DEMOCRAT Volume LXIII, Issue No. II

Photo by Juvin M. Durante

Editor-in-Chief Juvin M. Durante Associate Editor Debbie C. Delatado Managing Editor Jorelyn C. Marasigan News Editor Catherine Bena T. Ollete Features Editor Charlene Kris A. Borbe Circulation Manager Cristia Shiena S. Amparo Staff Writer Dioma Francis N. Durante Cartoonist Mark John M. Coloquit Moderators Shirley A. Genio and Ruby L. Bandola Member College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) and Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ) Address Right Wing, UNC Sports Palace, University of Nueva Caceres, J. Hernandez Ave., Naga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines Facebook The DEMOCRAT Twitter @UNCTheDEMOCRAT E-Mail thedemocratofficial@gmail.com

The little girl on the cover is an Oyango child from Sta. Teresita, Iriga City. The photo was taken during the cultural immersion and when the child was playing with the other kids in the tribe.

As the warmth of her stare reaches the reader’s attention, one thing that could capture our hearts is her captivating eyes. It display innocence of her youth as her short curly hair and sweet, soft cheeks suggest the beauty of life during the years when we were still her age.

The crumb beneath her lip may imply poverty in all minds that could understand her situation, but to a child like her, it (crumb) is a piece of hope for them in a day’s meal.

Once there is still something left to savor, there will always be something to wait and enjoy for tomorrow. Everybody shall believe and never lose hope. (Words by Debbie C. Delatado and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

FEATURE

August - October 2015

RISE OF GUNS, FALL OF HOPE An armed conflict does not determine who is right – only who is left. There are no winners or losers – only those who died and those who have a story to tell.

BY RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA

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he big irony is that the stories of those who died continue to live on, and those who lived would sometimes rather be dead than be continuously haunted by such nightmares.

Such irony is true for both the refugees of Syria and the Lumads of Mindanao. Alongside the sky rocketing number of casualties and deaths due to the prevalent armed violence and militarization within such regions, traumatized survivors have been fleeing to safer and more secured areas in attempt to escape the horrors of their homes turned into battlefields.

Humanity washed ashore Face down. Drowned. Lifeless.

A photo of a young Syrian boy in red shirt and blue shorts washed up on a beach had been making rounds in varied media outlets. Identified as the three-year-old Aylan Kurdi, this toddler is only one of the many refugees who lost their lives when they ventured out to dangerous seas simply to flee from the raging civil war in their country.

More than being a mere trend, it magnified how grave the Syrian Refugee crisis currently is. It opened the International Community’s eyes to what could possibly be the biggest humanitarian disaster yet.

Such crisis began in 2011 when anti-government movements in Syria escalated from peaceful demonstrations to violent alternatives in opposition to the oppressive regime of the Syrian dictator Bashar Al-assad. The civil war had been worsened with Islamic terrorist groups such as Al-Qaeda and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) taking advantage of the uproar to forward their own endeavors.

Civilians had been forced to take up arms to secure the

nation’s stability. Approximately 220,000 had been killed. More than 11,000,000 had been internationally displaced and such number is continuously increasing everyday as families travel miles by foot or by make shift boats towards safer places. This escape often involves avoiding being shot by snipers, caught by soldiers, or abducted by terrorist groups along the way.

The countries of Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, as well as European nations such as Germany are often the destination of these escaping refugees. They provide assistance in the forms of food, shelter, and even job opportunities to help the civil war survivors patch their war-torn lives up. The European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN) had also been urging the rest of the world to help in any way possible.

Apparently, the Philippines has its own version of refugees and oppressed minorities.

Translated to “born of the earth,” Lumad is a term coined by a group of indigenous people that implied that they were the original dwellers of Mindanao. It is a conglomeration of 17 ethnolinguistic groups that united in the late 1970s.

The Lumads had suffered at least 400 records of killing since the 1980s, 68 of which are believed to be under President Benigno S. Aquino, III’s “Oplan Bayanihan.”

These deaths are often pointed towards our military itself, the New People’s Army, and other armed groups within the region.

Recently, the death of Emerito Samarca, Executive Director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development (ALCADEV), and Lumad leaders Dionel Campos and Bello Sinzo in Surigao del Sur had raised concerns in regards with the inequalities experienced by tribal groups alongside the militarization and creation of militias (group of people not part of the armed forces but are trained like soldiers) in Mindanao.

Other victims of murder are Leoncio Arig and Fausto

Orasan, both are Lumad leaders known for campaigning for their tribes’ ancestral domain and opposing mining operations within their tribal territory.

Lumad schools had also been receiving threats from varied military and paramilitary groups. ALCADEV for instance opted to halt its operations since the death of Samarca. Threats in Davao-based Lumad schools alone threaten the safety of more than 3,000 Lumad school children.

More than such deaths, more than 3,000 Lumads have fled to seek safety from the harassment, killings, and military takeover that haunted their previous communities. Around 2,700 are sheltered at the Surigao del Sur Provincial Sports Complex and 700 are at the United Church of Christ in Davao.

At present, the National Bureau of Investigation is conducting investigations through three separate teams sent to Mindanao in order to authenticate the alleged records of Lumad killings and pinpoint the specific groups responsible for this crisis.

The context of Syrian and Filipino victims of armed conflicts may differ in gravity and scope, but one thing in common is that they both mirror unnecessary human sufferings brought about by people opting to speak through the language of violence.

Peace over Force The context of Syrian and Filipino victims of armed conflicts may differ in gravity and scope, but one thing in common is that they both mirror unnecessary human sufferings brought about by people opting to speak through the language of violence. Along with their choice to continue the rise of guns come the civilians’ and refugees’ fall of hope.

It’s about time humanity puts an end to war before war puts an end to humanity.

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Photo Courtesy of fbcdn-photos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xaf1/v/t1.00/p480x480/10394540_533146470177220_2165222966463507973_n. jpg?oh=926667e33d913c717d7c373039fbf9bf&oe=56A8507E&__gda__=1452742297_ cb3350c713e955572426005fe17198a7

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Infographics by rmp-nmr.org

FEATURE

August - October 2015

Kasag R E D E F I N E D

M E N T A L I T Y

Photo by Juvin M. Durante

“Here’s the thing, if you believe in the so called Christian Values and the true spirit of Christianity, when you do good to somebody especially those who cannot pay you back, it cannot be explained. It’s just so much sense of fulfillment and happiness. Because we never expected anything from them in the first place, they can barely survive. Helping them is a part of my personal commitment as a Christian. I follow Christ’s teaching of helping those who cannot help themselves.”

BY GABRIELLE D. FULLANTE AND MATTHEW L. LORESTO

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hose are the words of Ricardo E. Perez, family man, slash photographer, slash journalist, slash humanitarian. And this is his journey.

Sympathy to the People of his Race It was a fine day when Ric Perez decided to ride his motorcycle probably to run some errands or visit someone in Buhi. He was riding his motorbike peacefully along the San Isidro road when he noticed a newly bulldozed track of land leading to an inner place. Curiosity finally took over and he followed the track. It was a 250m distance when he happened upon on the edge of the Waras River. Following his inquisitive mind, he looked down and there he saw at least three Payag (houses), he went down and upon reaching the place, saw an Agta woman.

He asked the woman and he found out that these people just moved there in that land that was bought by the provincial government of Camarines Sur. After talking for a while, he set off again for his original journey.

Thus, began his volunteer work in helping the Oyango Tribal Settlement of Sta. Teresita, Iriga City. He began going to that place every Saturday afternoon after he finished his work at the University. He always brought with him in his motorcycle a little something for the Agtas, mostly food. From 2001 up until 2006, he was just on the background – observing their actions, bringing food, taking pictures, listening to their stories – a little shy to those who were in the frontlines. He was just there.

Officially, his work there began in 2006 when he took over the job of a friend in a church group. It was left to him to organize activities for the tribe and to help them.

From then on, his involvement became vigorous. He was doing everything that can help the community. There came a point when he was able to solicit from AKO Bikol Party List. The chairman of the foundation visited with him the settlement, and he was able to obtain from them 13 million-peso worth of projects including road, bridge, building and bleacher seats for social activities. He also helped the people subscribe to electrical services and put up a pond. He was also able to help two Agta students finish their education. Currently, he is helping some of them to get through their studies in Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Ric’s family was always supporting him with his volunteer work. Even they were also helping in ways that they could.

Before this, Ric really wanted the University to become involved since he want the institution by his side through all of this assistance that he was giving to the people of Oyango. So it was a really delightful thing when his co-workers soon found out about his involvement in the tribe. The faculty club president at that time, Julio Ortiz, became interested with his participation in the Oyango Tribe. Shortly, the student government of the High School department conducted a community service in Oyango.

It was then followed by other organizations from the University and then finally the ICES. Extension services not only from the school but also from other sectors have arrived – civic organizations, the church, private association, even other schools – from different places.

The Oyango Tribal settlement became widely known in the region because of the articles that he wrote in the Bicol Mail. There, he described his journey and adventures in his encounters with the Oyango people. It was a detailed account of the life of the Agta – their way of living, their contributions to the history and their culture. He wanted people to get reacquainted to these indigenous peoples who were the first settlers in Bicol and from whom many Bicolanos can trace their ancestry.

Livelihood for them is a hardship. Where they first settled, the land was too small to grow crops and they already abandoned hunting of animals. Soon, Ric bought a land in Hobo, Minalabac. He called it the “Hobo Experiment”.

Initially, two families volunteered to migrate in Hobo. There, they will start a new life beginning with the piece of land he bought. They cultivated the land, grew crops, and raise animals. It is now on its fourth year and there are five families living there already.

the mountainous area became a tour for us because he kept on discussing different matters about Mt. Asog like the Water and Balete trees, and some signs to keep in mind during such adventure that revealed how he loves the nature’s beauty.

He tells stories based from what he read, leaving you eager to know more about it. He appreciates every single detail, relates to you what he feels and that’s how he conveys the message of every story. He makes it worth listening and retelling.

Imagine that he talks about the heavenly bodies; it would sound magical rather than plain scientific. He creates diversion on a person’s perspective and at some points you may argue with his judgments but rest assured that you will find the midpoint where both of your sentiments will meet. When he talks about serious topics, one better listen attentively. He is a sort of an educator too; he rationally discusses the matter and leaves lessons. He tells his opinions and respects yours. Time isn’t a factor for having a productive conversation with a story teller like him for he manages to supplement everything in his story.

At the end of the day, what matters to him was the ineffable feeling of fulfillment and happiness from what he does.

Love for Life and Nature Aside from being a Good Samaritan, Ric is also a nature lover and a physically active man. One of his hidden talents is mountain climbing. During the two-day immersion with the IP’s in Iriga City, some staffers from this publication got a chance to climb the Mt. Asog to know where they get clean and potable water. And there, his skill on treading the rough trail is very impressive for a 63-year-old man. But there’s more,

Redefining Kasag Mentality Crab mentality, sometimes referred to as crabs in the bucket, is a phrase that describes a way of thinking best described by the phrase “if I can’t have it, neither can you.” The metaphor refers to a pot of crabs.

His affinity with the Mt. Asog people is not at all surprising considering the fact that Agta blood can be traced in his family from the mother side. Meanwhile, on the father side, his grandfather was a kastila. He was given the moniker “Kasag” from Kastilang Agta.

Coincidentally, his mother while pregnant with him said to have conception (lihi) with Kasag (crab). He was not at all ashamed for this alias given to him, in fact, he is even proud to be called in that nickname.

Perhaps it was fate that made him take a look at that side of the road; or perhaps it was God’s will that from that moment on, he thought to himself that he was going to change the lives of these people, that he was into helping these people. At the end of the day, what matters to him was the ineffable feeling of fulfillment and happiness from what he does.

And this is how he redefined the Kasag Mentality.

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FEATURE

August - October 2015

Aut Vincere Aut Mori (Either to Conquer or to Die)

Turning off the television after watching the evening news, I sat there in front of the now black screen and wondered if life could really be so cruel. Not that I’m complaining about mine, no. Although most of the stuff that I had acquired all through out the program only made me grimace and realize that our country is really messed up.

BY PRECIOUS KACY D. FARAON

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stood and padded over to the kitchen table where I had placed this morning’s newspaper I had been avoiding to read until now. But looking at the headline, I wished I hadn’t done so. The news circulates about the subject I always dreaded.

Extra-Judicial Killings in the Country And it seems that there were a lot of victims— innocents included, no doubt.

One can’t help but question whether or not the homeland that we so care about is the safe haven it ought to be. Then again, I guess the problem isn’t truly the place, so much as the inhabitants. We, humans, do have different perspectives of how our lives and of those around us should be.

Why can’t the authorities prevent these unlawful executions—or Extra-Judicial Killings (EJKs), as they say—from happening? Well, I reckon there is no point pining over it because these assassinations in the country are situations that are unique in the Philippines in as much as it is publicly and commonly known to be mostly perpetrated by non-state groups such as the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other terrorist groups. So, unless otherwise there is a tighter security system in the Philippines for unsuspecting victims of mass murders and other kinds of attack, incidents like illegal executions will always be a problem and casualties will always be high.

Evidence to this, the most recent cases have been well documented with careful estimations of Extra-Judicial Killings committed by terrorists are roughly 900-1000 victims (including those cases of Enforced Disappearances) based on the mass grave sites located across the country and testaments of survivors, witnesses, and families of the aggrieved.

However noble their causes are— wanting to liberate the Philippines from the clutches of foreign influences, etc.—I simply cannot digest the methods they prefer of letting the government know of their disapproval. Involving the lives— or rather the goal to rid of them—seem too extreme and inhumane. For me, shedding blood in order to obtain one’s desire tarnishes any good that is left of it, how little it may be so. After all, Benjamin Franklin stated it himself: there never was a good war or a bad peace.

I thumbed through a few more pages of the newspaper before deciding that perhaps a good night’s rest is all I need because when I started mulling over things like these, world peace and all that, was when I knew I’m in too deep. But then something caught my eye as I walked down the hall, contemplating the pros and cons, I shrugged and picked up my old and battered copy of a book about the Philippine Constitution and went to my bedroom. Why I even bothered to bring this, I do not know. It’s hardly a book to read when going to sleep. All I know is that I’m still hung up with the news and everything related to it and I wouldn’t be able to sleep unless I can at least come up with a sort of conclusion.

Justice for EJK Cases: No piece of cake Human Rights is a subject matter that runs across my mind whenever I hear something that obviously concerns it. I don’t know everything about it but I know enough when it gets violated. And it is definitely and utterly disregarded with these Extra-Judicial Killings business.

In connection with the number of victims committed by terrorist hands, this seems nothing compared to the rate of executions, tortures, and disappearances that Human Rights activists have had to place under the Martial Law during Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. Details have been murky ever since

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that there were several estimations by different people on the approximate, if not accurate, number of victims during that period.

Some Human Rights groups state that there were 1500 killings and 800 abductions of which their bodies were never found. Meanwhile, according to Alfred McCoy, a military historian, in his book “Closer than Brothers: Manhood at the Philippine Military Academy” and in his speech “Dark Legacy”, roughly 3,257 EJKs, 35,000 torture victims, and 70,000 incarcerated were recorded during the Marcos years.

It doesn’t matter whose statement was true. It is still horrible.

Then there was the infamous Maguindanao Massacre on November 23, 2009 where 57 people were killed while en route to file the candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu, together with his wife, sisters, some journalists, reporters and several others unfortunate enough to be there. 198 suspects were sentenced with murder including Andal Ampatuan Sr. and Jr. and in which a 96-page report was created subsequently, charting their use of extreme violence in order to gain power.

And, not to forget the most recent of all, the Mamasapano Incident where PNP Special Action Force (SAF) met their doom, getting ambushed in their own pursuit of justice and honor.

I wondered if, in the end, everybody’s right to live will be unquestionably compromised like what happened to these people. Admittedly, there were actions made to prevent such things from happening, or at least stem the number of casualties to a minimum, making sure that the Filipino citizens will feel secure enough.

On the other hand, not only the lives of civilians are compromised. In 2006, the U.S. state department had reported that the Philippine security forces—namely the Philippine National Police (PNP)—were responsible for serious abuses of Human Rights despite the efforts of civilian authorities to control them. They practiced EJKs, vigilantism, disappearances, torture, and arbitrary arrest and detention in their battle against criminals and terrorists. Their reasons for doing so include that it was a necessary thing to do otherwise suspects might escape or over power them in battle. Do they get punished? No, I don’t think so.

Several other foreign ambassadors have visited the Philippines in order to investigate the continued practice of EJKs. In 2007 Philip Alston, the United Nations Special Reporter on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary executions, spent 10 days in the Philippines to do so. On the same year, the European Commission (EC) had sent a six-man team of experts from the European Union (EU) to the Philippines for a 10-day mission to evaluate needs and identify technical assistance that the EU might provide to help its government prosecute those behind the killings.

Finally, in 2012 President Benigno Aquino III signed the Administrative Order No. 35 creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Extra-Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture and other Grave Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty and Property without due process of law. The order created an Inter-Agency Committee on Extra Legal Killings, Enforced Disappearances, Torture, and Other Grave Violations of the Right to Life, Liberty, and Security of Persons tasked to organize a technical working group mandated to undertake Inventory of cases, investigation of unsolved cases, monitoring and reporting, prosecution of new cases, action upon the cases, and submission of report to the President at six-month intervals.

Cause of Death: Crime or just Hatred?

Sadly, I think these actions are not enough but I guess this is the best there is for now. People who lost their lives, by the hands of the state forces or non-state groups, intentionally or not, deserve justice and better judgment, of which they were deprived because they were hated, others just in a wrong place at a wrong time. Everybody deserves a chance to live, no matter how heinous one’s deeds are.

And the power of indictment resides in the hands of the court, with the guidance of due process. Innocent until proven guilty.

As I closed my eyes and felt the tendrils of sleep latching onto me, thoughts swirled in my mind, as gruesome as its reality; gunshots, bloodshed, cries of agony and anguish, pleas for freedom and the right to live, injustice and chaos. Death.

Life really is unfair.

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Information Source: Wikipedia.org

FEATURE

August - October 2015

Silang Idinikta ng Lipunan Alas syete ng umaga, nagsialisan na ang mga mag-aaral sa eskinita, handa na ang mga bus na susundo sa kanila, handa na ang mga silya at libro sa pagdagsa ng mga bata, handa na sila. Handa na sina Macmac at Tina.

BY MARYVIL O. REBANCOS

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ala ang kanilang mga paninda, hila ang isang lumang kariton at baon ang kanilang mumunting pangarap, handa na sina Macmac at Tina sa panibagong umaga ng pagharap sa hamon ng buhay. Bago pa man sila matutong gumuhit ng mga larawan, nauna nang naiguhit ng kahirapan ang mga linya’t kurba sa kanilang mga palad na tila’y siya ng nagdidikta ng kanilang kapalaran-kapalarang iba man sa kanilang nais ngunit siyang idinikta ng lipunan. Sila ang kabataang pinagtatrabaho sa murang edad, mga batang kabilang sa tinatawag na child labor.

Kalagayan ng mga Batang Manggagawa sa Pilipinas Isa sa mga pangunahing suliranin ng bansa ang child labor. Bukas ang mapait na reyalidad na maraming kabataan ang napipilitang maghanapbuhay upang kumita-pambili ng sapat na pagkain at panustos ng pamilya sa araw-araw.

Ayon sa survey, umaabot sa 5.59 milyong kabataang Pilipino na edad 5-17 ang sapilitan nang naghahanapbuhay. Kahit na hayagang ipinagbabawal ang pag-eempleyo ng mga batang edad 18 pababa sa itinuturing na difficult conditions o ‘yong ng pagtatrabaho nang mahabang oras o kaya ay sa gabi sa ilalim ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Order 041999, ay patuloy pa rin ang paglaganap ng ganitong sitwasyon sa bansa. Maging sa lungsod ng Naga ay bukas rin sa mata ng publiko ang mga kabataang nasasangkot sa child labor.

Estado sa Lungsod ng Naga Ayon kay G. Carlos Onding, Senior Labor Employment officer ng DOLE Region V, napakababa lamang ng bilang ng mga naitatalang kaso ng child labor sa lungsod ng Naga. Sa nakaraang limang taon, hindi hihigit sa 10 ang mga naitalang kaso ng child labor sa siyudad na siya namang sinang-ayunan ng mga social worker sa City Social Welfare Development Office (CSWDO). Sila ang responsable sa pagtugon sa mga karapatan at pangangailangan ng mga batang nasa maselan at delikadong sitwasyon. Ngunit ang nasabing datos ay taliwas sa napakaraming batang nakikitang nagtatrabaho sa tabi ng kalsada, kabilang na dito ang mga batang street vendor, kargador, dispatcher ng mga sasakyan at mangangalakal na kadalasang makikita sa sentro.

Ito ay dahil sa kakulangan ng nagrereklamo sa kanilang opisina at mga operasyong di napagtatagumpayan dulot ng iba’t ibang salik.

Child Labor at Child Work Isa sa mga dapat isaalang-alang sa pagtala at pagresponde sa mga kabataang nagtatrabaho na sa murang edad ay ang pagtukoy kung ito ba ay talagang child labor o child work lamang.

Ayon pa kay G. Onding, ang kabilang sa child Labor ay iyong kabataang nasa edad 17 pababa na pinagtatrabaho sa mga mapanganib na lugar at binibigyan ng mabibigat na gawain. Ang child labor ay nahahati sa dalawang kategorya: ito ay ang formal at informal sectors. Kabilang sa formal sectors ang mga kasong mayroong employer-employee relations o ang mga kasong ang mga bata ay nagtatrabaho sa ilalim ng isang employer habang ang mga informal sector naman ay yung mga walang employer tulad ng mga street o mobile vendor.

Sa kabilang banda, ang kabilang sa child work ay ang kabataang edad 17 pababa na nagtatrabaho ngunit mayroong child work permit o parent’s approval at binibigyan lamang ng magagaan at madadaling gawain na hindi lalampas sa 8 oras bawat araw.

Ang bawat kaso ng child labor sa lungsod ay masusing pinag-aaralan ng Inter Agency Quick Action Team na binubuo ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan, Fiscal, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health (DoH), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Justice (DOJ), DOLE at CSWD. Hindi maaaring kumilos ang isa o dalawang kagawaran nang walang partisipasyon ng lahat ng nabanggit dahil sa sensitibo ang mga isyung saklaw ng child labor. Ito ang dahilan kung bakit madalas ay di nagtatagumpay ang kanilang operasyon at kaunti lamang ang naitatalang kaso sapagkat nakakawala o nakakatakas ang mga batang iniimbestigahan. Dulot ito ng minsa’y matagal na proseso ng pag-aaral at pananaliksik ng iba’t ibang kagawaran.

Upang paigtingin ang pagtugon sa suliranin ng child labor sa lungsod, gumawa ng isang programa ang DOLE katuwang ang iba pang kagawaran sa lungsod at ang lokal na gobyerno ng Naga.

Tinawag nila itong “Sagip Batang Manggagawa” na naglalayong lalong matuunan ng pansin ang mga kabataang nasasadlak sa ganitong kalagayan sa murang edad. Sa halip na sila’y nag-aaral at naglalaro, nasa lansangan sila’t nagbabanat ng buto upang

matugunan ang kanilang pangunahing pangangailangan.

Silang Biktima ng Kanser ng Lipunan Nakakalungkot mang isipin ngunit ang mga ganitong pangyayari ay tila hindi na nga maiiwasan. May mga batang maghapong bilad sa sikat ng araw hindi para maglaro kundi para magtrabaho. Puhunan nila ang pagsisikap at mga pangarap na tila binalot na ng kahirapan. May mga batang katulad nina Tina at Macmac na biktima ng kanser na matagal ng lumalaganap sa lipunan. Kailangan ba talagang merong kagaya nila sa ating mundo? Kailangan bang mas dumami ang guhit sa kanilang mga palad at kumapal ang kalyo sa kanilang mga kamay?

Ilang Tina at Macmac pa kaya ang magbibigay mukha sa kahirapang matagal nang naging sakit ng lipunan? Huwag nating hayaang dumami pa ang kanilang bilang. Huwag nating hayaang sa mismong lupa ng ating lungsod umusbong ang ganitong mga kalagayan. Kasabay ng pagngiti ng Naga sa mundo ang siya ring pagsilay ng ngiti na sisimbolo sa bagong pag-asa para sa mga kabataang ito. Kasabay ng pag-unlad ng lungsod ang pagsulong ng kanilang mga munting paa patungo sa kanilang minimithing pangarap.

Alas syete na ng gabi, nagsialisan na ang mga mag-aaral sa eskinita at handa na ang mga bus na susundo sa kanila. Handa na sina Macmac at Tina sa kanilang pag-uwi.

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August - October 2015

It’s not unusual to hear very promising and flowery promises coming out of the mouth of politicians during elections. These well-carved promises must give us a striking blue print of their perspective and a map of where our country is heading under their supervision, or they won’t get any “yes” from the million voters they are wooing.

BY HAZEL JOY B. DEL ROSARIO

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he platform of “daang matuwid” by the liberal party standard bearer, Benigno Aquino III, catches the attention of many making him win the 2010 Presidential Elections.

While on the verge of making these promises on progress to success, let’s put on the spotlight to the talked about bill on Congress, the Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill.

Our country have gone through a lot of worst cases against corrupt government officials, from the former presidents Ferdinand Marcos to Joseph Estrada, impeachment then removed a chief justice (Renato Corona), and filing charges against three sitting senators (Revilla, Estrada, Enrile). In these situations, the heightened need of transparency in the government has been emphasized.

Since 1973, the people's right to information on matters of public concern has been constitutionally recognized in the country in the Section 6, Bill of Rights of the 1973 Constitution, but was further expanded in the 1987 Constitution. Access to research data as basis for policy development was added.

Unfortunately, there is still no enabling law yet to access information. These made the Philippine Supreme Court rule that the constitutional mandate is enforceable. In fact, it is stated in the Code of Ethics of government officials that it is the obligation of public officials and employees to make public access of financial disclosure statements.

Last year, the Aquino administration was making moves to promote transparency in the government by proactively disclosing budget and project documents. The Senate has already approved the FOI Bill on 3rd Reading, while the House of Representatives is still on progress to pursue this bill.

Having laws that enable the people to access information for public concerns, why do people still urge to pass the FOI Bill? While we do have these laws, selective release is true even for requests of asset disclosure despite the clause in the law that requires custodians to release 10 duplicate copies upon after receiving.

Summary of wealth of House members in matrix that includes the total amount of real properties, personal properties, total assets and liabilities and net worth of each lawmaker are issued to the public instead of their Summary of Assets,

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Liabilities, and Net worth or SALN. In contrast, the Senate regularly releases full copies of statements to the media.

The Government Procurement Reform Act also mandates transparency in the procurement processes and equal access to information for bidders but stops short of requiring access to the actual contracts. Though the information requesting party consumed all their patience in the process, there is no clear procedure of appealing refusals for information.

The FOI makes it possible for the public to view certain confining types of information. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office spelled out clear instructions to public authorities: “Remember, you (authority) are required to disclose requested information unless there is good reason not to. It is your responsibility to show why you should be allowed to refuse a request, so it is in your interests to co-operate fully with our investigation.

In rare circumstances when a public authority persistently refuses to co-operate with us, we can issue an information notice. This is a legally binding notice, requiring an authority to give us the information or reasons we have asked for.”

The requesting party also needed to follow just four simple requirements to have an access to this information: contacting the person directly, making the request whether through verbal or writing, identifying his/her real name, and giving an address to which authority can reply.

However, these seem to be the opposite end of the pole from the current practice in Philippine Government offices.

On the contrary, people who sides the cons of this proposed law thinks that it would endanger national security if some sensitive government information will fall into the enemies of the state or even the irresponsible media. This proposed law also sets limit to the public’s eyes with the list of exemptions including information regarding national defence and public safety, unfinished legal proceedings or investigations, trade or commercial interests, international relations, administrative matters such as inter or intra-agency memoranda, and personal privacy. The FOI does not mean that we can have the privilege of access such information. In some special cases, there can be a possibility also that these exemptions will be lifted.

While the current administration have undertaken efforts for transparency, scandals and controversies such as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) scam and the questioned Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) clearly manifested that there are still more things hidden under the sleeve of the government. Our constitution lacks also penal sanctions for officials who refuse requests for information access.

Changes and amendments were still made on the long running debate on the said bill to balance act between access, privacy and national security/ protection of “state secrets.”

In the recent report on the National Budget for Fiscal Year 2016, President Benigno Aquino, III reiterates that he is still urging the Congress to pass the Freedom of Information Act. While the bill is still on the 2nd reading in the House of Representatives, it is unlikely that it will be enacted in time before Aquino vacates the presidency.

At the end of the day, it is a question whether we will wait for another long episodic drama of catching these termites in the government be caught or we want to prevent or reduce corruption and abuse of office by making processes more transparent now.

With every end of each administration, we seek to see that the promises they’ve paved are fulfilled. We fight for our rights to secure our future. In 2016, we are still the big bosses who pass the judgment whether these “suitors” will receive a big yes or a heart-breaking no.

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Information Sources: rappler.com http://www.gov.ph/foi/

FEATURE

August - October 2015

COLLATED BY JESSA V. TEJANO

Orayt! Eto na! Hindi na talaga mapipigilan. Matagal-tagal rin ang naging paghihintay, at siguro naman ay may ilan na sa atin ang nakukumbinsi sa unti-unting pagbabago sa UNC. Lalo na ngayong tuluyan na ngang naipatupad ang ‘No Plastic Policy’ sa ating University. Kasabay ng pagbabagong nagaganap ay iba’t ibang opinyon mula sa mga mag-aaral ang nakalap namin. Ikaw ba? Sang ayon ka ba sa No Plastic Policy na ipinatupad sa UNC? Malay mo, ang sagot mo ay kapareho ng saloobin ng mga napagtanungan natin. Halika’t alamin natin ang ilan sa mga ito!

“Yes, sang-ayon ako. Pero, sana panindugan naman ang policy na in-impose na ini, masakiton kaya mag-asa sa innovation na ‘yan kang UNC.” - Seff, 2nd yr. CBA

“Iyo, pabor ako. Nauugma ngani ako ta kadakol nang bago sa school. Ining ‘No Plastic Policy’ na ‘ni, since napuon-puon pa lang, maki-cooperate na lang sana ang UNC community para magayon ang outcome and maging beneficial na maray para sa gabos.”

- Anonymous “Yes po. Grabe na kaya ang climate change, kita man lang masasakitan sa mga consequence kang satuyang mga pang-aabuso sa satuyang nature.”

- Michael, 1st yr. CED “No, may mga plastic kasi na kailangan din namin, pero ‘di namin madala kasi bawal na nga sa UNC.” - Anonymous

“No. There are instances po kasi na may P.E class kami, nagdadala po kami ng uniform and nakalagay s’ya sa plastic. Eh pinapatanggal po ng mga guard, so ang tendency po, madudumihan ‘yong damit namin. Hindi naman po kami makareklamo, they are not that considerate. Sad life.”

- She, 4th yr. AS

“Ano man kaya ang rason para magdae ako?

Eh iyo man lang talaga ang dapat isimbag.

Gabos na policy na tig-i-impose sa UNC ay para man sa karahayan kang gabos, ang dapat ta lang gibuhon is mag-obey and magkaigwa ning disiplina.”

- Shiela, 2nd yr. CED “Yes. I am looking forward kasi na pag-abot kang panahon, UNC will become one of the most ideal schools in Bicol or even nationwide not just when it comes to students but

also in the school norms especially about environmental aspects.”

- Princess Mae Cantillo, 2nd yr. EA “Yes. Para madisiplina na ang mga tao. Para man ini sato. Saka it’s time to make a change.

Ining manunudan kang gabos na estudyante kang UNC madadara ninda sa kanya kanya nindang lugar.”

- Jessel, 3rd yr. CED

“No. Sa bahay kasi natuturo naman ang disiplina, so sa paggamit ng plastic, nandyan na ‘yong discipline how they are going to dispose it properly. There’s no need para magpatupad pa ning ‘No Plastic Policy’ sa UNC.”

- Anonymous

“No. Masayang na naman ning pondo sa arog kaning klaseng project tapos dae man lang mapapanindugan hanggang sa huri sa inot man lang maray, ‘pag haloy-haloy na mayo na man.”

- Anonymous “No, paano naman maipapatupad ito nang maayos eh ang mga guard nga inconsistent naman sa kanilang mga tungkulin. Minsan, mag-i-inspect, minsan hindi.”

- Janine, 4th yr. CED “No. Nadi-disregard kaya ang ‘No ID No Entry Policy’ gibo kang kaka-inspect ning bags.

Minsan, may mga nakakalusot na mayong sulot na ID. Istorbo pa ta minsan may exams kami, kaipuhan mi pa magsakripisyo ning oras para ma-inspect na si bag mi na tigtutusoktusok man lang.”

- Anonymous

“I think, every policy that is being implemented in our university is for common good naman. So, I’m gonna say yes for ‘No Plastic Policy’. INNOVATION is in the air!”

- Joshua, 2nd yr. CS

Ining swamp area, garo bukid. Ining pathway, dapat aspaltohan bakong patsi lang ta delikado, may nahulog nang gurang. Ilaw asin electric fan sa ibang classrooms, dapat dagdagan. Sa wifi, ata nagbabayad man kami (mga estudyante), nililimitahan. Sa ID, mas magayon kung gigubuhon nang barcode for security. Si mga manong asin manang guard ta dyan, dapat maging fair man.

Hopefully, magkaigwa ning canteen ang kada building, please lang.

Masakit kaya ang centralized.”

Anonymous

Student, College of Arts and Sciences

Sa positive side, very considerate ang UNC tulad ng sa promissory notes. May times na natatapos ang semester na kahit ‘di pa nakakabayad, still nakaka-exam pa rin. Sa negative side, slow ang development. Meron silang promise na mga facility, kaso hindi pa nafu-fulfill o matagal bago ma-fulfill.”

Twixia

Student, College of Education

Pirmi na lang kaming mayong klase sa major [subjects]. Kadakol pa kaming lesson na dae nadi-discuss. Sana, magkaigwa kaming make-up class.”

Miss Mcgonagall

Student, College of Arts and Sciences

I’m a closet gay. Ang hirap para sa akin na ilabas kung sino ang tunay na ako. Takot akong i-judge ng mga taong nasa paligid ko, mga kaibigan, mga ka-department, at lalo na ng aking pamilya. I’ve been hiding this secret since I was a child, and no one knows that I’m a gay. Hindi halata kasi lalaking-lalaki akong kumilos. Ang hirap, guys. Kailangan ko ang tulog niyo.

Not Your Ordinary Man

Student, College of Engineering and Architecture

Innovation sa E-lib. Parang dae sulit ang binabayaran na tuition fee ta pirming udang klase. Sayang kang lab fee mi ta dae man nagagamit ang lab esp. sa CAD class ‘pag Saturday. Dapat bawasan ang times na udang klase.”

Ms. Future Architect

Student, College of Engineering and Architecture

9

EDITORIAL

Insurgency in Mindanao intensified as brutal killings of Lumads at the hands of paramilitary groups and military forces arise. These extrajudicial killings and massacres have involved a number of Lumad human rights defenders and community members, including children.

A

nd because of the targeted murders of Emerito Samarca, executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agricultural and Livelihood Development, and two Lumad leaders by the Magahat militia on Sept. 1, 2015, terror and tension has boosted and wrapped around the island of Mindanao.

Due to militarization, more than 4000 Lumads have been urged to leave for their safety. As stated in Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact’s public statement, a total of 68 extrajudicial killings happened under the incumbent Aquino administration as of early September this year. In most of these, victims were mistaken as New Peoples Army members or supporters. Reports also proved that these were just innocent civilians. Indigenous people (IP) running away from home depict government as disrespectful to preserving Lumad culture and indifferent towards IPs as countrymen. Killing these unarmed individuals is unlawful. If “there is no reason to kill anybody in this country,” according to Pres. Benigno Aquino III on Sept. 8 about Lumad killings and militarization, then why do military and paramilitary forces let many innocent people suffer in their hands?

They should consider that Lumads want peace, as much as

10

August - October 2015

guerrillas would want it.

Furthermore, Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed in the area, in favor of the mining companies and entities that are merely profiteers and exploiters of Lumad resources and territories, act as threats instead of protectors.

Excessive violence has occurred in response to IPs defence of their property rights. They merely address to foreign interests that lead to contractualization, loss of industries, and expropriation of farmers’ lands. The government must be fair towards IPs for they are Filipinos as well. Equipping military characters does not help in uplifting their conditions.

Initially, it just scares them off. If this would continue, IPs, especially Lumads, would not get the justice that they deserve, until everyone resorts to bloodsheds or do-ordie situations.

Moreover, the Oplan Bayanihan cannot serve justice to citizens. Though its aims are to end armed resistance in the country and to work as a counterinsurgency operation, it has worsened the condition for Mindanao. It seems it is contrary to what bayanihan is about.

It does not function for aid and security at all. It contributes to chaos just to stop the revolution initiated by communist parties and armed movements. For the government, these armed movements are being treated as criminal acts, when in fact they want reform. They revolt for the privileges they have long been asking for. With this Oplan Bayanihan, civil-military works may be enhanced, but combat operations will continue.

Instead of military operations for peace, militarization operates to pacify the citizens, which hinders their right to voice out their appeals or complaints. It should be stopped if it would continue its unjust agenda that involve discriminating human rights and if it would not finally address root causes of armed conflicts.

Due to militarization, schools are moved to close down.

These are targeted for military encampments and staging grounds. Harassment cases against teachers, parents, and learners are also inevitable if the military would continue its operations and engagements near school premises, despite Department of Education Memorandum 221, Guidelines on the Protection of Children during Armed Conflict, which tells that armed persons are not permitted to enter school grounds. Another right has been affected in this situation. Right to education for Lumad children is essential.

It is a necessary and not to be disregarded.

This is why militarization would never be beneficial to true and right education. Guns and violence are not pens and papers. We cannot achieve true democracy if military troops would always be unreasonably in command. Other than their ongoing civilmilitary works, they must promote also education as the only way to make this country a lot better.

Militarization is indeed not a good idea to achieve peace in Mindanao.

Unlawful acts and human rights violations by the movements can never protect the citizens, neither respect the culture, nor uplift the dignity and conditions of Filipinos.

What we want is a peaceful community for the IPs. They need protection and preservation of their ancestral lands, not oppression of their kind. Let not them be targeted on account of their defence of indigenous rights.

Like what Filipino people have been crying for, let us cross our fingers for our fellow countrymen. Stop Lumad killings! Stop militarization in the Philippines!

What we want is a peaceful community for the IPs. They need protection and preservation of their ancestral lands, not oppression of their kind. Let not them be targeted on account of their defence of indigenous rights.

●

OPINION

August - October 2015

BOLD SHEET JUVIN M. DURANTE

Sa totoo lang, nang una kong marinig ang pangalan ni Joven, natuwa ako dahil sa isang napakababaw na rason-magkalapit ang pagkabaybay ng aming pangalan. Bukod pa riyan, namangha ako dahil isa rin siyang batang mamamahayag.

W

alang ibang salitang gustong lumabas sa bibig ko, maliban sa salitang ‘napakahusay’. Sa totoo lang, hindi matatawaran ang kagandahan ng pelikulang ito. Hindi ako batikang kritiko ng mga pelikula, pero ang galing! Kaya naman, karapat-dapat bigyan ng isang taas-kamaong pagpupugay ang pelikulang ‘Heneral Luna’ para sa isang napakaganda at makapag-alab-damdaming obra maestra. Mula sa mga tauhan, mga linya o script, sinematograpiya, musika, atbp.-makikitang pinag-isipan at pinaghandaan. Higit pa roon, siksik na siksik ito sa mga metapora na kung susuriin nang mabuti, kapupulutan ng mga mensahe’t aral. Sa sobrang ganda, mapapa-p*ñeta ka talaga.

Kung tootoong nanood ka nga ng pelikulang ito, siguradong hindi mo makakalimutan si Emilio Aguinaldo, na kung ano ang ikinapantay at ayos ng kanyang buhok ay siya rin namang ikinabaluktot at ikinarungis ng kanyang pamahalaan. Nakita mo rin ba si Felipe Buencamino at Pedro Paterno, na kung ano ang ikinataas ng kanilang mga tungkulin sa gabinete ng Pilipinas ay siya rin namang ikinataas ng kanilang pagpuri at pagpapakatuta sa mga dayuhang Amerikano? Imposibleng malimutan mo si Tomas Mascarado, na kung ano ang ikinatapang niyang hamunin ang magiting na si Antonio Luna sa patayan ay siya rin namang ikinaduwag niya upang ipaglaban ang ating bayan laban sa mga ‘Kano?

Hindi maikakailang nakahihiya ang karamihan sa mga tauhan sa pelikulang ito na sumasalamin sa ating mayaman ngunit madilim na kasaysayan-Pilipino laban sa dayuhan; Pilipino laban sa Pilipino.

Bukod sa mga nabanggit na tauhan, naalala niyo pa ba si Joven Hernando? Isa siyang mamamahayag na ginawa upang magsilbing tagapagsalaysay ng buhay ni Heneral Luna. Sa totoo lang, nang una kong marinig ang pangalan ni Joven, natuwa ako dahil sa isang napakababaw na rason-magkalapit ang pagkabaybay ng aming pangalan.

Bukod pa riyan, namangha ako dahil isa rin siyang batang mamamahayag. Ngunit, nang lumaon, mas lumalim pa ang pag-unawa ko hindi lang sa kanyang pangalan, kundi pati na

Sana’y hindi naupos ang alab ng diwa ng pagkamakabayang sinindihan ng pelikulang ito nang magsimula kang tumungtong palabas ng sinehan.

rin sa kanyang papel sa pelikula.

Napakabigat, napakamakahulugan at napakamakapangyarihan ang papel na ginampanan ni Joven, sapagkat kinakatawan niya tayo, ang kabataan o ang bagong henerasyon.

“Sa gitna ng pelikula kung saan nabaril si Joven sa kamay at tenga, at matapos makita ang reaksyon ni Heneral Luna, napatanong ako kung bakit ganoon na lang kahalaga sa kanya na maprotektahan ang batang ito. Mayroon pang solong kuha si Joven nang itinataas siya ng mga mediko.”

Sinadya o hindi, ipinakita nito kung gaano kadalisay ang kagustuhan ng ating mga kapwa Pilipino noon na maipaglaban at maprotektahan ang ating hinaharap para sa kapakanan ng ating bayan. Kaya naman, isang napakalaking hamon para sa atin, kabataan, na suklian ito. Hindi natin kailangang magpakabayani at itaya ang ating mga buhay para lamang maipakita ang malasakit sa ating bayan, kundi sapat na ang pakikilahok sa pagsusuri at pagresolba ng mga tunay na isyung nakapaligid sa ating lipunan.

Hindi nagbuwis ng buhay ang ating mga bayaning Pilipino upang pamahalaan lamang tayo ng mga kapitalista.

Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang ihalal lamang natin ang mga politikong hilaw, walang karanasan, ‘trapo’ o kaya naman ay boxing lang ang tanging alam. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang tumbasan lamang ng P500 o P1000 ang tatlo hanggang anim na taong panunungkulan ng mga politikong gahaman sa kapangyarihan. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang pahirapan lamang ang ating mga manggagawa sa pamamagitan ng kontraktwalisasyon at iba pang pang-aabuso. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang patuloy na pairalin lamang ang komersalisasyon ng edukasyon, hindi makapag-aral ang karamihan sa ating kabataan at huthutan ang bulsa ng ating mga magulang sa mas lumalalang pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga pampubliko at pribadong paaralan. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang makita lamang natin ang patuloy na pagpaslang sa mga kapatid nating IPs upang makuha ang kanilang mga tirahang lupa. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang pagnakawan lamang tayo ng ibang bansa ng sarili nating pag-aari, gaya na lamang ng West Philippine Sea. Hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang magpaalipin lamang tayo sa mga dayuhan at sambahin sila. At lalong hindi sila nagbuwis ng buhay upang pagtalunan lamang natin kung sino ang mas nakahihigit kay Yaya Dub o Pastillas Girl, GMA o ABS-CBN. Huwag nating ilaan lamang sa pansariling interes ang lahat ng ating oras at pangarap. Magkaisa, magtulungan, at pangalagaan ang ating bayan. Hindi matatawag na walis-tingting ang isang walis-tingting kung watak-watak ang bawat hibla nito. Gayundin tayong mga Pilipino.

Hindi kailanman tayo matatawag na isang nagkakaisang bansa kung patuloy tayong maghihilahan pababa at magpapataasan ng ihi. Ayon nga kay Heneral Luna ay kaya nating magbuwis ng buhay para sa pamilya, pero para sa isang prinsipyong makabayan? Negosyo o kalayaan? Bayan o bayan?

Wika rin ni Andres Bonifacio

sa kanyang tula ay aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya sa pagkadalisay at magkadakila; Gaya ng pag-ibig sa sariling lupa? Aling pag-ibig pa? Wala na nga, wala.

“Marami ang nalulungkot sa kabaluktutan ng sistema at pag-iisip ng mga namumuno noon. Mabigat sa puso ang isipin na trinatraydor ng Pilipino ang kapwa Pilipino.

Mahirap hanapan ng solusyon, maging ang pinakamagaling na heneral ay muntik nang sumuko. Mas madaling sumuko.

Pero sana napansin ninyo rin ang isa pang bagay. Ang pagasa.

“Sa kabila ng kadilimang bumabalot sa kwento, ipinakita sa huli na si Joven ang nagtapos ng tula ng heneral. Nakita niya ang layunin ng bayani. Higit sa lahat, makikita mo sa kanyang mga mata at maririnig sa kanyang pananalita ang isang malakas na determinasyong ipagpatuloy ang misyon ng mga nauna sa kanya.” Sana’y hindi naupos ang alab ng diwa ng pagkamakabayang sinindihan ng pelikulang ito nang magsimula kang tumungtong palabas ng sinehan.

Ipinakita ng pelikulang ito kung gaano kabaluktot ang ating pamahalaan noon pa man.

“May namumunong walang sariling desisyon, may mga maimpluwensyang kapitalista, may mga walang ginagawa, at may mga umiiyak na kinakawawa daw sila.” Mga lider na huwad sa kanilang tungkulin at sa kanilang dapat paglingkuran.

Sana’y higit pa sa halakhak ang ialay natin sa mga banat ni Heneral para sa noo’y mga ‘duwag at traydor’ na kasapi ng pamahalaan; sigaw at takot sa pagpaslang sa ating mga sundalo tuwing may mga gyera; hiyawan sa tuwing lalabas si Gregorio Del Pilar (Paulo Avelino); mga tanong kung bakit nakaupo lamang si Apolinario Mabini sa buong pelikula; at kilabot ara sa marahas at ‘di makataong pagpaslang kay Heneral. Maglunsad sana ito ng mas maraming Pilipino na kayang humarap sa kanyang tunay at mabigat na kalaban—ang kanyang sarili.

●

Lahat ng mga sinipi ay mula kay Kimberly Ante ng Rappler. com .

11

OPINION

August - October 2015

SPECTATOR’S MIND JORELYN C. MARASIGAN

Hindi ko mawari kung ano ang aking mararamdaman, kung matutuwa ba ako dahil sa dami nila na nais makatulong o mahahabag sa ating inang bayan, dahil hindi na lamang mga pulitikong gahaman sa kapangyarihan ang nasisilaw at naaakit na maupo sa “gintong upuan” kundi pati na rin ang mga artistang ating iniidolo sa telebisyon.

O

ktubre-huling buwan ng pagpaparehistro sa Comelec para makaboto sa darating na eleksyon.

Ikaw, nakapagparehistro ka ba? Kung hindi, aba’y sinayang mo ang iyong karapatan na pumili ng mga bagong lider na tutulong sa pagbabago at pag-unlad ng ating bansa.

Pitong buwan na lang ang nalalabi bago ang halalan, at ito na lamang nag nalalabing panahon upang pumili at kilatisin ang mga taong tatakbo sa eleksyon. Ngunit, higit na mahalaga ang mga tatakbo sa pagka presidente at pagka bise-presidente, dahil pagkatapos ng lahat ng ito ay tayo at tayo rin naman ang makikinabang sa kung anong kahihinatnan at magiging resulta ng botohan.

Nitong mga nakaraang araw, halos laman ng balita ang mga pulitikong tatakbo sa darating na halalan. Ang ganitong balita ay normal na sa atin sapagkat, noon pa man, nangyayari na ito, kahit malayo pa ay lumalabas na sa mga balita ang mga taong posibleng kakandidato. Ngunit ang talagang nakakuha ng aking pansin ay tila ba dumarami na ngayon ang mga artistang pumapasok sa maduming mundo ng pulitika at ang binatang 19 taong gulang na naghain ng kanyang kandidatura sa pagka-presidente.

Siguro nga ay hindi na katakataka ang ganitong klaseng balita dahil mangilan-ngilan na rin naman ang mga artistang nakaupo sa gobyerno. Hindi na lang ang mga

Ang pagtulong ay hindi naman nakabatay sa posisyon lang, kundi sa kagustuhan nating magbahagi ng mayroon tayo sa iba. Ito ay ating magagawa kahit hindi tayo nakaupo bilang konsehal, mayor, gobernador, o senador, kung nanaisin at isasagawa ng bukal sa ating puso ang pagtulong sa ating kapwa. Kahit na nga ang simpleng mamamayan ay pwedeng makatulong at gumawa ng mabuti sa iba.

12

mayayamang pamilya ang maglalaban laban kundi pati na rin ang mga artistang sikat ay makikisawsaw na rin para sa mga posisyon sa gobyerno.

Nakalulungkot isipin na tila magmimistulang isang santa cruzan ng mga artista ang darating na halalan dahil sa dami nilang nagnanais na magkaroon ng pwesto sa gobyerno. Mula sa pinakamataas na posisyon sa senado hanggang sa pagiging konsehal ay kinagat na. Kulang na nga lang ay pati ang pagiging punong barangay ay papasukin na rin kung mayroong pagkakataon.

Hindi ko mawari kung ano ang aking mararamdaman.

Kung matutuwa ba ako dahil sa dami nila na nais makatulong o mahahabag sa ating inang bayan sapagkat hindi na lamang mga pulitikong gahaman sa kapangyarihan ang nasisilaw at naaakit na maupo sa “gintong upuan” kundi pati na rin ang mga artistang ating iniidolo sa telebisyon.

Wala namang masama sa layunin nila, ngunit isipin din natin na hindi isang teleserye o drama sa telebisyon ang kinakaharap ng Pilipinas na kapag sinabing “cut” ng director ay matatapos ang paghihirap ng ating mga kababayan at mareresolbahan ang problemang kinakaharap ng bansa sa isang iglap. Bagkus, ito ay seryosong usapin at totoong drama na nangangailangan ng mga lider na magsasaayos ng mga liku-likong daan at hindi padadala sa mga bulong ng mga bubuyog sa paligid.

Hindi ako tumututol sa mga artistang tinatahak ang daan ng pulitika kung ang talagang hangarin nila ay ang pagtulong na umangat ang kabuhayan ng bawat Juan Dela Cruz sa ating bansa. Ngunit, ito’y kanila ring magagawa kahit wala sila sa pulitika at hindi nakupo sa pwesto. Ang pagtulong ay hindi naman nakabatay sa posisyon lang, kundi sa kagustuhan nating magbahagi ng mayroon tayo sa iba. Ito ay ating magagawa kahit hindi tayo nakaupo bilang konsehal, mayor, gobernador, o senador, kung nanaisin at isasagawa ng bukal sa ating puso ang pagtulong sa ating kapwa. Kahit na nga ang simpleng mamamayan ay pwedeng makatulong at gumawa ng mabuti sa iba. Ikaw, ako, tayo, lahat tayo ay pwede kung gugustuhin lang natin.

Tignan natin ang binatang si Earl Christian Ansay, 19 taong gulang na nagsumite ng kanyang kandidatura sa pagka-presidente. Nakakatuwang isipin na sa kanyang murang kaisipan, alam niya na kung ano talaga ang kailangan ng Pilipinas para umunlad ito. Kahit na halos karamihan ay pinagtatawanan siya, lakas loob pa rin siyang nagpunta sa tanggapan ng Comelec.

“19 na taon na ako dito sa Pilipinas, so 19 ko nang kinakalakihan ‘yung mga problema,” sagot ni Ansay sa isang reporter nang sinabi sa kanya na kailangan ay nasa 40 taong gulang na ang isang tao para siya ay makatakbo sa pagkapresidente. Nakakamangha ang kanyang mga sagot at iisipin natin na para bang mayroon siyang sakit sa pag-iisip dahil na rin siguro sa kanyang pananamit noong nagpunta

siya sa ComElec. Ngunit, kung ating pakikinggan ang kanyang dahilan, mapapaisip tayo na may tama rin naman siya. Dagdag pa nga niya, “Siyempre hihintayin mo pa ba ‘yung pagbabago kung meron ka ng pagkakataon na baguhin?”

Sana’y mas marami pang mga kabataan ang nagiisip sa kapakanan ng Pilipinas. Hindi puro mga sarili lamang nang sa gayo’y sa mga susunod pang mga taon ay matamo na natin ang inaasam-asam na kaginhawahan ng ating bansa at kahit paunti-unti ay mabawasan ang mga mahihirap at mga nagugutom nating mga kababayan.

Nakakadismaya nga lang na halos iilan na lamang ang mga pulitikong nakaupo na mapagkakatiwalaan at pwede mong lapitan sa panahon ng kagipitan. Kaya huwag nating hayaan na pati sila ay mawala pa. Sa mga kapwa ko kabataan, huwag sana tayong padadala sa matatamis na mga pangako nila.

Maging mapanuri tayo upang mas lalong makilatis natin ang kanilang mga kakayahan at pagkatao nang sa ganun ay mailuklok natin sa pwesto ang mga taong nararapat at talagang magdadala ng pagbabago sa ating bansa at hindi tayo magsisi sa huli. Pagisipan natin ng mabuti ang mga pangalang isusulat natin sa balota base sa sarili nating desisyon at hindi dahil sa kung magkano ang halagang iniabot sa ating mga palad.

Sa huli, tayo pa rin ang huhusga sa mga kandidatong tatakbo sa sususnod na taon at kung totoo nga ba sila sa kanilang mga adhikain na maiangat ang kabuhayan ng Pilipino at hindi puro mga panagakong laging napapako kinalaunan. Mas maging matalino tayo sa pagpili hindi dahil sa iniidolo natin sila sa kanilang larangan bagkus tingnan natin ang kanilang kakayahan magbago at maglinis ng mga dumi sa pulitika.

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OPINION

August - October 2015

CASE CLOSED DEBBIE C. DELATADO

We cannot see the lasting effect of a good literature because we do not live by it. We might have learned the lesson from the moment we read or watched a series and we might have grasped the message that a song wished to convey, but after a couple of days, we often tend to forget all what the piece has done.

W

e lack the sense of solidarity because we lack good literature.

Much has been said about mistresses caught up on camera and damsels in distress with his knight in shining armor on a dark and rainy evening.

This section does not aim to condemn the plots of today’s TV series about love and family. Nor does it desire to eradicate the overrated concepts in Wattpad stories.

But at the verge of knowing that Lumad peoples are being oppressed by paramilitary groups in Mindanao and China’s claim over the Spratly Islands cannot be denied by the FIBA Asia Championship game, couldn’t it be high time for us to think about our nation?

Value of Literature Over time It is highly evident in our history that literature aided in the liberation of our country from the malady of Spanish regime. The two novels of Dr. Jose Rizal, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, propagated the manners of oppression that the Spanish government has inflicted among the Filipinos during the revolutionary period. These works caused the execution of the national hero, thus, kindling the wrath of the Katipunan movement, led by Andres Bonifacio, and our heroes into a bloody revolution all over the Philippines.

The short stories of Bienvenido Santos such as “The Day the Dancers Came” and “Scent of Apples” written during the post-Japanese period reflected the nostalgia felt by the Filipino migrants in America. Saying so, these are works that could remind us how important our Overseas Filipino Workers are, having and experiencing the same situation in the stories even today. Jose Garcia Villa’s “Footnote to Youth”, Nick Joaquin’s “The Summer Solstice”, and Paz Marquez Benitez’ “Dead Stars” are only few beautiful stories that signify our views on Filipino traditions as opposed by our own desires.

Unequalled Filipino Songs and Movies Classic films in Philippine Cinema like “Sakada” and “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag”, both presented the grim situation of our society in the 1970s.

... if we do not try to understand the world, the world won’t do it for us either.

And our little world is the Philippines, a nation on the verge of subtle oppression.

“Sakada”, a film by Behn Cervantes, is about the repression of rural workers in a Sugar Cane Farm set during the dictatorial period of President Marcos. The film addressed the “backward semi-feudal and fascist system” of the time. Meanwhile, “Maynila sa Kuko ng Liwanag” by Lino Brocka is about the stern and gloomy city life experienced by a young man from the province of Marinduque. In these two masterpieces, the complexities of rural and urban life were exposed to the Filipinos during the Martial Law period. How many among us could still recognize Ricky Lee’s “Anak” and “Himala”, movies that mirrored our views about faith and family?

At the same time, the songs of the band Asin such as “Balita”, “Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran”, “Ang Bayan Kong Sinilangan” and “Tuldok” have gained popularity during the ‘70s because of the political message contained in the songs. The depth of the lyrics and heartwarming melodies of Folk Rock just melt the fiery hearts of the reformists during the period of New Society. Freddie Aguilar’s “Anak” and “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi” together with Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan Ko”, Bamboo’s “Tatsulok” and Gloc-9’s “Upuan” are just few of the OPM songs that could ignite our sense of being a Filipino.

Though spoken word poetry is not too popular today, lyric poetry adapted into pop music could greatly affect the listening public only if we try to grasp the meaning behind these songs.

General meets the Love team “Heneral Luna” is a spectacular biographical film and Eat Bulaga’s KalyeSerye featuring AlDub love team is a popular craze today. I find it cute that a movie with deep presentation and a novelty segment with light approach are shown at almost the same time and gained their fame concerning the preferences of our people today. It is not about the plot nor the actors, but the impact to the Filipino viewers.

The fact that “Heneral Luna” achieved its noble respect from the viewers, reminding us of the value of patriotism, and AlDub, entertaining the masses in its depiction of traditional ways of courtship, the popularity of the two may conclude that we could still be united by a form of literature that most of us can relate ourselves to, may its social significance be deep or shallow. To show us the ills of reality or escape from it for quite a long while, are two of the objectives of literature.

They may just be in time: we ought to face the fact that the lead characters in “Heneral Luna” are only allusions of our public servants today and it is not solely created to remind us of our history-- a clue probably addressed to the upcoming 2016 National Elections. On the other hand, we are drawn in by the KalyeSerye because we have found something in there that’s been missing upon us-- a clue probably addressed to the blunt kind of romantic relationship. We may hardly notice it but that is one magic that literature can do, to unite people unconsciously, being drawn by things that the masses have in common or they badly look for in a kind of reality they

can no longer stand.

Could there be another time that we’ll spend our pennies and tweets again on a show that’s worth watching and the characters worth emulating?

Take that Off We cannot see the lasting effect of a good literature because we do not live by it. We might have learned the lesson from the moment we read or watched a series and we might have grasped the message that a song wished to convey, but after a couple of days, we often tend to forget all what the piece has done. In this case that feels like obstruction of justice, where we know what is going wrong but still we tend to delay the due process that the law has imposed upon arresting a criminal, we keep on participating in such a crime that we knew exactly how to solve.

I understand the fact that we all come from different walks of life that define our preferences in reading a book and watching a movie or TV series, we cannot read and watch everything that we do not comprehend. But, if we do not try to understand the world, the world won’t do it for us, either. And our little world is the Philippines, a nation on the verge of subtle oppression.

If there will only be more published works of the winners in the Don Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for Literature, those pieces that are mostly inspired by the past and present Filipino society, I guess most of us will understand the social evolution of our race over time.

This section aims to remind us of the significance of Philippine literature as part of shaping our future society. At the verge of knowing that Lumad peoples are being oppressed by paramilitary groups in Mindanao and China’s claim over the Spratly Islands cannot be denied by the FIBA Asia Championship game, couldn’t it be high time for us to take our blindfolds off?

We lack appreciation of good literature because we are too afraid to face real life on fiction.

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13

COVER STORY

August - October 2015

RIDDLE

The

Tales from the Oyango Tribe Settlement

If there would be one question that you’d want an Oyango child to ask you, what would it be?

BY DEBBIE C. DELATADO

W

e are in a period where everything goes beyond what is expected and a click of a button could change one’s life. An era of monopods and smartphones define the lifestyle of our present generation and a network of virtual friends share a common interest. At the moment, where LOL seems to describe subtle happiness and a Like and Tweet form a petty conversation, let us take you to a community where there are genuine reasons to reflect and stories that could inspire us to do our home works.

Mysteries from Beginning of Time The Oyango Tribal settlement in Iriga City is only one of the groups of Indigenous Peoples in Camarines Sur. Unlike those tribes that we usually see in the television and hear over the news, these people are not as primitive as what we commonly expect. They are a group of friendly and approachable tribal settlers whom you can freely converse with. To give you a little background about these humble people, here we tell you.

According to Mr. Ricardo Perez, IMC director and a long-time volunteer in the tribe, in his journal “The Oyango Odyssey: A Story of the Tribal People of Mt Asog”, regularly published in the Bicol Mail, he wrote that: “Iriga City, according to information has about 10, 000 inhabitants.

Of this number, approximately 5% are indigenous peoples consisting of the Agta tribes and the sub-tribes Agta Tabangnon and Agta Cimarron. They live on the slopes around Mt. Asog, which is also

14

known as Mt. Iriga, and sometimes occasionally referred to as Mt. Sumagang…” (New Houses for the Agta) “The Agta aborigines who used to inhabit the upper slopes of Mt. Asog have learned to adapt to their environment by utilizing the bounty of the forest to provide them not only food but even water, from the most unusual and unlikely source. Unlike Mt. Isarog and Mt. Malinao, two adjacent mountains in the area which are natural water catchments by being relatively taller and full of trees even up to its summit. To the Agta, this condition is no deterrent to their survival having learned from their ancestor’s,certain knowledge that have been passed on and proven useful, especially their secret source of drinking water right within the forest itself.” (The Agta and His Water Tree) Secrets Left to Find At the course of the visit, we have discovered how most of them struggled so far, from the way of living up to their dreams that have yet to come true.

TRANSPORTATION Marichu Agod, 25 and Janice Lumabe, 26, are sisters, commonly referred to as “puti” in the community. Marichu’s husband has been living in the sitio since 2001. She and Janice formerly lived in Pecuarya, Bula, also a town in Rinconada, and they both came to the sitio in 2006 and married their husbands, relatives by uncleand-

nephew. Janice is married to the former and Marichu, the latter. Marichu has three kids, studying in grades 1 and 2, and nursery level. She is currently seven-month pregnant.

She and Janice have been running a Sari-Sari store since April and it helps them earn a living. Their husbands both work for impermanent services.

Remarkable about these young and married women is their wish to go back home, particularly in Baao and Bula, towns which are only a few kilometers away from Iriga City.

LIVELIHOOD Here are stories of two old women who were drawn away from their children to provide them a better kind of living.

Remedios de Villa, an old woman, whose feet were bruised and swollen when the group came, probably tired of treading along the garden plots of their root crops at the backyard. She has been living in the sitio for four years; she came from Laguna and already has nine children when she met her second husband, a widower from the tribe. Like the other tribal settlers, her husband only works when there are needs for extra services in anybody’s affair outside their area. All of her nines children are not in the house and six among them already have their own families. Others remain in Laguna, the rest stay with their spouse in the nearby towns and the three works and help them earn a living.

On the other hand, Ester Fajardo, 52, is a mother who looks after her two grandchildren. She lives with her husband, the two kids and her youngest daughter. She has four daughters; two are working as housekeepers in Cavite and the other one in a nearby town. All of them only reached Elementary levels, the youngest was

Photo by Juvin M. Durante

Photos by Juvin M. Durante

supposed to finish Grade School but she had to stop to tend to her mother’s needs when Ester became ill a few years ago. When asked about her message to President Noynoy Aquino if given the chance to speak to him, she said that she desires to lower price of basic commodities, particularly rice. She wants a new president in 2016 that can share the same sentiments with the poor and is willing to reach out to them.

When asked about “what-do-you-want-to-bewhen-you-grow-up?” thing, the three little girls who have been whispering and chuckling at each other on our side answered unanimously, “magtrabaho sa Manila.” Upon hearing that, some in the team took a pause, grasping what these children implied. We were struck by the fact that, none in the group of kids answered that they want to be a teacher or a doctor someday. The answer did not really matter, the reasons behind it and the underlying issues on education and poverty… did.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a volunteer teacher comes over the area and teaches the young children in a form of a Day Care Center. Little kids were walking around when the group went inside the vicinity; some were barely looking at our cellphone cameras. Most of the people in the tribe have not finished college level and they hardly get to high school when they were young.

Still, the primary reasons for this are financial incapacity and the desire to help their parents in earning a living. After Elementary, some would prefer to work than to study.

HEALTH As to health, the story of Marites Fajardo, 35, is one alarming case. She has four kids and has suffered from onemonth relapse after giving birth to her youngest child. She poorly produces breast milk so she has to switch to and rely on feeding bottles, providing an only good-for-adult kind of powdered milk brand, typically unsafe for an infant’s health.

They live in a so-called “papag” in Rinconada, a wooden bed made of bamboo strips.

The papag has no walls and it is only surrounded by a large burlap encompassing all sides, rolled up by day and let down by night. All stuffs– clothes and beddings– are to be seen on top of the bed, which serves as both dining table and receiving area. At You cannot see it nor the foot of the papag, stands a wooden sink for dishwashing and cooking. Her can you hear it, the family is a member of the MCCT-IP’s and answer just has to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). be felt by a sincere Another is that of Daisy Langcaon, realization. Despite 33. She is a woman from a tribal settlement in Bula whose husband our complaints on works as a delivery man in a supplier school works and of eggs in Albay, for twice a week. He earns 600 pesos for every delivery. She sleepless nights, there has relayed their struggles with their are still so many things health risks particularly the skin blisters which commonly occur among the young to be grateful for. children in the community. She suspects These people would that this may be due to the improper sanitation and insufficient nutrients. take years to upgrade When asked the same question as Ester’s, their status in life, Daisy wants the next president to retain the implementation of the Pantawid while we only define Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P’s) so that, status today, as a post she said, the other families like them who are not yet members of the program will on Facebook- about have the chance to join.

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Oyango

Answers Quite Unseen The children in the Oyango tribe made a “sungka” on the loam soil where they dug small hollows and filled it with pebbles. They remind us of the childhood years when there were still a few handy gadgets that most children play with nowadays. As the group roamed around the vicinity, we were seeing kids who were still playing with marbles and coins and text cards. Those games that we used to label as “tachi-an” and “apiran” and “bangkuwan” are more than a handful of text cards won from a match and a clasp of a penny flipped beyond the line drawn across the soil.

Those clumsy little hands showed how contented these kids are with the life that they have. Perhaps, soon, they would gradually realize the hardships in their present situation but as that time has yet to come, the joy in their faces is defined by the improvised sungka and the old school toys. That piece of timber leaned on a bench that forms a ledge on the ground and serves as an improvised what we feel and do slide for them, rocks their hearts out while EDUCATION they play underneath a sole light post almost all the time.

On this aspect, Marivic Lumabe near the building. The whole community a 38 year-old woman and eight-month depends on a single television, put up in pregnant desires nothing but to send a Sari-Sari store. Still, candles and lamps her kids off to school until college. Her light their houses at night. Beyond the husband is a nephew of the chieftain flame they could see a light, which could and they have five children. Their family has been living in mean a bright future for an Oyango student, but we might Oyango for 13 years and they depend on root crop farming rarely appreciate when the electric power goes off. as their primary source of living. Her eldest child Jaymar, You cannot see it nor can you hear it, the answer just 19 is working in Manila to help his parents and the second, has to be felt by a sincere realization. Despite our complaints Jessica, who badly wants to pursue High School, is also on school works and sleepless nights, there are still so many working with Marivic’s parents with the same purpose as things to be grateful for. These people would take years Jaymar’s. to upgrade their status in life, while we only define status Rita Sentillas, a girl of 15, is still studying in Grade 4. today, as a post on Facebook- about what we feel and do She barely talks and she carries her young sibling on her lap almost all the time. These people could hardly acquire all while they watch the other children play and make fun of their favorites on the dining table, while to us; we define it each other in an open house of their neighbor. There are as a click away on Twitter. about ten kids playing in the vacant living room, they climb If an Oyango child would say that YOU are the answer, up the bamboo poles at the corners of the house, some what would his question be? run up the room of the owner (who is not around) hiding The title and concept of this article was inspired by the song “The their faces from us, some little girls giggle at our arrival-Riddle (You and I)” by Five for Fighting. The sub-topics were drawn from randomly responding to our questions with one or twothe lyrics of the song—about a father and child perspectives on life. word answers and glancing at our cameras outside.

15

OPINION

August - October 2015

C-SPOT

CATHERINE BENA T. OLLETE

Definitely, the series live for certain abjectives. Add to the natural sense of humor of each cast member their aim to influence and re-educate individuals, particularly the youth, with regards to embodying values and to remember significant Filipino culture that has been gone for long.

L

ife is full of surprises, making you realize everything’s worth it at the right time.

Who really would have thought that an accidental loveteam can make this whole country greatly believe and live in positivity despite all tribulations? Yes, I’m talking about AlDub’s impact to the Filipino society. What makes them and the rest of the Kalyeserye team work so well with the masses?

From the very moment it started to get extremely popular and by viewing some of its early segments, somehow, I knew why. Personally, it’s something simple, yet, so essential as far as art is concerned.

AlDub clicks for it is unusual, but true to reality. On television, we have been so used to puppy love, popular teen loveteams, short distance relationships, and other related usual love stuff that appear so ideal. But, through AlDub, a reality has been acted upon; a reality in a sense that, literally, without any reason, love or romantic relationships nowadays can abruptly come from anywhere.

This loveteam shows how virtual world or even a long distance relationship (LDR) can become as exciting as it seems.

Presently, technological advances find ways for partners to connect and for total strangers to accidentally meet each other for love to possibly blossom. We are dominated by virtual creations that help LDRs to withstand the hardships of being in the situation.

Have you noticed how AlDub exactly started?

Everybody can relate to that feeling. Well, it was really not what you would expect, but it happened. It is real and possible as always.

Concepts are spontaneous; the act is natural. From that unplanned spark, everything just set in. I have to

Think about how we all exert our efforts to bring AlDub on top of Twitter’s worldwide trending list each and every day, with over 41 million tweets for #ALDubEBTamangPanahon last Oct. 24 as stated in Twitter’s correct final tally, it just clearly tells us that if we all work together to reach a common goal, we would be able to achieve it.

commend Eat Bulaga, particularly the Kalyeserye team, for conceptualizing and enacting the story organically. They do not always go with scripts. They just go with the flow.

They have simply conformed to a part of what happens in the actual life about sacrifices and feeling in love, and put it on TV. Imagine the rawness that you see whenever you watch their act. That’s effective and sincere art. It is as if all things look so easy and smooth. It is a live play. The team, especially the cast: AlDub’s Maine and Alden, Wally, Jose, Paolo, and the rest, using their own exceptional talents and abilities, make perfect performances together.

People mostly admire the aforementioned qualities.

We always dwell with concepts that can keep the freshness for long. Though viewers and listeners just accept what is popular most of the time, popularity does not always mean effectivity of being better artists. Quality is what retains in our minds. In terms of taking risks, GMA has been good at it. Hence, AlDub is just one of the fruits of their labors that absolutely came from spontaneity and brilliance.

Moreover, it is humorous and truly entertaining, yet seriously telling us valuable lessons. People, basically, love, happy and funny moments. Again, kudos to the team for rendering the total entertainment. We cannot get enough of Wally’s and Jose’s natural punchlines. Another impressive thing is doing comedy without that trying hard manner. For me, trying hard comedy is of two types: the one that is worse than corny jokes and the other that is so funny yet in a destructive or insulting way. Luckily, Kalyeserye is not about trying hard.

Definitely, the series live for certain abjectives. Add to the natural sense of humor of each cast member their aim to influence and re-educate individuals, particularly the youth, with regards to embodying values and to remember significant Filipino culture that has been gone for long.

Before, she was played as mere antagonist, but now it seems Lola Nidora’s lead (Wally) exemplifies elders’ love for their children. In the series, though she’s a kontrabida just like our parents and elders at times, it is how she disciplines Yaya Dub (Maine) to become a responsible, persevering, and patient person, especially in love. The way Lola shows her strict side when it comes to AlDub is somewhat similar to every parent’s feels about their children’s relationships with other people. And, how AlDub acts is the same as how impulsive youngsters are at present and as how persistent couples should be. In time, I just hope that the people would not forget the values that we get from this show.

Make them learnings, not just thoughts. Live them.

As a final point, it helps us to realize something more important towards Philippine situations. It is just so awesome how people, young and old, would turn on the TV at noon to watch Kalyeserye like it is always a Pacquiao fight, just peaceful, plus full of love. Through AlDub, we get away from the harsh reality for a moment. It is when everybody is Juan for All, All for Juan, no worries. But, that is not really the point here. Think about how we all exert our efforts to bring AlDub on top of Twitter’s worldwide

trending list each and every day, with over 41 million tweets for #ALDubEBTamangPanahon last Oct. 24 as stated in Twitter’s correct final tally, it just clearly tells us that if we all work together to reach a common goal, we would be able to achieve it.

Now, why not work together to meet the needs of our country? Let us not forget that we are in the real world. We need to do something to achieve our goals for ourselves, for our family, and for the Philippines. Let us not be trapped to what everything else has been offering to us.

Let us make efforts.

Have you noticed how the love team has contributed to promote Original Pilipino Music (OPM)? That is promoting the Philippines as well. Let us make AlDub as an inspiration to do the same, not as the reasons why several national issues are ignored. We have to do it according to what is right and just.

To all Filipinos, especially the youth, let me share some of Lola Nidora’s striking quotes from the series, as posted on GMA News Online, concerning reality: “Ang pagtupad ng pangako ay ang pagsunod nang totoo! Ang binitawang salita ay hindi dapat isawalang-bahala.”

“Ganyan kayo, mapusok. Ang gusto n’yong masunod ay ang gusto n’yo. Kapag pinagbibigyan kayo, umaabuso kayo. Kapag pinigilan naman, nagrereklamo. Ano ba’ng gusto n’yo!?”

“Kung puso lang ang paiiralin n’yo, walang mangyayari. Puwede namang gamitin ang puso; pero ‘wag kalimutan ang isip, ang utak, ‘wag puro tibok ng puso.”

“Ang tunay na pag-ibig, kahit hindi kayo magkapiling, nararamdaman.

Ang tunay na pag-ibig, kahit hindi nagkikita, pinapahalagahan at iniisip ang isa’t isa, iniisip ang kabutihan at hinihintay ang tamang panahon.”

We all can say that some of the best life lessons are indeed on the streets.

So, let the love prevail for the Philippines as much as you want it for AlDub. You will see, it’s really worth it at the right time.

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OPINION

August - October 2015

SOCIAL COMMENTARIES CHARLENE KRIS A. BORBE

At first, I thought, it would be very depthless to throw attention and waste time commenting on a cut-rate entertainment the media is serving us, but since almost everyone, if not a sprouting group of supporter, is hooked on the lovelorn of “Ms. Pastillas”...

P

astillas de Leche, according to some sources, if directly translated from Spanish leche means “milk”, but it differs from the other connotation of “leche”; pastillas is “candied milk” which basically describes this Filipino sweet delicacy. Briefly explained, this is made from evaporated milk with some mixtures to make it like a dough. The dough is formed into small shapes and coated with sugar.

But today, we now have a different connotation of “Pastillas”. If you ask me, then let me explain. If you turn your televisions on and watch ABS CBN’s “It’s Showtime”, it basically describes this young Filipina looking for a partner.

This is made to commensurate the rival program’s segment (Eat bulaga’s Kalyeserye) with some mixtures of copycats and trying hards to make it like another experimental love team to be obsessed for. The copied concept of love team has its own segment trying to please the audience and trying to gain its ratings through sugar-coating.

At first, I thought, it would be very depthless to throw attention and waste time commenting on a cut-rate entertainment the media is serving us. But since almost everyone, if not a sprouting group of supporter, is hooked on the lovelorn of “Ms. Pastillas” and her quest of finding “true love” with the aid of broadcast media, gives a big slap on our faces its present and future effects to the viewers— especially the teenagers. And that is seriously alarming.

To give you a backgrounder, a girl named Angelica Jane Yap uploaded a video on how to make pastillas satirically describing her cheating boyfriend with very deep, like the famous Marianas Trench, hugot lines resulting for it to go viral; thus, owning the title “Ms. Pastillas”. But others claim that she was not the original who created the script of the recipe. Nonetheless, she admitted it and publicly apologized for the angered

Whatever the show preaches, I believe, they do not show us the idea of proper courtship and “Ms. Pastllas”, not to judge her entire being but only the character she shows on television, does not encapsulate the real vibe of a true Filipina.

netizens. She first appeared in the noontime show asking Vice Ganda’s alter ego Madam Bertud in their segment, “AdVice Ganda,” for advice on when is the right time to fall in love again after a break-up. Her queries lead her back to the same segment, this time opening about her boyfriend who ditched her for her best friend. Days after that, the “It’s Showtime” hosts were willing to find her a new man that would sweep her off her feet, only to see an audience, named “Toper”, stand in hopes of winning the inconsolable heart of Ms. Pastillas. But it seems that he wasn’t the only one interested. Thousands of twitter users also volunteered to be her “Mr. Pastillas” and one of them is “Jess”. She then appeared regularly on the show with the segment, “Nasaan ka Mr. Pastillas?”, created for her with a match-making concept. It was believed to be a stint of the said noontime show, as its answer to its opposing show “Eat Bulaga’s” hit segment, “Kalyeserye” featuring its accidental love team AlDub. All of a sudden, the show’s life revolves around Ms. Pastillas and the numerous guys lining up for her.

But still, many viewers were able to relate to her story and are also benefiting from the decent advices she gets from the hosts since we all know, decent advices are the least things we can give to conDOLE with persons experiencing extreme heartbreaks. The show also suggests that women should be empowered and shown of what their worth since the guys–who joined the search for Mr. Pastillas–are showing off their greatest efforts just to win her. And it is true that women should be treated as such considering if they deserve it. They also orate that the segment teaches us Filipino culture with regards to courtship. How a Filipina should act, how a man should show his love not just trough words but also trough actions. This is probably one of the reasons why it is still airing on televisions–a Filipina should prolong the duration of courtship. But what good will it bring the viewers?

Nothing! They’re just prolonging our agony of watching them trying hard enough to beat the other program’s love team. The thing is, they underestimated what their target audiences deserve.

They also said that the very reason, why the segment is created, is to give happiness to their viewers.

However, a lot of netizens did not seem to be happy about how the segment was presented and executed. The hashtag #BugawSerye which means “to pimp someone”, started on Twitter that became viral. The angered netizens made a notion that the parallelism between the girl’s recipe and finding a boyfriend is in bad taste. Although it may not be the intention of the girl to broadcast her partner-searching, the show is magnifying a message that is somewhat objectifying the girl as a bait in front of thousands of men watching the show that is why the hashtag #BugawSerye came to be.

Whatever the show preaches, I believe, they do not show us the idea of proper courtship and “Ms. Pastllas”, not to judge her entire being but only the c h a ra c te r

she shows on television, does not encapsulate the real vibe of a true Filipina. Her traits are not the kinds of things we should be showing to the world and what we should be proud of for it would create triggers on one’s development –which concerns all of life’s aspects. It made me ponder on the question, “Is this how teenagers really behave nowadays?”. She, being a teenager, sets as a negative rolemodel for the present generation for they may patronize her, wear her shoes and follow her footsteps.

And it is not very impressive to think that her parents are tolerating her do this media nonsense for the sake of attention, fame and save the show’s sinking ratings. Much hope is set to her segment just to keep the show’s head above the water. If I were her mother I’d be worrying about her grades and performances in school for these are the real things she should be focusing on and setting her eyes for, not the guys who apply to be her boyfriend.

There was even a time when her mother appeared on the show, crying for all the constant bashing she hears. I was thinking they’ll finally end the “#BugawSerye”, but NO! She supported her daughter’s decision to continue the search for her soon to be boyfriend. What a terrible parenting! Seriously, does her daughter know better for her to be that submissive? Probably because they are both benefitting from the fame and “hardworks” of Ms. Pastillas to bravely broadcast her partner-searching.

Now, let’s say she finally found “the one”… what now?! Are they going to watch over them and document their activities every single day? And if by chance she meets her “Mr. Pastillas”, not to jump into conclusion, I really think this would result to another story of unfortunate lovers thralling themselves to dishonest desires; disregarding the authority and advice of blood relation; attempting to indulge with the possible perils to attain their wished lust thus making an ill-treatment of the praiseworthy name of lawful marriage.

Pastillas? De Leche.

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NEWS

August - October 2015

BY JUVIN M. DURANTE WITH REPORTS FROM DEBBIE C. DELATADO AND DIOMA N. DURANTE

“P

agkaon, kalinaw para sa Mindanao! (Food and peace for Mindanao!)”

These were the words carried and chanted by over seven hundred (700) Mindanawons, mostly Lumads (general term for indigenous peoples in Mindanao), who joined the Manilakbayan 2015 when they arrived in Naga City at around 6 PM on Oct. 23.

Manilakbayan 2015 is a people’s caravan and mobilization from Mindanao to Manila to bring the voices of indigenous peoples, Moro, peasant communities, and other sectors to the national capital.

Supposedly, Manilakbayan 2015 should have arrived in Naga on Oct. 21, but due to Typhoon Lando, it has been postponed and moved to Friday, Oct. 23.

After their stop in Legazpi City on the same day, the delegates, also known as Manilakbayanis, were welcomed

by Naguenians together with Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN), Kabataan Partylist (KPL), League of Filipino Students (LFS), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), student councils of UNC, Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU), and Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), and other progressive groups. Then, they staged a torch parade from STI College-Naga Gymnasium to Plaza Quezon yelling their call to stop the militarization, Lumad killings, and other injustices in Mindanao.

Marc Lino Abila, CEGP national president, said, “Nandito ang mga organisasyon ng mamamayan sa lungsod ng Naga para salubungin ‘yong ating mga kababayang Lumad galing sa Mindanao na nananawagan na paalisin at i-disband ‘yong mga paramilitary at military forces. (People’s organizations are here in the city of Naga to welcome the Lumads from Mindanao who are calling to oust and to disband the paramilitary and military forces.)”

A short program was held at the Plaza Quezon wherein various progressive group leaders burst out their sentiments regarding the issues concerning the Lumads and other peoples of Mindanao.

A Manilakbayan spokesperson was present during the event and said, “Talagang pinaparatangan nila (Armed Forces of the Philippines) ang mga Lumad, ang mga tao sa Mindanao upang may lisensya sila na patayin at palayasin ang mga Lumad sa kanilang lupang ninuno para magbigay-

POWER FIST. Various progressive group leaders, majority from Mindanao, aggressively share their sentiments about the militarization, Lumad killings, extrajudicial killings, and other injustices in Mindanao during the Manilakbayan 2015 on Oct. 23 at the Plaza Quezon, Naga City. Father Oly (center, 2nd row) leads the crowd to chant, “Inutang na dugo ng pasistang militar, singilin, pagbayarin!” (Words and Photos by Juvin M. Durante)

daan sa mga langyaw, sa mga pasista, sa mga malalaking kumpanyang mina na gustong kumuha sa sa mga lupaing ninuno ng Mindanao. (They really accuse the Lumads and the people of Mindanao for them to have a license to kill and to fend off the Lumads in their ancestral land to give way for the foreigners, fascists, and big mining companies who want to take the ancestral lands of Mindanao.)”

He added that these events are also experienced of Bicolanos even before during the Oplan Bantay-Laya of the Gloria Arroyo regime.

Pastor Dan of BAYAN-Bicol also shared his sentiments.

According to him, Bicol is one of the regions with high rates of extra-judicial killings under the regime of US-Aquino.

“Sa ngayon po ay umabot na sa 72 ang naging biktima ng extra-judicial killings ng State Security Forces sa nag-iisang 9th Infantry Division sa Bicol. Siguro, kung mas marami ang deployment ng militar sa Bicol, higit pa sa 72 EJK victims ang bibilangin namin, (Now, the number of extra-

MANILAKBAYANIS. Demanding to stop the attacks on the people of Mindanao, the delegates of the Manilakbayan 2015, also known as Manilakbayanis, stage a a torch parade from STI Gymnasium to Plaza Quezon at around 6 PM of Oct. 23. Over 700 Mindanawons join the caravan to bring the voices of indigenous peoples, Moro, peasant communities, and other sectors to the national capital. (Words and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

18

judicial killings by the State Security in the only 9th Infantry Division in Bicol has reached 72 victims. Maybe, if there are manier depolyments of military in Bicol, we will count more than the 72 EJK victims.)” Pastor Dan mentioned.

He added that under the leadership of the ‘fascist and puppet’ PNoy, Benigno Simeon Aquino, III, they know that the Oplan Bayanihan, designed by United States of America (USA), has failed.

The crowd aggressively chanted, “Inutang na dugo ng pasistang militar, singilin, pagbayarin! Inutang na dugo ng pasistang militar, singilin, pagbayarin!” as Fathery Oly, priest from Mindanao, finished his speech.

At around 8:30 PM, the program ended.

The delegates proceeded to the Naga City Youth Center and and slept at the Naga City Gymnasium. On the next day, at around 7 AM, they left Naga City and headed to Southern Tagalog to continue their journey.

From Nov. 1-20, the delegates are expected to hold the ‘Kampuhan sa Liwasang Bonifacio’, Mindanao Human Rights Summit on Nov 12, and Walk with the Lumad of Mindanao for Human Rights and Peace on Nov. 13. (Source: CEGP National Office) Stude-leaders, journalists: Stop Lumad Killings Before the Manilakbayanis arrived in Naga, a press conference which was spearheded on Oct. 20 at the Bagumbayan Sur Barangay Hall to demand to stop the Lumad killings in Mindanao.

Present student-leaders and journalists were from the AdNU Supresme Student Government (SSG), UNC University Student Government (USG), BISCAST Student Council (SC), KPL, NUSP, and CEGP. Asked about on how they disseminate their campaign against Lumad killings, Renan Joseph P. Ortua, Jr., USG president, said, “Actually, napunan na siya through social media, and saaga po (Oct. 21), magkakaigwa po kami ning Alternative Class Program. (Actually, it has been started through social media, and tomorrow, we will have an Alternative Class Program.)” According to Ortua, this program will inform others about the real issues concerning the Lumads in Mindanao.

Ortua addressed the youth by saying, “Sa mga kapwa ko jovenes digdi sa Naga, kaipuhan ta man maging aware sa Turn to Page 20

NEWS

August - October 2015

NI DEBBIE C. DELATADO

B

ilang bahagi ng ikatlong taong pagdiriwang ng Bikol Orgulyo Month, ang Kolehiyo ng Sining at Agham ay nag-organisa ng isang programa, “Si Jaime, Si Raul, asin Si Jesse: Biography Forum on the Life and Legacy of Distinguished Bicolano Leaders”, noong ika-22 ng Setyembre sa UNC Sports Palace.

Mga Dumalo sa Programa Ang programa ay nilahukan ng mga estudyante mula sa Social Science at History classes sa panig ng mga nasa ikatlong antas; Supreme Student Government (SSG) at Supreme Pupil Government (SPG); ilang mga inimbitahang klase sa History at mga espesyal na panauhin.

Tampok bilang mga panauhing tagapagsalita sina Randy Bacares, manunulat at propesor ng Rizal at History sa pamantasan; Gabriel Bordado, konsehal ng lungsod ng Naga; at Rene Gumba, propesor sa Ateneo de Naga University.

Daloy ng Talakayan Sa unang bahagi, tinalakay ni Bacares ang tungkol sa kabataan, pag-aaral at panunungkulan ni Dr. Jaime Hernandez. Ayon kay Bacares, naging malaking kontribusyon ni Dr. Hernandez ang paglilingkod bilang Auditor-General sa tatlong administrayon ng gobyerno-Roxas, Garcia at Osmena. Una nang naisulat ng tagapagsalita bilang isang libro ang tungkol sa buhay ng ating tagapagtatag.

Pangalawa’y inilatag naman ni Bordado ang naging karera sa pulitika ni Raul Roco. Hindi man umano ito pinalad na manalo sa pagkapangulo, nabatid ng maraming Bicolano ang katapatan sa serbisyo ng dating kalihim.

Nabanggit din ng konsehal ang hinggil sa panahon ng Batas Militar at ang paghikayat sa mga kabataan na hindi na iyon dapat pahintulutan pang mangyari ng susunod na mga henerasyon.

Panghuli, naging mahalagang punto naman ni Gumba

BY DIOMA N. DURANTE

W

ith the theme, “Bikolano Ako! Kulturang Bikolnon ipag-oorgulyo asin papadanayon ko,” the 3rd BIikol Orgulyo Month Celebration was initiated by the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and Behavioral and Social Sciences Department under Kenjie Jimenea in cooperation with the Association of Political Science Students (APSS) last September with different activities.

Approved by Dr. Lourdes S. Anonas, UNC executive vice-president (EVP), last year as one of the annual activities of the University, the main objective of the program is to support the college’s specific objective which is to preserve and promote Filipino Culture, particularly Bicol Culture, through communication skills, proper appreciation of the arts and historical heritage.

An essay and poster-making contest entitled “Kurit asin Surat Bikolnon” was conducted last Sept. 10 at the AMS Lobby. Winners of the essay contest are Audrey JescelEscoto (1st place), Hadrian Tubale (2nd place) and Patrick John Reyes (3rd place). On the other hand, the winners in postermaking contest are Ronald Oberos (1st place), Jabez Baylon (2nd Place) and Aldrin Velasco (3rd Place).

By a unanimous decision, Melchor Abarrientos from College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) was hailed as the champion of the 3rd Bikol Impromptu Speaking. He was followed by Cristia Shiena Amparo from the College of Education (CED) and Jinette Beltran from College of Criminal Justice and Education (CJE), making them first and

ang tungkol sa kwento ng adbokasiyang TSINELAS leadership ng yumaong Jesse Robredo. Nagbigay ang propesor ng mga halimbawang sitwasyon kung saan ipinakita ang pagpapakumbaba at pagiging simple ng kalihim sa kanyang panunungkulan sa Naga. Katulad nina Hernandez at Roco, naging prayoridad ni Robredo ang pagkalinga sa pangkat ng mahihirap na masang Pilipino.

Tapat na Lingkod-Bayan Kaugnay ng pagtalakay sa kwento at tagumpay nina Hernandez, Roco at Robredo, naihanay sa kanilang buhay ang mga tanong tungkol sa mga pulitikong Bicolano na posibleng tumakbo sa Halalan 2016. Napag-usapan ang

tungkol sa mga teorya kung bakit wala pang naihalal na Bicolanong pangulo ng bansa, ang pagpapatupad ng pagkakapantay-pantay ng mga rehiyon sa larangan ng Pederalismong pamamahala, at ang kredibilidad ng mga Bicolano bilang mga lingkod-bayan. Naitanong rin ang hinggil sa pagtakbo sa pagkapangalawang pangulo ni Cong.

Leni Robredo, na sinang-ayunan at ikinatuwa ng maraming dumalo. Sa huli, naging buhay ang talakayan dahil nabuksan nito ang kamalayan ng mga estudyante tungkol sa wastong pamamahala at paglilingkod.

Ang forum ay inorganisa ng Association of Political Science Students (APSS) at Bicol Grammar class sa pangunguna ni G. Kenjie Jimenea.

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ALAALA NG KADAKILAAN. Isinalaysay ni Gabriel Bordado, konsehal ng lungsod ng Naga, ang naging buhay ni Raul Roco, dating alkalde ng Naga, sa harap ng mga mag-aaral ng UNC noong ika-22 ng Setyembre sa UNC Sports Palace. Kasama ni Bordado, ibinahagi rin ni Randy Bacares ang buhay ni Jaime Hernandez, Sr. at ikinwento naman ni Rene Gumba ang naging pamamahala ni Jesse Robredo. (Mga salita ni Juvin M. Durante at larawan ni Debbie C. Delatado)

second runners-up, respectively.

Abarrientos picked the question “may posibilidad ba na maipasa ang Anti-political Dynasty Bill saKongreso?”

(Is there a possibility that the Anti-political Dynasty Bill will be passed in Congress?) He answered that the proposition might be highly unlikely given the fact that the people in Congress are the ones guilty of political dynasty as well.

One of the highlights of the said event was the forum entitled “Si Jaime, Si Raul, asin Si Jesse: Biography Forum on the Life and Legacy of Distinguished Bicolano Leaders”. Held at the UNC Sports palace, the guest speakers were Randy Bacares, UNC faculty member, Hon. Gabriel Bordado, Naga City councilor, and Rene Gumba, Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) professor.

To end the said celebration for the month, the event entitled “Kuirt Bikolano Art Exhibit: Showcase of Bikolano Artist” was held at the JH Lobby. “ An Bikol Orgulyo Month Celebration bako sana man para iheras kan kada estudyante an sadiri tang lenggwahe.

An pagselebrar kaini saro man na paagi ta ngarig matawang importansya asin magsalingoy an kada saro satuya kan mga tataramon na kita mismong mga Bikolano an nakakalingaw na maggamit kaini. Saro ining paggiromdom na kaipuhang padangatun ta man an sadiri tang lenggwahe sa paagi kan pagtaram kaini”, Jessica Fernandez said, one of the organizers.

All of the events were participated in and attended by different students from the various colleges of the university.

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BY GABRIELLE D. FULLANTE With an over-all award of 1st Runner-up, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) triumphed various academic and non-academic awards in the recently concluded Regional Mid-Year Convention (RMYC) 2015 on Sep. 25-26 at Macagang Resort, Nabua, Camarines Sur. In the Academic league, JPIA won the following: RMYC Cup 2 (Financial Accounting 1-3 & Theory of Accounts), 1st Place- Dennis Baluyo; RMYC Cup 2 (Management Services, Advance Accounting, Cost Accounting), 5th place - Kristle Resureccion; RMYC Cup 5 (Auditing Theory and Problem), 3rd Place - Ailene Cruzat; and Auditing Crash Course, 3rd Place - Arabelle Orpia, Sarah Augusto, and Mary Ann Gava.

They won 2nd runner-up in the said league.

On the other hand, the following are the awards garnered in the non-academic league: Feeling Idol, 1st Place - Meriel Moreno & 3rd Place - Mark Junas Lopez; MTV Spoof, 3rd Place – Meriel Moreno, Mark junas Lopez, Jane Bustamante, and Eden Borja; and Fashion House Competition, 1st Place – Dennis Baluyo, Shiela Mission, and Jude Ace Cavite. Over-all, they won 1st Runner-up.

This year’s Regional Mid-year Convention was sponsored by the National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants with the theme, “DAWANI 2015: Unleashing and Bringing JPIA Potentials to Life.”

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NEWS NI MATTHEW L. LOREST AT NOLI G. AMA

N

akiisa ang mga mag-aaral ng UNC sa pagdiriwang ng kapiyestahan ni Nuesta Seῇora de Penafrancia, o mas kilala bilang Ina, at lumahok sa mga patimpalak tulad ng Miss Bicolandia, Pretty Boy Bicolandia, Marching Band and Majorettes Exhibition, Regional Drum and Xylophone Corps, Boy Scout of the Philippines (BSP), and Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Competitions at Regional Military Parade, at mga taunang selebrasyon tulad ng Traslacion at Marian Youth Congress (MYC) noong nakaraang buwan ng Setyembre.

UNCeans, umani ng samu’t saring pagkilala Naiuwi ng mga mag-aaral ng UNC ang samu’t saring pagkilala sa mga nasambit na patimpalak. Kinoronahan bilang Miss Bicolandia 2015 ang UNC Elementary at High School alumna na si Ara Isabel Diocos na idinaos sa Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) Coliseum. Si Diocos ay nagsilbi bilang pangulo ng Supreme Student Government (SSG) at kinoronahan din bilang Ms. UNC High School Department. Nagtapos siya ng sekondarya bilang Class Salutatorian at nagpatuloy ng kanyang kolehiyo sa Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) sa kursong BS in Physical Therapy.

August - October 2015

Sa kabilang banda, tinanghal naman si Jhaylan Nicolas ng College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) bilang Pretty Boy Cher-Ami International at si Nelson Diocos, mula sa College of Engineering and Archtecture (EA) at kapatid ni Ara Diocos, bilang Pretty Boy Naga City 2015 na ginanap sa Plaza Quezon.

Lumahok naman ang UNC Marching Band, Majorettes at CAT Unit sa idinaos na 7th Regional Majorettes, DBC/DLC and Band Exhibiton Contest na ginanap sa JMR Colliseum kung saan nakuha ng UNC HS Majorettes ang ika-5 puwesto at ika-4 na puwesto naman ang nakuha ng UNC HS DXC sa parehong patimpalak. Bilang karagdagan, ang taunang Regional DXMC, BSP, GSP Competition at Military Parade ay di rin nila pinalampas. Naiuwi nila ang samu’t saring titulo tulad ng 2nd runner-up para sa kanilang Star Scouts, 1st runner-up para sa Twinkler, kampyon bilang Best Marching Unit ang BSP Senior Scouts at kampyon rin sa DXMC Exhibition. Ang DXC Leader na si Nicole Eiji Larson Inigo naman ay ginawaran bilang Best DXC Leader. Nakuha rin ng UNC ang titulong Most Disciplined School sa nasabing kompetisyon.

Nasungkit ng UNC CAT-1 Unit ang pinakamataas na titulo bilang Most Discipline CAT Unit sa Private Schools Category.

UNC aktibong lumahok sa pagtitipon para kay Ina Humigit kumulang sampung libong kabataan ang nakiisa sa taunang Marian Youth Congress (MYC) na ginanap sa JMR Coliseum noong Setyembre 12-13 na dinaluhan din ng mga humigit-kumulang 300 na mag-aaral ng UNC. Nagsimula ang nasabing pagtitipon sa isang misa at sinundan ito ng samu’t saring aktibidad na nilahukan ng kabataan mula sa iba’t ibang kongregasyon.

Ani ni John Chan, kasapi ng UNC Campus Ministry, ang rason ng ministry sa taon-taong pagdalo sa MYC ay ang debosyon kay Ina. Dagdag pa niya, kahit nagkaroon ng munting problema sa registration at lugar na matutulugan ay hindi pa rin ito naging hadlang sa debosyon ng grupo.

Nakasentro ang MYC ngayong taon sa temang, “Living out God’s Mercy and Compassion.in the Year of the Poor.”

Sa kabilang banda, libo-libo ring Bicolano ang lumahok sa taunang Traslacion Procession na nagsisilbing hudyat ng simula ng kapiyestahan naginap noong Setyembre 11. Tulad ng Marian Youth Congress, taon-taon ring nakikiisa rito ang mag-aaral ng ating Unibesidad. Ang dalawang malaking aktibidad na ito ay naging panata na sa komunidad ng UNC bilang paglahok sa selebrasyon ng Peῇafrancia Fiesta.

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From Page 18

KORONA’T DANGAL. Kinoronhan bilang Miss Bicolandia 2015 si Ara Isable Diocos (gitna), alumna ng UNC Elementary at High School Department, noong Setyembre 10 sa JMR Coliseum. Ang nasabing patimpalak ay bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng kapistahan ng Birhen ng Peῇafrancia kung saan bumida rin ang mga UNCeano sa iba’t iba nitong mga aktibidad. (Mga salita ni Juvin M. Durnate at larawan ni Jun Carmen)

mga nangyayari bako lang sa Naga, bako lang sa Bicol, bako lang sa Luzon, kundi pati man sa ibang parte nin Pilipinas.

Siguro, kaipuhan ta na man ngunyang mangiaram asin makisaro sa mga kung ano itong tama para sa mga tao. (To my fellow youth here in Naga, we need to be aware with what are happening not just only in Naga, in Bicol, nor in Luzon, but also in other parts of the Philippines. Maybe, we need to intervene and join with what is right for the people.)”

On the other hand, Em Mijares, NUSP regional coordinator, mentioned, “Patuloy pa rin tayong nananawagan ng support doon sa mga kapwa natin estudyante, kapwa natin Bicolano na lumabas para magpahayag ng suporta. (We are continuously calling for supports from our fellow students and fellow Bicolanos to come out and assert their support.)”

Mijares added that the cases of human rights violation in Mindanao is really rampant, and the Lumad is one of the most affected groups of this violation.

‘No Plastic Policy’ features three steps, such as waste segregation, collection, and sorting. All rooms and offices inside the University must have three segregation boxes-white boxes for paper, yellow boxes for tin cans, and orange boxes for plastic bottles. All existing trash bins in all classrooms shall be turned over to the Maintenance Department to be assigned in all restrooms in the University, wherein each department shall maintain the cleanliness of the restroom assigned to them.

There are schedule of waste collection for classrooms and offices before the office hours end. It is in the rule that the wastes that are not properly segregated will not be collected. Lastly, wastes must be sorted according to its classifications.

Oliver cleared out that only recyclable plastic materials are allowed inside the University, like plastic bottles, tin cans, carton papers and plastic utensils. However, plastic used as containers for softdrinks, straws, styrofoams and aluminum foils are not allowed. But, he explained that they will still give consideration for those organizations which may conduct programs that require caterings to use and

bring plastic materials inside. Only that, they have to pack plastics in and bring it out after the affair.

With the help of security guards, parents are also being informed that plastic materials are not anymore allowed inside the campus. That’s why he said that in November, there will be a full implementation of the policy together with the parents for the sake of everyone’s environmental awareness.

“Sino ba sa’tin ang may gustong madumi ang ating paaralan? Disiplina lang ang kailangan.Magtulungan na lang tayo,” he added.

UNC can do the composting and can be a source of fund for the environmental activities of alldepartments.

Oliver stated that this environmental policy aims to educate all students and UNC community, considering that the purpose of this environmental plan is part of our education.

Since the policy is now being practiced in UNC, UNCeans are expected to develop their discipline in disposing wastes and be an instrument of change. They will be the models also that will turn the learnings into action starting at home, school and the bigger society .

BY JESSA V. TEJANO

T

o educate the UNCeans about environmental awareness, UNC has enacted the ‘No Plastic Policy’ starting Sept. 24.

According to Erwin B. Oliver, Environmental Management Program officer, in an interview, based on his observation, plastic is the most improperly disposed material in this University.

“Ang plastic, dae nalalapa. ‘Pag tinalbong ‘yan sa daga, plastic man giraray ‘yan. Kaya dapat, halion ‘yan!” Oliver added.

Last November 2014, Oliver was asked by Eduardo Sison, former UNC vice-president for administration (VPA), to do a program on waste management in UNC. He based this policy from the Republic Act (RA) 9300 or Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which provides for systematic supervision and implementation of activities that will lead to proper disposal of waste materials.

By July 2015, he presented the waste management plan and was then approved by the Waste Management Board.

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NEWS

August - October 2015

BY MA. HAZEL I. AGAPITO

W

NO BIO, NO BOTO. A UNC non-teaching staff member participates in the Satellite Voter’s Registration organized by the Association of Political Science Students (APSS) on Sept. 2 at the Teachers’ Review Center, AMS 114. The said event is in partnership with the Commission on Election (ComElec) Naga wich aims to provide hassle-free registration and update of biometrics. (Words and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

BY CHARLENE KRIS A. BORBE AND MATTHEW L. LORESTO

BY RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA

I

n pursuit of bridging the gap between academe and industry, the University of Nueva Caceres and Ayala Education, Inc. (AEI) will offer the Professional Employment Program (PEP) targeted towards college seniors starting next semester.

With the purpose of conditioning its enrollees to think, speak, and act like professionals, PEP is a onesemester career-oriented course equivalent to 15 units.

It features a training program that will boost a student’s employment readiness through its five subjects - business communication, service culture, systems thinking, applications and interviews, and comprehensive business project.

PEP subjects will mostly involve computer-based and practical applications of lectures, contrary to the usual pen and paper approach of ordinary subjects. Furthermore, students enrolled under PEP will be required to attend classes in business attire starting their fifth week in the program.

For its first run at UNC, PEP will be offered to the senior students of College of Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, and Computer Studies.

The timetable for the UNC’s PEP is as follows: Registration and interviews, September 22 to October 7; Confirmation of qualified applicants, October 8 to 14; Enrollment, October 21 to November 7; and Start of classes, November 9.

Headed by Neil P. Canaya, associate director of AEI, an orientation program for PEP was also held on September 26, 2015 at the E-Library Audio Visual Room and the Student’s Pavilion.

Moreover, rooms AMS 107A and 107B are being renovated to function as PEP laboratories that are designed to simulate an office-like atmosphere.

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T

o fosterUNCeans’ wits and talents, the Social Arts Council (SAC) held the ORAG 2015: The 2nd Social Arts Festival last Oct. 1 and 3.

With the theme: “Sarabay, Sararo: Pagheras nin tibay kang estudyanteng UNCeano, orgulyo kan lambang Pilipino,” the event aimed to impart the spirit of being proud UNCeans among themselves for a dynamic and harmonious relationship inside and outside the University.

The two-day event contained different activities that were participate by 31 SA classes grouped into eight clusters.

The following are the winners for every event: Platika sa Tribuna: Debate Competition – Cluster 6; Orag nin Payo: Quiz Bee Competition – Cluster 2; Orag sa Ladawan: Photojournalism Competition - Cluster 5 Ladawang Kinaramot: Doodle Making Competition – Cluster 8; Orag sa Pelikula: Short Film Making Competition – Cluster

ith the theme, “Kapot Mo ang Pagbabago, Magparehistro para Makaboto,” the Association of Political Science Students (APSS) in partnership with the Commission on Election (ComElec) Naga, administered a Satellite Voters’ Registration last Sept. 2 at the Teachers’ Review Center, AMS 114.

The event catered to 162 Naguenians, including UNCean students, faculty members and employees who have registered and have subjected themselves for the Biometrics Validation Procedure which are requisites for the upcoming 2016 Elections.

“The event is a part of APSS goal of helping the community by bringing COMELEC closer to their reach.

Thus, providing them a hassle-free registration and update of their biometrics most especially to the faculty members and employees who are too tied up with their work and cannot find an opportunity to visit the aforementioned government agency,” Mercedes Delena, APSS president, said in an interview.

“Furthermore, it also helps in the realization of our social responsibility, which is to promote political awareness through helping the people exercise their right of suffrage with the active involvement of the youth in the political affairs of the state,” Delena added.

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5; Orag sa Pagsurat: Tigsik and Rawit-dawit Writing – Cluster 2; Orag sa Diskurso: Extemporaneous Speaking Competition – Cluster 5; Tingog nin Harana: Vocal Solo Competition – Cluster 3; Orag sa Tiyempo asin Ritmo: Group Dance Competition- Cluster 5.

The cluster 5, composed of the SA classes of professors Lucy Buena and Gerlie Enciso, was hailed as the over-all champion or the Maorag 2015 of the said event followed by cluster 8, from the SA classes of professors Remedios Josephine Cuyo and Regie Navarro and cluster 2 from the SA classes of professors Rochelle Daza and Maria Luisa Archivido.

Furthermore, Ruby Jane Bandola, SAC president, said, “Despite being greeted by strong rains on its first day, the ORAG 2015 turned out well both for the organizing committee and the participants. We were able to meet our goal –to provide Social Arts students an avenue to showcase and discover the heroes within every UNCean.”

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STARDUST. Contestants in the Tingog nin Harana: Vocal Solo Competition serenade the crowd with their powerful voices during the ORAG 2015: The 2nd Social Arts Festival on Oct. 3 at the UNC Sports Palace. The two-day competition banners the theme, “Sarabay, Sararo: Pagheras nin tibay kang estudyanteng UNCeano, orgulyo kan lambang Pilipino,” that offers various academic and non-academic events for SA students. (Words Juvin M. Durante and Photo by Bonn Ryan Cortez)

21

NEWS

August - October 2015

BY CRISTIA SHIENA S. AMPARO

A

s part of the International Month of Peace, two of the University Student Government (USG) officers, took part in 2015 International Assembly of Youth for UNESCO on Sept. 21-23 hosted by the University of Santo Tomas, City of Manila.

Renan Joseph P. Ortua, Jr., USG president, and Francisco Paulo P. Panergayo, USG secretary, were the USG officers who attended the said event, with the theme, “Gearing up for ASEAN Integration towards Sustainable Development.” It focused on the milestones and challenges meeting the areas of Climate Change, Human Rights, and Post-2015 Education Agenda. The assembly aims to be an opportunity for youth mentoring, dialogue, and peers teamwork within the situation of ASEAN Integration and Sustainable Development Goals. It hopes to strengthen the ties of the UNESCO Clubs with the masses as they envision making important changes in the society.

Around 350 youth delegates, composed of high school and college students, mentors, and educators all over the country, participated in plenary sessions and two of them are Renan Joseph Ortua and Francis Paulo Panergayo, both from the College of Arts and Sciences taking AB Political Science. The sessions are divided into the following: 1) The UNESCO Climate Change, Human Rights and Post-2015 Education Agenda 2) The ASEAN Integration, and the 3) UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Meanwhile, the youth representatives were able to showcase their thoughts and talents through the coinciding conduct of poster making, quiz bowl, essay and poetry writing matches. The PH NatCom is certain that the youth plays substantial roles in achieving UNESCO’s main thrusts of peace campaign, poverty suppression, sustainable development, and intercultural discourse. As such, the youth ambassadors were given the chance to draft and pass resolutions on issues being emphasized in this year’s theme.

“Sa pamamagitan ng komperensyang ito, naitataguyod nito ang adhikain na makilahok ang mga kabataan sa pagresolba ng ilang mga problema. Bagamat kabilang pa tayo sa grupo ng mga kabataan, ‘di naman hadlang ang edad para matugunan ang mga isyung ito. Sa simpleng pakikialam at pakikisama sa magagandang adhikain sa paglutas, tayo ay makakatulong. Gamitin ng mga kabataan ngayon ang pinaka malakas na armas na hawak nati–ang Social Media,” Ortua mentioned.

“Totoo na hindi natin agad mabibigyan ng atensyon lahat ng isyu pero pag-aralan at intindihin natin, tiyak tayo ay makatutulong nang malaki sa paglutas ng mga problemang ito,” he added.

One of the highlights was the accreditation of more than 30 additional UNESCO Clubs from all over the country.

This three-day occurrence ended with the consolidation of the resolution made with the National Youth Commission and is possible to be submitted in the United Nation Assembly. The student leaders are also encouraged to open the learned ideas to their respective local communities.

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SHINE, PILIPINAS. Umuwing kampiyon sa kategoryang ‘Song Interpretation’ ang pangkat ng ‘Marcos’ matapos umindak sa saliw ng awiting ‘Shine, Pilipinas’ bilang bahagi ng Chronicles 2.0 noong Oktubre 2 sa UNC Sports Palace. Ito ay nilahukan ng walong (8) pangkat mula sa College of Education na nasa ilalim ng asignaturang kasaysayan. Ang nasabing patimpalak ay pinasinayaan ng Social Studies Area. (Larawan at mga salita ni Juvin M. Durante)

NI ANNA MARIE MORCILLA

O

ktubre 2 nang masaksihan ang Chronicles 2.0 sa UNC Sports Palace na itinampok ang bayaning si Dr. Jose Rizal at ang mga dating pangulo ng Pilipinas na sina Emilio Aguinaldo, Jose Laurel, Ferdinand Marcos at Corazon Aquino.

Bilang panimula, binigyang-buhay ni Blessie Mae Abagat ang kantang Lipad ng pangarap nang awitin niya ito sa nasabing aktibidad. Nagtanghal naman ng folk dance at mga awitin ang mga kasapi ng Education Cultural Society (ECS).

Ang mga sumusunod ay ang mga direktor at gumanap na aktor sa kategoryang Movie Trailer: ‘Sus Ultimos Horas’ na ginampanan ni Gabriel Reyes sa direksyon ni Boris Victor Espinili; ‘Ilustrado’ na ginampanan ni Reuben Clark Putong sa direksyon ni Juvin Durante; ‘Independencia’ na ginampanan ni Vincent Graza sa direksyon ni Michelle Hidalgo; ‘Ang Naninindigan’ na ginampanan ni Mark Xavier Sta. Catalina sa direksyon ni Van Arthemus D. Oriño; ‘Macoy’ na ginampanan ni Mark Jerome O. Bien sa direksyon ni Raiza Marie E. Relativo; at ang ‘The Dictum to Defend’ na

ginampanan ni Jolina Maravilla sa direksyon ni Sheanne Irish Romero.

Sa bawat pagtatapos ng mga movie trailer ay nagtanghal ng kani-kanilang song interpretation ang bawat pangkat sa saliw ng awiting ‘Shine, Pilipinas!’

Nakuha ng ‘Macoy’ ang parangal bilang may pinakamaraming nakuhang Facebook likes sa kanilang movie poster.

Ang mga sumusunod ay mga nananalo ng major awards: Best Movie Poster- ‘The Dictum to Defend’ Corazon Cojuanco Aquino, unang parangal; ‘Sus Ultimos Horas’ , ikalawang parangal; at ‘Ilustrado’, ikatlong parangal; Best Song Interpretation - ‘Macoy’, unang parangal; ‘The Dictum to Defend’, ikalawang parangal; at ‘Ilustrado’, ikatlong parangal; at Best Movie Trailer - ‘Sus Ultimos Horas’, unang parangal; ‘Independencia, ikalawang parangal; at ‘Ilustrado’, ikatlong parangal.

Ayon kay Maravilla, naramdaman niya ang kaba dahil hindi raw madali ang kanyang papel bilang Corazon Aquino.

Ang Chronicles 2.0 ay nasa ilalim ng pamumuno nina Corina T. Oliver, tagapangulo ng aktibidad, at Arvin L. Sibulo, ikalawang tagapangulo.

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Our Lumad brothers and sisters in Mindanao are in need of cash or in-kind donations, like goods, clothes, shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrush, blankets, mats, school supplies, textbooks, etc..

For your donations, kindly contact us through 0946-5041946 or you may proceed to The DEMOCRAT office.

22

OPINION

August - October 2015

TINGOG KAN

UNIBERSIDAD O B A L

Sa sarong unibersidad obal, mga tingog, napapagal-napapagal magpasabot nin man-iriba-ibang kulog-buot.

Ika, magbasa digdi ta tibaad magngisi. Mga patama labí, tibaad saro ka na digdi. Tikwilon ta an mga gibo-gibo, kan manlaen-laen na tawo. Puonan na an iristoryahan! Pagbasa, saimo nang puonan.

H

akong nadangog, nagrereklamo sya ta si titser nya daa dai na naglalaog-laog, major ello, mga dearest! Nagkua na naman kamo nin issue na ini para gibuhon daa pati an subject na kapot kan saiyang professor. ‘Yan. Ganyan. For the betterment sanang trapo, tukawan, panrapas, pampukpok, pamaypay, pamunas of the national economy? Kay na lang saná dai nag-aararam an mga estudyante asin confetti? Arog kan ginibo kan iba pag-release mi nin tabloid last kan history ni Heneral Luna asin sigeng harapot kun tano daa nakatukaw lang pirmi Intramurals. Wow uuuyyy! Sabagay, dakulang tabang talaga an papel na ini sa buhay si Mabini. Gagayon! Imbes kaya magralaog dai na lang ta mayo man daang prof., ta. Matatabangan ka kaini sa gabos na bagay, pramis! Pwede mo ining ipangkalso sa madaralan nalang ki AlDub asin Pastillas ta maray pa daa ito, nakakakilig. Mayo man pintuan, ipantangil sa naggigiló-gilóng lamesa, ipanrapas sa flying ipis, ipang-amak, daang kilig-kilig ki Heneral Luna. Wow uuuyyy! Tano, AlDub na an bágo nindong ipamatos sa tinapa asin pwedeng gibuhon paper maché sa school project. Atliiit! bayani? Ano man pinaglalaban ninda? Pag-ibig? Forever? Sabagay pirmi man Kadakol man daang nagbasa asin naugma sa resulta kan saindang 100 pesos. bagang nakatukaw si Ms. Pastillas. #MabiniMode. Pero malay man kaya nindo may An iba man na dai nagbarasa, nagagabatan daa kayang gayo sa mga nakapalaog na valid reason man si Ma’am/Sir sa saiyang pag-absent. Magin considerate man kamo issue an rason. Oh edi ngunyan aram na nindo kun tano sa “jak-en-poy”, daog kan dawa papáno, puro kamo ano ha. Pero, deep inside their hearts, urugmahon man ta papel an gapó? Oh, dabaaaa? mayong klase. Awsuuu.

Oh, bueno! Basahon man muna nindo an papel na ini bago Kasabay kan mga hapot na ini an pagkabigla kan mga UNCean nindo giribuhong kun ano-ano ta tibaad maranasan nindo ang batas sa bágong rules and regulations sa satong university. Bawal na daa ng isang api! kaya, mga beh, an plastic material! Ahhhh kayá palan dai nakalaog Speaking of Intramurals, gusto ming ipaabot an samuyang si friend ko. Hihihihi. Pero again, dai man giraray daa consistent maribukon asin dai maintindihang “Congrats!” sa gabos na winners. an pag-impose kan rule na ini. Minsan, nakakalusot pa man daa Sa mga dai man nanggana, atliiit naka-join ka. Deserved mo man Basahon man giraray an mga plastic material dawa nahihiling naman lang kan giraray an samong “Congrats!”. Dai na mag-ulit, ha? Hahaha. Joke mga guard. Arog kan issue na dai man consistent sa pagsita sa mga muna nindo an lungs. dai naka-uniform, sa mayong I.D., sa mga naka-slippers, sa pagduruMay very first activity palan kaming ginibo sa social media, papel na ini bago dugkol kan satong mga bag. Well, arog man talaga ‘yan kayan, mga kun naobserbahan nindo. Nagpara-update baga kami nin results beh. Sa inot lang masinunod-sunod, sa inot lang nag tutubod, sa nindo giribuhong kan kada event. Kadakol naugma asin nanibago sa samuyang mga inot lang nag-e-effort, pag sanay na, echapuera ka na. Aww. Dai pa trip, pero ipapaabot mi man giraray an samong kadakol asin nasa kun ano-ano ta palan tapos an hugot-hugot na an kala ko tapos na. buot na pasasalamat sa mga nag-comment, nag-share, nag-support, Anyhow, nag laog na an month of October. Kasabay ka’an nag-seen asin sa mga nagtao nin manlaen-laen na komentaryo. Natibaad maranasan an paghali nin month of September. Syempre man ano pa man?! appreciate mi po ini gabos. Hihi. Sa mga dai naka-appreciate, wow nindo ang batas Isarabay ta na an paglaog nin swerte asin bawas-bawasan na an uuuyyy! malas mga, beh. Pero ano daw ‘an ta grabe nanaman an agrangay Sunod na pag-uurulayan ta an nakaaging Peñafrancia Fiesta. ng isang api! kan iba ta mauranon tulos daa an pasalubong sato ni October.

Siribot an kagabsan asin gusto mi ulit ipaabot an samong “Congrats!”

Maray na an kesa sa pili nuts an pasalubong saimo. Haha. Eh di with clap clap sa mga nagsali puon sa procession, sa mga nagsali kita man, naturalesa na na mga assuming, kala ta man may sa voyadores, sa mga nagsali sa parade asin kun ano-ano pang suspension of classes na tulos sa tertiary level. Kala mo swerte kumpetisyon sagkod sa mga nag-iriba sa an hatod saimo kan uran na ito ta an kataraid tang paghatod ki Ina pauli. Harahalawig university, nag-suspend na. AKala mo, bakasyon ka man baga si bakasyon ta, ano? na naman pero, uuuyyy! May klase pa wooow! Pero, mga dearest, Edi dawa papáno naisingit mo sa mga aldaw okay na an kesa man nagparaturog ka sana sa harong, nanudan mo na naghuhurop-hurop asin nagsusulsol ka lang maglamaw asin maghinugak. Maray naman giraray itong naglaog ka, si mga requirement mo, ano? Ngunyan eh di may bágo ka na namang learnings, saka isipon mo nalang si tigtu-tuition ni na back to normal na naman an gabos mama mo. Oh dabaaa for the economy, remember? asin kaipuhan mo nang i-submit si Speaking of Economy, pag-urulayan ta man dawa madali an mas dakulang isyu requirements mo ki ma’am, woooow na sakop an buong Philippines. Ano, kumusta, napag isip-isipan na nindo an ivo-vote mayo syang gibo uuuyyy. Medyo nindo for president next year? Pakaray kamo, mga beh, ta anom na bakong subanatamaan an saindong lingkod subang taon man yan. Again, anom na bakong suba-subang taon. duman pero nakailag man, An sabi kaya an iba, garo baga daa kaya mayo ng ‘wag kayong ano nang matinong kandidato na madaralagan for president. aano kayo eh, ha!

Sabagay, kun isay-isay na lang baga an yaon sa gobyerno.

Pero, my An saindong lingkod ngani, madalagan naman ta bored baga ako. Well… dearests, worry no Bago kita magpaaram, panaon ta lamang nin beri light ang satong mga amigo more ta bako man lang asin amiga sa may AMS lobby, itong harani sa may DSA office, sa baba kan hagdan. mga estudyante an Mga amigo asin amiga, ano daw po ta tapos na ang enot na semester, ano lamang nagkakamali, may mga ang naginibuhan ta nang maray-maray maliban duman sa Gerenal OrSem ta? titser man daa. Ika nga Galaw-galaw din kasi napakaraming time. Tibaad gusto nang mabasa ang ngaran sa nila, “papunta ka palang, Editorial next issue. Ano daw? Hihihi. Mwa. pabalik na Oh ngunyan nag-arabot na naman kita sa pamamaaram, asin dyan na ako.” May matapos an satong halípot na iristoryahan, kaipuhan mo nang tapuson yang thesis tingog mo sagkod iba mo pang requirements ta graduating ka pati. Sa dai pa ma-graduate, k a y a dikit na push pa. An sabi ngani ka’an, “Marami ka pang kakaining bigas!” Kaw na, magsápná na! Salamat sa pagbasa! Sa uulitin! Dios Mabalos!

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23

SPORTS

AT JORLAN SAN JOAQUIN AT NOLI G. AMA

M

atapos ang makapigil hiningang balyahan sa hardcourt, naiuwi ng UNC Greyhounds ang tyansa upang makapaglaro sa kampyonato ng torneyo sa ginanap na 11th Naga City Charter Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament semi-finals noong ika-3 ng Oktubre sa JMR

August - October 2015

Coliseum upang makaharap ang defending champion na NCF Tigers.

Hindi magkamayaw ang mga tagahanga sa pagsisimula ng laro. Agad nagsagutan ang magkabilang koponan ng mga tres at halos ayaw pahawakin ng bola ang bawat manlalaro sa higpit ng kani-kanilang depensa, subalit sa dulo ng unang bahagi ng laro napanatili ng Greyhounds ang kanilang

opensa , 18-13.

Sa ikalawang bahagi ng laro, natapatan ng Golden Knights ang opensa ng Greyhounds. Ngunit, sa kabila nito, hindi nagpapigil ang kanilang mga guwardiya at pautayutay na nag-ambag ng puntos upang muling makuha ang ikalawang bahagi ng laro, 36-21.

Sa pagpasok ng ikatlong bahagi ng laro, sunod-sunod ang fouls na naibigay ng Greyhouds sa Golden Knights at nagresulta sa maraming free-throws opportunity ng kalaban.

Bumaba ang kalamangan ng Greyhounds, 36-34.

Patuloy na nag-init ang Golden Knights habang untiunting lumuluwag naman ang opensa ng Greyhounds dahil sa foul-troubles. Naungusan sila ng Golden Knights, 39-38.

Subalit bago matapos ang bahaging ito ng laro naipasok nila ang dalawang free-throws upang muling mabawi ang kalamangan sa isang puntos na diperensya lamang, 43-42.

Hindi natapos sa ikatlong-bahagi ng laro ang pag-init ng mga manlalaro ng Golden Knights dahil sa pagpasok ng panghuling bahagi ng laro, umarangkada ang kanilang mga perimeter-shooter upang ipako ang puntos ng Greyhounds sa 43 puntos, lamang sila ng 5, 48-43. Napatawag ng makailang ulit na time-out si coach Alvin ng Greyhounds upang gisingin ang laro ng kanyang mga manlalaro at nagbunga nga ito.

Muling humigpit ang kanilang depensa upang mapuwersa ang ilang turn-over mula sa kalaban. Nakuha nilang muli ang kalamangan sa iskor na 55-54 at nagkaroon pa ng isang karagdagang puntos upang maiakyat sa dalawa ang kalamangan mula sa dalawang makapigil hiningang freethrows. Napasakamay ng Golden Knights ang bola sa huling tatlong segundo ng laro subalit nabigo silang maipasok ito.

Hudyat ng pagkapanalo ng Greyhounds, 56-54.

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UMPISA NG AKSYON. Sumabak sa huling sagupaan sina Bulawan (13) ng Greyhounds at Okpe (31) ng Golden Knights sa Semi-Finals ng Intercollegiate Basketball tournament noong ika-3 ng Oktubre sa Jesse M. Robredo (JMR) Coliseum. (Words by Debbie C. Delatado and Photo by the Instructional Media Center)

BY DEBBIE C. DELATADO

B

ASKETBALL MEN-Two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP) Edward Solo revealed EA basketball men’s preparations and strategy for winning this year’s 8th championship title last August 29 at the UNC Sports Palace.

‘A Defensive Play’ “Run and gun” technique, as Solo relayed, best defined the EA Basketball Men’s style in winning the Finals. Whoever among the team steals or gets the ball, has to seek the open, make a shot and trust his teammates in guarding him from behind.

As observed, all players in the team created a wonderful rotation of the ball, enabling all of them to perform a good shot from the best post. In the first half of the game, EA’s defense strategy switched from 2-2-1 zone defense to 2-3 in the second half.

It was a defensive play for Solo since they tried hard to keep the vulnerable spots guarded. It was evident in the pacing of the scores, 26-11 in the first quarter, preventing the penetration of short-range field goals from the opponent team.

CBA Men mostly gained their points via perimeter shots, and Zardilla stepped back for 3-pt. field goals in the latter part of the game; it was aided by the lay-up shots of Atencia defying most of the blocks of Sison and Bicaldo beneath

24

the basket. EA got a 10-pt. lead in the first half, 39-29 and maintained it (plus 1) at 87-76 in the second.

‘Faculty and Friendship’

The full support of the EA faculty, particularly their Dean, inspired the players to perform at their best and exceed the expectations from them in the previous years.

The selection of the Final 14 was started a month before the Intramurals. A week of try-outs was conducted and after the selection, they had to practice for 2-3 times a week at 5:00-7:00 in the morning. Solo added that close friendship is also their key to winning every game.

“Ang pinu-form mi kaya dai lang kami magbarkada dahil sa Intrams, kundi magbarkada man kami sa luwas. Once na nakapasok ka na sa EA Basketball Men, naka-form ka na ning bagong barkada, kasi in-tact (kami)…” said MVP Solo.

At the end of the Basketball Finals, the mythical five were Bicaldo and Palmiano (both EA) as best small and power forwards; Zardilla and Solo (CBA and EA) as best point and shooting guards; and Sison (EA) as best center and Edward Solo as the Most Valuable Player. The College of Computer Studies (CCS) was declared as the 2nd Runner-Up, College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) as 1st Runner-Up and Engineering and Architecture (EA) as champion for eight consecutive years.

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BY DEBBIE C. DELATADO

I

n the regular events, Volleyball Men declared the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) as champion; College of Engineering and Architecture as 1st Runner-Up; and College of Education as 2nd Runner-Up. The winners in Chess Men are John Michael Arteta (EA), Angelo James Bragais (CBA) and Jay Rhenard Betchayda (CBA) as 1st to 3rd places, respectively. In Sepak Takraw, the champion is the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), the College of Engineering and Architecture (EA), College of Education (CED) and College of Criminal Justice (CJE) as 1st to 3rd Runners-Up, respectively.

For the Patintero, the 1st placers are CBA Men and CED Women; 2nd placers are CED Men and CBA Women; and 3rd placers are EA Men and AS Women. EA won the 1st place in Dodgeball, followed by CED and CJE. For the 3-pt.

Shoot Out, Guillermo Alejo and German Lanada, both from EA won the 1st and 2nd places, while Joshua Sinogba (CJE) got the 3rd place. In the Free Throw Shooting, Cyrene Pearl Arce, Janine Bisenio and Marie May Nicolas, all from CED, notched the 1st to 3rd spots.

One-on-One Basketball hailed Gerald Enguero (LAW), Richard Ardevela (CED) and Guillermo Alejo (EA) as 1st to 3rd placers, respectively. For Marathon Men and Women, Mark Anthony delos Reyes (CJE) and Jhelie Habana (CED) won as 1st placers; Kim Patrick Lanada (EA) and Noeme Pilapil (CED) as 2nd placers; and Patrick Bernabe (CBA) and Jecel Celestial (CED) as 3rd placers. For the Open Chess, Chuck Borja and Paul Praxidio, both from EA, got 1st and 2nd spots while Michael Bonaga landed on the 3rd.

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SPORTS

August - October 2015

BY CATHERINE BENA T. OLLETE

I

n cheerdancing, energy, synchronized counting routines, projection, and technicalities in gymnastics are to be considered. In this year’s cheerdancing competition, we were able to once again witness a variety of executions of these components.

Of all the entries, EA got the STYLE & ANGAS. Their execution fit their attire & music. Strong jumps were there.

Bends & extensions were sharp. Tension was felt when they just dealt mostly with the TECHNICAL side of their dance, which is actually good, yet it affected the entire spirit & projection at some point. Level changed from time to time, but their music progression conformed to one style which is not so ideal in cheerdance. Proper dynamics must be felt.

EAGERNESS & EFFECTIVE PROJECTION were properly expressed by AS. Though they just mostly focused on their bubbly dance, rather than balancing it with the right stunts, they never failed to amaze the crowd with their gestures.

That's the most important thing in cheerleading, to have the crowd on your side. But sometimes, a simple asynchronous step while showing energy would negatively affect the whole picture.

CED nailed STUNT DIFFICULTY. Their make-up balanced their facial expression, especially including their vogue-style entrance before the first music transition. They entirely got the right energy & techniques. Though CHOREOGRAPHY & FLEXIBILITY were impressive, accuracy of steps was not so clean at the middle of their performance. The over-all evaluation of their performance was greatly affected by one or two dangerous stunts, & the time limit. Remember, every competition has set of rules that shall prevail.

For NURSING, their ENTHUSIASM to perform for their department has to be recognized. It's difficult, for they lack guys in the group. It was simple; a good show though.

Lastly, CBA got the CONSISTENCY & CHEERLEADING SPIRIT right. Transitions conformed to crowd appeal, which boosted their energy in the performance. Although bends & counting were not so synchronous at some parts, their two feet high execution gave them poise, balance, & showmanship that contributed to skill level variations which are very essential in cheerdance. Creative use of props added to the over-all impact. The most appealing were the clean patterns of the set routines.

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ROARING WILD CATS. The College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) cheerdance team shows off their most powerful stunt as they pose with smiles during the annual UNC Palaro 2k15 Cheerdance Competition on Aug. 29 at the UNC Sports Palace. (Words by Debbie C. Delatado and Photo by Juvin M. Durante)

BY CATHERINE BENA T. OLLETE Basketball Men S vs. Educ game was admired for its street ball style on Day 1. Mainly, Educ’s Gonzales played well with CS’ forceful team.

CJE, GS, and Law were the highlights of Days 2 and 3 for their interesting showmanship in the court. With GS only having 8 members all in all during their Day 2 game, they were able to get a close fight with CJE. They gave CJE a crucial moment in the 4th quarter. From CJE's 15-pt lead at the end of 3rd quarter, the final turned out to be a one-point lead fight, however, still in favor of CJE, 77-76.

Field goals, primarily of GS’ Medina & Facunza helped to make an abrupt change in point difference between the 2 teams. Meanwhile, on the third day of the intramurals,

C

JUMP HIGH. Solo (17) of Engineering and Architecture (EA) Basketball team attempts a lay-up shot over Atencia (2) of CBA in the Finals at UNC Sports Palace.

(Words by Debbie C. Delatado and Photo by the Instructional Media Center)

CJE managed to take the lead for the first 3 quarters against Law. But, few minutes before the end of the 4th period, Law was able to turn the tide over CJE, resulting to 82-78. Tria's play & teammates' assists for Law contributed to beat CJE's aggressiveness.

On Day 5, NUR vs. AS made an unexpected result. AS was able to conquer for the three periods, but was able to tie with NUR at the end of fourth quarter, 65 all, favouring an overtime. And, it resulted to 76-73, NUR beating AS. Another one-point lead and tight fight was with CS and Law on the sixth day, vying for the 2nd runner-up spot.

Villaflor, Flores, and Bañes showed an effective teamwork; Pabelina’s consecutive successful three-point shots were also recognized for CS. Best Scorers: Solo, Palmiano, Bicaldo, Reboya, Zardilla, Atencia, Gonzales, Claro (CJE), Medina, Tria, Villaflor, Bañes, Pabelina, Bravante Best Assists: Solo, Palmiano, Reboya, Zardilla, Gonowon (CS) Best Blockers: Doma (CJE), Sison (EA) Basketball Women CJE, especially the playful Macalindong-Esmeralda tandem, outsmarted each game they were in. They were the only team to effectively play as a women basketball team in the Palaro without so much turnovers. As for EA, Vida, Perucho, and Cervantes provided successful scores.

Rubio’s blocks were a great help for the team’s defense.

Cervantes’ ball handling was one of the most efficient among all women players in this year’s intramurals.

CBA’s Bagsic-Omanad were recognized for their witty ball and court executions. Both executed connection to fulfill their tactic to score for their women basketball team.

Like the other aforementioned teams, Educ also got these two. But, Dadulla-Bayca markedly showed a number of assists, regardless of the over-all results. Bayca's guarding helped Dadulla’s ball handling to score conveniently for their team, which is actually an essential action of teamwork.

Most Valuable Player (MVP): Macalindong (CJE 27) Mythical Five: Best Small Forward (SF) - Vida (EA 1),Best Power Forward (PF) - Sinfuego (CJE 12), Best Point Guard (PG)- Macalindong (CJE27), Best Shooting Guard (SG) - Cervantes (EA 9), Best Center (C)- Dulong (CJE 17) Best Scorers: Macalindong, Esmeralda, Perucho, Bagsic, Dadulla, Omanad Best Assists: Dadulla, Bayca, Bagsic Best Blocker: Rubio, Dulong

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25

LITERATURE

Ang sabi ni ama, ako raw ay biyaya Nang ako raw ay isinilang labis ang kanilang tuwa Payak man ang aming pamumuhay sa kamoteng laging handa Ako naman raw ay kanilang yamang kaloob ni Bathala Ang sabi ni ama, ako raw ay maganda Higit sa sinuman sa aking kapwa Prinsesa raw akong may angking halina Na kaiba sa sinuman na sa mundo'y nalikha Ang sabi ni ama, ang kulot raw naming mga buhok Ay simbolo ng kadalisayan at pagmamahal na dayukdok Sa kahoy man gawa ang aming kutsara't sandok Tanda raw ito nang kayamanang nasa sa aming pook Ang sabi ni ama, kung bakit kami hindi kaputian Ay tanda raw ito ng kagandahang sa ugali lang mapagmamasdan Tahimik, dalisay at hindi mapagyabang Na katulad ng aninong matingkad, kapag naarawan Ang sabi ni ama, nang tinuruan ako Gamitin ang mga inaral sa tamang estilo Pagkat ako raw ay tiyak na irerespeto Ng kapwa ko nilalang at bilang isang tao Ang sabi ni ama, ako raw ay may kinabukasan Na kanilang naaaninag sa aking katauhan Ako'y napangiti at saka ko hinagkan Salamat, ama ko, pinaniniwalaan ko iyan Ang sabi ni ama sa kanyang huling mga hininga Mamuhay ako nang tapat at may pagmamahal sa kapwa Kasama ang kalikasan, ang paligid at ang buong bansa Nang kung ako’y mamatay ma'y tahimik at walang pangamba

August - October 2015

Araw araw may taong nagpapakamatay, Dahil daw sa sobrang hirap ng buhay.

Isang eksenang nakakaaliw, Mga pulitikang sa pera’y nagpapakabaliw.

May silbi pa kaya itong tinig?

Sa mga taong sa kapangyarihan ay ganid?

Tinatakpan ang tainga upang di makarinig Katotohanan mula sa nauutal-utal na bibig.

Kaawa-awang babae na naging bayaran Sa mga maiinit na kamay pinagpasa-pasahan Mga hikbi sa hangin ay umaalingawngaw Sa saliw ng ungol at hinagpis ng mga pumanaw.

Probinsyanong sa Maynila hinanap ang ginhawa Sa makalawang na pamumuhay unti-unting nahawa Kung ano ang lalim ng kanyang pagsusumikap Ay siya ring hapdi sa ilalim ng ilaw na aandap andap.

Lahat ito’y tila pagkain sa agahan Maaaring ipagsawalang bahala at ipagpaliban Tila pagod na si Juan sa paninindigan Sa mga latay na ikinukubli sa katawan.

Saan kaya matatagpuan ang kaligtasan?

Sa mundong kaliwa’t kanan ang karahasan Mahal ko pa rin ang mundong ito Kahit na buhay ko ay tatapusin na rito.

Pero bakit sa kasalukuyan, napaisip ako bigla?

Pagiging tulad ko'y minsa'y ikinahihiya Inaapi't binababo'y, kung minsan pa'y ikinakaila Na kapwa Pilipino ng aking mga kabansa Pilipino rin kami, dagdag yan ni ama Sa mundo ay nararapat ring kinikilala Minamahal, ginagalang at inaaring kaisa Nang pambansang kalakasan, at pag kilos bilang bansa Kami lang ba ang kumikilala, sa mga sabi ni ama

Kumusta? Sabi nila ako raw ay baliw Kulang-kulang, buang, sinto-sinto.

Teka, takbo! Nariyan na sila. Tatakas ako Ngunit, bakit? Kanino? Paano?

Ako ba’y baliw? Hindi. Mali sila.

Who’s to blame?

Your archaic game Taking over this shit space.

Ain’t my thing Conform and just sing A moment with you, darling.

Serve me right Making love tonight Won’t count under the moonlight.

To be your spitting image, I’d be sick as a dog.

Better be stuck in a cellarage, Remain an analogue.

A hard place and a huge rock I am left in between.

Even kneeling on hassock Can’t explain what has seen.

Bite off more than I can chew?

I can’t do it alone.

It’ll be more than a crew, War in a danger zone.

Skid row lives with irony.

Now, you just wanna leave?

26

Masaya kami noon Si nanay na nagluluto ng adobo’t tinola Si tatay na nagbabasa, si bunso’y kalong niya Nang biglang may mga mamang dumating.

Isang putok. Napadapa si tatay, Dalawang putok, Bulagta si nanay. Tatlo, iyak ni bunso’y nawala Apat, Ako’y nagtago, pumikit, sumigaw ng walang tinig.

Lima. Wala na sila. Wala nang putok. Wala na rin ang aking pamilya.

Ngayon ako’y balisa, kanlong ng kalsada’t pangungulila Hawak ang isang tinapay sa kaliwa at luha naman sa kabila Isa, Sa kamay ko’y may humila. Dalawa, dalang tinapay ay nawala Tatlo, nagtawanan ang mga bata. Apat, ako’y muling lumuha Lima, wala na sila. Wala na ang tinapay. Wala nang mga bata Nawala na rin ang aking pag-asa.

Ako’y nagpatuloy sa paglalakad Dala ang sirang tsinelas at naglahong pangarap Hanggang saaki’y may nakakita. Nahabag, umakay, ako’y lumaya Isa, ako’y kanyang inaruga. Dalawa, pinakain, binihisan, inalaga Tatlo, isang ama sa kanya ko nakita. Apat, sumilay ang pag-asa Lima, wala na sila. Wala nang sakit, hirap at pagdurusa.

Hanggang isang araw ako’y kanyang niyaya Sa isang probinsiyang sagana, tahimik, malaya Ngunit, isang gabi’y bangungot ang saaki’y nangyari Isa, ako’y kanyang hinila. Dalawa, sa kamay niya’y di ako makalaya Tatlo, saplot ko’y nawala. Apat, ako’y tuluyang sinamantala Lima, wala na siya. Wala nang hapdi. Walang pag-alpas Wala na rin ang tiwala pati dangal ko’t diwa.

Ako’y buhay ngunit pagkatao ko’y patay na Humihinga ngunit nananalanging sana’y hindi na.

Katinuan saaki’y lumayo na at kapalaran ko’y tadhana na ang nagdikta.

Ngayon, ako ba’y baliw?

Siguro nga.

Siguro nga.

LITERATURE

August - October 2015

M

Captivated, I’ve been, When your eyes met mine For the first time, Out of the blue.

Can’t think of any reaction.

You blew me right away.

Chinky-eyed, straight-faced, You’re a mystery.

Indeed, instincts were true.

Something’s special, I knew You thought of the same, The moment I did.

Undeniably alike In a way, we are, Flowers in the spring Drenched in the sun.

insan, habang nag-aabang ako ng dyip na masasakyan sa kanto ng Ermita, may lumapit sa aking isang batang pulubi. Mababakas mo sa kanya ang tunay na kahulugan ng kahirapan. Magulo ang buhok, madungis ang mukha, walang sapin sa paa at sira-sira ang damit. Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang nakapanlulumong pisikal na kaanyuan, ang kanyang mga mata ang pumukaw at umagaw ng aking atensyon.

Sabi nila, mata daw ang salamin ng ating kaluluwa, hindi imposible subalit hindi lang iyon, may mas malalim pang kahulugan at sa mata ng isang pulubi ko lang iyon natagpuan. Tila ba isang panaginip nag ako ay tinitigan nya, nagliwanag ang buong paligid, nabalot ng misteryo at ang pagkabalot ng misteryong iyon, doon ko napagtanto na para bang lahat ng sikreto ng buhay ay binunyag niya sa aking harapan. Imposible. Makapangyarihan. Di kapani-paniwala ngunit totoo, nagmistulang isang anghel siya sa aking paningin.

Pagkisap ng aking mga mata, nakita ko pa rin siya, nakalatag ang mga palad sa aking harapan. Namamalimos. Naisip ko ang tinapay sa aking bag at agad agad ko itong kinuha at hindi nagatubiling ibigay sa kanya. Nagpasalamat siya at unti-unting lumayo, subalit hindi pa din maalis ang mga mata ko sa kanya habang untiunti siyang naglalaho.

Bigla akong naalimpungatan sa busina ng dyip. Sa aking pagsakay, napaisip pa rin ako sa mga naganap. Hindi maalis sa aking isip ang tagpong iyon. Tagpo kung saan masasabi kong imposible ngunit totoo. Nakita mismo ng aking mga mata lahat ng nangyari, hindi ako nanaginip o nag-iilusyon. Kung sasabihin ko ito sa mga edukadong tao o kahit sa mga ordinaryo, marahil ay iisipin nilang nasisiraan na ako ng ulo o nababaliw. Ngunit kahit saan ko man tingnan, totoo siyang naganap, naganap nang tinitigan niya ako.

Minulat nya ang dilat kong mata sa katotohanan ng buhay.

Katotohanan na ang tao ay nagpapaalipin na sa mga materyal na bagay lalo na sa pera, nilalamon na ng inggit, kapangyarihan, kayamanan at pagiging makasarili. Hindi na nakukuntento sa kung anong meron sila, bagkus ay naghahangad pa. Totoo. Masakit mang isipin pero yun ang katotohanan na sa mata lang ng isang pulubi ko napagtanto. Siguro, hindi ko na makikita ang batang pulubing iyon.

Siguro magiging isang ganap na siyang binata, maayos ang buhok, malinis at maaliwalas ang mukha, magara ang damit, may sapin na sa paa at malusog ang pangangatawan. Malayo sa dati niyang itsura. At syempre, ang mga mata nya na patuloy na magmumulat sa mga taong makakakita ng hiwaga nito. Alam ko, mangyayari yon at ako nama’y tatanda, lilipasan na ng panahon, puputi na ang buhok, hihina ang pangangatawan at habang panahong magiging masaya at pinagpala dahil sa kaganapan sa aking buhay na aking nasaksihan sa mga mata ng isang batang pulubi.

O kaya naman, mananatili siyang isang pulubi na mamamalimos at patuloy na magbabaybay at maglalaro sa buhay habang minumulat ang mga mata ng mga taong makakasalubong niya sa katotohanan. At ako naman, mahihimlay sa isang paraiso habang yakap-yakap ko ang isang kaganapan sa aking buhay na hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan.

●

Heart’s burning desire For us to be an item Keeps me waiting.

Gotta be right.

If it’d be on the rocks, Come hell or high water, Just three little words Would take away your dread.

Soon, if you could just let me in, We’d stay fixed in our ways, Keep the joy in your face, Do the labor of love like St. James did.

A crack on the wall met his eyes as darkness began to fade knocks on the door followed as he stepped back to pick a bread crumb at the tip of his toes his cold quivering shoulders were concealed by a Malong drenched in crimson fluid trickling on his knees not a voice would be heard as he hurried to stand but suddenly tampered a finger on his way behind the curtain and almost bumped on the pail where a tuft of hair was slumped upside down he covered his mouth to hold his breath and halt a shriek he was about to pick a scarf tinkling beads hanging on the lip of the pail but a heavy footstep came in at the growl of thunder............................................................................................. .......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................

One… Two… Three…

Dropped on the soil…

Heaven started to cry and painted the earth with red at the foot of the Promised Land.

The tip of the rifles beheld the swaying foliage and never did they look back at the mud they were trampling upon.

Photo by Juvin M. Durante

27

Saan tayo nagkaiba?

Pilipino ka, ganoon din ako, May pangarap ka, mayroon din ako.

Pero bakit hindi ko maramdaman Ang ating pagkakapareho?

Sa tulad ko, Ano ba’ng tingin mo?

Ako’y isang lumad.

Tahanan ko ang bundok, na tinuturing kong yaman.

Higit kong kailangan ang payak na pamumuhay Kaya huwag mong gawing rason ang kaunlaran.

Hindi lang ako ang tumanggap ng bala Para sa lupang walang ibang nagmamay-ari kundi ang hinaharap Huwag kang gahaman sa salaping mahuhukay Sa ilalim ng tahanang kapwa nating tinubuan.

Kamusta na ba ang sugat na iniwan ng bala?

Makailang ulit mo na bang tinakpan ang pilat?

Nagawa ba nitong hilumin ang lahat?

Hindi lahat bulag!

Kasabay ng bukang-liwayway, bumabangon ako Kasama sila, sumusulong, lumalaban para sa hustisya.

Para sa naulilang pinakamamahal na pamilya.

Para sa pagkakapantay-pantay, para sa darating na henerasyon.

Nawa’y sa susunod, kasama na kita Sapagkat tayo’y iisa at walang pinagkaiba.

Photo by Juvin M. Durante