22 minute read
Hell Week Horrors
by The Leaf
22:00
Ipinaling ko ang aking mga mata mula sa orasan at muling tinitigan ang aking laptop. Nakatitig naman pabalik ang sanaysay na itinakda noong nakaraang linggo. Sa wakas, bukas na ang pasahan nito.
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Ah, wala pa akong nasisimulan.
Paano ba naman, nagkasabay-sabay ang gawain ng tatlong asignatura, at pangkatan pa ang isa. Magkakasunod rin ang araw ng pasahan nila. Higit pa, nagkaroon ng mahabang pagsusulit sa Agham at Araling Panlipunan noong Sabado, kaya hindi ko na naintindihan kung alin ang unang aasikasuhin.
‘Yung pangkatan nga pala, natapos na kaya ni Lynne ang pag-eedit ng awtput namin? Matawagan nga.
“Huy, Lynne, kumusta na ‘yung bidyo?”
“Kasing gulo ng love life mo.” Aba.
“Eh bakit ako ang kausap mo ngayon?”
Syempre, sinagot ko siya. Alangan namang aminin kong takdang aralin lamang ang dahilan ko sa pagpupuyat. Pabalik-balik kaming nag-asaran hanggang sa nagkataong tumama ang aking paningin sa mapanghusgang mukha ng orasan.
22:30
Dali-dali kong pinutol ang usapan at binalikan si kapuyatan. Kailangan ko ng paksa. Ano bang kasalukuyang pangyayari angpasoksatemangpanlilinlang?Tiyakna maramingbalitangayontungkolsapulitika. Tingnan ko nga sa Twitter. Bumungad sa akin ang sunod-sunod na daing ng aking mga kaklase. May pagod na raw magbuhat ng pangkat; may wala nang maintindihan sa mga araling tinalakay; may mauutas na sa pag-aayos ng Kabanata II– hala, may pananaliksik nga pala.
Sa palagay ko ay ngayong linggo na hihingin sa bawat pangkat ang sintesis, pero hindi pa rin kumpleto ang aming kaugnay na pag-aaral. Buti na lang talaga may Google Scholar.
Sinimulan kong isa-isahin ang panimulang bahagi ng mga lumabas na pag-aaral sa pagbabasakaling may mai-aambag ako sa aming papel. Unti-unting tumulin ang aking pagbabasa hanggang sa makapagdagdag ako ng anim na pag-aaral sa aming gawa bago ko namalayan ang aking pagkauhaw.
Hay, kahit gaano katagal na naming pinag-aaralan ang katangian ng Kabanata II ay hindi pa rin ako nasasanay...sanay... sanay– ay, ‘yung
Hell Week Horrors PagsaPit ng dilim
Hell Week Horrors it ng dilim
23:25
Dali-dali akong uminom ng tubig at bumalik sa orihinal na layunin. Pinili kong gamiting paksa ang isyu sa pagkakabili ng Udenna Corp. sa malaking bahagi ng Malampaya gas field sapagkat maaari nitong maapektuhan ang suplay ng kuryente. Uunahin kong talakayin ang kahalagahan ng Malampaya bilang pinagkukunan ng enerhiya.
Ang Malampaya gas field ay matatagpuan 80 km mula sa Palawan. Dumadaan sa isang 504-kilometrong tubo ang pinoproseso nitong natural gas...
Gas...
Heh, naalala ko kung saan ako nagkamali sa pagsusulit namin.
Nakakalito talaga ‘yung tatlong gas laws. Hindi ko pa rin maintindihan kung paano mag-solve gamit ang Ideal Gas Law. Alin nga ulit ‘yung phase kapag sobrang pinalamig ang gas?
Ahh, oo, Bose-Einstein Condensate. Katrabaho ni Einstein dito si Satyendra Nath Bose, isang tanyag na Indiyanong physicist. May napanood akong bidyo tungkol sa kanya sa Youtube noong isang araw. O sa Netflix ba yun?
Ano na nga ba ang bago sa Netflix? Halos hindi na ata umuusad ‘yung mga pinapanood ko. Nasa pangatlong ulit na rin ako ng B99 at Friends. Ano ba ‘tong Descendants of the Sun na palagi kong naririnig kay ate? Masilip nga nang kaunti.
00:40
Ang ganda niya! Pero bukas ko na itutuloy ‘yung palabas. Tatapusin ko muna ‘yung sanays– ay hatinggabi na pala.
Jerome Ceralde
Ano ba, self, focus! Kaya ko ‘to.
Pitong tabs na ang nakabukas sa Chrome kasabay ng MS WordatSpotify.SagadnaangRAMnitonglumakonglaptoppero sanay na dapat ito. Mas kinakabahan ako sa init ng CPU niya.
Tumunog ang cellphone ko, pero hindi ko ito pinansin. May dumaang maingay na motor, ngunit wala itong talab sa akin. Nagsimulang tumahol ang aso ng kapitbahay namin, pero diretso ang aking paggawa. Walang makapipigil sa akin sa pagsusulat.
...maliban sa antok.
02:25
Oo, bukas ko na tatapusin. Halos huling bahagi ng katawan at konklusyon na lang naman ang kulang. Kailangan ko ring magpahinga.
Subalit, lingid sa aking kaalaman ay may darating na perwisyong hahadlang sa aking layunin.
Napakadaya ng mundong ating ginagalawan. Sadyang mapagbirorinangtadhana.Gaanomangkabigatnanghinaharap mong suliranin ay tiyak na may papatong pa.
Pinili kong matulog na sa pagbabasakaling matatapos ko ang takda pagkagising. Ngunit, ngayon ay unti-unting bumibilis angtibokngakingpusonangnapagtantokoangakingkalagayan.
Ah, wala palang kuryente.
THE NIGHT OF Christmas Grieve
There was warmth; a gentle embrace that kindled my soul, A contrast to the December air, too harsh and too cold. All around the room, there were greetings of merriment; The presence of the Christmas spirit, clearly evident.
Lumpiang shanghai on the table and presents by the tree; Mistletoes framing doorways and Christmas socks filled with candy. My brother and I would wear little hats around our home, Laughing at just about everything in a world of our own.
There were smiles; pearly ones from each member of my family As we sang Christmas carols together without harmony. The night would progress and I would sigh in unburdened joy, Because this was all I wanted: an event to enjoy.
My small hands were clasped in my mother’s slightly bigger ones, And to the merry tunes my dad sang, we would gracelessly dance Without a care in the world, in our own little bubble, Impenetrable by worry, fear, and any other trouble.
But it never does seem to last, these moments in time, When we could act like fools, when everything seemed fine. There is no warning for when the fall will start; You never get a heads up when things get torn apart.
Christmas lights go out, and once-bright rooms begin dimming; Food that was once scalding turns cold and unappetizing. Yet the music does not falter, nor do the clocks stop For time waits for no one, it runs ‘til yours is up.
There is frost; a chill that runs through my entire being, A contrast to the tears that numb what I am feeling. The living room had lost its life and now housed only pity, Invited by the soul of a loved one departing too early.
What do you say when people tell you that they’re here for you? How do you tell them that theirs is not the company you pursue? Is it right to hide away from their whispered condolences, And keep pretending that I don’t understand what death is?
The month of December edges closer and closer; The chilly air howls and bites, stronger than ever. But now, there is no candlelight to keep me warm and cozy; No mother who’ll hold my hand and ease my growing worry.
They say that we should focus not on the past, Instead, in the future, which shines brightly and beckons us. But how in the world am I meant to leave behind The moments of my family, of a mother so kind?
I am lost; in my thoughts, in my grief, on my own. I am scared; of what’s to come, of being alone. Alone, still at home, with my father’s empty shell And my brother’s seeming nonchalance to this ever-growing hell.
Christmas lights are not put up, the once-dim rooms grow dimmer; There is no food on the table but remains of last night’s dinner. The only noise in the house is the ticking of the clock, For time waits for no one, it’ll hurry, flow, then stop.
Mharq GHierzey Abe
Wishful Thinkers
5 Gift Ideas for Learners This Season
With sparkling lights hanging around, Christmas trees shining in our homes, and the cold breeze caressing our skin, Christmas is definitely right around the corner! Despite the pandemic that has been going around for two years, the spirit of Christmas remains alive as Filipinos continue to decorate their homes and attend simbang gabi online.
Since we love to get together with our families and friends, especially during this season, Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the parties and the exchange of gifts. Giving (and receiving) gifts is one of the things we most look forward to this Christmas season.
However, the age-old question remains: “what gift should I buy?” Read on to find out the things that you can get for your friends to help them get through the next semester.
1. HOODIES - This Christmas season, hoodies are a must-have for students, especially when the cold breeze brushes against their skin. They create a sense of comfort and warmth when worn at home or on lazy weekends, allowing students to study and chill. They are also prominent in completing the Christmas season’s collection; however, they aren’t limited to this season. They are also perfect for any cold, rainy evenings, hot beverages, fall season, and bonfires with friends.
2. STUFFED ANIMALS - A plush animal is one that a student may want for Christmas to keep them company as they sleep or study. It is not only adorable, but it is also soft and snuggly. Plush animals have also
been suggested to help people relax and improve their mental health. They will surely keep students warm and happy for many seasons to come.
3. DESK LAMP - A desk lamp is one of the must-haves for students this holiday season, which will help them stay productive at night. It is essential for a student’s study time, especially if they are a night owl. It is also a great present for students because it can brighten their study table while also making their work and output more feasible and enticing.
4. BOOK STAND - The simple fixture is also a must-have for students this holiday season, as it can help in prolonged study sessions. A book stand will surely make taking notes and reading more convenient, particularly for those that struggle maintaining a good posture. It will also be ideal for the designated Christmas chef, since it will allow him or her to keep the recipe book open while preparing the delicious meals for noche buena!
5. K-POP MERCH
- Merch will undoubtedly be on one’s wish list, if he or she is a K-Pop enthusiast. Some may argue that the merchandise has no purpose, but it does have a purpose and a meaning for the fans. From BTS to
Enhypen, K-Pop groups have spread not only in Korea, but worldwide. Their music and their own messages distinguish each of them, inspiring students to strive harder and to be happier this Christmas. Collecting merchandise from whom they stan provides comfort to the students or fans.
It’s all about giving during Christmas! From hoodies to K-Pop merchandise, there are a variety of items that we may offer to students to help them with their studies while also allowing them to spend time with their family over the holidays.
There are, of course, other immaterial gifts that are just as valuable, such as our love and time. This season, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas. Spread love, kindness, generosity, and compassion not only to our families and friends, but also to those who are working hard during this pandemic. At the end of the day, the holiday season is not merely about gifts, but being grateful for all the blessings and opportunities that we receive throughout the year.
Juliana Castillo
MisgivingsOf Yuletide Yearnings
“Bilis anak! Pumila ka na bago ka pa maunahan.”
And so began the scramble to get ₱500 and maybe a few canned goods from our town’s next set of leaders. Like there’s going to be a “next” set—the same people have been in office for a decade.
Obviously, they run these donations to gain recognition and support from the people ahead of the officially-allowed campaign period. We’re poor, not stupid. There is always a price to charity. But that won’t stop us from shaking hands with rich people we won’t see for another three years.
I mean, what’s one vote in exchange for tomorrow’s dinner?
From the basketball court where they were giving out goods, the line extended all the way to the end of the street. With the humid air and still muddy ground, I knew waiting was going to be tough.
IsawAlingBibingafewplacesaheadofme, fanning herself with one hand while clutching an old eco bag in the other. She shouldn’t be out in this heat given her heart condition, but since both her children have yet to come home and her husband is too drunk to walk in a straight line, I suppose she has no choice.
Further up stood Ka Lito, a jeepney driver who was forced to sell his vehicle a few months ago for extra cash. Since then, he has worked from one contractual job toanother, neverknowingifhewouldstillbeemployedthe next morning. The money being given out should last him until at least Christmas Eve.
Two steps forward.
To my left was the small community chapel built when I was three. Calling it a chapel would be a stretch; it’s an open nipa hut with an altar in thefrontandafewbamboosticks tied together to make makeshift benches. With the number of candles lit near the altar, it’s a wonder how the whole place hasn’t burned down. Each candle represents a prayer for those who are sick or havepassed away. Wilted flowers from Flores de Mayo decorate the scene.
Aside from these occasional prayers, the chapel has nothadmuchactivity.Mostchoosetogostraighttochurch since the pandemic protocols have loosened, especially now that simbang gabi has started. The noise and lights on the church patio contrast with the deafening silence of our chapel at night.
I used to look forward to attending mass with my friends. See, simbang gabi isn’t truly complete without eating bibingka and going caroling afterwards. One time, we managed to raise ₱425 despite being out of tune. And after skipping last year, I can’t wait to bring out my guitar
Misgivings and Yuletide Yearnings
Jerome Ceralde
once again. Three steps forward.
Someone tapped my shoulder from behind. I turned to see the owner of the sarisari store across from our house.
hinihingi.” “Nasan na ang utang ng mama mo? Noong makalawa ko pa ‘yon
Cut her some slack. My mom had been working day and night for the past three weeks to make sure that we could cover three tuition fees among us siblings. One day she was washing clothes for well-off families; the next she was working as a temp in a catering service. We haven’t even started thinking of gifts to give or food to prepare. But last week, she came down with a fever. When hertemperaturereached39°C,wecontemplatedtakingher to the hospital, but she refused, saying it was too expensive for our already dwindling budget. Luckily, it subsided two days later, and she immediately went back to work despite her persistent coughing.
Five steps forward.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out ahead. I moved to get a closer look and saw a woman frantically fanning someone on the ground while crying for help. Aling Bibing had collapsed.
People started to gather around them. Some offered bottles of water and umbrellas, while others urged the rest to give them space. Meanwhile, no one from the politician’s group even noticed what was going on. I guess they were too busy pushing their own definition of public service.
Eventually, two men carried Aling Bibing back to her house. I should light a candle later.
Ten steps forward.
Imagine, if Aling Bibing were a bit wealthier, she would not have had to wait in the heat for over an hour. With even more money, she could have kept buying the maintenance pills that she stopped taking last year. In fact, had we all been a bit wealthier, none of us would be out here in the streets right now.
And if the spirit of Christmas can be measured by one’s status, does that mean my family and I are less deserving of celebrating it?
Finally, it’s my turn to receive the handouts. The ₱500 and two cans of sardines better have been worth it.
Manghinao Uno Bauan, Batangas
December 16, 2021
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte Malacanang Complex J.P. Laurel Street San Miguel, Manila 1005
Dear Mister President,
Mister President, Are You There?
Hi, my name is Ria, and I am writing this letter to express my thoughts about you no longer being president soon. It is a little saddening to hear about, but also quite exciting. It’s not every day that a new leader is chosen to lead the country. I wonder if they will be as busy as you are. My cousins usually complain that you never do anything, but I think you just have too much on your plate to help us. They tell me, though, that it is your responsibility to find time to care for the country and its citizens, and I think I am starting to see their point.
It is heartbreaking to hear about how many people are suffering these days. I listen to the news in the morning, and most of the time, I hear about you and your war. My Dad just scoffs at the tv and tells me that “those” people deserve to be punished. Other times, the news talks about imprisoning these tired-looking people with signs. Mom calls them “activists,” which I do not really understand. But I do not think they deserve to be imprisoned, because mom said they are just farmers, students, and employees.
I am writing about it, Mister President, so you can hear about it and help them.
I was watching the news again earlier, and the reporters were talking about how Christmas is just around the corner. I wish I could celebrate it with my relatives and friends, but Mom says that we cannot invite them over. Are you aware, Mister President, that there is a spreading disease? I do not think you are, because otherwise, we might no longer have this disease in the country. I have heard about how kids my age in other countries can wander and visit cool places, and I am envious of them. I wish I could do the same, as I miss spending time with my friends and my family. There’s not much for me to do, and staring at the same-old walls is starting to get boring.
Say, Mister President, you still have a few months until your resignation. Could you please help us? Make our country a better place by helping more people. It would be great to hear about it!
Thank you in advance, Mister President! I hope you consider it.
From, Ria
Borderline Baseless Benefits
Rose-ilient | Ikea Rose Mercado
To honor the sacrifices of medical frontliners, the government will be constructing Frontliners Memorial Wall Site, a memorabilia wall depicting what has transpired since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Nonetheless, the government should have postponed the memorial wall’s construction for a variety of reasons.
According to Carlito Galvez Jr., Secretary of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, the memorial wall will honor the heroism of deceased doctors, nurses, and other medical personnel who spearheaded the country’s fight against the virus. This will also serve as symbolic reparations to begin the healing process for the victims’ families, as a memorial is a place to grieve for their lost loved ones.
The government’s delayed response, on the other hand, is inconsiderate to current healthcare workers. They remain underpaid and overworked more than a year after the pandemic began, forced to handle the unending influx of patients, as well as a lack of medical and personal protective equipment (PPE), limited food supply, and emotional stress and depression.
Studies from the two databases, PubMed and Google Scholar, demonstrated the equally critical problems faced by medical frontline workers during the pandemic, which, if not addressed, could lead to medical frontline workers’ nonperformance. The risk factors include work in a high-risk department, diagnosed family members, inadequate and suboptimal hand hygiene before and after contact with patients, improper PPE usage, close contact with patients, long periods of contact, and unprotected exposure.
Furthermore, the government’s top priority should be to support frontline workers. According to data aggregator iPrice, registered nurses and medical technologists in the Philippines earn the least in Southeast Asia. During this pandemic, experienced registered nurses earn about 40,381 a month, while medical technologists earn even less at 29,444 a month. In March, netizens criticized the Department of Health (DOH) for allowing healthcare workers to volunteer to fight against COVID-19 with a daily allowance of only P500 instead of properly employing them and providing them with tenure and benefits.
In response to the country’s worsening COVID crisis, which has resulted in nonpayment of benefits and tiredness, several health employees have opted to resign. The government could have used the money spent on the memorial wall to fulfill the needs of healthcare professionals if it had been built at a later date.
Additionally, there are still more pressing concerns to be addressed, such as the distribution of vaccines and implementation of limited face-toface classes. Due to the government’s shortcomings, healthcare personnel have been subjected to conditions that even a pandemic cannot excuse. The government should at the very least compensate them for their inadequate hazard pay and special risk allowance.
The memorial is especially extraneous news at a time when the DOH is dealing with a slew of claims of corruption coming from anomalies discovered by the Commission on Audit (COA). Without public bidding, billions of dollars have been spent on pandemic supplies from dubious companies at outrageous prices. President Duterte defended it by claiming that it was to expedite the acquisition of essential supplies. Ironically, it comes at the expense of the people who will use these goods. Despite the risks of the pandemic, healthcare workers have continued to provide service. Hence, they must be provided with the benefits to which they are entitled, such as hazard pay and special risk allowance. Under President Rodrigo Duterte’s Administrative Order (AO) No. 35, active hazard duty pay is reserved for “frontline human resources for health (HRH),” which includes only medical, allied medical, and other public sector personnel. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 SRA is for public and private healthcare workers, primarily those who are assigned to designated COVID-19-affected areas.
Many sources of information are available on the internet, but not all of them are accurate and reliable. Even distributing false information about COVID-19 can put a strain on frontline workers; thus battling fake news is essential. Educate yourself, your family, your friends, and everyone else about the need to be vigilant when using social media; there is a lot of information out there, but everyone should know which ones to believe and which ones to ignore.
As the battle to contain the contagion rages and more issues about the government’s response to the pandemic surface, constructing a memorial wall reveals the government’s priorities. At a time when frontliners are still battling in the trenches, the government’s proposed memorial wall is comparable to placing a headstone on the grave of someone who is still fighting. Everyone, even students, must not only be aware of, but actively concerned about the romanticization of deaths that could have been prevented.
Lihis sa Daang Matuwid
Rynnsmeralda | Audrey Geanne Padua
Patuloy ang pagpapagawa ng Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) sa pamamahala ng San Miguel Corporation (SMC) at Philippine National Construction Corporation. Hangarin nitong mabawasan ang trapiko sa pamamagitan ng tulay na magduduktong sa ilang parte ng rehiyon. Taliwas sa layuning inihain ng SMC, ang proyektong ito ay walang mabuting maidudulot kung ‘di mga komplikasyon sa iba’t ibang aspektong maaapektuhan nito.
Paninindigan ng SMC, ang 19.4-kilometrong expressway na nagkakahalagang ₱95B ay kapakipakinabang hindi lamang sa pagbabawas ng traffic kung ‘di maging sa ilog mismo. Inihayag nitong kasabay ng proseso ng pagpapagawa ng PAREX ay ang paglilinis ng ilog Pasig.
Subalit, tulad ng mga napatunayan ng ibang bansa, ang mga urban expressway ay mas nakadaragdag lamang sa napakaraming bilang ng gumagamit ng sasakyan sa loob ng kada araw, na nagdudulot ng milya milyang traffic, polusyon sa hangin, at negatibong bitbit ng climate change.
Ayon sa pag-aaral ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) at Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), sa kada taong laganap ang polusyon ay nawawalan ng ₱4.5T ang bansa na nagagastos sa mga bagay tulad kakulangan sa pag-usad ng ekonomikal na produktibidad ng mamamayan at gastos sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan.
Dahilan ng malawak na sakop ng expressway, hindi imposibleng makaapekto rin ito sa daloy ng tubig sa ilog, hindi lamang sa ilog Pasig, maging sa kalapit nitong Laguna de Bay at Manila Bay. Batay naman sa datos mula sa pananaliksik ng Health Effects Institute noong 2010, ang mga naninirahan sa loob ng 300 - 500 metro ng lapit sa mga highway ay nakakatamo ng iba’t ibang sakit tulad ng asthma, impaired lung function, diabetes, at stroke.
Sumasalamin din ito sa kung paano mas pinaglalaanan ng pamahalaan ng pondo ang mga ganitong proyekto sa halip na ilaan ito sa mga sektor na higit na nangangailangan nito, tulad ng medisina at edukasyon. Hindi sapat na dahilan ang pagkabawas ng trapik sa patuloy na kakulangan sa pagtugon sa pangangailangan ng mga naturang sektor.
Nagamit sana ang nagastos na pondo para tugunan ang hinaing ng mga guro na ang mga kagamitang inilaan ng Department of Education (DepEd) para sa kanila ay hindi pa rin sapat upang makapagbigay ng kalidad na edukasyon sa mga estudyante. Kaugnay ng isyung ito ay ang kamakailan lamang na pahayag ng DepEd na posibleng makaranas ng paghahati sa iisang modyul ang ilang estudyante sa mga susunod na kwarter sapagkat kulang ang pondong hawak ng kagawaran.
Dumagok din sa pamahalaan ang suliranin sa alokasyon ng pondo sa larangan ng medisina. Patunay dito ang paghinging muli ng $300M na utang sa World Health Organization (WHO), dagdag sa patong-patong na utang ng bansa na magagastos sa pagbili ng ekstrang COVID-19 booster. Dahil sa hindi sapat na sweldong natatanggap ng mga medical social worker, madami ay napipilitang maghanap ng trabaho sa labas ng bansa. Tingnan na lamang ang halos 150,000 Pilipinong nars na nasa United States kaysa sa 23,000 nars sa Pilipinas ayon sa Private Hospitals Association.
Bukod sa mga epekto nito sa kalikasan at pondong nararapat na ilaan sa mas nanganagilangang sektor, ang expressway na ito ay magiging rason din kung bakit matatakluban ang mga heritage structure tulad ng Jones Bridge at Quezon Bridge. Kabilang din dito ang Manila Post Office, Rizal Shrine, National Press Club at ang tanyag na Intramuros.
Kung sakaling mangyayari ang mga inilahad na epekto ng mga urban expressway sa kalikasan sa mga susunod pang taon, sa halip na mapakinabagan ito ng makabagong henerasyon ay magiging pabigat lamang ito sa kanila dahil sa kanila papatak ang pagsasaayos nito.
Tunay na nararapat mabigyan ng solusyon ang trapikong nagiging sagabal sa pang-araw-araw na pamumuhay nating mamamayan. Subalit, hindi kailanman nito mapangangatwiranan ang pagkasira ng Ilog Pasig. Sa halip na ituloy ang pagpapagawa ng PAREX ay maaaring magsulong ng mga proyekto para sa ikauunlad ng mga public utility vehicles, nang sa gayon ay mabawasan ang lala ng trapiko habang tumutulong sa mga pumapasadang tsuper.
Hindi lamang tao ang pinapatay ng pandemya.
