you’re having trouble understanding the lesson, its not bad to ask questions. This allows you to clarify things. Fifth, keep your focus when doing your homework, or when you’re reviewing. When reviewing for an exam, or doing your homework, look for a distraction-free environment. Mute your phone for the time being, so as to avoid distractions. Sixth, don’t forget to take at least a 15-minute break for every 45 minutes of studying. Don’t push yourself too much, and let your brain rest for a while. If you study nonstop, it might overload you with too much information, which could cause you to get stressed and exhausted.Seventh, try participating in group studies. Studying alone is fine, but sometimes, having a study buddy or study group can benefit you too. By being in a study group, you can ask somebody from your class about the parts of your lesson that you don’t understand. Eighth, be organized. Keep your stuff organized. If you have a study area or table in your room, don’t let it get cluttered. Use one notebook per subject, so your notes won’t get mixed up with your other subjects, and for you to find references faster and easier. Ninth, use

a planner or organizer. Time management is very important when studying. Write all the due dates of your activities/requirements, examination dates, and performances.

Tenth, create a study schedule. If you have multiple tasks to do, for example a research paper or exam, its best suggested to break your tasks into smaller chunks rather than doing everything in one go. This will help you be less pressured and stressed. It will also help you avoid procrastinating. Eleventh, take good care of your health. Health is wealth as they say. Your brain needs fuel to keep it going, so you have to eat meals that are nutritious and balanced. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so be sure not to miss it. Twelfth, get enough sleep. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep. Don’t pull an all-nighter if your body can’t handle it.

Lastly, stay fit. If you still have time to spare in your schedule, try doing some exercises. You don’t necessarily need to go to a gym to do that, but there are types of exercises that you can do at home like zumba, as there are a lot of videos on YouTube that you could

Studyingfollow.becomes easier once you know how to manage everything, and to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on yourself. You’re doing well, believe me. No need to rush, go at your own pace. Don’t compare yourself to anyone, because you’re one of a kind, limited edition. And as Malcolm X had said, There is no better than adver sity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve nextperformanceyourthetime.

“Arrrggghhh!

Breaking taboos about sexual

The Philippines is under a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic. In November 2021 alone, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 1,268 positive new cases of the said disease and a total of 93,364 reported cases since January 1984

Moreover, 28% of the new cases were 15-24 years old, and 52% were 25-34. With this, many youths are living with HIV.

Edgar Daniel Bagasol Jr., 24, from Paoay, Ilocos Norte, founder of Advocates Yearning for an Ardent and Transformative (AYAT) HIV advocacy, believes that the root cause of the epidemic is the lack of education.Further, according to him, there are only 2 to 3 health facilities in Ilocos Norte, and there is no effective mechanism to promote their services. Also, stigma prevents HIV patients from going into hospitals to access sexual health services.

Advocating sexual health

For the above reasons, Bagasol founded AYAT HIV advocacy in December 2020 with other advocates from Laoag City, initially planned to spark sexual health awareness in the Ilocos region.

“Currently, our organization is at the forefront in promoting sexual health, recognizing the fact that sexual health is actually a

natural part of our overall well-being,” Bagasol shared.

They have been championing HIV and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) education in several communities, but their main target of the organization is the youth in Ilocos Norte.

Most of the members of their organization are Ilokano youth who are part of LGBTQIA+, women advocates, working from the health sector, and some are living with HIV.

Though the Ilocos region is one of the areas with the least recorded new positive cases in the past years, for Bagasol, it may imply“Madamisomething.samga nagpapatest ay hindi sa Ilocos nagpapatest, like pumupunta pa sila sa ibang lugar,” he believes.

Hence, they will be recorded in the area where they get tested even though they are Ilocanos.

Also, since sexual health is still a sensitive discussion and stig matization among HIV patients is prevalent in the province, these challenged their goal to educate the Ilokano youth.

But, AYAT has five strategies to address these issues: community outreach through educational activities, digital campaigns, capac ity-building to train its members, sharing their advocacy to other people, and care and support, which could create a safe space among the patients and youth.

sexual health topics through AYAT

Advice among HIV patients

Bagasol then encourages people living with HIV to get out of the fear even though there is still no cure for the disease.

“The treatment that we currently have, the antiretroviral treatment, is very effective and it has been helping a lot of people living with HIV not only in the Philippines but in the whole world,” he assured.

Also, he said that there are people and organizations who are willing to listen to their stories and who can offer them safe space“We would [also] encourage living with HIV to lead HIV and AIDS advocacy, especially in our province na wala pa talagang masyadong groups supporting these communities,” he added.Lastly, Bagasol encourages interest ed advocates on sexual health and HIV patients to inquire through their AYAT Advocacy social media accounts. They are holding orientation to those who would want to join their advocacy.

SWEETEST DREAMS Stephanie's

JAMES CARLO R. LUCAS

ALTERNATING

entrepreneur faces when starting a business endeavor. Little did she know that the problems she has conquered would be of great significance in achieving the success she enjoys today.

HOW IT ALL CAME TO BE

In every dream we wish to achieve, there’s always a heavy reason why we take actions to conquer it.

Stephanie shared that she grew up having a poor family and that opportunities are limited for her. This was her driving force to work hard and create doors for herself. It was in baking and cooking that she was able to find an avenue to fulfill her plans of building a business. Since Stephanie has an innate passion for culinary and a background in marketing, she started to enhance her skills by watching YouTube tutorials and free learning materials online. With courage and passion, she borrowed PHP. 10,000 from her mother as her capital and bought basic baking equipment and

ingredients. Stephanie initially sold cakesin-tub just to test the waters and find out whether customers would like her recipe or not. Luckily, Stephanie received great feedback about her products – that’s when the Sweetest Dreams were born. The Sweetest Dreams resonates her story as she dreams for a sweet and prosperous life. Stephanie decided to grow her business as most of her clients request her to make customized cakes for various celebrations. She saw this chance as a great turning point and a huge opportunity to enter into a new and larger market.

“It wasn’t easy. It was very frustrating especially if I can’t copy the inspiration photos that my clients want me to replicate. But I never stopped practicing and enhancing my skills; and I think it’s safe to say that I progressed compared to where I started” Stephanie said, chronicling the process of mastering her craft of creating customized cakes.

EARNING WHILE LEARNING

Apart from running her business, Stephanie didn’t forget to continue her studies despite the shackles and trammels given by the arduous online classes. She was taught to still prioritize her responsibilities as a student in order for her to earn the marketing degree she always wanted, because even though her business is thriving, Stephanie believes that it is better to have something to be proud of and something that could be considered as a safety

Thoughnet.itmay seem fun studying and earning money on the side, Stephanie said that it takes a lot of patience and sacrifice to juggle both things considering that we are experiencing a global pandemic.

“The number one challenge that I faced was managing my time. Usually, I am passing my requirements barely on time.” Stephanie Duringshared.the peak season, Stephanie is forced to stay up late baking, decorating cakes, and catching up with the lectures so that she won't be left behind.

Despite the toxic academic workloads, altruism still stood up within Stephanie’s class as everyone helped everyone to cope up with all the deadlines. With patience and hard work, she managed to maintain her academic scholarship standing.

MORE THAN A BUSINESS

One may say that engaging in business is all for profit. But for Stephanie, the blessings bestowed to her should always flow fullcircle. As the Sweetest Dreams became a player in the baking industry of Ilocos Norte, Stephanie decided to create her own foundation to help people coming from the under-served sectors.

Stephanie shared that the Sweetest Dreams initiated a meals-on-wheels project. “The foundation that we created was about helping other people, especially those who are in need. Out of our pocket and with the help of other people, we distributed food and drinks for our frontliners and stranded kababayans here in Ilocos Norte particularly in San Nicolas during the height of the pandemic last 2021.

Furthermore, the Sweetest Dreams’ foundation also distributed pocket WiFis to those students who had problems with internet connectivity. This project was a great help for the student beneficiaries to survive the challenges of online classes.

Stephanie also shared with so much joy that her foundation reached the Aeta community in the secluded area of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte. She remembered the trails and valleys they had to get through in order to bring the food, slippers, clothes, and other supplies to the people residing in the said community. The whole experience was very humbling because Stephanie realized how blessed she is, and how much power compassion and generosity can hold.

AN EMBODIMENT OF A TRUE INSPIRATION

In the first year of the business, Sweetest Dreams were able to partner with four different coffee shops in the province – Bloomfields in Dingras, Palpitate in Laoag City, Bean Brewed in Vintar, and Get Caffeinated in Currimao. Stephanie supplies cheesecakes, and various pastries in the said establishments. Moreover, she is also active in participating in different food fairs organized by different LGUs and the Provincial Government.

For Stephanie, she wishes to partner with more businesses and expand her product offerings in order to provide more jobs in her locality as she will need a handful of manpower.

Asked about her message to the youth who want to pursue entrepreneurship, she says that how you react to your problems will always be the determinant whether or not you’ll succeed in your business endeavor.

As Stephanie goes on her journey for her sweetest dreams, she desires to be someone whom you can draw inspiration from. She says, “Never stop believing in yourself, keep moving forward. If you want to pursue business, be ready with the challenges [and] never give up because everyone can be successful as long as you're dedicated to the things you do in life”

RANDY GIANAN JR.

Ritmo

iti musiko iti maysa a sala ti agawaweng kadaytoy panunotko. Kabayatanna ti pananglagipko no ayanno’t kadaytoynakangngegakakanta.

“No ibueltam samo ikumintang, dayta imam a makannawan.”, ti tuloyna a mangkurkuriro ditoy utekko a saanko pulos mapanunot no ana daytoy. Agtultu loy laeng nga umawaweng kaniak ti unina.Ngem, kimmitaak iti kalAha!endaryo.Pebrero gayamen! Ay Malagipkonwen!no apay agululit ti awengna

daytoy a kanta gapota pananglagip manen iti fiesta!“Guling Guling koma manen…”, kunak kadaytoy“Naragsak,bagik. narambak, Guling Gul ing, SaankoPaoay!”pulos malipatan daytoy a pa nagrarambak – maysa a tradision ken kultura iti maysa nga ili iti Ilocos Norte, idiay“Sabunganay,Paoay. sabunganay. Naga noskay payla unay. Ita ken lawasna umayka kasaren kayto la unay.”, kuna iti umuna a kadagitisaklinyana.Panagrarag-kenrambakpamma-

titayo a kas Kristiyano – aldaw sakbay a maiselebrar ti Ash Wednesday wenno “Mierkules kurkuros” a makuna. A kas pananglagip dagiti Katoliko kenni Apo Hesus panggep pammati ken talek.

Sakbay a simmangbay daytoy didigra nga intayo mapadpadasan nga agdama, napunoan maris, ritmo, ken sala ti aglaw law iti Paoay. Mangrugi iti daya a paset iti ili, aginggana idiay sango iti madayday aw a Paoay Church, ragsak ken rag-o ti mariknam kadagiti rupa iti agbuybuya.

Daytoy a pananglagip ket saan laeng a sala, musiko, costume, maris, ken ragsak. Daytoy ket napunoan sarita dagiti nagla bas a panawen panggep kadagiti pasamak a laglagipen iti simbaan ken tattao iti ili.

Agtultuloyko laeng a malaglagip daytoy a sala. Dagiti kumintang, lateral, ken naduma-duma pay a steps dagiti agsalsala. Madaydayaw daytoy kadagiti karruba nga ili a kas ili iti San Nicolas, Sarrat, Badoc, ciudad iti Batac ken Laoag.

Dagitoy dagiti pasamak a kailiwak unay. Agtitipon a tattao, agraragsak nga uubbing, agsasala a babbaket, agririnna man iti dudol, ken panangipapan iti dapo kadagiti muging iti tattao.

Saan laeng a pasamak dagitoy no ketdi istoria nga agtultuloy kadagiti sumar saruno a henerasion – ita ken agnanayon.

“Kasalam la ipmatmat ta napudno a panagayat.”, ti maudi a linyana iti kanta sakbayko insardeng nga ikantan, ken sakbayak a permi a mailiw kadaytoy.

Everyhuman kind possesses me –a gift, for those who appreciate me. I am something that cannot be replaced –a blessing from God that no one can take. I am Beauty. How do you define me?

People would define me by imagining Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. That perfect body with glowing aura, shining eyes, pointed nose, long lashes, plucked eyebrows and lips like Cupid’s bow –a shallow definition, I can say. Don’t be blinded by a mere illusion, live in reali ty, and you will clearly see… Look in the mirror. Look at your unique features you call your flaws. Look at those freckles, those pimples, those misshapen eyes, overlapping eyebrows and that flat nose.

Do you see me? No, because I don’t just dwell in those faces or even in that stout or thin body. Do you appreciate me? No, because you don’t see me clearly. No, because you don’t

appreciate me. No, because you never look nor listen to your heart.

I am so powerful that even those pretty and exquisite faces cannot handle me. I can change the world, if only you let me. If only you’ll let go of your insecurities. If only you’ll see what’s more of me. I am within yourself–living in your heart–waiting to be unveiled.

I am beyond your complex ions–black, white, or brown. I am beyond your straight, curly, wavy, shaggy, dull, shiny hair. I am beyond the shape of your eyes–round, almond, narrow, slant, triangular, deep-set, and prominent. You don’t need to be dazzling to be me, just let the world see your crooked smile and let it be. It doesn’t matter if you are fit, skinny, stout, or lanky. Your hair color doesn't even matter to me –red is flaming, blonde is gleaming, brown is outstanding, and black makes you shine out from everything. Those scars are marks of bravery, flaunt them so every

one can see. Those white hair and wrinkles are wisdom, a treasure earned for a lifetime. I am in you, but I live beyond the face that matters to the eyes only. My true essence can be reflected in every good thing you do; in every ounce of strength you use in your silent battles… In every tear you've cried for the people around Iyou.am in you, in every courage you’ve mustered to go against the wrong. I am in every pow erful heart that has changed the world for the better. I am in every atom of love that lives within you.

That is me. That is beauty –being strong, confident, and brave; dignified, and having a pure heart. I am Beauty –something that isn’t only for the eyes to see, but something the heart always feels.

RAISE THE FLAG:

Unique and Proud!

JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

It's undeniable that the current society we live in, is not yet accepting of those to challenge the norms. Despite uniqueness being widely accepted, some still raise a brow to those brave souls that dared to be unique and extraordinary. This is maybe be cause, as Magneto from X Men once said, Mankind has always feared what it doesn’t understand. Just like the mutants from the X-Men Franchise, the LGBTQIA+ Community had their fair share of persecution, hate, and judgment from the public eye, due to the fact that they have a different sexual orientation and gender preference from the rest of the society. The very first rainbow flag was designed by the artist Gilbert Baker in 1978. Hot pink representing Sex, Red representing Life, Orange representing Healing, Yellow representing Sunlight, Green representing Nature, Turquoise representing Art, Indigo representing Harmony, and Violet

representing Spirit.

The first versions of the rainbow flag were proudly waved on June 25, 1978. The flag was used for the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day parade. Baker and a team of volunteers had the flag handmade. However, due to production issues, the pink and turquoise stripes were removed from the flag.

Indigo was then replaced by basic blue. This resulted in the contemporary six-striped flag with the colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. At present, the six-striped flag is the most com mon variant of the rainbow flag, along with a red stripe on top, resembling a natural rainbow. The various colors became a reflection of both the immense diversity and the unity of the LGBTQ community. In 1944, the rainbow flag finally became the official symbol of the LGBTQ’s pride. That year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, which is why Baker created a mile-long version of it. Aside from Baker’s and the 1978 Pride Flag,

Philadelphia Pride Flag (Philly-based PR Agency, June 08, 2017) - To modify the original six stripes, Philadelphia’s pride flag included Black and Brown, which became the symbol for the people of color.

Progress Pride Flag (Daniel Quasar, 2018) - White, Pink, and Light Blue striped chevron design on the Progress Pride Flag reflected the colors of the Transgender Flag, while the Brown and Black stripes represented the marginalized people of color. Black also became a way to honor those who lost to HIV/AIDS, at the same time, it also embodies the stigma surrounding those still living with HIV.

Bisexual Flag (Michael Page, 1998) - Pink for the attraction to those of the same gender identity. Blue for attraction to people who identify themselves as a different gender. Purple stripe in the middle for attraction to two genders.

Pansexual Pride Flag (2010) - Pink for attraction to people who identify as female. Blue for attraction to those who identify as male. Yellow stripe in the middle for attraction to those who identify as genderqueer, non-binary, agender, androgynous, or anyone who doesn’t identify on the male-female binary.

Asexual Flag (2010) - Black for Asexuality. Gray for Gray-asexuality and demisexuality. White for Non-asexual partners and allies. Purple for Community.

Labrys Lesbian Pride Flag (1999) - Purple for cisgender women. Black triangle for lesbians.

Polyamory Flag (Jim Evans, 1995) - Blue for Openness and Honesty, Red for Love and Passion, and Black for Solidarity. Yellow Pi symbol in the middle, for the infinite number representing the infinite options for partners. In 2017, an alternative version of the flag was created. The pi symbol was replaced with the infinity hearts symbol.

Intersex Pride Flag (Morgan Carpenter, 2013) - The flag features a Purple circle on a Yellow background. These two colors are seen as gender-neutral colors. The Circle represents Wholeness and Completeness.

Transgender Flag (Monica Helms, 1999) - Light blue and Pink are featured in the flag, due to the reason that these colors were the traditional colors associated with baby boys and girls, respectively. White represents those who are intersex, transitioning, or those who see themselves as having either a neutral, or undefined gender.

Genderfluid Pride Flag (JJ Poole, 2013) - Pink for Femininity, White for Lack of Gender, Purple for a combination of both Masculinity and Femininity, Black for all genders anywhere on the spectrum, and Blue for Masculinity.

Genderqueer Flag (Marilyn Roxie, 2011) - Lavender represents Androgyny and other queer identities. White represents Agender Identity. Green represents those whose identities are defined outside the binary.

Ally Pride Flag (2000) - The A at the center of the flag represents the word ally, which features the six colors of the rainbow pride flag. Black and White stripes in the background represents the heterosexual and/or cisgender people.

Leather Pride Flag (Tony DeBlase, 1989) - The flag is composed of nine horizontal stripes alternating between Black and Blue. It also has a White stripe in the mid dle, and a Red heart in the upper left hand corner.

Bear Brotherhood Flag (1995) - Dark Brown, Orange/Rust, Golden Yellow, Tan, White, Gray, and Black stripes represent the fur colors of a bear.

Rubber Pride Flag (Peter Tolos/Scott Moats, 1995) - Black for the leather/rubber, and Red for the group’s blood passion for rubber and rubbermen. Yellow for their drive for intense rubber play and fantasies.

Polysexual Flag (Samlin, 2012) - Pink for those who identify as Female, and Green for those who identify outside the Traditional Male-Female binary.

Aromantic Flag (2014) - Green represents aromanticism, White represents Platon ic and Aesthetic attraction, Gray represents Gray-aromantic and demiromantic people, and Black represents the Sexuality Spectrum.

RAISE THE FLAG:

Unique and Proud!

Nonbinary Flag (2014) - Yellow for Binary, White for Many or All Genders, Purple for a mix or somewhere between male/female, and Black for those without gender.

Lesbian Pride Flag (2018) - 7 different shades of Pink, Orange, White, and Red for various types of Femininity.

Demisexual Pride Flag (Unknown) - Black for Asexuality. Gray for Asexuality, Demisexuality. White for Sexuality. Purple for Community.

Two-Spirit Pride Flag (Unknown) - Feather for Masculine/Feminine identities. Circle for Unification of Masculine/Feminine identities. Rainbow for LGBTQ identities.

The various pride flags of the LGBTQ Community show how inclusive and accepting they are of various gender identities. It serves as both a symbol and reminder to us that by embracing who you truly are, only then will you feel what genuine freedom feels like. There’s no need for you to hide, because although some cannot accept you yet, you are never alone. The real ones will accept you regardless of your sexuality or gender identity. As Mystique said and I quote, Mutant and Proud!. In this case, Unique and Proud!.

JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG

Kampay!

Alonso of Aragon was won’t to say in commendation of age, that ‘age appears to be best in four things - old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.

- Francis Bacon

Wine making, also referred to as vinification, is the process of producing wine, starting from the selection of the fruit to be used, its fermentation into alcohol, and the bottling of the finished liquor. The history of wine-making stretches for over a millennia already. The science of wine making is referred to as oenology. A winemaker may also be referred to as a vintner. The growing of grapes is known asviticulture. There is a wide variety of grapes that can be used for making wine. Wine making can be divided into two general categories: still wine production, which refers to the one without carbonation, and sparkling wine production, which

pertains to the one with carbonation. This could either be natural or injected. Red wine, white wine, and rosé, are the other main categories. Although grapes are the primary ingredient used for making wine, it can also be made from other plants. Other similar light alcoholic drinks, which is opposed to beer or spirits, includes mead. Mead is made through fermenting honey, water, and kumis, made from fermented mare’s milk.

Ilocos Norte is steadily gaining a reputation in wine making. Cormel Foods, an Ilocano company that is owned by Mr. Anthony Abadilla, was the one that brought Ilocano liquor to the forefront of the winemaking industry through tourism exhibits, and trade. Robinsons Supermarket IN also now carries Cormel Foods’ innovative products. Wine has now become one of the customary pasalubong from Ilocano tourists who visit a relative, and their friends abroad. Aside from the traditional basi, which is a liquor made from fermented sugarcane, Duhat and Bugnay wines are now also being commercially sold. There were also some innovations made, and locals had been using santol and laya as a primary ingredient for making wine.

Duhat Wine

Locally, duhat is called lomboy. The lomboy is widely known in rural places, especially places that are near the mountains. It somewhat resembles grapes, but duhat has a bigger seed compared to grapes.

It is seasonal, as it only bears fruits during summer. Duhat Wine was the product of careful research and product development that was conducted by Cormel Foods, through the support of the Department of Science and Technology, and the Mariano Marcos State University.

Tapuey Wine

Tapuey lies in the majestic mountain ous town of Adams. Tapuey or also re ferred to as rice wine making is an art that had been mastered by Lola Ingga Acupan, who hails from Adams. Lola Ingga inherited the recipe of tapuey making from her Kankanaey ancestors. It is made from fermentation through adding yeast to a half-cooked organic mountain diket or balatinaw, a local variety of sticky rice. The exotic tapuey wine is characterized by a delicate and sweet taste.

Tapuey is fermented from six months to two years. The fermentation period depends on the desired strength of the wine. It is similar to the sake of Japan, and maotai of China. The different ethnic tribes of Adams such as the Bago, Imallod, Kankanaey, Yapayao and Ilocano had engaged in wine mak ing. Due to the abundance of a wide variety of fruits seen in the town, they considered turning these fruits into fruit wines.

WineLaya

Another local wine that’s currently making a buzz in the market, can be found in Dum alneg, Ilocos Norte. Its a wine that was made from ginger, or referred to as laya in the Ilocano dialect. Apart from the local laya as its main ingredient, it has other components which includes honey, some yeast, and manage able alcohol content, in order to boost its marketability. The municipality of Dumal neg started to offer the laya wine as their OTOP in 2011, after the locals started to process the ginger juice into wine.

WineBugnay

The people of Adams are fond of experimenting other possible fruity alcoholic concoctions. One of which is the Bugnay Wine. Bugnay is a tropical fruit and berry which contains anti-oxidants, and is good for the heart. The wines are all proudly natural and handmade by the wine making tribes of

IlocanosAdams.areindeed

creative and inno vative. They can turn any available local product into something that can create a buzz in the market. And by having these products showcased in trade fairs and other events, this could help boost the popularity of the province’s local products. This also can help provide a more stable and sustainable income and economy for the locals.

ONDRUNKCAFFEINE

JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG

Isighed

as I took my glasses off, and leaned back on my chair. I took my mug and took a sip of my coffee. I looked at all the notes on my study table, and sighed once again. I’ve been reviewing for my upcoming exams since 7 in the evening. I checked the time on my phone, only to find out its already almost midnight. My routine has always been like this whenever my exam week is ongoing. I always have my earphones plugged in, and music blasting on my ears. Of course, a cup of coffee is a must for me. I have to be loaded with caffeine if I want to cover everything for the exams.

But of course, the same study technique may not be effective for everyone, so here are some reviewing tips that you might want to try in preparation for your exams.

Attend all your classes and listen carefully during discussions. Be sure to attend and listen well to your class. Take notes too. The purpose of this is for you to understand the lesson better, and to effectively recall them once you take your exam. Do a group study session. Having someone to compare your notes with can help you understand what you are reviewing better. Your partner can also help you keep going and motivated. Utilize office hours to your advantage. If there’s a part of the discussion that you really can’t get, it’s best to ask your professor for help. This could help establish a bond with your professor, at the same time, it will help you to get a better grasp of what you’re reviewing.

Make flashcards. In order to digest the lesson better, and to retain it in your memory, write the gist and keywords of the lesson in a flashcard. This will help you assess what you already remember through giving yourself a quiz without other’s help. Secure a good review or study environment. The best study spot is a library, if you want to review peacefully. A cafe is a good spot too, especially if you prefer to have coffee while reviewing. Having a good environment for studying helps you focus better. Shuffle the subjects you’re reviewing. Don’t stick to one subject only, because this could cause you to have study fatigue. Switch to another subject after reviewing for 30 minutes. This will also help your brain rest from the previous subject you were reviewing.

Do advance study. Cramming for an exam is not

that much suggested, since it could put unnecessary stress on you. And according to the Ebbinghaus Forgetting Curve Principle, we tend to forget 70% of what we had learned within 24 hours. So it’s suggested that you go over your notes every now and then. This will allow you to have ample time to remember all concepts and other stuff about your lesson. Visualize your lesson. Highlight only the keywords and concepts. If you don’t prefer the traditional written notes, you can opt to use charts, mind maps, diagrams, or outlines in bullet form. Look for a tutor. If you’re having difficulty reviewing alone, you might want to find a tutor. It can be a fellow student, or a professor.

Understand, not just memorize. There are types of exams that require you to put your understanding of the lesson. Exams, especially in college, mostly test your understanding, not just your memorization skills. By understanding, this allows you to answer situational exam questions better through incorporating the various concepts you learned. Attend review sessions. If your professor offers a pre-test review session, it’s suggested that you attend it. This will allow you to learn the format of the exam, as well as the key topics that may appear in the exam. Keep your focus. Be on track, and avoid all possible distractions when you’re reviewing. You can try listening to instrumental of lofi study playlist to help you focus on what you’re reviewing.

Give yourself a break every now and then. According

to Oxford Learning, for every 30 minutes of studying, it’s suggested to take 10-15 minutes of break. Short study sessions are found to be more effective, and it will also aid you to make the most of your review session. Look after yourself well. Rather than munching junk foods while reviewing or preparing for exams, brain foods like peanuts, vegetables, and fresh fruits is more recommended. Pulling an all-nighter is not that suggested. Give yourself enough good night rest. Go at your own pace. Cramming can lead you to become anxious and be burned out. Pace yourself and split your lesson into smaller bits for you to digest it better.

Choose and take the best approach. Various types of exams require a certain study approach. For multiple choice type of exam, you should focus on the important terms and definitions. For essay type, you should understand the concepts and learn how to incorporate them. It’s suggested that you ask your professor for the type of exam, so you’ll be aware of what to expect, and the approach to use. Learn through teaching others. By explaining and discussing what you learned to others, it helps you to know whether you’ve fully understood the

lesson or not. Do wordplays. Using acronyms when reviewing allows you to memorize things easier in a fun way. Assess yourself. Once you know the exam format, you can try giving yourself a quiz by using the format of the exam, so as to prepare yourself better for the real deal. Lastly, give yourself the reward you deserve. It’s not bad to spoil yourself a little after working hard. Get some snacks, or binge-watch your fave series/ films to help yourself relax for a moment.Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. They say that taking an exam is like going to a battlefield. You need to be wellequipped and well-prepared if you want to make it out in one piece. It’s better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.

MOSTTHEOFPLACETHE INNOCENT Prisoners TURDAR.HARRYEDSEL

AsI drive on a dark chilly night, I have passed by various road signs showing disparate warnings and safety measures.

A John Denver classic, Take Me Home, Country Roads, was reimagined as I cross two-way and single roads to home. Not to forget, my inner buddy, whom I am singing passionately but silently—with, tries to escape the weekday problems, as we drive home. I actually imagined myself as a bird escaping from the stout bars of a cage, thinking that I really am freed, when I am actually not. I just got out from a small box to live and justify my liberation in a larger cage—a habitat created to test humans and humanity—we often call, life.

I’m getting old. I recalled life as something we often experience on jeepneys and buses going home. Trust me when I say, I was five when I was first sent to jail. Like any other young prisoner, my mind was a tabula rasa. I had no complete idea of what in the world is happening, I just followed the instructions and went on with the path, though what I only had in mind back then was Disneyland. The jail was so vast that it could accommodate thousands of prisoners in our town and nearby cities. The doctrine I had as a kid was that only the bad and probably evil people are thrown behind bars. With that indoctrination, I was formally baptized by the sacred judgments of society that I was a legitimate sinful person--at the age of five. I innocently accepted the accusation. Believe me when I say, my parents were the very people who sent me to jail—a place, they believe, would make me a well-grown individual. I was thrown into the first cell and was instructed to be transferred to another cell after a year if and only if I will behave well. We are tortured and forced to perform tasks— count the animals, color the fruits and if we failed, we were punished. No, we did not count more animals nor asked to color more fruits; instead we wrote more of our names—full names, repeatedly, on a whole sheet of paper.

The same routine was done every day, in seven years, excluding summers. I spent that long before we were sent to a more complex jail, for another six years. The higher the level, the harder it gets. Our consistency had been tested, the time had been strictly monitored, the judgment was more inhumane and we were measured with prejudice. It was the exact opposite of a fair-and-square system. The crooked methods of the lords, the bosses and the authorities

prevailed. The favorites ruled. Of all the group of prisoners, those with serious criminal cases are the ones who were freed and the innocent ones were unfairly judged to stay. Indeed, the higher the level, the harder it is to prove that you are innocent. It all went out to be the most biased six year of my life, so far. Having been to ceaseless unreasonable opinion, insensitive actions and two-faced people, it was exasperating to be continuously bombarded by a classic cliché question, why is life so unfair?

Surprisingly, the six-year prejudgment was an unforgettable occurrence—one I consider as both good and bad because I definitely learned from it. But despite the seemingly endless process of gaining trials and triumphs, I still get disrupted by society’s random judgment. I felt like every morning was a death threat, knowing that the moment I open my eyes, I would have to blindly absorb everyone's unjust opinion against me--again. This happened to me in the highest level of jail—which houses the most liberated prisoners yet the most rigorous ones.

I never doubted my bravery. The life I will have in this highest jail is foreshadowed by the experiences I had while I was on the lower ones. It is now that I can appreciate, more than ever, the places that served as my training ground for thirteen years. Because now, I have entered a peculiar jail, specialized in training people to manage and guard the cells and its prisoners. I do not know if I should have the same feeling I had when I was five,

when everything seems to be new for me. I, again, have no idea of the decisions that I am about to make. But I guess, it is how we learn that life is all about taking risks, or perhaps, life is a risk itself? Anyway, I am all for taking risks, and I am all for the last four years in jail. I am all for the last four years of dealing with irrational prisoners, I am all for the last four years of doing grueling works, I am all for the last four years of arguing with the rule of the favorites and I am all for the last four years of proving my questionable worth, not to you but to my inner buddy. But then again when I give my all, what would be left of me?

I am already used to jail, of becoming a prisoner. The seventeen years of my life being spent in a jail, is a mere choice. I chose to be the strongest possible person that I am when I am at my weakest. I chose not to have regrets in every decision that I make. I chose not to believe everyone’s judgment of me. I chose to hold on to my own principles when everything and everyone is pulling me down to their level. I chose to see life as fair as possible even when life makes me see, with open eyes, that it is actually not. And I chose to take this seventeen years in jail as a responsibility. Others may say, with great power comes great responsibility, but I firmly say, with great responsibility comes great power. Everyone lives with a responsibility. I was jailed at five for a purpose. I was judged unfairly at fifteen for a purpose. We all are responsible for our own purpose— we both find and create.

If you happen to pass by road signs, listen to classical music, sing with your inner buddy emotionally, or imagine yourself as a bird—a free bird—it all has a purpose, why you think, why you feel, and why you imagine situations in buses or jeepneys. That purpose happens every day, to take responsibility for the circumstances you cannot stop from happening. I was not able to forbid myself entering a jail for seventeen years, but it is my responsibility to make the most out of it, to find the shining gold in the dark sand, that will surely benefit, not only me, but others who are in need of a person to help them and guide them in finding their own responsibility and own purpose as well. That is my responsibility, and my great power.

And that is, for me, a well-lived life—finding your purpose everyday and being responsible for it.

Now, I am judged with a life sentence. I will be spending my whole life in jail, I mean school—a place for the most innocent prisoners, I mean, learners.

And though it may seem a long path to take, I will drive on that road, take stops when I need to, go back home when I feel like I have to, until I am strong enough, brave enough, and worthy enough, to be sentenced with a LIFE, without judgments. Only then that I can declare-- I AM FREE.

One Step at a Time

GRAZIEL MAE G. RAMAT

Whatif one day you wake up and the first thing that welcomes you in the morning is the physical pain of the known, and the emotional pain of the unknown? The pain seething deep in your bones… The kind of pain that can crumble your soul…

What if one day you wake up and you learn you can no longer enjoy the sun, and you can do nothing about it but just to reminisce about the feeling… The feeling of the familiar warmth that you hold onto each day of hopelessness.

What if one day you wake up… and everything… cannot just be the same as before anymore? When the path of the future that you have engineered in your mind changes, and now your journey seems endless steps of overcoming the urge to give up. For each step closer you take, your goal takes two steps

“Havingbackward…adisease is not a barrier for you to not

do what you want in life.”

This is what Sophia G. Ibita, 22 years old, believes after knowing that she has systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune diseases wherein the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues causing widespread inflammation and damage in the affected organs like the skin, blood vessels, joints, brain, lungs, and kidney. It can be fatal, and there is no cure for the disease aside from the life-long medications and management for the presenting signs and symptoms.Sinceher specific condition is lupus arthritis,

her joints are affected which makes it hard for her to get up in the morning, walk, or climb stairs especially during flare ups of the disease. According to her, when her lupus arthritis is at “sleep”, her condition is manageable; but when it is active, Sophia needs assistance every now and then for her to carry out her daily living activities.

Aside from the now additional burden of her disease, Sophia also carries her responsibilities

on her shoulders as the first-born child in her family. She has plans for herself, her parents, and her siblings. Her condition had made her take more detours in life. As a senior engineering student now, she had to give up things to adjust to new ones. At first, she sees these detours as disadvantages; but as she goes on… she surely has learned things in life.

Being diagnosed with such a disease, the

thought of death is one of the things she has feared the most. The uncertainty of every tomorrow, the ‘what ifs’ in every blink… she has cleared these in mind and realized that life is indeed still beautiful in every miraculous breath sheIt’stakes.not yet the end. The pain, the tears, each time passing… everything is worth living knowing she has her family and friends… and God.

What if your pace will keep widening the gap to your dreams? Will you stop and just envision regret, or keep going even if your knees will tremble until these dreams are within your reach?

For Sophia G. Ibita, she will still continue her journey, taking one step at a time at her own pace to catch up with her dreams and ambitions in life. Sophia has made her pillar sturdier as she rebuilds her hope.

Photos from: Maria Aglipay Ralph Albano Kevin RichardLagunillaYasay

Asthe world we all know has come to a halt, we are faced with bundles of unfortunate events, and restrictions, which resulted in separating us from each other. It’s no surprise that many of us are in a situation of utter hopelessness and low spirits. The world is currently in a fight against an enemy we never get to see, a virus that has claimed numerous lives. It has set up a challenge to test our ability to cooperate and unite as2021one.was undoubtedly one of the most difficult, wearying and miserable years Ilocanos faced. Life, as we know has drastically changed, and the things they used to take for granted, like going out with friends, or touring different destinations, are now restricted for the better. This pandemic also shed light to the inequalities that were not addressed. Due to the problems the pandemic caused, the situation of countless lives became more troublesome. A lot of families

JAYSON SABONG

PEDAGOGY

Rising Phoenixes amidst Malady

up unemployed and homeless.

Food and other basic necessities, especially alcohol and face masks, are rapidly taken out of shelves, leaving others empty handed. But regardless of everything the province had faced, it made Ilocanos realize that in order for them to stand and help each other, every municipality must learn to unite and put down their differences in order to make a cause and be willing to change. These hardships took a heavy toll on them, but it also taught their minds to value the meaning of friendship and cooperation,and further strengthen it.

Recovering from this will be very tedious, but as Ilocanos contribute even in their own small ways, it gives out a glimmer of hope to the community, to the front

liners, and for their country. This will encourage them to stay strong, have hope, and stay safe in the New Normal. It will not start out easy, but as time goes by, things will slowly, but surely work out for everyone.

It is very important, especially nowadays, to be hand in hand. This is because not everybody is fortunate to have such privileges like having food on the table, and a roof over their heads. Together, as Ilocanos, as Filipinos, and as humans, it is our duty to help those who are in dire need of help, to spark a glimmer of light in the darkness, to heal as one. Through the advantages of social media, we are able to connect and communicate despite being far from each other. We, the Ilocanos, can make a brighter tomorrow filled with dreams, standing strong, safe and fearless. Because it is when

we choose to strive for purpose and humanity, only then that we can make a difference. Life is still complicated and uneasy for the majority of citizens, infections are still on the rise, and the economy until now is really struggling. But with compassion, empathy, kindness, and trust along with noble friendship, no distance, no obstacle, no hardships will get in our path for greatness.Inthe end, these unfortunate circumstances will soon be nothing but a memory and history. A memory filled with lessons and experiences, that’s permanently etched in our minds. The best thing we can do in this pandemic is to do our part. Together, we ILOCANOS will rise again, just like a Phoenix rising from the ashes.

“We, the Ilocanos, can make a brighter tomorrow filled with dreams, standing strong, safe and fearless.”

Tatak Wonder

OMAN

Mapusok.

Palaban. Mapagkawanggawa. Mataas ang lipad. Mapusok, hindi dahil sa gusto lang niya, bagkus dahil hangarin niyang mabigyang kulay ang daang libong buhay na kanyang matutulungan. Palaban, hindi dahil sa maraming sumasalungat sa kaniya, bagkus dahil ipinaglalaban niya kung ano ang tunay na karapatan at makabubuti sa mamamayan. Mapagkawanggawa, hindi dahil sa titulong nakapangalan sa kaniya, bagkus dahil nais niyang buhayin ang nakakubling ganda, at pag-asa ng bawat isa. Mataas ang lipad, hindi dahil sa kaya niya lang, bagkus dahil nais niyang palakasin ang paniniwala nila na walang imposible, lahat pwedeng mangarap at lumipad.

Ano nga ba ang halaga ng isang ina ng milyong katao, na handang itaya ang buhay alang-alang sa kapakanan ng sangkatauhan? Isang umaga, ginising ako ng masayang mukha ni Haring araw sa Silangan. Kasabay nito ang pag-indak ng mga dahon at bulaklak sa saliw na musika na dala ng hangin.Halos hindi magkamayaw ang lahat sa kasabikan sa biyayang handog ng kalangitan. Sa wakas, isinilang na rin ang bubunut ng malalim na tinik sa aking mga paa. Siya si Gina, ang matalik kong kaibigan.

Sa kanyang paglalakbay sa aking kandungan, nabigyan ng magarbong oportunidad ang bawat bagay. Sa mga pagkakataong ako’y nalulunod sa mga abusadong nilalang, lagi syang nandyan para ako’y iahon .Muling inaakay patungo sa buhay na puno ng kulay at pag-asa. Sa panahong ako’y lantang gulay at dinadaan daanan na lamang pagkatapos makuha ang kailangan, nariyan sya upang buhayin ang kuwento na aking sinimulan. Isang responsableng kapatid, kapuso

JAYSON SABONG

“Never think you’re small, because if you believe you are small, you’ll only do small things.”

at kapamilya na didiligan ka ng tunay na diwa ng pagmamahal na walang pakundangan. Ni minsan di ko sya nakitaan ng kalumbayan at pag aalinlangan dahil naniniwala sya na Ang pagbabago ng lahat ay magsisimula sa iyo.

Matapos siyang nagsunog ng kilay sa Amerika, nilisan niya ang kaniyang marangyang pamumuhay, at pinasok ang pagiging isang yoga missionary ng Ananda Marga sa Africa, ng mahigit 15 na taon. Pinangangalagaan ang karapatan ng bawat mahihirap na mag-aaral, at mamuhay ng may malalim na pananampalataya sa Itaas. Dito niya binigyang kulay ang kaniyang slogan na Service to humanity is service to God. Matapos niyang gampanan ang di matatawarang responsibilidad sa Africa kasama ang asawa niya, nanumbalik ang aking saya dahil bumalik siya sa mundo na aking kinatitirikan. Uhaw na uhaw na isakatuparan ang layuning matagal nang naibabad sa kaniyang puso’t isipan. Pinamunuan niya ang ABS CBN Foundation na nagbukas ng samu’t saring serbisyo sa publiko.Sa

kaniyang magandang katangiang namumukadkad, at di matibag-tibag, itinayo niya ang mga namumukod tanging proyektong nagtuwid sa akin sa pangarap na matagal ko nang inaasam-asam. Ito ang mga programa tulad ng Sineskwela at Hiraya Manawari. Pinarangalan siya bilang kauna-unahang nagtamo ng UNESCO Kalinga Award. Bukod sa sipag na kanyang taglay, mayroon din siyang malambot na puso. Itinaguyod nya ang programang Bantay Bata 163. Ito ang kauna-unahang rescue hotline sa Asya, para masugpo ang pang-aabuso sa mga musmos, at mga programang pangkalikasan tulad ng Bantay Kalikasan, Save the La Mesa Watershed, Kapit Bisig Para sa Ilog Pasig, at No to Mining in Palawan. Pinangangalagaan at pinagyayaman ang katas ng kalikasan, nagbunga ng kay yayabong ang mga sakripisyong ibinuhos niya rito. itinalaga siya bilang 1997 International Public Relations award of Excellence for the Environment at Outstanding Manilans Award for the Environment noong 2009.Ang katapangang ipinamalas ng aking kaibigan sa ruta ng mapanghamong isyung panlipunan ang nagtulak sa kaniya na pagkalooban ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ng titulong Kalihim ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Nakilala ng sambayanan bilang mapagmalasakit, mapagbigay at tagapagtanggol ng aking kinagisnan. Sa patuloy na pamamayagpag ng pakpak ng aking kaibigan, palihim siyang hinila pababa ng mga mapanghusgang mamamamayan na salungat sa ipinatupad niyang Kontra sa iligal na Pagmimina. Dahil dito, nabigo siyang pamunuan ang proyektong ito. Ngunit hindi nya kailangan ng mataas na parangal upang makilala. Hindi nya kailangan ng pera upang paniwalaan sya. Kapag mahal mo ng isang bagay, ililipad ka nito sa togatog ng tagumpay.

Ika nga Walang imposible kung gusto at determinado. Iyan ang nasilbing instrumento ni Gina para ipagpatuloy ang hangarin at nagkikislapang pangarap niya sa bayan. Hindi siya nagpatumpik-tumpik pa, at itinatag niya ang Investment in Loving Organizations for Village Economies (ILOVE) Foundation, na naglalayong magtayo ng iba’t ibang mapagkakaitaan sa iba’t ibang komunidad sa Naalalabansa.kona

naman ang mga alaalang iniukit mo sa aking buhay. Alaalang bali-baliktarin mo man ay magiging alaala na lang na kailanma’y hindi malilimutan ng sino man. Alaalang hinabi ng katas ng pagmamahal na magsasaboy ng inspirasyon at lakas sa susunod na henerasyon. Ako si Inang Bayan, lubos na nagpapasalamat sa tinta ng iyong pagmamahal sa kuwento ng aking buhay. Mabuhay ka GINA LOPEZ!

SaKapitLubid

EDSEL HARRY R. KabataanTURDAangpag-asa

ng bayan, katagang tumatak sa isipan ng bawat mamamayan. Naging kasanayan sa bibig at paningin ng bawat musmos na mukha ng kasalukuyan. Sa pag-asang bayan nga’y magiging maunlad sa kamay ng edukasyong humuhulma sa mukha ng Pag-apakhinaharap.saunang

landas sa paaralan, namulat ang mga mata at isipan sa pag-aakalang ang ABAKADA ay kaalamang para sa mga bata. Ang bilang na isa ay numerong susundan lang ng dalawa, tatlo at mga susunod pa. Ngunit ang masaklap ay ang mga letra na bumubuo sa abakada at ang pagbibilang ay naging kasindak-sindak na kaalaman sa isipan na naging:A

– no wala ka na ba talagang natututunan?! Ba – hala ka diyan! Umiyak ka hanggang sa matutunan mong mag-isa!

Ka – kalimutan mo nalang ba ang tinuro ko sa iyo kahapon?!Tatlong

letra pa lamang ang nailalahad ngunit parang guguho na ang mundo ng kamalayan. Sinundan pa ng pagbibilang ng:

Isa, kung hindi ka pa tatayo diyan sa upuan mo, ipapakain ko sa iyo ang chalk na ito! Dalawa, wala ka na ba talagang alam?!

Tatlo, huwag mo na akong hintayin pang buhatin kita diyan sa kinauupuanNalimutangmo! magbilang ng apat at ituloy ang mga susunod pang numero sa takot na baka hindi tama ang magiging kahihinatnan.Pinalipas ang taon sa sistemang hindi makatao. Humakbang sa sekondarya sa pag-aakalang malilimot ng panahon ang mga sugat ng kahapon. Ngunit hindi pa pala nagtatapos sa pagbibigkas ng abakada at pagbibilang ng mga numero dahil may hihigit pa.

Mga proyektong oras ang ginugol na natapos lamang sa ilang segundong paghuhusga. Mga nagsusulputang pagsusulit na karamihan hindi naman naipaintindi ng maayos. Isama na rin ang sabado at linggong sana’y oras ng pahinga at namnamin ang pagiging bata ngunit naging eskwelahan na rin pala ang bahay na sana’y kaisipansanghindisistema.edukasyonmumuntingunladsinusubokLabankanlungan.nasatuwina’yangkakayahan.Pag-ngabaopagkontrolsamgakaisipan?Pag-usadngaytilababumabagalsaKailanganngpagbabagopang-aabuso.Kailangansistemangmagpapatibaykakayahanathuhubogsangmgakabataan.Ipakita

na hindi dahas ang solusyon upang makamit ang inaasam na pagsibol. Kung nais isakatuparan ang pagiging pag-asa ng mga kabataan para sa kinabukasan ng bayan, dapat baguhin ang lumang daan patungo sa wastong landas at wakasan ang nakasayanayang pamamaraang naging kultura ng baldadong sistema ng Sinubokedukasyon.anglahat ng tatag ng loob. Hinamon ng paglipas ng panahon. Ngunit parang walang bakas ng magandang kinabukasan. Nanlumo sa takot. Nanghina sa mga salitang tumatak sa isipan na halos lahat pangungutya at pamamahiya. Hinubog hindi ng kaalaman kundi ng mga sugat ng pinagdaanan. Kinulong ang sarili sa puot at hinagpis. Nalimot ang mga pangarap na dapat sana’y maging doktor, inhinyero, nars at guro. Napalitan ng kadiliman ang sinag ng inaasam na makatungtong pa sa kolehiyo. Hinigpitan ang lubid, yumuko ng taimtim, tinapos ang naudlot na pagbibilang ng apat, lima, anim, pito, walo, siyam, at sampu. Tuluyan nang nilangaw ng panahon ang pagkakataong sana’y maging kaisa ng mga kabataang tinurang pag-asa ng bayan. Bago natin baguhin ang edukasyon, baguhin muna natin ang pamamaraan nito.

VISIONMISSION

SIRMATA, commits itself to link, bridge the gap and continually host the interaction of the stakeholders of the University - the students, schools administrator and the community towards desirable educational and socio-cultural development objectives, promote and preserve Filipino cultures and traditions, and catalyze community response and action in national and local issues.

SIRMATA, the official publication of the college students Mariano Marcos State University is envisioned to be the principal student organization to advocate social consciousness. Uphold and advance the rights of students, and promote their general welfare through fair, balanced, innovative and responsible campus journalism.

RELEVANCE. EXCELLINCE. GROWTH.