Poetry Planet International Magazine October 2023 edition

P L A N E T P O E T R Y

EXCLUSIVE

THE STORY OF POZORRUBIO,

A SUMMARY

Long long ago, there was a mountainous plain with two rivers. It is believed that the Igorots were the first inhabitants of this land. They lived by hunting, fishing, and gathering wild fruits, nuts, and root crops They are the early inhabitants that stayed in now the present-day Barangays of Sugcong, Villegas, Inoman and Buneg. It was said that they have a tribe named bago whose language is similar to Pangasinense.t.

Later, the Ilocanos came and drove the Igorots back to the mountains. The Ilocanos were from La Union and Ilocos, and they were looking for a better place to stay. They established themselves in the present-day barangays of Rosario, Buneg, Alipangpang, Imbalbalatong, Nama, and Palacpalac.

At the same time, the Pangasinenses from the ancient kingdom of Caboloan (now San Carlos and Dagupan City) led by their king, Kasikis, came. They settled in the present-day barangays of Nantangalan, Bantugan, Amagbagan, Malasin, and Dilan.

These two groups of settlers formed an alliance and drove the Igorots away. One of the leaders of the Pangasinenses was a man named Claris. He was a strong warrior who fought bravely against the Igorots. After the Igorots were defeated, the land was named Claris in honor of Claris

Centuries later, Claris became a sitio of the municipality of San Jacinto. In 1834, it became a barrio

How Pozorrubio Got Its Name

There are two different stories about how Pozorrubio got its name One story is that a Japanese traveler once asked for water from a Filipino. The Filipino pointed to a well and said "pozo," which means "well" in Spanish. The Japanese traveler misunderstood and thought the Filipino said "rubio," which means "blond" in Spanish. The traveler then drank from the well and said that it tasted like it had microbes in it, which in Spanish is "rubios." This is how the name Pozorrubio was supposedly formed However, this is not the real story behind the name of Pozorrubio. Because it got its name way long before the Japanese occupation.

The real story is that the name was given by the Spanish priest, Father Lucio Ascencio. In the 1860s, the residents of Claris petitioned the Spanish government to make their barrio a municipality led by Don benito Magno. The priest supported the petition, but he asked that the name of the town be changed. He did not want the town to be named after Don Juan de la Cruz Palaris, a rebel leader who fought against the Spanish government in the 1760s.

Father Ascencio decided to name the town after the Conde de Pozor, who was the Spanish Minister of the Ultramar (Overseas Territories). The Conde de Pozor was a powerful figure in the Spanish government, and Father Ascencio thought that naming the town after him would help to get the petition approved. The Spanish government approved the petition, and the town was renamed Pozorrubio. The name Pozorrubio is a combination of the words "pozo" (well) and "rubio" (blond). The well that Father Ascencio found in Bantugan was red, and he thought that the name Pozorrubio would be a fitting tribute to the town's unique history. It has two r in the middle to honor the count of madrid.

In 1870, Don Benito Magno was elected the first mayor of Pozorrubio. The town has continued to grow and prosper since then, and it is now a thriving municipality in the province of Pangasinan.

CULTURAL HERITAGE OF ODISHA

By Kishor Kumar Mishra

INTRODUCTION

Culture is all about the way of life of people in any society, region and civilization, and includes religion and belief,artandcraft,musicanddance, language,literature,manners,attires, rituals, social institutions like marriage, family and kinship etc. All these aspects of human life pass downfromgenerationtogeneration. Cultural heritage is the legacy of cultural activities that a society or civilizationinheritsfromthepast.This includes all the above aspects- both in physical and custom form, a concept that acts as a bridge connectingpastandpresent. In this article, my efforts will be to introducebrieflytheculturalheritage ofOdisha(FormerlyOrissa),anIndian state, located in the eastern coast of peninsularregion.

BRIEFDESCRIPTION

LocatedintheBayofBengalcoastwithan areaof156lakhsq km andapopulationof 45million,Odishaisrichinminerals,forests wildlife,andwater-bodies Themainreligion isHinduandthelanguageis‘Odia’,though peopleofotherreligionsandlanguageslive here.Thecoexistenceofpastandpresentis clearlyvisiblethroughoutthestate.Thesocial customs,arts,crafts,danceforms,literature, sculptures,andmonumentsexhibittherich culturalheritageoftheregion

FROMPASTTOPRESENT

ThelonghistoryofOdishadatesbacktothe ‘Mahabharata’period.In‘Ramayana’also, thereismentionof‘Dandakaranya’,apartof whichisinOdisha,mostlyfullofforests.Local legendsaysthat‘Sitabinji’(Keonjhardistrict) istheplacewhere‘Sita’gavebirthto‘Luv’and ’Kush’.

Therearementionsof‘Kalinga’ kingdom(apartofwhichismodern Odisha)in‘Mahabharata’.Thefamous Kalingawarbetween‘Magadh’and ‘Kalinga’empireswasfoughtin261BC nearBhubaneswar,thepresent capitalcityofOdisha.‘Kharavela’,a greatKingofKalinga,reignedinthis regionduring2ndcenturyBC.

Odishacameunder‘Gupta’and ‘Shailaodbhava’rulersduring4thand 6th-8thCenturyADrespectively.

Subsequently,‘Bhuamakara’, ‘Somavanshi’and‘EasternGanga’ dynastiesruledthislandfrom8thto 12thcenturyAD.

‘Gajapati’kingsruledOdishafrom15th centuryAD,andfollowedby‘Bhoi’ dynastyandMughalsin16thcentury. Marathasruledin18thcenturyand finally,itcameunderBritishrule,till independenceofIndiain1947

ACULTURALHERITAGEOFODISHA

(a) ReligionandBelief:

HinduismisthemainreligioninOdisha.Vishnu andShivaarethemaindeitiesofthe ‘Vaishnavites’and‘Shaivite’sectsrespectively. ShriJagannath(incarnationofVishnu)ofPuri isthemostworshippedGodandisworshipped withShriBalabhadraandDeviSubhadra LingarajandotherincarnationsofGodShiva areworshippedinvariousplacesinOdisha. OtherGodsandgoddesseslikeGanesh, Kartikeya,Parvati,Durga,Laxmi,Saraswati,and Kaliarealsoworshipped Hindusbelievein DeathandRebirth,HeavenandHell,Goodand Baddeeds,andtheconsequentialresults ThousandsofoldandnewHindutempleslike ShriJagannathTemple,LingarajaTemple, KonarkSunTemple,CuttackChandiTemple, BirajaTemple,BaladevJewTemple, ManikeswariTemple,SamaleswariTemple, existinthestate.PeopleoftribalOdishahave localbeliefsandtheyworshiplocaldeities

(b)LanguageandLiterature:

‘Odia’isthemainlanguage ofOdisha Itdatesbackto 10thcenturyADandhas beendevelopedinspoken andwrittenform.Itis regardedaIndianclassical language

Odialiteraturehasanotable prosperitywithalongrich literaryhistory.Amongthe earliestcompositionsare ‘Mahabharata’ofSaralaDas and‘Bhagabata’of JagannathDas Alarge numberofancient,early medieval,medieval,late medievalandmodern literatureshaveflourished thelanguage.

Someotherlanguageslike Hindi,Bengali,Telugu,Tamil andUrduarespokenhereby somemigratedpeople Englishisusedasan alternativeofficiallanguage.

(c)FairsandFestivals: Fromoldtimes,festivalsare observedhereeveryyear Notableare:RathYatra, SnanaPurnima,Dussehra, Raja,Savitri,AkshayaTritiya, Diwali,Holi,Khudurukuni, GaneshPuja,SaraswatiPuja, LaxmiPuja,KaliPuja,Nua khai

(a) ArtandArchitecture: Odishahasitsoldtraditional painting‘Pattachitra’,which isworld-famous.Several otherlocaltraditional paintingsalsobearheritage value

AOdishaisknownforitsKalingastyleofarchitecture

Parshurameswartempledatesbackto7thcenturyAD Other famoustemplesofheritagevalueare:Jagannathtemple, Lingarajtemple,KonarkSuntemple,Vaitaltemple,Mukteswar temple,RajaraniTemple,Birajatemple.Thecapitalcity Bhubaneswariscalledthe‘TemplecityofIndia’.

(a) HandloomandHandicraft:

Traditionalhandloomdesignsare: Sambalpuri,Bomkai, Pasapali,Khandua,Berhampuripata,Maniabandhi. Traditionalhandicraftsinclude(a)AppliquéworkofPipili,(b) SilverfiligreeworkofCuttack,(c)HornworkofCuttackand Parlakhemundi.Otherhandicraftsofheritagevalueinclude Brassmetalworks,Caneworks,Stonecarvings,Terracottaand potteryetc.

(b) MusicandDance:

MusicandDanceofOdishahasarichculturalheritage.‘Odissi’ ismainclassicalstylemusicand‘Odissi’danceisthedance form OtheroldtraditionalartanddanceformsofOdisha include‘Mahari’,‘Gotipua’,‘PrahalladaNataka’,‘Pala’, ‘Dasakathia’,‘KhanjaniBhajana’etc,whicharestillsurviving withtime

(c) FoodandDelicacies:

Fromearliertime,rice,pulsesandvegetablesaremainfood ingredientsoftheregion Inaddition,variousmilkproducts, sweetsandsnacksareconsumedbyallclassofpeople.

(d) Marriage and Family:

A traditional arranged marriage with the consent of parents and near relations is the old custom and is still followed, though there are some deviations in the modern age. Old traditional joint families still exist, though nuclear families are growing rapidly, mostly in city areas.

(e) Science and research

Samanta Chandrasekhar, a noted astronomer and mathematician of the nineteenth century and author of ‘Siddhanta Darpan’, was born and worked in Odisha.

(f) Ritual and Ceremony

A number of local rituals have been observed from old times. ‘Sathi Puja’ during birth, ‘Anna Prasana’ (Beginning of rice feeding to baby) and ‘khadi chhuan’(beginning of learning), sacred thread ceremony, betrothal ceremony, marriage ceremony, funeral ceremony, etc.

Each locality, society has its own traditional way of living. People of each area feel proud and live with their own cultural heritage. They follow the traditions from generation to generation and make efforts to keep it going.

Thoughthereareinstances of mix-up of culture with the influence of people other locality, cultural heritage form the basic identity of race, society or locality.

Liege LordLanre

INK AND QUILL:

AFRICA'S ENDURING LEGACY

In the lands where the sun warmly kisses golden plains and vibrant rhythms echo through the veins of its people, there exists a treasure that is bound by ink and quill. It is a legacy that Africans have instilled through the ages - the art of writing From ancient tales etched on weathered parchments to modern prose unveiling untold stories, writing weaves a tapestry that connects the echoes of a magnificent past

Upon this vast and fertile land, the pen dances, guided by the hands of Africa Words bloom like mighty baobab trees, rooted deep in the African soil. Through the telling of triumphs and the recounting of sorrows, African voices rise and glow, their stories etched deeply into the embrace of history. It is in their speckled tapestry of narratives that the beauty of Africa's grace is inscribed

From the shores of Ghana to the heights of Ethiopia, from the majestic plains of Nigeria to the breathtaking sights of South Africa, writing nurtures the flame of Africa's heritage.

It illuminates the vibrant name of a continent that is uniquely diverse. The works of legendary African writers such as Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, Wole Soyinka, and Maya Angelou conjure worlds that are divine. Their words echo through the ages, becoming a sacred shrine of African literature

Writing serves as a cultural heritage, profound and true It beats in sync with the very essence of Africa's heartbeat, forever renewed It sings of courage, resilience, and pride - a celebration of voices standing side by side. Through the power of the written word, we etch our souls onto pages, crafting stories that unfold and reveal the beauty that Africa holds. Each tale becomes a testament to the dreams that Africa embodies

So let the words flow freely, like rivers untamed With ink and paper as our tools, we shall remain unchained. For writing is a gift, a cherished African treasure, passed down through generations It is a legacy that transcends boundaries and measures.

Through poetry, novels, and the revered oral tradition, our stories resonate, igniting a vibrant ignition within the hearts of all who encounter them Writing becomes a cultural heritage that we all bear, forever to be shared amongst us In the depths of African hearts lies an everlasting commitment to honor our roots and celebrate the rich tapestry of our heritage through the written word

As an African writer, I find myself drawn to the written word like a moth to a flame It is through reading the works of great African writers that I have learned the craft, embracing the rich tapestry of our literary heritage Each page turned has been a journey into the depths of Africa's soul, igniting a passion within me to translate the beauty and complexities of our continent onto the written page.

My love affair with literature began with the works of legends such as Chinua Achebe and his timeless masterpiece, "Things Fall Apart " As I immersed myself in the story of Okonkwo and the clash of cultures, I couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in our African identity. Achebe's words painted vivid images of our ancestral past, filling me with a deep appreciation for our history and traditions

In the footsteps of Achebe, I followed the path paved by Chimamanda Adichie. Her novels, like "Half of a Yellow Sun" and "Americanah," transported me to different eras and continents, yet always kept me tethered to the core of African experiences Her multifaceted characters mirrored the complexities of our modern society, challenging stereotypes and pushing boundaries Through Adichie's prose, I discovered the power of storytelling as a means to reshape narratives and reclaim our voices.

Wole Soyinka, a giant of African literature, captivated me with his play "Death and the King's Horseman " The themes of cultural clashes and the struggles of modernity resonated deeply within me. Soyinka's ability to infuse his work with political and social critiques inspired me to write not just for the sake of entertainment, but with a purpose to challenge societal norms and spark conversations

And then there is the beloved Maya Angelou, a poetess whose words breathe life into emotions and experiences Her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," spoke to me on a profoundly personal level Through her lyrical and heartfelt prose, she illuminated the resilience of the human spirit, reminding me that our stories have the power to heal and inspire both ourselves and others

ThesegreatAfricanwritershavelaidthe foundationuponwhichIcontinueto build Theircreativity,courage,and unwaveringdedicationtotheircraft serveasguidinglightsinmyownwriting journey.Throughtheirworks,theyhave shownmethatliteratureismorethan justwordsonapage;itisagatewayto understanding,empathy,andchange.

So,armedwithinspiration,Ipickupmy penandpourtheessenceofmybeing ontopaper Idelveintothedepthsofmy ownexperiences,weavingtogether fragmentsofmemories,hopes,and dreamsinthetapestryofstorytelling Theweightoftheirinfluencepushesme forward,encouragingmetofearlessly exploretheintersectionsofculture, identity,andhumanconnection

Inmywriting,Iaimtochallenge preconceivednotions,tobreakdown barriers,andtogivevoicetothe silenced Istrivetocapturethevibrant huesofourcontinent,tobreathelifeinto characterswhoreflecttherichnessand diversityofAfrica Itismyhopethat throughmystories,readerswillembark ontheirownjourneysofdiscovery, understanding,andappreciationforthe beautyandcomplexityofourAfrican heritage

Just as these writers have opened doors for me, I seek to build bridges, linking generations and continents through the power of words. I want to be a part of a new wave of African writers igniting conversations, reshaping narratives, and empowering voices that have been overshadowed for far too long.

With every sentence I write, I carry the responsibility of sharing the truth of my experiences, and of shining a light on the diverse stories that make up the fabric of our African tapestry It is a humbling journey, one that reminds me of the importance of staying true to myself, and of always striving to uplift and inspire others

As I continue to grow as a writer, I am grateful for the trailblazers who came before me. They have left an indelible mark on the literary world, and I am honored to walk in their footsteps. Their words have unlocked doors and set my imagination free

And so, I press on, guided by the powerful legacies of those who have shaped the landscape of African literature Armed with pen and paper, I strive to make my own mark, to add my voice to the chorus of African writers, and to contribute to a larger narrative that celebrates our heritage, embraces our complexities, and sparks conversations that lead to understanding, empathy, and change.

Education.

CANMATH BRIDGETHE GAP BETWEEN NUMBERS AND RELATIONS HIPSBY TEACHING SOCIAL SKILLS?

CIn the educational sphere, the domains of mathematics and social skills often present themselves as separate aspects, residing in distinct corners of a student's educational voyage.However, the convergence of these seemingly unrelated disciplines can yield remarkable results The integration of math to teach social skills is an innovative approach that not only enriches mathematical understanding but also nurtures emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration – all essential facets of holistic education.

Traditionally, mathematics has often been viewed as a solitary pursuit – an exercise in abstract thinking and problem-solving, conducted in isolation Social skills, on the other hand, involve the ability to communicate effectively, understand others' perspectives, collaborate, and navigate social situations with empathy and tact These two worlds, seemingly divergent, can actually complement and enhance each other in the context of education.

Mathematics inherently involves logical reasoning, critical thinking, and the formulation of strategies to solve problems. These skills translate remarkably well into teaching social skills. Just as mathematical problems require a systematic approach, so do social interactions By introducing mathematical concepts through collaborative activities and group problem-solving, educators can foster the development of social skills such as teamwork, communication, and negotiation.

Collaborative math activities encourage students to work together to solve problems, thus promoting teamwork, communication, and the exchange of ideas.

For instance, group-based math projects require students to allocate tasks, brainstorm solutions, and combine individual insights to arrive at a collective answer Through these activities, students learn to communicate their thoughts effectively, consider diverse perspectives, and appreciate the value of shared effort.

Math-based games also provide an ideal platform for promoting social skills Games that involve strategy, logic, and critical thinking necessitate interaction between players. As students strategize and make decisions, they engage in friendly competition, negotiation, and the art of compromising – all vital components of effective social interactions

Mathematics frequently finds application in realworld contexts. From calculating expenses to analyzing data, mathematical thinking is essential in navigating everyday life. Integrating math into social situations enhances students' understanding of how mathematical concepts are not confined to textbooks but are instrumental in practical scenarios.

Consider a scenario where students plan a fundraising event for a charitable cause. In this endeavor, they need to set budgets, allocate resources, and analyze potential outcomes – all tasks requiring mathematical thinking

Collaborative discussions about budget distribution encourage negotiation, decisionmaking, and consideration of various viewpoints, thereby cultivating social skills

Empathy, the ability to understand and share others' feelings, is a cornerstone of strong social skills. Math can serve as an unexpected conduit for developing empathy. Imagine a math problem that involves working with percentages to analyze different income levels.

By contextualizing the problem with discussions about income inequality, students gain not only mathematical skills but also an awareness of social issues. This awareness, in turn, nurtures empathy as students grasp the impact of numbers on people's lives.

Problem-solving is central to both math and effective social interactions. In math, students analyze problems, identify patterns, and devise solutions. This analytical approach can be applied to social dilemmas. For instance, students can work together to resolve hypothetical conflicts, brainstorming strategies that cater to the needs of all parties involved..

Furthermore, explaining mathematical concepts to peers necessitates clear communication. Articulating complex math problems in simple terms requires students to consider their audience's perspective, a skill directly applicable to effective communication in social contexts.

The integration of math and social skills aligns seamlessly with the concept of a growth mindset –the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, practice, and learning. This mindset fosters resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace challenges – attributes that are valuable in both mathematical and social domains.

Educators play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between math and social skills. By designing lessons that interweave mathematical concepts with social contexts, teachers create a holistic learning environment. One effective approach is to introduce biographical profiles of mathematicians, sharing their contributions while emphasizing their social impact. This approach underscores that mathematics isn't isolated from the human experience; rather, it shapes the world in profound ways

Moreover, facilitating open discussions about the practical applications of math in societal issues cultivates students' awareness of their roles as responsible global citizens

Integrating current events that involve mathematical analyses further highlights the significance of mathematical thinking in understanding the world and making informed decisions.

The fusion of math and social skills enriches education by creating multifaceted learners who excel not only in mathematical prowess but also in emotional intelligence, communication, and collaboration. By leveraging collaborative learning, realworld applications, empathy development, and problemsolving, educators forge a bridge between these disciplines. This approach nurtures students who don't just understand numbers but also appreciate the human narratives woven around them.

When students encounter a challenging math problem, their perseverance in tackling it can be mirrored in facing interpersonal challenges By highlighting the parallels between the growth mindset required for math and that needed for building social skills, educators encourage students to approach both with confidence and determination

As educators continue to innovate in their teaching methods, the harmonious marriage of math and social skills will undoubtedly empower a new generation of learners equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern world.

LEAVING A LEGACY

Long before the inception of project WATCH (We Advocate Time Consciousness and Honesty), anAdvocacy Movement for Punctuality and Honesty in 2008, we have been guided by old sayings such as “Honesty is the best policy” and “Time is gold and every tick of the clock counts”. These old sayings emphasized the importance of our inherent Filipino values of honesty and punctuality.

But as time progresses, our culture also changes. We tend to forget the true meaning of these old maxims and we even forego their applications in our works. Thus, it appears very crucial to revisit and review our value-laden service advocacies especially since we are all in different zones of advocating them. Project PWERSA (Project W.A.T.C.H: Encouraging Reinforce value-laden Service Advocacies) is a way out to transform WATCH without putting aside the very essence of supporting the Department of Education’s mission of strengthening the values of punctuality and honesty towards a living legacy. Unfortunately, after its launching in the different academies at the midst of the pandemic era, it just died a natural death.

It is now high time to rekindle in us the giving of importance to punctuality and honesty as the key components of success in our daily work and lives. The insights of being always on time and exercising honesty at all times are simply the basic values that we must all recognize and model to this generation as we would like to instill in them. Once we truly advocate and embrace these assets, only then we can leave a significant and lasting legacy to the youth. Only then they can absorb these values to better prepare themselves to become responsible citizens of this nation and to build a better and promising future.

Let us continue campaigning for this program it increases selfrespect and respect for other people’s time. Remember that your promptness is a manifestation of your honesty. No legacy could be ever richer and greater than honesty as truthful hearts produce honest actions and clear conscience. You will never fear when your conscience is clear and that is irrefutably your own sense of dignity.

To everyone in our academic institutions, let us maintain dignity and honor in the service of our learners and the people in our society despite our adverse situations in this post-pandemic era. Together let’s build a lasting covenant as we commit to advocate, embrace, and support Project PWERSA.

lilibeth Calanoga

ON THE VERGE OF DESPERATION

But despite all these provisions, it is now very hard to search for someone who could exercise such calling. The culture of learners that we now have these days are far different in the past. In conducting school press conferences, only few would respond and these few sometimes are only drag by peer influence if not really the love for writing. In some instances, many will attend but once chosen, the real battle would be convincing the student to continue and be trained on the conventions of campus journalism.

R.A. 7079, otherwise known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 supports the development and promotion of student journalism. It includes provisions on rights of the youth and preserving the integrity of student publications at all academic levels. It serves as an avenue for students to sharpen their journalistic potential and become a voice of change in their school or community. It also challenges the students to develop their ethical values, critical thinking, moral character, as well as personal discipline. It trains the students to become responsible members of society and become our prime movers. They are the change makers in this present society whose skills, talents, and capabilities are being nurtured in school as their initial battleground.

But despite all these provisions, it is now very hard to search for someone who could exercise such a calling. The culture of learners that we now have these days is far different from the past. In conducting school press conferences, only a few would respond and these few sometimes are only dragged by peer influence if not really the love for writing. In some instances, many will attend but once chosen, the real battle would be convincing the student to continue and be trained on the conventions of campus journalism.

Most schools continuously conduct the annual search of potential writers to compose their editorial staff and somehow take part in finding the significance of truth as to exercise freedom of expression in addressing the pressing issues of the schools, their immediate community and even the entire nation as we can always adapt and contextualize them for publication. Moreover, to search for writers who can bravely carry the name of their school into competitions as part of their learning growth particularly in co-curricular activities. However, despite all the convincing approaches to encourage students to continue the culture and love for campus journalism, only few would respond to such call and commitment.

LILIBETH CALANOGA

This may be associated with other interlapping co-curricular activities that divide the attention and interest of the students such as Math Olympics, Science investigatory, skills competitions, sports engagements, leadership developments, other school activities and many more as they try to balance all these with their studies. It is also highly observed that the ones who getin the poll of student leaders and members of other organizations and school clubs are also almost the same individuals who try out their luck in this filed. Hence, conflict will surely occur when most of said activities would come closely in succession.

A very common scenario would be for the students to be sacrificing their academic time for any of these events and soon would have to face the problem on catching of classes and coping with academic requirements. Once these students lost balance in all these, they become disinterested to continue and even join next time. This is a great dilemma that most schools are facing even before the pandemic strikes and the glitch goes on.

As the number of students getting involve in the quest for Campus Journalism continuously declines, it is necessary for the department to review whether to have it still offered as part of its co-curricular activities or as a course offering. All these thoughts post a challenge on the relevance of the continued practice of Campus Journalism. Perhaps it’s time to rethink on the practices we have in the implementation of the program before it’s taken so lightly for granted.

SAIL ON

The Aparri School of Arts and Trades celebrated another historical milestone as it reached its 95th Funding Anniversary. As such, we are reminded of the very essence of a great quote of one of the finest sages of all times, The Great Philosopher, Aristotle: “Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intentions, sincere effort, and intelligent execution. It represents the wisest choice of many alternatives—choice not chance, determines your destiny”. It was never chance that had led this noble institution to have made this far but it was truly the grit and gargantuan efforts coupled with the right decisions of its forerunners that led to its achievement of its most admirable state of excellence today and in the next years beyond.

As it commences another year full of commitments and aspirations, may it continually serve our community in its battle against ignorance and poverty through educating the youth. May it indeed live up the longings of its fore founders to soar higher as a year turns into another year despite the challenges of time.

LILIBETH CALANOGA

Success is never final they say, but these four scores, coupled with a decade and five years of positive growth and dedicated service reflect the hopes and ambitions of the founding people who served as the backbone of this humble institution over the past years. Its emergence can be tracked from its frontrunners over the ninety-five years of its existence. Cheers to all the strengths and inclusive ideas of shared responsibility and governance that had led to this grandiose year. May it continue to move forward and aspire to become even more progressive in developing a more diverse future that this nation needs. May it become even more responsive in cuddling our community and quenching its thirst for education so that no one will be blinded by ignorance and be left behind.

May it renew its commitment to become innovative as it keeps abreast of the new trends and reflect on its growth for today and the future.

May it never stop as it settles in this pinnacle of success because success is not yet final to those who keep achieving despite critical challenges to hinder their way. May it carry on seeking ways to bring an even more inclusive and advance education to bridge the gap between ignorance and brighter future of our innocent youth who are accountable in building a greater nation.

To all the men and women behind these great honors, sail on! Keep soaring high amidst the challenges of time and together you can achieve excellence ahead of the years to come.

WHENIWASACHILD ANDTHEWORLD SEEMEDSOYOUNG

Time moves quickly It seems like yesterday when I was a child, running around carefree and playing with my friends Life was so simple then, and the world seemed so young Back then, I didn't know how to comprehend or understand the challenges that adults faced the constant burden of life's responsibilities.

As a child, I had no worries about bills, money, or family obligations. The only concern I had was playing and having fun with my friends Those moments of laughter and innocence were worth more than anything else in the world. My friends and I would spend hours outside, creating games, and making up stories. We would play until dinner time and then reunite the following day, fully energized and excited to continue our adventures. One of my fondest memories was making our own home using rice straws in the near rice field with my brother and cousins.

We were so engrossed in our little world, and nothing else seemed to matter. Being a child meant that we were not burdened by the worries of the world. We were free to be ourselves, to be carefree and adventurous

During those childhood days, time seemed like it would never run out The days were long, and there was always enough time for everything

As a child, I was curious about the world, but not overwhelmed. My imagination was free, and I didn't have the constraints of reality holding me down My mind was open, and anything was possible. I would I would run and climb trees, and everything seemed like it was within my grasp.

Marites Ritumalta

REMEMBERING MY ROOT

Marites Ritumalta

I found myself longing to go back and visit my childhood home, to reconnect with my roots When I finally did, I was overwhelmed with emotions - the familiar sights, smells and sounds of the village reminded me of my happy childhood.. Returning to my roots made me realize the importance of preserving memories It made me appreciate nature and the simple things in life I promised myself to always remember where I came from and never forget the memories of my childhood in the village As human beings, we are shaped by our experiences and memories Our past shapes who we are and influences our decisions in the present. .

As a child, I loved listening to folk tales that my grandparents would narrate, telling us stories of our ancestors and their way of life in the village. My grandparents would also take us to the nearby river where the water was clear and refreshing We would spend hours swimming and playing in the water, taking in the beauty of nature that surrounded us. One of my fondest memories was during the rainy season when we would run outside to play in the rain. We would dance and twirl around, feeling the raindrops fall on our faces We were carefree and happy; not worrying about anything else but the joy that rain brought us.

As I grew older and moved away from the village, I started to miss the simplicity of life there

As I grew older and moved into my teenage years, the world began to feel different It somehow felt smaller, almost suffocating, with deadlines and responsibilities coming out of nowhere. Responsibilities such as schoolwork, tasks, and the pressure to achieve something, began to weigh me down Life became more about keeping up with the expectations of my peers and family, rather than trying to figure out who I was as a person

As an adult, I face life’s responsibilities - bills to pay, deadlines to meet, and work to dowhich leaves me longing for the sweet innocence of that childhood time I know that life can be challenging and that it comes with its own set of responsibilities and burdens, but sometimes I think about what it would be like if we could return to the simplicity of childhood The beauty of not worrying about the future and just living life to the fullest.

In conclusion, childhood is a precious time where everything seems new and the world feels young. It is a period in our life where we can be free from the pressures and stress that adult life entails The memories of childhood bring joy and warmth to the soul and remind us that there was once a time when everything was simple and carefree

It is important to keep those memories alive and cherish them, reminding ourselves that we can experience the world with open eyes and free hearts, just like we did when we were children.

As we grow up and move through life, it is easy to get caught up in the fast-paced, modern world and forget where we come from. However, it is important to pause and reflect on our roots – our childhood life and experiences that have shaped us.

I grew up in a small village in the northern part of my country Our way of life was simple, and our traditions were deeply rooted in our culture We lived in harmony with the natural world around us, and our customs and beliefs were shaped by our connection to nature. As a child, I loved playing outside with my siblings and cousins. We would run around in the fields, climb trees, and splash around in the river At night, we would gather around the fire to listen to our grandparents' stories and sing traditional songs These simple pleasures brought us so much joy and connected us to our community and the land.

It wasn't until I left the village to live near the town that I realized how much our way of life was changing. The world outside our village was different - fast-paced, competitive and materially driven As I tried to navigate this new way of life, I realized how much I missed the simplicity and the sense of community that I had experienced growing up I felt disconnected from my roots and struggled to find my place in the new world. It wasn't until I visited our village that I fully appreciated the importance of my roots. The familiar sights, sounds, and smells of the village flooded back to me, bringing with them a deep sense of belonging and comfort My connection to nature suddenly felt real again I spent time reconnecting with the beauty of the natural world around me – the lush green fields, the swaying trees, and green fields.

I spent the evening just looking at the sky with the stars so near once more. I realized that this way of life was a treasure trove of knowledge and history, and it was something that needed to be preserved for future generations

In the world we live in today, we often forget or overlook our roots in the search for progress and modernity. We let go of our childhood memories without realizing their significance or meaning. We forget the importance of preserving and passing its history to future generations

It is important to remember that where we come from is just as important as where we are going Our roots give us a sense of identity and belonging, and they help us connect with our past while shaping our future Preserving and honoring our roots can bring us closer to our culture, our community, and our natural world

Remembering our roots can also help us to appreciate the simple things in life. It is easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of modern life and forget that sometimes the things that matter most are the things that cost nothing at all - the sound of nature, the laughter of children, and the warmth of community.

When we remember our roots, we remember our history and where we come from. We carry our cultural identities with us and embrace the traditions that make us unique. We acknowledge the sacrifices and hard work of our ancestors, which has contributed to our identity today. In conclusion, remembering our roots is crucial for our personal growth and development. It helps us connect with our history, culture, and natural world, reminding us of the beauty and simplicity of life. Let us cherish our roots and pass on this valuable knowledge to future generations, so that they too can find a sense of belonging and purpose in their lives.

POETRY

Inthegardenoflife,loveistheseed Plantedbythosewhocamebefore Theirlegacyofcaring,awondrousdeed Abountifulharvestforevermore

Thesunandrainofmemoriespast Nurturethesoilwherelovetakesroot Eachoneacontributionthatwilllast Agardenoflove,anabundantfruit

Theseasonscomeandgo,life'sebbandflow Butthelegacyofloveendures

Foreveryblossomthatbloomsandglows Isatestamenttolove'sallure

Sotendthegardenwithgentlecare Keepthelegacyoflovealive Andwatchasitblossomseverywhere Agiftfromthosewhostillthrive.

Legacy

Parentalresponsibility

Guidesfuturegenerations

Instillsculturalvalues

Laysstrongfoundations

Respectforcustoms

Applicablefromstart

Honouringtradition

Tattooedonbaby'sheart

Awarenessofpast

Celebrationofancestry

Prideinroots

Familyloyalty

Fundamentalvalues

Passedondutifully

Senseofbelonging

Comfortingunity

Offspringtaught

Tocontinuelegacy

Hoistheritage'sflag

Ateveryopportunity

MargaretKarim

INTEGRITY, THE BEST LEGACY

Having the courage to do the right thing

Whether or not anyone is watching His conduct speaks for him, more elegantly

He's a person who's guided by integrity

He does exactly what he means and says His actions are consistent with the values he professes

In what he believes, he stands firm and humble Components of integrity define him as honorable.

It's the practice of good ethics in dealing with others

Admitting and apologizing for your mistakes or errors

A good sense of the Golden Rule marks off your personality

It sets you apart from others, as a person of integrity.

We all care about the legacy we will leave behind Live an upright life; honest, compassionate, and kind

A secured future materially isn't a good enough legacy

With Godly principles, among the most treasured legacy is integrity

© Azucena Libiran Gonzales

FIESTA OF OUR FILIPINO HERITAGE

The pulchritudinous carvings on the banisters of a staircase, The brightly-colored capiz shells that make up three quarters of a window, Molave furniture inlaid with mother of pearl, Narra cabinets and closets handed down, Embroidered table napkins with crocheted lace, Delicate reminders of my Filipino heritage

On the street a parade now comes, As the symphonic band plays "Sampaguita", The distinct fragrance of our national flower, Comes alive in our surroundings

It is fiesta time

Visitors from neighboring towns and barangays visit our town for some merriment, Singers, musicians and dancers perform How i wish they were our native dances!

But no! Choreography is American-influenced!

As young people meet old townsfolk, They get the hand of the old and bring it to the forehead, "Mano" is certainly still ubiquitous, A practice our heritage can not obliterate Houses are cleaned and re-painted When the town fiesta draws near, New curtains are hung, New clothes are usually worn. On the table is spread more elaborate dishes and rice cakes, Puto, sapin-sapin, bibingka, cuchinta, Oft there is on the table, lechon - a roast suckling pig, Filipinos love it, though i mourn the death Of a being cared for, only to be thrown

To the embers for man's gustatory delight Fiestas commemorate the birth of the town's patron saint, Masses are celebrated in Catholic churches, A procession with images of the saint is held , several hundreds join, A practice held and believed to be a conduit of blessings

Fiestas are very much a part of the Filipino heritage, An influence of Spanish colonization, Part and parcel of being Catholic, A religion brought to our shores by the Spaniards, five hundred years ago, that has become a big part of our cultural heritage.

PRICELESS TREASURE

Proud feeling prosperous heritage land of holy sages and saints it is; My country runs through diversities Holding them all in an unseen bridge.

Cultures and traditions continue well Similarity is among all dissimilarities; Not today but over many generations People happily dwell, the world sees.

Every spoon of our priceless treasure Reflects in our great Indian philosophy; They are imprinted in songs and music Dances and sculptures from theology.

Transmitted from past to the present And the present wants it to transmit; They never give up because of faith

The invaluable treasure dazzles bright.

Though modernity tries to tear it out Heritage recalls to preserve for future; We won’t forget its great contribution Revitalization comes through culture.

Ratikanta Samal

JoscephineGomez

R O O T S

My days on earth have been filled with good people, Men and women I have known all my life, Beautiful souls who formed the man I am today We share an evergreen family tree, A cycle of customs and unending bonding passed down from generation to generation

Though I didn't meet my great grandfather, Never had the privilege to sit on his fragile laps the way I did my grandfather, I do know him the way I know my name, the way I know my very self

I see me in his framed face on the wall--

Those fiery eyes, that iron smile, the proud chin, and the stare of a lion, traits peculiar to our genes.

How won't I know him when most evenings of my childhood were spent under the blanket of moonlight, Listening to tales of his exploits during the civil war and his famed romance with my great grandmother!

My grandfather, on his own, was the soul of my soul and the heart of my heart. What treachery did we not mete together!

We shared mutual laughter Relished silence together Fought mutual battles Won Mutual victories

Till this day, his lips have been my greatest school

And his rod was the clay that moulded my character. My father? What a man! What a soul!

A man with so great a fire in his eyes

And much milk in his breasts!

The sculptor of my manliness

And the shoulder of my then shivering dreams!

Keeper of my shadowy secrets, ear of my silent sighs!

The man before whose piercing eyes my soul is bare and my faith reared!

These great men have run the ancestral race as the marathoners they are

Two have finished the course, passing the baton to my father, to me....me?

Well, there's ME in the picture, a sprinter of a soul, blessed with two great seeds who have our face, our heart and our DNA

But sadly, that's where the oneness ends

I do not hear my voice nor that of my father in them

The stare of a lion is there, but the direction of their sole gaze is what scares me.

Their eyes look far, far away from the ancient paths, far away from the forest of Irokos, far away from heads that are grey;

Their restless pupil rest on the lush promises of tomorrow, the treeless terrains of motored dreams, the blossoming fields of rootless blooms The ancient sceptre, the sacred staff, lay idle in my tired hands, with no soul to gift the sweet burden of memorial.

My children seem not to see my pleading heart, my riverine eyes, as that busy screen screens their carefree souls from moonlight rays illuminating the ancient landmarks

© M A R V I N O M O S E M E N

A V O I C E F O R W O M E N

Women are as important as other children, They shouldn't be left only to the kitchen,

They should get something from their fathers, Seeing them as equals would do wonders,

They shouldn't be seen as property to be sold, They are valuable more than objects and gold,

They should be inherited something by parents, And everything should be done in proper arrangements,

Women are not only there for marriage, They shouldn't make their lives go down the drainage,

Women also have a voice, They shouldn't be judged from the surface,

They sacrifice a lot for the family, They shouldn't be wished away as a liability,

Even after the death of husbands, No one should lower women's standards,

They have a right to share inheritance, Males and females are equal there are no differences,

Seeing one sex as better than the other is backwardness, Why support things that keep us in darkness and sadness?

© Kenneth Munene 2023

A LEGACY LEFT BEHIND

We're all actors without a script And this world, our stage Impromptu, we need to act adrift Our only props, our heritage

What our past has given us to follow on

The cast can only use that knowledge known Thus we use what we know, what we've learnt, To showcase to the world, what we've earned

But we seldom forget, where we are from Our roots, through which we're born When we try to enact someone else's play Imitating another's act, in their own way

Our heritage, our past, must make us proud May it be the wealth, or our scriptures that speak out loud

The legacy that's left behind, further generations to come and follow That enriches our body and mind, without which, we're worthless and hollow

We all do have some heritage, a past to fall back on That shows the value of our ancestors and the greatness of where we're from Each country does have it's riches, in knowledge, in ancient sites That teaches a lot to it's visitors, may it be structures or sacred rites

Our Heritage must be valued as much as we progress Our past, the richness that we possess To showcase to the world it's beauty

It's something we must do, as a duty

Ron L . Ronel David

Editor’s Note

Tess Ritumalta Tess Ritumalta

Editor-in-Chief

In this issue, let's talk about the cultural heritage of the editor’s hometown, Odisha in India, and the education system in the Philippines. we also featured a few poems about legacy written by chosen poets...

POETRY PLANET