Spotlight Publication (Volume II - Issue No.2)

August 2019

Volume II - Issue no. 2

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF ADAMSON UNIVERSITY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

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Adamson University Senior High School holds its

Commencement Exercises

By Shenna Mae Iyog

Last 15th of May 2019, Grade 12 students of Adamson University celebrated both an astounding achievement and an incredible new milestone which is their Graduation Day with the theme “Strengthening Excellence in Education for a Sustainable future� at the Plenary Hall, PICC in Manila, Philippines.

The most anticipated event of every grade 12 student has come, all efforts and hard work proved to be worth it at the very end for they are finally taking the next big step. The graduation ceremony was set at the Plenary Hall in the Philippine International Convention Center on May 15, 2019 from 7 am to 5 pm. Mr. Daniel Day V. Aguillon headed the ceremony for the morning session and Mr. Luis Magtira did it for the afternoon rites.

The ceremony kicked off with the assembly followed by the procession of the graduates. After the preliminaries have occurred, the eucharistic celebration took place, led by Rev. Fr. Agustin A. Advincula, C.M. Following the mass is the Academic Procession followed, graced by the various heads of Adamson University such as the PTA President, AUAII President, Student Discipline

Coordinators, SHS Academic Head, BED Principal, SHS Principal, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Vice President for Administrative Affairs, Guest Speaker and the University President. Once that was done, the entrance of colors took place, led by the ROTC Unit of Adamson University.

The graduates were presented by the Senior High School Principal, Dr. Lorna A. Espeso, followed by the confirmation of graduates which was done by the University President, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM. Mrs. Elizabeth SeechungAndojar, CPA, an alumna of the university, delivered the commencement address to the graduates. The distribution of diplomas and awards followed shortly and was led by the President of Adamson University, Fr. Marcelo V. Manimtim, CM.

NEWS

FEATURE

EDITORIAL

OPINION

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After the diplomas and awards were distributed, Ms. Raven I. Dela Cruz, an outstanding student from the senior high school body and was awarded with High Honors, delivered the words of gratitude in behalf of the whole student body. The Pledge of Loyalty came next which was led by Engr. Hubert Q. Temprosa, President of the Adamson University Alumni Association.

The ceremony concluded through the singing of the Adamson University Hymn followed by the recessional of the university officials, guests of honor, faculty members and graduates.

The fresh graduates left the venue with mixed emotions having to leave their beloved friends and professors, but with enlightened and fired up spirits, ready to take on the next challenges and obstacles thrown at their way.

t o N Do LITERARY

COMICS

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NEWS

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Graduation Ball 2019: A Night of Fire and Ice

By Leila Ysobel V. Flores

Last April 26, 2019 approximately 1,200 graduating students of the Adamson University – Senior High School don their best appearances to blazon their “Fire & Ice” themed graduation ball in the Grand Ballroom of the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay.

Emblaze and Glaciate

A one-of-a-kind communal gathering, grade 12 students gathered again not in their uniforms but in their gowns and tuxedos to fire-up the evening.

Highlighting the theme of Fire and Ice, the graduation ball served as a venue to cap off the efforts they had exerted, strengthen their bond before they part ways, and to immortalize the memories they shared in the two-year program. Videos and photographs featuring captured moments streamed on the screen above the stage.

The Ball

The graduation ball started with the registration which ran from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. After which, the program began. Ms. Margie B. Clave, faculty member from the Mathematics area, and Mr. Earl Jim D. Sumaoang, faculty member from the English area, spearheaded the event.

At the beginning of the program, Dr. Lorna A. Espeso, SHS principal, delivered her

welcome speech to the graduating students. Atty. Lynn Danao-Moreno, the PTA president, also gave an address to the attendees. The ball was also an avenue for the outgoing SSG president, Ms. Alexandra Diane Anadon, to say her words of gratitude towards her batch and for the chance to lead the student body.

The fun-filled program ended at 11:00 pm, right after when the students had their time to dance with their peers. The graduation ball was organized by the Supreme Student Government together with their advisers, Mrs. Ana P. Garcia and Mr. Willie Anthony D. Sapalaran.

Ms. Alexandra Diane Anadon.

Teachers from the Christian Living Area showcased a song. Ms. Mernilyn Lamadora, Mr. Francois Rowil Jamon and Ms. Angel Ognita, a former faculty member, also gave different song numbers. Selected grade 12 students also brought off a beautiful cotillion dance.

Aside from the performances, the organizers also took the ball as a chance to discover students who completely stunned the crowd with their looks and get-ups. Three different awards were given, the Alexandrite award, the Diamond award and the Butterfly award.

Fire and ice, the theme of their A Show of Talents and Aesthetics graduation ball, may always remind

The graduation ball also the graduating students of the fire featured performances coming within them and ice their dreams. from selected faculty members and students. Some of these included song and dance presentations, as well as a speech from the outgoing SSG president,

NEWS

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HUMSS students reap award in SSP Summit 2019

By Leila Ysobel V. Flores

Grade 12 students from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) academic strand of Adamson University have reaped awards in OHANA, Social Sciences and Philosophy (SSP) Summit at the NISMED Auditorium, University of the Philippines - Diliman, March 2, 2019.

Out of 10 Vincentian representatives, four students have emerged victorious. Gleezed Valencia (12-HUMSS01), Leila Ysobel Flores (12-HUMSS01), Jaleesa Nicole Olaguer (12-HUMSS02) and Deithen Mathew Angeles (12-HUMSS03) have received recognition for garnering the winning project proposal under their assigned divisions, with their respective teams.

Under the Anthropology division, Valencia and her teammates have pitched in the idea of organizing a walk-in museum that will showcase the culture and heritage of Lumads, in response to the question of how funds could be raised in order to help the students of the indigenous community.

Under the same division, Angeles and his team has also received recognition for proposing an annual theatrical play that will stage the life of a specific indigenous community. Furthermore, a different community will be featured every year.

T o promote the diverse languages of the

Filipino people, Flores and her team have proposed a collaboration with the Department of Education in establishing a celebration of Buwan ng Mga Wika through a nationwide contest, wherein elementary and high school students are encouraged to submit poetry and short stories, written in their mother tongues. The writers of the winning pieces will be awarded and all entries may be accessed through an online archive. They were assigned under the Linguistics division.

With B.A.T.A. (Buhay, Aruga, Tahanan at Ambisyon), Olaguer and her teammates have shown the importance of demography. With the use of population census, the team have proposed to determine the vulnerable demographic groups in a community. Furthermore, they have proposed activities such as concerts for a cause, fun runs and selling of delicacies in order to raise funds annually for different beneficiaries such as abandoned children and

marginalized families.

Five students; Vincent Halog (12-HUMSS01), Alexandra Kate Ramirez (12-HUMSS01), Cheska Ocson (12-HUMSS02), Geejay Cuarteron (12-HUMSS02), Felize Joyce Billena (12-HUMSS03) and Sherylyn Suaybaguio (12-HUMSS03) have also participated in the competition, under different divisions.

Other than the project proposal planning and pitching, the program for this year’s summit also included seminars that have been spearheaded by different professors from the host school, University of the PhilippinesDiliman.

The SSP Summit is the firstever academic and leadership to be established for senior high students from the HUMSS strand. It has been initiated last year, with the purpose of propagating perspectives of the different disciplines of the Social Sciences through seminars and competitions.

For this year, the summit aimed “to shed more light to the social sciences and philosophy, and “to impart to students the value of work in the field.”

NEWS Baby Falcons Devastate Bullpups; Take Their First Loss of the Season By: Anna Katrina C. Tena

Baby Falcons out-scored Bullpups 62-59 giving the taste of first loss to the unbeaten team National University this Season 81 of UAAP junior’s basketball tournament last December 12, 2018 at Blue Eagle Gym.

Bullpups determined Abadiano’s triple that sent to be victorious, managed the game in to overtime. to cut the lead down to Manlapaz is joined one. Fighting to hold back together with Sabandal the lead, Adamson’s Adam for the double-double Manlapaz helped the performance for Adamson; defense to stop the Bullpups Sabandal earning himself 13 take the lead down. It was points and 11 rebounds to a huge game for Manlapaz share success with the whole who scored double-double team. on today’s game with 11 Adamson University points, 14 rebounds and draws first blood on four blocks. the unbeaten National He crushed a University with Abadiano potential game breaking scoring 17 points as Fortea momentum for the Bullpups shot 4-of-23 from the field after blocking a lay-up from for 11 markers.

Terrence Fortea and Gerry BATTLE OF THE BANDS: THE BATTLE OF PASSION FOR MUSIC PAGE 05 by: SHAIRAMAGNE JADE J. KUA

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Adamsonian Compete for Brain Quest 2019 By: Judy Vince Dayrit

Selected senior high school students of Adamson University have competed for the Annual Jose P. Laurel Cup (JPL Cup) and Brain Quest, at the Lyceum of the Philippines-Manila on February 26, 2019, a competition showcasing the complex minds of students in General Information, General Mathematics, General Science, Story-Writing, and Speech, honoring the works and visions of Former President Jose P. Laurel to the future leaders of our country.

Judy Vince Dayrit in which the Adamsonian from 11STECH-02, Maries representatives, Hernandez, Christina Hernandez from Panlilio, and Dayrit 11SSCI-03, and Marlon showcased their complex James Panlilio from Grade minds, respectively.

12 SSCI-04 represented Other than the Brain Adamson University and Quest contest, the JPL Cup competed with other 2019 also held competitions representative Senior High dedicated for students School students from all who excel at story-writing, over the National Capital oratorical speech, and Region and some provinces speech choirs. from CALABARZON.

With the visions and

The said competition goals of the competition, has 3 divisions: General Adamson University is Information, General looking forward to the next Science, and General Math, year of the said event.

NEWS

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Battle of the Bands: The Battle of Passion for Music

By Shairamagne Jade J. Kua

Battle of the bands is one of the events the SSG officers organized for their fellow SHS students. The program proper last February 21, 2019 started around 3:30 in the afternoon in lead of former Assistant Coordinator for Students Activities, Mr. Cloyd De Villena, who thanked the people behind the success of the event – Dr. Lorna Espeso LPT, PhD, SSG Officers, Teachers, and the sponsors. Aside from it, he also stated that Battle of the Bands (BOTB) was the highlight among all of the events organized by the SSG officers wherein it would proudly showcase talents of Adamsonians.

Battle of the bands is one of the events the SSG officers organized for their fellow SHS students. The program proper last February 21, 2019 started around 3:30 in the afternoon in lead of former Assistant Coordinator for Students Activities, Mr. Cloyd De Villena, who thanked the people behind the success of the event – Dr. Lorna Espeso LPT, PhD, SSG Officers, Teachers, and the sponsors. Aside from it, he also stated that Battle of the Bands (BOTB) was the highlight among all of the events organized by the SSG officers wherein it would proudly showcase talents of Adamsonians.

The SSG Officers invited judges who are experienced in the field of music. Afterwards, the Masters of Ceremony, Frances Arimatea and Rasedd Tesorero, both Grade 12 students, introduced the judges namely: Mr. Rienzi, Ms. Costa Rica, and DJ Lock Vendivel.

To make sure that the audience will be surely entertained, the bands were sort even before the contest to know who would be the top 5 to perform for the SHS community.

Luckily, it was Fill in the blanks (Ashley Pladevega, Kyle tong Nicolle Tejada, Shawn Valerio, Irish Mae Ong & Mikee Hipolito); Shapeshifters (Robin R. Quijano, Angelo Rovince Bautista, Jasper Magnaye & Drew Mamis); Mighty Band (Angelica Eunice Pinza, Patrick Adrian Reyes, Jean Gabriel Tolentino, Kyle Austin Clemente, Jayzel Delhin & David Earl Ramos); Adios Mirasol (Heiko M. Balisi, Ken Brehmen Cunanan, Catherine V. Distura, Catherine Ann B. Guanzon, Manuel B. Mateo & Maria Kaiserin Robles); Midnight Vandals (Gino Canites, Evelyn Torino, Gio Yumul, Keith Mimis, Mark Cruz & Paul Bacinillo).

Aside from having the performance of the five (5) finalist of the battle of the bands, intermission numbers prepared by selected students was also showcased during the event.

These students were Michaella Joyce E. Agnabo of Gr. 12 SSCI 2, Jack R. Bernales of Gr. 12 SSCI 1, Janine A. Icaca of Gr. 11 HUMSS 2, Zytel Jane c.

Luzara of Gr. 12 SENG 9, Ma. Angelica M. Ayuste of Gr. 12 SSCI 2, Aubrey Anne Dominique A. Mendoza of Gr. 12 SSCI 2 who danced to the beat of modern hiphop and the Manoy Band of Jericho Salinas, Ralph Tañagras, Miko de Peralta, Alwyne Villamil and Jose Lazaro IV. After the performance of all the students, the closing remark was the time for Former Coordinator

for Students Activities, Mr. Rosalito G. Amosco Jr. who shared a little of his experience as the Former Coordinator for Students Activities and also gave appreciation for the efforts and hard works of all the SSG Officers for the success of all the events.

Meanwhile, the computation of the scores of the 5 bands released.

The Mighty Band received a total of 75.33 %, Midnight Vandals that has 81.33%, Fill in the blanks that received 86.67%, Adios Mirasol of 90.33% as the 1st Runner up, and 92.67% for the Shapeshifters that brought them as the champion for the Battle of the Bands 2019.

Lastly, the most awaited part of the event was the rave party that happened right after the awarding.

Even though the Rave Party was almost cancelled due to the misbehavior and vulgar words but then according to SSG Chancellor, Alexandra Diane Anadon “It was Sir Alvin Fronteras, Student Discipline Coordinator who convinced the heads – Dr. Espeso, the principal; and Ms. Sualog, Academic Head – to push through the year end party. For him, he wants to save SSG’s reputation since we already promised the whole student body that we will be having the Rave Party. On the other hand, the quest dj namely DJ Lock Vendivel was already there and ready together with his dj epuipments”.

Therefore the rave party had resumed up until 7 o’clock in the evening.

FEATURE

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Struggling it the South Way By: Adreianne Valerio

Throughout the long bus rides and sequential traffic jams Manila has to offer at its crowded breeze, you chose to stay because you ought to. Until the endless pollution and myths about what Manila truly is, you’re still there doubtful, yet striving for the tedious change you have been waiting.

Oh, Manila, how hard it is to love you! Notwithstanding the conviction I have with South, it is a home and a cradle of its own.

You had a long night working on a paper due byand-by the days. Still, you managed to wake up at 4am with your heavy-eyed being, thinking whether the sleep was even worthy or not.

The same day occupies the first two hours of its whole, the travel you had to endure – with your feet starting your day with

numbness upon mindlessly standing in that crowded bus.

In South, the patience always counts.

“The country’s first landport,” as you read that distressing sign which caused you pain as your usual oneride-away travel turns into a two-ride. You line up in that queue for the jeep, still with your sleepy eyes.

You came at school quite earlier than the Manila kids because we can never estimate the clocks ticking at the South. Being from the South, it’s either you’re early or very late. There’s no in between. At Mondays, there are worst. On the whole, the same routines happen Mondays to Fridays. In South, we just let time enjoy itself because we never know.

It’s just the beauty of traveling from the South is getting to see the beauty of sunrise every time you travel on the way. In South, we are morning persons even with a four-hour slumber.

After a long week of struggles, going back and forth Manila to South, you fought hard. All the school works seemed too challenging; the importance of sleep highlights the day, and lastly, the friends you missed because entirely, your days are spent outside of your usual place.

Friday is the time to go back home, yet it’s a challenge to be accomplished. It is always a busy road going back.

Here you are, feeling the usual spaces of the South. You go back to the time wherein you don’t have to worry about the seconds, minutes, and hours passing by, but sadly, it will be just a short period of time.

Being from the South, it epitomizes you – the time, patience, and hardwork. Loving the South is a bittersweet kind, it requires sacrifice and a hopeful heart. That maybe one day, being from the South won’t be hard as it was.

FEATURE

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Acceptance is tough and so are YOU

By Roselle Clanza

Living through unnerving days in this society is a tough journey through every second, minute and hour; the whispers of others and demons of your insecurities putting you to rest from the steepness of mountains you have to climb daily. Acceptance is tough if you want to be yourself—but so are you. Everything and everyone else who tries to bring you down is just one obstacle you have to go through; you should never bother yourself with what other people think negatively about you because at the end of the day, the way you see yourself is the only way that matters.

may seem. It should not dictate you on doing something different out of your zone. We are individuals who associate ourselves with one another. WE make up the society, we all struggle on what we think we should be or what role we should portray. We all face our own different challenges, and thus, we should never make it worse for someone else.

If people keep blaming society for its infamous influence in our lives, might as well blame ourselves for being a part of it. Rather, if we can, we should help those who are in need.

Some people are simply stronger than others, and those who stand fragile must be protected. Aligning ourselves

Think of the society as an apocalypse. Every single with other people makes a stronger bond, and a remedy person is under the idea that who they can be is dictated by that comprises a golden future. what society wants to see and not by their own self. Their minds are brainwashed into thinking that they should You walk on your own path, it is not simply directed always abide by the so-called ‘norms’ of the society. In this to you. We all have our chance to map out our own tracks. instance, you should know better because YOU and only If we are scared to stray out of what most people walk upon YOU know what you want. and re-direct our pace into our own perspectives- if we are truly afraid to be lost, we would never find our own.

Living should be free in order for you to be yourself. Acceptance should not only come from other people but Yourself comes first before anyone. The more you accept also within you. who you truly are, the easier it is for you to be as daring as you could be. Showing your true colors does not make you vulnerable, it makes you stronger as you boldly show other people that it’s you, and no one can ever be as unique as you. You can’t expect someone else to accept you if you keep denying your own identity.

Girls wear dresses not because they want to impress boys, they wear dresses because they want to look fashionably cute. Girls wear cosmetics not because they’re trying to seduce, they artistically paint their faces because they want to feel good. Some students study hard not because they want to be a teacher’s pet, they study hard because they have high goals to achieve. Guys do not style their hair because they want to pick up girls, they are jut being presentable.

We should not make a fuss out of everything. We should stop glorifying those who point out other people’s flaw just because they have managed to set a trend. No one is the same as anyone else.

Fighting for ourselves is truly no joke but we should also remember that the society is not as complex as it

EDITORIAL

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2019 Midterm Elections: A Gauge Of President Duterte’s Efficiency Midterm Election, from the name itself, is literally the election that happens during the midterm of a president, so that will be on the third year of the incumbent president since we have a 6-year term for President. This is when 12 seats in the Senate, all seats in the House of Representatives, all provincial, city, and municipal-level elected positions will be contested. This is normally a gauge for how the incumbent president is doing; that is, if the people is satisfied with his performance, candidates that are aligned with him will surely win, otherwise, they will vote for the opposition.

Currently, there are two major groups that are vying for the positions: the Otso Diretso, which is an opposition-aligned party, and the Hugpong ng Pagbabago, which is administration-aligned.

The former is composed of former DILG secretary Mar Roxas, current Sen. Bam Aquino, Magdalo representative Gary Alejano, Semira Gutoc, former Sol. Gen. Florin Hilbay, Romulo Macalintal, Atty. Chel Diokno, and Erin Tañada.

Most of them belongs to the Liberal Party. The latter, which is chaired by presidential daughter Sara Duterte, is composed of current Sen. Sonny Angara, former Sen. Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano, former BCOR chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, current Sen. JV Ejercito, former Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, SAP Bong Go, Dong Mangudadatu, former journalist Jiggy Manicad, current Gov. Imee Marcos, current Sen. Koko Pimentel, former Presidential Adviser on

Political Affairs Francis Tolentino and current Sen. Cynthia Villar.

Salient issues that are being discussed includes Federalism and the highly controversial War on Drugs. Obviously, majority of HNP favors these issues as these are brought by President Duterte while Otso Diretso opposes these.

But what does the people support? Well, as per the March 23-27 survey of Pulse Asia, the Top 6 spots shall include Grace Poe, Cynthia Villar, Sonny Angara, Bong Go, Pia Cayetano, and Lito Lapid.

The 6th – 12th spots were filled with Nancy Binay, Bato dela Rosa, Bong Revilla, Imee Marcos, Francis Tolentino, and Jinggoy Estrada. None of the opposition-aligned candidates made it to the Top 12 of this survey and we are just days away from the election. Bam Aquino is the highest among them to place at the 13th spot followed by Mar Roxas at the 16th spot. Does this

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EDITORIAL mean that the opposition’s days are numbered?

Let’s check a few more facts. SWS reported that Duterte’s satisfaction rating bounces back to personal high of 79% in March 2019 – a 5-point rise from his 74% rating in December 2018. This doesn’t look good for Otso Diretso. This just means that the Filipinos are currently loving the changes that are being brought upon by this administration.

On April 2019 however, a highly controversial series of video with the whistleblower tagged as “Bikoy” made rounds in social media. This certain Bikoy accuses the president, his son, Pulong Duterte, Sara Duterte’s husband – Mans Carpio, and even his daughter Kitty Duterte, as part of a large-scale drug syndicate that is operating here in the country. It was expected to tarnish the reputation of the current administration and its senatorial bets but it badly backfired.

Ad m i nst r at i on - a l i g ne d political bloggers RJ Nieto (Thinking Pinoy), and Sass Rogando Sasot (For the Motherland), carefully examined the videos and found a lot of loopholes from the expose. This includes transactions that

are made during holidays, transactions that are conducted on dates that are beyond the date when the supposed bank statements were released, huge amount of money that was not flagged by AMLA and was transacted using Rural Banks, and certain poor Photoshop editing that resulted to highly-identical signatures of different people. Also, the alleged rural bank released an official statement through their Facebook page denying the accusations.

Misibis Bay Resort, which was allegedly their hideout to for illegal drug activities, denied Bikoy’s accusations and is willing to file proper cases in the court. Things don’t look pretty good for the Otso Diretso/Liberal Party. It seems like they can have a maximum of 1 seat in the senate through Bam Aquino but that is still a low probability.

Considering the latest survey that was released

by Pulse Asia, President Duterte’s “very good” satisfaction rating, and this failed Bikoy expose, I think that HNP or most administ rat ion-a lig ne d candidates including independent ones, will dominate this 2019 Midterm Elections.

NEWS

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these sections were assigned: SENG 1 – 7 and STECH 1 – 3. Advisers of these sections also went with their advisees together with the SHS Principal and the By: Vivien C. Odiame SHS Academic

Grade 12 students went to the Paradise Head.

Adventure Camp in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan last Upon arriving in April 2019 for the first ever Educational Trip for the venue, the SHS students. This activity focused on teaching students necessary survival skills and was conducted by well-trained facilitators from the said camp.

Vincentians embark on an Educational Trip

April 10, 11 and 15, 2019 were reserved for students to learn new useful skills in life. Having to assemble at 5:30 AM in the university, excitement filled the students as this was the first educational trip handed by the school to them.

En route to the Paradise Adventure Camp, students were given reminders by the facilitators about the things to do and expect, and the things

not to be done during the day. The educational trip was scheduled for three days to accommodate all students and sections in the twelfth grade. April 10 (Day 1) was participated by the following sections: ABM 1 – 9, HUMSS 3 and HUMSS 4. April 11 (Day 2), the following sections went: SENG 8 – 11, SSCI 1 the assigned sections were – 4, HUMSS 1 and divided into three. Different HUMSS 2. April activities were prepared for 15 (Day 3), the students, to enhance camaraderie and to equip them with different skills may it be in land or in water. Land activities included

crossing a hanging bridge and putting up a tent made up of different materials.

Water activities involves passing through high water with the help of a rope, how to float with the use of a water container a n d

swimming.

This experience gave the students new trinkets of knowledge which they can use in different real-life situations.

NEWS

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PASIYAHAN 2018

By: Shenna Mae Iyog & Judy Vince Dayrit

Performances from magnificent bands and artists like I belong to the Zoo, Mayonnaise, Better Days, and Moonstar88 marked the Pasiyahan 2018, a Christmas event and celebration prepared by Adamson University’s Senior High School Department, which filled the whole Saint Vincent Façade with fun, festivities, and music, last December 19, 2018.

The said event started off with several numbers from different Adamsonian singers, dancers, and bands, and a dance performance from the Adamson Cauldron Dance Company (ACDC), which added heat to the exciting event.

Aside from the performances of I Belong to the Zoo and Mayonnaise, there was a certain group which seemed to have intrigued and captured the attention of the majority of the senior high school students. The refreshing and mysterious band had everyone After the Adamsonian students enchanted during their performance. showcased their talents, the stars of This band is named Better Days. the show proceeded to perform for According to WhenInManila, “The the Senior High School Department. premiere of Better Days’s ‘Sige Lang’ I Belong to the Zoo’s vocalist, Argee Music Video happened on March Guerrero, serenaded the whole crowd, 7, 2018 (Wednesday) at 70s Bistro, touching their hearts and souls, while Anonas, Quezon City, which also singing some of his hit songs like showcased live performances from “Sana” and “Courage”.

Better Days, Hilera, Banda niKleggy, Where’s Ramona, and Stellar. The video Since the heart-wrenching and was likewise launched on the Number heartwarming performance of I Belong 1 Music Channel MYX last weekend to the Zoo surely captured the hearts and is currently drawing raves.” of the crowd, the band of Mayonnaise proceeded to keep the crowd shouting Better Days is composed of four with energy as they sang their most members, Daniel Paringit, the Vocalist famous songs like “Jopay”, did a and Lead Guitar, Rosner Mabuti, the mash-up of the most famous songs Pianist, Gelo Cabigon which is the of the year, and heightened up the Bassist and G2 Ventura which is the enthusiasm of the very energetic drummer. They are signed under crowd by encouraging them to create Universal Record and is under the a mosh pit! supervision of their manager which

is Darwin Hernandez. The band launched their music video for their hit debut single ‘Sige Lang’ on March 7, 2018. Miss Shenna Mae Iyog, Assistant Editor-in-Chief, managed to get an interview with the band themselves.

Here is the latest scoop on the band, Better Days. : how are you feeling here in AdU? how does it feel to perform for the Adamsonians?

Better Days (Daniel): Masaya! First time namin dito eh so sobrang responsive yung crowd, sobrang saya actually.

Better Days (Rosner): We’re actually super excited because it was actually our first time to play here tapos syempre Adamson..

Better Days (Daniel): Ah actually dati nung wala pa yung “Better Days” sumama kami dati meron kaming “Rock Back to School” eh na concert.

Sumama kami nanood lang kami so di namin na imagine na makakaperform

NEWS din kami. Tsaka solid yung crowd, sobra. Solid kayo. : Okay so yung second question ko po is, how did you come up with the name, “Better Days”? Like what is the history behind Better Days?

Better Days (Daniel): Better Days, it was given to us, at the same time, napagkasunduan namin na yun yung magiging name namin kasi gusto kasi namin through our music, makapag-spread kami ng good vibes and positivity tsaka syempre alam mo yung pagka-pinapakinggan mo yung song, kung ano yung nangyari kanina. Gusto lang namin na naggogroove yung tao. Good vibes yun. : So what are the band’s future events that we should look out for?

Better Days (Daniel and Rosner): Aattend kami dun sa Rakrakan Festival tapos magkakaroon kami ng ep celebration kasama lahat ng mga taong sumusuporta sa amin. Secret

12 muna kung saan at kung anong date kasi sobrang pinaghahandaan namin siya para syempre special samin yung mga pupunta kasi naniniwala kami na kahit isang taong pumunta sa gig, effort yun eh. pera sa pamasahe, pera sa entrance at oras. Hindi nabibili ang oras kaya gusto namin kapag dumating dun yung mga tao gusto namin deserve nila yung mismong show tsaka yung lugar kaya abangan niyo. Sana pati kayo pumunta kayo sa launch namin soon.

Better Days’ two singles, ‘Sige Lang’, ‘Manhid’ and ‘Nararamdaman,’ are now available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Deezer, Spinner, and Amazon. They also have various social media accounts such as Instagram and Twitter, which is @ betterdaystour, and Facebook, which is facebook.com/betterdaystour.

After the iconic performance of Better Days which will truly be remembered by Adamsonians, the band of Moonstar88 came up

next. By singing their hit songs like “Torete”, and “Migraine”, they surely took the crowd a trip down memory lane, for their performance gave everyone the nostalgia they were looking forward to.

As much as the Adamsonians want the day to last longer, sadly, it is now time to say farewell to the said artists, but they can still say hello to their summer vacation. The day ended with lots of memories, l o v e , and joy.

What a great way to end the semester and mark the start of a new year!

Urban Gardening: A New Way to Conserve Environment By: Vivien C. Odiame

Buildings, thousands of vehicles, traffic jams, waste productions, urbanization and most especially, pollution – these aspects form our daily living in Metro Manila. Moreover, these habits serve as causes in rapid destruction of our environment and yet, we still manage to find ways in conserving and preserving our home.

There are many ways to conserve our planet, and “The 3R’s” is an example of it. The 3R’s stands for (1) Reduce wherein we limit the trash we produce; (2) Reuse or the process where we try to find new ways where we could still use the trash we produced; (3) Recycle wherein we produce new

goods from trashes. Aside from these, a new way to conserve our planet has been born. With just 1.5 liters of plastic bottle, scissors, wire, water and soil, we can help in preserving our environment. This project was named “Urban Gardening” that came from the name itself, Urban, where the

process has been taken.

Urban Gardening was discovered by “Magsasakang Reporter”, Mr. Gadmer “Mer” Layson. Aside from it, he was also the Vice President of the Parents-Teachers Association of the Basic Education Department for the school year 2017-2019, headed by

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by Atty. Lynn Danao-Moreno.

Mr. Layson stated “Upang hindi maapektuhan ng mataas na presyo ng gulay sa palengke, (magkaroon ng masustansiyang pagkain na maaaring) pagsaluhan ng buong pamilya, makakatipid at makakatulong ka sa kalikasan” as numerous reasons why he built this project. According to him, he is a son of a farmer wherein he develops an idea of bringing farming in urban, herewith the project was originated.

To share his knowledge in urban farming, he is currently conducting seminars regarding Urban Gardening every Friday in 1406 S. Sepulcro St., Paco, Manila. As he emphasized “Nais

kong maturuan ang mga Pilipino na nakatira sa Metro Manila na magtanim sa pamamagitan ng mga bote na kahit wala silang farm ay possible magtanim ng iba’t ibang uri ng gulay.”

Last October 2018, together with his fellow PTA Officers and with the permission of our dearest principal, Dr. Lorna A. Espeso, LPT, PhD, Mr. Layson conducted the Urban Gardening Seminar held in JP AVR that was participated by selected grade 11 and grade 12 students to introduce them the Urban Gardening Project.

The seminar was divided into several shifts to accommodate and to easily share the knowledge of our speaker to a bigger number of participants. Each

shift of the seminar lasted for 3 hours comprised of sharing videos, talks and there were also ready-made materials that were available for the students to experience planting in the 21st century way. Moreover, the seminar was also attended by barangay captains around Adamson University.

To end, Mr. Layson stated “Magtanim ng magtanim upang may aanihin. Sipag at tiyaga upang guminhawa at magtagumpay sa buhay.

Ang formula ng success ay unahin ang Panginoon sa lahat ng bagay at pagkakataon dahil siya ang susi ay gabay ng tagumpay sa buhay”.

Career Talk 2019 By: Maria Angelica Cullado

Noong ika-8 ng Abril, 2019 isinagawa ng Departamento ng Senior High School ng Adamson University ang isang Career Talk para sa mga mag-aaral sa Grade 12. Ang nasabing programa ay dinaluhan ng mga guro, mga mag-aaral at mga kinatawan ng bawat departamento sa kolehiyo. Ang programa ay sinimulan sa pagbibigay ng mensahe ang butihing punungguro ng Departamento ng Senior High School na si Dr. Lorna A. Espeso na binigyang-diin ang landas na tatahakin ng mga magsisipagtapos na mag-aaral patungo sa kolehiyo.

Ang bawat departamento sa kolehiyo ay nagbigay ng kanikaniyang pagpapaliwanag at presentasyon upang magbigay impormasyon ukol sa kanila kurso. Unang nagpresenta ay ang College of Architecture tungkol sa mga “Truths about Architecture” na sinundan naman ng College of Business Administrations na nagpakita ng isang video presentation.

Isang propesor naman mula sa Pschycology Department

ang naging kinatawan para sa College of Science.

Sumunod naman naglahad ng mensahe ay ang College of Nursing na sinundan ng College of Education and Liberal Arts na naghayag ng mga inaasahan bilang mga guro sa hinaharap.

Samantala dalawang inhinyero naman ang naging tagapagsalita ng College of Engineering upang ilahad ang iba’t ibang kurso na kanilang inihahandog sa mga mag-aaral. Panghuli ay

ang College of Pharmacy na nagpresenta ng mga datos kung bakit isang magandang desisyon ang pagkuha ng Pharmacy bilang kurso sa kolehiyo.

Sa kabuuan ay naging matagumpay ang masabing Carrer Talk sa pagbibigay ng kaukulang impormasyon sa mga mag-aaral tungkol sa kanilang mga haharapin pagtungtong sa kolehiyo. Ang nasabing kaganapan ay naging isang malaking tulong upang

mabigyang ideya ang mga Grade 12 Senior High School na magkaroon ng kasiguraduhan sa pipiliin nilang kurso pagkatapos ng Senior High School.

Sa huli, nagkakaisa ang mga nagsipagsalita sa naturang seminar sa mensaheng nais nilang iwan sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral na magsisipagtapos. Ito ay ang katotohanang hindi dapat ibang tao ang magdedesisyon para sa landas na kanilang tatahakin.

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STEM Week By: Maria Angelica Cullado

Sa ika-87 na pagdiriwang ng pagkakatatag ng Adamson University ay nagkaroon ng programa at gawain para sa STEM o Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Strand ang Senior High School Department. Ang nasabing kaganapan ay isinagawa noong ika-20 ng Pebrero, 2019.

Pagsapit ng ikasiyam ng umaga nagbukas ang robotics exihibit para sa lahat ng mga mag-aaral. Ito ay ginanap sa CS 209 at CS 212. Ang nasabing eksibit ay inihandog ng TechnoKids at First Eduspec Inc. sa Adamson.

Ang mga nasabing kompanya ay dumadalo sa mga programa ng iba’t ibang paaralan upang isulong ang inihahandog nilang robotics at computer curriculum.

Ang TechnoKids sa pamumuno nina Alyssa Devina, marketing officer at Vincent Monzon, curriculum support officer at buong kagalakang ipinakita ang NXT 2.0, isang robot bilang halimbawa ng naturang kurikulum.

Kabilang na din sa kanilang mga ipinakita ay ang iba’t ibang estraktura at bagay na yari sa plastic filament na nagagawa sa pamamagitan ng isang 3D printer.

Sa kabilang banda, ang First Eduspec Inc.

naman ay naghayag sa kanilang eksibit ng mga maaaring gawin ng mga mag-aaral sa pamamagitan ng mga robot na kanilang malilikha. Naroon ang tinatawag nilang Sumobot at Vex IT na nabuo sa pamamagitan ng mga mechanics na ibinigay sa mga mag-aaral. Dahil dito nahahasa ang kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sa Agham at Teknolohiya gayundin sa Matematika sa pagbubuo ng sarili nilang robot. Ipinaliwanag ng business development manager ng First Eduspec Inc. na si Danica Mary Ameoz ang kanilang kurikulum. Sinabi niyang ang mga ipinapakita nila sa kanilang eksibit ay base sa gulang at baitang ng mga mag-aaral na inaasahan nilang dadalo.

Idinagdag pa niya na isa sa kanilang mga layunin ay ang magkaroon ng mga innovative open category contest para sa mga mag-aaral upang mabigyang solusyon ang ilang problema katulad ng sa agrikultura sa pamamagitan ng

teknolohiya. Iniaasahan ng dalawang kompanyang ito na sa pamamagitan ng inihandog nilang robotics exhibit ay magiging katuwang nila ang Adamson University sa pagbabahagi ng kurikulum na ito tulad na lamang sa ibang paraalan gaya ng Ateneo, La Salle at UST. Kasabay ng naturang eksibit ay naganap naman sa Meralco Quadrangle ang Math-Sci-yahan na nagsimula sa ganap na ika-9:30 ng umaga. Ang mga kaganapan ay inihatid ng mga tagapapadaloy ng programa na sina G. Francois Jamon at Bb. Polly Penoliar. Ang nasabing patimpalak ay sinalihan ng mga magaaral mula sa iba’t ibang istrand. Ang mga palaro ay pawang tungkol sa Math at Science kung kaya’t tunay na nasubok ang talino at galing ng bawat kalahok.

Nagtagisan ng galing ang mga sumali sa pagsagot sa Bernoulli’s Principle, Pascal’s Triangle,

Chemical Bomding at iba pa.

Isa sa mga layunin ng patimpalak na ito ay mapatibay ang pagtutulungan ng mga mag-aaral sa pagresolba ng mga katungan at problema na may kinalaman sa Agham at Matematika sa isang masayang paraan.

Ang bawat grupo ay nagpabilisan sa pagsagawa ng mga hamon upang manalo. Sa huli, itinanghal na panalo sa nasabing paligsahan ang ikatlong pangkat na kinabibilangan nina Aaron Lazaro, Jerome Baltazar, Arabela Hermo, Liya Lardizabal, Emmanuelle Resurreccion, Jallen Agra at Rezel Lagatiera.

Sa kabuoan, nabigyan ng pagkakataon ang lahat ng mga magaaral sa iba’t ibang istrand na magpakita ng kanilang husay at talento sa naturang pagdiriwang.

OPINION

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College Education: Is it really a necessity?

by Shenna Mae Iyog

Last 15th of May 2013, then-president Benigno Aquino signed the Republic Act 10533 which approved the implementation of the K-12 Curriculum in the Philippines. According to Sun Star Pampanga (2017), the K-12 Program enables the extension of years of students wherein they will have to undergo twelve years of basic education instead of the usual 10, in addition to the now mandatory kindergarten, six years in elementary, four years in junior high school (JHS) and two years in senior high school (SHS). As stated by the Philippines Daily Inquirer (May 16, 2013), the Enhanced Basic Education Program of 2013, or the K-12 Act establishes a “universal Kindergarten and introduces Grades 11 and 12 to high school education in public and private schools.” With this comes various advantages and disadvantages and one of these advantages includes having the choice to no longer carry on attaining college and higher education and instead become an employee to various companies.

However, that is when conflict arises since there are possible. Going all the way to a PhD can supply a $63,600 and various disadvantages that a student may face if they decide to $100,000 annual income. Comparing these degrees to a high no longer go to college for there are many advantages when one school diploma, people who solely have diplomas in a lifetime will manages to attain college education. Beyene (2016) stated that make $1.3 million while people who have advanced degrees make college graduates can qualify for a variety of jobs and job levels $2.7 - $3.7 million. Not only that but there are certain companies because some occupations require certain degrees that high who have strict employment requirements and ‘experience school graduates don’t possess. Holding a college degree can also required’ have become incredibly dreaded words. Getting a improve chances of job satisfaction. People can hold jobs for 20 to college education also ups one’s experience in their specific even 40 years. Occupations open to college graduates are higher field compared to high school graduates which also poses as an paying compared to high school graduates and include jobs in an advantage. administrative atmosphere which are enough to be satisfied with In conclusion, getting a college education may not be it. necessary to some but there are a lot of major advantages that

According to the United States Census Bureau and comes with getting a college degree such as easily qualifying for a CollegeAtlas.org, employees with a high school diploma make job from their specific fields, improve chances of job satisfaction, about $32,000 a year while people with an associate’s degree make higher salary and the likes. about $42,000; this is a $10,000 with the lowest college degree

Apela sa Tuluyang Pagtanggal ng Asignaturang Filipino sa Kolehiyo ni Danica R. Tumlos

Kamakailan lamang ay inilabas ng Korte Suprema ang desisyon na pagtatanggal ng mga asignaturang Filipino at Panitikan bilang general education subject sa kolehiyo.

Ang desisyon ng Korte Suprema ay nakabatay umano sarili dahil sa pagkilala natin sa nakaraang sumasaklaw sa atin. sa pagbabagong ginawang memorandum ng Commission Inaasahan na sa kolehiyo malilinang ang pagkilala sa ating on Higher Education noong 2013 na nagsisiguro na walang kultura sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng panitikan. Inaasahan duplikasyon ng mga asignatura sa elementarya, high school, at rin na sa pag-aaral ng Wikang Filipino ay magkaroon ng kolehiyo. kamalayan ang mga kabataan sa nagaganap na mga suliraning Kung iisipin, nagbigay pokus ang asignaturang Filipino panlipunan. sa teknikal na istraktura ng gramarya noong tayo ay nasa Sa pag-tanggal ng Asignaturang Filipino sa kolehiyo, elementarya pa lamang; habang unti-unting ipinakilala sa nanganganib na tumigil o huminto sa pag-unlad ang ating atin ang mga likhain na ginawa ng mga malalaking pangalan wika. Maging ang progreso ng wika ay maaaring matigil kung sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa na siya ring tinangkilik at lubos aalisin ito sa tertiary level. Masyado nang pinahahalagahan ng na pinag-aralan ng mga manunuri na may kahusayan sa gobyerno ang globalisasyon at international standards maging larangan ng Wikang Filipino. Habang sa kolehiyo, nararapat sa puntong naisasakripisyo na nito ang kalidad ng ating sariling na linangin at palawakin ang katuturan ng wika sapagkat ito’y wika. sumasalamin sa mayamang kultura at kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Ipinaglaban ng ating mga bayani ang pagkakaroon

Sa wika nagkakaroon ng pagkakakilanlan ang natin ng kalayaan at kasarinlan, maging ang pagkakaroon ng isang bansa. Ito ay dumaraan sa napakaraming proseso ng sariling pagkakakilanlan – kasama na rito ang pagkakaroon pagbabago; sapagkat ang wika ay buhay, ito ay nananatiling ng sariling wika. Hanggang ngayon, may mga mamamayan nagbabago paglipas ng panahon, kasabay ng mga pagbabago pa rin na nagsisilbing bayani sa pamamagitan ng protesta na nangyayari sa buhay ng ating bansa at ang mga mamamayan at pakikipaglaban maipagpatuloy lamang ang karapatan at nito. Ang pag-aaral ng Wikang Pambansa ay pag-aaral rin responsibilidad na pagkatuto ng nasabing wika. ng ating tradisyon. Dito, mas nakikilala natin ang ating mga

LITERARY

FQL D Obrera

Ask first When silence tells you to go And your solitude undecided Pain, it kills you inside Would you wait?

At the spot When vision gives us reason And our images blurred to tears Love, think again Should we reconcile?

At crossroads When rain pours heavily And your roads lead nowhere Yield to your feelings Should you continue?

Ask last When roses are consumed by thorns And our soil no longer gives Know that I’ll long for you Should we still love?

Philippines Is Just A Shade Away

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Do Not Roselle Clanza

Do not wear a skirt it’ll get blown by the wind, they’d think you’re a flirt for wearing such thing.

Do not wear a short you’re exposing too much legs, the sinners will extort your virtue, dignity and respect.

Do not wear a dress it makes you vulnerable, you’re giving them access to violate you in any way possible.

Do not ever reveal what’s underneath your clothes, for you’d see the nightmare’s real and that you’re a rotten rose.

Do not ever lose focus or they’ll take “it” away, you’d surely lose and they won’t ever truly pay.

She has done all these things and you’d think she had won, but at night when she sleeps her father walks through the door.

Jamina H. Ibarra

Isn’t it amazing? Philippines is just a shade away. The land which was once coated by our blood for we fought so hard is now just a shade away.

The Filipinos today are fortunate. They do not have to fight the aliens on the land with only bolo as their weapon. They do not have to spend much time thinking of a pen name to save their lives from the enemies while they open the eyes of their fellow men.

They do not have to suffer from the discriminating and disgusting eyes of those who think they are illiterate and so they can’t fight for our beloved motherland.

But perhaps, the Philippines is not fortunate at all. For despite all the abilities and rights bestowed upon her children, many are still blinded. Blinded by those who are in power or by a few number of small papers with different colors and values imprinted on it. Philippines is not fortunate for her children are more skilled in choosing their heroes to fight in a virtual game but lacks the skill in choosing the real heroes that will save their own motherland. Election has become a big gag show, and the Philippines is its own stage.

Dr. Jose Rizal once said that he will die without seeing the dawn brighten over his own native land. I suffered the same misfortune. I died without seeing the light shine upon my country. I was even separated

to the love of my life and betrayed by my friends who share with me the same nationality.

And now, the motherland is in a forlorn state.

Philippines is just a shade away. But like the black ink of their pens, the land is still darkened by her own men. Lucky are those who fight with open eyes despite the blinding hues of the officials’ propaganda. Lucky are those who stay loyal and true to his native land – not minding the dazzling shine of paper bills.

This is what I leave to you. I was not equipped with formal education, but I became a leader. Life was also unfair to me, but I stayed true to my purpose. I suffered misfortunes in the own hands of my beloved country and countrymen, but I never resented the land. It made me exhausted, but I never surrendered till my last breath escaped from me. You, who are equipped with education, whose eyes can see almost everything, may never be exhausted. For as long as one fellow fights for your purpose, the true freedom of the land and its men, you shall not stop. And if no one supports you, remember that the land is coated with our blood. Our blood represents us as we are always with you and cheering on your purpose.

Isn’t it amazing? Philippines is just a shade away. But maybe it’s not amazing at all. Maybe not.

LITERARY

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Gintong Kabanata Lorie Belmonte

Sibsib na ang araw, kita na ang dilim Ngunit sa dakong silangan laganap ang liwanag na humahalinlin Ang lawiswisan ng ibon at pabugso pabugsong hampas ng alon Animo’y damdamin na nasisiyahan ang sumasaginsin.

Sa simula’y, matinik na landas ang kaniyang tinahak Sa dilim ng gabi ng paghihimutok Landas na pinagdaraanan animo’y isang alpombrang tinik Ngunit dahil dito tumatayog ang kanyang pangmamasid.

Dalawang taon ang naragdag Sa yugto ng buhay na lalong umunlad Sa guhit ng palad nang di makatanggi Di mo akalain ngayo’y magtatapos na at talaga nama’y dapat ipagmalaki.

Sa angking talino; sa sangay ng karunungan Sa kislap ng mayamang panitik Sa kislap ng sakdal yamang utak Lahat ng ito’y buong tagumpay na naitampok.

Sa buong dalawang taon ng pagtitiis Ang kanyang paghihirap ay may kaakibat na hunihang sakdal tamis Sapagkat ang pagkatapos niya’y naiiba “With Highest Honors” raw ang nakuhang marka.

Lumalalim na nang lumalalim ang yugtong kanyang tatahakin Tumindi na nang tumindi ang lipos ng ligaya Lalong gumaganda ang mga nalalabing alaala Alaala ng isang gintong kabanata.

Walang Sala Ang Naaapi Harold Ravanes

Magtanim ay ‘di biro Sa bulsang bitbit nang mapagbalatkayo Maghapong nakayuko Heto ang sobre para sa minimithing pwesto Di na siya makatayo Wala ng kailangan pang tuparing pangako Di na ako ang nakaupo Pangako, aayusin ko na sa susunod na termino Siyam kayong magkakapatid Tinaguyod sa pagsubok at ang kahirapan ay maitawid Bawat butil ay mahalaga At kung papalarin ay libo-libo pa ang halaga.

Sa musmos na edad nasaksihan agad ang reyalidad Na may nakapatong pang buwis sa kakapiranggot na bayad Nasanay na sa paulit-ulit na patakaran Malinaw na mata ngunit di makita ang malabong kalakaran Kung ako ang iboboto Hindi na makararanas ng kumukulong tiyan Kapag ako ang nanalo

Teka, wala naman akong binanggit noong nakaraan Ang kanyang plata-porma ay binihisan Upang matakpan ang hubad na katotohanan Nakalaya sa rehas ng tarangkahan Hinayaang pamunuan ang sanlibutan Mabangong tinig, hudyat ng pagpapahiwatig Eleksyon ay pag-ibig Lahat ng makakakita ay tikom ang bibig Ganyan ang batayan at naging pamantayan Kapag mayroon kang malakas na kinakapitan Inihalintulad ang sarili sa bangkang gustong makausog Banayad ang pagsagwan kung pakikinggan lamang ay ang tunog Bakit naikumpara ang sarili sa isang bangka?

Halimbawa ang lipunan ay ang lawa na gusto malagpasan Dahan-dahan lang sa pagsagwan, Sabayan lang natin ang pag-agos Huwag hayaang madiktahan Dahil ikaw ang masusunod at hindi kung sino-sino lang

LITERARY/COMICS

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Bakit Nakaputi rin Sila?

“Ang tunay na nagmamahal, nasasaktan ngunit patuloy na lumalaban.”

Sinambit ito sa akin ng isang taong nagbigay tatak at halaga sa aking buong pagkatao.

Ang taong nagbigay sa akin ng kasagutan kung ano nga ba ang kahulugan ng tunay na pagmamahal.

Isang pagmamahal na nakita ko sa kanyang matitingkad na ngiti. Hindi rin maitatanggi na maihahalintulad sa makinis na marmol ang kanyang kutis. Hindi mo rin mapipigilang magalak sa kanyang makikinang na mga mata na nagpapahayag sa liwanag ng kanyang nagbubugsong damdamin.

“Kumain ka na?” “Saan ka galing?”

“Pagod ka ba?” “Pahinga ka muna.” “Magiingat ka palagi ha.” Iilang salita lamang ito ngunit kapag nanggaling sa iyo, tiyak araw ko’y unti-unti nang nabubuo. Hinding hindi ka rin nauubusan ng mga kwento, pati na rin mga payo na siya namang nakakapagpabago ng buhay ng isang tao.

Simula noon, tunay na kaligayahan ang natanggap kong buo. Isang kaligayahang hindi matutumbasan ng kahit anong pera o luho. Isang kaligayang hindi ko inaasahang

akin pa ring matatamo. Nakakakaba, nakakapanabik ang bawat sandali. Ramdam ko ang pangiginig ng aking buong katawan mula sa aking kinatatayuan nang mukha mo’y aking masilayan.

Tumayo ako sa harap ng salamin, tulala at hindi malaman kung ano ang dapat damdamin. Nasasabik ang aking puso sapagkat tayo ay magkikita na muli. Isinuot ko ang paboritong puting kamiseta pati na rin ang matamis na ngiting ninanais makita. Kasunod nito’y kinuha ko na ang isang bulaklak na nakapatong sa mesa, isang surpresa para sa aking espesyal na kasama.

Katangi-tangi ang araw na ito. Kita ko sa iyong mga labi ang nakakahumaling mong mga ngiti. Damdamin nama’y bigla nag-uumapaw sa tuwa sa sandaling ang iyong malalambot na kamay ay hinaplos ang aking mukha at umusal ng matatamis na salitang “Ikaw na nga.”

Hinawakan mo ang aking kamay at sumama ako sayo kahit wala akong kamalaymalay basta’t tanging hiling ko lamang ay hindi sayo mawalay. Tiwala ko sayo’y buo kahit ‘di ko alam kung saan tayo patungo. Nangangapa

man tayo sa dilim ay hindi napapawi ang bawat liwanag sa iyong ngiti sa aking bawat pagkapit.

Sa sandaling binitiwan mo ang aking kamay ay ito ang aking naging hudyat upang ibigay ang aking napakaespesyal na regalo.

Ngunit bigla nagbago ang simoy ng hangin, nanlamig ang aking buong katawan at lumaho na tila ba’y isang bula ang aking kasama. Ako’y nagtataka subalit bakit walang kamay na tumanggap sa aking handog na supresa?

Hindi ko maramdaman ang aking tuhod at paa sapagkat alam ko nagbago na ang ating tadhana. Naramdaman ko ang pagbagsak sa akin ng langit at lupa. Ako’y napamasid sa aking paligid subalit sa aking pagbitaw sa mahalimuyak na bulaklak, sumunod ang dosedosenang bulaklak na bumagsak. Iminulat ko ang aking sarili sa katotohanan at tuluyan kong itinaas ang aking paningin at napansin ko ang hindi ko inaasahan. Dinig na dinig ko na ang pagtangis ng mga tao. Dama ko na rin ang pagdadalamhati ng kanilang puso.

“Nasan ka na, lola?”

“Bakit nakaputi rin sila?”

19

COMICS

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