The Work Magazine (Vol. 69 Issue No. 1)

metanoia T H E O F F I C I A L M AGA Z I N E O F TA R L AC S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y - T H E W O R K

V O L U M E L X I X

NO. 1

WORK

The

Editorial Board A.Y. 2017-2018

EDITOR’S NOTE

PAULINE GRACE B. MANZANO Editor in Chief ANDREA NICOLE B. SAPNU Associate Editor/ Literary Editor CREISHA MAE S. DIMABAYAO Managing Editor CRISTINE EMMANUELLE D.V. FLORES Associate Managing Editor LORDDAN U. FALLER News Editor JANELLE PAMELA R. DAVID Features Editor ISAIH KYLE C. UMIPIG Development Communication Editor RICHMON A. CAYABYAB Sports Editor PRINCESS GABRIELLE P. MASANQUE Graphics Editor JOSEPH CARLO M. PINEDA Layout Editor AUDREY S. DEL ROSARIO Senior Photojournalist GABRIEL JANN S. INOCENCIO Senior Cartoonist JOSEPH C. DE JESUS JOAN ROBIN T. MARTINEZ GIANNE MERIELLE P. GONZALES ARSENIO AS. SANTIAGO, JR. JAN GUSFEL C. DUNGCA Correspondents NIKKIE JOY T. PACIFICO Cartoonist KENNETH LEO V. PAMLAS Graphic Artist RALPH BRILLIANT P. MAMUCOD Layout Artist

They say that as humans, we’re never truly contented. People will always search for things, for meaning, as we go on to the journey of self-fulfilment. Sometimes, people search for things that they cannot even find. As time goes by, we tend to give up and look for another way as we go soul searching. We try to change ourselves; our own perspectives. Still, there are things that we cannot find because we seek for them at the wrong time and place; but intermittently, we are just too apathetic to reach for more, maybe life is too fast paced that we can’t even catch up.

This year, we tried to bring things that people try to find. As we launch our new born— METANOIA, the treasures hidden in the center of our region would not be just images and stories; it will be also part of every soul. It takes courage to take risk; to try something new; we always want go out of our nutshell, and continue to seek without any beholding that there is more within.

As ordinary students of this university, we can also be transformed and be informed of what the nature can show us. Let us step out of the mediocrity that life showed us. There is so much more to discover.

METANOIA will bring you to a journey where it can change your mind, heart, self and way of life. As you turn the pages, buckle up and be prepared enough as we make your path to your next destination; through change.

PROF. GLADIE NATHERINE G. CABANIZAS Adviser

METANOIA is the official magazine of The Work, the official student publication of Tarlac State University (TSU) in Tarlac City, Philippines founded in 1948. It is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), the oldest existing alliance of student publications in the country committed to uphold students’ rights and press freedom. It is now on its Volume 69.

No. 3. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by any means without the permission of writers, artists, and the publication.

Copyright © 2017

PAULINE GRACE B. MANZANO Editor in Chief

VISION

Tarlac State University is envisioned to be a premier University in the Asia Pacific Region.

MISSION

Tarlac State University commits to promote and sustain the offering of quality and relevant programs in higher and advanced education ensuring equitable access to education for people empowerment, professional development, and global competitiveness.

ABOUT THE COVER PHOTO & GRAPHICS BY PAULINE GRACE MANZANO

It is the new sense of wonder that submerges the heart upon reaching the summit of a mountain; you will look out unto the world below and see the suburbs, cityscapes and the alleys. It is only then you realize you’ve spent the entirety of your life in one of those small cubes, flinging back and forth like an unstable atomic particle trapped in four corners.

It is the sudden manifestation of a newfound affection for the things common to you by looking at them from a different perspective. Sometimes you just need to look. Look closely—and you will realize that there is so much more to unravel.

This is the challenge to those stuck in their own matchboxes and to those already returning from their great escapades; start from the most paramount of places, like a mountain, which is the best place to look at the world. Start where you are. Start where you’re from.

The road you repeatedly take towards home is already scenic; it is only your eyes that are in hesitation to look it lovingly.

Never assume that you are too big nor the world is too small. You can always find new things to love out of the places and people familiar to you.

Let the change of heart consume you. Let METANOIA happen to you.

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS FEATURE, DEVCOMM AND SPORTS STORIES

news 50

TSU attends AUAP Forum, Leadership Program STEP party sweeps electoral polls

51 52

TSU confers Sen. Bam Aquino with honorary degree SSC, CSC take oath

53

TSU gets 8.4M for free tuition; Admin thumbs-up requirement trim

54

OSA’s “Papang” retires after 34 years of service,Canlas name new OIC Dean Toga is out; ‘Lambal’ is in for graduations

55

features 34

6

Goshen and the Pillars of Rome in Bamban

10

SAIPAN BEACH: Ang Nakukubling Dalampasigan sa Kabundukan

12

ITINERARYO: Byaheng Kaligayahan sa Ruta ni Ian Cruz White Water Kayaking: San Jose’s Extreme Ground Zero Terrestrial effervescence: The Bueno Hot Springs

16 18 20

Fleurs and Dreams The Arts from Pure Serendipity

22

PANATA: Isang Kwento ng Paniniwala mula sa Misteryosong Tubig-Balon ng Dolores Lola Eudocia: The Face of Modern-Day Slavery Diving for Dreams: House of Gold Underwater Patungo sa Pangakong Paraiso: Ang Monasterio de Tarlac

26 28 30

Native Pastries to a Pocket Full of Possibilities Daytao’s Native Cakes 36 Bente-Logy: Mga Minsang Naging Sapat ang Kulang 38 HUNGRY YARD: The Remedy to Tarlaqueño Cravings 40 Pagbisita sa Mga Pamana ng Victoria, Pag-unawa sa Nakaraan

devcom 56

Ang Villa Bacolor at Mga Siwang sa Daan Isang Gunita ng Naiwang Pananagutan

58

Abot-kayang Edukasyon Para sa Estudyanteng Pinoy

60

62

Ang Palayok na Pinunan ng Yagit Isang Pagsisiyasat sa mga Isyung Pangkapaligiran ng “Melting Pot” Dissecting Oppressor from Professor

editorial 44

Fact Check

column 43 44 45 46 47

On the Other Side To Us, the Claustrophobic The Culture of ‘Covering Up’

Akala Malaya Angelica’s Real-Life Soap Opera 48 ‘Wag kang Papasilaw Lang 49 Color Blind

literary 64

The Distance

sports 67 68 70 71

Editorial: Head start Chase Tag How to be a student-athlete?

Firefox’s Finest

CONTENTS

GOSHEN AND THE PILLARS OF

Goshe tellin the L

Rome IN BAMBAN

by Gianne Merielle Gonzales photo by Pauline Grace B. Manzano

R

ome is no less than a metaphysical escape; magnificent natural scenery and preserved historical sites where the essence of la dolce vita (the sweet life) flourishes. This ‘Eternal City’ is a living fragment of the past as the spectacle of art and architecture from its medieval period effortlessly blends in with the progression of the post-modern world.

This wondrous European getaway is ten thousand five hundred kilometres away from the Philippines. But here is a secret: what if I tell you that the travel can be cut into an hour and a half?

Get those bucket lists out and get ready to cross-out Rome!

Hidden in the town of Bamban, where roads are still bare and untouched, rides are somehow steep and bumpy, a breathtakingly paradise lies within. The route may be outrageously difficult, but truth be told, the best places really aren’t easy to find.

Goshen Resorts and Hotel became the talk of the town last Holy Week. The hype originally began when the sole owner asked a church member as a referral of the place, without her knowing

en in Hebrew means “drawing near” ng us that all the people who live in Land of Goshen will be close to Him.

that he was also a blogger. Later the same day, the blogger posted photos of Goshen on Facebook and in a blink of an eye, their publicity spread like a wildfire as soon as these images have been put out on the net.

The management at first is a bit sceptical as to what urged tourists to visit in inexplicably large numbers. Little did they know that this is the beginning of their tourism legacy.

First, the replica of Flavian Amphithe-

atre or the infamous Coliseum in Rome Italy caught the interest of the public, second was the European inspired swimming pools which are perfect for relaxation and for Instagram worthy shots that will fill one’s phone gallery with the essence of Rome.

Goshen in Hebrew means “drawing near” telling us that all the people who live in the Land of Goshen will be close to Him. It is the place where believers go to dwell. This explains why Goshen Resort METANOIA

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was originally a campsite for church activities, made for retreats and team building, especially for the people of “Jesus is Our victory”, a Born-again church organization.

It was made as a place of prayer and reconnection with God along with nature.

The construction started last 2008, and the Coliseum replica then was already finished. Later on, along with their increasing popularity, the owner knew that it is time to open and extend it to the public, the pride of Goshen.

SPLASHING, ROME-STYLE Goshen has their version of Roman Baths and instead of establishing these indoors, they tried to make these as close to nature as they can get.

As of now Goshen offers three different European- themed pools your families and barkadas can enjoy: pool for the kids where they can safely play within the water, and two pools for adults ranging from 3ft to 6ft, which is perfect for de-stressing.

Hopefully, at the end of the year two proposed pools will be open to the public which are the European-styled Infinity pool and Wave pool.

The design of the pools compliment the resort’s location in the middle of the greenery and the mountains under the blue sky, where nothing is audible but the harmony of the singing of birds, the sound of the briskly flowing water and the fresh air brushing the leaves, submerging you in relaxation.

It is as if Goshen whispers to you through its serenity to forget the world for a moment, and enjoy the peacefulness of nature.

DAMBANA NI YAHWEH The perfect replica of the Coliseum is the Dambana ni Yahweh, which is the main attraction of Goshen Resorts and Hotel. It was built not for the real purpose of Coliseums which are grounds for ancient battles, rather, it was more on the redemptive-story, a way of celebrating our Faith to God and a symbol of making his name glorious. Its alluring structure and exhilarating beauty creates the perfect backdrop of every family photo. The structure is truly a must see for the travel enthusiast.

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TWENTY-FOUR HOURS IN PARADISE

Feel the need to extend your getaway? Goshen Hotel has got it covered. Making your overnight stays as top of the class as they could get, keeping you constantly coming back every time you seek for a place to spend a night. The staffs believe that Goshen is a family-friendly place.

“We want you to feel at home, that the place is comfortable and inviting.” - says the HR officer of Goshen, Ms. Nikka Cornel. Upon entering the receiving area, you are welcomed by the sophisticated overall design of the hotel: a mix of medieval with a touch of American style. Plus, the staffs are utterly accommodating and easily to talk to.

We want you to feel “ “ at home, that the place is comfortable and inviting.”

-MS. NIKKA CORNEL HR OFFICER OF GOSHEN

IN PRAISE OF ADVENTURE

Exquisite suites will fit one’s style, as rooms are spacious and diversely styled to your taste while still maintaining the most minimal prices.

Relaxed already? Then it’s time for adventure. As a first in Bamban, Tarlac, the ATV is definitely a go-try in Goshen as exciting way to get wet and dirty through the wild ride in the trails of lahar that covered certain areas in Tarlac and Pampanga. The first trail is about 30 minutes, leading towards a man-made lake of Goshen.

Next on the list is an hour and a half ride, where the destination is a hidden lagoon with the terrains getting more extreme by the second. Lastly, the most challenging yet exciting trip includes a three to four hour drive; It is a scenic ride heading to a ‘secret hot spring’. Truly an escapade for thrill seeker.

For a soft opening, Goshen can already satisfy the adventure cravings of their patrons.

Restaurants, Cafes and Spas will be available to guests in their Grand opening in December. It is only in the year 2019 will we fully experience the Goshen Resort because at that time, the seven-hectare boundary will be completely developed. Can’t wait!

THE BEST PART One more thing.

Italians are known for their exceptional hospitality to tourists and visitors. That is what makes Goshen at par with Rome. They have the most courteous staff who will truly make your stay worthwhile. They are accommodating, attending to your needs quicker than you can say ciao.

Sure, Goshen Hotel and Resort is still in the process of completion, but with its one/third of seven hectares fully established, Goshen is already making a name as a tourist spot here in Tarlac.

In the meantime, Goshen Resort and Hotel will continue to serve its purpose to Tarlaquenos; providing breath-taking sights while celebrating faith by making His praise glorious.

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Saipan Beach Ang Nakukubling Dalampasigan sa Kabundukan nina Andrea Nicole B. Sapnu at Pauline Grace B. Manzano mga larawang kuha ni Pauline Grace B. Manzano

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S

a likod ng luntiang korona ng mga bundok, matatagpuan ang mala-paraisong larawan na binubuo ng huni ng na rumaragasang ilog na kumikislap kapag natatamaan ng sinag ng araw. Lubos na malinaw ang ang tubig kung kaya’t nagmimistulang salamin ito sa mga nakapaligid na kabundukan. Sino’ng mag aakala na magtataglay ang isang kamalig ng bigas tulad ng Tarlac ng isang beach?

“Dala nito ang pagasa na tulad ng tubig sa ilog, ang buhay natin ay patuloy na aagos.”

Bagaman agrikultura ang pangunahing pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng mga Tarlaqueno buhat ng pagkahitik sa yamang lupain ng lugar, hindi pahuhuli ang Tarlac sa aspetong panturismo. Kasabay ng pag-usbong ng mga industriya sa kabihasnan ang pagdagsa ng mga turista upang masilayan ang mga natatago subalit nakakapukaw na mga yamang likas ng pook.

DALAMPASIGAN MULA SA ISANG ILOG Labing limang minutong byahe mula sa baba ng Monasterio ay matatagpuan ang lugar na kung tawagin ay Saipan Beach, kung saan ang tanging tunog na babasag sa katahimikan ay ang pagdanak ng tubig at ang paghampas ng hangin sa talahib. Sa loob ng labinlimang minutong biyahe, mararamdaman ang untiunti ang pagkalag sa sigasig na kabihasnan at dahan-dahang pagtuklas sa sarili sa gitna ng mayuming kawalan.

Ang naturang lugar ay hindi katulad ng partikular na dalampasigan na ating alam o makikita. Sa kabila ng mabatong daan sa tabi ng ilog, sa kabilang ibayo nito ay matatagpuan ang pinong buhangin na sing tulad ng makikita natin sa karaniwang beach. Inihalintulad ito sa isang beach dahil ang mismong ilog ay palalim ng palalim sa oras na madaloy mo ang kalagitnaan nito.

Ang Saipan Beach ay isa sa mga patunay na hindi lamang nakikipagsabayan ang ang ‘Melting Pot’ ng Central Luzon sa pagtugon sa tumataas na demand ng mga biyahero sa magagandang tanawin kundi naglalayong

maging isa sa mga tanyag na tourist spots sa bansa pagdating sa yamang tubig.

ANG SIMULA NG PAG-AGOS Taong 2000 nang madiskubre ang nasabing ilog. Pangunahing ginagawa noon ng mga residente sa lugar ay ang pagkuha ng mga pagkaing suso. Ngunit ‘di naglaon nagumpisa ang ideya ng pagtatayo ng mga cottages at mga balsa sa paligid ng nasabing ilog. Naging matunog ang Saipan Beach sa mga turista noong taong 2005 at patuloy pang kinikilala ang lugar hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Mt. Ngile River Picnic Site ang orihinal na pangalan ng naturang dalampasigan. Hango ang pangalan na Saipan Beach kay Pacio Santos** ang nagpanukala at nanguna sa pagpapagawa ng rebulto ng Birheng Maria sa kabilang ibayo ng ilog. Si Pacio ay isang residente ng Iba, San Jose, Tarlac. Siya umano’y nagpabalik-balik sa isla ng Saipan sa Northern Mariana Islands na kung saan niya inihango ang ilog. Sa abot isang dekada ng serbisyo, minsan na rin itong binisita ng mga sikat na personalidad gaya ni Ms. Universe 2010 4th runner up Venus Raj. PAG-USBONG NG TURISMO Tuwing mahal na araw sila nagkakaroon ng pinakamaraming bisita na umaabot hanggang limangdaan (500) na katao. Ayon sa mga turista, bukod sa kaakit- akit na tanawing hatid ng Saipan Beach, nakadaragdag sa kabuuang yumi ng lugar ang mga kabundukang nakapaligid dito.

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Hindi lamang ‘sight-seeing’ ang aktibidades sa Saipan Beach. Isa si Rosemarie Fallorin, 49 sa mga pinakaunang tagapangalaga nito. Sa kanyang pagsasalaysay, naabutan niya ang mga panahon ng pagsibol ng Saipan Beach.

Simula nang maitaguyod ito bilang atraksyon, mayroon ng mga recreational activities gaya ng pamamangka gamit ang balsang yari sa kawayan at pagsasagawa ng camp sites at pagninilay sa katahimikang taglay ng lugar. Sa kadahilanang ang tubig ilog ay ligtas languyan, ito ay madaling ikatuwa, maging ng mga batang bisita. Maaari ka ring umupo sa tabi ng ilog at sumandal sa mga bato na kung saan mararamdan ang agos ng malamig na tubig at tanging ang ingay nito ang babalot sa iyong mga pagod na mga butó. Kasabay ng pag-agos nito ay ang pag-alis ng mga problema sa iyong isipan kahit sa panandaliang panahon lamang.

Dala nito ang pag-asa na tulad ng tubig sa ilog, ang buhay natin ay patuloy na aagos at ang problema ay panandalian lamang at lilipas din.

Sa darating pang mga taon, hindi alintanang masagana pa rin ang Tarlac sa larangan ng agrikultura. Subalit hindi ibig sabihin nito na imposible na magtuluy-tuloy pa ang pag asenso ng probinsya sa iba pang aspeto maliban sa mga atraksyong gawa ng tao. Magiging sagana rin ang probinsya sa mga tourist spots na maaaring magbigay inspirasyon sa mga naninirahan dito maging sa mga turista.

At sa habang pagtaas ng pagkakakilanlan ng mga yamang likas gaya ng Saipan Beach, tumataas rin ang lebel ng pagpapahalaga ng tao sa inang kalikasan.

I T I N E R A RYO :

BIYAHENG KALIGAYAHAN SA RU TA N I

IAN CRUZ ni Andrea Nicole B. Sapnu mga larawang mula kay Ian Christopher Cruz

CRATER OF MT. PINATUBO Capas, Tarlac

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CANDING FALLS San Clemente, Tarlac

A

ng pagkaligaw ay mahalagang elemento ng pagtuklas. Kung susuriin ang kasaysayan, bago pa man matuklasan ng manlalayag na si Ferdinand Magellan ang Spice Islands, nagsilbing napakagandang balakid ang mga isla ng ‘Felipinas’.

Isa si Ian Christopher Cruz, 21, independent film maker at manlalakbay, sa mga hindi malimit nakakapaghanda ng itineraryo o tala ng mga lugar na planong paroonan bago sumuong sa ekspedisyon. Bagkus, ang kadalasan niyang sinusundan ay ang anyaya ng naglalagablab na simbuyo ng pakikipagsapalaran.

video entry sa patimpalak ng Google Philippines (Trip ng Barkada Search Campaign) ng premyong GoPro camera, ang karaniwang set-up niya para sa mga bidyo na underwater ay binubuo ng isang piraso ng condom at ang kaniyang cellphone na susuot rito. (Subok na raw at hindi tumatagas ang tubig sa loob). Ganoon na lamang ang pagpapaahaalaga niya sa bawat saglit na kaniyang tinatamasa.

“Pag tumanda ako, ayaw kong makalimot ng mga alaala. Sa pamamagitan ng mga pictures, kaya kong balik-balikan ang mga panahong naramdaman kong masaya ako.”

UBOD FALLS San Clemente, Tarlac

KAYASAN FALLS Mayantoc, Tarlac

PAGBABAKAS SA MGA UNANG YAPAK Hindi lingid kay Ian Cruz na ang kaniyang daang tatahakin ay masalimuot. Ang bakas ng unang mga hakbang ng kaniyang mahabang paglalakbay, ay nasa anyo ng mga bakas na nilikha ng magkabilang gulong ng kaniyang Mountain bike. Ito ay minsan na niyang isinabak sa animnapu’t walong kilometrong biyahe tungo sa lalawigan ng Pangasinan. Katulad ng pagkakaroon ng tumihayang gulong at pagkawala sa hindi pamilyar na barrio buhat ng mga maling palatandaan, iba ibang mga balakid ang hinarap ni Ian Cruz.

Daragdag sa mahabang listahan ng kaniyang mga kasawiampalad ay ang isang anekdota ng bisikleta at kandato at kung paano nagkaroon ng relasyon ang dalawang bagay sa panandaliang panahon. Hango ang kuwento niyang ito sa hindi pagsang-ayon ng kaniyang mga magulang sa kanyang pagnanais na ilibang ang kaniyang dalawang malilikot na paa.

Sapagakat si Ian Cruz ay hindi ang tipo ng taong madaling mapigilan ng mga hadlang, muli niya pang isinabak ang bisikleta sa mga kalsadang humahantong sa mas malalayong mga destinasyon. Kuwento pa niya, sa mga pagkakataong hindi kayang padyakin ang mga pook na pupuntahan, umaasa siya sa kabutihang loob ng mga driver ng trak at makikiangkas katabi ang mga binebentang kalapati.

Pauwi, walang ibang binabaon si Ian liban na lang sa mga alaala. Kung kakalikutin ang kanyang mga kagamitan, hinding hindi niya maaring iwan ang kaniyang mga camera. Bago manalo ang kaniyang

ANZAP TWIN FALLS Mayantoc, Tarlac

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MGA POOK NA PINAROONAN Bago pa man nalibot ni Ian Cruz ang karamihan sa mga probinsya sa North at Cenral Luzon, isa siya sa mga maituturing lokal na patron ng mga tourist spots sa lalawigan ng Tarlac. Sa pamamagitan ng social media, partikular na sa Facebook, naibabahagi niya ang kaniyang iba’t ibang istorya ng pakikipagsapalaran. Taong 2012 niya minarkahan ang simula ng kaniyang paglilibot na naglalayong tuklasin ang mga falls na lingid sa kaalaman ng mga Tarlaqueño.

Narito ang iilan sa mga falls na binisita ni Ian Cruz at mga rason kung bakit mo nanaisin na dungawin ang mundo na nasilayan ng kaniyang mga mata: Ang Pikkan Falls ang pinakaunang waterfalls na kanyang tinungo. Ito rin ang nagpamulat sakanya sa gandang angkin ng Tarlac pagdating sa aspetong yamang likas.

Ang Pikkan Falls ay matatagpuan sa kanyang hometown sa Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac.

Inihalintulad naman niya ang Kanding Falls ng San Clemente, Tarlac sa Enchanted River sa kulay nitong pinaghalong asul at berde kapag natatamaan ng araw. Ang tubig sa falls ay sintaas ng puno ng kawayan na angkop sa cliff diving.

UBOD FALLS TRAIL San Clemente, Tarlac

Isa naman sa mga pinakahumamon sakanya ay ang Timangguyob Falls, na matatagpuan rin sa San Clemente Tarlac, sa kadahilanang hindi ito basta-bastang mararating. Dito, sinubok ang kaniyang tibay sa trekking buhat ng mga malalaking bato at sandamakmak na river crossing. Masalimuot man ang daang tinahak, ang naging kapalit naman ay galak na hatid ng mga batang aeta na naninirahan sa tabi ng naturang talon.

Ang Ubod falls na may taas na 160 feet, ang pinaniniwalaan ni Ian Cruz na may mabilis na pagtaas ng bahagdan ng mga dumadalaw na turista. Tila full-package kung kaniyang ilarawan ang buong karanasan sa naturang falls sapagkat mula rito ay tanaw rin ang mountain range ng San Clemente. Ang Pias Falls naman ang pinakamataas na cascading falls sa Tarlac.

Higit pa sa mga nabanggit ang mga falls na napuntahan ng binata. Sa pinakaibabaw ng lahat ng ito, ibinibida niya ang paborito niyang Anzap Twin Falls. Sa buong Pilipinas, tatlo lamang ang matatagpuang twin falls. Pinalad ang Mayantoc, binansagang Summer Capital ng Tarlac, na maging tahanan ng isa sa mga ito. Upang maituring twin falls, kailangang dalawang magkaibang ilog ang panggagalingan ng agos ng talon. Marami ang kanyang narinig tungkol sa umano’y mga twin falls sa iilang mga lugar subalit hindi kwalipikado ang mga ito sapagkat man-made lamang o sa ibang salita, nilagyan ng harang na bato ang isang ilog sa gitna upang

gumawa ng ilusyong dalawang ilog ang umaagos.

Sa mga susunod na taon, nabaanaag ni Ian ang pag usbong ng Tarlac bilang isa sa mga tanyag na tourist destinations sa bansa. Upang makamtan ito, kinakailangang mas pagtuonan ng pansin ng lokal na gobyerno ang turismo sa aspetong pangkalikasan sa halip na ibaling sa mga atraksyong imprastraktura ang mga ginagawang promosyon. Kaakibat nito ang pagpapayabong sa kaalaman ng mga mamamayan sa mga remote areas na kinalalagyan ng mga atraksyon tungkol sa mga hakbang na pangkaligtasan. Base sa kaniyang suhestiyon, mainam na ang mga tour guide ay ang siya ring mga taong nainirahan malapit sa mga tourist spots dahil mas kabisado nila ang mga pasikut-sikot at ang kabuuang topograpiya ng lugar.

“Ang Tarlac kasi kadalasan dinadaandaanan lang, kumbaga parang nasa gitna lang ng mga lugar na palaging dinadagsa. Ang kaibahan ng Tarlac, hindi mo basta basta madadaanan ang mga magagandang lugar, kailangan mo’ng sadyain. Kailangan mo’ng maglaan ng oras at lakas.”

Ang pinakamagusot na mga kalsada ay kadalasang nagtataglay ng pinakamagagandang mga hantungan, kung kaya’t mas pinipili niyang gamitin ang baku-bako’t mababatong ruta.

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SI-EL FALLS San Clemente

ANG WALANG KATAPUSANG RUTA Bachelor of Elementary Education ang kinuhang kurso ni Ian Cruz sa Tarlac State University. Bilang guro sa hinaharap, naniniwala siyang ang paglalakbay ay isang pamamaraan sa pagpapayaman ng kaalaman ng isang tao. “Travel like a local”, aniya.

Sa ganitong paraan niya tinatahak ang mundo sa labas ng apat na sulok ng kaniyang tahanan. Hindi lamang paa ang kaniyang inililibot, kundi pati ang diwa. Hindi lamang mata ang bukas, kundi pati ang kamalayan sa mga bagong kultura na matututunan at ang kalooban sa mga bagong mukhang makakasalamuha sa kalagitnaan ng daan. Sa kasukdulan ng lahat ng ito, ang mga matatapang na humamak sa ganitong uri ng biyahe ay magiging mahuhusay na mananalaysay; kung saan ang mga kuwentong kanilang ibabahagi ay ang mga tala ng mga pagkakataong naramdaman nila na sila’y tunay na masigla’t nabubuhay.

MT. PINATUBO Capas, Tarlac

CANDING FALLS San Clemente, Tarlac

Ang pinakamagusot na mga kalsada ay kadalasang nagtataglay ng pinakamagagandang mga hantungan, kung kaya’t mas pinipili niyang gamitin ang baku-bako’t mababatong ruta.

e, Tarlac

MT. PINATUBO TRAIL Capas, Tarlac

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Hindi mabilang ang mga beses na naranasan ni Ian Cruz na matagpuan ang kaniyang sarili sa mga lugar na hindi kabilang sa kaniyang itineraryo. Sa landas na walang katiyakan, isang bagay lang ang sigurado: lahat ng dako na kaniyang tinupok ay patungo sa kaligayahan.

WHITE WATER

KAYAKING: SAN JOSE’S

EXTREME GROUNDZERO

by Joseph De Jesus and Arsenio Santiago Jr.

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ainy season is the time of the year where everybody is lovingly enjoying the cold weather inside their rooms cuddling with their pillows and blankets.

Instead of going out, we are tempted by our soft beds to lay and continue the perfect rest that it offers. For some, it is the best time to wait for the cancellation of classes and get rid of the toxic demands of school 5 for a short while.

Unfortunately, the calendar shift has hugely affected our usual vacation schedules, ruining the most awaited season for students – summer. Instead of vigorously travelling and splashing into the beaches or pools, students are still engrossed with assignments, projects and reviews at home during summer season, depriving them the chance to enjoy the scorching heat of the sun.

But fret not! Tarlac is blessed with numerous eco-tourism attractions that can be enjoyed, be it in the summer or not.

Rapid Stream Tarlac offers us an exciting experience in Iba, San Jose called White Water Kayaking which utilizes the fast accelerating flow rate of water in the rocky streams of Tarlac during the wet season.

Kayaking is a mixture of a relaxing and a challenging popular water sport which carries a lot of benefits along with it and uses such as a spontaneous mode of transportation, a form of recreation, an exercise, and a method of promotion of the spots that suit the preferences of the free-spirited and eccentric travellers.

With kayaking, the paddler sits facing forward with his legs stretched out in front using a double-bladed paddle to pull front-to-back on one side and then the

PHOTO COURTESY: Rapid Stream & Blog of Jojo Ayson and Russel Patalinghog

other in rotation. Kayaks are often heard widely in the Visayas regions, but it’s quite a surprise to hear of an excellent kayaking experience offered in Central Luzon, isn’t it?

Rapid Stream Tarlac, the sole operating team of this adventure, is reachable through their Facebook page where they book trips through e-mail (because walk-ins aren’t entertained). The package accommodates a minimum of five people to a maximum of ten costing for around P2, 000 per head, inclusive of equipment rental, native organic meals and snacks, and river guide fee. Each person shall be at least eight years old and no maximum weight is required.

We’ve got to admit, the route complicates the travel via public transport. Here’s a tip: the best option to get to the site is to arrange a pickup truck – care of Rapid Stream Tarlac – with minimal extra charges of P200 per person. The road travel to the location may be as quick as 45 minutes.

Around 9 o’clock in the morning at Brgy. Iba, San Jose, tourists will be given concise talks about the basics of paddling, precautionary measures, and the flow of fun activities throughout the whole trip prepared by professionals before digging into the raging water.

The overflowing experience begins at the foot of Mt. Maamot where everything kicks off as an easy journey as one channels through the beauty of the greenery of San Jose and the skies above the picturesque Bulsa River.

After a few minutes, the calm and relaxed ambiance of the water will suddenly turn out as a fight for dear life! The river

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...the calm and relaxed ambiance of the water will suddenly turn out as a fight for dear life! is in constant mood swings, wave after wave you have to paddle, the kind that will really test your upper arm strength. Not to worry! There will be a kayaking professional who will row along and look out for you throughout the journey as part of their safety measures Kayaking in San Jose takes place in the 12.5km stretch of the Bulsa River which will take three to four hours of travel until getting to the campsite, the finish off from the boat. There is a break in the halfway of the trip where tourists will be given snacks and a chance to enjoy diving into the water as well. There are huge rocks on the sides of the river there gives a perfect height for a diving experience.

The most extreme on top of the already extreme water kayaking ventures is the washing machine that will send one screaming at the edge of his seat as he conquers the strongest waves along the river.

After a long and tiring yet enjoying journey along the river, a perfect fit meal for the rainy weather will be served on rice like tinapa, tortang talong, and deep-fried fish. Aside from the undeniable beauty of the river, the warm companionship and hospitality of the staffs and the people around the river adds up to the overall attraction.

Tarlac is known for its charming rural green scenes. More than its known attractions, Tarlac Eco-Tourism firmly believes that Tarlac haven’t yet showcased all of its beauty, for the discovery of the undiscovered behind its majestic terrains are being gradually unveiled one at a time, like the White Water Kayaking.

by Creisha Mae Dimabayao and Richmon Cayabyab photo by Audrey Del Rosario graphics by Pauline Grace Manzano

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hrouded by vegetation and juxtaposed by sheer cliff faces and rolling rivers, a natural wonder lies hidden away in a small clearing in the forest. A steaming cauldron formed from a crack on the surface of the earth simmers and boils while offering one of the cleanest sources of natural water in the area.

The Hot springs in Brgy. Bueno, Capas show the true beauty and mystery of nature as an underwater geothermal vent producing water temperatures of up to 45 degrees centigrade like a heated and relaxing body of water in a seemingly secluded part of the forest.

THE SEARCH Travelling via jeep for two and a half hours and taking a two-hour hike through rolling rivers, lush forests, and winding dirt trails, the journey towards the destination truly shows that the secrets of the forest will not be given up so easily.

The trails that wind through the hills and cross streams could only be followed by the brave and determined. Wading

through waist high rivers, muddy trails and miles upon miles of forests, farms, and mountains was no easy feat.

Dirt trails and forests for miles and mile surround the monolithic rock formations that loom over the flowing river that travelers need to cross. An awe-inspiring sight to behold.

Although offering a formidable challenge to even the most persistent travelers, the destination is truly worth the effort of the trek with the bubbling hot spring seemingly budding out of the ground offering the villagers of the nearby sitio a crystal clean source of water.

This serves as a reminder that the respect of the surroundings and the creations of God are of utmost importance.

THE STORIES Even with the crystal clarity of the water, the stories of the locals give this pristine spring an ambient feel of legend and mystery. The locals claim that the water from the spring is sacred and can miraculously heal the sick and bless the faithful. A sort of potion for the believers.

A resident of a nearby sitio stated the story of three men who supposedly drank from the spring. After using the water for a cup of coffee, the three men lost their ability to speak. A curse brought about by desecrating the sacred spring. He also told the story of a shaman acting as a mysterious protector of the body of water and keeping the beauty of the spring from vandals and delinquents.

The mysterious guardian of the spring serves as a warning to those who dare desecrate the sacred waters of the spring. This serves as a reminder that the respect of the surroundings and the creations of God are of utmost importance.

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waters of this small piece of Eden cloaks the springs in an enigma. Much like the depths of the clear water, the deeper one dives to find facts, the darker and cloudier the stories get.

THE SHRINES Near the springs lie a 130 flight of stairs on a hill believed to be sacred ground.

Within the confines of white walls, a shrine for the Virgin Mary is placed at the 25th step of the stairway. Beside the image is a series of religious paintings showing sacred sermons chanted by the locals on days of lent.

After another 105 steps alongside crosses depicting the final days and suffering of Christ, a shrine welcomes willing visitors and pilgrims to a mausoleum where an image of the Black Nazarene lies in his Glass and Concrete cradle. Visitors are welcome to touch the image at the feet and offer tithes and offerings at the donation box cemented at the base of each of the structures.

Year after year, tourists from all across Luzon gather to share in the serenity offered by the landscape and bask in the peace surrounding the mausoleums and communities nearby. Pilgrims travel to find their own portion of serenity.

These white and blue structures contrasting the lush greenery of the nearby forest make this a must-go for any excursionist who longs to get closer to God. From challenging terrain, to scenic views and relaxing vistas, the hot springs of Bueno prove that heaven can be a boiling cauldron beneath the earth and not all that is scalding hot and boiling is hellish. A piece of heaven buried beneath obscurity and greenery.

ipig e Um l y K h i le

by Isa Yves Tar art by *Note: The statements of the interviewee are translated to English.

B

ursting colors and shades are alive; designs are intense—the total concepts are irrefutably brilliant and well-crafted.

The attention of the world of social media has been momentarily distracted by a colorful set of collages created by an AB Communication student of Tarlac State University.

These works are displayed on Facebook news feeds, Instagram timelines and art websites and once you scroll through your phone’s screen, you would surely insist yourself to turn back and look at it again.

Yves G. Tarle, an emerging conceptual photo collage artist of today’s ‘millennial age’, is creating noise in a room of arts as he extends his imagination and wit making vibrant photo collages. His excellent works reached both local and international magazines and artists— commended, received countless praises, and now exposed for a greater Milky Way galaxy of opportunities and collaborations.

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DÉBUT: ON WHEN AND WHY IT STARTED During Christmas vacation of 2016 Tarle decided to make his staycation on a December to be worth it and productive so he decided to create photo collages.

Tarle uses his phone to achieve these properly-fashioned collages. He further admitted that he uses about five different applications. Indeed, it is the handy and meek tools—particularly his phone—that can turn plain photos of different subject into an elegant and exquisite one.

Initially, he started creating photo collages as birthday gift to a friend. Later on, the process of making was suddenly put into practice and now a habit. In precis, a simple effort gradually turned into an embryonic work of art and heart.

Up to this day, Tarle is still working on with his collage collection which is called Fleurs and Dreams. Fleurs depicts flowered and nature aesthetics to make the subject of the collage more amusing to the eye while Dreams include exuberant colored objects which makes the collage dreamy, dainty and candyfied.

RÊVER: DREAM IT, AND THEN DO IT

“For me, no, I don’t consider myself an artist with these collages.

But combining my other works such as sketches, yes, I am an artist,” Tarle stated considerately.

In his second year in college, he started doing sketches—a collection exhibiting fashion garments and elegant styles called “Creative Days”. But, as owned up by Yves, it is his collection of collages which made him recognized by the people.

Tarle is a firm believer that whatever you love to do and whatever makes you happy, continue doing them despite anything that might hinder you in doing so. With this, he affirmed that drowning himself with arts is one of the things he would consider; art makes him happy, as well as the spectators who are able to appreciate his works and get inspired with it.

“Art is powerful. It can influence and inspire people,” Tarle added with a honeyed frown on his face.

It is indeed a sole perspective about art and its purpose; thus, as Tarle motivates other artists out there, there’s a requital intended for him. With his passion and dedication in his pieces, he received a lot of recognition.

Preview Magazine, a prominent journal of fashion, beauty, and celebrity style in the Philippines, was the first to acknowledge him. They posted Yves’s work on their Instagram account with a caption “Loving this #PreviewFanArt of our cover girl @piawurtzbach by @yvestarle!”

However, Tarle said that he just messaged the account through a direct message and told them that he made the piece as a gift for Preview. He never expected that the magazine would post it on their account.

This is its serendipitous beginning; a couple of rave reviews and compliments followed.

CHALK Magazine, the only campus magazine in the country, also posted a photo on their Instagram displaying Tarle’s work. The said photo says “Looove this piece by @yvestarle! Keep your Chalk fan art coming. We’d love to see and share them, too!”

Moreover, there are also other magazines and websites which featured

his works. Some of those include Hunger Magazine which presented his work on their website (www.hungertv.com) and Harper’s Galleria New York, an international art-engrossed agency, which featured his masterpieces twice.

Presently, Tarle is still creating copious collages and still lets the world see and grasp them because the glory doesn’t end there. It is where it began; it is to be continued. ÉVENTUEL: IT DOESN’T STOP HERE

A sudden change has happened

“Art is powerful. It can influence and inspire people.”

-Yves Tarle

to Tarle after he received all these attainments. His professors in their college is commending him for what he has reached now; sometimes, he admitted that there are some people in the hallways of the campus call his name and say “Hi!” “I’m happy but I’m not used to getting attention from people that’s why I don’t know how to react with those. However, I’m very thankful especially for their positive responses and feedbacks about my works,” Tarle further said.

Nonetheless, these fruits of his enthusiasm are not the finale of everything.

In reality, Tarle still wanted to be featured in various magazines and journals because he believes that he can strengthen and thrust other artists’ drive in pursuing their skill.

“If I will be featured in these magazines, I will use it as a tool in making my works acknowledged and easily grasped, as well as to encourage other artists in enhancing their talent,” he added.

Behind these delicately-crafted collages is an enthusiastic person. He does his works passionately with a hundred percent of thinking and sophistication. But, he is not an artist of his own; he is an artist of the people. He always wanted to let other artists ponder, stand firm and paint their own journeys to their dreams.

He is Yves G. Tarle, an emerging conceptual collage artist, who says, “Do what you always wanted to do. If you have the skill, enhance it. Practice more until you achieve it.”

PANATA:

ISANG KWENTO NG PANINIWALA MULA SA MISTERYOSONG TUBIG-BALON NG DOLORES nina Pauline Grace Manzano at Creisha Mae Dimabayao mga larawang kuha ni Pauline Grace Manzano

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ikas na sa kulturang pinoy ang pagiging relihiyoso. Bagamat iba’t-iba ang ating paniniwala at sektang kinabibilangan, hindi maikakailang mayroon tayong Diyos na sinasamba’t sentro ng ating pananalig.

Naging parte rin marahil ng ating kultura ang pagkakaroon ng kaniya-kaniyang paraan ng pagninilay at debosyon. Hindi na rin alintana sa atin ang maniwala sa mga milagro’t hiwagang taglay ng kalikasan. Katulad na lamang ng isang sibol na nadiskubre sa isang tagong barangay ng Dolores na pinaniniwalang nakapagbibigay di umanong lunas sa ano mang uri ng karamdaman.

PAGDALAW SA ISANG PANAGINIP Ayon sa mga kwento ng matatanda, isang Pangasinense ang nakatuklas ng lugar na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagsasalaysay ng isang misteryosong babae na nagpakita sa kanyang panaginip.

Taong 1800 nang siya umano’y managinip tungkol sa lugar na ito na kung saan matatagpuan ang isang pangakong bukal na makapagbibigay ng lunas sa sakit ng kanyang ina. Isang boses umano ang kanyang narinig na nagsasabing ito ay matatagpuan sa dakong timog ng Pangasinan.

Siyam na araw lumipas, napagdesisyunan niya, kasama ang kanyang pamilya na puntahan at hanapin sinasabing lugar ng babae sa kanyang panaginip. Dinala sila ng kanilang mga paa patungo sa isang masukal at malagubat panglugar sa Tarlac noon, na kung tawagin ay Sinait. Naisipan ng pamilya nitong maghukay sa lugar na kanilang narating nang biglang may sumibol na tubig mula sa kalupaan. Dala na rin ng pagod at pagkauhaw, naisipan nilang gamitin sa pagligo at inumin ang nasabing tubig sa na nagmula sa bukal ganyundin, hindi tumigil sa pagdarasal ang pamilya at sa ika-siyam na araw, gumaling ang kanyang ina. Ang istoryang ito ay nasaksihan ni Don Domingo Ibanez, ang nagpanukala ng Dolores Miraculous Spring Well.

MISTERYO MULA SINASABING LUNAS

SA

Ayon kay ‘Lola Sepa’ inapo ni Don Domingo Ibanez, isa rin siya sa mga nakasaksi ng sinasabing milagro sa lugar kaya naman naisipan ng kanilang

pamilya na lumipat at manirahan dito kasabay ng mga iba pang pamilyang sinasabing binabaha sa barangay ng Sinait. Katulad ni Don Domingo Ibanez, nakaranas din ‘di umano si ‘Lola Sepa’ ng milagro mula sa sinasabing bukal. Ayon sa kanya, umabot na siya sa puntong lumubha ang kanyang sakit at halos hindi na siya makatayo, hindi na rin niya matulungan ang kanyang ina sa pagbebenta ng kakanin, ngunit ayon sa kanyang pagpapatunay, siya ay gumaling sa pamamagitan ng sa tubig ng bukal. Naibahagi din niyang kwento ng dalawang magkaibigang bulag mula sa Gerona na kung saan ay nakakita rin matapos ang siyam na araw na pagpunta at pagdadasal sa nasabing milagrosong lugar.

Lahat umano ng mga nasaksihan na milagro ng pamilya ni ‘Lola Sepa’ ay nailista nila sa isang journal, ngunit sa ‘di inaasahang pagkakataon, ito’y hiniram ng mga namamahala sa lungsod ngunit hindi na kailanpang naibalik sa kanila.

Bukod sa pamilya ni Don Domingo Ibanez at Lola Sepa, maraming residente na mula

Dolores ang nagpatunay ng istorya. Isa na rito si Vicky Rivera, 40 na kung saan nakatira mismo sa tabi ng nasabing bukal na ngayon ay isa ng balon. Panahon pa ng pamamahala ni Genaro ‘Aro’ Mendoza sa lungsod nang sinimulan ang pagsasaayos ng lugar ngunit simula raw noon ay hindi na naging sagana ang bukal.

Ang dating nag-uumapaw na tubig ay ngayo’y naging isang malalim na balon na kinakailangan pang gamitan ng timbang pangsalok upang makakuha ng tubig mula dito.

Ayon sa mga kwento ng mga debotong nagtutungo sa Dolores, nagtampo umano ang kalangitan sa mga tao, dahil na rin sa mga makamundong kasalanang nagagawa ng mga ito, gayundin ang unti-unting paglaho ng tunay na kahulugan ng panata sa puso ng mga tao, kaya ang dating balon na sagana sa tubig ay ngayo’y unti-unti ng natutuyo.

PANANAW NG SIMBAHANG KATOLIKA Limang taon na ang simbahan ng Our Lady of Sorrows sa Barangay Dolores sa ilalim ng pangangalaga ni Fr. Roger Rosello. Hindi na rin lingid sa kaniyang kaalaman ang mga milagrosong kwento tungkol sa balon. Ayon sa kanya, ang simbahan ay bukas para sa mga kwento ng paniniwala’t himala katulad ng kwento sa bukal na siyang nagbibigay ng pag-asa at nagpapaigting sa paniniwalang mga miyembro ng Simbahang Katoliko na buhay ang ating Diyos na pinaniniwalaan. Subalit, dagdag pa ni Fr. Rosello, ang salitang ‘devotion’ ay minsan hindi talaga napapanindigan ng tao kaya naman marahil ay nakakatanggap ang Simbahang Katoliko ng maila-ilang pambabatikos. Dagdag pa niya, tayo ay dapat

naniniwala lamang sa milagro at tulong na tunay na nagmumula sa Diyos. Ang imahe ng Mahal na Birhen at iba pang santo ay halimbawa lamang ng debosyon at naging parte na lamang ng kulturang Pilipino.

Ayon naman sa pagpapaliwanag ni Marcing Mangrobang, 53, isang residente ng Dolores, ang mga tunay at nananiniwala lamang ang napapagaling ng tubig ng balon. Nakadepende rin ito ‘di umano sa lakas ng paniniwala ng bawat indibidwal sa kapangyarihan ng Maykapal, subalit kung mayroong halong pag-aalinlangan ang paggamit ng tubig nito’y mawawala ang bisa’t magmimistula lamang itong isang ordinaryong tubig.

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“

...ang simbahan ay bukas para sa mga kwento ng paniniwala’t himala katulad ng kwento sa bukal na siyang nagbibigay ng pag-asa at nagpapaigting sa paniniwalang mga miyembro ng Simbahang Katoliko na buhay ang ating Diyos na pinaniniwalaan.”

PANGANGALAGA SA BIYAYANG BUKAL Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na pinapangalagaan ng mga barangay council ang nasabing lugar sa pamumuno ni Hon. Marci Pascual. Ayon sa kapitan, naghahanap umano siya ng paraan upang legal na maibigay ng gobyerno sa kanilang barangay ang lupa dahil sila na rin ang nag-aasikaso nito. Ang simpleng bukal ngayon ay naging grotto.

Nagpagawa rin sila ng mga bakod at sementadong upuan para sa mga nagnanais na bumisita sa nasabing lugar. Isa naman si Vicky Rivera, 40, nakatira sa tabi ng nasabing balon ang naglilinis paligid nito. Ayon sa kanya madami talaga ang dumadayo lugar upang maligo sa gamit ang tubig mula sa balon.

ANG WALANG KATAPUSANG DEBOSYON Sapagkat naging popular ang milagrong nagagawa ng balon hindi lamang sa Barangay Dolores kundi sa buong bayan ng Tarlac, naging isa na rin ito sa mga lugar na talagang dinadayo ng mga debotong Katoliko lalo na sa tuwing sasapit ang Mahal na Araw. Ipinaliligo at iniinom ang tubig; baon ang pag-asang mawawala ang kanilang mga karamdaman sa mapapagitan ng milagrosong tubig nito.

Naging sikat na rin itong puntahan ng mga nagpepenitensya kung saan dito sila mag-uumpisa, dito rin nila isinasagawa ang pagligo’t pagbihis pagkatapos magtirik ng kandila’t magdasal sa mga imahen na naririto. Isa mga naging tipikal na senaryo sa Dolores ang pagsama ng mga kabataan sa mga nagpepenitensya lalo na tuwing Huwebes Santo at Biyernes Santo bitbit ang mga boteng plastik na kanilang pinupunan ng milagrosong tubig ng balon, kabilang na rito ang mga residente mula pa sa iba’tibang dako ng Tarlac City sapagkat naging parte na ng kanilang taunang tradisyon ng paggunita ng Mahal na Araw ang pagpunta sa Dolores.

Ang pagbisita sa balon ng Dolores ay naging parte na rin ng taun-taon na debosyon ng mga Katoliko bukod sa pagbibisita iglesia tuwing Mahal na Araw. Sa kabila ng malayo-layong lakaran sa ilalim ng napakainit na araw, patuloy pa rin ang pag-asa ng mga deboto na sa dulo ng kanilang paghihirap ay mahahanap nila ang tubig na magbibigay lunas sa kanilang mga karamdaman.

Marami man ang naging testimonya ng pagpapatotoo sa milagrong hatid ng tubig-balon ng Dolores, patuloy pa rin itong naging isang mala-palaisipan na misteryo sa bayan ng Tarlac, maaaring ito ay totoo ngunit maaari lamang din na ito’y naging parte na lamang ng kulturang ating nakagisnan. Marahil ang nais lamang nitong ipahatid ay magkaroon ng malakas at di-matinag na pananampalataya at pananalig sa Diyos na siyang tunay lamang na makakapagbigay ngpagpapagaling, hindi lamang sa ating laman at katawan, kung hindi ng ating puso’t kaluluwa.

Si Vicky Rivera, 40 (kanan) at Marcing Manrobang, 53 (kaliwa) ang mga nag-ulat ng mga kwentong hiwaga ng nasabing balon ng Dolores

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by Janelle Pamela David graphics by Pauline Grace Manzano METANOIA

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hey say every man is born free. However, some are free with reservations, sometimes, other people are never free at all.

The word ‘slavery’ has been circulating in and out in the world for centuries. As odious as it sounds, the word itself paints horrific pictures in the mind. Slavery comes in different forms and has been practiced in the ancient times as well as through the modern times.

It has been outlined in the history and to the humanity as a whole. Slavery isn’t new to the Filipino culture. It was in the country since Pre-Colonial period.

The Atlantic, an American Magazine, published an article written by an America-Filipino journalist, Alex Tizon entitled ‘My Family’s Slave’, about the Tizon family’s enslavement to Eudocia “Lola” Tomas Pulido. He wrote it months before his untimely death in March 2017. The article has caught the attention of many readers and has been an internet talk for how many days, moved a thousand of readers and at the same time opened the eyes of people about modern Filipino slavery in American homes, as well in the western culture. The essay opened with Tizon, bringing Lola’s ashes to her hometown here in Mayantoc, Tarlac. The essay also talks about where Tizon’s grandfather “gave” Eudocia to her daughter (Tizon’s mother) as a gift. Lola was 18 years old then. Tizon’s parents never paid Lola, and never gave her the promise to help her family here in Manyantoc. She was with Tizon’s family for three generations in 68 years which 56 of which are unpaid. She was with Tizon’s family when she was 18 years old until the day she died.

Lola Eudocia was born in Mayantoc, Tarlac. She was born without a golden spoon in her mouth, without bronze, even. Her parents wanted her to marry a pig farmer who was twice at her age, until Lieutenant Tomas Asuncion, Alex Tizon’s grandfather, saw her. His wife died giving birth to their daughter, Alex Tizon’s mother. Lieutenant Tom has numerous servants living in his lands. He saw Eudocia—penniless and unschooled so he offered him food and shelter as long as he will take care of her daughter, who then just turned 12. Lieutenant Tom gave Lola to her as a ‘gift’. Lola then became their own handmaiden, dressed her, made her bed, and became her personal ‘alalay’.

When Alex Tizon’s mother married and had kids, they decided to go to the United States of America where his father was offered a job. Lola went with them, as they promised her that they will pay her so she can send money to her family in Tarlac. Later they became Amer-

While her story re-opened debates and issues about modern-day slavery, this heartfelt story brings ugly truths about the humanity... ican citizens and Lola became an illegal immigrant. Life on the land of the free was an irony for Tizon’s family as they face the ‘American Dream’ challenges, but as thrice as hard for Lola as she was held captive, a family slave and faced to the cruel treatment Tizon’s parents every day. She took care of Alex and his siblings while their parents were struggling living in America, getting second jobs because their income wasn’t enough.

The cycle went on for 56 years and she never got the promised allowance. She never got the proper treatment in the American home, she didn’t have proper bed, and the cycle went on for 56 years, until Alex’s mother died and it’s his turn to have the service of Lola.

The cruel times are over for Lola when she stayed with Alex’s own family for another 12 years, but this time, Alex made all efforts to make up to Lola. She was paid; and as she grows older Alex let her do anything she wants around the house, she can rest if she wants to, unlike when she was with Alex’s parents. But Lola refuses Alex’s intentions, as she wasn’t used to not doing chores as she did it every day for 56 years. Somehow, she eased herself, Alex’s family made her feel at home. One time, Alex asked her if she wants to go home to Mayantoc. She agreed. Alex accompanied Lola Eudocia to Tarlac, and went home after 65 years.

Going home to Tarlac after 65 years wasn’t easy for Lola. “Everything was not the same.” she stated to Alex. The years were lost, her parents already died, her siblings are mostly gone. Childhood friends are strangers, old homes replaced and old living was long gone. She was happy going home, but found herself a stranger in her own place. She decided to return to America and planned to spend her remain-

ing days in Tarlac.

Lola died in an unforeseen heart attack.

She made it to 86 years old. She never fulfilled her promise to return to Tarlac.

The enslavement can be linked to our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). By the statistics of the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are estimated 2.4 million OFWs as of 2015. Filipino workers take risks to work abroad in hopes of a better life for their family, but sometimes, our OFWs suffer from abuse, physically and emotionally. Our OFWs suffer from their works, sometimes with their own boss or amo. The cruelty and oppression among Filipino domestic workers is not a new issue to Filipino citizens. This confessional essay of Tizon published in Atlantic digs uncomfortable truths about how the dominant-submissive relationship between the amo and katulong is established and often abused despite of mutual consent.

She was Lola, but to her home in Tarlac, she was Cosiang. She was Cosiang to the home she left, she was Cosiang who had dreams and who had fears. She was Lola who was robbed an opportunity to live not as a slave.

She was Eudocia Tomas Pulido. She wasn’t a lone case. She is one of the Filipino workers who suffered from cruel treatment from the overseas. While her story re-opened debates and issues about modern-day slavery, this heartfelt story brings ugly truths about the humanity and might teach us how to become more compassionate and more humane.

Reference: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/ archive/2017/06/lolas-story/524490/

by Lorddan U. Faller photo and graphics by Pauline Grace Manzano

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t is the constant awaiting to plunge in when a pool started to fill with blue pristine water to swoop and explore its bleakness and pulchritude abyss.

This is the usual scenario during summer due to the conflagrant rays of the sun and the only thing to do to get cool is to rush to pools or beaches to dive, bathe, and soak in.

However, this 10-year old girl fell in love precociously with the water through swimming; not because of the warmth of the summer sun but for the sake of passion. She is a girl who kept dreaming and persistently giving honor to her family and the country.

Triza Haileyana Tabamo is the eldest among the four children of Lyza and Tristan Tabamo, residents of Brgy. Tibag, Tarlac City. Trizia, so far, had already brought home approximately 200 medals including 20 trophies from local and international competitions for the past three years.

THE MAKING OF A WORLD-CLASS SWIMMER Initially, Triza was enrolled in a ballet dance class, but she gave it up upon the instance she engaged in swimming. Her interest can be traced back from the family outings and gatherings where she feels the jolt of adrenaline whenever her body makes contact with the

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water.

Since then, she settled to consider swimming as a mere habit until her second grade at the College of the Holy Spirit, Tarlac wherein she immediately became a varsity player in her chosen field.

It was a dream come true and an exhilarating feeling for Triza when she competed for the first time in Tarlac City Private Educational Institutional Associations Inc. (TCPEIA) sports fest. As the youngest among the other competitors, it was a good fortune to bring home her first-ever award,; a tiny yet priceless medal that served as her favorite, for it marks the commencement of a legacy.

At the age of 7, she started participating at the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA). But in an unfortunate turn of events, she was not able to partake at Palarong Pambansa because the minimum age requirement is at least 12 years old.

Nevertheless, the juvenile swimmer waited and while doing so, the idea of stopping never came to mind. She is being trained by her father twice a day – before and after school. She was also given restrictive rules to become more disciplined. Her father also does the searching for equipment she utilizes in her trainings and the formulating of her diet for her to be more vigorous. Actually, her nightly routine consists of push-ups and monkey bar climbs.

“This is all about sacrifices”, her dad assures her all the time.

Triza is also a tri-athlete, a runner, and a taekwondo player. She is also fond of photoshoots. Because of the pleasure and satisfaction she constantly gains from these activities, she can still able to balance everything including her studies. In fact, she is a consistent academic excellence awardee.

COUNTLESS AWARDS Triza is a current member of Tarlac Mako Sharks and Philippine Swimming Team, a guild of the country’s contenders for the international arena and it is certain that she had garnered numerous as she possesses the speed of professional swimmers like her elder comrades.

When she competed in the 99th Philippine Swimming League Meet, she won Four (4) gold medals and One (1) bronze. Then, she also received Three (3) gold and Five (5) silver medals and broke the current record for the 4x50 meter

“Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done.”

- Triza Tabamo

IM relay on the Singapore Island Country Club (SICC) swimming championship.

When she battled at Hamilton Aquatic Winter long course in Dubai, she bagged Three (3) gold, Two (2) silver, and Three (3) bronze medals. It is again because of her enthusiasm and invulnerability, she once more obtained Three (3) silver and Two (2) bronze medals, ranking 4th out of 45 swimmers across Asia in Tokyo, Japan swimming championship.

Triza did not cease giving pride and never frustrates her supporters especially her family.

When she returned to Dubai for Prime Star Swim Meet 2017, she prevailed once more, bringing home Twelve (12) gold medals. When she fly and dived in Hong Kong for Mantas Invitational Meet 2017, she went home handling One (1) silver and a bronze with 3x first in heat and 4th highest pointer out of 80 swimmers.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of her success, for after months, she once again showed her advancement upon becoming the Central Luzon Swimming Coaches Association (CLSCA) swim series’ most outstanding swimmer for three consecutive years and in Gov. Albert S. Garcia swimming championship, Philippine Columbian Associations, Gov. Victor A. Yap swim cup 2016, 13th CLSCA inter-school swim series and in 3rd Cabalen Sharks inter-school invitational swim meet and also got the Rookie of the Year 2017 in Boracay.

Due to her burning desire to always bring victory, she never went home without holding something to be proud of.

THE HERO IS A CHILD According to Triza, she definitely has many idols in the swimming field, some who once were her opponents in some competitions. But the world seemed to be very playful. Due to her wondrous achievements, her idols eventually became her fans.

She is also glad that at a young age, she achieved more than what she had expected.

Her said secrets are diligence, patience and discipline.

Based in a story of her parents, one of her goals in life is to become a lawyer someday aside from her wanting to participate in 2024 Olympics.

But then, what’s always in Triza’s prayers is the blessing of wisdom, strength and gaiety to uphold her philosophy in life: “Don’t stop when you’re tired, stop when you’re done”.

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ni Andrea Nicole Sapnu mga larawang kuha ni Audrey Del Rosario

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ba-iba ang pangangahulugan ng tao sa salitang langit. Sa mga mananapalataya, ang langit ay ang pinakaultimog destinasyon; sa likod ng mukha ng asul na kawalan na ating nasisilayan, mayroong lugar na inilaan ng maykapal kung saan, sa paniniwala ng mga deboto, matatgpuan ang pinakamagagandang likha na nakalaan sa kaniya na gumawa ng mabuti sa mundo.

Wala pang nakakarating sa langit nakabalik sa mundo upang isalaysay kung ano ang hubog at hitsura nito, subalit dahil mayabong ang imahinasyon ng tao, nagagawa niyang lumikha ng imahe nito sa kaniyang isip; hindi man perpekto ngunit masasabing nagtataglay ng mga karakterismong bumubuo sa pangakong paraiso. Lahat ng salitang kaakibat ng langit ay ang mga kasingkatugma ng mga salitang kapayapaan at kaligayahan.

Sa Brgy. Lubigan matatagpuan ang isang mala-langit na santuaryo; isang pook na itinayo para sa taimtim na pagninilay. Kung gaano ang ikinalayo nito sa sigasig ng siyudad ay siyang ikinalapit nito sa alapaap, lulan ng pagkakatayo ng estrukturang ito sa Mt. Resurrection ng San Jose, Tarlac, bahagi ng Zambales Mountain Range.

Ang Monasterio De Tarlac ay kwalipikadong ituring na isa sa mga pook na may mala- heaven on earth na atmospera. Pinaliligiran ng mga makukulay na mga bulaklak, ng mga luntiang kapunuan at ng samyo ng hanging walang bahid ng polusyon, ang Monasterio ay nagiging pansamantalang takas mula sa sigalot na dala ng urban na pamumuhay.

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angakong A

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MULA KALBARYO, PATUNGONG MONASTERIO Sa altar ng simbahang nagtataglay ng disenyong hango sa panahon ng baroque ay matatagpuan ang Relic of the True Cross of Jesus. Mapalad ang Monasterio de Tarlac na maging tanging tahanan ng ilang piraso ng krus na pinagpakuan ni Hesukristo sa Pilipinas. Ayon sa kwento ng mga monks na naninirahan sa Monasterio, ibinigay ng Germany sa pangangalaga nila ang ilang mga parte ng True Cross of Jesus noong 2007.

Paano nga ba napatunayan ng mga monks na ang mga pirasong kahoy na ito ay siya ring mga piraso ng makasaysayang kalbaryo ni Hesus?

Sa kanilang pagsasalaysay, pinangunahan ni Santa Helena, anak ni Constantine the Great ang pagyurak sa istatwa ng paganong si Venus sa Jerusalem. Hinukay niya ang Calvary Hill kung saan ginanap ang eksekyusyon ni Hesus. Duon niya natunton ang dalawa pang krus na pinagpakuan ng mga magnanakaw na namatay sa kaniyang magkabilang tabi.

Ang malaking katanungan para kay Santa Helena ay kung alin ang kay Hesus.

Upang malaman, nagsama siya ng isang babaeng nasa bingit ng kamatayan sa

kinalalagyan ng mga krus at isa-isa niyang pinakapa ang mga ito. Saka pa lamang nila natukoy ang orihinal na krus ni Hesus noong gumaling ang kalubhaan ng karamdaman ng babae nang mahawakan niya ito.

Ang milagrosong krus ay siya ring krus na nakasinop at nakapreserba sa Monasterio. Sa kasalukuyan, dinudumog ng mga mananampalataya ang mga labi ng krus sa paniniwalang nakakapagpagaling ito ng karamdaman.

“Lahat ng kahilingan mo rito, nagkakatotoo.” wika ng isa sa mga bisita ng Monasterio na si Bong Fernandez na ipinagdiriwang ang pag-uwi ng kaniyang anak mula ibang bansa kasama ang kanilang buong pamilya sa pamamagitan ng pagninilay.

BILANG DESTINASYONG PANTURISMO Kaakibat ng Monasterio sa pagiging relihiyosong santuaryo nito ay ang pagsisilbing takbuhan nito para sa mga turista na naghahangad makatanaw ng mapagpalayang kagandahan na hatid ng natural na yamang likas spagkat hindi kailanman kinulang ang San Jose sa pangkalikasang mga atraksyon sa kabila ng pagiging bukas nito sa mga dumarayong bisita.

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Ipinagmamalaki ng Monasterio na kabilang ito sa proyektong Tarlac Eco Tourism kung saan ipinapanukala ang pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at kaayusan sa pangkalikasang aspeto. Kabilang sa mga atraksyon ng Monasterio ay ang Enchanted Garden na nagtataglay ng iba’t ibang uri ng mga halamang namumulaklak na tila nakasabit sa kagiliran ng Mount Resurrection at sa mga mountain ranges na pumapalibot sa Monasterio. Matatagpuan malapit sa entrada ang mga hilera ng mga mesa at upuan na angkop sa mga picnic activities at pahingahan na sinisilungan ng mga punong mangga.

Ngunit ang pinakatatak sa isip ng mga bibisita sa Monasterio ay ang istatwa ni Hesus na may taas na 30 ft. na katulad ng tanyag na Statue of the Risen Christ na matatagpuan sa Rio de Janeiro ng bansang Brazil; isang representasyon na ginagabayan ni Hesus ang Lubigan at mga peregrino sa kanilang pag-uwi.

Iba-iba ang konsepto ng tao pagdating sa ideya ng langit. Binibigyan tayo ng Monasterio de Tarlac ng kakaibang karanasan; hindi lamang nito binubusog ang ating mga mata sa kaniyang mala-langit na imahe, kundi pati ang luwalhati’t kaluluwa sa kaniyang hatid na kataimtiman at kapayapaan.

Kung gaano ang ikinalayo nito sa sigasig ng siyudad ay siyang ikinalapit nito sa alapaap...

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t is a known fact that Filipinos love to eat. This has been evident with the variety of food that we eat and the number of meals that we take in a day; from the standard breakfast, lunch, and dinner comes the in-between snacks, merienda, which could come between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, or even in the wee hours after dinner.

The kakanin is a classic example of food eaten during merienda. It is derived from the words “kain” and “kanin” – Tagalog words that could basically relate to the Filipino culture of eating; rice being the staple food source among the citizens, and the hearty love for eating. The kakanin is considered as a native delicacy and an all-time favorite in variety of occasions – even on no occasions.

With its cultural implication and importance, and the dominant preferences across the Filipino tongue, it is not surprising that some success stories could be owed with the business of selling these native delicacies. One story in particular fits right into the palate – a bittersweet journey sprinkled with ingenuity and perseverance.

A HUMBLE BEGINNING Life isn’t all kakanin and native cakes for Ms. Evelyn Daytao, the Sole Proprietor of Daytao’s Native Cakes. The journey towards success had been arduous and tiring. Returning to the Philippines after long years as a domestic helper, she started by pedaling her way around Tarlac selling slippers and dry goods from her life savings to support herself and her daughter.

The business, however, does not pay that much, in addition to being tiring as she roams around Tarlac carrying her merchandise on a bicycle. It was when she was selling by the Barangay Hall in San Jose that she learned of the event that changed the course (and nature) of her business.

The Kakanin Festival Cooking Competition hosted by the City Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office (CCEDO) of Tarlac is the opportunity that initiated the native cake business. She created “Suman Bulagta”, a local Kapampangan delicacy as her entry.

After winning by a landslide in the competition, the Department Head of CCEDO encouraged her to “turn her cooking skills into an enterprise”. Taking the counsel to heart, she started selling her kakanin from house to house and government and private offices; eventually, through her tenacity in promoting her products and the repetitive orders that kept coming, she rented a stall in Tarlac City’s public market eventually permeating city malls like Market City and Metrotown.

THE BIRTH OF A NATIVE CAKE BUSINESS The Native Cakes business started in 2010 from door to door selling of kakanin, to government and private offices.

Ms. Evelyn sold on local trade fairs and bazaars, taking every opportunity to sell and promote her products.

Through her dedication and tenacity, she eventually opened a stall in Tarlac City’s public market as a stream of patrons constantly sought her delicacies.

As the business grew, she decided then to permeate the local malls. The move proved to be strategic and opened the possibility to cater to higher end markets.

The request for her products also grew that she found herself venturing towards food catering. Her perseverance and hard work paid off as she received various awards and accomplishments with the business. She won the Kakanin Festival Cooking Competition yet again for the succeeding year, 2011. By 2015, Daytao’s Native Cakes was awarded METANOIA

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the Tarlac Henyo Entrepreneurship Award Class C Category. That same year, the Product of the Year Award was given for her innovation in the local delicacy “Suman Bulagta” – her pioneer product. Finally, she gained national recognition as one of the Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneur Awardee given the 30th of March 2017 by the President Rodrigo Duterte in the Malacaňang Palace.

IT’S SUMAN MORE THAN NATIVE CAKES On the top of the best seller list is the acclaimed Suman Bulagta, a seemingly ordinary suman transformed into something extraordinary. Shaped into bite sized pieces, devoid of its usual coverings, the suman bulagta is packaged with its own caramel sauce – a feat that enhances its rich glutinous quality, taking up the suman taste into a different perspective.

With the expansion and growth of the business, Ms. Evelyn took it upon herself to expand the menu as well. Adding to her menu of kakanin – such as her famed Suman Bulagta, Bibingkang Kanin, Maja Blanca, and Ube – were a variety of noodle dishes. Dishes such as pancit guisado, palabok, and spaghetti were being sold in individual Styrofoam containers or as Bilao products – ones that can be ordered in small, medium, or large bilaos with prices ranging from 250 to 500 pesos. The Bilao products also includes Fresh lumpia, Suman sa Lihiya, and Duman.

Adding up to the expanse of the menu were homemade bottled goodies like Chili Sauce, Alamang, and Peanut Butter.

Daytao’s also offer products from various Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME) such as Cheese bars, Special Suman, and Puto Leche/Puto Flan.

Life is definitely more than the meriendas we eat in-between meals or the sweet delicacies our parents take home as pasalubong. It is the thought that there is something bigger and deeper with behind every bite of the native cake – that someone has overcame the hurdles and challenges that gets into the way, reaping rewards that could instill themselves in the hearts of the Filipinos who patronize them.

Or in this case, in the stomachs of those sweet-tooth whose love for kakanin paved success for others.

Life is definitely more t han t he meriendas we eat in-between meals or t he sweet delicacies our parent s take home as pasalubong.

by Joan Robin Martinez photo by Audrey Del Rosario graphics by Pauline Grace Manzano

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nina Pauline Grace Manzano at Andrea Nicole Sapnu grapika ni Pauline Grace Manzano

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ara kay Robin Lee Metiam, higit pa sa isang piraso ng branded na sorbetes ang maipapalit sa kaniyang bente pesos. Masasabing isa siya sa mga pinakamatinding nanghamon sa hangganan ng halagang ito; mula sa mga bulsa na butas hanggang sa untiunti’ng pagsasakatuparan ng mga pangarap, bitbit niya ang kahel na papel na kalauna’y nagbigay ng napakalaking sukli sa kaniyang determinasyon at pagsusumikap.

Saan nga ba dinala si Robin ng kaniyang bente pesos?

NANG MINSANG SINUBOK ANG KATATAGAN NG LOOB Alam ni Robin na hindi magiging madali ang lahat matapos mawalan ng trabaho ang kaniyang ama na siyang tanging bumubuhay sa kanilang anim na magkakapatid. Kasalukuyan siyang nasa unang taon ng kolehiyo sa mga panahong iyon, at minsan nang naging opsyon ang pagtigil niya sa pag-aaral upang tumulong sa pagtugon sa kanilang mga pangangailangang pampinansyal.

“Kahit mahirap, kailangan kong intindihin mga magulang ko lalu na’t ako rin ang inaasahan ng mga kapatid ko” Sa likod ng kabi-kabliang pagsubok na hinarap ng kanilang pamilya, nananatiling pursigido si Robin na makapagtapos ng kolehiyo, subalit paano kung ang tanging pamamaraan lamang upang makamtan ito ay ang pagkasyahin ang bente pesos na baon niya para sa buong araw?

Inaamin niya na hindi maiiwasan kung minsan na hanap hanapin ang mga bagay na kaniyang natatamasa noong maluwag luwag pa kanilang kalagayan; mga simpleng bagay kagaya ng pagkakaroon ng sobrang barya para pang meryenda o di naman kaya’y para paglaanan ng ‘one game’ sa computer shop.

Daragdag pa rito ang kamahalan ng mga materyales na kinakailangan para sa kaniyang kursong Electrical Engineering na tila hindi niya na malaman kung kanino siya hihiram ng panggastsos.

Hindi naging hadlang ang kalam ng sikmura kay Robin upang ipagpatuloy ang pagpupursigi sa kanyang pag-aaral. Sa halagang anim na piso, nairaraos nya ang gutom sa eskwelahan sa buong maghapon. Ang tamis ng tig-limang

pisong samalamig at pisong kendi ang naging sandigan ng mapait na unang dalawang taon sa pag-aaral ni Robin.

Sa kabila ng madalas na pagkahilo – nahihimatay pa nga kung minsan – unti-unting nasanay ang kanyang sikmura sa kagutumang makapag-aral.

“Umiyak sa akin ang tatay ko noong graduation ko. Doon ko narealize na napakalaki pala ng tiwala nila sa akin, kahit hindi nila sinasabi. Napaka responsable ko raw na anak.”

Hindi pa dito natatapos ang pakikipagsapalaran ng kaniyang bente pesos.

NANG MINSANG UMANI NG MGA BUNGA NG PAGSUSUMIKAP Maliban sa pagiging lider ng Campus Movers for Christ, organisasyon ng mga Born Again Christians ng unibersidad, pinangkakaabalahan rin ni Robin ang pagtutuor ng asignaturang matematika bilang side-line noong tumuntong siya ng ikatlong taon sa kolehiyo. Bukod pa rito, nagsilbing working student din siya upang makasabay sa pagtaas ng matrikula at pagdami ng mga requirements na kakailanganin upang makapasa. Kwento pa ni Robin, nakuha na rin niyang mangutang sa kaibigan niyang DOST Scholar ng kanyang pang matrikula para lang ituloy ang kanyang pagaaral.

Diskarte ang pinairal ni Robin upang mairaos ang kanyang unang taon isang halimbawa nito ay ang kaniyang pagpepresinta na gumawa ng plates ng mga kamag-aral.

Umaasa na lamang siya nang mga oras na iyon sa kabutihan ng kaniyang mga kaklase at sa pagiging bukas nila sa kaniyang kondisyon.

“May mga pagkakataon kasing kailangan mong kainin ang hiya mo. Sa mga oras na nahihurapan ako, dun ko nakilala kung sino ang mga tunay kong mga kaibigan; sila yung mga umintindi sa akin na kapag sinabi kong walang wala ako, wala talaga” Bagamat naibibigay niya ang karampatang halaga sa pambayad ng kaniyang tuition at miscellaneous fees, sinikap niya paring kunin ang oportunidad na maging kabilang sa mga DOST scholars kung saan makakatanggap kada buwan ng mahigit 5,000 pesos ang pinalad na mabiyayaan nito. Nakapasa si Robin sa examination, gayunpaman, sa kabila ng pagkakaroon niya ng dagdag na pera upang tugunan ang kaniyang mga pangangailangan, pinapanatili niyang hindi sosobra sa bente pesos ang kaniyang gagastahin para sa pagkain. Kamakailan lamang nitong buwan ng Hunyo, nagtapos na ng undergraduate degree ang mapagtipid na binatilyo.

NANG MINSANG BINISITA NG HINDI INAASAHAN Tuwing graduation season, nauuso ang pagbabahagi ng mga nagsipagtapos ng kani-kanilang mga talata sa facebook tungkol sa relasyon nila sa kanilang buhay kolehiyo.

Bawat pagsasalaysay ay may kanya-kanyang kaibahan at pagkakuwela kung kayat ‘di hamak na pumapatok ang mga ganitong posts sa social media.

Hindi pinalagpas ni Robin ang pagkakataon na ibahagi ang kwento ng kaniyang pakikipagsapalaran katuwang ang bente pesos. Sa halip na gumamit ng pakulo sa kaniyang ‘grad post’ hiniram niya ang slogan ng sikat na patalastas ng Cornetto sa entrada ng kaniyang talata: ‘Hanggang saan aabot ang bente pesos mo’?

Hindi inaasahan ni Robin na maging viral ang kanyang post.

Simulat-sapul pa lamang kasi, hindi na rin niya alam kung paano sisimulan at tatapusin ang naturang ‘grad post.’

“Iniisip ko kasi nun na kung ano man yung ipo-post ko, ang ma-magnify si Lord, ma-glorify si Lord. Sumikat si Lord, hindi ako.

Gusto ko maipakita sa mga tao kung anong pagbabago ang binigay niya sa buhay ko.” Salaysay niya.

Dahil sa kanyang talata, nag-iba ang simpleng buhay ni Robin. Kabikabila ang kanyang interview.

Marami na rin ang kumukuha ng litrato kasama siya at kinikilala siya bilang si “Kuya bente pesos” Natutuwa naman si Robin na maraming naantig sa kanyang kwento, pero ang ikinasasaya niya talaga ay ang maibahagi niya ang pagbabago na ginawa

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“Iniisip ko kasi nun na kung ano man yung ipo-post ko, ang ma-magnify si Lord, ma-glorify si Lord. Sumikat si Lord, hindi ako.”

- Robin Lee Metiam

sa kanya ng Panginoon.

“SA PANGINOON, WALANG IMPOSIBLE” Isa si Robin sa mga nagpatunay na mas mararamdaman ang mainit na paghagkan ng Panginoon sa panahong ang tao’y giniginaw.

“Hindi ko na alam kung saan ako kakapit noon kasi mismong pamilya ko alam ko na hindi maibibigay ang mga pangangailangan ko, ayaw ko na silang i-bother pa. Doon, nakilala ko lalo si Lord.”

Sa kabila ng kakulangang pinansyal, hindi pa rin nakakalimot na magsakripisyo si Robin na makapagtabi para sa kanyang tithes and offerings.

Ayon sa kanya, may kasabihan siya na pinanghahawakan,”You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving” kaya naman naniniwala siya na ito ang dahilan kung bakit ang bawat sentimo ng kanyang sakripisyo ay inaalay niya sa itaas.

Sa kasalukuyan, nagrerebyu si Robin sa Maynila sa paghahanda niya sa Electrical Engineering Licensure Examination.

Panibagong pagsubok na naman ang kanyang haharapin.

Ngunit wika nga ni Robin kahit ano man ang ating marating, manatili pa rin sana ang ating mga paa sa lupa at ‘wag kalimutan kung saan tayo nagsimula.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight.” Proverbs 3:56 Ito ang life verse na pinanghawakan ni Robin hanggang sa kanyang pagtatapos. Sino nga bang makapagsasabi na ang bente pesos niya na pilit niyang pinagkakasya noon ay dadalhin siya sa kinatatayuan niya ngayon?

ema n d for d e h t t e e m “W e qua nt ity o f t s ju t o n y t varie ali ty o f t h e u q t u b s, e ic c ho ” food c h oic e s.

-Atty. PJ Baluyot

by Janelle Pamela David photo and graphics by Pauline Grace Manzano

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f you ask to describe a Tarlaqueño, majority of all the answers will be that we love foods. We love to eat, cook, experiment and do everything in between. A Tarlaqueño is always present whenever there is a kainan or salo-salo, whether it is birthday, fiesta, or even if there is no occasion at all. Food is an essential part of our daily lives. But as we live our fast-paced everyday lives, we need to satisfy our cravings and we need to have the power to satisfy it as soon as possible. The convenience for food is a necessity for everyone.

Started overseas, the idea of food parks has been the answer to the prayers of food enthusiasts. Food parks are generally a huge space with different kinds of food that you can choose from. Food parks first became popular in bigger cities. Now, we have our first food park in Tarlac, the Hungry Yard.

‘THE DEMAND FOR VARIETY’ Food business is one of the fastest growing commerce here in Tarlac. Wherever you go, there is surely a place to go fill your famished stomachs. However, this does not stop Atty. PJ Baluyot, one of the owners of the food park to build the Hungry Yard. Capturing the eyes of Tarlaqueños by having their own market strategy, this food park does not only provide a cozy, outdoor vibe to chill and eat with your family and friends, but also offers different variety of foods. The first food park in Tarlac offers 28 distinctive food stalls—all in one place.

The thing about diversity in this local food park is that it is not only existent on the numerous categories of food served. The movers and shakers of the Hungry Yard are quite a heterogeneous crowd themselves: the individuals that make up the business consist of amateur cooks and people of distinct professions such as doctors, lawyers and professors. One aim of Hungry Yard is to provide a head start for entrepreneurs by providing a space for them to establish their businesses with lesser expenses.

QUALITY SELECTION OF CUISINES

The variation of food choices is one of the advantages of the Hungry Yard, however, they still make sure that the food stalls offers quality food choices to be enjoyed by the crowd. The Hungry Yard management has selection processes in choosing the food stalls to be included in the food park. Every food stall should be unique to the other booths and offer specific meals in accordance to their line of food. Here are some of the honorable mentions of the Hungry Yard menu: If one seeks a getaway from the usual fried chicken wings

plus barbecue sauce combination, 9 Wings offers a burst of experience that takes the form of exotic yet exceptional sauces that elevate the simple fried wing into a fine dining entree. Buffalo wing maniacs are laid out with a wide range of flavors from the Filipino favorite Binagoongan to the classic Sour Cream.

For a dessert extraordinaire, Fire Ice Cream makes science seem like a sweet treat. Chemistry might not be everyone’s cup of coffee, but it might be their scoop of ice cream as they introduce liquid nitrogen to the traditional recipe of the chilled delicacy. Feasting your eyes upon the immaculate vapor evaporating from the cup, you will realize that having a sumptuous bite of a delicious, rich and creamy texture of an ice cream without risking its aesthetic value isn’t as difficult as rocket science.

If one happens to drop by for top of the class finger food, it is suggested that he must try the Cheesy Bacon Crisscross Fries.

The fusion of three crowd favorite flavors sends one’s mouth to water in pleasure, leaving him longing for an immediate second bite. To add a twist to the regular Nacho meal, the Hungry Yard serves a plate full of vibrant colors through their eye-catching nacho chips.

For HBO’s Game of Thrones fanatics, Dracarys Food Joint is a delight to the enthusiasts this mind-wrecking TV series.

Painted in their small joint is the TV show’s fictional map, and the stall’s logo has Khaleesi’s dragon in it. And their rib and steak cuisines’ names are inspired from the TV series. Your mood with Dracarys Food Joint will go to Valar Morghulis (All men must die) to Valar Dohaeris (All men must serve)!

The Laughing Cow’s Crafted Beers is a must-try for alcoholic aficionados. This beer joint serves different flavored locally crafted beers for an affordable price. This beer stall does not only attract the Titos of Tarlac, but also the beverage enthusiasts and wants to try the locally flavored beers.

The entirety of the selections of the food park are homegrown: a clear indication that the freshness of the eatables are of high maintenance and the character of the local produce remains afloat.

NEVER ENDING PROCESS OF PROGRESS

Because of the popularity the food park is getting, Atty. Baluyot eyes for the food park’s continuous improvements to steadily serve the customers with satisfaction. The park’s future improvements include expansion plans for more spacious dining area, function rooms for customers who would like to reserve space for events like meetings, game rooms and family KTVs. Hungry Yard will also continue to maximize its space, for more accommodation and more unique food stalls to be served to satisfy the customers’ cravings.

So next time you argue with your friends or your family whether where or what to eat, Hungry Yard provides answer to the uncertainties of ‘kahit saan’, ‘ikaw bahala’, ‘kahit ano’. Unlike other restaurants, Hungry Yard offer food and drinks—ranging from local brewed beers, flavored chicken wings to international Korean dishes.

Hungry Yard can quench your thirst for whatever your taste buds would like to savor. With the 28 unique food stalls you can choose from, there isn’t a tummy filled as you leave this modern and hip food park.

Pagbisita sa mga

PAMANA NG VICTORIA, PAGUNAWA SA NAKARAAN ni Cristine Emanuelle DV. Flores mga larawang kuha ni Audrey Del Rosario

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a paglipas ng panahon, napapalitan ng mga modernong imprastraktura ang karamihan sa mga lugar na dati ay puro mga puno’t bahay na gawa sa kahoy.

Karamihan sa mga makasaysayang estruktura ay kadalasang makikita nalang natin sa mga larawan sa libro. Upang masilayan ang mga ito, kinakailangang mas malawak pang imulat ang mga mata sa pagbalik-tanaw sa kasaysayan at ang isip sa mga matutununang kuwentong nakahabi sa mga pook na ito.

TANDA NG KATATAGAN Kung mayroon ma’ng bagay sa mundo na pinakamainam na maging representasyon ng buhay ng tao ang ay ang mga puno.

Gaya ng sanggol, iluluwal ang supling mula sa lupa, matututong maglakad ang mga ugat, susubukin ng hagupit ng kalamidad at maglalagas bilang simbolo ng kaniyang nalalabing mga oras.

Kagaya ng tao, may mga puno na hindi lang basta basta papatinag sa mga pagsubok ng panahon.

Matatagpuan sa Barangay Palacpalac ng Victoria, Tarlac ang pinaniniwalaang pinakamatandang punong Acacia sa buong Pilipinas na matatag pa ring nakatayo sa lupang pinagtamnan nito. Tinatawag ng mga residente ang punong ito na Century Acacia Tree.

Ang Century Tree ay dinarayo tuwing mahal na araw. Madalas na pinagdarausan ng mga penitensiya ang lugar, kaya naman dinarayo ito ng maraming tao sa panahon ng kuwaresma. Nakatayo sa likuran nito ang St. John the Baptist Church kung saan nagtitipon-tipon ang mga nananampalataya.

Bagamat noong 1890 ay nakatanim na ang mga puno ng Acacia Tree sa gitna barrio ng Victoria, lingid pa rin sa kaalaman ng mga residente kung sino o kung kalian ang tiyak na panahon ng pagkakatanim ng puno ng Acacia.

Upang higit pang malaman ang kasaysayan ng puno, kasama ang director ng PESO Victoria na si Natalia Sagun, kinapanayam namin si Manang Brenda, 72 taong gulang, na naninirahan malapit sa tabi ng puno simula pa nang siya ay ipinanganak.

Ayon kay Manang Brenda, kabataan pa lamang ng kanyang ama ay malaki na raw ang punong iyon. Sa pagkakaalam niya, higit sa dalawang daang taon na ang tanda nito noong 1999.

Katulad ng ibang puno, marami na ring napagdaanan ang Century Tree ng Victoria.

Kabilang na rito ang pagtama ng kidlat, mga bagyo, at ang muntik nitong pagkasunog noong 1980s. Dagdag pa ni Manang, may nag-camping daw noon sa nasabing century tree. Dalawang araw matapos ang camporal, METANOIA

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nakita nalang nila na umuusok ang parteng loob ng puno. Maaaring dahil daw iyon sa mga basurang naiwan ng mga nagtitinda noon. Hindi raw mapatay ng mga bumbero ang apoy sa loob nito kaya gumamit sila ng buhangin at ipinasok nila sa butas ng sanga ng puno upang maapula ang apoy.

Sa kabila ng mga pangyayaring gaya nito, makikita pa rin ang angking ganda nito at hindi aakalain ninuman na minsan na itong nasunog at buhangin na lamang ang nagsisilbing laman ng loob nito. Patuloy pa rin nitong isinisilong ang plaza sa kabila ng matinding init ng panahon.

MISTERYONG KAAKIBAT NG PANAHON Kakambal na siguro ng mga matatandang bagay na makikita natin ang mga kwento ng kababalaghan. Hindi makakatakas sa mga misteryong ito ang Century Tree.

Minsan, may dalawang dayo sa lugar ang bumili sa tindahan ni Manang Brenda.

Napansin nila ang malaking puno, kayat naisipan nilang kumuha ng litrato rito.

Wala namang nangyari nang kumuha sila ng litrato, at ipinagpaalam naman nila kay Manang ang paglitrato rito kaya hindi sila nag-alangan. Nang muling bumisita ang mga dayo, ikinuwento nila na may kasama sila sa litrato na hindi dapat nila kasama rito. Minsan naman, nagiging blurred pa nag mga camera

ng mga dayo kayat hindi nakukunan ng litrato ang puno.

Kwento rin ni Aling Brenda, marami rin daw nakikita ang isa sa mga naging pari ng simbahan sa lugar. Nabanggit ng pari na may mga Hapon daw na nagmamartsa sa may puno. Wika rin ng mga iba pang mga paring nagdaan sa lugar na may nakikita rin silang mga bata kung minsan na naglalaro duon.

Tuwing mahal na araw naman, sinasabi ng mga deboto na may nakikita raw silang white lady sa may puno.

May mga babala rin ang ibang mga residente: ‘Huwag gumawa ng mga bagay na ikakapahamak ng puno sapagkat babalik at babalik ang pahamak sa kung sinumang magtangka’ Ang unang dalawang taong sumubok na putulin ang puno ay namatay sa sakit. Nang ipatayo naman daw ang covered court sa tabi ng puno, parehong kapalaran din ang sinapit ng nagpanukala sa pagpapatayo nito.

Madalas nating matuklasan ang kasaysayan ng isang lugar sa pamamagitan ng mga kwentong pinasalin-salin pa mula sa ating mga ninuno.

ANG MANALOTO HOUSE Sa kabila ng patuloy na pagbabago ng mga estraktura at pagdami ng mga modernong tahanan ay nakakamangha pa ring may mga ancestral houses pang mga nakatayo sa siyudad ng Victoria.

Itinayo ang bahay ng mga Manaloto noong 1800s, na orihinal na pagmamay-ari ng mag-asawang sina Mariano Rigor at Valentine Tanedo na ngayon ay naipasa na sa pamilya nina Gng. Vivian Bartolome.

Mayaman ang mga nagpatayo ng bahay at mababanaag ang kanilang karangyaan sa lawak na taglay nito. Gawa rin halos sa Narra ang buong bahay kaya’t matibay at tumagal ng mahabang panahon.

Pag akyat sa malawak na hagdang gawa sa kahoy, sasalubong ang pares ng pintuan na magsisilbing grand entrance. Sa kanang bahagi makikita ang malawak nilang salas, kung saan tanaw ang dalawang kwartong minsan nang nasunog limang taon na ang nakalilipas.

Sa kaliwa naman makikita ang hapagkainan at kusina. Ang kisame ng parehong sala at kainan ay may pinta ng mga anghel. Kumupas na ang mga pinta dulot ng katandaan ngunit mababakas pa rin ang mga anghel na minsang nakikita at gumabay sa mga nakatira dito. Mayroon ding mga maliliit na kampana na nakasabit sa kisame malapit sa kusina. Ayon kay Manong Gelacio,

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ginagamit raw iyon ng mga dating may-ari na pantawag ng mga katulong.

Sa pagsasalaysay ni Gng. Vivian, pinakadinarayo ang bahay tuwing mahal na araw, lalo na tuwing Good Friday. Mayroong mga imahe ng mga santo na sintanda na rin ng bahay ang naroon. Ayon sa kanila, bukas para sa lahat ang bahay sa mga araw na iyon para sa mga gustong bumisita sa mga santong pag-mamay-ari nila. Ang imahe ng patay na Kristo ay ginagamit rin sa prusisyon tuwing mahal na araw. Ayon sa anak ni Gng. Vivian, ipinasang tradisyon na daw iyon sa kanila, simula pa sa mga pinakaninuno ng pamilya.

Bagamat hindi na nakatira ang mga may-ari ng bahay, dumarayo sila doon tuwing Mahal na Araw, o kung kalian nila naisin na bisitahin ang kanilang lumang tahanan.

Nililinisan nang mabuti ang bahay tuwing darayo sila doon. Gayunpaman, bukas puso namang nilang isinasapubliko at maaring makita ang kagandahan at karangyaan ng ancestral house.

Ang bahay ay nanatiling matatag dahil sa matibay na materyales na yari nito.

Nagkadagdag din sa pagpapahaba ng buhay nito ang maayos na pangangalaga ng mga tagapagmana ng ancestral house ng mga Manaloto.

Madalas nating matuklasan ang kasaysayan ng isang lugar sa pamamagitan ng mga kwentong pinasalin-salin pa mula sa ating mga ninuno. Kung minsan, tinutulungan tayo ng internet o kaya naman ng mga librong nilikha ng mga historyador para malaman ang ang mga kwento sa likod ng mga makalumang lugar na pinupuntahan natin.

Pero hindi ba mas masayang bisitahin ang mga buhay at nakikita’t nahahawakan pang mga piraso ng kasaysayan na nakapalibot sa atin?

Marami pang mga bagay sa palid natin – gaya ng Century Tree at ng Manaloto House – ang mayroong kakaibang kuwento na maibabahagi sa sinumang may hangarin na tuklasin ang mga ito; dinadaan-daanan lang natin, at madalas na hindi pinapansin ang mga mga kasaysayang matatag pa, nakatayo, at nananatiling lumalaban sa pagusbong modernisasyon .

Kung ang mga nabanggit na makasaysayang destinasyon ay nasa kaanyuhan ng mga libro, bubuklatin mo ba ang kanilang mga pahina?

Fact Check W

ith the battles against an extremist group in the southern part of the country reaching its boiling point with bombs, guns, planes and chaos overriding a once peaceful city, fact checking could not be more important as misinformation could do us all in in the long run.

Erroneous news updates spreading across country regarding the current firefight between the government’s military forces and the Maute group backed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) could cause more harm than good in the effort of our country to free itself from the clutches of a combination of local guerilla forces and international insurgents.

This became apparent when the Duterte administration sent a martial law report to congress with wrong information regarding the current situation of Marawi, an overrun city in Lanao Del Sur. Multiple inconsistencies were discovered after fact checking the statistics and situation of the said report. Anything from the number of casualties, to property damage or the controlled places and numbers of the rebels in a certain area were proven to be inconsistent with reports from locals and the soldiers and media personnel in the war-torn area. A worrying reality that not everything that is reported is necessarily true when verified.

This could prove to be a major concern when the enemy of the nation may seem like just a stone’s throw away from the major cities like davao, which was already targeted by the terrorist group late last year or even worse, our capital; manila, A grim reminder of the seem-

EDITORIAL ingly regular threats that our country faces in this day and age.

The current situation in Marawi, the terror attack in Davao, and other threats to our country and safety further emphasizes the larger and larger role of social media in information dissemination. Various forms of social media has helped us in a myriad of ways when we need to be informed of the current happenings in a certain place, however far or unreached it may be. This seemingly unending source of information is incredibly vital in knowing what to do and encouraging others to act towards a common goal.

But with this great tool in spreading information and opinions across vast amounts of space and people, unverified and/or false information cannot be truly avoided.

Considering the relative ease of spreading news among a massive group of people wether true or not, one must always be vigilant in checking facts and information coming from these types of sources as this is our largest asset in shedding light and eventually resolving issues in these troubling times. One must know how to separate proven facts from fake rumors because misinformation could be a matter of life and death for the misinformed residents of the war zone.

False news claiming terrorists are still active in a certain area could cause unease and panic among citizens which in turn, would cause more problems regarding public safety in an already hectic and chaotic setting. Misinformation could ultimately fan the flames and

make things more complicated that they already are. The issue of misinformation among the people of the country is not something to be taken lightly and the people must take action in order to curb the spread of fake information among their peers. Hand in hand cooperation to limit fake news could mean a lot in terms of good public information and response. The informed and pro-active public is invaluable in times of national civil unrest. It is up to the people to recognize this power and help each other in solving this conundrum.

Correct and reliable information should always be on top of the government’s list when it comes to reports regarding national public security. Furthermore, this situation requires not only mutual action, but also proper information dissemination among the people of the nation so as to avoid unwarranted public unrest regarding the conflict in Marawi or pretty much any place where there are civilians involved and in danger.

With the various social media outlets and the proliferation of television and radio in our daily lives, information can spread faster than it ever has before. With this, proper care in identifying legitimate news and information sources has now become paramount in fighting ignorance and inciting action by informing the public.

Conveying not only legitimate, but substantiated facts could prove to be an incredibly useful tool in keeping the public informed and involved in keeping this country safe for every Filipino.

On the Other Side IRIDESCENT WORDS

Pauline Grace B. Manzano | BS Civil Enginering

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JUSTICE: Justice is subjective when it comes to the eye of people. We’re living in a generation of discrimination, racism, and inequality. How do we really weigh the rights of people?

ow does it feel when you are surrounded by people who seem to not like you at all?

How does it feel when people give hints that you don’t even belong in the community?

How does it feel when you’re struggling to fight back, but no one wants to support you?

One afternoon, I’ve decided to browse the Internet and search for news updates. However, what caught my attention were these episodes of the show ‘MMK: Maalala Mo Kaya’. I got interested because the story was told in two parts, a format that the show doesn’t usually follow. I also found out that it received a lot of good reviews in social media during its telecast.

The story had two versions: the first part was Idai’s point of view where Idai lost her son, Topher, at Divisoria and tried to find him for one year and four months; and the second part, on the other hand, was Samina’s point of view.

Samina is a Muslim woman who was accused as a kidnapper. In the first episode, the character of Idai showed her anger against the suspected kidnapper, Samina, after she negotiated with her to get her son. As a viewer, I’m in favor of Idai’s side that time because yes, it is hard for a mother to lose a child. However, when I watched the continuation of the story, which is the second episode, I felt bad for Samina. I feel bad for the humanity in our country.

The cops already arrested Samina and her sister without doing any further investigations; without knowing the truth that it’s a matter of Idai’s misinterpretation to Samina’s move. Samina took good care of Idai’s child for a year and a half after she found the child wandering in Divisoria, crying, with wounds in his skin. Despite difficulty in letting go of the child, she was ready to give Topher back. They’ve been imprisoned for 16 years. I’ve just realized how cruel life is, especially in the case of Samina and her sister.

There was a saying that there are three types of truth: the truth for Me, the truth for Them, and the Truth. But for Samina’s case, it was only the truth for Them which has been considered. Is the saying “Truth will set you free” still accurate? How come that until now we’re still holding and being imprisoned of the truth itself?

I just don’t even get the point why people easily accuse Samina without even hearing her side. Is that how our generation handle justice?

Is that how we treat all people or we’re just good enough in the matter of stereotyping? Discriminating the Muslim community?

Samina got into jail with her sister, Aisah.

Her sister doesn’t even know what was really happening because she just saw her sister in the carinderia on that day. She also suffered 16 years of being imprisoned. The worst part was her husband and kids were killed in an ambush where they helped a running politician for a promise that if they win in the election, he will

help the sisters to go out of jail.

Because of one wrong verdict, everything has changed for them.

This was not only the situation where Muslims are underrated. In year 2015, there was a case in US where Tahera Ahmad was denied an unopened soda can on an affiliated US domestic flight.

The flight attendant said that Ahmad might use the can as a weapon. Meanwhile, in Central Luzon there was a case reported regarding the Muslim-only ID system of Paniqui town in Tarlac. All of these accusations reflect the manifestations of discrimination and inequality. Is there any justice for Muslims or it is just really hard for us to reach out and give all the chance for them to be a part of the community?

We are living in a generation where discrimination, racism and inequality is abundant. As for our Muslim compatriots, waking up everyday in this country is not that easy.

For their case, freedom is not always an option. Have they done anything to deserve all of these?

Religious discrimination has become too pervasive.

Although this discrimination has to end, other people are still not on the verge of letting it go and as of now, it is still an outraging issue for Muslim people. It is not only in our country where Muslims are being criticized. Most of the people classify them as terrorist because of how they look, how they communicate and who they are but this is what I’ll say to all of you, not all Muslims are alike.

Discrimination is the one that puts humanity into diversion. It must be eradicated from the people’s mind or else, it will continue until we reach the new generation and we will never be able to correct the misbelief.

Truth does not fall under a certain class or religion; It is an entity which our naked eye and justice needs to see. We need to take chances in culturing relation between humans, regardless of its class, nationality and religion. We’re not God. We do not have the authority to judge anyone based on their appearances, how do they interact with this community and how do they think. After which, we’re all humans and we have all the right to be respected.

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“Truth does not fall under a certain class or religion; it is an entity which our naked eye and justice need to see.”

To Us, the Claustrophobic GUTS AND ROSES

Andrea Nicole B. Sapnu | AB English

MENTALITY: The things that confine us are so much more than crypts and cages.

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“The enemy is the feeling of being diminished.

It is neither the dwindling room nor its suffocation but the idea of being small enough.”

f the world’s population, between 15% and 37% of people are claustrophobic.

This suggests that in a small corner of the world, there is a girl and a game of hide and seek, only to find out she would rather lurk and watch the other kids play instead of having to go back in her grandma’s porcelain cabinet. In a different place, there is a middle-aged, 5-storey apartment settler who would trade the elevator ride to an endless streak of stairs.

In this side of the world, there is one I know who dreads the public transportation during the bustling rush hour and has reoccurring dreams of constantly finding herself in the most compact places, like a king-sized mattress forcibly put into a Barbie Doll’s cupboard or a paper bill into a coin insert.

I am claustrophobic. I am a victim of the contagion that makes you fear confinement. However, I have never underestimated my claustrophobia to the extent of merely rendering it as a trauma, rather, I consider it as the sum of all the anxieties I suffer from in life. Having a mind that is run by metaphors, it stitches up a different meaning to this irrational uneasiness; one which is not beyond reason and may be quite familiar among us.

You see, the lifelong pursuit is a life of progress and progress is highly reliant of figures; figures that should always be accelerating to indicate growth. Growth, in its cruelest nature, comes differently to people, just like as how it does to different kinds of plants. There are those which grow of nourishment, sunlight and of a generous amount of watering and then there is vegetation that, despite of the lack of nutrients, still manages to outstretch their branches into distances God knows how far these could reach.

The small plant shall remain planted into a pot perpendicular to its size. It is then and only then when it begins to develop a larger root system or accumulate larger leaves shall it only be transferred to into a greater lawn.

For the mean time, it stays where it belongs.

It is a fast-paced time, where we are currently living in and nobody wants to get METANOIA

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left behind. The challenge is to be constantly growing, reaching father than what we have ever reached and building bigger than what has ever been built. It demands us to always be the plant that rapidly expands, but then comes the emergence of comparison; the urge to always establish more than what your neighbors had, just to assure that you have not yet depreciated your personal value.

But what people most commonly ignore is the fact that each individual is cultivated on a different kind of soil or on a different timeframe; that some are still seedlings while others already bear fruits. Then there are people who are at the baseline of growth who dreads that the stage they’re in is already the largest they will ever be and that they are not taking advantage of the free will they have been blessed with well enough; people who feel like they’re not exerting sufficient effort for their development; people who feel like they are going to be stuck in a tiny terracotta pot for all eternity. These are the people just like me.

For if we look at it closely, it is always the bigger things that are looked up to. Everybody wants to be looked up to.

In my second type of claustrophobia, the enemy is the feeling of being diminished. It is neither the dwindling room nor its suffocation but the idea of being small enough to get trapped in an utterly tiny space for the rest of your life. There may not exist a precise count of those who happen to endure it, but I’m pretty sure that it devours the soul in them every once in a while.

When we evaluate ourselves in a larger prospective as beings of the swift, advancing world, it is inevitable to be insecure; how the progression of everything around us – infrastructures, technology – makes our growth seem slow next to their velocity. How does one keep up with the upbeat symphony of time when he is constantly faced with roadblocks and misfortunes that make him go back to square one?

Then again, it may be too early to be worrisome of not being able to fulfill your purposes at the time you demanded. You may feel like a close-to-blossoming bud when in reality you are simply at the morning of your existence. They say seventeen still has a long way to go; I say, so is seventy.

Whether it is on the adolescence or in the late years, one cannot escape the agitation of not doing enough. But here’s a secret: there is no such thing as ‘too late’.

The claustrophobe should realize that it is not only from the shrinking chambers or the narrowest spaces shall he cast himself away, but from the voices that says that his worth declines while his productivity is at rest and when he refuses to grow for a short while. For just like a crawling vine, he will soon slither his way out of his little corner gradually into the greater beyond, even if he’s unaware of it. It’s only just a matter of time.

The Culture of ‘Covering up’ BEDTIME STORIES

Joan Robin T. Martinez | AB English

HUMAN RIGHTS: Nowadays, it’s clear that there’s a jot of responsibility in merely dressing up. Why do women have to assess what we wear, or how we act while men are excused for being born as men?

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’ve been told countless times not to wear something like a miniskirt or shorts in public.

Or camisoles and tops with plunging necklines. It attracts unwanted attention. I’ve been told to cover up.

Growing up, I was taught to be conscious of what others may think as I project my costumed image. That is to say, what I wear can tell people who I am. What I wear radiates the respect that I deserve from them. This, they say, was to avoid being harassed – when people should whistle, cat-call as I pass. The value as a person, a woman, is basically showcased on how you package yourself.

I didn’t realize that freedom could birth, such expectation.

They say that modernity calls for freedom in more ways that wasn’t accessible before. We already have the freedom to vote, to access to basic necessities, properties. To exercise what we choose to believe in, our religion is what defines our way of life. We live in an era where men can dress as a woman and women can dress as men, even have jobs that used to be tagged within the bounds of a gender stereotype. The diversity of sexuality is gradually being accepted, although some parents may find it hard to accept their children owning up to their preferences. The issue then is not always about restricting the freedom in expressing ourselves, but the amount of respect that we gain from our decisions.

What is freedom when it is marred with criticisms and prejudice? When what you wear cast labels like, “she was asking for it”, “slut”, “no self-respect”, or “what has her parents been teaching her?”

Sure, freedom acquired through the deaths of honorable men, heroes who’ve fought revolutions, is not merely a privilege. It’s a right, a responsibility to be exercised. As they say “Great power comes with great responsibility”.

That is to say, there is an ounce of responsibility in merely dressing up. It is a projection of who we are as a person, an embodiment of what we believe in. Who is to say that walking around practically half naked does not warrant respect?

As fashion evolves through time, when the era of women had gradually taken its own path, the stereotypes born out of advertisements are still etched from the minds of society. Images of sexy women – bikini wearing, navel showing, strapless bodice, backless tops – holding onto beers and hard liquor, hips swaying as they make their way to the man with a killer smile. Posters and men’s magazines projecting women as objects, a boost to men’s masculinity. No wonder, self-respect is often associated with what women wear, even the advertisement doesn’t seem to call for respect.

And what is respect when the majority of people would conform into the trend. Hey, if the president (or prominent figures) promote degradation of women’s value who’s to say that common folks can’t? Cat-calling has begun as

a trend excusing behavior as appreciation for the women’s body. Rape has evolved from an unspeakable crime to a big joke, sometimes a threat to be treated as something to be thankful for. Like, you should be showing gratitude for the men who lusted after your skin as if nobody else would.

Why do women have to assess what we wear, or how we act while men are excused for being born as men? Like calling out women because they found them attractive, or blatantly staring as if it never made anyone uncomfortable.

Or rape, just because it’s in their nature. We live in the era where men are not taught to avert their glances or rein their libidinal urges. And victims of abuse persisted to be victims because they are condemned for provoking their aggressor.

She was asking for it, they’d say as the victim cries in her short shorts and spaghetti tops. Do we even realize that women, even when completely covered up, are still subjected to such treatment?

I’ve seen stories shared by women who’ve had been harassed over what they wear, regardless if it showcase respect; they are completely covered up in shapeless masses of clothing yet are still subjected to being objectified by men. Every rape victim is always asked things like: “What were you wearing?”, or “What were you doing there, in the middle of the night?”. It’s like society is telling us that misfortunes (i.e. men exerting their dominance over the weaker sex) happen because we are born into the body of a woman.

Do men, even realize, as they tell the women to cover up, it insinuates their incapability to have control over their urges?

We’re still a long way to achieving total acceptance, in what we wear or what we do. We could not avoid the stares, the whistles, appreciation (or so they say) from how we project ourselves. Our conservatism roots deeply in our culture and by popular opinion. What we see in mainstream media, what was sensationalized that should be reprimanded is revered. Changes in the attitude towards the “weaker” sex relies heavily on dominant political figures. And if they can’t see the equal value that fares among each and every one of us – then, it should be this simple: “Respeto nalang po.”

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“We live in an era where we are free; free to say what we want, wear what we want. Until we’re not.

We get blamed for what we wear. We get raped because we are free.”

Akala Malaya LISTEN TO DAVID, GOLIATH

Janelle Pamela R. David | AB Psychology

LIPUNAN: Totoong walang hangganan ang kalayaan. Ngunit hindi nasusukat ang kalayaan sa lebel o antas mo sa lipunan. Hindi rin sapat ang uhaw mong maging malaya upang kumawala ka na sa gapos na iyong kinalalagyan.

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“Pwede bang tumawad?

Pwede bang per kilo?”

indi na lingid sa kaalaman nating lahat ang pagbabagong hatid ng teknolohiya. Patuloy ang progreso nito upang mapalawak ang mundo sa loob ng internet. Palayo na nang palayo ang nararating ng teknolohiya at padali na nang padali ang paggamit natin ng mga ito. Ang patuloy na pagsibol ng teknolohiya ay siya naring naghahatid sa atin ng kalayaan upang pagpahayag, makibalita, maglabas ng saloobin, mangjudge ng Facebook ‘friends’, tumuklas ng kaalaman, i-stalk ang boypren ng ng crush, at kung ano-ano pa.

Gusto ko nang lumayo sa delubyo at sakit sa ulong hatid ng comment section sa Facebook nang umagaw sa aking atensyon ang isang post na pinagppiyestahan ng netizens. Tungkol ito sa instagram post ni Kitty Duterte, labintatlong taong gulang na anak ni Presidente Duterte.

Nasa ibang bansa si Kitty Duterte sa nasabing litrato at may nag-comment na tila kinagalit ng bunsong anak ni Pres. Duterte, ang nasabing comment ay nagtatanong kung ang ginamit bang pera pang ibang bansa ni Kitty (o pati na rin ang kasama niya) ay pera ng mga nagbabayad ng buwis. Ang nasabing comment ay binitiwan ng isang fake account. Kadalasan sa mga post ng mga sikat na celebrities ay talamak na ang ganitong uri ng comment o pangba-bash. Ang ibang artista ay hindi nalang pinapansin at pinapatulanang mga ito ngunit hindi nakaligtas ang netizen na bumatikos kay Kitty. Nakatikim ito ng matinding sagot mula sa anak ng Presidente.

Pinagsalitaan niya ito ng matatapang na salita na may halong mura at mariin nitong idiniin na walang alam ang nasabing poser sa pamilya ng Presidente. Nagkamit ng halo-halong reaksyon ang pagsagot ng anak ni Presidente Duterte, dahil na rin sa matapang na pagsagot nito sa netizen na may halong mura at hindi kayaayang pananalita mula sa isang menor de edad na anak ng Presidente.

Hindi ko na rin maiwasang hindi magtanong at mag-isip kung nasa katwiran ba ang ginawa ni Kitty Duterte? Marahil mali ang ginawa ng sinasabing basher na panghuhusga sa pamilya ng Presidente ngunit tama ba ang ginawang pagpatol ni Kitty? Napansin kong napakaraming METANOIA

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tao ang kumampi kay Kitty at pumuri sa kanyang ‘savage attitude’ sa pagsagot ngunit bakit parang may mali? Hindi ba dapat pangaralan ang mga bata ng tamang pagsagot sa mga bumabatikos sa kanya?

Oo, may karapatan siyang ipagtanggol ang kanyang pamilya mula sa mga pangbabatikos ngunit may tamang paraan ng pagsagot. Bilang isang anak ng Presidente, o maski bilang isang normal na kabataan ay kailangan nating maging maingat sa ating mga binibitawan nating salita.

Maari naman tayong magtanggol nang hindi nantatapak ng iba. Maaari tayong magtanggol s atamang paraan.

“Hayaan niyo siya! We are a free country, may kalayaan siyang sumagot! Porket anak ng Presidente, bawal magmura?” pagtatanggol ng isang netizen. Tama siya, malaya tayong magpahayag ng ating saloobin ngunit ang ating kalayaan ay dapat may kaakibat na pag-iingat sa ating pananalita at galaw.Hindi ko lang talaga maunawaan‘yung mga taong natuwa pa sa pagsagot ni Kitty. Mayroon pang iilan na pinuri ang ginawa niya at kinunsinti ang dalaga.

Bakit kapag ordinaryong bata lang ang gumawa nito, todo bash ang natatanggp nito?

Double standards? Sikat man o hindi, anak man ng presidente o hindi, ang pagtuturo ng wastong etiketa sa social media ay mahalaga. “With great power, comes with great responsibility” ika nga, lalo na’t lahat tayo ay mag-iiwan ng digital footprint sa lahat ng ating ginagawa online. Gasgas man na ang kasbihang “Think before you click” sa ating pandinig, ito pa rin ang pinakamainam na dapat nating gawin o isaalang-alang upang hindi tayo makagawa ng mga bagay na ating maaaring pagsisisihan sa huli. ‘Wag nating kunsintihin ang isang bagay kung alam nating mali.

Nakapaloob sa ating kalayaan at karapatan bilang isang mamamayan ang pagpahayag.

Ngunit paano ba natin malalaman kung hanggang saan ang ating kalayaan? Paano ba nating masasabing malaya na ang isang tao?

Kapag ba nagagawa na niya ang gusto mo?

Kapag nakalaya na ang isang preso mula sa pagkakakulong? Kapag pwede ka nang umuwi nang gabi at hindi na napapagalitan ni nanay?

Kapag pwede ka nang magpa-tattoo? Ikasal sa iyong kasing-kasarian? Kapag nasabi mo na ang lahat ng hinanakit mo sa isang tao? Lahat ng kalayaan ay may kabayaran. Ngunit saan ba natin mabibili ang kalayaan? Meron ba nito sa palengke? Pwede bang tumawad? Pwede bang per kilo?

Lahat tayo ay may kalayaan, mayroong malaya ngunit patuloy na nakagapos sa pansariling kadena. Ang iba naman ay hindi pa handing lumaya sa kadahilanan na maaaring may masaktan na iba. Mayroong mga patuloy na nakikipaglaban para sa kanilang kalayaan.

Siguro, ang kalayaan ay maaaring walang hangganan; ngunit ito ay may kasamang konsiderasyon at pag-iingat.

Angelica’s Real-Life Soap Opera PRIMARY COLORS

Isaih Kyle C. Umipig | BS Education-English

EDUCATION: The country’s real drama depicts that the number of tummies to nourish, bodies to clothe, and families to shelter is increasing, but the protagonist’s desire for education is what elevates the story into its anticipated denouement.

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alaya ka na sa aking piling agmahal nang walang pangangamba alayang-malaya ka na

One day, in the middle of the timeline of my boredom, I tried to listen to this song by Kitchie Nadal and The Stone Forest Ensemble titled Malaya. I thought this is just another song of a bitter break-up of a hopeless couple, but I was mistaken. After which, a question boggled my mind about what level of freedom are we really in? Are we really free?

Freedom is not a product of serendipity, not even discovery. It undergoes a process until it can finally be exercised. As we look into the first puzzling line of the song chorus, I will not interpret it as “I am now letting you go” but rather, I have to perceive it as “You are free with yourself”.

This is not the song you think it is; it is more than what you think. I must say that we cannot come up with a single conclusion by just looking into some lines of a particular song; similarly, we cannot judge a person by simply looking at his physical attributes and whatnot.

Akyatin ang mga panalangin Sa langit bigkasin ang mga kwento at pangalan pagbabago ng tanawin Lumikha ng tunog na makakasunod mga ligaw na mga bata Bigyan ng pag-asa

Along the hectic highways of Aquino Bridge, we met a young girl named Angelica.

Her friends, however, say that her name is Monique. Nonetheless, whatever name she has, I suppose that she is one of our youth who consists the population as the free ones. Despite of her young age, she has good communication skills, she has dreams and this is her real-life soap opera.

‘Di mo maiwasan sumabay sa agos ng kahirapan at pagdurusa nalulunod na sa luha huwag magdalawang isip humingi ng tulong dahil dito laman ako ay kaibigan mo Angelica is one of those kids you will encounter in the streets, asking for some coins.

But one thing that impressed me of her is her priceless smile despite her childhood adversities.

She might not tell her whole life story but her eyes tell what the mouth wanted to speak out; her smile covers up all her life’s bitterness as if the world is being just favorable to her.

It is not a vacation for the children who spent their whole calendar in the streets just to find sustenance. But for Angelica, it is a vacation to

give respond to her tummy’s demand.

The percentage of the tummies to nourish, bodies to clothe, and families to shelter is increasing, so does the number of minds to be educated. The stomach is not the only thing which experiences hunger, but also the mind. Thus, an immediate response is highly needed.

“Nag-aaral ako doon sa bundok,” she said. Albeit family’s destitution and poverty, Angelica has high hopes and dreams. These misfortunes are never a chain that hindered her from reaching her dreams. Indeed, she is a juvenile source of motivation for a person like you, who’s reading this, who is free of choosing.

Angelica is free to choose and this is her choice—to be nourished by education than just by merely being fed by money and food. What will be yours?

Sapat na ang mga oras na nakakapit sa patalim di mo malalaman kung hindi mo bibitawan mahirap man masilayan kung ano ang hahantungan manalig ka’t maniwala ka sa aking kaharian Freedom is earned only when the process is followed: 1) Do not settle inside, go out. There could be more of what you think; 2) It doesn’t stop with questions alone, solutions and answers are always required; 3) Bear in mind that conclusions are always located in the latter.

Do not take things too fast; 4) Problems and conflicts are the common backbone of our life’s drama production. You shouldn’t complain, deal with it!; 5) Always smile and be a ray of sunshine for others, inspire them; 6) Be positive even when everything falls after another setback, you can do it; and 7) It is not just choice A and choice B but millions of it! Be free to choose and choose to be free!

Just like Angelica or Monique, you are free to choose. You are free with yourself! Choose to be wise and be wise when you choose because you are the sailor of your ship, not somebody else.

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“The stomach is not the only thing which experiences hunger, but also the mind. Thus, an immediate response is highly needed.”

‘Wag Kang Magpapasilaw Lang KNOWING THE NO-ING

Cristine Emmanuelle D.V. Flores | BS Computer Science

PERSPEKTIBO: Ang paghahangad sa isang bagay ay hindi masama. Kung ang pagkuha sa inyong hinahangad ay idadaan mo sa madali at maling paraan, tama pa bang gustuhin mo itong makuha?

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“Mas nakakainis ang magpakalunod nalang tayo sa lungkot dahil hindi natin nakukuha ang gusto nating makuha.”

ight.

Tandang-tanda ko pa ang unang salita na ipinabasa sa akin ng aking guro noong grade school. Hindi ko alam kung bakit sa dinami-rami ng mga salitang nakasulat sa pisara, ay ito ang napiling ipabasa sa akin ni Ma’am Ronquillo.

Bakit sa dinami-rami ng mga salitang aking natutunan sa eskwelahan, iyon ang pinakanatandaan ko? Siguro dahil misteryoso ito para sa akin, o siguro dahil hindi ko lang makalimutan noong mapahiya sa buong klase dahil hindi ko ito nabasa.

Liwanag. Napakasimpleng salita, pero maraming kahulugan. Pero lahat tayo, gusto nito.

Sa madilim na mundong kinapapalooban natin, liwanag ang tanging ang hinahabol natin. Lahat tayo, gustong maabot yung nagliliwanang na dulo ng isang lagusan. Lahat tayo nakatingin dito, kahit hindi natin alam kung ano ang nasa kabila nito.

Ilang beses ka na bang tumitig sa liwanag? Nasubukan mo na bang itanong sa sarili mo kung nasisilaw ka na? *** Hindi natin napapansin na nalulungkot na tayo dahil sa mga pangarap nating halos hindi natin maabot. Napapagod tayo, kasi parang ang layo ng ating tinakbo para habulin ang mga pangarap natin, pero hindi parin natin ito marating.

Ayoko na.

Suki na siguro ng bibig natin ang mga salitang ito, lalo na kapag sukong-suko na ang mga utak natin sa dami ng mga tinatapos na mga requirements. Minsan nga, iniisip natin na baka pinagkakaisahan na tayo ng mga professors, na baka nagusap-usap sila na magbigay ng iisang araw ng deadline sa lahat ng mga pinapagawa nila para lang pahirapan tayong mga estudyante.

Sa mga panahong patapos na ang finals ng second semester, kung saan marami ang nanganganib na magbakasyon sa university para lang habulin ang INC o ang failing grade na prerequisite sa halos lahat ng subjects, hindi natin maiiwasang dumaan sa depresyon.

Nakakalungkot kasi ‘yung ginagawa mo na ang lahat para lang makakuha ng magandang grado, pero wala pa rin. Nakakalungkot din sa mga katulad kong manunulat na napupuyat para lang mapaganda ang isang akda, pero sa huli wala namang magbabasa. Nakakalungkot na umaasa ang pamilya mo na makakatapos ka agad, pero parang imposible. Nakakalungkot lang na hindi mo masabi sa kanila na hindi na maayos ang estado mo sa pag-aaral, kasi ayaw mong madagdagan pa ang sandamukal na problema nila.

Nakakawalang gana, hindi ba?

Yung tipong kahit yung pinakainspirasyon mo talaga eh wala nang epekto sa’yo. Gumagalaw ka METANOIA

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nalang kasi kailangan. Minsan nga ayaw mo nang gumalaw kasi parang wala namang sense lahat ng ginagawa mo. Yung mga panahong simot na lahat ng pag-asa mo sa buhay kasi ni isang quiz sa major mo, wala ka pang naipasa.

Hindi rin maiiwasan na mainggit sa mga tao sa paligid natin. Buti pa sila, magaling, at kayang gawin at makuha lahat ng gusto nila. Minsan, sa sobrang pagnanais nating makamit ang liwanag, nagiging makasarili tayo. Yung ginagawa na natin ang lahat para lang maramdaman yung ecstasy ng liwanag. Ninanakaw natin sa iba dahil sa desperasyong maging masaya. Para lang pumasa, nagongopya. Niloloko natin ang mga taong malaki ang tiwalang ibinigay sa atin.

Yung iba, laging humihingi ng tulong sa mga masisipag, kasi pakiramdam nila, hindi nila kayang gawin. Kesyo wala daw talento o maraming ginagawa sa buhay niya. Umaasa nalang sa iba kasi wala nang ganang gawin ang mga bagay na siya dapat ang gumagawa.

Ang saya-saya siguro na manirahan sa liwanag, kasi tinititigan mo palang ito, parang lumulundag na ang puso mo. Pero bakit parang hanggang diyan ka nalang? Hanggang pangarap ka na lang?

Papayag ka ba na lamunin ka nalang ng liwanag at lunurin ka ng lungkot dahil sa mga pagkabigo mo?

Susuko ka na ba agad?

Nakakainis kapag hindi natin nakukuha ang mga gusto natin. Pero mas nakakainis ang magpakalunod nalang tayo sa lungkot dahil hindi natin nakukuha ang gusto nating makuha.

Galaw-galaw ‘pag may time. Effort, hindi yung mananatili ka nalang sa alam mong kaya mong gawin. Kung gusto mo talagang pumasa, gawin mo ang lahat. ‘Wag kang tamad. Sabi nga sa gasgas na kasabihan, “Kung gusto, may paraan.

Kung ayaw may dahilan.” Nasa saiyo naman kung pipiliin mong titigan nalang ang mga gawain mo habang umaasa nalang na matatapos ito nang wala kang ginagawa. Lagi ka nalang bang aasa sa kakayanan ng iba? Subukan mo kayang maging liwanag ng iba, hindi yung ikaw na lang lagi ang umaasa.

Bahala ka kung mandaraya ka. Pero isipin mo, magiging buo ba ang kasiyahan mo kapag nakapasa ka nang dahil sa pandaraya? Hindi bat mas masaya kung alam mong ikaw ang nagsikap sa sarili mong tagumpay? Kung ipagpapatuloy mo ang mga pinaghirapan mo o papatalo ka nalang sa konting pagkakamali mo. Malaya tayong lahat na magdesisyon para sa sarili natin.

Hiling ko sana na huwag kang laging nakatitig lang sa liwanag. Maiinis ka lang kasi sa sarili mo dahil hindi mo mahahawakan ang mga sinag nito.

Minsan kasi, kapag nasobrahan na ang pagtitig natin sa liwanag, hindi natin napapansin na nasisilaw na pala tayo. Hindi natin napapansin na puro pangarap nalang natin ang iniisip natin, kaya tayo nalulungkot. Hindi natin napapansin, kinukulong na pala natin ang sarili natin sa kinaroroonan dahil nakahinto nalang tayo, nakatuon sa pagpapantasya natin na sana makuha ang pangarap natin.

Lakad lang nang lakad. Galaw lang nang galaw. Wala naman talagang pumipigil sa’yo eh.

Nasa saiyo lang naman kung ipaglalaban mo ang karapatan mong maging malaya. Nasa saiyo rin kung magpapasilaw ka nalang sa liwanag mula diyan sa kinatatayuan mo o magsisikap kang marating ang dulo ng lagusan kung saan mo makikita ang tunay mong kalayaan.

Color Blind ART IN HEART

Joseph C. De Jesus | BS Accounting Technology

GENDER SENSITIVITY: This community tells stories about exposing the colors but these always encompass the struggle of revealing and hiding. When will be the time that it will never be about just the struggle?

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ou might have thought that the LGBTQ community is growing vastly but without noticing so is the violence they receive from us, non-members.

Expectation thinks that we fully understand the LGBTQ but in reality is that we still don’t.

We only know that the acronym stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer but we don’t even stand for their rights and fight for them.

As countless people coming out of the shell, there are still a lot of misconceptions about bisexuality that just won’t seem to die.

Most of the times, people may not even identify the difference of being gay and a bisexual. You might think they’re same but it isn’t and gender identity is important for people as well as the LGBTQ community.

So, what exactly is being a bi? Bisexuals are homosexuals, too, the difference is that they are attracted are attracted on both sexes.

Bisexuals are often told to be the pamintas of the LGBT community but it is a real, serious thing. Someone can be attracted to the opposite sex, but is still a homosexual.

Our society taught us to be ourselves – our own authentic selves because that is our own right, our freedom; it is within us since we are born. But ironically, we are raised to follow social norms meaning we should “fit in”.

We should act what the society tells us to. Following the social norm is the “right way” and sometimes way better than being our own selves, most especially when they judge you.

Gender identity is a battle. It isn’t something you can predict, or pretend to be. The decision is an endless battle between you and yourself. Many will criticize, and sometimes coming out is the hardest thing to do. Sometimes, because of the criticism and judgment you will face comes to the point where you are no longer willing to fight for you want and continue what you were told to be – that is to only be attracted to an opposite gender, because they told us to.

Bisexuality isn’t something you can predict.

I know a lot of people who didn’t even know they have homosexual tendencies. Because we don’t get to choose who we want to love.

Nobody can tell you who to love, nobody can tell you to love the opposite gender only. Love can be a complex thing; it is something that we just feel. But we can choose what we become.

Bisexuality is not a phase.

Stop saying, “sayang siya” because being bi doesn’t mean they will only draw interest to their similar sex, but may totally be attracted to be the opposite sex too. We should not say “saying siya” to homosexuals because there’s nothing to be regretful about it.

Society should be aware of this kind of things to be more sensitive about the issues and gender identities of the LGBTQ community. We should understand them well because in the end, we are all the same. We are all made with the same pixie dust.

Homosexuals always carry the fear to be rejected, fear of the consequences because we still live in a judgmental society. The times are changing and other people still discriminate them.

But sometimes, maybe, for once in our lives, we have felt something strange but maybe so small that it becomes irrelevant to our actual sexuality to be changed, or just because we strongly believe we are really straight, or we think it’s not socially acceptable, and so we ignore them.

To those who are still in the closet, if you’re afraid to come out, I’m telling you that bisexuality is not a mental issue. It isn’t an experiment. It is a normal feeling that many of us has experienced and fully understand.

A bisexual can marry a man or a woman, whoever they like or whoever is a good partner in their eyes.

They can be bisexual but that doesn’t mean they can’t be religious or they don’t want to have kids someday. They are bisexual and they make mistakes, they may fail college because they are also a person – a normal living person who is just seeking for love.

If you are a bisexual, show it off. Tell him/her that you have a romantic feeling towards them whether they’re straight or not. If you are confused yet, it’s okay to not fully understand it yet because someday, you will. The important thing is you’re not confused with how you feel to that person. Let the town gossip you. You don’t have to explain yourself to people who demand to identify yourself because only you can define you. You don’t have to feel sorry for being you.

You don’t have to come out to your parents and they’ll act against you as if you murdered someone more important than you. You don’t have to worry about your friends because they will understand you as long as they are real.

Be the I-fall-for-who-I-fall-for sexuality. You don’t have to force yourself to act within the standards; you have to embrace your normal.

You have to be a warrior. Tell them that your heart is not half masculine and half feminine; but you love wholeheartedly. Tell yourself that you are not half gay and half straight; you are a complete whole person. Be brave to come out as the normal you because always remember that that is the most important kind of freedom – to be what you really are.

METANOIA

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“We don’t get to choose who we want to love.”

METANOIA

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PHOTO COURTESY: Aaron Christian Bondoc

TSU attends AUAP Forum, Leadership Program

by Joan Robin Martinez Supreme Student Council (SSC) President Christian Aaron Bondoc, together with College of Education (COEd) Governor Benedict Canlas, attended the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific (AUAP)’s Annual Global Leadership Program held in Galati, Romania.

The program, which started back in 2014, is aimed towards the enhancement of the student’s leadership, relationship, academics, and cultural activities.

It caters discussions and seminars on sustainable development, global crises and problems, acknowledging inputs from the twenty-four (24) student-leaders from AUAP member schools, six (6) of whom are

from the Philippines including Bondoc and Canlas who are from TSU. Participants also attended AUAP’s 15th Learning and Sharing Forum on Enhancing an Effective Student Mobility Programme for Asia-Pacific and European Universities Investment Opportunities for Europe, which focuses on the cooperation between universities from Asia-Pacific and Europe as well as other universities around the world.

Danubius University, the event’s host university, covered the accommodation, meals, and local transportation, pick up and sends off to and from the airport.

Bondoc, being a member of the board of regents; was requested coverage on visa

requirements, air fare, and travel allowances among others through a special budget allocated from the Student Development Fund.

“Yung experience namin is napakaoverwhelming,” Bondoc said when asked on the overall experience.

“Proud to say na ‘yung TSU is, kami yung angat sa buong program. Dinala namin yung culture natin na active, and proud ako na ‘yung experience natin dito tsaka yung mga learnings ng leadership and iba’t ibang knowledge na naga-gain natin sa TSU is yun yung nagto-top kapag lalabas ka ng ibang bansa,” the SSC outgoing president explained.

7 steps in office

STEP party sweeps electoral polls

by Richmon Cayabyab

PHOTO COURTESY: Robin Victor Faigmane

OVERALL VOTE DISTRIBUTION SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL POLL

Striving Toward Empowerment and Progress party (STEP) secured all seven spots in the Supreme Student Council elections orchestrated by the Tarlac State University Committee on Student Elections (COMSELEC).

Reynamy Doria takes the top spot in the electoral race against Jhon Jhon Rañola by garnering 2,704 votes, trumping Rañola’s 1,754 and beating the STAND party’s standard bearer in his home College with a 587-408 advantage.

Although pulling ahead on the Lucinda campus polls, Jhayvi Dizon from STAND party fell short against his College of computer studies competitor for the Vice-

AVERAGE VOTE PER CAMPUS

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President spot, John Ralph Aaron Dungca.

The CCS Student pulled a 383-57 vote lead over his BSED competitor.

Jebby Gonzales of the College of arts and social sciences was seated as the senator on records by earning a 1,524 vote lead over the College of Education’s Mary Joy Raon. 2,917 to 1,393. Senator on finance position was secured by Psalm Erickson Cadiang by obtaining a total of 2,618 votes across all 3 campuses (2,6181,672). Princess Dianne Mercado also secured the Senator on Audit position by bringing in more than double the votes of her STAND counterpart, Dianna Joy Soriano (1,338-3,007). Next up is Robin Victore Faigmane who garnered 2,689 votes. 601 of which came from the college of social sciences and college of public administration and governance’s voting precinct, Angelica Pilapil’s home college (2,689-1,578). William Charles Bagtas comes up on top of the Senator on ways and means race and ends up completing the 7 spot sweep of the aforementioned party in the SSC races of the university by acquiring 2,705 votes. 1,145 votes ahead of his STAND party competitor, Mikaela Joyce Maninang who earned 1,560 votes in three campuses.

STEP party overtakes STAND through all of the 7 precincts by as little as 48 votes on the CT17 precinct and as much as 316 votes on the Smith Hall voting station.

STEP party also obtained a 63% vote distribution across the three campuses of the university and securing their spots as the SSC’s new officers.

The graphs (left) show the average vote distributions among the two parties for each of the 7 voting precincts across the university’s 3 campuses.

Celebrating 28th Commencement Exercises…

TSU confers Sen. Bam with honorary degree

by Lorddan Faller Hon. Paulo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV was conferred a degree of Doctor of Humanities, honoris causa, during the 28th commencement exercises held at TSU Gymnasium.

The confirmation was under the resolution No. 24 s. of 2017 which was decided during the special meeting at the National Economic and Development Authority in Pampanga headed by the University Pres.

Myrna Mallari and the Board of Regents.

According to the citation, the conferment was in recognition for his distinguished political career and service to the people, as a senator of the Philippine senate in 16th and 17th WORDS OF WISDOM. Senator Bam Aquino graces the graduates of TSU with an inspirational speech at the TSU Gymnasium.

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New SSC, CSC take oath

by Lorddan Faller

Amidst disarray during the election, the newly elected Supreme Student Council (SSC) and College Student Council (CSC) officers took a pledge during the oathtaking ceremony at TSU Main Audio Visual Room (AVR).

The program marked the signing off of the previous officers for the school year 2016-2017 and the start of the term of the new set of officers and to commence what they have planned for the university.

“Parang dito na rin kasi sila sumusumpa na magiging tapat silang lider gaya noong bago sila mag-attempt na mag-file ng candidacy”, said Roniel Vincent Armas, Chairman of TSU- Committee on Student Elections (COMSELEC) when asked about the main purpose of the program.

In an inspirational message of Prof.

Winifredo Luis, COMSELEC adviser, he said that they will all oath to God, to the country, university and students. Prof. Luis also said that a leader must have a loyalty and integrity in serving the student body and should stand out to the responsibility they have taken.

The new SSC President Reynamy Doria followed things up on her privilege speech that whatever they do, it is always for the sake of all students not for themselves.

“Kung ano ang para sa mga estudyante, ‘yun dapat ang laging nasa puso’t isipan natin”, Doria advised to all officers.

Doria also emphasized that they all now merged together as one. She is hoping that nobody among them would feel alone and not a part of their council, then she emphasized, “Huwag na huwag ninyong ipaparamdam sa mga kasama

niyo ‘yon”.

Meanwhile, Armas reminded everyone to keep the cohesion within their respective councils until the end of their journey in serving the TSUians toward the betterment of our university.

VOWS IN SOLEMNITY. Newly elected SSC and CSC officers orate their pledge in upholding public service during the oath taking rites.

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After public confusion over FT requirements

Admin guarantees free tuition to all

by Lorddan Faller After the first semester enrollment, Tarlac State University (TSU) administration assured free tuition to all students despite of complaints on social media over confusion on the necessary requirements to be passed.

As announced by the administration, all students who submitted an application form were guaranteed to be given a portion of the fund.

However, as the first semester of this year 2017-2018 marked the initial enactment of the program, it is reported that students without further documents who enrolled had availed free tuition with condition that they must complete the other requirements before the semester ends.

Requirements trimmed The passing of needed documents turned out to be a dilemma for TSUians for some of them were not able to secure few of these preconditions due to lack of time and difficult processing of papers. Through it, students voice out their complaints of struggle in social media particularly in Facebook.

“Free tuition na nga and dami-dami pang dapat gawin, gagastos ka pa ng marami bago maka-avail, parang wala rin. Parang ayaw naman nilang (Admin) makakuha ang mga estudyante (ng free tuition) sa dami ba naman ng hinahanap nila, ‘yung ibang school ‘di naman ganyan,” a protest taken from TSU Secret files Facebook page during the week of submission for the requirements.

With this, students are considered unaware for not knowing that the needed papers were came from the preceding Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Circular dated April 20 which was replaced with a new

memorandum.

According to Dr. Myrna Mallari, TSU President the primary memo which is a guideline on the grant of free tuition is no longer the latest.

“There is another issuance after that memo because primarily, the lawmakers saw that things are very difficult to comply with during enrolment, ‘yon ang basic reason,” Dr. Mallari explained.

“Sabi ng mga commissioners natin sa CHED at iba pang mga mambabatas (I know because they discussed that with us), bakit kahirap naman ng mga requirements?

Let us make things easier for the students,” she added.

The decision for the new and simpler guidelines resulted for the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1A to be issued.

The said Joint Circular aimed to ensure proper implementation of the special provisions in the 2017 General Appropriation Act (GAA) subject to the conditional implementation that the President ordered.

In accordance to the new issuance memo, Pres. Mallari emphasized that there are now only two required documents to be submitted for the assessment and these are Certificate of Indigency and an application form that can be downloaded online in the university’s website or can be obtained in the respective colleges’ offices.

For those with employed parents and are engaged in businesses

8 BILLION Budget of Higher Education Support Program which is allocated to all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

Php 80,413,000 Alloted budget for TSU in Free Tuition

NOTE: The fund was based on Estimated Tuition Income in Table of the 2017 Budget of Expenditure and Sources of Financing

Jump to page 54

“We don’t want things to be difficult for students” - DR. MYRNA Q. MALLARI TSU President

OSA’s ‘Papang‘ retires after 34 years of service; Canlas named new OIC Dean

by Lorddan Faller

Dr. Rex I. Igoy officially settled his transaction as the Dean of the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) after almost 34 years of service.

In an interview with The Work, he said that the age of 65 is a compulsory retirement where you have to step down from a certain position as it is required by the law.

On 2001, he was formally designated as Dean of OSA to substitute Dr. Emilia B. Ilac (former Dean). He was then assigned on 2012 as the 1st Vice President for Student Affairs (VPSA) when the organizational chart in the Administration was restructured due to some changes in the offices. The designation was last until 2014 when Pres.

Myrna Mallari was seated as the University President.

He also became Director of the Guidance and Counseling Office on 2015 and on the following year, he returned as the “Papang” or the considered father of OSA. The Dean of the Office of Student Affairs covered the Guidance and Counseling Office, Student Organizations, Student Publications, Medical and Dental Offices, Sports, Culture and Arts, and Scholarship.

The decision now of the Dean to retire was said to be his personal decision.

“Maybe it’s time to start a new chapter in my life, to have more time in my family and with my Apo”, he said when asked if there are any other reason why he demitted.

The only advice Dr. Igoy had for the next

conducted a separate tribute to the former Dean.

Igoy Dean is that he/she should love working with the students because their aim is to help them develop.

The University paid tribute to Papang for being an employee and a Dean of OSA held at the TSU gymnasium.

Moreover, the Student Affairs Services

New OIC Dean seated The current Director of the Scholarship Unit Dr. Elsie Canlas was appointed by Pres. Myrna Mallari to take over the position as Officer-In-Charge.

Dr. Canlas said that she was designated maybe because it was considered her educational qualification and performance.

The selection is not only the decision from the President but also to the executive committee who were informed and asked who they want to take the OIC position.

The recently seated Dean was actually a product of TSU and a graduate of Home Economics. She also became placement officer and a guidance counselor, and to qualify herself to the position, she took her Masters in Guidance and Counseling in addition to her Masters in Administration and Supervision.

The newly placed OIC also admitted that she still need to adjust as the Director of Scholarship Unit and an OIC Dean.

“Mahirap but because I think it is because of love of work”, she said.

“I need to adjust. Very crucial din ito because you’re dealing with Heads na dati ay kasa-kasama ko lang, ngayon hawak ko na,” she added when asked about the problems she faces now.

Meanwhile, Dr. Canlas will be one of the awardees for 35 years of service in the university later this year.

Admin guarantees free tuition... may also submit Income Tax Return (ITR) and BIR forms, respectively.

These requirements will be considered as a supporting documents when a necessary reports will be sent to CHED as it is a requisite for all SUCs. The President also added that she personally removed BIR certificate because it is costly and very difficult to secure, then she stated, “We don’t want things to be difficult for students”.

After evaluation for those who have completed the requirements, the university shall ranked all assessed students according to the student prioritization procedure of free tuition especially that students were now only classified into (1) continuing or regular and (2) new enrollees and returning.

Regular or continuing students will be given first priority in the free tuition slots

and if there are remaining funds, returning and new enrollees will likewise be given since TSU will be open for upcoming college students exclusively for selected courses from College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) and College of Computer Studies (CCS).

The president also clarified the possibility of using all funds during the 1st semester in response for some complaints of TSUians comparing TSU from other SUCs which should still need to send letter to CHED initially to allow the university.

Meanwhile, Pres. Mallari also give emphasis that free tuition is a project of the government and not a scholarship. The coverage of the said program is tuition fee only. Business fees like IDs, uniforms, insurance and miscellaneous fees or other fees are excluded as part of the free tuition fee policy.

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from page 53

Free education next semester During the flag ceremony in September, Dr. Mallari clarified that there would be changes with regards to the free tuition program in the second semester this year.

The changes include that it is not only tuition but also the other fees like miscellaneous will also free. Nevertheless, this is only for students who doesn’t have any failing grades.

The fund given to TSU came from eight billion pesos under provision for Higher Education Support Program which is allocated to all State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and all dispensed budget for SUCs was based on the estimated tuition income stated in a table of the 2017 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) that shows all the amount fixed to all SUCs counted in the program.

Toga is out; ‘Lambal’ is in for graduations

by Janelle Pamela David and Isaih Kyle Umipig The use of Lambal as the graduation costume has been authorized last February during the 105th Regular Meeting of the Board of Regents.

The change from the traditional toga to Lambal is under the proposal of Tarlac State University Supreme Student Council (TSUSSC) and with consultation to the students and the Administration.

Resolution No. 68, Series of 2017 states

TSU confers Sen. Bam... from page 52

congress.

The senator was also introduced as the main sponsor and co-author of Free Tuition in State Universities and Colleges Act that made the college education for free in all SUCs including TSU. With this, he believes that from the right support from the government like access for free education, every Filipino can make a better life and for himself and for his family.

In his message, he thanks the administrators, organizers and students for the recognition given to him and started to give inspirational talk to all graduates.

that the University Lambal will be worn in the shoulder as a symbol of nobility, integrity and fidelity. Furthermore, its aesthetics will behold the ideals of the university’s traditions, exellence and exuberance.

Similar to University of the Philippines ‘Sablay’, Lambal will be worn under prescribed conditions: for men, plain or colored barong and black pants matched with formal leather black shoes; for women, white or colored mid-calf to ankle length dress matched with close black to brown and cream leather shoes, with or without heels.

The University Lambal will also be worn on the right shoulder beforehand the Commencement Exercises, symbolizing the candidates for graduation’s readiness to face the challenges of the world.

During the imposition of the academic degrees of the candidates it will be shifted from right shoulder to left without removing it from the body that signifies their confirmation as graduates upon the direction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The Commencement Exercises in June 2017 is the prospective date to implement the usage of Lambal for the first time. However, it will not be pushed through on the said date due to some problems with regards to its production.

As stated by SSC, the supplier did not meet during the pre-bidding process.

The council, regarding the cancelled

3 SECRETS IN LIFE… For the purpose of motivating the graduates, the senator, as a speaker, shared 3 secrets in life that they could use on their next journey outside the campus.

This include, (1) secret to living that challenged them to experience the world to the fullest, (2) the secret to success that if they want to succeed, they need to always put an effort in everything, and lastly, (3) the secret to happiness that would only feel during two moments of lives: when most kind and most compassionate to fellow men and women.

He also said that these secrets are on hands already. They only have to live life without filters, being excellent every day and when there is willingness, openness and readiness to show kind and compassion, they can easily reach.

Senator Bam closed his speech stating that graduates should never forget their capacity to make their lives better, to make their lives of their love ones better, to make families better and to improve the lives of people in their community and even in the country.

METANOIA

NEWS 55

effectivity of its usage, further stated that they would not like to jeopardize the form and quality of the university Lambal.

The usage of Lambal, alternatively, will take effect in September 2017 during the Midyear Commencement Exercises.

Lambal

DEVCOM:

IMPRASTRAKTURA

ANG

VILLA BACOLOR AT MGA SIWANG SA DAAN

Isang gunita ng naiwang pananagutan sulat at mga larawang kuha ni Isaih Kyle Umipig

METANOIA

DEVCOM 56

I

sang rutang madalas daanan ng mga motorista na malimit ding dalawin ng samu’t-saring espekulasyon at katanungan ngunit kailanman, sa katagalan ng panahon, ay hindi magawang masolusyunan—ito ang kalsada ng Villa Bacolor at ang mga lantad at mga nakakubli nitong butas.

hanggang ngayon—natapos na ang kanyang termino—ay hindi pa rin nabibigyangkasagutan. Dagdag pa niya, ang tagal tagal na noon at ngayo’y bago na ang mga nakaupo ngunit wala pa ring nangyayari.

“Ilang years na silang nakaupo pero wala pa rin. Sabi bibigyan pero wala pa rin,” katwiran ni Gamueda.

Samantala, ang daan ng Villa Bacolor ay sumailalim na sa ilang pag-i-inspeksyon ng Public Works. Ayon sa pagsusuri, hindi na nito kinakailangang sumailalim sa repair dahil ang kailangan ay ang tuluyang road reblocking. Sa reblocking, hindi lang ito basta pagtatapal sa mga butas sa daan kundi pagpapalit ng kabuuan nito. Ngunit paano ito maisasagawa kung: una, ang barangay ay walang sapat na pondo para sa mga materyales at kagamitan; at pangalawa, wala silang natatanggap na suporta mula sa mas mataas na administrasyon?

Ang mga nakikitang solusyon ay mananatiling mga salita lamang hanggang

SA MALAPITAN: Ang suliranin Maituturing ang Villa Bacolor bilang isa sa mga barangay dito sa probinsya ng Tarlac na wala gaanong sapat na pondo upang suplementuhan ang samo ng mga sirang imprastraktura at kakapusan sa mga kagamitang kinakailangan sa pagsasaayos ng mga daan. Sa madaling salita, ang barangay Villa Bacolor ay isang barangay na kinababalutan ng aba at dalita.

Isang matibay na patotoo sa kahirapan ng barangay na ito ay ang mga sira na malalasin sa daan. Kung susuriin, may ilang parte nito ay talaga namang pahirap para sa mga taong ginagamit itong ruta sa kanilang pupuntahan. Sa kabuuan, hindi lang ang mga lubak ang problema na kinakaharap ng mga motorista, kundi pati ang mga malalaking butas na paminsanminsa’y nagiging tahanan ng tubig kapag bumuhos ang malakas na ulan.

Si Aling Marciana Sonza, 55, ay isa sa mga residente ng barangay na nakasaksi sa biglaang pagbabago at ganap na pagkaluray ng kanilang daan. Nasaksihan niya kung paano naging tila kastilyong buhangin ang dating maayos na daan at tuluyang patumbahin ng mga alon; kung paano ito naging pahirap sa mga taong dumadaan at kung paano nito nilapit ang mga motorista sa hindi tiyak na kapahamakan.

“Delikado ‘yan. Halimbawa, [kung] may emergency, imbes na mabilis na makapunta sa ospital, baka ikaw pa ang maaksidente.

Nakakatakot din lalo na kung bako-bako kaya dapat magawa talaga ‘yan,” dagdag pa ni Aling Marciana.

SA MAS MALAWAK NA KURU-KURO: Mga bakit at paano Sa buhat-buhat na suliranin ng mga residenteng dumadaan dito, isang katanungan ang umusisa sa kanilang isipan: Paano nga ba talaga nasira at naging ganito ang daan sa Villa Bacolor?

Ayon kay G. Catalino Gamueda, kalihim ng barangay Villa Bacolor, ang problemang ito sa daan ay kinakaharap na ng mga mamamayan sa loob ng humigit-kumulang na limang taon. May kinakikitaang dalawang dahilan sa lubos na destruksyon ng daan: una, ang pagsasagawa ng Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX); at pangalawa, nasira ng mga kalamidad ang Amucao Bridge at bilang pansamantalang kalutasan, ginamit ang Villa Bacolor road bilang detour sa pagpunta sa Tarlac City proper.

“Diyan dumadaan ang mga truck at equipments ng mga gumagawa diyan sa TPLEX kaya ganyan ang nangyari sa daan,” paliwanag ni Gamueda.

Marahil ang kasalukuyang kalagayan ng daan sa Villa Bacolor ay maihahalintulad sa isang babaeng nabuntis ngunit hindi pinanagutan. Kinakailangan ng barangay na ito ang atensyon lalo na’t sa paglipas ng mga taon ay mas lumalala nang lumalala ang bawat siwang at butas ng daanan.

Sa kabilang banda, hindi naman natin masisisi ang mga opisyal na nasa kasalukuyang administrasyon sa barangay maging ang mga namuno sa nakaraang termino. Sila ay hindi nagkulang sa

“Isipin niyo ‘yung kalagayan namin kasi iniisip din namin ang kalagayan ng mga mamamayan dito.”

- G. Catalino Gamueda

paggawa ng hakbang at paghahanap ng pinakamabisang panlunas sa mas lumulubhang sakit ng kanilang mga daan. Ang mga opisyal ay palagiang nagnanais na matugunan ang hinaing ng kanilang mga residente ngunit kaakibat nito ay ang mas malalang problema— ang kakapusan sa badyet pampinansyal.

Sa pag-usbong ng problemang ito sa pampinansyal na aspeto, hindi naman tumigil ang pamunuan ng barangay Villa Bacolor, bagkus ay naging paksa ito sa kanilang mga regular na pagpupulong.

Nakita nila ang bawat sulok at anggulo ng lumulubhang kalagayan ng problema sa daan. Bilang tugon, ang mga namumuno sa barangay ay gumawa ng resolusyon upang ilapit ang problemang ito sa mga nasa itaas. Sa ganitong paraan, inaasahan nilang mabibigyan ng aksyon at sila’y matutulungan sa pagsasaayos ng daan.

SA KABILANG BANDA: Nasaan na?

Naging malinaw kung paano tuluyang nasira ang daan pero hindi pa rin nabibigyang-linaw kung saan na nga ba napadpad ang mga ipinadalang resolusyon para sa mga nasa itaas.

Sa paglalahad ni G. Gamueda, sila ay nagsumite ng kanilang resolusyon sa opisina ni dating gobernador ng lalawigan na si Victor Yap ngunit METANOIA

DEVCOM 57

sa ito’y mabigyang-aksyon. Ang mga hinaing ay mananatiling ganito na lamang kung kailanman ay hindi naman ito sasagutin.

Walang aako ng pananagutan dahil maaaring makadumi ito sa kanilang mga kamay pero huwag sana itong maging dahilan upang mas ilapit ang mga residente sa kapahamakan na dulot ng mga butas at siwang sa daan. Ang pagbibingi-bingihan at pagbubulag-bulagan ay kailanma’y hindi dapat maging opsyon ng bawat isa lalo na’t kung ito ay magiging dahilan ng perwisyo para sa iba.

“Isipin niyo ‘yung kalagayan namin kasi iniisip din namin ang kalagayan ng mga mamamayan dito,” karagdagang pahayag ni Gamueda. *** Ang barangay Villa Bacolor ay isang payak na komunidad na kinabibilangan ng mga residenteng mulat sa problema ng kanilang daan. Sila’y patuloy na sisigaw upang marinig ang kanilang daing: ang maisaayos na ang kanilang sirang mga daan nang sa gayon, ang pagsulong ng kanilang barangay ay wala nang balakid o anumang sagabal.

Sa kanilang mga susunod na biyahe, hindi na ang mga butas ang kailangan pa nilang tignan, kundi isang diretsong tingin para sa kanilang nag-iisang destinasyon— isang ganap at masaganang barangay Villa Bacolor.

DEVCOM:

EDUKASYON

ni Creisha Mae Dimabayao larawang kuha ni Audrey Del Rosario

K

ung mayroong sapat na kaalaman at kakayahan ang bawat mamamayan sa lipunan, kaya nitong makipagsabayan sa lahat ng nasyonal at global na oportunidad na maaaring magresulta sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya. Malaki ang ginagampanang papel ng edukasyon sa ating bansa kung kaya’t hindi tumigil ang gobyerno na bumuo ng mga programang pang-edukasyon upang ito ay mas maging abot-kaya para sa lahat ng antas sa lipunan.

PAGTAAS NG PONDO PARA SA DEPED Tumaas ng humigit-kumulang 25% ang kabuuang pondong itinakda ng gobyerno para sa Departamento ng Edukasyon (DepEd) na mula sa ₱433.38 bilyon noong nakaraang taon ay naging ₱543.2 bilyon ngayong 2017.

Ayon sa paglilinaw ni Benjamin Diokno, sekretarya ng Philippine Budget, ang apat na pangunahing pokus na pondohan ng gobyerno sa taong ito ay edukasyon, sumunod ay para sa agrikultura, pagkatapos ay mga serbisyong panlipunan, at huli ay para sa mga proyektong pang-imprastaktura na naaayon sa mga pangakong binitiwan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte noong mga panahong siya ay nangangampanya sa pagkapresidente.

Ang pagtaas ng pondo para sa edukasyon ay may kaugnayan sa K–12 Curriculum (bagong kurikulum ng bansa para sa basic

education na nagsimula noong 2012 sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni dating Pangulong Benigno Aquino III) kung saan magsasagawa ng konstruksyon para sa mga karagdagang silid-aralan, pagbili ng mga bagong aklat, at iba pang kagamitang pang-eskwela gayundin ang pagtaas ng sahod ng mga guro.

Higit pa rito, ang karagdagang pondong inilaan para sa edukasyon ay mapupunta sa pagbibigay ng tulong-pampinansyal sa mga estudyanteng nag-aaral sa ilang mga napiling State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) upang ganap nang maging libre ang kanilang matrikula.

LIBRENG MATRIKULA PARA SA MGA NAPILING SUCs Naging mainit na usap-usapan ngayong taon ang patungkol sa libreng matrikula matapos maipasa sa senado at kongreso na mabibigyan ng karagdagang budget ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) na siyang ikinatuwa ng karamihan.

Gayunpaman, inulan ito ng iba’t-ibang katanungan kaya’t Abril 20 sa kasalukuyang taon, inilabas ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at Department of Budget Management (DBM) ang ilang mga patnubay tungkol sa Free Tuition 2017.

Ang kabuuang pondong inilaan para sa mga SUCs na kuwalipikado para sa libreng matrikula ay nasa ₱8B sa ilalim ng Higher METANOIA

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Education Support Fund (HESF) na ibinase sa estimasyon ng makokolektang matrikula na nakabatay sa mga paggastang inihayag ng mga SUCs sa 2017 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing (BESF) noong nakaraang taong panuruan 2016-2017.

Samantala, malinaw na ipinaliwag ng CHED at DBM sa pamamagitan ng Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1 na tanging matrikula lamang ang kayang akuin ng Free Tuition 2017 kaya naman ang iba pang bayarin katulad ng mga miscellaneous fees katulad ng school organ fees, student council fees, breakage fees at iba pa ay hindi na sakop ng programa bagkus ito ay kinakailangang bayaran pa ng mga estudyante.

Sa kabilang dako, ang mga estudyanteng benepisyaryo ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Programa (4P’s) ay hindi na kailangan pang magbayad ng miscellaneous fees sa unibersidad dahil ito ay sasagutin na ng programa dahil ang pondo nito ay sa nagmumula naman sa ilalim ng Expanded Students’ Grants in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA). Ngunit para sa mga estudyanteng hindi kabilang sa 4P’s, maaari pa ring magkaroon ng pampinansyal na tulong pang-edukasyon sa ilalim ng Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAP’s) sa ilalim ng CHED at SUC’s.

Gayunpaman, muling nirebisa ang ilan sa mga alituntunin ng Free Tuition 2017 nang muling ilabas ng CHED at DBM ang

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1A noong Mayo 18 kung saan nagkaroon ng pagbabago sa maikling mga regulasyon upang mapabilang sa mga estudyanteng makakapagkamit ng libreng matrikula.

MGA KUWALIPIKASYON UPANG MAKASALI Sa taong panuruan 2017-2018, tanging ₱8B lamang ang inilaan ng gobyerno na paghahati-hatian ng 107 SUCs na kuwalipikado sa programang Free Tuition 2017 kung saan ang dibisyon ng pondo ay nakabatay sa nakaraang bilang ng kabuuang nagasta ng partikular na kolehiyo.

Kung susumahin, maaaring magkulang ito upang i-akomoda ang lahat ng estudyante.

Ang sistema ng pagpili ng mga estudyanteng makakabilang sa programang Free Tuition 2017 ay nakabatay sa masusing deliberasyong naaayon sa pamantayang itatakda ng administrasyon ng bawat unibersidad. Ito ang pangunahing nabago mula sa Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1 kung saan mayroong listahan ng mga prayoridad na mabibigyan ng pribilehiyong masama sa programa ngunit sa bagong inilabas na memorandum, hinati na lamang sa dalawang klasipikasyon ang mga estudyante, ang mga continuing o regular student at returnees at new enrollees.

Kabilang din sa naunang memorandum ang mga sumusunod na dokumentong kailangan isumite katulad ng application form, Certificate of Indigency, Income Tax Return, BIR form at kung kabilang ang estudyante sa 4Ps, kailangan din niyang isumite ang 4Ps identification card ng kaniyang magulang.

Gayunpaman, nilinaw nila na ang mga estudyanteng nakakakuha na ng ₱ 15,000.00 pataas na iskolarsyip ay hindi na maaaring makasali sa programa.

TSU BILANG ISA SA MGA NAPILING SUCs Isa sa mga mapalad na napabilang ang Tarlac State University (TSU) sa 107 SUCs sa bansa na mabigyan ng pribilehiyo upang maging parte ng programa. Mula sa ₱8B, makakatanggap ang TSU ng ₱80,413,000.00 o nasa 1% lamang ng kabuuang pondo ng Higher Education Support Fund (HESF) para sa mga SUCs. Ang ibinigay na pondo para sa TSU ay nakabatay sa nakaraang koleksyon nito ng matrikula gayundin ang kabuuang ekspenditura nito sa nakaraang taong panuruan.

Upang ganap na maipaliwanag ang palatuntunin sa mga estudyante ng TSU, inanyayahan silang dumalo sa nangyaring pagpupulong noong Hunyo 22 na ginanap sa himnasyon ng unibersidad sa pangunguna ng Scholarship Unit Office sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Dr. Elsie Canlas. Ito ay nagsilbing paraan upang maipon ang mga interesadong estudyante gayundin ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng tiyansa upang makapagtanong at mas mabigyang-linaw ang mga

80.4 M

Inilaan na budget para sa TSU sa taong 2017-2018

16,000 Tinatayang bilang ng mga estudyanteng mageenroll sa unang semestre

MGA KAILANGAN IPASA PARA MAKASALI SA FREE TUITION AYON SA JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2017-1A

1. FREE TUITION APPLICATION FORM 2. CERTIFICATE OF INDIGENCY O KAYA NAMAN ITR (PARA SA MGA MAY TRABAHO ANG MAGULANG)

alituntunin sa Free Tuition 2017.

Higit pa rito, inilabas na rin ang anunsyong maaari nang i-download ang application form upang makapag-apply sa bagong programa.

Sa kabila noon, iba’t-ibang problema ang sumiklab sa pagkuha ng mga requirements kung saan nakaranas ng hirap ang mga estudyante gayundin ang mga magulang ng mga ito. Upang mabawasan ang mga isinasaalang-alang ng mga mag-aaral at mga magulang, minabuting bawasan ng administrasyon ng Tarlac State University sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari ang mga dokumentong kailangang tugunan ng mga estudyante. Inanunsyong tanging application form at Certificate of Indigency na lamang ang kinakailangan upang hindi na gumastos at mahirapan pa ang mga ito sa pagkuha ng Income Tax Return at BIR form.

Gayunpaman, ang mga alituntuning ito ay nakabatay pa rin sa bagong pamantayang inilabas ng CHED at DBM. UNTI-UNTING PAGBUTI NG SISTEMA NG EDUKASYON Hindi man naging madali ang prosesong pinagdaanan upang maipasa ang Free Tuition 2017, isa pa ring magandang sinyales na paunti-unting nasosolusyunan ang suliranin tungkol sa sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa. Marahil ay mahirap nang mapigilan pa ang lumalalang porsyento ng kahirapan sa bansa ngunit nagsilbi itong napakagandang hakbang dahil nabibigyan nito ng pagkakataong makapag-aral ang lahat ng mga Pilipino nang hindi alintana ang estado at kakayahan sa buhay.

Sa mga susunod pang taon, inaasahang magkakaroon pa ng mas malawakang programang pang-edukasyon sa bansa nang sa ganoon ay tuluyan nang mawala ang balakid para sa lahat ng kabataan na makapag-aral. Bagaman, ang Free Tuition 2017 Program na marahil ay isa sa mga pinakaepektibong paraan upang maiahon ang ating ekonomiya.

Sa huli, ipinahayag ni Senador Richard Gordon na ito ay isang “game changer” sapagkat napalitan na ang ating persepsyon: nagsimula sa imposibleng pangarap na makapagtapos, ngayo’y; abot-kamay na.

DEVCOM:

KAPALIGIRAN

ANG PALAYOK NA PINUNAN NG YAGIT

Isang pagsisiyasat sa mga isyung pangkapaligiran ng ‘Melting Pot’ ni Jan Gusfel Dungca mga larawang mula kay Audrey Del Rosario at sa CENRO

METANOIA

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A

ng lalawigan ng Tarlac ay isang galeriya na bumabalangkas ng mga magagandang tanawin ngunit ito rin ay tila patuloy na dinudumihan ng samu’t saring basura. Ang mga basurang ito ay tila isang memorabilia sa dako paroon—nakasusulasok na amoy, nakapandidiri sa paningin—na siyang sumisira sa imahe ng isang magandang lalawigan.

Kung hindi mapapangalagaan ang bawat bahagi ng isang galeriya, ito ay maaaring maging dahilan upang madungisan ang kabuuan nito. Kaakibat ng problema sa basura ay ang mga sangay-sangay na problema katulad na lamang ng malawakang pagbaha, polusyon sa katubigan at hangin na siyang pumipigil sa pagsulong ng mga sektor katulad ng pagsasaka, ekonomiya, at pangkabuhayan.

Anomalya sa panunungkulan o marahil sa dumi na bahid ng katiwalian—ito ang mga kinakikitaang dahilan ng unti-unting pagkayurak ng masigla at masigasig na larawan ng Tarlac.

Ngunit kahit anong pagtakip sa ilong ang gawin, ang masasangsang na amoy ay bubulusok pa rin.

‘MAY PERA SA BASURA’ Tone-toneladang imported na basura ang naging problema ng Tarlac noong taong 2014.

Ito ay dahil pinayagan di-umano ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) na itapon sa Kalangitan Landfill sa Capas, Tarlac ang 29 na lagayan ng basura na galing sa Ontario, Canada. Sakop nito ang iba’tibang uri ng basura na kinabibilangan ng mga nakababahalang plastic, papel, glass, metal at ang pinakamalala pa rito ay ang mga hospital wastes. Hindi lamang tinaguriang “Melting Pot ng Central Luzon” ang Tarlac sa taglay nitong iba-ibang uri ng tao, kundi buhat ng pagkakatambak ng samu’t saring kalat dito.

Tinatatayang pumalo sa P55M ang nakolektang buwis sa huling kwarter ng taong 2013. Ito’y isang maliwanag na manipestasyon na kasabay ng paglago ng bilang ng mga namumuhunan, at mga negosyante sa lungsod ay ang direkta ring pag-arangkada ng dami ng basura.

Hindi lamang nadungisan ang pisikal na aspeto ng lungsod kundi ang reputasyon nito. Sa pagsasapubliko ng naturang isyu, unti-unti nang lumalabo ang imahe ng inaasam na pagtamasa ng malinis at ligtas na kapaligiran ng mga Tarlaqueno. Unti-unti ring nagiging malinaw sa kanilang kamalayan na ang puno’t dulo ng lahat ng ito ay ang mga makasariling intensyon ng mga taong naghahakot ng salapi habang ibinubuhos ang kalat ng ibang ibayo sa ating lupang tinubuan.

IBA PANG MGA MASAHOL NA SULIRANIN Hindi rin lingid sa kaalaman – o sa pang-amoy – ng mga Tarlaqueno ang pagkakakilanlan ng isa sa kaniyang mga pubic market bilang marumi’t masangsang. Dito magsisimula ang pagkuwestyon ng mga mamamayan tungkol sa kaligtasan ng kanilang mga pinamalengkeng bilihin.

Bukod pa rito, malaking problema rin ang pagbaha sa iilang bahagi ng lungsod buhat ng pagbara ng mga plastic na bumubara sa lalamunan ng daluyan ng tubig.

Subalit ang maituturing na pinakamasidhing suliranin ng Tarlac ay ang hindi pagpapanatili ng displina ng mga naninirahan dito, sapagkat ang lahat ng nabanggit ay buhat ng pagka-iresponsable ng tao sa pagtrato sa kaniyang kapaligiran.

Mahirap hagilapin ang disiplina sa loob ng isang tao, kung kaya’t kailangan na itong daanin sa santong paspasan.

Ayon sa State of the City Address (SOCA) ni dating Mayor Gelacio “Ace” Manalang, naipatupad ang anti-littering program sa ilalim ng kanyang panunungkulan kung saan marami

ang nahuling lumabag at nagcommunity service bilang kaparusahan. Kasama na rin dito ang pagbibigay ng tuon sa patuloy na pagsasaayos at pagsasakatuparan ng Waste Management Plan.

Upang lubos na i-promote ang kalinisan, naipatupad din ang pagpapakalat ng mga basurahan sa iba’t-ibang parte ng lungsod upang lubos na maiwasan ang nakagawian ng mga Tarlaqueño na pagtatapon at pagkakalat kung saan-saan. Ang pakikipagkaisa sa mga organisasyon at mga negosyante sa lungsod para sa agarang pagpapanatili ng malinis na kapaligiran ay isa ring naging hakbang ng administrasyon.

MGA PINANUKALANG SOLUSYON Makalipas ang tatlong taon, sa pangunguna ni Mayor Maria Christina “Cristy” Angeles, ikinasa ang programang CLEAN CITY kung saan naglalayon ito na ipatupad sa kalunsuran ang Republic Act No. 9003 o mas kilala sa tawag na Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Kasabay nito ang paghain sa City Ordinance No. 015-08 o ang Anti-Littering Ordinance.

Ang ina ng lungsod ay nagbigay ng matibay na inisyatibo upang paigtingin ang mandato sa pagpapasimula ng paglilinis ng central business district ng lungsod kabalikat ang grupo ng Linis Bayan na pinangangasiwaan ng City Environment and Natural Office (CENRO).

Mula sa impormasyong nakalap sa pahayagan ng Lungsod ng Tarlac kabilang sa unang 100 araw ay karugtong nito ang pagsasagawa ng ocular inspection sa mga lugar na kinakikitaan ng hindi tamang pag-iimbak ng basura.

Ayon kay Nely De Leon, empleyado sa CENRO, ang administrasyon ni Angeles ay naglalaan ng mga seminar ukol sa Information Education Campaign o IEC na nilalayong himukin at turuan ang mga mag-aaral at ang mga nagtitinda sa pampublikong palengke ang tamang pamamaraan ng segregasyon ng mga basura.

Noong nakaraang taon, nakalikom ang Lungsod ng Tarlac ng humigit kumulang P50M na kita mula sa mga basurang nakolekta sa lalawigan.

Ang tanging pinamamalagian ng mga nakolektang basura ay sa Kalangitan Landfill sa Capas, Tarlac. *** Masasabing malayo na ang naabot ng ating kinabibilangang lungsod pagdating sa kalinisan.

Gayunpaman, malayo pa rin ang kailanganng tahakin upang makarating uli sa punto na ang imahe ng Tarlac ay isa nang imahe ng isang pinapangarap na tahanan; mapayapa, malinis at ligtas.

Sa mga susunod na taon, kaninong administrasyon man ang mamamahala, tiyak na hindi mawawala ang pagpapatupad nila ng batas na pumapatungkol sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan; ang pakikiisa lamang ng tao sa adbokasiyang ito na lamang ang kinakailangan nang maiahon muli ang Tarlac mula sa masahol nitong pagkakakilanlan patungo sa mabangong bukas ng lungsod.

“...ang imahe ng Tarlac ay isa nang imahe ng isang pinapangarap na tahanan; mapayapa, malinis at ligtas.”

METANOIA

DEVCOM 61

DEVCOM:

ETHICS

DISSECTING THE OPPRESSOR FROM PROFESSOR An in-depth analysis on faculty bullying

by Andrea Nicole Sapnu

P

lato was a great thinker who created great thinkers.

He was first and foremost a teacher and has produced the likes of Aristotle, who had exceptional contributions to the field of logic, to metaphysics and to the arts.

This ancient Greek philosopher once said, “Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds.”

People like Gandhi and Mandela, who were great influencers of their time, are shaped within the four classroom walls, primarily. In order to inspire minds is to first have an empowered mind; the harnessing of one’s thinking relies greatly on his teachers.

In life, we come across a wide array of educators. No two teachers are unerringly alike in terms of level of thinking, nor have similar viewpoints as to which strategies can hone their students better. In fact, it is no secret that students have the tendency to establish a hierarchy among their teachers; they decide who they fancy and who goes to the far, opposite end of their list. But it is not all the time that these decisions are made out of sheer bias.

Every classroom is not guaranteed to have a high regard on ethics. Ironically, there are instances wherein the person who is expected to build up one’s morale is the very being that disintegrates it.

Faculty bullying is the continual physical or verbal threatening or exploitation done by teachers to their students. In the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013, it does not exclude authorities in educational institutions. The bill mandates the Department of Education (DepEd) to provide training for teachers and guidance counselors on how to discipline misbehaving students “without resorting to corporal punishment.” However, the bill only covers teachers in the secondary and elementary levels.

Tarlac State University (TSU) currently caters students in thousands. How could one ascertain that no student in this population had gone face-toface with classroom hostility?

The preceding interviews attempt to prove that abusive teachers could still freely lurk in the shadowy corridors of higher education institutions.

Ironically, there are instances wherein the person who is expected to build up one’s morale is the very being that disintegrates it.

IT COMES IN DIFFERENT FACES According to the data provided by the TSU Peer Facilitators’ Circle, a suborganization of the Guidance Office composed of student volunteers, two out of 10 TSUians reported that they have been harassed by their professors— among this small percentage are Mark*, Rachelle*, and Sarah*.

The three emerged from the pits of their silences to speak of their faculty bullying experiences – each a unique (yet disheartening) tale of its own.

Mark* was a classic homeroom example: his name was consistently present in his professor’s gags in between discussions. From the concerned looks on his classmates’ faces that brought up this claim, there was no doubt that the jokes, most of the time, turn to the opposite direction from the professor’s original intent. Mark has self-esteem issues due to the fact that he was most often synonymized with the words ‘swine’ or ‘goliath’ and terms of the like that get uttered in lectures.

Mr. Franklin Manalo, Guidance Counselor of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), explained that bullying occurs to students who are not good at presenting their physical selves in social situations, broadening the chances of them getting called and labeled with horrible terms.

“Humor yung intention pero hindi nila alam na hindi na tama kung minsan. Sa discussions, kadalasan nag-iinsert sila (professors) ng jokes – jokes na sa ibang tao ay nakakasakit especially kung panlalait. And worse, nasasabi pa with wrong choice of words,” the college counselor said.

Rachelle*, on the other hand, had not been tormented with harsh words towards her physical appearance. In fact, she even held the title for an organizationwide beauty pageant, year 2016.

METANOIA

However, based on her retelling of her personal experiences, her relationship with her professors says otherwise.

“Dumating kasi sa point na naging irregular ako tapos nasabihan ako ng prof na bobo dahil lang sa isang subject na hindi ko nakuha,” Rachelle reminisces.

As much as the chances are high for the students from her college to become irregular students, it is also common that professors establish such kind of prejudice against them, similar to what Rachelle narrated.

On the other hand, the most ironic of all cases is that of Sarah*. Who would have thought that students with excellent academic standings could also be a target of prof-bullies?

Sarah eats inarguably high expectations for breakfast, wherein in one of her first subjects of the day, she was pushed by this particular professor to her utmost limits.

“There is motivation that helps and [there is] motivation that intoxicates. Iba ‘yung way ng pagmomotivate niya sa akin kung icocompare sa ibang students na tinuturuan niya. Hindi ako pwedeng magkamali. Imbes na malift-up ka, mas lalo ka pang magkakaroon ng doubts sa sarili mo dahil napupuna niya lahat ng ginagawa mo,” Sarah voices out her dismay.

In addition, Sarah confesses that in almost every meeting with her professor, this is always the scenario (as if the professor does it on purpose). The reason behind her consequent humiliation from this professor remains a mystery to her and her classmates who were witnesses to these instances.

“Power tripping” is what guidance counselor Manalo calls the approach in which teachers or instructors take advantage of their authority to oppress their students, possibly for the reason that some teachers set their standards high and once

DEVCOM 63

these expectations have not been met, manifestations of their disappointments are laid out upon their students.

“Dalawang bagay lang ‘yan, may tendency na mambully ang isang professor either dahil hindi niya tanggap na may weakness ‘yung isang bata or masyadong challenging sa professor ang student na iyon kaya ganoon na lamang ang pagtrato sa kaniya,” he explained.

The insights of professors on a certain student affect the viewpoint of other students upon this child since teachers or instructors are the most dominating personalities in the classroom.

DEAD END TSU Peer Facilitators’ Circle’s Mary Antonette Candela advises that students do not have any other choice but to be emotionally prepared for these situations. Most professors who often commit bullying are considered veterans in the academe, based on the reports they have been receiving from students. These teaching personnel cannot be terminated for the reason that they browbeat students.

She suggested that seminars which help students strengthen their emotions and teach them how to deal with grim situations are necessary. It is not all the time that professors could be sensitive enough to attend to the emotional needs of their students.

However, Sir Manalo advised that students must not be ashamed to voice out their distresses first to the professors who concern them before reporting to higher authorities such as their respective chairpersons or college deans.

If all else fails, he emphasized the difference one could make when he learns to empathize with a troubled colleague.

“Lahat ng tao, may kahinaan kung kaya’t marapat lang na intindihin natin ang bawat isa, sa halip na hamakin pa natin sila lalo,” Counselor Manalo concludes. *** Education is an arrow shot to the void of ignorance and it is crucial for our teachers to help us understand the best ways to hit the target. After all, behind every remarkable individual in history is a stimulating and morally straight teacher.

Literary

NATAUHAN

JANELLE PAMELA DAVID

hindi ko maiwasang isipin: hindi ba nagsasawa ang mga tsuper sa paulit-ulit na ruta? hindi ba sila nainggit mag-abot ng bayad? o hindi ba sila nagsasawang magbigay ng sukli o anong nararamdaman nila kapag may nag wa-wanturi? hindi ba sila naiirita sa paghihintay? o baka naman gusto nilang maranasan ang ginhawang hatid kapag nasa dulo ka ng jeep? o ang kaba o hiya kapag ikaw na ang natitirang pasahero? hindi ba sila naiirita sa ingay ng barker o sa isang grupo ng kabataang nagtatawanan? gusto ba nilang maranasan pumara o makalibre ng pamasahe maka discount? makapag muni-muni? o magkaroon ng ka-sparks sa jeep? andami ‘kong naiisip naagawan tuloy ako ng pasahero

AMBULANCE ISAIH KYLE UMIPIG

I am a good reader until the word ambulance— just like how it was written on the vehicle— is just like how I read this sentence: “?aixelsyd morf gnireffus I mA”

METANOIA

LITERARY 64

HONDA

EROPLANONG PAPEL

ANDREA NICOLE SAPNU

CREISHA MAE DIMABAYAO

‘Pag nilabas ko na ang aking Honda sa kalsada, sabay sabay silang dudungaw

Sampung taon na rin pala simula nang umalis sya, Ngunit hanggang ngayon siya’y hindi pa rin Bumabalik, ni nagpaparamdam.

May halong pagtataka’t pagkamangha sa mga matang kaniyang napupukaw.

Umulan siguro ng malakas noon, Kaya’t unti-unting natunaw at nawala Ang nasakyan niyang eroplano, Na maaaring gawa lamang sa papel.

Kasabay ng paglaho ng bawat ala-ala na kasama si Inay.

Ngunit gaano man kaakit-akit ang aking Honda, walang sinumang magtatangkang magnakaw Pati na’rin kay Suzuki, kay Toyota, at iba ko ‘pang mga kalabaw.

THE DISTANCE JOAN ROBIN MARTINEZ

It takes 5 hours to get to where you are Over the distance were trees and greens fields and cars, busses and trains Sometimes I think of colors as passing time Leaving traces on papers, canvass, sheets And when the sun shines through a hole in the sky I forget about the colors and think of you instead the many places you said we’d go to whenever we meet Thinking back, if I added all the distance I’ve travelled just to get to where you are I could have used the miles to go to the moon and back.

SIX PM T RAFFIC ANDREA NICOLE SAPNU At maghahangad, ‘pagkat kahit banayad ay umuusad

METANOIA

LITERARY 65

graphics by Kenneth Leo Pamlas

South From

o t h t or N

by Isaih Kyle Umipig graphics by Kenneth Leo Pamlas

Dear

South,

There’s no absolute reason to miss you at all.

We talk too frequent. We know each other a lot and most of all, we are but just tiny personified locations who can see each other.

It’s kind of difficult to look for someone who would respond on all your words. So, thanks to you, South. I will always be grateful for talking to me whenever I’m in need of someone to talk to or whenever I feel low. Solace and self-assurance are the best things I can always perceive in every conversation we had in every hour and every minute.

If I would talk about how well you’ve changed me as a person, a sheet of paper will never be enough to list all the good things down. I cannot write as well. Why would you write things that aren’t needed to be enumerated? Being able to feel and appreciate those things are, I suppose, can suffice everything that is needed to be written down.

Remember when we said “Hi” and “Hello” for the first time? Well, that time is where I actually started to grasp a link between us—the link which I will not imagine to be slashed.

Indeed, days of talking can make you realize the things from biggest into the microscopic one.

Thank you for making me realize that I do not have to please everybody to see contentment and satisfaction with things. Who cares? People only care when it concerns them. Thank you for enlightening me when everything seems dimmed; thank you for illuminating my almost-turned down cerebral lamp shades.

As days go by, I’m getting more and more attached with you, the idea of you. I am now singing the chorus of Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You because I think I’m in love. And so I keep holding on to this unfathomable feeling.

We still talk everyday but solace and self-assurance are not the things I can perceive anymore; it is just insecurity which eats me up wholly.

I don’t know if this is love or but just a product of self-doubt. I’m gradually changing myself and I realized this is not love. It is not love when you change yourself just to fit in. And that is just okay.

I am just okay. I learned and thank you!

And there, there is really no absolute reason to miss you at all. We talk too frequent. We know each other a lot and most of all, we are but just tiny personified locations who can see each other. But we will never ever meet.

Thank you! Know that I’ll always be here.

Always yours (but not really),

METANOIA

SHORT STORY 66

North

Head start SPORTS EDITORIAL

W

ith only a few months left to go before the next State Universities and Colleges III (SUC III) Olympics launches, the university’s finest athletes have started with their new and improved training regime with hopes of reaching the top three spots in the region. One could truly argue that preparation is half the battle.

The university’s varsity team has already started on their new training program with hopes of climbing to the top of the SUC III leaderboards. This serves as a preparation for the next iteration of the annual inter-school Olympics that the university takes part in. But with higher goals come harder challenges; something that the Firefox does not shy away from.

Harnessing the university’s training and conditioning program along with the strengths of the athletes participating, TSU Firefox bagged 4th place in last year’s SUC III Olympics. A great feat, but more can be expected as new training practices and programs are put in place for the athletes to push their strengths and coordination to the absolute limits; A small price in trying to get to the top.

Another factor to consider is the influx of new athletes coming for the different colleges offering new vigor and a chance to continue the legacy of their graduated predecessors.

Although pressure to be the best that the university expects from them along with the

expectations in training and playing consistencies set by their more experienced peers, these new players offer something new to the table when it comes to the university’s climb to the top of this region’s sport rankings. Rising above the pressure put above them could be the key to ensuring their climb to the top. New blood could be the lifeline of this overall gold endeavor.

Although a significant number of great athletes graduated this year, new blood is pumping as new athletes came into the team along with a new training regime focusing on developing speed and power such as plyometric workout where an athlete will exert his/her maximum muscular power to develop speed and strength, something that is essential in getting a playing edge in games. More varied and focused workout regimes for various athletic events such as different workouts for endurance running and sprint events are also put into place as more exact physical needs arise for better athletic performance from the athletes; tackling a precise need with precision training which is yet another factor that the university is looking into.

Positive feedback from the athletes regarding the new training and conditioning program and adjusted training calendar is a substantial step in the right direction because proper focus on the players will prove to be METANOIA

SPORTS 67

an effective tool in acquiring proper training while pushing athletes to their absolute limits within the limits of their health and well-being.

Although looking quite promising, one must also remember that this is a new technique in training put into action by the Sports Development and Management Office and that fine tuning to fit the University’s sporting needs should be expected because not everything is perfect the first time around. Proper execution of this new style could be the difference that the Firefox team is looking for in securing their spot on top of the sporting echelon in region 3.

Much like any other orchestrated plan set into motion, not everything will be perfect and not every detail will be put into focus. Considering this, early tests and exploration of different drills, coaching techniques, instructions, and exercise routines are essential in dialing in the minute details of this new play by the SDMO. Although taking up a considerable amount of time, these fine adjustments could prove to be invaluable in setting the proper scenario where the athletes get to show their honed skill and strength in the playing field.

The statement “preparation is half the battle” could very well be true considering the amount of new groundwork set by the management. It is only a matter of time before we will know for certain if this new technique has paid its dividends.

SPORTS FEATURE

From Playground to World Stage:

by Lander Victor Tejada

METANOIA

SPORTS 68

B

ack in time, what completes one’s childhood, aside from getting hits from parents, is playground. And when kids get on the playground, it’s a no-brainer to play tag or habulan.

Sometimes, parents would even join the chase but with a twist – to completely eliminate their child from the game. For parents, tag is merely a game and a waste of time.

Who would have thought that the most played game of children could make its way into professional sports?

Chase Tag has recently become an internationally-recognized sport. It is now played in various countries and its league is growing quickly.

Does Chase Tag have what it takes to be a global phenomenon… again?

FOUNDATION The story began in London when Christian Devaux, a British, was doing a little gardening in their family home just outside Windsor, England. He wanted to bond with his son and came up with the idea of playing tag in the gardens. As they played, the intensity increased and so are the rules – they added a timer, then obstacles like garden rubbish, benches and bins. Devaux realized that chase tag could be a sport, like basketball and football, so in 2014, he submitted a patent for the sport, then arranged its first event that summer.

“We had meet-up sessions in Hyde Park with a bit of barrier tape and then into parkour gyms, and then we built our first course,” Christian says.

The interest in chase tag grew after the local game in Hyde Park. Athletes and traceurs (practitioners of parkour) wanted to join the league, driving Devaux to create worldchasetag.com to allow players to sign up. The World Chase Tag® was born.

The World Chase Tag® has a simple mission – “to reinstate chase tag to its rightful place as the most recognized and popular sport in the world.”

“The wider pool of people we can get involved, the more techniques and tactics are going to improve,” said Devaux. “In 10 years’ time, when kids have grown up playing the sport, it’s just going to get better and better, as people’s experience improves, the quality of the athlete would improve.”

THE GAME Since Chase Tag is a sport, it has its official gameplay. It has four variations: (1) Team Chase Off, (2) Multiplayer, (3) Singles Chase Off, and (4) Chase Off - Winner-StaysOn. Each of these variations has its own rules.

In Team Chase Off, two teams of four or up to six athletes battle through pre-determined number of sets, which are further divided into ten or sixteen 20-second chases. Each chase has one chaser and one evader from opposing teams, and the player who wins stays as the evader for the next chase and the player who loses gets replaced by a teammate who comes in as the new chaser. A point is only awarded to a team when their player evades the chaser for the whole chase. A The team that scores the most points within the pre-determined number of chases wins the set, just like in volleyball.

In Multiplayer Chase Off, four athletes brawl in four 40-second rounds, with each round beginning with a different player on default tag. The player with the lowest accumulated tag-time (time as the chaser) wins.

Singles Chase Off is a showdown.

Two athletes duel in rounds, and the first to accumulate 10 points (and also two points ahead of the opponent) wins. Each 20-second round is divided into two periods where each athlete takes its turn to be the tag. A point is awarded for a successful tag and another point for the athlete who wins the round. If both players were tagged in each period, the player who scored the faster successful tag wins the round.

Chase Off – Winner-Stays-On is for juggernauts. It can be played by three or more athletes in either a pre-determined number of rounds. Like in Team Chase Off, the winning player of each chase stays as the evader and scores are only awarded for successful evasions,

not for a successful tag.

The rules of the game prohibit tag-backs – the situation when the chaser tags the same evader that last tagged him/her – to avoid perpetual slapping and poking (just imagine Filipinos playing the game if tag-back is allowed). Dangerous play is also prohibited, and tags are made with hand taps. Punching to score a tag is, of course, allowed in boxing but not in Chase Tag. Players are bound to play within the arena (not a ring) and should a player step outside it, he or she is tagged.

The game also has its own terms, aside from chaser and evader. Jacking means bending over to avoid being tagged, juking means faking or quick changing of movement (like in DOTA or League of Legends) to lure the opponent to the opposite direction.

Juking is also the counterpart of cross-over in basketball. There is also a term for a perfect game in Chase Tag – a Clean Game. It means a player is not tagged for the full duration of a game (his Accumulated Tag-time or time as a chaser remains zero).

Chase Tag requires speed, agility, and great stamina, that’s why most of its players are parkour practitioners. Power is also a must have to jump over tricky obstacles in the arena.

Playing Chase Tag is like going in the wild, and you get the chance to be either the hunter or the prey. As a chaser, you have to run like a cheetah, leap like a cat, and sting like a bee. As an evader, you have to be as calm as a butterfly, keen as an eagle, and either as nimble as Tinker Bell even if your chaser hits like a bus.

A GLOBAL PHENOMENON

If Chase Tag continues its current trend, in less than ten years, it may be one of the major sports events in the world and it could even make it to Olympics. It can open new possibilities for students who are good tag players when they were children. Schools and Universities may even offer scholarships for Chase Tag athletes, just like any other athlete.

Also, tag is known and played in every place in the world, and it can be considered an old common factor, and may even pave the way towards a stronger bond between nations.

Countries who could not send athletes to Olympics may be able to train their own professional Chase Tag athletes, because training for the sport is not expensive for it requires simple equipment.

Now that tag is now recognized as a professional sport, it is set to reclaim its rightful place as the most popular sport in the world.

No parent can ever say to their child that going out and playing tag is a siesta time wasted again.

Chase Tag requires speed, agility, and great stamina.

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SPORTS COLUMN

How to be a student-athlete?

OF SPILLED INK AND RANDOM THOUGHTS

Creisha Mae S. Dimabayao | BSBA Major in Economics

S

abi nila, hindi mo alam ang pakiramdam ng isang bagay hangga’t di mo ito nasusubukan, pero bakit kaya usong-uso sa atin ang magkaroon ng stereotyping pagdating sa mga student-athletes? Kadalasan, nababansagan silang mga “cool kids” o “mayayabang” dahil na rin siguro sa mga sports attire at sa mga pormahan nila. Cool nga ba talagang maging kagaya nila?

Bukod sa pag-aaral, isinasalang-alang din ng mga student-athletes ang trainings at practices na kinakailangan nilang isingit sa mga iskedyul nila. Paano kaya nila pinagbabalanse o hinahati-hati ang oras nila?

Lahat tayo ay nabibigyan lamang ng bente kwatro oras sa isang araw at ipagpalagay mo na kung isa kang ordinaryong estudyante, ang bente kwatro oras na ito ay kulang na kulang pa para matapos ang lahat ng mga school works kaya naman kadalasan ay nag-oovertime ka pa para lang matapos ang mga ito at makapagpasa sa deadline na ibinigay ng professor mo. Isipin mo kung atleta ka pa, makakayanan mo kayang tapusin ang mga ito?

Tanging ikaw lang makakasagot ng mga tanong ko. Ang punto ko dito, madalas nagiging mali ang pananaw natin tungkol sa mga atleta. Yung iba, maaaring nasasabihan ng maangas, mayabang, at kung minsa’y sobrang taas ng tingin ng iba sa kanila, kasi nga “mga athletes sila”.

Hindi natin nakikita ang mga sakripisyo’t pagod nilang ginagawa hindi lamang para sa kanilang mga sarili, kundi para na rin makapagbigay ng karangalan at tagumpay sa unibersidad.

Hindi kailanman naging madali para sa mga estudyanteng atleta na pagsabayin ang academics at trainings. Parehong utak at katawan ang napapagod sa kanila tuwing palapit na ang kanilang laro o kom-

petisyon, kung kaya’t hindi nila maiwasang lumiban ng kanilang mga klase upang makapag-ensayo ng puspusan. Kadalasan pa’y kailangan nilang mag-aral ng mga leksyon mag-isa. Malas pa nila kapag nakatagpo sila ng mga propesor na wala ni katiting na pang-iintindi, hindi ba?

Ganon pa man, may mga benepisyo naman silang natatanggap mula sa unibersidad kagaya ng scholarship at allowance kada buwan; ang kondisyon ay dapat hindi bababa ng 12 units ang mga subjects na ipapasa nila sa bawat semestre. Ang grade incentives naman ay nakadepende na sa diskresyon ng kanilang mga kani-kanilang mga guro. Sa kabuuan, pare-pareho at pantay-pantay ang tingin at trato ng mga guro sa kanilang mga estudyante sa loob ng silid-aralan, varsity man o hindi. Walang special treatment.

Cool pa kaya iyon?

Cool pa kayang mag-cram sa mga leksyon at makiusap sa mga prof na mag-eexcuse na hindi makakapasok dahil sa intensive training? Cool pa bang kalabanin ang limitadong oras upang sabay na tapusin ang lahat ng mga school works at mag-ensayo?

Sumatotal, mahirap maging varsity player dahil marami ang mga bagay na dapat isaalang-alang at isakripisyo, kaya’t marapat lamang na makuha nila ang sapat na suporta at gabay mula sa mga opisyal ng unibersidad nang sa gayon ay magkaroon sila ng sapat na motibasyon upang mas pag igihan nila ang kanilang ginagawa, gayundin ang konting konsiderasyon ng mga propesor sa kanila.

Subalit hindi ito sapat upang konsintihin sila sa tuwing napapabayaan nila ang kanilang pag-aaral, dahil kahit saang anggulo mo ito tignan, mas importante pa rin ang edukasyon

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kaysa sa paglalaro ng isports dahil ito’y kabilang lamang sa mga extra-curricular activities. Marapat lamang na pag-igihan din nila ang kanilang pag-aaral para sa kanilang sariling kinabukasan. Sa parte ng isang student-athlete, tama’t matalinong pagbabalanse lamang ng oras ang kinakailangan. Marahil mahirap, pero kung may sapat na determinasyon at kagustuhan, ito ay kakayanin.

Cool nga bang maging student-athlete? Ang sagot ay oo, cool ngang maging student-athlete dahil na rin sa kanilang kakayahang pagsabay-sabayin ang mga buhol-buhol na gawain na maaaring may koneksyon sa pag-aaral o sa kanilang nabibilangang isports. Cool dahil sa kabila ng kanilang busy schedule, nagagawa pa rin nilang makihalubilo sa mga kaibigan nila, at magkaroon ng magandang relasyon sa kanilang pamilya. Hindi lang cool, kundi kahanga-hanga ang kanilang ipinapamalas na pag-uugali.

Ang pagiging student-athlete ay isang magandang kombinasyon ng determinasyon, pangarap, at gayundin ang pagsisikap para magampanan ang kanilang kailangang gawin.

Balanse. Marahil yun lamang ang kailangan nating maabot sa pang araw-araw na buhay natin sa pagiging estudyante, atleta man o hindi.

1

“Cool pa bang kalabanin ang oras gayong ito ay limitado lamang?”

S ’ X O F E R I F

T S E N I F T A LOOK INTO WHA BURN MAKES THE FIREFOX

H

by Richmon Cayabyab no, nza photos by Pauline Grace Ma Audrey Del Rosario & Isaih Kyle Umipig

ighly proficient, incredibly competent and extremely driven; let’s look at what keeps the Firefoxes blazing through the nitty gritty theatre of various inter-school competitions.

HARDCOURT HEROINE (COED) From practice teaching to B-ball practice and everything in between, find out what makes the COEd Basketbelle tick, on and off the hardcourt.

OFF THE STARTING BLOCK (CASS) Nail biting finishes, check. Action packed pool races, check. Anime and comic book movies, check. With that out of the way, let’s dive into Renz Christian Co’s thoughts and how he makes waves; on the pool and in school.

FORMIDABLE POISE (CBA) Behind his steely façade, Ronan Isaac Abagat shows us his lighter side as he opens up about training, hardships, inspirations, and love for Rap music while showing that not all that we see is what we get.

FEET OF FURY (COENG) Action packed fights and

METANOIA

kicks with massive might shape his game. Now, we find out what gives Elijah Rubi a kick while playing and kicking his heart out.

THE ART OF THE SWING (CAFA) Arnis is the game and Jhoanne Halon is the name. Take a peek at how architecture shaped her studies and how arnis gave her the fighting edge fitting of a true MVP. OF JOKES AND JUMP-KICKS (COS) From quick jokes to quicker kicks, we get upclose and personal with Jennifer Sagun of the College of Science to find out what keeps her in fighting form: on the mat and while on class.

SERIOUS SPEED (CCS) A man of short phrases and even shorter sprint times, Gwen Bautista speaks about his goals, focus, and time management that help him stay a few steps ahead of the competition.

THE POWER OF PRECISION (CPAG) On point arrows and answers are coming ahead when we take a look into Divina Mappala and what makes her the Katniss Everdeen of CPAG and a prime National SCUAA candidate.

SPORTS 71

College of Computer Studies’

GWEN GWEN BAUTISTA BAUTISTA

Interview by Jan Gusfel Dungca

ATHLETICS

H

ow did your athletic journey begin?

“Athletics has always been my first love. Although I did indulge in Swimming somewhere in the timeline of my high school years, I ended up being a track athlete in college. I would even consider trying Triathlons only I don’t have all the time in the world.”

Give us your playing role model “Aside from Usain Bolt, the current world record holder, who is obviously every track player’s idol, I have no other playing role model than myself. I believe that my competence is enough to consider myself as such.”

How do you find the balance between academics and sports?

“Cliché as it may sound but it’s really all about time management.

You mustn’t always risk one of this two things for the other.”

Describe your team’s training routine “Yung mga seniors naming ang ginagawa naming motivation. The goal is to always defeat them in trainings. That keeps the spirit of the competition ablaze and at the same time, we acquire techniques from them, helping us to grow stronger.”

Any pre-game rituals you do for good luck?

“I’m not much a believer of ‘good luck’ and such things. I believe confidence is the way to go. As long as you are confident that you can win, you’ll win.”

What is your edge among other track players?

“Perhaps the years of experience. I’ve been playing for 5 consecutive years.”

What keeps you lose?

going even when you

“I always remember that everything I do, I do for TSU.” What is the first thing you would do after you’ve won the Olympics?

“The medal and the honor; I would dedicate the fruits of my hard work to those who’ve stuck behind me during the ups and the downs of my life. These people are comprised of my parents, my coaches and my friends. I would be more than glad to have my victory shared with the people I treasure the most.”

Can you describe the SDMO’s accommodation to athletes this year?

“One word: great. From the allowances to gears to equipment to moral support. One TSU athlete couldn’t ask for more.”

Describe the proper relationship between coaches and athletes.

“You should always know when to draw the line between when to be serious with your coaches and when to treat them as if they are your friends. It’s all about balance.”

Any instances where running away is considered the right thing to do?

“Nagiging tama ang pagtakbo mo ang isang bagay kung tama rin ang mga dahilan mo.”

Enumerate strange/weird facts about you.

“I happen to eat Salagubang sometimes. Haven’t you tried it yet?

During my childhood we used to catch Salagubangs in the rice fields. It is a good source of protein, plus it tastes exactly like chicken. I also tried the Kamaro, even frogs.”

Aside from the track, where else are you running away from?

“I’m currently attempting to somehow run away from time. There are times I wish I could stop time. Soon, I will be graduating and my days of being an athlete are numbered. After graduation, I will be focusing on finding a job, and I will no longer be able to spare time for my sport.”

As an MVP, do you ever feel pressured by the expectations?

“Of course, knowing that Ma’m Salangsang is giving the full measure of her efforts for the benefit of the athletes, automatically, we must give back with the same intensity of effort by bringing home countless awards. This is why I always strive for the Gold.”

What does it take to “Lagi ka dapat magandang halimsa’yo. “

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be an MVP? nagsisikap na maging bawa sa mga susunod

College of Engineering’s

ELIJAH RUBI

Interview by Creisha Mae S. Dimabayao

TAEKWONDO

W

hat are your goals for your upcoming game?

“Just to get another chance to fight. Joining the varsity team wasn’t really my goal at first I just wanted to have good grades. But there was a vacant category so they put me on the team. There’s pressure since I reached nationals but since the whole team wants to qualify, I guess there’s less pressure for me.”

What is your training regime?

“Ngayong midyear kapag Monday yun practice namin 10:00am12:00pm tsaka 2:00pm to 4:00pm pero madagdagan pa yun depende sa schedule namin kasi may mga nagsusummer din samin. Kapag regular sem, ganon din. Magte-training kami, kunwari 6:00pm to 8:00 pm pagkatapos ng klase namin. MWF o everyday. Pag nagte-training kami, minsan seryoso pero minsan naman pag relaxed, may bonding parin kasi ine-enjoy lang namin yung training para ‘di maano [maramdaman] yung pagod namin” What are your plans for the upcoming extramural?

“I’ll be contented when I give my best at the games” In what ways are you a team player? What is the event that really pushed you and your team to the limit?

“Basta pag nagte-training kami, ine-enjoy lang naming. Tapos namotivate kami [lalo na ako] nung matalo kami nung lumaban kami sa SM Pampanga, kasi nung una di naming sineseryoso tapos naramdaman namin na gusto naming manalo after nung laro, pero nakapasok naman kami sa finals nun.”

How do you handle defeat in games?

“Yun una ko kasing laro, hindi pa sa SCUAA, sa SM Pampanga yun.

Hindi namin masyadong sineryoso kaya napagalitan kami. Yun coach kasi namin di naman mahilig magmotivate, parang magagalit siya, tapos pag nagalit siya parang yun na rin yung way nya para magmotivate. Tsaka nauna yun kaba ko kasi yun yong una kong laban sa college level sa labas ng Tarlac.

Nung matalo ako, hindi naman ako napanghinaan ng loob kasi alam kong yung nakalaban ko nun magaling talaga, black belter na yun e. Tsaka okay lang matalo basta alam mo na ginawa mo yung best mo. Tsaka kapag napagalitan ka, i-take mo yun as motivation.”

How are your acads?

“Ayun lang, [laughs] nung first year, di pa ko part ng TSU Taekwondo Team, okay pa naman. Kaso ngayon, mahirap din, mahirap i-balance rin kasi minsan, gusto mong magreview kaso pag-uwi, matutulog ka nalang sa sobrang pagod.” tinanong ko anong sabi ng parents nya…

“Hindi naman gaanong nagalit ‘yung parents ko. Hindi naman nila sinabi na tigilan ko, pero hindi naman sa okay na okay pero di naman din sa hindi okay, nasa gitna lang. Basta sabi nila ayusin ko

na lang sa susunod. Tapos niloloko lang din ako ni mama ko, sabi nya yuck bakit ganyan grade mo [laughs]” tinanong ko rin kung hanggang kailan niya pagsasabayin ang taekwondo at acads…

“Pag fourth year na ko, magla-lie low na ko pero depende, kung siguro kung nahihirapan na talaga ako [sa acads] titigilan ko muna ‘yung pagtaTaekwondo. Mas importante naman yun pag-aaral kesa sa paglalaro.”

Give us your playing role models.

“Parang wala, yung intensyon ko lang naman kasi noon ay maglaro lang, hindi ako sanay, takot akong lumaban. Tsaka sumama lang ako sa mga barkada ko nun nagte-train sila, yun lang kasi yun gusto ko nun, training lang, hindi lalaban” What is the first thing you would do after you’ve won the Olympics?

“Magpapa-thank you sa mga naging past na coach ko. Tapos ang una kong pagsasabihan na nanalo ako ay si mama ko. Kasi simula nung naghigh school na ko si mama ko lagi yung nakakasama ko.”

Describe the proper relationship between coaches and athletes. Do you think you have this relationship?

“An athlete shouldn’t be scared of his coach. He should have respect and at the same time, be comfortable with his coach. Communication should be a priority and being disciplined by the coach is fine as long as the athelete takes it as positive reinforcement. When our coach gets angry, we listen and take it as a lesson to improve ourselves.”

When it comes sa pagmomotivate/pagsusupport sa kanya…

“Sisigawan ka talaga nya. Sasabihin nya, ‘bat di mo ayusin?’, yun tinuro ko sayo ana bat di mo di ginagawa. Sinasabi din niya madalas ‘bawian mo sya, di ba binugbog ka naman nun, ibuhos mo sa kalaban mo’ parang ganon.”

What does it take to be an MVP? “Para sa iba, MVP ako dahil sa achievements ko, yung nananalo ako sa Taekwondo, tapos siguro kasi varsity ako tsaka nakapaglaro ako sa Nationals, pero sa sarili ko, MVP siguro ako dahil pursigido ako at passionate [sa paglalaro]. Tsaka yung laro ko dati parang wala lang, ngayon ‘yung laro ko hindi nalang siya basta laro. Naging passion ko na yung paglalaro ng taekwondo.”

2 random facts Elijah is a Fan of 5SOS band.

Serves as a youth choir in a catholic church in Maliwalo.

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College of Architechture and Fine Arts’

JHOANNE HALON ARNIS Interview by Andrea Nicole Sapnu

L

et’s begin with the basics. Why, in the first place, did you choose arnis?

“In high school, I used to play taekwondo until I got injured and hospitalized. I have no idea how such trauma did not stop me from playing, especially when I learned that slots for university arnis players are still available. I signed myself in since both are under martial arts. It’s the force of its gravity that keeps pulling me in. My parents didn’t know back then.”

Any pre-game rituals you do for good luck?

“My rituals consist of fidgeting in hopes that the anxiety and the urge to throw up shakes off as well. I spare a few minutes for a joke or two to relieve the tension, but usually a prayer before the game sets everything straight.”

How do you handle defeat in games?

“Sportsmanship is key. It is one value we as athlete should always remember although we are in the midst of wanting to break down. Either way, I have supportive parents to vent out to in times of victory or loss.”

What “Ang sa’kin. I am scholarship play arnis. defeat, for

keeps you going even when you lose? larong arnis ay hindi lang sport para passionate with what I do. Set the aside and the perks, I would still Nothing can stop me, not even loss is just a part of life.”

How do you find the balance between sports

and acads? How would you link your course to your field of sport?

“It’s all about saving a portion of your energy after training for drawing plates for my architecture courses. Some people find it ironic how despite the fact that I might sprain my hands and have my subject requirements risked, I still pursue my game. What they are oblivious of is the fact that I am indeed mindful of my actions.”

Advice for the aspiring arnis players?

“Huwag silang mahihiya. Walang kahiya-hiya sa arnis. Push away the thoughts of arnis being a weird or unusual sport. Arnis is a form of martial arts, and it doesn’t only help you maintain your physique but teaches you how to defend yourself.”

Ever applied your arnis tactics in real life?

“Only for self defense. Hindi dapat ginagamit ang arnis sa mga kaaway mo kahit inis na inis ka na sakanila.”

What are your goals for the “What’s the use of a rigid main target? Of course, goal. It’s what I’ve been last SCUAA. The Nationals What does it take to be “It requires a great focus; to be able to on your game without your academics on ‘Student’ comes ‘Athlete’. Always best.”

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upcoming games? training if the gold isn’t the the gold will always be the preparing for since my bronze is the next big thing for me.” an MVP? amount of concentrate putting the line. first before strive for the

College of Science’s

Interview by Joseph De Jesus

JENNIFER SAGUN TAEKWONDO

W

hat is your goal for the upcoming games?

“We’re planning to achieve gold in this year’s SCUAA.” Any pre game rituals you do with your teams?

“We do a bit of warm up before the game and then we pray. Minsan soundtrip din pampatanggal ng kaba ganun.”

Describe yung team’s training routine.

“Pag weekdays ng klase, gabi po from 6-9pm dito sa pavilliob or sa gym ganun. Kapag training is training time. Kapag joke is joke time talaga.”

How did your teammates help you to develop your character?

“Syempre bilang team at friends, mga barkada mo na rin sila, kapatid mo na rin, kapag lumalaban ka, napapalakas nila yung loob mo e, kaya nasisispa mo ng maayos yung kalaban mo (hahaha)” So, you want to to continue your sports after graduation?

“Tulad po ng mga ate at kuya naming nag-graduate, tinutuloy pa rin nila yung paglalaro. Nakaka-inspire din na sa kabila ng pagtatapos nila, tinutuloy pa rin nila yung pagiging player.”

As a team player, are there times that you almost quit?

“Madalas po, oo. Pero syempre nakita mo naman yung paghihirap nung coach, paghihirap ng trainor, paghihirap din ng mga kasama mo, syempre lumalakas din yung loob mo para hindi isuko yung laban” What is your message to other players who are also experiencing this kind of feeling?

“Siguro maging matatag sila sa training, lakasan pa nila yung loob tska maging masipag lang. [laughs]” How do you handle your losses?

“We’re not unbeatable. Kapag natatalo, sasabihin ng kasama mo, “okay lang yan, may next time pa. Galingan nalang natin.” So next time we play, we’ll give even more of what we got. Para naman mabawi mo yung pagkatalo mo nung last na game.”

“Joker po kasi ako [laughs]. Madalas napapatawa ko sila kaya lumalakas yung loob nila dahil sa kaka-“sige kaya mo yan ganyan ganyan” ganon ko. Yung pagiging masayahin ko minsan siguro nadadala din nila.”

How do you handle acads with sports?

“Naka-balance naman po yun e. Sabi kasi ni Ma’am Salangsang, “unahin niyo yung pag-aaral niyo. Syempre kapag nabagsag nyo yan dahil sa ganyang reason niyo, pano naman yung pag-aaral niyo” Kaya kapag laro, laro. Yung sa acads, acads.”

What can you say to people who can’t appreciate a student-athlete like you in acads?

“Yung iba kasi, ang nasa isip nila “sipsip” ka ganun. Yun lang yung sasabihin nila kasi porke player ka, di mo na inaayos yung pag-aaral mo.

Siyempre kung sila yung athlete, malalaman nila kung pano kontrolin yung pag-aaral at pagiging player.”

How did you start playing Taekwondo?

“Nung high school pa kasi ako nag-start na ako sa Taekwondo, e. Hindi pa ito yung una

kong gustong sports talaga. Badminton yung gusto ko noon pero nung nakita ko yung training nila nung high school pa ako, parang nagustuhan ko rin ang Taekwondo.”

After a win, what do you often do?

“Siyempre masaya sa damdamin. Napakasaya. Kahit sino naman magiging proud sa’yo kapag nalaman nilang nanalo ka. Kaya next time, mas pagbubutihan mo pa para mas lalo pa silang maging proud sa’yo. Una, magpapasalamat ka muna sa Kaniya, kay G [God] tapos sa mga kasama mo. Pagkatapos, party!! [laughs] ganun.”

Describe the proper relationship of the whole team, of players, and of coaches.

“Si coach kasi at si trainor, strikto yan e kapag training. Training is training, sabi nila. Naka-set aside yung joke time. Mabait naman sila at maalaga, di naman sila pabayang coach, o pabayang trainor.”

What does it take to be an MVP? “Bilang napiling MVP, nakakaproud din kasi sa lahat ng players sa college namin, malaking bagay yun na nakakaangat sa sarili mo. Di ko alam kung ano yung nakita nila sakin [laughs], sa kabila ng kakulitan ko, di ko man maiisip na ako yung pipiliin nila e. Siguro, nakita rin nila kapag training namin.”

What do you think is you edge to other players of Taekwondo?

“Sigruo yung pagiging jolly. Nakikita ka nilang masaya siguro. Kasi minsan, nakikita ni sir, sasabihin na lang niya bigla, “andiyan na naman yung daga mo,” [laughs]. Dinadaan na lang sa saya.”

How does the SDMO handle the team?

“Binibigay naman po nila mga needs namin, mga gamit at sakanila rin po galing yung scholarship kaya malaki po yung pasasalamat namin sa kanila.”

Have you ever tried to prioritize sports over acads?

“Nung una, mas pinili ko na po yung pag-a-aral ko kesa sa training kasi nahihirapan po ako nung una e. Kaso sabi ni Mam Salangsang, may ibibigay silang bagong routine para sa laro at sa pag-a-aral kaya ayun - noong una po kasi walang scholarship e kaya nung sinabi nilang ganun, sayang din yung pambayad kaya grinab na yung training tska yung pagiging student.”

What is your advice for your younger teammates?

“Nakikita ko naman na pursigido silang magtraining e, sabi ko, kayo na ang sususnod na maghahawak niyan kaya pagbutihan niyo para mapanatili natin yung pagiging champions sa college natin.

Agree naman sila samin.”

Will you still fight and kick even if there are no more awards and rewards?

“Sa laro namang yan, di naman kasi kailangan lang yung award. Basta alam mo sa sarili mo na nagawa mo yung tama at yung nagawa mo yung gusto mong sipa. Ganun. [laughs]” Any inspirational message for students who want to also try sports?

“Kala kasi nila mahirap, pero kapag nasanay naman sila madi-discover naman nila na sa una lang pala mahirap. Kasi hindi naman totally mahirap agad e, syempre step by step. Ganun lang yun. Siguro, simulan nila sa training, hanggang sa masanay sila.”

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College of Public Administration and Governance’s

DIVINA DIVINA MAGPALA MAGPALA ARCHERY

Interview by Joan Robin Martinez

H

ow do you balance training and academics?

I spend my vacant times training. When it comes to Academics, I try to catch up to my subject whenever I can with the help of my professors.

What do you prioritize more?

“Siyempre pag-aaral parin. Kasi mahirap tapusin [yun]. After naman ng pag-aaral pwede mo balikan yung archery if ever gusto mong magkaroon ng sariling profession sa pagtuturo ng archery.”

Will you pursue archery as a profession [player]?

“I want to share my expertise with archery with other students here in tarlac who also want to learn the sport”.

You mentioned your trainer, do you consider him as your role model?

“Oo. Siya yung macoconsider ko as a role model kasi sa lahat ng naexperience namin mula high school hanggang college nasubaybayan niya, yung paghihirap namin. Sobrang bilib ako sa pagiging tatay niya sa amin at the same time trainer and coach namin.”

What is your training regime?

“Nakaschedule siya depende sa time availability. Basta three hours na body conditioning. Tapos ‘pag malapit na yung SCUAA, dun namin binubuhos lahat. Malayo palang, sinasanay na namin yung katawan namin. Importante sa aming mga archery [players] na continuous yung muscle memory namin. “ What types of mental trainings do you do?

“Yoga. More on yoga.

Before din kami magcompete parang nageevaluate muna kami sa training namin, nag-oopen up kami. Kung ano yung mga hindrances namin sa laro at kung ano yung nagdidistract sa amin. Ginagawa namin a day before [yung match]. Iniisip mo nalang yung laro mo, ano yung kailangan mo gawin bukas. Focus.

Do ever feel pressured or stressed having to deal with the expectations on being an athlete?

“Very. Since our sports gear costs so much, TSU really expects us to step up. Inaasahan ng TSU, ng org namin na sana man lang may patutunguhan yung binili samin.”

How do you deal with that? How do you overcome it?

“I’ll try to put them aside [distractions].

Ang iniintindi ko nalang muna yung pagtratraining ko; because thinking about t h e

pressure really hinders you from reaching your full potential.”

How do you work as a team despite participating in games as individual players?

“Oo [we work as a team], kasi pag alam namin yung isa na nagkakaroon siya ng doubt sa sarili, mali o pangit yung tira niya, sinasabi namin “ok lang yan”.

Hindi namin sinisisi yung bawat isa. Kasi ang turo kasi samin ng trainer namin: ienjoy lang yung game. Wag masyadong competitive. May sportsmanship. At the same time, yung commitment mo as an athlete andun din.”

What is your most memorable match?

“National SCUAA. Hindi ko din ineexpect kasi nung regional, pang-apat ako sa ranking na napili na lalaban sa nationals. Ang nangyari [sa nationals] ako yung nagrank one.”

How do you deal with instances of defeat?

“Stress eating. Sasabihin ko sa sarili ko ok lang yan. Parang evaluation na din kung ano yung nangyari sa game bakit ako natalo. Tapos, inaaccept ko kaagad then move on para the next time go ulit sa game.”

What keeps you motivated to keep going?

“My family talaga. Kasi masaya na din ako pag nalalaman ko na proud sila sa akin. Namomotivate ako sa reason na yung mga kasamahan ko din kung gaano nila pinopursue na may parang legacy sa team namin. Siyempre si God, ever since naman, si God.” Do you have plans in competing at the Olympics?

“As a player, as an athlete, dream ko din na mailaban sa Olympics. Pero mahirap kasi [yung competition] sa amin. Kung gusto mo naman sumali sa [ ganon], mahirap lang kasi, mahal yung gamit eh, kaya kailangan may sponsor ka talaga.”

What is the first thing you would do after you’ve won the Olympics?

“Magpapasalamat ako kay God, first of all. Second, sa parents ko.

Yung mga sumusuporta. Una muna, magpapasalamat ka sa lahat bago ka magcelebrate. After magthank you, celebration.”

How to be you po?/ What does it take to be an MVP? “Basta mahalin mo lang yung ginagawa mo as an athlete, mahalin mo yung laro mo. Magkaroon ka lang ng tiwala sa sarili mo at sa mga nagguguide sayo: Marami na akong narinig na discouragement pero I take it as encouragement. Kahit ilang beses kang madodown o matatalo, go pa din. Ok lang yan. Merong times na iiyak ka sa mga situation na hindi mo kaya, hindi lang as a student-athlete or bilang estudyante mismo, anak, siyempre halo-halo yan eh. Pray lang.

Iiyak mo. Tapos kung andun ka na mismo sa game, yung iisipin mo nalang is anong gusto mong mangyari. Yung goal mo, bakit ka nandoon.”

College of Arts and Social Science’s Interview by Richmon Cayabyab

G

RENZ CO SWIMMING

oals for upcoming games “As a team, we’re planning to qualify for the nationals as a team, not individually. Last SCUAA Olympics, only some players from our team qualified. We’re planning to change that and compete and give our all in Antique for the next games.”

Training regime?

“Kapag available yung pool sa Lucinda at camp Aquino, we do water training. Kapag di namam available, nagco-crossfit training kami dito sa SDMO.” Rituals for good luck “Prayer lang at mindset na ibibigay ko na lahat ng kaya ko. Ayokong umabot sa finish line at maisip na meron pa pala akong maibibigay na todo.

Una palang nasa mindset ko na na ibibigay ko yung 101% ko.”

Has it helped?

“Oo, malaki. Lalo na sa swimming, milliseconds lang ang difference ng first at second. Minsan, sa touch lang ng swimmer sa end point. Kapag di mo nabigay yung full potential mo, parang nahuhuli ka pa since di mo binigay yung “last push”.”

Plans for games “Start training as early as possible. It’s happening right now dahil nagtatrain na kami since june 1. Medyo nahihirapan kami sa pool dahil sa letters pero gumagawa kami ng paraan tulad ng crossfit pag di available yung pool.”

What ways are you a team player?

“Probably because I believe that I need to push myself and my team to the limit. And the mentality that we’ll be making the Firefox team a force to be reckoned with.”

Event that pushed you to the limit.

“SCUAA regionals this year as a team, nung nationals naman as an individual. Napush yung limits ko dahil sa sobrang hirap ng training sakin ng coach ko.”

Has this paid off?

“Oo, lahat naman nag pay off kasi sa regionals first time kong sumali tapos first time ko ring mag-gold. First time kong manalo ng individual event sa swimming kasi dati nananalo naman kaso bronze palang at relay pa. ganon din sa nationals, first time tapos nanalo pa. worth it talaga.”

How do you handle defeat?

“Di ka naman talo kapag naghirap ka talaga. Talo ka lang kapag alam mo na may pagkukulang ka. Tanggapin at baguhin mo nalang kapag natatalo ka. “ How do you keep your team’s morale up?

“Lagi naming tinatandaan yung past. Dati 1 minute yung time namin tapos ngayon, nasa 40 seconds na lang. masasayang lahat ng pagod namin kung titigil lang kami. May progress na, ibig sabihin, may kaya pa. may ibubunga naman yung pinaghihirapan.”

Acads?

“Lahat naman passing grade at nakapasok pako sa quota ng psychology.

Kinabahan ako kasi akala ko, may mababagsak akong minors at akala ko

magsa-summer pako pero buti nalang walang bagsak.”

Priorities in acads and training “Dapat talaga inuuna yugn acads. May times na may mami-miss kang discussions tulad nung sa SCUAA lalo na pag mismong laban na, one week kang mawawala lalo na sa quizzes so ang ginagawa namin, nakikiusap kami sa prof kung pwedeng i-retake nalang namin para makahabol sa grades. Most of our professors are understanding minsan pinapahabol nila kami at nagbibigay sila ng incentives” Playing role model?

“Sa mga swimmers, halos lahat kami si Michael Phelps. Classic kasi kahit malakas na sya, di sya tumitigil sa training. If I remember correctly, may time na sa isang buong taon, wala syang training day na na-miss. Nakaka-inspire na sya, nagawa nun, bakit kami, hindi namin magawa. Sya Olympic winner na, nagta-training parin tapos kami, SCUAA palang, tatamad-tamad na. I think magandang role model samin si Phelps.”

First thing to do after winning the Olympics “Magse-set nako ng bagong goal ko para mas matuloy mo yung improvement mo. Laging magset ng goal after goal after goal. Dapat lagi kang may pinaghihirapan para mas magbunga.”

Proper relationship with coach and athlete “Most of the time, ang problema lang yung pagkawala ng respeto sa coach. Di na sinusunod kasi nawawala na yung takot nila. Tinuro naman samin, kapag walang training magka-kaibigan kami. Kapag nasa traning, training lang, dapat may professionalism since coach niyo sya, sundin nyo sya.

Kung di nnyo balak sundin, bat pinili nyo pa?”

Do you have this relationship?

“Yes. Actually out of training, we’re all still friends. But limitations are set when it comes to training such as no joking around. Yun yung example na maayos yung relationship namin sa coach namin which is Coach Rick Portez.

Kahit di na namin sya official coach, we still ask for tips and tricks when it comes to conditioning and workouts.”

What does it take to be an MVP? “Di ko expect na magiging mvp ako. Humility. Maging humble pero kapag may challenge, dapat may ilalaban ka. Tahimik dapat pero palaban parin.

Humble in strength dapat.”

3 random facts Renz is a Fan of the Flash series along with naruto, and one piece. A pretty big Sci-fi fan.

“I can’t sing and I can’t dance. (laughs)”

METANOIA

SPORTS 77

College of Education’s

CARMELA CUELLAR BASKETBALL

Interview by Isaih Kyle Umipig

Y

ou are already a practice teacher (PT) for the next semesters; would you still play for the team?

“Yes.” What are your goals for the upcoming game?

“Our game plan is to exert more effort in our trainings because for the upcoming SCUAA, our target is to finally get the gold. Last year, we got silver.”

What is your training regime?

“Before the training proper, we do stretching, running, and our drills.”

Any pre-game rituals you do for good luck?

“Nagpe-pray kami bago kami sumabak sa game. Naglalagay ako ng ring sa daliri ko [sa kamay] kahit naglalaro ako kasi feeling ko kapag nilalagay ko ‘to sa daliri ko, hindi ako nahihirapan mag-dribble. Lumalakas ‘yung loob ko.”

Describe your team’s training routine.

“This mid-year, we have trainings during Monday and Saturday but when the regular classes finally approached, our routine will change as well.”

What are your plans for the upcoming extramural?

“To finally get the gold.”

On a scale of 1-10, how dedicated are you on your trainings as a preparation to get the championship?

“10. Kasi talagang gustong-gusto namin makuha ‘yung gold. At yun nga, dahil madami ‘yung nag-graduate sa ibang schools or universities, kailangan namin ng todo training para makuha namin iyon.”

In what ways are you a team player? You are a team captain; do you also consider yourself a member?

“Of course, because the things they do as a member are the things I also do as a team captain.”

What is the event that really pushed you and your team to the limit?

“Yung sa last SCUAA. Kasi nga ‘yung dalawa naming kasama, hindi sila nakapaglaro so sabi ni Coach Jeff sa’min na ituring namin ‘yung mga sarili namin na parang mga lalaki. So ayun, lumakas ‘yung loob namin para itodo namin ‘yung lakas namin as a team.”

“Parang ‘yung hindi pagkakataon ng dalawa na makapaglaro ang mas nagboost up pa samin para lumaban.”

How do you handle defeat in games?

“We accept defeat because we know we have inadequacies. In every game, you don’t always win. Sometimes, we just think something is not enough that’s why we lose a game.”

What keeps you going even when you lose?

“They say, believe in yourself because once you lose, that’s the time you get more challenged to improve for the next games.”

How do you keep your team’s morale up?

“As a team captain, for example, mas mataas na ‘yung score ng kalaban, ina-advice ko sa kanila na kahit na matalo na kami sa game na ‘yon basta ‘yung offense at defense namin, maganda siyang

nakikita.”

How are your acads?

“Okay lang siya. Pumapasa naman lagi.”

What are your priorities in training and acads?

“Same lang kasi sabi ng dating coach naming na si Sir Dennis, hindi ka magiging athlete kung hindi ka student. Kailangan daw certified student athlete ka. Balanced lang.”

Give us your playing role model.

“Si Terrence Romeo at saka si Arwin Santos. Na-inpire ako sa kanila kasi sobrang galing nila sa paglalaro ng basketball. Minsan kumukuha rin ako ng moves nila tapos ina-apply ko sa mga laro namin.”

What is the first thing you would do after you’ve won the Olympics?

“Magpapasalamat kay God, kasi tinulungan niya ako para manalo.”

Describe the proper relationship between coaches and athletes.

“Kailangan nating respetuhin ‘yung coach natin or trainers. Kahit na kaclose mo ‘yung coach mo, kailangan mo pa rin silang irespeto. Hindi porque ka-close mo sila, hindi mo na sila igagalang.”

What is your coach’s advice?

“Ang laging ina-advice sa’min ni Coach Jeff, ‘yung DISCIPLINE. Kasi hindi naman kailangan ‘yung sobrang galing sa paglalaro, kailangan mo rin ng disiplina sa sarili.”

Do you think that you have this relationship with your coach?

“Yes.” Are you in a relationship?

“No.” In case, how would you handle the love triangle between acads, sports, and love life?

“Okay din naman ‘yun. Kung ‘yung sa academics at sa trainings namin, nai-balance ko; kaya ko ring i-balance kung kasama pati ‘yung love life.”

What does it take to be an MVP? DISCIPLINE “Meron. Kasi kapag sinasabi nila sa’min na ang training namin ay 8 am, pumupunta ako ng mas maaga at masasabi kong doon pa lang, makikita na natin kung ang isang athlete ay may disiplina.”

COMMITMENT AND PASSION TO BASKETBALL “Oo. Since first year high school ako, sports ko na talaga ‘yung basketball.”

SPIRIT OF GOD IN PLAYING “Oo. Kailangan ng presence Niya para manalo ka.”

What can you advice to the aspiring basketball players?

“The only thing I could tell them is that, if you really wanted to learn a particular sport, you need to have hard work and perseverance. The most important aspect an athlete must possess is discipline. You will not achieve your goals if you don’t have such.”

METANOIA

SPORTS 78

College of Business and Accountancy’s

Interview by Gianne Merielle Gonzales

RONAN ABAGAT ATHLETICS

W

hat are your goals for the upcoming games?

“Syempre training, training pa. Ang next laban sa December, may 6 months pa kami so dapat may continuous training kaso di ako makapagtraining dahil injured ako.

Dalawang braso, shoulders, elbow and likod. Balak ngayong summer magpapatherapy muna ako and then training kapag nakarecover na ako. Goal ko talagang makapaglaro sa December.”

What is your training regimen?

“Sa umaga 5:30 nasa San Isidro na kami or sa TRP. Warm-up muna gaya ng jogging at stretching tapos puro drills ng leg workout then drills sa throw sa Javelin, Shot Put tapos pahinga.

Any Diet plan?

“Sakin kasi sa laro ko, gaano karami kainin ko okay lang mas maganda pa nga kung ganon pero kung sa mismong laban na, control conditioning na. Kung dati two rice ngayon one rice na lang.”

Any pre-game rituals you do for goodluck?

“Nakikinig ng music. Particularly mga kanta ni Eminem, and yung remix ng Don't let me down haha mga pampagana lang tapos nagdadasal para di ma-injured.”

What is the event that really pushed you to the limit?

“Last SCUAA, lumala yung injury ko kaya nagpatherapy muna ako. Kaso nga lang dahil doon parang nawalan ako ng pagasa dahil kulang talaga sa training and may injury pa ko. I remember na hindi ko maangat itong [braso] ng maayos ko.

Is it also the memorable one?

Oo, Pinakamemorable yun dahil nung sa national. Two weeks preparation lang pagtapos ng regional pero ni isa wala akong training. Ang ginagawa ko nun apat na araw na takbo, jog lang tapos wala na. Hindi ko inexpect na mananalo pa ko kasi bago laban hindi ko maangat yung balikat ko, parang may naiipit. Nung gabing yun, nagdadasal ako, “ano kaya gagawin ko?” umiyak talaga ako nun kasi madami talagang umasa and sinusoportahan ako lalo na family ko. Then yun, haha nagchampion ako. Di talaga ako makapaniwala nun na nagawa ko.

How do you handle defeat in games?

“Malungkot ako syempre, ang hirap lang pero sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na may isa pa akong laro. Oo and nagsestress eating din pala ako punta akong SM then kakain lang ako. Iniisip ko na lang mayroon pako isang laban” What keeps you going even when you lose?

“Iniisip ko na may laban pa, may susunod pa.

Gusto ko talagang maging the best

gusto ko lagi kong nabibeat ang sariling record ko.”

How are your acads?

“Medyo mahirap pagsabayin. Pero syempre inuuna mo yung studies. mahirap. buong araw ka ng nagaaral tapos may training ka pa. Kailangan mong bawasan yung social media and social life. Dapat mabalance sa sports and acads.

Give us your playing role model.

“Lebron. Nakakamotivate lang yung mga sinasabi niya. Binibigay lahat ng makakaya niya sa mga laro parang ganun din ako yung hindi uurong para manalo. Pati rin yung mga Filipino athletes na nakikilaban sa ibang bansa nakakainspire kasi ako din gusto ko ganun.”

What is the first thing you would do after you've won the olympics?

“Ibebenta yung medal? Haha joke. Celebrate. Tatawagin ko sina mama sasabhin ko na natupad na yung pangarap ko na maging the best sa buong mundo.”

Describe the proper relationship between coaches and athletes.

“Communication. Then kailangan ano mang sabihin ng coach dapat sumusunod yung players. May discipline, may focus kayo sa isang bagay na gusto niyong mameet.

Do you think you have that relationship?

“Oo, naguusap naman kami ni Sir Fabian and nagkakaintindihan naman kami.”

What does it take to be an MVP? “Syempre kung MVP ka, champion ka dapat role model ka sa ibang tao.

Kapag training, training. May initiative.”

If Javelin wasn't your sport then what will it be?

“Chess, chess talaga ako nun. Yun nga lang nabored ako then siguro basketball.”

What is one thing you do to get motivated?

“Iniisip ko na yung kalaban ko nagtatrain tapos ako hindi, ganun. Ako mismo minomotivate ko sarili ko.”

If you have the opportunity to share your life with MMK, who would be the best actor that can portray you?

“Gerald Anderson? Kasi fan din naman siya ni Lebron so okay lang haha” Weird facts about you.

“Lebron James.

Di ko siya ipagpapalit kahit kanino.”

“Sobrang hilig ko sa fishball, di mabubuo araw ko kung di ako kakain.”

“I can't swim.”

“High School Musical, i'm a big fan.”

METANOIA

SPORTS 79

metanoia

The Official Magazine of Tarlac State University - The Work write. move. initiate.

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