Loud - The Central Echo Magazine

centralecho central echo the

The Official Student Media Portal of Central Philippine University

2012 IT AIN’T THE END OF THE WORLD

october2012 october 2012

You can suppress the voices, but ideas will still travel in echoes.

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photojournalists

editorial assistants

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We are smarter together. If one of us can dream more than we can imagine, just think what happens when a bunch of us get together and start dreaming together!

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Esther Rose A. Romarate Rea Angelica F. Villeza

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Ferdinand D. Bañez Jr. Krystille Camille C. Bontuyan Daphne Claire V. Buenaflor Katrina Joyce V. Mabanes Russel Jude M. Patiña Tristan Jonas S. Robles

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advisers

Daniel Fern L. Tinagan Jessrell G. Gavan John Henry P. Miranda

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Digital artist Illustrator lay-out artist

Micah Angeli A. Mirasol Chalcedon A. Sañor

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We are tougher together. There is strength in numbers. There is an aspect of our lives where we are willing to give up ourselves in protection of someone else.

literary editor Filipino editor

Dazen Dawn P. Lariza Ron Adrian A. Dionaldo Alvin K. Tung Rhick Lars Vladimer T. Albay Almina Marie L. Gange

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We are louder together. One voice isn’t enough. With a voice of unity and strength, we are able to make a greater impact.

news editor Feature editors

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In today’s generation, I wonder why many people don’t scream louder at the injustices of the world. I have been watching many people talk about what should be done – but they left it at that. When do we take action? How do we take action? – These questions must be answered.

I would like to compare a voice to a single match stick. A small stick on fire will burn out quickly and provide very little light or warmth. A thousand sticks together will last a long time, burn brighter and provide greater warmth. We’ll burn longer, hotter and provide more light if we will walk together; uniting our flames for a common cause.

Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol Reyshimar C. Arguelles Airon B. Buenvenida

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editor in Chief associate editor Managing editor

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editorialboard

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We are better together. Our fire burns brighter together. We accomplish more than we ever dream or imagine when we stand alongside one another and build one another up.

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SO

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LOUD

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Before I tire you with my incessant ranting, I would just like to emphasize our music-title-themed articles. With these songs, we show the loudness of music and its effects and relevance which will help you comprehend life’s greatest concerns.

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In this issue we give you a glimpse of how to be loud even in our own simple ways. Being loud is in itself a scream of jubilation.

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As Centralians, we’re a family. We’re better if we work together. Let’s make a louder voice enough to be heard in all corners of the globe. We will be LOUDER because we are ONE!

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JO JAN PAUL J. PEÑOL Editor-in-Chief

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Trapped within walls of gray mediocrity, a young man finds himself torn between law-stricken silence and the need to express his freedom. With all the voices demanding him to conform to what society dictates, he is faced with a crisis: be who he is or be swayed by the mainstream. And so he screams to be heard and to cast away the doubts people have planted in his thoughts. He chooses to be free and scream in a world of silence for his thoughts to be heard.

We too are often faced with such questions and laws that restrain us from being who we really are. And so we ask, must we stay silent and become what people dictate us to be or choose to set free the thoughts we keep within ourselves and scream?

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the

about cover

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contents editor’s note

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REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL

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moves like jagger

ITanonG kaY

echoserong cheken 6 WORK CLASS HERO

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DE G FY R IN AV G IT Y

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we are Here To Make soMe noIse

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IN NUMBERS

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What

I About Now? WILL SURVIVE!

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YOUNG BLOOD

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LO GIVING LOUD THRILLER PEACE A CHANCE UD LOUDER LO 28 HEY, MEGALO LO UD 21GUNS MANIAC UD

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coverstory

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NUMB BORN TO BE WILD?

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november

RAIN 33

BAWAL NA GAMOT

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HITLIST

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staff Page

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12 days of christMas

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PaniPlat

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DECODE 52

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g o T h e d i s TA n c e 53

LORD OF THE STARFIELDS

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SASAKYAN KITA

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2012

Mon Café 46

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TOXIC

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who Says?

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i Won’t give uP

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PeoPle&PROFILES

We arehere to Make soMe Words || rhicK lArs AlBAy

In a world of many voices, there are those whose names ring the loudest; noisemakers if you will. They are the human equivalent of a Molotov cocktail. When detonated, a flaring explosion of flames and dark clouds.

Incredibly loud and dynamic, with a bang that spreads like wildfire. Spewing shrapnel in their wake, the world can’t help but take notice.

noise PhoTo || BAnKsy.co.uK

BANKSY Guerilla artist Banksy is known worldwide for his gritty and thoughtprovoking pieces of street art, distinctively juxtaposing images of children to symbols of violence, discrimination, and oppression.

He first shook the Bristol underground scene in 2000. Since then his creations have appeared on the alleys of Boston, Los Angeles, and Australia. His unconventional medium has always been the streets, turning idle walls and vacant buildings into his canvas, often without consent.

Most recently, Banksy went against Graffiti Bans by the British Police, a precaution for the 2012 London Olympics, stenciling the image of a javelin thrower holding a missile along an avenue in Britain.

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“some people want to make the world a better place. I just wanna make the world a better-looking place. If you don’t like it, you can paint over it!”

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Earlier this year, the Asian leg of her ‘Born this Way’ Ball tour received various protests from conservative groups, labeling her as “blasphemous” and “lewd”. Unrest escalated to a point that she had to cancel her show in Indonesia because of security concerns.

Her two-night event here in the Philippines was met with similar demonstrations. The local city government of Manila threatened to disallow Lady Gaga’s concert to continue if ever the popstar attempted to overstep boundaries.

Nevertheless, the sold-out show went on unhindered.

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PhoTo || lAdygAgA.coM

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Lady Gaga caught the attention of the public in 2009 with her over-the-top wardrobe, her graphic larger-than-life music videos, and her penchant for controversy. Now she is one of the most influential people in the music industry and a trendsetter in her own right. From her bloody performance during the 2010 VMAs to the release of her song “Judas,” she has been famous for stirring strong reactions in all of her ventures. Lady Gaga’s eccentricity has established her not only a large following of fans, but also a mass of non-supporters.

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PhoTo || AnoAnAlyTics.coM

“we are anonymous, we are legion, we do not forgive, we do not forget. united as one, divided by none, the corrupt fear us, the honest support us, the heroic joins us.”

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“I am certainly not a creature of your government, Manila.” – shouted lady Gaga during her sold-out Concert at the Moa arena, an obvious response to threats of censorship by local officials of Manila.

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LADY

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Act of 2012 was submitted as a means of online arbitration in the Philippines, the local chapter of Anonymous defaced several government-run websites as a sign of objection. Among the hacked domains were that of the National Telecommunications Commission and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

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Anonymous, an underground group of global cyber activists, gained a larger following when protests against SOPA or the Stop Online Piracy Act heightened. The unidentified group has initiated several protests against internet censorship. When Republic Act 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention

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PhoTo || iMBd.coM

“I am an Iranian. I am staying in my country and I like to work in my country. I love my country. I have paid a price for this love too, and am willing to pay again if necessary.”

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PhoTo || shAWn BAldWin

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PANAH I

discrimination of women in Iran.

Despite threats of incarceration, Panahi arranged for the screening of his work, ‘This is Not a Film’ at 2011 Cannes Film Festival. This is Not a Film was smuggled out of Iran in a flashdisk hidden inside a cake, without the consent of the country’s authorities. Panahi’s piece, which documented his life in house arrest, eventually won the Carosse d’Or during the Cannes Film Awarding Ceremony.

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In 2010, Teheran-born director Jafar Panahi was persecuted by the Iranian Administration for allegedly “making propaganda against the system”. Authorities confiscated his passport and imposed against him a 20-year ban on writing scripts, directing films, and giving interviews.

Panahi is known for his award winning films that challenge the oppressive norms of Iranian society.

His oeuvre, The Circle, was an impassioned criticism of the

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Dear Echoserong Cheken,

Itago mo ako sa pangalang Aning.

Nag-aaral ako ng mabuti, halos minsan nga’y tatlong oras na lang ang tulog ko, kompleto lahat ng notes, nagpapatutor na rin ako pero hindi pa rin ako nakakakuha ng mataas na marka.

Panay pasado lang o kung minamalas ay nakaka-singko pa. Hindi naman siguro mahina ang utak ko pagkat honor student naman ako noong high school.

Humihina na ang aking self-esteem! Ano ang gagawin ko?

Aning

Nag-aaral ako ng mabuti, halos minsan nga’y tatlong oras na lang ang tulog ko.

Kompleto lahat ng notes, nagpapa-tutor ngunit hindi pa rin ako nakakakuha ng mataas na marka. Panay pasado lang ang grado ko at kung minamalas ay nakaka-singko pa.

Hindi naman siguro mahina ang utak ko pagkat honor student naman ako noong high school . Humihina na ang aking self-esteem! Ano ang gagawin ko?

Mababakas sa nabanggit mong karanasan na isa kang masipag na estudyante at mahusay yun. Kung todo bigay ka na sa iyong pag-aaral ngunit hindi ka pa rin makakuha ng matataas na marka, tatlo lang nakikita kong maaring dahilan.

Una, maaring hindi lang tama ang approach mo sa iyong pag-aaral. Tandaan mong wala ka na sa high school. May mga bagay-bagay na hindi na uubra sa kolehiyo kahit anuman kabisa ito noong high school. Tandaan mo rin na hindi porke’t nakumpleto mo na ang lahat-lahat ay ok na. Mas mainam na siguraduhin mo yung mahahalagang bagay kay sa siguraduhin ang lahat ng bagay na walang kasiguraduhan.

Ikalawa, maari ring hindi tama ang napili mong kurso sa kolehiyo. Kung talagang masipag ka sa iyong pag-aaral, kung talagang matalino ka, at kung talagang wala ng iba pang dahilan kang naiisip kung bakit ‘yan ang nangyayari sa iyo, malamang ay hindi para sa sa’yo ang kursong tinatahak mo. Kung pinipilit mo lang ang iyong sarili na mag-aral na mag-aral, mas mabuti pang mag-isip-isip ka na. Maari mong kumpirmahin kung tama ang tinatahak mong propesyon sa pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng mga standardized career assessment tests.

Halos napuna ko rin na parang ang taas ng mithiin mo sa buhay lalo na para sa sarili mo. Hindi ko alam ang kurso mo, ngunit maari rin namang normal lang ang pinagdadaanan mo ngayon. Ngunit dinidibdib mo lang ito nang sobrang-sobra kaya naman humihina na ang tuwila mo sa iyong sarili. Hindi ko sinasabi na mali ang mangarap nang mataas. Minsa’y dapat din nating alamin ang ating limitasyon.

Lagi mo lang iisipin na ang pagbagsak ay hindi nangangahulugang mahina ka. Ang isa-isip mo, may ilalakas ka pa. Think positive!

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Dear Echoserong Cheken,

Kung pagiging manhid lang naman niya (kung sinuman siya) ang iyong problema, sisihin mo na lang kung sino man ang nakapagimbento ng anesthesia. Cheken lang!

Kung titingnan nating ma-igi ang sitwasyong iyong pinagdadaanan, dalawang bagay ang sadyang mababakas natin. Una, lumalabas na parang ang mundo mo ay umiikot na lamang sa kung sinuman ang taong tinutukoy mo. At pangalawa, sa tono ng iyong pagkakasulat, halatang nasasaktan ka hindi dahil manhid siya or torpe; nasasaktan ka dahil hindi niya nagagawang ipakita ang mga bagay na nais mong makita sa kanya.

Matanong nga kita, siya na nga lang ba ang natitirang tao sa mundong ito na pwedeng mag-alaga sa iyo? Wala ka na bang pamilya o mga kaibigan man lang? Hindi naman siguro. Nagagawa mo lang damhin ang pighating ‘yan dahil sa siya na lang ang laging iniisip mo kaya lahat ng galaw niya ay binibigyan mo ng kahulugan, maliit man o malaki, nakatuon man sa’yo o hindi. Kahit sinumang lalaki ay masasakal kung ganito ang pakikitungo mo sa kanila.

Ang mapapayo ko lang siguro ay bigyan mo siya ng oras na makahinga. Ang mahalaga ay alam mo na nag-aalala rin siya sa’yo.

Tandaan mo na lalaki siya kaya hindi niya gugustohing makita mo na naapektuhan siya dahil magmumukha siyang mahina. Isipin mo rin yung nararamdaman niya hindi lang yung kung ano ang nararamdaman mo.

Laging mong tatandaan na ang mundo ay malawak. Itigil mo na ang pagmamaktol kaiisip ng isang tao, dahil sa mga oras na iginugugol mo dito, malamang ay marami ka nang napasayang ibang tao. Maging biyaya sa lahat.

Ako nga pala si Dada. Maitanong ko lang po: ba’t ba ang daming manhid sa mundo? Yun bang nakikita na nga niyang kailangang-kailangan mo ang pag-aalaga niya tapos titingnan kalang at magsasalita lang na parang robot? Yun bang di mo alam kung talagang ganyan siya o sadyang nag-iinarte lang kasi nahihiyang ipakita ang nararamdaman. Yun bang sabi niya may pakialam daw siya pero ayaw naman ipakita. Siguro di lang manhid. Torpe pa. Yung tipong ayaw aminin na nag-aalala siya pag ‘di ka nakakain sa tamang oras, na nagagalit siya paglampas curfew ka na umuwi, na ayaw na ayaw niyang nagpupuyat ka dahil alam niyang bawal kasi anemic ka, na gusto niyang di ka nasasaktan kaya lahat ng tipong pagaalaga ginagawa niya. Paki-explain naman o. Di ko na kasi maiintindihan ba’t ganito siya. Na-mimisss ko na kasi ang dating siya.

Q The

centralecho

Echoserong Cheken

Dada

Echoserong Cheken 6

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grAPhics || Jo JAn PAul J. Peñol

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An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes.

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number of votes needed to pass the RH Bill in the House of Representatives.

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An Act Providing For a National Policy on Reproductive Health and Population and Development.

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Nahawakan ko anak ko, patay na. Makati Med said wala silang makitang dahilan na namatay kundi nag-contraceptives ang asawa ko.

—Senator Tito Sotto

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daily number of women who die because of maternal infections.

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Family planning can reduce maternal mortality by about

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Proposed budget for the implementation of the RH Bill.

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September 16 “No more time left for RH debate,” said Sen. Miriam.

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August 22 Sen. Miriam says CBCP threatens Catholic schools that are in favor of the RH bill.

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August 5 United Nations urges the Philippines to pass the said bill.

August 14 Sen. Sotto says son’s death was caused by contraceptives.

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August 1 Sen. Pia Cayetano signals the start of the debate.

August 30 House of Representatives decided to set aside heated debate.

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September 13 House Speaker Belmonte says legislators cannot agree on what provisions to include.

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August 14 Anti-RH camp delays amendments.

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August 6 House puts an end to the dispute, moves on to amendments.

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August 3 Former president and Pampanga 3rd District Representative Gloria Arroyo aligns with Church’s stand.

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Moves like Jagg er Words

Photos

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|| Airon B. Buen venida Alvin K .T || Micah ung Angeli A. M Dazen d awn P. La irasol riza

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health&FITness

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Exercise, in the universal knowledge, promises an overflow of health benefits – from burning calories and defying aging to regulating bowel movement and reducing the risk of heart problems and arthritis. Those who have an active lifestyle indulge their body to these upbeats.

“We have to keep the kingdom of god healthy.”

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forms of exercise, it offers myriads of bodily aspirations. However, it is unique because it is suited for all ages, it releases stress at a greater rate, and it allows socialization among the participants.

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Go for Health “We have to keep the kingdom of God (our body) healthy,” said Erlinda Fagarita Villanueva, the Zumba instructor of the Joggers and Walkers Club.

The Joggers and Walkers Club is a group mainly composed of retirees and middle-aged individuals full of vigor. But underestimate not their ability to cope with the younger generations. You might find yourself exhausted after doing Zumba with them.

What makes their group inimitable is that the instructor’s will to help others who need exercise is fuelled entirely by her blazing and fulgent desire to blow more birthday candles.

Since their activity is not regulated by money (as most exercise instructors are paid), anyone from anywhere can join them in their quest for living life with less fears from the looming threats of cardiovascular diseases and old age.

To maintain a healthy lifestyle, however, requires consistency in the practice of eating the right way and putting the body in constant motion. It is a tedious and demanding habit to maintain. But in the midst of this rigor dawns the light of “you can do almost anything”.

“I exercise everyday. That is why at 65, I’m not taking any maintenance, I can climb stairs and mountains, and I can still participate in 3k and 5k runs,” Villanueva claimed.

There are people who cannot fully maximize their body’s physical and mental potentials, especially those born with abnormalities they did not wish to have. You are granted with only one body. It is a gift from God that each one should foster and care for.

So wake up and shake it!

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Shake it on Saturdays After tramping yourself around the campus especially on a Saturday, you might like to loosen your body for some more. You might then as well consider joining the Joggers and Walkers Club in projecting a 45-minute or an hour Zumba moves along the Centennial Walkway of CPU. Zumba, which gained popularity in recent years, is an exercise that incorporates aerobics and different types of dances. Like any other

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Perfect Jogging Place To most of us, it may seem like an impossible task to wake up early in the morning for a jog. Our lack of luxury of time or perhaps our sluggish skeletal system may convince us that we can’t. However, by simply setting our alarm an hour earlier or even getting our things ready for school stuffs the night before, we could easily fit a jogging routine and our very own CPU campus is the perfect spot for us, Centralians or not we may be.

Sitting away from the busy streets of Iloilo City, the oval-like pavement encircling the CPU Big Field gives you an ample distance to nudge your toe and sweat yourself out. The smokefree environment and the sweet morning breeze of the campus are few of the things you ought to experience on your jog.

As early as five in the morning, seven days a week, the major gates of the University are opened to accommodate our early joggersyoung or old, lean or fat, alone or with their chums, athletic or just anyone who recognizes the numerous benefits of exercising are all welcomed to jog their way around. With a pacing of your own, you can freely trot yourself around without minding who you pass through or who passes by.

An upbeat playlist, an earphone, a friend or a two, and a little smile on your face are all you need to psych up your every stride.

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Play&work Wake up to the sound of my alarm clock, make my bed and make sure that I “iron” out the creases on my blanket.

Eat bananas to fill up my stomach before my jogging session, somewhat my alternative to coffee.

Arrive at the university, do stretches and warm up exercises, and jog five laps around the big field.

Say my prayers and hope I won’t get injured during the day’s training.

Dress-up, rehydrate, give Mama a Goodbye kiss after she hands me my allowance and leave for the university.

Cool down, rehydrate with a glass of mineral water, and prep up for class.

daily routine

of an Athlete

Wake up, do some stretches, pray and thank God for another wonderful day.

Take a bath, iron my clothes and eat my mom’s breakfast specialty. Check if I have everything in my bag including assignments and other requirements.

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Travel to school and at the same time, scan my notes if ever there will be an upcoming quiz or seat works.

End of my class, settle any school activities or school work for tomorrow.

Prepare my things for work.

Clean up and change my clothes, never forget my coat or jacket. Check the coffee sachet in my bag.

Never forget the chewing gum (mint) for fresh breath the whole night.

Attend my class (make sure not to fall asleep), always take notes, listen very well to the teachers, and study and make my assignments during vacant periods.

Also never skip lunch if possible.

Travel home and scan notes for any assignments and requirements for the next day.

Eat dinner.

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If I am that fast at consuming dinner, then I am confident that I am fast enough at the field.

But being told to wash the dishes provokes the snail in me. Oh, well. C’est la vie.

Take a shower, read a novel I have just bought from a Booksale, brush my teeth, say my prayers, and let the night lull me to a welldeserved sleep.

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Hit the books, if there’s any need to. Or else I could spend the whole night hitting the net, open up Facebook, and do whatever the kids of today do with it.

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Arrive home, tend to sprains if I sustained any, and watch the nightly news before savoring what Mama has cooked up for dinner.

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Official end to all my classes during MWF’s, leaving me an hour to spare before I attend training sessions at the gym. My TTh schedule is not that hectic since I only have one class, and it is in the morning, giving me more time in the afternoon to work on my research paper, assignments, and other things.

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At the Dining Hall, eat my second breakfast consisting more meat than rice, a bottle of water, and… more bananas.

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Student scheds of the working and the playing

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Work class hero

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I put the athlete switch back on and spend two hours of intense training. I’m used to it of course and it has become routine for me that I actually do not feel the grind.

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Attend my first class, temporarily switching off my athlete mode.

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Travel home.

Arrive at Callbox and give everyone a pleasant good evening and smile. Start of my duty.

End of my duty, wish everyone a safe trip at home. Buy something like ‘pandesal’ for breakfast.

Jump in to my bed. Thank God for a tiring but worthy day. Don’t forget to set my cellphone’s alarm to 8:00AM.

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Take a break like having a sip of coffee or talk to my co-workers for a short while.

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Travel to work and wear earphones for music trip.

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Daily routine of a working student

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defying gravity They step in and walk through the pavements of the campus in leather boots, sky-high platforms and fashionable loafers. Wearing the trendiest outfits and donning the latest hairstyles they exude a diversified style reflective of their individual personas. The sun perfectly hangs above the afternoon sky gracing their entrance and with utmost ease they catch its light through their sunglasses and radiate it back to the world.

Sufficiently brave to blur the boundaries of the University dress code and stylish enough to break the tedium of school wear that has plagued the campus, this group of Advertising Majors has established a friendship bound by their common interest in fashion and the fervor for individualism and self expression.

From uniform to multiform and friendship Coming from different year levels of the Advertising curriculum, the ‘adverts’, as they fondly call themselves, came as they are by chance. There was no formal pledge of honor, no pack of loyalty or any qualification for membership. They just knew at first glance who they were and what they wanted and so as the cliché goes, it all became history.

“We simply share things in common.

We found out that we were not like the others in terms of our fashion sensibility and so we decided to create a mutual bond of queerness we call friendship,” says Ryan, 27, a senior Advertising student who is the eldest of the group.

Each member exemplifies and exudes a different character. Yet above the difference surfaces a bond of attachment that transposes their age and transcends beyond their individuality.

“Advertising offers countless opportunities

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in various fields and it’s a good avenue for artistry and self expression,” says Jay-R after asked why they choose Advertising.

Sense and Style “We wear clothes we’re comfortable with, but it usually depends on our mood.”

Black makes a dominant impression in the groups’ wardrobe which Ryan believes symbolizes class and versatility that is reflective of their personalities; diverse and flexible.

However, they are not afraid to try out new trends as long as they’re at ease with it.

Contrary to common notion that fashion is expensive and superficial, the group believes that more than just the clothes, style is an art form that requires the right attitude and demands justice. The group chuckles into chorus after asked how often they shop for clothes. They reveal that most of their statement pieces are products of their fascination for “ukays” or thrift shops.

The group seldom goes to department stores to shop. For one, the clothes in the racks are mass produced and so you’ll have a greater chance of wearing the same shirt as your classmate because they’re unreasonably expensive.

“We wear clothes with pride and dignity and that’s what makes them look expensive.

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Words || russel Jude PATiñA PhoTos || MicAh Angeli MirAsol

Style is all a matter of how you carry yourself anyway,” Ryan adds.

All art requires courage It is a given fact that fashion is very much subjective hence the group is no foreign to negative criticisms and blatant name calling whenever they’re in public.

Most students do not understand why they dress up the way they do. They were even once called ‘outrageous’ by a teacher but this did not make any less of them. They stood firm in their conviction that they are unique in their own way and forcing them to change is like telling them to shed off their own skin. Despite the criticisms they face, the group know who they are and so they just don’t care.

“We can’t blame them because we really do wear clothes that are uncommon at least to their taste but we are not soliciting their acceptance either. We dress up to express and not to impress,” Ryan says firmly.

Surely, people can’t comprehend and appreciate things they do not understand. The message the group wanted to imply is clear.

The clothes they wear and the manner they choose to carry themselves are the extensions of their being and identity.

“We respect them and their opinions as much as we wish to be respected.” Ryan imparts.

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why blend in, if you can stand out…

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for style and individuality.

“Don’t be afraid to be who you are because you owe it to yourself. Try new things out and do not limit yourself to what is just trendy. Why blend in if you can stand out, right?” Ryan closes.

In light of self expression they have mustered the courage to go against the mainstream to show us that conformity is but an option. More importantly, they have taught us the value of being and staying true to who we are and what we want to be regardless of what other people may say.

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We are who we are The fashion industry has always been perceived as superficial. We have all been primed of the luxurious stigma that has always been attached to the industry. The glitz and the glamour of the limelight is always on the wealthy who’s got money to burn and the anorexic-looking-too-good-to-be-true subject on the cover of our glossies. But more than just the dire need to clothe ourselves, the fashion industry has served humanity through ages in multiple forms often profound, yet, celebrated by a few who developed a foresight

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notes&TIps

i Will survive!

40 Ways to endure college at central Words || Airon B. BuenvenidA ArT || Jo JAn PAul J. Peñol

1 set your goals. One can never survive if one doesn’t know what he is surviving for. That is like fighting a meaningless battle.

2 Pass your MaJor eXaMs. To pass your major exams is almost synonymous to passing the subject. Fail an exam or two, and you’ll be in big trouble.

3 knoW your teachers. Knowing

the personality and style of your professor helps a lot. Look for patterns and tendencies for you to adjust with.

4 Pray.

This is perhaps the most powerful weapon a Christian could have. In times of doubts and apprehensions, don’t hesitate to pause for a while and ask for divine guidance.

5 internaliZe Before you MeMoriZe. That would be a pretty dumb thing if you don’t know what you are trying to remember. Understand first and the rest will follow.

6 folloW university rules. If

you want to finish the game, follow the rules.

You can’t always gain in doing so, but surely, you’ll lose something if you won’t.

7 Be creative. There is always creativity within all of us. It is time to get it appreciated.

8 Be on tiMe. Better late than never?

No, being on time is always better than being late.

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Mr. Reyshimar Arguelles.

21 study With your friends.

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40 rest. This is your ultimate survival skill.

Never deprive yourself a break.

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to do in the University, isn’t it? But don’t get fractious about it if you don’t want a bone fracture.

39 reflect. To ruminate the things that had transpired will help you mind your next move.

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29 fall in line. The most tedious thing

38 Wake uP early. Don’t be sluggish.

Be productive.

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undertakings. A quality time with them will make you stronger and ready for life’s battle.

should look like you’re going to school.

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18 find tiMe With your faMily. Your roots is a stronghold for your

28 Wear aPProPriate school attire. You’re going to school so you

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We have a bunch of dynamic counselors there always ready to help you out. Get some advice.

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17 visit the guidance office.

27 ParticiPate in class. If your

ideas are not expensive, share them.

You are a student and you are expected to have one.

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grade is like aiming for the star. If you can’t reach it, the clouds are still there.

37 Be sure to Bring your Pen.

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16 aiM for 1.0’s. Aiming for the highest

26 have a WristWatch. Your survival kit should contain this. It will give you a sense of time.

36 Make soMe insPiration.

Getting inspired is a good way to psych up your determination.

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a great day ahead of you, so don’t skip your morning meal.

you’ll enjoy studying rather than forcing yourself to do so.

enough to snuff out your little hunger. Just don’t let those pesky ants take them first.

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15 eat your Breakfast. There’s

25 develoP a coMfortaBle study haBit. You’ll save time and effort if

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any online community of Centralians to be updated. There are tons of them, but don’t forget ‘The In the Dumps’!

35 have soMething to eat in your Bag. A biscuit or a candy could be

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14 Join faceBook grouP. Try joining

more you’ll be prepared to take the exams, isn’t it?

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24 secure your eXaM scheds earlier. The earlier the preparation, the

two is not a hard deposit. Save today and get overwhelmed tomorrow.

34 Join organiZations. Be affiliated with University orgs and grow as competitive Centralian.

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13 feed Mr. Piggy-Bank. A coin or

hallways in the University are roofed. Rain or shine, you can use it.

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23 have an uMBrella. Not all

unable to enter the campus without wearing it (really?), your identification card could also be your passport to school facilities. Wear it.

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to offer than what you think. And hey, don’t forget that you are paying 800 pesos every semester for this facility.

33 Wear your i.d. Aside from being

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22 take doWn notes. It’s hard to remember class discussions. Taking down notes reconstructs your understanding of the lesson so do it well.

32 listen to Music. Music stimulates brain’s concentration and creativity, and perhaps that is not new to you, but not all music does. Melodious songs sometimes don’t work. They may try to make your mind sing instead of studying.

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They say two heads are better, how much more if there are three or four? Just avoid ending up with a mall escapade.

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12 visit Mr. henry instead of Mr. google. Our library has much more

31 coffee is your neW Best friend. For enlightenment why, ask

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to memorize the vision and mission of the University, however these long passages also often come out on the exams. Watch out for them!

Gone were the days when your high school teacher will chase after you for your missed requirements. Be sure not to miss a single one.

you’ll have this sense of security throughout the day. Try doing it regularly.

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11 MeMoriZe the vision and Mission. Ideally, as a Centralian, you need

20 furnish your reQuireMents.

30 Be PrePared for toMorroW’s classes. If you do so,

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you don’t know when you’ll be needing to open your wallet.

and fitness program for you to enjoy. Perhaps a Zumba session will do.

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10 avoid unnecessary eXPenses. Be a wise spender because

19 shake it off. CPU has a lot of health

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within the University might probably be fighting the same battle as yours. Care to make some allies?

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9 Make friends. The people you are

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haBit&CusToM

What aBout noW? a gliMPse to filiPinos’ “toMorroW haBit” Words || FerdinAnd d. BAñez, Jr. ArT || reyshiMAr c. Arguelles

Keyboard. Novel. Messages. Plates of food. Star Movies. Gadgets. Carlo’s thoughts drive through different things that he can do since he seem to have no plan to study yet. Major exams are fast approaching the moment he will wake up after his sleep tonight. The pressure is on so he decided to do something first to make his mind serene – “Computer games will probably do before some drastic studying.”

The

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a wise person does at once once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.

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Do.

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Now. Starting is the only intricate part. Start moving up now and you’ll just find yourself finishing things assigned to you.

“Do it now” of Nike became number two in top 10 slogans of the Century. Three simple things to remember and voila! – Tomorrow habit is eliminated.

If it is possible for the things to be done today, then why spoil them and do actions tomorrow? What about doing it now?

On the contrary, if you still find hassle in doing actions “now,” then probably you are currently in need of a mirror and you have to see the reflection of yourself beyond it. It could be an indication already of another Filipino culture commonly termed as “Katamaran” which is no longer acquired from Spaniards but is naturally engraved to an irresponsible being.

Lord Action even quoted: “A wise person does at once, what a fool does at last. Both do the same thing; only at different times.” Keep yourself informed of which of the two kinds of person you belong.

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Not computer games. Not shopping. Not your friends. Not sleeping; but only it. Keep your mind focused on one task and avoid doing, or even think of, other things which will make you quit your work for it might be continuous until such time that you completely have no plans to resume.

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It.

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Start throwing your pillow that keeps you tempted on not doing anything productive and command your feet to lead you to somewhere which will keep you working. Only actions can help you finish the things you have to do. Merely thinking of the solutions and what you will do and not putting them into action encompasses a big problem.

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Tomorrow comes, and the same cycle will happen again. This way of thinking is due to simple ignorance and laziness.

This culture is termed as “Mañana Habit” which came from Spaniards who colonialized Philippines centuries ago.

“Mañana” is Spanish for “tomorrow” and so it is a “tomorrow habit,” or a procrastination to be precise.

Aside from laziness, other alibis constitute to the factors that cause people do actions “not now.” Some of them are the physiological aspects like the need for rest, recreation, etc. Reverse psychology stating that the more you force yourself to do something, the more likely you will end up not doing it may also be a factor.

Procrastination became one of the most undesirable mentalities of Filipinos.

Mañana habit does not just cause delay to certain errands but also the total disorganization of ways on doing things. For example, you’ll be tasked to do a project but you decided to do it later. But of course, as time passes by there will be additional things to do, may it be chores or other projects, and you can’t just simply insert your first task to the latter or to your to-do-list. As a result, there will be the cramming on what to do first and what to do next, thus affecting the overall performance.

Since Filipinos already embraced it as a habit and part of their daily living, this malpractice of mañana habit became something hard to remove. The only way to change or eliminate a bad habit is through replacing with by another habit. The marketing campaign of Nike, fortunately, became one of the most effective and famous weapon in fighting against this inappropriate way of thinking. There is a need in remembering these three distinct words: “Do. It. Now.”

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After a couple of games, he decided to go home and test if he finally has the appetite to study. Unfortunately, all he does is merely look at the words in his book without comprehension, then to his notes, to his book again and he found himself clicking the keypad of his phone setting the alarm time to 3:30am.

“I’ll just do it later, I’m tired and my eyes already hurt – I’m sluggish.”

Pages of books are crumpling beside him as he sleeps. Hours later, the tune of his favorite rock song hummed massive shouting resulting to his arousal. It is still dark and the illumination of the moon from his window is just enough to see the silhouette of his phone facing up-sidedown where the side with the speaker is exposed. Having a couple of tired red eyes as weapons for a long reading, he has no choice but to continue his sleep and schedule his review later.

He woke up late in the morning having time just enough to get ready for school. He hoped that he will have the craving to study if he’ll see his busy classmates and they’ll ignite the cramming within him. But even until he got to school, he still stumbled upon reasons why not to read his books. Relaxing became something hard to find while having bothered thoughts of unpreparedness. And the examination paper came. Since he is not prepared for it moments before it was given, Carlo felt like having no answer to write thus he regretted his being irresponsible.

Such scenario of Carlo is very common among Filipinos where tasks given to them are likely to be done later/tomorrow. Upon receiving the task, it is expected that it must be started at this instant; but then people will decide to do it later. As a result of the delay, they ended up not doing it. Now, they decide again to do such task tomorrow.

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culture&TraDITIon

young Blood:

PhiliPPine sPeculative fiction Words || rhicK lArs vlAdiMer T. AlBAy PhoTo || gloriA concePcion g. MorAlidAd

PhoTo || FliPside PuBlishing

A heartbroken youth discovers the first woman, Maganda, in a garden.

The youngest, most beautiful of ten siblings, gets sold as a bride to a Tiq’Barang. A boy born with winged feet, a demon in an Augustinian church. Conversing with Death and avoiding a haunted river. Marrying an aswang and fishing for mermaids.

PhoTo || FliPside PuBlishing

I treasure memories of me sitting beside my lola mama as she recounted for me stories from her youth, some she says were also narrated to her by my great grandmother.

From late in the afternoon till supper, she’d go on about birds as large as people and beings that knock on roofs at night.

I admit that most of her stories scared me as a child, but the pieces of these tales she’s told me I will keep, for me to impart to my own children someday.

In the Philippine Speculative Fiction anthologies, a new generation of storytellers gives altered perspectives to your grandmother’s tales. Encompassing magical realism, science fiction, and alternate histories; each volume is an impressive collective of narratives that seamlessly blur Philippine folklore and myths with reality and contemporary society.

First established in 2005 by Dean Francis Alfar, PSF is the first and longest running Philippine-published speculative fiction anthology, currently spanning seven volumes.

It collects a wide range of stories that define, explore, and sometimes distort the boundaries of fantasy, horror, dystopia, and all things in between. The anthology has been shortlisted for the Manila Critics’ Circle National Book Award, and multiple stories from each volume have been cited in roundups of the year’s best speculative fiction across the globe. Past PSF contributors include acclaimed authors Eliza Victoria and Ian Casocot, as well as Palanca Hall of Famer Alfred Yuson.

PSF gives a new avenue to re-explore the Philippine mythos of old. Stories of Apolaki the sun and Mayari the moon. Bathala and the Aninos, the deities of our forebearers.

The sigbin, kapre, and manananggal, Tales that have echoed through the islands of our country. Tales that could be easily lost, if not given attention.

We are a nation of many indigenous cultures, rich in oral tradition. With countless legends telling of gods, goddesses, creatures, and heroes that are truly ours as Filipinos; yet most of us are more familiar with mythology brought to us by the west. Philippine Speculative Fiction aims to counter that, bringing knowledge of old folktales to a larger audience, and ensuring the encapsulation of Philippine culture for generations to come.

Right at this moment, somewhere, a grandmother is telling her grandson about aswangs.

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Pinoy Monster, inc.

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Words & ART || Jo Jan Paul J. Peñol

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Stories of mythical creatures have made Filipino kids pant rapidly and curl under their blankets. Some would stay wideeyed all night waiting to hear the sound they make before they attack – here comes the famous word, “Tiktik”.

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The Manananggal This is the oldest known “Batman” – a female version. Manananggal is a winged vampire creature that can detach from its torso and fly at night. It has an elongated tongue that can shoot out to snatch a fetus – no, not balut – but actual human fetus out of a pregnant woman, or the heart out of a human victim. It also has the ability to morph into animals such as cats and pigs. She loves to sound “tiktik” to start the night’s great adventure.

The lower part of her body stays on the ground. To kill it, it is believed that putting salt or garlic would hinder the upper body from attaching to the lowest part. Once the upper body lands from extreme fatigue, you can capture it and make Manananggal adobo!

Just kidding. 

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The Tiyanak This one is an adult-looking baby. Tiyanak usually mimics a newborn baby and cries like one in the serene spot to attract innocent travelers. Once it is picked up, it turns to its true form and attacks the victim – Chuckiestyle!

Some say the tiyanak were babies who died before receiving baptismal rites. After death, they go to a place known as Limbo, a ‘chamber’ of Hell where unbaptized dead people fall into and convert into evil spirits.

These phantoms return into the earthly realm in the form of goblins to gobble living victims.

The tiyanak can also be the offspring between a demon and a human or an aborted fetus,

which comes to life to take revenge on its mother. So, if you don’t want the tiyanak to hunt you, say “No to Abortion!” 

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The Kapre This is the Pinoy version of the Bigfoot.

Kapres are said to dwell in big trees like acacias, mangoes, bamboo and balete.

Kapres are normally described as smoking a big ganja pipe, whose strong smell would attract human attention. Unlike any other supernatural creatures, Kapres can be friendly especially if you don’t make jokes about his strongly-odored foot.

In some accounts, the kapre is thought to

hold a magical white stone (like the one owned

by Darna), a little smaller in size than a quail egg. Should any person happen to obtain this stone, the kapre could grant wishes. (So, start hunting for the kapre! He may grant your wish to own an iPhone! Hehe)

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Such instances prove the rich folklore of the Philippines – as rich as its natural resources. It’s replete with such creepy creatures – unlimited in form and covered in signature looks. And while many of us think that these creatures are just past childhood torments, yet they’re alive and still frightening – even adults especially in the provinces – but probably not in Baguio City —since it’s cold there! Imagine a manananggal wearing a jacket and a bonnet!

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Peace&WaR

giving Peace a chance

hoW BangsaMoro could Bring lasting Peace Words || reyshiMAr c. Arguelles

There is reason why then President Joseph Estrada waged an allout war in Mindanao during his tenure. The enduring rebellion by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was seen to be way out of control. Peace negotiations in 1999 collapsed that one needed only to fight fire with a flamethrower. It appeared back then that in order to attain peace, violence was the way to take. The President enforced silence upon the rebels, who had only strengthened their yearning to take back what is rightfully theirs — their homeland.

And now we have forged an agreement that seeks to correct this problems.

It defines our parameters and our objectives, while upholding the integrity and sovereignty of our nation.

—President Benigno S. Aquino III, October 7, 2012

The

centralecho

Forward to 2012, President Benigno Aquino III announced a new framework, which seeks a compromise with the Muslim separatists and would prove hopeful in attaining lasting peace. With the participation of the international community, the framework declares giving more autonomy to a region popularized by Nur Misuari as Bangsamoro, or Moro homeland to denote the separation of the Muslims from the Filipino identity.

The signing of the peace pact on October 15 was welcomed with bittersweet tears from the rebels, chanting a celebratory “Allahu Akbar,” for their prayers of settling down to lead normal lives may have finally been answered.

Countries like Malaysia, an intervenor between the Philippine government and the MILF, have given their admonishments.

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Pundits welcome the framework as the way to go in putting out the fire that has ravaged Mindanao since the 70’s – or longer.

Let us take a (huge) step back and see how the conflict fluctuated between religion and territorial rights.

In an article by Dr. Jamail A. Kamlian, a history professor at the Mindanao State University, the roots of the conflicts are found at the start of the Spanish Colonial Period.

When the northern islands were thoroughly Christianized, it seemed that what got in the way toward total domination is the Muslim south. As the age of imperial conquests dawned, the ghosts of the Crusades continued to stalk the world and preach about the chivalry associated with a holy war. The Spaniards sought royal obligations out of penetrating

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everyone is holding their breaths as the infantile framework takes its first steps.

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that would eventually give rise to the Muslim separatist movement and a decade-long struggle for self-determination.

Numerous negotiations were put in place like the one back in 1996. But all have failed to provide realistic solutions as incidences of violence continued throughout the years. Many Muslims had sacrificed their lives or deprived themselves the pleasures of living in peace.

But right now, everyone is holding their breaths as the infantile framework takes its first steps. Featured in the framework are provisions that ensure the Bangsamoro government more space in determining the best for the Moro people. Manila will still retain exclusive powers over matters on national security and foreign policy, but the Moros will enjoy the merits of representation, revenue generation, and their own legal code as embodied by the Shari’ah.

Although there are some who do not see any good from the pact, like Umbra Kato’s Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Moro National Liberation Front, which is in fact the original leader of the Muslim separatist front, but we are only able to conclude that in the fields and mountains of Mindanao, there is hope – and not just mindless violence.

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www.mindanaopeaceandprogress.com

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Mindanao and tapping the vastness of its natural riches and at the same time facilitate its total submission to the Catholic Church.

Unlike the natives separated into barangays in the islands of Luzon and the Visayas, the Sultanates that ruled Mindanao were unified under the banner of Islam, thus creating a formidable front too thick for Spanish pikes to pierce.

The Spaniards then resorted to “divide and conquer” tactics by recruiting Christianized natives from the northern islands to fight the Muslims. From time to time, the Spaniards with their “Filipino” allies would stage military expeditions in the south.

And that is not the half of it as there was also a cultural front within the conflict.

Writes Dr. Kamlian: “To gain the sympathy and support of Christianized native Filipinos, the Spaniards infused the term “Moro” with derogatory connotations, such as “pirates,” “traitors,” “juramentado,” “enslavers,” “cruel” and “uncivilized.”

This helped further the animosity between the Christian Northerners and the Muslims in Mindanao. It was not until the coming of the Americans that the conflicts grew more austere.

The American Colonial Period brought new land regulations that made Mindanao a subject for land sequestration. Having claimed the whole archipelago after defeating the Spaniards, the Americans also claimed ancestral lands in Mindanao, eventually granting them to Christian natives from the North and to American corporations. This inflicted on the region such a deep wound

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MAINSTORY

LOUDER BASKING AS THE

GRAPHICS || JO JAN PAUL J. PEÑOL

Sound is measured in decibels. It is measured from 0dB (silence) to above 300dB the loudest sound in the world.

BASTION OF TRUTH

Decibels was named after Sir Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone.

The sound of a whale song can travel a distance of 800 km.

Snakes hear through the jawbone and a traditional inner ear.

WORDS || JO JAN PAUL J. PEÑOL AND DAZEN DAWN P. LARIZA

More than 1 minute of exposure can cause permanent hearing loss.

As civilization moves through the generations, the role of the media becomes an opportunity for overstated facts and lies. Information may lead to bogus understanding and embed ignorance among the people.

This offset to a collective outcome that may obstruct the success of the world’s endeavors.

Conversely, with eyes that are gifted with the power of analysis and neutrality, truth floats up in its purest form. Issues breed to be prospects for chit-chats and sound inspections.

The masses become equipped with a renewed viewpoint for a better tomorrow.

With this great responsibility come the vigilant judgments of society that suggest we do things according to what is fitting and right based on tradition. We are then faced with a great choice: be free and do what we ought to do or be chained and stifled by laws and restrictions that will further suppress us from achieving what should be reached and becoming what destiny has offered us. Must we restrain ourselves from being who we are because of what people around us say or should we scream out what we want to be heard without any interference from the voices that surround us?

Our laws give us the freedom to express what we want to say and voice out our opinions for us to be heard. Yet, in a twisted sense, the same people that tell us to be free are also these same people who create the

restrictions which simply jail us from practicing this right. Laws have been created to stop us from expressing our thoughts and for things to be censored in accordance to their will and not ours. Must we live with this or do we need to fight back?

Having a wide display of some of the issues that concern us as Centralians, Ilonggos and Filipinos in general, should therefore be a customary responsibility. From this, we grasp that we have a job to fulfill as we stretch out under the genuine glow of the certain truth.

Being silent does not always mean a yes.

It somehow implies doubt in all of who we are. Let’s keep ourselves away from what is conventional and mainstream. Being loud isn’t a new trend, it’s an attribute implanted deep inside us. Ours is a new generation of people and we are destined to be louder.

we should fight for.

Being loud equals freedom. It means having to break through the chains that keep binding us back from becoming who we really are. It means saying the things we have to say, exposing the truth behind lies that have been told so many times that they eventually become true.

Being loud means facing our “demons;” fighting back to the things that people keep labeling us. It means facing the people who have told us that we cannot be what we want to become, that we should stick to the status quo, that we are what they tell us and want to become, that we cannot achieve greatness in our own simple way. It means having to face all those aggressors that torment us with their constant bullying and sarcasm and shout right at their faces that “I am AWESOME.”

But what does it mean to be loud?

To be loud is not merely a choice. It is a right. A right that we have to freely exercise.

A right that is often taken away from us by the same people who gave it. A right that

The Media being so Loud Media nowadays is considered a window for learning and is also considered to be our main window to the world. Media has evolved from simple text in papers, to voices

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More than 15 minutes of exposure above 100 dB may cause hearing loss. in radios, to voices with pictures in television and movies, to the very broad and information packed Internet. But as we all know, media has changed and evolved since then. Media then was primarily used to deliver news across the town and to beef up the people with the information they need for their everyday life.

Then, newspaper was the only form of media until radio came into the picture. When radio came it became the most popular form of media. Then when television was born, it replaced radios and people turn to television for sources of information. But before the end of the millennium, Internet was born. Internet is now the most popular form of media not only to youngsters but also to adults because of its diversity and usefulness. As kinds of media evolve, contents also evolve. From recorded news to live news via a satellite. From simple text to attractive graphics. From variety shows to teen oriented programs. Media has changed a lot since it started.

Reading or just going through the headlines of the one’s favorite newspaper is not only a habit but also second nature

with most persons. Unlike the electronic media, especially the television that brings out news and views round the clock and yet half-succeeds to covert the viewers into its fans, the print media creates a rewarding relationship with its readers.

From the individual reader to the society at large, print media performs multifaceted functions with remarkable reach and immense influence. If the television informs through the images, the newspaper enlighten through words. The print media enjoys a very special place in the collective consciousness of any civilized society.

In the making of public opinion, print media has always played a robust role, and more significantly in those times when electronic media was nowhere, here in the sight. Since the media and the society are intrinsically inextricably inter linked with each other, a healthy balance between the two pillars of society is imperative, lest the one should dictate the other for very untenable reasons.

They not only inform, influence, reason 23

and argue with us but, wittingly or unwittingly overawe us. In their intense competition to be heard (read) and influence (impress), we are constantly bombarded with words and more words. Words are fest losing their luster and freshness and the capability to embody delicate and healthy individual meanings and experiences.

The media cannot develop or grow in stature in an atmosphere of restraints and constraints and the society remains a silent spectator if it crosses the bar of self-imposed decency discipline.

The media, like us has to be so loud to be recognized. It’s our way of letting other people feel that we do not simply ride on to what is mainstream, but standing out to what our principles speak for us.

Let us not be taken aback by the things society teaches us on who to become and labels we have to live with, rather, let us be loud and scream the things we have hidden deep inside.

Being loud means being free. Are you loud enough?

The loudest sound recorded was the Tunguska Meteor (300 dB) striking Earth outside Siberia in 1904.

37% of children with minimal hearing loss fail during their Grade I. Prolonged exposure above 85 dB will cause gradual hearing loss.

Fishes do not have ears but they can hear pressure changes through ridges on their body.

Pain begins and hearing loss can be permanent.

e is 3 feet If someon you and away from ar him/ ot he you cann s k, it mean a e sp r he is l leve the noise damage to g in start . your ears

Immediate nerve damage can occur.

Smokers are 2x likely to lose their hearing than non-smokers.

Aside from hearing, ears aid you to balance.

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Sources: www.turnittotheleft.com www.webmd.com www.listverse.com

YOuth&empowerment

21 Guns

On placards and strained vOices

Words || dazen daWn P. Lariza art || danieL fern L. tinagan

Under the striking heat of the burning sun they stand clothed in sweat-drenched fabric and glistening faces that speak of courage and anger. With fists held high, they fight oppression, not with grenades and bombs and nuclear weapons but with their right to be loud, their right to be heard, their right to be free etched in placards and streamers that cry “CHANGE” and “JUSTICE.” Activism has become the reason for enlightenment in many dark periods in our history such as Martial Law. As the Government resulted to all sorts of actions in order to suppress their freedom, a new revolution was created through groups of Filipinos, especially students, who fought for their rights. The death of thousands created a ripple of events that brought forth a peaceful war of words and prayers which ended the dictator’s reign, hence, the reason why student activism still prevails in our present society.

Some may wonder why students choose to become activists and do things that may be considered “acts of rebellion.” Well,you’d have to think like an activist and learn to sympathize with what they fight for in order to understand what they do. Oikos Ecological Movement and League of Filipino Students (LFS) member Jan Pachoco didn’t understand the reason why student activists resulted to such actions until he got to know them and the reason behind their actions and eventually decided to join in the crowd.

“Actually at first, when I see activists on the streets I wonder why they do such things and why they question and blame the

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government for all the crises faced by our society. But when I got to know them,my mind was opened to the sad realities they see,” he said.

The life of being a student activist is not an easy road. People misjudge you; your time has to be divided, and you have to keep secrets from people close to you if they turn against you and your beliefs. Student activists have far greater issues than picking an outfit for College Night or leveling up your character on League of Legends.

According to Jan, being a student activist has its demands. One of which is sacrificing time to study the different issues which confront the present generation.“We cannot make a concrete analysis and solution to the problems if we do not know the issue,” he said, adding that such a sacrifice is not a big deal because “if we were truly committed to the principles we would not hesitate to sacrifice a little for the good of every Fillipino.”

Aside from that comes the pressure of some parents on their children to stop involving themselves in student activism.

Jan said that it is the greatest issue most of his colleagues have to face. They have to make their parents and families understand 26

that such actions are not merely for their own good but also for their family. With this, Jan quoted a line from Renato Constantino saying, “If parents of today do not march with the youth, they will be left behind and will deserve only the censure of history. If the youth fail to enlist the active participation of other sectors of society, their movement will suffer from a fatal distortion.”

Other than those stated above, student activists have to face the watchful eyes of their own Universities’ administrations especially on those coming from the LFS who oppose tuition fee increases and the likes.

Various administrations such as those in the University of the Philippines take extra effort in trying to get rid of them.

In a statement posted on LFS.ph in December 7,2010 by then UP Asterisk member Dino Pineda, he had said “We thought we were dying. We thought student activism had gone down the slope, and had become irreconcilably ‘uncool’ for this generation.” Dino stated actions which their administration did to silence them and their efforts in fighting against this. He ended his statement with this line, “More and more, we are seeing how this Administration is

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These student activists may not always get what they want but their voices and opinions do get heard a lot.

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trying to kill us. Yes, we are dying. But we are not dying without a fight.”

Contrary to what others believe in, their efforts in fighting for social change are not useless. From rallies, State of the Youth Addresses, writing in print to spray painting stencils of a hangman tied to a yellow noose and more, these student activists may not always get what they want but their voices and opinions do get heard a lot. Through thousands of students marching on streets against budget cuts on Education, a raise in budget happened.

According to Jan, the Anti-No Permit, No Exam Policy bill is already being recognized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the latest protest against the Cybercrime Law has been issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). So who’s to say that their screams of rage go to waste?

Yes. They are often a common sight. You find them in clusters on streets, government centers, and business firms screaming out their rebellion, fighting for what they believe is right in an unjust society. Whether they be frowned upon by society or be understood by those who sympathize with what they feel, they wouldn’t really care, because activism is not meant to be understood by people who remain ignorant to what they believe in. Activism is meant for those who feel the need to be heard by a society that remains deaf to those who cry for freedom and equality. Activism is for those who believe that freedom is not an option.

Freedom is a gift. Fight for it.

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history naTIon history&

hey, MegaloManiac gliMPses of the underground Words & ArT || reyshiMAr c. Arguelles

Forty years ago. Students all over the country were frantic. “Were the rumors true?” they asked. The air smelt peculiar as the times had instructed the country’s ripeness for revolution.

So they flooded the streets with raised fists and odious placards, chanting “The Internationale,” quoting Mao Zedong, preaching the foreboding conquest by a Marxist heaven.

They were violent, rowdy, able to wrest control of institutions like the University of the Philippines-Diliman out of the hands of the state. It was a state of mind. It was the First Quarter Storm. And it was a preamble to one of the darkest eras in our nation’s history.

With the country under the watchful eyes of Marcos’ New Society, the shouts became fainter. There was fear, and there was silence, except within desolate rooms where the bruised and desperate cry out for their torturers to stop, promising to tell them what they knew about a communist conspiracy even if they knew little to none of such.

The New Society for it to be just used unjust means. More than a regime of violence, it was a regime of silence that ended with a collective uproar following the purported assassination of then Senator Benigno S. Aquino, Jr. Forty years had passed since Ferdinand Marcos put the country under the jackboots of the military. To the present generation, those years could only mean boring passages in the textbooks written by the Zaides. But to Centralians like Prof. Edwin Lariza, presently the chairperson of the Department of Social Work, they were marked by memories strangled in

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barbed wire and retaining the bittersweetnesss of experience.

When Marcos declared Presidential Decree No. 1081, the first feeling that crossed Prof. Lariza was that of apathy.

“During the declaration, I was studying in a bible school in Bacolod City. Except for the initial fear of the unknown, the period was never a big deal for me being apolitical at that time due to my religious orientation which was more concerned about salvation of the soul,” Lariza points out.

It was until he studied in this university that Marcos’ New Society showed the extent of its ugliness.

“That was when I witnessed the harsh realities of that period. There was a rampant violation of human rights. A dangerous time for any defender of human rights, who was considered a suspect of subversion,” Prof.

Lariza says.

The university during this period was said to be the “hotbed” of student activism.

“Some renowned leaders were sons of the University personnel and Baptist leaders like the Ortigas and dela Fuente brothers,” Lariza said, mentioning Edward dela Fuente who coordinated covert operations within the university, arrested and tortured for sedition, shifted to organizing rural underground cells, and finally met a brutal end at Ibajay, Aklan.

It was madness, as the state became

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powerful so much that its paranoia knew no bounds.

“The Red scare and witch hunting were rampant and widespread. Since the declaration of martial law was premised on the threat of communist insurgency, any form of opposition to the regime was associated with it to justify their adverse action. Even the revolutionary movement was not spared from deep penetration agents,” Prof.Lariza says.

He could remember how he maintained a low profile but was still blacklisted because participation in any rally, protest action, or symposium could help earn a spot at the master list of subversives. One could not be any more cautious, and it was just as hard to trust anyone.

“Military agents or civilian informers would tail you or put you under surveillance. Some even enrolled in schools for that purpose to the extent that lectures related to realties and human rights were monitored,” Prof. Lariza says, also remarking about how he joined the religious sector of the extensive underground movement that included members from radical student groups, and the mosquito press.

By joining the underground, Prof. Lariza opened himself up to bitter realities that coincided with his conviction to Christ. He saw how the communists, though “were not so much concerned about their faith in God or the lack of it, had this kind of love to the least of

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Christ’s brothers and sisters,” especially those under the weight of the military.

Stringent was the New Society’s handling of suspected rebels. Aside from Dela Fuente, Prof. Lariza could remember how a close friend had his taste of terror.

“He was exposed naked in front of torturers to humiliate him. Left naked in an air conditioned room and underwent both psychological and physical abuses.”

Bayan Muna representative Neri Colmenares’ experiences were not as similar, for he had been engaged by his interrogators into playing rounds of Russian roulette.

Some of our elders could point out the era of Martial Law as an era of prosperity, where the crime rates ran low, and the least one could worry about was being deprived the pleasure of watching Voltes V. To Prof. Lariza, perception could only make the real difference.

“Those who were apolitical or apathetic with the realities in the society were not necessarily affected. They may have felt relative peace and order. But those who were concerned with human rights experienced the brunt of dictatorial rule that used the military establishment to quell any form of protest against excesses/abuses of the regime or even a simple concern with human rights,” Prof.

Lariza says.

But for Prof. Lariza, there are only hard lessons.

“To avoid the repetition of the dark past, we should get involved in the early stage of repression or human rights violations.”

The students of 1969 had done their part. They may have been much more successful had Marcos did not declare Martial Law. But the certainty, that silence could not tame the most restless hearts or violence could not mute the strongest vocal chords, is an eternal affirmation.

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saMPle Indeed, the narrative of Martial law was such that it has only stories of repression to tell.

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dislike&aBuse

nuMB Words || Alvin K. Tung ArT || dAniel Fern l. TinAgAn

Some find themselves submerged in the inconceivable depths of the boisterous waves of their fears and entirely buried by shovelfuls of humiliation and infamy. They are judged not by the Mighty One of the great heavens but only by His mere image walking on this sinful soil.

They do not simply suffer the wrath of the disparaging words casted upon them for they are also under the grim spell of Facebook degradation. Out of the mountainous piles of mud rise the pictures of Centralians condemned by the Centralian Feeler (CF).

Like a vigilante group, the admin of the account of Centralian Feeler is bound to dishonor individuals they (or the informants) deem as braggart, presumptuously daring, and distasteful in the hope of seeing them change their “negative” character – a destructive mean for a good cause.

Yet judgement comes without due process, leaving the other half of the story hidden behind the murky shadows of denunciation.

“We want to cut the number of Centralians who boast themselves while they look at others with disdain. We think that by humiliating them, we can make them change, though we know it’s illogical,” said the admin of CF, revealing the purpose of the account’s existence.

How it works Pictures of Centralians are posted and labelled with words demoralizing enough to shatter the selfesteem even of those owning a heart of steel.

Any Centralian can feed the CF with information of who they want to be charged by

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The mortifying act of putting others to shame has serious consequences —something bullies should think about.

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What can be done According to Prof. Galeno, victims should primarily speak out especially when they are not what CF believes they are. The other side of the story must burgeon to express the truth.

The perfect people to tell about the cyberbullying and the victims’ true personalities are their friends, classmates and significant others for them to understand the whole story. Telling them about what’s happening is always better than discovery.

Despite the fact that it is a Filipino culture to keep burdens within ourselves, it is still

best for the victims to inform their parents. It might be difficult to do so with the horror of misunderstanding, but the parents should always serve as the cradle for a weakening heart. By speaking out and letting others know it, prejudgement could be reduced.

The affected must also surround themselves with a strong support system. It is a time when their souls are crushed. They should adhere to their family and inner circle of friends to find comfort, to gather strength and to stand up again to face the beauty of life.

Though CF is oftentimes perceived negatively, it is also perhaps the time to gauge the victim’s self whether he/she possesses “unwanted” qualities. It could be an opportunity to admit and change one’s wrongs (if ever true).

The guidance office is open for those who are suffering from CF’s plague to further rehabilitate their wounded heart.

“Though the Centralian Feeler might have a good cause —making people change their ‘negative’ habits, it could be time for them to reflect whether they are doing more good or more harm to their targets,” hope slightly shines through Prof. Galeno’s vision.

The CF could be harming the individual, causing him/her to retaliate rather than to change. There are certainly more nice ways than one to express their dislike to the individual with personally talking about it perhaps the best way.

According to the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), the administrators of CF could confront penalties ranging from suspension to expulsion with the University President having the final say. But until OSA receives any complaints, they could not act on the matter.

As much as one might dislike the other, students must look back to the principles of this Christian University and how the Central Spirit works mysteriously in the heart of Centralians.

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How it affects its victims The unlimited sands of time had proven bullying to be a progressing dilemma of the youth, making it the lifelong predicament of schools as well. With the technological advances in this modern age, the plain namecalling occurring in schools or in classrooms has evolved into a more catastrophic phenomenon —deriding and trash talking in the internet, where bullying never rests. Like the inexhaustible universe, the cyberspace respects no boundaries and indeed, cyberbullying can generate greater impact to its preys compared to the actual bullying.

“In the actual bullying happening in schools, the victims often feel safe once they are within the confines of their home. In the case of cyberbullying however, the sense of hurt continues to thrive because it extends beyond school hours and school premises,” said Prof. Pedro Galeno, College of Education guidance counsellor and organizational psychologist, differentiating the two varying forms of subjugations.

Anyone from anywhere (including the victim) can view and partake in the neverending oppression in the internet. As a result, depression is more likely to invade the personal

and school life of the individual along with wrecked self-worth and self-ideal.

“Being categorized as a Centralian Feeler is gravely shattering. Since then, my freedom to speak and act as I am has been very limited. My ability to trust others depreciated as well,” cried one of the victims.

Prof. Galeno also emphasized that continuous cyberbullying can push the affected individuals to become anti-social.

Trust issues become apparent especially when an anonymous Facebook account is used.

Victims tend to withdraw their trust for others since the information provided to the CF could have probably come only from someone who had either been their friend or classmate. Their studies could also be in jeopardy with their growing fear that their fellow students might have read CF’s damaging posts.

“The worst that could happen to the victims is that they might actually harm themselves,” Prof. Galeno said as anxiety and concern sealed his emotions.

Across the globe, there are people committing suicide due to severe depression rooting from uncontrolled bullying. Just recently, cyberbullying ended a Canadian’s young life. The mortifying act of putting others to shame has serious consequences – something bullies should think about.

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disgrace along with their “despicable” qualities.

Upon approval of the admin, a picture of the victim will be posted on the CF’s Facebook account accompanied by hurtful labels.

“Not everyone suggested by the students to be branded as a “Centralian Feeler” gets approved. We review their suggestions whether it’s true or not,” clarified by the CF admin.

Through it, Facebook users become witnesses of others’ judgements – how Centralians fight against fellow Centralians.

The CF, however, said that there is room for change in the list of “feelers” if only the victims could modify their “unwanted” values.

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dynasty&eleCTIons

Born to Be Wild… for years and years and years to coMe Words & ArT || reyshiMAr c. Arguelles

no one in his right mind would ever let his last name last until the whole country burns in the armageddon.

Indeed, what makes Philippine politics wild?

Is it because of the badly photoshopped posters that populate every electrical post in the barangay months before the campaign? At some occasions, you want to unleash the rabid animal within you unto those who have taken epal palitiks as “new school” politics.

Epaliticos make their statements even if the people have had enough of their faces, smiling at them with teeth as white as their depressingly void minds. But we let them do it instead because it laughable.

And a Filipino as we know him does not take anything seriously. He laughs at poverty, at intercourse, even at foreigners conversing in their own language. But you would not hear him chuckle at the complicated relationships his

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favorite actresses are going through. Showbiz has become the last bastion of seriousness. No other issue out there could wrest his attention.

But the issue of political dynasties is different altogether – and one that requires something near to an inquisition due to a heavy problem it poses.

A Country of Monarchs So sickening is the repeated mantra that reminds us of this country being democratic.

So sickening is the paradox buttressed by clans whose only interests are position and power.

Clearly, we don’t take Philippine politics seriously. We can tell from the number of

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nuisance candidates who think they could be as hardcore as those who field their relatives into the rigmarole of politics. But after all, it is these political clans who make a joke out of politics.

There is this line of thinking that endorses political clans. The idea that those who have served public office the longest should have the privilege of extending his or her rule is obviously a historical truth. In the Middle Ages until the period when aristocracies began to fear the working class, they had this Divine Right of Kings, which virtually gave every monarch the power to rule, to command love and obedience for they were the embodiments of God. But it appears Philippine politicians have bent and twisted this right to fit standards of this already twisted society. Rather than to receive consent from the Almighty, they act upon the merits of longevity. But politicians who served long have learned much is not close to proper. No one in his right mind would ever let his last name last until the whole country burns in the Armageddon. Then again, we have congressmen, mayors, and governors vying to extend their rule by letting their sons, wives, cousins, and nephews join such a greedy venture. Greedy in the sense that those, who are more realistic, more idealistic, are deprived of the opportunity to save Philippine politics from families who are cleverer, more opportunistic than the Corleones.

The constitution does not have anything against political dynasties, and a bill seeking to counter these remains under cobwebs and dust bunnies. The Revillas, the Garins, the Singsons, the Marcoses, and other resounding last names will continue to talk about good governance and all “the best for the people of...” But what good will ever come out of being the only families standing on the podiums and having bank accounts that could feed a whole province with tomato paste?

When will it End? Familial dynasties, like those that had ruled China, would take long to wilt away.

There is no telling how soon political families in the Philippines would leave the leadership to individuals who have nothing else to offer but a sense of right.

However, the future is in the voters’ hands. And it is now the right time to do what is right: To put an end to political dynasties and affirm the sacred principles of democracy, that power is not relied on a few good names.

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whatever the outcome in the us presidential elections, it is clear that what happens in america resonates elsewhere.

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How about migrant workers?

The second presidential debate touched on giving work to immigrants. Both candidates reiterated the age-old perception of America as the Land of Opportunity. But they have divergent views regarding immigration policies that cover not only Latinos, but also Filipinos; especially the TNT’s who had lived through worse.

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to prioritize putting more Americans back to work by cutting outsourcing jobs . Goodbye sleepless nights, says the caffeine-crazy customer service representative.

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The Real Score Whatever the outcome in the US presidential elections, it is clear that what happens in America resonates elsewhere.

Although I confess, there is nothing we can do about it. But on account of CNN’s tagline for its coverage of the elections – “The decision is America’s. But the impact is on all of us” – sitting down and hearing them out would not hurt much.

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Collaterals Rising from the rhetoric of both the Republicans and the Democrats, there is the question of whether to limit outsourcing.

Countries like the Philippines have been dependent on the BPO industry as it has seen its nascent ability to curb poverty.

Companies from the US, to save costs on manpower, outsource jobs here, where labor is cheaper. But this is nothing, the average America means that the jobs that should have gone to Americans have been transferred here, prompting the presidential nominees

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The Whole Point The Philippines has maintained a special and at times byzantine relationship with its powerful Western ally throughout the years.

Investments made by the US have in part contributed to economic growth. But while this sheds positive light, the growing tensions in the South China Sea have since remained a crucial concern from which the consequences may fall far from good if the pieces are not played right.

The US has to calibrate its foreign policies, especially when it has to lock horns with an economic force China’s been nurturing.

Concerning the economic interests of the region, we could expect less. The battle lines have been drawn around the question of

keeping the American economy afloat.

As the presidential debates were going on, the unemployment rate has dropped. This, to most, can mean that the US is beginning to recover from a disastrous recession, which had gotten a lot of people laid off and spawned movements like Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party. But it will take more than hazy forecasts to help paint a vivid portrait of the future.

Yes, but what could this mean for the future of the Filipino, here and over there?

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But the United States’ time to decide may be as important as the fate of the world, considering how powerful a position it occupies. The contest between the reelectionist Democrat Barack Obama and the Republican contender Mitt Romney will have dramatic implications as far as the global economy is concerned —or in broader terms.

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While paranoia-fed conspiracy theorists continue to ramble poetically about doomsday, an event of equal importance will transpire in November, despite our desire to shrug it off as something not entirely a Filipino concern.

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BisyoATlipunan

BAWAL NA GAMOT Words || Alvin K. Tung Photos || Chalcedon A. sañor

Sa isang tikim pa lang animo’y mabubuyo ka na tila may isang diwatang nais dukutin lahat ng kabigatan at suliraning iyong pinagdadaanan kapalit ng mapanlinlang na pangako ng panandaliang kaligayaha’t kapayapaan ng isip.

Marami na ang mga naging biktima ng ipinagbabawal na gamot- mga kabataan, mga kutsero, mga taong naligaw ng landas, at kahit na mga propesyonal. Bagaman alam na ng nakararami ang mapaminsalang dulot nito, hindi pa rin maitatangging mahirap bilangin ang dami ng mga taong nakakulong sa mapait nitong kasinungalingan.

Mula sa pagkatanggal ng stress hanggang sa pagkaramdam ng labis na pagkatuwa ay ilan lamang sa mga kaaya-ayang epekto sa paggamit ng bawal na gamot.

“Pakiramdam ko’y unti-unting bumabagal ang paggalaw ng oras. Nababaon sa lupa ang mga bagay na bumabagabag sa aking isipan,” sabi ni Boyeng*, dating gumagamit ng marijuana.

Ang una’y laging sinusundan ng ikalawa.

Naging totoo nga ito sa karamihan ng mga taong lulong sa mga masasamang bisyo lalo na sa bawal na gamot. Halos lahat kasi na bawal ay masarap- bawal na pag-ibig, bawal na gamot, mga bawal sa paaralan, at iba pa.

Hindi rin nakaligtas dito si Boyeng. Ang unang hithit niya ng marijuana ay sinundan pa.

Sa edad na 20, nagsimula siyang gumamit ng marijuana bunga ng kanyang pagnanais na maranasan ang mismong epekto nito sa katawan. Ang mga kaibigan niya rin mismo

Isang musmosing bata ang nakahanap ng tagong lugar para papakin ang isang hating plastik ng rugby.

* hindi tunay na pangalan The

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sa isang maliblib na lugar isang ama ang humuhithit ng pinagbabawal na gamot sa harap ng kanyang anak.

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ang kinabukasan ng bayan ay patuloy na matatabunan ng hamog hanggang hindi pa malinaw sa mga kabataan ang bukas na kanilang kinahaharap.

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sa kondisyong kailangan nilang mangako sa akin na huwag nilang hayaang maging alipin sila ng gamot,” habilin ni Boyeng.

Maraming kabataan ngayon ang nalululong sa ilegal na droga. Isa lamang si Boyeng sa kakaunting nakatakas sa marahas na kulungan ng pagkagumon dito. Sa mga oras na ito, lubhang mahalaga ang patnubay ng mga magulang at ng mga nakatatanda sa mga kabataang ito. Ang paghimok sa kanila na maging abala sa mga makabuluhang bagay ay makakatulong rin sa paglayo sa kanila mula sa mga temtasyon at droga.

Dati nang ipinahayag ni Dr. Jose Rizal na kailangan ang mga kabataan para sa kinabukasan ng bayan. Subalit ang kinabukasan ng bayan ay patuloy na matatabunan ng hamog hanggang hindi pa malinaw sa mga kabataan ang bukas na kanilang kinahaharap.

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gamot, maaaring maapektohan ang takbo ng pag-iisip ng isang tao. Maaari rin itong magdulot ng sakit sa baga. Kung nakasasama ang pangalawang epekto ng marijuana, mas lalo itong nakasisira sa pagkatao ni Boyeng sa tuwing hindi na niya kasama ang kanyang “kaibigan”. Parang mumurahing kandilang natutunaw ang kanyang pasensiya at nagiging balisa siya kapag hinahanap-hanap na niya ang mala-paraiso niyang paglalakbay.

Ngunit kagaya ng pinangako niya sa kanyang sarili bago pa man niya sinimulan ang pangkalawakang paglalakbay niya sa mundo ng bawal na gamot, nilabanan niya ang kanyang sarili upang makawala sa hawla ng pagkawasak ng kanyang pagkatao– ang maging habang-buhay na bilanggo ng marijuana.

“Lagi kong sinasabi sa mga kaibigan ko na hahayaan ko silang humithit ng marijuana

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ang nagpakilala sa kanya sa droga. Nagtagal ng ilang buwan ang kanyang pagkagumon sa bago niyang “kaibigan” at “kabalikat”. Ang bago niyang “kaibigan” ang siyang naging katuwang niya sa kanyang pag-aaral lalo na tuwing may mahahabang pagsusulit dahil nagagawa nitong pakalmahin at ilayo sa problema ang kanyang pag-iisip. Ngunit, kagaya ng alinmang gamot, ang bawat kapakipakinabang nitong dala ay may katumbas na pinsala.

“Parang naabot ko ang mga tala ngunit sa dulo ng maluwalhating karanasang ito, umiiyak ang tiyan ko sa matinding gutom , at nagiging paranoid ako sa hindi ko maipaliwanag na dahilan,” dugtong pa niya sabay sa paggunita niya sa mga sandaling nalulong siya sa marijuana.

Sa walang patid na paggamit ng marijuana at iba pang ipinagbabawal na

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esteeM&seCurITY

Who says?

Words || dAPhne clAire v. BuenAFlor ArT || dAniel Fern l. TinAgAn

“You made me insecure; to me I wasn’t good enough. But who are you to judge, when you’re a diamond in the rough. I’m sure you got some things you’d like to change about yourself, but when it comes to me, I wouldn’t wanna be anybody else.”

Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own body? Like you’re just not good enough?

Have you ever felt so frustrated with your appearance that all your self-esteem dropped back to zero? Did you ever feel insecure and jealous of others? Well, I have.

Hi. My name is Jess Leckhue. Ever since I hit adolescence, I had these issues about my appearance and my body. I didn’t like how my reflection looked in the mirror. I hated my big round eyes, my overly-sized lips, my pointy ears, and one more thing; I hated the fact that I was the world’s biggest klutz. Anywhere I went I would always end up tripping over something, or spilling my drink, or tearing my dress. I felt like a complete package of disaster.

Going through high school was rough.

I was teased and bullied every single day.

Honestly, it felt like the end of the world. I kept asking myself if it was my fault that I look this way? It was as if I was placed in the middle of a battlefield in the first line of warriors with no armor, no shield, and no weapon. Teachers would try to comfort me and they would say that it was gonna be okay but you could just tell that even though they cared about me, there was really nothing that they could do to stop those mean bullies who kept on attacking me.

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It felt like the vortex of the swirling clouds of inevitable doom was sucking out the happiness from my tired, restless and fed up soul. I thought for sure I was going to explode. I just kept saying to myself that I would live today because maybe, just maybe, tomorrow would be much better.

Despite my insecurities, I had a dream. I wanted to become a fashion model. I wanted to work in a modeling agency; meet lots of cool people, models and personalities. I wanted to travel and see the fashion capitals of the world: Tokyo, Milan, Paris, New York and oh, Los Angeles.

One time for our Christmas vacation, a year after I graduated college, my family and I decided to visit Los Angeles, the land where you can buy your way into fame. I was pretty pumped about it not only because I would have the chance to see the famous Hollywood sign but because it would be a big stepping stone for me if I really wanted to become a model.

We spent our first day in LA sitting on the hard wooden chairs of a smelly, old, rusty tour bus which was not that fun at all. I really didn’t know how or why my parents ever booked us with that tour guide company. They were just probably being frugal and thrifty which I guess was a good thing. I could still remember

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How you look is what makes you unique. It is what makes you you.

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but they aren’t as much on the inside. Always remember that you are beautiful and God made you perfectly in every way. How you look is what makes you unique. It is what makes you YOU. That’s why you should always be confident and you should always smile. You are beautiful Jess, inside and out.”

What she said inspired me so much that I went on to pursue my dreams. I got employed in a modeling agency and I was complimented because, as they said, I had enthralling doelike eyes, luscious pouty lips, and elf-like ears.

Who would’ve thought that the things that I considered my flaws, the things that made me insecure would turn out to be my strengths?

I was still a big klutz though, but who cares?

Haha.

God never makes a mistake on how He creates us. He made us who we are for a reason. We don’t really have flaws, but we have our unique traits; and these are our strengths.

Have you ever felt uncomfortable in your own body? Like you’re just not good enough?

Have you ever felt so frustrated with your appearance that all your self-esteem dropped back to zero? Did you ever feel insecure and jealous of others? Well, I have. My name is Jess Leckhue and I am just like you.

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in the face by a thousand ton fist and even that wouldn’t be enough to explain the hurt I felt.

It’s one thing to be hurt physically, but it’s another thing to be hurt emotionally. The feeling of pain was much more excruciating and indescribable. To hear mean things being said about you was absolutely hurtful. And to think that those girls who were criticizing my appearance didn’t even know who I was. I was absolutely distracted and pained by their trash talks that I accidentally spilled my drink all over me. That made them burst into laughter. Darn!

Clumsy old me! I said to myself. I hated the fact that I gave them the satisfaction. I felt very miserable.

I was about to breakdown when someone handed me a handkerchief. I looked up and it was the woman from the table across mine.

She smiled and took off her sunglasses. To my surprise, it was Selena Gomez, the famous child star and singer. I remember when I used to watch her in Barney and friends and in Wizards of Waverly Place. No wonder she was disguising. She asked me what my name was and I introduced myself. I would never forget the words she said to me, “Don’t mind those girls. They’re just saying those things about you because the truth is they are really insecure and jealous. They may be beautiful on the outside

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that the tour guide had this weird voice that sounded as if somebody pushed a fist-sized hair ball on his throat. It was totally disturbing but I did see several celebs by their homes.

The second day was Christmas Eve, December 24th. I told my parents that I wanted to see what Beverly Hills was like by myself, and so, they let me. I felt like I was in 90210. I walked by the streets holding a map. I think I might’ve tripped a couple of times (you know, being a clumsy gal and all.) Luckily, nobody saw me. I headed straight to the hottest boutiques in Melrose Ave. From Alexander McQueen to Dolce and Gabana to Gucci! It was absolutely a dream come true.

I stopped by for a snack at one of the cafés by the beach in Malibu. I sat at the table near the sand. At the next table was a woman, sitting and drinking a cup of hot coffee. She wore a black leather jacket, pink shirt, washed out skinny jeans, blue low-cut converse shoes and topped it off with big round sunglasses.

She looked like she was in disguise. I was reading a book waiting for my Frapuccino when I heard snickering and giggling of girls at the table across mine. I didn’t pay them much attention but their voices were really starting to get louder and louder. What I heard made me sick to my stomach. It was like I was punched

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LOUD Issue

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toXic

uP close With the lethal and deadly Words || AlMinA MArie l. gAnge PhoTos || chAlcedon A. sAñor

Animal lovers are a special breed of humans: generous in spirit, full of empathy, and perhaps a little prone to sentimentality, but with hearts as big as a cloudless sky. Prime examples are Wilfredo Decara, Jr. and Paul Tristan Huyong.

Decara

Huyong Decara is a young and free-spirited man currently studying Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. He is also the founder of the Exotic Pet Group of Panay (EPGoP).

Huyong is an electronics communication engineering student, an aspiring arthropologist, an amateur pianist, and an anime fanatic.

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According to them, owning an exotic pet is not simply asking permission from your parents and housemates. You should also educate them with you are dealing with, The care that they give to each of their pets varies on their pets’ needs and nature. The food also depends: insects for tarantulas and scorpions 38

(scorps), rodents or small lizards for snakes,cat food for hedgehogs, and a natural diet for amphibians.

Tarantulas and scorpions require additional care as these pets have venom. Even the most docile or the easily handled tarantulas can bite.

The venom may not be enough to kill a human being but the pain is just as agonizing as death. Some scorpion venom, on the other hand, are potent enough to kill. The hobby of collecting scorps is not advisable for beginners.

Physiological reaction toward tarantula and scorpion venom varies among individuals, but is said to get serious if a person has allergies or a heart illness.

Another danger is the exposure of delicate body parts like eyes to a special kind of hair that some tarantulas release when threatened. This type of hair causes irritation which almost all tarantula —keepers have experienced.

The itch usually lasts for at least a couple of hours.

Owning these kinds of pets also poses a risk should they escape. This could cause trouble for the neighbors.

The introduction of foreign species to a particular place may not be a good practice and should be avoided because the balance of nature could be destroyed. Generally, the pets are housed in modified plastic containers that suit their basic needs.

Not all of these labelled as “exotic pets” are good for handling. Some are better off for display, especially tarantulas and scorpions. Handling invertebrate pets (like tarantulas and scorpions) is not practically good because it only gives them stress and increases the danger of getting bitten.

These pet lovers are not just pet keepers but they also aid in the conservation of both local and foreign wildlife species through captive breeding programs. In truth, having exotic pets requires a sense of responsibility.

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Pet name: Caramel Species: Burmese python (Python molurus bivittatus) Morph: Albino Length: approximately 2 feet

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Additional Info: When meeting other people it’s like just a normal day for my alburm (shortcut for albino burmese), because he is used to be handled.

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Frequency of feeding: Once a week a day after he crapped.

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Food: I feed it with white mice at the moment. (Sorry rodent lovers)

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Owner: Wilfredo Decara

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Pet name: Weinkz Species: African Pgymy hedgehog (hybrid: Alterelix albiventris x Alterelix algirus) Date of birth: February 11, 2011 Colour: Algerian Choco Weight: 385 grams Distinguishing marks or characteristics: He’s a sleeper; he got annoyed with a little noise. He likes to sleep under my pillows, but the word that would best describe him, “My boss”.

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Brand of food: Whiskas (Cat food) Amount per feeding: 20-30 kibbles (every night only)

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Additional Info: He hates when I disturb him, accidentally or intentionally, especially when he is sleeping under my pillow. When meeting other people, sometimes he got too stressed and start crapping, but if handled correctly, he can actually be friendly.

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Owner: Wilfredo Decara

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Name: Tamashi Species: Ball python (Python regius) Morph: Normal Gender: Unknown Age: 2 years Weight: 1268g Length: About 3.75 ft Behavior: Extremely Docile and “Maarte”

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Food: White Mice Frequency of feeding: 2-3 per week

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Owner: Paul Tristan Huyong

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Additional Info: Tamashi is a Japanese term for “soul.” She (assumed gender) can easily be handled without causing her too much stress. Usually, ball pythons coil into a ball and hide their heads inside to protect themselves when they feel threatened, but Tamashi hasn’t done that ever since she was bought.

LOUD Issue

vol.103 no.2

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ECOTOURISM

A scenic panorama of the Resort Complex.

WONDERWALL INTO THE CAPTIVATING CAVERNS OF CAPIZ WORDS || RUSSEL JUDE M. PATIÑA PHOTOS || CHALCEDON A. SAÑOR

Endowed with scenic panoramas and natural wonders, Dumalag at the very heart of Captivating Capiz, offers a magnificent experience to behold amidst its verdant hills, cold springs and enchanting caves.

The Municipality Located 35 kilometers away from Roxas City, Dumalag is a small town located at the foothills of the Panginraon Mountain Range right at the center of the 2nd district of Capiz.

Its name was derived from the Bisayan word “dalag” which means yellow, an analogous color reference of the muddy waters of the Panay River that cuts across the town and divides its barangays.

An agriculture land by nature irrigated by the Panay River, rice fields and sugar cane plantations abound in the town which likewise are among the communities’ main industries. Endowed with fertile lands and substantial irrigation, farming has become the Dumalagnon’s main source of living.

But apart from verdant farmlands, Dumalag’s economy is equally sustained by its emerging business enterprises and a vibrant trade industry.

Mr. Jun Faduga, Planning and Development Coordinator for the Municipality of Dumalag, is a visionary of its ardent future.

“We are looking forward that five to 10 years from now, our town will be economically stable and so we highly encourage enterprises to provide livelihood and job opportunities for Dumalagnons and of course to sustain a dynamic commerce.”

Getting there It takes an hour and a half bus ride from the Tagbak Terminal via the new route to Roxas or a two-hour bus ride from the Ungka Terminal via the old route through Calinog to reach the town proper.

Motorcycles, jeepneys and pedicabs are the basic modes of transportation within the municipality. But it is unlikely to get lost in this small town where people call each other on a first name basis.

Typical rural landscapes such as daunting golden plains, the Rivers and rivulets and the grand limestone façade of the Panginraon Mountain Range make wonderful sceneries throughout the long trip to Dumalag.

Taking the new route to the town, amid the commercial establishments and modern homes are old houses and buildings of imposing architecture abound, lay remnants of its glory days as a prime municipality.

As important as its cultural heritage, the magnificent ecology of Dumalag continues to rake in tourists as it also thrives to preserve evidences of Mother Nature’s awesome powers.

Suhot Cave and Cold Spring Suhot Cave and Cold Spring has long been known a famous tourist attraction

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Into the Wilderness. The pathway leading to the hillsides of the Panginraon Mountains guides the way to a natural forest that serves as a habitat to various tree species; the town’s oxygen depot.

because of its scenic beauty, panoramic caves, and pristine cool waters.

Ideally located at Barangay Dolores, two kilometers from the town proper, Suhot serves as a haven for people who would like to relax and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city and experience its unspoiled beauty and unparalled grandeur.

Within the caves, landmarks patterned after majestic cathedrals greet and tease its visitors to come in and have a closer look at what it has in store. The walkway to the spring is graciously landscaped with golden plains and unspoiled hills.

Inside, the spring is marked by an imposing limestone edifice of the 300-meter tall Panginraon Watershed from which its natural cold waters run from. The mountain is surrounded by a lush vegetation of natural forest and a labyrinth of unexplored caves.

Its subterranean passages are noted as one of the longest caves in the country, stretching 18 kilometers toward the neighboring towns of Dumarao and Tapaz.

Suhot was discovered after the Second World War. Since then, it has been adopted and developed by the local government. The name Suhot comes from a Visayan term which means “to go under”.

The cave entrance facing the pool holds

numerous stalactite and stalagmite formations in different shapes and sizes. Two other cave openings lead to majestic caves such as the Welcoming its guests Lahab Cave, a 3 km tunnel located at Brgy. San in reverie, the Suhot Miguel, a few meters from the main cave, with Spring Resort Landmark built with yellow stone an underground spring whose free flowing water in a dome like structure, descends from the top of a giant white rock. is reminiscent of the The second is Langub cave, located relatively cathedral cave openings. a few meters from the main cave, boasting a cathedral-like opening and rich mineral deposits.

For spelunkers, the town’s tourism office offers cave tour packages fully equipped with trained guides and equipment which could take as much as ten people.

The body of water coming from the cave’s mouth contains sulfurous cold water that is believed to be therapeutic by townsfolk. During weekends and especially on summer, people flock the place to experience its unwavering cold water while amateur and professional spelunkers frequent the caves for its primitive and intact formations.

Recently, the single bowl-like spring has been upgraded to a three-level pool divided into a shallow part for children equipped with a water slide and a much deeper portion reminiscent of an infinity pool which is the last leg of the water flow before it goes to the river.

Completing this development, a hostel has been built to house its guest who can’t get enough of the sites to behold. Fully airThe cave conditioned and functional rooms are in service openings, first discovered for distant travelers at reasonable rates. For after the World War family gathering and other occasions, the II, holds cathedral pavilion provides a perfect venue for events and like architectures functions that can hold as much as 50 people. fully equipped with If you however are just staying for the stalactite and stalagmite day, the native cabanas are both functional formations. and convenient. You can bring your own food along or order them as the resort is surrounded by food stalls and snack bars offering an assortment of goods for your cravings.

For nature lovers, a stairway to the top of cape bridge has been constructed as a leeway to see a clearer perspective of the panorama below. A mini zoo has also been put up holding various species of monkeys and birds.

Hidden away from the stressors of fast-paced city life, Dumalag is a town rich in history and blessed with a wide array of natural wonders lurking in its every corner waiting to be explored and discovered.

Each of its wonders promises a different experience that will surely captivate your senses.

An ideal alternative destination for vacationers and tourist who would like to unwind in a vibrant community where people meet in cordial ambiance with nature, Dumalag offers a diverse and fun filled experience for its visitors.

Cold as Ice. The clear spring water freely flowing form the Panginraon Water Shed is believed by townsfolk to be rich in natural minerals with therapeutic effects.

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Stairway to haven. The stairway to the hill top provides its visitors a breathtaking view of the resort from above through its wide viewing decks.

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prOphecY&FAITH YOuth&empowerment

21 2012 Guns

On placards and it ain’t the end strained vOices OF the WOrld

Words daWn P.a.Lariza Words|| dazen || ron adrian dionaLdo art || danieL fernangeLi L. tinagan MiCaH a. MirasoL art || danieL fern L. tinagan

Under the striking heat of the burning sun they stand clothed in sweat-drenched fabric and glistening faces that speak of courage and anger. With fists held high, they fight Imagine waking up togrenades the sound of bombs the earth crumbling oppression, not with and and nuclear from its foundations—a grueling tectonic din with a violent that threatens to weapons but with their right to be loud, their right topulsation be pierce their your right skull.toThe gone,inand the skyand is shaking with fire and ash. heard, be Sun free is etched placards streamers Outside, you see people flare and disintegrate in seconds. You hurl yourself that cry “CHANGE” and “JUSTICE.” to the floor as the first wave of heat and radiation kicks in. You struggle to that such actions are not merely for their government all the crises faced by 21. our Activism has become the reasonthe for calendar. crawl away and notice It for was December own good but also for their family. With this, society. But when I got to know them,my enlightenment in many dark periods in our history such as Martial Law. As the For more than ato millennium, Government resulted all sorts ofmankind actions been ensconced in the inhas order toprotectively suppress their freedom, a new home planet Earth.

But this year, of revolution wascalled created through groups a conspiracy unheard-of threatens Filipinos, especially students, who its fought for existence. their rights. The death of thousands created a 21, 2012 is associated ripple December of events that brought forth a peaceful withofthe world’s The theory been war words andend. prayers whichhas ended debunked several and yetreason currentwhy the dictator’s reign,times, hence, the world conditions would say otherwise. student activism still prevails in our present Presented below are the two sides of society. the issue, up by scientifi c and biblical Somebacked may wonder why students choose evidences a verdict of the doomsday to become with activists and do things that may be illusion of 2012. considered “acts of rebellion.” Well,you’d have to think like an activist and learn to sympathize WHY THE with what theyWORLD fight for in order to understand WILL END IN 2012. what they do. Oikos Ecological Movement and League of Filipino Students (LFS) member Jan Wars and Rumors of Warsthe reason why Pachoco didn’t understand Our ideal doomsday consists student activists resulted toscenario such actions until of got a global natural disaster thatreason will destroy he to know them and the behind Earth.

Lest we we humans aretoas their actions andforget, eventually decided join in capable of destroying one another as nature. the crowd.

The Book of Matthew statesI that we “will “Actually at first, when see activists hear wars and rumorswhy of wars… on theofstreets I wonder they doNations such things and why they question and blame the

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mind was opened to the sad realities they will rise he against see,” said. nations, and kingdoms against kingdoms.”

The life of being a student activist is major speculation of the endyou; is ayour not One an easy road.

People misjudge nuclear holocaust.

Following time has to be divided, andthe youpassages have to keep ofsecrets Scriptures, hadclose and to stillyou continues to fromIsrael people if they turn struggle itsyour Middle Eastern neighbors. againstagainst you and beliefs.

Student activists Allies thegreater US and Europe have declared haveinfar issues than picking an outfit sanctions against Across up theyour globe, for College NightIran. or leveling character territorial disputes loom heavily over the Asian on League of Legends. nations.According to Jan, being a student Several countries knownisto activist has of its these demands.

One are of which have possession of nuclear weapons. sacrificing time to study the differentWith issues international relations strained,generation.“We one false move which confront the present could provide perfect excuse to and thrust the cannot makethe a concrete analysis solution world into the battleground of nuclear warfare. to the problems if we do not know the issue,” he said, adding that such a sacrifice is not a Natural big dealCalamities because “if we were truly committed A third world we warwould may be to the principles notfeasible, hesitatebut to a sacrifice more obvious is happening a littlescenario for the good of every now.

Fillipino.”

BackedAside up byfrom climate the pressure 21,000-year thatchange, comes the temperature cycle of end this 2012. of some parents onEarth their will children to stop Otherthemselves than unpredictable weather patterns involving in student activism. and less of Janincreased said that risk it is of thediseases, greatestanother issue most observable effecthave of climate change is theto his colleagues to face.

They have make their parents and families understand 44 26

Jan quoted a line from Renato Constantino disappearance of critical species likemarch saying, “If parents of today do not honeybees and worms. downfall with the youth, they willAgricultural be left behind and iswill further aggravated droughts and floods. deserve only theby censure of history.

If the Experts linktothis to the Horseman of of youth fail enlist the Fourth active participation Revelation, whoofwas giventheir the ability to kill will other sectors society, movement by famine, wild beasts. suffer fromplague, a fatal and distortion.”

2012 also complete 74,000Otherwill than those statedthe above, student year superhave volcano cycle substantiated activists to face theaswatchful eyes by recentown numerous earthquakes.

Currently of their Universities’ administrations the volcanoes geysers of from Yellowstone especially on and those coming the LFS who National have tremendous oppose Park tuition fee shown increases and the likes. increase in temperature and seismic activity.

Various administrations such as those in the Experts fearofan explosion tantamount to effort the University the Philippines take extra portrayal in the movie. in trying to get “2012” rid of them.

In a statement posted on LFS.ph in Cosmic Horrors December 7,2010 by then UP Asterisk In theDino Quatrains, member Pineda,Nostradamus he had said “We prophesied “Adying. great king of terror student shall thought wethat were We thought come from thegone sky” down and “earth will beand struck activism had the slope, by firebecome from theirreconcilably skies”. There ‘uncool’ “will come had forathis great slaughter of men andactions animals....thirst generation.”

Dino stated which their and famine when pass.” administration didthe tocomet silenceshall them and their Revelation may also point to an efforts in fighting against this. He ended his asteroid impact it is“More described statement with when this line, and that more, we are seeing how this Administration is

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december 21, 2012 is associated with the world’s end.

The theory has been debunked several times,, and yet current world conditions would say otherwise.

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THE VERDICT

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Scientifically, there is no substantial evidence to support doomsday. All of Earth’s cycles are regular and their transitions will not cause the world’s end.

Biblically, the scriptural passages gave no specific date of the Armageddon. If we internalize, the Bible’s concern is not the end of the world, but whether we are ready enough when that day comes.

Still, it is a mistake to assume that we are eternally safe. The world may or may not end this year, but the signs, biblical and scientific, are real enough.

It is inevitable. Earth will end.

The ultimate question is when.

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Failed Prophecies Harold Camping, a U.S radio broadcaster, gave his own prediction of the judgment last May 21, 2011. It was in vain. October 2, 2011 was also prophesied

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A Twisted Plot If we look deeper into the idea of doomsday, December 21 is simply the end of the Mayan calendar; however, it does not indicate that this would be the end of the world. The nature of the number system of the calendar is cyclic, which means it has reached the last number and will only be renewed to a new cycle.

The widespread fascination over doomsday is brought by exaggerated presentations in film, literature, and the Internet. In their website, NASA debunked several speculations including the polar shift, planetary alignment, solar storms, and Nibiru’s supposed collision with Earth.

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WHY THE WORLD WILL NOT END IN 2012

as end day, but it too was hallow. Prior to this decade, the Y2K scare came and went forgotten. Even Nostradamus had not always given clear dates in his prophecies. Now many experts foretell that the apocalypse will happen on December 21, 2012.

People gave their own perception about the world’s destruction. They appoint their own dates based on their personal calculations and beliefs, but the success of their efforts was to no avail. Mankind has long speculated about how and when the world will end, and by far the prophecies of doom have been wrong.

The Bible gave a clear message of the perceived date... or lack thereof. Matthew 24:36 states that “concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

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“something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea.”

On December 21, Nibiru or Planet X will end its 3,600-year orbital cycle and will pass close to Earth. This is accompanied by the end of the 11-year solar flare cycle.

The timing is perfect to disrupt satellites long enough for the comet to undetectably collide with Earth.

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FOOD&DINING

Mon Café

A gastronomic account of the town’s eccentric coffee shops Words || Russel Jude M. Patiña Photos || Chalcedon A. Sañor

Call it addiction or even say substance abuse, but there’s no denying that drinking coffee has already become an integral part of our culture. From what used to be a regular morning drink to warm up for the day ahead to becoming a thriving enterprise, truth be told, coffee has even evolved from a necessity to a social symbol.

Cultivating a brand new lifestyle for caffeine aficionados, cafes mushroomed around the Iloilo City adding flavour to its dynamic urban scape. Hence, the industry has relatively become teeming and conventional, challenging the players to constantly reinvent their businesses to cope with the ever insatiable demands of its diverse customers.

Among the growing number of cafés in the city, we’ve chosen the most vibrant with the promise of giving your daily cup a boost.

Life in vices at Café Vitia Warped. This will be the exact vibe you would feel when you enter the halogen lit lounge of Café Vitia located at the corner of Javellana and Commission Civil, La Paz. This bohemian themed café is home not only to its delicious and affordable recipes but likewise to various art forms such as music, photography and tattoo art. Yes, you have heard it right. While the first floor of the café serves a delectable variety of rice meals and snacks, the second floor serves as a work station for skin art.

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Carlo Andrew Exmundo had a brief background in the hotel and restaurant management industry in college, and after graduation he decided to open Café Vitia.

He personally took part in creating the recipe for most of the entrees in the café‘s menu which he wants to remain affordable yet of good quality. This is because most of the café’s patrons are students of the surrounding schools and universities around the Jaro-Lapaz area.

But more than just another café, Vitia equally functions as a gallery for his artistic endeavours.

“Café Vitia came from the Spanish word “vitia” which means vice. I incorporated the things I consider as my vice such as food, photography, tattoo art and music in this café not only for profit but also to serve as a venue where people who are appreciative of these art forms can converge and relate, “Carlo shares during the interview.

Amid the black and red dramatically lit walls of the café hang old record tracks, abstract paintings, and artistic photographs.

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Tag your younger siblings to come along as Del Ray introduces Babyccino, a chocolate based drink with milk and shaved chocolate toppings specially made for kids and kids at heart. Surely, this yummy treat will cure their tantrums.

For students and those who are not much into coffee but would like to try out Del Ray, you can go for their everyday P39ers which are bestselling concoctions in strawberry shake and chocolate shake varieties or quench your thirst with their novelty products such as the tea whip and the dew whip. Del ray also serves snacks such as sandwich sticks and nacho chips in cheese dips, all at prices below P100.00.

We recommend Del Ray’s Americano Coffee best paired with their grilled sandwiches for your day starter. Try their serving suggestion or customize your coffee proportions.

Del Ray opens from Mondays to Saturdays, from 11 am to 10 pm.

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iloilo’s not a big city, iloilo try out new coffees and enjoy the café life life.

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Del Ray: Not your Typical Cup of Coffee A recent addition to Iloilo City’s growing number of coffee shops, Del Ray Coffee opens to bring a brand new coffee culture for the Ilonggos.

Located strategically at the corner of Magsaysay Lapaz, fronting ABS-CBN Iloilo, Del Ray gives birth to the concept of a video rental store along with its caffeinated menu.

With a wide variety of movie tittles ranging from classics such as Dead Poets Society and To Kill a Mocking Bird to the newest hits, Del Ray introduces the blockbuster experience to the Ilonggos at very reasonable rates. Rent three VCD’s of your choice for only P40 or three DVD’s for only P50. All it takes is two valid ID’s and a P20 membership fee and you will be off for a movie marathon. Invite your friends to come over on weekends and watch all the movies as you please. Still can’t get enough?

No worries, repeat watching your flicks over again as Del Ray offers cheap fines if you will go beyond the designated return dates.

Coffee wise, Del Ray boast its very own mixture of premium Arabica and Robusta coffee beans which are imported from Italy giving their coffee that classic European taste. Experience it hot or cold and customize your coffee as you want for the owner himself will brew and blend it for you. Try out their Americano at P50 which is best paired with their grilled sandwiches.

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These works of art along with the jazz and reggae music add up to the bohemian vibe of the café. The café itself is relatively small, yet the retro interior design transposes space and nurtures the ambiance of ingenuity.

Hanging right above the bar counter is a chalk board converted into a menu which displays in chalk writings a wide variety of rice meals and snack options at very reasonable rates ideal for a group of friends who would simply like to kill time and lounge.

On the other hand, the tattoo parlor on the second floor of the café showcases various skin arts and photographs of their clientele and their tattoos which ornate the walls that seemingly become a canvas of the artist’s craft.

We recommend that you try Vitia’s Cheese Burger which Carlo proudly tells us he personally makes and is made from pure ground beef. If you are really hungry or in for a gastronomic satisfaction, the café’s fish fillet rice meal is both affordable and sumptuous.

Dine out at Vitia on Mondays to Fridays from 10 am to 10 pm or invite your friends for a weekend drink on Saturdays until 12 midnight. If you are a student perhaps looking for a place to study, Vitia serves its coffee in unconventional proportions enough to keep you awake for an all nighter.

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Dangalatkababaihan

BEbot Words || Almina Marie L. Gange Photos || Chalcedon A. sañor

Babaeng kung bansagan ay salot ng lipunan, gold digger, home wrecker at kung ano pa. Babaeng naligaw ang puso at nagmahal ng mga lalaking nakatali na sa iba. Babaeng bida sa pelikulang “The Other Woman,” “The Mistress,” “A Secret Affair” at iba pa. Babaeng kung tawagin ay KABIT Sa mata ng karamihan sila’y napakarumi, na tila ba sila na ang pinakamababang uri ng kababaihan sa mundo. Alam nga ba talaga ng mga mapanghusgang tao ang katotohanan sa likod nga mga umiikot na kwento?

Sino’ng babae ba naman ang hindi nangarap na magkaroon ng masaganang buhay para sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya?

Sino’ng babae ba ang hindi nangarap na magkaroon ng isang buo at masayang pamilya balang araw, sabay dasal ng isang perpektong buhay? Wala. Ngunit ang tadhana ay sadyang mapaglaro. Paano nga ba kung lahat ng pinangarap mo ay kabaliktaran na lamang ang kinahantungan?

Ayon kay Ligaya*, nahulog umano siya sa kabutihan at pagmamahal na hindi matatawarang ipinapakita ni Juan*. Ilang beses na rin nilang sinubukan na labanan

ang pagmamahal na nararamdaman ngunit mismong si Juan ang tumatakbo pabalik sa kanya. Batid man niya na may pamilya na si Juan ngunit hindi pa rin niya pigilan ang init ng kanilang pagmamahalan.

Isang produkto ng wasak na pamilya si Ligaya at ang bahay inuman ng kanilang tiyahin ang siyang bumubuhay sa kanilang magkakapatid noong sila’y iniwan ng ina dahil sa lasinggerong ama. Gabi-gabi’y iba’t ibang kalalakihan ang kanyang nakikilala sa pagtatrabaho sa bahay inuman ng tiyahin, hanggang sa nagkaroon siya ng suki. Iyon nga ay si Juan. Isang tanong na “malungkot ka ata ngayon?” at isang tugon na “kaya mo ba akong paligayahin?” lamang ang naging ugat ng lahat.

Hindi madali ang maging kabit.

Nakwento pa nga ni Ligaya na umabot sila ni

*hindi totoong pangalan.

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Juan sa puntong ibinahay na siya sa karatigbayan upang maka-iwas sa pangungutya ng iba. Ngunit hindi lahat ng bagay ay pwedeng maiiwasan at ang bagoong, kahit anong tago dito, ay maaamoy pa rin.

Nalaman ng legal na asawa ni Juan ang pangangaliwang ginagawa niya. Ayon kay Ligaya, grabeng troma daw ang inabot niya sa legal na asawa. Isinasabay sa agahan, tanghalian at hapunan ang pangmumura sa kanya. Pati meryenda umanano’y may bonus pa syang sumpa. Nasanay na rin daw siya sa ganoon. Madali lang daw namang magpalit ng cellphone number. Napagtatawanan na lang niya ang mga text na natatanggap nya galing sa legal na asawa. Wala na rin siyang magagawa sapagkat nagkaroon na ng bunga ang pagtataksil nila.

Alam ni Ligaya ang kamaliang ginawa

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kasalanan nga naman ang ginawa nila ngunit hindi ibig sabihin ay wala na silang karapatang mamuhay ng maligaya.

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na tila naghahambog. Simula noon ay naging matapang na kabit si Ligaya at kung minsan ay maririnig na nagmamayabang pa. Hindi daw siya pwedeng magpatalo. Makailang beses na rin silang lumipat ng tirahan para lang makaiwas sa gulo.

Wala naman talagang babaeng pinangarap na maging kabit, ang ginustong hindi pakasalan pagkat ang minamahal ay nakapangako na sa Maykapal. Walang babaeng nais murahin araw araw dahil sa kasalanang hindi napigilan. Para kay Ligaya wala na daw lugar ang konsensya sa buhay niya. Kailangan niya umanong lumaban para sa kanyang anak. Sapagkat ang buhay ay parang isang Quiapo, maraming isnatcher at isa na siya doon, nang-agaw na siya at hindi niya na maibabalik ang pagkakamaling minsa’y pinagsisihan na.

Kasalanan nga naman ang ginawa nila ngunit hindi ibig sabhin ay wala na silang karapatang mamuhay ng maligaya.

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niya ngunit hindi niya hahayaang lumaking walang ama ang kanyang anak. Kaya’t kahit paulit-ulit siyang nasasaktan ay tinatanggap pa rin niya si Juan. Okay lang naman daw ang pamumuhay nila. Ngunit nagulo ang lahat ng sumugod na ang legal na asawa sa bahay na kanilang tinitirahan at ang akala niyang mga salita na mababasa nya lang sa text ay narinig niya at ng mga kapitbahay.

Sinampal siya ng legal na asawa at bahagyang natumba. Pagdungaw niya ay nakita ang anak na maluhaluha kaya’t bumangon si Ligaya at gumanti sa nag-aamok na asawa.

Sa mga sandaling iyon ay napag-isipan niyang hindi dapat siya nagpapatalo. Mababa na ang tingin sa kanya ng lipunan at, kung hahayaan niyang matalo siya, aapi-apihin lang siya. Kaya’t kung murahin siya’y gumaganti lang siya ng murang halos hindi malunok ng makakarinig. Sa mga panahong naglalakad siya at may mga pakutyang naririnig ay tuloytuloy pa rin siya’t itinataas pa ang kanyang ulo

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kutyaatTaWa

sasakyan kita oh, Biyaheng Pinoy Words & PhoTos || Airon B. BuenvenidA ArT || John henry P. MirAndA

Kung ikaw ay magbabakasyon sa isang malayong lugar, malamang ay magpapahinga ka muna sa haba ng biyahe. Sa hele ng sasakyan, may mga pagkakataong mapapatulog kasabay ang mabilis na agos ng oras. Sa mga sandaling ito, marahil ay wala ka ng pakialam sa mundong labas sa’yo.

Ngunit taliwas sa nakakarami, meron namang ilan diyan na sa biyahe pa lang, solb na! Tunghayan ang kakaibang biyaheng Pinoy na ito.

Saan pa nga ba mag-uumpisa ang isang biyahe kung hindi sa isang terminal. Sa bilang ng mga bus operators sa inyong lugar, siguradong kanya-kanya sila ng diskarte sa pag-enganyo ng mga pasahero. Tulad nito.

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Oh ‘di ba, winner ang promo. Sino ba namang hindi mapapatingin sa paanyayang ito.

Hamakin ninyo, nang-aalok sila ng especial na trip’s ‘noon’ (ewan ko lang ngayon). At kung napansin ninyo, kung makapaggamit sila ng apostrophe wagas. Pero ok lang ‘yun, ang mahalaga especial ang service’s nila. Kaya hindi na ako magtataka kung marami-rami ang sumasakay dito. Dagdagan mo ng tagline na ito.

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Safe drivers, saan ka diyan? Mahirap na kaya ang panahon ngayon. Marami ng mga snatchers, rapists, kidnappers, carnappers, at highjackers pero iba sila mga pare at mare, hindi ganoon ang kanilang mga tagapagmaneho. Sana nga lang, ligtas din yung pagmamaneho nila hindi lang yung driver nila.

Pero ang mahalaga, naninindigan sila. Mahirap kayang magbitaw ng pangako.

Kung handa ka na sa biyahe, siguraduhin mo ring handa ang iyong tiyan. Maraming pwedeng baunin diyan pero mas mainam yung masustansya, tulad nito.

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ni mamang driver.

Ay naku, ang galing talagang magpatawa ng mga Pinoy. Effortless pa. Pero sana nga lang ay nagpapatawa lang sila pero mukhang hindi eh. Sa bawat hagikhik kasi natin sa mga karatulang ito ay sinasalamin lamang nito ang masaklap na katotohanan na maraming Pilipino ang hindi nakakatuntong sa paaralan. May iba naman diyan na nakapag-aral nga ngunit halatang hindi sapat ang edukasyong kanilang natatanggap.

Kaya kung nag-enjoy ka sa pambihirang paglalakbay na ito, magpasalamat ka dahil naisakatuparan mo ang iyong karapatang makapag-aral. Maswerte ka Juan.

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Buenos Dias Señor at Señora, Welcome to Spain! Nagulat ba kayo? Sino ba naman kasi ang mag-aakala na sa isang liko ng sasakyan, Espanya na. Kita naman sa karatula ‘di ba? O maaaring dahil sadyang ginawa ang karatulang iyan para sa mga Kastila. Kaya kung ikaw ay purong Pinoy, dumirestso ka lang ‘tol!

Kung malapit ka na sa iyong patutunguhan, malamang ay malulungkot ka dahil magtatapos na ang iyong masayang paglalakbay. Pagdating mo sa iyong pagbabakasyunan, huwag na huwag mong kalimutang chumibog kahit dis-oras na ng gabi.

Aba, marami na kayang bukas na kainan. Tulad nito.

25/7, meron ba niyan sa inyo? Napa-isip

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Fruitas! Delicioso ‘di ba? Imported siguro kaya ganyan ang pagkakasulat. Ang sarap siguro niyan.

Oras na ng mahabang biyahe. Sa haba nito, maaring mangalay ang puwet mo sa kakaupo, o ‘di naman kaya’y baka makatanggap ka ng tawag pangkalikasan sa kalagitnaan ng biyahe kaya mainam na tumigiltigil din kahit papaano ang sasakyan para sa ilang stopover. Pero kung dito hihinto ang sasakyan, bababa ka ba?

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ka siguro kung saan nila kinukuha ang isang oras nila. Huwag mo nang problemahin iyan dahil mas dapat silang kaawaan. Luging-lugi sila dahil kung tayo ang naghahanda ng ating pang Noche Buena, malamang sila ay panay pa rin ang ka luluto ng dinuguan para sa araw ng mga patay. Eh, nahuhuli sila ng isang oras kada araw. Wala na tayong magagawa doon.

Pagkatapos mong kumain, dumiretso ka na sa iyong tutuluyan. Kung iyong marapatin, pwede kang sumakay ng taxi para hindi hassle.

Ihanda mo lang ang iyong bunganga kung sasakay ka rito.

Oh ‘di ba, pasabog ang spokening dollars

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Buss top? Kung ano’ng bigkas siya ring baybay? Mahirap kayang bigkasin ang bus stop na may dalawang ‘S’ na magkasunod. Bakit mo nga naman pahihirapan ang sarili mo kung pupwedeng lang namang ‘bas-tap’ lang ‘di ba.

Ganyan tayong mauunuwaing mga pinoy. Alam natin ang pakiramdam ng nahihirapan kaya kung pwede nating pasimplehin ang bagaybagay, bakit hindi.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng ating bonggang paglalakbay, pangkaraniwan na sa ating mga mata ang masalubong ang mga samu’t saring signages na may kanya-kanyang mensahe upang gawing ligtas ang ating biyahe. May mga nagpapaalala na mag-ingat at meron namang sa iang isang kisap lang ng iyong mata ay dadalhin ka sa ‘di mo inaasahang lugar.

ay naku, ang galing talagang magpatawa ng mga Pinoy.

Effortless pa.

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ink&sCraTCH

decode The scribbles on the wall Words || Airon B. BuenvenidA ArT || dAniel Fern l. TinAgAn

Early prehistoric men have originatively used cave walls as canvass for them to inscribe their thoughts, palpably reflecting their way of life in the context of time they existed.

Millennia have passed, egoistic individuals have carried this indulgence of smirching the walls that have never been theirs.

History Perhaps, you were in your elementary years when you first met the word vandalism. Your first conception of it would have been any act of inking malicious passages on school facilities. Basically, you were right. Vandalism is simply defined as the willful damage or deface of the property of others. Historically, it is the behavior attributed originally to the Vandals, by the Romans, in respect of culture: ruthless destruction or spoiling of anything beautiful or venerable.

At school Vandalism may be perpetrated whenever chances strike. A high proportion of it occurs, quite naturally, when the University is unoccupied—before and after school hours, on weekends, and during vacations.

Spelling of freedom Freedom is fractiously spelled out by the ingenious mind of man. For the vandals, this freedom is spelled out for all eyes to see. Like most lyricists and poets,

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their passages appeal to a spectrum of audience. Most students found them amusing as these vandals reflect the teeming energy they have. On the contrary, the janitors and other school personnel tasked of maintaining the school facilities clean express their disdain as these acts have nothing good to do. Nevertheless, vandalism has been regarded by all eyes as a norm.

Decoded As we conceive these wrangling thoughts of having no place on the public walls, it’s distressing to suppose that they don’t also have in the human mind. They have to flow out like virus so as not to infest the mental state of an individual.

They have to be displaced to something palpable to satisfy the selfish ego of these individuals. Nevertheless, these stuffs should not be tolerated as these don’t serve the eudaimonia of the populace.

Cleaning the once clean walls is not the best thing we can do to extinguish them out of our sight. We also have to clean out the minds of these vandals.

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she was less fortunate than her classmates, but she showed that diligence and perseverance yield more than wealth and convenience.

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go the distance

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She continued her passion in dancing, winning U-Day competitions for her college.

She was a Dean’s Lister and very active in organizational and CPUR activities. She became the president of the Library Student Assistance one year before she decided to relinquish her work duties to focus on her academics, but that did not stop her from being a prospective recipient of the Outstanding Work Student Award.

Despite these, situation at home remained unpredictable. Fights and arguments among her siblings were still an occasional event, but hope shined unhindered. Her father was promoted from carpenter to foreman. Her sister was able to enter college.

Facing her last semester, she realized how much she has changed. The small crybaby who had shed tears because she could not buy the required PE uniform is now an independent woman who had been strengthened by time and pain. The little girl born in trials is now on the verge of reaching her dreams—to pass the CPA Board Exam, to be a lawyer, and to help those who, like her, have been enslaved by poverty. Her life is a living testimony that the past is not a prison, that hope is alive, and that God is at work even in the toughest of times.

It had been a long journey for Mai, but she made it without money or material possession, only with her loving family, friends, God, and a motivation unrivaled by anything. She was less fortunate than her classmates, but she showed that diligence and perseverance yield more than wealth and convenience. She may not be popular, but in her quest for life, Mai showed what it really means to be a true Centralian!

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children from his first wife. Mai’s mom was a simple laundrywoman and her new father was a carpenter.

Conflict among the siblings was a common thing. More than once they have to fight who gets what and who gets to school first. Mai was the eldest and so got the first priority in education, which created occasional sparks and heated arguments at home.

It was in her high school years when one of Mai’s biggest milestones was made.

She discovered her passion and talent in dancing and even went to competitions up to the national level. Her dance became her sanctuary, a safe haven she could go to when conflict and financial problems assail her.

Her biggest battle came in college, when fate brought her to CPU. She was reluctant at first since she knew the tuition and fees are too much for her family. In fact, her other siblings stopped their education to give way for her. The Scholarship Office proved to be helpful. She also applied for the Work Study Program, got one of the highest scores, and was assigned in the library.

During the Christ Emphasis Week of her first semester, she experience God and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Her faith became her source of strength. Soon, blessings began to shower.

Mai’s independence and diligence amazed her teachers and supervisors. In the span of one semester, Mai was promoted and relieved from janitorial duties. Scholarship after scholarship came to her, and even she was astounded at the sudden change in her academic life.

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“She was raised in trial and confusion, but poverty and brokenness did not deter her from reaching her goal.”

Maimai (not her real name) or Mai looked over her curriculum one last time. In her 21 years, she had witnessed far more trials than anyone her age. Now, she was faced with another tough decision—one that could directly affect her future. Mai was running for cum laude but in order to qualify she has to meet the needed load requirements, and the only way to do it is to sacrifice her duty as a work student.

But where would she get the money to support her last year of education?

Torn and aggrieved, she made her choice.

God provided the rest.

Twenty-one years ago, Mai could never have imagined studying in a big and prestigious university like CPU. She could never have thought of the scholarships and honors that would come her way. She was just an ordinary girl who saw fate’s treacherous twists at a very young age.

Mai was born out of wedlock and was only a year old when her parents separated.

That fateful beginning was the first of a series of events that would define her life. She could barely remember her father, and she had no choice but to live with her pregnant mom.

When her sister was born, her mom knew she could not take care of them alone forever.

So at Mai’s fourth year, her mother married another man. Through the years, Mai and her sister got three more siblings from their mom’s second marriage. The five of them being raised was hard enough, but the father, who was actually a widower, had two more

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saMPle saMPle

3 One of the most popular and loudest Christmas songs is “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Known for its length and nonsensical words, it has been used in contests like chorale competitions, shows and other forms of entertainment, and to teach children to count.

www.holytrinitynewrochelle www.crossroadsinitiative.com

The song, however, is said to originate sometime between the mid-1558 through 1829 as a song of catechism. At that time, Christians were not allowed to openly practice their faith, the song was a way of teaching children the tenets of faith without threat of persecution.

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five golden rings

1 2 The

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nine ladies dancing

the three french hens stand for three cardinal values: faith, hope and love; they also symbolize the three kings.

four calling Birds

The song’s gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith. The “true love” mentioned in the song doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor, it refers to God Himself. The “me” who receives the presents refers to every baptized person.

Partridge in a Pear tree

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eight maids a’ milking

the four calling birds are the four gospels or evangelists: Matthew, Mark, luke and John.

the eight maids-a-milking are the eight Beatitudes taken from Matthew.

the nine ladies dancing are nine types of choirs of angels: seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, Powers, Principalities, archangels, and angels.

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ten lords a’ leaping

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eleven pipers piping

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twelve drummers drumming

the five gold rings recall the hebrew torah (law) or the Pentateuch, the first five books of the old testament. genesis, exodus, leviticus, numbers and deuteronomy.

six geese a’ laying the six geese are laying stand for the six days of creation.

the partridge in the song means Jesus, while the pear tree refers to the cross.

two turtle doves the two turtle doves symbolize the Bible’s old and new testaments.

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seven swans a’ swimming

the seven swans-a-swimming represents the seven gifts of the holy spirit: Wisdom, counsel, understanding, fortitude, knowledge, Piety, and fear of the lord.

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the ten lords-a-leaping are the ten commandments.

the eleven pipers piping represent the eleven faithful apostles: simon Peter, andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholome, Matthew, thomas, James bar alphaeus, simon the Zealot and Judas bar James.

the twelve drummers drumming symbolize the twelve points of doctrine in the apostle’s creed.

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tiPs for asPiring singers

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Words || FerdinAnd d. BAñez, Jr. ArT || reyshiMAr c. Arguelles

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It takes about 10,000 times before a muscle gets used to doing something different. Therefore, keep practicing your singing - your voice needs the exercise.

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You can practice singing lying on the floor.

This will support your back and may even seem easier. When you stand up to sing, imagine being supported from behind you.

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Don’t be a frustrated singer until your hair have grown white, and you shall be sitting in a rocking chair. The solutions are just beside you.

Enrico Caruso, a famous Italian tenor, was even told by his teacher, “You can’t sing. You have no voice at all,” but look where he has been through.

Who knows, singing could, in actuality, be a skill!

Start with these simple things so you can go on with your way. Remember, constant practice does the trick. Start and don’t give up easily.

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Don’t overdo it! When you are starting out, you should keep practice sessions short and regular. It takes time for the muscles to build up strength and practicing for too long at a time could damage your voice.

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Shouting or screaming can hurt your vocal cords, so don’t do it! It’s much more important to keep your body and face relaxed than to try and make a lot of noise.

Vocal power should be built up gradually.

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A practice session should always start with a warm-up. Just as a warm-up before a sporting event will protect you from injury, a good vocal warm-up will protect your voice from damage. If you don’t yet have a teacher, start with a few relaxed breaths, followed by some gentle humming throughout the range of your voice. You could then do a scale or two on the vowel “ah”.

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Practice makes perfect, so make sure you put some time to practice regularly. How much practice should you do? I suggest at least three times a week for approximately half an hour each. Practice is not singing along with the radio or your favourite CD whilst doing a household chore. It involves being disciplined and focused on technical exercises as well as songs, and knowing what you are trying to achieve.

If you want to increase your range, do it through vocal technique exercises, not by choosing a song that is beyond your present range. This will only increase your chances of damaging your voice.

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Aside from it being the place where the freedom of singing is yours, singing in the bathroom creates an aurally pleasing acoustic environment due to the property of physics.

The small dimensions and hard surfaces of a typical bathroom produce various kinds of standing waves, reverberations and echoes, giving the voice “fullness and depth” thus it actually sounds good.

Are you guilty also of the desire to break the rule of human nature that skills are acquired while talents are inborn? Imagine the thrill of singing in the stage and you effortlessly amaze the audience with your shivering tune, singing the hardest notes of the hardest song... oozing happiness to their nerves and granting you the biggest applause even when you are not through with your piece yet. Hey wait! You can wake up now. Singing unfortunately is a talent and many are indeed unfortunate of not having it, probably including you. But don’t despair.

The following are the tips gathered from the web to aid your desire to break the human nature of talents and skills. Delve into them and don’t think twice, try.

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Are you guilty of singing in the bathroom? Feeling like a diva while water splashes on the tiles?

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Music&GlorY

lord of the

starfields Words & PhoTos || ron AdriAn A. dionAldo dAzen dAWn P. lArizA

In a dark auditorium crawling with a spectrum of faces and ethnicities, echoed squeals and whispers of anticipation as the countdown neared its end. Just then a technical setback developed and with the lights still off and the music unplayed, the countdown rewound. But this only further animated the crowd. The cheers and yells returned with a vengeance. As the concert lights flashed and the band appeared on stage, the long-held suppressions of excitement exploded. No. It was not the band’s name that they screamed. It was an all-out genuine expression of modern worship to the One that made it all possible.

“I am Revolution” Starfield isn’t your ordinary mainstream band. Their lyrics do not speak of anger and frustrations on the world. Their love songs are not like those you hear on the radio or see on Myx or MTV rather they speak of a love far greater than that which we often feel.

The Canada-based band started with brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld who were brought up in a Christian home. They started creating covers of Christian songs which they played on local cafés. They got their name from Bruce Cockburn’s song, “Lord of the Starfields.” By 2002, the band performed The

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outside Canada for the first time, which was eventually followed by several international worship tours.

In ten years, they were able to release five albums, were nominated and won several music awards, and performed in different countries. One of these performances included the Saved Festival at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Manila last 2011.

The Saved Festival concert prompted the band to return to the country for the Philippine Worship Tour 2012. Cebu, Iloilo, and Pampanga were the chosen venues, but Pampanga was cancelled because of the 56

typhoon. On September 19, the band touched ground in Iloilo and prepared for the concert the following day at Rose Memorial Auditorium, Central Philippine University.

For the first time in her 107 years, CPU hosted a striking performance of a worldacclaimed international Christian band. By the afternoon of September 20, the auditorium was transformed into a grand concert stage.

Taking the helm in the guitars were the Neufeld brothers with Tim at the lead vocals, accompanied by drummer Colin Trask and bassist James Johnston. Then the first note of a momentous night was strummed.

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I will dance, I will sing, ‘cause I’m living for the king.

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requested to exit the auditorium, one couldn’t help but feel the souls saved by grace and the wounded hearts healed.

Majority of the world’s youth would choose to be ashamed of their religion and the God they believe in. But that night, around two thousand young people screamed and belted out songs not meant to please the people around them but the One whose sacrifice made them unashamed.

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trademark chant of “I will dance, I will sing, ‘cause I’m living for the King,” leading the audience to lock arms and jump with the beat but at the same time kindling an unquenchable flame and creating a cliffhanger which made the entire auditorium scream for more, hungering for praise and worship.

Finally, with the demand still raging, the band returned on stage amidst more cheers and yells and gave not one but two additional songs, starting with their own rendition of “Revelation Song” and finally ending with a conclusive performance of “The Saving One.” The last chords and baselines were played and the crowd kept begging for more of the songs that ended their night. And as they were

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“Reign In Us” Starfield opened with a smooth rendition of “Filled with Your Glory,” the first song of their debut album which speaks of the greatness of a God who created the heavens and the earth. This was followed by sixteen more songs, including Starfield’s celebrated version of “Hosanna” and a medley of famous Christian songs involving “How Great is Our God,” “I Will Sing of Your Love,” and “Our God Reigns.”

The band also played some of their classics like “Reign in Us,” “I Will Go,” and “Revolution,” as well as songs from their newest album, “The Kingdom”, which was released earlier this year.

Starfield ended the concert with their

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PICkS&reviews

HITLIST movies

The Dark Knight Rises

REVIEW || RHICK LARS ALBAY

Eight years after the incarceration of the Joker, Gotham is at peace. By the Dent Act, the City Police Department has rounded-up nearly all criminal offenders in the city, wiping out the illicit niches of Gotham. For this, the people thank Harvey Dent, the deceased politician who inspired in them fervor for hope.

Dent, who they believe would have been a noble leader, had Batman not caused his death. If only they knew.

The people of Gotham celebrate a new milestone in their history, a time of prosperity and the absence of organized crime. Yet a tempest looms over the horizon. They say it’s always calmest before a storm.

In Christopher Nolan’s conclusion to the Dark Knight Trilogy, Bruce Wayne is in a state of seclusion, and the Batman, now Gotham’s most wanted criminal, has vanished. But a turn of events forces Bruce out of his self-imposed exile. A cunning cat

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burglar breaks into his home; a masked terrorist sets into motion his plans of reducing Gotham to rubble. The city once again needs Batman.

The Dark Knight Rises is a modern epic that builds to a momentous climax of full-on anarchy. Perfectly cast, the actors and actresses gamely take on the molds Nolan has set for them, each one showing an underlying unease throughout the film.

Zimmer’s musical score excellently heightens the progression of The Dark Knight Rises, with heavy compositions complimented by portentous chanting that summon up images of chaos. Non-Batman loyalists beware, the film heavily references the previous two films, as well as the comic book world.

You may be in for some confusion if you don’t brush up on your knowledge of the Dark Knight.

At the core of The Dark Knight Rises is a call for arms, a revolutionary undertone; a relevant matter given that we are the generation of Occupy Wallstreet and Anonymous. Nolan impressively paints a Gotham of political unrest and disorder, yet layering just enough hope for the viewer to know there is light to come; a new and better Gotham for everyone.

to be JD’s father. Caught in it all is the wife and mother (Hilda Koronel), unaware of the conflicts in her family. JD knows that Sari is his father’s other woman, yet he continues to court her; hiding his true identity as Rico’s son, while fighting to win the heart of Sari.

The movie isn’t about exploring the life of the “other woman”; it focuses on fighting for love that may not have been meant for anyone in the first place. It’s a story of people misjudging mistresses without knowing the true story behind.

They fall in love with men who are married, yet they may also be the misjudged victims, lured into it all by temptations. As one of Bea’s remarkable lines in the movie goes, “Walang babaeng pinangarap na maging kabit.”

This is a winning project by director Olivia Lamasan for John Lloyd and Bea’s 10th anniversary as a love team. Well done Star Cinema.

NOVels

THiRTEEN ReASONS WHY

by Jay Asher

REVIEW || Krystille Bontuyan

“Walang babaeng pinangarap na maging kabit.”

The Mistress REVIEW || ALMINA MARIE GANge

Love begins with attraction; it is fueled by desire, and takes on risks. A four-sided love story of the wife, the benefactor, the lover, and the mistress.

The Mistress tells the complicated story of seamstress Sari (Bea Alonzo), an optimistic woman struggling to take care of her family. She’s torn between her two lovers: JD (John Lloyd Cruz), an architect not recognized by his own father as son, and Rico Torres (Ronald Valdez), a successful businessman who just so happens 58

Coming home from school, Clay Jensen is welcomed by a package with no return address.

Inside are seven tapes, each marked with a number until 13, recorded by Hannah Baker, his fellow student and secret admirer who recently committed suicide.

Within the audio tapes, are the twelve people who, she believed, have given her reasons to end her life.

Thirteen Reasons Why brings us to the mind of Hannah Baker as she looks back to the events that contributed to her decision of killing herself. Aside from hearing Hannah’s words we also put up with the reactions of Clay as he continually listens to the tapes. The book has the ability to illustrate two different thoughts at the same time in the boldest way. Though quite tricky, Jay Asher made it possible.

Jay Asher presents a different perspective of suicide.

Not all people are strong. Like

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by Snow Patrol

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overeXPosed revieW || rhicK lArs AlBAy

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“A vivid and sensual narration.”

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The chart-topping success of “Moves Like Jagger “ has propelled Maroon 5 to mainstream status. Overexposed, their fourth and latest album, seeks to secure more hits for the band, while straying farther and farther away from their soul/funk roots. Maroon 5 is officially the newest sell-out.

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by Maroon 5

Overexposed is the band’s most pop-induced record yet. Here, electronic rhythms overshadow acoustic progressions, and well-crafted lyrics give way to repetitive ‘woah’s, ‘ooh’s, and saccharine beats. Tracks heavily rely on clubfriendly productions and easy mindless hooks that will have angst-filled teenagers foaming at the mouth for more. Gone are the days when you’d go to Maroon 5 for sober mellow lyrics like: “Sunday morning, rain is falling / Steal some covers, shed some skin”.

The band will surely gain more fans with their new breakout material, while losing old followers who will want the pre-mainstream era Maroon 5 to come back. The best bit of the album, and probably their send-off note to their old career, is the piano-driven ballad “Sad”.

Quite accurate, actually. I’d feel sad too, if my band turned into an unoriginal, record-companypleasing, revenue machine!

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Christian Grey is your ideal boyfriend. Young, smart and aggressive, wealthy yet unassuming; tall and well built, with unruly copper hair and intense dark gray eyes that can turn you into molten silver at a glance. In awe of his colossal glass and stone vista view of the Seattle Skyline, Literature student Anastasia Steele substitutes for an interview with the enigmatic CEO of Grey Enterprise Holdings, Inc.

All she wanted was to get the scoop done and over with, but charismatic Mr. Grey is immensely fascinated by her. Grey flies her to his home and offers a life changing proposal she can neither refute nor agree with.

London-based writer E L James challenges cultural norms by transposing taboos into fiction to stir the story to unconventional proportions.

The novel uses a vivid and sensual narration, descriptive enough to pass as erotica yet still enough to stimulate your interest to keep reading. James undoubtedly extorts the passion of the flesh to justify perversity and the human psychology in its Pheromonic forms.

The prime issue of the Grey Trilogy, Fifty Shades of Grey leaves us asking how much pain one will willingly pay in trade for divine pleasure.

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revieW || russel Jude PATiñA

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by EL James

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fifty shades of grey

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British band, Snow Patrol, adopts a new sound in their sixth album, Fallen Empires, delving into electronic anthems and progressive ballads, while remaining faithful to their past aesthetics.

The collective flows like an against-all-odds love story set in a dystopian world (think Romeo and Juliet translated into an Orwell novel). Emotionally-charged songs “This Isn’t Everything You Are” and “In the End” provide a perfect backdrop for star-crossed lovers caught in a struggle for independence.

Fallen Empires is opened by

central.echo@gmail.com

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revieW || rhicK lArs AlBAy

“I’ll Never Let Go” and the lead single “Called Out in the Dark”, both readily showing Snow Patrol’s new approach to their music.

From here the songs steadily build momentum, heightening to the heavy percussions of the title track, with its stadium-chant refrain of “We are the light / We are the Light” ending the record on a note determined to uplift.

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KEEP CALM AND BE HEARD

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Hannah, some are weak to bear too much pain. So weak that when pushed to their limits, they might just simply press stop to end it all. In the end, each person is accountable for their own actions. You may blame other people but it’s your choice to end your life.

If there would be any lesson that the novel can impart to the person reading it, it is to BE AWARE and MINDFUL of the consequences of their actions.

Because in one way or the other, Everything affects… everything.

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CE’S TOP PICKS FROM THE HOTTEST RELEASES

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Chalcedon A. sañor

Paniplat

The Parish of St. Martin of Tours stands tall against Dumalag skyline —a product of the resolute zeal and faith of its people.

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The Stone angels adorn the graves at a Christian cemetery in centralecho Capiz —monuments of undying faith even in the afterlife.

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A man embraces the festive spirit of Dinagyang, sporting facepaint as he walks the streets of Iloilo —an expression of his oath.

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Micah Angeli A. Mirasol

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The smile and enjoyment of a little girl running off to play at the Iloilo Sports complex —an epitome of innocence and a happy childhood.

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Micah Angeli A. Mirasol

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The joyous laughter of a newly-wed bride after her wedding ceremony —an affirmation of a blissful marriage.

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The busy aisles of the Iloilo marketplace during Market day LOUD Issue vol.103 no.2 —a sign of the loudness of its people and economy.

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saMPle saMPle

MUSIC STATION

TEXThERE

airon B. Buenvenida

Jo Jan Paul J. PeÑol

alvin k. tung

reyshiMar c. arguelles

Feature Editor Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science 4

Associate Editor AB Mass Communications 4

daZen daWn P. lariZa

ron adrian a. dionaldo

News Editor AB Mass Communications 1

Feature Editor BS Packaging Engineering 3

rhick lars vladiMer t. alBay

alMina Marie l. gange

Literary Editor BS Packaging Engineering 2

Filipino Editor BS Civil Engineering 3

adaM laMBert

DAVID ARCHULETA

SOMETHING ABOUT LOVE

for your entertainMent

russel Jude M. PatiÑa

ferdinand d. BaÑeZ, Jr.

Editorial Assistant AB Mass Communications 2

Editorial Assistant BS Accountancy 1

The

SUNGHA JUNG

Managing Editor BS Psychology 3

Editor-in-Chief AB Political Science 4

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IRONY

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daPhne claire v. Buenaflor

katrina Joyce v. MaBanes

Editorial Assistant BS Software Engineering 1

Editorial Assistant BS Packaging Engineering 1

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Micah angeli a. Mirasol

krystille caMille c. Bontuyan

Photojournalist BS Advertising 1

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Editorial Assistant Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science 1

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Jessrell g. gavan

Photojournalist BS Civil Engineering 3

Illustrator BS Civil Engineering 4

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John henry P. Miranda Lay-out Artist

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daniel fern l. tinagan Digital ArtistAB Mass Communications 1

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Adviser

Adviser

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esther rose a. roMarate

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doodle&sCrIBBle

the central echo invites its avid readers to contribute to the publication’s next issue/s.

Contibutions can be submitted to the central echo office, 3rd Floor Dr. alfonso uy student union Building or emailed to central.echo@gmail.com articles must be in word file, font size 12, double-spaced, with the author’s name, course and year.

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