The Aklan Tradesman Magazine

THE AKLAN TRADESMAN EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

Emerald

noun : a rich green variety of beryl prized as a gemstone : any of various green gemstones (as synthetic corundum or demantoid) From Merriam-Webster Dictionary

EDITOR’S NOTE

of mysteries; a realm of darkness and light, where we continuously seek for solutions to questions left unanswered, to anonymities that are yet to be solved, and secrets that waits to be unearthed. All of these, hidden from the naked eyes of man and his soul that is above suspicion.

You may have been brought up with the notion that seeing is believing. But what about those that you can‘t or don‘t see? Would you, or do you, believe in them? Our lives and the world we live in is as inexplicable as it is.

As we continue to bequeath you with stories and knowledge among others, now on our 55th year of dedicated service in campus journalism, we opted to go beyond the four walls of our institution and look for withheld tales, untold accounts and concealed places. We traveled further than we could

imagine, explored beyond what others see, and has even outdone our own limitations. We have expanded our scope and reached boundaries we never imagined to.

Hindrances served as opportunities, weaknesses as strengths, and problems as challenges.

As you continue on reading, may the stories inscribed on the pages of this publication help you in understanding beyond what the mind can conceive, appreciate further than what the eye can perceive, and perform afar what your body can achieve.

I would like to commend the efforts of all who have contributed in making this issue possible. Our only wish is for you not to waste what we have put our best on.

Go on, immerse yourself, and let the stories succor in your journey of grasping the hidden side of our masked world.

Do not confine yourself in the walls that you yourself have created. Show, don’t conceal. Rise up, don’t remain buried.

Editor-in-Chief garciajemuel@yahoo.com

contents 7 12 16 20 24

REFLECTIONS PROFILE

WIND ENERGY ECO-TOURISM

TINAGONG DAGAT TOURISM

SA MERON O SA WALA HUMAN INTEREST

KARAPATAN, KASALANAN, KATARUNGAN INVESTIGATIVE

26 30 34 48 50

COZY CAFÉ FOOD AND LIFESTYLE

ATI VILLAGE TRAVELOGUE

HUE CAN DO IT TOO! CAMPUS

AN INSTRUMENT OF CHANGE COMMUNITY

AKLAN THROUGH THE DECADES HISTORY

Photography by ROLLY J. JAMERO

56 60

62 64 67 70 74 76 79 83 86

OF SECOND CHANCES TUNAY NA BUHAY

NASAAN ANG MGA BAGONG PILIPINO? DISKUSYON

OVER LIFE’S ADVERSITIES DOCUMENTARY

DO GRADES DEFINE YOU? DISCUSSION

METANOIA BACKSTAGE

THE GOOD AND THE BAD LOOK TWICE

ON THE BRINK ENVIRONMENT

WORKING ON NATURE’S BOUNTY DEVELOPMENT

AT PICKS REVIEWS

#FOREVER YOUNG FASHION

RO BUBON NI MIGO SUPERNATURAL

34 79 62

74 86 12

70

50

24

76

48

26 30

20

56

07 94

64

16

83

60

Photography by Mark Q. Maagma

PROFILE

REFLECTIONS Sometimes there comes a point in our life where we ask ourselves what our purpose in life is. Faced with this question, would you rather choose the easy path or the road less travelled?

“ if he shall gain the whole world and lost His own soul?‖ -Mark 8:36 I am Rev. Cezar P. Indelible. I was born in Kalibo, Aklan last July 15, 1959 but was raised up in Banga, Aklan. I spent my elementary years at Bacan Elementary School and my secondary education at Central Visayan Institute and graduated with flying colors. I pursued my tertiary level at Garcia College of Technology taking up BSEE and in 1979 I enrolled at Iloilo Maritime Academy and graduated with the degree on Marine Engineering. September of the same year, I was able to work in an international vessel of a Japanese Company as a Ship Crew. Within one year of being on the job, I was blessed to be promoted twice. I then took my Board Examination and passed as a Fourth Marine Engineer. I enjoyed my job because it did not only give me the opportunity to earn and help my family but also to learn and travel in different countries.

I thought that was the kind of life for me, not until I was able to open and seriously study the Bible. It was in 2006 that I become aware that my present job and direction in life is not what God intends for me. Following God‘s direction was the most crucial decision I made. I believed in His promise that ―He will never leave me nor forsake me.‖ So I studied again together with my wife at Doane Baptist Seminary in Iloilo City taking Bachelor of Religious Education. Making this decision and leaving our jobs may be unreasonable to many of our friends and relatives but we ought to obey God than man.

8

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

“Making this decision and leaving our jobs seem so foolish and unreasonable to many of our friends and relatives but we ought to obey God than man.”

After Graduation, I was led by God to become an Assistant Pastor at First Fundamental Baptist Church of Kalibo in 1991 and later became the full time Senior Pastor in 1995. We were given by God the opportunity to become one of the instruments in the establishment of Christ the King School. Presently, despite of my obligations and responsibilities, I have never enjoyed my life as much as I do now. I am currently the Senior Pastor FFBC Kalibo, voted to become the BOT Chairman of Aklan Baptist Hospital in Malay, Aklan, and was also chosen to become one of the Board of Directors of Doane Baptist Seminary, my alma mater.

For 20 years, I served as the Administrator of Christ the King School of Kalibo main campus which has now its branches in Balete and Libacao.

It is only by God‘s grace and mercy that I can do these tasks and can continually be used by God in these many endeavors. I am always reminded of God‘s word which says ―Your labor is not in vain in the Lord.‖ We can never out give God, there is nothing that we can give to Him that He could not exchange with something better. To serve Him is just saving for eternity. For almost thirty years since I gave my life to Him. I am always deeply awed of His daily faithfulness and goodness. All glory and praises belongs only to Him.

that will bring them comfort in their life, battling the struggles and challenges through the maze of success. But what if all of sudden you heard God‘s voice calling your name to be part of his mission to spread faith? Would you step back from the finish line and grab God‘s call or would you go and pursue your dreams? ―My desire to follow God‘s call to religious life had made me decide to leave everything behind.‖ Michelle Ureta, 42 years old, said.

She is a good example of a person who would step back and take the opportunity to serve God.

―I had to give up everything that attached me to the world and interfered with the faith I would tread. Everything means my career, family, friends, community, and other treasures.‖ She responded when asked about what she had to give up in order to be in the religious life.

Michelle was born on the third day of September, 1973 at La Paz, Iloilo City. She is a licensed dentist, a novice, and six months from now in God‘s grace, will be an ordained nun. ―What is the best part of being a nun?‖ I asked. ―Anything for me is the best part.

There‘s perfect joy even in every pain. I am living my life to the fullest. Life is at its best when I spend it in communion with the Lord.‖ She replied with a smile. Even though there are people, especially those who are close to her, who would disagree with her decisions, she was still able to defend herself. ―No. there‘s nothing like coming full circle with Jesus. I love my life now. If given the grace to continue, this would be a point of no return for me. I have always believed that God designed our life. He plans and decides.‖ She replied when asked about who makes her fate.

The maze of fate is a track that has a hidden agenda. Every turn or step comes with it a surprise waiting to be discovered. But as all mazes do have, there will be always a deviation from the norm, a twist, an unexpected turn out of events. But know that whatever life, or the maze we create with it brings us, just smile and gently accept it as God‘s unique plan for you.

“No. there’s nothing like coming full circle with Jesus. I love my life now. If given the grace to continue, this would be a point of no return for me.”

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

9

and a couple of months since she graduated from this university which served as her home for four years in college. She took Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Right after she finished high school, getting a degree in Information Technology is her top ambition.

Passing the university entrance exam gave her additional motivation to reach her goal in life.

Along the way, she managed to go with the flow. She cherished each passing day as a college student. As a freshman who is thirsty of knowledge, she tried and managed to join the screening for new writers in their school publication, The Aklan Tradesman. She got in and began her journalistic journey. She once wrote a feature article about Dr. Christy Laurente, a CHED specialist. She never knew that this would lead her into being rewarded and becoming a scholar of CHED which covered a huge part of her tuition fees.

There are different kinds of people in this world each with its own goal. She wanted to be one of those who made it through the maze, strived for excellence, and made it big in the field. Being a hard working student she was able to get her first job at the age 17.

10

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

“Opportunity to grow will always knock, open your mind and make use of the chance.”

The journey goes back on an On-the-JobTraining, which they performed various tasks in line with their corresponding course. She was lucky to be one of the students to be trained in a Virtual Assistance Company. She treated every session as a chance to learn more things and widen her views.

Part of her task is to do online marketing. After her OJT, she was offered by the owner to work part time as a virtual assistant (VA), an opportunity she cordially accepted.

During her vacant hours and on weekends, she worked as a VA until she finished her college degree. Ms. Rena did enjoy her life inside and outside the university. She graduated proud and fully-equipped to explore the real world.

Two weeks after her graduation, she received a call telling her to come for an interview. She passed the said interview and started working full time.

Eventually, she was promoted as the Sales Marketing Supervisor of Southwest Tours (Boracay) Inc. Her knowledge and experience in online marketing served as a great tool for her to excel in her job.

To you who are reading this, she leaves a message, ―Opportunity to grow will always knock, open your mind and make use of the chance.‖

. . Born in Caloocan City, I am the eldest of six children of Mr. Constancio Lavilla and Mrs. Teresita Lavilla, both of whom came from Samar. I finished my elementary and high school education at A. Bonifacio, a public school in Caloocan City. Thankfully, I was able to finish BS Marine Transportation through the efforts of my parents, with my mother running a small sari-sari store and my father as a factory worker.

For a seafarer, it‘s not always easy to board the ship especially if it‘s your first time. I was required to pay a sum of money only to find out that the agency was an illegal recruiter. When I was finally taken on board by a recognized company, I started as a mess boy, the lowest rank in that ship. It‘s a multitasking job of a janitor, food server, dish washer, and a cabin steward. Nevertheless, I was promoted to the next rank one after another after several contracts due to my persistence to continue my career on board.

Seven years have passed since then and I thought my journey to success will never end. I was at the peak of enjoying and reaping what I thought was the best of what life could offer, when an unexpected turn of events occurred – the maritime industry suffered a huge problem causing me to lose my job. It had a great effect on my family as they were counting on my financial assistance for my siblings‘ education.

A year passed and I was at the lowest point of my life. I started questioning why I have to suffer those things and if it‘s was all that life could offer. Shortly after that, my grandmother died. She had once reminded me of her deep faith in God. A day after she was buried, as we were all gathered in my aunt‘s house, they discovered our grandmother‘s bag.

“God did not just bring back that which I thought was lost, but instead He multiplied it by leaps and bounds.”

Everyone hurled his funny opinion enthusiastically, one said, ―Oh let‘s see, maybe this contains fortune allotted to all of her 12 children and around 65 grandchildren!‖ Therefore, one by one, they started taking out everything.

It held old pieces of papers, five peso coins and a few cents. Everyone was laughing as someone urged to divide her wealth. No one noticed that one of the pieces they had unearthed was an old prayer book with the face of the Lord Jesus, seemingly looking at me. Then I started to realize that gnawing truth that led me to seek God in my life.

One day, an older cousin of mine told me about his newfound life with God. He took me to a small prayer meeting with the community of Flames of Fire for Jesus. I accepted the Lord as my God and Savior and later became a full time missionary of the said community for eight years. Today, this community which started as a small prayer group has reached Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, changing the live of young people and families through the promises fulfilled by our Lord.

I was persuaded that the Lord allowed me to experience those trying times of my life – of losing my job and my dear grandma for a reason. He wanted to reveal Himself to me, how greatly He loves and care for me.

Beyond the shadow of doubt, my grandmother had a tremendous wealth of which she made an heir—it was her very previous faith in God. God did not just bring back that which I thought was lost, but instead He multiplied it by leaps and bounds. At present, the ship where I am on board now just left Australia and we are bound for Indonesia. All officers and crew of this nice ship addresses me as Captain. I have a wonderful wife and three awesome children, all are recipients of this precious faith that shows with their burning zeal to serve the Lord Jesus.

I want to leave a simple Bible verse that was proven by the test of time: ―For I know the thoughts I think toward you says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.‖ – Jeremiah 29:11

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

11

ECO-TOURISM

WIND POWER:

TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY Confronted by the problems of natural resource depletion, cataclysmal disasters brought about by climate change, and environmental injustice, would renewable energy be one of the solutions to these issues?

With the increasing demand for energy and depletion of natural resources, wind energy aims to put an end to these situations.

and utilization of renewable energy (RE) comprises a critical component of the government‘s strategy to provide energy supply for the country. This is evident in the power sector where increased generation from geothermal and hydro resources has lessened the country‘s dependency on imported and polluting fuels. In the government‘s rural electrification efforts, on the other hand, renewable energy sources such as solar, micro-hydro, wind and biomass resources are seeing wide-scale use.

It is the government‘s policy to facilitate the energy sector‘s transition to a sustainable system with RE as an increasingly prominent, viable and competitive fuel option. The shift from fossil fuel

14

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

sources to renewable forms of energy is a key strategy in ensuring the success of this transition.

Moreover, current initiatives in the pursuit of this policy are directed towards creating a market-based environment that is conducive to private sector investment and participation and encourages technology transfer and research and development. Thus, current fiscal incentives provide for a preferential bias to RE technologies and projects which are environmentally sound.* The Nabas Wind Farm, a 50megawatt wind power project of the Petro Wind Energy, Inc. is one of the country‘s initiative to develop renewable energy resources. It also gives the opportunity to the province to become a sustainable

“This is just one step towards the country’s pursuit to be a sustainable energy-powered nation…” energy resource in the region.

Because of the imminent and current need for other energy source in the country which cases voltage fluctuations and power interruptions, the Nabas Wind Farm ―brings hope to the continuing economic growth of the region.‖ (Blanche Posadas-Basco, Boracay Sun) *Department of Energy

The said project is and would be the biggest investment in Aklan. With its completion, it is also expected to make Aklan an eco-tourism destination in the region. The Nabas Wind Farm would cost approximately Php 4 billion and is projected to supply 36 megawatts of electricity to the Western Visayas grid. ―PetroWind Energy Inc.‘s first dispatch of power to the Visayas grid is a big milestone, not only for the company, but also for the province of Aklan. This the first export of power from the province of Aklan that is sourced from renewable energy,‖ PWEI President Milagros Reyes said during an interview.

PWEI is owned by publicly listed PetroEnergy Resources Corp., through its 100 percent owned subsidiary, PetroGreen Energy Corp (40 percent), CapAsia ASEAN Wind Holdings Cooperatief U.A. (40 percent), a company organized in the Netherlands, and EEI Power Corp. (20 percent), a wholly-owned subsidiary of publicly listed EEI Corp.

This is just one step towards the country‘s pursuit to be a sustainable energy-powered nation.

The process might be slow, but seeing a energystable society would be worth the wait.

Courtesy of SaveOnEnergy.com

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

15

TOURISM

TINAGONG DAGAT NATURE’S UNTOLD BEAUTY

They say, the ocean is as vast as the heavens is. But just when you thought you have known all places there are, only then will you discover that there is more to being than knowing.

“It is not just the view that made our journey beautiful but the adventure itself and the wonderful people we’ve met.”

18

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

, tired of the noisy and busy streets of the town, or just looking forward to have a quality good time?

We have just the right place for you to relax and commune with nature. One will not fully comprehend the genus loci (spirit of the place) and the captivating view of this hidden sanctuary unless one immerses himself in its untold past and rich present. A must-have on your bucket list, don‘t forget to bring a camera and a full boost of energy for a heart-stopping escapade.

Tinago Lake also known as Tinagong Dagat is located at Barangay Tabon in the Municipality of Batan. The said barangay is composed of six sitios with approximately 205 households. The eight kilometers long and four kilometers wide ―hidden sea‖ is fringed with mangroves and rocky beaches which exemplified its already enticing view. on Dumaguit port can be reached by a jeepney in 20 to 30 minutes from Kalibo. From there you have to take spend another 30 minutes in a boat or Bangka which will bring you to Batan. You can also reach the

municipality of Batan through bus from Kalibo which will take you more than an hour. You may also catch a glimpse of the place if you are on your way to or from Iloilo or Capiz.

To have a picturesque view of the place, we hiked the hills of Tabon and went straight to ―Buhay na Bato‖ where you can have a pictureperfect shot of the ―hidden sea.‖ If you are the type of person who is adventurous, speed boating is available in the vicinity and would be very ideal for your type. Through that, you can engross yourself enchanting and clear bluish water.

Newcomers would always wonder why it is called Tinagong Dagat or ―Hidden Sea‖. ―Gintawag imaw ra nga Tinagong Dagat dahil di mo imaw mapansin eagi. Madya liblib imaw ra ag makita sa gilid nga parte pa it isla sa tunga it Barangay Ipil ag Barangay Tabon,‖ Mrs. Gina Tupas said The hidden sea is one of the major sources of seafood in the province. Products from the place are being exported to neighboring towns and provinces.

Because of its rich and diverse marine life, fishing serves as the main source of livelihood in the locality aside from farming. .

One legend that locals believe as the reason behind the abundant aquatic life is the story about the presence of a giant fish that guards the place. ―Hambae it mga magueang, kato kuno hay may una nga mabahoe nga lingganay sa gilid it baybay nga kung siin may isaea ka mabahoe nga isda nga nagabantay,‖ Mrs. Tupas said.

It is not just the view that made our journey beautiful but the adventure itself and the wonderful people we‘ve met. Aside from the mangrove reforestation efforts being done in the present, the place is also remarkable because of its copious seafood and freshly harvested crops.

Being a tourism hub, our country is known not just because of its world-class tourist spots, bountiful flora and fauna, and diverse culture but more because of our hospitable nature. What we really figured out in the place is the friendly and welcoming aura of the residents who accommodated us throughout our trip.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

19

HUMAN INTEREST

SA MERON O SA WALA:

ANG TAYA NG BUHAY SA LOOB NG SABUNGAN ang mukha ni Antonio* habang binibilang niya ang kanyang mga natitirang pera, sinusubukan nyang kalkulahin kung sapat pa ba ito upang siya‘y maka uwi sa kanila. ―Ganoon talaga eh, minsan nananalo, minsan natatalo.‖ pangiti niyang sabi.

Dalawang sakayan pa ang dapat niyang bunuin upang makauwi. Ngunit sa kanyang tansya, sapat na lamang ang kanyang pera para sa pamasahe niya sa jeep, ―Okay lang, maglalakad na lamang ako papasok sa amin.‖ Ilang oras bago ng eksenang iyon, halos hindi maipinta ang galak sa mukha ni Antonio habang tanan sa kanyang kaliwang kamay ang lukot-lukot na perang papel na tig iisang-daan at tig-lilimang libo ang karamihan. Nang tinanong ko siya kung ilan na ang kanyang napanalunan, ―Mga labingdalawang piso na siguro?‖ Kanyang akbay-akbay ang isang lalaking kanina pa sumisigaw na siya namang kinain ng mas malakas pang ingay ng sigawan, palakpakan, at paminsan-minsang sipol sa loob ng sabungan. Alas-

dos ng hapon noon ng sinubukan naming pumasok at makisabay sa paunti-unting pagkapal ng mga tao sa nasabing sabungan. Sa totoo lang ay ito ang una kong pagtapak sa naturang lugar. Makatapos ng pagbayad ng trenta pesos para sa entrance fee, pinakilala sa akin ng aking kaibigang pumayag na samahan ako doon si Antonio na taga-Ibajay. Masasabing binata pa rin si Antonio kahit na siya ay nageedad na ng tatlongpu‘t isa. ―Mahal na nga ang mamuhay ng mag-isa, mag-aasawa pa?‖ kangyang pabirong naisumbat ng minsan ay tanungin ko siya kung bakit ayaw pa niyang mag-asawa. ―Saka nalang siguro kapag meron-meron na.‖ Kasalukuyang nasa tugatog ng ingay ang buong paligid noon, halos hindi ko na marinig ang paliwanag ng aking kaibigan kung paano ang sistema ng sabong.

Ang dapat mo lang malaman kung ikaw ay baguhan ay kung saan ka tataya at paano ka mananalo.

Mayroong dalawang tandang na may kanya-kanyang nakadestinong bandera: ang meron at ang wala.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

21

HUMAN INTEREST Kailangan mo lang tawagin ang kristo na siyang tagapamahala ng pangkalahatang tayaan at tagabilang ng iyong mga pinanalunan. May anu-ano pang mga senyas ang kanyang naipakita na dapat mong matutunan kapag ikaw ay nagsasabong.

Habang halos pasigaw ng nagsasalita ang aking kaibigan, natanaw ko ang isa kong pinsan malapit sa ring kung saan pinagsasabong ang mga tandang.

Nakasukbit sa kanyang kaliwang kilikili ang tandang na ilang buwan niyang inalagaan at pinagkagastosan para lamang sa naturang labanan.

Natatandaan ko pa ang kanyang sinabi ng minsan ay itinanong ko sa kanya kung magkano ba ang madalas na ginagastos ng isang mananabong para lamang sa isang manok. ―Depende. Meron kasing mga murang mga feeds ngayon eh.

Pero kung sa mga gamot aabutin ka siguro ng libo-libo din. Lalo pa kung panahon ng tag-sakit. Kung hindi mo talaga maibigay yung tamang gamutan eh mauubos ang mga alaga mo.‖ Ayon sa mga dalubhasa sa kultura at kasaysayan, isa raw pamana ng mga Kastila ang kaugalian ng sabong at dahil daw hilig din daw talaga ng mga Pilipino ang magliwaliw at magsugal kaya‘t madali natin itong tinangkilik at naging bahagi na nga ng ating kultura at pagkakakilanlan. Ayon sa Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) mahigit-kumulang limang bilyong piso taon-taon ang nagiging kita ng bansa mula sa pagsasabong.

Pinapakita lamang nito kung gaano nahumaling ang mga Pilipino sa nasabing sugal.

Nang dumating na ang oras na nakalaan sa kanyang tandang na pinangalanan niyang Kilat, kaniya muna itong hinimas-himas at palarong pinalapit-lapit sa isa pang tandang na para bang tutukain na ito nito ano mang oras.

Sa pagkalembang ng metal, kanilang sabay na binitawan ang kani-kanilang

22

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

mga tandang.

Noon una‘y hindi siguro napansin ng dalawa ang isa‘t isa ngunit ng magtagpo ang kanilang mga nanlilisik na tingi,n kaniyakaniyang sukob ang mga ito sa isa‘t isa.

Halos hindi naman magkamayaw ang mga tao na animo‘y nanonood ng laban ni Pacquio. Noo‘y nakataya si Antonio kay Kilat. Sa gitna ng labanan ay hindi ko na mahagilap kung sinong tandang doon si Kilat, hindi manlang nagtagal ng sampung minuto ang sagupaan ng bumulagta ang isa sa kanila. Nalamang ko na lamang na si Kilat pala iyon ng i-anunsyo na ito.

Binalik ko ang aking tanaw kay Antonio, halos malugmok siya sa kinatatayuan. Ibinulong sa akin ng aking kaibigan na sampung-libo daw ang natalo mula sa kanya. Sumunod ang ilan pang labanan na hindi na naming tinapos panoorin. Sumabay na rin sa aming paglabas si Antonio.

Lugmok at hindi alam kung ano ang susunod na gagawin. Ngunit higit pa sa pagkalugmok na iyon, mababanaag pa rin ang ngiti at kagalakang hindi mo mahihinuha kung saan niya hinuhugot. Sa isipisip ko, siguro nga ay sanay na siya sa pagkatalo. Alas-kwatro y medya noon ng lisanin namin ang lugar na iyon.

Masasabing ang sugal na sabong ay naging bahagi na ng buhay ng karamihan sa ating mga Pilipino.

Kung mayroon lamang akong natutunan sa buong pangyayaring iyon ay kung ang minsan, kailangan din nating sumugal sa buhay natin. Oo, minsan mananalo ka. Madalas, matatalo.

Ngunit ang mahalaga sa huli‘t huli ikaw pa rin ang pipili kung paano mo dadalhin ang iyong buhay sa meron man o sa wala. *Hindi tunay na pangalan

goes digital!

INVESTIGATIVE

KARAPATAN KASALANAN KATARUNGAN , ay isa sa mga kasong malaki man ang parusa ay unti-unting nagiging laganap na sa ating lipunan.

Kung noo‘y nangyayari ito sa mga pagkakataong maaari pang katatanggap-tanggap, ngayon kahit sa kalagitnaan ng tanghali habang ika‘y nakatayo sa isang katao ay maaaring mayroong lumapit sa iyo at barilin ka na lamang ng walang kalaban-laban.

Ito ay sa kabila ng pagpapa-igting ng pwersa ng kapulisan sa komunidad.

Ilan sa mga maaaring dahilan kung bakit nangyayari ang murder ay dahil sa kagustuhang magnanakaw, maghiganti o di kaya naman ay dahil sa pagseselos o inggit.

Bakit nga ba may mga taong pumapaslang?

Ayon sa isang pag-aaral na isinagawa ni Dr. Pete Ash "Ang mga tao ay naiisipang pumatay ng kapwa dahil sa sikolohikal na pagka-ipon ng pisikal o emosyonal na trauma sa paglipas ng panahon. (People decide to kill because of a psychological build-up of physical or emotional trauma over time.)"

Dagdag pa niya, ―Marami ang

24

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

maaaring tumulak sa isang tao ngunit ang ilan sa mga pangunahing dahilan ay ang takot, galit, pagka-desperado, masidhing pagnanais at ang debosyong pang-relihiyon. (Initial triggers are numerous but considers the major ones are fear, anger, desperation, greed and religious fanaticism)."

Ang pagpaslang ay maaaring intensyonal at pinagplanuhan o di kaya ay bunga ng isang aksidente katulad na lamang ng pagkadala sa bugso ng damdamin. Ngunit bakit nga ba nagagawa pa rin ng tao ang pumatay kahit na alam niyang isa itong pagkakamali at kasalan sa Diyos?

Ayon sa pagsasaliksik na isinagawa ni Jeffrey Kluger " The human brain is coded for compassion, for guilt, for a kind of empathic pain that causes the person inflicting harm to feel a degree of suffering that is in many ways as intense as what the victim is experiencing." ―The devil made me do it,‖ ika nga sa isang linya sa pelikula.

Hindi madaling iwasan ang isang pangyayari lalo na kung buhay natin ang nakasalalay. Isang halimbawa nito ay ang nagging karanasan ni Mang Ben*, 57 taong

gulang, isang ama at asawa na nagkaroon nang hindi kanais-nais na karanasan sa buhay 22 taon na ang nakakaraan.

"Sa aking pagkakatanda, nangyari iyon noong 1994 sa buwan ng Marso. Nag-iinuman kami ng aking pinsan sa bahay ng aming tiyo ng bigalng may dumating na negosyante ng kawayan. Napansin naming na ito ay naka-inom na at may daladalang baril. Itinutok niya sa amin ang kaniyang baril. Kinabahan kami at sinubukan naming siyang idaan sa isang mahinahong paguusap ngunit hindi ito nakinig. (Sa akon nga pagkatanda, mga dagon to it 1994 ag buean it Marso.

Idto kami ga-inuman it akon nga ingkampod sa baeay it amon nga tiyo tapos may nag-adto nga negosyante it butong. Hapansin namon nga imaw ra hay naka-inom eon eagi ag may daea ta imaw nga baril. Gintutok na kamon nga mag-ingkampod do baril.

Ginkoebaan kami dun ag gin aeam-aeaman man namun imaw pero uwa gid-a nagpamati," pagsasalaysay niya sa kung ano ang natatandaan niya sa nangyari.

At dahil nga sa takot na mabaril siya at ang kaniyang pinsan, nangyari ang di inaasahang. Isang talibong (bolo) ang naging armas ng aking pinsan at ako nama‘y may bitbit na kutsilyo.

"Inundayan ng saksak ng aking pinsan ang kamay ng negosyante na may hawak na baril at nasaksak ko rin siya. Sa sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari ay nandilim na ang kanilang paningin at kanilang napuruhan ang negosyante hanggang sa ito‘y mawalan na ng hininga. (Gin-eabo it akon nga kampod do alima na ngato nga may baril ag ako hay nabuno ko man imaw. Sa sobrang dasig it mga nahitabo hay nagpaeang-dueom eon do amon nga panan-awan ag hapuruhan gid imaw hasta nadueaan it ginhawa),‖ pagpapatuloy ni Mang Ben. Ayon din kay Mang Ben, ang kanilang napatay ay naka-away na nila noon dahil sa hidwaan sa isang personal na bagay.

"Nagtago ako at ang aking pinsan ang sumuko sa kapulisan.

Kami‘y nagkasundo na siya ang aako sa lahat ng pangyayari.

Nangako rin ako sa kaniya na siya‘y tutulungan ko ngunit it ay hindi ko nagawa. (Nagpanago ako ag do akon nga ingkampod do nagsurrender sa mga pulis. Nagtrato kami nga imaw do maako.

Ginpangako-an ko ang ingkampod nga buligan ko imaw pero uwa ko man haubra)," sabi ni Mang Ben habang pilit na binabalikan ang mga pangyayari.

Pumunta si Mang Ben at ang kanyang pamilya sa Manila at doon ay nanirahan sa loob ng 16 na taon.

Ayon din sa kaniya, ang kaniyang pinsan ay nakulong sa loob ng anim na taon at kalaunan ay nabigyan

ng parole kaya ito‘y napalaya rin. Sa kasamaang-palad, namatay ang kaniyang pinsan anim na buwan pagkatapos itong makalaya.

Makalipas ang 16 na taon, bumalik si Ben sa Aklan sa pagaakalang nabaon na ng panahon ang ginawa niya. Ngunit nalaman ng pamilya ng napatay niya na bumalik siya at kinasuhan siya ng pagpatay (murder). Nakulong siya ng anim na buwan sa Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) at nakalabas din pagkatapos magbayad ng P40,000 na piyansa.

Kung siya nga raw ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataong bumalik sa oras na nangyari ang pagpaslang, pipiliin pa rin niyang gawin kung ano ang ginawa na niya noon. ―Dalawa lang naman ang pagpipilian ko – ang mamatay ako o ang depensahan ko ang aking sarili. (Daywa malang ang choice eh, ako do mamatay o depensahan ko ang sarili.)," sabi niya.

Nawa‘y hindi natin makalimutan na hangga‘t maaari ay huwag magpadala sa agos ng emosyon maliban na lamang kung buhay mo na ang nakataya. Mali man ang pumatay ng kapwa, hindi mai-aalis sa atin bilang tao ang pagnanais na masagip ang sarili at mabuhay. Ika nga, kung minsan ang buhay ay parang laro. Dedepensahan mo ang sarili laban sa katunggali o hahayaan mo na lamang na matalo ka. *hindi tunay na pangalan

25

FOOD & LIFESTYLE

Cozy CAFE:

Not your ordinary place Our busy lifestyles has made us take less or even no time in preparing the food we eat but this place will make you rethink your favorite comfort food.

2

development of Kalibo came with it the boom of food establishments, be it fast food, cafés or fine dining. But with all of the cafés trying to oust each other by giving out-of-this-world specialties, a comfy place and budget-friendly menu, what does this one have to offer that will make it stand out from the rest?

If you‘re the kind of person who likes to eat at a private place rather than the usual fast food establishment or who still prefer to eat home-cooked meals rather than the high-fat fried meals, then there‘s no other place both of these and will not strain your wallet.

Out of the interest of Mr. Hanlee Candelario, a BS Business Administration graduate and the availability of a vacant space, he suggested to his mother that why not create a café out of an empty, unrented space? Although at first there were hesitations from his mother, because of the determination of Mr. Hanlee he was able to convince not only his mother but his entire family to try the café business.

And as we have mentioned, there was shilly-shallying at first, thus they had no idea of how and where to start with. This is seen on the simple layout and aura of the place. Our first impression? It looks like the living area of a house, comfortable, relaxing and simple. That‘s why it is named Cozy Café.

Since its official opening last June 2016, the café has evolved greatly from having only four tables and a simple to menu to a place that could accommodate 23 persons at maximum and has changed their menu based on the suggestions and recommendations of the customers therefore creating a variety of selection on single and group serving, frappes, and other drinks and desserts. The menu mainly caters to the taste of high school and college students but is also appealing to family groups and young professionals.

28

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

(Top to bottom) Some of the most ordered items on the Cozy Café Menu are the as follows: STEAMED SIOMAI (P50.00 / 6 pieces per serving) as one of the first snack being sold by the family; FERRO LAVA CAKE (P90.00); FERRERO CHOCO MALLOWS & PRETZEL KNOTS (P118.00) ; NACHO BEEF & CHEESE TACOS (P75.00); and CREAMY CARBONARA (P70.00); Cozy Café also serves breakfast combo meals, pizza, hot coffee and other hot and cold drinks.

CLASSIC SPAGHETTI WITH MEATBALLS is the specialty of Cozy Café.

The Classic Spaghetti with Meatballs paired with Have a Kit-Kat Frappe is the combination you should taste. It has the distinct sour taste of the traditional Italian spaghetti combined and balanced with the sweet smack of the Filipino spaghetti. It comes with a special sauce (which of course is a secret), topped with cheddar cheese, two pieces of home-made meatballs which has a unique texture and taste, and has two toasted breads on the side.

You should (or shall we say, must) also try the Creamy Carbonara. It has this unusual but exceptional sauce made out of the usual ingredients mixed with a secret ingredient. It has a unique texture that you won‘t get to taste in other carbonaras (we assure you). And it also comes with two slice of toasted bread as sides. This is best paired with the Vanilla Cookie Crumble Caramel frappe.

To experience more of their bestselling menu, you may go to Cozy Café located at 0327 Goding Ramos St., Kalibo, Aklan.

You don‘t have to spend a luxury to enjoy the same quality of food, or even better. The place may look ordinary but we beg to disagree. Cozy Café, as we say, is not your ordinary place (and not your ordinary food as well).

Mr. Hanlee Candelario, owner and manager of Cozy Café holding a plate of their classic spaghetti with meatballs.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

29

TRAVELOGUE

ATI VILLAGE:

BEHIND THE SAND AND PALMS With the fast paced tourism-related developments and rapid urbanization in one if not the most well-known island tourist destination in the world, do its original inhabitants still have their place in what once was their home?

3

and rapid population growth, communities have widened, cultures have expanded and discoveries have deepened. We have been indulging ourselves in a contemporary lifestyle filled with technology, processed food, artificial products and work-eat-sleep routine. The transformation from traditional to modern living is abruptly changing and old-fashioned things are being overlooked.

Why don‘t you, for a moment, stop and relax.

Reflect on your surroundings. Forget about your workload and divert your attention to something light like having a vacation? Our suggestion? Take a trip down the memory lane and immerse yourself in the diverse culture of our past by travelling to Boracay.

But wait, we‘ll not be going there just for its white sand beaches or crystal blue water. Why not try going to a different side of the island, To a community where everything in that place started and despite the challenges of modern times has made itself stand out from the crowd?

Your journey will begin from either of the three main entrances in the province of Aklan, namely the Kalibo International Airport (KIA), Caticlan Jetty Port, and Boracay International Airport.

For this issue, we have chosen KIA as the starting point of our travel. From the airport, you can ride a van on your way to Caticlan which will take you more or less two to three hours depending on the speed of your passenger vehicle and will cost you Php 100-120.00.

Upon arriving in the Caticlan Jetty Port, domestic tourists will be paying a fee upon entrance. This fee is being used for the maintenance and improvement of the facilities of the port. Next, one should cue in line for the pump boat fair costing Php 35.00. The travel would take you approximately 30 minutes under favorable weather conditions. While inside the boat, you can already feast your eyes in the clear waters of the Sibuyan Sea and at times see fishes through the pristine seawater.

By the time you have reached the Cagban Port, you can either ride a multicab or tricycle (the latter would be more fun) to the Ati Village for Php 20-40.00.

Giving you a brief overview of the island, Boracay Island, as to the First Peoples Worldwide is known for its pristine white sand beaches, turquoise waters, underwater splendor, and exhilarating wind-driven sport activities, has been the destination for adventurous Westerners, and well to do Asians since the 70‘s. In 2012, Travel and Leisure Magazine awarded Boracay Island as First place among the Top 10 beaches in the world.

However, the flip side of this increasing popular island is the eradication of the Atis. The Ati Community, also known as the Aeta, have been the occupants of Boracay long before the arrival of lowland Filipinos and the developments on the island.

According to National Geographic, as by First Peoples Worldwide, ―The oldest genetic lineages that were found in the Ati tell the story of the first people to

settle in the Philippines.‖ In January 2011, following years of the Ati community‘s appeal to acquire two hectares of their ancestral land, the Philippine government awarded the Ati Community a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title. The land title confirms the ownership of the Ati Community and their privilege as landowner over their property. Two hectares of land for the first occupants of the island is a trivial portion compared to approximately 1,028.96 hectares the island is comprised of. As huge fans of history and the native people, we got inspired and interested to know all about the said community.

According to Boracay Ati Tribal Organization (BATO), and to quote, ―Nonetheless, full ownership and occupancy of the awarded two hectares of land remained a struggle for the Ati Community. Claimants, namely Greg Sanson (President and owner of the Pearl of the Pacific Resort and Spa), Rudy Banico (Associate of Greg Sanson), and Lucas Gelito (Land-owner), have filed cases to revoke the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title given to the Ati Community because of their alleged tenure of the land. The Ati Community is currently threatened by the proposed P1.2 billion (US $30 million) Boracay Crown Regency Hotel and Convention Center which will include a water park by Richard King (CEO of Crown Regency Hotels and Resorts). Lawsuits have been filed not only against the Ati Community but also against their close advocates.

Recently, the claimants have utilized various forms of intimidation, including persistent practice of land grabbing by fencing lands, erecting temporary living quarters and security guard houses, filing additional lawsuits to stall the legal procedure, attempting to acquire ―writ of possession‖ over the Ati Community, thus, prohibiting them from building and obtaining basic necessities such as electricity.‖ The security and future of the Ati community and environment are alarmingly threatened. Tragically, Boracay Ati Tribe Organization leader Dexter Condez, only 26 years-old, was killed in March 2013. His murder is still unsolved. Regarding the environment, the wetlands have been filled and developed; trees and shrubs – the sources of food for the Ati Community – have been removed; hills have been leveled; explosives have been used for large quantity fishing; and increased public transportation via water have caused increased pollution and disturbance to ocean life. Upon arrival, we approached one of the residents and asked as to where their main office is. Sister Maria Flor Jalmasco and Ma‘am Lourdes Tamboon welcomed us. Without any further ado, we began the interview inside their office.

As a native resident and leader of the Ati Community, Ma‘am Lourdes Tamboon, 29 years old, started her service to her fellowmen since her youth, she‘s now already the third generation of their tribal organization. Because she is one of them, Ma‘am Lourdes, as to her role in their community, did not hesitate to tell that her job is not that easy, she admitted that it is very challenging.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

31

She described her relationship with the Aetas in the village as having her own family. She added further that as a community, they should be like and act like a family. She manages to balance her time between work and her family. When asked about any problem at her work, she replied, ―I can‘t avoid some conflicts between my fellow neighbors. It‘s hard on my part to deal with it.‖ As one of the highlights of our interview, she shared to me that her most memorable experience was the day of the Land Installation in April 17, 2012. It is during that day that the promised land their wishing for a long time was officially given to them.

All in all, there are 30 families composed of 196 individuals who occupy the 30 houses found in the vicinity. Moreover, three families added therefore having three additional houses. The Department of Social Welfare and Development also made efforts to put up solar-powered street lights along the road to Manok-manok.

Serving as one of the leaders of the Ati Village inspired and taught Ms. Tamboon to become humble, honest, and brave in fighting for their rights as the native people of Boracay.

On the other hand, we also had a conversation with Sister Maria Flor Jalmasco. At her age of 50, she has served for three years since 2013. The congregation, the Daughters of Charity of Saint Vistan de Paul had been with the Ati Community for 16 years now. Sadly, after the election, she will not be able to extend her service to the community because she will be going back in teaching. They were able to start their mission in the Diocese of Kalibo through the approval of Bishop Gabrielle Reyes. Bishop Reyes invited her congregation to work in New Washington, Aklan.

Because of the displacement of and adverse effects of tourism to the Atis, her congregation was invited by the Bishop through his own initiative to come and organize the Atis as a community.

In the beginning, she found it to be difficult and different. It was not so easy because cultural differences but because of her commitment and love for the poor, everything turned the other way around. Being in the situation, she found her motivation from Pope Francis‘ musical letters and to quote, ―You go to the peripheries in order to experience God‘s love.‖ She was like a mother and a wife to them in her mission and that despite of the difficulties, because of Jesus as her inspiration, she was able to maintain her optimism and enthusiasm. ―We must continue to love the poor especially to those who are in the peripheries all over the world like those indigenous people who experience being harassed and underestimated.

No matter what, the dignity of a person as a human should always prevail,‖ she said with

32

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

Ati children play in an open area of their community, far from what their ancestors used to do in what was then a serine beach that seemed to be exclusive to them but is now for foreign tourists only.

conviction. The establishment of the school is one of their best insights. Currently, it is under the Integrated School of Manok-manok Boracay.

As to how she manages her time, Sister Jalmasco frankly told us that when you enter such congregation, becoming a nun, and whatever activities in her life in line with her passion, family no longer becomes part of her work. As the lay minister of the Ati Village, her family is not her priority anymore. She said we need to balance the three spaces of being a religious: First is the community, second is our prayer life, and third is our apostles.

Meeting problems is one of the common barriers to one‘s mission and job. Sister Flor did share some of her struggles in joining the Atis and some of her tough battles in life. ―When I arrived here, there were neither houses nor establishments.‖ They started from nothing but ended up with what they now have, the ―Ati Komunidad‖. Joining and living with poor is already her master‘s degree, even though in reality, as a teacher she did not took any exam to earn a title.

She has also mentioned about the ITLED (Education Priority for Indigenous) which they foresee to become a law someday. One of the provisions on the said proposal will feature equal treatment and rights must be exercised and bullying must be prohibited in schools and universities, public or private.

Because she is about to leave her work in the Ati Community, who became her newfound family, she leaves a message that says, ―Ingatan ang lupang tinubuan.‖ And to end her part on our interview, she quoted some words that Jesus said, saying, ―I came not to be served, but to serve.‖ Both Ma‘am Tamboon and Sister Jalmasco were glad and extended their heartfelt appreciation that we took the time to come and visit their village and that we are to feature the Ati community.

Through the viewpoints of this people, we have witnessed what one who have not been to or is not familiar about the place should know, expect and contribute. Moreover, souvenir and native products are sold on site and cultural tours and visits are available upon schedule.

It is good to go back to our roots for if not because of them, we will not be here. We must not also forget them as they are a vital part of our culture and history as Filipinos and as a country.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

33

CAMPUS

HUE CAN DO IT TOO! Some are born with it and some develop it as they grow.

Today, we go through what makes someone a leader.

We go beyond the blacks and whites and see them in full color.

3

3

President, ASU-CIT University Student Council

“ 36

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

”

. has always been one of the most vocal student in the campus, he is the one who does not fear standing in the middle of the crowd just to stand-up to the values he believes; Traits that fit him well to be leading power behind the campus highest organization, the Supreme Student Council. ―I (had) always stood on the things that I believe into because if no one stands for it, who else?‖ as quoted to him at an interview.

Being the SSC president he envisions an organization that, ―works hand-in-in for the betterment of our constituents.‖ ―I also want to push through an online based enrolment system that will lessen the labor of the students on queuing.‖ He sad when ask of his plans for his administration, ―hopefully circumstances will allow,‖ he added.

Daog had also served as the past student coordinator of the Titans Team— consisting of the Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Education students.

Where he had show a promising leadership and goal-orienting administration. When ask if how this experience will help him on his present task of being the SSC President, he simply replied, ―Of course, allot.‖ Some of his future possible projects are creating more programmes that showcase the talents of the students in the campus and also developing a student-friendly office. He is also planning on creating drinkable water fountains, ―because that‘s one of the prime needs of the campus.‖ In conclusion of our interview, I ask him his personal message for the whole ASU-CIT community, ―Magbueoligan kita para sa ika progreso naton tanan. Kunta magsupporta gid kamo sa adbokasiya it SSC hay para man dun sa ikanami it atong eskwelahan.

Mabuhay ASU-CIT!‖

Editor-in-Chief, The Aklan Tradesman Publication as plus size is but too understated, for much as to those people who had worked with him, he is beyond that—gargantuan.

Jemuel B. Garcia III, or Jem to his friends is a resident of Cupang, Banga. He finished his elementary at Kalibo Pilot and his secondary education at the Regional Science High School for Region Six. Currently he is on his third year taking his degree in Architecture. He is also the current Editor-in-Chief of The Aklan Tradesman, the Official Student Publication of Aklan State University - College of Industrial Technology.

Having said, Jemuel had planted things that we can consider as a certain innovation. Some of those are producing a more productive organization that caters a more relevant form of journalism. He also introduced at the local level some of the new forms of prints that are currently on the use somewhere else, such as community wall-news, online publication, ad strip folio that showcases the visual forms of arts.

When asks if there are yet any innovations that he wants and dreamed for the ASU-CIT community, he replied: ―To give more emphasis to student rights on the freedom of information and welfare,‖ He said and added, ―I also want to see an organization which will develop a sense of responsibility and cooperation.‖ When asked if there is a pressure on his part, being at the highest position on the org he answered, ―None at all, wala naman akong dapat i-prove just to level with their expectations.‖ Even so, Jemuel continues to show that he is much more to expect with, he had been labeled with numerous awards on writings and leadership. Taking the first spot on the 2015 Ten Outstanding Student Award, awarded as one of the most promising news writer at the PIA 2015, and grabbing the first place award on the Aklan Tourism Week feature writing competition to name a few.

Gargantuan -- as to explain that, not much justification is needed. Just take a look at this whole issue, fan fact: He made the lay-out of these all by himself.

“

” EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

37

President, ASU-CIT Glee Club

“ 38

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

”

is not easy to achieve unless you are born with it. All the more that it requires unfathomable passion in order to stay with the things that you do despite of the sacrifices that you need to offer in order to be worthy of staying in that particular group. Jayrose Nervar, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology senior student, and the current president of the Aklan State UniversityCollege of Industrial Technology (ASU-CIT) Glee Club, fills herself relative to that situation.

Jayrose was a transferee in the university when she was in first year, which leaves her enormous vacant hours before the scheduled practice. ―Nung first year ako, hinihintay ko talaga lagi ang oras ng praktis. Irregular student kasi ako noon kaya alas-diyes palang wala na akong klase. Kaya rin nagtitiis nalang muna akong hindi umuwi para lang maka-attend ng praktis, kasi gusto ko rin naman talagang kumanta.‖ Reminiscing to her junior years as a member, she still cannot believe that she is now the leader of the organization, knowing that she neither has any leadership experience nor is much organized when it comes to other organizational affairs. ―Gusto ko lang talagang tumulong sa kanila pero kung sasabihin mong magiging leader, hindi ko nakita ang sarili ko sa ganoong estado.‖ On the other hand, Jayrose believes that what sets her apart from others is her ability to impart a constructive criticism on whatever negative observations she has among her members. ―Ako kasi iyong klase ng lider na ikinokonsidera ang mga bagaybagay bago magsalita. Ang konsepto ko rin naman kasi ng isang lider ay isang tao na kayang umintindi ng pinagdadaanan ng members, and at the same kayang silang disiplinahin. Sabi nga ni Sir JC (ASU-CIT Glee Club Trainor), hindi namin kailangan maging magaling kumanta; ang kailangan namin, kahit hindi magaling, basta willing matuto.‖ With what the ASU-CIT Glee Club has at hand, Jayrose has an ardent dream for the organization to soar higher and spread its good name not just within the school but also among the people outside the campus.

President, Young Educators Society ― .‖ Words to ponder and live by, of which the person behind the YES organization did.

She makes sure that she manages to reach her goals. Vangie Y. Talde or ―Vanj‖ or ―Jhie‖ to her friends and is a proud Antiquenia, graduated her primary schooling at Callan Elementary School and her secondary at Sebaste High School, both of which are in Antique. Ms. Talde is now 18 years of age and is a third year college student in our campus taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in TLE. ―For me, leadership is the capacity of one person to lead his people. A good leader must have self-discipline and ability to govern oneself using his reason. A good leader must acknowledge the welfare of his people, must be the voice, and must not go after his/her position but to the things his/her people deserve to have,‖ she said when asked about what her definition of a leader is.

Prior to being the leader of YES, her past experiences influenced and taught her many lessons like goal setting. ―I have always believed that I have the capability to lead and become a good leader,‖ she said.

She foresees that the organization will become successful despite of the problems it is and will be facing now and the coming days. She believes that in union with her members and co-officers and through the help of their department-adviser, they can make the organization more useful and productive. ―We will continue helping others through our outreach programs and do other projects that would be beneficial to everyone,‖ Vangie added.

Being a leader requires positive perspective, hardwork, self-confidence, and bravery to really hit the mark and reach what you aim for.

“

” EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

39

S. Adjutant, Reserve Officers Training Corps

“ ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 40 EMERALD VOL 55 / NO 1

”

in the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) officer and the only first class left in Aklan State University – College of Industrial Technology, Fel James Ili, is currently a third year BSIT student and is in-charge of the same organization.

Leadership is our own personal elevator pitch that defines our values, journey, goals and expectations in life. ―Being a good leader is being a good follower. Why? To be able to quickly and efficiently establish a deep trusting relationship with our subordinates,‖ Fel James answered as to how he views leadership.

To attain leadership one must look forward for the welfare of his men. ―To be honest, kung amat hay nabudlayan ako mag-manage it ang time between sa ROTC ag academics, as well as my responsibilities as an SSC officer,‖ he added. Having two or more responsibilities at the same time is one of the toughest challenge of an individual.

Leadership comes from within and it is shown in our capacity to bring out the best in ourselves combining personal strengths, self-awareness and courage. ―An effective leader must truly understand, accept and appreciate his/her subordinates own weaknesses and strengths,‖ Fel James said.

Just like any other student, everybody aimed to fit in a group. One of these is Fel James. When he was in high school, he was a victim of bullying. ―Yes, I was bullied when I was a kid. Oftentimes, I just cry for I don‘t want to fight back because I know that won‘t make me any better than them.‖ His painful past motivated him to develop his personality and inspired him to take the advance course in ROTC. Unity, peace and strong leadership is what every leader wants. ―We should not forget our duties and responsibilities, as a youth and Filipino citizen, to serve and protect our country and the people,‖ he ended.

President, Association of HRT Students , so in order to win and reach the goal of being on top, you need to play as a team wherein you got a captain who leads, motivates and tells you that each one has a responsibility as a player.

Like playing volleyball, Mr. Reynan R. Casquejo will show us that he would spike his way to victory as a good leader and unveil his secret of leadership. ―Kung kaya mo nga i-lead imong members, nga isang sugo mo eagi hay gatuman eagi sanda, gatao ka eagit it attitude nga isaeang beses ka eang maghambae.‖ Mr. Reynan R. Casquejo is a Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management Technology student and is in his third year, a man of his words, an athlete, and a volleyball player of Blazers team. ―Malisod ga-lead it isaeang ka department. Bukon ka eang abi ga-lead it isaeang ka section kundi abo nga sections,‖ he answered when asked about what he had in mind prior to being the leader of his organization. He was a mayor of their section when he was on his first year in college, the vice governor on his second year, and is currently the President of the Association of Hotel and Restaurant Technology (HRT) Students or AHRTS. ―Bukon abi naton it kabisado do ugali it tawo. May una gid abi nga dungoe kaya kinahangean gid nga magstrikto para eang magsunod sanda,‖ Mr. Casquejo‘s reply as to how his past experiences influenced his present mindset.

He envisions their laboratories having television sets and projectors for improved learning as well as instruments and equipment that will aid senior students in their exercises. Mr. Casquejo would also foresees cooperation among the students especially when it comes to school-related and organizational activities.

Mr. Reynan believes that leadership is like a volleyball game where he plays in unity and harmony with his team. He further believes that ―A true leader cooperates with the mind and heart of its members.‖

“

” EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

41

President, Association of Civil Engineering Students

“ ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 42 EMERALD VOL 55 / NO 1

”

of his college life solving mathematical problems and one who watches anime series and movies during his spare time, Mr. Santillan is your ordinary college student – or is he?

Jerahmel E. Santillan, a 22 year-old civil engineering student, formerly the Vice President of the ACES (Association of Civil Engineering Students) and now the President of the said organization is the eldest son of Mr. Andres A. Santillan and Mrs. Rosalina E. Santillan. Despite of being a second course taker in Aklan State University- College of Industrial Technology after transferring from a private college after three years of studying there, he did not lose the motivation to continue his education. ―I believe that being a leader gives us the opportunity to heal our own imperfections and enhance our own identity because once you become a leader, you are responsible to correct your own deeds and actions. Transforming your weakness into strengths, you can surely contribute success to your organization,‖ he replied when asked about his viewpoint on leadership. Prior to being the President of ACES, he was once a youth leader of their local church since he was in second year high school until he graduated in the said level.

He did encounter problems in the organization especially when it comes to budget management. Sometimes, he also had to sacrifice his academic requirements because of the needs of the organization.

Problems such as these would really test how dedicated you are to your organization.

Being a Civil Engineer student is a tough career. There are many things you cannot handle concurrently and things you know you can‘t do. As a leader, you know that there are things within the organization you can do on your own but better done with the help of your co-members.

Mr. Santillan foresees ACES to be the most active organization in school and making the said a member of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE).

President, ASU-CIT United Architects of the Philippines - Student Auxiliary this man to be a future architect despite the fact that being one did not pass his train of thoughts.

It has been said that love can be learned, and so Niegel, a Fifth Year Bachelor of Science in Architecture Student has come to a realization that he‘d love designing buildings and structures rather than being an accountant, the latter is what he had in mind before entering college. ―Being a leader is a tough responsibility. It‘s not about the position but it‘s how you handle every circumstances that will come through.‖ Mr. Alibangbang said when asked about his views about leadership.

The United Architects of the Philippines – Student Auxiliary (UAPSA) is created under the United Architects of the Philippines, the official organization of registered and practicing architects in the country. UAPSA ASU-CIT Chapter is the only UAPSA in Aklan. The organization has conducted various activities since it was established which includes community outreach activities, student-based and student-led activities, and the annual celebration of National Architecture Week.

As they say, leaders are not born, they are created. But have you come to think that before being created, a leader has to be born. Nong Niegel, as most students call him, believes that putting oneself in other peoples‘ shoes is the best way to lead and to feel empathy. He envisions the organization to be more productive and have an increase in the membership even given the fact that there is only one school that offers Bachelor of Science in Architecture in the province.

His mother says that he is an introvert, in layman‘s term is someone who is quiet, shy or does not find it easy to talk to other people. We know that left-handed people are good in arts as the right hemisphere of our brain which controls the left side of our body is oriented in arts, music and communication. Yes, you guessed it right, he is a left-y.

“

” EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

43

President, Pioneers

“ ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 44 EMERALD VOL 55 / NO 1

”

– College of Industrial Technology (ASU-CIT) as a developing and successful institution for college students, is made of different active organizations which individually has its own tasks to do and goals to achieve in line with the school‘s vision and mission. One of these organizations is the Pioneers, known as the holder of the school‘s name and history. Pioneers is an organization made of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) and Associate in Industrial Technology (ASIT) students. They have almost a thousand members which covers one-third of the campus‘ total population.

The Pioneers Organization is currently led by Mr. John Dell Santiago who is now a third year BSIT Electrical Technology major student. He has been the President of the Pioneers for two years (2014-2015) and of which the team achieved a two-time victory as the overall champion in the Palaro. With Mr. Santiago and the organization‘s support, Industrial Technology students successfully established the holding of the Innovation Week Celebration which already started last February 2015.

In every officer‘s failure up to the organization‘s success, Mr. Santiago is the one responsible for everything since he is their leader. When asked of how he views leadership, he just simply shared this quotation, ―A great leader is courageous to fulfill his vision because of passion, not position.‖ He admits that he had committed mistakes in the past but these and his experiences made him as to who he is now. ―All leaders can commit a failure but that failure will make them more mature, more productive and it will guide them in making meaningful decisions in the future.‖ , he adds.

Every organization in the campus is a unit of the whole school so the school‘s success depends on how these organizations do their part and interact with each other. As for the Pioneers organization, they still have ―to be a great organization, be known, be acknowledged in school, and to be much more innovative‖ as part of their leader‘s vision.

President, ASU-CIT Dance Troupe of meeting his dance troupe adviser way back before he was enrolled in the university, J Paul Van T. Medina, a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology 4B student still has a bit of puzzlement on how he became the Dance Master of the Aklan State UniversityCollege of Industrial Technology (ASU-CIT) Dance Troupe. Being a transferee, J Paul has undergone similar processes of screenings and trainings despite of him being a former member of another dance troupe company from his previous institution. Dancing is what he considers as his passion. Though dancing is what he really loves, the primary concern of him being a member of this organization is all about time management. ―I am a student from the start of the day. I attend the scheduled trainings at about five o‘clock in the afternoon wherein I would usually do 30-50 rounds of jogging barefoot and other exercises ending at 7:00 in the evening, but this could also vary if there is an event performance or sometimes even until weekends in preparation for certain competition. But more importantly, the physical endurance to bear all of these is much harder. From there, you could already assess that it‘s really difficult. ‖ It is also true that there is a connotation of being an excellent performer when you are a member of the dance troupe. That is also the reason why we are truthful on our organizational motto: ―Attitude over skills‖. As they say, a person who has little skill in dancing but has the willingness to learn is preferable than those gifted with skills and knowledge but doesn‘t know how to listen.

This reflects the major goal of the organization to produce excellent dancers who has their feet on the ground despite all their achievements. Everything that they learn is essential for the craft. ―Being a leader does not always have to be giving orders, but fulfilling orders along with your members and taking action on it together. This is my concept of a leader.

Taking this from my own experience, I am looking forward that the next dance master would continue what we have started.‖

“

” EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

45

President, iPixel

“ ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 46 EMERALD VOL 55 / NO 1

”

of our school is the advancement that we have in computers and the quality technological skills that are taught to the students especially to the future information technologists of our school. Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (B.S. Info.Tech.) and Associate in Information Technology (Asso. Info.Tech.) are the curricular programs in ASU-CIT that specializes and promotes computer literacy. Under this department, the iPixel was established whose primary objective is to promote computer awareness and to lead its members in multimedia arts.

This year‘s iPixel governor is Mr. Emanuel Luis Magtoto, a third year BS Information Technology student. He is a graduate of Unidos National High School where he began to develop his programming and time management skills.

Even though he is a first time iPixel officer, it was during his time that iPixel started its move to upgrade into a more developed organization called SITS (Society of Information Technology Students) which will not only focus in multimedia innovation but also in general Information Technology advancement. Another goal of SITS is to become a member of the national organization, PSITS (Philippine Society if Information Technology Students) and be part of its yearly competition. Under his leadership, iPixel also conducted the ICT day last July, 2015 wherein members showcased their technological skills in various computer and information-related competitions.

As a leader, Mr. Magtoto views leadership as a responsibility and at the same time an experience that will be useful in the future. He says, ―I was one a leader in high school and that greatly helped me on how to handle pressures and manage my time properly.‖ Being a leader is a duty to encode and coordinate every plan and implement it successfully. He foresees iPixel to continue flourishing as SITS and at the same time continue making the school proud of them.

President, ASU-CIT Band & Majorette and beating drums may be funny for starters.

But do believe on the two born leaders of our beloved ASU CIT, Ms. Kay-ann M. Lopez and Mr. Kenneth H. Hondrado. Given the description, leadership for them is governing the group and leading them into paths where they will learn.

They started being a leader in their organization since they were freshmen, when they substituted their former leader who already graduated. As usual, problems did come their way. Their partnership with each other did not go as easy as they thought it would be as well as their relationship with their members. Despite this, they were able to manage themselves.

Being the leader of the majorettes and the band and lyre corps and doing their responsibilities as BS Civil Engineering and BSHRMT students respectively, balancing their time between their extra-curricular activities and academics was quite hard but they were able to do so efficiently and effectively.

Their most memorable experience was the first time they performed in school during the annual intramurals. They came in different uniforms for they used their past uniforms when they were in high school. ―Our instructor wasn‘t able to give us the exact uniform to use for that performance,‖ Ms. Lopez said. There are also times that they are not complete during a practice due to academic requirements other members had to attend to first. In effect, they would have to change parts of the music and choreography to compliment the number of available members there are.

Their skills and experiences helped them to become leaders of this organization. Furthermore, they envision the organization to become more developed and ingenious. Just like the two leaders of our Band and Majorette, Ms. Kay-ann and Mr. Kenneth always sees the positive side on every bad situation – being optimistic at the least. Both of them believes that, ―A good leader is a good follower.‖

“

” 47

COMMUNITY

An instrument

Of change

that what catches the attention of everyone are the things of great implications and popularity. This preset thinking leads us to being unappreciative of little things and underrate the abilities every individual may have. An irony as they say, we only see things that are extraordinary and forget things or people that we encounter in our everyday life. For instance, how will you imagine the daily flow activities in the university without the janitor? Or the cafeteria staff? It could be admitted that the loss of these ordinary people would detrimental to the efficiency of the whole community. Yet people disregard this because of a thought that they are being paid for what they do. But the question is, do they get a sum of what they really deserve?

Let‘s take this as an example: Mr. Winnie Susano, a retired School Janitor and Administrative Aide of Aguinaldo T. Repiedad Sr. Integrated School in Linabuan Sur, Banga, Aklan.

Just like any industrious fellow, he is a family man, having a wife who worked as an Agricultural Technician, and three children. ―It was only later when I worked in the municipal office. I was first a housewife and the one who primarily did provide us is my husband‖, said Lola Jolina, his wife.

With him, it is indeed true that big things literally, come from small beginnings. Starting off being a temporary aide of the school, Lolo Winnie earned an annual income of Php 546.00 per month, summing up Php 6552.00 in an annum during his temporary service as a janitor for one year. He became permanent in the service, increasing his salary Php 7236.00 per year, which is Php 603.00 per month. It is though ironic that even his job item was janitor, he also worked on things oblivious to this job description. He ANNIVERSARY ISSUE 48 EMERALD VOL 55 / NO 1

became a carpenter, a cook, a driver, a janitor, and other things as he may help.

On the other hand, one of the works he most often does is to cook. It is the most tedious according to him. He cooks primarily on special occasions and most especially on sports fests. ―I could remember waking up as early as two o‘clock in the morning just to cook breakfast for more than 700 student players excluding their coaches. On their finish at about eight o‘clock or nine, I would once again start to cook for lunch, and the same goes for the dinner‖, Lolo Winnie said. ―At times, I am also brought to drive for travels on different places within Panay for official businesses. But I guess, my most significant contribution or if I may say, legacy that I have left, is the current state of the school itself‖, he added.

This is because Lolo Winnie initiated the reform of the school from a dilapidated edifice near to destruction into a new and improved one. ―It took me months to process the things needed to make that happen. I went back and forth to the DepEd Division Office to comply for the requirements and I guess, it was all worth it seeing the students free from any harm of being stucked between the broken floors of the school.‖ Lolo Winnie had done much for his craft. That is why in one of the darkest times of his life, his co-workers were there for him. That was when his daughter Jowena was diagnosed with lupus. A year immediately after her college graduation, her life also culminated with her death on the said ailment. Their family had seeded off much of their finances on hospitalization which brought them worries on sustaining her medication.

―Luckily, I was never alone in this fight. I gained much support from the teaching staff, my family, and friends so we were able to go through with all of these. It may have not ended happy, but we know that she is now on a better place.

Presently, Lolo Winnie enjoys the serenity of life as he ended his 23 years of janitorial service and be solely with his family. His wife Lola Jolina continues to work as a government employee, and his two remaining children, Winston and Jowelyn already have their respective families. It

is his pride that through his work- no matter he is belittled, he was able to give proper education to his children.

This story of a humble janitor‘s struggles in life does remind us that we should not let ourselves be branded by others based on what they see.

Looking at the brighter side, we should also show others how bright the ember of our willingness to learn and help others. Thus, in our ways, no matter how little we are, we could be an instrument of change.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

49

HISTORY

THROUGH the

DECADES

The present bridges tomorrow and its history. Every successful story is equipped with a compelling yesterday of chronological slate of events highlighted by tons of hardships. As we celebrate the 60th year of Aklan’s existence, let us once again immortalize its past – how it was yesterday, and why it became the Aklan that we know today.

April 25, 1956. The day when the Province of Aklan was born by virtue of Republic Act 1414, separating Aklan from the province of Capiz, authored by the Father of Aklan, Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos.

is referred to as the youngest of the four provinces of Panay Island yet one of the oldest among the provinces in the Philippines. Aklan (together with Capiz Province), was formerly named as the Minuro it Akean by its first settlers from Borneo in 1213, who fled from the despotic ruler Datu Makatunaw, Sultan of Brunei. It was then here where they established a new settlement and reaped rich harvests of the fertile plains and the sea.

The purchase of Panay by the Maraynons has become a legend sent down from generation to generation through folklores, songs, and dances retelling how Datu Puti, the leader of the Maraynons, purchased the lowlands from the Ati King, Marikudo, and his wife Maniwang-tiwang, in exchange of a golden sarok, a gold necklace, bolts of cloth and trinkets. This strip of Aklan‘s account is annually commemorated during the blooming of the season of mangoes at about the same time when the event took place, wherein a grand feast of singing, dancing, and merrymaking is done.

The reception in Honor of Rev. Gabriel M. Reyes with other bishops and honorable officials at Calle Rizal in Calivo, 1948. (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon).

As years passed by, the descendants of Datu Marikudo went up to the mountains, but settlers decided to perpetuate the celebration. In the absence of the Ati fellows, the Maraynon people smeared themselves with soot to impersonate the black color of the Ati. This tradition of merrymaking withstood the adversities of time and is now being immortalized and celebrated by both the locals and foreign people who call it the Ati-atihan Festival.

The early Aklanon settlers (who called themselves Madyanos) resided in an area at Barangay Marianos and Laguinbanwa, Numancia, Aklan. From there, they conducted explorations into the hinterlands and along the coast.

Coupled with several controversies, doubts, and disbelief of the skeptics, we still held into the certainty that our ancestors came from Borneo and that after the purchase of Panay, the ten datus divided the island into three ―sakups‖: Akean (now Aklan and Capiz, Irong-irong (now Iloilo), and Hamtik (now Antique).

In 1566, Father Andres de Aguirre

52

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

baptized thousands of Aklanons as Christians in Madyanos which also signaled the birth of Kalibo (renamed from Madyanos), which is now the capital town of the province. Aklan has actually tasted the Spanish trademark of ―divide and conquer‖ written in history books as Miguel Lopez de Legaspi divided Akean among his favorites in 1760. The old sakup of Aklan became a Spanish-political-military province under the name of Capiz until the next 240 years.

It is though ironic that Aklanons had a distinct dialect of their own, which made it seem that that they never felt any identification with Capiz. For which reason, the Aklanons filed a petition for the separation of Aklan from Capiz when the Ameicans took Panay from the Spaniards. It was in 1901 during the inauguration of the New Civil Government of under the Americans when the Taft Commission came to Capiz. Knowing such event, the Aklan delegation which was led by Nahtalio B. Acevedo presented a formal request for separation.

“It is though ironic that Aklanons had a distinct dialect of their own, which made it seem that that they never felt any identification with Capiz.”

The petition was not denied at the very instance, but it was neither approved because of adverse economic conditions.

Instead, the Americans promised a separate Court of First Instance for Aklan at Batan and appointed Simeon Mobo Reyes as the First Provincial Secretary. But the struggle for selfgovernance was never left out. ―The Akeanon‖, a publication in 1914 kept the fervor of this desire.

With the ardent cause for separation, the Aklanon representatives to the Congress continued to advocate bills for such purpose.

There was the Urquiola-Alba Bill in 1920; the Laserna-Suñer Bill in 1925 and 1930, and the Tumbokon Bill in 1934. But this cause just came into reality as the late President Ramon Magsaysay signed into law the Republic Act 1414, a law separating Aklan from Capiz on April 25, 1956 which was authored by then Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos who also became a delegate of the 1971 Constitutional Convention and the Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals before he died. The province was then officially inaugurated on November 8, 1956.

President Ramon Magsaysay appointed Hon. Jose Raz Meñez Raz as Governor of the province until December 30, 1959, and was then succeeded by Hon. Godofredo Ramos who became the first elected Governor of Aklan in 1960. He was then succeeded by Hon. Virgilio Protacio when he resigned to run for Congress. Hon. Jose B. Legaspi then served the same position for two consecutive terms from 1964 to 1971. Hon. Roberto Q. Garcia held the position up to 1986. After the ―EDSA Revolution‖, several OICs were appointed until Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot was elected for two consecutive terms from 1989-1995, followed by Gov. Florencio T. Miraflores serving three terms from 19952004, succeeded by Hon. Carlito S. Marquez who also served for three terms from 20042013, until the incumbent Hon. Florencio T. Miraflores reassumed office in 2013 to the present.

1 2

3

4

5

6

ON THE PHOTOS: (1) In the photo is President Ferdinand Marcos during the inauguration of the NIA irrigation project in Banga in 1967 or 1968.

Also in the picture are then Governor Jose Legaspi and then Mayor of Banga Tomas Raz. (Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Dela Peña); (2) Col. Pasto Concepeios Martelino, an Akeanon World War II martyr (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon); (3) Father’s Day is a traditional event celebrated every 31st of December in Batan, Aklan. (Photo courtesy of Raymond Sucgang); (4) The Normal at Calivo which now stands as the Museo it Akean (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon); (5) Kalibo Santo Niño Festival 1963 (Photo courtesy of Danilo Yap); (6) Kalibo Santo Niño Festival 1969 (Photo courtesy of Filipinas Heritage Library thru Ro Akeanon) EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

53

7

8 10

9

12

54

13

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

VOL

11 ON THE PHOTOS: (7) On this photo (from left to right), Aklanon World War II martyr Captain Gil Mijares, poses with his mother Magdalena Mijares and brother Ben Mijares. (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon); (8) Boracay in the summer of 1979 (Photo courtesy of manilaoldtimer.net); (9) Batan-Dumaguit Ferry Service (Photo courtesy of Raymond Sucgang); (10) The indigenous people of Panay in their traditional practice of “binukot.” (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon); (11) Kalibo Santo Niño Atiatihan Festival 1969 (Photo courtesy of Filipinas Heritage Library through Ro Akeanon); (12) Archbishop Gabriel Martelino Reyes, the first Filipino Archbishop of Manila who is an Aklanon (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon); (12) First mardigras in Kalibo (Photo courtesy of Ro Akeanon);

The Aklan Tradesman Publication, as an institution of transparency and information dissemination, supports and firmly believes in the freedom of expression.

(Model: June Nico B. Concepcion)

TUNAY NA BUHAY

Of second chances When your faith is stronger than your fear, you can do even the most impossible of things. But what if in your happiest of moments, you lose this faith? Will you have another chance to gain it?

5

5

.

I spent my childhood growing in church. Those memories were filled with scenes of people serving God and using their life in the ministry. Growing up in poverty, I got used to hardships and sacrifices every day believing that it is the life God gave me and He will never leave me. I grew up knowing the value of being a true Christian believer.

We originally lived in Bicol but have decided to live here in Aklan in the year 2000. I was about four years old that time. I have an elder sister which is six years older than me. We live in Banga, Aklan and blessed to have a free house to stay at through the generosity of the Pastors and workers of Banga Fundamental Baptist Church.

I grew up without a father. I came to know that my father had a family other than us. In spite of what he‘d done, I never hated him. Instead, this gave me the courage and will to be the man in our family.

I was blessed to finish my elementary education and continue my studies in ASU laboratory High school at Banga. It was when I enjoyed my life to the fullest. People say, ―cherish your high school years‖, so I did. There, I built my personality, self-esteem and learned and enhanced my skills; I nurtured things and indulged myself on doing things that would benefit my learning process.

During those years, I thought life was just about happy moments and unforgettable experiences, but it‘s not. I started to lose my connection with God. My spiritual life weakened and I stopped praying and reading the Bible. I became a hard-headed person and neglected God in my life. I pursued my personal desires, became addicted to computer games, going home late, disobeyed my parents and began stealing my mother's money just to satisfy my personal

58

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

pleasures.

God‘s hand came upon me. He did not want me to continue the way I am living my life so He gave me lessons that will eventually lead me down on my knees. I was fourth year high school back then. Like any other senior student, I was very excited because our much awaited diploma will be on our hands in a few weeks‘ time. Or so I thought.

It was January 20, 2014, around 1:00 in the morning when I experienced sudden chill and I can't control my body from twitching. Slowly, I was losing my consciousness.

They immediately brought me to Panay Hospital around 1:30 A.M. There, I was immediately confined to the Intensive Care Unit.

The doctor approached my mother and said, ―Your son is in critical stage and be ready for the possibilities because he is not responding anymore.‖ I heard my mother‘s resounding cry as she was beside me, holding my hand and telling me "Om-om, bato om. Kaya mo na. Brave akon son di ba.‖ I knew by then that I was about to die. I want to respond to my mother but I can‘t speak nor can I open my eyes. I can‘t even move. Deep inside, I am crying. I tried to tell them that I am still alive but in spite of all my efforts, I can‘t because moving even just a small part of my body was a struggle for me.

A few hours later, I felt my bed moving. I was headed to an ambulance through which I will be transferred to another hospital because the doctor cannot determine what exactly is happening to me. While we were traveling to Iloilo Mission Hospital, I started to have difficulty in breathing. I thought I won‘t be able to survive. I can still hear my mother‘s incessant weeping and praying to God. The nurses performed Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) to revive and save me from fatality.

When we arrived in Iloilo Mission Hospital, the doctor told my family that, "Your son is fighting Ma'am and ga start na sya respond sa amon ma'am but paralyzed iya body.‖ Those words served as a ray of hope in a heavily clouded situation.

I was confined the afternoon of January 20, 2014 and was released from the ICU seven days after. It was then that I realized that no one can save me; no one but God. I asked for His forgiveness for all my failures, wrongdoings and shortcomings. I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ in my life and began to give my all to Him. I was diagnosed with Epilepsy Generalize Tonic Clonic Ethmoid Sinusitis Metabolic Encephalopathy, a disease of which by its very name, one can tell that it is rare. I never imagined that it could happen to me. I‘ve been so healthy and active back then. Despite of this, I still stand firm on God‘s promise that ―I won‘t ever leave you even you forsake me‖. God opened my eyes for me to see the truth that He created me, and each of us, for a purpose and I have no capability to live without Him in my life.

Weeks later I recovered from my illness but a pair of crutches and an arm sling had been my companion for quite some time because some part of my body is still paralyzed. I continued recovering my health through medication and monthly check-up.

Through the process, I am constantly reminded by my life verse, ―Have I not commanded you?

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.‖ This pushed me to be more optimistic and to live life positively.

These challenges and circumstances gave me great lessons. God transformed my life in an unlikely way. I discovered that life is, in itself, more wonderful than what it seems to be. I started to live my life by faith and not by sight.

Many changes happened to me. I now view hardships and problems not as hindrances but as challenges. It‘s all about God‘s grace that I survived. God has blessed me by giving me the opportunity to continue my studies. Now, my medicine dosage is decreasing and hopefully, I will be able to fully recover and hear the doctor‘s signal to stop my medication. I am Jerome Pesito, and this is my story.

59

DISKUSYON

NASAAN ANG MGA BAGONG PILIPINO? Unti-unti na nga bang nalilihis ang ating puso para sa bayan at puro sarili na lamang ang ating inaatupag? ng mga bagong usbong na kabataan ang alon ng mga radikal at makabagong ideyolohiya at pamumuhay.

Kasabay nito ang pagkwestyon sa mga nakaugaliang pananaw at moralidad na mayroon sa bansang kanilang kinamulatan— ma pa mismong pananaw sa karapatan sa pamumuhay hanggang sa mga tradisyon sa lipunan at relihiyong kanyang kinaaaniban. Sa pag-usbong ng mga bagong sipi na ito‘y hindi rin natin maipagkakaila ang liberasyon ng pangkabuuang aspeto ng kanilang mga katauhan bilang isang indibidwal at bilang kabahagi ng isang mas malaking sektor ng lipunan. Dala man ng pagbabagong ito ay isang mas global na pananaw sa buhay, hindi natin maisasawalang-bahala ang mga negatibong aspeto nito.

Isa sa mga pangunahing pagbabagong hindi kaaya-aya sa mga kabataan ngayon ay ang pagkawala ng kaugalian ng bolunterismo kung saan ang indibidwal o isang pangkat ay taospusong ibinibigay ang kaniyang oras, pagod, o mismong buhay nito para sa isang adhikaing kaniyang pinaniniwalaan.

Mistulang nagiging okupado tayo sa kanya-kanyang pangsarili na pangaraw-araw na buhay na nalilimutan na natin ang responsibilidad na punuan ang ating lugar sa pag-unlad ng bayan o institusyong kinabibilangan.

Isa sa pinaniniwalaang kadahilanan ng ganitong kaugalian ay ang makasarili nating

58

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

pamumuhay. Ayon sa manunulat na si Joel Stein, sa kanyang artikulo sa Time Magazine na nailathala noon ika-20 ng Mayo, taong 2013, na may pamagat na The Millenials, The Me Me Me Generation, ―Ang karamihan na sa kabataan ngayon ay ginagahol ang kanilang mga oras sa pangsariling adbokasiyang hindi naman ganoon ka progresibo at ni walang naibabahagi sa lipunan.‖ Isa nga sa magandang halimbawa nito ay ang trends o moda ng mga posts nating mga kabataan sa mga social media, mapapansin iilang mga kabataan na lamang ang nagsheshare ng mga bagay ukol sa pulitika, ekonomiya, at kahit mga balita. Mas pinipili ng karamihan ang magpost ng mga hinaing at reklamo ma pa personal man ito o ekstrapersonal.

Marami na rin sa mga kabataan ang umiiwas na makialam sa mga kasalukuyang problema ng lipunan, mas pinipili ng karamihan ang mga laban kung saan kaagad silang nakikinabang.

Sa pagbabalik-tanaw sa ating kasaysayan, matatandaan ang ilan sa mga nai-ambag ng kabataan sa pagbabago ng takbo ng estorya ng ating bansa. Isa rito, at ang maituturing na tugatog ng pagkuha natin sa kasarinlan ng ating kasalukuyang bansa, ay ang rebolusyon sa EDSA o mas kilala sa tawag na People Power 1 na naganap noong dekada setenta.

Ang pangunahing hangarin nito ay ang mapatalsik ang noo‘y dektatoryal na pamamahala ng administrasyong Marcos.

Karamihan sa mga nakisali sa makasaysayang mapayapang pag-aalsang ito ay mula sa sektor ng kabataan. Bago pa man ang kaganapang ito ay marami ng mga kabataan ang nagbuwis ng buhay mapahayag lang ang kanilang paghabla ng katotohan sa maalipustang pamamahala.

Hindi natin maikakatwa ang maaaring malaking maiaambag nating mga kabataan ngayon kung handa tayong magbigay ng kahit kaunting pagod at oras sa mga makabuluhang gawain, hindi lamang para sa ating mga sarili kundi para sa ating lipunang kinabibilangan. Unti-unti nang nawawala ang mga mga kabataang handang maghandog ng serbisyo para sa bansa na walang kapalit na pagkilala o salapi. Isang malaking biro na kanya-kanya tayong namumuhunan sa mga pansariling bagay at binabaliwala ang katotohanang nakaatas pa rin sa atin ang pagtamasa ng ating bansa sa nararapat nitong tagumpay.

Sapagkat kahit gaano kalayo ang narating natin bilang isang indibidwal, kung ang lugar na ating kinatatayuan naman ay ni walang bahid ng pagyabong ay hindi rin ito maituturing na tunay na pag-unlad.

â€œâ€Śnalilimutan na natin ang responsibilidad na punuan ang ating lugar sa pag-unlad ng bayan o institusyong kinabibilangan.â€?

Kabataan pa rin ang totoong pag-asa ng ating bayan. Sino pa nga ba ang magmamana at makikinabang sa pagunlad nito kung hindi ang mga susunod na salinlahi.

Huwag na nating hanapin pa at hintayin kung sinong bayani pa ang magpaalala sa atin na ang tagumpay ng ating bayan ay ang pinakamataas na uri ng tagumpay, sapagkat naisasalamin nito ang pangkabuuang pagunlad ng bawat elementong kasapi. Tayong mga kabataan ngayon ang naatasang makibahagi sa hangaring ito. Ngayon, ang tanong, nasaan ang mga bagong Pilipino sa pag-unlad ng Pilipinas?

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

61

OVER LIFE’S ADVERSITIES 6

is story waiting to be told and that in every painful endeavor awaits success. Some of us had to experience the hard side of life like having to sleep just to forget our empty stomachs. In this writing, we will be going through the life of a girl who despite the difficulties in life has managed to be enthusiastic, determined and hopeful.

To her friends, *Lyn is a kind friend anyone would be glad to be friends with. Born in December of 1996, she recalls her childhood by living a simple life. She is the fourth child among five siblings in the family. And having been brought up in a rural community, they had to work on their grandparents‘ fields to earn a living and suffice their everyday family needs.

She thought that life would be just like that– a cycle of everyday survival. But she was wrong. Life tested her strength and determination to live. ―My father died because of tuberculosis. I was seven years old then.‖ She and her father used to work in the field but because of this twist on her life‘s story, she together with her siblings had to be supported by their mother alone.

During those times, Lyn was worried as to what will happen next. Being a young child back then, it was difficult for her to understand and cope up with the situation. She doesn‘t know if she can still get the chance to study because her mother cannot afford to send the five of them altogether to school.

But she did not lose hope. And because of her faith, she was able to continue her education. Her aunt financed her education but she has to work while studying. At the age of eight, she enrolled in Grade One. She did not just want to learn how to read, count, and write. Her ultimate goal is to finish her education.

She had to at some time, only eat boiled banana and cassava as snack during recess time. She also had to walk several miles just to reach school. And because of her fortitude, Lyn was able to graduate elementary with flying colors. With that she made her mother proud.

This was just the beginning of Lyn‘s journey towards life‘s harder hurdles and longer track.

Changes happened when her mother decided to get married again and her older siblings went to go their separate ways to find their own way to survive. That left her with no choice but to live on her own. Her mother can no longer support her needs financially. ―You know what hurts me most? It‘s when people

say that all my efforts will go to no good because at the end of the day I‘m just going to have a husband and a family, that I am going nowhere,‖ she said. ―And the irony is, these are the people that didn‘t even bother to help me,‖ she added. ―But, I just ignore them. They actually served as one of my motivations.‖ She recalled her high school life being the most challenging and exhausting. ―I had to manage my time wisely. There are times that I feel like I really need to lay myself in a comfortable bed but I just can‘t because there are lots of household chores waiting for me,‖ she said while reminiscing her memories. She further said, ―There were days that I no longer had the time to eat breakfast therefore I go to school on an empty stomach.‖ The silent hours of the night served as my only time to do my school works. All these sacrifices were all worth it for I graduated as fourth honorable mention.

Now, Lyn is one step closer to her dreams. A few years from now she will be graduating with a bachelor‘s degree. She still considers herself as a working student right now. There are times that she has to sleep late at night and wake up early in the morning to prepare. She stays with her aunt now where she works as a sales clerk during the daytime or when she has no class. During weekends, she spends most of her time cleaning the house and washing their clothes. ―I don‘t actually have the luxury of time to enjoy my life like other teenagers do. I envy those people who have all the privileges to enjoy in their life and don‘t have to do things like I do,‖ she said teary-eyed while trying to maintain a blissful expression.

Moreover, Lyn believes that your socio-economic status must not be a hindrance for one to be an educated person. Some of you must be fortunate enough to eat regularly, hang out with your friends, and have all the extravagance you want and that you don‘t have to work hard for it. ―Please take time to reflect on your parent‘s sacrifices just to give you your needs. Also, we must never forget to ask guidance and provision from our Almighty Father. A simple thank you may not be enough but saying those to your parents is one heartwarming gesture,‖ she said as our conversation ended.

*not her real name.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

63

DISCUSSION

Do grades Define you?

Knowing the story that goes beyond the numbers. , this question has become an argument for most students in school. Although it‘s just a simple question answerable by either yes or no, still there is no clear answer that could prod us to believe if grades do or do not really define us. One reason might be because the question is too broad and sometimes confusing for some of its respondents. Before answering heedlessly the question, it would be better perhaps if we could understand the question first and unravel the conception behind.

Let‘s begin by inferring who or what can be that "you" in the question. "You" has a lot of identities. It can be "you" being a student, "you" as a child in your home, "you" as a friend in your neighborhood or totally "you" as a person. Being a person is made of a complex set of things.

Your ability to think, feel and act as of human nature and your awareness to such abilities is all part of your personhood but that‘s not just all. As a capable being each person is gifted with unique intellect, skills, and talent and measuring them through grades allows one to know how well he or she has harnessed those gifts.

Grades for some can be used to judge how good a person is but one cannot easily agree with it. Technically, grading is the process of applying standardized measurements of varying levels of achievements in a course and can be assigned as letters, numbers and percentage. Grades are also commonly used by employers to examine their employee‘s proficiency but not all the time because some people believe that a grade does not generally represent the person. In the modern era of educational system where there are intelligences to be developed such as musical, visual, verbal, logical, bodily-kinesthetic, Interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, existential, it is easy to say that grades don‘t

64

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

define who we are as an individual. This may be doubtful but in the next paragraphs we will try to answer the question by seeing both sides of the coin so I will now ask you again the question in a much clear manner now. Do school grades define you as a person? .

An excellent student with high grades will be capable to manage his/her life well after school. Most highly educated people who mostly earned their school life with worthy grades are now competent leaders of their own companies, organizations, and communities.

These grades that they have earned are durably made of hardship, determination and passion in learning. Sadly, a growing number of teachers seem to view classrooms likely to a workplace intended for paperwork, projects and reports. It is where students push themselves to do tedious paper works because they are expected to do a lot of accomplishments to call it an achievement. Every student does the fullest of their effort in order to pass their subjects.

Submitting of projects, memorizing the content of their lectures, doing paper works and school works will never get out of the scene (either in traditional and contemporary educational systems) because it is needed to gain high grades, it is needed for them to be called an intelligent person.

One cannot just be called outstanding for being the best in the class but also for being a leader and helpful to others in the class for the school is not just all the time about intellect.

Attitude and personality are rated as well that‘s why an excellent student knows how to behave, to be friendly, to be generous, to be helpful, to be obedient and to be active. grade and in multiple ways a grade can be defined through a lot of things.

.

An excellent student might perhaps be excellent in school but it doesn‘t lock the student‘s fate to stay excellent after school. There are some high grade earners who fail in real life and there are some who fails at school but excels in living.

What you learned from school is just a portion of the things you have to learn in your whole life.

After all, learning doesn‘t only stops at school, it continues on wherever your passion to learn will bring you. You must also remember that your mother is your first teacher and your home is your first classroom but both of them are not a part of your school. Your excellent grades will be useless if you know nothing from living.

While most are just figuring out how to get high grades in school some are struggling already on how to survive in life. While most are just planning to win a school contest some are already competing against life's great obstacles.

These "some" are those who can‘t afford to have high grades but can manage to have a challenging life. Grades became the priority and real education had become less important. It is sad though that some schools are not focusing on improving the student‘s skills and intellect anymore instead they are taking advantage for self-interest while using their power to control their students grades. Grades are not a representation of the students‘ performance anymore because of the loss of order in teaching. Grades cannot define a person not even a student for these grades had already corrupted most of the school system.

Now, after seeing the two sides of the equation that could help you apprehend the concept of whether grades define a person or not, surely you can now decide your own answer to the question. If our educational system will continue to flourish and become standardized then no doubt the answer to the question would be yes but let‘s hope that the opposite will never happened where high grade-low education system will blind us. It‘s sad that students are being pressured of getting higher grades and get depressed whenever they failed on their subjects.

Although it is understood that aiming for higher grades is normal, it is still inevitable that students forget to enjoy doing things they want to learn and pursue and see their worth despite of what grades they get in school. But then everything is still up to you whether you‘ll let your own grades define yourself or just keep it only as a simple school record.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

65

VIOLENCE IS NOT AN OPTION.

The Aklan Tradesman Publication, as an agent in personality development and nation-building, is against all forms of violence and is in support of gender equality and rights.

(Model: Pearl Rose Anne Talam)

BACKSTAGE

BEYOND CHANGE AND GROWTH

It is but a human truth that we must all undergo change and growth. One must shred off her shell of forgotten past to settle on the ever changing possibilities of the future. ClichĂŠ, but change is inevitable. It is a menacing reality that we must all confront, or be left on the stagnant realm of the lost and the forgotten.

As an answer to the call of change, we, The Aklan Tradesman, had always centered our labors to create a facet that caters the students‘ freedom of expression. For fifty-five years, we had redefined, overhauled, deconstructed, and developed the art of mass communication through seizing informative, entertaining, and eyeopening prints. We had never taken for granted the readers who thirst for the latest trends on journalism, at any given context.

68

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

Change and growth are two of the strongest energy that dwells on our universe. One must able to stay on track, or sometimes be on advance.

We also recognize the presence of the elements that impede our development; it is because of these forces that we are able to execute extra efforts for the values we believe. Like the constant clash of waves on the rocks that hinder its path, we will always try to cave our way towards growth.

We will continue to change and grow, for there is no other path to take.

But beyond our publication‘s notable transformation, ours will always be the greatest pleasure to grow with you, our readers. With you, five decades and a half will never be enough. And just when you think that this is our best issue, there will always be something more. Be warned in advance.

69

LOOK TWICE

THE GOOD & THE BAD We have been brought up to believe that there is nothing bad in being good as much as there is no good in being bad. But does it really go that way?

70

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

7

― .‖ Cliché. But what does this really mean? What if the means are bad but the end is good, how would the latter justify the means (which are bad)? The same goes the other way around.

A deeper introspection in looking for the good in the bad is not as simple as I thought it would be. So then, I would ask you, what do you think is good in the bad?

According to a review in general psychology entitled Bad Is Stronger Than Good*, ―Centuries of literary efforts and religious thought have depicted human life in terms of a struggle between good and bad forces. At the metaphysical level, evil gods or devils are the opponents of the divine forces of creation and harmony. ―Good‖ and ―bad‖ are among the first words and concepts learned by children (and even by house pets), and most people can readily characterize almost any experience, emotion, or outcome as good or bad.‖ Furthermore, ―When equal measures of good and bad are present, however, the psychological effects of bad ones outweigh those of the good ones.

This may be in fact be a general principle or law of psychological phenomena, possibly reflecting the innate predispositions of the psyche or at least reflecting the almost inevitable adaption of each individual to the exigencies of daily life.‖ We have been brought up to believe that there is nothing bad in being good as much as there is no good in being bad. But does it

72

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

really go that way? When the world was created, based on the Holy Bible, everything was seen to be good if not perfect. But then came evil which changed the history of mankind. With the desire to be the greatest of all, we had ourselves succumb to greed and pride and ended up chained up in one big mess. That is one thing that is good in the bad, or being bad. We have been evolving in a world of opposites, complementation and balance, where one will not exist without the other.

In the very first place, one will not be able to distinguish what is good from what is bad if the latter did not exist. Bad amplifies the difference between its opposite which is the good. So, again, what is good in the bad?

Take this instance for example. If a man stole money to suffice the needs of his daughter that is in the hospital, is that being bad or good? The means are bad but the end is good, so does the end justify the means? Let‘s have another one. How about you? Yes, you. What about those times that you cheated on a test just to pass the subject? Would the end still justify the means? That is bad being substantiated as a good one. That is the good in the bad (or being bad).

When is it justifiable that there is good in the bad? You see villains such as those in movies and books portrayed to be merciless. But are they all that?

No. They still have this ounce of goodness within them it‘s just that bad experiences have clothed them such personality.

Going the other way around, let‘s take a quick look on the Saw movie series. Yes, the characters undergo gruesome challenges that most of the time leads to their death. But have you internalized the whole intention of Jigsaw to teach the characters in each installment the value of life? This is a great example for the end does not justify the means. From a personal point of view, the series teaches us a lot of lessons: valuing life, sacrifices, thinking twice, teamwork, and making choices among others. It is the process, or the means, that is morally unacceptable which in effect makes it ―bad‖.

Whether there is good in the bad or there is bad in the good, it‘s up to you to decide. As they say, we see from our own level that is why we have our own distinct opinions. Don‘t think that your choice won‘t matter because in the end, it‘s not you who make your choices but it is your choices that make you.

It will not be always the good that will make us bad nor the bad the will makes good. We live in a multifaceted world, there are endless possibilities. What is morally acceptable today will not be morally acceptable tomorrow.

As some people say, the good and the bad may be just mere concepts as much as the existence of hell and heaven which is yet to be answered. *R. Baumeister, E. Bratslavsky and K. Vohs, Case Western Reserve University., and C. Finkenauer, Free University of Amsterdam.

2001

.

When asked of what is the basis of being good, one will not miss the chance to answer those qualities that tend to rely on our understanding of what is perfect.

Why not? Humans are created to drive towards perfection, only that we are far from it or sensibly speaking, to naïve to understand its complicated nature. (Basis?)

Even from the early dawn of our existence, man on his quest for his own survival, thirsted for the taste of the apex of living. To be the master of his faith. To be the Alpha. The Omega. To be flawless.

To be perfect.

On our search for this ―elixir‖, we tend to forget the very reason of our existence. Men living as wild animals do, kill those that they perceive as weaker than them, yet fearing those unknown shadows after the sun sets. Like lions who feast on their prey at sunlight and crawl at the deepest tavern of caves at night, daunted by the howls and crackles of unknown animals veiled by the dusk. Men quested for a perfect world, who devised their very own plan to cultivate it based on their ideals and ended cultivating it too much.

Our search for perfection drove us to our own path to oblivion. Not that because perfection is evil, but because perfection somehow, does not belong here on our lifetime.

If aiming for perfection means eradicating the flawed, perfection then is equal to nothingness, for the entire world is flawed. Even the cleanest of the

clean is doomed to be conquered by dirt, the most pious of all angels – stagnation. The world is created with evil lurking even at broad daylight. Waiting for its prey, and those who merely seek perfection are its constant victim. Who would not forget Adolf Hitler‘s aspiration for a clean, flaw-free Earth? Pol Pots advocacy to lessen the unclean and the unworthy? Marcos regime for a perfect nation?

Arguably, maybe those are ideas of perfection but again, who are we to decide for them when in fact we alone have our own sets and ideas that conspires our standards for what is ―perfection‖ or what is ―flawed‖?

When was the last time we had condemned a man for his flaws and not realizing that condemnation alone is a flaw? The last time we tried to be perfect for our society without questioning our personal choices? Isn‘t changing for something we are not disgraced the real person as to who we really are? Set aside personal gratifications, isn‘t our society‘s view of perfection was, somehow, flawed at some sides?

Perfection is nothing but an unconquerable pedestal that most of us perceive as an exit to a world much defined by the goods, a world that we created far from our own, from each of our ―own‖. Don‘t we have our own interpretation of perfection? The arguments then are: What is the real basis of perfection? Or, does perfection even exist or just a measly concept made by mulish minds? Questions are endless.

On the other hand, too much

decentness end badly.

Remember, too much humility is arrogance, a perfect face is a bad face, too much intelligence is daunting. No man is born to be clean; we must acknowledge the presence of dirt on our being.

Those dirt that built us as to who we are now. Admit it, we‘re too far to be perfect, but it does not amount to us being bad. It is that, life works on that way. One day we‘re virtuous, the next day— appalling. The only problem with this is that most of us loath this idea, some even shuns those that does not fall on their basket of ideals. We are building societies that not only stratify the different, much to the extent of maroon those who do not belong. Walking towards advancement without realizing that the only and easiest way towards that goal is if we work hand-in-hand together, without prejudice, stereotyping or labeling.

We are full of those unclassified beliefs based on somebody else‘s intransigence. Human culture falls on the void of sameness, to our race towards perfection, ending with nothing but always the same result.

A clean piece of paper is no art. Only and only if we realize that our flaws and shortcomings are the very beauty of our existence and not a bane towards growth, then our fight for survival becomes help for the living. Aiming for perfection is nothing but pure vanity and selfishness. Flawlessness‘ twin is nothingness. Think for yourself.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

73

ENVIRONMENT

Having experienced one of the strongest and most disastrous typhoon in history, we knew what nature can do in return to our efforts of destroying it.

We should learn because we have been warned.

Haiyan, Thelma, Ike, Fengshen, Washi, Durian, Bopha, Trix, Amy, Nina.

These are the ten deadliest typhoons of the Philippines between 1947 and 2014. What‘s alarming is that five of the 10 have occurred since 2006, affecting and displacing thousands of citizens every time.

Seven of these 10 deadly storms each resulted in more than 1,000 casualties.

But the deadliest storm on record in the Philippines is Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Typhoon Yolanda, which was responsible for more than 6,300 lives lost, over four million displaced citizens, and $2 billion in damages in 2013.*

74

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

One might say that our country is simply unlucky. But is that really the case? Not exactly. The Philippines has long been particularly susceptible to extreme weather and natural disasters due to its location and other geographical factors. On average, about twenty tropical cyclones enter the country‘s waters each year, of which eight or nine makes landfall.

And because of climate change, the tropical storms that struck our country over the past decade has occurred more often and more severe.

The Global Climate Risk Index 2015 listed the Philippines as the number one most affected country by

climate change, using 2013‘s data.

Being located in the western part of the Pacific Ocean, we are prone to more typhoons as compared to other countries. Because of the continually warming and rising seawater, storms form more frequently and are becoming stronger.

Given this situation, even if we are dubbed as being ‗waterproof‘, we must not just remain that way. We must equip ourselves with the necessary information and knowledge whilst doing our best to protect and preserve the environment for us not to be just ‗waterproof‘ but also ‗disaster-proof‘.

*climaterealityproject.org

Infographic courtesy of ccafs.cgiar.org, Climate Impact on People (this page) and climaterealityproject.org, How is Climate Change Affecting the Philippines (opposite page)

75

DEVELOPMENT

WORKING ON NATURE’S BOUNTY

76

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

, everyone must take into their hands that they are one on the upbringing and needs of the community. With this comes the convergence of able and willing men and women who understand that the secret for a successful cooperation must start on individual transformation.

Born as a project of People‘s Initiative Network- Aklan or PINA, the Numancia Vegetable and Fruits Farmers – MPC (NVFF-MPC), a small, thriving farmingbased cooperative located at Badio, Numancia, Aklan, envisions a community that works hand-in-hand towards the greater success especially on the context of organic farming and healthy lifestyle choices.

On an onsite interview conducted by the team, NVFF-MPC‘s Manager Mrs. Nida Abello, together with its Chairman, Mrs. Lucy Hindrano, and Treasurer, Rechilda Zaradulla, graced us by presenting their products and organizational missions. The tour started by Mrs. Zaradulla introducing us to their humble building. It is yet far from being finished and still needs a lot of furnishing— needs that the cooperative works with one at a time. We were immersed on their organization‘s Vision, Missions, and Goals, which in a nutshell, ―To aid our fellow farmers through the introduction of organic means of farming.‖ We then focused on their products. ―Our main product, as of now, is the TalboC, and we are on the process of improving its packaging to attract more customers.

Aside from this [Talbo-C], we also have vermin-casting projects, and local organic fruits and vegetables that we sells on the marken and on agricultural and product fares,‖ Introduces by Mrs. Abello. The Talbo-C is a healthy, no-preservatives added beverage made of kamote tops (locally known as daehog) and calamansi.

When ask about more their main product, Mrs. Zaradulla replied, ―We are strict on our mandatory not to add any preservatives on our product as answer to our cooperative vision of to give healthy food and beverage option to the consumers.‖

77

Each Php. 15.00 bottle of Talbo-C taste luscious and does not have any of that funny-leafy taste you might expect for a juice made from a green vegetable. It almost has an exact aftertaste to that of pineapple juice but has a certain uniqueness that one may enjoy especially those that are tired of the same choices. ―We are hoping to serve the general market, especially public schools. As of now, we have catered orders from seminars held by government sectors and agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, and the Bureau of Food and Drugs,‖ Mrs. Abello added.

Mrs. Abello, who is passionate on her personal advocacy for organic living also prepared her best seller chocotableya made of local cacao nuts. ―The tableya that are sold on the market are packed with too much preservatives.

Notice how long its shelf life is compared to our organic version. Our main goal on creating this product is to start a lifestyle change by choosing organics over highly-preserved foods.

The tableya which she made into a hot drink, was nutty and creamy at the same time, a real good choice over

78

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

mainstream cocoa powders.

The cooperative also sells Vermicast fertilizers. Sold at Php. 60.00 per kilo, this fertilizer is made from imported worms called African night crawlers, which they are also selling at Php. 600.00 per kilo. The vermin casting was born out of the project of the late Mayor E.I. Templonuevo‘s Earthworm farm Project, the cooperative being one of its beneficiaries.

Although the cooperative has already started with its growth towards planned success, it has still many needs particularly on their food processing equipment, the building itself, and seminars and training for its members. ―We have some sponsors both from the LGU and the NGO sectors, though we really need more than promised sponsorships,‖ said Mrs. Abello. ―As of now, we are working on what we have on hand and hoping that one day, we will not be borrowing materials from our members anymore and that the cooperative has its own.

Surely, it will come,‖ she concluded.

(Clockwise from left) Some of the members of NVFF-MPC; Packed Talbo-C drink ready for delivery; Tableya turned into a hot cocoa drink.

Our main goal on creating this product is to start a lifestyle change by choosing organics over highlypreserved foods.

MOVIE │ MUSIC │ TV SERIES │ BOOK │ TECH

7

The seasons series

MAGAZINES OR NOVELS

magi If you‘re a fan of ―Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp‖ and ―Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves‖ with additional ―Sinbad‖ reference, then you will definitely like Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic and its second season, Magi: The Kingdom of Magic. Set in Persia, one day, Alibaba, a poor lad determined to enter one of the mysterious Dungeons that popped up 10 years ago in order to make his fortune meets a mysterious boy named Aladdin who drifts from place to place with his djinn, Ugo. Aladdin can summon the mighty blue spirit from a flute and travels across the continent in search of Djinn Metal Vessels. Alibaba invites Aladdin to join him on his dungeon-capturing expedition. Along the way and through numerous encounters and farewells, both of them will come to learn the truth about their destiny.

80

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

From his debut single: ―Keep Your Head Up‖, Andy Grammer had not yet been tired of showing us how to hope for more and how to keep our faith on ourselves.

Bringing with him his newest album, Newspaper and magazine, this offers a much more wide variation of music selection yet still keeping his most loved style. His lead track ―Honey, I‘m Good‖ had marked its spot on the top 10 Billboard Singles Chart on the second quarter of this year. The song talks about a man who says no to girl who‘s flirting to him because he was already married [which he is].

Smoke + mirrors This one is not for the weak hearted.

Known for their hardcore-emo songs, Imagine Dragon currents most prolific work, Smoke + Mirrors is their first album recorded on their very own studio. Best during emo times or even at parties for some of their music offers a danceable beat. Here are the complete playlist: Shots, Gold, Smoke and Mirrors, I‘m so Sorry, I Bet My Life, Polaroid, Friction, It Comes Back to You, Dreams, Trouble, Summer, Hopeless Opus, The Fall, Thief, The Unknown, and Second Chances.

The story revolves around two main characters. Tim Wyman – the rich, athletic, newly moved to town, dangerously attractive and only son of a wealthy business couple who just happens to be deeply devoted Catholics. Oh and have I mentioned Tim is gay? He's in the closet though and that‘s when he met Benjamin Bentley – loud, proud, rainbow flag waving gay guy in his new school. They fell in love. (cue the "awwwws") but it wasn‘t that easy. Tim's still figuring out what he wants, more particularly who he wants.

As his love for his family and his religion hold him back. Thus , making him lose Ben. The book is unexpected and is filled with exciting twist and turns. Will Ben and Tim still find each other or will they succumb to aches of heart break?

Mobile orchestra Owl City once again proved its unbreakable spirit for electro house-pop themed music. Mobile orchestra their newest magnum opus was released last June 2015, and was notching the top billboard album sales a week after its official release. Bringing its beats to higher level, Owl City had collaborated most of its music on its playlist with some of the equally highly caliber musicians.

The playlist catered a wide range of converging music genres; best example is its lead track ―Verge‖ that provides a new pop/soul sound to its listener. Some of the other tracks we greatly suggest you to lend your ears with: ―Back Home‖, ―Unbelievable‖, ―This isn‘t the End‖.

Percy Jackson's Greek Gods Heneral luna Paying honor to a heroic military commander who spearheaded the Philippines at the end of the 19th century, Heneral Luna is a historical epic about bravery and treachery in a country at war. The story is set on the final years of Antonio Luna, a scientist-turnedsoldier who was murdered by his rivals when he was just 32, this blockbuster film directed by Jerrod Tarog became a talk of the town for quite a long time since its premier.

Starring John Arcilla as Antonio Luna, the film depicts the state of politics and society during the latter‘s time. The film begins with Luna recalling his rise to power, recollections, flashbacks, and the general in action during his battle against foreign forces.

Other than the heavy confrontation and action scenes, the movie does have its lighter moments. Almost the entire movie is set on a serious tone and comic reliefs are rare.

The film is considered to be one of the most successful historic tale shown in the country other than Jose Rizal.

YOUR LIE IN APRIL Music is freedom. Your Lie in April, a series which demonstrate how music can transform the lives of people touched by it. Piano prodigy Kousei Arima lost the ability to hear the sounds of the piano after the death of his mother.

Kousei giving up the piano for good and living a life in monotone, until one day in April, a girl changed everything.

Miyazono Kaori is a pretty, free spirited violinist. Inspired by Kaori's free-spirited playing, Kousei finds his life beginning to take on color again as he learns to come to terms with himself and the loss of the ones he love. Adapted from Naoshi Arakawa's award winning manga, Your Lie in April will surely pierce your heart.

Well basically this book is the history of Greek gods and goddesses, well according to Percy Jackson that is.

I personally find this book both entertaining and educational as each chapter deals with a greek god or a goddess, how they came to be, who their parents are, what powers they have and what domain they govern. Percy explains them in his POV – his quirky, mellow and sometimes hilarious ways .

Complete with amazing illustrations.

This book is a must read and should be a bookshelf staple.

The CHASING WORLD A movie that is not for the faint-hearted, Tag is Japanese maverick director Sion Sono‘s film tells the story of young women trying to run away from a bloodseeking paranormal presence and psychotic humans. It is not your mainstream psycho-thriller-gore film. The beginning of the story will surely leave anyone in mystery. The lead character in the story morphs personalities into that of Mitsuko (Reina Triendl), Keiko (Mariko Shinoda), and Izumi (Erina Mano) from one world to another, trying to flee from unending death.

An interpretation of gender-based social oppression as seen by a woman undergoing rituals of adolescence and adulthood, The Chasing World will surely chase after your thoughts as you try to unscramble the mystery behind the story.

Fantastic beast and where to find them . .

Well hello there Harry Potter fans! I'm not much of a potter head but I came upon this book as I was surfing the internet and it has piqued my curiosity.

This book contains all or some of the fantastic beasts that Harry and his friends encounter in the Harry Potter book franchise. The book was preowned by Newt Scamander – he was a student in Hogwarts until he graduated and became a magizoologist for the ministry of magic in London. What's a magizoologist you ask? Well, it's pretty much a normal zoologist but for magical and fantastical animals or creatures A book for the ultimate potter head or for the rare kind of people who believe in magic.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

81

just because

she’s silent doesn’t mean she’s not hurt.

The Aklan Tradesman Publication, as an agent in personality development and nation-building, is against all forms of bullying.

(Model: Julie Ann Joy R. Jarquio)

Forever you ng , but it does not include the passion to always feel young.

And in the path towards self-expression, fashion becomes our prime facade for our individuality.

Hey, who wants to fit in? But of course, one must always know the fundamentals and the systems of trades. And where can we find the best trends but on the statements of the youth, as what the American singer, songwriter, and top-model, Lana Del Rey says, ―Fashion is always inspired by the youth.‖ Here are in-trend clothes that will surely make your appetites for fashion beat again. Drum roll please!

83

WHOLESOME FUNK

Boy next-door meets the party‘s duke when you a pair black trousers with a clean-washed hoodie. The super-in uptown style back-pack also makes our list of trendy must-haves. It is considered as the chameleon of the bag family because of its capability to be paired from casual clothes to the most formal one.

Goin’ places Who says that short-shorts are only for women? Yes, men can also don a pair of short khakis.

And men‘s shoulder bags are also in and it comes in different designs to fit your lifestyle. Just pair it with a plain tee and snug-fit loafers— and who should forget his much-loved pair of shades?

Just sport that always-ready attitude and off you go.

84

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

SIMPLY DOES IT!

Sometimes to create the loudest statement one must dress simply.

Black and white are in, just because it suits well in any given skin tone. Plus it is a good basic to start with, just add a jacket and voila! Party ready! Or a pair of skin-tight leggings, for streetwear. As a saying goes, ―A nice black (or white) dress can go a long way.‖

FROCK N’ ROLL Touches of glitter and shimmer can instantly make a dress party appropriate. Keep your looks simple yet posh by slipping on a fully-sequined mini-dress on top.

Or, keep it balance through a good denim and glitz combo.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

85

SUPERNATURAL

86

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

RO BUBON NI MIGO nga makasub-eang it mga istorya nga magatao katon it pagduda kung matuod gidman baea daya o ubra-ubra eamang it mga malikot nga panuino. Eobot mat-a abi nga maeapad pa ro kahayhayan it mga bagay-bagay sa atong kalibutan ro indi pa sarang e-explikar it syensya o kong lohika.

Isaea sa mga misteryo nga napitik sa atong kyuryosidad hay ro mga butang nga mahambae naton nga uwa nahaeakot sa atong tinapakang eogta— mga elemento nga naghalin sa iba pang dimensyon it kabuhi.

May isaeang ka bubon nga makitan sa maisot nga baryo it Pang-itan, Madalag nga eabi gid nga ginakahingaw-an it mga tawo nga bag-o paeang nga nakakita o nakabati sa mga estorya hinungod kara.

Ro rayang bubon hay nahasueod sa isaea ka manabaw nga kweba nga may kabahoe nga sarang maka-igo ro isaea ka maintok nga kotse. Sa ibabaw it kweba makit-an ro mga dalipi nga bato ag isaeang ka puno it Balete, nga suno sa mga katigueangan it baryo hay mas magueang pa kanda. Ro pinakakahinga-hingawa sa rayang bubon hay maskin maintok ra (sarang-sarang nga 75 sentimetro ro kaeapad, ag may kadaeom nga 40 sentimentro) hay uwa pa ra nakaagi it pagkaastan it tubi, maskin sa pinakamainit nga panyempo. Ro rason it mga taga-baryo nga mabuhay eon nga nagasalig kara para sa andang inog inum nga tubi hay may gabantay karang isaeang ka mabahoe nga nilalang nga kun tawgon nanda hay si Migo. ―Abo euta karong nakakita kana, kapin pa sa mga kadaeagahan nga taga-iya,‖ hambae ni Christita Nagales, isaea sa mga taga-baryo nga nagasalig man sa bubon,

―Mabahoe gita imaw dun, maitom, ag mabuhok. Mingko kapre gid baea galing uwa imaw it bitbit nga tabako.‖ Kat pangutan-on ko imaw kung nakita na eon da, ―Uwa pa, pero si nanay kat daeaga pata sanda. Gasikaeum eon kato, hay gasag-ob kunta sanda. Uwa pa sanda kapanaog hay nakakita sanda it eaki nga nagasakdat sa binit it bubon. Mabahoe kuno imaw di hamak sa tawo. Sa kahadlok nanda hay nagdaeaeagan lat-a sanda.‖ Isaea pa sa mga istorya nga nakalibot sa bubon ni Migo ngara hay ro mga dalit nga nahaagyan it mga tawo nga nagmalit kara. ―May mga indi makahambae, gapang-apa baea. May gapanakit ro tiyan o kun-amat hay gina-gueos nga indi mabueong-bueong,‖ suno kay Gerry Nalumin. Dugang pa nana, ―Nagamayad eang kung mag-agto sanda sa Sidlangan (albularyo). Ro gina paobra manlang kanda hay ga tao sanda it alay ag ginapapangayo it pasensya sa tag-ana it bubon. Hay kaabuan sa mga naga-alay hay ginatawag imaw nga si Migo (Amigo), agud mingko gina amig-amig nanda baea.

Kaya ruyon man ro rason kung ham-an Migo ro nakasanayang tawag kana.‖ Sa makaron, sigi man gihapon ro pagsinag-ob it mga taga Pang-itan sa bubon ni Migo. Kurandaya eamang sa rekwest it mga opisyales it baranggay, gin patestingan sa Department of Health (DOH) ro kalimpyo it tubi, naguwa nga sakto eang ro microbial count sa tubi para makunsidira ra nga pwedi gid maimnan it tawo. Nagapati gid ro kaabuan sa gasagob kara nga pordahil daya nga bubon hay tutop gid nga ginabantayan it andang amigo.

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

87

ROLLY J. JAMERO PHOTOGRAPHER / CONTRIBUTOR

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This architecture department coordinator is a photographer through hobby and an artist through profession. He specializes on postprocess photography and Computer Aided Visual Arts.

MARK Q. MAAGMA PHOTOGRAPHER / CONTRIBUTOR A photographer by hobby and profession, he has been fascinated by the beauty of human’s emotions. He is also a member of the Aklan Kamera Organization.

CANDICE CONCEPTION ARTIST / CONTRIBUTOR Candice is a “kontesera” who developed her talent on cosmetics through her regular joining of beauty pageants. She also caters professional make-up and hair-dressing.

JET TORREVILLAS ARTIST “Untitled” as seen on the Diskusyon Section, from behance.com www.behance.net/jettorrevillas

ACE ALEJANDRE PHOTOGRAPHER “Ati Village” bas seen in the Travelogue Section, from Flickr / flickr.com/ace_alejandre

TOMAS BRECHLER

THE MODELS 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6)

Ronnel G. Delos Santos Shynna S. Cadornigara Angelie B. Estolano Queenie Rose L. Emperial Marvin T. Casio June Nico B. Concepcion

7) 8) 9) 10) 11)

Anacathrina Silvestre Criscel E. Sarosa Rico M. Pastor John Rey Z. Gajulin Jeanelle Galido

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

ARTIST “Complex Numbers” bas seen in the Discussion Section, from deviantart.com / tomasbrechler.deviantart.com

YNGVE MARTINUSSEN ARTIST “Forest” as seen in the Supernatural Section, from deviantart.com / yngvemartinussen.deviantart.com

THE AKLAN TRADESMAN is the official student publication of Aklan State University-College of Industrial Technology. It is published once every semester or once every year by The Aklan Tradesman Publication. No content may be copied or reproduced in any form without written permission from the editor. We welcome your suggestions and contributions. Please send your manuscripts to the Editor-in-Chief, The Aklan Tradesman, ASU-CIT, Kalibo, Aklan. The Editorial Board reserves the right to accept, reject, and revise all articles submitted and then after the articles shall become the property of the Aklan Tradesman subject applicable to laws and copyright and intellectual property. This issue is printed by the Makinaugalingon Printer and Bookbinder, Iloilo City, Philippines.

88

EMERALD ANNIVERSARY ISSUE VOL 55 / NO 1

[

]

JEMUEL B. GARCIA III

CRISA MAE G. DALA

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SENIOR WRITER

A multi-awarded leader and writer, Jemuel polished most of the visuals on this prints.

More than being the EIC, he’s also the lay-out artist—the mind behind the artistic context of the mag.

An artist and writer, Crisa Mae has a undeniable passion on investigative and developmental journalism. She was also an active student writer/artist back on her high school years.

JOHN BREX B. BRIONES

JOHN PAUL DOMINIC A. BAYLOSIS

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

JUNIOR WRITER

Brex, who happened to be a frustrated artist, was the half-brain of this publication’s concept. Moreover, he took most of the photographs in this issue and had also served as our Special Projects Manager.

A class mathematician, JP may not fit in as a stereotypical writer. After acing some mathematics quiz bee, JP also have an irrefutable talent on writing. Moreover, he is a member of the campus’ Glee Club.

ALLYN T. ARTATES

PEARL ROSE ANNE C. TALAM

MANAGING EDITOR

JUNIOR WRITER

The EIC of The Builders, the official department publication of the Architecture and Engineering Department, Allyn is also a student leader serving both the CE department and the campus’ students organization.

Both a blogger and a youth civic leader, Pearl Rose is a constant wanderer who have been to many places. Having been motivated by the desire to lead and serve, she is now the incoming executive secretary of the campus’ student council.

JANZ M. SAMPATON

GEMMA S. NALANGAN

NEWS EDITOR

JUNIOR WRITER

A debater and student leader, Janz served as the head of the news team. He was also the Editor-in-Chief of his high school Alma mater’s student publication back then.

Moreover, he will be the incoming SSC President.

Presently the Assistant Secretary-Treasurer of the ASU-CIT’s Young Educators Society, Gemma is also a starting young entrepreneur, owning a sari-sari store she made from her earnings.

AIMEE JANE D. URETA

SARAH JOY G. MATITU

FEATURE EDITOR

JUNIOR WRITER

A mobile photography enthusiast, Aimee had started her student writer path only when she entered college. A budding essayist and poet, she is also a fiction writer on an online e-book site.

A writer by passion, Sarah is a very idealistic person who’s into travel and personal features. She is also a leader as well and is the incoming President of the Young Educators Society.

RAFAEL JERICHO E. MAGALIT

LELANE D. BINDOLO

LITERARY EDITOR

JUNIOR WRITER

A make-up artist by hobby, Echo touched most of the models facial perfections on this issue. Being into Avant Garde, Most will notice his peculiar approach on his art. He’s also a poetry and fiction writer.

A gal who, because of her adventurous nature , is an aspiring blogger. Lelane has been in the field of journalism since she was in elementary. She is also into developmental and travel features.

JULIE ANN JOY R. JARQUIO

ANDREA D. FLORES

SPORTS EDITOR

SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

Having run races and sprints, Julie represented her team, the Titans into multiple running events already. She was also the Sports Editor of her high school publication, The Blaizette.

Andrea, or Drei to her friends, developed her photographic style through regular travels.

She was also the official photojournalist of her High School Alma Mater, St. Gabriel College.

89

Photography by Rolly J. Jamero

We must believe that

we are GIFTED FOR SOMETHING, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.

MARIE CURIE