Red Ants

The moment my feet landed on the grounds of UA, my eyes immersed in a view brimming with opportunities. I know this academically engaging institution will lead young people like me into the world. The more I leave footprints on its grounds, the more I want to wrap my arms being a kasUbay.

University of Antique launched sUbAy as its spirit animal in various fields of excellence. It comes with following Codes of Conducts which are set of prescribed behavior the UA community has to subscribe to make sure that actions are interest of the students and the entire UA community. It is to remind them of the virtues that must be possessed. Upon the founding of sUbAy, representatives of the regional and national competitions such as the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) will carry the name, UA Pulahan, and the UA community will live up to the UA Red

within the bounds of law, morals and will lead to the best Ants’ Code of Conduct. The creation of UA Red Ants was inspired by the insect’s significance to Antique’s history, its characteristics as described by authors and philosophers, and its similarities to the people of Antique and the university.

BE PERSISTENTLY PURPOSEDRIVEN Like ants who are focused on their goal to gather as much food in dry season, UA RED ANTS set clear-cut goals and priorities, to which they channel their time and energy while at the university. Be persistent!

Life may get hard at times but UA RED ANTS don’t stop in the middle of the run. They have a vision bigger than themselves added with a strong determination and will to finish the race.

BE A DREAMER, DREAM BIG! Like ants- little maybe who carry loads heavier than them and build colonies bigger than we imagine, the UA RED ANTS strive to excel, pursue big dreams and work to achieve them like a champion.

Our life as students is not easy, some want to ace every test they take and finish with flying colors. But some just want to complete their education no matter what it takes and no matter how muddy their feet will get before going to school. Being a starry-eyed dreamer is about not giving up no matter how tight the entry is. UA’eans dream big and dream more. There is nothing wrong with dreaming as long as you are doing your job to achieve it. They say, if your dreams don’t scare you then you are not dreaming big.

BE A TRUE ANTIQUEÑO. UA RED ANTS are integrated individual, taking pride in their Antiqueño heritage, acknowledging and fulfilling their roles as stewards of the province. As such, they act at all times in the interest of the province and the country.

Antiqueños are like ants. The bayanihan spirit are still practiced even up to this day in some remote areas. Bayanihan is one of the values of ants reflected in the culture of Antiqueños. UA RED ANTS are living some of the values that best describe their personality. Aside from being hardworking, red ants are also flexible – in a sense that no matter how hard the situation or tasks that has been overlapped on their shoulders, they still have time to manage it and gave a soothing smile as well. Red Ants are also adaptable, gregarious and feisty. As UA RED ANTS conquer the realm of its cultural heritage, they act as like what their forefathers done way back in ancient times.

Red Ants Trademark of a true UAean WRITTEN BY ALDEN JOHN TUBALE and

REAH RICA MARIE PADRONCILLO

The essence of being a true kasUbay brought a lot of awakenings in the UA community. A hopeful one turns its nightmare into a glistening dream. One must live and practice the red ants’ code of conduct. Each one of the students must embrace change and enclasp the living legacy of its forefathers.” “

BE ALWAYS PREPARED Like ants that do not stop gathering food for the wet season, UA RED ANTS commit constantly train and be prepared for the battles and tasks ahead.

In order to combat the uncertainties that may arise along the Red Ants journey, each of them must possess a lively mindset that they should be always prepared. As UA RED ANTS gradually conquer their own battles in the field of education, they should equipped themselves in order to surpass the real clash in the battle field.

Upholding the fourth code of conduct, UA RED ANTS always prepared in all aspect of life. Because we do not know what adversities may hinder us to reach the zenith of our dreams. As the red ants starting to treasure their own very luck, they plan and prepared ahead because this simple logical trick may bring someone into success. Furthermore, UA RED ANTS come to school were everything as set.

BE A SERVANT TO EACH OTHER Like ants who lead and heal each other, UA RED ANTS help each other and serve the UA Community in particular and the Antique province in general.

Nothing will lose if your desire to extend help to others is voluntary and without expecting reward towards them. One must possess characteristic of a RED ANTS which is helping each other to gather and collect something that is beneficial without carrying any burden on it. UA RED ANTS serves its community by helping themselves to become a productive kasUbAy. As they sail the deepest sea along their journey and conquer the biggest wave in their dreams, they work and help each other in trying times so that tasks that may come ahead will become easy to handle.

BE A TEAM-PLAYER

Like ants whose work is for their colony, UA RED ANTS show commitment to work together beyond individual differences, upholding the common good of the university.

UA’eans show a genuine commitment to the group and actively participates in group discussions. Open and willing to share ideas and experiences.

Takes initiative and does not just stay in the shadows.

Responsible and complete tasks according to priority.

MANONG ARMAN

A man graced with indestructible faith WRITTEN BY FRANCIS MISSION

Nothing seems so perfect when two hearts were destined for each other. Like how these sweethearts shared a lot and found true love in common. But like most couples in town, they also have experienced adversities and their fortunate union was challenged. One has never thought that it was about to break the oath that both of them had solemnly pledged in front of God. He was incognizant of the morally upright action. Grain of tears were running down his cheeks, his heart was shattered into pieces because he found no shoulder to lean on. Hopeless of mending their melancholic relation, he suddenly hearkened back God’s promise stated in Hebrew 13:5 which says, “...be content with what you have because God had said, never will I leave you, never will I forsake you...” thus, he laid back, reflected and faithfully prayed.

Facing battles and challenges in life is daunting. Helpless people suffer from mental disorders causing them to breakdown and crumble. However, for a father who is a breadwinner and always look after the welfare of his family, giving up was never his choice. He always ponders the side of every trying situation that challenges his mission in life. When no one was there to share with his problems, he just look back at what he had started and continued for his family, steering closer to God.

His surging passion in serving God continues despite of the failures he had encountered. This was the primary reason why he chose to be a virtuous person. People labeled him as a polite man because they would always hear him saying courteous expressions and simple greetings to whoever he met. According to those who knew him, his words were truly courteous and amiable. The man behind this is a retired employee of University of Antique, Mr. Armando Alejo Asis, Sr.

PERSONAL BACKGROUND AND HIS FAMILY Borrowed from the Book of Matthew chapter five verse 16, is the philosophy lived by Manong Arman which reminds him to do what he believes is right and ethical in his life. In a world full of fairy tales, theirs was the reality. There was this lady named Angela Abao-an, a native of Antique with a naturally-tanned complexion who had captured his heart. The sight of her rendered him dumbfounded and awakened his innocence. His feelings towards her grow deeper and in order to prove his love for this woman, he asked her hands and made her his wife. He married Angela Abao-an Asis, his companion who helped him build their own family. Bestowed with the gift of life and love, Manong Arman and his wife Angela were blessed with four children and named them Adonai Emmanuel, Ana Magdalene, Arianne Mae and Armando Asis, Jr. With God’s guidance, they were able to send their children to school and later found stable jobs for themselves. Like their children, Manong Arman also had education. He completed his elementary in Libertad Elementary School and his secondary in Agusan High School which were both situated in Butuan City, Agusan Del Norte. Moreover, he pursued his tertiary education in the University of Mindanao taking up Bachelor of Science in Criminology. Unfortunately, he stopped school due to financial constraints.

ON HIS WORK AND PASSION Venturing the world outside his comfort zone was his only choice, so he decided to go to Manila to find work. He stayed in his uncle’s house (the youngest brother of his father) as he continuously searching his fate in the city. He never thought that his plans in life would open doors of opportunities for him in the field of boxing.

“One day, there was this man who told me to practice boxing if I wanted to. Without any hesitation, I said yes to his offer then the next day I went to training,” Manong Arman said in an interview. His perseverance and determination led him to become successful in this field. He became a licensed boxer because he fought 10 rounds which only licensed boxers are allowed to in professional matches.

“I have spotted Flash Elorde, a renowned World Boxing Champion in the field, watching my battle inside the boxing ring in Jose Rizal Memorial Stadium,” he added. His zeal and passion placed him in limelight when he was included in the Philippine Ranking putting him in the 9th place in the Feather Weight Division in 1977.

But he came to the point where life gave him his biggest punch. His boxing career was hampered by his health condition. He has to choose between continuing his love for boxing or taking his

timeout but later he decided to give it up without any doubts and learned to accept that some things were not meant to be fought until the end. No matter how life poked him hard, he still found ways to make use of his skills and capabilities. After quitting, he became a baggage checker in Aboitiz Shipping Lines in Tondo, Manila. His work paved the way in order to meet his lifetime partner. He considered his wife as the best thing that had ever happened in his life, a treasured gift given by God to him.

HIS CONNECTION WITH GOD Being certain about eternal life and having no fear of the future is the happiest moment in his life. It was deeply rooted to his indestructible faith in God. It all started when they both agreed to move here in the province to settle for good.

“My life became closer to God when my wife and I back then were still lovers, visited her aunt’s house. Then, we met her visitor, Pastor Eddie Banquillo from Valderrama, Antique. He told us about the words of God especially asking absolution from Him for all the sins we have committed. Most of all, the acceptance of Christ as our personal savior,” he emphasized. This was the main reason why he cannot forget his spiritual birthday which is February 14, 1955 and equate it to John 3:16. He is also teaching the words of God in their church and to the students as well. His deep connection with God serves as his weapon in order to hurdle the trials in life.

“Struggles are natural phenomenon yet play an important role in our lives. How can we know that a certain individual is firm and steadfast if they never encountered these challenges?” he asked. He associates his life to a fully grown tree that withstood the strongest storms testing his faith in God. There are lots of difficulties he had been through but he still embraced it with open arms because he believes that God is always with him. Like boxing, he also got past several rounds to win the battle. Another strike he received was when their marriage was being impelled in a woe. This complete misery made him suffered from severe emotional distress but he stood up still, prayed and surrendered everything to God. Fortunately, their dilemma was solved and their bond became harmonious and peaceful. WORK EXPERIENCES IN UA

MANONG ARMAN WAS INCLUDED IN THE PHILIPPINE RANKING THAT PLACED HIM IN THE 9TH PLACE IN THE FEATHERWEIGHT DIVISION IN 1977.

Manong Arman started working at then Antique School of Arts and Trades (ASAT) in 1983 as ground man gardener. His passion coupled with hard work promoted him as Administrative Aide III, the highest position that he received in the university.

“There were so many times when I worked overtime without any compensation. But, it doesn’t matter to me at all because I only want to finish my work in the allotted time given to me,” he continued. His job was printing of examination questionnaires of the seven colleges and laboratory high school in the university. Accordingly, the good deeds of the institution to him was reciprocated by his loyalty, diligence and kindness.

“My work in UA nurtured my personality and helped me become the person I am today. During my stay, I’ve learned a lot of things which are relevant to my ordinary yet very meaningful life,” he added and for a while painted a smile on his lips like he is reminiscing those good old memories that were kept in the valued jar of his experiences.

HIS MESSAGE to the young ones “Love and obey your parents. You should know their struggles and sacrifices that they’ve been through just to give you a better life. Study well and

find a decent job. Nothing can make your parents happier than seeing you fulfilling your dreams and become successful,” he answered when he was asked to give his message to the students of UA.

“To all the teachers, I salute you! Continue on making a difference to others lives and always inspire your students to learn more. To Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr., it is always an honor to be part of this academic institution. Thank you, Sir for your commitment and perseverance in leading the university,” he said.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to The Prism for giving such opportunity especially to a person like me to have a chance to share and express my story,” he added.

Manong Arman concluded his message with an inspiring and heartwarming statement, “may this story inspire and motivate everyone in facing their own battles in life. Rest assured, God will light your obscured path and will mold you to be the best of your choice. Always pray to God, He will guide you, and He will never forsake you.”

Life, indeed is like a boxing. It has random rounds that test both - your strengths and weaknesses. Every round is a new set of punches, strikes, and pain but boxing taught us the significance of life which is to keep fighting in order to get yourself out from the boxing ring. Just like Manong Arman who is an example of a responsible husband and father who chose to endure the pain of boxing just to provide the needs of his family. His bruises are the evidence of how he fought eagerly not only to win the game but also to build himself along the process, his wounds proved how he gave his best just to keep himself from being knocked out. All of those are proof of how he achieved his dreams for his family. The sound of the bell simply reminds us that God called us to take some timeout and have some rest. A true champion cannot only be measured by the number of belts you’ve gained but also seen on how you keep humanity in the middle of the fight. The only difference between life and boxing is that, boxing is one of the entertainment platforms, a sport but life is the reality.

Who would ever thought that the young boy who was born on the 25th day of March in the year 1955 will bring honor and pride not only to his family but also to the whole University of Antique community. A man who was once a utility worker has contributed another success story and became part of UA history.

“Boxing can be our life but life could not only be boxing. We are all boxers of our own life yet it is still in our hands to choose our own battlefield, but above all, never forget God who can make all things possible,” Manong Arman concluded.

MANONG ARMAN WAS A DASHING MAN IN HIS PRIME AGE. HIS BOXING LED LIFESTYLE GAVE HIS A VERY FIT BODY.

RURAL LIFE BROUGHT HIM TO THE WORLD

WRITTEN BY JORIELYN MARTIZANO

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Art is subjective. but unlike literature, visual arts transcends the art of storytelling. It is like a code that compels people to crack.

Like the mystery that lies in the unreadable expression of “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo da Vinci and the controversial “Lady in the Portrait” by Juan Luna, there were many conclusions. But the art of the Edsel Moscoso is the opposite, so are the others, perhaps. Moscoso’s paintings answer what was once a mystery to those who grew to a place that is highly civilized. Moscoso’s art reveals what rural life looks like.

IN THE EYE OF HIS FRIENDS AND FAMILY

His family and friends call him “Totong.” But the world knows him as Edsel Hermoso Moscoso. Born on January 30, 1952, Edsel is the 6th child of Dr. Julito Moscoso, board member of the Antique Provincial Council and President of the Antique Medical Society and Remedios Atillo Hermoso, a pharmacist who graduated from the University of the Philippines.

He is a sibling to Arturo, Franklin, Geoffrey, Edwin, Melinda, Hector, Patricio, Mario, and Cordelia. He is a grandson of Pastor Moscoso, brother of Segundo Moscoso, member of Congress during the presidency of Manuel L. Quezon.

As a child, Edsel showed his love for art. His brother’s friend once shared that at the age of 10, he would show the comics he drew to his schoolmates at Bugasong Elementary School. He would tell them what was happening with the fights of his imaginary action hero. The next day, he would share the drawings with dialogues in his notebook.

“Palagi akong gumuguhit, kahit sa klase. Kung minsan, hindi ako nakikinig sa mga teacher ko (I’d always spend my time drawing even during classes. Sometimes, I don’t listen to the discussion of my teachers),” he shared during one of his interviews about his starting days at Bugasong, Antique, his hometown. Education and Career

Edsel took his Bachelor in Fine Arts degree at University of the Philippines through Manuel Escudero scholarship. He was also a campus journalist and served as a news editor of a college publication in UP. He graduated on 1974 and finished his Master in Art History in the same school as a University Scholar, the following year.

The young Edsel had relished his humble career in the Philippines. However, there’s a bigger place for his growth beyond the country’s borders. There’s a wider room for his development. And so he chose the world.

“It came in too fast, by around 1980, I was already analyzing things, ‘Ganito nalang ba ang buhay? (Would life as an artist always be this way?) Everything was blueprinted. Everybody was buying my works; all these society people would watch the shows.’ I got tired of it. So when I got the chance to study in Europe, I went to Europe,” he told his interviewers.

He later studied at Center for the Study of Medieval Art and Culture in Spoleto, Italy through a scholarship granted by the Italian government.

He also studied at Accademia di Belle Arti de Roma for two years and on the third year, he studied restoration of frescoes at Centre International in Rome. Moreover, he graduated summa cum laude at the Pontifico Instituto di Archelogia Cristiana in Rome and joined archaeological digging groups at the Roman Forum and attended an international forum on Christian archaeology in Lyons, France.

Edsel Moscoso had his exhibits both in the local and abroad. His works were displayed in shows at Bacolod City and in Makati City. His first notable international exhibit was at Rome, Italy that was soon followed at Moscow, Russia and one-man show in the House of Friendship with Foreign Countries Kalinin Prospekt, Moskva, and at Stockholm, Sweden.

Some of his notable exhibits were at the Kawilihan Gallery and in Brussels prior his sixth solo presentation at the French Embassy in Makati. He held his one-man exhibition in one year, his 10th at the Galerie an Weidendamn in Berlin, Germany. The eleventh was at Pamatnik Norodniho Pisemnitive V Praze in Czechoslovakia, then followed in Handelsbanken, Stroget, Copenhagen and in Bucnkarest. His fourteenth exhibit was at the Galerija Umjetnosti, Titograd, Montenegro, Yugoslavia, and his fifthteenth was in Sofia, Bulgaria. He was also included in the Allgemeines Künstler Lexicon (General Artist Encyclopedia). His painting was also reproduced into a postage stamp in Yugoslavia.

But what’s with Edsel Moscoso’s art that it is not only the Philippine art enthusiasts who beheld it but also the world kept it travelling country by country, continent by continent? Perhaps, it’s the genuineness of his subjects, the life it shows to its audience, and the nostalgia it brings to those who used to live that way.

His works are characterized by washed sepia images of Filipino rural life. These images were not placed in a farm or coastal scenery but in a contrasting colorful background. Thus, his paintings emphasize the daily rural life of fisher folk, farmers and National Artist for Literature Nick Joaquin described Moscoso’s work as “manscapes” and wrote about it in his column for Manila Standard, “(they) tell no story — except that eternal story of born, live, love, work, suffer and die — but they do make a point foretelling that story as the story of how the Filipino is born, lives, loves, works, suffers, and dies.”

Moscoso also loved to put faith for religion in his paintings, joining the rural folks in their works that cycles everyday. But unlike the images of the deities seen in homes and churches, the faces are painted with resemblance to his race.

“Noong napunta ako sa Europe, naisip ko (When I went to Europe, it has come into my mind that), one thing has always remained unanswered, we are a pretty religious people. We would always paint our divinities but represented by Western faces. So I thought that probably it would be meaningful if I could come up with images of the divinities but using the Filipino people as my models,” he shared.

During the celebration of Philippine Arts Month in 2007, Philippine Embassy to Seoul organized “Lahi: Ethnicity,” an art exhibit at Gallery Nuri of the Korea Foundation Cultural Center where 24 paintings by Filipino artist Edsel Moscoso.

“This is a true depiction of what rural life is like. It is fast disappearing with the onset of modernity. I feel a sense of moral

obligation to chronicle this disappearing way of life. Give or take 25 years, you don’t know if you’ll still see this kind of lifestyle,” he said during his interview with Korea Times.

His works became the highlight of Philippine Independence celebration in Geneva in 2008 that marked his 41st time to display his paintings.

The 42nd exhibit of Edsel Moscoso was probably the most memorable one that took place around August 2008. It was titled as “Antiqueños: Homage to my Kasimanwas” where he proudly presented his roots and announced that his paintings are the images of Antiqueños.

Recognition

It was Moscoso’s talent for art and the life he grew up that marked his name to his fellow artists, to his province, and to his own alma mater. In 1975, he was among the 13 Outstanding Young Artists that was given by Art Association of the Philippines. He was also later hailed as “Bugal kang Antique”(Pride of Antique) in the year 1993. Moscoso was also named as UP Awardee for Visual Arts of University of the Philippines, his alma mater on 2008.

Death and Legacy

Edsel never had the chance to see his paintings showing the rural life’s history turn into images telling the rural life’s present. On December 21, 2008, he succumbed to leukemia, leaving his legacy--- his masterpieces tell their depictions on their own and make sure that his name will never be consigned to oblivion. Maybe the line from Hamilton musical is right: Legacy is planting seeds in the garden you never get to see. Moscoso spent most of his life dedicating his passion to his subjects yet he did not witness how he is remembered by the people. It was after 10 years of his death, when he was honored by the Senate of the Philippines through the then-senator Deputy Speaker Loren Legarda who filed a resolution for his legacy. Even until now, Moscoso’s paintings continue to make waves in auctions.

Moscoso may have been proud of his Antiqueño roots, however, the Tales of Datu Lubay raised a point from a line of a certain brochure saying “Moscoso’s art identifies with the Filipino rural community. He spent part of his life in the simplicity of the rural environment.” That Moscoso was first discovered by the nation before he was owned by his province. Perhaps, it is true. It is true in a sense that a national organization recognized him first before his own province called him as its pride. But it was Moscoso’s art that shows he belongs to his province even before he was known by the world. His subjects were inspired by what he saw everyday in the rural life in Antique. It was the rural life he drew that brought him to the world.

EDSEL MOSCOSO’S PAINTINGS SHOW THE FACES OF HIS KASIMANWA (TOWNMATES) LIVING THE RURAL EVERYDAY LIFE.

HHe has this innocent look in his face with his eyes so gentle that they seem to conspire with his sweet smile; something he has probably brought with him on and off the camera. He talks with his hands clasped along with his prim posture and crisp answers. He chooses his answers confidently and delivers them with eagerness and smiles in between.

He looks like a typical charming boy, catching peoples heart with just one look, but this article will not talk about just that. Behind the screen, his life was far from his role as John Denver. He was loved and supported by his family. He was adored and cared by his teachers and friends at school. He is just fifteen years old, but he dreams to be a civil engineer someday and is doing well in his studies. His current disposition in life is far from how John Denver was accused, bullied and was wrongfully criticized and pointedout as a thief of a mere iPad.

John Denver Trending is a film by Arden Rod Condez which tells the tragic story of a 14-year-old townboy whose life was suddenly overturned when a video of himself physically attacking a classmate went viral on facebook.

If you watched John Denver Trending, then you know Jansen Magpusao and how he dramatically carved the loveable character of John Denver in the viewer’s hearts.

“I was not expecting the film to be as successful as it is now. I was shocked to know that I was the one to be awarded as Cinemalayas 2019 Best Actor. Of course there were a lot of veterans vying for such distinction with their own films. With nothing but my very best, I won.”

In fact, if you have seen him after watching the film whether through interviews, screenings or pictures, you can easily notice how everything about his eyes sparkles cinematically. His persona matches the success of the film; it’s fresh and flourishing.

Born into a family as the youngest, Jansen Magpusao grew up in Sitio Malumpati, Brgy. Guia, Pandan Antique. With both of his parents and siblings nurturing him, they were very supportive about his acting career and they cheer him for his success while encouraging him to prioritize his studies.

“I really wanted to become a Civil Engineer someday because I like Math very much, even though my grades are not high as you think it is” Jansen replies showing his bright and bubbly side.

He is currently a Grade 10 student at Jinalinan Academy, a fun haven where he spent hours of studying and formed friendships of his own. And while doing the film, he also met new friends.

“We were in separate schools and before the shoot we were not familiar with each other, but when the filming started we became very close, and that’s why I adore him so much” Jansen talking about his new found friend Jofranz

Ambubuyog, a co-actor in the film.

Jansen is a proud Pandananon which puts him even closer to his fans in Pandan. When he came home after receiving the Best Actor award, he was welcomed by a caravan and he was swarmed with people of all ages. A lot of people who have watched the film praised him with how he effectively embodied and portrayed his role and how the role suits him as Jansen very well.

When he was asked about his unforgettable experience during the shoot for the film, at first he answered with a wide smile and a hint of laughter as if it’s something comical for him “It was when we shot the scene inside the principal’s office where we had to do seven takes before doing a great take for the film because I can’t stop laughing” he explained with recurring smiles.

He was a rookie but he acted like it was a role fit for him. He gave it justice and it earned him the Cinemalaya award.

“He was very awkward in the set. He was very anxious about everything,” Arden Rod Condez, film director, said. “But it was what I love about him the most.”

Arden Rod Condez was also the one who chose Jansen for the role. He described him as someone who can pull-off the character very well and that his biggest contribution to the film was his presence itself.

“I think he was the most quiet in the shoot but your attention will focus on Jansen,” Condez furthered.

There is a big discrepancy between him as Jansen in real-life and him as John Denver. The film has colossal amount of twists and turns more than his own life could ever have. He claims to be just an ordinary person with a simple life and that he couldn’t ask for more than a great success.

“Kaya niyo man dan (you can do it, too), an ordinary person can be extraordinary too,” Jansen proudly said as he ended the interview.

John Denver trending is a film that has garnered a lot of compliments and merits from the eyes of moviegoers. It has competed for the Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Korea. It is not just a film for entertainment but a movement with a cause.

Truly life doesn’t get more cinematic than a painfully beautiful ending.

“I was not expecting the film to be as successful as it is now. I was shocked to know that I was the one to be awarded as Cinemalaya’s 2019 Best Actor. Of course, there were a lot of veterans vying for such distinction with their own films. With nothing but my very best, I won.”

WRITTEN BY REAH RICA MARIE PADRONCILLO

MISS INDEPENDENT

She pays the rent. She buys her own goodies.

TThe sun scorched the day, and as fate would have it, a baby girl was born on the 14th of July in the year 2000. Parents could not wait to hold the baby in their arms. Tears, sweat, and blood cover the old scanty blanket of a mother that is having a newborn in a few minutes. At last, they will be having a rose in the family. In a short while, a baby’s cry deafened the room, they look at the newborn with so much adoration in their eyes but they could tell in a glance that she is different. She is different, her feet and fingers were not fully developed but she has her unique characteristics. She is Sharmaine Vego.

As she grew up, people’s eyes glued at her physical appearance became normal to her. She had a hard time coping with people, most especially when she started schooling. In a noisy room full of children, she has no one to talk to. Her size is smaller and shorter than any other kid in her class. So many times she tried to join different activities at school but was not allowed because of her disability, teachers are also afraid that she might get in trouble if she’ll join. She always found herself sitting in a corner while other kids are playing.

By the beginning of the third grade, kids were expected to do basic writing skills. But the little girl was more exposed to the realities of life. She was not born with a silver spoon on her mouth or pennies to rub together. Though she has a disability at an early age, she learned to work her fingers to the bone to help her family. She started selling “kakanin,” an umbrella term for sweets made of glutinous rice and coconut milk. She tried all the means where she can earn money. There will always a big curve on her lips after selling all the “kakanin” because that also means that she has something to give to her mother on that day. Her disability did not limit her to work hard to help the family.

When she stepped into high school, like a usual teenager, someone caught her attention and she fell head over heels with, but because of her disability, she was rejected. At that moment, she asked herself why she is not like the average person. Out of billions of individuals in the world, why is it that she belonged to those who have a disability. There also came a time when she asked the supreme being as to why she is existing. And to exist with her physical condition is something that she still doesn’t understand. People teasing and copying her imbalanced walk always blows up her confidence.

To a disabled person, this world seems to be designed for regular people. People with complete body parts who can walk on their own without having their butt get hurt from the metal chair, people who do not have difficulty in constructing a word and saying it aloud, and those who do not struggle for mobility. In practice, Persons With Disability (PWDs) have always dealt with obstacles and emotional struggles every day.

Sharmaine was always left out because of her disability but has found a sense of belonging through the clapping hands of her family. Whenever she cries her mother will always be there to shower her with comforting words. Her mother became her weapon to fight, that there will always be hope for someone like her. That there will always be a reason for her existence. She prayed and whispered within her soul that she is more than her disability and that’s how the sun starts shining on her again. From then on, she started to be active in school and ignore all the criticisms that she hears every day. All the harsh words that were thrown at her became music in her ears. It became an inspiration to show the world that even though she has a disability, she can still perform excellently like an average human being.

Currently, she is an incoming third-year student taking up Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Marketing. A DJ of a radio station at San Jose, Antique, a manager of the Personal Collection, and has also joined Miss Advocate 2018. She works hard every day three times more of what she did when she was still a kid. Never asked a penny to her parents in sustaining her needs a student. All the part-time jobs that she has, become her main source for her financial needs. She has fully embraced her disability and transformed it into an exemplary capability. She learned how to channel her inner “rock star.”

Robert M. Hensel said “There is no greater disability than the inability to see a person as more.” Who would have thought the baby girl who is different in the eyes of people became a breadwinner of the family. Who would have thought that the girl who consumes criticism every day is now a DJ that is a barrel of laugh?

She was once in a dark and dim chapter but has now in an illumined phase of her life. She unravelled the purpose of her existence and it is worth sharing with the world. Whenever you find yourself falling into a hole and you feel like it is starting to consume you. Don’t just stay there, find a light, a ladder, or someone who will pull you up for you to see the sunshine again.

Life is what you make it. Every sunrise is a new chapter, every chapter comes with a new story to be told and every exit is a new entry for another phase. There are pages you want to read again and again for it makes you feel like walking on air. There are also chapters you don’t even want to lay your eyes on but still fathom every printed word. The life of Sharmaine is one of those page-turning storiesthat enables us to rediscover that disability is just a perception. What you do with it alters that perception.