VOLUME 42 ISSUE 4
DECEMBER—FEBRUARY
A.Y. 2015-2016
SPCBA, SENIOR HIGH READY FOR A.Y. 2016-2017 San Pedro College of Business Administration (SPCBA) will be offering Senior High School (SHS) for grades 11 and 12 starting this Academic Year (A.Y.) 20162017 to give aid to the Department of Education’s (DepEd) anticipated need for additional facilities to cater the two new additional high school years.
Education; Sports; and Arts and Design. Each track will then be divided to different strands so students can choose their own field of specialty.
WHY SPCBA? The College is offering six strands under the WHAT IS SENIOR HIGH? academic tracks that will meet the emerging need of senior Part of the newly implemented education high students. The strands are: system in the country, K12 which means Kindergarten to grade 12, SHS is the Accountancy, Business, and additional two-year program developed to Management (ABM) – designed to equip further prepare students to meet global the students with managerial, numeracy, standards and industry and and literacy to meet the competencies collegiate requirements. and demands of globally competitive Philippines, among all other entrepreneurship. countries in South East Asia, is the last to implement the said system in line Science, Technology, Engineering, and with the ASEAN integration that started during Mathematics (STEM) – aims to develop the students’ the onset of 2015. science, technology, and math literacy, research and experimental skills in order to contribute to the field of The aim of the said system is to help scientific and technological investigation. students achieve excellence in fields that match their talents, capabilities, and skill Humanities and Social Sciences sets. During senior high school, students (HUMSS)—equips students with critical will be taking up courses (subjects) thinking, research literacy skills depending on their tracks, the likes are: Academic; Technology and Livelihood Continue to page 3...
Share a Toy, Give a Joy ‘15 NSTP Proves Sharing Never Stops BY
Renz A. Lozarita
Cheery eyes and heartwarming smiles were evidently seen in every child’s face during the National Service Training Program (NSTP) students’ “Share a Toy, Give a Joy Project”, at San Pedro City, Laguna, December 13 and 19. This academic year, the NSTP department, spearheaded by Department Chair Zennia Zamora, have chosen Maligaya and Paradise Daycare Center and Brgy. San Vicente as its recipients for the said project. Each student was asked to bring a toy, not necessarily grand in price but something that the children would want, wrap and keep it until the gift-giving. NSTP student representatives along with Volunteens facilitated the event. Despite the cold weather and heavy downpour, they handed out hundreds of gifts to daycare pupils and persons with disabilities (PWD), who were also present during the activity. “Pumunta kami doon para mag-bigay ng regalo, what we didn’t know ay kami pala ang makaka-tanggap ng mas malaking regalo. Ngiti at ‘thank you’ pa lang ng mga bata enough na Christmas gift na ‘yun para samin” beamed Ian Mercado, NSTP student. The said project became NSTP’s flagship for many years. The goal is not only to share gifts but also share the spirit of the yuletide season. The department pledges to create more activities that will engage the SPCBA community, especially the students, and instill in them the values of compassion and concern for one another.
From left to right, top to bottom. Students wrapped their presents in preparation for the gift-giving. NSTP students, Volunteens and Prof. Zennia Zamora posed for the camera. A pile of presents to be distributed to daycare pupils of Maligaya and Paradise Daycare Center and Brgy. San Vicente. JBEA posted their seminar invitation on several social media sites.
JBEA Prepares Future Marketista through Free Seminar BY
Danniel G. Guico
The Junior Business Executive Association (JBEA) organized a two-batch seminar for marketing students entitled “Soar High JBEA” with the theme, “Establishing your Personal Brand” at the Elmer A. Ching (EAC) Hall, 8:00am-12:00nn and 1:00pm-5:00pm, November 28. The two-batch seminar both kicked off with an opening prayer followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem led by Marilou Ensio. The first batch of participants were freshmen and sophomores, likewise, the second batch’s participants were the juniors and seniors.
served as the guest speakers during the morning session, while Radio host Ada Vina, Pastor Rev. Paul Hernandez, and entrepreneur Vendito Tampon worked as the guest speakers during the afternoon session All resource persons focused their discussions of how to become a well-known brand and gave tips and knowhows for the aspiring young professionals. They shared some of their valued experiences as well as the difficulties that they have encountered while establishing their own businesses.
At the end of the seminar, students were inspired by Don Eslabon – Executive Officer of T-shirt ni Juan and the success stories and were motivated to do their best to JB de Leon – fashion photographer and creative director achieve success in the business world.
SPCBA held its 26th Midterm Commencement Exercises held their screenings and auditions during the month of with a total of 169 graduates for the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2015- January. 2016 at the Insular Life Auditorium, Filinvest Center, Alabang Alumni and Placement Office (APO), in cooperation with Muntinlupa City, November 28. various public and private organizations, will be conducting its annual Job Fair on March 4, from 9am to 3pm, at the Pacita Junior Philippine Computer Society (JPCS) conducted a Astrodome, San Pedro City, Laguna.
seminar entitled “Learn More” last December 5 at the Elmer A. SPCBA will still be accepting first year enrolees and Ching (EAC) Hall. The seminar’s topics were Social Media transferees on all of its courses for the A.Y. 2016-2017. Activism, Interactive Web design, Use of Case Diagram, and Diskless Web Processing. Continued from front page... pertinent to social and cultural
work and other pursuits in the field of the liberal arts. General Academics (GAS) – aims to develop the SPCBA’s student organizations participated in the annual Eco-Pasko Competition with Engineering Society skills and competencies involved in the previous strands to (EnSoc), Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA), and prepare the student for tertiary education. Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences Society (LAESS) winning Information and Communication Technology (ICT) the bulletin board design contest, parol-making, and Christmas dance competition, respectively, held at Minipark, December 18. – offers courses in Computer Programming, Animation, and Computer Hardware Servicing to develop the technical literacy of students to carry-out ICT-related tasks. Junior Philippine Institute of Accountant’s (JPIA’s) Ray Ken Villaflor grabbed the 3rd place during the Velayo Full Zone Home Economics – offers courses on Cookery, Bread category of the Academics Big Day Quiz-bee held at the Lyceum and Pastry Production, and Food Beverage Services to of the Philippines University (LPU), Calamba Laguna, January 17. students who are interested in the field of food preparation and restaurant work. Students paid tribute to their professors from the Department of Business Administration (DBA) namely; Joy Graduates of the senior high program will eventually Apellado, Marny Baltazar, Recto Luces, Angelita Ocampo, Jon join different industries as a competent and skilled part of Dae Ramos, and Bienvenido Odejar, as they celebrated the the work force or continue a college education. Professors day last January 27. The whole day event was participated by selected Accountancy sections and first year to fourth year Business Administration Students. The Most Outstanding Student Award is brought back as one of the main competitions for the upcoming Foundation Week. Student applicants were screened through their resume and series of panel interviews with the organizers of the said event. The winner of the award will be granted a hundred percent scholarship from the College.
In preparation for the upcoming 30th foundation week, organizers of SPCBA Idols, Kalookalike, Super Sireyna, SPCBA Cosplay Mania, Model Search, and Ambassador of Goodwill ’16.
#ANGTAMANGPANAHON—Tema ng Paskuhan ‘15
Pinasinayaan ni Mayor Lourdes “Baby” Cataquiz ang pagsisimula ng taunang Paskuhan sa San Pedro na may temang “#ANGTAMANGPANAHON” nuong ika-1 ng Disyembre sa plaza ng lungsod. Ang pagsindi ng makukulay na parol ang nagsilbing hudyat ng pagsisimula ng masayang Paskuhan ‘15, isang programa na kung saan itinatampok ang mga talento ng iba’tibang grupo ng kabataan, paaralan, at organisasyon upang maghatid ng kasiyahan sa mga mamamayan ng San Pedro. Ngayong taon, hinati sa tatlong bahagi ang programa: una ang
Ni: Mark Simon O. Rosellon
Technological Institute (SPTI), at Von Neri Erika (VNE) Productions sa saliw ng
pagtugtog ng iba’t-ibang banda mula sa masasayang pamaskong tugtugin. mga paaralan ng International “Panginoon ang dapat nating Electronics Technical Institute (IETI), alalahanin sa lahat ng ating pagdiriwang. Laguna Northwestern College (LNC), Ngayon ang tamang panahon upang Pacita Elementary School, at Sampaguita tahakin natin ang landas ni Hesus,” wika Band–opisyal na banda ng lungsod; ni Cataquiz. pangalawa ang panalangin ni Rev. Fr. Kabilang sa mga nakilahok sa Pablo Bugay Jr., kura paroko ng San programa ang mga miyembro ng Pedro Apostol Parish, at sinundan ng Sangguniang Pang-lungsod ng San isang mensahe ng pasasalamat ni Pedro, punong guro ng mga paaralang Cataquiz; pang-huli ay ang pagsayaw ng nagpamalas ng kanilang talento, at si Dr. mga kabataan mula sa Amazing Grace Jovito Barcenas, District Supervisor ng School (AGS), Kids Nucleus Montessori Department of Education (DepEd). School, Liceo de San Pedro (LDSP), Bilang pagtatapos ng programa, Polytechnic University of the Philippines isang fireworks display ang inihandog ng (PUP)-San Pedro Campus, San Pedro lungsod sa mga manunuod.
MoU, Nilagdaan ng San Pedro at Rotary Club Ni: Elliona Mariz A. Retuta Disyembre 11—Ganap na Maliban sa Punong-lungsod na si nilagdaan sa Global City Pacita Lourdes “Baby” Cataquiz, lumagda din sa Complex 1 Elementary School ang nasabing MoU sila Jose “Pepe” Estavez Memorandum of Understanding Jr.–Rotary International District Governor, (MoU) sa pagitan ng Lungsod ng San Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Inner Pedro at Rotary Club of San Pedro Wheel Club of Ortigas Central at Allan South ang pagpapagawa ng San Caballejo, Punong-guro ng Global City
Pedro Linear Park.
Nasasaad sa MoU ang mga layunin at gawain ukol sa pagpapatayo ng nasabing Linear Park. Kabilang na dito ang muling pagbuhay ng mga daanang-tubig sa buong bayan ng San Pedro, sa pamamagitan ng paglilinis, pagtatanim ng mga puno at halaman at pagpapatayo ng parke sa paligid nito.
Pacita Complex 1 Elementary School. Ang Linear Park ay isa sa mga proyektong kabilang sa San Pedro Urban Renewal (SPUR) na naglalayong gawing mas progresibo ang lungsod ng San Pedro sa pamamagitan ng pagsasasaayos, pagpapaganda at pagmintena ng kalinisan ng kalikasan nito.
Comelec Tests Voting Machines BY
Taryn Antonella D. Gonzaga
Sta. Rosa City, Laguna – Commission on Elections (Comelec) and its technology provider, Smartmatic, have started to test the Vote Count Machines (VCMs) that will be used in the May 2016 polls.
The delivery of the 97,517 VCMs are nearly done, according to Comelec Chairman Andres Bautista, 90,000 VCMs are already in the country and 6,000 units are being shipped from Taiwan to the Philippines. Furthermore, he had disclosed that 71,456 VCMs have been delivered to the Comelec warehouse and 18,000 units are still in the custody of the Bureau of Customs (BOC). According to Bautista, 64,382 units have already undergone Hardware Acceptance Test (HAT), which involves a series of tests performed to the VCMs to ensure that the scanners are working properly. The accuracy of these machines is critical, for the results they would show would determine the fate of the country for the next six years. Thorough accuracy tests are performed on five percent of the total number of machines. During these tests, 1,000 ballots are inserted to the VCMs to ensure that they comply with the 99.995 percent accuracy requirement of the law. Smartmatic project manager Marlon Garcia had promised that no VCM leaves the warehouse without passing the said test. Machines that are found to be defective or inaccurate will be labeled as “quarantined” and will either be replaced or repaired. Once a machine has been repaired, it would undergo the same procedures to test its performance all over again.
Comelec security staff checks the VCMs inside a Comelec warehouse in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Garcia had noted that so far, 71,000 VCMs have already been accepted and approved for use and only 250 units were quarantined for repair. Bautista had said that they would welcome those who wish to view the processes inside the warehouse where the VCMs are kept and tested. “In the spirit of transparency, we are open to groups coming over for as long as they provide us notice,” he added. “In fact, we want to invite students to show them what we are doing here so that they can also learn what goes on in an election preparation,” said Bautista. The quality management of the VCMs are entrusted to Comelec and Smartmatic, where their effectiveness and efficiency in this task are expected to provide the country a clean and honest election.
As part of San Pedro Urban Renewal (SPUR) Program, San Pedro City and different non-government the newly-elected officials of Brgy. Landayan Fish Vendors organizations donated P10,000 cash and basic needs including Association took their oath before City Mayor Lourdes banig, clothes, and food packs to the thirteen families whose Cataquiz held at the City Hall, January 28. homes were destroyed by the fire outbreak at Maligaya 1, Brgy. San Vicente, January 25. January 26—A total of 100 women participated in the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) San Pedro welcomed its new City Prosecutors and orientation headed by TESDA officer Marie Ballera, who taught Assistant City Prosecutors namely: Arvin T. Amata and Tina the participants about proper financial management and Ricloraza Oliveros and Liza Dela Cruz, CJ Igot, Totie Soriano Jr., shared tips on how to establish and manage their own and Sen Belen Jr. respectively. They will be assigned at the San businesses in the future. Pedro Hall of Justice starting February 2.
Missing-In, Action! Habitual absenteeism is a valid ground for dismissal from work, according to the Philippine Labor Code. The Supreme Court of the Philippines has upheld this law by stating that usual neglect of duties, which includes frequent absences without duly approved leaves, is a just cause for terminating employment. “Habitual neglect implies repeated failure to perform one’s duties for a period of time… and repeated acts of absences without leave… reflect indifferent attitude to and lack of motivation in his work,” says the Court. Hence, “habitual absenteeism without leave constitutes gross negligence and is sufficient to justify termination of an employee.” Loud and clear. If the above standard applies to all those that are employed, it also applies to all government officials, to all congressman for that matter. Since there is no way that we can fathom how they perform their “job” if they are not physically present in the first place. Let us be enlightened my dear brothers and sisters, the House of Representatives or the lower house is a part of the bicameral body. It is composed of a maximum of 250 congressmen serving different sectors and districts all over the country. Their function primarily is to be present to legislate national laws. Crafting laws is the main task of every congressman, there are still many pieces of major legislation waiting to be passed but cannot be since there is always a lack of quorum, the likes are; Expanded Senior Citizen Act, Customs Modernization Act, Basic Law of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BLBR). Lack of quorum had become very rampant that allegedly, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has resorted to asking congressmen to just text their votes or opinions on various legislative matters, just like in stupid reality shows. With all their work-load, it’s amazing how some legislators still find time for pictorials and public appearances to perfume their image, we almost forgot – its election time
once again. Maybe that is the reason why most legislators are absent; they are very busy with pre-mature campaigns. Legislators like to say that most of their time is spent doing “constituency works” – as if a valid defense against their severe absenteeism. Just so you know, congressmen are not elected to be social workers; they are required to be law makers, first and foremost.
For the 13th time since last year, high-powered firearms, illegal drugs, sex toys, luxury items, and other contrabands were seized when teams from the Bureau of Corrections-Special Weapon and Tactics (BuCor-SWAT) unit and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided the maximum security compound of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City. The series of surprise inspections were conducted to verify reports that drug rings were operated from behind bars by the convicted drug lords. BuCor is mandated by law to accomplish its twin objective – the Effective Rehabilitation and Safekeeping of National Prisoners. Truly, with all the television sets and jacuzzi, the wi-fi connections and Rolex watches, the guitar and drum sets, the marble tiles and swimming pools, the Louis Vuitton wallets and stacks of dollar bills, the aquariums and bathtubs, and the expensive whiskey brands and luxury villas manifests how “rehabilitated” and “safe kept” these rich criminals are. These drug lords who; are the reason why a lot of youth are not attending classes because they are spending their tuition fees on marijuanas, the reason why a family eats once a day because the father opt to buy cocaine than rice to feed his family, the reason why some woman faces trauma because a group of men raped her when she’s going home from work as the breadwinner of the family, the reason why there are cases of inhumane killing, rape slay, and even massacre of their own families; should be in jail paying-off their sins, but are living like kings who are building their temples inside their prison cells, and with all the jail guards and policemen guarding the NBP. These criminals that should feel regretful for their wrongdoings are living far more convenient than those living miserably for not having enough food on their tables, for having no job, for being trapped in traffic at EDSA, and for receiving diminutive salary not sufficient for their family’s basic needs. Luxurious items that are prohibited did not appear in the cell as if by some magic of these criminals. BuCor acknowledges that some NBP personnel may have had a hand in the entry of prohibited items inside the facility and that as a cure to these loopholes, they already suspended and dismissed those proven to be facilitating the anomaly. They are also open to the cases where rich inmates are bribing authorities, building small houses, and even simply leaving the jail for some time. Yes, rich inmates leaving the jail for some time. You see, these criminals are still using their power and money despite being convicted. They are frolicking with the justice system like how they play their cards and give their bets in casinos. While poor inmates suffer with the dirty tap water, dingy toilets, substandard meals, and over-congested cells, these rich criminals are enjoying their selves in their realm built inside their cells while not paying for property taxes. The enlightened approach to penology which is to reform prisoners to gear towards a subsequent productive life upon reentry to the community is not manifested neither to the rich nor poor inmates. The problem that arise in the NBP is something that BuCor and the government should not set aside. Surprise raid is not enough, we need immediate action. Suspending and dismissing NBP personnel will not end the problem, the fair treatment to all the inmates is a must. Confiscating their luxury items and contrabands is not the answer, fairness and law-enforcement should be strictly implemented. Cause if these rich inmates would just live like that, “sana nakulong na lang ‘din ako!”.
Year 2016 can mean different things to different people. But Chinese beliefs have their own specific interpretation. Each year corresponds to one of the twelve animals in the Chinese Zodiac. In addition, there are also five elements which are associated with their own “life force” or “chi”. In 2016, the corresponding animal is the monkey, and the corresponding element is fire. This year is the Year of the Fire Monkey, also called the Year of the Red Monkey. The Monkey is described as clever, inventive, and energetic, while fire is the element linked with warmth and passion. This heralds a confident, adventurous year that would lead to innovation and new experiences. Vigor combined with passion can either burn coals to ashes or serve as the necessary fuel to dreams and desires. Pantone Color Institute has been influential in the design industry since the 1960s. They are known as the global expert on color. Pantone had first standardized colors for the graphic arts industry and has since extended its color matching system concept to other design industries. Designers use their standardized colors by specifying the Pantone name and number of color. Experts from Pantone would meet to decide on the “color of the year”. And in 2016, it is not just one, but two colors: Rose Quartz (13-1520) and Serenity (15-3919)—otherwise also known as pale pink and light blue. Rose Quartz is described as “a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure”, while Serenity is labeled to be “weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times”. Many designers around the world would look upon Pantone’s color of the year to inspire new concepts in fashion, home décor, and many more.
The Spratlys Island in the West Philippine Sea has been in a dispute against China for several years. China claims that the Spratlys Island forms part of their South China Sea according to their notorious nine dash-line. Philippines is contending that the "nine dash-line" claim by China is invalid because it violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) agreements about Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and territorial seas. Recently, a group of young Filipinos camped out on the remote Pagasa Island (also known as Thitu Island in China) in the Spratlys archipelago, in a symbolic stand against China’s claim to almost the entire South West Philippine Sea. The organizers of the group, calling itself Kalayaan Atin Ito, said that 47 of them arrived at Pag-asa Island and will stay there for 100 days. The government opposed the venture of the group initiated by former Philippine Navy officer, Capt. Nicanor Faeldon. But Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said that the government understood the group’s patriotic intentions but should have looked for alternative ways to show their support and love for the disputed island.
It takes a lot of courage for a Filipino to stand up against a very powerful nation like China. What the group had done is very commendable yet dangerous at the same time. The island has been in a dispute for years. Until now, this hasn’t been resolved. If we are to compare Philippines to China in terms of military advancement, Philippines has no military muscle to defend its claim in the West Philippine Sea. That is why it was very evident how the government reacted against the group’s plan to sail to Pag -asa. The Chinese vessels had stayed near the island the moment they saw the arrival of the Filipino youths. For the Chinese people, they can consider it as a defiance against them. What if these Chinese vessels attacked them? Who would they blame? Of course, it will always be the government. In whatever reason, for them, everything is our government’s fault. That is how Filipinos think, risking their lives and when they get hurt, they will always Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach has been crowned Miss Universe 2015, blame someone else. marking a marvelous year-end for the Philippines. Her crowning, to The Philippines' quest for peacefully resolving territorial disputes in which she later described as “nontraditional”, has been the most the West Philippine Sea has entered a critical stage. After more than two controversial yet in the Miss Universe history. Host Steve Harvey years of hard work and extensive preparations, Philippines has the chance had mistakenly announced Adriana Gutierrez from Colombia as the to convince the arbitral tribunal at the Hague, Netherlands that its case winner before apologizing for his mistake and heralding Wurtzbach deserves to be heard but China has refused to recognize the proceedings. as the true winner. Since then, the controversy has been We should appreciate such brave move done by the government because sensationalized in the media and internet. The Filipinos were we are the first country who has ever dared to take China to international genuinely happy for her win, and were ready to strike back from court. The Aquino Administration made a bold decision regarding the anyone who disagreed. territorial dispute, not taking China by force or violence but by the The Commission on Elections (Comelec) had decided to move the election period from supposedly February 9 to January 10, using the power granted under Section 22 of Republic Act Number 8436. The 151-day election is, as said by Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez, the span of time during which the Comelec exercises extraordinary powers, for purposes of ensuring honest, orderly and peaceful election. The following are prohibited acts during the election period, which ends on June 8: Transfer or movement of officers and employees in the civil service, suspension of elective local officials, bearing firearms or other deadly weapons (unless authorized by the Comelec), use of security personnel/bodyguards by candidates (unless authorized by the Comelec), organization of reaction forces, strike forces, etc., and alteration of territory of a precinct, or the establishment of a new precinct.
language of law. It would be very difficult for China to justify their “ninedash line” in International Court because it is pre-modern, questionable, and vague notion of historical rights. While the Southeast Asian countries want to harmonize their international relationships through modern, internationally-accepted legal principles—not incomprehensible doctrines. In practical terms, while the legal cycle is slowly on-going, Philippines should remain vigilant and focus on guarding its interests on the frontline by strengthening its position on features it already controls, negotiate necessary measures to prevent unwanted clashes and escalation in the high seas, and employ all instruments in its toolkit to protect its territorial integrity. Of course it needs the support of the entire Filipino nation. Stop making hasty decisions. Stop blaming anyone. Start supporting our nation. We should protect our nation like a father to his children. What we believe is ours is definitely ours.
Finally, our dreams will soon come true. We are heading to space! Thanks to nine Filipino engineers and scientists who made it possible after designing, developing, and constructing the Philippines’ first-ever owned microsatellite: a 50-kg creation called Diwata-1. The Project was under the meticulous supervision of Japanese scientist mentors from Tohoku University (TU) and Hokkaido University (HU). Diwata-1 is set to launch in March and deploy in April. The much-anticipated microsatellite was handed over to Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) last January 31, 2016, which will be shipped to United States where it will be launched in International Space Station (ISS), a large habitable satellite orbiting the Earth. Innovation in the making Diwata-1 is a program of Philippine Scientific Earth Observation Micro-Satellite (PHL-Microsat) under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD). The genius team behind, dubbed “Magnificent 9” were from the DOST’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, in collaboration with Japanese scientists and engineers. Magnificent 9 comprises of Juan Paolo Espiritu, Ariston Gonzales, Gerwin Guba, John Leur Labrador, Benjamin Jonah Magallon, Delburg Mitchao, Julian Oliveros, Harold Paler, and Kaye Kristine Vergel, whose ages range from 22 to 26. On the other hand, a ground receiving station called the Philippine Earth Data Resources and Observation (PEDRO) Center in Subic, Zambales is to be built to receive the data and images captured by the satellites and process them into information that can then be distributed to government agencies and used for public services. Moreover, a research facility at UP Diliman will be tasked to develop improvements to the program. The laboratory will also have direct access to information processed by the ground receiving station. After the creation of Diwata-1, PHL-Microsat-2 will follow next. It is said to be launched in 2017. What’s in it for us? Our country will soon have its very own satellite in space. But what’s in it for us? The government has been availing services from foreign countries for satellite imagery. In 2013, the government had to pay about P56 million for a satellite imagery of an area affected by Typhoon Haiyan, locally known as Typhoon Yolanda. This led to the creation of the program. Our country invested P800 million for the 3-year project which costs P1.2 billion, wherein the two Japanese universities shouldered the remaining P400 million. Some Filipinos were questioning why would our country invest such big amount when we had more immediate and large-scale problems—poverty, economic growth, and national security. Building our own space program is not as impractical as it appears. In fact, for the 19 million taxpayers in the country, the government will be able to produce P2.5 billion annually for a civilian space program. This amounts to only P132 annually or P11 monthly per taxpayer. The satellite was installed with a high precision telescope which can help determine the extent of damage from disasters, like typhoon and volcanic eruptions. It is also expected to aid the country in disaster management programs, weather forecasting, agriculture, fisheries, forest protection, mining, and even the protection of cultural and historical sites, like the Cordillera Rice Terraces or Mayon Volcano. See, it’s not a waste of money. Yes, we can! This event marks an important milestone in the Philippine history. We are on our first step toward a selfreliant space development program. Our country is maybe light years away from other countries’ space programs but we, Filipinos, believe that it is never too late to start as long as we embrace the concept and give our full support. Diwata-1 proves that space technology is not something that only a skillful of people—computer experts, engineers, scientists—can benefit from. Space science is a vast field that awaits to be explored. And yes, we are now few steps away from it.
A NOT-SUPERHERO SWITCH Many action-packed and heroic movies will be released this year but among all those, one begs to differ and start creating buzz in the international scene. DC Comic’s Suicide Squad is coming down the way, a movie about a secret government agency that recruits imprisoned super villains to execute dangerous black missions in exchange for an executive clemency. Present on the squad are Will Smith as Deadshot, Jared Leto as Joker, Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn, Joel Kinnaman as Rick flag, Jai Courtney as Boomerang, Cara Delevingne as Enchantress, Adewale AkinnuoyeAgbaje as Killer Croc, Karen Fukuhura as Katana, Jay Hernandez as Diablo, and last but not the least, Viola Davis as Amanda Waller. Who says super villains can’t have their own movie? Superheroes don’t always come in capes and shields, and if you believe in this, catch Suicide Squad in Cinemas this August directed by David Ayer, produced by Warner Bros. and DC Comics.
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Chance Passenger Passenger is a commendable work of art written by Alexandra Bracken that speaks about an uncommon event faced by common people. The story started with Etta Spencer, a violin prodigy who lost everything and everyone she knows and trusted. Now, she is uncertain of things, except one—she is not miles, but years away from home. She inherited a legacy she doesn’t knew from a family she never knew existed. On the other hand, Nicholas Carter was contented with what he has: a life at sea, free from the Ironwoods—a well known and a powerful family. But with the arrival of Etta, who he considered a special passenger on his ship, comes the assertive pull of the past that is surely inevitable. Now the Ironwoods are finding an object stolen from them, with value beyond calculable, and believed only Etta can find. In order to protect her, he must be certain she brings it back to them. With treacherous forces and the deadly game, they are playing in search of the truth. Would they piece out the clues and solve the mystery or would Etta be separated, not only from Nicholas, but also from her path home… forever?
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le Playstore and Apple App other mobile markets.
Music is life. And a charming girl with a charming smile is a fresh face in the music world that had been raising expectations after hitting high on the charts. Victoria Loren Kelly, or most famously known as Tori Kelly, is an American singer and songwriter who owed her fame from Youtube. Her songs are typically about love, hurt, and empowerment—strong words mixed with pop or R&B music that gives emphasis to her vocals. When she was 16, she auditioned for American Idol but her journey there was short lived. That did not stop her, however. She independently produced her own music before signing a deal with Capitol Records back in 2012. On June 23, 2015, her debut album, Unbreakable Smile, was released. The lead single, “Nobody Love”, had led her first appearance in the Billboard Hot 100. Now, her videos in Youtube have over a hundred million views. The beauty of her work can be evidenced by this beautiful line from her song, Hollow: “I confess, my weakness, ‘til you pick up the parts that are broken. Pour out your perfection on me now.”
Sepanx Noun [Sē-pənks]
It never cease to amaze us how versatile our language is. Every hour of every day a new word is being born, it could be a slang, layman’s term, colloquial, Netizens hashtags, even gay and black lingo’s. Here are some of the Sphere’s take on what is trending in the language stratosphere, hope you like it and use it.
Tho’ Conjunction [ʹthō]
If this is the first time you have heard of the term do not be misguided, it is not a Shakespearean word of poetic talent. In today’s generation tho is simply a conjunct word for the term though, a Middle English adverb and conjunction used since the 12th century which means nevertheless. Popularized in IG (Instagram), a photo-sharing site, by using tho, one is pointing out a distinct feature or thing in their uploaded photos. It connotes both positive and negative impact, one can say it just to state the obvious on the other hand one can use it just to show-off.
—Elliona Mariz A. Retuta
Adjective [’bᾱ-sik or zik]
Yes you read it right and no it isn’t a new hardcore heavy metal rock band (it is a good name though), the word Sepanx is actually the abbreviated term for “Separation Anxiety” a psychological condition wherein a person feels a strong anxiety towards parting with a thing, place, person, memory, or feeling itself. The term was popularized on the 2015 Hollywood movie Dope, a character therein cannot quit smoking simply telling his friends that he will definitely have a “sepanx if he did”. And as we all know in this computer generation the term was immediately picked-up and used as an everyday term for hash-tags, tweets, status, and it was even used in the phenomenal kalye-serye of Eat Bulaga. Come to think of it, separation anxiety had been used since 1943 but by mere conjunction it became so-twothousand-and-sixteen. Isn’t it exciting to know that probably a minute after you have read this another cool term will go mainstream, as for me, I can’t wait.
—Sarah Mie S. Santizo
—Alecs Marie O. Pajarillo
—Krisstal P. Ocampo
Awesomesauce
Noun [man-’spred-ing]
Manspreading is a noun referring to the practice of a man (or a woman) when on a sitting position, spread their legs wide apart that it occupies too much space. Usually it is a mannerism since it relaxes the muscles of the legs that makes someone feel comfortable while sitting. But on the other hand, manspreading is not an appropriate behavior especially when done on public transports. The word was popularized through social media posts (photos and comments) regarding inconsiderate people who use to manspread even in crowded places.
We have probably heard this one a few hundred times, but not everyone is certain about its meaning. This ordinary word had been used as a catchy caption or hashtag in the pictures commonly posted on facebook or instagram. With pictures featuring a person’s “outfit of the day” (OOTD), the word ‘basic’ had started to invade the social media in the first quarter of the year 2015. The best definition that I found for this was: “used to describe someone devoid of defining characteristics that might make a person interesting or extraordinary”. So, basically, the term ‘basic’ means a person slaying his or her OOTD while still managing to make it simple. You see, it’s just basic!
Noun [mIks]
Are you confused on how to properly address a person you haven’t met yet? Now stop worrying since the Oxford English Dictionary included “Mx” as the newest word to the English vocabulary. It is used as the proper salutation for someone whose gender is unknown to another person to avoid confusion and misperception of someone’s true identity. The idea behind this word came from the LGBT community’s call for equal gender rights. There are instances wherein some people were offended when they are addressed as Miss or Mister unlike what they prefer, so instead Mx served as the universal identifier for any gender.
—Mark Kenneth M. Garcia
Adjective [ôsəm-sôs]
Awesomesauce is a word that describes something that is extremely good. it could be a thing, feeling, food, and/or happening. It is actually a combination of two words; awesome- meaning inspired with great admiration and apprehension or fear; saucemeans a thick liquid which adds moistness and flavor to a food. Oxford recently added awesomesauce to the vocabulary its formal definition is: an event that happens in a flavorsome manner. The next time you feel overwhelmed with great excitement and ran out of words to describe it try to use awesomesauce. It’s uhm-mazing.
—Danniel G. Guico
Confidently Beautiful With A Heart Interjection [brüh]
“Bruh” is a popular slang term for “bro” that is often used as an interjection to convey frustration or disappointment about something. The term “bruh” has been used as a substitute for “bro”–an informal term for brother–since the mid-to -recent 2000s, around the same time or shortly after the word “bro” entered colloquial usage in American-English vernacular. Online, the term is frequently iterated in the forms of text comments and reaction images, even Vine remixes in which various are shown fainting or falling over to the ground.
—Bianca Marie V. Baylon
Phrase ['kɒnfɪdəntli-'bju:təfʊl-'wɪð-a-'hɑ:t]
Squad Goal Noun [skwäd-'gōl]
Noun [FȯMȯ]
“Fear of missing out” or simply “FoMo” is an emotional strain caused by anxiety which has a compulsive concern that one might miss an opportunity or special event, frequently stirred by posts seen on social media. It is the desire to stay connected with others through social gathering or conforming what is hip – a common dilemma of the techie generation. Nowadays, almost everyone follows what is trending around the globe and that’s why this fear became common especially to the youth. Are you feeling any of the symptoms lately? Chances are, you might have FoMo.
—Renz A. Lozarita
Noun [ˈbakrəˌnim ]
This phrase has been used repeatedly in social media, articles, and personal conversations since its boom in late December. It has been popularized since Miss Universe 2015 Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach had used it in conclusion to her answer on why she should be the next Miss Universe. “Confident” means having strong belief, assured of oneself, and bold. “Beautiful” is excellence of its kind and the possession of pleasing qualities. “Having a heart” means having the capacity for kindness and sympathy, spirit and courage, happiness, and affection. Being confidently beautiful with a heart is being a charmingly spirited person with a will and nature to spread love and benevolence and is not afraid to do so. —Taryn Antonella D. Gonzaga
When a hashtag comes to fame, netizens use different terms like squad goal. Squad is a small group in the military and was first used in 1649, and was later adopted by the new generation as other term for the Filipino word "barkada" (referring to true friends who are there through your ups and downs). On the other hand, goal is defined as something you are trying to do or achieve. When combined the phrase is used to point out the uniqueness of group of friends who has a mutual objectives or achievements. —Mark Simon O. Rosellon
Have yo u ever encountered humorous or even folk etymology acronyms? A specially constructed phrase that is supposed to be the source of a word that is, or is claimed to be, an acronym is called backronym. Backronym is a combination of backward and acronym, and has been defined as a “reverse acronym”. It can be used for educational purposes, can be created as jokes or as slogans, and is sometimes created to name laws or programs.
—Marie Bianca C. De Vera
On Noun fleek Beastmode Noun [bēst-mōd]
“Beastmode” is defined as the unnatural state of extreme anger. A person is said to be on beastmode when he or she is monstrously angry, borderline overreacting, like a wild beast. It was derived from the words; beast- dangerous wild animal, and mode- a form of something. First used at the onset of 2015, when a driver’s irritable attitude was recorded on his friend’s phone. Apparently, he’s trying to get even with an annoying driver. He was so mad that he said he was already on beastmode. It was then posted on Facebook, and became viral, receiving a lot of negative comments from the Netizens. Since then it became a colloquial term used in every conversation.
—Ian Paolo B. Mercado
[on-‘flēk]
A gorgeous black woman once made a vine –a six second video on Facebook– telling her subscribers that she had the best eyebrow-day calling it on fleek. Since then it was sensationalized to the point that Oxford officially added it to the lists of phrases in their dictionary. It was first used as an adjective to describe the perfect eyebrow, but as time goes by, the phrase became a noun for someone or something that is elegant, posh, trendy, fashionable, and on point. Now that you know the meaning of this phrase, use it as a status, caption of your selfie, and in your day-to-day educational conversations not just to impress but also to express.
—Jethro V. Tucay
POE. Ginagamit niya ang
BINAY.
Kasi masyado niya dinadown ang sarili niya lalo na sa mga advertisement ginawa niya. – —Justine
pangalan ng kanyang ama na si Fernando Poe Jr. sa pagkakampanya. –Mr. Beastmode
RODRIGO DUTERTE. Para
DUTERTE. Dahil ayoko yung
gusto niya na kapag nanalo siya ay hawak niya ang lahat although maganda resulta kaso marami namang tao ang magagalit kapag pinatupad niya na ang one-man-rule dahil labag ito sa batas. –BSBA
Miriam. masyado na
matanda at may m karamdaman siya niya kakayanin a problema ng ating -Ella
kasi sa akin ang batayan ko
ROXAS. Dahil kaalyado niya si PNoy tapos dahil sa BBL at kung si Mar ang mananalo ipupursue niya ang pagapprove dito. —Renz
ng pagkapangulo is yung may mapapatunayan na sa buong pilipinas, although we know na pang-siyam sa buong mundo ang Davao na safest city, wala parin syang experience sa National Level. At feeling
DUTERTE. Kahit sabih
ko di nya alam ang Code of Ethics,
dahil
in
safest place in the wo siyang iboto dahil mara ngunit ang paniniwala n Diyos Para sa akin laba Duterte!
public
nagmumura sya. -Pabebe BSBA
RODRIGO DUTERTE. Pag s i ya a ng bi no t o, mababawasan nga ang mga kriminal pero madadagdagan ang pagbili sa karapatan. -JAB
Wala akong iboboto sa kanila dahil h in di sila matitino. -Ate Canteen
Binay. Dahil sa kanya lalo hindi uunlad ang Pilipinas. Paano mo iboboto ang taong nagpapasimula ng corruption. Dapat hindi siya iboboto hanggat hindi pa niya naipapaliwanag kung saan galing ang yaman niya. – MPS
DUTERTE, napakabossy niya at kung maging presidente man siya ay mukhang magkakaroon ng malawakang martial law at takot na ang mauuna kesa sa demokrasya. -Jetski
MAR ROXAS. Halata namang kumakapit lang sya kay Pnoy, may possibility na maging under sya kay Pnoy pag sya ang nahalal, at saka para syang bata pumapatol patol pa sa iba pang presidentiables. – Jomar Boncacas
BINAY,
self-interest lang naman ang habol niya at para payamanin ang pamilya niya at pagpatuloy ang political dynasty . –0511010
a siyang masamang at hindi ang mga g bansa.
MAR ROXAS. Gagamitin lang siya at didiktahan lang siya ng iba. – Ms. Seryoso
POE. kasi sa tingin ko wala
o l r e e
siyang magagawa na makakatulong sa Pilipinas, and besides kaya lang din naman siya sikat kasi sa tatay niya na popular, so one thing na reason yun kaya sya tumakbo for President. - Jay
hin pa nating napaunlad niya ang Davao at ninth most orld, hindi uubra yon sa Pilipinas. Marami ang gusto ami ang naghahangad ng pagbabago at kaginhawaan niya ay “patay- criminal” which is labag sa batas ng agin na ang lahat huwag lang ang batas Diyos. No for -Ems
G RACE PO E. Ka si masyado siyang nagmamadaling tumakbo para sa mataas na posisyon. Wala pa akong nakikitang magandang naidulot niya sa ekonomiya masyado siyang nagmamagaling. Sarili lang niya ang iniisip niya.
MAR ROXAS. Para sakin kasi
Dahil malaki ang possibility na matulad siya sa pamumuno ni Marcos, nakakatakot. May issue pa siya na nakapatay na siya. -Adante
MIRIAM. Sa pagkakaalam ko kasi ginagamit lang ni Santiago ang sakit niya para iboto siya. Kinukuha nya lang yung loob ng mga tao pra siya ang magiging president. –Kristine C.
MIRIAM DEFENSOR. Ayoko sa kanya sa kadahilanang hindi siya naniniwala sa Diyos. Kung siya mismo hindi naniniwalang may Diyos, paano niya maiimpluwensyahan ang kanyang pamumunuan na maging maka-Diyos? –Kitkat
BINAY. Madami na syang issue. May mga balita na corrupt. Madami siyang nakuha sa ating mga mamamayan. Bakit mo pa ba iboboto yung kagaya niya? Wala naman siya nagawa na tama sa Pinas. Kumikilos lang siya pag malapit na election. Pero noong wala pang election, mga sarili lang ang iniisip nila. Hindi nila tayo iniisip. Wala pa silang nagagawa para saten. Kaya si Binay. Hindi ko iboboto yon. Puro pakitang tao! —Juan
Roxas,
kasi
kung
itutuloy niya ang daang
totoo
matuwid,
matuwid
bang ang
sinumulan ni PNoy? Hindi naman.
-Anonymous Pen
– 151044*
BINAY. Dahil maraming nagsasabi na madami na syang natulungan, yung mga taga maynila lang ang priority nya. Although kita naman natin na ang Makati ay isang maunlad na lungsod, bakit ngayong si Binay ay Vice, bakit walang nagyari sa buong Pilipinas? Priority niya ang Makati/Metro Manila.
DUTERTE.
hndi sya deserving maging president dahil parang lagi lang syang nasunod sa mga sinasbi ng iba (walang pagkukusa) at ipinanganak syang mayaman, hindi niya alam ang totoong kalagayan ng mga mahihirap. At partido niya si PNoy di malayong maitutuloy niya yung hindi magandang pamamalakad ni Pnoy. -Anonymous
Rodrigo Duterte, para sa akin kulang ang Educational Background nya para maging pangulo, at dahil dun di sya karapat dapat. —CJ BSA
Duterte. Feeling ko karahasan ang magingibabaw pag sya ang nahalal.
– Rhaine Engineering
By the river Dear Mr. Rain, Thank you for pouring yesterday when he chased me, your timing was very perfect. Also, for making me feel and look like a rock as he begged me to come back. Your tiny droplets resembled my tears, flowing on my cheeks, to my chest then ripples on the ground. I loved him. I trusted him. I gave him everything. I don’t understand why he is kissing that girl, holding her nape down to her spine. Why… What have I done for you to break my heart? “Sorry, but I feel you are not enough “that was his reply. Did I hear it correctly or did I just interpret it the wrong
way? I’m not enough? “There are a lot of things that you can’t give me” he yelled.
My heart was shattered into million bits and pieces. I felt like throwing up. So instead of listening to his lies, I turned around and ran away without saying any word. I looked back at some point to see if he followed me, but he was not in sight. So my chest and eyes got heavier like I was carrying the weight of the world. I can’t contain my emotions. I feel bursting, so I did. I cried so hard I didn’t notice that I was already by the riverside—our favorite place. Then I saw my distorted reflection on the river. Then realization hit me, I’m like the water. At first, calm and steady until the rain poured and disturbed me. But at the end, the rain will stop and leave me and I will be back to my old self calm and steady. After comprehending this, I smiled and said to myself: “I’m in the middle of rain now.” I hope Mr. Rain you will help other women the way you helped me, that you will cover more teary women’s eyes by your droplets when someone broke their kind and beautiful heart. For the hearts of women should be loved and cared, not to be wrecked and left with ugly stains. Sincerely yours, The Woman in the Rain
There’s a Human Under my Bed “Do monsters exist?” “Monsters don’t exist. They’re just myths made out of people’s imagination.” I’ve always wondered why humans rule the Earth, why they are considered the most intelligent life form in the planet. They can’t do anything special. They’re bound by the laws of physics. Even their so called “magic” is just phony tricks and illusions from the use smoke and mirrors and quick of hand. Who decided that they should be the one who controls the planet—their god? They can’t even decide which god is the true god among themselves. My mother told me it’s because they have something called “humanity”—and I think that’s absurd. So simply being and existing as a human seals their fate just like that? That’s unfair. The humans even oftentimes argue about being born and having been given their fate. Some humans are born with a greater privilege over others… whether it may be in terms of wealth, color, or gender. They argue that “equality” should exist among them. Being white doesn’t make you superior over the blacks, or being a woman doesn’t make you inferior to man or being poor doesn’t make your life less valuable than a rich person’s. I asked my mother again. “What is humanity?” She told me that it is the special thing that makes humans, well, human. I asked how. She told me it is the state of being humane, benevolent. She said it is the kindness of the human heart and the selflessness of the human soul that makes humans live harmoniously among each other. She told me humanity is what keeps the humans at peace; it is the abstract vessel of true happiness… I seem to question that now. But I remember asking her again. “Is the practice of humanity exclusive only to humans?” And that is when she paused to think. In the end, she could not give me a direct answer. “Can they not share this kindness and selflessness over animals… over monsters?” Sometimes they can’t even share it among themselves. From humanity, there is also something called human nature—the mere excuse of the humans to give justice to their humanly desires and faults. Human nature contradicts the definition of humanity. If a human kills another human… is it inherent in human nature to do so? If a human makes another human suffer for his own benefit, if a human deceives another human for the likely the same reasons, or if a human starts to hate another human, does it make them less of a human? And if they are less of a human, do they become monsters as well? Mother said monsters make better humans than humans themselves. She said that the humans kill each other in cold blood and promote the “sanctity” of hatred through misinterpreted words that once meant love. They hurt each other, she said. And so I ask her if they deserved to rule the planet we all lived in. She told me some do. Because despite the chaos they had inflicted upon themselves, a tiny spark of humanity still exists. As long as it remains there, she told me, humans will continue to be stronger than monsters. It’s funny how they’re so scared of us, when it would be us who should be scared of them. See, the humans have a different definition, a different understanding of what monsters are. For them, a monster is a creature that is typically large, ugly, and frightening. For them, monsters are cruel and wicked. A monster soul is made up of love, hopes, and dreams. A human soul does not need any of those to exist. Maybe that is the reason why they are stronger than the monsters they fear of. Because monsters do not have the capacity to harm like they do. The human world is too dangerous for us to stay, despite the beauty their world possesses. In fact, the only monsters the humans should be afraid of are themselves. They shouldn’t need us to blame. They all can be monsters if they wanted to. Maybe they should stop checking under their beds and start looking at the mirror.
I saw you in the dark corner of the room, Crying heavily under the light of the moon. Hoping that no one would ever hear you, But here I am, few steps closer to your blue. Curled up, eyes shut and ears covered, Desperately hiding the dark in your soul that hovered. A loud screech from where I stand disturbed you, You looked back and I saw a gloomy view. I caught a glimpse of your almond-shaped eye, Begging for me to fly. Sob and sob you do, I froze from where I am, One step closer, I stretched my hand. But you refuse to take my hand, Without a word, you ran away. I was left in confusion, thinking why you would not stay, I was standing in the corner of the room. I looked up and saw the moonlight shining brightly at me. But then, through the window, I saw you with him, Broken and vulnerable, I cried my heart out in dim.
BY: Bianca Marie Baylon
Broken Vow This is the place where it all started. Vibrant colors filled the shed, the place where we first met. I still remember the first time I felt your deep love, It’s like I was flown by thousands of doves. All I see are flowers blooming, My love for him is deeply growing. I had been preparing for this special day, Never had I expected that it will turn the other way. I was rushing through the hallway to surprise him, A gorgeous girl suddenly kissed him. Tears started to flow from my eyes, My weary heart turned cold as ice. I ran away from the crowd, leading me to a distant place I’ve never been. It was late afternoon, the moon is starting to be seen. I entered a room, curled up, eyes shut and ears covered. A loud screech bothered me, I looked back and saw a glimpse of his face. I turned and ran away in a fast pace. I can’t help but to cry and sight the moonlight. I saw a friend of mine and immediately hugged him so tight.
A Little Too Late By: Tala
He held my hand while we’re walking down the boulevard feeling the damp humid ocean breeze sprayed all over our body. He stopped and knelt down on one knees. “Adrianne, let me be the happiest man on this lifetime…”
“I want to thank you for taking care of me, but this time let me do it for you…” I don’t know that someone could feel so many emotions at ones, I was happy, excited, shocked, afraid and in love at the same time. He held out a blue velvet box and hand it to me.
I was frozen, for the first time I am out of words. He looked at me with confusion. “Hey, did you hear what I say?” It took me a while to nod my head and before in knew it my tears were flooding. He stood up at ones lifted my body in the air then kissed me softly. “Yes I would marry you” I stared at his pale green eyes, it was like any slow motion scene in every movie I have ever watched. Of all the chaos the world is experiencing right now, I don’t care. As long as I am looking at him, I am happy.
–
1.
You are in an old, abandoned building 3. How do you react on hearing the where no human has set foot for years sound of this other person? Do you try and have discovered a staircase to search out the stairs without looking leading underground. Slowly you back? Or are you paralyzed with fear make your way down, counting the and frozen where you stand? steps as you go. One step… two… three… 4. You hear a person now calling your How many steps is it to the bottom of name and see a figure descending the stairs? from the light at the top of the stairs. 2. The underground room is pitch black. Who is this person coming down the Then, from the darkness you hear the stairs? sound of another person. Is the person weeping softly? Moaning wordlessly? Is it a voice speaking to you? For y our Kok ol ogy i nt e r pr e t at i on, v i s i t www. f ac e book . c om/ Spc ba The Sphe r e . Gi v e us y our c omme nt s and s ugge s t i ons , t hat woul d be wonde r f ul !
NEIGHBORS
11. The man who keeps horses lives next to the man who smokes
There is a row of five different color houses. Each house is occupied by a man of different nationality. Each man has a different pet, prefers a different drink, and smokes different brand of cigarettes.
Dunhill.
1. The Brit lives in the Red house. 2. The Swede keeps dogs as pets. 3. The Dane drinks tea. 4. The Green house is next to the White house, on the left. 5. The owner of the Green house drinks coffee. 6. The person who smokes Pall Mall rears birds. 7. The owner of the Yellow house smokes Dunhill. 8. The man living in the center house drinks milk 9. The Norwegian lives in the first house. 10. The man who smokes Blends lives next to the one who keeps
The man who smokes Blends has a neighbor who drinks water.
cats.
12. The man who smokes Blue Master drinks beer. 13. The German smokes Prince. 14. The Norwegian lives next to the Blue house. Who has fish at home? Are you one of the 2%?
A MAN IN THE ELEVATOR A man who lives on the tenth floor takes the elevator down to the first floor every morning and goes to work. In the evening, when he comes back; on a rainy day, or if there are other people in the elevator, he goes to his floor directly. Otherwise, he goes to the seventh floor and walks up three flights of stairs to his apartment. Can you explain why?
Donaire reclaims Super Bantamweight title BY
Ian Paolo B. Mercado
T
he country’s pride Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire reclaimed the Super Bantamweight championship belt after he finished -off Mexican fighter Cesar Juarez with a left hook during the World Boxing Organization (WBO) championship fight in Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan, Puerto Rico, December 18.
slowing by the seventh round due to a critical hit that left him with a cut on one eye causing it to swell. The 24-year-old Mexican boxer should have been credited with a knockdown on the 10th round, but the referee ruled it was a slip. Donaire used
Donaire had a good start, knocking Juarez twice in the fourth round. But Juarez remained persistent in holding on to the title as he turned the tides during the middle rounds. Bruised and beaten, the 33-year old Donaire was undoubtedly
his remaining energy in the final rounds and managed to win via unanimous decision from the judges scorecards, 116110, 116-110 and 117-109, respectively. “It was a tremendous fight, I give my opponent tremendous respect. We gave it all. I will definitely give him a rematch” beamed Donaire during one of the post-fight interview. The Filipino Flash hammered out a tough unanimous decision over Juarez. According to him, it was one of the toughest fights of his career, yet he was happy that he was able to reclaim the belt he lost two years ago.
IPTL ‘15: All-Star players head to Manila BY
Jethro V. Tucay
T
he International Premiere Tennis league (IPTL) made its jam-packed all-star comeback at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena, Pasay City, December 6-8.
The IPTL used a different format compared to other tennis tournaments; in here team matches were divided into five categories: men’s singles, women’s singles, mixed doubles, men’s doubles, and legend’s singles. This season, was more interesting since they added a new element to the match, super-shootout that is not time-bound, shot clock with 20-seconds in between service points, 45-seconds during changeovers, and 3minutes during breaks in between sets. The five teams battling for the title are; Micromax Indian Aces (Defending Champion): Rohan Bopanna, Ivan Dodig, Sania Mirza, Gael Monfils, Rafael Nadal, Fabrice Santor, and
Samantha Stosur; Legendari Japan Warriors: Pierre-Hugues Herbert, Philipp Kohlscheiber, Mirjana Licic-Baroni, Kurumi Nara, Ken Nishikori, Leander Paes, Maral Safin, and Maria Sharapova; Obi United Arab Emirates Royals: Tomas Berdych, Marin Cilic, Roger Federer, Ana Ivanovic, Goran Ivavisevic, Daniel Nestor, and Kristina Mladenovic. Oue Singapore Slammers; Belinda Bencic, Dustin Brown, Nick Kyrgious, Marcelo Melo, Carlos Moya, Andy Murray, Karolina Pliskova, and Stan Wawrinka; and Philippine Mavericks; Jarmila Gajdosova, Richard Gasquet, Treat Huey, Mark Philippoussis, Milos Raonic, Edouard Roger-Vasselin,
Ajla Tomlj Anovic, and Serena Williams. The tournament began with Legendari Japan Warriors defeating OUE Singapore Slammers, 29-20, Philippine Mavericks dominating OBI UAE Royals, 29-18. Micromax Indian Aces ruling over OBI UAE Royals 30-18, Mavericks once again gave their shot won against Japan Warriors, 25-21. OUE Singapore Slammers ruled over OBI UAE Royals with 26-23 score, and Mavericks finished Aces, 25-24. The final tally on the Manila leg: Philippine Mavericks with three wins, and zero loss; OUE Singapore Slammers and Indian Aces with one win and one loss; OBI UAE Royals one win and two losses; Japan warriors no win and two losses. All five teams will continue to New Delhi, India, Dubai UAE, and Singapore City, Singapore for the third, fourth, and last leg of the tournament.
Against All Odds, Beermen Claims PH Cup Title BY
Taryn Antonella D. Gonzaga
The San Miguel Beermen had clawed back to the spotlight from a 0-3 series deficit to defeat the Alaska Aces in 7 games, winning their second straight 2016 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup championship title on February 3, Mall of Asia Arena (MOA).
coming back on Game 5 to play alongside his team.
Beermen had been expected to lose the final after Aces had built an intimidating 0-3 lead, with San Miguel appearing to be doomed after its reigning back-to-back MVP, June Mar Fajardo, had been sidelined on Game 4 due to a knee injury. Eventually, Fajardo had forced his recovery,
Valuable Player (MVP). He averaged 8.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1.7 steals.
Superbowl comes to an end as Denver Broncos dominates Carolina Panthers, 24-20. Payton Manning of Broncos, oldest playing quarterback in National Football League (NFL) history, after leading his team towards victory is widely expected to call time-out in his career after winning his second Superbowl ring alongside with his Indianapolis Colts in 2007.
interview, said that he is sharing the trophy to the rest of his team because they all deserve to be MVP’s.
Comfortable with their lead, Alaska made an unusual three straight timeouts on the first second of the game. Coach Alex Compton then made a platoon substitution, leaving only Cyrus Baguio from his starters. The strategy did not prove to be effective as the Aces found themselves down The final scores were a dramatic 96-89, allowing the by several points. From this point, Beermen had started to Beermen to claim their 6th Philippine Cup trophy. It should gain the advantage with several three-point shots, the Aces also be noted that Beermen had won 3 out of the last four struggling to keep up and even the scores in their favor. championships in the franchise; all had been against the Chris Ross, who led the Beermen with 21 points, 5 Alaska Aces. rebounds, and 5 assists in Game 7, was declared the Most
San Miguel’s point guard Chris Ross was hailed as the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) in the recently concluded SMART BRO Philippine Cup after helping his team grab the championship title. Ross, during an
PBA fans are looking forward to next year’s Philippine Cup championship, where Beermen and Aces are predicted to compete for the title once more.
The very difficult road to Russia 2018 and to UAE 2019 just got a little bit clearer for the Philippine Azkals as they were drawn in Group H together with Uzbekistan, Bahrain, North Korea, and Yemen. The Azkals ultimate target is to book a slot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the first step is to finish as group winners or as one of the four best second placed finishers in this group H qualifying round.
Filipinos are born fighters—they are known for their endurance and their sense of ingenuity, privileged or not. Philippines has been continuously showing its fighting spirit in many ways: from asserting its dominance in the world of boxing, to collecting crowns in the realm of beauty pageants. But if fellow Asian countries like Japan and Korea have karate and taekwondo, Philippines too, has something to offer the world in the field of Martial Arts: Arnis, the country’s national sport.
Something Pinoys can call their own On December 11, 2009, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Republic Act 9850, an act declaring Arnis as the national martial arts and sports of the Philippines. Section 2 of the said law defines the sport as “an indigenous Filipino martial art and sport characterized by the use of swinging and twirling movements, accompanied by striking, thrusting and parrying techniques for defense and offense”.
quarters using sticks or batons, swords and knives, bare hands, or any improvised weapon. Arnis players can participate in two types of competitions: anyo or form, and laban or full combat competitions. In anyo, athletes would perform sequences of choreographed movements using two batons. The competition would be judged based on the creativity of overall choreography. These batons are used as an extension of the body—used for striking and twirling, for showcasing strength, gracefulness and discipline. On the other hand, in laban, or full combat competitions, players are required to strike different body parts of their opponents. Players are equipped with protective gear and each holding a single baton that is to be used for striking and blocking, much like swordplay. In this type of competition, the combination of agility and quick reaction time is needed in order to win.
Well-deserved recognition
Through the supervision of the Department of Arnis, also known as kali or eskrima, originated in the Education Arnis Association of the Philippines (DEAAP), Philippines, though exact references to its history are unclear students from elementary to high school have the due to lack of documentation. opportunity to practice and learn the sport. The inclusion of One theory suggests that the sport originated during the sport in the curriculum would help develop the younger the Spanish colonial period, where weapons had been generation to appreciate the sport. banned in most parts of the country. Because of this, But it is not only in the Philippines that the sport has Filipinos used sticks and bolos to practice wielding their swords, disguising it as a folk dance. Another theory says been given recognition. Martial arts superstar Bruce Lee and that Filipinos got it from fellow Southeast Asian countries his Filipino-American student Dan Inosanto promoted the because of linguistic similarities of the other names of Arnis. sport back in the 1970’s, giving Arnis its first international However, the sport has been mostly overshadowed awareness. Nowadays, Filipinos and foreigners alike have taken interest into the practice of Arnis. Not all Filipinos know that Arnis is our national sport. It is never too late to learn the art of the sport—something authentically Filipino and worthy of pride. Involvement in the promotion and the practice of this sport embraces the culture it represents. It is the reason The art of the sport enough to fight for the glory of Arnis and of the country of This fighting style is utilized for efficiency in closed its roots. and forgotten due to the new culture brought by the country’s colonizers. It was preserved by grandmasters that taught the art of Arnis and kept it alive today. The sport has been growing popularity over the recent years, practiced both internationally and locally.