TheSeagull (Official Student Publication of JBLFMU-MOLO)
theseagull.jblfmu.molo@gmail.com Issuu.com/The Seagull
EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF 2021-2022 Editor-In-Chief - Shaira A. Agregado Associate Editor - Erica F. Opinion Managing Editor - Ma. Heather C. Bacera News Editor - Jan Christian B. Altamia News Writer - Jan Reynard L. Galilea News Writer - Monica M. Refol Feature Editor - Jessiea B. Flores Feature Writer - Gessa Evonne E. Villaruel Literary Editor - Mairel A. Gerzon Sports Editor - Franklin Kyles M. Matricular Sports Writer - RV John E. Fortaleza Filipino Writer - Fatima Louise L. Pumaren Lay- out Artist -Jose Arron Franz I. Suoberon Cartoonist - Audrey Meriel B. Fernando Senior Photojournalist - Rose Antonette A. Ramos Photojournalist - Syrus Miguel S. Santamena Adviser - Febe Rose L. Torres
The articles contained herein are personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of the staff. Comments and suggestions regarding our issues are warmly welcomed. Articles submitted must be typewritten with sufficient space and margin.
editor’s note M
y fingers feel like molasses typing on this keyboard and my eyes are swollen with a lack of sleep. As I monitor my staff right now, clicking and typing away in their respective area late at night. I can confidently say the same for them. It goes uncannily well with this issue’s special section, “human interest”, as our creativity and dedication have been shown. The theme ‘Folklore’ has captivated our editorial team, making our articles, as usual, a pleasure. I cannot thank my staff enough for their continued effort and support of all that we do. Nevertheless, to all who spent time voluntarily in the office producing fantastic pieces and features and to those that ran away with their imaginations in historical fiction, thank you. On a personal note, this will be my fifth and final issue of a Magazine that I have contributed to or edited. At each stage of my time at this publication, ‘The Seagull’ has provided me with the opportunities I needed to grow as a writer, become an editor, and manage an entire publication. I am beyond honored to serve my last term, and even more grateful to be surrounded by such a talented staff. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed creating it.
about the cover In days of yore, people assemble in a circa of an open fire to tell stories that mystify; angry gods, harrowing journeys, cunning animals, horrible beasts, and the mighty heroes that tussle. It may sound imaginary and appear as illusory but behind these stories are realities in simile. The hurdles of today's society is reflecting to our past Filipino hoary folklores and mythologies passed and preserved, by myriads of generations. Hence, we depicted myths and legends through a creative metaphor and analogy with our latest magazine issue filled with enchanting stories and narratives about the university and the society-- to emphasize that humanity and the world itself, is full of mist of magic and mystique.
acknowledgements In our burning passion to publish high quality articles, The Seagull would like to commend the collective efforts of every person who served as zephyr to move and bring forth the Lacsonian legacy. We would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian for their undying support, and also to Mr. Robert O. Parcia, MMM for the encouragement. We would like also to extend our appreciation to Engr. Edsel Gildore, Engr. Edmundo Q. Pragados, C/E Agustin Bedia, Dr. Angeli L. Sebastian, Dr. Lily S. Sumbi, Dr.Mari Ann D. Sarroza, Mrs. Nancy Rose R. Pelopero, and Mrs. Ive D. Sta. Ana for sharing their expertise, availability, proficiency, and tenacity to the truth that inspire and uplift us in every step of the way. To Mr. Marve Velasco, Mrs. Lucia G. Magramo, Mrs. Rogelia S. Castro, and Mrs. Kristine Jhane C. Flores, for their accessibility and for boosting our proficiencies to set our best in serving the Lacsonian community.
To our parents who are always there to support us in the best way they can.
To our readers who serve as our motivation in doing our work with utmost dedication.
And most especially to our God, the creator who always give us the strength in doing what we do and the guidance we need all throughout this journey.
WHAT'S 4 8 VALUES
Home Away From Home
of Theseus: 6 Battleship Mystique in Harbor
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HUMAN INTEREST Lurking behind the shadows: Stories that keeps you up
14 INDI MO AKO MALUMAY!
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY What is the truth behind the AI hype?
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PEOPLE
TOMB ARTS: Colors Brought to Life
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LIFESTYLE & INTERTAINMENT Boodle Fight a Mark of a True Filipino
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ENVIRONMENT Mariit is helpful in protecting the nature
22 Recycled Windmill HEALTH Back off Big brother
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BOOK REVIEW All the bright places Playlist for the dead Perks of being a wal Looking for Alaska
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VALUES
t is a known fact that CoVid-19 Pandemic has altered the norms of the world. Things have been tough for all, especially our frontliners who are in the upfront of the battlefield. Likewise, seafarers are not different victims of the current situation. As the backbone of shipping food, medical stuff, and other essentials, we have acknowledged the importance of our job; to continuously keep the global supply chain moving. Being onboard Maersk Hidalgo for more than 10 months is quite an experience to remember. I’ve had my second holiday on board, celebrated my birthday as well for the second time, never knowing that will be the last time I will go ashore to stroll. I was supposed to be home after 6 months of the contract if crew change was made feasible in Port Said. However, restrictions came to rise making it impossible to go home. I was hoping to sign off in Singapore after 12 days of sailing from Salalah but that was just wishful thinking because loads of requirements on a tight schedule were imposed. I already made up my mind that I won’t be going home any sooner. The vessel management tapped us cadets to organize games and barbeque parties to break the monotony of the sleep-eat-work cycle. We’ve had a very competitive table tennis and table football tournament and also very exciting car racing! Our vessel completed one FEA trip and journeyed back to Suez and Europe. Hope was as broad as daylight because travel restrictions in Egypt and Europe have been waived and since most of our team is also overdue, we had the gut-feel of signing off in any of our Europe port calls. But Port Said first call alongside, not a single ticket came. Days after, we received a mail for possible sign-off in Rijeka as chartered flights are in operation, however, we are not the priority, some of the crew especially Europeans were able to get off. Then here came the second call Port Said; Egypt has been made as a hub for the crew to embark so there was a huge possibility of us getting off and relieved. However, only Indian ratings were able to sign off because there were no available flights bound to Manila. I felt both happy and sad, seeing them in beaming smiles because they are going home is so fulfilling but me and another
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cadet staying a bit longer on board gave me the feel of getting left behind by a family. The rapport that was built was strong because we managed to still endure the challenge of the monotonous daily life routine on board as a team. One of the reasons why sometimes I tend to burn out passion for my profession is the fact that it is dynamic. Everything is constantly changing and moving. Talking less about types of machinery and systems, but the fact that people I have been working with this whole time, especially during this pandemic, are leaving for home. Contrary to land-based jobs, where you get to work with the same team until you resign, retire or seek another job. For seafarers, we don’t get to choose who to work with. We will only know their names, personalities, behavior, work standards, and many more once we are on board. We get to know each other day by day. Thus, making our rapport strong as if we depend on each other because everyone is everybody’s responsibility similar to that of a biological family. I am lucky enough to sail with great people who accept, believe, and inspire me. Goodbyes give me a heavy heart. Nevertheless, I still find reasons to be blissful for all the things we shared and the memories we have created. Their names will be forever etched in my heart for they have pushed me to my better version. I will never get tired of writing and telling stories of how noble these people are. What kept me going are the encouragement and bond of the crew, family calls made possible by the improved internet connectivity, drawing portraitures as pass-time, painting some art pieces, and constant prayers. Surprisingly, what was supposed to be a physically challenging and mentally draining life on board with an overdue contract turned out to be a
little lighter. A home away from home was found. I still get to perform my duties as a cadet, a future officer with a burning passion. Each passing day, I have never failed to bring with me in my pocket, my personal rosary. I would have never endured the struggles and the long wait without deep devotion and strong faith in the Blessed Mother. In praying the Holy Rosary each night after duty, I felt Her motherly care. This is a testament I should live on forever, prayer works. She listens and whispers it to God. It has been chaotic arranging my disembarkation because of a storm in Busan, South Korea, and our port call window has been changed multiple times, and our flights, too, have to be adjusted. Yet, I am grateful for the efforts from both ends; our captain and the office in arranging our sign-off. The battle of endurance and perseverance on board is almost a halt. This time, we get on a bigger challenge; getting home safe amidst this pandemic.
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Thereafter, I tapped myself; hold on. It won’t be long, I’m going home.
VALUES
Home Away From Home By E/C John Godwin F. Nallada
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Battleship of Theseus: Mystique in Harbor Words by Jessiea B. Flores & Fatima Louise Pumaren
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Waves are in constant flux due to uncertain circumstances and atmospheric conditions, it changes its wavelength, strength, and pattern, but it remains as splashes of water. To put it simply, each billowing wave is different yet with still the same properties. However, it’s not only waves that had the proceeding statement true, far-flung mythology beyond empowered Lacsonian reality upholds the same dogma. 6l
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t was thousands of years ago, Theseus, the King and Hero of Athens bravely led his army to fight for their homeland and courageously went to battle using a ship. After they had won against the merciless enemies, the battleship was kept in harbour as a museum piece to commemorate their momentous victory.
VALUES
Time continues flowing and years already went by, the ship had started to rot and fall apart. And every time a piece of wood breaks, they will right away be replaced by new ones. Little by little, they kept doing this intricate maintenance for centuries until they realized the ship had totally changed.
The million-dollar question here is: “Is this still the original ship that went to battle thousands of centuries ago, or is it not because every single part of it is new?” To answer the paradox, the ship of Theseus is still the original ship that went to the battle thousands of centuries ago even though every single part of it is new because of its Values and how its providence gave significant empowerment to its nationhood and patriotism. This ship stands for the victory leadership of King Theseus, tranquillity of their empire, and the domination of Athens among its other rival countries. Likewise, the paradox is also anchored to our Idea of Values- the core values that each and every Laconian manifests originating from its founder, Capt. Juan Bautista Lacson. These are the IPLEDGE Core Values that embodies Integrity, Perseverance, Loyalty, Excellence, Discipline, Godliness, and Equality that the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University pledges for almost 73 years of its founding legacy. Everyone was like a part of this ship, in a few years, every single student would graduate and teaching personnel would leave or retire from the university. Soon, it would be replaced by a new generation of Lacsonian community.
At end of the day, the ship of Theseus is still the same ship same as our institution, the JBLFMU, because of how its core values influence and develop us as we continue to study, gain experiences, and learn noteworthy lessons within its campus grounds and now, its digital learning space through the online learning portal, JBLFMU- E Learning or JeL. Values never change even if everyone changes. The values are what make us original, the same from
the past until today and our tomorrows— embedded within our character, identity, and purpose. As a true blooded Lacsonian, let’s continue to empower the values that our founder believes and stands for wherever we are sailing, no matter how far our ships will go, and to the boundless journey of life…. 7l
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SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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MYTHS OF AI Words by Shaira Agregado
What is the truth behind the Artificial Intelligence hype? 8l
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W
e are still at the start of the applied artificial intelligence (AI) revolution – the stage where all good articles about AI enablement need to begin with a definition. AI is a set of technological tools and approaches that are inspired by human or natural intelligence. This, of course, begs the question, what is intelligence? I will this unanswered as something for the reader to ponder. So what do people need to know about AI? Commentary around the coming wave of AI disruption is laced with some unhelpful myths, which are causing confusion and fear. Here are five that I think are worth addressing:
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“AI will replace workers” AI can lead to efficiencies that liberate expert workers by reducing the more mundane aspects of their daily jobs. This frees them up to concentrate on the creative and high-level decision-making tasks that most probably attracted them to their respective fields in the first place. For example, AI can optimize websites faster, allowing marketers to try more creative ideas and find bigger key performance indication improvements while shrinking the amount of time needed for administration and logistics. Or take AI in hospitals and healthcare – it can constantly monitor nurses and doctors when their expert intervention and oversight is critical or to diagnose dangerous diseases. The reality is that technology, and AI, allows us to move to higher levels of decision-making, extending and expanding our roles, not limiting them. Machines can be faster and more accurate than we are, but we did not evolve to be a machine. Tool creation defines us as humans, and tools have mostly elevated our roles in society.
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“AI requires a massive overhaul of existing organizational structures”
“AI is only for elite tech companies”
An analogy is the early 1980s when, with the advent of cheap personal computing and the creation of software engineering, companies foresaw the wave of ‘computerization’ as a massive disruption, with many starting specialized ‘computer’ departments. Those later proved redundant as the use of computers and software became pervasive across enterprises. By those 1980s standards, the vast majority of today’s enterprise employees are ‘computer experts’ We believe that the widespread adoption of AI will be similar in its pervasiveness, but the barriers to the adoption of AI will be lower than with the computerization wave. With AI, we need to know how to pose the problem rather than to construct the solution.
What next? AI tools will be widely used in the coming years. According to market intelligence firm Tractica, AI revenue, which was $643-7 million in 2016, will grow to $36.8 billion by 2025. Embracing this powerful toolset now will give the companies a competitive edge. It is the most intelligent thing to do – regardless of how we define intelligence.
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“AI will solve all of our problems” Like any other tool, AI needs a problem statement – a job definition, if you like. The imperative for us as humans will be to best define that problem statement in order to put AI to use. In other words, the problem of defining the problem is still a problem that remains in our purview as people. Put another way: your employees will still have to be smart and creative and do their jobs. They will just have more powerful tools in the toolbox.
While many big technology players are indeed investing heavily in AI, many other companies are already using it. Outdoor clothes company has an AI shopping assistant. Retailer store in America uses AI to merchandise and recommend products. According to analyst Gartner, AI-powered software will write as much as 20% of business content in just two years. AI will not just be the domain of commerce or retail organizations either. Banks, insurance, and many other service industries all have analogous functions ripe for AI – enablement. According to Gartner, in 2020, predictive and prescriptive analytics would account for 40% of net new investments by enterprises in business intelligence and analytics. It also reported that by 2018, more than half of large organizations worldwide would “compete using advanced analytics and proprietary algorithms, disrupting entire industries.”
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“AI requires a lot of data” AI is not necessarily about having vast amounts of data. Instead, it’s about having good data. Too much data increases the cost of the curation, preparation, and sampling that needs to happen before AI can be put to work; this slows down the process, making it harder to create adaptive or real-time AI systems. In many cases, AI can direct data collection, making the process much more efficient and intelligent. It generates a rough model based on incomplete and terse initial data. The model is then used to generate hypotheses as to where to collect data next to have the best chances of improved outcomes and make the models progressively more accurate with each data collection cycle. 9l
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HUMAN INTEREST
Lurking Behind the Shadows:
Stories that keeps you up at night Words by Mdpwn. Ma.Heather Bacera & Monica Refol
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learned of the mythical creatures just like how Filipino children do, through the memories of my grandparents. “Like deadly thieves of the nights,” they said “some drink blood, human blood, and take flight after the sun has set.”
Growing up in a rural area in Antique, we never lacked horror stories. As a child, stories about a headless Spaniard priest gave me many sleepless nights. There was also this Sigbin, a wolf-like dogs with tails for heads that transform into seductresses. The Kapre, dark giant beings that lived in old trees (rumored we also had one in our backyard before, though I haven’t seen it, it probably went on a permanent vacation somewhere). Dwende, small elves the size of your thumb who punish you with ailments if you so much as step on their tiny homes in the forest—But nothing is as hair-raising as the stories about the aswang – a shape-shifting evil entity that’s part vampire, part witch, part werewolf wrapped in one terrifying package. Living around the barrio, there were different claims about it, during family gatherings spooky stories to share were always there when my grandparents and aunts are around, and as a kid I was a sucker for a good horror story. My grandparents would share their experiences when they were much younger and had all the energy to explore—It was a gloomy Friday of 1937 (or that’s what they remember) when they planned a hike with their friends. 10 l THE SEAGULL
Around 2 pm they started to walk since the weather was perfect for a hike. After 30 minutes, they reached the mountain, they got stunned with the beautiful view of the lake from the nearby municipality of San Remegio. Around 5 pm they decided to go home since it’s nearing dark. They packed their things and walked the same path when one of them noticed they were just walking around in circle. With terror in their faces they were puzzled on what to do, ‘Ismael’ the oldest in their group said that they are being played by a “Tikbalang” these are half-human and half horse—or Centaurs like in the books of Narnia. One of them suggested to reverse their clothes because it is one of the beliefs of Filipino that if you are being played by the “Tikbalang” you need to reverse your clothes. Indeed, after that, they all found their way home. They also used to tell me even a guest saying “tao po” when knocking on someone’s door has a pre-colonial and mythological origin. They said their ancestors used the phrase as a code to let people know that they are human and not an “aswang”, a bloodsucking shapeshifter who ruled the night. My grandparents have already passed away but the values and beliefs that they have left is always remembered. Myths open portals to our past and can enrich cultural identity and gives us a sense of values to remember, because these tales are markers of our ancestral roots. Through these stories, we are given a glimpse of how our ancestors lived in simpler times grasping on their beliefs. Moreover, it helps us make sense of the mysteries of the world through a lens we can uniquely call our own.
Aswang
Another mythological creature that comes to mind immediately is the aswang, which is a creature that consumes the innards of a cadaver. The term aswang is also used as a catch-all name for various viscera-sucking creatures in Philippine mythology.
Mangkukulam
If you cross a mangkukulam and you're careless with your personal effects, beware. They'll probably perform a "kulam" using your personal effects and a doll or photograph. If you want to go on a mangkukulam hunt, head on over to the island of Siquijor, which has long had the reputation of being the home of mangkukulams.
Epic Guide of Filipino Mythical Creatures
HUMAN INTEREST
White Lady
Technically, the White Lady is a multo. However, she's popular enough that she's got her own story and specific haunt. Like the famous story in the Balete Drive, Taxi Drivers would say they would saw a white Lady with a bruised and bloody face when driving late at
Bungisngis
In Bataan, the bungisngis is a one-eyed creature with huge upper lips, humongous teeth, and tusks that resemble those of an elephant. Even worse, they prey on livestock.
Sigbin
Diwata
Over the years, diwatas have come to stand for forest spirits who can be benevolent to the good and vengeful to those who cross them.
This creature may not be familiar to people from Luzon, but Boholanos definitely know of the sigbin. It's said to look like a small kangaroo, with flapping ears, burning eyes, a whip-like tail, and the ability to walk backwards. During the Holy Week, sigbins are said to go out and hunt for the hearts of children. They'll then turn these hearts into amulets. If that hasn't frightened you off, search for sigbins in Bohol.
Manananggal
Arguably the most popular aswang, the manananggal has achieved recognition even beyond our borders. While you can probably find them anywhere, their stories originated in the Visayas, specifically in the provinces of Iloilo, Capiz, and Antique.
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HUMAN INTEREST
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HUMAN INTEREST
INDI MO AKO MALUMAY! Words by Fatima Louise Pumaren
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Have you been madly in love, the kind of affection so passionate yet servile?
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The fondness that emerged like a whirlwind, ambiguous and blinding? If you read this with a nod of your head, then I suggest you read 'till’ the end, cause perhaps you might have fallen into a love trap “Basi nalumay ka”. It may bear a resemblance to a love so true but mind you it may be a product of witchcraft, a mystical apothecary. In the side alleys of the busy Iloilo City Streets, lies the said fastest route to once persistent longing for affirmation in the face of a seeming indifference, the elixir that tap into the spiritual powers and manifest on the physical world, Lumay. However, though this item of folkloric magic works like whistle-stop, learning the ingredients and elements for this mojo is very hard. You must have an immense and unyielding desire to procure such magic, if not you will never have it, it will remain as a secret. Strolling through the resuming lively streets of Iloilo City, I encountered quite a few Aeta vendors, the prevailing and prominent sellers of Lumay in the Visayas, but neither one of them wanted to disclose any information about the love magic they trade in. It’s their secret and their clients can only know, if it leaks it will never work. But hold up, with pure luck, no enchantments and spells involved, a Subanen Tribe member, Mary or Maymay as they called, enlightened me about Lumay. Lumay, like hiwit and barang, in their community was very common, a run of the mill thing. For us, it is surprising for a woman who extremely hates a certain man to be wed with him on the next day. But in their hood it’s not bizarre at all. Mamay stressed that there are a handful of ways, all in the shell of Lumay, can be
performed for these to happen. It can be in a form of Latin chant, a herbal concoction, blended juices of victims' apparels, and a smoke. However, unlike true love, this magic does not last forever. In a certain span of time, months or years, the fondness that was once fathomless will come to an end. Thus, the perpetrators make the most out of it, tie an inescapable knot with those they desired, marriage in a sense. The preceding pieces of information held by Maymay are already compelling but another reality about Lumay is striking. Lumay, primarily, subjects women as the prey for some men’s predator-like sexual advances. According to Maymay, the majority of the victims of Lumay are females. This depiction is analogous to the narratives produced and published by various researchers and Bisayan folklorists. A man who cannot tame the woman he desires resorts to this black magic. When Lumay takes its effect, the woman in all sorts submit to the man.
What sorts? Maymay set forth recurrent manifestations, she noticed. First, a woman’s choice over her body is dominated and controlled by her male partner. Her body should always be available to the man. Thus, she can never deny him of sex. Next, the man exercises coercive control. He decides what her woman should do, chooses and agrees. If you reach this part of the write up still with a nod and a green light, then you are not just stuck in this love trap, Lumay, but, withal, in an abusive tie up. Though a folk belief, it is perceivable that Lumay’s features and approach echoes a persisting societal concern, domestic and gender-based violence. Women, likewise to the concept of Lumay, has experienced physical, emotional or sexual violence by their husband or partner, one out of four women in the Philippine context according to Philippine Statistics Authority. Seemingly, violence against women is as ordinary or as recurrent as Lumay in Maymay’s community. Why? Primarily because of some flawed norms and traditions of Filipinos that exist as ancient as the roots of Lumay. Men are expected to take the dominant roles in the society, leaders, pursuers, and providers, while women are held as subordinates or aides of these men. These notions stir men to gain more power over women. Hence, Violence Against Women (VAW) turned into a form of men’s expression of control over women to retain power. However, if Lumay has its time limit so does this unequal and cruel power relation. You need to stop nodding your head, start shaking it side to side, say no. INDI MO AKO MALUMAY, you can never beat me, you can never sexually harass me, and you can never mentally and emotionally hurt me. 15 l THE SEAGULL
PEOPLE
TOMB ARTS:
Colors Brought to Life Words by Jessiea B. Flores & Rose Antonette A. Ramos
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A
There is a lot more to burial tombs than meets the eye.
we-inspiring to come across time and to discover surviving arts from tombs and monuments created between 3000 BCE and 100 CE by the ancient people of Egypt, offering us more insight about their primordial beliefs between life and death. The Ancient Pyramids of Giza are the most legendary tomb of earliest Egyptian civilization withstanding up until today. As Pharaohs, ancient rulers of Egypt are expecting to become gods in the afterlife and to prepare for the next world, they built huge temples and massive pyramid tombs for themselves painted with different colors. Paintings were done in tombs portraying different and pleasant scenes of the afterlife. The historic painters who decorated Egyptian tombs and temples have followed rigid guidelines for centuries, not until a style of revolution changed the rules and started an artistic modern-day revolution of tomb arts… A 27 years old freestyle artist and painter named Mr. Alfonso Louise Alejandro Lamela II took his artistry into another level of modernized tomb art commemorating his beloved grandfather, Lolo Alfonso in this year’s Pyesta Minatay (Undas) or All Souls’ Day. Rather than the usual plain white paint that covers 16 l
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most cemeteries, he painted the tomb of his grandfather with a shade of green and incorporated it with creative abstract designs. This tomb art instantly became sensational in social media, receiving lots of positive reactions and warm comments coming from all Filipinos nationwide. Moreover, many people were inspired and did also the same, as well decorated the tomb of their loved ones— marking the simultaneous revolutionary tomb art all throughout the country.
“Art has a special place in my heart, it is one of the most important things in my being. It is somehow connected to love. My love for Lolo and my passion in art was combined when I painted his tomb and with that, I created a masterpiece. Let's just continue the love we started to our departed loved ones even if they're not here physically. Love has no endings and it will remain burning inside us,” Mr Lamela II
expressed with a touch of sentiment and fondness.
In fact, since he was still a kid, Mr. Lamela II used to draw and paint— that brought him happiness and his way of
expressing emotions. He grew up with art as his passion and part of his roots is the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime UniversityMolo in where he graduated Bachelor of Science in Cruise Ship Management. Besides, some may perceive tombs simply as a burial site, however, there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. Remembering every Undas our deceased family members and relatives by cleaning their graves and doing tomb artwork is a sign of respect, genuine love, and appreciation.
“I have no idea of my Lolo's exact favorite color because I was just six years old when he passed away, but I think he likes light colors. I can still remember his polos and shorts when he was still alive and they're all eye friendly colors. I am planning to paint it again next Undas and by that time I will make it more colorful and more beautiful than what I did this year,” Mr Lamela II said after he
PEOPLE
Tomb art brought colors to life with the beloved people we hold dearly in our hearts. Artmaking, no matter if it is the ancient times or the present, arts never die, same as our love— lasting forever as we buried deeply in our memory the bittersweet memories they left behind.
reminisced about the good old days.
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LIFESTYLE & INTERTAINMENT
Rekindling Philippine Tradition Embodiment: A Mark of a True Filipino
Words by Gessa Evonne E. Villaruel & Mairel A. Gerzon
F
ood has always been a part of a Filipino lifestyle tradition. It may also be a form of entertainment because it expresses art and passion for some people. No celebration would be complete without food on the table. Filipinos seem to live modestly for the pleasure of eating, and you can't visit someone without bringing food or drink at the gathering. Filipino and food have always been interconnected with each other because food pulls families closer together, right? So there's this part of Filipino tradition which involves putting together different dishes at one table that makes Filipinos uniquely different from other countries. Can you guess? Yes! You're right, and it's a Boodle Fight! Have you ever experienced eating in a Boodle Fight? Well, Boodle fight is a Filipino feast traditionally eaten with bare hands and served on banana leaves. It is a unique style of dining in which everyone can have their design or pattern on how you will arrange food together on top of banana leaves presented upon a long table. It is similar to a buffet, but it is different because it is eaten with bare hands with several dishes, including fish, vegetables, meat, and chicken paired with steamed rice. It is usually served dry food and must avoid savory liquid food such as broth. Of course, no one can also miss one of the most popular Filipino food traditions, the Lechon. With its perfect taste of meat, savory aroma, and crispy, flavorful skin, no wonder Lechon is always present in boodle fights or on any occasion here in the Philippines. This custom gradually gained popularity
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not just here in the Philippines but also in some foreigners across the globe who have tried this Filipino tradition. Using one's hand to eat food informally has been part of the tradition for literally centuries in the Philippines. Almost every Filipino at home is proud to eat using their bare hands, usually called a “kamayan,” demonstrating pride and a unique dining method. Since it originated in the Philippines, it is now the time to show what Filipinos can offer to the world today. If you haven't participated in a boodle fight yet, better experience it now or you'll miss and regret the chance to experience what it feels like to be a Filipino. Boodle Fight is more enjoyable when shared with many, which explains why Filipinos are famous for their personality of being hospitable and friendly. The Filipinos are always fond of throwing gatherings and parties wherein it always revolves around eating and chatting. They never seem to run out of ways to have fun which is why the boodle fight is a perfect fit for it. It is just all fun, not until pandemic kicks in. Today, huge gatherings are prohibited, which also involves restricting Filipinos' favorite 'kainan' together with friends and families, the boodle fight! Filipinos have faced a lot of obstacles in life and have conquered them all. Filipinos are known to be tough fighters, and it may be any food servings or life struggles. As things slowly get back together, Filipinos also will come back stronger. Most people worldwide are trying to avoid any activity that includes "fight" in it. But still, Filipinos were built differently, wherein they just love to fight, especially if it is a boodle fight!
Banana Leaves
The banana leaves function as a perfect tablecloth, table runner, and plate for a boodle fight. It's put out in the center of a long table so that everyone can enjoy their meal on its nonstick surface while standing.
Aluminum Foil It is used as a layer under the banana leaves to prevent any food or sauce from spilling onto the table. There's also an alternative for the foil if you are on a budget, a white plastic bag will be ideal.
LIFESTYLE & INTERTAINMENT
Boodle Fight Essentials:
Long Table Usually, one table is enough but make sure it is long enough to keep and fit everyone together. The table's height should also be considered, and make sure the table is high enough to avoid back pains while eating because most participants like to stand throughout the meal.
Food and drinks These are the main components
of a boodle fight. There are no specific rules regarding what dishes you prefer to add to the table, but it is usually dry dishes like breakfast meats, popular fried dried fishes, or some saucy dishes to add some moisture. You can also add side dishes like fruits and vegetables. Also, a boodle fight wouldn't be complete without drinks. So set up a beverages station and provide different drinks depending on your choices like water, samalamig, buko juice, or soft drinks.
Tissues It is a must to wipe your mouth after eating. Containers, cups, and bowls (for sauces, water, and other beverages) – It is important to have big containers and own plastic cups or mugs for water and beverages so that everyone can grab their own choice of drinks on, during, or after the boodle fight. It's good to have an individual small bowl for sauces for everyone to enjoy, but it could also work for sharing it with others.
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ENVIRONMENT
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Iloilo homes numerous mature balete trees and some of them blends in the busy streets within the city center, the most prominent one is the one along JM Basa St. where its sidewalk has been completely obliterated by its growing trunk and roots. About 50 meters across the street, there is another clump of lunok found at the Iloilo fire station. At the same distance away, there is another series of the said trees found at the back of Iloilo City Hall. It is said that these clumps of trees are somehow interconnected underneath the ground.
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Ilonggo's belief system:
Mariit is helpful in protecting the nature Words by Mdpn. Franklin Kyles M. Matricular & Mdpwn. Audrey Meriel B. Fernando
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olice captain was driving a patrol car on Balete Drive when he saw a woman thumbing a ride. She was all dressed in white. The police took pity on her because the street was dark and lonely. It was no place for a woman. She could be held up, raped, or even killed there, and no one would know. Until the police stopped in front of her and asked her for a ride. When the police turned around to ask the woman where she was going, she just disappeared. That woman is a white lady and she was killed in an accident on Balete Drive-- a hit-and-run case. There were no witnesses and the driver was never caught. As you pass through the major roads of Iloilo City, you’ll notice some huge trees with massive roots and thicker strangler figs. These trees are locally known as lunok or balete tree, infamous folklore for the homes of mystical beings. The tree hosts various
animals— birds, bats, and even snakes. Whilst its canopy that serves as the shade to the sidewalk, its root sheath could outspread through the walls, engulfing electric posts and its own root system could force it to compete with stranglers. Though it can be obstinate, city authorities seem to detest touching them. Through our beliefs of mariit, disasters such as famine, drought, flooding, typhoons, and earthquakes are sent by the taglugar or nature’s spirit dwellers. These happenings are sent by the taglugar because people no longer respect nature. They abuse natural resources and get more than what they need. According to Alice Magos, professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of the Philippines Visayas Miag-ao, mariit places are considered “danger zones” by the locals, she says, because these are inhabited by nature’s spirits. This has been attributed to the communal
experience of danger or frequent accidents in the place. Hence, locals are too afraid to cut down the bonsai trees as they believe that spirits may inhabit them and they don’t want to disturb the bad elements living in them. Therefore, it should be respected and don’t mess with anyone living in the tree, otherwise, it could have unpleasant results. Mariit belief is integrated into nature conservation and has a positive conservation impact. Thus, planting trees believed to be inhabited by spirits in protected areas can repulse individuals from doing activities that can meddle with the ones living in them. Native beliefs are innate to Ilonggo communities; we’ve heard so many different stories that surround the uncanny places and acknowledge the spirits. Nevertheless, we have to take care and respect nature regardless of what belief system we have. Mrs. Lucia Lastimoza, a founding program manager of the first wildlife and conservation park in Western Visayas that is located in Lambunao, Iloilo, says that mariit has been able to support conservation efforts at the park and contributes to sustainable development because it ensures the availability of resources for future generations. To someone who has grown up with the stories that surround mariit places, acknowledging the spirits that occupy woods, oceans and the earth is just another part of your life. 21 l
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ENVIRONMENT
Recycled Windmill: Unfurling Mang Carlos' Innovation Words by Erica F. Opinion & RV John E. Fortaleza
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ENVIRONMENT
Don’t you know that?
The Underlying Truth
Why Choose Windmills?
Oton is dubbed as a dormitory town but most of its scope is composed of agrarian areas. However, despite Oton’s demography, some of the farmers are still encountering challenges such as issues on irrigation and scarcity of water. Farmers having their farms near the riverbanks are grateful for it is more convenient for them, but for those who are not, it is indeed a great challenge. But not for the case of Mang Carlos Calumno, a quick-witted and environmentally friendly farmer of Barangay Sta. Monica Oton. Mang Carlos is a 72-year-old high school graduate and one of the farmers in the area who faced difficulties on his farm. To supply water on his farm, Mang Carlos decided to develop a windmill. But, unlike any other windmills that spent hundreds of thousands to create and put into a realization, Mang Carlos’ windmill only cost more or less 15, 000 pesos, this is because he only used recycled materials. The windmill has an estimated height and width of 5 meters but can still be adjusted depending on the situation.
According to the Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, 2013 windmills have existed for at least 3000 years, mainly for grinding grain or pumping water. The use of windmills to generate electricity is a twentieth-century development and in the early 1970s started the development toward modern wind turbine technology. The amount of wind power systems increased by 25–30% per year between 1998 and 2011. This makes wind power the fastest-growing energy source. During the year 2011, the total wind energy production in the world was 560 TWh, and at the end of the year, the total installed capacity was 237 GW. The increase is related to the fast development of new technology, where new ideas of the electric generation systems have been implemented, the size of the wind power plants has grown, the environmental impact has decreased, and the cost per produced kWh has decreased significantly. One important driving force for fast growth is also the increasing concern for the environment.
There are several means to use energy efficiently and effectively, unfortunately, many people see them as pointless and unappealing. Windmills unlike any other do not utilize fuel or emit greenhouse gases. This type of environmental innovation can significantly contribute to the prevention of global warming. When wind energy is available, it displaces electricity generated by natural gas or coal-fired generator. Many studies have shown that substituting fossil power with wind energy reduces CO2 emissions. According to the Department of Energy, generating 35 percent of the Philippines' power from wind will reduce CO2 emissions by 25 to 45 percent. This value shows that if the government will support this venture, this could lead us into a greener and safer environment. Our planet Earth has already undergone five mass extinctions, and we are currently experiencing the sixth. If we continue to destroy our environment, what would be left for us? Recycling and using renewable energy particularly from the wind can minimize the effects of global warming and climate change. These two environmental actions are what we badly need right now. There is only one planet for everybody to live on, and that is Mother Nature. Let Mang Carlos innovation be one of the steps that we could take in, promoting, preserving, and keeping our environment a better place to live.
“Tanan nga gamit sa pag-ubra sini day recycled lang gid pati ang jetmatic pump, bali ang ginbakal ko lang di ang para sa turbine blades lang gid”,
Mang Carlos said when asked about the materials he used in creating the windmills.
Photos by Bea Mary Zaragosa Espino of Aksyon Radyo. 23 l
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HEALTH
Back off, Big brother Words by Shaira A. Agregado & Jan Reynard Galilea
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echnology is a double-edged sword in terms of the workplace. While computers and the internet allow us to achieve a massive amount during our working day, they have also created a sedentary culture where it has become a routine for people to stare at screens for hours on end. No wonder, then, that the workplace is shouldering its share of the blame for the current obesity epidemic. In 2013, a survey of more than 3,000 workers conducted for jobs website CareerBuilder found that 41% of respondents had gained weight in their current positions. The constant availability of technology also increases anxiety and stress by making them feel they should be ‘always on’ - answering queries from employers and clients at night, at the weekend, and even during holidays. According to Jake, an insurance company team member,
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HEALTH
“During my career in investment management, I gained first-hand experience of both the upsides and the downsides of technology.”
He experienced several health issues, from anxiety and stress to back pain. And he was diagnosed with a severe thyroid condition. Sadly his situation is not uncommon - stress alone is the cause of 45% of working days lost due to ill health, according to the Health and Safety Executive. Although the workplace can be highly detrimental to employees’ health, it can also have a highly beneficial impact when the right interventions
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employees and their employers. Employees in good health at work tend to be happier, more creative and more productive than those who aren’t, and they deliver higher-quality work. So how can this be done? An obvious way is by using employee benefits systems to offer personalized tools that empower people to make the right decisions about their own mental and physical wellbeing. Already there are technology platforms that can provide confidential and comprehensive health assessments to employees, with advice from therapists and health practitioners on improving how they can improve their health. Some platforms also offer personal health coaches and opportunities for users to automatically transmit data about themselves using wearable technology such as smartwatches.
o? Is health a societal issue?
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Of course, data that relates to individuals’ health is among the most sensitive personal data. Workplace health is undoubtedly a minefield, but it will be an increasingly important issue over the coming decades. As people live longer and the pension age is pushed back, employees are likely to be working for longer. Employers will increasingly have to manage higher incidences of age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and osteoarthritis. Unhealthy working practices do not just affect specific individuals or groups. They also affect the economy and society more broadly. The future of health in the workplace undoubtedly lies in helping employees to help themselves. Yet ethical considerations mean that any employer that wants to use a wellbeing tool must consider these two fundamental questions: how do you plan to use it and why are you using it in this way? 25 l
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BOOK REVIEW
By Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia
Playlist for the dead 4.2/5
A teenage boy tries to understand his best friend's suicide by listening to the playlist of songs he left behind in this smart, voice-driven debut novel. Here's what Sam knows: There was a party. There was a fight. The next morning, his best friend, Hayden, was dead. And all he left Sam was a playlist of songs, and a suicide note: For Sam—listen and you'll understand. As he listens to song after song, Sam tries to face up to what happened the night Hayden killed himself. But it's only by taking out his earbuds and opening his eyes to the people around him that he will finally be able to piece together his best friend’s story. And maybe have a chance to change his own. Part mystery, part love story, and part coming-of-age tale in the vein of Stephen Chbosky’s The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Tim Tharp’s The Spectacular Now, Playlist for the Dead is an honest and gut-wrenching first novel about loss, rage, what it feels like to outgrow a friendship that's always defined you—and the struggle to redefine yourself. But above all, it's about finding hope when hope seems like the hardest thing to find.
All the bright places 3.9/5
All the Bright Places is a phenomenal book. It looks at the idea that despite your love for someone, it isn’t always possible to save them. Violet and Finch meet on the top of the bell tower when both are contemplating suicide and it is unclear who saves who; but they both survive. Violet is coming to terms with a past tragedy and Finch is battling with his mental health. The book gently touches first love and how quickly you can fall for someone, but also the pain that comes when your idea of forever ends after a few months. It also explores the difficulty of teenage years and how easy it is to give your all to someone and then have it all taken away.
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BOOK REVIEW
Looking for Alaska 4.0/5
Perks of being a wallflower 4.5/5
Looking for Alaska follows the ordinary story of a boy by the name of Miles "Pudge" Halters. In his chaotic first year at Culver Creek Boarding School, he meets many people who guide him in his search for himself, including Chief Martin and Alaska Young. Love, friendship, and innocence are tested in this rapid novel as John Green marvelously weaves unpredictability and relatability in between the lines of this gripping book. I liked this book because of its intricate simplicity; the telling of the story made it feel like it was specific to Pudge, but within the awkward relationships and persistent daydreams I saw a bit of myself in this book. It was one of John Green’s masterpiece that I really want to read, and as it cleared my shelf it filled my heart with raw emotions that I was not expecting. My favorite part was the contrast of the before and after of the pivotal point in the story. The only thing I didn't particularly enjoy was the undeveloped relationships between characters that were evident in some chapters. Overall, looking for Alaska was worth my time and told a unique story that twisted the basic "new kid" story into an unpredictable plot.
The book focuses on a fifteen-year-old boy starts telling his story through letters to an anonymous reader who thinks will listen to him and will understand the troubles he has been through. He doesn’t want the reader to know how Charlie is so he changes the names of the people he loves. Charlie has a track record of overthinking the simple so he lives his life on the sidelines. The story starts on Charlie’s first day of high school, he is trying to recover from the suicide of his best friend. He soon becomes friends with Sam and Patrick, they introduce him to the world of drugs, love, the rocky horror picture show and what it is like to feel infinite. After I finished reading the perks of being a wallflower, I contemplated why this book so outstanding and relatable. I realized it was not the characters or the spectacular quotes it was the emotion. I could really feel how the characters were feeling. It was an easy read but had me thinking more than ever about what the meaning of life is. Some of the quotes in this book are exceptional, for example, "can't just sit there and put everybody's lives ahead of yours and think that counts as love,". This quote really got me thinking, that is one of the many reasons why I loved reading this book. If you are having thoughts about this book but are not too sure I suggest you give it a go because it is so worth the read!
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