The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
Volume 14 No. 1
The Mentors’ Journal
The Mentors’ Journal
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
PRC releases April 2010 LET results
BulSU-COEd falls short Ruby Rose R. Cruz and Jessica Dalangin
BulSU-COEd got an overall passing rate of 21% for Elementary and 31% for secondary education based on the results of the April 2010 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) released by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) and the Board of Professional Teachers (BPT) last May 21. “Talagang mababa yung performance [ng COEd graduates] ngayon. Ang talagang nagpababa ay yung mga repeater, hindi naman kasi sila kasali sa new curriculum. Yung
Elementary
Passed 17
First timers Failed Total 15 32
Passed 43
First timers Failed Total 34 77
% 53
Passed 27
Secondary
mga first timers naman ay matataas,” said Dean Luzviminda F. Tantoco when asked about the current performance of the college in the LET. Out of 31,306 examinees, 4,835 elementary teachers (15.44%), four Accelerated Teacher Education Program (A.T.E.P.) graduates out of 109
% 56
Passed 49
examinees (3.67%) and 6,483 secondary teachers out of 27,802 examinees (23.32%) passed the said examination aministered in April 18 in 13 testing centers all over the Philippines and in Hongkong. “May mga review namang ginagawa sa college para ma-improve ang performance,” added Tantoco.n
Source: Department of Budget and Management , The Philippine Star
Ruth Gladyz De Guzman and Carlyd Mae De Jesus
Distribution of 2010 Educational Budget Commission Budget per Billion DepEd 161.4 SUC 22.4 School Building Program TOTAL The 2010 educational budget doubled from P90B in 2001 to P180B starting 2010 under the administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. “The budget increase in education showed that the national government is again putting premium on quality education which is one of the basic services Filipinos should be enjoying,” said former Administration Senator Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate Committee on
2 News
% 15
Overall performance Passed Failed Total 44 165 209
% 21
% 22
Overall performance Passed Failed Total 92 208 300
% 31
Source: www.pinoyboardresults.com
2010 Educational Budget 2010 Educational Budget doubles to P180B Doubled to P180B
Repeaters Failed Total 150 177
2 185.8
Finance. The Department of Education (DepEd) was allocated with P161.4B, the State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) with P22.4B and School Building Program with P2M. BulSU was allotted with P171M from the general funds of the SUCs for the administration and support to operations including locally funded projects. Ema Mendoza, administrative officer, said
Percentage 87% 12% 1% 100%
that since January, BulSU partially receives P13M monthly. Laura Gonzales, supervising officer of administration for budget, meanwhile, asserted that P182M was allocated for BulSU this 2010 in which P137M will cover the salary, benefits and other compensations of employees, P42M for maintenance and repair in the university, and the remaining P3M for building improvement. n
Repeaters Failed Total 174 223
COEd conducts annual ST seminar Ruby Rose R. Cruz
As a preliminary step before one engages in the field of teaching, the College of Education conducted the annual seminar on student teaching for incoming fourth year students of BulSU Main and Meneses campuses last June 8-10 at the rooftop of Roxas Hall. Keynote speaker, Dr. Zenia G. Mostoles, Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Malolos, discussed the present curriculum in the education setting. The lecturing of different topics began when Ms. Eufrocina C. Dionisio, principal of Barasoain Memorial Elementary School, talked about the expectations of cooperating schools/ teachers from the student teachers. After that, Mr. Romelie C. Ramos, principal of Bagna Elementary School, ended the day when he talked about the behavior, values, and attitudes of a teacher. Open forums were done to ensure the clarity of the matters discussed. The succeeding day featured a parallel session of BSEd and BEEd students. Ms. Teresita D. de Martin, principal of Taal High School, discussed instructional and classroom management among the BSEd students. After that, Mr. Virgilio E. Constantino, principal of Pinalagdan High School, gave a lecture
about the parts and the essentials of writing lesson plans for teachers. In the afternoon session, Mr. Khristian Liwanag, head teacher of TLE in Dr. Felipe de Jesus National High School, discussed test construction and evaluation in the different types of written tests. He also gave some pointers to consider in constructing test questions. Dr. Dominador M. Cabrera, ES-Science in the Division of Bulacan discussed the innovations in secondary school afterwards. BEEd students, meanwhile, had the same topics with Ms. Priscilla San Miguel-Navarro, Ms. Gliceria S. Reyes, principal of Sagrada Familia Elementary School, Ms. Rosario L. Martin, principal of Pulong Gubat Elementary School, respectively. While Ms. Monalisa M. Villanueva, principal of San Nicolas Elementary School, talked about innovations in elementary school. On the third and final day of the seminar, Dr. Florita B. Santos, principal of Jose J. Mariano Memorial High School, talked about good grooming and personality development. It was immediately succeded by the last lecture of Dr. Germelina H. Pascual, assistant schools division superintendent of Bulacan, on the code of ethics and recruitment of teachers. n Volume 14 No. 1
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
The Mentors’ Journal
JST leads to forming writers’ guild Crisanta R. Pontejos
With the theme “One Pen, One Nation, One Journal”, the College Editors of the Philippines (CEGP) Bulacan, The Nurses’ Notes, the official student publication of the College of Nursing, The Mentors’ Journal, the official student publication of College of Education, Youth Jam, and Kabataan Partylist conducted a Journalism Skills Training (JST) at the BulSU Hostel last April 12. Members of different organizations and student publications from BulSU, STI Meycauayan, Dr. Yanga’s Colleges Inc., and Centro Escolar University, attended the said event. Faye delos Santos, Youth Jam provincial coordinator, and Vijae Alquisola, former CEGP national president, discussed about
national and youth situations and campus journalism management on the morning session. Larissa Mae Suarez and Ma. Rosa Cer dela Cruz, former editor-in-chief and features editor of Philippine Collegian, talked about news and feature writing followed by Makata ng Taon 2010 David Michael San Juan and Jose del Rosario III who gave a lecture on editorial writing and layouting respectively. After the discussions, the said organizations and publications thought of solidifying their talents and forming an organization called Bulacan Young Writers’ Guild led by The Nurses’ Notes and The Mentors’ Journal. “Gusto naming makabuo ng organization dito sa Bulacan para mag-
Bukambibig
SA NAKARAANG BAKASYON, ISA SA PINAGHANDAAN AT PINAG-USAPAN NG BUONG BANSA ANG KAUNAUNAHANG AUTOMATED ELECTIONS AT ANG NAGING RESULTA NITO. BILANG MAG-AARAL NA LUMAHOK SA NASABING KASAYSAYAN, ANO ANG MASASABI MO SA NAGANAP NA AUTOMATED ELECTIONS AT SA NAGING RESULTA NITO? “ Sa tingin ko naging matagumpay naman ang automated elections at walang dayaang naganap.” Marrielle D. Manuel, BSEd 4F “Mabilis nakarating yung results sa local kasi di pa tapos maglagay ng thumbmark yung mga BEI, nagpapaputok na sa munisipyo kasi nakapag-proclaim na ng nanalo. Tungkol naman sa results, syempre di maiiwasang may duda kasi first time nating maging automated ang election. Obi Reyes, BSEd 4G “I think the automated elections last May was not [administered] perfectly. Of course, there were still some errors–cheating tactics happened.I can say [that] I’m lucky to be part of the first automated elections in the Philippines and I voted wisely.” Margaret P. Alarcon, BSEd 4K
Volume 14 No. 1
Former CEGP National President Vijae Alquisola discussed Campus Journalism Management among the 61 participants.
karoon ng voice yung mga kabataan na ma-establish ang kanilang mga social and political issues na may mas malalim pang dahilan,
nasa process kasi, open siya sa lahat ng member ng publication at saka open din sa mga highschool. Sa ngayon pinag-
uusapan pa namin para ma-well establish,” said Ma. Concepcion Gaba, former Managing Editor of The Nurses’ Notes. n
“Hindi maganda, nagkaroon din ng dayaan. Matagal naiproklama ang tunay na nanalo.” Ferdie Lonn Quiton, BSEd 4F
“Mga interesting topics at sana ay lalo pa kaming maligayahan at maaliw sa aming mababasa--more pins to come.” Jenny Ramirez, BEEd 1B
“Masasabi ko na effective ang naisip nilang way para mas mapadali ang proseso ng eleksyon. Sa resulta, no doubt na hindi naman nagkaroon ng dayaan.” Carla Marie B. Marmol, BSEd 4J
“Malalaman namin yung mga issues tungkol sa college pati na yung mga projects ng organizations sa COEd.” Jose Israel Aguilar, BSEd
“Mas malinis yung naganap na eleksyon now kesa dati, obvious naman, madami ang maagang nag -concede na candidates at madami na-proclaim the day after eleksyon, di gaya dati.” Marjone Anne Tolentino, BSEd 4F “Kahit na di pa rin convinced ang ilan sa credibility nito, tingin ko most of its concerns are met. Isa pa, napabilis talaga ang resulta.” Mary Joyce Camille P. Maclang, BSEd 4H
“Mga tips para mapabuti ang pagaaral namin at encouragements para magpatuloy kami sa profession na ito, marami na kasi ang pinanghihinaan ng loob.” Rosemarie Gumafelix, BSEd 1J “Ilagay sana ng Mentors yung mga paraan ng pagtuturo at pieces of advice from the teachers na maaring makatulong sa aming mga estudyante.” Richelle Joyce Lim, BSEd 1I
ANONG INAASAHAN MO SA THE MENTORS’ JOURNAL NGAYONG SEMESTER?
“Anything that may inspire us as future teachers para hindi maging mediocre at para hindi lang mag-settle kung ano ang meron.” Angeli Sasing, BEEd 3A
“Malalaman namin yung mga activity at balita pati na mga achievements at positive views sa COEd.” Kedin Kaye Claro. BSEd 1K
“Mga current issues at mga problema sa university.” Jill Erickson Arceo, BEEd 4C
News / Opinion 3
The Mentors’ Journal
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
The thumps of Aida March are yet to be heard. Final demos are yet to be seen. The pressure of climbing or not climbing the stage to receive diplomas and finally toss graduation caps are yet to be felt. Ironically, just when everyone else seemed to say their first hellos in college, seniors are starting to say goodbyes and ask themselves the question which they have no choice but to answer. *Two roads diverged in a yellow wo od, And sorry I could not travel both And be one traveler...
It has always been an issue among seniors if upon graduating they will continue the tough journey or take the easy road to riches. Clearly, they have seen the harsh realities that they will have to face once they enter the world of teaching and thought that there are lots of opportunities for them which can provide them enough. Over the years, the world for Education graduates has been diverging into various avenues. Unlike before when they can only be seen teaching in schools, now they can be spotted almost everywhere—in firms doing paperworks, in private offices welcoming guests, and even in supermarkets giving your change or bagging your groceries. These days, the many avenues are narrowed into two major preferences: teaching in the country or answering overseas calls in the city. *And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear...
For almost a decade, an outbreak has been rapidly affecting the youth with its blinding promises. Sometimes, regardless of their educational background, they choose to enter the Business Processing Outsourcing (BPO) industry and rather be call center agents because of its tempting opportunities. As a matter of fact, according to Rep. Raymond Palatino, in August 2009, the Philippine government has continuously promoted and relied on the BPO industry to Actually, at first it was very provide opportunities to millions of jobless Filipinos. The numinteresting for me, especially because before I was supber of jobs generated grew robustly from 99,000 workers in posed to graduate in 2004, 2004 to 372,000 in 2008, most of them in their 20’s. The num-
12
not a lot of people work for call centers at that time. So we were very, very interested [about] how it works, because it is something that is aligned to what I took in college. I heard that people get a lot working in a call center.
4
We get surprised at how low the level of competency is when it comes to some applicants or some trainees. They don’t know how to speak straight English. You think that a person who is working for a call center knows the rule of Subject-Verb agreement, even pronunciation. Some people have very Filipino accent. If you are working for that kind of job, you should have proper guns for it. It is only a question of competencies.
6
It really takes a lot of dedication. A lot of people also belittle people working in call centers. They think that it’s easy for us; it’s easy to get in; it’s easy to get paid.
7
I don’t. I’ve met a lot of great people who had taught me and shared a lot with me.
You have to be prepared for your shift. If you work for a call center, they could ask you to come anytime in 24 hours. It is not easy to file for a leave.
3
Time management, how to prioritize certain things, how to make sure I have enough time for myself. You really put that work into your job. Flexibility, as well, as far as interacting with other people is concerned. I have really, really high admiration for people who went on and became teachers. I am envious every time we talk about it. I always ask them about their classes. I have this really intense urge to join them. No, that’s too long. I am honestly thinking of migrating. I have relatives overseas so I’m thinking of moving to Australia or the States.
5 8
1
What are the thin ered before choo
What are the maj that you’ve encou far?
3 In what job help you person?
4
What is your ates who cho tact center ag their educatio
What can you say a mates and friends practical and earn
What is the other side reer that people do n (i.e. your sacrifices)?
Bullet Only if they understand what they are in to. I would recommend that fresh graduates really think “What do I want to be?” It’s something not a lot of people do. Ask yourself if it’s really “What I want to do”. If it’s what’s going to make me happy, if it’s something that I can do everyday and go home in my bed at night and ask if I make any difference, did I touch anybody’s life, and if I can say yes everyday, then that’s the path that you should take regardless of what happens.
9
7
Do you hav with the cho made? Do you teac now you
8 9
Would yo fresh graduate you chose?
* Taken Volume 14 No. 1 from The Road
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
ngs that you considosing your job?
jor problems untered so
2
t ways did your u grow as a
stand about graduoose to work as congents regardless of onal background?
56
bers are getting higher each year. This patronized industry has been robbing teachers from the education force. Palatino also fears the time when you ask a child the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” he would answer “to be a call center agent.” It is not impossible in the near future that graduates would not think twice and be certain about being call center agents. While they pick up the phone and render service for random foreign customers, they are unconsciously unplugging the lines from the screams of the needy students. *Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way I doubted if I should ever come back...
Bullet L. Siongco has been working as a call center agent in Makati for four years and was promoted as a trainer two years ago. He earns more than P30,000 a month. Paul Anthony B. Mendoza, meanwhile, was a call center agent in 2006. He is now a high school teacher and gets around P14,000 a month. He also works as a partially loaded part-time instructor in BulSU and gets P120 per hour. Bullet and Paul were classmates back in college and finished the degree Bachelor of Secondary Education with English as their major. They wanted to take the same road but chances didn’t permit them to do so. The first landed as an agent and the latter as a teacher. Paul, after a year of teaching, diverted his route into the BPO industry, but found himself back in the academe one year later. Bullet stayed in the industry though he transfered to an Australian company. They have taken their roads. Which one will you take?
about your batchwho choose to be more?
e of your canot often see
ve any regrets oices you
u still see yourself ching 5 years from w? Do you see it as ur lifetime career?
ou recommend es to follow what Robert Volume Frost’s 14 No. 1
Not Taken.
The Mentors’ Journal
*And that has made all the difference.
Paul Preparation. I always see to it that I create varied activities and lessons that offer meaningful and fruitful learning experiences for my students. Most of the time it’s tough, ‘cause it’s eating up the time that I ought to be spending to other things – especially on weekends. I want to somewhat relax or play basketball with friends or see a movie with my girlfriend but I can’t because there are 231 students counting on me to facilitate a great lesson. Will not let them down, will I?
6
No regrets. I think that’s the secret to a joyful life. Make choices. Live with it no matter how difficult it may be. I believe there are no bad experiences: difficult ones make us stronger joyful ones make life more beautiful. The only premise is that we learn from every one of those experiences and it will make us better persons.
7
The first time I entered the public school, one of my students got involved in a gang fight. You have to protect your student as well as yourself. Another conflict I found was with some of my colleagues. I don’t know if it’s just the worse side of us being Filipinos or what, but some members don’t want to see other members shine. In a world that pushes conformity, people who want to be different are really misunderstood.
2
I don’t want to tell my batch mates how to live their lives or how to pick life choices. I trust them and I know that what they are doing is what they think is correct and best for them. All I can do is to support them and give them a hand when they need it.
Teaching requires you to work with people. You learn more about yourself when you see in through other people’s eyes. I learn from my students; they learn from me. Also, when your former students thank you for helping them grow, it brings a great kind of fulfillment.
3
Call centers provide a vast amount of opportunities to people – it somewhat shoulders the incapacity of the government to give its people jobs. Graduates who choose to work as agents are working there because they believe it’s the right thing to do. It’s just like what Plato said, people do what they think is right.
4 5
Yes. It’s really a short time. Maybe sometime in the future I may change path – the future’s really tricky. But I know that I will come home to teaching. It’s where I want to be. It’s what I want to do.
8
1
I don’t know. Really. I entered BSEd-English in 2001 because we didn’t have enough money to send me to a school with a Masscom course, so I figured that that course would be a fine substitute. To be honest, I never imagined teaching especially when the image of Ms. Tapia bursts automatically into my mind. However, maybe, teaching is like what Bobby B., in Transformers, said to Sam ‘A driver don’t pick the car. The car’ll pick the driver.”
9
I find teaching great but I don’t want to recommend anything. I’d rather tell fresh graduates to dream their own dream and follow their own star. Choose a road that will make you happy and will complete you as a person.
The Mentors’ Journal
Kung
Humuli
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
Paano
Ang Kung Paano Humuli ng Isang Magnanakaw ay nagwagi ng unang pwesto sa patimpalak ng The Mentors’ Journal para sa kategoryang Pagsulat ng Sanaysay.
M
Isang ng
Maria Resa Helena Goyal BSED 3I
Magnanakaw
adali lang humuli ng magnanakaw. Hindi na kailangan ng mga high-tech na gadget para manmanan ang sino mang pinaghihinalaang magnanakaw. Hindi na kailangan ng mga hidden camera at magnanakaw alarm. Kailangan lang magmasid. Kailangan lang ng matalas na pakiramdam at mahinuhang pag-iisip.
Madaling maispatan ang mga magnanakaw kung kaya’t madali lang hulihin ang mga taong ito. Sa unang tingin pa lang ay malalaman na agad kung ang isang tao ay magnanakaw o hindi. Palaging nakangiti ang isang magnanakaw. Maaliwalas ang kanilang mga mukha, tila ba laging handa sa kodakan, laging handang makipagkamay at magpakuha ng litrato sa kanilang mga fans—parang artistang gaganap sa isang commercial. Ngunit alam ng lahat na bagamat mukhang mabait ang isang magnanakaw dahil lagi siyang nakangiti, naghihintay lamang ito ng tamang pagkakataon para makapagnakaw. Alam ng isang magnanakaw kung hindi panahon para sa big time na nakawan. Kadalasang hindi nagpapalit ng damit ang magnanakaw dahil, mas malamang sa hindi, ang magnanakaw ay may favorite color. Ang isang magnanakaw ay nagiging popular dahil sa kanyang favorite color. Dito siya nakikilala. Dito rin nakikilala ang mga sumusuporta sa kanyang layuning maging isang big time na magnanakaw. Importanteng
6 Hulagpos
Dapat mahirap lang ang maging maingat ang isang isang magnanakaw, mas magnanakaw dahil hindi madali kasing makuha ang basta basta ang pagpili sa loob ng mga tao kapag favorite color: hindi pweganito. Dapat ang isang deng manggaya. Tulad magnanakaw ay may ngayon , sa paglantad ni malasakit, dito niya tunay yellow#2 na interesado na malalaman kung kaisiya sa pagnanakaw ay palan ang tamang panahon rang ikinakampanya na rin para malansi ang mga tao. niya si yellow#1. KunsabaSa ganitong paraan, maggay, nauna naman talaga si tatagumpay siyang maisayellow#1 sa favorite color ma sa listahan ng mga big na ito dahil ito ang pinili ni time na magnanakaw. mommy at daddy para sa Minsan, ang isang kanya. Nakatatak na rin sa magnanakaw ay nabibigmarami na ito ang favorite yan ng isa pang pagkacolor niya kaya delikadong kataong maging big time agawin ang pwesto niya na magnanakaw ulit (ang sa nasabing favorite color. pagiging big time na magSino ang talo ngayon? Eh di nanakaw kasi ang pangaako. rap ng lahat magMadali lang namang ng Marananakaw m i n g humuli ng isang mag- at gagawin friends nanakaw. Hindi na ng isang ang isang kailangan ng mga hid- big time m a g na magden camera o ng mga nanakaw high-tech na gadget. n a n a k a w at kadalaang lahat Kailangan lang masan silang para managmuging mapagmasid extend ang mukhang kanyang pedophile dahil mga bata big time na pagnanakaw). ang mas karaniwan nilang Minsan kasi, may pagkaginagamit sa pagpapaamo kataong sumusobra sa sa mga balak nilang na- pwedeng nakawin ang kawan. Laging may mga ninanakaw ng big time na magic word at kung anu- magnanakaw. Sobrang laki anong formula ang isang kaya’t nahahalata na ng magnanakaw sa pagpa- kanyang mga fans na nagpaamo ng future victims. nanakaw nga siya. Dahil
dito, naiingit na ang mga myembro ng Union ng mga Magnanakaw kaya’t patatalsikin na siya sa union. Tulad ng nasabi na kanina, may pagkakataon pang maging big time na magnanakaw para bigyan siya ng karapatang maging big time na magnanakaw ulit. Hangga’t marami pang friends, fans at kabataang magpapagamit sa isang magnanakaw, pwedeng pwede pa rin siyang maging big time na magnanakaw. Madalas na kumakampi sa dati ng big time na magnanakaw ang isang magnanakaw. Mas madali ito dahil susuporta na rin sa apprentice na magnanakaw yung mga fans at friends ng big time na magnanakaw. Hindi na masyadong mahihirapan ang apprentice na magnakaw para ipakilala sa lahat ang sarili. Sigurado na rin na malaki ang tiyansa niyang manalo dahil sa instant landslide na maaaring ipataw sa kanya ng magic makina ni big time magnanakaw. Mas marami pa ang points sa possible landslide win na ito kaysa sa aktwal na bilang ng future victims. Hanep. Hindi inaamin ng isang magnanakaw ang
mga bintang sa kanya. Sino nga naman ba ang aamin sa overpricing ng kapirasong kalsada? Sino ang tatanggap sa katotohanan na tuta lamang siya ng big time na magnanakaw? Sino ang aaming umiiwas siya sa usapin tungkol sa lupa at sa benepisyong dapat na natatanggap ng mga magsasaka? Sino ang aaming nagnakaw siya ng sobra pa sa pwedeng nakawin kaya siya napatalsik sa Union ng mga Magnanakaw? Syempre wala. Pilit na ngingiti ang isang magnanakaw sa lahat ng intrigang ipinupukol sa kaniya, parang artista. Dahil sa oras na aminin ng isang magnanakaw ang mga kasalanan niya maliban sa pagnanakaw, maraming mawawala sa kaniya. Mawawala ang mga ngiti, mawawala ang friends. Hindi na ipopokus sa makinis niyang mukha ang soft lens ng camera kaya ang makikita na lamang ay ang naglalakihan niyang pores. Mawawala lahat maliban sa kanyang favorite color. Madali lang namang humuli ng isang magnanakaw. Hindi na kailangan ng mga hidden camera o ng mga high-tech na gadget. Kailangan lang maging mapagmasid. n Volume 14 No. 1
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
Teacher Talk
The Mentors’ Journal
Even teachers have their own stories to tell. This space is open to all who wish to express thoughts, feelings and views about issues may they be related or not to their respective profession.
SABADO. IKA-12 NG HUNYO. ARAW NA NAMAN NG KASARINLAN.
Pasado alaskwatro ng hapon, may kainitan ang panahon, at pauwi na sana ako. Hindi ko ugaling sumakay ng jeep na biyaheng Apalit. Mas gusto kong sumakay ng bus. Mabilis na, aircon pa. Pero ang pinakagusto ko, walang naninigarilyo! Nadala na kasi ako. Biruin mo, NO SMOKING ang nakasulat sa mismong tapat ng jeepney driver na parang pugon kung manigarilyo. Sumasakay lang ako ng jeep kung may bibilhin akong pasalubong. Madalas pizza, minsan naman ay roasted chicken. Nang hapong iyon, naisipan kong bumili ng mailuluto para sa hapunan at pananghalian kinabukasan. Masarap yata ang sinampalukan, kaldereta, putsero, o kaya ay sinigang na mayamaya sa miso, sahugan pa ito ng labanos at mustasa. Ilang sandali rin akong naghintay ng masasakyang jeep. Napansin kong may mga paparating na kabataang Koreyana. Papalabas sila sa main gate. Di pa nagsasalita, alam ko nang Koreyana sila. Karaniwan sa kanila ang may maputing balat, idagdag pa yung bangs. Lalo pang tumingkad ang kanilang kaputian dahil sa mainit na sikat ng araw. Binalak ko talagang pumasok sa BSU nang araw na iyon kahit mag-isa lang ako sa faculty room. Iyon naman talaga ang plano ko: ang manahimik at makapagsulat. Isama na rin ang pamimigay ng classcards sa mga estudyante ko sa graduate
Biyaheng South Bonifacio T. Cunanan, Ph.D.
school at pagbibigay ng advice sa boots pa. Kasi naman ay malamig naghirap din ang Korea dala ng mga nagsusulat ng thesis na may sa China kahit sa buwan ng Abril. Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. appointment sa akin sa faculty Paglabas ko nga sa international Halos mapulbos sila noong nagairport ng Xiamen, napansin kong daang digmaan, idagdag pa na room. Dumating din ang parang may usok na lumalabas sa nagkaroon din sila ng civil war. hinihintay kong jeep. Ang aming paghinga ko. Naalala ko tuloy ang Kaya nga may South at North sasakyan. Pinauna kong sumakay mga pelikulang Tsino na gusto Korea, hindi ba? Pero mabilis siang limang Koreyana. Sa may kong panoorin noong bata pa ako. lang nakabangon. Noon daw ay Bumilis na ang takbo pangalawa tayo sa Japan sa kalaestribo ako umupo. Matapos magbayad, napansin kong pus- ng jeep. Napansin kong pang- gayang pang-ekonomiya sa buong tura sila. Tiyak kong pupunta sila summer talaga ang dating ng Asya. Ngayon, nasaan na ba tayo? sa isang birthday party. Siguro limang Koreyanang kasabay ko. Saan nga ba papunta ang Pinoy? birthday party ng isang kaibigang Saan nga ba sa Pinoy. May dala pa silang regalo. mundo walang Umusad na ang jeep. manggagawang May kabagalan. Nagbabakasaling Pinoy? Sa Jedmay sumakay pa. Ok lang, kasi dah nga, tuwing di naman kalayuan at maganda Huwebes at Binaman ang tanawin. Sa loob ng yernes, para kang jeep. nasa Tutuban o Dahil pagod, pinili ko Divisoria sa dami na lamang na manahimik at di ng mga nagkalat na mang-usisa. Saang parte ng na OFW. Hindi Korea sila galing? Nag-aaral ba ko maunawaan sila ng English sa BSU? Kailan sila kung bakit sinadumating sa Pinas? Kailan sila sabi ng ilan na uuwi? Hindi na ako nangulit. Pero umuunlad ang nakikiramdam at sinusulyapan ko ating ekonomiya sila sa gilid ng aking mga mata. Pang-telenobela pa nga yung isa samantalang patuloy namang Siguro umiikot ang mga mata ko na nakaupo sa harapan ko. dumarami ang mga OFW. Ang noon. Hindi ko alam. Suwerte talaga ang gobyerno pa nga ang naghah Ibang-iba ang ayos nila mga dayuhang ito. Kasi naka- anap ng trabaho para sa kanila sa sa mga babaeng nakita ko noong kagala sila ng libre. Alam kong abroad, hindi ba? nakaraang buwan sa Shantou maganda ang kabuhayan ng mga Mangyayari pa kaya na University sa Guangdong, China. ito sa Korea. Ang dami kayang ang mga kabataang Pinoy naman Bumasa kasi ako ng isang pang- Koreyano ngayon sa Pinas. Balita ang pupunta sa Korea, Japan, o akademikong papel sa isang pan- ko nasa 150,000 halos ang du- China upang mamasyal, mag-aral, daigdigang kumperensya roon. marating sa atin taun-taon. Tama o mag-shopping kaya sa Hong Ako lang ang nag-iisang Pinoy sa ang sabi ni Paul Robertson nang Kong? nasabing kumperensiya. Marami magkita kami, kasama si Rod Ellis, Siguro isang henesa mga pumunta ay mga British, sa Cebu noong nakaraang taon. rasyon o higit pa ang hihintayin Amerikano, galing ng Hong Kong, Sabi ni Paul, “The Philippines is upang lubos na guminhawa ang Singapore, at Australia. Naka- truly the Mecca in ESL teaching in buhay ng mga Pinoy. Pero paano jacket ang mga estudyanteng ba- South East Asia”. nga ba? bae sa Shantou, naka-miniskirt, at Sa aking mga paglaMinsan nabasa ko na
His Excellency
Mangyayari pa kaya na ang mga kabataang Pinoy naman ang pupunta sa Korea, Japan, o China upang mamasyal, mag-aral, o mag-shopping kaya sa Hong Kong?
lakbay sa ibang parte ng Asya o rehiyon sa Pinas, mas lalo kong naunawaan na malayo na nga ang nararating ng mga bansang bumubuntot lang sa atin noon. Bumagal na ang takbo ng jeep. Nasa South Supermarket na ako. “Para sa tabi.” Sapat na iyon para tapusin ang maikling biyahe. At ang aking napahabang paglalakbay. Hindi ko na nakuhang sumulyap sa limang nakasabay kong Koreyana. Napalingon na lang ako nang umusad na uli ang jeep nang sabay-sabay silang sumigaw ng ‘bye!” May lambing pa nga, e. Alam kong sila iyon, kasi ang narinig ko ay tila “pie”. Siguro gusto rin nilang magtanong sa akin, naunahan ko lang sila sa aking pananahimik. Tinungo ko na ang aking sadya. May isang matandang babae doon na nagtitinda ng sigarilyo at kendi. Lumapit ako. “Ale, kendi nga po” sabay abot ng dalawang piso. Kakaunti pa noon ang mga tao sa loob ng supermarket. Hunyo 12. Araw na naman ng Kalayaan. Ang may akda ay fakulti ng College of Arts and Letters at nagtuturo sa COEd. Naniniwala si Sir Bon na kailangang maging mapagmasid upang magkaroon ng tema at paksa para sa pagkatha ng kwento o sanaysay.
It Figures
Ruth Gladyz B. De Guzman
With how the first automated elections concluded--leaving Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III the president-elect, I have to agree with columnist Conrado de Quiros when he wrote “He must really be malakas with the Fellow Upstairs.” He is the son of the equally heroic Ninoy and Cory. He led the surveys and gained endorsements of prominent people and organizations. Most of all, people vehemently believed in his “Hindi ako magnanakaw” and “Lalaban tayo!” I would say he must be really lucky. It is not hard to be- Cojuancos and had once been people do care about “change” nasan.” I could not agree more. once they ask for something lieve in his landslide victory es- part of the first family, but can then they should have watched How can he be a good leader to in return. These may be simple pecially if we look at how Cory’s somebody actually remember and critiqued forums, read the over 90 million Filipinos if he things but these will affect evfuneral march in August 2009 him for doing something and newspapers and surfed the net cannot even have the authority erything in every way. Sure the least I want repeated the ardor of people not for being an Aquino alone? from which they could have over his youngest sister Kris? power. With the drastic emo- I can’t. gotten stronger bases in choos- How can he be certain with the to win has knocked out my bet tions of the people plus their Erap is an ousted ing the right person to occupy national decisions he has to but no matter how I express make if he was too uncertain my bitterness, he is now our exhaustion on PGMA’s nine long president; Villar is a business the highest position. years, there can never be a bet- tycoon, Gibo is the admin’s bet, I remember the time from the very start if he will run president. I just hope he will do everything he can to prove me ter time for him to be such a Gordon is an underrated candi- when I was really disappointed or not? It may be an easy wrong. phenomenon. date; and Noynoy is an Aquino, with the results of the surveys. To P-Noy, your ev What I do not un- making him the best pick. What Unfortunately, he was leading. fight but I am afraid President derstand is why people, when- a lousy reason for such a nation- What has gotten into the minds Noy’s rule will not be that easy. ery move is keenly watched, ever asked why they want him al matter. of those people who were sur- He opted not to take oath to your every decision is infinitely as President, answer that they People could not veyed? To amuse myself and chief justice Renato Corona weighed, your every word is want change. Have these peo- care more about the platforms to see if there were still people just because he was GMA’s ap- scrutinized, until you prove to ple forgotten that he has been as much as they could not care whom I share the same senti- pointee. I don’t find him fair for us that you are worthy of over a congressman in Tarlac and a less about the trends—going ments with, I read my friends’ reconciling only with the Mar- 13 million votes and the 90 milsenator for three years, yet he along with the yellow scheme. different posts in Facebook. coses and not with the Arroyos lion lives you will be holding for hasn’t made a change merely If they do care about platforms, One said, “Ang Pilipinas ay and I doubt if he can actually the next six years. You said we’re the because we never heard any Act Noynoy should not have won. bansa; hindi palakang pag-eek- resist his relatives and those credited to him? He is one of the Gibo or Gordon should have. If sperimentuhan ng walang kara- organizations that helped him boss. We’ll see.
Volume 14 No. 1
Opinion 7
The Mentors’ Journal Editorial
The Official Publication of the Students of BulSU - College of Education
Long overdue
The battle between belittled college publications and campus press repression has momentarily come to a prolific stop. The 48 excruciating months of struggling to break loose from the tight grip of those who never dared to care has been finally won. It was a bloody fight. A presidential memorandum in 2006 barred The Mentors’ Journal from the involuntary collection of organization fees. The line that separates organizations from college publications was not clearly defined so a call to reconsider the arrest of the publication funds was done by Mentors. Much to its dismay, this effort was merely disregarded. Ironically, two years after, a printed memo, now including the publications’ prohibition, was released. Mentors burst out a louder cry but everyone scornfully covered their ears. This left the four consecutive batches of editorial staff to solely rely on charity alms and income generating projects just to serve its purpose—forgetting the time, effort and pride to the extent that they
This is your regular issue. Hindi madali ang landas sa tagumpay. Bagama’t ilang beses na pinagkaitan at pinabayaan, hindi sumuko ang Mentors dahil sa mga taong patuloy na naniwala at nagtiwala. Hindi masusuklian ng anumang uri ng yaman sa mundo ang pasasalamat namin sa mga sumusunod: Dr. Avelina Aquino, Dean Luzviminda Tantoco, Mr. Romulo Mercado, Dr. Bonifacio Cunanan, Mr. James Villafuerte Ms.Carmelita Sanga, Mr. Ruben Borja III, Alumni Office, Pambansang.com, Coun. Dennis San Diego, Mr. Marlon Santos, Mr. Paul Anthony Mendoza, Jacquelyn Asis, Bullet Siongco, Jeremiah Dela Paz, Mark Anthony Lazaro, Mark Rossem Garcia, Dianne Kristine Montales, Joan Monderin, Michael Mariano, Al Romuald Estrella, Catherine Dela Cruz, Ammarie Cruz, Joana Marie Enriquez, Elaiza Banasig, Mar Florence Sebastian, Jervie Aquino, Jerico Baculpo, Ernest Timothy Flores at Jose Marie Dayao sa hindi matatawarang pagtulong, pagsuporta, patuloy na pagpapa-lakas ng loob, at hindi pagbitaw sa nakalipas na apat na taon. Iniaalay namin ito sa mga estudyante ng COEd na nagbigay ng panibagong pag-asa.
were accused as promoters of student mendicancy. Laborious legworks, consecutive student consultations and difficult deliberations were done. A couple of storms hit the country, several BOR meetings were held and thousands of students graduated from the college—still, the publication’s embarrassing status remained to be the least of their worries. The many shameful times Mentors was rejected paved way to the existence of a last resort—to lock down the office instead. This created negative impacts on the publication: potential staff members were not able to bear with the part-time responsibility of soliciting monetary support first before having their articles printed, voluntary contributions did not suffice the exact amount of copies for the students causing inevitable questions regarding the Mentors’ parity and loyalty to COEd. Had it known that it had only to take three years of failed hopes and a new president, it would have saved the lost time in coping for solicitation failures and deserting staff members for the best times. Those three years might have dampened the publications’ spirit, but Mentors never gave up the hope. Finally, in the second semester of A.Y. 2009-2010, college publications, with the help of the Student Government, were allowed to conduct another student consultation that bore to more than a thousand yeses to the Mentors’ plea. Again, a presidential memorandum was released giving this time what must have been given in the past four years. The materials have arrived. We can now continue building stronger bridges of communication— pain-free this time, for the efforts are always worth them once the information lands in the students’ palms. Mentors extends its utmost gratitude to the supporters who believed that embracing information is wisdom, to the readers who believed that its devotion is not pointless, to the people who, in any way, had been part of the sacrifices and goal of claiming back our right for campus press freedom. The Mentors’ Journal is now geared up for the new challenge: to prove the whole college that it is more than worthy of the prize it has finally won. n
The Mentors’ Journal Editorial Staff 2010-2011
Editor-in-Chief Julie Ann O. Ramos, Associate Editor Ruth Gladyz B. De Guzman Managing Editor for Administration Carlyd Mae C. De Jesus Managing Editor for Finance Ruby Rose R. Cruz News Editor Crisanta Pontejos Features Editor Jessica Dalangin Graphics Editor Therence Talla Layout Artist Fernan O. Dealca Staff Writers Maria Jovy Ann C. Reyes, Jay Christian M. Ramos, Ronnie D. Bautista, Louise Anne Umali, Wendelyn F. Ytol, Mercy C. Morales, Jacob R. Aguinaldo, Khristine M. Balanay, Adelaine J. Salvador, Edmundo V. Julao, Jr. Graphic Artists Ronnell B. Tafalla, Sunshine Gravador, Jenna R. David Photojournalists Marian Santos, Angelique L. Fernando Adviser Dr. Avelina M. Aquino Website www.thementorsjournal.net
Volume 14 No. 1