ABOUT THE COVER We look away from the crimes we’re all aware of. This society grew with the mindset that everything’s alright as long as they can get away from its consequences — turning a blind eye for the unpunishable sins they create. However, this mindset turns out to be a support for a much bigger crime. Some live in the world of lies and loopholes while some grew childish to develop a sense of responsibility. They would laugh at the crimes they passed through for now but all actions have its own consequences and it will come back to you at the right time. Immaturity and undeveloped sense of responsibility; that’s the unpunishable crimes present in our society. Ignorance is never an excuse to get away from your sins.
CS WIZARDS EDITORIAL BOARD (2018-2019) Sharah Marie SD. Catiis Editor-in-Chief Pauline Van C. Calla Associate Editor Anna Mae DC. Cruz Managing Editor for Administration Kate Bianca C. Valencia Managing Editor for Finance Den Marie Joy L. Pe Editorial Head JC Gabriel M. Linao Art Director Francesca Marie R. Rivera News/Features Editor Jose Enrico D. Coronel Sports Editor Micka M. Victoriano Development Communication/Literary Editor Gemma S. Villafuerte Photojournalism Coordinator Renzo Rey M. Agustin Graphics Coordinator Olivia T. Cabigao Cartoon Coordinator
EDITOR’S BLOG Our age is our protection. They take us for granted, so in return, we deceive them. We blind them with our bright smiles, and supposed innocence. We led them to believe that they control us, but we are the ones who manipulate the game. Getting away with murder is as easy as breaking a heart. Tearing someone’s life apart is just like shredding a piece of paper. We always live in the now, offering dumb excuses as our alibi. But karma always catches up. Not now, but it will—while you are peacefully sleeping in your bed, or currently celebrating your success. You can never runaway. Even if you claim that your sins are only juvenile.
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Table of Contents OPINION
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Editorial Ang Inosenteng Solusyon sa Rurok ng Kayamanan: RA 9344 Wayward Erroneous Paragon Uncensored MagnaClandestine Unravel One in a Million Impuissant Songster Crestfallen Curious Cat Quandary
NEWS
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A New Beginning Revealing the Development Plan of BulSU Campus 2 Lose Sight ROTC GOES WRONG IN PREPARING FOR RAATI
DEVCOMM
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SCIENCE
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Scalpel No More Reshaping the Surgeon’s Future Slowly Drifting When Water Gets Thicker Than Ice
LITERARY
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Tarnished Maidenhood Barong Tagalog
SPORTS
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The Art of Touching the Sky Behind the Antics of Skydiving
ENTERTAINMENT
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Horoscope Fact U Comics
Anghel na walang langit Pagsilip sa kalagayan ng mga batang inabandona
Paul Albert G. Dignum Senior Artist Aira Isabelle A. Dario Fatima Asad E. Hezeta Senior Photojournalist Rome R. Moralina Rochelle Ann T. Linga Marisol C. Manzon Louise Lane Bernardino Staff Writer Riggo Miguel G. Legaspi Kathrina B. Marcelino Photojournalist Miguelito C. Balon Sherwin P. Hinoo Artist George Christopher A. Pahl Leon Anthony S. Tiquia Lay-out Artist
FEATURE
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BEHIND THE SCENES Untold Stories of Students Who Chose to Play it Dirty Honing the Future Hopes The Tools to Youth Suffrage Importance What’s next? The Recipe of Reality of BulSUans after college Suck it up Entering the Jaw-Dropping Reality of the Alter Universe 56 A Guide for The Filipino Youth Identity Not Found An Eye Opening Journey of Growing Up Clé1: MIROH Into The Jungle Called Adulthood
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EDITORIAL
Ang Inosenteng Solusyon sa Rurok ng Kayamanan:
RA 9344
Pumutok ang araw May panibagong alingasaw Mga sabi-sabi ng matatanda Na kinatakutan mo noong bata Merong pinahayag na balita Ngunit wag ka nang magsalita Sapagkat wala na itong bala Sa mata ng matatanda, ito ang tama Na sa paglubog ng buwan May pamumuhay na iaalay dahil kailangan Para raw sa ikabubuti ng karamihan Nagdesisyon ng walang pakundangan Mga tenga ay nakatakip Ayaw nilang pakinggan Na ang kainosentehan ay hindi na dahilan Upang maabswelto sa kapariwaraan Sa pagkidkid ng tali na ginamit Upang ang krimen ay masupil Ay ang nakakatawang parte ng istorya Ang mahihirap lang ang masasakdal Sa mga kasalanang maaaring hindi sila ang bunga Sapagkat hindi nila gusto ang mapariwara Ang mapasa ilalim ng mga parak Dala lamang ay kautusan mula sa nasa itaas Yung sinusunod sa itaas Na hindi naman kayang gumabay Ang gusto lamang ay mag pasarap Sa limpak limpak na salapi sa harap Nagmula sa dugo’t pawis Ng normal na mamamayan kahit may hinagpis Na maaaring maging biktima ang sariling pamilya Sa pagkilatis na sa pag turo ay hindi papalya Ang mga taong ito Ay magagaling na manghuhula Hindi ka pa nasisilayan Kapalara’y naka ukit na sa palad Kaya bata-bata matakot ka Dahil hindi na ito laro, ang parak ay parating na Sapagkat sakit ay hindi kayang gamutin Ikaw ang gagamiting solusyon sa atin. Ang isipan mong walang malay Ay hindi naman dapat isalalay Pasensya na kung ang laro sa lansangan Ay habulan sa mga taong isusukol ka Na imbis na ikaw ay protektahan Ikaw ang gagamiting panangga Sa mga balang sila rin ang nagsimula Sapagkat sila ang may kayamanan Patawarin sa hindi pag lingon Kung paano ka bumangon Sa yong pagka dapa Tulong ay hindi na nahahagilap pa Magtuturuan at magmamalinis Sapagkat sila raw ay hindi naman dapat malitis Na ang kakulangan ay hindi sa kanila Kung hindi dahil sa mahirap mong bayan na kinalakihan
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WAYWARD
ERRONEOUS PARAGON
Why Playing Safe is Actually Dangerous
Variegated as One Pauline Van Calla
Sharah Marie Catiis
chose the safe choice. Here I am now—a graduating BS Mathematics student. I don’t want to discuss what happened but here I am now. Every single one of my teachers from high school doesn’t really believe that I would make it out alive. For four years, the thought of shifting is always on my mind. Imagine a girl, who got an average of 89% as her final grade in Mathematics when she was in high school, taking up a minimum of 6, maximum of 12 units of Mathematics per semester. Sounds cruel? Well, that’s good to hear because it’s true. For the first time in my life, I was forced to focus my effort and energy into something that I hate. Failed exam after a failed exam, I felt so broken knowing that I could be somewhere else. Reviewing for long hours only to fail, pretending that I didn’t study because I am ashamed to admit that I did when my test papers says I failed, and laughing off my failed exams just to cry it all out at our house when no one is around. It became an unending cycle; I can’t get out of it. During the last four years, I failed to see why I am now this anxiety-filled mess. The reason why I am now uncertain of my own future is because I chose to play it safe. I didn’t even try to speak what’s on my mind because I was afraid of what other people will do. Every day, I try to suppress the self-loathing led by that one wrong choice that I made four years ago. Like Burr, I once said the line, “I wanna be in the room where it happens.” But I was terrified to enter the room because someone from the inside might kick me out. There is bound to be someone better than me that can snap me out of that place anytime. I picked this course because at least I now have a sorry excuse for being incompetent and mediocre.
If you stand for nothing Burr, what will you fall for?
Last year, I came across the musical entitled Hamilton. It is a two-act play that features the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of United States of America’s founding fathers. Oddly enough, I felt more connected to the musical’s villain, Aaron Burr. He’s one intelligent lad but he finds it hard to stand for what he believes in. He just goes where the wind will blow. But once he finally makes a stand, he was poisoned by his own ambitions that led him to commit murder. When I was in 4th year high school, I was given two choices: fight for my dream course, or study the less risky, less expensive, and parent-approved course? Back then, I believed that I can make it as a writer, but like any other 15-year old kid, I was shit-scared to go against my parents’ wishes. The fear of not being able to continue to college is paralyzing. That is why I 06
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The fault is on me, and I now intend to make it right.
I will try to follow my dreams more. I will not play it safe anymore. I will try to be more like a Hamilton than a Burr. Like Alexander said, “You don’t get a win unless you play in the game. Oh, you get love for it, you get hate for it. You get nothing if you wait for it.”
I am done making safe choices.
Staying safe might be good for now, but it will definitely harm you in the long run. Make a stand. Pick what you think is worth fighting for. Sure, there might be bumps and monsters ahead, but as long as you get a clear picture of where you want to be, you will surely find the key to the room where you belong.
See you in the room where it happens.
Not every sight can be seen. Sometimes your eyes are more useful when they are shut. Have you ever felt the strange stares raking over your body, as if all the substances that made you human are being scanned, judged and treated like an outcast just for the reason that your appearance doesn’t tick all the boxes to fit the society’s standards? You may not have those moments, but who are you to judge? We might not care about these things but there are people who suffered the stab of the judgemental society we live in. People who struggled to keep their heads up from the glare of the world. Selflove maybe the key to shun the criticisms, but it’ll never be easy. In this era where pictures define your personality, people only judge based on their own standards. It’s hard to be pretty enough. You would walk wearing comfy clothes then you’re judged as a slacker, fashionable clothes makes you a show off, more pieces of clothing make you too conservative and wearing less is asking for it. It may not be like in the earlier era when racism rules the world but it still happens even in a third world country like the Philippines. In our country, we seem to be disgusted of our own distinct appearance, that’s why people spend fortune just for a nose job, and a porcelain skin. Various filter applications are in demand just to produce a photo that is decent enough to the eyes of many. Skin care became a virtue. Here, being called native is an insult but it shouldn’t be. “Ang itim mo naman muka kang Badjao”, “Ang Bisaya ng porma nito!” those are the usual slap of the society when someone isn’t looking the way they wanted. No one ever thinks that being a Badjao is hard enough—they didn’t chose
to be deprived of what the cities have to offer. Badjao people are known as the “sea gypsies” but they are treated as if they are scums. It doesn’t occur to us that even though they don’t have the luxury like ours, they work harder than we are able to. If the situation will be reversed, and you’re the ones living their lives, how would you feel? You think that fair complexion is beautiful while Caucasians spend hours in beaches just to get tanned. You think skinny is perfection while models are deprived of tasty foods causing them anxiety and poor health. Just like how you think that people in Visayas look unkempt but most of the successful Filipinos are from there too.
hard to let others see the beauty in you. It’s mind over matter; if you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter. If the world gives you lemons, add some sugar and make some lemonade rather than sulk over the sourness. You may have been through a lot and no one might understand that you’re in your lowest, but why stop fighting now, when there’s nowhere to go rather than upwards and forward? Wake up that inner tiger, love. Believe in yourself the way others can’t even with your eyes shut.
Racism rules the society’s perception of beauty. Having a different race from the greater portion of the society you’re with seems like being inhuman, and having unique appearance than the ones we’re used to is being ugly. That should change. Innocent kids should see the beauty in everything rather than having a perspective filtered by the cruel stereotyping of the society. Children should enjoy the privileges of innocence where their parents appreciate what they do and love their appearance as well. They don’t need various videos in the internet telling them what is the standard of beauty, that wearing make-up conceals your imperfections. No child should carry the burden of feeling less than who they are—same goes with anyone. Believing you are perfect even if no one agrees isn’t vanity— it is acceptance. Wherever you look, there will be a pair of eyes that will judge you and try to rip off your confidence that took years to build, but it wouldn’t matter if you won’t let them. If you couldn’t accept yourself, how can others do? If you see the good in yourself, it wouldn’t be JUVENILE
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UNCENSORED
The Law of Total Madness
Anna Mae Cruz
The enemy has been slain.
I’m not a fan of Mobile Legends or any mobile games, but I’ve heard that line multiple times already, and I’ve always wonder who’s the enemy. Teenagers are the most complicated human being alive. One moment they’re so afraid to commit mistakes, then another moment they decide without thinking much. The shift between teenage years to adulthood is a long process, although if we do the math, it only lasts for a few years. It is the feeling of being in-between, where you’re stuck with being “too old for that” or “too young for that” I’ve been into Kpop lately, and my Kpop boys are nonother than, Stray Kids. They have this song from their pre-debut album called “Grrr The Law of Total Madness” and the lyrics are good. I got curious with the song’s message so I did some research. Felix-ology explained on Tumblr, that the song wanted to convey that even if you pulled a lot of bullshit in your teenage years, it’s okay because it is a part of growing up.
“I’m just going through some change. Adults who don’t understand think I’m a delinquent,” the lyrics said. Adults from the older generation often say that the behavior of the current generation are way too different from before. But being different doesn’t necessarily translate to being bad. Although, I must admit that some of these traits are not something to be proud of, adults must admit too that they can’t be right all the time. On the other hand, change can be fatal. Change sometimes comes from a decision, but there are some changes we could not do anything about. Since majority of us will be graduating this June, we will be facing a sudden change. We might think that we’re not yet ready, but we are. We just have to think that we are. The pressure might burn us, but let us use the flame as light. On the process of change, fear will come. It holds us back. We don’t step out of our comfort zones because we are afraid, so we settle and not change anything at all. We gave up our dreams because of fear. The fear of rejection, of being not good enough, of failing, of being different. But that’s the reason why they can’t achieve their dreams after all, they are cowards. I had my own share of fears. I’m afraid I might say something wrong while reciting so I never raise my hand when the teacher asks. I’m afraid I might disappoint the people around me if I never landed a job right after graduation. But all these fears are all in our imagination. We make our fears happen if we let them. “Now I can’t even sleep. My pillow should be soft but instead of a cushion, it’s a mountain of books.” Studying can be stressful, especially if you’re a twenty-year-old graduating student doing thesis while at the same time is a member of a student publication who works 8 days a week. We have different weights of baggage, and what makes it heavier are us doubting ourselves. It’s stressful to think about the next step, right? Deciding on which road to take as early as now. To be honest, there are a lot of job opportunities out there, but that’s not the question here. The real deal is whether you’ll be accepted to your dream job. And why would you ask this kind of question? The answer is simple. Self-doubt and overthinking. Self-doubt is the prelude to overthinking. When we start to doubt ourselves, we’ll overthink, and then a lot worse will follow. We might think that we’re not skillful enough, that we’re lacking, that there’s someone who’s better and the company might pick him over us. I will not lie to you, that’s true. No one is skillful enough, everybody needs constant improvement. All of us are lacking in some aspects, no one’s perfect. Someone is better than us, but you know what? We have to work on that. Knowing all of that should make us more competitive. But I’m not asking you to compete with others, you should compete with yourself.
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We are up for a challenge. We can’t decline the invitation to play. We can’t have teammates; we have to face this alone. Fear, self-doubt, and overthinking. The enemies. We should continue fighting so that you can declare in the end that our enemies have been slain. JUVENILE
MAGNACLANDESTINE
Opposition of the Sun and the Star
Kate Bianca Valencia
“You only live once,” a phrase I kept considering inside my head. During the early days of my life, as a child, I am careful with what I should do. I was scared whether I would get skinned knees or bleed whenever I play recklessly. My parents would even hate it if I do get one but they still let me play under the sun. There are days I am too brave to want to try things but my parents would say no just because my safety is not promised. You see, I live with strict parents and I grew up sneaking around— and that probably made who I am.
what is right because of their peers pressuring them. The wrong feels so right because they’ve got people who makes them brave enough to do something unusual. So the next time you want to do something so big and your parents say no, think again because they are probably giving you an advice, and not an order. Mae West once said, “You only live once but if you do it right, once is enough”
Sometimes, I see someone and I see them getting along with their parents and living their life the way they want and I get envy, envy for the things that person could try and I can’t. They can get drunk and go home late because their parents let them. They could live a life like a bird who can fly free without limits. Some teenagers younger than me are getting a chance to hang out with their friends till late at night or just go somewhere far and get wasted but their parents would not even care. Truth is, even our own parents get to experience a life as tough or strict as it could be, and in their mind it could come out well if they do the same, or they just simply don’t want you to do the same mistakes they did. Modern days has come and it is true that you can’t learn without your mistakes. Many believe that parents can’t control your life and children needs to know how to fight for what they want but sadly, this is not what our culture says. Some teenagers are just doing what they want even if their parents do not approve it or doesn’t want it and these teenagers do not consider their parents or at least what they are trying to say. As our technology advances, and things get so exciting as a teen, the risks are still there too, and our parents just want us to be safe. According to PhilStar, 1.35 million young people are dying because of road mishaps. You can read and watch this on the news, teenagers getting drunk and then go for drive and parents mourning because of the unexpected loss. Some children are being abducted, abused or being used for stealing or even drug dealing. It is natural to be covetous to see someone doing what you want while you can’t. When they can experience the things you desired while you can only think of it. However, as you can see our parents are just protective to their children because they love us and they only want the best for us. Even though it is true that we learn from our mistakes, we can also learn from other people’s mistake by knowing what is right and what is wrong. It is not because they do not trust us, it’s because they do not trust our surroundings and what could happen next. It is not wrong to live your life to the fullest but it is wrong to not know your limits. Some teenagers get confused of JUVENILE
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ONE IN A MILLION
The Level of Thickness Jc Gabriel Linao
Family is a group wherein you are either related by blood or not. Those who we feel like a family even if we are not blood-related are called “friends”. These two are totally different, unlike your family by blood, your friends have something that you can’t explain. If you are hurt by someone, you can call them first and if you are crying and stressed over workloads, your friends are there to comfort you and help you lessen your burden and will urge you to continue. They are the ones that will make you feel special even if you’re not related by blood. I have a lot of friends—at school, organizations and even in my community. They are my friends that makes my journey happier and meaningful. We share a lot of happenings in our life. And behind those memories that we share together, I can say that, they are different from each other. Their personality and the way they interact, made me think that they have similarities with the family of fonts.
Family of fonts is a group of fonts defined by a commonly shared design styles, this includes different stroke thickness and others. Regardless of its different weights, they all have something in common that makes them called a family.
Let me classify our friends using the family of fonts.
Extra Light. The thinnest in the font family, but the thickest friend you have. These are your type of friends that will try to reach you only if they need something from you. They are the kind of friends that are so approachable, like you know that you’re both friends and do know each other but will disappear after you solve their problem. In short, they are your, the so called, “user” friends. Light. Most commonly used in the subtitle, or your last option in your list, but they are totally fine. In other words, type of font that you don’t often use, but still completes your group. They are the kind of friends that are part of our clique. However, we barely talk to each other. In short, they are the “last option” of friends you want to be with or talk to. Regular. The normal font, most common and the friends that you’re always with. These are your typical friends that we can say “true” to us. The ones who feel and treat us like a family. Semi Bold. This type of font is special—not that thick nor thin. In your group, these are your “special friends”. Special in a way that you can’t understand behind their tantrums or what’s going onto their minds, but still treat them as part of the group. Even you want to break their bones sometimes. These were the “moody” types. Bold. Fonts having thicker strokes. A style that emphasizes certain things. The type of friends that you call as your best friends. The ones that you trusted the most. They are also one call away, if you have problems, or you are in a deep emotion that you can’t tell with your other friends. Also, these kind of friends are the most reliable of them all. Extra Bold. The thickest in the family. The type of friends that you wish you don’t have. The type of friends that you don’t wish for. These are your “fake” friends or the “plastics”. The ones who are good in front of you but talks negative behind your back. These type of friends (should I still say they’re my friends?) should be avoided, because of their character. Despite of their different types and personalities, there is one thing in common: those are our friends. Maybe in the past or today at present. Still, they complete the group. There are no “perfect” friends. They always have flaws in it. But their imperfections fill the holes of the group. Just like the family of fonts, it has different texture and thickness, but they’re all useful in many ways, and create a whole new picture.
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UNRAVEL
Slow progress is still a progress
Den Marie Joy Pe
You have a different story to tell.
According to a study in EY, 80% of our generation (Z) believes that failure acts as a drive to make them more innovative while 17% believes that it prepares them for new challenges. Yet, you can’t expect every person to share the same views as the others or actually do what they believed in.
in that position right now. It’s for us to be brighter, stronger, and wiser in facing greater challenges. You see, like a jewel, we must first go through hammer and fire—through hardships—before we became the beauty that we are inside since day one.
Failure.
If there is one thing you can expect in life, it’s that what’s waiting ahead would not be easy. You may fail or make a wrong turn or realize that what you strived for for years would not make you happy later on. No matter what it is, expect that you’ll fail again and again and again. It’s on you whether to leave it as is or bounce back. Before, I’d always support others; making them believe in themselves even if that’s the one thing I can’t learn—believe that I can. I’d always say “hindi ko kaya” and end up regretting how I let another opportunity passed me by. Regrets really hunted me before and it would make me feel so bad when I can’t even do what I preach. I didn’t even have the courage to face challenges to the point where I end up escaping my problems. So after some time, I tried to explore and let myself enter different challenges until failures piled up; so much that I can’t even remember why I started doing that. I just kept on going, hoping that maybe this one will be the right one for me. I keep on failing without realizing what I lack until one team I joined last 2017 showed me how much I can exceed my expectations. They taught me that I am capable of doing something, once I’ve really prepare for it. They taught me to train like there is no finish line. Luckily, life is not about on how many times you fail, it’s always about how many times you bounce back until you reach your goals. I remember how one taught me how to convert negative to positive. That time, it’s funny how my teacher in math even managed to turn classroom discussion into life lessons to help me cheer up. Whenever I doubt myself, I chant in my mind to convert every negative thought into positive. Actually, quitting is always an option. It would have been easier to lower my goals and leave things that I can’t do but sometimes you’ll just know when to quit and when to go for more. You see, everyone has those times when you’ve gone with so many bad decisions that it eats you up and leave you hanging at the end of the rope. But believe me, those times are not just going our way. There’s a reason why your family is facing crisis, why victory seems so out of reach, or why God puts you JUVENILE
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CRESTFALLEN
One afternoon when I walked towards home, I heard a group of high school boys babbling about what they have. The first one said they have a big house – and a sports car. The second one told the rest that his father was a company supervisor and the last one said he has a lot of money—one thousand pesos for three days would suffice as allowance. Rich kids.
IMPUISSANT SONGSTER
Jose Enrico Coronel
I was eating street food at that moment when I eavesdropped and something was really off in their murmur. Their talk became a talk for money—so many what ifs claimed the place in my mind asking the perpetual question: What if I have a lot of money?
Francesca Marie Rivera
When You Deal with Money, You
Something is wrong these days. I haven’t been to parties but I know a handful of teens who throw their life into it. Is that what they called a life of a party? Throwing money at tables in exchange of service? Putting the money on fire through wines and beers poured down in their throats, what else? Squandering money has been a big issue that I observe every day. Once, I saw a mother and a girl arguing about what clothes to wear during her classmate’s party. Overhearing just few steps from them, I could guess that the girl is only 12 to 13 years of age. She raised her voice like a flamingo and guess what happen next? If you watch a segment about the normal life of spoiled kids, you are right. She just walked out! If you were the parent what will you do? To answer that, I’d put myself on a shoe of a concerned parent. Why did my daughter behave like that? What is wrong, really? These are my two questions. Some teens like the concept of YOLO or also known as ‘You Only Live Once’ mindset. I’m not falling to a hasty generalization, but let’s be real that squandering is easier than saving money. You have two thousand pesos today but tomorrow you’re only left with one thousand until it lost a natural cause. The cause would be a nasty craving in stuff; an addiction to possession and over-narcissism. When the money reaches your nostrils and sniffs everything it has in it, your next move is putting it in your palm and seeing things, the solid illusions are put next to you. As the prices of commodities keep on rising, we wouldn’t know what will happen next. As Bon Jovi said, he wants to lay in a bed of roses because the following night, he will sleep on a bed of nails. This mirrors that money is a temporal bliss and your enjoyment must not really suck every void you hold in life. There are more arrows to be filled in your bow before firing your target. Behold the power of money. It tricks you into knowing that you have so much in life but in reality, it masks your uncertainty of settling for things of simplicity. Money does not become the root of evil but instead, it is the evil that transforms you into a root of irresponsibility and unclear sense of priority. I’m not saying that spending isn’t good but it only becomes bad when done in excess. Make a room for yourself: save for the future so you have something to get in the following days. Emulate an ant who saves its food during dry season to have something to eat during rainy days. 12
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Money and fire mixes well too, so be careful.
Making The Invisible, Visible “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” -Tony Robbins Life goals, relationship goals, friendship goals, etc. Admit it or not, each and every one of us has our own set of goals whether we have set it consciously or not, and sometimes some of us set the bar too high that it seems too impossible to reach. According to several researches, it is a very good idea to have a set of goals listed down for us to be reminded from time to time about the things and visions that we aspire to achieve. Maybe some of you owns a very cute journal or maybe some of you had jotted down a bucket list on a random paper or maybe there’s an invisible list inside your mind which inspires you to keep going despite the ups and downs that you’re experiencing and if that is the case, then I can safely say that you’re one step ahead towards your goals.
jealous or maybe bothered by their achievements at a young age, but let me tell you, I personally don’t care if you graduate after the age of 21 or if you marry after the age of 40. Maybe you decided to not have kids or to have a lot of kids in the future or maybe you’ll have your own house after the age of 50. Achievements are still achievements no matter how long it took for you to finally have it—the important thing is that you surpass them all. To simply end this, I just want to remind you that it’s not too late to start planning and achieving your goals because life is not a race and every one of us has our own timeline personally made by the Lord. And always remember that if you fail to achieve the goals listed in your journal then perhaps the Lord has a grander plan in your life, so don’t lose hope and just continue to strive towards achieving your dreams.
Personally, I can say that as of today, some of my dreams make me worry because of the fears and doubts that linger in my mind, the lack of self-confidence and a lot of anxiety makes me think that I will not achieve them in the future. My dreams are simple: to graduate on time, to make my parents proud, to lift myself up from the mess that I’m currently drowning in, and to become successful in a way that I can truly be myself doing the things I am passionate about. Recently, I have read an article about the struggles of an adult who grew up having a very low self-esteem and I can simply say that I can relate to it very much. Why am I sharing this? Because the struggles listed in that article made me realize that those things hinder me on reaching my full potential, my greatest desire, and my deepest passion in life. So let me tell you this, no matter how high and how difficult the obstacles you face, just face them wholeheartedly with courage and faith and later on you’ll surpass them all. Don’t be like me, a person who is locked inside her invisible cage and tied up in her invisible chains while anxiety eats her up. Are you not enjoying the course you’re taking? Then shift to the course you truly want. Are you not happy with the people surrounding you? Then bid them goodbye. I advise you that whatever happens, make sure that in the end you’ll be happy because that’s one of the ultimate key to achieve your goals. But let me also reiterate that you should also make sure that you will not harm anybody during the process of reaching your goals because that move will nullify your success. It is known that there are some posts circulating the social media wherein they will mention their age followed by the things that they’ve already achieved. Maybe some of you are JUVENILE
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CURIOUS CAT
Ain’t Cool, Kid Micka Victoriano
During my egoistic teenage years, I was once like any other kid on the block; young, impulsive, and immature. Nothing was serious back then. You got to do whatever pleases you as long as you’ll never get caught. This is probably the reason why teenage years are said to be the best days of a person’s life. Until now, I still remember the time when I lost to a dare and had to dye my hair intensely red for a month that my mom almost sent me to a rehab institution. Well, I know she’s not joking because she had the forms. Since then, I was recognized as the red-haired-confused kid. Some would comment that if only my mother loves me it won’t happen, but most would say “it’s cool”, and I honestly kind of liked the attention I got from it. That time, I never really understood what “dope” or “cool” means, I just thought that being cool is cool and I must do what I do to continuously give off that vibe. Way back 1920, the word “cool” was used in jazz clubs to address a person who dances well and was excellent in showing off. However, today, the word cool is all about rising above the crowd to achieve social acceptance which was way different as it was originally used. Since the word cool exists for years now, people seem to misuse it more often. Thus, cool meant so many things today. “Dope” is just another term with its own history but is now used as a derivative slang term of cool, hence relating the word cool to dope which is a state of being chill or high. These days being cool leads to a lot of problems, for many teenagers obsess over being cool. Experts say that the teenage years are the period where a person explores his identity. Some had successfully found themselves in line with music while some found passion on sports and athletics at this point of time. However, some find themselves in wrong places, one with illegal hobbies such as doping on illegal drugs. Rebellion and addiction are just two of the most common phases caused by peer pressure and the futile attempt to be cool and accepted in society. Standing out by going against what’s usual and right has become a spreading trend for teenagers nowadays. “Rule breakers are the coolest!” as one unruly punk would say but, does this really make a person cool? Sure it’s dope! Because you could definitely get high on drugs and chill until you pass out but does this mean being cool as well? Fashionable clothing, luxurious cars, tattoos, drugs or even a dyed hair- being cool isn’t about conforming to the egoistic standard of the society nor doing impulsive stunts that you’ll only regret someday. For me, to be cool is to be able to show people your truest self instead of trying to be someone you know you’re not, and will never be. We must not at all cost, seek validation from other people because our self-worth relies only upon us and not from anyone else. Gone were the red-hairedconfused days where I used to do whatever pleases me as long as I never get caught. Now, I do whatever pleases me as long as I would not cause harm to myself or to anybody. Also, there’s so much more to our youth to spend time for, than wasting our young days trying to fit in. Remember, trying to be cool isn’t cool at all, and that’s for a fact.
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QUANDARY
Take It Slow, You’ll Be There
Danica Peralta
Trust me, it will not be easy.
You’ll be facing a lot of bouldering stones that will block your way, so don’t step too hard on the gas or you will be smashed. There will be a lot of traps that may lock you forever, so be mindful of your decisions. Don’t rush things and stop pressing the fast forward. Take it slow; you’re on your way. I know you’re excited about the finish line, I know you’re already fantasizing your dreamland and you may be thrilled of what life would be if you’re having a job right now or will be overwhelmed after getting your first salary. But take it easy, honey. I’m not stopping you to dream. I just don’t want you to feel bad if you had false hopes someday. I’ve seen your pains and breakdowns. I’ve witnessed your cries and pains. I heard all your whines and felt your sufferings. Believe me, there will be a lot more on the forthcoming. It’s not yet over for you. It’s not the end because you’re just merely starting. Take it slow, you’ll be there. Your journey is still a long run. Don’t compete with the time. If you feel left behind, don’t worry. God has plans for you. Maybe it’s not yet the time, so trust His timing. I want you to enjoy your life. I want you to enjoy the present. Every memories count, so make the most out of it. You can have plans for the future. You can envision yourself ten years from now, but I don’t want you to pressure yourself for not meeting the certain standard you may about to aim. If you fail, stand up. There’s a reason why you were not chosen to be the leader of the organization you loved. There’s a reason why you were lost on the last contest you’ve prepared for. Trust His timing. Maybe it’s not yet for you. Because I know you’ll be a great CEO of your founding corporation. You’ll be having a niche that was a product of your hard work and dedication. You’ll be having your nirvana. But, I warn you—the journey will not be easy. You need to experience a life from down-below up to the way up. You can’t escape from the bills and due dates. You can’t hide from your debts, neither run from your responsibility. Yet, it is a part of you growing as you hone yourself on the cruelty of the reality. For the last time, trust me. It will never be easy. So, prepare yourself as you enter to the world of adulthood—where the real life battle is going on. Sincerely yours, Yourself, twenty years later CEO
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NEWS FEATURE
A New Beginning
Revealing the Development Plan of BulSU Campus 2 Den Marie Joy L. Pe
The plan is done.
Every student dreamed of being fully exposed to their course and grow as a potential individual of their major. Often times it seems so out of reach when you still have to visit big time universities to get your test done on laboratories or find studies that will support your research on libraries. You may compare how Bulacan State University seems to be lacking not only in laboratories but in buildings, facilities, and equipment as well. But now, be ready for the change because that change is already in your area as the university takes its big leap. After two years since the groundbreaking ceremony of the previously disputed 25-hectare land, BulSU President Cecilia Gascon already revealed the plan for the upcoming Bulacan State University Campus 2 last February 6 at the students’ forum, BUKLOD: Breaking Barriers. In collaboration with Brekman’s International Inc., BulSU administration together with the planning officers took the front lines with a 250 million peso fund allocation per building. THE GIVEN GIFT OF LAND “Actually, donation siya (25-hectare land) sa atin na pinirmahan ni dating Pangulong Erap Estrada, so meron siyang deeds of relation,” Engineer Gabriel Santos, Civil Engineer of Planning and Management Office, stated. But through the Proclamation No. 832 signed by former President Benigno S. Aquino III, the 25-hectare land was officially transferred to the university, acquiring it on the year 2014. “Pero until now di pa siya titulo na nakapangalan sa BSU, deeds of relation palang siya,” Engr. Santos added. Upon discussion, it was stated in the documents that the university may develop the whole 25 hectares as long as the 5 hectares is allotted for agriculture. “Yung 25 hectares, di natin siya lahat gagawin for academe kasi naka-state doon sa documents or sa legal papers na yung 5 hectares dun sa 25 hectares gagawin nating carabao propagation,” Engr. Santos said, “Bali out of 25 hectares, yung 10 hectares gagamitin natin sa academics, 5 hectares para sa carabao propagation, then yung 10 hectares balak ni BSU na ipa-lease para income generating kasi hindi natin made-develop yun na aasa lang tayo sa government.” Because of this, the university plans to include a seasonal pond and a research center for carabao propagation for the 5 hectare land that can be used in food processing. BIG, ASPIRING PLANS As its mission is to produce highly competent, ethical and service oriented professionals, the main goal of the construction of the 25 hectare land is to develop a campus where equipment and facilities are in reach of the students. It can be recalled that in 2014, the original plan was to build a two-storey building. Then, in the last quarter of 2015, Gascon has
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decided to combine the proposals of new offices and laboratories. Then later on, in 2016, the plan was shifted on building a Research Building and would also cover other offices such as graduate school building, BulSU infirmary, engineering laboratory testing center, food innovation center, and analytical testing laboratory. “Sa simula nakaplano siyang extension ng BSU. Meron na tayong master plan dati pero ‘di siya nasakatuparan dahil nagpagawa tayo sa labas. Nagpa-outsource tayo ng masterplan sa Berkman International and sila yung nag-develop. Now, as of 2018, the final plan of the university’s new 25-hectare Campus 2 will incorporate the latest technology and environmental friendly features composed of six (6) zones such as the (1) academic zone, (2) sports and recreation zone, (3) multipurpose open area zone, (4) mixed use zone, (5) leasable space, (6) and the parking zone. With an area of 23, 900 square meters, the administration office and few colleges will be transferred to the academic zone including College of Architecture and Fine Arts, College of Engineering, and College of Arts and Letters. In addition to this, the university also plans to have an Engineering Laboratory Building, Quadrangle, and Research Building. However, Engr. Santos clarifies that there is still no concrete plan. Even if some colleges will have their building in Campus 2, it wouldn’t mean that they would have to leave Campus 1. The best example to this is the case of COE who recently struggles in fitting their students not only in Natividad Hall but also in Federizo Hall, Athlete’s Building and Pimentel Building. “Wala pang concrete plan pero baka yung mga first year [at] second year na engineering ma-retain doon sa Natividad building then yung mga nagte-take na ng major na kailangan talaga ng laboratories dun na sila magkaklase sa Campus 2,” Engr. Santos explained. On the other hand, 39, 400 square meters was allotted for Sports and Recreational Zone that includes an Open Track Oval, Grandstand, COPERS Gymnasium, and Indoor Pool. SOON TO OPEN Meanwhile, there are already two ongoing construction of buildings in the site: (1) the 5-storey Research Building which started last 2016 (2) and the 5-storey building of College of Engineering which started last 2018. The construction for the building of College of Arts and Letters is expected to start on 2020. “Mas mauuna yung research building bago yung engineering building kasi yung research building matatapos na siya sa structural. Bububungan na siya and then pagkanabubungan na, puro loob na yung gagawin. E yung engineering (building) kasi, foundation palang nagagawa,” Engr. Santos said. The Campus 2 will be open to the students as soon as one of the constructions have been finished. “Sa ngayon wala pa siyang target year since ang BSU ay talagang kapos sa budget para macomplete kaagad. So konti-konti natin siyang dinedevelop.” Engr. Santos added, “Pero once na may matapos ng isang building, pwede ng magbukas. Siguro mga first or second quarter ng 2020.”
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NEWS FEATURE
Lose Sight
ROTC GOES WRONG IN PREPARING FOR RAATI
Den Marie Joy L. Pe and Rome Moralina “What you see, what you hear, when you go, leave it here.” In a span of six meetings, as your body lie under the scorching heat of the sun and your mind battles with exams and quizzes, can you assure that every happening can be left here and unspoken? Can you assure that you can endure all hardships and lengthen your patience in training? For ten months, about 4, 292 students enrolled in Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) underwent training in preparation for the 13th Regional Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (RAATI). As the three unit subject aimed to instill moral and spiritual values to the students as well as patriotism, constitutional obligation of serving, and respect for human rights, the university aimed to be champions in the event that happened last March 10 at the Activity Center. RAATI is an annual activity of Philippine Army where they take actual inspection of all active ROTC cadets from different colleges and universities within the National Capital Region. The inspections are done in order to check key areas across all ROTC units and test each unit’s degree of administrative efficiency as well as the quality of training attained by the cadets. This military inspection is considered to be necessary and critical in terms of enhancing the ROTC program in BulSU. To evaluate the cadets, RAATI Chairman, Colonel Enrico T. Yuson attended the inspection along with President Cecilia Gascon and ROTC Commandant, Major Gerardo C. Somera. During the inspection, a number of platoons were asked to do platoon formations and do ceremonial parade along with the officers. After the ceremonial parade, cadets from different platoons were randomly chosen to take a theoretical exam about military courtesy while some were chosen to perform map reading as some perform the assembling and disassembling of M16 Rifle.
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Cadets’ disappointments Even though the university didn’t earn a place, it is still believed that students have learned something more than classroom discussions - they have learned discipline. However, not everyone enjoyed the end of RAATI for the reason that only a few platoons and cadets got to participate. “Walang plano. Tambay lang kami maghapon.” “Walang kakwenta kwentang araw napagod kakatambay.” The main thing that the students felt bad is the fact that after the sacrifices they did in attending weekend classes, they weren’t able to perform or even participate in the RAATI as some cadets were removed and was permitted to wander near the Activity Center. “Meron kasing mga cadets na umattend ng Sabado’t Linggo na dapat kasama na dun sa mga platoon sa AC. Tas nung training bago yung RAATI bigla nalang nilang tinanggal yung ibang cadets sa mismong performance. Pinatambay lang sila dun sa may College of Law at NSTP Building. Wala man lang silang nagamit dun sa mga tinuro ng Sabado’t Linggo kaya nakakapanghinayang,” a freshman stated. COMPLAINTS However, these disappointments didn’t just began in the date of the event. Some students that was indulge in ROTC felt that the preparation for RAATI had gone wrong as well. Multiple complaints reached the social media and felt that the real goal of the subject has derailed ever since the thought of winning RAATI was sent to the picture. “ Maganda yung aim nung event kaso nasira sa execution ng plano,” a freshman from College of Science disappointedly said as he recalled how their class was first told of the benefits that the ROTC holds. The ROTC Program was once set to be mandatory for only male students in college. However, because of the Republic Act No. 9163 or the National Service Training Program
(NSTP) Act in 2002, college students, both male and female, were allowed to choose their paths for service: (1) ROTC, (2) Literacy Training Service, (3) or Civil Welfare Training Service. Based on testimonials of freshmen students, in order to attract students, ROTC Coordinator, Sir Joseph Reynald Dela Cruz encourage students to serve through ROTC since if the mandatory military training is passed someday on senate then they will automatically become an exception. Additionally, it can also be useful in job hunting because employees would be informed that you are disciplined once you take the ROTC subject. The program hold lessons such as administrative inspection, ceremonial parade, rank inspection, operation order writing, map reading, assembly and disassembly of M16 and Cal 45 pistol, company drill, method of instructions, small unit tactics, disaster response, and rescue operations. To recall, the issues truly began to arise after an announcement from ROTC about the start of service every Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 a.m. up to 5:00 p.m. To make it worse, they do not take excuse letters unless it is a health issue. “Bigla nalang kasing nag-announce yung ROTC na magkakaroon ng 8am to 5pm na service ng Sabado at Linggo kahit ang units lang naman talaga ay 3. Equivalent lahat nung dalawang araw na yun ng 6 meetings so kapag umabsent ka, 6 meetings ka na ring absent,” a male student taking ROTC explained. In this case, Sir Dela Cruz refused to speak about the issues that happened until it hasn’t been evaluate. He suggested students to focus in the positive things since the only things that studens can be sure of is that this institution is still growing and may face crisis where they can learn and grow. But is this what it takes to achieve the term called discipline? Are they wrong for overlooking things like this or are the students wrong for complaining for the process of achieving “discipline”?
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namin dito, kaya pag may problema kami sa school sila yung nagpupunta para alamin kung ano yung kulang. […] Si Ate Hara siya po yung tiga-bantay namin araw gabi. […] Hindi po ako sasama sa kanila (tunay na magulang), kasi po ano nangako ako kay Daddy na ipagyayabang (ipagmamalaki) ko ‘tong orphanage na ‘to. Magta-trabaho ako, na kahit sinong kumuha sakin ‘di ako sasama kasi nakita ko kay Daddy na mahalaga rin pala kami sa kanya. Kaya ayun nangako ako na babalik ako dito, papalakihin ko pa to (orphanage) lahat ng kulang dito ako na mismo yung mag bibigay. Yung pangako na yun di ko na yun papakuin gusto ko ipagmalaki din ako ni Daddy kagaya ng mga dati niyang napagtapos,” dagdag niya. Presyo ng aruga
DEVCOMM
Anghel na walang langit Pagsilip Sa Kalagayan ng mga Batang Inabandona Micka Victoriano at Anna Mae Cruz
Ang pamilya, bagamat itinuturing na pinakamaliit na parte ng lipunan, ay hindi maipagkakailang siya ring pinakamahalaga sa kadahilanang ito ang nagpapa-usbong at humuhubog ng pagkatao at kagandahang asal ng isang indibidwal. Ngunit paano kung ang isang bata ay lumaking malayo sa kanyang pamilya, walang pamilya, o lumaki sa hindi niya tunay na tahanan? Ayon sa theory of cognitive development ng French psychologist na si Jean Piaget, may apat na yugto ang pag-unlad ng isang bata. Ang mga yugtong ito ay maituturing na kritikal sapagkat may malaking epekto ito sa kakayahan niyang matuto. Samantala, tinatayang 1.8 milyong kabataan ang inabandona sa ibat-ibang panig ng Pilipinas ayon sa United Nations’ Children’s Rights and Emergency Relief Organization, ganito ring kalaking bahagi ng populasyon ng mga bata ang lalaki nang walang makukuhang pag-gabay o di kaya’y agad na makakaranas ng kawalang-kalinga sa murang edad. Pag-usbong ng problema Malaki ang kaugnayan ng lumalalang problema sa kahirapan, sa patuloy na pagtaas ng bilang ng mga batang inaabandona. Halimbawa, ang kawalang-kakayahan ng isang magulang na tustusan ang pangangailangan ng anak. Bagamat ang pag-aabandona sa bata ay maaring mag-resulta sa pagkakakulong ayon sa Republic Act 7610, o ang Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, bilang maituturing pa rin itong child abuse ayon sa DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development). Sa kabila nito ay patuloy pa ring lumalaganap ang mga kaso ng “child abandonment” sa Pilipinas at kasabay ng pagdami nito ang bilang ng mga batang nasasangkot sa maling gawain sa murang edad. Kabilang sa listahan ng mga inabandonang bata sa pilipinas ang mga batang simula pagkasanggol o nasa edad na wala pang muwang ay iniwan sa ampunan, mga batang ipinagbili, ipinagpalit sa bagay o ibinigay at mga batang iniwan sa lansangan upang mamalimos at magtrabaho. Lahat ng ito ay maaring magsanhi ng mas malalaking problema sa hinaharap na maaring ikasira ng buhay ng mga bata. Pansamantalang langit
“Ako po hindi (kilala ang magulang), kasi simula po baby, wala na po talaga akong magulang. ‘Yung mga kapitbahay lang namin pinagpasa-pasahan lang po ako. Hindi ko rin po alam eh (nangyari sa magulang) kasi hindi ko rin po sila naabutan, sinabi lang po sakin ng tita ko (nagtakas sa kanya) na wag na daw po silang kilalanin, kasi nga ‘yun daw, ‘di rin po nila alam kung saan ako galing. Kasi nga pulot lang daw po ako,” saad ni Ana, 16 na taong gulang at isa sa mga batang kinupkop sa nasabing bahay ampunan. Si Ana ay isa lamang sa lumolobong bilang ng mga batang dinala sa bahay ampunan bawat araw sa buong Pilipinas dahil sa kawalan ng magulang o ‘di kaya’y dahil sa maling pagtrato sa mga ito. Marahil marami sa kanila ang inabuso sa sarili nilang mga tahanan o ‘di kaya’y pinagkaitan ng arugang kinakailangan ng isang bata upang mabuo ang kanilang moral at pagkatao. Hindi ito lingid sa murang pag-iisip ng batang si Ana sapagkat maging siya ay biktima rin ng pang aabuso sa itinuring niyang tahanan bago pa man makarating sa ampunan. “Si Tita Ging po, yun lang po yung nagkupkop sakin dinala lang po ako rito. Kapitbahay lang din po namin siya. Kasi po, binubugbog lang po ako nung unang nag-ampon sakin. Palagi po akong pinaglalaba, ginagawa po akong yaya, palagi akong binubugbog. Kaya po tinakas niya ko, pinasok niya po ako sa maleta. Tapos hinahanap na ko hindi nila alam nasa maleta ako, so ‘di na muna ako nagsalita. Sabi wag daw muna ako mag-ingay kasi nga, pag daw po nakita ako papatayin na raw po talaga ako. Six [years old] po ako nung nangyari yon, eight (8) years old po ako nung napunta ako dito. Dinala po ako dito kasi pupunta na po sila sa ibang bansa non, e kulang po yung dala nilang papeles, wala po akong birth certificate. Minsan po nagpapadala lang siya dito. Nag-migrate na po sila dun,” kwento niya.
Sa kabutihang-palad, may mga mabubuting-loob na nagbubukas ng kanilang tahanan upang ang mga kabataang ito, bagamat hindi lahat, ay magkaroon ng maituturing na pamilya.
Nawalay man sa itinuring niyang tiyahin ay binigyan ng pangalawang pagkakataon si Ana upang makatagpo ng panibagong pamilya sa piling ng mga batang tulad niya na inabandona at binigyang aruga sa ampunan. Para sa mga bata ang pangakong pagbabalik ng kanilang magulang upang sila ay muling kupkupin at isama sa tunay nilang tahanan ay isang pangarap na pinaka-aasam ngunit para sa batang si Ana ang pagbabalik ng kaniyang Tita Ging o maging ng kaniyang tunay na mga magulang ay wala ng kahulugan sa kaniya sapagkat minahal na niya ang ampunan at wala nang dahilan pa para lisanin ito dahil dito niya natagpuan ang pagmamahal at mga magulang na matagal niyang inasam.
Katulad ng isang bahay-ampunan sa Guiguinto, Bulacan kung saan ang batang itago natin sa pangalang Ana ay nakahanap ng pagkalinga.
“Isa lang po yung tinuturing namin na magulang dito, si Daddy Mario po saka si Daddy Noel. Sila po yung nagasikaso ng mga papeles
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Gayunpaman, sa kabila ng kasawiang sinapit ng mga kabataang ito, ay nagawa pa rin ng ibang gamitin ang pagkakataon upang kumita ng pera. Kung ang ilang magulang ay nagagawang iwan ang kanilang mga anak, may mga magulang naman na humihiling na sana ay magkaroon sila ng anak. Dito nagsisimula ang mga transaksyon kung saan ang bata ay pinepresyuhan kapalit ng arugang hindi kayang ibigay ng kanilang mga tunay na magulang. “Yung hipag ko nurse siya sa ospital sa Maynila. Matagal na siyang nagtatrabaho dun kaya marami na rin’g may kilala sa kaniya na tiga dito na ganun nga (nagbebenta ng bata). May mga lumalapit talaga sa kaniyang mga gustong magkaroon ng anak yung mga talagang may pera saka may kaya sa buhay. Hindi ko alam kung ilan na e [pero] may kilala akong isa na bumili sa kaniya ng bata,” pahayag ni Aling Gemma, ‘di niya tunay na pangalan, isang may bahay na naging saksi sa ilegal na bentahan ng bata. Bagamat naging saksi sa ilegal na gawain, pinili ni Aling Gemma na manahimik, sa takot na rin na madamay sa naturang gawain ng kanyang hipag. Ang mga ganitong pangyayari ay ‘di na rin bago sa kaniya sapagkat marami sa kanyang mga kamag-anak at kakilala ay bumili at nag ampon rin ng bata. Ilegal man sa paningin ng nakararami, ang pagbili ng bata ay isang desperado ngunit resonableng solusyon para sa mga taong ‘di biniyayaang magka-anak dahil ang kabuuan ng isang tahanan ay makakamit lamang sa pamamagitan nito. Para sa kanya ay sagot ito para sa maraming mag-asawang nagnanais mabigyan ng anak upang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataong maging isang magulang. Maging ang mga batang hindi kayang mabigyan ng magandang buhay ay nabibigyan rin ng pagkakataong lumaki na may sapat na pagmamahal, makapag-aral sa magandang eskwelahan at magkaroon ng disenteng pamumuhay na ‘di kayang ibigay ng kanilang mga tunay na magulang. “Malayong kamag-anak na namin yun. Meron naman silang anak kaso puro lalaki, gustong magka-anak na babae nung nanay, basta ang alam ko lang ang gusto nung bumibili galing sa maayos na magulang yung bata, yung hindi drug addict ganon. Saka dapat maganda rin yung bata syempre, maputi mga ganon. Sa pagkakatanda ko nabenta lang ng 1,500 ba? Ay hindi, limang libo.[…] Sa ospital galing yung bata, pagkapanganak binigay na agad sa bumibili […] ‘di ko alam pano siya nakakahanap ng mga nagpapaampon o nagpapamigay ng anak pero yung batang yon kusang binigay ng magulang, siguro kapos na talaga at ‘di na kayang bumuhay ng anak,” paliwanag niya. Ang transakyong gaya nito ay ‘di dumadaan sa tamang proseso at wala ring kaugnayan sa mga legal na institusyon o sangay ng pamahalaan subalit patuloy na lumalaganap sa bansa maging sa buong mundo dahil sa mga taong buong loob na gumagawa nito. Sa kabila ng katotohanang illegal at ipinagbabawal ang gawaing ito, para sa mata ng mga taong sangkot dito ay isa itong katuparan ng kanilang mga pangarap. “Hindi ko na matandaan kung anong taon yun nangyari pero nasa bente anyos na si Lara (di tunay na pangalan) ngayon may sariling anak na rin. Maswerte yung bata na yun, mahal na mahal talaga siya nung mag-anak, madami pang mamanahin yung batang ‘yon, daig pa mga
kapatid [tunay na anak ng mag-anak]. ‘Di ko alam eh, alam na siguro nung bata pero hindi pa rin umaamin yung mga magulang,” pagtatapos niya. Marahil, ganitong paraan ang napili ng ilang magulang na nais magka-anak dahil na rin sa mahaba ang proseso ng legal na pag-ampon sa Pilipinas. Ayon sa DSWD, isa hanggang dalawang taon ang normal na durasyon upang makumpleto ang proseso ng pag-ampon, idagdag pa rito ang mga legal na bayarin. Bagamat malaki ang epekto ng kahirapan kung bakit nangyayari ang pag-ampon, hindi ito ang pangunahing sanhi. Sa mga tala ng DSWD, may apat na dahilan kung bakit ang bata ay ipinapaampon: wala pa sa legal na edad ang ina, ang bata ay bunga ng incest, bunga ng pang-aabuso, o ipinagbabawal ang relasyon. Isinasaad ng Republic Act no. 8552 na kung sakaling ang mga tunay na magulang ng isang bata ay walang kakayahang buhayin ang anak, mapupunta ang responsibilidad sa mga kamag-anak, subalit kung sila ay hindi rin kayang akuin ang responsibilidad, noon pa lang pinapayagan ang mga hindi kamag-anak na ampunin ang bata. Ang ginawa ng hipag ni Aling Gemma ay may kaukulang parusa na isang taon at isang araw hanggang dalawang taon na pagkakakulong at multang hindi bababa sa limang libong piso. Bukas ang langit para sa lahat Ang bawat kabataan, ano mang uri ng pamilya ang kinabilangan, ay mayroong pantay-pantay na karapatan. Ngunit sino ang magkakaloob sa kanila ng mga karapatang ito kung pinili silang iwan at talikuran ng kanilang mga magulang? Ang Department of Social Welfare and Development katulong ng iba pang organisasyon at mga bahay-ampunan ang nangunguna sa pagkalinga sa mga batang pinabayaan ng kani-kanilang magulang. Kasabay nito ang paglulunsad ng ibat ibang programa na makakatulong sa kanila tulad ng “Silungan sa Barangay,” na magsisilbing pansamantalang bahay ng mga batang walang masilungan. Sa kabila ng mga programang nito, ang bata pa rin ang magpapasya para sa kanyang sarili at ang magtatakda ng kaniyang hinaharap pag dating ng panahon kagaya ng mga batang sina Ana at Lara na piniling yakapin ang buhay na kinahinatnan nila. Malayo man sa magulang ay pinili nilang hindi hanapin ang kanilang totoong magulang at buong pusong tanggapin ang mga taong nagmamahal sa kanila hindi man nila ito kadugo. “Wag na lang po silang gagawa ng hindi nila kayang panindigan kasi kung gagawa sila, kawawa mismo yung batang mabubuo nila kasi ‘di po nila mararanasan yung pagmamahal ng isang tunay na magulang. Sabihin mong pasalamat ka kasi nabuhay ka sa mundo, pero di sa lahat ng oras. Kasi gusto mo mismong totoong magulang mo yung magmamahal sayo, kasi yun yung mismong kailangan mo, kasi anak ka. […] Pero nagpapasalamat ako kay Daddy Mario, kahit di niya kami tunay na anak, di namin magulang, siya pa yung nag-aalala samin. Kaya na-realize namin na mahalaga talaga kami sa kanya kasi kahit di namin siya kadugo kinupkop niya kami dito na walang alinlangan, walang kapalit,” mensahe ni Ana. Ang pagiging magulang, bagamat mahirap ay isang marangal at sagradong tungkulin ayon sa bibliya at ang pagluluwal ng sanggol ay may kaakibat na responsibilidad na marapat lamang gampanan katuwang ng Diyos. Ngunit hindi lamang sa kakayahan ng pagluluwal ng isang bata nasusukat ang pagiging isang tunay na magulang. Ang isang anak ay nangangailangan ng patuloy na pagsasanay, pangangalaga at pag gabay hanggang sa paglaki at ang mga taong may kakayahang gampanan ito ng buong puso at walang hinihintay na kapalit ay marapat lamang na ituring na isang tunay na magulang hindi sahil sa dugo ngunit sa puso.
JUVENILE
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FEATURE
Honing the Future Hopes The Tools to Youth Suffrage Importance Jose Enrico D. Coronel
They say that when you become a college student, you’ll be greeted not just by tons of academic loads but also by tons of temptations. You are now considered as a grown-up so you have a little bit of freedom. Due to this, your parents trust you enough to let you make your own decisions. However, there are times where we do bad things out of curiosity or desperation¬. If caught, we will experience a really harsh reality but if not, we shall carry it with our conscience every day. It’s Better to Cheat Than to Repeat “Ang napag-usapan namin, magtulungan kaming dalawang group […]. Sakto kasi, magkagrupo naman kami nila Dany (not his real name) sa thesis,” started Demi. Demi’s final project for a free elective subject was due at the same time as the final thesis defense. Having no time at all, she decided to collaborate with the other group, and so they passed the same exact project.
“If you wanted to be trusted by someone, always tell the truth,” she ended. Like Demi, there will come a time where we will be pressured to cheat our way through success, but we don’t need to give in to the temptation. It’s better to lose than to win while giving away your dignity. Honesty is always rewarded by the grandest of prize. Like Ooh Aah “Sa ka-dorm ko dati, yung mga coach ng volleyball team sa BulSU, nag-iinuman saka nakikitulog kasama nung mga ka-dorm kong players,” shared Memeby. A forbidden relationship, or whatever it was, between a coach and a student athlete. Not only it is punishable by the university, but the coach’s license to teach can also be revoked by getting involved with a student. “Minsan, nakakainis pa kasi may gagawin silang kababalaghan sa kabilang kwarto tapos maririning ko pa na umuuga yung double deck saka tumatama sa dingding ko,” continued Memeby.
“God knows we wanted to learn and contribute to the project. Eh kaso, wala naman talaga akong maitutulong kaya nood nood na lang ako kay Dany nun while he was coding. […] kinabukasan, natataranta na kami kasi yun din yung araw ng defense namin at nakukutuban ko na may maling magaganap,” she continued.
He even shared that the reason his dormmate didn’t get caught is because the visits in their dorm are meticulously planned. They also get on ‘it’ even inside the school grounds.
Her worst fears came true. The professor noticed the uncanny similarities in their projects. Due to this, they received a failing grade, dragging the other group with them.
Student-teacher relationships are not that unheard of. Still, it is wrong if you someone will use it to cheat or take advantage from another person.
“Ang totoo kong plano, umamin na. Kaso Rosy (not her real name) forced the fact na ‘tumulong’ talaga kami. Syempre, ayokong magalit sya sa akin kaya nakiride na lang ako.”
Integrity and Dignity
With the guilt building inside her, and the anxiety brought by people hating her for lying, she finally gave in and confessed to her professor. Appreciating her honesty, the professor gave her the chance. The people who used to hate her hugged her and settled things with her.
More than the trust of our parents, we also break the views of other people regarding ourselves. We might not know what bad luck it may bring but it will definitely catch up to us. No matter how hard we run, it will always be inches away from danger. Breaking the rules is fun and all, but the consequences are irreversible. Be responsible.
FEATURE
BEHIND THE SCENES
Untold Stories of Students Who Chose to Play it Dirty Sharah Marie Catiis
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“Lowering the voting age will… provide [youth] with a direct, constructive, and democratic channel for making their views felt and for giving them a reasonable stake in the future of the nation.”— Former United States President, Lyndon B Johnson. When the month of May starts, the commotion also begins with the electoral campaign. The rambling concern of the people is the common events that are to be anticipated during the election. In Philippines, a voting is a right and at the same time a civil duty to be accomplished by all Filipinos who are registered voters. As stated under Presidential Decree No. 1187, any citizen in the country who has resided in the Philippines for at least one year may register as voter under the condition that he/ she is not disqualified by the law and is eighteen years of age and above. In Sangguniang Kabataan elections, the age requirement is only limited to 18 to 30 years old. However this was amended by the Commission on Elections through SK Reform Act of 2015 which expanded the previous age limit of voters to 15-30 years old. According to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and COMELEC, 6 out of 10 Filipino youth are registered voters which make the eight percent or 1,638,350 youth voters who are 15 to 17 years old, while the 92% or 18,987,870 voters are from the 18-30 years old bracket. At this rate, youths are still frequently undermined. Their voting privilege is often misjudged by the society. Clearing the stigma of an incompetent youth lies with knowing the right way to empower their capability to elect the future leaders of our nation. Education as the first tool In an editorial on Philippine Star written by columnist Rosalinda Orosa, she mentioned that the COMELEC had suggested the inclusion of voter’s education in the curriculum. This will not only edify the students prior to election but also will prepare them to be good choice makers in the process of selecting future leaders. This was given justice by the National Youth Commission (NYC), together with COMELEC as they spearheaded the Know Elections Better Superfriends (KEBS) campaign which aims to draw interest among youths for a better knowledge in voting and therefore informing their significance in taking part in elections. A big part of Carl Precilla, a 21-yearold Electronics Engineer from Calamba , Laguna, agrees that education plays a big role to children suffrage, “Para sa akin, napakahalaga talaga
ng edukasyon. Biruin mo tuturuan ka kaagad nitong magbasa at magsulat. Iyong dalawang bagay pa lang na ‘yon eh napakaimportante na. Kung mas malalim ang pinag-aralan ng isang tao, mas makakagawa siya ng mas magagandang desisyon.” He also added that education is a powerful weapon for every irregularity that will happen, “‘Pag may sandata ka ng edukasyon, malalaman mo kung ano yung nangyari dito at paano nangyari yon kasi nga may kaalaman ka ng baon bago pa man mangyari yung isang problema.” It turns out that having high educational attainment is a heightened responsibility for every individual especially to the young voters as Orosa concluded in her article, “An informed electorate is a crucial component in fighting corruption and improving governance. Creating this kind of electorate is best started in school. Voting is an important part of responsible citizenship. Youths must be sufficiently prepared to exercise their right of suffrage properly.” Responsible Parenthood as the Second tool Primarily, the first step in learning starts at home where parents serve as teachers. This is up to them as to what kind of cultivation will be demonstrated for the most effective way of instilling values to their children. As children grow up, their environment changes and their social interaction and perspectives alter. Another engineer, Jhaster Terrible, who just turned 22 last September spoke his realizations about parenthood impact, “Hindi lang basta-basta parenthood, dapat responsible parenthood kasi kung inalaagan mo nang responsible yung anak mo, mas magiging mabuti at productive citizen siya ng bansa. Mas responsableng pag-aalaga sa mga anak, mas kapaki-pakinabang na resulta yung aanihin kasi na-train na siya eh, na-educate at na-guide sa kung ano ang tama sa wasto, at hindi angkop sa masama na mga gawain.” In an article published by U.S. News and World Report, the importance of speaking up is deemed to be one of the ways for the parents to educate them about the power of voting. Since the power to voice out their intentions and feelings is a must, this will pave the very first way to speak for their concerns and motives so that if they become an adult, they already have the grasp of eloquence and clarity of objectives to a proposal. “Kailangan talagang unang matutunan ng bata na magsalita sa harap ng maraming tao. Dito kasi mahahasa [yung confidence] at mag-iimprove koneksyon niya sa mga nakakasalamuha niya. Pag sanay ka magsalita, mas madali na lang sa’yo iparating kung ano
gusto mo sabihin sa kaibigan mo, sa kaklase mo o sa mga nasasakupan mo.”, Terrible, who just became a voter last May 2016, concluded. Implications on Youth Voters In one ‘The Lasallian’ article, Michelle Sta. Romana wrote, “A 2008 study by Capadocia et al. from the University of the Philippines found that youth and other first-time voters are therefore discouraged: though the sector harbors negative perceptions of the Philippine government and electoral system, the majority was not registered despite seeing themselves as a vital facet of Philippine society.” This is an issue being addressed to modern voters as they keep on dwelling their impacts on society, set aside their potential as future leaders of the country. This needs more attention to details as youths are always active in social media. This means that they have the access to some resources about politics and are expected to contribute more to voting while exercising their duly rights as nationalistic citizens in transition. In a January 15 poll last 2016, a staggering number of 24.73 million voters aged 17 to 34 years old are recorded where in the 17-19 years old bracket comprised of 3,043,411 voters while the 7,983,167 voters belonged to 20-24 years old. The statistics however is still enough to conclude that the youths accumulate the voter’s majority as stated by executive director of the Philippine Institute for Political and Electoral Reforms Ramon Casiple, “Their votes are significant but it is not decisive because they are not solid. This means all candidates will have a share in this age group and it remains to be seen how solid they will be.” Seeing things on different spectrum, training the youths to be a more suited and adaptive individual counts as their first move in walking the roads of uneven society. By organizing works with their peers and other adults, no wonder youth can take over every change in politics for a youth-driven nation. As they draw inspiration to emulate politicians who made impacts or if not, spur the weakness that economy has absorbed, they could motivate and inspire everyone to better this country for a brighter tomorrow. As Rizal once said, “The youth is the hope of the nation.” Through exercising their suffrage properly, they could uplift the economic progress to new heights of development. A small step in empowerment leads to gradual but substantial growth of a blossoming country. That is why every vote counts.
JUVENILE
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FEATURE
What’s Next?
The Recipe of Reality of BulSUans after college
Jose Enrico Coronel
When somebody told us that schooling is hard, we know that there’s still a bigger picture left to be conveyed here. Reviewing for the finals and complying for the projects are tedious tasks to students especially when under duress aligned with other assignments at home or even in various places. After graduation, there’s a much longer road to be journeyed by the hopefuls. A new path is set for another adventure, set aside all the crumpled papers you used as scratch or the empty pens drained off their inks. Remember, life doesn’t end in stage but it just extends the next scenes that will happen. The next statements will prove that the realities behind graduation pictures are either made of smooth and harsh recipes of life. He Who Cooks a Soup The sweet smell of soup lingers across the room and as a reader; you cannot abandon to know where that aroma comes from. You notice that it is from the kitchen – you open lid of the soupand the smell reaches your nostrils. This begins your first recipe down the lane. “Boring ang paghahanap ko ng trabaho. Unang apply ko pa lang natanggap na ako.” That is what John Jordan Mendoza, a Biology graduate said on his experience about graduation. Right after, he immediately applied online and the company called him back but he turned down the offer because that’s too small for him. Unsatisfied, he looked for another job seven days after graduation. He went to Pampanga to seek job in food companies .He found the ‘Pampanga’s Best’ because his mentor during OJT had worked there. “Dun siya unang nag work, so sinubukan ko at swerte ako na natanggap ako although unang punta ko ay initial interview agad ako, then nagintay ako from 9am to 3pm then sabi tatawagan daw ako. That week din, Friday tinext ako at for final interview na daw ako. Nung nakapasa ako sa final interview, nag ayos na ako ng requirements na kailangan ko.” Still for Jordan, he prioritizes his family before anything else but his journey after all flashes in an instant. He always considers his needs in life nonetheless. Looking forward, he wishes for daily guidance of the Lord for the blessings he received from Him. For the meantime, he is
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satisfied with his job but still considers landing a job related to his course. “Ang dami kong natutunan sa paghahanap sa trabaho at masasabi kong hindi sila madali.” He Who Cooks Rice “After graduation naman, madaming nagaabang na opportunity. Syempre kailangan mo lang mag apply. Pero not my case.” Civil Engineering graduate: Paul Anthony Lustre’s story after graduation involves a lot of decisions to be considered. You cannot spit the rice right before you eat it and that proves his experience. He believes in the word that every chance you take revolves on the choices you make. To him, an after-graduation environment is a new city to wander for the graduates. He draws inspiration from his parents even though he always recalls that he sometimes flunks classes during college. Notwithstanding any obstacles that he encounters, he breaks all the barriers that blocked the road to success. He says a big NO to ‘tambays’ as it plagues his progress to look for a source of income in the following weeks. “Mahirap makihalubilo sa mga tao kasi lahat kayo iba-iba ng ugali. It’s about pakisamahan lang talaga pero meron talagang mga tao na hindi mo makakasundo. Normal yon. You need to focus on who you are; kung magiging masama kang tao o mabuti. Experience ko ‘yan pero after grad talagang iba na. Iba na tingin sa’yo ng tao. Ang taas ng respeto lalo na pag nagtratrabaho ka na. Ganon. Mamimili ka din e, it’s about dignity or money,” he told on his work experience with his other workmates. He stressed that how you treat people has a big impact on your work. He still hones his talent and has a plan of working at a better place after he gains enough experience working in the country. “You will realize one day na. lahat ng course ay maganda. Basta pag nagwork malaki salary depende talaga lahat kung paano mo tinitingnan ang mga bagay bagay.” He Who Cooks Unfinished but Persistent “Hard times and nabuntis si Mama. No choice but to stop then tambay mode around 2 years.” That is only one of the testimonials of aspirants who have gone to school but never finished it.
For Jeff Marc Perez, a former BS IT student, he experienced a rough road that he has traveled for many years. His mother was pregnant at that time and he has no choice but to stop for two years even though it is difficult in his part. In light of that, even though he gave up hopes of college in the past two years, he found light in the form of undergoing TESDA training for two to three months. A year later, he went from being a ‘tambay’ again but a chance encounter happened and TESDA called him for work which sent him to Pasay where he worked in a ‘Wiring and Installing’ firm. His life after not finishing his degree is on alternating current: he goes unemployed then goes employed only to go back to being unemployed again then employed until it spins cyclically. “Kahit na hindi ako nakatapos, always priority ko ang family. May mga instances na napapaisip ako kung hindi nangyari sakin ang mga ito baka hindi ako gantong kalakas sa mata ng ibang tao. Umaaasa pa rin ako na may mangyayaring maganda sa mga susunod na taon. Makatapos lang ang mga kapatid ko masaya na ako pero may pangarap din naman ako sa buhay at tutuparin ko ‘yon baling araw. Hindi ibig sabihin na tambay ka wala ka nang magagawa. Gaya ko may pangarap din kami medyo kinapos nga lang kaya nagkaganito.” He wants to pursue what he has started and he continues to help his parents through extra jobs that suit his expertise and knowledge. If he will be given a chance, he would take the same track or follow his engineering dream. “Nagkataon lang lahat ng nangyari pero magsisikap ako para sa mga pangarap ko.” The stories of these three BulSUans urge all of us to look for a brighter side despite what good or bad happen after graduation or if not, for those who didn’t finish college. There’s another marathon that will be set ablaze for another recipe – and we cannot say what it is – all we can do is hope for the best of the taste that we can experience. It’s either you made it or broke it—your fate rests upon you—how will you do after is still up to your persistence in the middle of circumstances. Graduation is only a façade of the reality ahead for some BulSUans who just finished schooling or if not, are on hiatus to ponder about what’s in store of the future.
JUVENILE JUVENILE
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FEATURE
SUCK IT UP Entering The Jaw-Dropping Reality of the Alter Universe Francesca Marie Rivera And Rochelle Ann Linga “The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes.” -William James In this generation, most of the population have their own social media accounts whether it may be in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr or any applications that allow us to communicate or simply have a short chitchat on our friends, family, and other relatives. Sometimes, it also serves as a tool for meeting and communicating with a person you don’t know which sometimes leads into new friendships and relationships. On the other hand, social media can also cause extreme danger and life threatening experiences and sometimes can also be a mode of having illegal transactions. There’s also those people who uses the social media to find their own definition of pleasure or those people who expresses themselves freely. Is there a reason why they chose to exhibit their desires and hidden personality online with an alter ego? But what is an alter ego? According to the dictionary, alter ego is defined as a second self or different version of oneself which others may or may not be aware of. Today, as you browse on the social media—specifically those who have twitter accounts—may have encountered or stumbled on an account of an alter person who uses a not so secret account wherein he or she watches or post something with an explicit content—like a video of a man moaning so loudly while jacking off or short clips of two people, mostly two males, having vigorous sex. Twitter Dark World Random dick pics, sex scandals, nude photos, videos that are not meant to be shared online. Indeed, a dark world, a forbidden world to others, while a gates to heaven for some; that will only cost your time to click and surely you’ll find some. Twitter alter world is a sort of black market in terms of scandals and explicit photos. In a sense, it is not illegal but if someone’s lacking information and seems innocent then you’ll surely be “shooked’ as the millennial calls it. 26
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As you dig deep inside their own little world, you’ll find out the reason why they chose to hide at the mask of an alter account. “It depends on the mentality of the person. Siguro they have an alter account kasi dito lang sila nakakapag express [...] but me I’m not into sex. I want to talk new people, hearing new POV’s pwede ding kasama sa food tripping, anime, watching, out-of-the-box talks,” a 24 year-old male alter shared. “Dahil free ka sa lahat walang nakakilala sayo kasi you hide your identities, tapos gusto ko lang panoorin yung mga nag popost ng mga vids nila or retweet,” a 20-year-old male added.
its pros and cons and just like any other scenarios an alter account definitely has its own. “May cons din naman sya like for doing some meetups at dahil alter, nobody knows what are they really after, pwedeng friendship,” the 24-year-old male alter shared as he recalls some of the cons he experienced In addition, the 20-year-old male alter shared that he considers one of the worst case scenarios that may happen in an alter world is that, “yung mga batang 16 and below nakikipag meet na tapos nakikipag-sex,” but on the contrary he also enumerated some of the pros he had experienced on his alter account, “Siguro yung pros ay nakakilala ka ng mga bagong kaibigan tapos nakakapanood ng mga vids.” Yes, some of you may view these people as vile, and creepy beings but take a look on their world- it may seem weird to you but to them it is a form of expression. It is a platform wherein they can truly express themselves because maybe some of them has a self-esteem issues that when someone watch or views their videos it helps them to boost their confidence or maybe for some, it is a form of a creative expression or art, so as they say, don’t judge the book by its cover because in reality these people are more than just their alter accounts
Moreover, some of them shared that they created an alter account mostly because of finding pleasure of having sex, watching porn and retweeting and sharing some nudes. I like it a little rough Admit it or not, some of you like the thrill of getting caught. Whether what you’re doing is something sexual or not, doing something forbidden increases your adrenaline and courage to do something. According to a 15-year-old male who owns an alter account, he considers himself as a bottom, that to be able to ease his sufferings, he will bear everything for the sake of fulfillment. Curiosity fanged his mind so he entertained the idea of using dummies. He admits that one of his sexual fantasies is to be able to have one night stands and random sex. But because opportunity doesn’t strike him yet, he instead satisfies himself in front of the camera by having video calls while roughly pleasuring his own as he watches his random sex partner to reach his peak and release. In the Philippines, being a 15-year-old is still considered as a minor. Plus, Minus
“...he instead statisfies himself in front of the camera by having video calls while roughly pleasuring hiw own...”
You cannot deny the fact that every situation has JUVENILE
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ALBUM REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
Clé1: MIROH
56
Into The Jungle Called Adulthood
A Guide for The Filipino Youth Sharah Marie Catiis
Tulad ng mga magulang na maraming paalala, aminado akong hindi ako mauubusan, at makakagawa pa ulit ako ng librong singkapal nito. Hindi matatapos ang mga bilin, kahit malayo ka na, at nagtatakip ng tainga. 56 is Bob Ong’s latest book, and it is the thickest one by far. This is his most recent non-fiction book after Stainless Longganisa. He talks about the stages of life he called PAL (PALamunin pa lang at walang silbi), Registered Voter (how to become a good voter and how to spot fallacies), Laborer (life as a student, and an adolescent), Housemate (moving out of your parents’ house), Alipin (getting married and starting a family), and Historian (being a wise person after years of experience). From the struggles of being a teenager, moving out of your parents’ house, getting married, to having kids—this book is a step-by-step guide into adulthood, appropriate for the Filipino Youth. Bob Ong also imparts 56 words of wisdoms in Chapter 7x8, a call back from his book ABNKKBSNPLAko?! He shares events in his life that will surely make you
cry or motivate you to be a better person. Unlike his other books, this reveals a new side of Bob Ong—someone who is grown, and much wiser. He talks about how scary it is to start a new chapter in our lives, and how he wished that someone or something prepared him for that. True enough, experience is the best teacher but we can do better with a guide—BO provides this. It’s like listening to your parents minus the annoying nagging. The book will teach you how to handle your finances, how to choose an appropriate house for the family, and even the tools you need to maintain your own house. This is a product of love, concern, and the desire to teach the youth how to live, and not make the mistakes that can be avoided by being educated enough. This book is a must read, especially when you are struggling. But as everyone says, your life is in your hands, and your choices will define it. You might need this book or not, it’s for you to decide.
Jump above all the hurdles. You can do. it.
MOVIE REVIEW
Identity Not Found:
An Eye Opening Journey of Growing Up Francesca Marie Rivera
Wake Up Sid is a 2009 coming of age comedy drama film from the Bollywood industry which starred Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma and was directed by Ayan Mukerji. It was well received in India as well as on the other countries. The film received a several outstanding reviews including the reviews of Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service and New York Times. Two Worlds Collide The film basically revolves on Sidharth “Sid” Mehra portrayed by Ranbir Kapoor, a spoiled, careless and rich college student who doesn’t know the value of owning his responsibilities and Aisha Banerjee portrayed by Konkona Sen Sharma an independent woman who comes from Calcutta, India and travels to Mumbai to pursue her dream to become a writer. Two different perspectives, two different lifestyles, two different people. So what will happen if this two different worlds collide? Will they learn to adapt to each other or will it cause a lot of chaotic scenarios in their own lives? 28
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Simple Yet Different A simple story line yet gave a complex realization on life. Wake Up Sid is an eye-opening movie about how someone should simply not be forced by the extreme current of life because someone should become his own person with his own identity that will emerge outside the shadows of others. On a plain perspective, Sid is just a spoiled rich kid but as the story proceeds, you’ll discover that there’s more to him and he’s not just an immature boy who loves to spend his father’s fortune because just like any other young adult, he has his own passions that’ll soon bring him success and realizations in life. Furthermore, the uniqueness of the film taught me to appreciate the simple things in life and how you need to defy the norms of the society. As the saying goes, “It’s better late than never” so break the chains, move forward, be brave on taking the twist and turns of life because staying inside the box will not give you the awesome feeling of being free and true to yourself so conquer those fears and stand your ground.
Sharah Marie Catiis
Clé1: MIROH is the latest mini-album of Stray Kids, a Korean Pop boy group. The songs are solely written and produced by all the members. Some of the dances are also choreographed by the group. The album includes 8 tracks that features long rap verses with meaningful lyrics. The main concept of the album is entering a maze or a jungle that is unknown to all of us and how we can escape it. Clé1: MIROH instills that you have the key in your hands, all you have to do is use it.
Let’s dissect their songs, one by one.
Entrance. The album starts with a remix of all the beats included in the songs of the album. It features a single lyric in French. Où suis-je? Quelle est cette grande porte que je viens d’entrer? which means Where am I? What is this big door that I just entered? This mirrors the whole concept of the album: entering a place that is new to you. It can be scary, dark, and confusing, but nevertheless, you entered it out of curiosity. MIROH. It’s not hard in this rough jungle. It was me who ran into it. I’m okay. The title of the song is a Korean word for maze. It implies that sometimes, when you enter a new phase in your life, there would be this massive maze that you either get through or be stuck on forever. Still, because it is your own choice to be inside this maze, you have to take responsibility and force yourself to feel okay even if it’s hard. Victory Song. A victor’s shout. Those are the words to describe this track. The lyrics mirrors that no matter how hard the struggle is to achieve success, in the end, you will always hear a victory song that solely plays for you. A victor will always be a victor as long as he continues to face every challenger that will come his way. Maze of Memories. A bird that’s flying high ends up snatching my brain but I’m flying on the bird’s back. The lyrics suggests the memories of the journey of a person or a group to get to where they are now. As they are examining the journey, they realize that the struggles will not
stop—prompting them to never give up. This song also suggest that someone will always use our talents, and abilities for their own benefit. We can let them but we must also share the profit they got for taking advantage of our dreams. BOXER. Even though they seem like innocent sheep, in front of their goals they become beast who chase their prey. The youth of today may seem aggressive but they are only like that because they are hungry for success. It’s hard to succeed in this world that is full of discrimination, so we always have to face it head on, like a boxer on a boxing ring. Chronosaurus. Like a tunnel with no light, I’m scared that there’s no end. We are all being chased by this unknown monster as we enter this dark phase of our lives. The suffering that seems never-ending will feed our fears, forcing us to doubt if we can really do something. We can. We just have to fight the monsters that chase us—or is now living in our heads. 19. This place that felt so awkward is now my home. Seoul that felt so big, now seems small to me. When we first entered the university, we all shared the same level of anxiety. Everything is new, fast, and cold. There’s this feeling that we are now in between being a kid, and an adult. That’s what this song suggests. All our life, we waited for adulthood to come because that will mean more freedom, but as we approach that, we become more uncertain of our futures. We would want to go back when life is simpler, and sincerer—but we can’t. Embracing the situation until it becomes more welcoming is our only choice. Mixtape #4. As long as I stay with my heart, I can rely on a broken compass. This track is originally sung by 3RACHA. It was entitled as Broken Compass. Achieving something we want is not an easy feat. There would be bridges we need to burn, and dreams that we need to let go of. But as the song implies, as long as you have the heart—whether it’s a loved one, family, or friends—you will always find your way out even if the compass that will guide you seems broken.
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“Scalpel please.”
about the scars and the pain you’ll have to endure, then worry no more because this molecular surgery Probably, most of you have heard this line in guarantees you a painless and scar less result. Why? a series of K-dramas or any medical related series or Because there’s no scalpel involve and you can also TV shows and admit it or not, maybe one or two of say that it’s a win-win situation to those who are you wants to reiterate this line once you become a deathly terrified on sharp objects. doctor. But what if the future of the surgical world means the absence of the famous scalpel? What Scalpel, go away. would you do? Someone would probably ask, that aside According to the American College of Surgeons, from being bladeless, what makes the molecular the first use of scalpel probably originated during surgery so special when there’s already a laser the Stone Age, obviously it’s not the modern scalpel surgery existing. Well, to tell you this, molecular but rather the usage of sharp objects or blades for surgery is a bit low on cost compared to the laser incisions was the one that was originated back then. surgery and by using tiny needles, electric current and 3D-printed molds. The procedure can reshape Today, as the world continues to change and evolve, living tissue quickly without incisions and scarring one of the aspects that is now gradually changing at all. The procedure also differs from laser surgery is the use of sharp objects for surgery because as of because it has also the ability to fix immobile joints now, molecular surgery is paving its path to the new and can also be an alternative to the laser eye surgery. and modern techniques for the surgery’s future. The question is, “are you ready to throw your scalpels in Moreover, it is also said that the team of Dr. exchange of the molecular surgery or are you going Michael Hill and Dr. Brian Wong who initialized to stick to the old but tested tool for incisions?” the usage of the technique initially focused in terms of reshaping cartilages wherein they passed an Molecu-WHAT? electric current through the cartilage and found that they could make it flexible without damaging the Basically, a molecule can be defined as two involved tissue. or more atoms of the same element or different element that are somewhat combined or connected Still, according to Dr. Hill, the technique together and with that, molecules may also be homo mainly involves the electrolyzing of water inside the nuclear or it only contains one chemical element or it cartilage or simply by splitting water molecules into may also be hetero nuclear or a chemical compound their base forms namely the hydrogen and oxygen having more than one element. gases and by doing this, the cartilage tissues becomes malleable. Enter the world of technology together with a molecule then you’ll surely find a new and You can say that the evolution in the field arising world of the molecular nanotechnology. of medicine is a great achievement and remember Nanotechnology according to the dictionary is without those hardworking and patient scientists defined as the technology which involves a nanometer maybe your knowledge will not evolve as well. So, scale like fine particles, chemical synthesis, and like whatever may happen whether you’ll still opt for so, therefore it is simply the application or an activity the traditional surgical ways or maybe you’ll try the that involves atoms and molecules in the real world. new methods the important thing is that you learn and maybe soon you’ll have your own discovery Furthermore, if this technology continues that’ll also reshape the world’s future, and to all the to sharpen and be popular across the world then aspiring scientists out there, heads up and continue maybe soon, if you’ll undergo a surgery and worries to discover things.
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SCIENCE FEATURE
Scalpel No More:
Reshaping the Surgeon’s Future Francesca Marie Rivera
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SCIENCE FEATURE
Slowly Drifting
When water gets thicker than ice Pauline Van Calla And Danica Peralta
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Earth consists of different wonders including lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, cryosphere and anthroposphere—simply comprehended as land, water, air space, the living, ice and the environments that’re man made or modified by man. Each and one factor has its function which is important but what if one of these became nonexistent, how will this tilt the balance on Earth? It is known to man that the effect of a process is either good or bad and sometimes both, depending on who’s looking. In the case of the changes in the environment specifically the famous melting of ice which is covering the 10% land area in the planet, the only thing can hit the living is its devastating effects. This maybe just a trouble in the eyes of some people but it is fatal to the organisms that can only survive in the coldness of ice. Ice-cold Cryosphere is the icy part of the Earth that comprises of frozen water in the world, made up of ice sheets and glaciers that largely contributed to the Earth’s climate. Permafrost or the frozen soil and rocks, covers the high latitude of the Earth’s surface so as the sea ice that help in the balance of the ecosystem but due to climate change and global warming, the sea ice is gradually melting resulting to harm of the different life forms who take shelter there. In the melting of ice, the ice sheets emit different chemicals such as methane, a colorless and odorless gas that occurs abundantly in nature and as a product of certain human activities. Methane as the simplest member of the paraffin series of hydrocarbons is among the most potent of the greenhouse gases. And because of the large volume of ice melting there’s also a high percentage of atmosphere contamination with methane gas which results to greenhouse effect. Other greenhouse gases are carbon dioxide and water vapor and they absorb infrared radiation which they reradiate back to the Earth’s surface that mostly affects the surface of the ocean, because it’s where the heat are trapped leading to climate change. According to Michon Scott and Kathryn Hansen’s study, sea ice is frozen seawater that floats on the ocean surface that forms in both the Arctic and Antarctic during each hemisphere’s winter, then retreats during the summer without complete disappearance. The sea-ice has an intense influence on the polar environment’s ocean circulation, weather and regional climate. Such drastic changes that affect it and cause its disappearance will also cause the lives of those species that rely in it. And just like how each organism are connected like branches of trees and arranged in food webs, such changes will cost everyone and anyone something. The long drift As the scientists predicted, the future will change towards a seasonally ice-free ocean to a long-range transport of ice-rafted materials by the Transpolar Drift, which is the major current flowing into the Atlantic Ocean from the eastern or Eurasian Arctic. It is inevitable to think and also accept the possibilities that someday all the biota in the cryosphere will be extinct if such scenario dominates. Just like what happened in the earlier times, creatures that live in the polar region became extinct due to the drastic changes in the environment where their bodies did not adapt with. With the situation in the Arctic region, it is no longer impossible that Polar Bears, Seals and Penguins will soon became scarce or extinct. While these organisms are clearly vulnerable to the loss of seasonal sea-ice in the Arctic, consideration of how the lower levels of the food web are changing is also necessary in order to understand the sheer scope of impacts throughout the marine ecosystem. Arctic sea-ice serves an important role in our environment
where they act as a transport medium for different organic matters and gases. Also, it serves as habitat to different life forms in the Arctic Region. There are two components of ice circulation pattern in the Arctic, first is the Beaufort Gyre which has a clockwise circulation that causes an average high-pressure system which spawns the wind over the region. Another component is the Transpolar Drift Stream, where the ice transports from the Siberian coast of Russia across the Arctic basin, exiting into the North Atlantic off the east coast of Greenland as stated by Johansen. Recently, the sea-ice in the Arctic region is continually melting and it is alarming according to National Snow and Ice Data Center, where the survival rate of sea-ice decreased by 15% per decade. Last April 2, 2019, Science Daily release a statement that the transpolar drift is faltering and according to the Alfred Wegener Institute, way back before 2000, 50% of the young ice melts down before it has a chance to leave its nursery stage. Today, it gradually increases up to 80% wherein only 20 percent forms in the shallow Russian marginal seas of the Arctic Ocean. Not too cold The Transpolar Drift plays an important role in the biogeochemical cycles but due to the different human activities that causes global warming specifically the unwanted chemicals that emitted by the factories and establishments the ozone layer is harshly affected, that leads to climate change, which is the primary reason why the sea ice is melting. The large volume of water was trapped as ice undergoes glacial-interglacial cycles. As the climate become too hot, huge amount of fresh water flow into the ocean and affects its salinity and current. Also, it rises the sea level, exposing the dark ocean surface that results to the warming of the ocean more than while it is covered with ice because the sunlight was directly absorbed by the ocean surface. Sea-ice serves as the habitat of the different species like polar bears. And nowadays, polar bears are starving in the polar region because they need more energy to walk or swim in hunting for seals that took shelter in the other parts of ice which is not likely the case, but this results to weight-loss and starvation of polar bears for they mostly catch just a single seal even after using too much effort and because of the limited ice surface they can walk into. Polar bears are considered endangered and vulnerable animals and if the ice melting in the Arctic region continues, there is a big possibility that the polar bears will be extinct. Frost bites Another fact is that, the ocean is also affected by these changes because of the direct sunlight that reflects to it resulting to warmer ocean water that affects the marine life. Digging deeper, in a food chain, the plants are always considered as the primary producers while the animals are the secondary consumers and humans as the needy ones being the consumers of other consumers. The environment is the one that serves everything on anyone’s plate and changes in it causes the meal to be scarce, what’s left there for humans to have? Years have gone by on this planet before humans existed but the other creatures and resources evolved true time, clearly not in need of human intervention. It may be true that people made the other species and lands flourish but human activities can banish them too. What may seem to be far-off the future can be on your doorstep anytime soon just like how impossible it may be for the sea-ice to melt but it is reported that the spring reached the Arctic now. Caring as a person may be a little thing but every little gesture makes a bigger picture. If every person thinks of living in a way that saves the Earth, the next day everyone could be doing the same. JUVENILE
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Swallowed
HaveyoumetTed
Coffee Float
Gunshot
Tarnished Maidenhood
Deep on the ocean floor Is a beauty all adore Finding anchors Making them sink
Those were the eyes I’d loved to stare The same features I’d always touch The same lips I’ve always kissed The same person Who made me special Is standing in front of me “500 million and you’ll be free” I free myself from the pain.
I can hear the ticking of the clock that rhymes with the beating of my heart. I’ve been up for days and it scares me. I can’t sleep no matter how hard I try and I can’t forget. It’s hard to forget when I can still feel the pain- the ones he caused me. As I lay in the comfort of my own bed, I can’t relax. I feel his hands gripping the flesh on the sides of my hips as if I’m back in that same moment. I can feel his breath on my back. It sends chills that vibrate all over my body. There’s another pair of hands pinning me on the bed, the marks on my wrist are arching. And those hands are familiar- those hands belong to his friend. I cried in pain. But I cried silently as another’s tongue slid down my throat like a dagger- I thought he’s my best friend. He devours my mouth with such force that took every breath left in me, I felt like dying as his hands grip my hair, throwing my head back to get a better access. I feel fragile and near breaking point. I ache as they thrust and turn me, took me one at a time and altogether at once. The pain is engraved in my soul and my body aches like the sensation is still fresh. I can’t forget that day—the moment when three men surrendered their virginity at my mercy.
On ship wrecks and bones Stuck on the reefs It searches
Doon sa Itaas BrownRabbit
Some said it was once a maiden Who had lost her sight Her father is a drunk sailor Who never looked at her with delight
May usok na parating Hindi ko na alam saan lilingon Tila ba umiikot ang paningin Yung tipong parang babalutin ng dilim
One drunk night the sailor bargained with the sea A pair of precious orbs In exchange of a great voyage
Pumikit ako at huminga Pero bakit parang may kakaiba Hindi ko alam kung ilusyon pa ba Hinanap ko at sinubukan ang pag kapa
The maiden disappeared And so was its birth Now, its tentacles hide behind the waves Still searching
Tinignan ko ang aking mga paa Sinubukang tumayo ng tuwid Yung hindi madadapa Sininghot ko ang amoy, parang may malansa
For that same pair of eyes The maiden has lost.
Tinumbok ko at tinignan Nagulat ako nang pag masdan Bumalik sa ulirat Nawala ang ulap sa utak na kinakagisnan
Wakas 367
Napakaraming tao Hindi magkandaugaga, Nagkakagulo Hanggang sa tumunog na At nagsimula nang Magmarcha Sa wakas, Graduate na ‘ko
Rugby boy
PaintingWords Limos ko’y barya Hindi biscuit o ano pa Ito’y panandalian lang Kumpara sa usok na may mahika Dito Naiibsan aking gutom Nakakayanan ang lamig ng gabi Handa sa anumang gawain Basta’t ninais ng pagiisip Pakiusap Limos ko’y barya Para sa isang pakete lang Ako’y pagbigyan Ikatlong linggo ko na 34
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LITERARY
Barong Tagalog
Tinulak ko at sinubukan kilatisin Parang may mali sa hindi niya pag baling Yung kaibigan kong nakahandusay na walang buhay Ngunit parang hindi na ako nagitla Wala akong maalala May daga sa dibdib at sikmura Pinagpapawisan ng titis at sinusubukang maalala Sapagkat baka ako ang may sala.
Metal Soldier Korning Unicorn
Tangled chains endless threads old and dusty ropes one gentle flick I’ll follow your command one step two steps like a soldier I’ll march made of steel wounds won’t heal so hurry child let’s run together and change our path before darkness consume our colorful minds
Deneb
Howard Potts
Free
Sinigang mix With every shattered pillars of existence crumbling down to the core I collapse every time my questions skip unanswered my voice cannot be heard not a single feather can overtake such deafening silence that slithers through every hole in my body as I leave without any words to say you speak an unbearable volume without opening your mouth a I look away I break the glass around me my eyes disappear in their sockets as they sprout in my heart I free myself from you I free myself from the pain.
Sanay na akong humawak ng mga bangkay na nakabarong. Matagal na akong embalsamador sa maliit at lumang punerarya sa aming probinsya. Mahirap lang kami, ngunit mas mahirap ang iba sa amin. Simula nang patayin ang mga nabansagang adik sa aming lugar, lumakas ang kita ng aming negosyo. Sa una’y natuwa ako sapagkatoakiramdam ko ay makakaahon na kami sa lusak, at mapaparusahan na ang mga may sala sa aming maliit na bayan. Kaliwa’t kanan ang pasok ng bangkay. Pinakakaunti na ang lima sa loob ng isang gabi. Nawala ang saya ko nang tumama ang mga bala nila sa isang mahalagang tao sa buhay ko. Naglalakad ako patunggo sa plaza kung saan nagbibigay ng talumpati si Mayor. Puting-puti ang kaniyang suot. Nakakatakot marumihan. Lumapit ako hanggang nasa harapan ko na siya. Kasing bilis ng pagkurap, bumagsak si Mayor sa aking harapan. Sanay na akong humawak ng mga bangkay na nakabarong.
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Surely, one of the best things in life is to conquer fear. Many people have a lot of phobias that have been developed during their early days and even during their maturity stage such that when encountering a specific thing, their hearts will skip a beat and they will just walk out of safety. The sky is the limit, isn’t it? Admit it or not, many of us want to experience riding a plane or if not, touching the sky. Since we imagine gliding across the clouds, there are times we wish we could fly as we see a flock of birds and roam with them. Look above the endless skies ahead and wonder how we could reach the end through them. There are humans who have gone flying since then. They have no wings but they could fly and touch the sky. For them, the art of free fall is a beautiful risk to consider. Embrace the thrill of their experiences as they dive to our minds. The early bird catches the worm Bumping a new experience is just normal for a 30-year old Jaymark Celestino. Celestino has a penchant for extreme sports including parasailing and diving. He explored skydiving through his friend after a three-experience in diving and two-year experience in parasailing. He has been doing dangerous sports since 2012. “So nung una kong beses na sumabak sa diving, kinakabahan ako. Di ako talaga sanay lumangoy at takot malunod. Unang pumasok sa utak ko ay takot. Takot na hindi na ko makaahon o takot na maiwanan ng mga kasamahan sa ilalim. A year after unti-unti ko siyang naa-appreciate at nakadagdag pa sa encouragement yung pag-cheer up sakin ng mga kasamahan ko.” At his 29th birthday, he entered the doors of skydiving. Diving and parasailing are both aquatic sports that’s why he wants to explore anew: something that is foreign to his heart that seeks a fresh and thrilling moment. At first he has a lot of hesitations because water and air have a large difference when it comes to adjustments. Pressure is one of the antagonists in his diving journey while during skydiving, surpassing a great height varying from 12,000 feet and below is one obstacle that he overcame. “Nung una kong experience sa skydiving na hindi ko malilimutan ay yung muntik ko na di mabuksan yung parachute. Kabadong-kabado ako sa pangyayari na yon kasi iyon yung fourth dive ko at ako na lang yung nag-dive non. First three dives may kasama pa kong trainer na nag-guide sakin kaya hindi masyadong nakakatakot pero pag mag-isa ka lang, parang hawak mo sa paglipad mo na ‘yon yung buhay mo kung may mangyari man masama,” as for Celestino, engaging into extreme sports at the age of 23 is one thing he would treasure. Another skydiver, Mark Edrian Sy told that he started way off late. Adrenaline rush is what he always seek. Despite beginning skydiving at 49, he would always find passion in things he thinks are far different from being done by many. He prefers being an ‘outlaw’ in enjoyment and would not rather spoil his life anymore sitting for hours and watching TV like he did before. There’s a kind of rush Whenever other people discovered that he is a skydiver, Sy will often tell that he is very proud to experience that sport. Aside from
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the fact that it gives happiness to him, skydiving isn’t a simple stunt designed to give cheap thrills – such that there is an unexplainable feeling once his feet leaves the ground. “’Di ko maexplain sa tuwing nagdadive ako. Nakakatakot sa una pero kalaunan nagiging parang ang gaan na lang bigla ng pakiramdam mo sa ibang bagay kasi nga lumilipad ka nang malaya.” He could have started it earlier if only his fright of height didn’t meddle with his interest to skydive. If he didn’t feel any scary feeling, he could have dived as early as 25 years old when his cousin, who turns out to be a skydiver also persuaded him to try the sport. “Dapat nasubukan ko na yon dati pa pero pinangunahan lang ng kaba.” As for Celestino, his heart seems to like skydiving – it has helped him to develop a healthier heart – his veins come to life whenever he dives from the sky. Moreover, the adrenaline rush that it provides is enough to lessen his worries in life. One time he grieved for his past pet Nick, a Golden retriever who just passed away last year due to old age. He said that skydiving boosted his self-confidence to move faster in life, from one of the saddest moments of his 2018. The Art of Letting Go Skydiving is letting go of everything. You need to let go of fears and doubts because those are all burdens in your diving. You also need to let go of some things – especially when they cost an arm and a leg just like Celestino narrated. He would rather leave them to the guide masters than risking it for a ‘selfie.’ “Good thing na hindi ko na dinala dati yung cam ko. May napanuod kasi ako sa internet na yung cam niya na ginamit habang nagdadive ay nalaglag. Minsan kailangan natin iwanan mga bagay na ganun para mas lalo natin ma-appreciate yung ganda ng view sa ibaba.” On the other hand, Sy had a remorseful encounter in the past which he chose to not tell. He mentioned that it was about his wife. He struggled every day when that happened and the only escape he could ever think is to divert his attention to other things that is why he had chosen skydiving as one of the options to forget what took place during that sad night. “Naging way ‘to para maibsan yung sakit na naranasan ko last four years. Nakatulong ang skydiving para pakawalan ko yung iba ko pang sama ng loob at kalungkutan sa kanya [asawa]. Kung ano ang meron ako ngayon, pinagpapasalamat ko na ‘yon sa asawa ko dahil kundi dahil sa kanya, ‘di ako magiging malakas – hindi ko rin mararanasan siguro ang skydiving.” He also reminded that those who want to experience skydiving must be strong enough, not only to endure the waiting time during the take-off but also to be physically and mentally prepared for whatever thing that might happen. “Focus. Just focus and pray before diving.”
SPORTS
The Art of Touching the Sky Behind the Antics of Skydiving Jose Enrico Coronel
These people have defied the odds for their own reasons of living – and skydiving. For someone who is fond of doing things that others see as dangerous and unsafe, some people have the guts to savor what life has yet to offer. For them, you’ll never know what’s next or what will happen last. The very least thing to do is to enjoy not only during the ups but also during the times of downs just like a stone in its pure free-fall state.
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ENTERTAINMENT
FACT U
Lighting Up a Friend’s Life
Ninja Moves Level: Bill Gates
Probability Skills at its Finest
Why Don’t We Rewrite “The Bouncing Rig”?
The fifteen-year-old Ann Makosinski, designed and built a thermoelectric flashlight which she calls the Hollow Flashlight for her Filipino friend who failed school because of electricity problem. Her device uses Peltier tiles — a device that produces energy when one side is heated and another side is cooled — to help the light last for over 20 minutes.
Once his school realized Bill Gates’ proclivities for coding, they let him write the school’s computer program for scheduling students in classes. He even slyly altered the code so he was placed in classes with a “disproportionate number of interesting girls.”
Actor Ben Affleck<Batman> was banned for life from playing blackjack at the Vegas Casino. He was caught using counting cards. It is a gambling strategy that decreases betting risk in blackjack. It isn’t illegal but many casinos forbid it. It involves remembering which cards have already been played to determine the odds of whether or not to place a high bet.
A 16-year-old gymnast, George Nissen was inspired to invent after he watching trapeze artists performed their routines. Wondering if they could bounce straight back up into the air. Finally, at 1934, he produced an iron frame attached to a stretched canvas, “the Bouncing Rig.” And later renamed it “Trampolin” or Spanish for spring board.
COMICS Sumabit
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-PAD
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