The Malolos Academe 1st Issue by The Malolos Academe

SPECIAL FEATURE: The State of Philippine Education p. 8

The Malolos Academe

We mind your minds.

The Official Student Publication of Centro Escolar University Malolos

Enrollment increases by 8.9% Vol. XI Issue no. 1

April - August 2011

Story on page 2

Illustration by Vincent Marcos

HRM, Pharmacy, BS Tourism get big share

Dentistry grads make 100% in Board Exam NEWS

Turning Point EDITORIAL

Herwin Cabasal: A Visionary Filmmaker

KaKLAS-MATE

FEATURE

NEWS

2 The Malolos Academe

ESCOLARIAN BULLETIN Dentistry Grads make 100% in Board Exam

by Roseller Simbulan Jr.

FRESHMEN ORIENTATION 2011. Freshmen students attend the Freshmen Orientation 2011 held last June 22 at the CEU Centrodome. The University Student Council led this year’s program with the theme: “Escolarian Journey: Above and Beyond.“ The different colleges and departments held their own college orientations in the afternoon. Photos by Carlo Celon

Enrollment increases by 8.9%

by Michael Ge-Ray Punzalan

Centro Escolar University Malolos campus has seen increase in enrollment by 8.9 percent in the first semester of school year 2011-12. As of the record, 2,569 students have been officially enrolled for the first semester, as compared to 2,352 in SY 2010-2011. According to Mrs. Amelia Valencia, Head of Student Records Management Department, the increase in number of enrollees is a good indicator that the school’s efforts to deliver quality education among students are being recognized in the region. Hotel and Restaurant Manage-

ment (HRM) holds the most number of students with 529 or 20.5% of the student population. Pharmacy Department ranked second with 397 or 15.45%, while 341 or 13.27% enrolled in Tourism Management. Valencia added that the exodus to CEU of alumni children, the big demand in the (global) market, and the very good performance in the professional licensure examinations also affected the growth in number. Meanwhile, enrollment for the College of Management and Technology (CMT) and the College of Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences (CEL-

AS) remain stable at 24.41 and 14.44 percent of the total, respectively. Despite the decrease in market demand, the Nursing Department still has 192 students or 7.47%. Although the Dentistry Department has 112 students or 4.36%, its population is predicted to increase with the entry of 129 Pre-Dentistry students two years from now. Mrs. Maricar Veranga, Program Head of the College of Hospitality Management, shared that they are looking forward to upgrading the services they offer to the students.

The College of Management and Technology (CMT) and the Cash Section won at the 2011 Quality Awards Day held at CEU Manila last July 19. CMT has made it in the large workplace category award for “5s Model Work Area” for two years in a row while the Cash Division bagged the award in the small workplace category. Different offices from the three campuses of CEU (Manila, Makati,

Malolos) participated in the different categories. Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, CEU President and Chief Academic Officer graced the awarding ceremony, together with other members of the Administrative Council. “I strongly believe that it is through the concerted efforts of the team and for making 5s a way of life as the winning formula of the college,” said Dr. Nilo V. Francisco, Dean of CMT.

The CEU Malolos delegation was composed of other finalists in the different categories together with the University Student Council. The annual Quality Awards aims to recognize the efforts of individuals and groups who perform their responsibilities with quality and excellence, also to appreciate the culture of continuous improvement towards attaining quality results.

CEU Malolos grabs awards at 2011 Quality Awards Day

by Cathy Arabis

INDUCTION 2011. University Student Council President Juan Paolo Mariano (left) together with USC, organization, college council and section officers took their oath of office last August 2, 2011 at the CEU Centrodome. CEU President and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Ma. Cristina Padolina (2nd from left) and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Carlito Olaer graced the event (right). Photos by Emermay Puquiz

CEU Malolos graduates scored one hundred percent passing rate in the Dentistry Licensure Examinations last June 2011. This is fifth time that the Dentistry Department achieved this feat after previous licensure examinations. Eugene Michael S. Gomez, Azenith D. Pajarit, Edison S. Pula, Arjen F. Sangil and Marione Karen S. Trias made the feat is possible which is fifth in a row since 2008 Dr. Shirley Wong, Program Head of the Dentistry Department, said that the entire Department was happy and proud of the result of the board examination. Oath taking followed on July 8, 2011.

Twenty Escolarians pass Pharmacy Board

by Windsor Guadalupe Jr.

Twenty of 25 graduates of Pharmacy in Malolos campus passed the Pharmacy Licensure Examinations held last June 27 and 28. “I am in no position to compare, but as far as the recent examination is concerned, I am by far impressed with the results.” said Dr. Cecilia Santiago, Program Head of the Department. “No expectations were made bare, she added. Also, the questions from the examination were lifted from foreign references, questions that require analysis were also handed which has somewhat changed the protocol expected by the aspiring pharmacists, now made pharmacists,” Santiago added. The oath taking was held last August 1, 2011 at the Manila Hotel.

CEU Malolos champs Nursing Quiz Bee

by Michael Ge-Ray Punzalan

Five students from the Nursing Department emerged as champions in the Singkabiasa Nursing Quiz Bee last April 29 at Holy Angel University. The winning group is composed of Mark Kevin Policarpio, Joyce dela Cruz, Nicavelene Erika David, Shyrel Sayoto, and Ellaine Martinez. Singkabiasa is an annual Nursing Quiz Bee participated in by different colleges and universities from Region 3. In an interview, David stressed that it was tough competing with other school delegates since they are supposed to be their best bets in their respective regions.Weslesyan University Foundation and Bulacan State University finished first and second runnersup, respectively.

NEWS

3 The Malolos Academe

USC tackles issues, presents Action Plan in General Assembly 2011

by Jose Dennio Lim Jr.

The University Student Council (USC) clarified issues and presented their action plan in a general assembly held last August 2, 2011 at the Ada Hotel Function Room. Student-leaders from different college councils, organizations and classes were present during the said gathering. The general assembly serves as a venue to clarify issues and coordinate the activities of the USC with each college and organization. Issues clarified Student-leaders clarified and highlighted several issues to the USC such as the policy on wearing college shirts on Fridays and Saturdays, the proposed unified ID lace, use of school facilities for events and procedures for holding or attending an event. “As CEU leaders, we have the responsibility to our constituents to make them informed about the school affairs,” Mrs. Fricana Ponce, adviser of the USC said. Action plan for 2011 Meanwhile, the USC presented

USC Action Plan for S.Y. 2011-2012

GENERAL ASSEMBLY. Questions, clarifications and answers were raised during Photo by Emermay Puquiz the 1st General Assembly.

their line-up of activities and projects for the current school year. For the first semester, they have successfully held several events such as the Freshmen Orientation, Election of College, Organization and Class Officers, Induction of Officers, General Assembly and the Leadership Training Seminar last August 12-14,. Upcoming activities for the rest of the first semester include the Sports Fest to be held on Sept. 7-10 and a Quiz Bee and Debate Competition to be held in September. The USC is also forming a group of Student Marshals composed of different

class officers that will implement the rules and regulations of the school regarding ID, uniform, haircut, etc. The second semester is jam packed with several activities and events. (see sidebar) The USC also presented several project proposals such as the No Plastic Day, a campaign for zero plastic materials in the campus, particularly plastic bags for a day, No Softdrinks Day, Civilian Day, when students are free from wearing daily school uniform for a day in exchange for P20, and the No Styrofoam Policy. The proposals are still pending for approval.

FIRST SEMESTER • Freshmen Orientation • Election of College Council and Organization Officers • Induction of Officers • 1st General Assembly • Leadership Training Seminar (Aug. 12-14, 2011) • Echo Seminar of Leadership Training Seminar • Sports Fest (Sept. 7-10, 2011) • Quiz Bee and Debate (Sept. 2011) SECOND SEMESTER • 2nd General Assembly (Nov. 2011) • USC on Higher Grounds (CEU Manila - Nov. 25, 2011) • USC Malolos Week (Dec. 2011) • Paskong CEU (Dec. 2011) • USC Gift Giving (Dec. 2011) • Life at CEU: A Story of Your Own Experience (Jan. 2012) • Short Film Festival • Seminar and Job Fair for Graduating Students • Undergraduate Research Day (Feb. 2012) • Search for the Most Disciplined College/Department • Recognition Day (Mar. 2012) • USC Election (Mar. 2012) Source: USC Malolos

CEU hosts PSITE convention by Jose Dennio Lim Jr.

Centro Escolar University Malolos through the College of Management and Technology hosted the 2nd Day of Philippine Society of Information Technology Educators (PSITE) Region 3 9th General Assembly and Election of Officers last April 27, 2011 with the theme “I.T. Educators 2 Experts”. The occasion was highlighted by the parallel sessions and seminars on Microsoft Silverlight and S.A.P. were conducted throughout the day. Newly elected officers and members of PSITE Region 3 was also inducted later that day.

Lim is new TMA EIC

by Jarkie J. Miranda

Jose Dennio P. Lim Jr. is the new editor-in-chief of The Malolos Academe for S.Y. 2011-2012. Lim, a senior BS Computer Science and Information Systems student and has been a correspondent the last two years, is the first non-journalism major to have been appointed EIC of the school publication. He succeeded Jose Cris Sotto, who graduated last year Summa Cum Laude of Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication major in Journalism.

CMT Waste Management Seminar and Gift Giving Activity The College of Management and Technology led by its dean, Dr. Nilo V. Francisco (upper left), held a Waste Management Seminar last August 6. The event coincided with the launching of ‘Greenology’, a tree-planting project for the adopted communities of the CEU Malolos in Brgy. Longos, Malolos City and Brgy. Sta Ana, Bulacan, Bulacan. Later, a gift-giving activity was held that distributed schools supplies and goodies to the children from the college’s adopted community at Brgy. Longos.

Photos by Carlo Celon

Student orgs hold Membership Campaign 2011 Several university-wide and college-based organizations at CEU Malolos joined in the annual membership campaign of university organizations held last July 7-8 with the theme “Explore and be a Part”. Special awards were given at the end of the two-day event. Honors Society bagged the 1st place for the

Best Booth Award. Junior Philippine Computer Society and Teatro Escolar Malolos got the 2nd and 3rd place respectively for the same award. Psychology Society and Science Club got the special citation for the Most Number of Recruited Students for college-based and universitywide organizations respectively.

By Jarkie Miranda and Cathy Arabis

Meanwhile, the election of officers for student organizations was conducted last July 11-12, 2011. The University Membership Campaign serves as a uniting activity for the all the students along with the teaching and non teaching staffs in engaging the true spirit of science and virtue throughout the campus.

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OPINION

4 The Malolos Academe

TURNING POINT The nation is celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal this year, a great Filipino patriot who has never wavered in his principles and lived up to being a true ‘pag-asa ng bayan’. His ideas have inspired millions of Filipinos to fight Spanish oppression and tyranny. Yet more than a hundred years have passed but the same social ills that Rizal saw during his time are still very evident in this present era. Filipinos were deprived of education during Rizal’s time. The Spaniards didn’t see the need for indios to get educated. Only those who have power, influence and money can go to school. Today, a total of 28.3 million Rizals are studying this year according to the Department of Education and Commission on Higher Education. Still, there are more than 8 million who are deprived from going to school. However, out of 10 students currently enrolled, only six will finish Grade 6 and only five will enter high school. Of this number, four will only be able to graduate, only two will enter college and one will be able to get a college degree. Rizal believed that education is an essential tool to solve the country’s problems to achieve lasting progress. Yet more than a hundred years have passed, not much has changed. If there’s anything that has changed, it is the educational system it is embedded into is in crisis. This semester, many have opened a new chapter in their lives: from freshmen students who eagerly take on and face the endless challenges and possibilities of their college life to the graduating students who would give their all to get that elusive college diploma. Many would tell the youth to simply do their duty as students: study and be good. However, Philippine society is plagued by a lot of problems; something must be done about it. Rizal was a good student, but he was not contented with simply being a student. From the very start, he was observant and aware of what was happening around him. He stood up and questioned authority. He inflamed Filipinos’ patriotism and nationalism through his writings. And until the end, he never wavered in his principles and eventually died for it. But this publication is not calling all students to simply die. As Rizal puts it, “one dies only once. And if one does not die well, a good opportunity is lost and will not present itself again.” The problems that we face today are so great that doing it alone would make it hard to effect the change that we seek. There is a need to embed oneself in the daily struggle of the majority of Filipinos living in poverty and injustice. Collective action is needed so that we can challenge and change the status quo. Now is the time. The turning point is reached. More than ever, the youth is called by the times to do something greater for the country and truly become the hope of the nation and catalysts for genuine change.

The Malolos Academe EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF | S.Y. 2011 - 2012

Jose Dennio Lim Jr. • Editor-in-Chief Michael Ge-Ray Punzalan • Associate Editor Roseller Simbulan Jr. • Managing Editor Jarkie Miranda • Circulations Manager Cathy Arabis • Shieladee Calma • Jona Micah Espejo Windsor Guadalupe • Marly Nicorina Lopez • Mark Anthony Sarino Correspondents Marc Angelo Mangubat • Mary Ann Maningas Layout Artist Vincent Paul Marcos • Norman Santos • Sixto Villanueva Illustrators Carlo Jayson Celon • Christine Faye Inocencio Emermay Puquiz • Fevie Jean Sanchez Photographers Dr. Ferdinand Magpayo Technical Adviser

On Neutrality Project Dennio

aaalala niyo pa ba si Sarah Duterte? Malamang, mayroon ka ring naging sariling opinyon sa mga nangyari. Malamang isa ka sa mga nagsabi na hindi tama ang ginawa niya dahil sumobra siya sa paggamit ng kanyang kapangyarihan. Pero malamang na kung isang holdaper o snatcher ang nakahandusay sa kalsada at ‘binubugbog ng galit na galit na taumbayan’, malamang na ‘buti nga sayo’ ang sasabihin mo. ~ Ayon sa Commission on Human Rights, naabuso daw ang karapatang pantao ni sheriff. Hindi raw makatarungan na dahil lamang sa hindi niya sinunod ang gusto ni mayor ay pwede na siyang sapakin. Halos gabi-gabi naman nating napapanood sa balita ang mga inaarestong holdaper, snatcher, bugaw, illegal recruiter at kung sinu-sino pa. Karaniwan nang eksena sa pagpasok ng suspek sa presinto, susugod agad ang biktima at siya ay sasalubungin niya ng suntok, sipa at kalmot. Pero sa gabi-gabi na pagpapalabas nito sa telebisyon, wala sa ating nagrereklamo. Siyempre, hindi natin pwedeng ikumpara pa ang sheriff sa holdaper o snatcher batay sa kung ano ba ang kanilang mga ginawa o ginagawa. Ngunit sa puntong ito, alam natin na pareho silang nabugbog. May nasaktan. May napahiya sa harap ng mga camera. Pero sa parehong insidente na ito, lumalabas ang magkaiba nating pagtingin sa mga pangyayari. ~ Idinidikta ng lipunan, sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang institusyong bumubuo dito (estado, simbahan, paaralan, media, atbp.), kung ano ang ating magiging perspektiba at pagtanaw sa buhay. Mula pagkabata ay hinuhubog tayo batay sa namamayanin pag-iisip at ideolohiya na bahagi ng pag-

Jose Dennio Lim Jr. papanatili ng kasalukuyang kaayusan. Ngunit hindi lahat ay kumakagat dito. Sa kabila ng ilang taong pagpapanday batay sa kung ano ang kanilang nais para sa atin, pagmumulat na ang bawat pangarap ay may katuparan, unti-unting dumarami ang tumataliwas sa ganitong kaayusan. Pero hindi madali ang kanilang pagsalungat. Dahil kaakibat nito ang matinding panghuhusga at pagmamaliit ng lipunan. Pero higit na nakararami ang pinili na lang maging praktikal at sumabay sa agos. Tila walang masama sa kapasyahang ito. Pero hindi natin alam ang implikasyon ng ganitong uri ng paninindigan. Bago ako magwakas, isang maikling kwento ang nais kong ibahagi sa inyo. ~ Isang gabi, may binatang mag-isang naglalakad sa gitna ng kagubatan. Habang siya ay palabas na sa bukana ng gubat, may nakita siya na isang elepante at dagang nasa gitna ng matinding pag-aaway. Lumipas ang ilang saglit, ang elepante ay halos mapatay na ang daga. Sa pagkakita ng binata rito, natakot siya’t kumaripas siya ng takbo palayo. At sa kalaliman ng gabi, narinig ang impit na iyak ng dagang unti-unting inaagawan ng buhay. ~ Ang pagiging neutral at passive sa mga nagaganap sa lipunan ay hindi katanggaptanggap. Laganap ang tunggalian. Laganap ang labanan. Dahil sa oras na ito ang paninindigang pinili natin sa buhay, tiyak may nadedehado, tiyak na may naaapi. Hindi nga ito nakakaapekto sayo. Pero dahil sa pagpili mo dito, mas maraming tao ang apektado. ~ “Bulok na ang haligi ng lipunan, matibay ang pananalig na ito’y palitan, suriin mong mabuti ang iyong paninindigan pagkat magkabilaan ang mundo.”- Magkabilaan, Joey Ayala

OPINION

5 The Malolos Academe

We Learn to Earn Please Don’t Read

nvesting one’s future in a tertiary education is a no joke. Never! One of the most crucial moments of every parent is to allocate their budget for the schooling of their children, particularly in college. Their minds are boggled on budget allocation for our tuition fees, uniforms, books and of course, baon. In countries where majority of the people are “financially-challenged” (as it may be used in a euphemistic approach), it is already a cherry in an ice

cream if a parent could send a child in the college level. In the latest statistics, out of 100 who will be enrolled in Elementary, only 3-4 students could make it. It is a fortunate life for every college student who does not need toiling at their deepest bone at night just to study. Sitting in a very conducive classroom cooled by the sweet-smelling mist of the air-conditioner and well-taught lessons coming from professors’ great

Michael Ge-Ray Punzalan minds would exemplify an ideal college education a student would want to. However, it is so disappointing that statistics cannot show how many students would prefer wasting their time to cut classes, go bar-hopping and attend their inuman and yosi sessions as compared with those who persevere to study their lessons and participate in their class discussions. Surprisingly, a large number of students would paint the town red whenever text messages would announce a

Page One Rated R

ere is what you should do when somebody else’s baby is screaming its little head off - put up with it. Stay still - smile. Be polite. Be understanding. Try to remember that we were all screaming babies once. And keep in mind that at some point you will probably be the one holding a crying baby. I make it to a point of telling every parent holding a screaming baby - don’t worry about it. No parent wants their baby to keep crying. Babies cry. All of them. They don’t care where they are. They are babies. We should allow them to act like babies. But the rest of us should try acting like grownups. Entering college was never easy. You have to always fit in to their qualifications - you know what I mean. You have to adjust to everything. New level, new classmates, new professors, and - duh, everything that is new to your senses.

Roseller Simbulan Jr. I mean, there’s always a “page one” in every single book in this world. It’s because you have to begin from the starting line, not in the middle, in your so-called journey to your specific path. College life? We always thought back from grade school and high school days, that college life was so easy. It’s true. It’s a matter of situation, and - it really depends to the course you have chosen, the professors, the faces you will going to stumble upon every day. In short, OK, you win. It’s hard - at first. In every book, you have to turn the pages so that you can move on and learn. And if you think you have learned enough, think again, because there’s a lot of books out there, not only one, - and you have to start all over again on page one. You have to be professional in practicing your chosen field. Practice begins at school. I mean, practicing signifies studying. We all know that. Like memo-

rization, you are practicing your mind to memorize, - while you are studying. Computation - you are practicing your skills to compute specific problem, - and you are still studying. It’s different from practicing your Facebook, Twitter or Tumblr account, - while you are studying, - and doing other stuffs, like you’re multi-tasking. Whatever, - if you know what I mean, and if it really makes sense. The first half of our lives is ruined by our parents, and second half, - by our children, it’s because we are all going to be parents in the future, we are ruining each other’s lives, - I mean, ruining it not for the best, but for the good. College life is another book that you are required and fated to learn. And if you think that your parents rubbles your life, it’s true, but for the good, - you are going to spoil your child’s life anyway in the near prospect. Don’t look further for answers: be

Realidad ng Moralidad MAKATA.rungan

ng makatang matinik, muling nagbabalik, literaryong komentaryo sa madla’y ihihibik. Walang tutulugan, walang uurungan, mga usaping panlipunang sadya nga bang MAKATA-rungan? Bakit nga ba kapag bawal sa tao ay walang angal? Ngunit kapag kabuting asal, sa paggawa’y anong bagal. Pagaaral at pagdarasal, gawain ng nagpapagal; pagbibisyo’t pagsusugal, gawain ng mga garapal. Makatarungan bang tangkilikin yaong isipang liberal o damhin ang pagtalima sa yaring usaping moral? Marapat nga bang pairalin ang pita ng pagiging tao o ganapin ang alituntunin sa pagtamo ng pagkatao? “BAKIT NGA BA MASARAP ANG BAWAL”? Ang mensaheng ipinaaabot ng patalastas na ito ang kumiliti sa aking pluma at pumukaw sa aking guniguni upang ilathala ang aking pinakabagong

class suspension. Paying a four to five significant figured tuition fee in a college education per semester is never earned in a snap of a finger. Our parents would occasionally remind us that education is our most valuable inheritance. Should we decide to forego our studies, we may not be deserving of the profit of knowledge that one must attain? Education is not our parents’ investment; it’s ours.

akda. Kung tutuusin, ang nagpauso nito ay sa panahon pa ni Adan. Sa kasalukuyan, uso na rin ito sa tawiran ni Juan, sa paggamit ng palikuran, sa lugar ng tapunan, sa t’wing eksaminasyon kay ma’am, sa balota ng halalan, sa pakikitungo sa kasintahan, sa batas ng lipunan at higit sa lahat, sa kaisipan ng kabataan. Anuman ang edad, taga-probinsya man o siyudad, sa mundo ng realidad, mayroon pa nga bang moralidad? Bago pa man sumulpot ang usapin sa RH Bill, at sundan ng panukalang mga asawa’y itakwil, ano pa nga bang gusto ng tao bukod sa pagpapatanggal ng bilbil? Habang maraming nagugutom at sa asin ay nagdidildil, hanggat maraming naapi at sa karapata’y nasisiil, kailan nga ba matututong sa kamunduhan ay magpigil? Totoong ang realidad ay sadyang kawili-wili, ngunit ang pagtalikod sa

the solution. You were born with everything you need to know. The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand. Study hard. It’s just irritating to the ear of new generations, - but is entailed to hear. If all you can do is crawl, start crawling. Do not be so dull and sluggish. Start moving. Welcome to the club. You are done with the book of screaming and crying like a baby. You are about to enjoy your college life with a little bit of challenges ahead of you. No worries. No doubt. Take the challenge. Take a risk. Grab the opportunities. Make yourselves busy but take time to relax. “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent Van Gogh Don’t rush into doing things start at page one.

Jarkie Miranda moralidad ay di sadyang kaiwi-iwi. Ang tao nga ay likas namang makagagawa ng produktibo kung maisasantabi lamang ang pansariling interes niya at motibo. Bagamat ang sangkatauhan ay nagtatamasa ng kalayaan, may kaakibat pa ring limitasyon na di marapat pabayaan. Sa pagkakaroon ng kalayaan, nagkakaroon din ng matinding pamantayan; ang batayan ng pagiging tama na sa batas ay nalimbag o batayan ng kapakanang pantaong sa batas ay kailangang lumabag. Ang pananaw ukol sa salitang “bawal” ay limitasyon lamang na likhang isip ng bawat indibidwal. Ito ay tumutukoy sa presensya ng batas na dapat sundin ngunit maari namang labagin. Kadalasan, mas pinpili ang praktikalidad na nasasakop ng realidad kaysa sa moralidad sapagkat ito ay bahagi ng pangangailangan ng tao. Halimbawa, bawal tumawid

ngunit nais mong magmadali; bawal mangopya ngunit kailangang makapasa; bawal magnakaw ngunit kailangang magkapera; bawal mandaya ngunit nais manalo; bawal makipaghiwalay ngunit hindi na makatiis, bawal magpadala sa emosyon ngunit nais itong maramdaman. Samakatuwid ang realidad ay sukatan ng pagiging tao samantalang ang moralidad ay pamantayan ng mabuting pagkatao. May bagay pang mas magiging masarap sa bawal; ito ay ang pagtalima sa layon ng Maykapal. Mas masarap na magawang talikdan ang bagay na sa sarili’y nakapagpapasaya kapalit ang paggawa ng tama na sa kahinaa’y makapagpapalaya. “Sa pagiging matuwid na kawal, maiwawaksi ang tanikalang bawal, sa pagtalikod sa realidad, masisilayan ang tunay na moralidad”.

6-7 The Malolos Academe

KAKLAS-MATE

ni Marc Angelo Mangubat

iyak, marami ang sabik na pumasok sa kanilang unang taon sa kolehiyo. Iyung iba, sa sobrang excitement ay wagas ang paghahanap ng kanilang mga magiging kaklase sa Facebook. Pero sigurado ako na sa kanilang unang araw ay abot-langit ang magkahalong emosyon ng kaba at tuwa. May ilan naman na tila pasakit na naman ang pagpasok ng bagong school year. May ilan naman na tanaw na tanaw ang darating na Abril 2012 upang mapasakamay na ang minimithing diploma. ubalit di kumpleto ang buhay Escolarian kung wala ang iba’t ibang klase ng kaklase na ating nakakasama sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos. Sila ang iyong seatmate, nakakasalubong sa lobby o nakakasakay sa jeep. May ilan na nagbibigay ng saya at nagdudulot ng matinding kilig. May ilan din naman na gusto mo nang ibaon sa lupa dahil sa hate na hate mo. Halina’t kilalanin natin sila.

NINJA - Mga uri ng mag-aaral na ubod ng tahimik pagdating sa klase na wari ba’y nagtatago sa dilim lalo na tuwing recitations at pag-aasign

ng mga report sa bawat studyante. Pero ingat ka, sabi nga ng matatanda: “ingat sa mga tahimik dahil kadalasang mababaksik.” Sa sobrang tahimik

nila minsan aakalain mo na hindi sila nag-eexist. Pero malakas ang appeal ng mga tahimik dahil sa pagiging “mysterious” nila. SMARTBRO – Mga nasa top-ten na estudyante na walang pakialam sa mga kaklase kahit na ubod ingay ng mga ito. Wari’y may satellite na nagsusupply sa kanila ng kaalaman. Mala-iCore7 ang kanilang processor at Windows 7 Ultimate ang kanilang utak sa pagpipick-up ng lessons sa klase. Pero minsan nagbubuffer din naman pag may nagiinterupt sa signal (alam nyo na yon). BRO ang tawag sakanya dahil sya ang sandigan ng mga kampon ng kadiliman tuwing Quiz at Exam. PASSIVE RIVER – mga stagnant na estudyante na walang

First day of College Fever You are embarking on a brand new chapter of your lives and it’s natural to feel surge over and submerge. But help is flying around the corner and it is up to you to seize it. You woke up on your first day to find that your life has totally changed. For the n e x t f o u r years you will be a college student, when few months ago you hung out with friends in your high school p l a y ground. Suddenly it’s up to you to attend classes, handle your finances, do your laundry, sit for exams, manage your time and go hang out with friends. In other words, you’ve be-

come independent! However, as exciting as some students are to live what adults usually call “the best time of their lives,” many have their fears and worries. The change can be overwhelming, but guess what? It’s cool! It’s okay to b e

worried. I t ’ s okay to wonder if you’re in the right place or studying the right. Feeling lonely? Seems like everybody knows eve r y o n e else? Guess again. That’s not true. All students are trying to get a foot in the door

By Jona Micah V. Espejo

and you are no exception. Some show their fears and some don’t.

Opening point New students usually face many challenges when they first start college. This happens because attending college is the major turning point in young adults’ lives. It is as significant as getting married or getting a job for the first time. Helping students Adapting to the new university life is clearly not easy, which is why universities hold an orientation day for freshmen to help them get acquainted with the institutions’ rules, services, faculty and staff. Students come from various backgrounds, cultures and education systems. Holding an orientation for them would ease them into their new life slowly. During orientation students are given information about university life, they learn their rights and responsibilities meet

ginawa kung hindi sumabay sa agos ng kagustuhan ng nakararami kahit hindi niya alam kung para saan ang kanilang ginagawa. Kagandahan lang sa mga ganitong uri ng studyante ay masarap silang maging barkada dahil hindi sila pala kontra at sadyang masunurin lang sila. Kadalasan, naabuso din sila ng kapwa kamag-aral. WEEWEEZARD– Mga Studyanteng madalas na gumamit ng magic sa kanilang mga guro upang makalabas sa kanilang klase. Walang silang sawang mag “weewee”(Umihi) sa bawat subject na kanilang pinapasok. Isa sa pinaka sikat na studyante sa klase dahil kilalang kilala sila ng mga Guro dahil palagi silang nagtataas ng kanilang kamay sa klase at banggit ng Magic Spell na

“Maam, May I go out?” ATTORNEY - Sila naman ang mga mahilig manguna sa pagrereport. Pang Thesis Defense ang mga sagot nito lalo na pag sila na ang magrereport. Marami silang example sa report nila na pang husgado ang detalye. Mahirap silang kontrahin dahil daig pa nila ang teacher mangaabisado ng report nila kahit walang powerpoint presentation. Magaling rin ang mga ito gumawa ng lusot pag sila ay nalalate at mag notary public ng mga excuse let-

ters kapag kailangan sa re-admission slip. ATHLETE’S FOOT Mga basketball players, Volleyball players, badminton players atbp na kaya lang yata pumasok sa paaralan ay para maging varsity players. Mas madalas pa silang magpraktis pra sa Sportsfest (malapit na!) kaysa pumasok sa kanilang klase. Ganado at mataas ang kanilang mga grades sa Physical Education (uno!). REKLAMATION POINT – Sila ung mga

a segregated system or vice-versa - get accustomed to instructors, make new friends and live in a diverse school environment.Struggling with new-found independence, responsibility and homesickness is also expected.

healing process starts when one admits there is a problem. So, if you feel that you are stressed, cannot sleep or always worried, seek help. Students can get support from teachers, academic advisers, and most importantly from personal or students counselors. They should talk about their problems and seek

the faculty and staff and find out where to go for help. In other words, they learn all about the university’s social and academic aspects. If you are reading this now, you probably remember your orientation day, when you met the college’s dean and faculty, learned about the clubs and extracurricular activities at the university and maybe met with senior students or orientation leaders. Missing home But what is it that students encounter when they first enter college? The most common challenges students face are anxiety, stress, loneliness and homesickness. Anxiety is to be afraid of the unknown. Most new students are worried about passing a class, not graduating, not choosing the right course and not proving themselves to their families, friends and teachers. Stress is also common because of the pressure to learn how to adapt to a new educational system - if you come from

Sharing your feelings It is said that the

SPECIAL FEATURE namamaga na ung bibig sa kakareklamo sa mga simpleng problema sa eskwela. Galit kapag napasobra ang lamig ang aircon. Galit din pag nasira ang aircon o nagblackout. 180/120 ang blood pressure nila pag ang mga exam ay hindi “scantron” at puro identification at essay lamang. Dumarating sa point na mala-M16 na ang kanilang bibig sa kakareklamo sa mga student fees na binabayaran tuwing enrollment (pero nagbabayad pa din). VAIN ELEMENTAL

– Mga estudyanteng sobrang conscious sa kanilang mga sarili. Sila ang mga estudyante na di mo alam kung pupunta ba sa taping o eskwelahan dahil imbes na notebook at libro ang laman ng bag na may laman na sangkatutak anu-ano pang pampaganda. Kapag nakakasalubong mo sila eh di mo alam kung may pupuntahan ba siyang debut o party. Todo rin magspray ang mga ito ng kanilang flavors este pabango. Minsan pag nakaamoy ka ng strawberry

scent sa klase, eh alam mo na yon. INLABABO – Sila ung nag-aral upang maghanap ng lovelife. Madalas nilang Pagusapan ang kanilang buhay pag-ibig kaysa sa kanilang mga Lessons at Assignments. Minsan nalulunod na sila sa sobrang pag-papairal ng kanilang puso kaya naman minsan ay walang homework o kaya lutang sa klase lalo na pag sumasapit na ang buwan ng pebrero(yehey!). Mas Marami pa ang oras nila sa Pagte-text sa kanilang mga Irog kesa sa pagrereview sa Darating na Prelims. DUAL CITIZEN – Mga lalaking studyanteng napaka mysteryoso pagdating sa klase at bihira itong makisama sa basketball ng magbabarkada. Kadalasan ay sikat sila at “ayyy pogi!” pero kahit gaano pa kalakas ang sigaw mo ng “pogi” habang sya ay nagla-

lakad sa corridor ay hindi ito lilingon, tahimik lang at hindi ka nito papansinin kahit anong pagpapacute mo sakanya. Pero pag may mga grupo ng babaeng sumigaw ng “Giiiirrrrlll!!” at sya ay lumingon… Alam na! SNIPER – Mga studyanteng magaling umasinta ng chicks sa klase. Hindi sila Nagmimintis sa Pagkilala sa lahat ng magagandang chicks sa buong unibersidad at malamang friend niya itong lahat sa Facebook at Kadalasan alam pa niya ang mga Number nito. Kapag pumasok na sila sa klase ay mas madalas nilang tignan ung kanilang magagandang kaklase kesa sa blackboard at ang kanilang guro. At nakaabang palagi sila sa corridor upang Makahanap sila muli ng bagong target. GEEKMYTHOLOGY– mga studyanteng ihinalintulad sa libro ng mga griego. Sila ang hari ng IQ test at kabisado lahat

ng 649 na pokemon. Pag nakakita ka sa hallway mapapa ZEUS! Ka nalang As in ZEUS Maryosep! Dahil sa itchura’t katawan nitong mala Adonis na nka “geeky glasses. “ pero wag ismolin ang mga ito. Bka sya pa ang sumagot ng statistics assignment mo o kaya magulat ka sya pala ay pangulo ng Honors’ Society o kaya ang Editor in Chief ng “The Malolos Academe” JOWKLA - ang mga kwelang Beki na clown ng isang klase. Hindi mawawala sa bawat section ang isang komikera na laging may dalang mga jokes at walang katapusang pang-ookray sa kanilang mga nakikita. Minsan hindi mo alam kung classroom o comedy bar ba ang napasukan mong klase sa sobrang kwela nila. Masarap silang kasama kapag maluha-luha ka na sa lungkot at lumbay pero andyan parin sila para paiyakin

ka sa kakatawa. WARLORDS – ang mga studyanteng pumasok upang makidigma sa kanilang mga kaklase sa larangan ng DOTA. Mas Madalas silang nasa “Home Base” (Computer Shop) kaysa sa kanilang mga klase. Kapag pumasok naman sila sa klase mas marami pa ung napag-usapan nila tungkol sa Kanilang mga plano sa susunod na laro at sino-sino ang magkakampi, summary ng laro, at madalas mo rin maririnig sa kanila ang salitang “Bote-Crow, Roshan, at Jumong” at hindi nawawala sa kanilang usapan ang Magiting Bayani na si “NEVERMORE” Tiyak ako na isa sa kanila ay nakatagpo mo na. Malamang din na nakita mo ang sarili mo sa isa sa kanila. Kaya sigurado kami, na kung wala sila, walang buhay ang unibersidad.

Kriiiiing! Akala mo siguro’y maaga pa. Nagawa mo pang magmunimuni sa iyong higaan. Aba, aba, aba! Sino pa ang inaasahan mong magligpit sa iyong higaan. Pagkaligo mo’y para kang ahas na nagiiwan ng pinaghunusan sa daraanan. Uniporme, sapatos, medyas, almusal at malaking allowance... ang swerte mo nama’t handa nang lahat. Teka lang, tila may takdangaralin kang nakaligtaan. Kung may tinig lamang ang mga kuwaderno at librong hindi mo man lamang binubuklat, marahil ay matagal ka nang hiniyawan. Ang mga eksenang ito’y ilan lamang sa mga nagaganap sa buhay ng isang pangkaraniwang estudyanteng kahit kaila’y hindi na yata gumawa ng takdang-aralin. Ang paggawa ng isang takdangaralin ay kaakibat na ng buhay-eskwela at kung

ayaw mo nama’y isa lamang ang sagot diyan, tanggapin mo ang walang tigil na pagbubunganga mula sa mga magulang mong abot-langit ang pag-asang makakakuha ka ng mataas na marka. Ano ba naman kasi ang pinaggagagawa mo? Siguradong tumutok ka na naman sa tv. Paano nga naman maaalalang bisitahin ang mga takdang aralin e naibaling mo na ang iyong atensyon sa walang kapararakang bagay. Bakit di mo subukang baguhin ang “lifestyle” mo? Kung palagi ka na lamang tinatamad, narito ang ilang paraan upang ganahan ka naman sa paggawa ng iyong takdang-aralin. Piliin ang oras kung saan alam mong tapos na ang lahat ng gawaing-bahay upang hindi ka mangambala. HUWAG NA HUWAG gagawa ng takda nang may kaharap na telebisyon, cellphone,

computer, radyo at kahit anong bagay na aagaw sa iyong atensyon. Mahalaga rin ang pagpili ng tamang lugar na paggagawaan, a n g kom-

komportable na halos ikaantok mo na. Sa paggawa ng takdang-aralin, siguraduhing bago matulog ay nabisita nang lhat ang mga kuwade r n o at nakapagadvance reading na rin para sa bagong aralin kinabukasan. Bukod sa mga nabanggit na, maaari mo namang gawin ang iyong takdangaralin sa iyong paaralan kung bakante ang iyong oras. Tandaan, oras ay tipirin pagkat ginto ang kahambing.

Style mo bulok, Baguhin mo na

by Cathy I. Arabis

assistance. These issues are easy to handle with professional support and are hard to solve on their own. Last words Enjoying college life is a combination of many elements: choosing the right course, making friends, enjoying independence and learning

new things. We need to succeed in college because the correlation is high between happiness and success. Happiness is a mental decision we make, followed by some actions we take and some bad habits we break. So enjoy your college life as much as you can.

portable, tahimik at maaliwalas na lugar ay makapagpapanatili sa iyong konsentrasyon.Bagamat dapat na maging komportable ang lugar, huwag namang napaka-

8 The Malolos Academe

SPECIAL FEATURE

MisEducation: The State of Philippine Education

by Jose Dennio Lim Jr.

This school year saw more than 100 colleges and universities increase their tuition fees and/or imposed new miscellaneous fees on their students. Often, school administrators justify the need for such increases so they can give higher salaries for their faculty and employees, improve school facilities, catch up with the rising cost of goods, materials and school maintenance and to improve the quality of education. While these are seemingly valid reasons, one must not easily take it as it is. There is a need to look beyond the obvious and understand the situation better. ‘Colonial’ The Philippine educational system is and has always been directed towards serving foreign interests and the privileged few instead of gearing it up to serve the Filipino masses. One example of this is the implementation of K+12 Basic Education – one of the centerpiece programs of the current administration. The DepEd says that an additional two years in basic education is aimed at improving the technical-vocational skills of our youth through subjects such as arts, aquaculture and agriculture, among others. The new education cycle, it said, would let students graduate at the age of 18 and ensure that they land a job here or abroad, making students employable even without finishing college. Clearly, this program coincides with the government’s labor export and migration policy which is about providing cheap skilled and semiskilled labor for foreign needs. The government is not keen on build-

ing our local economy and generates decent jobs that our country needs. That’s why graduates, whether college or high school, will have no other choice but to look for ‘greener pastures’ abroad. In the end, the basic education curriculum is ‘enhanced’ by making sure that we supply demands of the “international labor market for semiskilled labor” (e.g. welders, caregivers, plumbers). Commercialized Education Thus, because of the inherent colonial character of education, commercialization of education is inevitable. It is being re-oriented from being a guaranteed right for all to becoming a mere ‘product’ or ‘commodity’ that can only be accessed by the privileged few. This can be seen at the current number of private colleges and universities (1,573) vis-a-vis the number of state universities and colleges (110). With the implementation of K+12, the government has more reasons to reduce subsidies for SUCs or simply privatize them because more students would prefer to just work after high school (because most can’t afford college). The main motive has veered away from providing quality and accessible education to amassing huge profits through the imposition of high tuition and miscellaneous fees. This is aside from the fact that schools only offer popular courses not just because this is what the ‘globalized economy’ needs but because this is also profitable. A college student nowadays have to pay an average tuition fee of P22,552.38 per semester. This does not include other expenses on miscel-

laneous fees, books, school materials and daily allowance. This is made even worse by the almost annual increase on tuition fees or, if they defer such, they implement ridiculously high and redundant miscellaneous fees. (see sidebar) Despite this, high cost of education cannot be automatically equated with quality education. One proof is the steady decline in the number of board passers in licensure exams every year which is most noticeable in popular courses like nursing, education and engineering. It is also worthy to take note that in recent years, private colleges and universities have become such a lofty investment that big names in businesses are buying up these schools. In fact, for the past decade, several private universities and colleges have consistently made it to the Top 1000 Corporations in the Philippines. Even some owners of these institutions have made it to the top richest Filipinos in recent years. The right to education is guaranteed by the 1987 Constitution. However, many have found ways to subvert the constitution. The government has stripped its power to regulate the imposition of high tuition and miscellaneous fees by implementing laws such as the Education Act of 1982 and CHED Memorandum Order 13 which allows private schools to determine the rate of its tuition and other charges even without consultation. But some, even if consultations are held, students are still obliged to pay the increase even if they disagree. Alternative Education is an important foun-

dation in nation-building. It primarily trains, builds and develops the youth to create a new generation of Filipinos that will contribute to lasting and progressive national development. Unless the government reverses its present education policies and works for the establishment of an educational system that truly addresses and caters to the needs of the Filipino youth and Philippine society, the changes it would implement are not necessarily the changes we genuinely need. We need to make sure that every Filipino will have quality and accessible education at all levels. The government continually neglects this by implementing dubious and there is also an urgent task to pursue for a nationalist, scientific and mass oriented educational system. But, this will not happen with a stroke of a pen. It is only possible through the people’s collective struggle to defend and assert our right to education.

“…the education of the Filipino must be a Filipino education. It must be based on the needs of the nation and the goals of the nation. The object is not merely to produce men and women who can read and write or who can add and subtract. The primary object is to produce a citizenry that appreciates and is conscious of its nationhood and has national goals for the betterment of the community…” - Renato Constantino

Illustration by Norman Santos

Programang K+12: May Katuturan Ba?

kinintal ng pambansang bayani na si Dr. Jose Rizal sa isipan ng bawat kabataan ang isang responsibilidad na iahon ang bansang Pilipinas mula sa kasadlakan sa kahirapan. Ito ay isang bisyon na maikakabit sa palasak na kasabihang, “ang kabataan ang pagasa ng bayan.” Inaasahan ang mga kabataan na magsisilbing daan tungo sa pagkakaroon ng isang bansang matuwid. Kung kaya’t ang edukasyon ang itinuturing na pinakamabisang paraan upang mapaunlad ang Pilipinas. Sa kalagayan ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas, hindi lahat ng mga kabataan ay nabibigyan kaagad ng trabaho pagkatapos makuha ang katibayan ng pagtatapos o diploma. Kung susuriin,

ang kailangan upang mapadali ang pagkuha ng trabaho pagkatapos mapagtagumpayan ang kursong pinagaralan ay ang nilalayong pagpapatupad ng Pangulong Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III ng isang programang tinatawag na K+12 Ang K+12 ay isang programa na tumatalakay sa pagdaragdag ng dalawang higit pang taon sa pangunahing edukasyon sa bansa. Sa halip na anim na taon sa elementarya o mababang paaralan at apat na taon sa sekondarya o mataas na paaralan, madadagdagan ito ng dalawang taon pa mula sa ikaapat na antas sa sekondarya o mataas na paaralan. Magkakaroon ng dagdag na mga

asignatura na magpapakilala sa mga kasanayang bokasyonal at teknikal tulad halimbawa ng paghihinang, operasyon sa makina at mga pagsasanay para maging tekniko ng kompyuter at tekniko ng elektronik. Masasabi na ang pagkakaroon ng K+12 ay mapapadali ang paghahanap ng trabaho dahil kaya na nitong makipagsabayan sa mga tao sa ibang bansa na hindi na kinakailangang mag-aral pa ng dalawang taon. May sapat na kaalaman na ang mga Pilipino ukol sa mga ibang bagay na magiging sanhi ng pagkakaroon kaagad ng trabaho na tutugma sa kanilang napagtapusan. Tunay nga na masasalamin ang ka-

ni Marly Nicorina Lopez

pakinabangan at kagandahang hatid ng K+12. Sa tulong nito, mapagyayabong ng bawat kabataan ang kanilang mga kaalaman at kakayahan. Ang K+12 ang kanilang magiging matatag na pundasyon ukol sa pagkakaroon ng maayos na estado ng pamumuhay. Subalit makikita din sa K+12 ang pagsasa-alang-alang ng salapi na ilalaan sa pag-aaral ng bawat kabataan. Bagama’t may mga kabataan sa kasalukuyan na hindi nakakapag-aral dahil sa kawalang pinansyal, isang malaking hamon sa lahat ang kung paano malulunasan at malalabanan ang kahirapan sa pamamagitan din ng edukasyon sa kasalukuyang panahon.

CULTURE

9 The Malolos Academe

Isanlibong Lumilipad ( True -to -life Story )

“Kuya, kuya, nakakita ka na ba ng isanlibong lumilipad?” Deadma. “Kuya, kuya..”, (kung maka-kalabit). “Hmm?” “Nakakita ka na ba ng isanlibong lumilipad?” “Isanlibong ano?” “Isanlibo. ‘Yung pera?” “Ah. Hindi pa.” “Talaga? Kasi ako... nakakita na.” Kung marunong kang magbasa, basahin mo ‘to. Hindi kita pinipilit, pero pakiusap lang. Ang iyong mababasa ay kwento ng isang bata na itago nalang natin sa pangalang Dino. Kaya ko lang naman tinago kasi ‘di ko naman talaga alam ang pangalan n’ya. Isa s’yang takatak vendor na nakasabay ko sa isang jeep, na halos lahat yata ng flavor ng Dynamite na kendi ay tinda n’ya – mint, lemon, strawberry, pati yata malunggay flavor mayroon s’ya, bukod sa mga sigarilyo at mga maning hubad sa gilid ng kanyang sisidlan. ‘Di karungisan si Dino. Mapupungay ang mga mata. Makikita sa kanyang hubog na mukha at katawan ang kamusmusan na sa murang edad na sampu ay pinipilit nang maghanap-buhay. Nakaupo kaming dalawa sa dulo ng jeep. Mahirap naman kasi kung nakatayo. Nakakatakot pa nga noong una kasi

ni Roseller Simbulan Jr. mukha s’yang magnanakaw. Bukod kasi nakatitig s’ya sa nakaluwang wallet sa aking bulsa, ay hindi pa maganda ang tingin sa akin. Naiba ang aking impresyon noong s’ya ay nagsalita nang may pumarang babae para bumaba. “Ingat po, Ate.” Akala ko ay kilala n’ya ang babaeng bumaba ng jeep, hanggang sa may isa pang bumaba na lalaki. “Ingat po, Kuya.” Sa isip isip ko lang. Aba! Kamusta naman itong bata ito. S’ya ba ang napiling tagasabi ng “Ingat.” sa mga bumababa sa jeep na ito? Nangingiti lahat ng pasahero sa kanya, hindi ko alam kung nababaitan sila o trip lang nilang ngumiti. Sa kalagitnaan ng ingay ng tambutso. “Kuya, kuya, nakakita ka na ba ng isanlibong lumilipad?” Deadma. “Kuya, kuya..”, (kung maka-kalabit). “Hmm?” “Nakakita ka na ba ng isanlibong lumilipad?” “Isanlibong ano?” “Isanlibo. ‘Yung pera?” “Ah. Hindi pa.” “Talaga? Kasi ako... nakakita na.” O ‘di ba paulit ulit. Para maintindihan mo ang buong istorya. Naglaro sa aking isipan kung ano ang mayroon sa isang libong

A Plea Left Unheard “A person who won’t read has no advantage over one who can’t read. Mark Twain” The quote appeared to me in a subtle atmosphere. I was busy doing nothing, stationed at the door of a deserted classroom. I glanced over the bookshelf, and saw this quote by Mark Twain. It came to my senses, it rushed through my veins, and it pummeled my brain like a battering ram. Where are the readers? Then Mark Twain’s quote must have been in vain. This generation sulks in forfeit of their perspectives and reasoning. Then if Mark Twain’s proposal is true, then we are all but imbeciles in our own skin. Do you read? If I may ask politely, rid from the tedious judgment of my own mind. Do you really read? And if you do, what kind of articles, books do you read? Do you read books that exercise the mind? Do you read books that stimulate the rebel in you? Do you assert yourself in a semantic position whilst reading? I do not know, perhaps some, but the vast majority does not. The books in the library sleep like a forlorn child in the shelves. They are sullied by the dust, and the pages yearn to be opened and to be read at

by Windsor Guadalupe Jr. least once in a while. Do you own books? Do you eat and digest the morals, the inscriptions, the lessons from a stranger’s mouth? I think not. I deduce that I exist in a generation whereas people only read books just to look smart. People read books because they have to, in the spite of coercion. That depresses me, more than you’ll ever know. Once in a while I visit the library, but not too often, because I am preoccupied by so much by the pretense of school work. I laugh myself to it because I easily manage to deceive others. I deserve a medal. Kidding aside, whenever I visit the library, I don’t get books from the shelves. Apparently, there are no books to read there. Only references. I don’t like reference books, because they carry facts. Facts embolden my mind, but things that can be changed by imagination embolden me even more. It even empowers me, and I myself, am overwhelmed by the inspiration it gives when I get to think, rather than memorize while reading. So, I always make sure that I have a book with me. May it be Paolo Coehlo’s or JD Salinger’s. If I don’t carry a book with me, then I must be there for the air conditioning unit’s

perang papel na lumilipad. Bukod kasi sa hindi ko naman tinatanong kung nakakita na s’ya o hindi, ay napansin kong nangilid ang kanyang mga luha habang binibigkas ang kanyang punchlines. Habang pauwi galing sa palengke, naisipan ng kanyang ina na ipapalit ang kanyang kinita para sa kanyang ipon sa pagtitinda ng isda. Isanlibo at mga barya. Ulila na s’ya sa ama dahil namatay ito ng maaga matapos s’yang ipanganak. Mayroon din s’yang nakakatandang kapatid nguni’t namatay din ito dahil sa karamdaman. Nakakita s’ya ng nagtitinda ng dirty ice cream sa gilid ng kalsada. Humingi s’ya ng barya sa kanyang ina upang bumili. Sabi ng kanyang ina ay mauuna na itong tumawid at hihintayin na lamang sa kabilang kanto. Nang tatawid na ang kanyang inang pagod na pagod sa kalsada ay hindi n’ya napansin ang paparating na malaking traktora. Nasagasaan ito. Nabitawan ang isanlibong perang papel na hawak, at lumipad papunta walang malay na anak. Tumingala si Dino sa nakitang perang papel na lumilipad na huminto sa kanyang harapan. Hindi n’ya ito pinansin. Pagtalikod n’ya paharap ng kalsada ay nagkakagulo ang mga tao. Mga taong walang kayang gawin upang iligtas ang buhay na naghihingalo. Hinawi ng bata ang lahat ng baywang na makita n’ya hanggang sa masilayan n’ya ang kanyang inang nakahandusay sa malamig na lupa, na walang malay at patay na. Mabilis lamang ang kanyang pagsasalaysay, kasing bilis ng ti-

bok ng aking puso ng mga sandaling iyon. Hindi ko na inisip kung niloloko ba ako ni Dino o hindi. Hindi ko na pinansin kung nagpapaawa ba s’ya o hindi. Hindi ko naisip kung gaano kasakit ang sinapit n’ya. Hindi ko na rin natanong kung saan s’ya nakatira at kung ilang taon s’ya noong nangyari iyon. Ang tanging naisip ko lang ay ang ipinapakitang katatagan ng isang musmos na bata. Sa kabila ng masaklap na pangyayari sa kanyang buhay ay nakukuha pa n’yang ngumiti ng tunay at makipagkapwa-tao. Hindi n’ya naisip na ipariwara ang kanyang buhay, samantalang ang ibang kabataan ay nasasangkot pa sa masama samantalang nasa kanila na ang lahat ng kanilang kailangan at gusto – pamilya, kaibigan, edukasyon, salapi, karangyaan, pag-ibig at Facebook. ‘Wag kang mag-alala. Hindi mo kasalanan ang nangyari kay Dino. Kung bakit sila mahirap at kung bakit namatay ang mga mahal n’ya sa buhay. Hindi rin n’ya ginustong maging dukha at dumi sa lipunan. Mahalin mo ang buhay mo. Mahalin ang ina at ama at mga kapatid. Magpatawad. Mag-aral ng mabuti. Magtipid. Bawasan ang mga luho. Maghinay hinay sa pagibig. At gawing minsanan ang pago-online sa Facebook. Walang malas na isinilang. Isa ka lang sa mga mas masuswerteng ipinanganak dito sa daigdig. Ikaw? Nakakita ka na ba ng isanlibong lumilipad? Ako kasi hindi pa, at ayaw kong makakita kahit kailan.

pleasantries. I love the smell of air conditioning units, I really do. And whenever I survey the library, I am always in discontent. Some in front of laptops. Some in front of gadgets. Others chirping and chatting, blabbering and sometimes talking gibberish. Kidding. Some people go there just to dose off. I am in deep disappointment. What happened to us? Heck, we are not obliged to read books, but what are we doing? Have we forgotten our own whim? I always believe that one must be one with his whim, one must be a spouse of his sight, yet these gifts are off to nowhere. I surmise I live in a generation where cars meant more than books, that vivid hues inspire more than stimulating articles. I am not urging you to read, but at least, try. You are more than lucky to be able to read. If I can’t read, I’d feel naked. I’d feel stupid and isolated. That sucks. Being unable to read? Man, can you feel the shame it brings? That would definitely weaken my morale. Perhaps Mark Twain was right. People who don’t read books and people who can’t read at all have no significant difference in between. It’s like, trying to whiten your dark skin in front of the mirror. (No racism intended. Figurative speech.) So let me ask you this. What rouses you? Is it the cover of The Malolos Academe’s paper? Or is it the content that jolts you? Which would you prefer: An elegantly bound book but in a language that you can’t read? Or a

book poorly garnished, but with lessons worth knowing and applying? Ask yourself. Nah, I’d go with an elegantly bound book. That would make the people jealous because I have a book with a grand cover. That would make them drool. (Smiles) Well, you must be I don’t know, 17 years old or something so I don’t have to explain the importance of reading. You’re not stupid. You’re a grown-up. You should know this. Should you take reading for granted? You don’t even have to answer. The way I see it, lots of students are taking reading books for granted. It’s like you only read books when you need something from it. That doesn’t inspire me, at all. You view books as a necessity. For me, it’s a privilege. It’s a privilege that you can abuse, and when you abuse it, there’d be no harm done. It would be of greater good than harm. I am not one to kneel flat on my knees like a child in prayer and beg you to read the school’s publication. It’s your own choice, and besides, you pay 50 pesos for the school’s publication. And in exchange, we try hard enough to at least be as interesting as possible for you guys. Pare, wag mong sayangin 50 pesos mo. Magbasa ka naman ng kaunti.. Sayang kasi. Di mo naman ikamamatay magbasa. Nah, I think I’ll have to beg. PLEASE READ THE SCHOOL PAPER. It kicks so much butt. (I think.)

“Ingat po mga Ate at Kuya.”

10 The Malolos Academe

“Panimula” By Cathy Arabis

Nais kong maarok ang rurok ng kabundukan Kung ito lamang ang sagot sa inaasam kong karangalan. Ibig kong pumalaot sa paglubog ng araw Bilang panimula sa hinaharap kong tagumpay. Minsan kong tinangkang sirain ang karagatan Sa pag-aakalang maihuhulma ko ang katanyagan. Hinawi ko na ang ulap upang masilip si Bathala Maitanong lamang ang buhay at kanyang hiwaga. Sa bawat pagpatak ng ulan at pagsikat ng araw Sa luha, hapdi, uhaw, tumatawag pa rin ng tanglaw! Nakapapagod ang paglalakbay, paghahanap sa kawalan O panimula, kay hirap mong hanapin upang ika’y sundan. Tapos na. Mahina kong katawa’y nakalatag na Sa pagpikit ng mga mata ba’t dilim pa rin ang nakikita? Nais ko nang sumuko ngunit ang buhay ay patungo Nais ko nang mamahinga ngunit tagumpay nagpapahabol pa! Kay ilap na sa tao, hambog kong maituturing Ngunit di ako susuko, pilit kitang hahabulin. Susundan ko iyong mga yabag at pilit yayakapin Isa ko lamang panimula sa karangalang aking dadampiin.

E2 (Education Expression) By Jona Micah V. Espejo

Education is “X” our leaders spoiled system Government spend the money “Y” on other things That’s not for education They raise taxes “Z” on people That can’t afford it. Where: X (SPOILED SYSTEM) = Y+Z Government raises their own wages Instead of cutting them as they should do Others lose all they got That they worked all their life All spent into taxes that’s not needed for education. Infinity ∞ is the value of Philippine Education But knowledge is not gain by the nation When allocation is less than the need Try to ask INFINITY for the value of commercialized. EDUCATION = less budget NEED!

Pilipino Ka nga By Patatas

Pangarap mo’y kasarapan Ibsan itong mahirap na buhay Lininang nitong bayan Iyong malayang kaisipan Pagmamahal sa Inang bayan Iyong tinalikdan Nasaan na ang iyong katapatan Oh Pilipino ka pa namang tinawag Kahapo’y pag masdan Alalahanin ang nakaraan Ninunong nag buwis ng buhay Ginhawa nilay iniwan Ang nasa isip ay iyong kalayaan....

LITERARY

“Fragments of Morality” By Jarkie J. Miranda

How immense education is that we should invest? To uphold a bright future, to bring out what is best For in the crucial climb holistic learning was at stake To put a mind into righteousness, to lead it not to mistake. Academic excellence is not worth a great deal If it manifest intelligence but then lacks a good will For what does it profit a wise man to earn a living If he doesn’t learn to value the life of every human being? Education comes with man so as to make him whole But to pervert it into wickedness, I would rather be a fool! For education constituents not only the intellect But also the moral values one must not neglect. These are the fragments that educators must see In order to train students on how good they can be Values in exchange for wisdom must never be sacrificed For knowledge without morality can never be sufficed! In the teaching profession, there’s a thing to impart That young minds must be heedful of a learner’s missing part Particles of integrity must be instilled in the pedagogy So as to mend the fragments of man’s morality. Photo by Carlo Celon

11 The Malolos Academe

COMICS

by Sixto Villanueva

Herwin Cabasal... from page 12 His other entry “Pledge” for the Fair Societies category was quite controversial when it showed the world about how Filipino Catholic devotees fervently express their faith.

Pag-’Amen’

JARK’S BRAIN TEASERS

by Jarkie Miranda

Welcome to another world of mind teasing and optical illusion. Brace your eyes, open your mind, get ready to enter . . . “Jarks’ Brain. Stare at this image as long as you can...

Pretend that they are stairs... Now, imagine yourself walking in a clockwise fashion. These stairs NEVER end! You will go up and up and up.

Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe Illusion: When you look at this picture close range you see Albert Einstein. Now stand up and take several steps back, roughly 15 feet away, It will become... Marilyn Monroe!

IN FOCUS

Stare at this image as long as you can...

VOXPOPULI

Send in your opinions and feedback via SMS! Type in your Name, Student Number and Course together with your message and send it to:

09065340329

We shall publish your messages in the next issue.

“Hope” by Fevie Jean Sanchez

1. Ano ang inyong masasabi sa unang isyu ng The Malolos Academe? 2. Kamusta na ang inyong mga college shirt? 3. Kung ikaw si PNoy, ano ang iyong gagawin para sa sektor ng edukasyon?

The early years In an interview, he shared that as a young child he already had interest in the industry of the media arts wherein most of his school activities during elementary and high school are related to entertainment or production. “I used to direct theater productions in school. I used to be a journalist in a community newspaper and school paper. I used to be a news anchor in a local radio station. I used to direct short films when was in college. Simply to say, I adore Mass Communication at all aspects so no wonder why I took such course in Centro Escolar University,” he said. It was also during his stay at CEU Malolos where his dream to become a filmmaker started. “During my stay in CEU, the experiences there already prepared me to my chosen path. I had a chance to make two short film exercises in our major subjects. That literally led me to such interest that I have right now.” An impassioned media practitioner Aside from joining the film contest, Herwin currently works as a Segment Producer at ABS-CBN. He had also pursued higher studies in TV production and filmmaking at the Asia Pacific Film Institute. He is also active in doing work for non-government organizations and serving local communities in Hagonoy. He is one of the convenors of Hagonoy Young Leaders Program, a non-profit youthoriented organization that advocates servant-leadership among young Bulakenyos of which he is the current Media Productions Unit Head. As part of his greater commitment to serve communities, he had also founded Imahegonoenyo Film Festival, a community film screening in which he goes to different barangays and conducts free screenings on films that would inspire the people to make a difference. His message Herwin believes that every youth, especially Escolarians, have a big responsibility to society. They should do their best as a student, know their passions in life and be use it to help and inspire others. “Know what you want in life and be determined to achieve it. But that should be something that you are passionate about and can be shared to help and inspire other people. Through that, you can make a difference.” he added.

NEWS

12 The Malolos Academe

Sports Fest 2011 preparations underway

by Mark Anthony Sarino

Athletes from the College of Management and Technology practice for the upcoming Sportfest 2011 at the CEU Centrodome. The Sportsfest is a much-awaited annual sports event that showcases talent and sportsmanship of Escolarians.

Photo by Carlo Celon

Malolos Escolarians will once again witness exhilarating face-offs in ball games, indoor games, battle cries, and other sports competitions at the Sports Fest 2011 on September 7-10. The preparations for CEU Malolos’ biggest sporting event started with a General Orientation last August 2. This year’s Sports Fest committee is chaired by Ms. Rosario Santos with Mrs. Elvira Borlongan as co-chair. Their student counterparts are James Patrick Bautista and Pia Teano respectively. Rules and regulations for the different games were discussed to avoid any confusion and misunderstanding. Asked about this year’s expectations for the Sports Fest, “Expected na mas maganda at mas bongga at itatry na maging mas better pa,” James Patrick Bautista said in an interview. As part of the preparations, an annual draft was held last August 24,

2011. This was to distribute the different basketball varsity players to play for the different colleges to avoid the concentration of varsity players on a particular college. Meanwhile, last year’s festivity was filled with suspense and excitement as every game took the audience off their feet. Despite the College of Hospitality Management bagging the championship in men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball, College of Management and Technology emerged as the overall champions. Can the Executives go on with the crown on their side or is it time for the Liberators, Travelers, or Specialists to take over? Who will gain supremacy and which team will regain the reign? Find out more on the very day when Sports Fest 2011 officially begins.

Herwin Cabasal:

A Visionary Filmmaker

by Jose Dennio Lim Jr.

Four of his short documentary films made Herwin Cabasal one of the strong contenders in the recently concluded Possible Futures Film Festival based in San Francisco, California. Herwin Cabasal, a 24 year-old filmmaker from Hagonoy, Bulacan and a Mass Communications graduate from Centro Escolar University Malolos, was one of the two filmmakers from the Philippines who made it to the contest. The competition is a global film contest which challenges filmmakers from around the world to reveal visions of a positive future through film. With a total of 317 films entries from 44 countries, each contestant is allowed to submit entries for the contest’s four categories: “Peace and Freedom, Fair Societies, Sustainability and Beyond, and Human Fulfilment.” “This is something that I am always looking for as a filmmaker. I believe that this is an ideal venue to show my own vision for the future- a kind of vision that I dream for and hope for,” Cabasal told The Malolos Academe.

His entries included “Stewards” for the Sustainability and Beyond category which tackles ‘human connections to [the] environment’ wherein he documented a group of soldiers youth in their Mangrove Tree Growing Project. Another entry which was “Tactics” for the Peace and Freedom category showed how soldiers help the Filipino youth to be part of developing a free and peaceful nation, Falling under the category Human Fulfillment category, “Starfish” was about the story of “a young servant-leader and her vision in her own community through an advocacy of youth empowerment as part of nation-building.” Continued on page 11 >>

Dr. Ferdinand Magpayo leads the Annual Draft last August 24. Varsity players are drafted by four teams to balance their strength. Photo by Carlo Celon

CHM, PDN hope for Level 1 Accreditation The College of Hospitality Management (CHM) and Pharmacy, Dentistry, Nursing (PDN) departments are hoping for the approval of the Level 1 Accreditation status by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). Last July 20-22, 2011, a team from PACUCOA conducted a Preliminary Visit. They have assessed nine key areas needed for the accreditation: Philosophy and Objectives, Library, Faculty, Instruction, Laboratory, Physical Plant and Facilities, Student Personnel Services, Organization and Administration and Social Orientation and

by Michael Ge-Ray Punzalan

Community Involvement. As a part of the process, students and faculty members from the CHM and PDN attended the Dialogue wherein the panel of the surveying team raised questions to assess the the knowledge about the vision-missions and core values of the university; the status of the current activities and the performance of the professors of the colleges. Students raised their insights on the status of the services provided by the university specifically the Library, Security, Facilities and Canteen. The results of the accreditation status will be released within six months time.