The Agong January-May 2019 Issue

‘SOARING HIGH’

MSU-IIT College of Education celebrates 34 years

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Paolo Miguel C. Cañete Hafzah A. Imam

ne of the goals of the K to 12 Basic Education Program is to develop the competencies, work ethics and values relevant to not only pursuing higher education but also joining the world of work. To achieve this, Work Immersion program has been incorporated into the Grade 12 curriculum and required for completion of Senior High School students.

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Keindyll Maxine C. Bongado n its 34th founding anniversary of dedication and excellence, the College of Education (CED) of MSU-IIT celebrates history and reconnects with the continuing journey of the College. It is also the day to reflect not only their beginnings but also the significant development through the years.

Anchoring on the theme ask themselves if the teaching pro- Claire Mordeno, Asst. Prof. Alexis MSU-IIT at 50: Soaring High Towards fession is what they really want to Michael Oledan, Asst. Prof. Myrlynjo Excellence and Holistic Development, pursue. Despite the adversities she Reuyan, Ms. Sherifa Rossalaini Kadil CED held a jampacked 2-day founda- faced, Jampit managed to make the and Ms. Cristy Noelle Arteta. They tion anniversary celebration on Janu- whole CED proud as she placed top were recognized for their notable ary 30-31, 2019. Honoring the occa- six in the 2017 Licensure Exam for achievements as author, co-author, sion together with the CED students, Teachers (LET). “I really love what I am guest speaker, presenter and coach faculty and staff were former Acting doing and I think I’ve chosen the best in local and international venues Dean of CED, Dr. Ruben L. Abucayon, profession in the world,” she added. as Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte, representing the MSU - IIT Chancel- The celebration was MSU-IIT Marawi and Iligan City, lor, Dr. Sukarno D. Tanggol, and Ms. highlighted with the awarding of Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia and Vanessa Q. Jampit, as the program’s certificates to students, faculty, Education University of Hongkong.

Guest Speaker. Jampit, a graduate of and staff for their outstanding and CED has brought honor to MSU-IIT CED talked about the chal- valuable contributions in the different MSU-IIT through its exceptional lenges she faced and encouraged ev- fields as research, publications and performances in the LET and its eryone to believe in themselves and sport events. Included in the list were distinction as Center of Excellence to never lose hope in their dreams. some IDS faculty members. They are for Teacher Education. From its She reminded everyone not to be among others: Dr. Angeline Dinoro, modest beginnings in 1985, CED overwhelmed by the many accom- Prof. Charity Mulig-Cruz, Prof. continues to strive for excellence plishments that the university has Odyssa Natividad Molo, Prof. Grace through its linkages with reputable earned in terms of its quality educa- Liwanag, Prof. Alma Gloria Silva, organizations and institutions. tion. She challenged them to further Prof. Everlita Canalita, Asst. Prof. Ivy

IDS dominates STATWAR Quiz Show

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Ronald Stephen A. Galorio DS Senior High School (SHS) students aced the STATWAR Quiz show as they notched the first 2 places on February 15, 2019 at the Cassalida Theater in MSU-IIT. The inter-senior high school statistics competition saw the IDS teams outwitting 18 other teams from 12 schools, colleges and universities in Iligan City.

The trio comprising of Jannah sponsors Del Monte, Iligan City the application of their knowledge Amerol, Ronald Stephen Galorio, Youth Affairs, Nature Spring and and skills garnered from their and Nabil Solaiman took the first Mons Grill spearheaded the first education while engaging in friendly place, while the other triumvirate city-wide statistics competition competition. with Fraunofer Sherlock Sajonia, among the SHS students.

The event aimed to stimulate Abdel Nasher Tanggor, and Princess and promote Hannan Tumog followed closely enthusiasm, behind to secure the second place. intellectual excellence in Statistics The Graduate Statistics Society as a significant study in Science Inc. (GSSI), in cooperation with and Mathematics. It also served MSU-IIT Kataas-taasan Sanggunian as a venue for SHS students to ng mga Mag-aaral (KASAMA) and showcase their competency in

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Galorio, Pullido clinch King and Queen IDASA 2019 titles

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Senior High Students undergo Immersion Program Paolo Miguel C. Cañete and Hafzah A. Imam

Into its second year and office superiors on office of implementation, the Work mandates, programs, functions, Immersion Program exposes and policies, processes and procedures familiarizes the students with work- in preparation for their eventual related environment of their field of assumption of work.

About 162 Grade 12 students specialization and prepares them to meet the needs and challenges of were deployed in the different administrative and department employment.

Moreover, the Department offices, research centers, clinic, of Education (DepEd) has issued library and other workplaces within The a directive to all implementing the university’s premises. schools that the venues for the program which lasted for 80 hours immersion activity should not commenced last January 14, 2019.

Under the guidance and only be conducive to education but also safe to the learners. The support of the different personnel, safety of the students while they the learners gained first-hand are in the work immersion program experiences and relevant skills on is also continually highlighted the field of work. They were also

by DepEd and Department of able to apply the different theories Labor and Employment (DOLE). and principles they learned inside In response to this, MSU-IIT IDS their classrooms. In addition, they has partnered with the colleges have also enriched their skills in as College of Science and Math communications, human relations, (CSM), College of Engineering and good work habits and respect for Technology (COET), College of Arts work, superior and colleagues. and Social Sciences (CASS) within Here are some of the successful the university to carry out this completers of the said program and program. Initially, the students their shared experiences: have undergone orientation with Nova Grace S. Asencion (ABM): We their respective Immersion advisers were tasked to send survey letters,

documents to the different offices and student-respondents within the university. There was one time when we were asked to conduct a survey on volunteerism among 50 Fourth year College students.

Michaela Isabelle F. Saba (HUMMS): One important thing that I have learned is that we should always communicate personally with our superiors to resolve issues and confusion immediately and therefore eliminate any potential misunderstanding.

Princess Hannan I. Tumog (STEM ): My stay at the PRISM taught me to be prudent and cautious in handling the chemicals, glasswares and machines. This is an important attitude for maintaining the efficiency of any department because this will eliminate wastage and unnecessary spending.

Experience is considered to be one of life’s greatest teachers.

It can be used as a springboard for these students’ future as they become full-fledged contributors to social development and nation building.

ne of the most awaited parts of the entire Panag-ambitay event was the selection of King and Queen IDASA, a friendly competition that ostensibly highlights the beauty and brains among the candidates.

Grade 11 students Ronald Stephen Galorio and Kharyle Vianca Pullido bagged the coveted titles on January 31, 2019 at the MSU-IIT gymnasium before a large crowd comprising of students, guests, parents, faculty and staff.

Galorio who also bagged the Best in Formal Wear award said that he hopes to empower and inspire the youth to bring about positive change to the school and community in a larger scale.

On the other hand, Pullido brought home other awards such as, Best in Production Number, Best in School Uniform Exposure, Best in Sports Attire Exposure, and Best in Evening Gown. “I want to show the whole community that there is no perfect student, only hardworking individuals striving to succeed in life,” she quipped.

The other candidates who vied for the title were John Michael Sumayang and Nikka Xyza Obenario, from Tectonic Hunters, both won first runner-up. Jzean Yrold Caracut and Christine Loja of the Glacial Cyborgs and Ember Tributes respectively were adjudged second runnerup while Mr. Lance Gregor Villanueva and Ms. Julianne Kyle Alota from the Mist Runners winded up as third runnerups.

PTAFI aims high: Encourages more parents’ involvement

Nestor Caesar N. Grageda III eveloping the capabilities of the children has always been imperative on the part of the Parent-Teacher Association Foundation Incorporated (PTAFI) of MSU-IIT IDS. The first semester of SY 2018-2019 saw many activities, seminars and projects that aimed to raise the students’ academics, physical, social, mental and ethical performances to their full potential. second semester PTAFI president Ciedelle appropriately. Then, an open forum The outlook covers among others, Grageda EDD, along with the other culminated the seminar proper. officers have been focused and Moreover, last holiday encouragement of IDS students to on target with their programs for season, the PTAFI together with some become members of SSS at an early the IDS community. In particular, selected IDS students and members stage so the longer they stay, the the mental healthcare awareness of the highly acclaimed Octava bigger the benefit they will be getting seminar, christmas caroling, and conducted a fundraising activity via in time. In addition, PTAFI intends ventilation of Junior High School the christmas caroling. They went to intensify waste management (JHS) classrooms were realized in house to house serenading different program and holding of the much anticipated annual family day. the last 4 months of 2018. families with their repertoire of PTAFI formally came into

In October 2018, Canadianbased psychologist Liesel Aranyosi, christmas carols that ultimately existence in 1994 and became very instrumental in achieving IDS with her family gave a whole day solicited a total of P12 thousand.

Similarly, PTAFI in collaboration objectives by providing monetary lecture and exercises on mental health and mindfulness known as with the school and Architect and moral support for the facilities, Finding Calm. This workshop would Rico Polinar renovated the ceiling grants-in-aid and other incentives normally require an attendance structure of some selected JHS for the welfare of the students and fee but was given for free upon classrooms to address the extreme faculty. The organization is not only the request of the current PTAFI heat discomfort experienced by the a partner of the school, but also President. The seminar addressed students. The open ceiling concept serves as an important platform to the issues on depression and is a response to the natural need for provide two-way communication between the school and parents. anxiety and how to deal with them better ventilation.

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BLUEPRINT. PTAFI President Ciedelle Grageda, along with the other officers, lead parents and teachers in the planning of activities, seminars, and projects that aim to boost students’ overall performance and for the benefit of the IDS Community.

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Big Day returns to rouse IDS menage T

Michaela O. Bulahan

he Adventurers Science Club (ASC), Cartesian Math Club (CMC) together with the IDS Science & Research, Math and IT Departments joined hands once again to organize, manage and facilitate the much awaited Big Day on March 1, 2019.

The whole day event anchoring up to the challenges presented in the on the theme, The Collective: Creating varied fun and learning activities which Innovative and Critical Thinkers kicked were simultaneously held in different off with a program at the MSU-IIT venues as MSU-IIT gym, Physics and gym. On the occasion, Department of Chem labs and Gazebo. Compressed Science and Math Education Chair of into one day were: Science and CED Dr. Amelia Buan was the invited Math Olympics, Quiz show, Game guest speaker who synthesized the Apps, Caught in the Web, Bet on your montage of each hive. In a nutshell, Teachers, DaMath, Sudoku, Spelling B, she resounded that everyone has a Amazing Race and Pera o Bayong.

Tectonic Hive emerged as the purpose for their existence and the potentials to think outside of the overall champion, with Glacial, Ember box. Moreover, she concurred on the and Mist hives notching second, third . need to feed the students’ curiosity and fourth places respectively.

The Big Day event aims to and showcase their creative minds.

“Everyone in IDS has this characteristic promote camaraderie and appreciation to create, innovate, and be critical of the Science, Math and IT subjects as well as further strengthen the thinkers, “ Dr. Buan added.

The Junior and the Senior High fellowship that binds the IDS school students cooperated and rose community together.

Jose Ege shares his road to NSPC 2019

Award-winning poet launches new book at MSU-IIT

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wo-time Don Carlos Palanca Memorial awardee for Literature, Dr. Anthony L. Tan, launched a new book entitled “Crossing the River” (Poems Old and New) on February 18, 2019 at the CASSALIDA Theater of the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS).

His new book presents poems that give prominence to the deep contemplations he had regarding people and circumstances in his life, including his childhood in the island of Siasi, Sulu or as he likes to call it, the island of “Muddas.”

The launch was hosted by the Department of English and Departamento ng Filipino at Ibang Mga Wika (DFIW) of CASS through DisCassion, a lecture series, as part of the college’s 35th Foundation Anniversary, in partnership with Xavier University Press, the publisher of the book.

The book was also available for sale during the event, and a book signing with the author commenced after the program.

The prolific writer and poet has also authored two poetry books in the past titled “The Badjao Cemetery and Other Poems” (1985) and “Poems for Muddas” (1996).

Dr. Tan earned his MA in Creative Writing and PhD in English from Silliman University, where he also taught for more than a decade. In 1983, he joined the faculty and eventually became the Chair of the English Department at MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, where he retired after 43 years of teaching.

GOLDEN TICKET. Photojournalist Jose Ege smiles for the camera with his awards for bagging second place in the photojournalism competition, his first step to the National Schools Press Conference to be held in Lingayen, Pangasinan on January 28, 2019.

Mohammad Noor O. Manan

“I’ve learned that success doesn’t always come on the first try,” quipped Jose Raymund Ege. The Agong’s lone photojournalist qualified to join Region 10 delegation in the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) held on January 28 to February 1, 2019 in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Ege’s entry to NSPC was earned when he won Second place in the Regional’s Photojournalism competition, English category held in Tangub City. He said that it took him 4 years to be able to qualify for the regional and the national levels.

He elaborated that there were moments when he thought that he was wasting his time, thinking that he would never improve.

Moreover, when asked about his preparations for the NSPC, he remarked, “I have been reviewing my old entries, looking for details I needed to polish.” He further said, “As a photojournalist, I should use every chance I get to hone my craft, apply every lesson learned over years of experience and embrace the advice given by the other photojournalists.”

Even though Ege was not able to land a place in the recent NSPC, his journey is not yet over. “We should never give up even when it feels like all hope is lost, ” Ege continued.

With still 3 years ahead of him, Ege will continue to work and pursue to bring home the much coveted Gold Medal in the succeeding NSPCs.

MSU-IIT boosts partnership with Khon Kaen University

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Paolo Miguel C. Cañete

n strengthening the institutional partnership and research collaboration between MSU-IIT and Khon Kaen University (KKU) of Thailand, two lecturers from the Faculty of Education (FOE) and ten selected students visited the Institute for a 2-week immersion program on February 4 to 15, 2019.

The Student Exchange Program was spearheaded by MSU-IIT College of Education as an implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding between the two universities.

In pursuance of the 7th Exploring Teaching Profession in Asean Community, KKU sent Faculty staff: Ms. Piyada Sudathip and Dr. Arunee Sangsuwan and students: Ms. Thaya-amol U-papaong, Ms. Supawadee Hemung (Mathematics Education), Mr. Sutthiphong Meechandee (Social Education), Ms. Warangkana Jantasri (Science Education), Ms. Ussanee Laseedar (Teaching Thai), Mr. Thitipat Chaiyaporn (Computer Education), Mr. Thanawat Makha (Physical Education), Ms. Sireeporn Charoenin (Teaching Chinese), Mr. Supakorn Bunratpapan (Teaching Japanese)

and Mr. Hannarong Hanlampang (Art Education).

During the duration of their stay, the Thai delegation were toured around the campus and city as well.

They paid their courtesy calls to Iligan City Mayor Celso Regencia and MSUIIT Chancellor Sukarno Tanggol. In addition, they immersed in lectures, classroom engagements and in teaching learning competencies particularly at the CED and IDS compound. Part of their itinerary also included their classroom observation and practice teaching in other schools as Doña Juana Actub Lluch Memorial School,Palao and Iligan City East National High School, Sta Filomena . Moreover, they had a Meet and Greet session with IDS Student Government and clubs’ representatives. They were also special guests to a Barrio Fiesta

organized by CED where Philippine culture was exhibited via a showcase of Pinoy games as hitting the palayok, folk dances as Sayaw sa bangko, Itik, Itik and Tiklos, traditional foods as spicy barbecue, camote/banana cues and an assortment of local fruits as mangoes, watermelon and pineapple. They likewise visited Iligan’s famous waterfalls Maria Cristina Falls and Tinago Falls, Robinsons Place and their favorite snacking place Jollibee.

By and large, the KKU students and faculty were grateful with the hospitality and friendship they have sealed with CED. The exchange program is one of the initiatives of the college in response to the thrust of ASEAN Integration of MSU-IIT and its fulfillment of its objective in becoming a research university.

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voters with many underserving options. The field of candidates is so wide to include eccentrics, detainees, plunderers and dynasties.

Guns, goons, gold still exist in Philippine election. Electoral violence, killings, vote buying and rigged counting of ballots seem to be regular fixtures in every election. Then we have the Social Weather Stations (SWS) surveys, which were intended to swing the voters in favor of the preferred candidates of SWS financiers and supporters. This mechanism is usually commissioned and supported by the powerful and elite contenders. In addition, the counting of ballots has upgraded from manual to computerization. Indeed the intention of the upgrade is laudable like speeding up the tedious counting of ballots process. Nevertheless, with the intervention of malicious people, the system can be he election is nearing to entertain the crowd. People gentlemen, war veterans, corrupted with easier and more fever pitch as seasoned do not normally flock to listen lawyers and statesmen. Then, massive manipulation and politicos, newbies and to candidates’ platform or there were only two political cheating. wannabees vie for different to how they intend to solve parties united by common It is so hypocritical to note local and national positions. pressing issues as corruption principles and ideologies. that every candidate’s reason Banners, streamers, balloons, and poverty. They would be Today, there are more than two running for a government giveaways shirts, keychains bored to death for sure. They parties and the affiliation is position is public service. If ,caps, food treats and crisp would rather be entertained. based on whether the party has indeed this was their intention, Philippine politics has the financial muscles to make then why do they have to peso bills continue to lure people to campaign sorties. metamorphosed through the a candidate win for an elective resort to a lot of gimmickry Add to that is the world of years. The sad thing is that it is position or not. Apparently, and public bashing of the glitz and glamor as popular not getting any better. Several national interest take a back other candidates just to be showbiz celebrities, singers decades ago, the ones who seat to the candidate’s personal able to serve? Similarly, why and dancers are in attendance run for public positions were interest. This also leaves the do these candidates want to

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Dear Editor,

I came across your broadsheet issue last year. Going through it rekindled the fun and learning experiences I had being with the The Agong team. I realized the substantial benefits of getting connected and having harmonious relationship with the entire school as I covered its academic and social activities.

My experience in The Agong as a writer has helped shaped my college experience in different ways. In Ateneo, whether it is a major or core subject, we are usually tasked to write papers as part of the class requirements. With my experience in writing news and some feature pieces before, I had my own style in organizing technical papers. I had to refine my writing in some Literature classes being accustomed to the straightforward news writing style back in high school. I am nevertheless thankful because that skill proved to be very useful regardless of the task at hand and especially in drafting our thesis.

Not only does my experience in The Agong influenced my writing style but it also enhanced my confidence in joining several organizations. Looking back at my DSPC and RSPC moments as a newswriter, it allowed me to share such experiences with acquaintances and friends who were also part of the same niche with their respective school papers.

Writing has reminded me how life is like a process.

Just like how we go through life, writing is not something we can master overnight. Consistency is key in whatever learning we need to undertake. I am truly grateful that the Agong had been part of my journey. To the present and future staff of The Agong, enjoy and learn as much. I believe that the main essence of writing is effective communication. It is through writing that we are able to convey our message and let our voices be heard.

Very truly yours, Nicole Jeanica V. Lim Agong News Editor/Writer 2012-2014

run for office over and over again? The stakes must really be compensating. This is why these politicos are pictured as worse than the crocs. While crocs are guided by their instinct for hunger, politicians will never get satisfied siphoning the available public funds previously earmarked for the common good. One does not have to be in office to be able to serve. Public service simply implies that we are putting ourselves, voluntarily, into a role that fills a need for somebody else. Thus, the Filipino voters can’t be blame if they become suspicious behind the real intention of these candidates.

It is hightime that we choose our government officials whom we trust because clearly they will be tasked with governing our nation. Suffrage is not just a right, but a privilege.

Thus we should exercise it with much diligence. Why does our country continue to lag behind in terms of economic growth in spite of sound policies in place?

Perhaps the reason may be attributed to the lack of genuine choice for the electorate as farcical candidates in masks of pretensions, selfish motives and bad intents continue to parade in a circus. If we want change to happen, it should begin with us. There is no one to blame for the slow progress of our country but ourselves for putting the wrong people to steward our country.

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rime is still one of the most serious issues that the nation is currently beleaguered with.

In fact, according to recent statistics, Philippines has one of the highest criminal rates in Southeast Asia. As a response, our government has exerted great efforts to ensure the people’s safety and security. It has even gone to the extent of proposing to lower the minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) in the country.

The MACR is the lowest age by which a person can be charged in court and jailed. Congress has already been unrelentlessly working towards this with their proposal to decrease age from 15 to 9 years old. These ages are certainly too young to be detained and exposed to the crudity of prison

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ot everything that comes in the form of light, illuminates us, sometimes, they are the ones tainting the lucidness of a clear sky.

It is the duty of the President to update the citizens on the improvement or declination of the country and his future agendas through a broadcasted speech commonly known as the State of the Nation Address. According to Official Gazette, the SONA is a constitutional obligation, required by Article VII, Section 23 of the 1987 Constitution, stating that “The President shall address the Congress at the opening of its regular session. Moreover, Article VI, Section 15 prescribes that

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ournalist Ana Marie Pamintuan wrote in her article that poverty, social injustice, state abuse, glaring inequalities, and weak governance are the roots of public discontentment.

When government public service loses its competence, the people must look for their own means of serving their needs. Nevertheless, discontented citizens, whoever they may be, have their own flags to raise and undetermined rights to cry for. Let’s face it president after president, we Filipinos always have bags of complaints to hurl. We see activitists burning effigies of Erap, Gloria, Noynoy

life where even adults are cowed. The fact is that prison cells are no place for societal coherence especially for young children who may be subjected to violence and abuse inside the dens. The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) found it inappropriate for children to be sent to penal institutions.

Most of the crimes among the youths are linked to poverty. A lack of resources also creates inferior opportunities to create a decent life. They feel the need to fight for themselves via the odd way they know.

Thus resources must be provided to those in poverty so that basic needs can be met, including any intervention programs for those affected psychologically and emotionally. In

addition lowering the MACR would not result to lower crime rates for children committing crimes constitute only 1.72% of total crimes in the Philippines.

Moreover, lowering the MACR will not stop the crime syndicates from using children. The danger is that they may use even younger children to carry out the crimes. The law enforcers should be more watchful over these syndicates instead of pounding on the helpless young children who were merely manipulated and taken advantage of.

Scientific research shows children and adolescents differ significantly from adults in decisionmaking, propensity to engage in risky behaviour, impulse control, identity development, and overall maturity.

Thus, a child should not be treated in the same stratum and degree as adults. Instead of detaining the young offenders, they should instead be rehabilitated in youth care facilities.

We do not need more prison cells to accommodate the young. What we need is just a stricter implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare laws.

Society regards children as innocent, kind and vulnerable. Criminal cases committed by them are perplexing and disturbing. If rehabilitation is the goal to young offenders, then prison is not the answer. As the law provides: The child is one of the most important assets of the nation. Every effort should be exerted to promote his welfare and enhance his opportunities for a useful and happy life.

the Congress “shall convene once every year on the fourth Monday of July for its regular session.” This annual event gathers the anticipating masses to sit right in front of their televisions or listen to their radios. Students are also encouraged to spare time to watch the aforementioned event inside their respective classrooms. But, the thing is, though this day is only intended to summarize the good and the bad happenings in the country for the past months, it also became a trend to watch out for the glamor.

During this event, politicians are clad in their best Filipinianas and Barong Tagalogs which, though symbolizes patriotism, grabs

most of the attention, especially in the virtual world. Social media, being one of the most influential and used platforms, has been crowded with news and posts showcasing the ‘Best Dressed’ politicians and personalities. Though it is a way of empowerment and a form of taking pride of our culture, does it not somehow create a gap of stealing the spotlight from the more important part of the event?

Looking into the status quo, President Rodrigo Duterte, has selected simple business attires as the decorum during the annual SONA. Still there were some whose attires became a subject to a lot of fashion pages. One of the most influential fashion site said, “...

people are not only looking forward to the President’s speech during the State of the Nation Address, they were also looking forward to seeing the attendees’ fashion statements at the red carpet” since most of the politicians and celebrities highlighted in the site were dressed by big-time fashion designers.

With the elevating exposure of the mass to various social networking sites,criticisms have also made its way into the spotlight.

Criticisms concerning the use of the people’s money to purchase those extravagant attires” and “the use of media to divert the attention of the masses from the issues faced by the government”

and even our current President Duterte. Are we a nation who will never get satisfied with any sitting president? Are we a nation of complainers?

There are a number of people who love to complain.

They begin complaining when they are in tight and unfavorable situations.

Sometimes, it will take a little inconvenience for them to already whine and growl.

However, it is plausible that these people cannot be blamed. There are also justifiable reasons for their resentment. Take Duterte’s war on drugs that resulted to a large-scale extrajudicial violence. In addition, the rapid rise in inflation should

be addressed with urgency.

Humans are bounded by a social contract to live collectively, but chaos is in the nature of man. The government by definition, in its purest purest form, is an operating system that formulate the resources to meet the nation’s needs, and has a sole intention for peace and harmony of collective living.

There is an existing unofficially written code that government has become our basis of what is right and wrong. When we speak of politics, it is rather associated with the central government system and the politicians, rather than the people who comprise the state. Failure

of the government to meet is disheartening to note the needs and wants of that some Filipinos have the country will result to a developed the habit of political uproar and public complaining since it is easier disharmony. Nevertheless, to complain than to solve the president, or generally the issue. It has the path of any politician, is not the least resistence as compared potion to the country’s to finding solutions to the pressing issues. Certainly, problem.

Whether the these presidents have their complaining habit ceases to share of contributions and exist or not, we should move flaks as well. They are just forward and find solutions human and can’t work to the country’s problems. magical wonders to make The civilian has the our lives as comfortable responsibility to contribute as we wanted them to be. in some ways for the public Blaming them for the kind good. We should stop being of life we Filipinos have is the government’s most uncalled for. critical adjudicator. As John The constant griping F. Kennedy would say it, “Ask and sniping is not healthy not what your country can because it will only do for you - but what you drown us in negativity. It can do for your country.”

dominated the stage. Instead of indulging their selves into the message of the President, people tend to fight over who had the best or worst dress.

It became a tradition, but is it the kind of tradition we would like to pass to the future generation?

Let us not take this event for granted. It concerns all of us for we are the subject of that report. It concerns our future children. Let us put emphasis on the essence of having this annual event not as a trend, but as a medium to understand what is happening in the country. Open your eyes, but don’t get blinded by the glistening of the floor-length dresses.

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ne of our senators got backlash from the netizens for proposing to change the last line of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”

His move pales in comparison to the more pressing concerns in the country. In particular, he wants to revise the defeatist attitude of the last line. Instead of singing “Aming ligaya, na ‘pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo” (Our desire is to die for you in the face of oppression) he said he would change the last phrase to “ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo” (our desire is to fight for your freedom in the face of oppression).

Is it not just the most reassuring thing for us citizens of the country to know that while we face problems that ever slowly push our country off the edge of anarchy and chaos, our beloved leaders tussle on about the lyrics of our national anthem?

Jesting aside, it is undeniable that we are facing a surplus of inflation, problems between rights and equality, among others. Thus, what does it say of the state

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ingapore’s Ministry of Education has abolished school rankings in hopes that the students get wind of the notion that learning is not a competition but a selfdiscipline that needs to be learned from the primary level of schooling to the last. The move seems to be strategic, and has been initiated to attack a very contemporary mindset – “study to pass,” which encourages students to acquire a rote method of learning than actually digesting each concept individually and collectively.

Will this course of action be an unerring one, introducing a paradigm-altering system in the field of education, or just one of many moves to try and overhaul a system that churns

of our leaders that the mainstream media sees no sign of any of these problems getting better? They seem to make fools of themselves by suggesting solutions for problems of relatively minimal value compared to the ones that gravely affect the country and its people.

On the other hand, the Senator’s sentiment is not completely unacceptable.

There are angles that shine a bit of light on his opinion, such as saying we must fight to fight, not to die. Well obviously, the goal of any fight is to win, that simply goes without saying. However, he goes on to say our final line is a “defeatist” statement.

Defeatist? That’s a bold word to use. To be defeatist means being unnecessarily accepting of failure. Is he saying the last lines show that as Filipinos, we expect failure? And, by extension, that we are ready to accept being failures?

Our anthem puts emphasis on how we “find glory” in “willing to die” for our country.

I don’t know how the senator thinks, but calling these lines “defeatist” is a blow to all those who exhibited their fervor

workers instead of thinkers?

School rankings will not be the only matter shed by light on, but also changes in the report cards given to the parents. Report cards will no longer include quantitative grades and averages but rather qualitative descriptors that will better reflect the students’ progress.

Presence of rankings mean competition will be present in the environment.

Nevertheless, Singapore’s move to abolish school rankings does not only eradicate intercompetition but competition with one’s self - to strive better for self-enrichment.

Early Childhood Education has reiterated how competition especially in the early stages of a child’s life prepares them

for the global economy.

In addition, according to a mental health professional, stress caused by competition is our body’s physiological reaction to helping us improve ourselves. The competition we experience in our younger years will be invaluable in gearing us for the harsh realities beyond adolescent years.

Let’s take a look at this move in the Singaporean context. Singapore is a global financial centre with very rosy economic figures. This kind of move from them, may not revolutionize the entire way we have been educating young minds, but could propel them to further advance their industries. Singapore has topped Organization

and love for their country through their sacrifices.

The Senator seeing those as admissions of defeat is an utter insult to them, and the people who are willing to do likewise. His words paint our heroes and martyrs as, by virtue of his terminology, failures.

When I look at all those heroes, I see bravehearted men and women with an overflowing love to

offer for their country. I also see fighters who fought till the bitter end. The last line that used hyperbole was meant to leave a lasting impression. It still reflects the patriotism and positive mindset of the Filipinos to succeed in fighting for their country. Fighting for our country is but a step we take. It is in dying that we know we truly have given our best.

for Economic Co-operation and Development(OECD)’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) education rankings. The OECD assesses worldwide education systems by testing the comparative science, reading and mathematics proficiency of 15-year-old students and Singapore has consistently had high marks using a rote method of learning and long study hours, a technique neighboring countries have also been implementing like ours, the Philippines.

Human-focused or soft skills like critical thinking, leadership, creativity, versatility and complex problem-solving will become increasingly important, instead of excellence in math, reading, writing, memory, verbal, auditory and spatial abilities, These skills will not be learned under the current educational environment in Singapore. In order for Singapore to keep up, they need to adapt and leave the old method that has been getting them the top marks these long years. This move will allow the country to churn out individuals with self-awareness and incredible decision making skills- thinkers instead of blind workers.

A set of “applied learning skills” will also be initiated to introduce the student to real-world skills and at the same time bolster personal development, to dream towards more expressive (arts and sports) and industryfocused careers.

The Philippines, on the other hand, does not have the same promising figures and recognitions such as Singapore but seeing that the neighboring country has implemented a very antithetical declaration could teach us a thing or two.

The Department of Education needs to reinvent Philippine education if we want to be economically competitive.

The K+12 program is already in place and we just need to further build on it. Year 2022 is not that far and almost all countries with similar economies to Singapore are also taking heed. China, Japan, the United Kingdom, America and other big countries are emulating Singapore’s initiative. Looking at this “abolishment of school rankings” move from the personal development of a child may not bear much gravity but looking at this move from an economic standpoint, an aspect of our country sorely in need, then it would have to be a risk we need to take.

Competition, stress, grades, rankings in the academic walls are doubleedged swords. They both have positive and negative effects but times are changing and it’s changing fast. The Philippines’ educational system needs to make big moves, not necessarily copying Singapore’s but something that would mirror it in an angle with our current capability in mind. If we don’t do this, we get left behind by time.

science & technology

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Nestor Caesar N. Grageda III n an era where health and appearance are the highlights of human self-actualization, it is unsurprising to have hundreds upon hundreds of methods to achieve a healthy physique. Dietary regiments of all sorts, along with erratic, often laughable alternatives pop up all over the mainstream media.

One fad, however, stands out from the rest due to its highly scientific nature, alongside the countless testimonies: the Keto Diet.

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If you haven’t been living under a rock the past few months, surely you’ve heard the term tossed about at least once. The Keto, or Ketogenic Diet is a regiment in which one reduces their carbohydrate intake significantly, and raises their intake of fats. It is known to biologically change how your body uses energy by placing it in a state of ketosis. In ketosis, your body uses ketones for energy, and these ketones are formed from the breakdown of triglycerides.

Now what does any of this actually mean? It helps start with the very basics o f energy production. Our bodies are designed to be efficient, and in terms of energy production, what our body does is it taps into our supply of glucose.

Insulin helps glucose from the bloodstream enter our cells, where it is converted into pyruvate that generates Acetyl-CoA for the Krebs cycle. The Krebs cycle releases many products but the one we are concerned with at the moment is Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH). These are then converted into Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), our cell’s energy source, through oxidative phosphorylationin the Electron Transport Chain.

What happens in a ketogenic diet is we reduce the amount of carbohydrates we take in, and by extension, the amount of glucose in our bodies. A body refuses to

function without energy, so it will have to find other sources.

The second pick, then, would be Glycogen, or stored glucose, but these will eventually run out as well. Our body’s third option would be to, in lack of a better term, ‘steal’ a substance known as Oxaloacetate from the liver to convert to glucose.

What’s interesting is that fatty acids from your adipose tissues are sent to your liver to create AcetylCoA for the Krebs cycle, but the cycle also requires Oxaloacetate to proceed. As mentioned earlier, the Oxaloacetate is being broken down to form glucose, crippling the Krebs cycle in that region, disallowing it from continuing.

As a result, all of the Acetyl-CoA in the liver, having no place to go, is broken down into ketone bodies. These ketone bodies are then sent into the bloodstream for other cells can ‘catch’ them, converting back into Acetyl-CoA for energy production.

All the Intermediate Biology aside, losing fat through the diet is largely credited to causing one’s hunger to drastically drop. If a person is full most of the time, it

should go without saying that the difference in energy used and energy consumed will cause the stored fats to dissipate, especially with the rules of the keto diet prohibiting the intake of carbohydrates.

While it all sounds good so far, nothing ever comes without its fair share of prices. The breakdown of glucose is important for giving the body immediate energy for quick strains of maximum intensity.

With a shortage of glucose in the blood, it will be simply too much to ask for these few seconds of severe strain such as in the fight or flight response of running. In addition, glycogen was observed to have strong connections with protein synthesis. Less glycogen, therefore, means your muscles will grow relatively slower. Finally, upon starting, you are likely to suffer from headaches, fatigue, and stomach problems among others by virtue of the ketone flu for a few weeks.

So does it work? The research suggests yes, yes it does. However, it will take a lot of dedication. Shifting diets this drastically is no easy feat, and once it’s changed you must fight with it against temptation for the rest of your life. Going back to sugar and carbohydrates even for a bit will, without a doubt, shift your body towards its default ‘settings’ once more, making a change difficult once more.

In the end, it isn’t the diet that can cause the change. It’s you.

Solon prioritizes its PH Space Agency creation

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John Aldyson S. Ramirez

en. Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV sponsors Bill 1983, or the “Act Establishing the Philippine Space Development and Utilization Policy and Creating the Philippine Space Agency, and for other Purposes.”.

In his sponsorship speech, he the country would give us an edge says the space program can improve in protecting and looking out for our disaster management, enhance the national security and sovereignty.

Prioritizing the passage of the bill lives of Filipino farmers, speed up our Internet and telecommunication does not only protect social interest systems, and help us build more of the Filipino people but could also livable cities. Dr. Rogel Mari Sese, help the Philippines advance in terms one of the handful astrophysicists of space science and technology and in the country, posited that the act compete with neighboring countries could also address our problem in like Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh the fields of agriculture, climate who are looking to the skies to change resiliency, science, industry address various socioeconomic issues. and transportation.

Proponents of the bills are Pangasinan 4th District Representative Christopher “Toff” de hopeful, with Sen. Aquino’s Venecia, a co-author of the bill, also sponsorship, that the bill will be believes creating a space agency for signed into law soonest.

Ecobricks Andrienne A. Espiritu

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e live in a world where disposables are very much present, everything from our plastic bottles to our cellophane bags.

The presence of these inventions is the reason why we are living in convenience. But as we take a sip from our straw or throw away our candy wrapper, we are also contributing to the evident plastic problem here in our planet. Since so much of our commodities are made from plastic, how do we make things better as a consumer? Read further and find out what you can do to help the environment.

Say hello to Ecobricks—a reusable building block created by packing clean and dry used plastic into a plastic bottle to a set density. These Ecobricks can be used to build furniture, gardens, parks and so much more. Why is this a good solution?

Because it is essentially saving our oceans of more plastic to pollute its waters, it is greatly reducing the amount of trash we put in landfills; it is doing away with the plastic that litters our planet and turning it into something we can use and benefit from all while keeping our planet clean.

How are Ecobricks made? It’s as easy as 1-2-3. First, clean out a plastic bottle. Two, fill it with clean and dry plastic (save and clean out your food wrappers, plastic bags, etc.), you can cut the plastic pieces to fit properly inside the bottle. And lastly, stuff it tightly using a stick to make a dense ecobrick. These Ecobricks need to pass the step test; the ecobrick should not dent or flatten when you step on it. That is how you know it’s ready.

There are a lot of drop-off areas in the Philippines where you can give out the Ecobricks you made; the closest one is located in Cagayan de Oro city. You can start saving the plastic you would otherwise throw away and begin ecobricking!

While this is an easy solution to the widespread plastic problem, it is not a permanent one. It is only making use of the plastic that has already been produced and used but it does not stop it’s manufacturing. So as much as possible, reduce your use of plastic. Use your own utensils when dining out in a place that uses plastic spoons and forks, use eco bags, say no to plastic straws and plastic cup lids. Start opting for reusable and sustainable materials.

These actions may not have as big an impact as that of shutting down factories that release harmful gasses but it is nevertheless, helping.

Having more important phenomenons exist in this world does not give it permission to overshadow the other problems. In a world where the rich and capable people use their power for the destruction of nature, it is crucial for us to use whatever decibel of a voice we have to influence others and build a better future for the coming generations.

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science & technology

Seasonal influenza: To mask or not to mask

Filipinos — Never The Forever Underdogs Ashley Ain L. Jimenez

othing was able to stop her from N jumping up and down, dancing, and cheering for the success her children have

attained. She has been on the edge of her seat since the day they all began working on this revolutionary project. On that day, her heart was filled with sincere joy and grew high expectations for the things they have yet to achieve.

August 10, 2018 was that day -the day the first cube satellite made by Filipinos, Maya-1, was deployed into its orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) to begin its journey 400 kilometers above the Earth. Measuring only 10 cubic centimeters, space engineers Adrian Salces and Joven Javier built it keeping in mind the extreme conditions its year-long space voyage may bring.

As part of the “Birds-2” project of the Kyushu Institute of Technology in Japan, Maya-1 has two sister cube satellites, namely UiTMSAT-1 (from Malaysia) and Bhutan-1 (from Bhutan). Together, the three will form a constellation in the night sky as they orbit the Earth. The three CubeSats can be used to relay text messages and advisories when communication signals are down due to typhoons or other natural calamities.

Though the first cube satellites were launched early in the 21st century by developed space-faring countries, Maya-1, being the first of its kind to be developed

by Filipinos, is a big step towards opening the doors of space science and technology in the Philippines.

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Michaela Isabelle F. Saba easonal influenza is strongly linked to an estimated three to five million cases of severe illnesses and about half a million deaths annually worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The influenza pandemic is considered as the “most global of infectious disease events” ever known to humanity.

Most infected people recover parts of our body which can spread be easily transmitted to us via direct within one to two weeks without viruses and germs. Flu-carrier people contact or over a short distance. In the requiring medical treatment. were likewise advised to stay home to same manner, we can also transmit However, in the very young, the recover and avoid spreading the virus these problems to our surroundings. elderly, and those with other serious to others. Then recently, we already Face mask can be worn to protect medical conditions, infection can lead see more people wearing face masks. overselves from getting or giving these to severe complications and even Whereas before, we connect wearing harmful microorganisms. Covering death. face masks with having a serious our noses and mouths with these With this information, it increases illness, now we see regular healthy masks is one of the effective way to the public awareness about the individuals donning the masks too. prevent catching up and spreading illness and spur active engagement According to the International Journal these infectious diseases. Moreover, with information and education of Infectious Diseases, wearing masks it is important to never re-use or share campaigns on influenza prevention. is a highly effective way in preventing the face mask as it is already infected.

Flu season in the Philippines is almost the spread of viral infections Wearing the face mask incorrectly, simultaneous with the rainy season in Whenever we come out of our means we should be ready to face our the country . Aside from the flu shots, house, especially in poorly ventilated fears. Looking at the benefits of using we are reminded by Department of or crowded places, we are prone to a face mask properly, it is not wrong Health on the importance of regular different strains of viruses, germs and to say that it is well worth the time handwashing with warm water and bacteria that are around us. Some and effort to include it to our regular soap. Our hands are one of the major health and respiratory problems can routine.

Cockroach Milk: A Superfood?

Tune in The Latest Trends in Gadgets 1

THE NEW AMAZON ECHO SHOW (2ND GENERATION) This is the latest Echo Show 2nd Generation!

This one is way more advanced than the original, not only because it has a crystal clear 10-inch HD screen, but also because it has killer premium Dolby sound! Echo connects to Alexa to play music, with the news, set alarms and timers, answer questions, control compatible smart home devices and more.

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FOR THE SHOWER SINGER: THE VICTSING WIRELESS SHOWER SPEAKER Now you can hit all the notes in the shower (or bathtub) thanks to this waterproof wireless speaker! It even has a built-in mic so thanks to bluetooth you can take calls from just about anywhere (luckily there’s not a camera built in!).

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PHONE-CHARGING ATOMIC ALARM CLOCK This atomic alarm clock displays the time, day/ date, temperature, humidity, and moon phases. The clock’s radio receiver synchronizes with NIST-F1, the U.S.’s atomic clock for always-accurate time.

Additionally, mobile devices can be connected to side USB port for overnight charging.

Keziah P. Fabricante

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FOR THE TECHIE ON THE GO: JABRA ELITE 65T TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS Perfect for those who really want their wireless earbuds to actually be wireless! We love how comfortable they are, how they totally stay in your ear (even when running or at the gym), and how the battery life is for 5-hours or 15-hours when in the charging case that comes with it.

any of us are simply disgusted seeing unwelcome guests like the M cockroaches scuttle out of nowhere. Oftentimes, we simply run away in fear. Roaches are slick and thrive in the dark areas of our

homes.

However did you know, according to a published study in India, the extracted milk from a female Pacific beetle cockroach (Diploptera punctata), a local cockroach in Hawaii and Australia, is found to be a superfood? Like humans, Pacific beetle cockroaches give live birth to their young, and they also seem to be able to provide nutrients from their bodies to their young, similar t o t h e nourishment provided by breast-feeding in humans.

“Not only are they carrying their offspring, but they are prodding them with a milky secretion,” Emily Jennings, a doctoral student in the University of Cincinnati Department of Biological Sciences, told Live Science. The milky secretion is made up o f carbohydrates, protein and other nutrients necessary for baby roaches, she explained.

Superfoods are foods thought to be nutritionally dense and thus good for one’s health. According to t h e researchers, this milk is three times richer in vitamins and minerals than cow’s milk. It is also full of amino acids and proteins.

However, milking cockroaches clearly isn’t as easy as milking cows.

The whole process involves genetic engineering of the cockroach’s midgut. Also, nearly 1000 cockroaches are need to produce 100 grams of milk.

A South African company has already started selling insect-milk ice cream. It says the milk is, “a sustainable, nature-friendly, nutritious, lactose-free, delicious, guilt-free dairy alternative of the future”. It won’t be too long before other companies start making food and drink using insect milk.

Although there’s still no scientific evidence that such milk is not toxic to humans, some cancer types can be prevented.

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Crazy little thing called Love by: Gregg Dominic Sam N. Rebollo

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othing compares to being with someone we truly care for. Being with someone who you know cares about you just as much, if not even more. The feeling just can’t be explained sufficiently with words. For me, that was the closest I have ever come to a perfect moment.

Imagine this, it was around 5 PM and darkness and cool air were about to set in. I visited my friend in her classroom. After a long tiring day I find her smiling at me. The cool air ironically gave me a warm feeling as I sat beside her. Her classmates were still around but they appeared blurred as my eyes were transfixed on my friend. We talked about how our day went. I revered on how her face lights up every time she shares something amazing, or how her brows sloped inwards on frustrating events. I would relate to her practically anything that interests me because I know she will always lend an ear to me. We were so immersed with one another that we did not notice that the room was

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already empty except for the two of us. We likewise did not take cognizance of the time that ticked away. We just kept on talking until we ran out of topics to share. It was then I envisaged that just merely being with each other was more than enough to make our day. My heart throbbed excitement mixed with a deep-seeded calmness. A feeling of satisfaction, yet a feeling of wanting more. We both sat there with our eyes gazing around until they end up fixated on each other. We just wished that time slowed down to a stop… to stay in this moment for as long as we want. It is like one begs to give this perfect moment more time. Nevertheless, all things must come to an end. Her phone rang. It was her father who was in school to pick her up.

We walked together, savoring step and turn until we waved each other good-bye.

I may not have the chance to immerse in that perfect moment any time soon but I am still hopeful. Perfection comes from imperfection as they make our experiences the cornerstone for learning and appreciation. I am looking forward to that perfect moment again but the beautiful memories will forever be kept safe in my heart.

A Night to Remember

h e lights flickered and the crowd went wild. I was onstage, strumming hard with the beat of the drums. As the beat goes harder, the hype gets hotter. Then when the soulful sound of the bass ended, there I knew, it was a night to remember.

Our band first performed during the IDS Acquaintance party sometime in September 2016. Our band “Earl and the Flats” performed before a huge crowd, with me as the main vocalist/rhythm guitarist, JP, Dave and Andre as the second voice/ lead guitarist, bass player and drummer respectively. The cold night further heightened my jitters and edginess. As many bands went ahead of us to perform onstage, we nervously waited for our turn. In the meantime, we were motivating ourselves that we can

by: Earl Rinno L. Ponce pull this one through…that we can live up to the audience expectations. Finally, it was our turn to perform. I positioned at the center of the stage, grabbed my electric guitar and looked at the sea of people. My heart pounded as I broke into sweat. My mouth became parched as I anticipate my next move. I looked at my bandmates and gave them the cue: count 3, 2, 1! JP and I jumped at the first beat of the song “Huling Sayaw” popularized by Kamikazee. Gee, the crowd went nuts!

We didn’t expect that kind of reaction.

The audience even sang with us. That certainly gave us the confidence and positive mindset to perform onwards. As we were about to sing our second song, I talked and interacted with the audience a bit.. The drums were beating and after a few seconds the lead guitarist played the

first notes of “She Looks So Perfect” by 5 Seconds of summer. Again the crowd unitedly jumped and sang with us. Their shrieks of appreciation resonated in every corner of the gymnasium. That very moment made me realized that hard work always pay dividends. I did not feel any exhaustion. How I wish that the moment will stay forever.

The experience taught me to strive even harder. Thereafter, I practised everyday to learn new songs and improve my craft. As an aspiring musician, I want to build up my confidence and certainly that night to remember is where I anchor my inspiration to further improve. This was the moment I truly cherish and will never forget.

All by Myself by: Joshua Noel C. Bartilad

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hat makes a moment perfect? Could it be the weather, people you are with or clothes that match? Can we create such moments or do they just happen out of the blue? I surmised that perfect moments cannot be born from routinary activities.

I was wrong. Great moments can be born from the simplest of things.

I am the type of person who goes only from point A to point B and vice versa. I rarely step out of my routine and comfort zone. I have somewhat led a mundane

life, though occasionally I give myself some break. One such instance was when I was sitting by my lonesome at an almost deserted McDonalds.

It was a rainy afternoon and I treated myself with a glass of iced coffee. I got my sketchbook and pencils out of my bag and laid them on the table. I began to ponder and focused on the blank page of my sketchbook. I figured to fill up the page with life. The rain outside became heavy so I decided to stretch my stay and work on my sketchbook. I started to draw

at the center of the page but got worried over ruining the immaculateness of the page.

I sipped on my coffee as I continued with my sketching.

I cleared my mind of the day’s concerns and redirected my energy onto my hands. At that instant, I felt so empty yet overwhelmed with emotions. These emotions spilled over my sketchbook as I found it already filled with my drawings even before I was able to empty my glass. I took a deep breath and a quick glance of my surroundings I realized that

McDo was already filled with people. I stayed for a bit more time then left.

Sometimes we all get dusty by a few mundane and tiring affairs. We just need some quiet moments to see and appreciate, the fervors of life again. Magic can happen on mundane days. It happens when you least expect it. We do not need to step out of the door to travel to a wonderful world. As the saying goes, “We need to guard well our spare moments as they can really be like uncut diamonds.”

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Asian Music lives on

by: Crazy Asian The Asian Music event encompasses different performances as combined acting, dancing, singing and dialogue which reflect human creativity and cultural heritage domains. This annual presentation was started 43 years ago by former Music teacher and Ringkaran’s conductress Prof. Lorda Q.O. Carupo, Her legacy lives on as the Grades 8 and 10 students of MSU-IIT IDS performed on May 3, 2019 over a jumpacked crowd at the university’s MultiPurpose Hall.

Watching a live performance allows the audience to access emotions.

One of the distinguished guests who watched the show was Palanca awardee and Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) founder Dr. Steven P.C. Fernandez. The lone Doctor of Fine Arts degree major in Creative Writing in the country was impressed with the energy, creativity and fluidity of the performances.

He generously shared his appreciation and insights on the presentation. To wit: “The powerful evil Emperor slays all the good warriors, including

the Samurai hero. But a spirit comes to challenge the bad.

Slaying the emperor, she rushes to her fallen warrior who dies in her arms. Moment, music, and wild applause.

This is not the Lincoln Center, but our own homegrown MSU-IIT Integrated Development School recreating from Japanese narrative, perhaps a lesson in their Grade 8 and 10 classes.

The full audience at the MultiPurpose Hall is engrossed, completely embraced by the narrative performed, created and produced, by an all high school class. An inspiring moment even without the technology (it is almost lunch) in a make-shift venue, but with the most exquisite of costumes, properties, and sets. A collaboration of the whole school’s art classes.

WONDERFUL! How inspiring to recall that several years back, entertainment in this same high school meant beauty contests. But our pupils have climbed mountains higher, their Aesthetics finer, humane, profound like the stories this Japanese setting narrates.

The other classes have other stories from Asia to perform. Theirs are engrossing as well. The whole exercise is awe-inspiring! After all, isn’t our IDS one of the country’s best? (While other schools are still perhaps planning their Ms. Gays, the MSU-IIT high school

has transcreated our Asian stories to uplift the aesthetic being of our community. How fortunate for us!)

Bravo to the Arts section and to Calvin Klein Genilla Galbinez!

WOOOOOH! Beautiful!”

Movie Review

Wall-e

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by: CrazyAsian

ne of the best environmental film in the past decade that is worth the revisit is Wall-E. It is a 2008 American futuristic, sci-fi and family oriented film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. It was directed and co-written by Andrew Stanton, produced

by Jim Morris, and co-written by Jim Reardon. The film released in June 2008 was an instant hit grossing over US500 million worldwide.

The title in itself caught my attention.

So before discovering what those letters meant, I surfed through the net and learned that Wall-eyed (the closest available word for WALL-E) meant excited and agitated eyes. True enough the leading character had large staring eyes like frenzy.

Wall-E does not only cater to the appeal of the children but to the adults as well.

This movie addresses to both the young audience and the adults especially as it evoked their compassion and emotional response.

The WALL-E movie portrayed the distant future where our one and only Earth was filled with garbage and became an uninhabitable place for human, plants and animals. A corporation called BuyN-Large transports all humans off the planet to live on spaceship Axiom, while the robots WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth-Class) prepare Earth for recolonization. It took a long time until only one WALL-E remained. He meets a sleek search robot named EVE (Extraterrestrial Vegetation Evaluator).

Eve races back to space after realizing the

key to Earth’s future. WALL-E hitched a ride as a stowaway to Axiom. During the course of the film WALL-E got badly injured and Eve brought him back to Earth to repair. Together with the humans and other robots, they helped rebuild Earth to its former glory.

The movie basically had no spoken dialogue to tell the story, even during glimpses of human existence later in the movie. It was simply fascinating that such movie crossed language barriers and effectively conveyed their message. There were only recorded human voices, clanking noises, explosions and music.

The movie blended different world of characters. One presented the appealing character designs of the robots but with touches of realism. WALL-E in particular was a brilliant creation of mechanical and innovative imagery. The humans on the other hand were pathetically visualized as fat-laden individuals. There were no villains nor supporting characters that created much impact in the movie.

However, the characterization of both WALL-E and EVE stood out throughout the movie that we would not miss the absence of other engaging characters.

The message of the movie was like foretelling the future considering the present situation we are in. Literally speaking, our world is drowning in ever growing mounds of garbage. The movie did a good job by throwing out the point of what could occur if we do not educate society on taking responsibility for their waste. This is certainly reminiscent to

President Duterte’s closing Boracay for clean-up purposes. Boracay now has wowed a number of netizens and tourists with its immaculate waters and surroundings.

Wall-E also explored on the issue of obesity and laziness. In the movie, the humans were pictured as sedentary as all they do was watch TV. There was the connection between being obese with the proliferation of garbage. When they gained weight, the Earth suffered as humans could not get off their big bodies to throw their thrash. They should be able to take care of the environment by first taking good care of themselves.

The movie also mirrors the robotic technology we are blessed with. The technology that was created by human in their desire to alleviate sufferings and create solutions to our present situation. from environment degradation to finding

another home in space. Thus, robots can only serve humans. Humans program these machines to behave and imitate humans in some actions. Technology is and will continue to be the slave for humans and not the other way around As a recap, the movie is a blast of the past, a tale of the present and a vision of the future. The messages delivered were very strong. Firstly it showed the planet Earth will be forsaken if humans continue with their abuse and degradation of their environment. We should likewise take good care of ourselves. Obesity happens over time when the energy we take in by eating exceeds the energy we burn from physical activity like taking good care of our surroundings. Lastly, robots can never substitute humans. They are not flexible enough to deal with the real world. They can only perform routinary and simple jobs. They have no ability to think and feel.

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A Healthy mind for a brighter outlook by: Paolo Miguel C. Cañete

depression include being in an environment that stresses one out, or an environment that destroys a victim's self-esteem and being.

Family issues, school pressure, bullying, solitude... all of these can push anyone towards the brink of depression and worse, as no one is safe from the grasp of corruption that resides amongst the reality we have created for ourselves.

Some studies show that it may be hereditary, however, environmental risk factors pose a higher chance of causing depression.

Atty. Marlene L. Young

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ctive rotarian, businesswoman and former city councilor Atty.

Marlene Lastimoso Young and Early Childhood/Sped coordinator, professor and lecturer Dr. Ciedelle Nadela Grageda spearheaded “Beautiful Minds” and “Finding Calm” mental health projects respectively.

They visited schools as MSU-IIT IDS and workplaces to educate the Iliganons on mental health issues and remove social stigma surrounding them. They look forward to the time when these mental health issues will no longer be isolated but rather be accepted with compassion and understanding.

The importance of good mental health was affirmed when President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Mental Health Law, that affirms the government’s commitment in providing affordable and accessible mental health services for Filipinos.

This is in response to the report of the Department of Health that one in five Filipinos has some form of mental illness.

On separate interviews, the personal insights of Atty. Young and Dr. Grageda were gathered, particularly about the most common mental health problem-depression.

Special Feature interview: Q: What are your thoughts on depression?

Young: Depression is a mood disorder that causes persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.

It is a major mental disorder that affects how you think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotions and physical problems Grageda: Depression is a grave mental disorder that, contrary to popular belief, is not a choice.

Science shows that indeed a brain's chemistry changes when one is clinically depressed, and that paired with environmental and personal factors cause feelings of utter hopelessness in an individual. The helplessness eats away at a victim from inside, leaving them feeling like an empty shell with no direction and

Dr. Ciedelle N. Grageda no motivation whatsoever.

Q: How prevalent is depression?

Young: Sadly, the issue of depression is sweeping the globe lately. An attest to this is the report from the WHO (World Health Organization that about 300 million people around the world suffer from DEPRESSION. This is 18% higher than in the previous decade 2005-2015.

Grageda: Depression affects a terribly huge chunk of the population.

Finding its niche amongst young adults and the elderly, depression is widespread and can consume the hearts of anyone that fall victim to its gaping jaws. This makes it one of, if not, the most widespread mental disorders in the world.

depression. However, environmental factors can change a person, despite them attempting to fight against the inevitable, as that's how we, humans, are. Those who have been discriminated, bullied, heartbroken, betrayed, had their egos destroyed, among others are very viable candidates. Middle school is the time in a person's life where all these are likely to happen, and it doesn't help that their hormones torment them for those as well, so they are at a significantly higher risk than others.

The elderly also have a high risk for depression, as they tend to look back to the life they've lived, only to see it full of regrets, and then look ahead to see no chance to make things better.

Q: Who are at risk in developing depression?

Young: The ones who are at risk in developing depression are those with family history of mental illness, physical changes in the body that can affect the mind, difficult relationships, little or no social support and low socio-economic status.

Grageda: Anyone is at risk of having

Q: What are the risk factors for depression?

Young: The risk factors for depression are: changes in brain chemistry (Ex. physical and mental trauma), genetics, changes in hormone levels, certain medical conditions, stress, grief and difficult life circumstances.

Grageda: Risk factors for having

Q: What are the role of parents in averting depression among their children?

Young: The role of parents in helping their children cope up with depression are: provide continued warmth, caring and support; teach and to model strong social and emotional skills; encourage positive peer relationships; encourage children to seek purpose in life and work to change, for the better, school and community environment.

Grageda: As a parent, I'm positive nobody else knows about my child as much as I do. Yes, there are things that they refuse to tell us, and they may even want us to keep out of their business, but our love for our children masks all of those issues. I can be their trusted adult, their friend, their ears, and their comfort. And I can change their environment in order for them to live under ideal conditions to prevent their depression from getting worse. Therefore parents always play a vital role in dealing with their child's depression. As long as the child knows there will always be somebody to talk too, it will always be easier for the child to deal with depression.

Fandoms on Board: Where do you belong? by: Krystelle Rose S. Roslinda

G

oing back in the 20th century, the Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, has evidently dominated the globe by storm. Our generation says it all, from the local Korean stores we see on our streets to a variety of beauty products joining the game in the cosmetics industry and to the ample range of K-dramas. But Hallyu breathes with the existence of K-Pop -- the red-hot, growing phenomenon of South Korea.

K-Pop idols drive fans crazy in their unique music videos, on-point choreographies, and a massive dosage amount of charms, talents, and smiles.

The industry introduces more than 100 K-pop bands but

only some rises to the summit with incredulous fandoms of distinct features.

Let us start off with BTS’ fandom: dominating, hardcore chingus of the industry.

Known as the ARMY, the fandom got its name meaning they can stay beside the boy band since BTS stands for body armors. ARMYs add up each day which actually results to the claim of being a “K-Pop fan” but only settles with the knowledge of BTS. Nevertheless, because of BTS’ recent big-time collabs and charming 4-D traits, the ARMY also continues to rise together with other fandoms.

EXO-L, one of worldwide's largest fandoms, are fans of

EXO, who contributed a lot to the spread of Hallyu. It stands as a collective name for the fandom, which means EXOLOVE and L as the 12th letter of the alphabet represents the number of original members in the group but individually, fans are called as Stars. This fandom's truly been in a rollercoaster ride.

No matter the triumph EXO reached today, every great thing wouldn't blur the pain as each member leaves the group.

Girl power candidates, TWICE, levels up with their fan base, ONCE: If fans love the group even once, the girls will repay them twice their love! TWICE rose to

fame with successful tracks in every comeback. Famous for girly tracks and all-visual members, the group has shown their quirky and funny side which makes them more attractive to the public.

Conflicts could never pass by the passionate fans of K-Pop. Once in a while, issues pop up in the web depicting an idol's shortcomings or breaking news. Fandoms search for flaws in every other band and cause the usual social-media fights.

Nonetheless, together as one, K-Pop undoubtedly brought change to our generation and will continuously serve us eye-candies and moments of laughter and tears.

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literary

Talking to Ghosts I

t was cold outside. The smell of coffee wafted as I went in. I ordered my usual cappuccino and went to a seat in the corner of the shop. I looked around and saw a woman in her mid-30’s staring at me with hesitant eyes. I returned my attention to the book I was reading. By then, I knew that she was already in front of me. She was wearing a red shawl, which caught my eye, over her brown coat.

“Do you believe in ghosts?” the woman asked as our eyes met. “They listen to you. The ghosts listen to you,” she continued as she sat on the unoccupied chair in front of me. I don’t mind being asked by strangers as I’ve encountered different types since I was little. But this woman, the look in her eyes tells me that she wants to hear an instant reply. She even looked like she was begging for an answer.

“Do they listen all the time?” I asked. The air seemed to be colder. The once noisy coffee shop turned into deafening silence. The sound of machines, clinking of coffee cups, chattering of people all turned mute and still. The only thing I can hear is the voice of the woman in front of me.

“Not like that,” she said, her gaze still fixated at me. “They listen to you when you speak to them,” the woman sighed, and loosened up the shawl around her neck. “What kind of things do they like to listen?” I asked again. “To be honest, I don’t believe in ghosts as I’ve never seen them,” I continued though I was actually inclined to believe her.

by: Nurhamida S. Hairulla

“Oh, anything you have to talk about, really,” the woman said as she closed her eyes. For a moment it seemed like she was nodding off to sleep. Suddenly, thick veins popped out of her skin, formed a snake like mountain range on her wrist.

“I don’t know what to talk about.” I said.

“Do you know any stories?” the woman quipped with her eyes shut. My first instinct was to say “ No, I do not know any story.” They like stories with rhymes, wonderful rhymes, funny rhymes,” the woman said. I still didn’t know what to say to her. She repeated the question, but in a different tone this time, “Do you know any story?”

“I think I know some stories.” I replied silently. “Then tell them,” the woman said. I took a deep breath. “Once upon a time,” I began, and my voice shattered. “I can’t do this. I can’t tell any stories,” I said exasperately. The woman said nothing.

“Once upon a time, there was a young princess,” I tried, staring at my white knuckles and clenched fingers.

“Once upon a time, there was a young princess, who lived in a castle with her father, the king,” I was crying, but then the smell of coffee wafted in.

And they listened to me tell the story. In the dark, I couldn’t see the woman anymore, but I knew she was listening, just like all the other ghosts.

A Beautiful Vibrant Rose BY: ATLAS A rose is in its prime on its full bloom.

The purity of white, the passion of red, the tranquility of blue, or the happiness of yellow.

Each color a symbol and each color beautiful.

As roses rise from the ground, so too must they return to it.

And in their final moments, they all wilt into one color: black.

Often seen as a symbol of sadness, yes, but often misunderstood.

It does not represent only the nothingness and sadness of the void but it embodies all the colors in unison.

There is beauty in a rose's departure as there is beauty in its arrival.

A rose is in its prime for the rest of its life.

She is such a rose that does not portray only one color but all of them.

Yet she has never painted herself black.

We try our best to ignore the truth to sadness.

Like bitter medicine, even if it is distasteful, it is necessary.

Repeating what the quote from an anonymous author, “Everyone wants happiness. No one wants pain.

But you can't have a rainbow without a little rain.”

A rose's beauty is truly appreciated when held.

Yet its thorns will only hurt more the harder you grasp them.

The reality is: “There is beauty in all colors.”

Green grass grows along a countryside meadow.

From the blankness rose a beautiful vibrant rose.

The keepers sense an overwhelming difference.

Snipped, with his own hands, from head to stem the keeper goes to his gazing window.

As green grass grows along a countryside meadow there sat a beautiful vibrant Rose.

Incalescence by: 3rdE

Defiant little sparks that bloomed at a reach, eagerly blossoming into a turbulent flame.

Assurances brought forth, mind and heart in each redundant days truly never stay the same.

Truly a miracle, two birds who sore as one.

Heart strings intertwined in mind and in dreams.

Affinity for each other as the stars and the sun.

Never two so meant together, forever, as it seems.

Kindness so pure, so genuine as they share.

Yellow burns bright but can’t fathom their bond.

Orange, yet stronger wouldn’t bother to dare, unconditional love, from their intimacy has gone beyond.

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literary

One Reason With scars so deep, I fall in this endless pit.

Dont look for me.

Dont save me.

For it may be late.

This is my fate.

Is there any reason to believe That love can still be conceived?

The thought of being in love again weathers any strife To continue to breathe and savor life.

Love indeed is a beautiful gift That pleasantly sway my soul adrift.

- Erineko (Zeta)

My Word To God’s Most Wonderful Art To God’s most wonderful art The boy who captivated my heart I adore you the most Without you I think I’m lost I thought you were snob That you’ll just ignore my love Every time we chat at night My heart is already filled with delight You came to my life with the strongest magnitude Words may fail to express my gratitude For always inspiring me To strive harder and be a better me Despite our arguments All the sweet words I utter and meant

Assurance One is enough To hold you back and keep you sane.

One is enough To hug you tight and ease your pain.

One is enough To kill the dark and light your way.

One is enough To make you smile and brighten your day.

One is enough To fix your soul and let it grow.

One is enough To guard you from you foe.

One is enough To show that there’s someone up above.

And finally, one is enough To prove to you that you are loved.

- Rhye Niniel

Will always adore you and forever will do But why you?

Among all few I mean to love you But the question is, “do you love me too?”

- Shane J. Mero

Cats I was never been fond of cats, What they feel, I don’t have a clue.

They purr sounding like brats.

But all that changed when I met you.

Whenever the cats are at bay, You would teach them a thing or two.

I don’t know but with you they stay.

They seem to like you, and now I do too.

Words

At night when I try to remember The things I have to do.

Their naughtiness like the frills in December, And I remember nothing, nothing but you.

They’re letters with a keen What we write and what we sing.

Yet do we know what they mean?

Do we know the weight they bring?

From you, I learned to love cats.

Because they remind me of you When there is love, there are no spats, And I realized that I care for you.

They can hold all truth or hide them in plain sight For words are just words yet words can also be lies.

Their meanings can be light or be as dark as night, For words are weapons that can be used to end lives.

Today, as I walk ahead.

A cat sprung in my view.

She purred as I stroked her head, And I whispered in her ear, “I love you.”

The words once said are like blades hard to deal.

It can never be taken back as their intent is made clear.

Sometimes the apologies doesn’t mean it will ever heal and at times apologies aren’t what we need to hear.

- Rhye Niniel

In the end words can be carefree.

They can cause such joy or inflict such strife.

Words are whatever we want them to be Because its up to us and how we use them in life.

- Kristine L. Permites

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literary

Bliss in Silence by: Shakira Fave A. Maongco

T

hey say, “Make some friends or be alone forever.” Does it ever occur to them that there are some people who prefer to spend their times alone? I myself, belong to a group who was once or even more branded as a loner. Moving a step further, they figured that loners are lonely people. Initally, I took offense to these criticisms but on second thoughts, I felt that I shouldn’t be ashamed. I am

simply enjoying my time alone and valuing my solitude. Don’t they realize that in the end we are all going to be alone?

In this generation, teenagers like me are expected to have our friends around us all the time. When we do not have anyone to walk with in the hallway or someone we can talk to amidst the busy buzzing, then we are labeled as an outcast. I think this is so unfair! This kind

Be Mine

by: Princess Sofia G. Manamparan

When I saw you for the very first time, I hope to see you again some time.

Your eyes are like stars so bright, you keep me awake at night.

Your love hit me like a cannon ball, I’ll surely love you until fall.

I’m under your spell -- what have you done?

But for me you are the only one.

With you by my side I can’t go astray, for your LOVE will never fade away, My heart is in your hands, I am the greatest of your fans.

Believe me, love’s no crime.

How I wish you could be mine, I want to be your Valentine.

My love for you is simply divine.

of mentality sickens me because not everyone likes to have company all the time. There are moments when we like to temporarily block everyone in our thoughts and get immersed in our own world and fantasies.

Solitude is not about being alone and getting stuck in a desert place. Moreover, it is not a selfish and unproductive way of ticking on the clock.

Solitude is like watching a

beautiful sunset and having a peaceful mind sans the constant nagging and bickering around us. Indeed, there are different ways to enjoy our solitude.

One can enjoy the deafness and eerieness inside the forests, the relaxing sound of the waves while sitting alongside the beach or even times spent in the library and getting buried in the piles of books Whatever it may be, I think each one of us

has his own solitude moments to enjoy.

Amidst the fast moving world, solitude allows our body and mind to take a breather and recuperate. It also paves the way for us to think perspectively, see and appreciate the bigger picture in life. We just have to take a step back and savor the temporary freedom and tranquility that we aspire to have.

What do we live for? by: Ram Nikko U. Delegero

Editor’s Note: This poem was inspired with the move to replace Filipino classes with Korean language elective Isn’t it dashing?

Isn’t it lashing?

To think of what it is to live freely.

Do we really seek a dazzling identity?

Or do we adhere to superficial mentality?

Being unique is never easy but we are different

I know, we all sipped freedom And embraced a glorious kingdom.

But what if things change?

Do we have to fantasize on popular ideology?

Or only tolerate their existential nascency?

We should continue to travel the same road we began with.

When something new elicits our fervor Even though it may result to tremor.

Do we succeed, flunk or flop?

THINK ABOUT IT!

Aren’t we fearful?

Aren’t we mournful?

When all these things come to happen.

We haven’t reached our superior breadth of power Yet we yearn for another notch of vigor.

Indeed, being undecisive can waste so much time Do we really live for liberty?

Or maybe just out of jealousy?

Take time out to stop and appreciate what we have.

A Reminder to the Depressed by: Jerome D. Aparri

(GUEST CONTRIBUTOR, IDS BATCH 2018, CAMPUS JOURNALISM AWARDEE) To every depressed person out there I know the various struggles you make every day.

I know how you feel about not being able to see the beautiful sunrise, Thinking every day is a sharp hill to trudge.

I know how hard it is for you to stand in front And talk with people who have ears to hear, but no heart to understand.

I know the feeling you feel every time you think you don’t belong.

I know how difficult it is to choose which mask to wear every single day.

I know how hard it is to shout without being heard.

I know your battles, your hardships, your trials.

And I want you to know, you can win them.

Please know that you became a warrior as you win them.

You have fought numerous wars.

You’ve been placed in the eyes of the storms, in the center of hurricanes.

You’ve been drowned in the deepest oceans, But still you stood up.

You are a warrior with wars fought and wars yet to fight.

And I know you can conquer them all.

But I want to remind you, don’t end anything yet.

Even when you feel you’re not worthy, When you believe you just deserve to disappear. No. You deserve anything life could offer You deserve the breath your Creator had given you.

You deserve to see the beauty of the days you deserve to experience always.

You deserve to face the night skies, the moon, the stars.

You deserve every space you occupy.

You deserve every air you breathe.

You deserve to be loved the way you love people who didn’t seem to deserve I admire you so much, Because you see souls and hearts rather than people alone.

You are one of a kind.

You are never empty.

You are always full: Full of people, full of sadness, full of pain.

But right now, fill yourself with the positive side of life.

Be confident.

You are always worthy to look at the mirror, And say every single beauty it reflects.

Believe your eyes.

Believe your heart.

Go and venture. Discover life You discovered too much of its

ugliness, It’s time for you to see its beauty.

Live your dreams.

See every sunrise as an opportunity to reach new horizons.

See every sunset as the mark to recollect and reflect Trust yourself. You were born to soar.

Now be a warrior, once more.

literary

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by: John Mark David L. Pintor

To the Realm of Imagination

by: Evangelie C. Parrado

Doomed is the one who wants and tries to touch.

Doomed is the one who tries to unlock.

The lock of the door whose work is to mock.

The key to want; seeks paradise so much.

Should I dwell in the cold or in the hot?

It’s even hard to decipher things apart.

My hand shall touch nowhere but my heart.

So please release me from this knot.

Mom

by: CrazyAsian

You are the wind beneath my wings.

The sparkle in the diamonds, The calmness of the night, The brightness of the day, The sweet smell of flowers, The warmth of summer days, The relaxing tone of rainy days You are my everything beautiful in this world.

My true source of happiness and inspiration.

You are simply amazing… what more can I ask for.

So now I’ll drop this pen to stop my flight for what I did then might again be done.

I have only just begun to paint something new and bright.

To the One Residing in this Ribcage

Maybe, just maybe, we all deserve a little refuge after being the battlefields and clothed with thorns. We should start writing love letters to ourselves, not as retributions, but a tap on a shoulder for surviving every passing minute in a sinking ship.

by: July Ann L. Marañon

have written millions of love letters enough to spell out an avalanche of how love is defined by a string of phrases, but none of them was written for me. I was thinking if, love and self are two complex ideas that are collinear but are thousands of integers apart, or they are coplanar but miles away? At the least, they couldn't coexist in my own quadrant without plotting unrecognizable geometric shapes. Moreover, love letters couldn't stand as retributions for all the scars I have planted on my flesh.

I know nothing but the scariest nightmares happening while I stand inside the bathroom, the faucet in my eyes left opened. I know nothing about love, or maybe I don't have anything to love. This is isn't a call for help, but a call for hope—the kind of salvation that needed no sculptures.

Books hold discoveries, stories and lessons that were meant to be appreciated and shared to others. We read books to learn and ingest knowledge, beyond the conventional means of learning and understanding. At the library, one may find the varieties of books, hardbound or paperback with many different colors of covers and font styles of titles. One may even pick a book and read it from start to finish but sadly, many of us rarely push ourselves to finish even just the first chapter.

In the most amazing sense, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only once,” said American novelist George R. R. Martin.

All the books around the world were made for one specific purpose and that purpose is for them to be read. Books give us perspectives and unlimited access to the realm of imagination.

Ceilings, canvas, as I sit on my couch Roaring, roaming minds like hands on the clock.

But unlike the clock, I control no luck.

The walls are on fire but I feel no such.

Maybe, I didn't know much about myself to know what is there to love. There are suicide notes left unwritten for I was afraid to leave any evidence of my downfall. The kind of suicide notes that I write everyday, felt like dying a little more than the previous day. I don't know much about who I am aside from the teardrops that hid under the clothes inside my drawer. These teardrops could've flooded a city. All I know are the muffled screams, addressed to my parents who never thought I was breaking after moving up ceremonies because the blinding gold medals had me throwing my sanity for nights. All I know is that whenever I try to creep away from all these haunting thoughts, I tend to curl back into my bed, because how can I run away from myself?

ideas either great or despicable. Books contain information that even the world’s greatest search engine won’t be able to compete with. They hide within them the knowledge no one will ever be able to take away from you.

I remember reading my first book. It was given by my uncle so I could make reading a habit. I read a few pages at a time because I had to either search up a word or my brain just would not absorb anything. Everyday, I would patiently read until I finally finished the whole book. Boy, I felt great!. I read my second book then my third and now I’m currently reading my tenth book. I realized then that reading our first books would be very tough as we struggle with vocabularies and comprehension. In time and with a good amount of patience, we will develop the habit of reading and later on learn to appreciate it.

Twisted Horn

I

words of Plato, “Books give a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight Iandntothesend the imagination and life to everything.” They grant us the lives we’ll never live us to places we’ll never be. Books are our gateways to infinite amount of

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Single- use plastics ban for food and water consumptions are one- step ahead for approbation as the local government of Iligan City undergoes its first public hearing for the proposed resolution on February 6, 2019 at the Session Hall, Pedro B. Generalao Building.

The resolution prohibits the selling and using of non-compostable and non-biodegradable single use plastics and styrofoam for food and water containers on wet goods, shopping centers, malls , restaurants, market, retail stores similar establishments in Iligan City. This means that stores and vendors are not allowed to use plastics to wrap purchased goods or items. Consumers are also advised to bring “ecobags,” paper bags, or reusable bags or containers when buying on all markets and grocery stores. The resolution has its thriving goal in ameliorating a total plastic ban in Iligan City considering that they hold as insoluble units of the Earth and thus, replacing them with paper, make it more efficient for nature.

Ordinances that will later on be functional were taken force due to the influences of the city’s neighbouring cities such that of Cagayan de Oro’s and of Pagadian’s role in upholding an all- out singleplastic ban throughout their locales. Consequently, several Iliganons had already signed a petition to strictly deteriorate the usage of plastics such as straws and container bags because they were main contributors to the mass garbage in the city.

Interestingly, some of the city’s leading fast food chains and institutions such as MSU- IIT initiated a flux usage of paper bags as substitutes to plastics for food consumptions. And for the plastics, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in an effort to eventually eliminate them in the country, is planning to propose a measure that will impose a tax on the use of plastics.

“We in the DENR will be coming up with a proposal to the legislative to come up with basically an environmental tax, when it comes to using plastics and single-use plastics,” Environment Secretary Benny Antiporada cunningly declares in a press conference.

The Philippines is one of the five countries that produces half of the plastic waste of the world, according to a report of the United Nations. Thus, action- reaction is a must to solve this issue. lligan’s open dump site at Bonbonon is a picture of horrendous pile of plastics. While Iliganons are constantly griping over the slow pick up of garbages in the city, they should likewise be part of the solution.

A level of commitment among the Iliganons to stop using plastics must be initiated.. Every small move is a significant step in shaping a more sustainable and environmentally safe Iligan and the rest of the country.

Say No to plastics; say Yes to paper!

Devcom

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The Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) gained recognition and joined the roster of Philippine schools in the annual list of top Asian universities by United Kingdom-based group Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

MSU-IIT placed in the 451500 bracket of the QS Asia University Rankings 2019, along with Dumaguete’s Silliman University.

The University of the Philippines still led the country’s universities in the

Devcom

rankings, rankings, rising three notches to 72nd place.

It was followed by the Ateneo de Manila University at 115th spot, De La Salle University at 155th, University of Santo Tomas at 162nd, University of San Carlos, 301-350 and Mapua University at 401-450.

The rankings were based on universities’ academic reputation, employer reputation, faculty-student ratio, international research network, citations per paper, papers per faculty, staff with doctorate degrees,

international faculty, international students, inbound exchange, and outbound exchange.

MSU-IIT is the lone university in Mindanao to be recognized by QS, the world’s top ranking institution in the world.. The university is also occupying the 7th rank in Philippine TopUniversities.

MSU-IIT which just celebrated its 50th charter anniversary vowed to continue improving its performance as an Academe and remain humble through many years.

JP

Jump page

Bangsamoro ratification.......

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Ram Nikko U. Delegero

Tambo Central School tops……

Paolo Miguel C. Cañete

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Of the total 33 participating teams, the two teams sent by Tambo Central School won First and Second places in the competition. Also making it to the top 3 places was the Iligan City Central School who trailed Tambo Central School by only two points.

The yearly Inter-Elementary School Quiz Show seeks to promote camaraderie among pupils from the different public and private elementary schools in Iligan City as well as to develop among them a special interest in Science, Math and IT.

IDSPaolo Shines in MTAP challenge Miguel C. Cañete

Professors from the Math department comprising of Prof. Mary Joy Luga, Prof. Crispin Ebal, Prof. Maria Rebecca Flores and Prof. Dante Joma Zabala have been training and preparing their student-representatives for MTAP and other Math related competitions throughout the school year.

The MMC is an annual mathematics competition aimed at raising the

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competitiveness of elementary and high school students. In partnership with the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), it is the longest running math competition in the country with more than half a million students from both private and public schools participating in the nationwide elimination and final rounds yearly.

The BOL plebiscite was designed to petition a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) that would consolidate peace, freedom and power among the Muslim majority of the ARMM and some parts of Western Mindanao.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) confirmed a landslide victory in the ARMM provinces and Cotabato leaving Isabela City in Basilan rejecting its inclusion.

Moreover, Lanao del Norte prevented its 6 towns : Baloi,Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal from joining the BARMM during the subsequent plebiscite. The 6 towns vied for spots in the BARMM but the plebiscite required that majority of the entire province agreed to it as well. It was suspected that the reigning Dimaporo dynasty of LDN prompted a campaign for a big “NO to Inclusion!” amidst MILF’s drive for autonomous harmony in Mindanao.

Upheld votings that were stationed at schools and other precincts for both two plebiscites were peaceful and thorough inspite of red alerts throughout the regions. It has been noted that several heinous events happened within the range of the prior plebiscites . The Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines have ensured the safety and security of the areas inflicted and hoped to redeem peace and resiliency for the upcoming mid-May elections.

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sports

14-year old Alex Eala Stewards PH Team to World Junior Championship

P

inay tennis prodigy Alex Eala led the Philippine girl team 14-under to overpower Hong Kong, 2-0 on April 11, 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The victory earned the Philippines after 26 years the ticket to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Junior Championship in Czech Republic.

The Filipinas, coached by former national player Czarina Mae Arevalo also beat Sri Lanka, Indonesia and New Zealand in the qualifying rounds.

Alex who is currently in the forefront of Philippine tennis, made her international debut at age 8 years old when she won at the Little Mo Tennis Competition in the United States. Alex continues to have the determined attitude to keep training harder with the unfailing support from her family.

With her to compete in the 16-nation World Championship scheduled this August 2019 are Alexa Joy Milliam and Jen Prulla.

The ITF is the world governing body for the sport of tennis. Its governance includes making, amending and enforcing the Rules of Tennis; regulate international team competitions; promote the game and preserve the integrity of tennis.

Filipino teen gymnast treads on worldwide platform

C

arlos Edriel Yulo, the first Filipino gymnast to garner medals in world championships, continues ascending as he marches on the global stage to bring glory to the Philippines.

In his latest trial, the 2019 Doha World Cup, the 19-year-old scored 14.266 in the men’s floor exercises final and secured the bronze spot, trailing behind Israel’s Alexander Shatilov (14.633) and Spain’s Rayderley Zapata (14.433).

After faltering in an upsetting performance in the Asian Games at Jakarta, Indonesia on September 2018, Yulo and his coach decreed on a better training program for him.

The outcome of this change brought about Yulo’s historic bronze medal in the men’s floor event of the 2018 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships at Aspire Dome in Doha, Q a t a r, signifying the start of a teen prodigy ’s career.

With his season opener, winning gold in the men’s floor final of the 2019 Melbourne World Cup in Australia on February 23, the young gymnast seeks to intensify his records in World Cups to anchor a spot in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

PACQUIAO TURNS BACK THE CLOCK WITH DOMINANT DECISION OVER BRONER

P

inoy Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao cruised to a comfortable unanimous decision over Adrien Broner to retain his WBA Welterweight World Championship on January 19, 2019 in front of a sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.. This is the pinoy champ’s 61st win for his 24 years of boxing career.

The Filipino boxer who was

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Jhoneza Crystle L. Banghal

fighting for the first time as a 40-year-old, proved again that his career is still alive and kicking since his last fight with Lucas Matthysse. Using effective jabs, punches and sustained body work, he was able to defend his title from the opponent.

With his quickness and aggression, he was able to outclass the restrained Broner, who sat back in an attempt to

counter, but threw hardly any punches and landed even fewer.

The Filipino champion outlanded the opponent with a score of 117111, 116-112, 116-112.

Floyd Mayweather who was co-promoting sat at ringside.

He was one of the more than 13 thousand people in attendance who witnessed Pacquiaos’ flashes of his old speed that sent Broner backfooting and confined

to counter punches. Pacquiao was repeatedly asked about a rematch with Mayweather after the fight. “My message is I’m still active, and if Mayweather goes back to the ring and wants to fight again, then we will fight,” quipped Pacquiao. Showtime announcer Jim Gray tried to get Mayweather nod for a possible bout with Pacquiao, but Mayweather refused to move a muscle.

Can Sports and Academics Coexist?

nduring an airtight schedule every day, student-athletes get jammed with endless schoolwork and engage in strenuous trainings, possibly being unable to balance all of it including family responsibilities.

The incapacity to comply with both sports and academics, not being good at sports all the while risking your grades, may discourage a child’s mind set. There are instances, though, where the pressure only fuels the student-athlete to work harder. “The mind wanders when doing essays, but if you develop a focus and use your time efficiently then it’s a very transferable skill,” says Stephen Baddley, Director of Sport at the University of Bath.

Participating in sports lets the child strengthen his determination and sharpen their discipline. It hones his focus and concentration.

All of this can help the academic component of a student-athlete’s life.

Time management and consistency is key to winning a situation wherein sports and

academics play a tug of war between a child’s priorities. Not every time where a school deeply supports their athletes do the teachers notice the amount of work they’re putting on the child. The heavy loads a student-athlete is forced to carry is burdening. Thus, maintaining their will and determination will not hammer them down.

If a mother would want her child’s sporting career to reach the stars, then it would definitely be better if they choose

a school with a sports curriculum.

In that way, their child would be provided with a comfortable schedule. School work won’t bother him at the very least and at the same time, he could excel a lot in his chosen sport. Education won’t be a problem and sports could be actually fun.

Sports and academics can coexist and has been coexisting for a long time. If a student-athlete believes that he could do it, then he could. Sports and education are both essential to our daily lives. There’s no need to remove the other. As the saying goes, “One should be dedicated in anything in life-whether it’s sports or academics. It all stems from finding that fun, thrill and excitement.”

Glacial Cyborgs grabs IDS Panag-ambitay 2019 Overall Championship by: Nurhamida S. Hairulla This year’s Panag-ambitay, with the theme “Age of Heroes”, was held last January 31 and February 1, 2019 at the MSU-IIT grounds. Glacial Cyborgs reigned as the victor having performed well in most events. They were trailed closely by the Tectonic Hunters, while Mist Runners and Ember Tributes grabbed 3rd and 4th places respectively.

The event’s new name Panag-ambitay originated from the Cebuano word

“ambit” which means sharing or enjoying something jointly with others.

Certainly, competition and sports offer a way to share contests, experiences, backgrounds and persona.

Panag-ambitay started as early as the week 3 of January 2019 with the holding of elimination rounds for some events. These events were finally completed in the culminating days alongside with the holding of wide range

of activities from Literary (Quiz Bowl, Chain Storytelling, Extemporaneous Speech among others) to Cultural (Pop Dance, Acoustic Jam, Acapella, Wanna Be and others) and special event as King and Queen IDASA. The Supreme Student Council stewarded the whole event with the abled support coming from the Grade Level Council Officers, Strand Representatives, CAT/Colt Officers, EXECOM, Faculty

and Staff. Altogether, they worked unitedly in purpose, enthusiasm and target that translated to success. The varied fun and sports activities can indeed be an effective tool in the holistic development of the IDS students. It also brought them together to compete in the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. It is not about winning or losing but drawing on cooperation, concentration, coordination, and creativity among the participants.

NONCIO FOR THE KILL: The Journey of a Student-Athlete Fajardo Makes History as 5-time MVP Val Matthew C. Llauder

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an Miguel stalwart and Gilas June Mar Fajardo set a new record, clinching his fifth Philippine Basketball Association Most Valuable Player award in the annual Leo Awards held on January 13, 2019.

Fajardo nosed out NorthPort guard Stanley Pringle by almost 400 points as he amassed a total of 2,436 points.

The total points come from the votes registered by the media covering the beat, the players, and the PBA Commissioner’s Office. He now owns the most number of MVP trophies in PBA history, breaking a tie with PBA legends Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez. He is also the first and only player in the long history of the league to win five straight MVP awards.

Fajardo averaged 20.6 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks a game in 47 outings for the Beermen last season. He, alongside with Pringle, Magnolia’s Paul Lee, Ginebra’s Japeth Aguilar, and San Miguel’s Marcio Lassiter made it to the Mythical First Team. He also led the AllDefensive Team and almost won the Sportsmanship Award, which went to Rain Or Shine’s Gabe Norwood.

The Kraken (Fajardo’s moniker) who grew up in Pinamungajan, Cebu, acknowledged his parents them to be his source of inspiration.

Moreover, he thanked the University of Cebu for giving him his first break in basketball.

He also expressed his gratitude to his present team San Miguel for always qualifying in the semi-final and final rounds all throughout the past season, thus enabling him to build up his stats. He would not want to be stagnant and thus vowed to continue to improve his skills.

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etting foot on his fifth year as an athlete for IDS Hornets, Klinth John C. Noncio of MSU-IIT IDS has yet, went beyond the expectations of the school. With both basketball and volleyball sports in one season, Noncio paves his way in the world of athletes, proving his competency and sportsmanship. Let’s get a glimpse of his story as he shares his insights in being a student-athlete.

Q: How were you able to discover your skills in basketball and volleyball?

Klinth: I really can’t say I’ve discovered my skills but when I started playing both sports, I just fell in love with them and gradually developed my skills afterwards.

Q: Being both a basketball and volleyball player, have you ever once thought to focus on one sport only? If not, why?

Klinth: Yes. Actually, we were only supposed to play one sport in the last division meet and I picked volleyball.

Q: What is the best part about competing or being able to play sports?

Klinth: For me, the best part

in playing team sports is the journey which starts from our trainings up to actual games and competitions. The bond that we create together during trainings, victories and losses solidified our team as one family with a common sports that we all love.

Q: Do you have plans on pursuing a job related on your current sports?

Klinth: I don’t have any plan at the moment, but, if given the opportunity, I would greatly consider.

Q: What is your ideal player?

Klinth: My ideal player would be someone who doesn’t look down on anybody, no matter how far he/she has reached

in his/her own field. Someone who accept criticisms and can learn from those experiences.

Simply, a person who possess a positive mindset, thinking he/she can work harder and improve in time.

Q: As a student-athlete, how do you handle both studies and sports?

Klinth: It’s actually very difficult.

For instance, my most recent experience where we had our rigid training for the regional sports meet at ICNHS (Iligan City National High School) after classes. By the time I reach home, I hardly have energy to finish my homeworks. So I was able to complete them in school and I am blessed to

have friends who are more than willing to help. Certainly, student-athletes or aspiring ones should be able to manage their time well.. Academics should come first, unless the job you’ll be pursuing is related to sports.

Q: Based on your experience, what message would you want to tell to young athletes?

Klinth: Just focus on your goal and enjoy the sport. When you feel like giving up, just remember the reason why you started. Also, never ignore criticisms, take it as a tool for self-improvement.

Humility, hardwork, and perseverance truly comes a long way to success.

Kai Sotto goes Europe to chase NBA dream Paolo Miguel C. Cañete he Philippines’ 7-foot-2, 16-year-old prodigy is going to Europe as he pursues his dream to play in the NBA.

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Going to Europe rather than the U.S. NCAA is an unfamiliar route for many NBA wannabees. Nevertheless, in the NBA today, 65 of the 108 international players are European. This is the path that Kai will take to realize his dream.

He is now looking over five European ball clubs. It was reported that Sotto has received offers from Spanish and German teams. The Sottos will rely on a management group to help them make a decision.

Though Kai still has two years of eligibility with the Ateneo de Manila High School in the UAAP Juniors, he will devote the next two to three years to focus on his goal of eventually joining

the NBA by 2021 or 2022.”

Many believes that the decision of protégé Kai Sotto to train in Europe is a step in the right direction. Kai has a very promising future with his imposing height and boundless talent. Though his body is not caught up to the game yet, Kai still got a lot to go with the right training and work outs. He will reach his full potential in time.

“I strongly feel that leaving immediately to start training and getting the right exposure will go a long way to help me realize my dream,” Kai said.

Hopefully he will realize his dream of becoming the first homegrown Filipino player to play in the NBA.

Philippines gears up for upcoming 2019 SEA Games Jhoneza Crystle L. Banghal

he 30th Southeast Asian Game is a biennial regional multi-sport event which will be hosted by the Philippines from November 30 to December 10 T this year and recorded as the biggest-ever SEA Games having the highest number of sports in the history of the games, at 56. venue for choice events, including

For this edition of the Games, the red carpet out for its neighbors. four designated hubs will serve as hosts namely Manila, Clark, Subic, and BLT (Batangas, La Union, and Tagaytay). This will be the fourth time that the Philippines will host the games and its first time since 2005.

Previously, it had also hosted the 1981 and 1991 editions of the games. This edition is most notable for being the first edition to include e-sports and obstacle course.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, appointed by President Duterte as chairman of the 30th SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), assured all facilities for the hosting of the biennial event will be ready on time. Most venues will host test events before the Philippines rolls

Cayetano said that work has started in New Clark City, which will host the centerpieces athletics and swimming events. The New Clark City is being built in a 9,450-hectare land in Capas, Tarlac by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), one of the many agencies which responded to the government’s call to make the SEA Games a success.

Majority of the events will be held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, through the support of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC).

Other events are set to be held in Subic Freeport Zone in Zambales and will get support from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Metro Manila will also serve as

basketball and volleyball.

The next SEA Games will carry the slogan “We Win as One,” according to Philippine Olympic Committee president Ricky Vargas, who presided over a two-day SEA Games Federation Council meeting.

Va rga s said it’s very important for the Philippines to do well in hosting the event and in terms of participation.

“It is equally important. Both show a

different part of the Filipino as an athlete and the Filipino as host. If we can excel in both then what a wonderful Southeast Asian Games this will be,” he said.