Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19 by The Searcher

TheSearcherPUP

ISSUE NO. 1 VOLUME NO. 19 | JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

Ground Floor, Main Building, PUP-Sto. Tomas Branch, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

THE SEARCHER

“Adhering to the Truth for the Welfare of the People”

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - STO. TOMAS BRANCH

Photo by John Michael Librero UNITY TOWARDS PROSPERITY: PUP-STB and the Municipality of Sto. Tomas working together for the betterment of Tomasinos’ lives.

Pedraja - Ambrona Tandem: ’Expect a Great Term’ John Kenneth D. Pedraja of BSIE 4-1 and Johnn Mitzchell E. Ambrona of BSECE 4-1 were the newlyelected President and VicePresident of the Central Student Council (CSC) respectively, after the election facilitated by COMELECPUPSTB, October 24 at PUP-STB Gymnasium.

4-hour table battle and critical interview with the qualified candidates from KAIZEN and Independent ones, the student organizations have arrived to the final set of candidates headed by Pedraja as the president.

The Appeal The original day for the CSC Election was October 23, but since there was only one political party-KAIZEN (meaning, continuous improvement) that filed, The Searcher (TS), together with Student Leaders of College Departments (SLCD) and Teatro Batangan appealed for postponement (October 21) of the election for at least one day (as prescribed by COMELECPUPSTB headed by Mark Luise Castillo) to give way for other PUPians who aspire to lead the council. Each of the President of SLCD were encouraged to persuade their members with leadership potentials to file for candidacy until 4pm of October 23.

The Pedraja-Ambrona Tandem President John Kenneth D. Pedraja (P), 19 yrs. old became the Class President and JPIIE Representative of IE 1-1 (2014-2015), NSTP BOD (2014-2015), JPIIE Director for Kaizen (2015-2016) and JPIIE Director for Cultural Services (2016-2017). Meanwhile VicePresident Johnn Mitzchell E. Ambrona(A), 19 yrs. old, is currently a member of Indak Batangan (from year 2014), Association of Volleyball Enthusiasts (AVE) and OECES. The Searcher (TS) interviewed the two new leaders of CSC as follows:

The Deliberation October 23- 6 pm, a close-door deliberation was conducted between SLCD, The Searcher and COMELEC-PUPSTB after Bryan Grate of BSIT 2-1 independently filed candidacy for Presidential postand Donna Magsino of BBTE 3-1 filed candidacy for Councilor position. Meanwhile, John Bernard Palma of BSIE 4-1- the designated President of KAIZEN party had been disqualified to run for the said position due to his academic issues, but allowed to be a candidate for Councilorvia resolution to be granted by COMELEC-PUPSTB and CSC. After a

NEWS6

PsychSoc Recoups Reign on Idol

The Election October 24, The election was held from 8am to 5pm. All the candidates in the ballot were announced winners at 7pm via post on the Facebook account of COMELEC-PUP-STB.

TS: What made you run for your

position

and

why

that

so?

P: For personal reasons. This is what I want. I want to explore my capacities. I want to challenge myself to be the greatest leader I can be, and I know that CSC is the best venue for me to practice it. I want to holistically renew and restore the name of CSC and establish a foundation for the new generations to come. A: My primary ground for running as a CSC officer are my concerns regarding some inaccuracies and problems faced by the prior administration that weren’t handled sufficiently. Aside from being a dancer and a volleyball player, I reckon it is time for me to enhance and show what I can do on other

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OECES Rears 22 New Engineers 22 out of 29 PUP-STB BS ECE graduates passed the Electronics Engineers (EcE) Licensure Examination 2017, obtaining a 75.86% passing rate while all 29 obtained a perfect passing rate in the Electronics Technician (EcT) Licensure Examination. “Thank God pumasa ako at ibang mga kaklase ko. Hindi man kami nag 100% (in ECE Licensure Exam) but we all did great”, the now Engineer Jesus Eliseo Andres, ECT gratefully stated. Out of 4,784 examinees, 2,235 passed the ECE Licensure examination and

FEATURE10

MAGANDANG BUKAS, STO. TOMAS!

22 of them are PUP-STB’s very own, garnering 75.86% passing rate. Meanwhile, 3,258 took the Electronics Technician examination but 2,916 are the only ones who passed and 28 of them are PUP-STB graduates accumulating 100% passing rate. The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) conducted the ECE-ECT Licensure examination last October 21, 22, and 23, 2017. - Alecxis Jane Epan

OPINION 11 SA WERPA NI GONGDI

EE Youth Recaptures RME-REE Success “It is variety of dreams that were gathered together [in] achieving one goal, to excel in our chosen discipline,” Area Coordinator of PUP-STB Junior Philippine Institute of Electrical Engineers-Engr. Billy Ray M. Oldan, said towards BSEE who just captured another success on this year’s Registered Electrical Engineers (REE) and Registered Master Electricians (RME) Board Examinations. The PUP-STB graduates of batch 2017 held a passing rate of 98.31% and ranking first top performing university on the RME Board Examination. At the same time, they got 96.36% and ranking second on the REE Board Examination (Next to University of Sto. Tomas) nationwide. RME and REE 2017 have National Passing Rates of 68.40% and 62.94% respectively. “It’s really heart-warming to witness students maximizing their full potentials for almost five years,” Engr. Oldan said. “What matters most is their excellence, which cannot be measured by numbers,” he continued. The success garnered the university their third Certificate of Distinction from the Professional Regulatory Board of Electrical Engineering, an award only given to universities with an exemplary performance of at least 80% passing rate with 50 or more examinees. They got their first and second on 2015 and 2016 back-to-back, holding 100% passing rates for both years, making this their third. “A PUPian Electrical Engineer always work with their greatest features. They never failed to give honour and gratitude to those people who believed and helped them,” Engr. Oldan said. As for the future RME and REE board examinees, Engr. Oldan shared that faith goes a long way.

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TRIBUTE19

“YOU CANNOT KILL ME HERE,” A SOUL ONCE SAID

editorial

Sa Libreng Matrikula at mga Sagabal nito Malaking tagumpay ng sambayanan ang pagsasabatas at pagpapatupad ng libreng tuition sa 112 SUCs o State Universities and Colleges ng bansa, sa pamamagitan ng Batas Republika Blg. 10931- ang Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act ng 2017. Sinasaklaw ng naturang batas ang 112 na mga SUCs (49 sa Luzon, 26 sa Visayas at 37 sa Mindanao) na kung saan kabilang ang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP), Technological University of the Philippines (TUP), Batangas State University (BSU), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), at Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP)- ang pinakamalaking pampublikong pamantasan ng bansa na may tinatayang 78,874 na mga iskolar. Sa loob ng tatlumpu’t walong (38) taon mula taong 1978 hanggang ikalawang semestre ng taong 2016, ang PUP (at ang 24 na sangay nito) ang “may pinakamababang singil ng matrikula” sa bansa sa halagang labindalawang piso kada yunit (P12/unit) at ang halagang ito ay nanatili dahil sa pag babarikada at pagmamatyag ng magigiting na mga iskolar ng bayan na nakibaka sa ngalan ng pang-masang edukasyon. Ang halagang dose pesos ay di nagapi kahit na naglahad ng kontra-programang pangedukasyon ang mga administrasyong nag daan magmula sa pamahalaang Ramos (Higher Education Modernization Act ng 1997), administrasyong Arroyo (Higher Education Development Plan ng 2001) at ng panunungkulang Aquino (Roadmap for Public Higher Education Reform ng 2011) na pawang nag layong maging “self-sufficient” ang mga SUCs sa pamamagitan ng mga palpak na mga IGPs o Income Generating Programs kasabay ng pagbaba ng pondong inilalaan sa bawat isang SUC. Nagdulot lamang ng mga di-makatwirang pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga pribadong pamantasan at ilang SUCs ang mga nabanggit na proyekto, bagay na nagpalala ng bilang ng mga Pilipinong di nakatungtong at nakapagtapos sa kolehiyo. Sa pait ng nakaraan, sumisilay ng bahagya ang tamis ng kasalukuyan sapagkat, tunay na “doing the right thing” ang naging hakbang ni Pangulong Duterte kaugnay ng pagpirma nito sa R.A. 10931, kahit pa pilit na nilimitahan at inimpluwensyahan ni

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

Sec. Benjamin Diokno (Department of Budget Management) at ng Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) nai-veto o “patayin” ng pangulo ang maka-mahirap na batas. Ayon sa mga neoliberal na mga ekonomistang FEF, “Increasing the Budget for Free Tuition will intensify the exodus of higher income students from private education towards SUCs and further worsen the proportion of poor students attending SUCs.”Ang salaysay na ito ay isa sa mga naging tinik at perwisyong balakid ng naturang batas, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng makatotohanan at pangkasalukuyang mga tala na ginamit sa argumento sa senado, ang pang-masang adhikain ang nanaig. Nagwagi ang mga maralita nating kababayan at kampeon ang iskolar ng bayan. Ayon mismo sa bumalangkas ng R.A. 10931, na si Senador Bam Aquino“Estudyante, magulang at pamilyang Pilipino ang tunay na bida sa batas na ito”. Ibinatay ni Senador Aquino ang kanyang mga argument sa tala ng Annual Poverty Indicators Survey ng 2014 (APIS,2014), na kung saan 71% di umano sa kabuuang bilang ng mga mag-aaral sa SUCs ay nagmula sa mga pamilyang may kita sa isang buwan na hindi hihigit sa P29,000. Dagdag pa sa mga numero ng istatistika ay ang tala ng PIDS o Philippine Institute for Development Studies na nagsasabing 49% sa kabuuang bilang ng mga nag-aaral sa SUCs ay kabilang sa ilalim na 50% ng populasyon ng bansa na nangangailangan ng full support mula sa gobyerno para sa lalong mataas na edukasyon. Samakatuwid, sulit, makatuwiran at nararapat lamang na gugulin ang limampu’t isang bilyong pisong (P51B) buwis ng taumbayan para sa maka-masang repormang ito sa edukasyon sa paninindigang ang edukasyon ay karapatan at hindi dapat kailanman maging pribilehiyo. Marahil nga’t dapat na magsaya ang mga iskolar, partikular na sa mga Iskong Tomasino sapagkat naglaho nang parang bula ang ating bayarin sa tuition fee na naglalaro sa P400-1600 kada semestre. Malaking kabawasan na rin sa dalahin ng ating pamilya ng mga abang maralita. NGUNIT, bunsod pa rin ng lumalalang antas ng kahirapan, lumolobong bilang ng pambansang populasyon, pagtaas ng inflation rate habang mababa ang mga minimum wages, at pagbulusok ng piso kontra dolyar, hindi pa rin sapat ang pagkaltas ng tuition fee lang ng mga pambansang iskolar.

THE SEARCHER

Bagkus, ang “other school fees” ay dapat na ding buwagin kung maaari. Magugunita na ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagpapatiwakal ng ilang iskolar ng bayan na sina Kristel Tejada (UP Manila), Rosanna Sanfuego (Cagayan State University) at Jhoemary Azaula (Eulogio Amang Rodriguez Institute of Science and Technology) nitong mga nagdaang taon ay ang di-makatuwirang taas ng bayarin sa “other school fees” na hindi kinayang tustusan ng kani-kanilang pamilya. Naturingan pa man ding SUC ang mga pamantasang kanilang pinapasukan. Sa panig naman ng implementasyon ng R.A. 10931 at sa mga saklaw nitong SUCs, naglipana ang mga anomalya dahil sa pagsulpot ng mga imbentong bagong “other school fees” tulad na lamang ng registration fee, consultation fee at gymnasium fee, na wala naman sa binabayaran ng mga ilang iskolar noon, isa pa ay ang paniningil pa rin umano ng matrikula sa ilang SUCs gaya na lamang nang nangyari sa UP Diliman noong Agosto nitong taon. Dagdag pa sa mga suliraning dapat bigyang pansin at tugon ng pamahalaan, ay ang di pagkakapantaypantay ng alokasyon ng pondo sa mga SUCs particular sa UP kung ikukumpara sa isandaan at labing-isang (111) iba pang SUCs. Ang UP na may 71,300 na mag-aaral noong 2013 (5.35 % ng kabuuang estudyante ng SUCs) ay ang may

pinakamalaking pondo kada mag-aaral sa halagang P84, 703. Samantalang ang PUP (pinakamalaking SUC sa bansa) na may mag-aaral na 78,814 ay may P11,572 lamang na laang budget kada iskolar, mababa pa sa average cost per student ng SUCs na P21,813. Pagdating naman sa pondong ginugugol ng pamahalaan para sa pasilidad at mga tauhan ng isang SUC, UP pa rin ang may pinakamalaking alokasyon. Lumalabas sa tala na ang bawat isang mag-aaral ng UP ay ginugugulan ng taumbayan ng P177,849 kada taon, kumpara sa PUP na P17,758 lamang kada estudyante at sa Batangas State University na P12,347 lamang kada magaaral. Inaasahan ng laksa-laksang iskolar ng bayan na ang mga di pagkakapantaypantay na ito ay maresolba na kasunod ng implementasyon ng R.A. 10931. Sa lahat ng tekstong nabanggit ukol sa mabuting Batas Republika Blg. 10931, sa mga nakatiwangwang pang siwang at mga butas sa pambansa ng lalong mataas na edukasyon, isang bagay lamang ang malinaw at dapat na mabatid ng bawat iskolar -- hindi pa nagwawakas ang kwento ng pakikibaka para sa edukasyong pantay-pantay, panlahat at mataas na kalidad. Karapatdapat na makialam ang bawat iskolar – pahalagahan ang libreng matrikula at makiisa sa pagplantsa ng mga gusot sa sistemang pang-edukasyon.

The Official Student Publication of Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sto. Tomas Branch, Sto. Tomas, Batangas

EDITORIAL BOARD 2017 - 2018 Editor in Chief Dan Joseph Lim | Associate Editor Ervin Joshua Navarro | Managing Editor Joan Estrella | Circulation Manager Glen Del Rosario | Literary/Feature Editor Katrina Malate | News/Community Editor Neal Andrei Lalusin | Lay-out Artist Jovie Melarpis | Senior Writer Maria Carmella Vibal | Head Photojournalist Romelyn Ariadna Itong | Photojournalists Christian Vanguardia, John Phaul Tumambing, Angeli Nicolas | Senior Artists George Condino, Zaica Jane Atienza | Junior Staff Maricris Santilles, Germaine Ia Aviles, Alecxis Jane Epan | Junior Artists Ethelou Sumague, Christian Magtubo | Junior Photojournalist John Michael Librero | Graphic Artists Rad Oliver Rimas, Aaron Servaz

• Member of Alyansa ng Kabataang Mamamahayag (AKM-PUP) and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)

Mozart’s Guild

November General Meeting Jam Session (Monthly Practice/Video) Gig (Off-campus)

December Jam Session Year-End Celebration

January Battle of the Bands Mob Acoustic Performance

NEWS

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

‘Marawi City Liberation, The Beginning of Rehabilitation’ – DU30 Buong bansa ang nagdiwang nang opisyal na inihayag ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang liberasyon ng lungsod ng Marawi mula sa teroristang grupong Maute-ISIS, Oktubre 17. Ito ay matapos mapagtagumpayan ng militar ang pagkakapatay sa tatlong pinuno ng kalabang pangkat na sina Mahmud Amad, Isnilon Hapilon at Omar Maute. “Ladies and gentlemen, I hereby declare Marawi City liberated from the terrorist influence that marks the beginning of the rehabilitation,” –mga salitang binitawan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa kanyang talumpati sa harap ng mga magigiting na sundalo sa lungsod ng Marawi, Lanao del Sur-matapos ang 154 araw na bakbakan. Pagkapatay kina Amad, Hapilon at Maute Kinumpirma ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang pagkamatay ng dalawang teroristang lider na sina Hapilon at Maute noong ika-16 ng Oktubre. Sa isang bidyong nakuha mula sa isang drone camera, makikita ang mga bangkay nina Isnilon at Maute na nakuha ng mga militar sa isang gusaling pinangyarihan ng bakbakan. Ayon kay Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, naging matindi ang bakbakang ito na tumagal ng apat na oras bago tuluyang napatumba ang panig ng kalaban. Ang pagkapanalong ito ay naging posible dahil sa nakuhang impormasyon ng militar mula sa isang babaeng nakatakas sa pagkakabihag mula sa mga terorista. Sinasabi ni Lorenzana na dahil dito, napag-alaman nila ang eksaktong kinaroroonan nina Isnilon at Maute. Ayon naman kay AFP Chief Gen. Eduardo Año, ang dalawang ito ay nagtangka pang tumakas gamit ang mga bangkang kanilang inihanda sa lawa na malapit sa pinagyarihan ng labanan. Batid a n g plano nina Hapilon, mabilis na umaksyon ang militar at sila’y natunton at kinitil. Ninais ng militar na mahuli sila ng buhay ngunit sila’y lumaban at kinalauna’y napatay, ayon kay Año. Si Hapilon ay kilala bilang komandante ng Abu Sayyaf, emir ng ISIS sa Timog-Silangang Asya at isa sa mga Most Wanted Criminals na may $5-M na patong sa ulo mula sa Estados Unidos at P10-M patong mula sa Palasyo ng Malakanyang at tig-limang milyong piso sa ulo ng magkapatid na Omar at Abdullah Maute. Pinaniniwalaang si Abdullah ay nauna nang napatay ng mga militar noong Setyembre ngunit walang nakuhang labi. Noong ika-19 ng Oktubre,

nauna na ding napatay ng mga militar si Mahmud Bin Ahmad, isang militante mula sa Malaysia na isa sa mga lider ng Maute-ISIS na siyang recruiter at financer ng IS sa Pilipinas. Ang giyerang ito sa pagitan ng mga terorista at militar ay tinuturing na isa sa pinakamalalaking hidwaang naganap sa bansa kasunod ng World War II noong 1941 base sa mga tala ng pamahalaan. “We were very happy. This is what we’re waiting for. This is an indication that the war is over,” sabi ni Zia Alonto Adiong, ang tagapagsalita ng Lanao del Sur Crisis Management Committee. “Umaasa ako na ang pagkakapatay sa kanila [lider ng terorista] ay ang pagtatapos ng bakbakan at makakabalik na kami sa aming tahanan,”sabi ni Nairah Ampaso mula sa isang panayam ng isang publikasyon ng balita. “Dininig ni Allah ang aking mga dasal,” sambit niya na may pasasalamat para sa nalalabing pagtatapos ng bangungot na kanilang dinadanas. Pagbalik-tanaw sa Digmaan Ika-23 ng Mayo noong nagsimula ang mala-bangungot na digmaan sa lungsod ng Marawi na nagsanhi ng matinding takot at pangamba hindi lamang sa kapuluan ng Mindanao, kundi maging sa buong Pilipinas. Nagsimula ito noong nagsagawa ang militar at pambansang pulisya ng operasyong hulihin ang komandante ng teroristang Abu Sayaff na si Isnilon Hapilon. Si Hapilon ay nagtangkang sakupin ang lalawigan ng Lanao del Sur upang gawing isang “Islamic State”, sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno. Siya, kasama na kanyang pangkat na Abu Sayaff ay nakiisa s a grupo n g Maute upang mapagtibay ang kanyang l a y u n i n . Ang Maute ay isang radikal na islamistang grupong pinangunahan ng magkapatid na Abdullah at Omar Maute na kilala bilang mga extremist –paniniwala na dapat Islam lamang ang manaig na relihiyon sa buong mundo. Ang MauteAbu Sayaff-

IS ay kumubkob sa mga pasilidad at pampublikong lugar ng Marawi gaya ng San Jose Parish Church, Pamantasang Estado ng Mindanao, Amai Pakpak Medical Center, Marawi City Hall at maging ang bilibid ng lungsod.

AYON SA BILANG 919

Napatay na Terorista

Pagdedeklara ng Batas Militar Kasunod ng mga pangyayaring ito ay ang pagdedeklara ni Presidente Duterte ng Batas Militar sa buong Mindanao na naging epektibo pagkagat ng ika-10 ng gabi sa araw ding iyon ng Mayo 23 na noo’y pinaigting sa loob ng animnapung (60) araw at iminungkahing ipatupad hanggang sa huling araw ng taon, Disyembre 31. Umulan ng batikos sa palasyo ng Malakanyang alinsabay ng desisyong ito. Matinding takot ang ibinigay nito sa mga mamamayan. “If AFP is believed to have control over the military situation, martial law is not necessary instead what we need is strategic and targeted intelligence, military and police response as well as the cooperation of the citizens,” ani Prof. Ed Garcia, isa sa mga nagbalangkas ng 1987 Constitution. Dinipensahan naman ng pangulo ang kanyang hiling at sinabing rebelyon ang dahilan at naniniwala siya na ito ang pinakamabilis na paraan upang masugpo ang terorismo.

165

Nasawi mula sa Hanay ng Kapulisan at Militar

Namatay na sibilyan sa bakbakan

1,780

Mga hinostage ng terorista na nasagip ng pamahalaan

1,700

Nasugatang sundalo

353, 921

Mga ‘Bakwet’ bunsod ng bakbakan ayon sa DSWD

Tindig Marawi! Nagsimula na ang clean-up drive o ang tinawag na Brigada Marawi na isinasagawa ng pamahalaan at iba pang mamamayan sa pagsasa-ayos ng ilan sa mga lugar sa Marawi mula pa noong iilan pa lamang lugar ang nabawi ng mga militar. Sinasabing ang halagang kakailangin sa panunumbalik ng dinelubyong bayan ay tinatayang aabot na sa P100 bilyon ayon sa tala ng pamahalaan. Bagama’t ito ay napakalaking halaga, hindi nito matutumbasan ang mga nakitil na buhay ng mga matatapang na alagad ng batas na patuloy na nakibaka para sa tuluyang pagkamit ng kalayaan. Katulad ng mga linya sa himig ng pambasang awit, “ang mamatay ng dahil sayo”- tunay na kabayanihan ang alay sa pagpapalaya sa mga kabababayang Pilipino at Muslim. Nararapat lamang na mabigyan ang isang lungsod ng Marawi ng pagkakataong makabangon at muling makamtan ang tunay na kapayapaan.

Evacuation Centers sa Lanao del Norte at Lanao del Sur

P518M

Halaga ng ayuda sa mga naapektuhan ng digmaan ayon sa tala ng DSWD

P10B

Tinatayang halagang kailangan para sa rehabilitasyon ng Marawi ayon kay Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

70 Years

- Maricris Santilles

Panahong gugugulin para sa muling pagpapasigla ng Marawi ayon kay Ar. Felino Palafox Jr na isang Urban Planner Batis: Inquirer Archives, compiled by Kathleen De Villa Grapika ni Ervin Joshua Navarro

Indak Batangan

November Second Semester Try-outs Competing Team Training

December Rehearsals for PUP Foundation Week Performances

January PUP-STB Foundation Week Dance Numbers

MARCH Election of New Set of Officers

NEWS

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

OECES, nagpasiklab sa BALAGTASAN ‘17 Sa paggunita ng Buwan ng Wika, isang maalab na talastasan ang nagpanalo sa mga mambabalagtas mula sa BSECE sa naganap na tunggalian sa Balagtasan, Agosto 25 sa Himnasyon ng Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas.

Kuha ni Romelyn Ariadna Itong

(mula kanan pakaliwa) Juan Miguel Javier, Julius Contreras, at Kristine Joy Javillonar

Gamit ang matitinik na balarila sa kanilang sari-sariling likhang piyesa na may temang “Duterte: Epektibo o Negatibo”, nagwagi ang BSECE bilang kampeon sa pagkamit ng 93% na marka. Sinundan ito ng BSA sa ikalawang pwesto na nagtamo ng 84% at BSEnt sa ikatlong pwesto sa gradong 82.67%. Kasunod ng mga karangalang natamo, nasungkit din ng BSECE ang kampeonato sa pangkalahatan na sinundan ng BSA para sa ikalawang posisyon at tumalima naman ang BSIT para sa ikatlong posisyon.

Sa isang panayam sa mga mambabalagtas na sina Julius Contreras, Juan Miguel Javier at Kristine Joy Javillonar, inamin ng mga nagwagi na sobrang kaba ang naramdaman nila bago at sa loob ng panahon na sila ay nagtatanghal. Hindi rin naitago ni Javillonar ang kaunting pagkadismaya sa kanyang pagkalimot ng piyesa. Ngunit sa kabila nito, lubhang nasiyahan ang mga mambabalagtas sa pagkamit ng kampeonato. “Sobrang saya ko kasi unang beses [ko na sumali] tapos panalo pa at nagpapasalamat ako ng lubos sa mga higher year namin kasi nagtiyaga silang magturo samin,” may halong galak na paglalahad ni Javier. “Dinetach ko muna yung personal views ko dun sa tema. Kung ano lang yung tingin ko na hinihinging emosyon ng piyesa, yun ang binigay ko. Para mas maging accurate ako dun sa panig na nirerepresent ko sa piyesa,” ayon kay Javillonar nang

tanungin ukol sa mga pinaghugutan at pinagbasehan sa pagtatanghal ng piyesa. “Tiwala naman po ako sa aming tatlo. Tsaka po sa mga nagturo samin,” ani Contreras nang tanungin kung inasahan ba nila ang kanilang pagkapanalo. ”Tapos humingi naman po kami ng guidance kay Lord before the competition kaya malakas po yung kompyansa namin na papasok po kami sa Top 3,”dagdag pa niya. Kanila ding nabanggit na ang pinaka-nagpamangha sa kanila sa mga nakatunggali ay ang mga makatang mula sa Batsilyer ng Agham sa Pagnenegosyo. “Hayaang dumaloy ng natural ang mga salita palabas sa bibig at pagiging masigasig sa pag-eensayo,” payo ni Javillonar at Javier. Para naman sa kinilalang mambabalagtas ng taon na si Contreras, pagsasapuso ng piyesa ang susi para maging isang mabisa at mahusay na mambabalagtas. - Germaine Ia Aviles

Mga Departamento ng PUP-STB, Nagsalpukan sa Minoryang Kategorya Nagpamalas ng kani-kanilang talento sa komunikasyon ang mga Iskong Tomasino sa paggunita ng selebrasyon ng Buwan ng Wika 2017. Isinagawa ang mga patimpalak sa Dagliang Talumpati, Impromptu Speech, Essay Writing, at Pagsulat ng Tula sa temang- “Filipino: Wikang Mapagbago”– Agosto 23-24. Kaugnay nito, nasungkit ni Dan Joseph Lim (BBTE IV-I) ang unang pwesto para sa Dagliang Talumpati matapos magpamalas ng angking galing sa pagsasalita at pagbigkas, na pinangalawahan naman ni Carla Libramonte (BSIE V-I) at sinundan ni Princess Ann Cabalu (BSECE IV-I) na nagkamit ng ikatlong pwesto. Hindi naman nagpahuli sa tagisang pangtalastasan sa wikang Ingles ang mga kalahok ng Impromptu speech sa katauhan nina Kate Pasia (BSP III-I) ang kampeon ngayong taon na sinundan ni Russel Boncajes (BSECE V-1) sa ikalawang pwesto, at Paolo Yalung (BSIT IV-I) para sa ikatlong

pwesto. Idinaos ang dalawang naturang patimpalak sa himnasyon ng PUP-STB. Sa kabilang dako, sa bagong lipat na aklatan ng unibersidad naman nagpamalas ng galing sa Pagsulat ng Sanaysay si Lucky Nikko Pasahol (BSECE III-I) na nakamit ang unang karangalan gayun din sina Mika Gapunay (BSIT IV-1) at Shaina Gonzales (BSA III-I) na nag-uwi ng ikalawa at ikatlong karangalan. Nagpakitang gilas naman si Kristiene Kae Alo (BSECE IV-I) na nagbitbit ng unang pwesto sa Essay writing na sinundan ni Ytchelle Monteiro (BSIT III-I) at si Joan Estrella (BBTE 4-I) sa ikatlong pwesto. Matagumpay na naisagawa ang programa sa pangunguna ng Sentral na Konseho ng Mag-aaral (CSC) at sa tulong ng mga huradong kumilatis sa galing ng mga kalahok na sina G. Honorato I. Cabrera, G. Valentino Salazar at G. Glenn Dela Cueva.

TS: What can our fellow PUPians expect from your leadership for the whole academic year? P: Together with my fellow CSC officers, I can promise a great term. I would ensure that communication within the organization would be maximized and that there would be sufficient avenues for coordination among officers. And they can expect from our honesty in governance, our desire for service

Director Torres haven’t signed the letter of acceptance for the building’s inauguration yet as he’s requesting proper authorities to check everything, from materials, budget, construction process, etc. The Board of Regents in PUPSta. Mesa approved the construction of the Multi-purpose building in the campus. - Glen Del Rosario Ervin Joshua Navarro

Photo by Angeli Nicolas

PUP-STB Welcomes its New Blood The newest members of PUP-STB community gathered with fresh looks and fresh dreams for the freshman orientation held from 9 am to 5 pm, PUP Gymnasium, July 7.

of Professor Honorato I Cabrera Jr., Chief of Administrative Office; and Introduction of Program Coordinators and Professors (full time and part time) by Engr. Liza Marie Nuevo, Head of Academic Programs.

“Napili (ko ang) PUP kasi challenging at isa sa may pinakamagandang edukasyon dito sa Pilipinas” said Juvy Mae Malijan, BS Industrial Engineering 1-1 Hosted by Professor Resylyn Z Cabrera, university offices of Tomasinong Sintang Paaralan were introduced and different organizations tried to woo the freshmen with jaw-dropping and heart-aching performances. The first part of the program consisted of inspirational talk from the branch Director-Dr. Armando A. Torres; Short messages from the heads of different offices; Introduction of administrative staff

The second part was the awarding of certificates for PUPCET’s highest scorers followed by the mind-blowing performances of Kristine Evangelista, PUP Idol Season 12, and Hazel Sotto, PUP Idol Season 13. After the video presentation and the talk of Academic Organizations, the non-academic organizations were introduced and some of them performed: The Searcher, Otaku Guild, Mozart’s Guild, Teatro Batangan, and Indak Batangan. The event ended with the closing remarks of Shelley Punzalan, CSC President. - Alecxis Jane Epan

and our goal for a successful leadership.

in the university but can’t act upon it?

A: What our fellow PUPians can anticipate from my leadership, as part of CSC are: a) Transparency, b) Early Announcements, c) Open-mindedness on criticisms given by PUPians while addressing help whenever they need so, d) Imperfect but high standard system and strict rules every event, e) Fairness f) Promotion of CSC as a friend PUPians can rely on.

P: “Be the change you want to world to be.”- Mahatma Gandhi. If you want to change something, we should put our will into action. This is a democratic university, don’t be afraid to speak up and voice out your concerns. The CSC, together with other organizations and with constant communication, we can make changes.

para sapagbabagong ‘yon?” If we don’t act now, the history will keep on repeating its self. We will fall in the same situations that we all want to change, so BELIEVE and ACT now as if it were impossible to fail.

ALO

Kuha ni John Michael Librero

aspects, especially my leadership skills.

A new covered court – dubbed as the Multi-Purpose building has sprouted at PUP-STB’s grounds. The four-million-peso project started through Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “PUP-STB didn’t shoulder any expense,” Armando Torres, PUP-STB’s Director, said. “As of the financial statement, we didn’t have any knowledge because it was a Government project of Congress through DPWH,” he added. Congressman Briones of Agap Partylist budgeted the construction of Multi-purpose Building which was planned to be placed in Poblacion II covered court but instead placed inside PUP-STB because of an unknown reason.

- Glen Del Rosario

PASIA

NEWS CSC OFFICIALS from page 1

Undisclosed Placement leads to New Multi-Purpose Building

TS: What is your message to PUPians who want to make changes

TEATRO BATANGAN

November

A: “Kung may reklamo ka sa mga maling nakikita mo, at gusto mong magkaroon ng pagbabago, bakit di mo pa simulan kumilos

Preparation of One Act Play Grand Workshop Mini Workshop

December One Act Play Christmas Party

Pedraja, when asked for his message to those PUPians who believe that he can lead the council effectively: “I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who firmly believe in me. I would ensure the PUPians that I will give my very best to the position. PUPians, CSC needs you, let us bring back the unity within the university!” - Dan Joseph Lim

January

G. At Bb.PUP Performance Mini Workshops

March

Year- End Auditions Mini Workshops Teatrolympics

NEWS

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

Tomasinong Iskolars Boast Brainpower: UAQB’17 Philippine History

Scholars of PUP-STB clashed brains with the best minds from different programs as exceptional aptitude and competence blazed above the grounds in the University Academic Quiz Bee (UAQB) 2017, August 24.

1st- Pamplona Bea Carmella O. (BSECE) 2nd- Burac, Lester B. (BSIT) 3rd - Cagayan, Pauline Joy M. (BSA) 4th - Timanil, Avygael V. (BSA) Quiz Master: Dr. Jaime Guevarra

Social Science

1st - Lim, Dan Joseph R. (BBTE) 2nd - Calibo, Janica Joy O. (BSIE) 3rd - Cezar, Agnes Jenelle P. (BSIE) 4th - Panganiban, Leonard L. (BSIE) Quiz Masters: Dr. Jaime Guevarra and Prof. Ramil Cueto

Basic Statistics

1st- Salarda, Jan Milkin J. (BSIE) 2nd- Abu, Princess Joyce (BSECE) 3rd- Ortiz, Angelika Nikki T. (BSIE) 4th- Bautista, Jasmine Jules A. (BSIE)

Spelling Bee

1st – Ivy Isaver Santiago (BSIE) 2nd – Angelo Trinchera (BSIE ) 3rd - Meera, Carisse Daven R. (BSP) 4th - Caballo, Angelica Amor V. (BSECE) Quiz Master: Prof. Ginalyn Panghulan

General Information

1st - Caballo, Michael Peter V. (BSECE) 2nd - Borromeo, Dominic L. (BSIT) 3rd - Belen, Denver C. (BBTE) 4th - Caritos, Jose Antonio (BSP) Quiz Master: Dr. Armando Torres

Basic Math

1st- Villena, Efren Jr. D. (BSEE) 2nd- Venus, John Mars M. (BSEE) 3rd- Mutuc, Ruel (BSEE) 4th- Manzanilla, Neal Alphonsus (BSECE)

General Science

1st - Cosep, Zhaira Mae B. (BSP) 2nd - Buenviaje, Adrian C. (BSECE) 3rd - Manalo, Shiela Mae L. (BSIE) 4th - Sabanal, Hazel MaeD. (BSECE) Quiz Masters: Dr. Sophronia Malabanan and Engr. Liza Marie Nuevo

ICT

1st- Prado, Raymart L. (BSIT) 2nd- Caballo, Michael Peter (BSECE) 3rd- Rendon, Jaydee (BSECE) 4th- De Claro, Christopher Jay (BSIT) and Fong Hsu, Min (BSIE)

Students from different academic programs unveil their wit in answering the questions thrown to them in UAQB’17. Ivy Isaver Santiago of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering (BSIE) finished a total score of 70 points in the Spelling Bee Category. Bea Carmella Pamplona of Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering (BSECE), bested with a score of 72 points in Philippine History Category. Dan Joseph Lim of Bachelor of Business in Teacher Education (BBTE) conquered the Social Science Category with the score of 48 points. Zhaira Mae Cosep of Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BSP) pulled-off the leading score of 28 points in General Science Category and Michael Peter Caballo of BSECE claimed the first place in General Information with the score of 60 points. University Academic Quiz Bee is an annual scholastic competition held at PUP-STB, organized by the Kapatiran ng Talino at Galing (KATAGA). “Winning the spelling bee was sort of a dream come true for me because since my freshman year, I’ve been wanting to participate in the UAQB and compete in PUP-Sta. Mesa,” Santiago quoted in an interview as she expressed herself being a first timer in this contest. “I am overjoyed, grateful, excited and proud to be representing PUP-STB in the upcoming Quiz Bee Competition at PUP-Sta. Mesa,” she added. Cosep, just like the other victors in UAQB’17, voiced out that she alsofelt the excitement and nervousness cracking down her bones. “I feel pressured but I am using it in a positive way just like a diamond, a piece of charcoal that handles stress exceptionally well. I will do everything to win again and if it is God’s will, it will be,” she stated. “Normal lang naman makaramdam ng pressure,” Pamplona said, a consistent participant who had won places for three years now in UAQB’17. She was glad to win again and excited as well to represent PUP-STB in the main campus. When asked if she feels threatened in competing against students from other braches who are more depth in studies majoring to History, she noted that she takes this as an advantage to challenge herself. With enthusiasm, she said, “Anong magagawa ko sa kanila e major nila yun diba? Pero passion ko to, nag-eenjoy ako kapag nagbabasa ng History books kasi ang saya kayang bumalik sa nakaraan.” Lim also shared his experience taking part in UAQB. “Naging inspirasyon ko ang pagkatalo sa UAQB noong 2015 kung saan naging pang-lima lamang ako. Nag sumikap akong mag-rebyu at mag-aral pa nang maigi noong 2016 at maswerte akong naging third placer matapos ang isang clincher round. At ngayon namang 2017, my last year in PUP-STB, wow I became the champion,” he exclaimed with confidence. BSIE, the overall champion of the previous year defended the throne once again this year. The Change

Masters clinched the highest score of 39 points. BSECE landed on the second spot after garnering 34 points followed by the BSP placed third with the score of 18 points. Questions given in the competition, based from books and journals, were made by the respective quiz masters in each category: Philippine History and Social Sciences – Dr. Jaime Guevarra and Prof. Ramil Cueto, General Science – Dr. Sophronia Malabanan and Engr. Liza Marie Nuevo, General Information – Dr. Armando Torres and Spelling Bee – Prof. Ginalyn Panghulan. Beverly Hernandez, the current president of KATAGA revealed that preparing for the event was not easy. When asked about how much faith she has for these representatives to take home medal, Hernandez said, “Confident naman kami kasi syempre alam naman natin na ang bawat courses ay yung the best sa kanila ang inilaban in this academic contest so yung ilalaban natin sa main campus ay ang the best talaga sa PUP-Sto. Tomas.” “There is a saying that ‘Success is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.’ You must really work hard to reach the goal. Don’t just rely on stuck knowledge,” Prof. Valentino Salazar, the adviser of KATAGA and the supervisor of the event emphasized and he left his remarks for the participants. On September 13, KATAGA conducted another quiz bee contest for Basic Math, Basic Statistics, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Due to late announcement from the Main Campus, the organization had to conduct a separate event for the said categories. Furthermore, Efren D. Villena Jr. of Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) seized the first place in Basic Math Category with 44 points., Jan Milkin J. Salarda of BSIE took the lead in Basic Statistics Category with 44 points and Raymart Prado of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology grasped the highest score of 29 points in ICT category. In celebration of the PUP-Sta. Mesa’s 113th Founding Anniversary with a theme “PUP Ika-113: Pamantasang Matagumpay na Takapag-ambag ng Pambansang Ekonomiya,” an academic contest was held as part of their founding activities on September 2529. The top four winners from each category teamed up to represent the Sto. Tomas branch for the contest. The “Main” Battle PUP-STB took home the 2nd and 3rd places in the ICT and Basic Mathematics respectively, against hundreds of contenders from different PUP branches and campuses. Christopher Jay De Claro, a third year BSIT student and an ICT quiz bee delegate that represented the Sto. Tomas branch, expressed gratitude towards their achievement. “Sobrang saya kasi another achievement for PUP Sto. Tomas. Another way ‘to para maipakita na hindi nagpapatalo ang PUP-STB pagdating sa acad,” The ICT Category team garnered 71 points with only one-point difference with PUP-Taguig- the champion of the category. Meanwhile, PUP-STB ended up in fifth place in the Social Science category. - MARICRIS SANTILLES

JPIA

JPIIE

November Outreach Program (Home for the Aged) Extension Service @ San Pedro NHS December Outreach Program (Orphanage) Preparation for Foundation Week January Foundation Week February - Seminar March - Seminar Election of New Set of JPIA Executive Officers April - Year-End Celebration

November BSIES Friendship Games December IE Christmas Party January Extension Program February/March Off-campus Seminars Meeting de Avance IE Year-End Party Teambuilding

COMSOC

November IT General Cleaning December Freshmen and Sophomores Seminar January Juniors Seminar February Seniors Seminar March IT Year-end Party

DBTE November Kapihan and Seminar Day December Christmas Gathering with a Cause March LET Review Mock LET Year-End Seminar Year-End Celebration

AFBA

Seminars and Trainings Extension Program Sportfest 2017 Entrepreneurial Planning

JIIEE November National JIIEE Convention Clash of the Intellects in Engineering Sciences and Allied Subjects (CIENSCIAS)

PSYCHSOC November General Meeting Psych Days (Training and Team Building) December Christmas Party March Outreach Program General Meeting Election of Officers Farewell Party

OECES

November Preparation of Participants for Foundation Week IECEP- BSC Sportsfest December Submission and Judging of ECEnemalaya entries ECEnemalaya Film Showing ECEnemalaya Awards Night and Christmas Party February Election of new set of Officers March Year- End Party Turn-over ceremony

NEWS

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

‘Enlighten the Millennials’- A Perennial Conversation

Professor Fidel ‘Pit’ Maliksi, a wellexperienced writer and one of the most outstanding professors of PUP-STB, shared his vast writing wit and lifework once again, in a writing seminar with The Searcher staff, October 24 at Horton Function room. The PUPian-adored professor started the program with an opening quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson- “That which I can gain from a common writer is not instruction nor learning, but provocation” From the famous remark, Prof. Pit envisioned The Searcher staff to strive to be a real writer by engaging to deep reading. Meaningful deep reading, according to the professor, is “reading the best,

challenging and traditional pieces-the classics which last forever.” He highly suggested and emphasized to read and share the ‘magnum opus’ of Homer, Aristotle, and Shakespeare and the works of valued Filipino literatees: N.V.M Gonzales, Francisco Sionil Jose, Dr. Jose Rizal, Bienvenido Lumbera and Jose Garcia Villa to inculcate ‘sense of history’ and understanding of “our own” cultural identity. Great works of Ernest Hemmingway, Anton Chekov, Stephen Crane, Albert Camus, and Feodor Distoyevski were also highly recommended by Prof. Pit to be read by writers to be inspired to hone their skills in writing different types of write-ups. Furthermore, his concerns

on ‘iconoclastic’ millennials were also discussed (on visual overstimulation and historical revisionism) and challenged the writers to “enlighten the youth of the nation by writing innovatively, contextually, and rooted in the land.” “Writing is a kind of work, a difficult, productive work” Prof. Pit added. The seminar adjourned with a meaningful parting words from the professor: “Remember it is your own now to enlighten the millennials through your writeups, share the words and take our pasts.” - Dan Joseph Lim Photo by John Michael Librero Prof. Pit Maliksi on his parting remarks- It’s your own now to enlighten the Millennials

PsychSoc Recoups Reign on Idol JPIA concedes, OECES Crowned Victor: Debate 2017

Photo by John Phaul Tumambing Mulingbayan on her powerful rendition of Adele’s hit song- “All I Ask” Unable to make a 3-peat win last year, Psychology Society’s representative, Katherine Mulingbayan, returned and succeeded on bagging the PUP Idol Season 14-Evolution title held last September 30, PUP Gymnasium. Mulingbayan’s heartfelt performance of Adele’s “All I ask” made her garner an average score of 95.8% from the panel of judges, a 4.7 lead from Season 12 and 13’s 1st runner-up, Elaine Cuadra. “Di ko inexpect kasi as in hindi naman ako yung Best in Mellow. Hindi din ako yung Best in Upbeat. Best in Prod lang ako. Inexpect ko talaga si Elaine.” said Mulingbayan. Meanwhile, Cuadra who won the Best in Mellow having 91.7% and Best in Upbeat with 93.77% average score ranked next to Mulingbayan while Juvy Mae Malijan from BSIE was hailed as 2nd runner-up. On the other hand, Lyka Mae Latayan (ECE) and Precious Ann Magpantay (AFBA) became 3rd and 4th runner-ups respectively. The battle started with Malijan

from page 1

“Do your best and God will do the rest. It’s all about patience and hard work,” he said. “All of the experiences they get from college will pay off and guide them to their goals. Never rest in your past laurels, and always believe in yourself, that you are more than capable.” Mayor of Sto. Tomas Batangas, Edna P. Sanchez, commended PUPSTB for its commitment in ensuring students’ exceptional performance and consistency in the examination.

(IE), Lyka Mae Latayan (ECE), Richard Miguel Butial (BBTE), Lyka Mae Miranda (IT), Cuadra (ITech), Christian Menabern Gonzales (BSA), Precious Ann Magpantay (AFBA), and Mulingbayan (BSP) performing their chosen song for the mellow (80s-99s) and upbeat round (2000-2010). Out of these eight singers, only five with the highest combined average score from the panel of judges composed of Melchi Bicva, Ryan Sapin, John Lloyd Merto, Mary Grace Ramos and John Keith Layusa will move to the next round. Though there had been a tie on the 5th spot, judges’ votes during their deliberation made Latayan one step ahead from his tie, Butial. Alongside, PUP-STB’s pride, Indak Batangan, Teatro Batangan, Mozart’s Guild and PUP Idol Supernova Champion, Heizel Sotto were also present in the event. Together with them were Kirby Palla and John Bernard Palma who hosted the event. - Maria Carmella Vibal Engr. Billy Oldan stated that the difference the EE Youth of PUP-STB compared to other universities are their humility, resourcefulness and that they are not self-entitled. “What makes them different from other schools is that they don’t have self-entitlement, very humble, very resourceful and they never settled on one standard, they continue to strive as they always believe that there’s still so much room for them to grow,” he said. - Neal Andrei Lalusin

Truth and Skills – The Searcher hosts a #NoToFakeNews Seminar

Photo by Neal Andrei Lalusin

The Searcher (TS), in strengthening their advocacy of adhering to the truth, conducted a seminar for its writers to hone their skills making them more eligible journalists for writing news, October 7 at CB Room 202. Ms. Laarni Villasanta, a former News and Sports Editor of the publication, headed the seminar entitled “A #NoToFakeNews and Headline Writing”. The conference aimed to educate

With semi-final scores of 2 wins – 0 losses for BS Electronics Engineering and 1 win – 1 loss for BS Accountancy, BS Electronics Engineering claims victory after BS Accountancy conceded in the final round of Debate 2017Horton Hall, August 24 & 25, 2017 “Napagdesisyunan po naming hindi na lumaban ng finals kasi po pagod na po kami” Aira Lorraine Lumban of BS Accountancy said. The semi- final round was a round robin- a tournament (or all-play-all tournament) in which each contestant meet all other contestants in turn. BS Accountancy fought continuously only having 30-minute break after lunch which lead to the exhaustion of their members. Both BS Accountancy and BS Electronics Engineering agreed that the latter wins by default. “Pumayag kami para wala nang debate sa gym” said Jomar Kristian Lanto of BS EcE. BS Electronics Engineering once again rejoices for retaining at the top of their game defeating the other 5 programs that joined namely: BS Accountancy, BS Information Technology, BS Industrial Engineering, BS Psychology, and BS Entrepreneurship. “I don’t want to sound cheesy but I am very happy to be joining the ECE debate team again. I missed the thrill of this and will definitely miss it since this might be our last debate together” said Rozette Reaño of BSEcE Conflicts never fail to occur in the team but Reaño said that “Teamplay resolves everything”. When asked what their team’s key in winning was “We make sure we don’t contradict what each other were saying pero chill talaga malaking factor yun,” Eunile Nillos of BS EcE said and “Support each other. Enjoy the debate. Communication and being a good listener” said Jomar Llanto of BS EcE. The fantastic three of BS Electronics Engineering are all graduating students. Currently, they’re training their lower years in preparation for the debate next year. Many aspiring debaters look up to them being a 3-time champion in debate recalling they won in 2014, 2016, and now 2017. “To all aspiring debaters, speak up! You have a voice inside you but be mindful of the words

you say. It is very powerful” said Reaño. In the awarding of winners, the adjudicator, Sit Pit Maliksi, selected Jonas Dialola of BS Accountancy as Best speaker and Eunile Andrew Nillos of BS Electronics Engineering as the best debater of the year.

PUP-STB journalists about current issues pertaining to fake news as well as to be inspired to improve their news-writing techniques. Dan Joseph Lim, TS Editor in Chief, started the event with a prayer followed by the introduction of Ms. Villasanta slowly setting up the discussion which is divided into two parts – Steps to Avoid Fake News and Headline Writing. Regarding the emergence of social matters, Ms. Villasanta talked about the threat of fake news and ways to avoid it. She also prepared simple activities to engage her audience by

writing their own news articles based on some credited articles, finding errors and revising them and practicing editorial skills. Ms. Villasanta ended the session by asking the participants to write an article and left some advices and words of encouragement for the young journalists as she evaluate their works.“It was very informative and detailed teachings regarding news writing,” Alecxis Jane Epan, a junior staff of the publication said for being a part of the said event.

- Alecxis Jane Epan

Rozette Reaño

Eunile Nillos

Photos by Angeli Nicolas Jomar Llanto

- Germaine Ia Aviles

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

Winner-Take-All for EE Wizards, Nationals watch out!

Another mile set forth for Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering as the department’s quizzers moved towards nationals after hailing as champion in Regional Quiz Math Wizard of the JIIEE’s 13th Regional Student Conference- San Juan de Letran, Calamba, September 29. After showing intellectual prowess, PUP’s BSEE bested all other thirteen schools in the region in the category which tackled Mathematics subjects from the basic up to the advance one, hailing as champion. The 2nd and 3rd places went to Malayan Colleges Laguna, and Lyceum of the Philippines University- Laguna respectively. Jemsel Cruz, John Mars Venus, Efren Villena, Ruel Mutuc, and Vijay Velasco together with their coaches Engr. Billy Ray Oldan and Engr. Soreen Dave Garcia composed the official delegates of Region IV to National Quiz Math Wizard. “It was a huge responsibility and pressure to represent the school but isa din siyang karangalan para sa amin and to prove that PUP Sto. Tomas can do great in Math Contests. Everything that we’ve sacrificed were all paid off. It is not just who won, it’s every people behind this success. Ang panalong ito ay simula pa lamang ng mas malaking laban. Patuloy tayong magdasal para sa darating na Nationals. Go EE Youth!” Villena, Venus, and the rest said.

news

Congratulations to Professional Licensure Examination Passers! OCTOBER 2017 PSYCHOMETRICIAN LICENSURE EXAMINATION PUP-STB Passing Rate: 63.04% Aira Camille Biscocho, RPm Jessie Biscocho, RPm Judy Ann Bondad, RPm Princess Shaira Burgos, RPm Mareenel Carpio, RPm Jedd Hans Castañeda, RPm Jennifer Cerico, RPm Jerlyn Comendador, RPm Melody Comia, RPm Gracelyn Cortiguerra, RPm Princess Angelique David, RPm Daisy Jane De Castro, RPm Arlene Dela Cruz, RPm Jonah Docena, RPm Roy Kenneth Lazaro, RPm Jehsa Faye Mamon, RPm Princess Julie Ann Manalo, RPm Patricial Isabel Mendoza, RPm Romel Nuñez, RPm Delriz Marie Obrique, RPm Venice Oriondo, RPm Sunshine Pitogo, RPm Princess Marjorie Platero, RPm Jaina Ramos, RPm Joseph Tabelisma, RPm Jett James Tanchanco, RPm Janine Valencia, RPm Minette Villajuan, RPm

SEPTEMBER 2017 REE LICENSURE EXAMINATION PUPSTB Passing RATE : 96.36% Engr. Kimmel James C. Abrantes Engr. Joemari S. Alcala Engr. Joeylyn G. Andaya Engr. Rhenzel Marie T. Aningalan Engr. Christian Paul Araojo Engr. Jade M. Arguelles Engr. Xavier Aldrin Austria Engr. Darnel Bagtas Engr. Angelo Balahadia Engr. Jerome Bautista Engr. Marvin L. Belen Engr. Ariane Claire C. Bonilla Engr. Regine F. Cabaltea Engr. Joward C. Cabrera Engr. Ronnel L. Cabrera Engr. Shelo B. Cadahing Engr. Jefferson M. Castillo Engr. Vincent Luiue Cayas Engr. Albert Chua Engr. Michael C. Dimapilis Engr. Patrick Harvey B. Dionglay Engr. Jomar C. Escobido Engr. Geerald M. Garcia Engr. Jorrel M. Garife Engr. Wendell Jr. M. Herradura Engr. Carmelo Jose L. Javier Engr. Sydrick L. Lintan

Engr. Joseph Ryan Malijan Engr. Joren L. Mandayo Engr. Paul Anthony M. Manzanilla Engr. Jeffrey R. Marcellana Engr. John Benedict D. Mendiogarin Engr. JoelinaYvith D. Mendoza Engr. Joseph S. Mendoza Engr. King Wilfred Mitra Engr. Nollan Joshua R. Molinar Engr. Ericka T. Montero Engr. Lyndon P. Naag Engr. Marvien G. Natividad Engr. Ron Neil N. Nunez Engr. Jonnel D. Ondo Engr. Ma. Abigael D. Pacho Engr. John Patrick B. Padilla Engr. Jerome S. Paguyo Engr. Ranchelle U. Parino Engr. Marycris A. Pilapil Engr. Jay Lester S. Platon Engr. Zeus L. Pullan Engr. Andrew J. Robles Engr. Romel M. Saludo Engr. Dan Vincent E. Tolo Engr. Jeriel-Ville C. Villegas Engr. Royze Christian T. Yambao

- Katrina Malate

Arise and Shine Rejoices on 16 Years of Journey Once again God proved His faithfulness to Arise and Shine Campus Ministry as they glorified Him on their 16th year anniversary, September 28, 2017. Arise and Shine conducted their anniversary gathering at the Cultural Building Auditorium where more than 30 delegates attended including the Arise members, invited guests from Makiling National High School, alumni of Arise including Prof. Jeric Matutina of the Engineering Department and Prof. Resylyn Cabrera – Arise and Shine adviser. The theme of the gathering is about growing with a title of ‘Level Up’ wherein Joshua Pabon, the President of Arise and Shine, shared some of his experiences and thoughts in relevance with the theme. The focus of his talk was about how God leveled up David’s life and which is written in 1 Samuel 16: 1-13. He said that if people learn how to trust and have faith in God, their life could also be leveled up. Other activities were also conducted like the singing of praises and worships lead by the Frontliners of Arise. When asked about the preparations of the event, Andrea Danielle Labrador, the Vice President of the ministry said, “Ma-effort ang preparation, pero worth it ang pagod, medyo busy halos lahat pero para kay God, go lang!” she added. It has been another remarkable year for the organization and every member is looking forward to the years to come to celebrate, praise, and share the word of God. - Joan Estrella

OCTOBER 2017 CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT LICENSURE EXAMINATION PUP-STB PASSING RATE: 40.68%

OCTOBER 2017 ECE LICENSURE EXAMINATION pup-stb passing rate: 75.86%

Jester Terrenal Amante, CPA Joanna Apura, CPA Aiza Quiatchon Canupin, CPA Tiffany Reyes Ching, CPA Abelardo A. Corañez Jr., CPA Melvin De Castro, CPA Angelyn de los Reyes, CPA Jae Antonio Lapiña Javier, CPA Rocelyn Javier, CPA Gemary Morete Larosa, CPA Ryan Lozada, CPA Aizel Rondilla Lumanglas, CPA Kaye Mari Maranan, CPA Rochel Reña Muñoz, CPA Paul Opeña, CPA Milisa Fernandez Rosales, CPA Diana Marie Briones Sadili, CPA Josua Mae Creencia Sunio, CPA Mia Tiu, CPA John Daryll Lacandazo Tolentino, CPA Maegan Tuiza, CPA Marigem De Vera Valles, CPA Jermaine Villa, CPA

Engr. Jesus Eliseo Andres Engr. Ian John Beren Baetiong Engr. Vianriz Marini Bautista Engr. Hannelyn Caringal Engr. Joana Mae de Jesus Engr. Albert Jake Dumaliang Engr. Joyce Estrella Engr. Gentry Fajardo Engr. Chin Guillermo Fausto Engr. John Errold Llanto Engr. Jeny Ross Javier Malabanan Engr. Ma Arfel Malasique Engr. Romel Mandocdoc Engr. Niña Manzanares Engr. Richard Masalunga Engr. Lodie Lozada Masarido Engr. Lizette Mendoza Engr. Cyrene Pascual Engr. Kimberly Mary Roxas Engr. John Carlo Tejada Engr. Aaron Villanueva Engr. Mitzi Rose Villegas

The Editorial Board of The Searcher also acknowledges and congratulates its alumni: Engr. Joana Mae De Jesus (Former Editor in Chief) Princess Julie Anne Manalo, RPm (Former Assistant Managing Editor)

Kaye Mari Maranan, CPA (Former Associate Editor) Jerlyn Comendador, RPm (Former Literary Editor)

FEATURE

KAMUSTA KA, Katanghalian sa foodcourt, kalagitnaan ng Setyembre. Kaharap ko ang mukha sa likod ng isa sa mga pinakasikat na pangalan sa unibersidad, si Mang Tomas. Siya ang naging boses ng mga Iskong Tomasinong nahihiyang umimik sa mga taong hinahangaan, natatakot umamin sa iniibig, nanggigigil sa mga gustong kutusan. Siya ang naging boses ng sikreto ng mga Isko. Nakakatawang isipin na doon pa talaga namin napagusapang magkita, kung saan maraming maaring makatuklas ng tunay ng pagkakakilanlan niya. Hindi mo akalain na ang mukha ni Mang Tomas ay ganun din lamang- isang simpleng estudyante. “Hindi na mahalaga ang tunay kong pangalan,”sabi niya para sa mga kating-kati nang malaman ang kanyang tunay na pangalan. “Si Mang Tomas ang pag-uusapan natin, at ngayon, ako si Mang Tomas.” Siguro kung ihahalintulad si Mang Tomas sa isang tao, maiisip mo lang ay ang mga Iskong Tomasinong nadadaanan ko araw-araw. Hindi ganung kalaki ang pinagkaiba niya sa kanila, tinitigyawat, pinapawisan, nadudumihan, at natataranta sa quizzes. Ang mukha sa harap ko ay ang may hawak ng Facebook page na Mang Tomas Code, ang pinakasikat na “secret files” page sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines Sto. Tomas Branch (PUP-STB) na umabot sa 3,761 likes mula noong inumpisahan niyang tumanggap ng mga confessions noong Oktubre ng 2013. Ngunit naglaho ito dahil, ayon mismo sa kanya, ay sa kawalan ng oras para mapangasiwaan ng maayos. Muling binuhay ang page noong Hunyo ng 2017 at bumalik sa dating laki dahil sa kanilang patok na #BenteSingkoestions. Ito ay isang maliit na pakulo bilang bahagi ng selebrasyon ng ika-25 na anibersaryo ng PUP-STB kung saan tinatanong nila ang mga “peymus” na estudyante ng PUP-STB ng 25 na tanong tungkol sa iba’t ibang paksa- pag-ibig, personal na buhay, hanggang sa sex at mga bagay na sekswal, na kinagat naman ng mga Isko. “Gusto ko lang naman maging isa ang mga Isko sa PUP Sto. Tomas,” tugon niya nung itinanong ko kung bakit niya binuo ang pahina sa Facebook.“Kung titignan sa malayo, alam kong hindi ganoong kalaki ang naiaambag ko sa unibersidad, pero naniniwala ako na lahat ng aking kwento at karanasang naibahagi ay kapupulutan ng aral. Napakakulay ng buhay. Gusto ko sanang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang bawat isa na maipakita sa mundo ang kanyang obra na walang iniisip na iniingatang pangalan at imahe,” sabi niya ng may sigla. “Nakakatawa, ngunit nakatutuwang isipin. Naramdaman ko na lumalaki na ang page nung isang beses ay nakarinig ako ng pinag-uusapan [ang Mang Tomas Code] habang ako ay nakapila sa Panini,” dugsong niya. Napatitig kami sa bugso ng mga Iskong nagdatingan noong saglit na iyon. “Lunch break na,” bulong ni Mang Tomas. “Mais-stress na naman si Koya Borger. Sabay-sabay na namang oorder na parang may hinahabol lagi,”patawa niyang dugsong. Siguro, kung may isang katangian ang mga Iskong Tomasino na hindi niya ganoong kinagigiliwan, ito ay ang pagiging maingay. Sinabi niya na kapag may nais ang isang Isko, ipaglalaban niya ito at magiingay siya para mapansin at makuha ang gusto. Sangayon, medyo mainipin ang mga Iskong Tomasino. “Hindi ko naman sinasabing pangit ito, o hindi kaaya-aya, sapagkat ang mga Iskong Tomasino ay hindi nag-iingay para sa mga bagay na walang kakwenta-kwenta,” depensa niya. “Siguro kadugsong na ito ng pinaka-paborito kong katangian ng isang Isko, ang katalinuhan. Magagaling. Yung kahit anong gawin ko, hindi ako lalapit sa galing nila,” sabi niya na punong-puno ng pagmamalaki. “Karamihan sa kanila ay marunong makilahok sa mga issue ng lipunan. Maaring simple lamang na tumutukoy sa mga buhay pag-ibig, bokal sa mga opinyon nila sa administrasyon ng unibersidad, maging sa pampulitika, hanggang sa mga usapang buhay at relihiyon. Ang hirap itanggi ng katalinuhan ng isang Iskong Tomasino,” kwento ni Mang Tomas.

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

Mang Tomas?

“Ngunit ang pinakahinahangaan kong katangian ng isang Isko ay ‘yung pinapakinggan nila ang mga ibang tao sa paligid nila. Maalam din silang tumanggap ng payo at pakinggan ito. Isang napakagandang ugali yun.” Wala akong nagawa kundi ngumiti na lamang. “Kapag bumuka ang bibig ng isang Isko, makakaasa kang pinag-isipan niya ito,” sabi niya. “Pero h’wag mong kalimutan na magaling din silang makinig. Kaya nga lumaki ang Mang Tomas Code, ‘di ba?” ---- Sa lahat ng kwentong taong natanggap at ibinahagi niya, hindi niya maiwasang ilagay ang sarili sa posisyon ng mga taong ito. “Sa pagiging si Mang Tomas, natutunan ko na hanapan ng mga positibong side ang mga bagay na nangyayari sa atin. Hindi naman ako maaring magbigay ng payo na nakadepende sa aking emosyon, ‘di ba?” retorikang tanong niya.“Binibigyan ko na ang mga sitwasyon ng balanseng pagtingin at pag-unawa. Ngayon nadadala ko na siya sa buhay ko.” Itinanong ko ang mga kwentong tumatak sa kanya. Nagumpisa siya sa mga kwentong pag-ibig, sa problemang pamilya, pera, sa mga kaibigan, hanggang sa mga “sulat sa sarili.” Sa bawat salita na kanyang sinasambit, sumasabay ang kanyang mga kamay at minumustra ang mga sitwasyong

kaniyang sinasabi. Ngunit ang pinakatumatak sa kanya ay tuwing may mga kwentong sa kanyang tunay na pagkatao pinapatama. “Nakakatatawa, nakakakaba, nakakatuwa, pero minsan nakakainis,” sagot niya. “Minsan, napapaisip ako kung bakit hindi nalang ito sabihin sa akin nang personal.” Tumigil siya ng saglit, tila nag-iisip kung anong idudugtong. “Pero hindi ko naman sila masisisi, kahit ako din, may mga bagay na hindi kayang sabihin ng harap-harapan. “Pare-parehas lang naman tayo ng dinaranas. Mga pangkaraniwang kwento na aking tinatanggap, mga pangkaraniwang kwento na kanilang binabahagi. Andaming nag-coconfess na pakiramdam nila nag-iisa lang sila, na wala na silang kasama, na wala na silang makakapitan. Naranasan ko rin ito dati,” dagdag niya. “Pero noong inumpisahan ko ang page na Mang Tomas Code, na-realize ko na hindi lang naman ako yung nakakaranas neto, na maraming gustong makinig, maraming gustong magpayo, maraming gustong tumulong.” “Hindi ba mahirap itago ang pagkakakilanlan mo bilang si Mang Tomas?” tanong ko. “Sa tinagal-tagal ko [nang] si Mang Tomas, hindi pa ako nahirapang itago ang katauhang ito sapagkat ‘di ko naman dinadala si Mang Tomas sa arawaraw ko,” tugon niya. “Pero medyo mahirap ‘ding balansehin ang oras kasi may mga araw na bumubugso ang mga kwento habang may klase. Hirap mamili kung anong uunahin,” magaan niyang dugsong. Biglang may tumawag sa kanya at humingi muna ng saglit upang kausapin ito.

Tumingin muna ako sa pahina ng Mang Tomas Code upang makita ang huli niyang ipinaskil. “Saka ka na bumalik, kapag ‘di ka na aalis.” -MTC, 2014. BS** “Nakita ko ang huli mong post sa page, tila may pinagdadaanan ka,” sabi ko pagkabalik niya matapos ang ilang segundo. “Na-iinlove din ba si Mang Tomas? Kanino?” tanong ko. “Oo naman!” sagot niya. “Lahat naman tayo naranasan na ang umibig. Hindi ko na sasabihin kung sino s’ya, basta makakasigurado kang kuntento ako sa takbo naming dalawa,” sabi niya. “Siguro may mga tao lang talagang may…” tumigil siya, tila hinahanap ang tamang salita. “Hindi ‘dating’ ei, parang mas malalim pa ng konti. Yung kahit sinabi mo na sa sarili mo na ayaw mo na, na yung taong huli mong inibig ang kaisa-isang taong iibigin mo ng ganun, bigla nalang may dadating na tao para ipalamon sa’yo ang lahat ng pinaniniwalaan mo.” Napatigil ako sa mga sinabi niya, napalalim yata masyado. Wala nalang akong nagawa kundi umayon. Madami na siguro siyang pinagdaanan.

“Malaking responsibilidad ang pagiging si Mang Tomas, ano bang nararamdaman mo tuwing maiisip mo na ikaw nga pala si Mang Tomas?” tanong ko. “Masaya ako. Sobra. Masarap sa feeling yung pinagkakatiwalan ka ng tao para ingatan ang mga sikreto nila sa page, marami din akong natututunan, maraming nakikilala,” sabi niya. “Masaya na kahit papaano nakakatulong ako sa kapwa ko Isko na malayo muna sila sa stress, sa mga gawain sa school, magbigay ng konting entertainment, at mailabas ang mga saloobin na hindi mabigyan ng pagkakataon na maisiwalat,” paliwanag niya. Naisip ko kung gaano kahirap maging katiwala ng daan-daang sikretong kanyang hinawakan mula noong inumpisahan niya ang page. “May mga araw na hirap akong kausapin ang mga malalapit kong kaibigan na nagbahagi ng sikreto nila, lalo na kung nakakahiya o nakakatawa ang mga kwento nila,” patawa niyang kwento. “Meron din naman yung mga kaibigan kong gusto pala ang isa’t isa, kaso nagkakahiyaan lang umamin. Mga kwentong crush, kwentong pagibig. Pero para sa akin, pinakamahirap kapag may nagconfess kang kaibigan na may malaking problema. Ang hirap magdesisyon kung tutulungan ko ba siya o itatago ko ang pagkakalilanlan ni Mang Tomas,” sabi niya. “Pero masaya naman ako na sa lahat ng mga ito, andyan parin ang mga mababait na Iskong nagcocomment ng kani-kanilang payo. Siguro, sa maliliit na bagay, nakakatulong na rin ako sapagkat nakakahanap ng paraan para makapag-reach-out ang mga Iskong may problema,” dugsong ni Mang Tomas. Ngunit sa kabila ng saya ng pagiging si Mang Tomas, nagparamdam parin siya ng konting pagod. “Dumadami ang aking mga responsibilidad ngayong sem, kaya kinailangan kong pansamantalang ipahinga muna ang page,” sabi niya. “Babalik ang page, promise. Kapag maayos [na ulit ang] time-management ko, o kapag nakahanap na ako ng makakatulong sa pagma-manage ng page,” paliwanag niya tungkol sa biglang paglahong page kamakailang buwan lamang. Siguro, sa tinagal-tagal ko sa PUP, sa kanya ko pa lang nakita kung bakit sumisikat ang mga “secret files” page. May mga bagay, kahit sa sarili ko ay di ko kayang sabihin sa harap ng madaming tao. Maaaring ito ay nakakahiya, nakakasakit, o nakakaapekto sa ibang tao- mga sikretong mahirap itago kasi kinakain tayo mula sa loob, kaya naghahanap ako ng mga mapapagkwentuhan, yung taong hindi ako huhusgahan, mga estrangherong handa lang makinig, wala na syang sasabihin, tulad ni Mang Tomas. “Iyon nalang siguro ang gusto kong malaman tungkol kay Mang Tomas,” paalam ko. Nakipagkamay ako sa kanya at nagpasalamat sa oras na inilaan. “Sige, sige, salamat,” paalam niya. “Magkikita pa tayo. Babalik si Mang Tomas, pangako ‘yan.” - Neal Andrei Lalusin

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

FEATURE

DEATH:

If God would give me the privilege to choose the cause of my death, it would be death by eating too much, and if by any chance God would ask me why is that so, I might answer, death by food isn’t a dignified way to go but at least I’ll die doing what I love. Death. The most inevitable phenomenon in the world is doing its job at a quick pace, according to the Worldometer of the United Nations Census Bureau, as of November 2017, there are 48, 726, 466 fatalities in the world out of the 7.6 billion total population with an approximately 62, 770 deaths every day. Death is very tricky and clever, it is cloaked with different personas and wears different masks every day. It is sometimes a disease that is incurable, acts as natural catastrophes, transforms into bombs, guns, and missiles. All the things that put life to an end is death. *** Death is like an octopus, but in this case death only got four tentacles to capture its preys, but each tentacle entails an Avada Kedavra spell that cease a person’s body from living.

First Tentacle: Death as Natural Disaster

Extreme weather poses the greatest threat to humanity in 2017. Flash floods, heat waves and drought have the potential to cause major disruption and loss of lives. Over the last 50 years, human activities particularly the burning of fossil fuels have released sufficient quantities of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses to trap additional heat in the lower atmosphere and affect the global climate. In the last 100 years, the world has warmed by approximately 0.85°C and each of the last three decades has been successively warmer than any preceding decade since 1850. Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, and precipitation patterns are changing. Extreme weather events are becoming more intense and frequent. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year, from malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea and heat stress. Areas with weak health infrastructure— mostly in developing countries—will be the least able to cope without assistance to prepare and respond. These environmental issues are critical ingredients for creating stable and sustainable societies and economies people have always desired.

Second Tentacle: Death as Illness

The Silent Killer maintain its rank as the leading cause of death globally for the last 25 years. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including heart diseases and stroke, account for one-third of the total deaths throughout the world from year 1992 and hitherto. It is indeed an alarming threat to global health, there are actually 18 million CVD deaths worldwide. Supporting the CVD as life takers are the Chronic Obstructive pulmonary disease, cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, tuberculosis and road accidents and injuries. People are dying with or without a fight with these sickness, money no longer suffice the treatments anymore, today, one’s strong faith to God is the best remedy, medicines, surgeries, and apparatuses are just back-up cures.

Third Tentacle: Death as Terrorism

Changing some facet in society, seeking freedom of religious expression to politically control a region have been the ideology of some power-wielding humans, unminding that most have been the victims of their unimaginable brutality. As of October 28, 2017 there have been 1,589 terrorist attacks in 56 countries, in which 10,872 people were killed and 11,190 were injured. Some of these attacks were the Barcelona attack which was considered as the worst violence in Spain wherein a terrorist incident in the seaside city of Cambrils and a house explosion farther down the coast in Alcanar were linked to the van attack in Barcelona. 22 people died after an explosion tore through Ariana Grande’s concert at Manchester Arena. Around 120 people were injured in the blast at the concert on May 22, 2017. Terrorist Salman Abedi was named as the suicide bomber who carried the attack. A London terrorist attack happened on June 3, 2017 whereby a van left the road and struck a number of pedestrians on London Bridge. After the van crashed, its three occupants ran to the nearby Borough Market area and began stabbing people in and around restaurants and pubs. Another London terrorist attack occurred in Finsbury Park mosque that caused eleven injured people when a van ploughed into worshippers as they left the mosque in north London in the early hours of June 21, 2017. Another European attack occurred in Stockholm wherein the driver of a hijacked beer delivery truck that careered into crowds on Stockholm’s largest shopping street, killing four and injuring many more. Police in Sweden’s capital confirmed that a man had been arrested “on suspicion of a terrorist crime through murder” was a 39-year old man from Uzbekistan. On the other hand, The Battle of Marawi was a five-month-long armed conflict in Marawi, Lanao del Sur, that started in May 23 2017 between Philippine

FEATURING ITS FOUR TENTACLES government security force and militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant including the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Salafi jihadist groups. It had become the longest urban battle in the modern history of the Philippines. Last October 7, 2017, an indiscriminate mass murder happened in Las Vegas where 58 were dead including the shooter during a music festival attended by 22,000 people. The incident was said to be meticulously planned because the gunman, Stephen Paddock selected a hotel room overlooking the music festival. The cache of 23 weapons were also found inside the gunman’s suite and thousands of rounds of ammunition—plus an ingredient used in explosives, he also set up cameras inside his hotel suite and in the hallwayto control and watch the people approaching his room.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms disclosed that Paddock had outfitted 12 of his rifles with a legal device called a bump-fire stock, which enables a shooter to fire bullets rapidly, similar to an automatic rifle. Some identified terrorist group that caused these terror attacks are the Boko Haram, Islamic State (ISIL, ISIS, DAESH), PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party), Al-Qaeda, Al-Shabaab, Taliban, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, etc.

They say societies around the world have long coped with terrorism because the world had suffered an escalating string of terrorism over the past decades, but the frequent attacks bring fear and anxiety to people thinking that anytime and anywhere, they could be a victim of these in humane acts. Terrorism is a sickness of some individual and the society. No peaceful talks can cure this illness, and today, man’s capacity of justice is outstanding but man’s inclination to injustice is much favored by people. Many decades ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and time has proved how much right he was.

Fourth Tentacle: Death as War

It has been a long peace. More than 60 years have passed since we last had a big war between major nations. But every peace has an end. Undoubtedly terrorism and war are intimately related. It is hard to imagine a war that did not generate extreme fear amongst many people, and sometimes, this is more than a by-product of violence. After shutting down its gate, North Korea showed off how mighty they are by testing its nuclear missiles. In September 2017, NoKor carried out its sixth nuclear test, this time denoting what is claimed was a hydrogen bomb. The yield of the nuclear blast was estimated at about 100 kilotons, and was first detected as an earthquake of 6.3 magnitude with a depth of 23 km. An H-bomb can be 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb the US dropped on Hiroshima in World War II. Of course the great United States of America won’t be out of the picture, the super power has issued a stark warning to North Korea, saying it is ready for war at any time after conducting military drills in the South China Sea. The drills indicate how tension have escalated on the Korean Peninsula amid fears of nuclear war breaking out. If this US-Korean War erupted, World War has high possibility to resume. This will be a battle between the East and the West, and for sure there will be allies, not only Trump and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un have nuclear weapons. Vladimir Putin of Russia has thousands. He won’t use them on the US though. For Putin and Trump are best buddies. Britain is also preparing for a war with a massive naval drill springing into action off the UK coast featuring 35 warships. They are all ready, we are just waiting for the go signal of whose nation would fire first. If these bombs landed, it could create a nuclear winter that kills many crops several years creating a famine that could kill billions of people and wildlife. No one knows but this coming war might lead to the end of the world, but nobody can veto a president’s decision. He will make the move before the enemy destroy them. This war’s unstoppable, the powerful nations are prepared. How about the poor and developing countries like the Philippines? I guess, we’re just going to be mere spectators of this war, watching the missiles high above the sky waiting for it to land wherever it is designated to land. *** There are thousands of ways to die, but we’ll never have the power to choose which way to go, yep, we can choose, but that’s suicide! And that’s an act of cowardice. Let the maker of life decide when and where and how we die. And since, God is giving each one of us another day to spend, to thank, to enjoy, to do epic, to do good, and to repent. Let’s do what we ought and suppose to do. Our clocks are ticking faster this time, not even a second should be wasted doing petty and childish things. Continue doing what is right and good because death may come sooner than we thought, but that’s still not the end, the final analysis will be between me or you and the Lord and when He asks what have we done good, we can tell the Lord with full conviction the rightful acts we’ve done and we’ve got zero remorse because we’ve live our lives to the fullest and accordingly. - Joan Estrella

FEATURE

Magandang Bukas, Sto. Tomas!

Iskong Tomasinos, have you heard the news? Santo Tomas, the cradle of our sintang paaralan is about to be a city on one of these days. After its official proclamation (which is anticipated on the first quarter of 2018), our municipality-the Progressive Gateway to the Province of Batangas, will be the 4th in the history of the province after Lipa, Batangas, and Tanauan. What’s ahead for Santo Tomas? Is it really Magandang Bukas?-a brighter future for everyone including us, scholars? To be sure, let’s prepare forSanto Tomas City life!

A Scent of History It was March 7, 1666- the feast of St. Thomas Aquinas, the holiest among the intellects, when the celebrated foundation of the town was held with Manuel Melo as its first kapitan (municipal mayor). As the Dominican friars founded Santo Tomas, their primary goal was to erect a Catholic Church- the St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Church, which was built near the San Juan river to satisfy their propensity for water. The church, as what PUPians may notice hitherto, is surrounded by its poblacions and its neighboring barrios (barangays). One of these barangays was known in the past as Barrio Kabaong (due to coffinshaped houses on the area) and has its present name as Brgy. San Vicente. Barrio Aptayin (derived from Apta- a fine shrimp abundant on its brooks) is presently known as Brgy. San Bartolome, Barrio Biga (due to bounty biga trees on the area) is Brgy. Santa Anastacia nowadays, and Brgy. San Isidro Sur and Brgy. San Isidro Norte were both known as Barrio Camballao (meaning, divided by two rivers) before. Today, the municipality is comprised of 30 Barangays (26 named after their Patrotonios, 4 as Poblacions) with 179,844 Tomasinos (PSA, 2015) residing on 95.41 sq. km. area constituting 3.06% territorial land of Batangas Province. 351 years have passed and still, its citizens have remained God-fearing, peaceful and obedient, while bearing the pride granted by General Miguel Malvarthe last General of the archipelago to surrender to the enemies of the land. Lomi and Bulalo-Batangas delicacies known all over the Philippines, are still being enjoyed in Santo Tomas by its parokyano and town guests. These delicacies will be served with the additional spices of Santo Tomas as a City on one of these days. To bring information on Municipality of Santo Tomas’ public programs and road to its cityhood, The Searcher (TS) conducted a series of formal interviews with the following Santo Tomas Municipal Offices: Municipal Planning and Development Council (MPDC), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO), Office of the Municipal Vice-Mayor (OMVM) and Office of the Municipal Mayor (OMM) from the last week of

September to mid- October 2017. The answers of the aforementioned offices are authentic and granted with permission to be published.

Municipality’s Programs for Community Development TS: What is the status of unemployment in Santo Tomas? What are the resolutions of the Municipality regarding this? OMM: Based on the 2009 Community Based- Monitoring System (CBMS) census, the employment rate of Santo Tomas is 97.88% with a total population of 124,740. Unemployment rate by 2009 was 2.12% only. The population from 2009 to 2015 has increased by 30.63%. On the year 2015, Santo Tomas’ population is 179, 844. 129, 592 or 71.05% in the labor force (population 15 years old and over) is being dominated by the Female Cluster. Given the incessant economic growth of the town, without a doubt, the unemployment rate is not an immense issue of the local government. Santo Tomas even ranked 3rd place in the Economic Dynamism in the National Competitiveness Council’s Annual Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI): 1st to 2nd Class Municipality Category last August 2017, 5th Regional Competitive Summit. To address the issues on employment, underemployment and job mismatch, Public Employment Service Office (PESO)Santo Tomas is recurrently implementing set of activities for its improvement. TS: How prepared is our municipality with the magnitude and intensity to be brought by the “Big One” and anticipated floods caused by typhoons? MDRRMO: Our office is continuously increasing its capacity in responding to emergency situations by strengthening and improving the operational preparedness of the LGU through trainings, seminars and provision of modern tools and equipment. To better prepare our municipality in the event of “The Big One” the MDRRMO regularly conducts earthquake orientations and drills in schools, companies and communities. In an interview with Local MDRRMO Officer ICO Engr. Mark Sherwin Mendoza, he informed TS that: “Santo Tomas Municipality (Pob. 1 as reference point) is 11 kilometers away from the tail of Marikina Fault Line (located at Cabuyao, Laguna) so there will be only slight intensity in the municipality as it hits the region. But still, everyone is encouraged to be prepared and always have presence of mind” TS: Do you know about the traffic brought by the anomalous enforcement on the lanes of FPIP Gates 1 and 2? What can be your measure/s to eliminate this problem? OMM: It is a common knowledge that every rush hour, the volume of vehicle rises. It is a usual

problem not only in Santo Tomas but to all the developing towns and cities. Regarding the traffic situation in FPIP 1 and 2 and LISP III, the Traffic Management Section of Santo Tomas never fails to deal with the problem and the following solutions have been done: a) Weekly meeting with the Barangay officials concerned, FPIP and LISP Officials and TMS, b) Counter Flow scheme everyday AM during rush hour, c) Traffic signage will be stalled soon, and d) Hiring of additional enforcers. The Traffic will never be eliminated during rush hour because of the growing number of vehicles, what we do is control traffic situation during rush hour with a systematic strategy to lessen the burden of the communities. TS: What is your opinion on the rampant killing made by the PNP, vigilante groups and other anti-crime/anti-drugs groups? OMM: As far as Santo Tomas PNP is concerned, there is NO rampant killing of alleged persons involved in illegal drugs in the municipality. Wherein, homicide incidents that transpired in the Municipality, based on the investigation conducted by our investigators, the following are the motives and reasons by suspects involved in killings, to wit: a) drugs rivalry/competition (onsehan), b. For profit (Gun for Hire), c. Vengeance/revenge, and d. Political rivalry/ motivation and other similar reasons. Based on our records, killing happened in the municipality were not perpetrated by any member of the Philippine National Police.

Santo Tomas’ Road to Cityhood “Magandang Bukas, Santo Tomas”- the official tag line for the municipality’s goal to convert its self into a city is a product of brainstorming among the municipal offices during the annual investment plan 2018 at Clark, Pampanga and spur headed by the Municipal Administration Office (MAO). “The slogan reflects to the unified effort of the [municipal] offices to make Santo Tomas qualify to be a city’. MPDC OIC Salvador Geling said. Santo Tomas, City of Saints is one of the choices for the official slogan for the cityhood program, an attempt to represent its 26 out of 30 barangays which were named after Saints. TS: How true is the municipality’s road to cityhood? OMM: At present, our application for cityhood is now at the Senate Level. First quarter of 2013, we have applied for cityhood, however it was put to archive at the House of Representatives because of the National Elections. We again, re applied and secured updated documents on August 2015. TS: What makes Santo Tomas a candidate for cityhood? OMM: Any municipality which qualifies under Section 450 of the Local Government Code of 1991 can apply for its conversion into a city.

Photo by John Michael Librero

Disenyo at Paglalapat ni Jovie Melarpis

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

Section 450 states the requirements for city creation which are an average income of Php 100M for two consecutive years and either of the land area of 100 square kilometers and the population of 150,000 inhabitants. TS: What are the measures of the municipality to achieve this goal? OMM: As long as we have gathered the data that the municipality has reached the qualifications of being a city, we had them certified by the national agencies like for the income we have, Department of Finance, the land area by Land Management Bureau and the Population by the Philippine Statistics Office. When we had secured all the documents, we forwarded them to House of Representatives for their approval and endorsement to the Senate. Fortunately, Rep. Collantes authored House Bill No. 5160- “AN ACT CONVERTING THE MUNICIPALITY OF SANTO TOMAS INTO A COMPONENT CITY OF THE PROVINCE OF BATANGAS TO BE KNOWN AS THE CITY OF SANTO TOMAS”. Now, it is at the senate level for second and third reading, and hopefully for approval. TS: How will the cityhood of Santo Tomas make Tomasinos’ lives better? OMM: With more funds available, the people can expect an improved and a more efficient delivery of basic services which will benefit the Tomasinos like building additional school facilities, establishment of national agencies like PSA, DTI, DFA, DOLE, SSS and others. Most importantly, more investors will come thus it will create more jobs for Tomasinos. TS: What will be the impact of Santo Tomas’ cityhood to the scholars and youth of Santo Tomas? OMM: One of the most significant effects of our conversion to cityhood is the Special Education Fund will go to the city 100%, thus, we can use this fund for additional school buildings modern facilities and training centers to enhance and hone the skills of our youth, are among the other projects which will be prioritized. TS: How will Santo Tomas’ city hood affects the students of PUP-STB? MPDC: Educational assistance among Tomasinong PUPians will increase by large percentage. More scholars will be scoped by the Educational Assistance Fund. In an interview with Mga Apo ni Tomas Founder and PUP-STB Professor Fidel ‘Pit’ Maliksi during TS’s seminar on him, he commented: “Expect the rise on prices of common goods including saging and bananacue, also, boarding house rents are expected to hike due to higher tax rates.” - DAN JOSEPH LIM

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

OPINION

sa WERPA ni GongDi

Paunawa: Ang pahinang ito ay naglalaman ng saloobin ng aming publikasyon bilang pangangalampag kay Presidente Digong kaugnay ng mga nakababahalang isyu ng bansa sa mga panahong ito. Kaya’t kung isa ka sa mga malulugod na umiidolo sa ating pangulo, mangyari lamang na palawakin ang pananaw, ‘wag pairalin ang init ng ulo at punasan ang pawis sa mukha habang binabasa itong artikulo.

Ang naging operasyon ng PNP kaugnay ng mga kontra-drogang programa ng pamahalaan. Nakalulungkot na nakikita ng pamahalaan ang mga lulong sa droga bilang mga halimaw, mga maligno, tulad ng mga zombies sa pelikula na dapat patayin upang manahimik, di makapaminsala. Mga demonyong wala nang pag-asang magbago.

Ngunit hindi kaya itong Iskolar! Si Oppa Gong mga lulong at pusher ng droga ay Di bilang pangulo ng bansa tulad ng mga may karamdaman? ay may mga ‘Werpa’ upang –na nangangailangan ng bigyang solusyon ang mga gamot, doktor at atensyong kinasasadlakang isyu ng bansa medikal at hindi ng bala? sa loob at labas ng teritoryo Bakit kaya hindi batid ng nito. Kaya ang The Searcher pangulo na sila ay mga biktima ay naghanda ng isa...dalawa... din ng kahirapan, kawalang tatlo…. *ratrat ng baril, dilim. kalinga, at maling edukasyonna siyang dapat niyang higit Sigaw ng kabataan: GAMITIN pakatutukan? Kung may dapat ANG ‘WERPA’, ITIGIL ANG siyang puntiryahin ay ang mga MALAWAKANG PAGPATAY! sindikato ng droga at ang mga protektor nito na maaaring nasa Sa loob ng tatlo hanggang loob ng senado o kongreso- silang anim na buwan kuno, masasawata mga nagbibingi-bingihan sa na ang mga lulong sa droga lalo’t sigaw ng hustisya at katarungan higit ang mga drug lord sa likod sa madugong programa na ito. nito- ngunit anong petsa na? Natapos na ang Encantadia at Kaya’t isinisigaw Mulawin, nag-anibersaryo na namin sa dalawang tainga ng ang AngProbinsyano- hindi pa rin pangulo, kasama ng iba pang “drug-free” ang bansa, bagkus ay mga organisasyong makanaging “killing-friendly”, purgahan buhay sa buong kapuluan: at isang malaking “katayan” ito, na kung saan sektor ng maralita ITIGIL NA ANG PATAYAN, SOLUSYON ang prodyuser ng bangkay. SA KAHIRAPAN ANG PAGTUUNAN!

teritoryong atin, hindi magawa ng Pangulo na ibalandra at isupalpal sa mukha ng Tsina ang dokumento sapagkat siya ay naghahangad ng sanggang-dikit na relasyon ng Juan Dela Cruz kay Xi Jinping.

Nakahihiya ang kamakailang pahayag ng Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar hinggil sa pangingialam ng European Union (EU) sa isyung Extra Judicial Killings sa bansa. Aniya, ang mga Ang komunistang bansa miyembro nito ay tila mga “kulang ay kasalukuyang nagpapalaklak pa sa iyot” dahil sa patuloy na ng kanyang tulong sa bunganga pangingialam sa naturang isyu. ng ating mahirap na bansa Dagdag pa sa mga “kahihiyan” kabilang na ang mga armas, na naidulot ng mga kawani ng na papatay lamang sa mga Malakanyang ay ang panayam kababayan nating dumadanas ng ng Swiss National Public Radio kahirapan. Idagdag pa ang mga and Television South East Asia kay kaibigan ng Kalashnikov mula sa Chief Presidential Legal Counsel bansang Russia na tila nais ding Salvador Panelo, na nagsabing maging kaalyado ang Pilipinas “better in bed” at “I fuck like an 18sa mga lihim nitong mga balakin. year old [when he was a Bachelor]”. Dahil na din sa hangarin ni GongDi at sa pagtatapal sa mata ng bansa mula sa Tsina, nabahag na ang buntot ng Pilipinas upang ipaglaban ang mga lupaing pinaglaanan ng buhay ng ating mga bayani laban sa mga mananakop. Isang kahihiyan para kina Dr. Rizal at Bonifacio na nagbuwis ng buhay upang magkamit ng “nagsasariling Pilipinas” at ng hindi papasakop na bansa.

Ang higit na nakapanghihinayang ay hindi sinamantala ng Pangulo ang pagkakataon sa naganap na APEC summit at ASEAN summit (na tayo mismo ang nangunang HUSTISYA PARA SA MGA BIKTIMA bansa) nitong nakaraan upang Hindi na lamang sana NG DIGMAAN KONTRA-DROGA! maresolba ang isyu sa naturang nangako ang Pangulo sa bagay rehiyon. Tila ang buong rehiyon Bulalas ng kabataan: WEST na ito noong kampanya, dahil ng ASEAN ay natatakot tila nalinlang ang mga Pilipino PHILIPPINE SEA AY ATIN, WERPA din sa pangangalampag AY PAIRALIN! dahil ang 3-6 months na pangako sa Higanteng Tsina. nya ay naging kasinungalingan. Tila naging tahimik na Ayon sa tala ng Philippine National Ang The Searcher, kasama ang tindig ng Pilipinas sa laban Police, 5, 617 ang napatay ng din ng iba pang publikasyon Oplan Tokhang at Oplan Double nito para sa kanyang teritoryo sa buong bansa na naglalayon Barrel mula nang inilunsad ito sa West Philippine Sea- habang ding mapaalis ang pwersa noong ika-isa ng Hulyo 2016 ang Masipag na Higanteng Tsina ng Tsina sa ating teritoryo, hanggang Hulyo ngayong taon. ay panay ang reklamasyon ng ay ipinangangalandakang: Base din sa taya humigit kumulang mga inaangkin nitong mga isla. ANG MGA ISLA SA WPS AY ATIN, apat na libo dito ay pawang Hindi man lamang magawang PWERSA NG TSINA PAALISIN! di umano’y nagsipanlaban. bugawin ng pamahalaan ang mga umaaligid na “langaw” sa Hinanakit ng kabataan: Paano kayang pag-aari ng mamamayan nito. HUGASAN ANG BIBIG NG nagsipanlaban ang mga “adik” MALAKANYANG, MAGMUMOG ANG at “pusher” na naka-boxer shorts M a t a t a n d a a n g MAY HAWAK NG ‘WERPA’ lamang? Ang mga hukluban? napatunayan na ng Pilipinas Paano kaya nanlaban ang mga sa UNCLOS o sa United Nations Si GongDi na naging kabataang tulad ni Kian Lloyd Convention on the Laws of the matalim ang dila sa Delos Santos na isang mag- Sea Arbitration sa The Hague, iba’t-iba niyang aaral na Grade 11 at Carl Arnaiz Netherlands, sa pangunguna pahayag (mura, laban sa laksa-laksang pulis na ni Atty. Antonio Carpio, ang pangungutya at operatiba? Ganoon na lamang kapangyarihan nitong angkinin mga panlilibak), ba talaga kahirap sumuko at ang mga isla (kabilang ang ay tila naging magpahuli kung alam mong Panatag Shoal, Spratly Islands idolo ng atbp.) sa South China Sea noon wala ka nang laban at kawala? kanyang Na alam mong lahat ng gatilyo na ngayo’y nagkabahagi na mga kawani ng baril ay nakatutok sa ulo mo? ang West Philippine Sea (WPS). sa Palasyo ng Ngunit, nagkagayon man Malakanyang. Nakatatakot. Makapanindig na mayroon na tayong katibayan balahibo. Kahindik-hindik. – at pinanghahawakan sa Disenyo at Paglalapat ni Jovie Melarpis

Wala sa kulturang Pilipino ang pagiging bastos at walangmodo, kaya’t nakapanlulumo na mismong mga pinuno nito ang mga nagsisipaglabag sa batas nitong ating kultura. Ano na lamang ang magiging epekto ng kabalbalang ito sa ating mga kabataan na silang magmamana ng mga posisyon na dinudumihan nina GongDi, Andanar at Panelo? Idagdag pa natin ang mga fake news nina Sec. Mocha Uson at Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre. Kaya sa Malakanyang: MAGMUMOG NG TAMANG ASAL AT PANANALITA! MAHIYA KAYO SA KABATAANG PILIPINO!

ISKOLAR NG MINAMAHAL NATING BAYAN! Wag nating hayaan na masira ang kinabukasan ni Juan! MAKIISA sa pambansang pangangalampag kay Oppa GongDi upang siya’y maging mas responsable sa paggamit ng kanyang ‘werpa’magsisimula sa atin ang TUNAY at MAKABULUHANG PAGBABAGO! Gamitin ang #StopTheKillings bilang pakikiisa sa paghahanap ng hustisya para sa mga biktima ng manhid na programang kontra-droga ng pamahalaan. Makiisa din sa pagdarasal para sa pagpapatigil ng war on drugs. - DAN JOSEPH LIM

COLUMN

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

Collegiate Tips 101 Persuasive Perspective Ervin Joshua Navarro

College is just a fraction of our whole life, but just 4 or 5 years of it has defined our meaning in the society and how we’re going to be recognized in our entire existence. So, here are some advices that may help you throughout. Learn to adjust, but don’t be hasty about it. College is hard. Really hard. From the academics and its schedule, the Professors, and your circle of friends – those real and fake ones. On my First Year, it was really hard to adjust especially in subject timetables. Though it was easier to handle than the High-school schedule, my body clock had set its time to wake up at 6 am for 7:30 class and be excited when the bell rings at 4:30. Here in college, time is more precious than Gold. The nerve-wracking anxiety of being late as I travel and the sudden feeling of relief when your Professor came later. Regarding on having friends while in college, it always starts with meeting new faces. You’d be lucky if you came across old friends or acquaintances form High-

school, or even from elementary. If not, learn to communicate. You can’t just live your college life being alone, no one to eat lunches with and no one to sit with while in class. But, as the time went on, you’ll also discover their real attitudes towards you. Then you should decide whether sticking beside them or starting to look for people that would really understand the way you are. Those who can and will do things that a normal person wouldn’t do. Such as: being a lookout while you’re “setting off bombs” in washrooms, carrying your belongings every time they leave a place without you, putting your name on the attendance sheet when you’re late and more importantly, those who’ll tell you that you’re doing something wrong and warn you for it. Do extracurricular activities, but don’t expect having additional Grades from it. In College, there are a lot of different non-academic organizations where you can enhance your other talents or even discover new ones. You shouldn’t compress yourself in just studying

Inside a Depressed Mind I sit on front of a computer, looking at the Wikipedia page for clinical depression. “Depression is consistent feeling of sadness and emptiness,” the article says. “It is characterized by irritability, changes in appetite, and general loss of interest in activities. It can be associated with life events, personality, gender identity and sexuality, heredity, medication, substance abuse, and illness,” it continues. Yeap, sums about it. I can give you a watered down version of depression, the kind of what people say is “just a continuous feeling of sadness for no exact reason.” I guess that’s right, but it’s hard to pinpoint how it exactly feels. It is like getting your feet stuck in mud, inhaling cold fog every day, or the feeling that it’s always raining. It’s never the same for different people. For the most part, I think

people should care more. Depression chooses nobody, even the class clown who always seemed so jolly, even your best friend you thought knew well. You never know it’s there until it’s too late. During the days I was horribly impaled by this condition, it felt like being empty and full at the same time. Empty, like you have lost your soul. Nothing makes you happy anymore and you’re trying so hard to feel anything. You don’t even feel sadness; you just feel nothing. Full, like you’re a bomb, ready to fuck up at any moment. You hold in every bit of word you want to say because you’re ashamed to be pitied upon, ashamed to look weak. I can pretend to know how to cure depression and help other people who are experiencing it, but to be honest, I can’t even cure myself. The best I can do is just distract myself from the feelings, whether through friends or hobbies. It seems to work for the most part, just don’t let me be alone in my thoughts, or I’ll spiral down back to it again. I guess in my limited experience, it’s very hard to track down the cause of depression. I like to believe mine was caused by a person I was in love with, just so I have someone to blame. But I know that’s not the true reason. On some days, my neurotic attitude gets me. Pessimism and cynicism pulls me to situations in my mind that I never want to confront. Sometimes I think it’s about my sexuality. The uncertainty of what I truly am and what I am attracted to lead me to confusion and anger. It’s a common sight to see a depressed person to go to substance and alcohol

and coping with your requirements. As for me, I had a lot of time doing some extracurricular activities – most especially, joining The Searcher - the one that I won't regret, ever in my whole life. I became interested the day of freshmen registration. I wasn’t that interested in journalism but I really wanted an article bylined with my name. The glory of boasting it to my Mom and to my friends felt thrilling, so I wanted more. It was also the first time I tried to write news articles based on firsthand experience; coverage while jutting down notes for facts. Sometimes, I pictured myself as a field correspondent. I also endeavored myself into sports. Basketball was really my sports due to my Dad. He taught me when I was little but I haven’t even got to the point where I can really play in leagues and competitions. Moreover, my Dad died while playing, and it was discouraging. So, I tried volleyball thenceforth. I’ve had the basics from watching it on TV and YouTube videos so I wasn’t a good player back then. But I played often and I am happy that I stumbled on good teammates, who never let me down and always had tried to raise our spirits. We trained, fought and I even had the privilege on getting an award while playing with these guys. Develop visions, set goals and

work hard to achieve them It doesn’t matter if it seems like everyone else seems to know what they’re doing with their lives — believe me, they don’t. College is the time for you to really uncover who you are, what you enjoy doing, what you’re good at, and what you wanted to be. It’s not a race; take your time and enjoy exploring your options. But always remember on setting goals not just for your college life but also for your whole life. These goals may not be associated with your course or major but you’ll need to study hard and finish your schooling in order to accomplish them. Everybody who had ever achieved something has set at least one goal in their life, and I have set mine already, will you? Lastly – Enjoy!! You may be stressed due to your college and even your personal life. But don’t ever forget to pamper yourself. Release your doubts and worries by treating yourself into something enjoyable. You could also tell your friends to come and make it more fun. But after all that, provide time for God. Thank Him for keeping you and your family alive and blessed. That way, you’ll never go astray – away from you goals and such.

LURID EYE

Noel Neeheeoeewootis

abuse. I myself have spent my nights drunk and wasted, trying to numb down feelings, and it often leads to addiction. The National Bureau of Economic Research of America reports that people who have been diagnosed with a mental illness at some point in life consume 69 percent of the America’s alcohol and 84 percent of cocaine. Depressed people also tend to mess their eating habits. Their appetite either increases or decreases. In my case, it got decreased, turning this frail body even frailer. Bad eating habits lead to malnutrition and hormonal imbalance, making the body easily succumb to fatigue and may cause to an undesirable body figure. This skewed my thoughts about my body. I thought I was horridly unattractive, even though I wasn’t. My continuously dropping weight didn’t help. Prescription drugs also cause depression. Many drugs like Lariam (a malaria medicine), Inderal (for high blood pressure), and HIV Medications procure depression as a side effect, but the most common one are caused by contraceptives due to its hormonal manipulations. Age and illness, for obvious reasons, also cause depression. I had the longest time thinking that everyone’s better off without me. My family would have one less mouth to feed, my friends would have one less mouth to tolerate, and my enemies would have one less mouth to shut. I wished for lightning to strike me down, for a bus to hit me, for me to just spontaneously die for no reason. This sulking teenager has no purpose than to only bring other people down. There is a difference in wanting to die and being suicidal, but both can be apparent in a depressed person. I was on the former, I just wanted to die but never actually tried ways to make it happen. A depressed person typically has low self-esteem, and this low self-esteem turns them more ineffective in their activities and fail on their task, which sadly lowers their self-esteem further.

At the end, all of these negative thoughts and experiences continued to stack up to the point where it was too hard to go on. I wake up thinking “What’s the point? Why am I always sad? Why should I go on?”I lived a routine, leave home, go to school, and never sleep. I guess one of the harder problems that depressed people have is they always feel like they’re alone, even they are truly not, they don’t see it. The way other people approach it makes it worse. Almost everybody tells a depressed person that they are “here for him” and that “it gets better” but only few ever bothers to ask how he feels and have a conversation with him. But then, nobody ever really would like to admit that they are depressed and something is wrong with their brain, so they don’t seek for help, which makes it harder to notice and treat. Depression is a very debilitating disorder, but fortunately, there are many ways to treat it. It can be through medication, therapy, or even self-help as long as the depressed person is willing enough. But people around him should be more involved, more aware of it. It helps a lot when the depressed person is treated like a normal human being. It gets better, yes, but only if you help. I think I’m getting better now, but only because I had people around me who are willing to help. They made me feel like it’s okay to be sad. Without them, I don’t think I’ll be where I am today. At best, all I can do is just hope for empathy and understanding from other people. Depression is serious and it’s something that’s very hard to grasp for other people, and I’d never wish for anyone to experience it, but if you do know someone who is depressed, ask him how he’s feeling. Have a conversation with him, it doesn’t have to be about his feelings. Sometimes, a small “How are you?” can make someone’s day complete.

COLUMN

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

From Pinipig to Magnum Mask of Acceptance Glen Del Rosario

kanyang solo career na siyang naging dahilan upang mabuwag ang nasabing grupo. Nagpatuloy ang buhay ni Marlou sa likod at harap ng kamera bilang isang binatang may mukhang inihalintulad ng karamihan sa Pinipig na Sorbetes; maitim, maraming tagihawat at hindi kaaya-aya para sa ilan. Sikat na sikat si Marlou sa social media dahil sa mga memes na nalikha gamit ang kaniyang mukha, maraming natuwa at meron din namang nadismaya o di kaya naman ay naawa. Dumaan si Marlou sa matinding diskriminasyon at sari-saring negatibong komento dahil sa kanyang pisikal na kaanyuan. Ito ang nag-udyok sa kanya “People never really liked me for who I am, upang sunggaban ang oportunidad ‘cause I was never what they wanted me to ng pagbabago na inialok sa kanya. be” - ang mga katagang kalakip ng litrato Sumailalim siya sa anim na iba’t-ibang uri ni Marlou Arizala sa kanyang Instagram ng siyentipikong proseso ng pagpapaayos post matapos ipakilala ang kanyang ng mukha kabilang ang pagpapatangos bagong pagkatao bilang si Xander Ford. ng ilong, pagsasaayos ng baba at ngipin, Isa ka ba sa mga nag-abang? pagpapahaba ng pilik mata, pagpapakapal Sumigaw, humiyaw, tumalon at kinilig ng ng kilay at pagpapakinis ng balat. makita si Xander Ford? O di kaya naman Isinagawa ang nasabing mga ay sa mga napasabi ng, “Bes, tara na mag- proseso sa isang kontrobersyal na klinika, ipon?” May ilan pa ngang nagsabi na gusto ang “Icon Clinic” na lingid sa kaalaman na daw nilang maging asawa si Marlou nating lahat ay kinaharap ang isang ngunit natatakot sila sa magiging hitsura kontrobersyal na isyu noong kabilang taon ng mga anak nila. Maraming nagbigay ukol sa pagkamatay ng isa nilang pasyente ng kani-kanilang opinyon, saloobin, at habang nasa kalagitnaan ng operasyon. komento, ngunit sa pangyayaring ito, isa Ang matinding transpormasyon na lang ang napatunayan ko- na walang taong ginawa kay Marlou ay pinangunahan ng pangit pero maraming mahirap. Sabi nga plastic surgeon na si Dr. Eric Yapjuangco ng iba, kung hindi na madaan sa natural ng Icon Clinic sa Marikina Doctors na paraan ay daanin na sa siyensya na Hospitals and Medical Center (MDHMC). nangangailangan ng pamumuhunan. Kaya Matapos dumaan sa mahabang ano pang hinihintay mo? Mag-ipon ka na. proseso ng pagpapagaling, inabangan ng Nabulabog ang sambayang Pilipino marami ang opisyal na paglabas ng bagong matapos kumalat ang balita kamakailan mukha ni Marlou. Marami ang kumalat tungkol sa pagpaparetoke ng isa sa mga muli na memes tungkol sa kanya ngunit sa internet sensation na si Marlou Arizala. pagkakataong ito ay marami na ang positibo Nakilala si Marlou ng lahat bilang isa sa at marami na rin ang nag-aabang. limang miyembro ng Hast5, siya ay sumikat Sa programang “Rated K” ng dahil sa kaniyang viral na lipsync “papogi” ABS-CBN noong unang araw ng Oktubre, videos sa Facebook at mas lalo pang pinag- ginulantang ni Marlou ang buong Pilipinas usapan matapos imbitahan sa palabas na matapos ipakilala ang kanyang bagong “Gandang Gabi Vice.” Pinili ni Marlou na pagkatao bilang Xander Ford. Isang gwapo, humiwalay sa grupo upang simulan ang makinis, maputi at kaaya-ayang binata.

HIV as a “Youth epidemic” Fellow Scholars! Does HIV topic seem to bore you? Does the acronym HIV stand for Human I-can’t-recall Virus or Human I-don’t-care-at-all Virus? Well, guess what? The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, who had killed 35 MILLION people (UNAIDS) since 1984 worldwide, has become an epidemic among the ‘kabataan’ sector in the country at this very moment and still worsening. The National Youth Commission (NYC) and Department of Health (DOH), informed the youth sector that out of 29 Filipinos who get infected (from HIV) every day in the Philippines, more than half or 19 are 15-24 years old. The number of Filipinos who

get infected each day accumulated from 1 in 2008, 4 in 2010, 9 in 2012, 17 in 2014, and 29 in 2016. On its very alarming state, the more terrifying fact is that the youth who are being regarded as “mapupusok” by the elderly constitutes the majority of the digits. Actually and factually, from January to May 2017, 1,345 among the 4, 388 cases of Filipinos diagnosed with the virus are of 15-24 years of age. Does our sector has changed its norm and adage- Kabataan ang Pagasa ng Bayan to Kabataang may HIV: Pag-asa pa ba ng Bayan? How aware is a Filipino youth about HIV really? Based on Republic Act 8504 or the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998, awareness among the youth should be promoted by the national government via Comprehensive National Educational Information campaign which also means that Private and Public schools

TROJAN WARRIORS CHESS CLUB November - Chess Tournament January Foundation Day Chess Tournament March - Extension Service

Madami ang tumili, napahiyaw, napatalon at ang ilan pa ay kinilig dahil sa mala-Oppa nitong mukha. Mataas ang kumpyansa sa sariling humarap si Marlou sa taong bayan suot ang bago nyang mukha bilang si Xander. Naging usap-usapan ito sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas mula sa lahat ng social media apps hanggang sa mga radyo at telebisyon maging sa mga laman ng dyaryo at usap usapan sa kanto. Ang dating Pinipig na sorbetes ay Magnum ice cream na raw; mamahalin, makinis at katanggap tanggap. Ang nilalait noon ay ini-idolo at pinapantasya na ng ilan sa ngayon. Marami ang tila biglang naging kritiko ukol sa naging desisyon ni Marlou. Ayon sa mga sumusuporta sa kanya ay ito ang tama at mabuting gawin upang mas lalo pa itong sumikat at makilala ngunit ayon naman sa ilan ay hindi ito tama dahil kahit pa anong ipabago niya ay hindi nito mababago ang katotohanang siya ay Marlou. Pero sino nga ba ang tama? Sino ang Mali? Sino ang tunay na may pakialam? Sino ang gumagawa ng ingay lang? Sino ang mga naiinggit? Sino ang mga natutuwa? Sino ang nagagalit? Sino ang mapanghusga? Sino ang hindi kalait lait? Karamihan sa atin, ang palaging nakikita lang ay ang kapintasan ng iba. May kanya-kanya tayong depinisyon ng gwapo, maganda at pangit. Kapag matangos ang iyong ilong, makinis at maputi ang iyong balat, at mayroong mabangong amoy ay tiyak na pasok ka sa tinatawag nilang maganda o di kaya naman ay gwapo. Marami sa atin ang nagiging basehan ng kagandahan ay ang pisikal na anyo, totoo naman diba? Ngunit sasang-ayon din kayo sa’kin kung sasabihin ko na hindi sa lahat ng pagkakataon. Tunay na nakakaapekto ang pagiging kaaya-aya sa paningin ng iba sa pagtanggap sa atin ng lipunan. Huwag tayong magpaka-ipokrito’t ipokrita dahil isang malaking “OO” ang sagot dito. Nagiging basehan kadalasan ang pisikal na itsura at pisikal na katayuan sa buhay sa pagtanggap sa atin ng lipunan. Kung kakaiba ka sa kanila o di kaya naman ay hindi ka kaayaaya sa paningin nila, ididiskrimina ka, lalaitin, bibigyan ng sari-saring negatibong komento at pagtatawanan. Masaklap na realidad ngunit kailangan mong maging matapang.

Ito ang nangyari kay Marlou Arizala, hindi niya ginustong baguhin ang kanyang sarili ngunit ito ang gusto ng lipunan para sa kanya. Para matanggap at para kilalanin ng walang halong pamimintas at pangungutya. Marahil para sa ilan ay mali ang naging desisyon ni Marlou upang baguhin ang kanyang sarili. Ngunit masisisi ba natin siya kung ito ang sa tingin niya ay tama? Madali para sa atin ang manghusga at magbigay ng opinyon dahil wala tayo sa katayuan niya. Hindi natin alam ang pakiramdam ng palaging nilalait, pinagtatawanan at kinukutya. Wala tayong alam sa lahat ng pinagdaanan niya simula sa umpisa hanggang sa kung saang lugar ang tinatahak niya sa ngayon. Ito ang idinikta ng lipunan sa kanya at kabilang ka sa lipunang nagdikta nito sa kanya. Siguradong isa ka sa mga tumawa at minsang nagbigay ng negatibong komento sa kanya. Aminin mo man o hindi, hindi mo na mababago ang katotohanang may isa na namang nilalang sa mundo ang nadiskrimina at pilit binago ang kanyang sarili upang matanggap ng “hipokritong” lipunan. Pero ano nga ba ang tama? Tama ba na baguhin mo ang sarili mo para matanggap ka sa lipunan na iyong kinabibilangan? May ilang magsasabi ng Oo at Hindi. Ngunit para sa akin, hindi mahalaga kung tanggap ka ng lipunan na iyong kinabibilangan, ang tanging mahalaga ay ang pagtanggap mo sa sarili mo sa kung ano at sino ka. Hindi mahalaga ang sasabihin ng ibang tao, maging negatibo o positibo man dahil sa huli ikaw ang magtatakda kung magiging sino at ano ka. Mahalaga na kilala mo ang sarili mo at tanggap mo ito. Hangga’t wala kang naapakan na ibang tao sa mga desisyon mo sa buhay ay posibleng ito ay maging tama. Si Marlou Arizala Xander Ford ay naging isang halimbawa sa ating lipunan dahil sa tapang na ipinakita niya sa kabila ng diskriminasyon at mga negatibong bagay na ipinupukol sa kanya. Sa ating lipunan, maraming maiinggit, magagalit at patuloy na manlalait ngunit kaylangan nating maging matapang. Naniniwala ako na minsan ang tanging gamot lamang sa sakit na ito ng lipunan ay angsimpleng pagharap natin sa salamin at pagtatanong sa ating sarili kung perpekto ba tayo para manlait ng iba.

PUP-STD

Dan Joseph Lim

are required to teach HIV basics and its prevention among Filipino students. But, ironically, the number of HIV cases in the country had increased by over 25 percent from 2001 (3 years after the enactment of the law) to 2009 and still reaching the roof. The numbers shouldn’t have been to that extent if Filipinos and especially its youth prepared ounces of prevention and awareness since there is still no pound of cure against HIV. HIV, as a globally known fact, weakens its carrier by attacking its immune system which leads to the body’s Achilles hill to AIDSthe series of opportunistic infections. HIV attacks the CD4 or T Cells, the defenses of the immune system to keep us healthy, making the normal count of 500-1000 below 200. HIV after it ‘defeats’ the T Cells, seroconverts

or duplicates its self into several exponent. Stages of HIV starts from the Acute Primary Infection, the period of acquiring the virus which gives fever to the carrier and heals for some time. Then there comes the Asymptomatic Stage, bringing the HIV ‘unrevealed’ or giving ‘no signs’ during 1015 years from time of infection. The last stage, Symptomatic HIV Infection, means having the ‘signs of severity’ such as weight loss, chronic diarrhea, fever and persistent cough which usually lead to tuberculosis, cancer and other opportunistic infections. There are many possible ways to get infection of the virus, which are through unprotected sexperson/s living with HIV (PLHIV), sharing syringes with PLHIV and inheritance from your mother if she has HIV.

KATAGA

Dibujo Arts Society

January Outstanding Scholars Recognition March Recognition of Graduating Scholars

Christmas Party/ Art Trade Workshop Exhibit Year-end Assembly

LITERARY THE SEARCHER Presents...

Magmahal ka ng PUPian

Inhinyerihang Pang-elektrIkawLangSapatNa

Sabi nila mahirap daw magmahal ng isang inhinyero Sa una lang may sparks, sabi nilaý bolero Pero huwag kang matakot magmahal ng gaya ko Hindi ako perpekto, pero stick-to-one ako Praktikal man sa pananaw, masayang future mo saki’y sigurado Pagtitibayin ang pundasyon sa buhay na may “Tayo” Numero mo’y aking saulado, birthday, anibersaryo Tandaang ikaw ang dahilan ng isandaan kong porsiyento At kung natatakot kang magsawa at ma-bored sa piling ko Lahat para sa’yo ay gagawin ng taong ito Dadaluyan ka ng current para laging mapangiti ang labi mo Kahit kapalit ay lahat ng tibok nitong puso ko Gamitin ang Puso + Utak = Sikolohiya

Huwag kang matakot umibig ng Psych student Dahil kasing linis ng uniform ko ang intensyon ko sa’yo Mahiyain man ako sa paningin mo Huwag kang mag-alala, defense mechanism ko lang ‘to Ano mang personality ang taglay mo Mapa-red, yellow, o black bile man – kahit pa pink Iintindihin ko, gaya ng pag-intindi ko sa lahat ng theories ng pagkatao ‘Sing tatag ni Ma’am Sanchez pag-ibig ko sa’yo Magkakaroon ka ng instant superhero Superhero na pro-superego Kung utak ma’y mabaliw sa pag-ibig ko sa’yo Tandaang ikaw lang laman ng puso kong ito

BAH By: Katrina Malate

Inhinyeriyang Pang-IndustriLoyal

‘Wag nang kaisipin kung sinong mamahalin Laging kaming IE ang piliin Wastes, bottlenecks kaya naming alisin Sagabal pa ba sa relasyon natin? Sa Ergonomics, kaya naming isipin ang safety ng iba Safety mo pa ba? Optimum solution nga kaya naming hanapin Solusyon pa kaya para tumagal relasyon natin? Hindi kami tulad ng iba Sa ideya’t pagbabago kamiý sagana Siguradong sa piling naming ikaý sasaya Plantsado ang buhay sa ating pagsasama ITech your heart away

Magmahal ka ng iTech, Tiyak ika’y ngingiti. Dumaplis man sa PUPCET, Puso mo nama’y sasapulin. Subjects na puro technicalities Pero sticky kayo like lovey-dovey, Tuition may tumataginting, Sa mata namiý ika’y nagniningning Petmalu man ang major acads Treat sayo ay major with importance Mababa man ang tingin ng iba Taas noo kang ipagmamalaki

Inhinyeriyang Pang-ElektronIkawAtAko

Hihinangin ang puso mo Na winasak ng ex mong gag* Pipiliting ipasa ang quiz para sa’yo Kahit sobrang hirap kakayanin ko Magmahal ka ng ECE Kasisiguradong di kami Breezy Perfect ang you and me I’m your DoReMi, you’re my LED

Entrepreneur kung kami’y tawagin Bukod sa negosyo’y ikaw lang ang mamahalin Open-minded at Understanding Kaya’t iyong pagtingin sa akin na ibaling. Ako ay bukás na business opportunity Upang ikaw at tayo’y magka-happy family Sa mamahaling restoý kakain lagi Sapagkat iyo’y ating pag-aari, baby

Huwag mo sanang sabihing remote tayo At kahit dumating man tayo sa dulo Pakiusap probable, wag namang possible. Maging obsolete man ang makinarya ng puso Dahil katulad ng Financial Statement na mo hawak ko Audited yan. Ikaw lang ang nilalaman nito. Panghawakang tulad ng pisong nawawala Hindi ako titigil na hanapin ka. Pangako. Di magbabago Mababalanse yan. Magtatagal tulad ng Negotiable Partner, mahahanap kita Instruments Law

By: Ervin Joshua Navarro

To you, Isang pulgadang ideya, kilo-kilometrong impluwensiya, I would say that you are my universe, Isang mumunting along bumagsik sa paglipas ng my galaxies or the stars panahon, in my night sky. Isang subersibong kaisipan, dugo’t pawis inilaan, But they are common analogies Modernong gamit at teknolohiya, ito na ba ang bagong biyaya? used these days by poets O isa nang kasiraan sa inyo mismong pinagmulan, limited by a collective imagination or lack thereof. Pinili ninyong iwaksi ang inyong kinagisnan, You are not space— Upang magpaanod, magpadala sa bugso ng You are not a void or an empty vacuum with pagkadayuhan, glimpses of light. Ito ay aking sasang-ayunan, di ko ipagpapaliban, You are not a vast black mass with spots of white, Sapagkat sarili kong bansa, patuloy na yayaman, You are indeed a spectrum of colors. Pera’y di na kami mamomroblema, to’y magmumula You are a compressed amalgamation of beauty and sa inyong mga bulsa, flaws Ako, na kinatawan ng Korea, Japan at Amerika, contained in a singular entity. Kpop, Anime, IPhone at iba pang branded ay aking You are not the unfathomable. dala-dala, You are never the ethereal. Ikaw naman, isang Pilipinong You can be reached, and you can be sensed in your walang tiwala sa sariling gawa, entirety. Mas pinili mo akong pakinggan, You are not the complicated version of love. panuorin at sandalan, You are not the picture I made real from my dreams. Ano mang iyong gawin, hindi mo ako You are not the reminder of every painful past I mabitawan, believed in. You are you. Kaya naman, magbibigay ako ng ilang mga kataga, You are an incredible creation. Ang ganiyang mga gawain, maghinayYou are a human being. hinay ka, And I love you. Pagkat baka sa hinaharap, ang tunay

Kolehiyo ng PagmaMAESTROng

Mahalin mo kaming mga guro Sapagkat MALAKI... ang amingPuso Na kasya man ang singkwenta, isandaan at limampu Ikaw lang ang uuwian sa maghapong pagtuturo

Itaas lang ang kamay at darating ako Dahil ako ang tunay na hero mo at ng bansang ito Synonym ng ECE ay Loyal May maliit mang sahod di tulad nilang Pag kami ang pinili, ikaw lang ang mahal inhinyero Laging sabay tayong magdarasal Kaya nating mabuhay ng payak at planado Para pumasa sa midterms at pamatay na finals Pagpapasensya ay kayang-kaya Kahit ika’y pasaway at may anak na tayong Kolehiyo ng PagnenegosYouAndMe lima Ibigin mo’y tulad kong AFBA Isa lamang ang request pag-uuwi at pagod na Siguradong puso mo’y aariba Bukas pag-uwi ko’y nariyan ka pa Buhay nati’y tiyak masagana Sapagkat tulad ko’y magaling sa pagkita kaya ComSoclian

Balanse’t Sapat Ako

Levi’s Lerio

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

na pagka-Pilipino’y kalimutan mo na, Ako na dayuhan, lalamunin ko ang iyong kultura, Hindi kita bibitawan, hangga’t di ka nagiging estado ng Amerika

Orion"s Lullaby By: Maricris Santilles

Shadows are creeping and I can hear Endless doubts start to scream We’ll stand strong as we fight the fear Don’t let the demons call you my dear As I reach our voice up the sky Though the stars are out and they cry I’ll hold you tight to keep you sane I’ll sing our song to ease the pain Just close your eyes when I say Along the cold night I will stay Even if these dreams turn into nightmares, it’s okay I’ll wake you up tomorrow It’s a bright new day

Magmahal ka ng IT dahil hindi kita sasaktan Kung capstone nga, kaya kong ipaglaban System nga, kaya kong pagpuyatan Ikaw pa kaya na my binary 1? Magmahal ka ng IT dahil ako’y patient Love story natin magiging makulay, parang gradient Gagawan kita ng love letter, yung nakaencrypt Kaya din kitang intindihin kahit mas magulo ka pa sa javascript Magmahal ka ng IT dahil I choose wisely Kumbaga sa if statement, hindi ka pang option B Kaya sana wag ka ng mag switch baby Para wala nang break sa huli

Quicksand By: Neal Andrei Lasusin

You see a girl by the room She waits and observes as you walk by She tells you not to mess with her Or any other friend she knows You take a word to try making it right She turns it to stories as she pick up fights But she knows how to turn things to her tide She’ll shield you from bullets that hurt She’ll stab you for burying her in dirt But I don’t know her She does cute things that intrigues a stranger She’s a strong little lady who’s bigger than you were And she’ll eat you whole, and spit you out Because her beautiful words lives in such a world Where things don’t get worse And the stories with her name Will make you up your game Because you don’t know how they work Sometimes, it can even hurt You just watch them go right through Because they feel like she made it for you But I don’t know her We’re just strangers

COMMUNITY

•

AVE: Spikers in Service “(Our main objective is) to practice sportsmanship and competitive skills in every game as we show our talent” Braylle Narvaez, President of the Association of Volleyball Enthusiasts, said. Afraid of spikes or even receive a ball? Well, say no more because the Association of Volleyball Enthusiasts intends to share their skills with other PUPians for them to be skilled and confident enough in sports. With Sir Calabig as their adviser, the executive committee strives to get out of their comfort zone and help the community, not

Pendulum Spinners turn ON the table tennis club

Pendulum Spinners Table Tennis Club (PSSTC), with its adviserEngr. Billy Ray Oldan of Electrical only in playing but also Engineering Department, doing other activities. has officially functioned to unite and train aspiring “May extension PUPian table tennis players. program na plano `Penduluma body suspended from kami sa central school a fixed point so as to swing freelyna mag co-conduct relates to the swift motion of ng turo about playing the new student organization. volleyball bago matapos UNLOCKED In an interview with ang sem” Narvaez said. Christian Vista, the president of PSSTC, he AVE also wants to lend revealed that the idea of building the society service to the University by sparked during the table tennis tournament supporting and participating in last PUP-STB foundation commemoration its endeavors. The month of and during the said competition the enthusiasts agreed to form the organization august is whole month training and became its pioneer members. for them in preparation for the “To prepare the players’ physical, University Intramurals (UI) in mental, and spiritual aspects as they carry PUP-Sta Mesa in September. the name of the university on inside and outside competitions”, is what the - Alecxis Jane Epan PSTTC envisions according to Vista.

Developing competent and passionate table tennis players by aiding, nurturing, and motivating aspiring athletes to become the best they can- is the main goal of the said organization. Vista also shared that his organization furnishes advanced training and camaraderie among the members. He also mentioned that they are aiming to produce skilled players that can compete bearing the name of the university. “We are [a] family in this organization. Everyone is willing to share [their] knowledge to help and motivate each [other]’, Vista stated-when asked about the edge of their organization.

ISKOLITIKS

- Germaine Ia Aviles

BY:

GEORGE CONDINO

community

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

ADMINISTRASYONG DUTERTE: GAANO KASARSA?

1- MAPAKLA 2- MATABANG • Let’s be honest, di sya ganung ka-effective pa. I mean, sa economical aspect ng Pinas, yung Peso vs. Dollar ratings are at its worst state in the last decade. –-Oreo • Mapakla, gaya ng 3-6 Months nilang keme sa drugs. -EE • Sinasayang ang mga nararapat. Lopez, Taguiwalo, at KaPaeng ##FireMucha • #NEVER AGAIN ##StopEJK • He should focus more on War on Poverty and Corruption rather than the War on Drugs. The use of Drugs is the effect of Poverty in the Country! Just Saying. • Mapakla. Parang ewan lang. Ta’s minsan sobrang pa-cool, hindi na naman akma sa posisyon niya. Bungaloo!

3- PWEDE NA

• There is always a positive side of everything. We should always look on the brighter side which is the positive. :) -Prof. G.

• Kahit papaano, nakakagawa siya ng pagbabago • May mga pagbabagong nagawa kahit may issues. Ayusin nalang ang way ng panghuhuli, lalo na sa mga drug pushers/users. NO TO EJK –CB • Pwede na kasi nagagawa niya ang mga duties niya as the President of the country. Though may mga issues talaga na di dapat ipag-sawalang bahala. –Gong Yoo

• I believe that every life matters. EJK needs to stop. He will not win the War on Drugs for there are countries that have proven its failure. All that’s left is a bloody land and a scared nation.

4- MALASA 5- MASARAP • Matatawag ba nating matabang ang mga pangyayaring naganap? Masasabi ba nating masarap kung halos araw-araw mong maririnig ang mga hinaing at kuro-kuro ng mga mamamayan? Nakikita naman natin kung gaano naghihimutok ang mga pabor at di-pabor kay President Duterte. Ang masasabi ko lang ay sana bawasan niya ang pag-iispoil sa pulisya at militar. Sana may magbigay ng gatas kasi maanghang ang usapang ito. – Kuronix, ECE

• Though maraming naging consequences yung ginawang aksyon ni Pres. DU30 para gumanda yung lipunang ginagalawan natin. Siguro tama yung naiisip niyang paraan pero mali yung aksyong ginagawa nung mga taong pinagkakatiwalaan niyang gagawa nun. Hindi naman natin dapat isisi yung mga nangyayari sa Presidente, minsan tayo naman talaga yung problema kaso nabubulag tayo sa katotohanang tayo ang mali. Minsan, turuan din natin yung sarili natin na hindi lang yung opinion natin yung tinitignan. Matuto tayong manimbang. Ngayon kung may reklamo ka sa president natin ngayon, bakit hindi nalang ikaw ang mag-presidente? • Baka nga naman uunlad tayo ‘pag Dubidubidapdap ikaw na ang namuno.

• NapaKa gaLeng talaGa ni DU30, delaWaN KaSE kau kaya hayaw Muling binibigyan ng gantimpala ang nagpabida niu ke DU30. MGa at mga bida-bida sa iba’tibang larangan ng Adek ba kau ha? Marip sining pangkalawakan ang mga masuswerteng nilalang ng sangkaPiyuPiyan na naganap sa unang ka sana ng adek gagu. semestre ng taong kasalukuyan. #Mochauson4Senator Ihanda ang iyong kaklase, kaibigan, o kaaway. #DU304ever –Mist Child

Kaya ipatong, isuksok, isalaksak na ang inyong mga turbante, ang mga bato ay maglalaglagan na. Presenting, the annual Da Chercher Awards!

• Good Job • Before, I was anti Duterte but now, I am pro - Duterte na! It is not wrong to have discipline in practice naman, and he fights and stands for righteousness. It is just we are fed before by negative things about Martial Law and other authoritative acts, that we go against him. Everything is happening just as planned. -DDOJ • Masarap pumatay ng taong walang kwenta. • MASARAP! SYA IBINOTO KO EI  LASANG ADIK, SEASONED PA NG AJINOMOTO. • Marami lang talaga ang biased, pero 100% still believing in him. GO DU30

Gaano nga ba nakaapekto and pabago-bagong isip ng administrayon ng Sintang Paaralan sa mga estudyante na mula Hunyo ay magiging Agosto at biglang ibabalik sa Hunyo muli ang pasukan sa unibersidad?

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

QIQIL AKO HAHA. PERA NA IH! YAMOT!

Mas okay na walang shift para same ang bakasyon

FRIDAY

1 Mas okay na walang shift para same ang bakasyon 5 Nagahol tuloy sa oras yung mga nahirapan maghanap ng mapapag-ojthan. #umasa

Buti pa sa Jueteng, may sasahudin, sa SPES wala. 7

6 Masaya dahil mapupunan ng maaga ang utak kong uhaw na uhaw sa karununga. ~-Goblin’s Bride.

August gusto ko. Pero mas gusto kita.

14 Ok lang. Gagraduate na naman siya ei,

Manhid sa tunay na kaligayahan ng PUPians.

~-Mary Parker Follette.

Kung buo talaga Okay lang yan ang plano bessy. May nila, dapat adjustment wala nang period. cancellation. 26 27

8 Kung saan sila masaya. Ganyan naman yang mga yan. 15

Mas ayos yung june ang start pero okay lang din kahit baguhin. 22

Regular na sana 28

SATURDAY

Proof lang na masyadong nagmamadali sa mga desisyon sa PUP 2 3

Masaya kami sa buhay namn beshiewaps. Wag niyo na us pahirapan okay? So init kaya every April. Manhid ba ang mga lola natin bes? Maguniform kaya kayo ng may pampainit na tela. Huhubels. So kami pa 9 mag-aadjust?

Puro drawing na tuloy plano namin 16

Hirap maghabol sa OJT! 23

Ikaw? Nawalan ng gana? - Oo bakit? Sa takaw mong yan? 30

Best in Story telling ‘Di ako nagyayabang, nagkukwento lang Maririnig mo’y ako at ako lamang Ako muna bata, h’wag kang makulit Ako’y iimik nang pagkalupit-lupit ‘Di kita papatapusin ‘Di kita papakinggan Sapagkat kung hindi mo napapansin Ang tama’y ako lamang

Best in Leadership WANTED: Magaling na officer Qualifications: • Willing na makilala ng lahat. • Unang tatakbo sa stage kapag picturan • Huling dadating sa meeting (kung dadating nga ba ga) • Galit sa new and practical ideas • Tuyo ang utak

Best in Finance and Management Alam mo ba, alam mo ba? Barkadahan nila, gabi-gabi ang rampa Pero sa bayaran ng class-fund Di makapaglabas miske barya Aanhin pa ang magandang porma, Kung wala namang pambayad utang, diba?

Best in Learner-Centered Teaching

BIGYANG OPINYON: Academic Calendar Shift

SUNDAY

HARD HAT AREA

Dapat kasi pinagusapan muna ng husay kasama ang mga estudyante, para natatanong sila about dun. Hindi yung faculty lang.

Pinaasa kaming may summer Ang practicum. mahalaga’y Nawalan kami makatapos ng bakasyon. hehehe Nawalan kami ng TIME. 10 11

Okay lang kasi maaga kong nasilayan si crush. <3 ~Jessa 17

Next year nalang para sa mga Freshmen 24

Okay lang, basta kompleto Acad year. At least walang summer sem. Ganun din naman.

AHayss. Sana di nalang ako nagpaundercut. 25

Monito, Monita Klase nati’y cancelled mga hijo’t hija Ako lamang ay pupunta sa Maynila Tiwala naman akong mag-aaral kayo Dahil kayo’y mga Iska’t Isko Kayo’y likas na matatalino Ako muna magpapabida kuno Kaya di na muna ako magtuturo

Best in Hibernation Lodi! Tarsier ka ba? Kahit tulog, nakakapit ka Galing mo naman, pag-gising mo okay na Petmalu naman tayo, patulog-tulog nalang Kapag social media, sosyal na sosyal ka Sa group-works asan kana? Ano? Makikipagdilatan na lang ba?

Best in Poisoning the Well

Drag me down babe I know it’s the only thing you’re good at Liar, gossiper, loner Such a lovely gravedigger Sabotage me dear As if you haven’t done enough Why are you so envious,cheater? Such a lonely gold-digger

Best in Palm Reading Pang “My Wish is Your Command” kung mag-utos FC’ing FC kung makadikit sa girls Matapos gawin ang kanyang “favors” Sa SIS, pasasabugan ka ng mabigat niyang roulette bangers

Best in Public Relations Kyah! Kyah! Ang lakas magreklamo sa mga aberya! May naibigay ka ba kahit barya? Pagkakatanda ko sabi mo di required kaya wag na! Kung tinipid man yun, wala kang karapatan mairita!

• JUNE - NOVEMBER 2017

PULS NI ISKO • Marami pa rin ang humahawak sa pangaral ni Gat Jose Rizal na Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, ngunit naisasabuhay ba ito sa pagkakaroon ng Sangguniang Kabataan o ‘di bale nalang? • Hindi, dahil wala silang ginagawasa barangay, dagdag pasweldo lang sila ng gobyerno. • Wag na lang. Kasi di sila nakakatulong, dagdag lang sila sa budget ng barangay. • Hindi magandang ibalik ito dahil natututo lang ang mga kabataan na maging sakim sakapangyarihan na maaari nilang gamitin sa pansariling interes. • Malaki ang magiging epekto ng pagbabalik ng SK sa bawat komunidad. Magandang ideya na ibabalik ito to fulfill the goal of a community. We need to consider our next generation. Kailangan nilang maequip as a leader and be a part of success. • Oo, depende sa namumuno. Malaki kasi ang porsyento ng kabataan sa komunidad. At saka sila ang nagiging image ng kabataan sa komunidad . Anyway…. “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” • Oo, maganda ang ideyang ibalik ito. Unang-una, maganda ang epekto nito sa mga kabataan sapagkat natututo silang sumunod sa kanilang kapwa kabataan at maging responsible sa kanilang mga desisyon at kilos na sumasalamin sa kanilang pagkatao. • Magandang ideya angpagbabalik ng SK sa komunidad dahil ditto nagkakaroon ng boses ang kabataan. Sa murang edad naipapahayag nila ang kanilang mga saloobin sa iba’tibang isyung kinakaharap ng bansa, naibabahagi ang kanilang mga talent at nagagampanan ang kanilang parte sa komunidad na kanilang ginagalawan. Luma man ngunit, tulad ni Dr. Jose Rizal, naniniwala pa din ako na ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan. • Hindi, kasi base sa nakikita ko sa barangay namin, iba na ang henerasyon ng mga kabataan ngayon. Ang pagiging SK ay parang gusto lang maging popular at hindi nagiging responsible sa mga program sa barangay. #SayangAngPondo :( • Para bigyan ng pagkakataon ang kabataang ipakita ang sari-sariling kakayahan sa paglilingkod at ito rin ay daan upang hikayatin ang kapwa nilang kabataan na magkaroon o magbigay pansin sa barangay. • Sa aking pananaw ay hindi ito nakakatulong sa komunidad, bagkus ay dumadagdag lamang ito sa gastos ng pamahalaan na napupunta sa wala. Na pwedeng ilaan sa ibang proyekto ng pamahalaan.

COMMUNITY

• Malaki ang epekto ngunit sa masamang paraan. Tulad ng mga SK sa amin, ginamit lamang ang SK para makalibre sa matrikula sa ekwelahan at magkapera. • Maganda pong ideya ito para lumahok ang mga kabataan sa mas makabuluhang bagay. • Para sa akin, hindi dahil ito lamang ang magmumulat sa kanila upang matutong maging ganid sa kapangyarihan at matuksong mangurakot.

• Para sa akin, hindi dahil ito lamang ang magmumulat sa kanila upang matutong maging ganid sa kapangyarihan at matuksong mangurakot. • Malaki epekto niya kasi ditto mo malalaman yung mga kaya nilang gawin na naayon sa edad nila at kung paano sila magiging modelo sa mga kabataan. • Siguro kung mas napo-promote ito sa lahat at buong barangay. Maari kasing hindi ito pamilyar o alam ng iba. Kahit ako noon, ‘di ko alam. Sa palagay ko maganda naman kung maayos rin ang pamumuno ng mga mas nakatataas na posisyon, maari kasing maaga palang, maapektuhan at ma-involve sa korapsyon at maging sila din ay gawin na rin ito. • Actually, parang wala naman. Sa tingin ko wag na lang kasi marami na ang barangay officials, tama na yun, dagdag sweldo pa. Eh yung iba tatamad-tamad naman. • Nagkakaroon ng pamununo ang mga kabataan. Ito ay magandang bagay dahil di nasasakop ng buong sangguniang barangay ang mga kabataan, sa pamamagitan ng SK may namumuno sa mgakabataan. • Wala rin naman akong nakikitang naitutulong ang SK sa mga barangay. Sa halip na training ground ng pamumuno nagiging breeding ground for corruption lang siya. • Para sa akin ay hindi na ito nakaka-apekto sa komunidad sa panahon ngayon. Madalas ay pansariling interes na lamang ito – gustong maupo sa pwesto dahil sa suweldo. Kaya para sa akin, huwag nalang ibalik ang SK. Hayaan nalang na ang kapitan ang siyang maging responsible sa barangay. • Aksaya lang sila sa oras at pera ng gobyerno. Wala naman silang tulong kundi puro propaganda.

• Sa totoo lang, hindi ko ramdam ang epektibo nila sa aming barangay, wala kong nababalitaang aktibidad nila. Kaya tingin ko di magandang ideya, dahil maraming bagay na mas kailangan pang intindhin ng mga kabataang ito gaya ng pag-aaral nila, at para rin maiwasan na ma-expose agad sila sa corruption. Kung gusto nilang makatulong, marami pang ibang paraan, simulan nila sa pagbabago sa sarili nila para sa ikabubuti ng lahat. • Oo, Malaki ang maitutulong nito kung matutukan ng ayos. Pero kung hindi , at kung may hidden agenda naman, ‘wag nalang. -Bessy • Sa aking pananaw, magandang magkaroon ng involvement ang mga kabataan sa mga programa sa komunidad. Sa ganitong paraan, nagkakaroon ng boses at kontribusyon ang mga kabataan sa ikauunlad nito. Isa pa, sa aking palagay mas magiging aktibo ang kabataan kung meron silang representative. -AGB • Sa aking palagay, mayroon ngunit hindi kalakihan ang magiging epekto ang pagkakaroon nito. Ngunit ang pagkakaroon ng SK sa komunidad ay malaking bagay para sa kabataan upang maipayahag ang kamalayan sa komunidad. -CutiePie • Malaki ang epekto ng pagkakaroon ng SK dahil ditto malalaman ang saloobin, mungkahi at pagbabago na maaaring ikaunlad ng isang komunidad. Magandang ideya ang pag-balik nito dahil ang “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”. • Malaki ang epekto ng pagkakaroon ng SK dahil ditto malalaman ang saloobin, mungkahi at pagbabago na maaaring ikaunlad ng isang komunidad. Magandang ideya ang pag-balik nito dahil ang “Kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan”. • Sa aking palagay, makakabuti ito ng bahagya dahil dito magsisimulang matuto ang kabataan sa paghawak ng responsibilidad. • Oo, dahil sila ang nagsisilbing boses ng kabataan. Hinihikayat nila ang mga kabataang nawala at naligaw ng landas patungo sa mabuting direksyon ng buhay. -justine • Hindi po. Nararamdaman lang ang SK tuwing kampanya nila. • Wala naman silang silbi sa barangay.

Kotoba Ichiban Ichi, Ni, San, Shi, Go, Roku, Nana, Hachi, Kyu, Ju- isang dekada na ang lumipas nang magsimula ang serye ng literary folio ng aming publikasyon. Sa loob ng sampung taon, sampung edisyon ang inyong natunghayan na naglalaman ng iba’t-ibang istorya, tula, at damdamin ng bawat isa sa inyo at siya ring nagbigay buhay sa panitikang Tomasino. Sa pagtatapos ng serye ng Kotoba Ichiban, panibagong serye ang magbubukas, panibagong mga istorya ang mahahayag, at panibagong mga ideya ang magsisiklaban. Hatid sa inyo ng The Searcher ang panibagong yugto ng mga kwentong patuloy na maghahatid ligaya, pagdadalamhati, pag-ibig, pag-asa, mga kapaitan. Kaya’t bago matapos ang panuruang ito, abangan ang panibagong serye ng literary folio hatid ng opisyal na publikasyon ng Politekinikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, ang The Searcher.

Mabuhay ang mga Bagong Obrero ng THE SEARCHER! Ipagpatuloy ang pagiging alagad ng pamamahayag! Manunulat

Maricris Santilles (BSIT) Germaine Ia Aviles (BSIT) Alecxis Jane Epan (BSECE) Dibuhista

Ethelou Sumague (BSPsych) Christian Magtubo (BSPsych) Litratista

John Michael Librero (BSIT) Manlalapat

Jovie Melarpis (BSIT)

WANTED: PAGMAMAHAL Hindi ng other school fees o ng kwek-kwek sa food court, kundi ng pamamahayag. Sali na sa The Searcher! Katok lamang sa aming opisina sa Ground Floor, Main Building, at siguraduhing tao ang maaabutan mo dun! O kaya naman, i-pm o gawing textmate ang aming Circ. Mngr. Glen Del Rosario:

0906-446-1425

Punta ka ha? Asahan ka namin!

Kyah, Teh! SALAMAT SA PAGBABASA NG ISYUNG ITO NG THE SEARCHER. PARA SA KAALAMAN NG LAHAT, KASALUKUYANG DUMARANAS NG KAKULANGANG PINANSYAL ANG ATING PUBLIKASYON BUNSOD NG PAGBABA NG BILANG NG MGA NAGBABAYAD NG ATING PUB FEE. KAMI, AY HUMIHILING NG INYONG KOOPERASYON UPANG HIKAYATIN ANG MGA KAPWA NATIN ISKO, NA MAGBAYAD PARA SA MALAYANG PAMAMAHAYAG SA ATING PAMANTASAN. ASAHAN ANG THE SEARCHER NA MANANATILING MAGLILINGKOD PARA SA INTERES NG BAWAT ISKOLAR! Magbayad Para sa Malayang Pamamahayag! Magbayad para sa Kapakanan ng lahat!

KULOT KOMIKS NI

ETHELOU presents

“KYAH

MALIKMATA

” AH Y PEMBAR

Issue No. 1 Volume No. 19

ADVENTURES OF

“ HAIR Style

presents...

by:

“

george condino

BEAUTY OF DEFIED FEAR

WEDDED BLISS Photo by Romelyn Ariadna Itong

Photo by John Michael Librero

CALMING SEE

CRAWL IN TIME Photo by Christian Vanguardia

Photo by Angeli Nicolas

ANGELITO

Photo by John Phaul Tumambing

"You Cannot Kill Me Here", a Soul once said

I grew up admiring the lethal character of Joker than I did in Batman, and somehow the concept of human personalities and its intricacies seemed to be intriguing and fascinating to begin with. I used to wonder how would it feel like reading everyone like an open book, though I wouldn’t be so naïve as to hope that I can compete with Sherlock Holmes’ deductions without having my doctorate degree. But must a judge have killed a man to condemn another of murder? I do not think highly of my desire to read people, but I learned just enough from my Psychology class last first semester of my second year. And I would be grateful to that teacher who never failed to leave his mark. The room was quite. Outside, the rain was already falling, somehow giving me an impression that it wants to convey its condolences. Padding down the stairs, I head straight towards the Panini to borrow a mug. I heard the news. And coffee seemed perfect for this cold noon and somber ambiance.

Boiling a Pot of Water

Death, like life, is brutal in its own symmetry. There is something quite cruel about the sudden farewell of one of PUP’s professors and advisers, and the shock it brought was apparently evident not only to the program under his supervision— but in that of the entire university’s premises. Perhaps, RamilCueto doesn’t differ special from the usual, run-of-the-mill professor every PUPian either reprehends or adores for their lackadaisical approach or teaching excellence. But as you grew knowing this short man with thinning hairline and warmth of a fatherly smile, you would know that there is still indeed more hidden beneath his façade.

Putting three Teaspoonful of Black Coffee

You sure have strange predilection with coffee, eh? Three teaspoons? But that’s your problem. Like what Sir Cueto often says, why would I worry about your business if I have my own? And because he once mentioned that he doesn’t take his teaching seriously, then I daresay I wouldn’t take writing in a serious manner. He wasn’t the kind of teacher who limits himself with course outline and the academics that were opted to memorize in order to perfect the exam. But then, he did not even check the tests. Or if he did order one of his students to check the papers, he never really recorded the scores. At first after knowing this little secret from one of my trusted friends and Sir Cueto’s closest confidant, I wonder how he get our grades. It was just a few meetings later that I finally realized that he graded his students fully on their attitude, personality, and behavior— the fact I wished I had known sooner so I behaved myself properly. One time when he made an unannounced recitation, barging us with strings of nonsensical questions, I grew more and more puzzled as I watched him listening to our answers, smiling and seemed never t o mind hearing our general balderdash. And so just before he dismissed the class, he made a confession that the recitation will be part of our grade, and that it wasn’t entirely unintentional. He somehow categorized one of us based on our answers and how confident we respond to him, a clever but nonetheless unsurprising for a man like him. Somehow between his lecture hours, Sir Cueto would only stood with a stack of photocopied lessons in his right hand, his arms in akimbo. For a while he would discuss the concepts that are essentials for understanding human psychology before h e a d i n g outside

Graphic Art by Rad Oliver Rimas | Words by Katrina Malate | Page lay-out by Jovie Melarpis

for a while. In his return, he began muttering lines as if it was already scripted inside his head, punctuating his litanies with some curt gestures and deep, guttural voice. Once, he voiced out the thoughts of an unborn child inside his mother’s womb, reiterating the horrors of abortion, a veteran with his accounts of witnessing how the world destroy itself war after war, and a student defending his right for higher education. To our own entertainment, he furthered the oratorical speech as he narrated the accounts of PUP-BSU Integration Issue. It was early 2001 when the inclusion of PUP to BSU Integration broke out, there are about 2000+ students and more or less a hundred protests were initiated. Sir Cueto, along with other student leaders that time, were very active. Mass actions and protests were done to inform the whole municipality of Sto,Tomas and gained support from families, market vendors. drivers, and politicians. He said, overnights were done to keep the university secure, faculty and students hand-in-hand, which was one of the events in his life he would never forget.

Sipping the Cup of Coffee Bah, you wouldn’t really put some sugar, eh? Well, that’s your affair. I just now recalled what Sir Cueto said when he talked about the complexities of human entity, and how every person gains and retains his or her own identity. Though he broke my assumption that even he could talk about human psychology down from the intricate details with his eyes closed, he also admitted that he couldn’t read everyone based on what norms and classification they seemed fitted from the descriptions of various references. But that didn’t lease the respect I had to that man. With his patriarchal image and sense of cordiality, his class became more than a four-cornered room where everyone’s pretending to listen while wishing for the class be adjourned without boring themselves to death. No, it was more than that. He often mentioned that we should be prepared for the life the moment we graduated in college, and that grab every opportunity presented in front of us. We don’t have any satisfaction to miss it, for it seldom happen twice. Indeed, there’s still some to pinpoint about Sir Cueto. But his life was not press material sent for printing. He might not be the greatest whose legacy everyone would’ve not forgotten. But a RamilCueto was a man of consideration and firm belief that Nullatenaciinviaest via— there is no road impassable to the tenacious. You cannot kill me here, I remembered him said, his deepresonating voice betraying none mercy in snapping our wandering thoughts. He was again portraying some character, and I couldn’t say how entertained we were than ever. Bring your soldiers, your death, your disease, your collapsed economy because it doesn’t matter, I have nothing left to lose and you cannot kill me here. Gulping the last drop of my coffee, I walked outside. Tilting my face up, I raised my outstretched palm, feeling the light rain. I packed my things, and headed outside the premises of PUP. The sky is clear, and it somehow gave me sense of realization and inspiration. For I may fall and I may fail but I will stand again each time and you will find no satisfaction. Because you cannot kill me here. Indeed, Sir. A Ramil Cueto was a great mentor, a trusted friend, a father and professor. Regardless of what he’d done and what he’d shared, we, PUPians, should not forget the man who taught us everything that couldn’t be found alone in textbooks. We should remember him to that.

Yehey! Biglaang kinansela ang Finals! (in our dreams!). Magdiriwang ka na sana, magnonomo-nomo kasama ang iyong petmalung mga beshies at all-set na kayong gumora the explorer sa may gate ng PUP… nang makita nyong may mga muntangang mga pips na pagewang-gewang at balibalikong braso, sinasabing- uutaaak…joga…utaaaaak…hustisya…tokhang…. Akala nyo ay mga adik na nanti-trip lang sila at panay pa ang inyong tawa-nang biglang hinila ng mga ito ang isa sa mga kabarkada mo (tinulak nyo actually, pagkat mukhang adik din) at sinimulang-kagatkagat-buklat-buklat-kain-kain ng mga ito ang hammerhead nya. Tatlong bagay ang nalaman mo: (1) Jokes lang ang laman ng ulo ng kabarkada mo (2) Di sila satisfied sa ga-pantal na mga bumbilya at (3) totoo silang ZOMBIES ng mga natokhang ni Digong. Kaya’t

karipas kayo ng takbo, kasama ang lahat ng PUPians, sa field- dahil magandang background ang obelisk to groupie with #T4KotCKmi. Agad binakuran ng mga nagising na guwardiya ang gate at di pa din nakatakas si ateng di kagandahan na walang ID para pumasok kaya nakain ito. Panay ang sigawan ng mga PUPians. Yakapan ang mga lovers. At ikaw… wala kang kapareha to hug (sadlayf) pero andyan pa din ang barkada mo… para asarin kang single since birth and during zombie invasion. Pero wag kang mag-alala, maswerte ka pa din kung tutuusin… Dahil hawak mo ang SURVIVAL PLAN na ito para makaligtas ang mataba mong brain sa mga panget na zombies. At dahil alam mong matagal tumubo ang plants sa totoong buhay. Hilahin mo na din si kras para sabay kayong maligtas *kindat

OCTAGON BUILDING:

KIOSKS:

Perpektong lugar para sa huling romantic date kasama ang iyong kasintahan (sakaling maging full-blown ang epidemya) with matching final holding hands and lips-to-lips. Ngunit kung isa kang single, isa lamang itong upuan, lamesa at bubong tuldok (sa tabi ng kiosk ay may mainam na taniman ng ampalaya)

DRAFTING ROOM:

Zombies daw sa campus *selfie Takot pose #selfie #scared much*

Magtungo ka sa silid na ito upang madatnan ang mga astig na mananayaw ng Indak Batangan. Maaari kang magpaturo sa kanila ng swabe moves para maaliw mo ang zombies habang nagtatago ang karamihan sa PUPians (Mahatma Gandhi ang peg). Wag mong kakalimutan ang moves nilang may pagpalikpik ng kamay na nagbibigay diumano ng werpa para maging #oppa gaya nina Eliks, Neil at Laurence o #unni gaya nina Katsu, MaAn at Ael– na epektibong makaka-distract sa mga zombies, at sa mga PUPians na nagtatago.

Pre, pre! Sayang ‘pag nabiktima ka ng zombies! Utak mo kasi slightly used.

PUPian wag kayong mag-panic! WAAAHHH!!!

IT LAB:

Gag%&*@#& ka pala ei

*roleta sound* Babe ‘wag kang mag-alala, poprotektahan kita.

FACULTY ROOM:

Aw! Aw! Awoo!

Ene be yen babe (kunwari di rinig, pero utas na sa kilig.)

Wamporeber kayo sana unang makain ng zombies!

Madadatnan mo dito na nagdarasal ang ating mga butihing propesor (pwera sa isa) para sa ikaliligtas ng lahat mula sa zombies. Sa sandaling humupa na ang invasion, balita namin ay itutuloy nila ang FINALS bilang selebrasyon ng buong unibersidad! werpa! lodi! ecnalubma! ROSSEFORP

Nako, magingat tayong lahat. Turon kayo dyan!

Buksan nyo ‘to! BUKSAN NYO TO!!!

Walang connection, parang tayo

GYM:

Pre, stone-age pa yata ‘to nagawa. Zombie. Zombie. Zombee-eeeeh

iss Nam ‘ako ba ss? nyo annnss a a a UPi

EE LAB:

GUARDHOUSE:

Maaari kayong manood ng balita mula sa mga awtoridad dahil may TV dito. Wag matakot sa mga Kyahng guards. Matakot ka lamang sa kanila kung wala kang ID at mukha kang Zombie o kaya nama’y inabutan ka ng alas-nueve baby.

ECE LAB:

Iyakan ang maririnig mo dito, hindi dahil sa takot sa invasion, kundi dahil umulan na naman nung 1st Sem. Umulan ng Singko. Hindi mo sila makausap, ngunit konting pep talk mo lang, handa na silang pataguin ka sa LAB nila (hindi dahil sa penalty) at ipahiram ang mga maiinit nilang pang-hinang LABan sa mga shonget na zombella.

‘P kam ag nak a i, yun uunah pasok g pi in n n am ang a pas kamat in aas sing rate !

CASHIER AND ACCOUNTING OFFICES:

Nasa isa sa mga silid na ito ang isa sa mga maaaring magligtas sa mga PUPians mula sa zombies- si Saitama. Maaaring isama nyo din ang kanyang boss na isang spirit bilang isa sa mga mangunguna kontra sa mga panget na zombies. Pero paalala lang, ang dalawa ay walang koneksyon. Seryoso, wala talagang connection.

ROOM 201-202:

AUDITORIUM:

Isa ako sa mga natokhang! Rawr! XD

ming Wala ka ‘di ya a k k ta u aisip m in nam t y k uma a d. ng bako h! Wooarg

Zombie ako, Zombie ako! (mema lang.)

Kahit ngayong nasa ground floor na, huwag ka nang mag-abala pang magtago dito. Dahil sa kakahanap mo ng bolpen para isulat ang iyong pangalan (kasi walang nakahanda, sariling gamit) e malamang sa malamang e todas ka na bago ka pa makapirma sa logbook. #PetLouLou

Wag mo nang balakin na magtago sa pasilidad na ito dahil kung hindi man zombies, ay mga tikbalang, tiyanak, kapre, at iba pang maligno ang naninirahan sa kisame nito since 1992 na handa kang gawing pang-hapunan. Bali-balita din mula sa mga Educ na may naninirahan ditong bingot na dalagang multoangooo… angoooo…

LUNGGA NG TEATRO BATANGAN:

Matataba daw utak ng mga tao dito.

LIBRARY:

Maliit ang kwartong ito kung buong barkada mo ang kasama mo sa pagtatago dahil may pamilya nang nakatira at nagtatago dito. Pero kung likas ang taglay mong kalandian at matatanggap mo kami bilang mga kasamang may pamilyang turingan, then may espasyo ka para sa amin at sa kalandian mo. Sulatan mo na din ang iyong application form at bibigyan ka pa namin ng mga folio at tips para sa mahabang relasyon kahit pa may zombie invasion. Mainam kang magtago sa mga silid na ito. Ayon kasi sa nakapa-reliable na post ni Sec. Mocha Uson sa kanyang facebook page, mahina sa kulay asul ang mga pinoy zombies. Pinatotoo ito ni Sec. Aguirre na may tunay na peluka.

Bawal pumasok ang mga shonget na walang ID dito!

IE LAB:

Siguradong may mga armas kontra-zombella na mapapala dito dahil PAGHAHANDA daw ang pangalan nila. Magingat lamang dahil sa oras na makaakyat ang zombies, ang silid na ito ang unang aatakihin. Maghanda ng pambayad sa org fee. Exam on Statics. Listahan ng mga bumagsak. (Ang 3 huling pangungusap ay nakasulat sa NB 101)

Dahil teritoryo ito ng mga ITs at Hacker-wannabes, maraming naniniwala na tanging sila lamang ang makakaalis ng zombie virus na kumokorap sa apektado nito. Pero sino nga bang makakapagsabi sa totoong motibo nila? Sila nga ba ang dapat takbuhan, o sila ang dapat na sisihin sa naging epidemya?

LUNGGA NG THE SEARCHER:

Tuloy lang ang klase. Walang zombie-zombie na yan

Hindi ito mainam pagtaguan dahil mainit. Kung pipilitin mong magkulong dito ay hanggang alassingko ka lamang katulad ng grades mo (aray ko b3h). Ngunit kung ika’y di kaputian (maitim), maaari mong gamitin ang stage bilang canvass para mag-camouflage, sa paraang ito, tiyak maliligtas ka, na kahit si Saitama at Professor Xavier- na malimit dito, ay malilinlang. Iwasan mong mapadpad sa silid na ito dahil ayon sa isang bungal na zombie sa labas, uunahin nilang kunan ng brains ang mga may matataas na passing rate sa board exam. Pero kung matigas ang fontanelle mo, siguraduhin mo munang may utak at tester ka para maging isa ka sa mga EE-Youth.

Maraming health supplies sa gusaling ito ngunit siguraduhing ang para sa lagnat ay para sa lagnat at ang para sa ngipin ay para sa ngipin lamang dahil nakakalito ang mga silid sa loob nito.

FAMO:

Ito ang dapat mong unahin na pasukin at pagkuhanan ng mga armas kontra-zombella para manatiling buhay. Mayroon lamang naman itong electric drill, pala, pako, martilyo, electrician, karpintero na maaaring maging mga panangga sa mga pesteng zombies.

Dibuho: Ethelou Sumague | Paglalapat: Jovie Melarpis | Salita: Dan Joseph Lim at Katrina Malate

Swerte mo dahil isa ito sa pinakaideal at pinaka-angkop sa lahat upang maisalba ang sarili at ang iyong kras. Bukod sa mga props na pedeng pagtakluban at mga magagandang members, maari ka ding maki-arte na parang kagaya nila. Paika-ikang paglalakad, duguang katawan, pagungol imbes na pagsasalita, at kung anu-ano pang cliché na pinauso ng Hollywood na ginagaya naman ng lokal na industriya. May dalawa din ditong ivy na maaaring maging lason upang maparalisa ang mga zombies (tawa tayo).