MEKANISMO Balakid

mekanismo The Official Magazine of The Gears Publication Laguna State Polytechnic University - Santa Cruz Campus

November Issue Volume 56 No 7 ISSN 1656 - 8699

balakid Getting Through Obstacles and Finding Goodness in Sadness November 2016

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COVER STORIES

23 THE SUBSEQUENT OF EVERYTHING

25 ANG PAGSISID SA BUHAY PALABOY Ang mga Badjao sa Santa Cruz at ang kanilang pakikibaka para sa pagkain at adhikain.

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RENEWED. REBORN. RE-LIFE. Holding Virtues of Respect and Love for Parents

BIG “C” ACROSS

THE SEA How a Daughter Understood the Absence of Her Mom

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32 GOING OUT, GETTING IN Struggles of Living an LGBT Life

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UNDAMAGED When the Philippines Got Numb: An inside story of PNP’s ‘war on drugs’

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balakid Getting Through Obstacles and Finding Goodness in Sadness

November 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTE

The Official Magazine of The Gears Publication

November Issue Volume 56 No 7 ISSN 1656 - 8699

Laguna State Polytechnic University - Santa Cruz Campus

It is true that the fittest survives. In this world of unending hindrances tantamount to eternal dispute of good and evil, only the fittest has the ability to live at least a life with food to eat, water to drink and a shelter to rest at.

This year, we tried to figure out the things that people try to get through, from those that the students are problematic about, up to those which concerns the whole country. With all the “balakid,” we try to expose ideas that will make our readers understand life and its difficulties more. But with all the setbacks and failures, we stand to encourage our readers to find every goodness in sadness for with every pain are learnings to live for. It is true that the fittest survives but the wise, excels.

JOHN CARLOS ALVAREZ Editor-In-Chief

GEARS

The

balakid Getting Through Obstacles and Finding Goodness in Sadness

ABOUT THE COVER

Editorial Board A.Y. 2016-2017

COVER PHOTO BY SHIEN RHOEL MORAL

Editor-in-Chief John Carlos Alvarez Associate Editor Ma.Xena Bautista Managing Editor Jan Aldous Viriña Circulation Manager Efren Sardova Jr. News Editor Joshua Aquino Opinion Editor Zion Krehl Astronomo Features Editor Lou Fatima Muega Sports Editor Reniel Renz Gallardo Literary Editor Rayns Keneth Ampon Devcom Editor Zynell Mangilin Chief Photojournalists Shien Rhoel Moral,Grecielle Anne Baldesco Junior Photojournalist Lloyd Lawrence Carpio, Christopher John Kabigting Graphic Artist Gerald Janolino Chief Artists Norman Belarma, Mark Jethro Ramos Layout Artist Bea Joy Javier Staff Writers Jade Leuterio, Jhon Alfred Diocampo, Joyce Ann Fabula, June Louie Flores, Shula Mae Castro, Jenny Melicio, John Chris Sabado, Jayrick Flores, Javesson Flores, Jay Malibago, John Paul Ablaza, Jerome Codera, Westlhey Canonigo, Romel Brian Florendo, James Ballesteros, Faith Macale, Princess Anunuevo, Harlene Gabrielle Origines, Romina Taracatac, John Steven Bacube, John Mark Dorado, John Gerber Ballesteros, Ma. Lyca Paet, Rio Porca, Ma. Carmina Pailan, Paul Riniel Yamo, Carvin Jorge, Adrian Cada, Marc John Banca Adviser A/Prof. MaryJane D. Fuentes Chairman Zenaida O. Vitasa, Ed. D. OSAS Director, Consultant A/Prof. Virgilio F. Bartolome Campus Director Roberto C. Miranda, Ed. D. VP Academic Affairs Mario C. Pasion, Ed. D. University President Nestor M. de Vera, Ph. D.

Balakid is the Filipino word for hindrance.

This represents all the things that make life difficult to attain success, certain goals and other life plans.

Struggling in daily living is normal for everyone. But the difference is how people see it – a disastrous thing or a blessing in disguise. Innocence makes a person to be curious about life experiences and without breaking it there is no life at all. When a person tries to achieve success without sacrifices, it’s not worthy to be called success. Success with the absence of misery and pain is no life at all.

Everything that happens in this crazy earth has its reasons and results. It might be a positive or a negative one yet the best thing is there are two sides of every story and better to look at the brighter view of it. Inspiration and passion diverts a child’s sprouting mind into a more serious view of this journey. Life seems unfair but things that aren’t destined to happen won’t happen unless a man’s palm molds the structure of his own destiny.

Pain may hurt and spoil human emotions but it’s the only way of expression. It’s the way how life goes – like a wheel where a lady could experience to be on top at least for a time. But the wheel keeps on moving and life isn’t all about happiness. It’s about joy. It’s not only about love but hate. It’s not only about pain but gain.

Mekanismo is the official magazine of The Gears Publication, the official student publication of Laguna State Polytechnic University – Santa CruzMain Campus.

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

Contact us at The Gears Publication Office, Laguna State Polytechnic University - Santa Cruz Campus Copyright © 2016

SECTIONS mekanismo November 2016 Issue

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8 Opinion

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Editorial National Healing Two-Miles-Walk The Silver Lining Steve Harvey Moment Crazy Youngsters Glee After Gloom His Love is Greater

News

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DevComm Main Campus gather awareness on LSPU ISO Journey Campus Journs bag medals at Uwide Confab

CE studes team up for annual fest Main Campus inaugurates new Pub Office CBMA implements student’s business ideas Trump is the 45th US President

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Organic Agriculture Congress The Philippines Down the Drain LSPU-GAD opens breastfeeding station The Solar Charging Station

SECTIONS mekanismo

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18

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8 Pop/Culture

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On Royalty and Betrayal Honor Thy Father Rainy Season Fashion Travel: Vigan Challenge Accepted Welcoming IOS 10

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Literary

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Hiling sa Noche Buena

Ang Kwento ni Juana

Heartbreak Holiday

Ang Corny

My Christmas Mourn An Angel Beside Me

58 Sports

57 58 61 63 64 66

Main Campus Leads Badminton SCC Remains Undisputed

Editorial Final and Irrevocable

Unexpected Dream Pinoy Basketball

EDITORIAL

National Healing

A

fter President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his intent for the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, members of the latter’s family justified that with Duterte’s intent, national healing and reconciliation could be attained.

With thousands of people who died and millions of pesos corrupted, the Marcoses talk about “healing.” If the Filipino people had forgiven them years ago, then there would be nothing of this sort today, the Marcoses might think. On an interview, Imee Marcos expressed that they only want a soldier’s burial and not a state funeral; perhaps she

meant a simple one, not… imeldific!

Further, the Marcoses do not only have the guts to talk about healing after what they had done, they also have the balls to flabbergast the people in burying the dictator at the Libingan disrespecting the petitioners and the Filipinos, of course. And yes, it seems that not only Duterte but also the Supreme Court was on support to them with 9-5 votes in favor of the burial. This was made even more evident with Supreme Court’s statement: “…as one strongman buries another, the Philippines appears to be moving backward, not forward.”

It is saddening that most of the Filipinos today neglect the gravity of

this issue. Youngsters barely know the story. Some even argue that there are more relevant and more important issues to be resolved.

Partly correct, but one cannot move forward if one of his feet remains wounded. Thanks to those who still fight for the martial law victims’ rights.

Well, healing, in its very basic essence, conforms letting go of the pain inflicted to a specific person.

Now, if the Marcoses aim for national healing, shouldn’t they apologize to every Jules Bartolome first?

Shouldn’t they look for all the desaparesidos still unfound? Shouldn’t they find justice for every tortured man, for every infant unborn?

Until then, we could be healed.

November 2016

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COLUMN

TWO-MILES-WALK

on being happy and being alone Spending my internship abroad was an absolute dispute of goodness and sadness. Not only the mere act of teaching was difficult but also the fact that I was oceans away from my family and friends. On the other hand, I found the experience fecund, of course!

So I stayed in Vietnam for five months. It had been quiete some time of teaching English as a Second Language to students who had very limited knowledge on the Language.

It was challenging, for sure, but it was the kind of challenge that provide applicable learnings.

A day full of teaching loads was really exhausting. Thank God, I stayed in a place near to my friends (or nearer compared to my friends in the Philippines, haha). If circumstances allow, I would meet them, commonly on Sundays. We woould have time to share stories and eat some Vietnamese food. But this kind of leisure took me some time before I get used.

I know nothing about the place, very few about the means of transportation.

By this reason, I opted to walk to get to my friend’s place. It was around two miles if I am not mistaken.

Walking alone in a place of isolation had contributed much to my thinking. I don’t if it is only me who enjoys looking around people, like a lunatic.

But it was fun, really. Being alone, provides us time to ponder on what things really matter to us, on people who we really trust and care. Many may say that being alone is being aloof. It is a step to being an introvert and unaccepting to change. But no, actually what’s good about being alone is the sudden realization of trivial desires: walking amidst strangers, devouring solitude. One should find goodness in sadness, the bliss while being alone.

Besides, people come and go.

Imagine a day away from the exhausting city or a stressful work. By simply walking, one could recharge his mental energy, although losing some physical ones. It could be beneficial for the mind especially after a family conflict or maybe an office misunderstanding.

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mekanismo

“WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT BEING ALONE IS THE SUDDEN REALIZATION OF TRIVIAL DESIRES: WALKING AMIDST STRANGERS, DEVOURING SOLITUDE. ONE SHOULD FIND THE GOODNESS IN SADNESS, THE BLISS WHILE BEING ALONE. BESIDES, PEOPLE COME AND GO.” When someone get devoured by solitude, he could find time to reflect more. In the Philippines, it is very typical to hear news about killings and drug related crimes. Although talking about this with a group of people is good, it is still better to reflect on how one sees negative things. Reflection on the negatives help people to discover their inner ability to uphold positivity and divert their attention to something bright.

Not only that, solitude could help one to understand that not all the people could be pleased, that it is okay to commit mistakes and that it is more than fine to live a life as hoe he wants it to be. Certainly, it would be under-

MOCKINGJAY

by JOHN CARLOS ALVAREZ @imcarlosalvarez

stood that no one has to be validated.

The society do have norms and truly one should follow those, but doing otherwise would not mean someone is not a part of the society anymore.

By realizing this, relationships between people may be established with a concrete foundation. Being alone provides opportunity to value relationships more.

But more than anything else, solitude boosts independence. One could develop a natural capacity to stand tall among people of different strenghts.

Building confidence and sefl-esteem help in getting through anxiety and depression. While there are many reasons to stay with friends and have a fun time with them, there will always be one good reason to be alone or maybe to have a two-miles-walk.

Solitude, on the other hand, should not be eternal. It is something that a person should visit every once in awhile.

Carlos is the Editor-in-Chief of the publication. Walking is his thing. He likes to witness random events happening around him. Send him an email at carlosalvarez515@gmail.com

COLUMN

THE SILVER LINING should we embrace emotional pain?

As the sharing goes on, more than half of my classmates cried and that was the first time I realized that we have all problems in life (obviously). I realized also that all the problems experienced by my classmates are far more difficult than mine in some ways. But that is not the point here; my point is that I should have shared also what’s really going on my mind because on that same day, after the sharing, my classmates who cried a lot where in fact seemed to be in good mood the whole day but what about me? I still keep thinking the things I should have shared or told.

I should have told them how hard it is to feel clueless about the future, how difficult it is to grow up without a mother on my side, how painful it is to see my mother working and striving hard in a place that is a thousand miles away from us.

I should have let myself burst into tears.

I should have.

But no, I didn’t.

I should have let myself sad because all of a sudden, I realized how important “sadness” is. For I remembered the movie, “Inside out,” well, I know that most of you knew it and some may think of it as a movie-for-children thing, but no, it is more than that! Because astonishingly the film shows how “sad-

“MAYBE IT IS SURPRISING THAT THE EMOTION DESPISED BY, I THINK, EVERYONE HAS ITS SILVER LINING. BECAUSE WHEN YOU’RE IN BLUE, IT WILL GIVE YOU TIME TO THINK ABOUT THINGS IN LIFE.”

ness” is significant in our lives, that sadness has an important purpose that gives better understanding to ourselves and that sadness unites us deeply with people.

So yes, I should have let myself feel blue because being miserable, after all, is not really a bad thing.

In fact, according to Susan Piver, an expert, said that when we turn “sadness” into what we imagine will hurt less like anger, hopelessness, helplessness; it will only create more confusion. So sadness is really vital! It really is fine to feel grief instead of messing up on your emotions.

Don’t try to avoid something that is inevitable because it can only lead to worse circumstances.

MELIORIST

by LOU FATIMA MUEGA loufatimamuegy.wordpress.com

Embrace that emotional pain, that feeling because it really does have perks. According to a professor of psychology from University of California, Dr. Joseph P. Forgas, suggests that sadness can help people improve attention to external details, reduce judgmental bias, increase perseverance, and promote generosity. All of these findings build a case that sadness has some adaptive functions, and so should be accepted as an important component of our emotional repertoire.

Additionally, looking back on what happened on the movie “Inside out.” Have you seen the part when the problem of Riley (the protagonist) got resolved? It was the moment when “Sadness” took over; when “Joy” finally had let “Sadness” controls the emotional state of Riley. After that, well of course, Riley had burst herself into tears but despite of it, being sad after all, is the most appropriate way to release all the pain she was having inside. It really helped a lot! For her parents had a deeper understanding on Riley’s struggles and had even provided her with utmost love, care and comfort.

And with that, before my column will become a movie review with some spoiler. (Lol!) Maybe it is surprising that the emotion despised by, I think, everyone has its silver lining. Because when you’re in blue, it will give you time to think about things in life.

In grief, you will always search for hope on every corner, you will appreciate more the ones you have and you will see how significant little things are and…and…and nothing is wrong with it right?

In fact, it will make you a better person and I believe it’s beautiful.

Fatima is the Features Editor of the publication. Her innocent face depicts her wittiness and her demure personality. Send her an email at fatimamuega11@gmail.com

November 2016

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COLUMN

STEVE HARVEY MOMENT

from caring less to caring much on Trump’s victory Who would forget the happenings in Miss Universe 2015? It’s typically a huge mistake for Steve Harvey to announce Miss Colombia as Miss Universe instead of Miss Philippines. The eventuality is really an outrageous untraditional manner of coronation.

Apparently, when that happened I did laugh at it while it became too vigorous to everyone.

Just like the recent US Presidential Elections, it’s really a big deal to most Filipinos and I just hoped Steve Harvey announce the results. Well, if that happens at least the former owner of the pageant would experience such embarrassment he’d caused others.

(Haha) Kidding aside, I don’t like Donald Trump though.

Honestly, I don’t care what’s happening in US because obviously I am not a citizen to be involved. I am selfish about not caring about it because I wouldn’t benefit from it unless I am going to migrate there. But my standpoint was diverted when I was in the mall with my colleagues and one started arguing with her boyfriend who would win between Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump. Although I do have same view with my colleagues while eating Garlic Pepper Beef, the garlic seems to shoo away the thought not caring about US elections. I decided to search deeper as I saw about occurrence of rallies due to Trump’s victory and issues about the Filipinos in America etc. and it matters.

While my friend is tremendously battling with thoughts and ideals to defend Trump with her boyfriend she said “Ney, kay Trump tayo! kay Trump!” and one of my colleagues said “…di ka naman citizen dun bakit big deal sayo?” Then she answered, “ Eh kasi, kapag si Clinton ang nanalo mas lalaki ang babayaran ni auntie dun sa US na taxes…” Actually, I could not blame her because her auntie is the one helping her to provide for her studies. This helped me to dig in more. I found out that Trump is a racist and a sexist, a discriminator! Is this a good model of a leader? Well, I think he is not.

Judging a person of his intel10 mekanismo

“I DON’T CARE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN US BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY I AM NOT A CITIZEN TO BE INVOLVED. I AM SELFISH ABOUT NOT CARING ABOUT IT BECAUSE I WOULDN’T BENEFIT FROM IT UNLESS I AM GOING TO MIGRATE THERE. BUT MY STANDPOINT WAS DIVERTED…” ligence and skills by means of his race and orientation is not a good indicator how a good president should communicate well to his people. Because this reflects what people a country have.

For past issues of condemning our President Digong of being ruthless and a bad-mouthed one; see for yourself people, look who you voted. Also, calling Filipinos with offending descriptions did make great influence to me for not liking Trump.

As I have read, according to some records and issues, there were almost 721 thousand unregistered Filipinos in America. Some of them are really digging gold for their families.

How about their future if Trump’s per-

MASQUERADE

by JAN ALDOUS VIRINA @jandudut

ception “America is for American people only.” is the one to be initiated and implemented? How about our OFW’s?

How about the GNP? Where are these thoughts coming from? It’s from a heart of a Filipino seeking for better relation with US. But what is Phils. to US? The President is powerful! Trump is powerful! America is powerful!

I will not judge you so please do not condemn my standings. I do believe that a good country is represented by a good leader. My president might be a bad-mouthed one but not racist and sexist nor discriminator. To the selfish view of my friend, I will not blame her unawareness of what is really happening because all of us are victims of this demure and humane society they call. While these thoughts run down, I wish that really Steve Harvey announce the results of the elections. To my friend sorry, I need to dump, Trump!

Janous (Janus) a two-faced character in Greek Mythology describes the Managing editor. Mediator is his role cmmonly. Send him an email at janousvirinapogi@gmail.com

COLUMN

CRAZY YOUNGSTERS!

GRIM

by CARVIN JORGE

fame, sex and the millenials

All of us are given the chance to feel the stage of youth. For those teenagers like us, youth is all about the enjoyment, being free, curiosity and being wild. Teens tend to be rebellious in terms of their independency towards their parents. That’s why it’s hard for some to be the one that was been expected by the wellknown Hero.

The term “millennials” is coined to describe a person who reaches his youth stage at 2000’s. For teens, social media is a big necessity for their daily living. Through this, they can express what they feel, they

can communicate to each other even they’re apart to each other, make the accessibility for their education much easier and to know what’s happening in the whole world. Yes! It is true because I could experience and use social media for doing such things. But for some reason, social media can be an inappropriate source of obscene content.

Teens and even children are involved to some heinous crime such as rape, drug addiction, and robbery.

And now, youth was being associated with some pornography spreading through social media specifically “Facebook” in which almost 1.8 billion all over the world are active users.

Through this, people can easily access to the whole world just by posting,

“IT IS MUCH BETTER TO KNOW WHAT’S GOOD AND WHAT’S BAD SO THAT YOUTH COULD EASILY DISTINGUISH AND AVOID DOING SOME MISCONDUCT.”

sharing and streaming videos. This month, the spreading of pornography in Facebook has been popular.

Through sharing of other people, the indecent videos were becoming viral.

Many people seen those videos bearish in which they already bash the teen involved in the videos.

Many were angry about the videos, but even though they were wrong about what they deed the people surrounds them was the one reason for them to do such things like that.

I do think that parents and guardian must establish a good rapport through their children and to teach them what’s wrong about what they’re doing. For example, by just explaining how the premarital sex can ruin life instantly, it’s important especially

for those children seeking for answer about what’s happening. For teachers and parents, I suggest that they should probably orient intelligently the young generation about the sex education and let them know about the outcome if they do something inappropriate.

It’s not about being innocent at all in any situations. It is much better to know what’s good and what’s bad so that youth could easily distinguish and avoid doing some misconduct. Also, people especially teens who already opened their eyes in the social media must lessen the possibility to express irrelevant ideas or deeds in which people can misinterpret, bash or judge. It’s because it could result negations that are inappropriate base on what society can see.

At the first step of being a teen, children should know the importance of sex education. Parents must be the eye-opener of the children in terms these societal scenes. Through that, children would be oriented and knowledgeable about the result if they will involve themselves in this phase of being young. Sex is not just all about intercourse; it’s about passion in which they can love their partner more. Also, making love is about doing it at the right time, right place and to the right person.

Social media is not the stage for that thing. I believe that this is a bountiful source of knowledge in which could open people’s minds to many things.

Therefore, morality is always at risk as if sex is treated just a game. I really want to say that sex is really a need for anyone? But the question is, is it for the youth already? Is it a thing to show to the public? I don’t think so. It’s not a good way to achieve fame to others.

Carvin is a staff writer with a heart for art. Seeing a tall young Psychology student might describe him. He is silent and deep. Send him an email at carvinj68@gmail.com

COLUMN

GLEE AFTER GLOOM

dancing in the rain, waiting for the rainbow There’s always that rainbow after the rain…

I removed my earphones after at the glance from the driver of this jeepney I rode towards the school. He asked me to lower down the covering of his jeepney for the rain is about to fall. After lowering down, I didn’t realize how many we are inside the vehicle.

I was caught up with my own world.

Then, I saw two groups of elementary students. Girls with wide glasses, silent and timid, the others were too loud and vocal. I can feel the nuisance in the air with the moments from my elementary days. I can sense, with the way they look, they are bookworms with the passion to learn. Myself, that time, I don’t have anything in my mind but fun and glee.

I remembered how un-studious my past self, back then. There was this Entrance exam to a well-known High School in the country. Somehow, I was like the air inside a tire—pressurized. I tried my all efforts to study. I don’t even

know how to convert mixed fractions to decimals way back then, but I still tried. But guess what? After all the efforts I did, I’m with awe to say that I… FAILED. You heard that right, I failed. The feeling was incomparable. It’s like the world turned their back on me. My

“I KNOW I GAVE MY ALL. I KNOW INSIDE ME, THAT WE HAVE OUR OWN CHAOS. BUT WHAT MATTERS MOST IS HOW TO HAVE HOPE IN EVERY FAILURE. I KNOW THIS TIME I CAN SAY THAT, I DID IT.”

MONOCHROME

by ROMEL BRYAN FLORENDO @bryyyflorendo

family was disappointed in me. All that matters to me was the effort, wasted. I turned high school where most of my friends, passed and I was there, about to find new circle of friends. In the four years of high school, all I could hear from everyone was the disappointment they had for me.

In those four years, I realized I should not give another ton of gloom at my shoulders. I smiled. I gave everyone a smile with my chin up, and hopes up to the skies. In those years, I ranked first in my classes and gave my card rising grades. I knew that even I never had the chance to pass, I had the time of my life to show the world the best of myself.

The time came when all of us needed to take the entrance examination to the same well-known university.

I had the same fear, the same pressure, and the same nuisance in the air.

It’s like everything was repeating. In the same day of exam, I know I gave my all. I know inside me, that we have our own chaos. But what matters most is how to have hope in every failure. I know this time, I can say that, I did it.

I qualified in my UPCAT. With all of this, I realized that the rain is still crashing down hard. But I have to stop right here. My university is up close. I did qualify, yes. Qualifying is my goal, but I, pursuing that path, is another story.

I am now a third year Engineering student at Laguna State Polytechnic University and I know there’s something up in faith’s sleeves. Clearly, the rain resounds its drops and I know I can’t wait for it to stop. Well, like everybody says… Life is full of storms; if you can’t wait for the storm to pass, you have to enjoy dancing with the rain.

Brian is a senior staffer of the Gears and do copy reading and devcomm writing. His being silent at times is really strange. Send him an email at bryflorendo@gmail.com

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REFLECTION

HIS LOVE IS GREATER

fame, sex and the millenials

Have you ever felt the urge of giving up? Have you ever felt that things get heavier to carry on to the point it’s too much to handle?

Life is something so precious; it’s a gift from God. It is being alive that let us see the wonders of the world.

It is being alive that let us hear roar of cheers and inspiring melodies. It is being alive that let us feel the warmth of embraces. But, it is also being alive that let us see sufferings, hear agonies, and feel pain. Therefore, life consists of blissfulness and wretchedness. It just depends how we’ll make sense of every situation as a good one.

I personally experienced perturbation. It’s true, if we’ll always focus about the past, it’ll just bring tears and if we’ll focus about the future, it’ll give us worries. For those moments, I forgot to live in the present. I got ashamed of my past and got scared that those acts will still happen thereafter. I involuntary convinced myself that there are people who’ll regard me as a lame person, or worst, hate me considering my old attitude; self-centered.

What had happened? I welcomed my best friend in my heart. He bestows me words of wisdom, the highest of all. I realized that I’d been conscious about people’s opinions and criticisms that I’ve neglected how special I was for Him since the start, since I opened my eyes to have a

“IT’S TRUE, IF WE’LL ALWAYS FOCUS ABOUT THE PAST, IT’LL JUST BRING TEARS AND IF WE’LL FOCUS ABOUT THE FUTURE, IT’LL GIVE US WORRIES.”

gander of the world. It is written on 2 Corinthians 5:17 ‘Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new’. I’ve done awful things in the past, but past had been bygone. I am a new person of today who dedicates her life for God in honor to His Son, Jesus who saved us. I need not other people to dictate what I shall do for He will guide me as He will guide you. My story is not over; God is not finished with me. I keep being my best, keep dreaming and keep honoring Him. No troubles will stop me, it will rather transport me to the new things God has in store.

When you feel upset and worries seem to get all over yourself, call Him, pray to God. Don’t ever give up for He has not and will never give up

ANTIHEROINE

by JENNY MELICIO @jennymelicio

on you. We won’t feel beatitude without melancholy. Everything happens for a reason. Wondering what’s that reason?

For me, it’s God’s plan. Everything happens because He planned it. He planned a life, a wonderful life for us with bits of felicity and bits of blue. Always remember that He won’t give you situations you can’t handle. He knows your capabilities and He wants you to hone your skills, to be the best person you ought to be.

The past doesn’t define a person.

It is the heart that recognizes what’s invisible with our eyes. When you honor God, the storms may come, but when it’s all done, you will still be standing.

Always remind yourself that you are ready for anything that comes your way. You can handle it! When all of a sudden you got tripped, keep moving.

Don’t get bogged down. Life is short so love it until you can, leave no room for regrets. Keep smiling even if you don’t feel like it. Don’t ever make your eyebrows furrow. Lessen frowning for it will just make your forehead creases.

You wouldn’t like the image!

Jenny is a newbie in the penline.

Her intellectual presence is seen the way she speaks and express herself. Send her an email at meliciojenny@gmail.com

November 2016 13

NEWS

Main Campus gather awareness on LSPU ISO Journey

by John Carlos Alvarez

FOCUS. LSPU Staff, Faculty and Personnel force attending the seminar workshop regarding the aim of the university to have a standadized system. photo by Carlos Alvarez

S

ince Laguna State Polytechnic University’s aim to become ISO certified involves inclusiveness and improved systems, teaching and non-teaching staff of the university were gathered for an orientation, CHMT Function Hall, Nov. 11.

“Nabasa na tayo, magpakabasa na tayo,” President Nestor M. De Vera said during one of the earlier series of meetings held as preparation for the ISO certification.

Efforts rendered by the university administration had the aim to achieve ISO 9001:2008 or Quality Management Systems certification.

“Quality Managements Systems are commonly utilized by companies as assurance to quality service to their customers,” Curriculum, Instruction Development

14 mekanismo

and Quality Assurance Chairperson, Dr. Zenaida O. Vitasa shared.

“But as for the university, we need Quality Management Systems to ensure quality learning of our customers – the students,” she added.

Further introduction was delivered by the Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services, A/ Prof. Virgilio Bartolome. It was then followed by the statement of purpose from the Vice President for Administration, VP Nestor Mendoza.

“Everyone deserves to know what we are doing,” Internal Quality Auditor, Diane S. Guieb expressed.

“During the first audits, everything is random,” she then emphasized.

While discussing LSPU’s ISO journey, Guieb gave more emphasis on the information dissemination as a major factor in the success of ISO. She

said that everyone - faculty, staff and students - should have awareness on the actions done by the university.

It was further announced that Internal Quality Auditing is going to be held on December 2-5, 2016. This process shall seek non-conformities or flaws from the improved systems.

On the other hand, Dr. Vitasa, while administering the orientation proper, clarified that the university is not establishing a completely new system; instead, the existing systems and processes are being systematized based on ISO standards.

Systematizing of the existing system is majorly being done through the implementation of coded forms so the directors and deans from the various offices of the university introduced the said forms to the attendees.

Excellence. Jan Aldous Virina, Opinion editor of TGP receiving his silver medal in News Writing Filipino in *th Uwide Presscon. photo by Carlos Alvarez

Campus Journs bag medals at Uwide Confab

T

by Lou Fatima Muega

he Gears Publication reaped medals at the 8th University Wide Press Conference held at Maria Paz Royale Garden Resort, San Pablo City last November 16-18.

Three among the winners bagged gold. Editor-in-chief of the The Gears publication, John Carlos Alvarez got the gold for photojournalism. Xena Bautista, the Associate Editor hailed as the winner for news writing and Jan Aldous Virina, opinion editor got his triumph in development communication writing.

Furthermore, Alvarez won the silver for column writing (English) and Bautista was second place for DevComm Writing (English), while Viriña, Opinion Editor got the silver for News Writing (Filipino) and third Place in Opinion/Column Writing (English).

Additionally, Joshua Aquino, News Editor, got the third place in News Writing (English) and second place for Copy Editing (English). Reniel Renz Gallardo (Sports Editor) ranked second in Sports Writing (Filipino) and third place for News Writing (Filipino). Lou Fatima Muega (Features Editor) got the second place for Opinion/Column Writing (Filipino) as well as for Feature Writing (Filipino).

Meanwhile, Rayns Keneth Ampon (Literary Editor) won second place in Literary Writing (English) and also in Feature Writing (English). Shien Rhoel Moral (Junior Photojournalist/Artist) got the silver in Cartooning (English) and for Graphics Illustration (English) and third place for Photojournalism (Filipino). Mark Jethro Ramos (Senior Artist) won second

place for Devcomm Writing (English) and third place in Sports Writing (English).

Notable speakers graced the said confab such as the contemporary writer who is well-known for his work-“Ligo na u, Lapit na me,” Mr. Eros Atalia and Mr. Manix Abrera, a comic artist notable for his work, “Kiko Machine,” a daily comic strip which appears on the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Themed “Campus Journalism and the Digital Citizen: Upholding Ethics and Truth in Social Media,” the four publications: The Gears Publication, Sta. Cruz Campus; Technology Advocate, San Pablo Campus; The Baybay Granary, Siniloan Campus and The Bay Breeze, Los Banos Campus, actively participated in the event.

Atalia: Paperless Journ- future of mass media

P

by Ma. Xena Bautista apers no more!

Mr. Eros Atalia, one of the speakers of the 8th University Wide Press Conference introduced paperless journalism as the future of the mass media as he discussed feature and literary writing, San Pablo City, Laguna, Nov. 16-18.

The same idea was also mentioned by the LSPU President, Nestor M. de Vera during his keynote speech. According to Dr. de Vera, it will be easier for the publications to disseminate information using the modern technology and as the same time it will be a good medium of communication to other universities.

University Wide Press Conference organized by LSPU Alliance of Campus Journalist was an annual competitive workshop for the four ma-

jor publications of LSPU- The Gears, Technology Advocate, Baybay Granary and Bay Breeze Group of Publications. Its main objective was to prepare the journalists to further competitions.

“Paperless publication could be an avenue to make campus journalism more convenient and accessible to all. On the other hand, the way on how it is going to be realized should be established well first,” Carlos Alvarez, The Gears EIC on the readiness of the publication to paperless journalism.

Cheaper and accessible to the millennial were the biggest advantage of the paperless journalism according to Ms. Pauline Gidget Estella, also of one the speakers of Uwide 2016.

WITTY EXPRESSION. Mr. Eros Atalia discussing the terms for Feature Writing. photo by Jan Miguel Lopez (Technology Advocate)

November 2016 15

CE studes team up for annual fest

S

by John Mark Dorado

ixteen teams competed against each other as Association of Civil Engineering Students (ACES) held their annual Civil Engineering (CE) Fest at Laguna State Polytechnic University – Sta. Cruz Campus (LSPU-SCC) Multi-purpose Gymnasium and Hall, November 21-23.

ACES officers and facilitators opened the event by Yell and Flag Presentation of teams. Afterwards, CE students’ knowledge and intelligence were tested by two of the four major games of the event—Tower Building Competition and ACES-Enhance Quiz Bee. The other two major games— Amazing Race and Bridge Building Competition took place in the second day.

Teams battled their way as they tried to accomplish all the tasks of the 14 stations.

Meanwhile, inside the Activity Center, the resourcefulness of the students was shown as teams made a bridge out of

limited number barbecue sticks and cord.

Ms. Antonette Alao and Ms. Annabel Conde hosted the Mr. and Ms. ACES on the last day. Each team became very competitive on showing their creativity on presenting their candidate’s production wear.

Ronald john D. Espiritu and Melody Tubiera were crowned as Mr. and Ms. ACES 2016.

Sydney Harbour Bridge were announced as the over-all champion of the CE Fest, while Gustave Flaubert Bridge and Marcelo Fernan Bridge earned 2nd and 3rd place respectively.

University journs gather as Main Campus inaugurates new Pub Office

by Jenny Melicio

BUILD THE FREEDOM. A/Prof. Virgilio F. Bartolome together with TGP Chair, LACJ Advisers and Staff in the publication inauguaration. photo by Jan Aldous Virina

“A

ng bawat bagay ay pinagpapala ng Diyos lalo na kung galing sa puso. The blessing comes as we participate.”

This is the message delivered

by Pastor Rolaro Oracion during the inauguration and office blessing of The Gears Publication Office at LSPU SCC, November 25.

The inauguration started with the cutting of ribbon led by A/Prof.

Virgilio Bartolome, OSAS Director, Dr Zenaida Vitasa, The Gears Chairman, A/Prof. Mary Jane D. Fuentes,

16 mekanismo

The Gears Adviser, and Mercedita Alberto, The Baybay Granary Adviser.

Pastor Oracion explained the importance of inauguration before officially blessing the office through a prayer participated by the attending campus journalists..

Staffs from The Gears, Bay Breeze Group of Publications (Los Banos Campus), The Baybay Granary (Siniloan Campus), and The Technology Advocate (San Pablo Campus) joined the inauguration.

Broadsoc attends Rappler AGOS 101

by Rayns Keneth Ampon

F

low of information!

As part of their #NotOnMyWatch caravan, Rappler Inc. conducted a seminar on Journalism in Times of Emergency held at UPLB Makiling Ball Room Hall, Nov. 8.

Broadcasting Society of Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), Youth Leaders, Government Employees and Civic Group joined AGOS 101 that highlighted the importance of information dissemination during calamities.

Ms. Abigail Abigan, Research/Coordinator of Rappler shared the effects of citizen in the process of delivering latest news on their respective proximity.

“Mahalaga na malaman natin yung lagay ng mga lugar lalo na ang current status nila or kung prone ba sila sa sakuna sa kanilang lugar” Ms. Abigan stressed.

Furthermore, the campaign also highlighted the Disaster Risk Reduction Management of Local Government Units in Laguna.

According to an interview with Phillip Escobido, attendee “Ipinakilala ng Rappler ang AGOS bilang flow of information mula sa ibat-ibang lugar at ano ang kahalagahan nito sa national news” He also add some points that he got as a Broadcasting Student “Bilang isang Broadcasting Student mahalaga na nae-engage kami sa ganitong mga event.”

Meanwhile, staff members from The Gears Publication also attended the same event.

“Dahil dito, narealize ko ang kahalagahan ng gampanin ko bilang manunulat lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna. Maari akong makatulong upang makaiwas at makaligtas ang mga taong apektado,” Jan Aldous Virina, participant from The Gears expressed.

CAS seniors elevates employability, English communication skills

G

by James Ballesteros

raduating students of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) participated in the Employability Skills Training Program (ESTP) and English Skills Training (EST) prepared by the WorldWideLink Educational Development, Inc. (WED, Inc.) November 23-25.

The said seminar focused on enhancing the graduating students’ capabilities and skills needed specifically when looking for a particular job after graduation.

In an exclusive interview to Miss Calamba 2015 and Miss LSPU System 2014, Nicole Q. Tiu, she said it’s effective because the program refreshes the students the correct pronunciation of words.

“Okay naman, maraming natutunan. Marami kasing nai-share na dapat matandaan talaga at malaki ang naging tulong nito. Naging aware din ako sa mga interviews at alam ko na yung mga dapat at hindi dapat gawin,” according to Kleon Jed N. Gopela, AB-Broadcasting student.

The Training includes activities such as vocal enrichments, creative

DO IT WITH POISE. Dr. Clarita Villapando executing proper directions in speaking the language WED EST with CAS Students. photo by Carlos Alvarez

introduction, basic and complex English words pronunciations and the proper walk, stand and sit when in front of the interviewer.

“Pagdating naman sa employability, ano ba yung Dos and Don’ts, kaya nalaman talaga namin kung ano ba yung mga dapat gawin. Napakalaking

importance niya especially ito na ngang graduating students na kami, tapos kailangan na talaga naming ma-refresh sa mga dapat naming tandaan lalo na kapag papasok sa trabaho,” Tiu said. “Hindi lang naman kasi kailangan book smart kami, dapat Street smart din ika nga,” she added.

From research to riches

CBMA implements student’s business ideas

by Gerber Ballesteros

C

ollege of Business Management and Accountancy carried out November 7 in launching their research products for future innovation.

Business implementation is a part of the requirements they should accomplish in order to graduate.

CBMA presented new product ideas students from other colleges.

“Doing a feasibility research is such a great challenge not only as a student but also as a test of one’s persona. It emphasizes that learning is unending and it can contribute to the community in a very simple way

like doing such research,” said by Mr. Rubiales stressing out the difficulties they encountered during the conduct of their study. “It also emphasizes that as a future degree holder one should be professional by means of being impatient in terms of revision” he added.

Moreover, Ms. Morales shared, “bago kame maka pag implement dapat pulido wala ng binabago at ready to market na talaga.”

“Mahirap talaga title palang nahirapan na kame ipasa kasi sa panahon ngayon madami ng existing product kaya bilang entrep kailangan din naming maging inventor ng bagong ideya at sana mag tuloy tuloy na ito at maging isang successful business” she added.

The activity will last until the end of the semester. Students can visit their stalls in front of the CBMA’s dean’s office.

November 2016 17

International Shocker

Donald Trump is the 45th US President

18 mekanismo

ELECTORAL VOTES CLINTON 215

The triumph for Mr. Trump stretching across the states of Florida, North Carolina, Ohio and Pennsylvania was a powerful rejection of the establishment forces that had assembled against him, from the world of business up to the government, and the consensus they had made from trade to immigration as it set off financial jitters and immediate unease among international allies, who were startled when Trump cast doubt on the necessity of America’s military commitments abroad and its allegiance to international economic partnerships in his campaign.

The results was a decisive demonstration of power by a largely overlooked coalition of mostly blue-collar white and working-class voters who felt that the promise of the United States had slipped their grasp for decades of globalization and multiculturalism and resulted a contradiction, not only of Mrs. Clinton, but of President Obama, whose legacy is suddenly imperiled.

In a victory speech given early Wednesday morning at the Hilton Hotel in New York City, Donald Trump

TRUMP 288

photo from chicago.suntimes.com

I

n a stunning victory that defied odds, polls, and projections, billionaire real estate mogul and reality television personality Donald Trump was elected as the 45th president of the United States, November 8.

Donald John Trump was born in 1946 in Queens, New York. He became involved in large, profitable building projects in Manhattan in 1971 and opened the Grand Hyatt in 1980 which made him the city’s best-known developer. In 2004, Trump began starring in the hit NBC reality series, The Apprentice. Trump turned his attention to politics, in 2015; he announced his candidacy for president of the United States on the Republican ticket.

Trump became the official Republican candidate for president on July 19, 2016 and was declared the winner surpassing the necessary 270 electoral votes with his victory in Wisconsin that November.

“The forgotten man and woman will never be forgotten again. We will all come together as never before.” The 70-year-old real estate mogul who is now the oldest person ever elected to a first presidential term posted on Twitter.

It was an unexpected outcome for the Republican candidate who beat not only those from Grand Old Party (GOP) primary field but also an even more formidable opponent, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, who was consistently ahead of him in the polls and in much stronger position in the government.

Mrs. Clinton’s loss was especially crushing to millions who had cheered her march toward history as, they hoped, for an opportunity to elevate Clinton as the nation’s first female president and to contradict an unorthodox candidate without a political background having an unpleasant behavior toward women.

Despite the fact that Trump has been involved in scandals and indiscretions throughout the election, receiving more than a dozen women accusations of sexual assault, making vague insults connecting President Obama and Clinton to terrorism groups, leading a campaign of inaccurate and vague to non-existent policy proposals and building his campaign on divisive anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim rhetoric, Trump still managed to strike a chord with the American people.

by Jenny Melicio

acknowledged Secretary Hillary Clinton’s public service and campaign, “Hillary has worked very long and very hard over a long period of time, and we owe her a major debt of gratitude for her service to our country.”

Trump called for America to bind its wounds of division and unite under his presidency, “It’s time I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all Americans, and this is so important to me.”

Moreover, he said to work together and begin the urgent task of rebuilding the nation and renewing the American dream. He ended his speech with a promise to the country. “We’re going to get to work immediately for the American people,” he said, “And we’re going to be doing a job that hopefully you will be so proud of your president. You’ll be so proud. Again, it’s my honor. It was an amazing evening. It’s been an amazing two-year period. And I love this country.”

At his victory party at the New York Hilton Midtown, supporters expressed their gratification as they wear Trump’s campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.”

COVER STORY

SMILES AFTER SORROWS: GLEE FOR THE BROKEN

by Romel Brian Florendo Illustration by Bea Javier

Love will always be beautiful, even though how much pain it might give us in the end.

I

believe that we all have our own stories to tell. We all had our ups and downs in our lives especially to those who believed in their special someone as their once upon a time, which turned out to be their ‘not-so-happily-ever after’. Don’t try to pick up the broken pieces of your heart. It won’t change a thing. Let’s try to have a new version of you by letting you see the sunshine in your darkest nights.

You’ll realize that you’ve been stronger after having a broken heart.

PAST IN THE PRESENT FOR THE FUTURE

The past will never make less of your present self, but more of what you will become tomorrow. Even if the rainbows and sunshine’s has ended between the two of you, it doesn’t mean you will stop your life. Realize within you that the break-up did not make you as worst as it already is, but it made you a new persona with experiences you’ve gained from your past. Remember that this very moment forward, you are now a different person, and it is up to you on how you will value that to have a better future. Just because you are not-so-lucky in love, it doesn’t mean you will stop trying your best to be the best person out there. Be the person you dreamt to be.

MORE TIME FOR ME-TIME

Since there are no more pink hearts and red kisses everywhere, you’ll have more time for yourself. Enjoy your freedom. Take a break, and treat yourself.

You deserve to be happy, at least. Time through time, you’ll gain your confidence back. In this way, you’ll gain a newer

version of yourself, a striking aura with overflowing confidence. You are now an INDEPENDENT person that you never thought you’d be. It is time for you to love yourself, more than anybody around you.

You will also see, that even though your love gave up on you, there is one special person out there who would never give up on you, and that is God. Enough reason to be happy and be thankful of.

LAUGH WITH THE SQUAD

Since you never wanted your heart to be pounded severely, you will experience your greatest heartache. But this moment, will let you know, who your true friends really are. How much mocking they may say to you, in the end, they will still be the one who will sweep those tears off your face. Value them as much you valued your love, for friendship can be as beautiful as love. You will less likely to feel the pain for every advice they can give to you. You’ll realize that even your love had die, your love for your friend will remain alive.

REVERSING THE SITUATION

Hey, why struggle? Not all breakups mean crying and gloom! Think of it. That person who gave up on you? S/ he gave up on a person that wouldn’t have given up on them. You are a special person, always remember that. You know in yourself that you will never be the one to say goodbye. In love, there is no right or wrong, for we just follow what our heart desires. Now, if the person claims to be in love with somebody else, be happy for them and for yourself. At least, they’ve found someone who can make them hap-

pier, which is the reason why we took in love at the first place. They are not wrong for chasing happiness. You’ll soon know that somebody is destined to be with you, someone who will be contented with what you can give.

NEW BEARER OF THE KEY

Never try to pick up those broken pieces of your heart because, just like a broken glass, it will just hurt and wound you in the end. Realizing that there is really that happiness after the darkness, you will regain your new heart. You’ve learned many things from your past experiences. Apply them on your present.

Guard and lock your heart. I’m sure that destiny will find its way to find you the true bearer of the key to open up your heart once again.

CLEARER SKIES FOR YOUR WISHES

Realize that this break up is just a chain, coiled around you, which stops you from being the best person you could be. Being an independent person, you’ll learn to set your dreams higher than before. For sometimes, the heart has more words to say than the brain has to. Now that things are different, let your brain take on the steering wheel. You’ll realize that one by one, your goals will be achieved in time.

Even though you turned out to be an unlucky candidate for a love matchmaking, I am sure that one day, there will be someone worthy of your true self and will be forevermore contented in what you can give. Trust me. Been there, done that.

November 2016 19

COVER STORY

THE SUBSEQUENT OF EVERYTHING

by Lou Fatima Muega | illustration by Gerald Janolino

20 mekanismo

D

o you know Lelouch Vi Britania? Also known as Zero?

If ever you never heard of it, Lelouch is the protagonist as well as the antagonist of the animated series, “Code Geass.” Never heard of Code Geass? It was aired on TV5!

Oh and try to put your channels on Animax or Hero, maybe you’ll know it. Okay, back to what I’m saying, Code Geass is about a 17-year-old guy, named Lelouch Lamperouge and how he conquered the world.

Due to some happenings, he was able to gain power. The power of absolute obedience, wherein all the commands he will say will be automatically followed by everyone.

But Lelouch became evil, ruthless and became greedy for power. He was hated and was feared by everyone because of his evilness and so Lelouch was assassinated.

After that miracle incident, there was peace, unity and happi-

ness in the world.

But I am not yet done spoiling!

Plot twist is that everything that had happen is part of Lelouch’s plan! It was all part of his plan! Everything, even his ruthlessness and his death, it is all part of it. So basically, he tried to save the world by putting everyone’s despise to him and knew that if he were gone, it is assured that era of peace will be the next . In other words, in order to have a rainbow, he became the storm.

So after, being a spoiler for those who doesn’t know or watch Code Geass, I just want to say that Code Geass is my favorite animated series! Kidding aside, I want to say that when there’s a storm, there will be a rainbow, when there’s badness; the next to it is goodness. When there’s war, after that is peace.

When there’s chaos, there will be harmony. And when there’s sadness, next to it is happiness. And it is

inevitable. It really is.

In our world, well obviously, we don’t have a “Lelouch,” but suddenly “sadness” came along in my mind because like Lelouch, sadness is despised by many. It is the emotion that can be felt by everyone but doesn’t want to feel by most people.

Sadness is just plain unhappiness, grief and sorrow. Sadness is the emotion that we feel when we don’t like the things that are happening to us, when we lose something or someone, when we can’t think of any solutions to a problem, when we do not have enough money to buy food, when he’s a hari but you’re not his mutya, when you got 99 percent on your exam while the rest of the class got 100 and many more.

But surprisingly, physical and psychological losses are not only the causes of sadness! Jena Pincott (2013) found a study at Ohio State University that sleeping in dim

November 2016 21

light is a real downer; four weeks of sleeping in a 5-lux glow—the equivalent of nightlights, streetlights, a TV or computer screen—suppressed levels of the feel-good hormone melatonin and leads us to feeling blue. Pincott (2013) also mentioned that the higher you are, the lower you may feel especially if you’re 6,500 feet or more above sea level.

And unexpectedly, according to a 2014 study published in Computers in Human Behavior, most people feel at blue after scrolling through Facebook!

Through a series of studies, it is found out that after logging out on Facebook, people feel unproductive for they had wasted a lot of time browsing pictures and updates. It is also suggested that seeing happy moments of their Facebook friends can lead to sadness or worst, to depression, since an individual may compare his/her life to others.

Good thing is that there are many ways to deal with sadness, Sir Wilfredo Faustino, a registered psychometrician and an instructor here at Laguna State Polytechnic University, Sta. Cruz Campus, shared his knowledge about it, he said, “Sadness is just a choice— choice, which is a cognitive ability that everyone has. So, I always choose happiness in times of sadness. Because of my educational background and experience, I can say that I am a very positive person. Sadness always brings learning and good experience. For the imminent presence of sadness, I always choose to be happy. I embrace the feeling but I’m always trying to look in the beauty of every situation. Furthermore, learn to always choose happiness and not sadness. It can always bring smile to me and to the people around me.”

In addition to that, Jose Mauro Gabinete, a graduating student under psychology program here at Laguna State Polytechnic University, Sta. Cruz Campus, shared also his thoughts. He said, “There is no instructional video or manual that I have seen on how to cope up with sadness. I believe it depends on the person if he/she is strong enough. Accepting whatever the circumstances, I think, is the best way. Crying, for me, won’t change

22 mekanismo

“Sadness is just a choice— choice, which is a cognitive ability that everyone has.” anything; being alone does nothing also. Change how you handle and process things. Change your perspective. Shake everything off and move on with your life because moping won’t do you any good. Exercise, read a book or write a novel but don’t be that guy or girl who got eaten and swallowed up by sadness. With your support system you can overcome it but remember, none of these matters if it does not start with you.”

After knowing about sadness and ways in coping up with it, did you know that sadness has its good side?

Yes, the emotion hated by everyone, fortunately, has a benefit! This benefit is that it will let you appreciate all the little things you have in your life! (That’s it.)Another important thing is that according to a clinical psychologist, Dr. Lisa Firestone, when we suppress “negative” emotions, we lose touch with our adaptive emotions like love, passion, warmth or desire, and, therefore, lead a much more deadened life.

So do not suppress your real emotions! Because as the experts said, you will just put yourself in worse situations, so it really is okay to be sad. Instead of avoiding the feeling of grief, let it run on your soul and let your heart feel it. Do not force yourself to be blissful when you’re really feeling low. Just let yourselves feel what you really feel and let yourselves feel blue at times.

There’s nothing wrong for being genuine.

Remember Lelouch, the ruthless leader? Maybe, in our lives, sadness is our “Lelouch,” it’s the storm of our lives in order to have a rainbow. I believe that when there’s something unpleasant happening, for sure, subsequent to it is a beautiful one. You see? When there’s war, after that is peace. When there’s chaos, there will be harmony. And when there’s sadness? Yes, next to it for sure, is happiness. And maybe that’s the goodness in the emotion that is despised by everyone because after all those pain and sufferings subsequent to it for sure, is being at bliss. And it’s inevitable. It really is.

COVER STORY

RENEWED. REBORN. RE-LIFE.

Holding Virtues of Respect and Love for Parents

by Jan Aldous Virina| photos by Lloyd Carpio

F

amily is the smallest unit of the society and has the most influence to everyone’s personality, trait and character. Challenges and struggles do bind tight the connection among the members. However, despite the development of one’s person is the building of a stronger heart and a humane character.

Don’t bother! It is not really a scary story. It’s all about a seventeen-year-old lady who is currently struggling between moral dilemmas and decision making for her own sake.

Fair complexion, chubby physique, healthy mind and an always-happy aura could be the first impressions that may be seen in this lady hidden in the name Andrea. Although having a troublesome life, no one could notice any glimpse of negativity in her but only faith and innocence.

Growing up, she came to know about her being a daughter from another man. Apparently, the connotation of people, Andrea is “Anak sa labas.” It’s really awful for anyone, right? As a child, she experienced having happiness and joy in the company of her “Papa” and

her so-called “Daddy.” – though having two fathers. Nevertheless, it all changes as she came to realize the reality; for on young age she couldn’t instantly identify and distinguish who she really is. She also said that her Kuya and Ate will always tell her that she is the reason of the brokenness of their family. Through these folded happenings, she even talks, plays and bonds with herself.

As the story goes along, there are many struggles that Andrea have been through. She encountered being judged and being humiliated by her step dad.

She’s always been emotionally destroyed as she always receives deceitful and sharp pointed words from his step dad.

That moment, she tried to change, but not for the better.

Looking back, she became a rebel

high school girl in her simple yet destructive ways. She started dating and had a boyfriend. She didn’t study well that’s why she didn’t reach the top of her class.

She always foresee what is being hidden and being absent in her life before unlike today that she’s stronger.

Developing herself into what she is now, she even shared that her mom is having another man because of some life stability as well as the feeling of being loved. The eventualities in her life have of course, a massive impact to her.

But one thing is admirable to her, when she blurted out, “Kahit anong mangyari, nanay ko siya,” an indicator of being an upright person. She said that because her mother is living with her third partner but having another man. It’s a dilemma in her heart and mind to tell the truth or not.

November 2016 23

ADOPTION STATISTICS

153

million children are up for adoption worldwide

1.8

But she let all things in God. The year 2015 changed more of her personality as she shared that she does have other siblings with her Papa. Her Papa said that those two were just “drunken mistakes.” She did feel pity for them and faithfully exclaimed that “Kapag nakatapos ako, promise ko sa sarili ko tutulungan ko sila.” Yes, she is the eldest in his Papa’s side that’s why she will fulfill her duties after her college years. Andrea said that she did not want to let her siblings to feel the same way she experienced and still experiencing up to now. As she did taste the bitterness of being rejected as her Papa uttered one time, “Huwag mo’kong tawaging Papa, iba ang apelyido mo.” It may seem hurtful but she believes that to “… gusto kong malaman niyo na mareject man kayo ng lahat meron nag-iisang never tayong irereject at si papa God yon.”

Now, she is still living with her family, pursuing Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Science with her best friend and amazing circle of friends where she could find comfort and could bring her to the light of grace, hope and love. She’s still battling along the surges of the stormy seas. But as depicted in her face, she

million orphans in the Philippines

4,860 Filipino children are legally available for adoption

1,985 Filipino children are under Foster Care Service

24 mekanismo

Statistics from DSWD, UNICEF, SOS-USA

always smiles even the rough roads are there, she can now walk and journey smoothly with her faith. She did admit that it came to the point that she really wants to commit suicide, but one thing grabbed her to reality; a quote on Facebook. “I’m always here for you” ―God. How did she survive from what’s going with her life? Well, it is to burn your heart with faith and she said. “…

Kung may nagtatanong kung pano ko kinakaya to? Simple lang I'm holding on my Faith. Yes, I'm back. Tinawag Niya ko ulit sa piling Niya…”

Renewed. Reborn. Re-life. The three R’s could be seen within the presence of this inspirational girl. Holding virtues of Respect and Love for parents. Having a strong faith in God and being contented with her so-called best friend giving her life happier moments.

“Natatanggap ko na, kasi nasanay na ako, kinalakihan ko na kasi na ganito e… But despite these challenges I have friends that I entrust about my problems.” She said. The lines struck and hit the bull’s eye, that happiness has been and will always be a choice ―To have friends and to create life to the fullest of the times.

COVER STORY

ANG PAGSISID SA BUHAY PALABOY Ang mga Badjao sa Santa Cruz at ang kanilang pakikibaka para sa pagkain at adhikain.

by June Louie Flores | photo by Shien Rhoel Moral

“A

te, Kuya, tulungan mo po akong sulatan itong mga sobre.” Pakiusap ng batang Badjao na lumapitsa’kin haangumiinom ng palamig. Sa murang edad ng mga katutubong nagmula pa sa Mindanao ay natututo na silang humingi ng limos. Bakas sa kanilang mga mukha ang hirap na dinaranas sa buhay.

Madalas namamalagi sa siyudad ang mga katutubong Badjao lalo’t bago sumapit ang pasko.

Ngunit ano ng aba ang dahilan ng kanilang paglikas? Ayon sa isang artikulo, ang mga Badjao ay lumilipat ng tirahan dahil sa kanilang masalimuot na pamumuhay sa Mindanao. Tanging pangingisda ang kanilang pinagkakakitaan upang mabuhay ngunit sila ay nahihirapan dahil sa mga pirating lumalapastangan sa kanila. Imbis na may pagkaing laman ang kanilang mga tiyan ay nanatili pa rin itong busog sa hangin. Namumukod tangi pa rin na ang kahirapan ang ugat ng kanilang pagdarahop sa buhay. Nangangailagan sila ng gamut, tirahan, at pagkakakitaan, sa madaling salita ay mamuhay ng normal.

Sinusuob din ng mga Badjao ang panganib, kadalasa’y nakikipagpatintero sila sa mga pampasaherong sasakyan, ang iba ay aka yang kanilang mga supling na wala pang muwang sa buhay. Sa kanilang panglilimos, ay pinagkakaitan din sila ng respeto. May mga taong nagbibitiw ng masasakit na salita sa mga Badjao upang lubayan sila. Kahit na ang ilan sa kanila ay walang pinag-aralan o natapos at taong namumuhay din sila sa mundo, mahalaga pa rin ang respeto sa isa’t-isa.

Walang dahilan upang katakutan, pandirihan o mawalan ng pakundangan sa mga katutubong Badjao. Tila mas may pinag-aralan pa ang mga Badjao kesa sa ibang taong makikitid ang utak.

Mahirap man para sa kanila ng bumalik sa dagat, ngunit kinakailangan. Dahil nasa kultura na ng mga katutubong Badjao ang mamumuhay sa laot. Hangad lamang nila ang proteksyon upang makapamuhay ng maayos sa kanilang lupang sinilangan ngunit ito ay nagsisilbi pa ring hiling ng mga katutubo sa ngayon.

November 2016 25

COVER STORY

BITTER SWEET STORY of a Magna Cum Laude

by Reniel Gallardo

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ho will not know Mr. Ely Rey Abad who took up Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Filipino and was the Magna Cum laude of school year 2015-2016 in Laguna State Polytechnic University Sta. Cruz Campus? He is a consistent student leader and a loving son from Lumban, Laguna who strives hard for his family and also, to achieve his dream.

Behind his success, there are several bitter and sweet experiences that molds and motivates his mind to achieve his goal.

“In the midst of life furnace, we can encounter enormous tower of sober clouds and deafening throb of war drums which haul as to succumb. But a rigid armor fortified with sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, optimism and covenant keeping can vanquish adversary towards achieving once triumph” Ely Rey, an optimistic person who never expected on becoming magna cum laude, said that during the graduation ceremony, he admitted that he always wanted to be a part of the honor’s list but being on the top rank is not on his mind. He also believed that, if things are meant for you, no matter what happens it will be given to you and if it is not for you, whatever effort you give, you will not be blessed by that.

FACING DISCRIMINATION Discrimination will always be defined as the practice of unfairly treating a person from other group of people. It may have two effects: positive or negative. You can look at those experiences as challenge or you can hate the people who’ve done that to you. On his case, those experiences during his childhood have made a big impact on his success because he perceived it as a challenge and have motivated him to achieve his goals.

He was not consistent on the top rank way back when he was in elementary. He graduated as 3rd honorable mention but there had an issue that one teacher doesn’t like him to be in honor. The teacher wants Ely 26 mekanismo

Rey’s name to be removed. “He is not intelligent enough for that position, there are many other students who deserve that recognition,” the teacher said that time. But there are teachers who stand on his side so he still got the honor.

During high school days, he never had the chance to be on the highest spot as an honor student but fortunately graduated as 9th honor.

Then there’s college, where he strived and studied hard where he made his way to be our latest magna cum laude.

He was a consistent student leader in Samahang Alibata, the official organization of Filipino majors, he became representative, business manager, vice president and president and that time, he made a pro-

gram entitled “Abakada Simulain ng Pag-asa” which aims to help elementary students on how to read.

“There are times that we don’t expect the result of our actions. I believed there is an inner embryo in ourselves that is better on what we are now. If you are not good now, there is always tomorrow for you. It is not the only the day to prove that you are good, there are many days will pass for you to prove yourself.” Ely Rey proudly shared.

BEFORE ENTERING COLLEGE We always encounter failures for us to achieve success. Failures are those things and decisions that you made wrong but those should not be the reason to pull you down, instead it should serve as the challenge, inspiration and power to be strong.

He didn’t experience big failure to finish his course but the only reason, I think, is the poverty that experienced by him and his family.

He experienced in school during lunch time having plain rice without any viand. Sometimes, his viands are those junk foods that cost one peso. He even went to school having five pesos only in his pocket. But despite of those, he didn’t treat that as failures instead he is looking forward that the poverty he is experiencing will change.

Before entering college, he doubted

enrolling in a university because he said to his parents that he is not going to enter in college instead, he will help in cultivation and farming of his uncle’s land. His mother is a vendor while his father is a fisherman which what they earn is not enough to sustain the daily needs of the family. They experienced to eat kanduli because that is the only fish that his father got. So he told his parents, “Ma, Pa, maybe this is not my time to continue college.” But his mother boosted his confidence and said to Ely Rey not to lose hope because there will be a right time for that.

WEIRD EXPERIENCES It is said that experience is the best teacher, and those experiences help us to learn the lessons in life that we need to carry.

He had several weird experiences that looked funny but he is proud to share it.

His family is poor, so he didn’t experience the luxurious things in life. He found himself always in the companion of canned goods, junk foods, sugar and salt as viand that will be shared by him and his family.

He has one cheap pair of black shoes for two or three years that easily fades its color. But Ely Rey thought of ways “I AM AN OPTIMISTIC PERSON. I EXPERIENCED TO BE to make his black shoes still looked black. He collects those left pentel DISCRIMINATED BECAUSE WE ARE POOR. PEOPLE SAY pens of his classmates when he’s a cleaner and uses the ink to darken YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE SUCCESSFUL AND SUCH BUT I JUST ACCEPTED ALL THOSE WORDS AND SERVES AS AN and shine his faded shoes.

He even experienced that he INSPIRATION TO CONTINUE MY GOAL.” doesn’t have enough money but he needed to submit his thesis.

He used piso net and just for five pesos; he passed and submitted the requireAS GOOD SCHOLAR AND GOOD SON ments. He said that he inserted one peso Ely Rey is very thankful that he is one of and if it was already time and the computer’s the scholars of Caliraya, Butocan and Kascreen went black, he won’t insert another layaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant and one because the document is still there. He to Mrs. Jocelyn Pinca that serves as second will just continue encoding, and when he mother and adviser in that scholarship. finished encoding, that is the only time he’ll “It is hard to be scholar. At first I doubt insert a peso to edit the file. Okay students, that I’m going to pass the examination belet’s give a round of applause for Mr. Ely Rey cause imagine that there are only two slots for that wonderful technique! Take note, he for every host community and most of the became best in thesis! examinees are valedictorian, salutatorian and first honorable mention and I’m just top THOUGHTS OF SUCCESS 9. But my parents supported me and helped Mr. Ely Rey said “I am an optimistic in praying for that scholarship grant. When person. I experienced to be discriminated they called me and told that I passed as the because we are poor. People say you are not scholar of CBK, I felt so much happiness. I going to be successful and such but I just am pressured at first because there is mainaccepted all those words and serves as an taining grade which is 2.00 and of course it is inspiration to continue my goal.” hard for me. That grade requirement serves Mr. Ely Rey inspired many through as my stepping stone because I’m doing my his words and I think we should keep in mind best to have higher grades than 2.00. I think what he said; “Education is the strongest that help me to strive and study hard because foundation of each nation. It is the light that I don’t like to just achieve 2.00 in my general lightens the path to success. We all have the weighted average, I want it to be higher.” Ely eagerness to finish studying, we all want sucRey shared. cess but the medals are not the basis on how In the scholarship, he received 4,000 good or intelligent we are because in the end every month. Though they are not allowed to those are just decorations that served as a share that allowance to their family because reward on doing well in school. People should that is budgeted for his studies, as a good think that we should study not because of son, he still gives money even half of it to his those medals but for goals and success for parents. And since the remaining allowance our future life. For me, I am successful if I’m is not enough for him, he sometimes skips his the reason why my parents are happy, why lunch and sometimes accepts projects of his they are smiling every day and I’m the reason classmates to have extra money. why they are proud of me.”

November 2016 27

COVER STORY

UNDAMAGED When the Philippines Got Numb: An inside story of PNP’s ‘war on drugs’

by Rayns Keneth Ampon | illustration by Gerald Janolino

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resident Rodrigo ‘Roa’ Duterte, give his blessings to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for handling the problem on illegal drugs. He also breaks the fulcrum of arresting a suspected drug dealer by ‘katok’-Door to Door inspection for every house that is in the Narco list, as they called.

Administrations ‘Oplan Tokhang’ seeks to eliminate the use of illegal drugs. By the count of several months, streets were showered with blood. Where on the dim light along the pathways there is another victim who loses his chance to change, for a better life, for his family.

SLAUGHTERED NATION Nights shattered into a pavement of agonies.

Daniel Berehulak, a photojournalist of New York Times; Witness about 57 bloody death encounters right before the lens of his camera.

In just 35 days the country was covered with ruthlessness, leaving no hope for victims to survive.

Also, in his reportage he includes the position of an affluent neighborhood of gated communities and estates, there is, indeed, sometimes a polite knock on the door, an officer handing a pamphlet detailing the repercussions of drug usage. Mostly, in poorer districts, the police grab teenage boys and men off the street, run background checks, make arrests and sometimes shoot to kill.

There are times like it was

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not even imaginable to see death bounds in different places with plastics/tapes covering their faces including a crude card board signed drug users/drug dealers. Berehulak stressed in his report.

With street lights, shallow raindrops, silence and guns. There is a perfect murder, pointing the extrajudicial activities in the Philippines. Death tolls alarm the persecution from the rule of law that was unruled nowadays. Pleading no mercy, shoot to kill and slaughtering the people like animals.

SURVIVAL DEMOGRAPHICS If living in the Philippines causes fear then death is the alter of hope.

Article 3, Section 1 Bill of Rights of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states “No man shall be deprived of life, liberty and property nor shall be detained without any due processes of law” Clear on this statement that the presence of violence outlaw the constitution by imposing about a huge range of killings from entrapment operations and the other means of death tolls. Provides fear at times, for Filipinos’.

Meanwhile, the family of the victims mourns for unripen justice.

According to Philippine Daily Inquirer; During his (Pres. Rodrigo Duterte) first 100 days—from noon of June 30 to the end of Oct. 8—they reported and verified 1,278 drug-related killings.

Sara Isabelle Pacia, Inquirer’s Editor for Kill List documented faces of this PNP war on drugs that showcase different delineations of crime related activities from small time to the corridors of power.

As quoted on her article “It is the face of countless who, whether guilty of the crime they died for or an unfortunate casualty, were never given their chance to defend their name” Together with the complaints imposed by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) with regards to over a thousands of names who was dispatch on the society by the use of guns, a victim holding “shabu” (methamphetamine hydrochloride) or dried packets of marijuana and other drugs paraphernalia.

Tolerating events like these needs further consideration on the court of justice.

It was CHR who made a motion of re-consideration for the investigation of summary executions engaging the people into the complex understanding for these alarming activities of extrajudicial killings.

A LITER OF GRIEF From a million of cries, there is only one story-death. Who is the main character of this real-time play that was censored

in most of the media platforms; a piece of history that was pulled over by the words of President Duterte, which promised to spill blood during his term.

No way out. This was being passed by those people whose names are in the Narco List, for sure death awaits, eliminating the foregoing crimes probe to sacrifice a thousand and one lives for change.

Michael Bueza, online article entitled: In Numbers: The Philippines’ ‘war on drugs’.

Pointing a number of 5,927 deaths linked to the "war on drugs" – both from legitimate police operations and vigilante-style or unexplained killings (including deaths under investigation).

Another perspective was, from the families of the victims. Specially the widow of one of those extra judicially killed “My husband is just sleeping when I hear a gun shot on his room, then I see some police running and my husband bathe in his own blood,” she said in vernacular.

Unstoppable was the forces who seek the permission to kill indecent. A sidewalk of crimes, bloody pathways, unending victim funeral, crowded prison, melancholic nation and a liter of cries filled with anger.

CHANGE HAS COME “There is no proof to show that there is a sustained systematic policy of state-sponsored killings. The President is motivated to kill the use of illegal drugs because he really means to eradicate illegal drugs. But I don’t think he is really going to push anybody and say kill” Sen. Dick Gordon said.

The possession of illegal drugs would never be an enough reason to withdraw a life. That is, in the rule of law and a mandate of heaven to the sanctity of life. Reality shows personal effects on the psychological state of the country.

If the goal is to eradicate drugs, not people, then why there is a presence of about 5, 927 people who suffers death.

About another thousands of people who lose their family member, a countless times of grief for the children who lose their parents.

It is really enough to say that they are criminal who must be killed but how about the innocent names that lose their chance to defend their rights?

Their concluded report was wrong. It is not just about thousands who suffer from these extrajudicial killings but a mere hundred million people who compose the population of the Philippine Archipelago. They killed us by killing our fellow men. Because they are not just killing people they are killing our individual morality.

November 2016 29

COVER STORY

BIG “C” ACROSS

THE SEA How a Daughter Understood the Absence of Her Mom

by Lou Fatima Muega | illustration by Bea Joy Javier

“M

ahahalata mo ang isang bahay kung may kasamang Nanay o wala. Kapag maayos naman ang mga gamit pero maalikabok pa rin ang ilang lagayan, kapag hindi nakatiklop nang ayos ang mga damit, kapag walang kurtina sa ilang bintana, kapag malungkot ang ambiance sa loob ng bahay, ramdam ko na hindi nila kasama sa bahay ang kanilang nanay.”

It was said by a 20-year-old girl from BS Psychology program here at Laguna State Polytechnic University Sta. Cruz Campus. Let’s just name her “Elsa.” She said that she is a simple girl who has big dreams for her family. She seemed to smile a lot without carrying a burden but as I know more of her, I realized that it’s the other way around.

Elsa went on her primary years to a private school near her home. At that moment, Elsa said that it is the simplest yet happiest time of her life. You see, she always got high grades, in fact, she’s ranked first at their class. Additionally, she is happily living with her family. Elsa said that when she’s in elementary, she is always excited to go home to see her

30 mekanismo

mother, to play with her sister and to eat a delicious dinner prepared by her father.

But since the universe will not give us the convenience that we want, her mother needs to work as an OFW because they became financially unstable.

Her father’s salary, who is working as a cockpit employee, is not enough to sustain the needs of their family. Moreover, Elsa is just a nine-year-old kid when her mother left for abroad.

In an interview, Elsa said, “Mahirap lumaki, as in, literal na magdalaga kapag wala ang nanay sa iyong tabi. Naging high school student ako, nagsuot ako ng baby bra, nagkaroon ako ng regla, nagdalaga ako na wala sa aking tabi ang aking ina.”

I thought that it is the only problem encountered by Elsa on how-to-be-alady-without-your-mommy kind of stuffs.

But no, it is not. Elsa said that when she was in senior high school, her mother got sick. Her mother became sick abroad. It is not a simple fever or colds or wounds. It is a big C. Big C. Her mother has a Big C, not in her beloved country, but across the sea.

It was the gloomiest and darkest part of Elsa’s family. Elsa said that before she knew her mother is sick, it took months before her father and mother told them the painful truth. And when they finally told Elsa, she really burst into tears.

Elsa even asked the Lord that there are billions of people in this world, but why did He let her mother got that big C. She added that they are the ones that should be taking care of her mother at that time, giving medicines and such but no it isn’t. They are thousand miles away from each other and it’s really hard.

Really hard. Her mother cannot go home in the Philippines because in abroad, her medical treatment is free.

In an interview (through e-mail because Elsa’s mother is still in abroad) of her mom, she said, “I worked hard, until one day I got sick here in abroad, I thought I’m dying that time, I’m worried.

Especially about the future of my two daughters, who will support them when I die?”

Elsa’s mother added that, “When I've learned that I have breast cancer, all my plans and dreams in life were gone.

I’m away from my family, it’s so hard for me, I really felt alone when I am sick.

Nobody helps me, specially my personal needs, I did it all by myself. Noong may sakit ako, ako ang nag-iintindi ng kakainin ko, ako ang nag lalaba ng mga damit ko,naliligo mag-isa,and then kahit may sakit na ako noon, ako pa rin ang nagpapadala ng allowance para sa pamilya ko, dahil alam ko na wala din naman permanent job ang asawa ko.”

Elsa said that it really is hard to know that your most treasured person in this world is suffering and you can’t do anything to lessen the burden. The most powerful thing that she and her family can do is to pray. Elsa and her family’s faith to the Lord became stronger. Her father who is not attending mass every Sunday, miraculously, attends and hears mass every Sunday. Their family became tighter and became closer to God. Elsa’s mother said that, “But then I said to myself I need to be brave, I need to fight for my life. I do ask the Lord to give me a second life. Every day I keep asking him to give me another life.”

Months passed, everything is fall-

“It is really hard to know that your most treasured person in this world is suffering and you can’t do anything to lessen the burden.” ing into right places because, of course, guidance of the Lord and because of the government of that rich country, Elsa’s mother became healed little by little. In fact, in 2013 her mother went home for a short vacation.

Four years later after that gloomiest part of Elsa’s life and her family, that painful happening is now only a memory.

Elsa’s mother recovered really fast and is now patiently waiting for another year if she is cancer free or not.

The Lord God is good. He will never give a difficult situation that people cannot handle. Elsa is now a graduating student and her sister is already working in a well-known company, her father, although old is still very healthy. And the good thing is, her family is just waiting for their visa

now, so they can live happily together on abroad, maybe next year.

Big C is a serious case, in fact according to Dr. Ellen A. Manzano of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, the Philippines has the highest incidence rate of breast cancer among 197 countries of the world with an increase of 589 percent over a 30-year period. So we should be conscious about our health not only for us but also for our love ones.

Remember, it’s not really good to be sick but seeing your most treasured person being sick is worse.

November 2016 31

COVER STORY

GOING OUT, GETTING IN Struggles of Living an LGBT Life

by Joyce Ann Fabula and Whesthley Canonigo photo by Carlos Alvarez

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ith a world where sex and gender are major basis of one’s abilities, hindrances to live a free life are inevitable for Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals and Transgender or the LGBT. These people are bounded not only by conventional norms but also with discrimination, religious bigotry and most especially, sexism. While it is difficult for the LGBT community to live bounded by these almost-fixed ideologies, it is surely more challenging for university students who still try to build their own identity.

Dwelling inside them are stories they are afraid to voice out. Inside their

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minds are tendencies of depression and even suicide. Making them awake at night is the confusion if they are the problem or the society around them. In this article, we try to present and analyze main barriers that stop them to reveal their true selves.

FACING THEIR FAMILY The family controls or even dictates their children to do what is right and sometimes they’re the ones who would dictate what the future of their children is going to be. Every parent wants to see their children raising their own family. More so, it is a dream for a

parent to have grandchildren. With this in mind, LGBT people usually find it difficult to be in good terms with their parents since they value their family’s opinion and what would they feel about them.

What is worse is that it sometimes turns into fear.

Not all LGBT people are lucky to have family who easily accept their gender identification because there are cases that instead of understanding it turns out of judging them first. Sometimes, telling their family their true colors results to physical and emotional pain.

According to PFLAG NYC, LGBT Youth are more likely homeless. LGBT

youth rejected by their families are three times more likely to have substance abuse problems. Also 50% experience a negative environment at home if they tell their parents about their sexual orientation and 25% are force out of their home.

“Natatakot ako sa parents ko. Sa magulang ko hindi katanggap tanggap yung bakla. Natatakot ako na sa amin maging legal ako. Pero kapag sa school talaga nailalabas ko yung tunay na ako.”

Bianca (Not his real name) from CTE. COPING WITH PEERS You might be surprised why friends are linked in the hindrances. The reason

why is, emotional attachments. Someturing nila sa’kin pagnalaman nila. Kaya times, they are afraid that their friends ayun challenge siya kasi I may never might be shocked into the thought liking know yung ibang tingin o reactions nilasa them. They will feel uneasy and it will akin” said by Allison Cruz from CAS. lead them to isolate themselves from one Our society needs a great acceptanother. ance and understanding for these special Instead of understanding them, people. They might be different from our they chose to avoid them because they perception about sexual orientation but have their different perception about “...fear of being isolated of those people this. It isn’t easy for they valued so much and fear of being them to be leave of those people whom misunderstood by the society...” they expected to care for them. “'Yung sa closest friend ko, nawala they deserve to live the way they wanted siya noong nalaman niya na ganito ang and they have rights to respect. gender ko, unti unti siyang lumayo. Nasira “When you are finally out and proud at nawala 'yung friendship namin” Romasaya at masarap sa feeling kasi totoo lando (not his real name) bisexual student ka free ka sa iba at sa sarili mo ‘di mo from CTE. nilloko ang sarili mo at tanggap mo ng buong puso. Pati ‘pag nag-out ka malalaOVERCOMING FEAR man mo kung sinoyung magiging andyan Fear is living inside them since pa rin para sayo at kung sino yung tatalithe day they discovered their true sexualkuran ka. Malalaman mo kung sino yung ity, fear of being isolated of those people mga accepted ka,” said by an out and they valued so much and fear of being proud bisexual Allison Cruz from CAS. misunderstood by the society. In the world “Ang buhay naming masaya pero they lived in, they are afraid of all the judg- may halong kaba lalo na sa una hindi ments they might receive from the people pa naming gamay ang takbo ng lipunan around them. Once they get out, there are at iba’t ibang paniniwala ng bawat isa. lots of consequence may occur such as Nagsisilbi itong paghasa sa aking lakas physical harassment, emotional abuse, ng loob at tibay ng dibdib upang magawa sexual harassment, cyber bullying and ang mga bagay-bagay na ginagawa ng etc. normal na tao” a very proud statement by “Takot na pintasan ako ng ibang tao Aldrin Reyes from CTE. dahil sa aking tunay na kasarian.Takot na “Hindi ko kasi ikinahihiya kung kamuhian ako ng aking pamilya at takot ano ako at hindi rin ako ikinahihiya ng na tapakan ng iba ang aking pagkatao” mga magulang ko kahit na may mga shared by Manny de Leon from COE. negative silang sinasabi sa akin pero sa The fear they have keeps them on akin hangga't di nila ako ginagawan ng hiding their true colors which turns out on masama hindi ko sila papatulan.” Said by making people away from them and not an out of the closet lesbian named Jeyveconsidering there are people out there lyn Timog who will accept who they really are. It’s all People have to open their eyes to about fear. see that there are always good in things “Hindi maganda ang naidulot nito, they saw as negative. Humans are credati umiiyak ako kasi ang hirap dahil hindi ated equal but everyone have flaws and mo na alam ang gagawin mo at hindi mo imperfections so, who are we to judge na alam kung sino ang pagkakatiwalaan them? Maybe there are people who mo” expressed by Rolando not her real waited for these special people to fall but name a bisexual student from CTE. instead of making fun of them, discriminating, humiliating and disrespecting JUDGED BY THE SOCIETY their rights everyone must accept the fact People often call them “Salot!” This they cannot force the LGBT people to do judgment from the society can also be things that follows what is they believe. called bullying because it is an act of Let them choose which path they wanted hurting their feelings and sometimes hurts to walk because we don’t hold each other them physically. lives and it’s in their own decision. In the “Yung malaman at makita yung difend, their opinion about themselves really ferent reactions ng tao sa akin kasi para matters. Just remember to be proud of sa’kin importante yung magiging tingin o who you are!

November 2016 33

DEVCOMM

Laguna at its FARMest

3rd Organic Agriculture Congress launched, Villar graces event by jan Aldous Viriña photos: Sen. Cynthia Villar Blog Site

L

aguna, although on its phase of upgrading into an industrialized area of Southern Tagalog still has its strong hold within the topographical benefits of the province. This is due that it is subjected to multiple growing practitioners and agri-preneurs of organic agriculture.

As the improving number of organic garden business keeps on moving up, the Provincial Government, the Office of Provincial Agriculturalist with Field Agricultural Extension Services (FAES) established, conducted and officially opened the Third Laguna Organic Agriculture Congress at Time Square Plaza Provincial Capitol, Santa Cruz, Laguna, November 28 up to December 1.

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The said event was full of exhibits and promotions of various advocates of the organic agricultural products, methods etc. Being one, Senator Cynthia Villar delivered her speech as the keynote speaker in the introductory rites as she also participated the ribbon cutting.

VILLAR RAISES DEEPER AWARENESS “…kinakailangang i-convert this year (2016) sa organic ang five percent ng agricultural farms ng bansa…” Villar initially informed Laguna’s organic practitioners as it is one of the main goal of the Republic Act 10068 or “Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.”

Today the requirement is yet attained because it’s almost only two percent of the agricultural farms are converted into organic.

“Kaya naman kailanganpa talaga natin pag-igtingin pa ang pagpapatupad ng national Organic Agriculture Program o NAOP.” Villar said.

More so, this implicates that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is still spending and continuing to provide and allot project implementations providing orientations and workshops for organic farmers. This includes turning over of Bureau of Solid Waste Management (BSWM) to Small Scale Composting Facilities (SSCFS) to farmer beneficiaries to produce their own orgnic fertilizers.

By means of organic, fertilizers, farmers would have a plausible increase in income because severely, side effects of inorganic materials could destroy the growth of the crops.

WALK WITH THE TALK “Because I practice what I preach, ako mismo, has an organic fertilizer project na sinimulan ko sa Las Piñas.” she elaborated.

She explained that the project undergoes with two manner – rotary composting and vermin composting.

These types were derived from household’s waste collection and conversion.

“May 70 composters na ang ipinamigay naming at ginagamit ngayon ng may 35,000 households.” She enthusiastically updated the people of her project.

Moreover, the organic fertilizers were free of charge and distributed to the farmers and people involved in urban farming.

The importance of using organic fertilizers was indicated. It is due that synthetic fertilizers can cause destruction of soil where lies the 95% of food productions. Through this way of agriculture, practitioners and farmers could at least return the nutrients to the soil.

FARMILY ORIENTED AGRICULTURE The growth of the people becoming aware of organic agriculture shouldn’t be

taken for granted. It is because the people are becoming health-conscious that massive production of vegetables is advisable. “…ang organic farming ay nakatutulong sa mga pamilya na maging sel-suffecient sa kanilang pagkain at nakatutulong sa mga barangay na magakaroon ng extra income or funds.” Villar exclaimed as she put Lagunenses in line about the awareness, practice and establishment of own farming business offering training centers, vacation villas and edible gardening as the event was themed “Masaganang hapagkainan mula sa organikong paraan.”

“Dapat natin lagging isipin na interconnected at may chain reaction ang lahat ng ationg mga aksyon.” she added.

AGRO-ECOLOGY AND ORGANIC FARMING MEANS OF SUSTAINING LIFE Furthermore, the goals of this farming manner are to “end hunger, achieved food security, improve nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.” Sustainable agriculture is the key in food security, hunger end, nutrition improvement and poverty reduction. Thus, this promotes Agro-ecology as an essential solution to achieve the following: (1) Eradicate hunger , food insecurity, and malnutrition; (2) Eliminate poverty and drive forward of economic progress for all; and to (3) for

“Because I practice what I preach, ako mismo, has an organic fertilizer project ... ” sustainable management and utilization of natural resources, including land, water, air and denote for the benefit of present and future generations.

Agro-ecology is seen as a solution for the food insecurity due to climate change and natural phenomena and a remedy for vague societal and economic issues. This could be of help as a motivation to encourage people to have a better view to answer and meet the food production and security increment in 2050. In addition, in terms of this security, small farmers are involved as they are seen as future and continual primary producers of food productions as 70% of the job were done by them.

“The government… cannot do it alone. For organic agriculture to really take off, we need to work together.”Villar ended.

November 2016 35

DEVCOMM

Archipelago in Seasonal Sinkage

THE PHILIPPINES DOWN THE DRAIN

by Romel Brian Florendo | photos by Carlos Alvarez and Grecielle Baldesco

Y

ou might wake up, underwater.

The Pearl of the Orient Seas, or the Philippines has been known all throughout the world as one of the paradigms of archipelagic structure. Islands and islets are scattered around their territory therefore making the country vulnerable to different sorts of disasters such as flooding.

The fact that the country is an archipelago is given. Moreover, the real battle is how can the island survive if the structure of the island is nothing but a basin for water to sit? Metro Manila has been acting a basin for years where the water from higher uplands flow downwards the lowlands of the city, submerging the community into a mud pile.

Years before, Metro Manila has been a catch basin of all the water from the high lands whenever there is a storm or even heavy rains approaching the country. Floods will never respect political boundaries. As long as it can flow, it will stay running. First reason for flooding is that heavy rains and storms, through time, increase their magnitude. They pour

36 mekanismo

“The goal here is to prevent casualties which could be always resolved by every management councils.�

heavier from time to time. Second reason is that, the highlands have no more trees to stop their flood from flowing downwards the city for every mountain is now denuded. Third clear reason is, growing urbanization and population. People start to build their homes on some drainage systems and esteros which give a hard time for water to flow freely, given that garbage is still present.

The Department of Natural Resources (DENR) has been all hands to restore the main-

tenance of safety around the country, especially in cases of denuding of trees. Implementing the Republic Act No. 10593, also known as Tree Cutting Permit, the institution has all rights to ban cutting trees from mountains and preserved areas. With the help of every Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC), every unexpected rising of water has been always prepared to avoid casualties in a method of evacuation and all-out patrol.

Furthermore, Metro Manila and its branches is still the catch basin of water due to over-innovation. People start to dug out wells under the city, unknowingly, making the city sink more and more. The goal here is, to prevent casualties which is always resolved by every management councils. Development between cities is still continued, and so as the flood, it still in harmony with the development.

As long as you don’t wake up underwater, people will still not value the ecosystem they live in. Value your area like how the area values you as a human being. Stay alert whenever there is a massive rain coming and as much possible, live in an elevated area. Plant trees and different sorts of plants around the neighborhood so that the land around you is compacted to absorb water. As long as an individual is concerned within his surrounding, he would know how to be safe and how to sleep at night without the fear of drowning. ***

November 2016 37

DEVCOMM

THROUGH THE NOURISHING MILK

LSPU-GAD opens breastfeeding station

by Rayns Kenneth Ampon

N

utrients is a vital foundation for the growth of the child from the first six months after birth. It is indeed an essential part of the person physical and mental development. Covering the basic nutrition to the so-called macronutrients, mother’s milk is the authentic form of supplemental vitamins.

Lactating mothers somehow encounters problems on feeding their offspring on places like public institution and civilian premises. Excessive production of milk is also a struggle faced by working-mothers. That’s the few reason why the Philippine Government together with different group encourages the birth of breastfeeding stations in their working place.

Here in Laguna State Polytechnic University, they also accommodate mothers together with their children who seek to foster breastfeeding programs. In fact, the institution is now harnessing their feeding facility together with materials that they can use in the station.

DOH-TSEK PROGRAM ANATOMY Department of Health (DOH) with a goal to eradicate malnutrition; Tama, Sapat, Ekslusibo (TSEK) campaign was born. The program is primarily budgeted for the aim of promoting breastfeeding as an essential feeding habit. It also covers the dissemination of materials on public and private institution to cater breastfeeding hub.

TSEK is composed of: Tama-immediate and appropriate breastfeeding within one hour after birth, Sapat-mother’s milk is sufficient (in nutrients and quantity) for the baby up to 6 months, EKsklusibo - exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, just pure mother’s breast milk only, not even water.

The state values the importance of breastfeeding as a supplemental role model of nutrition. With its founding laws and order the community together with the government institution is up for the campaign for lasting wellness.

VANGUARD AGAINST MALNUTRITION James P. Grant, Former Executive Director UNICEF

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“KAYA KUNG NAPAPANSIN NIYO NGAYON AY MARAMI NG MGA NAKAPASKIL SA BUONG CAMPUS NA BREASTFEEDING STATION SIGN NA ANG TINUTUKOY AY ANG GAD OFFICE AY PARA DIN MAGING AWARE LAHAT” state that “Breastfeeding is a natural "safety net" against the worst effects of poverty...it is almost as if breastfeeding takes the infant out of poverty for those first few months in order to give the child a fairer start in life and compensate for the injustice of the world into which a child was born.”

The safety precautions of breastfeeding is also a part of the development that was promoted by LSPU-SCC under the Gender and Development Unit which is spearheaded by Mrs. Josephine Villamin, GAD Coordinator who give some point about the program.

“Ang aim talaga namin dito ay makapaglagay ng isang facility kung saan ay pwedeng makapagpa-breastfeed ang mga working mothers dito sa LSPU” she also sight the lack of information dissemination around the campus “Kaya kung napapansin niyo ngayon ay marami ng mga nakapaskil sa buong campus na breastfeeding station sign na ang tinutukoy ay ang GAD office ay para din maging aware lahat” Mrs. Villamin shared.

Since that children have the right to adequate nutrition and access to safe and nutritious food, and both are essential for fulfilling their right to the highest attainable standard of health. LSPU as an institution is now on its second phase for the accreditation of DOH.

A NATURAL VACCINE On the article of The Lancet 1994 “If a new vaccine became available that could prevent one million or more child deaths a year, and that was moreover cheap, safe, administered orally, and required no cold chain, it would become an immediate public health imperative.

Breastfeeding can do all this and more.”

“Ang breastfeeding kasi ay mahalaga lalo na sa mga bata dahil napakasustansya ng gatas mula sa isang ina, kasama namin ang buong administrasyon sa pagpapanukala ng mga programa upang gawing mas kapakipakinabang ang ating opisina na magagamit ng mga tao dito sa unibersidad” Mrs. Villamin said.

Mother’s milk is also a natural vaccine. It is composed of different vitamins that is needed for the protection of the child against harmful diseases. The protection is like a shield that repels bullets of viruses that can cause physical deficiency and even death.

MOTHER-CHILD FRIENDLY INSTITUTION Prevention is better than cure. The said program clearly pointed out the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life which could save more lives than any other intervention studied while enhancing nutritional status.

LSPU-GAD Unit is a source of nourishing milk that is part of the campaign towards a mother-child friendly institution.

With the components of mother’s milk as a first hand cure for malnutrition, the program is also an awareness of largely implicit problems of the country.

Meanwhile, the sustainable nutrient is also a dare for everyone in promoting good health. Through the means of modern equipment that is used in collecting, fortifying and storing of milk for future uses, the institution also welcomes the donation of milk from lactating mothers.

“Our Aim is to have a mother and child friendly working environment because it is also a factor for productive and conducive institution that gives whole round facility for the community of people inside” Mrs. Villamin, GAD Coordinator expressed.

BREASTFEEDING

38%

OF INFANTS ARE EXCLUSIVELY BREASTFED WORLDWIDE

800k INFANT DEATHS DUE TO SUBOPTIMAL BREASTFEEDING

BEST START FOR INFANTS BREASTFED FROM BIRTH TO THE 8TH MONTH

BREASTFEEDING PROTECTS INFANTS AGAINST BREASTFEEDING PROVIDES

PERFECT NUTRITION

OBESITY

AND OTHE NONCOMMUNICABLE DISEASES LIKE ASTHMA

Infromation from thousanddays.org, WHO

November 2016 39

SOLAR CHARGING STATION DEVCOMM

by Xena Bautista photo courtesy of College of Engineering

B

eing true to its mission, the College of Engineering launched an extension project in Brgy.

Tibatib Cavinti, Laguna. The project, “Demonstration and Presentation of the Mechanical Pandan Presser”, aims to open an intervening way for the folks, who are hat and bags weavers, a better way in preparing the raw material in the old and unprogressively Cavinti Industry. The success of the technology transfer led to another innovation in the Pandan preparation. It is the pandan slicer whose function is to produce different longitudinal size of pandan leaves, depending on the design of the bags or hat to be weaved.

Though the two machines are promising and could really help the folks (according to the evaluation), this did not impress the accreditors during the 2nd survey visit for the Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electronics Engineering held last March 2016. There is no solid application of electronics engineering in the project which result to a “revisit status” for Area VI – Extension and Community Involvement.

In order to integrate the Electronics Engineering to the program, the accreditors suggested an installation of a solar charger. Bondoc et al (2014) proposed a “Solar Charging Station” and come up with a design powered by a solar panel with multiple charger as output, which can be used to charge mobile phones and lap top.

40 mekanismo

“When fully charged, it can power the Pandan slicer for about three hours, and power a bulb the whole night ” On the other hand, Samonte et al had it as their summer project under Engr. Ma. Erlyn Eroles. This is the reconsideration of the thesis by Bondoc.

At this point, the Solar charging Station must be used to power the Pandan Slicer, the thesis by Moran et al (2015).

The Solar Charging Station is powered by a single 150 W Solar panel. It is connected through a charge controller to a 65 AH battery, for the storage of energy.

The Battery is then connected to 500 w inverter, to convert the Direct current from the solar panel and the battery an alternating current (AC). To add another Electronics

Engineering application, a dark-activated switch is integrated to the system. Thus, the bulb at the post will only lit up at night.

If there is a sunlight the whole day, it can fully charge the battery.

When fully charged, it can power the Pandan slicer for about three hours, and power the bulb the whole night since the bulb is only 7 W LED bulb.

This extension project is under the supervision of the BS ECE, CpE, & EE Program Head also from Brgy. Tibatib, Engr. Jonnel K. Pabico, COE Extension Coordinator, Dr. Rina J. Arcigal, and COE Dean, Engr. Joseph M. Cabiente.

REVIEWS / TECH / FOOD / TRENDING / LIFESTYLE / TRAVEL

POP/CULTURE

TRENDING VIDEO CHALLENGES, RAINY SEASON FASHION AND OTHERS

photo from goodreads.com

/book review/

On Royalty and Betrayal

by Justine Perdiguerra

“I am finally learning my lesson.

Anyone can betray anyone,”- Mare Barrow from the novel Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard.

Mare Barrow is a 17-year-old girl and her world is divided by blood where Red bloods live as “nobody”, workers and commoners. Silver bloods rule with their wealth and god-like powers.

Mare is a thief and a Red, in midst of giving up she found a friend that helped her. Then one day she is working in the palace and found herself in the middle of Silvers- kings, queens, and all the nobles, and discovers that she has her own special ability. A Red. She should not have that power. She pose a great threat to the Silver kingdom. To cover up what happened, the Silver king decided to let her play a role that other silvers should

believe in. But there are things that cannot be kept hidden forever.

As she goes further in to the world of Silvers, she sees what they truly are.

She does everything to help the Scarlet Guard— a spreading Red rebellion. Her life is on the line and she needs to play a game she did not know how to play.

She learned that everyone has their own purpose and some does with betrayal.

Victoria Aveyard's writing was great, the action scenes were easily understood unlike other action novels where there are so much happening to the point it is not understandable anymore. This is like The Hunger Games plus X-men plus The Game of Thrones thrown into one marvelous book.

The characters were really awesome.

They have different personalities that

made them special and exciting. They have their own perspective and actions that will make you think who is telling the truth and not. The plot will make you hang on to your seats because the turn of events was really surprising.

This book teaches readers that anyone, I mean literally, anyone can betray anyone. Trusting someone can cost your life. Everyone can turn on you even the people who would you never think can betray you. This book also has the element of rebellion, that fighting for what you believe, even if the chance of winning is nowhere to be found, can lead to greater good or just plain wreak havoc.

All in all, you will also feel betrayed after reading this amazing book.

November 2016 41

/movie review/

In case you missed it

HONOR THY FATHER

by Alfred Diocampo

photo from pinoyweekly.org

“THE FILM, WAS ORGANIZED TO CAPTURE THE INTENSE GAZES IT REALLY DESERVES, WITH VIRTUE AND VALUE.”

E

ffectively seasoned by drama and thrill, Erik Matti, a renowned director, was able to star the all-time male actor, John Lloyd Cruz in his film, Honor Thy Father. The title was made after its previous original title, “CON MAN”.

The film was screened in the Contemporary World Cinema Section during the International Film Festival and was an official entry to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival.

The film rolls about a father who is willing to do anything for the sake of his family. The father, Edgar (John Lloyd Cruz), will do everything for his wife and daughter. Chaos started when Kaye (Meryll Soriano), the wife of Edgar and a daughter of businessman who was running a pyramiding business, was in depth of debts because all the money she invested were swindled by his father.

42 mekanismo

The conflict had taken its toll when the family was struggling to find a solution to pay the debts to Kaye’s co-parishioners and investors. Difficulty also bagged its ways up because it seemed that their daughter will serve as the payment of their debt.

Furthermore, Honor Thy Father, the film itself, was recognized internationally and received the Award for Best Asian Film in the Neuchâtel Fantastic Film Festival. John Lloyd Cruz even became one of the 3 honorees for the Star Asia award at the New York Asian Film Festival. He was also the first Filipino and South-East Asian actor who received that prestigious award. Cremin told NBC news that Honor Thy Father captures John Lloyd Cruz at a very interesting angle in his career, when he is changing audience preconception of him.

The eye-catching part of the film is that human deprivation of money will always be the reason why they tend to betray their fellowmen for their own sake.

The film is also determinately friendly and thoughtful, which will make you feel the atmosphere of being serious and being curious, both at the same time with sorrow depicted on every part.

The film, over-all, was organized to capture the intense gazes it really deserves, with virtue and value. Additionally, the mere fact that an excellent director together with his team was able to change the Summer Capital of the Philippines—Baguio, into a wicked aura showed that the film breaks the norms and traditional Philippine cinema antics since it showed not only the issues on religious matters but also the evilness of the society.

/lifestyle/

WHAT’S IN FOR RAINY SEASON

W

by June Louie Flores | graphics by Bea Javier

hen it comes to fashion, it’s the clothes that’s seasonal not the style. During summer, we can wear casual dresses, basic shirt and jeans, white shoes and make-up but during rainy season, little adjustment in our fashion and style should be applied.

There’s a lot of fashion bloggers and stylist around social media and magazines that encourage youth to get on style and dress up. Choosing of clothes for rainy season doesn’t need to be that expensive since there are some affordable ready-to-wear clothes from boutiques. Also, revamping the old ones and mixing the available resources we have is a great help

In fact, rainy season is the best time to play with our clothes and to come up with refreshing looks. One of the problems that a student is facing in this weather condition is that it’s hard for them to be in “style” since limited clothes are available in their closet.

Sometimes, they end up sticking in the same “style” and same combination of clothes.

But no need to worry to be out of the line in fashion because here are some do’s and don’ts to help us to be on style and keep our outfit of the day (OOTD) in touch: TOO DENIM, TOO HANDLE People love denims because of its versatility and known as all around clothes but once it’s wet, it becomes heavier and takes a couple of days before it will be completely dry. So the preferred clothes by fashion bloggers to wear this rainy season are clothes in cotton fabric.

GO NATURAL Heavy make-up is not that recommended because it is easily washed away. But the good news is there are tons of cosmetic products, available in boutiques and online shop that are made waterproof. Choose the natural look that can be achieve through face powder, lip balm, glosses, nude shades of lipsticks and the new trend lip tints that last the whole day.

WEATHER LEATHER Avoiding leathered accessories like bags, foot wears and jewelries is a must because humidity can ruin the leather. Additionally, polishing and storing properly leathered accessories will help to keep the quality last. Moreover, sandals and flip-flops are great choice than shoes, of course!

USE PLASTIC Tote bag is one of the best example of a plastic-made-bag which is very convenient for packing things up as well as protecting your stuffs from the rain.

Additionally, umbrella is the highlight of the season so pick a bright or solid in colors that will complete the look.

SUNNY TEE SHIRT Bright colors and cheerful prints are great choices for a gray and pale environment, and pairing it with a denim will show positivity throughout the day. Tops must be in cheerful print and bright in colors.

BE SHORT

Flaunting full-length clothes are very challenging this season as every road is wet and muddy, so wearing shorts, skirts, and cropped pants are absolutely perfect. Pants, shorts, skirts, and dresses are categorized in knee or calf length outfits. Wearing that type of outfit can save us from being wet.

November 2016 43

VIGAN

travelling back ack in time at

In line with famous tourist spots in the Philippines like Baguio, Davao, Cebu Boracay, Tagaytay, Palawan and many more, Vigan is always on the top list that everyone wants to visit. It is because Vigan is one of the oldest towns in the Philippines that showcase the lives way back in Spanish era.

by Lou Fatima Muega and Reniel Gallardo photos by Carlos Alvarez

I

t is dream of every writer to compete in different level of competitions. And luckily, we belonged to those writers who were able to travel in different places in our country due to different Press Conferences. We won in Regional Higher Education Press Conference that led us in Luzon Wide Higher Education Press Conference that happened to be in Vigan City in Ilocos Sur, a city recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders Cities.

TIME TRAVEL TO REACH THE SPANISH ERA It took 14 hours before we reached the precious place of the North. There are several corn, rice and tobacco fields along the way that contributes on rich agricultural land of the province. Everything we have seen along the road

44 mekanismo

was perfect. We passed the Banaoang bridge and luckily we saw the sunrise.

As we reached the city, it is undeniably should be on your bucket list!

It is undoubtedly beautiful that fades the long hours of waiting to see the beauty and culture of the town.

LIVING IN TIME OF RIZAL Walk in the street of living history while hearing the sound of clattering Kalesa which is the main transportation in Calle Crisologo. The cobblestone path lined with Spanish architectural design brings back the richness of Filipino Civilization during Spanish era. No one will resist in temptation of taking pictures in the place while having kalesa tour around the place. We were amazed not only because of the vintage feels but because on how peo-

ple preserved those structures and road.

We passed on the house that made up of bricks that strengthen by the past decades, dark wood mansion with antique furniture, and collections of pottery that have touches of Philippine and Oriental theme . There are also stores with souvenirs of different kinds such as wallets, keychains, miniature wardrobes and huts and even Vigan’s delicacies.

As waiting in the sun set, your heart will rise on excitement to witness the path of yellow light in the place that gives more vintage ambiance. Baguio City Having its night market, Vigan City has its night restaurant that you can enjoy. There are stores only open at night that you can enjoy doing food trip with your gang. The clubs and bars open in that moment and most tourists spend their

night in the company of music and live bands.

But Calle Crisologo is not the only spot that made Vigan famous. At the end of the road is the Vigan Cathedral canonically known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Conversion of St. Paul the Apostle. This holy place is said to be in Earthquake Baroque style with Neo-Gothic, Romanesque and Chinese inspired ornaments and decorations. The odd but still beautiful thing about this church is that its bell tower is separated from the church. Nearby on that church are the establishments such as book stores, mall, restaurants that are of course, in vintage architecture. But not only that! We were surprised that Vigan is not only about heritage and antiques; it has also neoteric approach to offer Filipinos.

Few steps from the church is Plaza Salcedo and during 8 in the evening, all lights are turned off so that tourists and Ilocanos can witness a dancing fountain show.Yes, your favorite songs are being played at the whole plaza while water is sprouting from the pool with lasers and lights. The show is really beautiful and I guess it’s the best thirty minutes of your life doing nothing. Also, we believed that if Singapore has Marina Bay, the Philippines had its Vigan’s dancing fountain.

TASTE THE VINTAGE DELICACIES After fulfilling your eyes with beautiful scenery, it is now time to fulfill the needs of your tummy and taste the Vigan delicacies.

This precious place of the North won’t fail you when it comes to their food. The food stalls and exclusive restaurants are everywhere.

Vigan is known for its empanada, a delicious patty stuffed with grated papaya, toge, shredded carrots, whole egg and skinless Vigan longganisa that is good for mirienda, breakfast, lunch and even dinner that is available in stalls in Salcedo Plaza.

Filipinos love deep fried crispy pork with its skin on like crispy pata, lechon kawali and chicharon. Vigan has its own version—the bagnet. It is deeply fried pork belly; its crunchiness and softness will make your stomach want more because of its deliciousness. It really is a must-try and should be tried more than once in your life!

November 2016 45

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

By James Ballesteos | Graphics by Gerald Janolino

A

re you one of those people who love to dance or to accept challenges? To break the dance floor? To be the next star in the social media world? Did you ever do the Dance Challenges or known today as Dance Craze or even the other related challenges in the social media? If not, then, you might do it now because it is very trending and crazy and amazing today.

Challenges on the social media have become the bread and butter of the netizens and even those popular persons in the industry and there are plenty of reasons why. When it all does started? Well, it all started in the midst of different classical and modern music which is evolved and created by different futuristic minded person. Collaboration of modern music and added with a modernistic dance and then boom! They uploaded it in their social media accounts and became popular. Most of these challenges help up-and-coming vloggers and viners because they’re easy to follow, allow collaboration with other netizens, allow more viewers and very enjoyable. Even those who would never do challenge videos do them because of their fans requests, so they give in and challenges get created.

But which challenges are the most popular, the most common, and the funniest to do? Keep reading and you’ll find out. Here are the top eightVideo Challenges trending today.

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MANNEQUIN CHALLENGE

RUNNING MAN CHALLENGE

BOTTLE FLIPPING CHALLENGE

ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral Internet video trend where people remain frozen in action like mannequins while a video is recorded, usually with the song “Black Beatles”

by Rae Sremmurd playing in the background. The hashtag #MannequinChallenge was used for popular social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. It is believed that the phenomenon was started by students in Jacksonville, Florida on October 12, 2016. The initial posting has inspired works by other groups, especially professional athletes and sports teams that have posted increasingly complex and elaborate videos.

A new dance trend is sweeping the Internet and has left sport stars and even local celebrities grooving to a 90’s classic song. The video was made viral by University of Maryland basketball players Jaylen Brantley and Jared Nickens. Since then, sport stars such as Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow, the Los Angeles Dodgers and some NFL players made videos of themselves doing the challenge. Reaching the Philippines, some celebrities like Liza Soberano, Maja Salvador, Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson also took the challenge.

It is an activity and a challenge that involves throwing a plastic water bottle, typically full or partially full of liquid, into the air so that it rotates, in an attempt to land it upright on its bottom.

It became an international trend in 2016, with numerous videos of people attempting the activity being posted online. With its popularity, many people including Filipinos try this exciting and a little frustrated game. On the first and second and tenth try, you might not stand the bottle, but if you try and try until the end, you will make it.

This challenge became ancient in online world, but in the summer of 2014 this challenge was everywhere, and it’s one of the only internet fads to spread beyond social media. The objective is very simple. The goal is to dump a large bucket of ice water on top of you. Afterwards you would nominate another person via video that you should post on your social media account to take the challenge. To nominate someone, the person who had partaken in this event would say “I nominate (insert name here) to take the Ice Bucket Challenge”.

The pouring of the ice water was often recorded and shared via social media or YouTube.

CONDOM CHALLENGE

TRY NOT TO LAUGH OR GRINN

TRUMPET CHALLENGE

SHE-SHE CHALLENGE

The “condom challenge” is filling our newsfeed with shaky homemade videos of people in their swimming gear. The original video featured two men from Japan.Copycats began in earnest after word of the craze spread.

The challenge involves filling a condom with water and engaging the services of an assistant to hold it above the participant’s head. It is then gently dropped onto the challenger’s head and should wrap itself around the person’s face and neck but remain intact, with no water being released. The condom often has to be broken to separate it from the wearer, leaving the challenger drenched.

This kind of challenge is very accessible and suitable for all ages. Try not to laugh is exactly what it sounds like yet oddly enough the more you try, the harder it becomes. You just need to focus on the video camera and try not to laugh because if they caught you laughing, a punishment will be done for you.

The more people who will play it, the better. Try to outlast friends and family in a game of willpower and facial muscle control. And if you can’t handle not smiling then at least try not to laugh!

This crazy dance started here in the Philippines because of Vice Ganda, the phenomenal star and host of Showtime. In the tradition of other viral dance trends like the Running Man and the more popular Harlem Shake, performers would break into a high-energy dance routine on cue, which in this case is Sean Paul’s hit “Trumpets.” As expected, videos started popping up all over social media and blog sites. People did it for fun. They showed off their dance skills and challenged others to do the same.

She-She song is the latest viral song here in the Philippines.

The She-She song is equipped with a pen in one hand and an unsolved Rubix cube in another, then dropped a beat on the table while singing an upbeat song with gibberish lyrics. This became viral and people made a dance choreography. Many of the netizens liked how the artists create steps on that funny song and it became a challenge to every artist, even those who are not professionals, to do their own choreography.

November 2016 47

iOS 10

TECHNOLOGY, KICKING DOWN THE NOTCH

GADGET CENTURY WELCOMES IOS 10 WORDS | Romel Brian Florendo GRAPHICS | Bea Javier

Well certainly, this year has to end of course. But Apple Company hasn’t ended their year yet with their new software, released last October. Alongside releasing the newest Operating Systems (OS) for Apple Watch and Macbook, they promise a better experience with their latest revenue of innovation.

48 mekanismo

INNOVATION AT ITS BEST

The latest iOS 10 promises several peak innovations which includes better display, software upgrade, less lagging protocol, and more camera creativity. Releasing the successors, iOS 10.1 and 10.2, they aim to organize better lifestyle and organization for the Apple users.

The value of display increasingly changed at making improvements with the notification display at the upper and lower portion of the home screen. With all that in due mind, a new application was introduced and maybe also had appeared at your screen. Check it out for yourself!

MORE EMOJIS, MORE FUN!

The latest upgrade made communication more enjoying as they released 70 more emojis in your keyboard panel! They offer more emojis that let you express what you really feel every time you chat or text with others. The emoji extravaganza also lets more smileys with various works like being a fireman, doctor and other unique jobs that you don’t get to see in your phone in the last upgrade. Also, your ‘Happy Birthdays’ and ‘I love yous’ couldn’t get any better with their new design, the Celebration display, that lets you jazz up the full screen with some celebration droplets!

PHONE AND TV, WORKING AS ONE

Piling up nest is their new feature that lets you connect you television set to your Apple device!

Synchronization at its best, Apple devices let you connect throughout home studio. Now, what you watch on your device can also be enjoyed while being a potato couch in your living room!

IOS 10.1 AND ITS 'BOKEH' EFFECT

Making its way after its predecessor, the iOS 10.1 was released weeks after releasing iOS 10. Still at its line, the new software upgrade makes way for new upgrades that may be better

for every iPhone 7 users out there.

Introducing ‘Portrait mode’ for the camera which is only available to iPhone 7 users, (Better start saving those extra coins!) which promises new set up for those selfie addicts!

The Portait mode, has their new effect named Bokeh. Sounding a little bit off, but the effect will make you amazing! Bokeh, means having better visual quality with out-of-focus photography. Apple announces that they can offer the top photographic quality DLSRs can offer with their iPhone 7 series. To make it more simpler, bokeh effect is having a picture with your background as blurred and the subject being the only thing clear in the image.

IPHONE'S 'RAISE' TO 'WAKE'

EVAPORATE!

It maybe is an insignificant upgrade but it is a big one for every Apple user. You see in the upper Notification task bar, you have to clear every notifications one by one rather than making them all vanquish in an instant. It’s a little bit irritating when you have to lose a couple of seconds, clearing up the pile of notifications from your phone. Now, changing this, iOS 10 amuses us with the button of ‘Clear all Notifications’. Now, in one click, you can make them all vanish! Less irritation, more time for Facebooking!

FEAR WATER NO MORE!

The bigger revision of the Apple series, since their last product nine years ago, is killing the time off between the user and the device with their struggle in opening the lock screen. Once you rise up your phone, it will automatically wake up and notifications won’t be brushed as long as you’re still holding or having your finger between the Touch ID. (Hello, IPhone 5s users!)

Once upgraded, the ‘Slide to unlock’ prompt at the screen will be replaced with ‘Press Home Button to open’. A truly sleeper hit that will change the user see their iPhones every day.

Well, Apple’s latest series of iPhone 7 promises to be water resistant. They are less likely to be broken when splashed by water.

But it doesn’t mean that it is water proof. You still can’t submerge it in water, of course! (Aww.) But also, this upgrade can’t make your iPhone 5 up to 6s plus be water resistant. Water resistance, you see is somehow hardware related, and iOS 10 is something software related. (Nerd!) The device will give you a warning when there is potential water detection within a connection or charging outlet that may damage your phone.

QUICKSTER BUBBLES FOR YOU

ARE WE COMPATIBLE?

Faster replies and faster message reading are offered by the new software upgrade promises a new avenue of design that lets you read messages, incites, and reminders in a bubble head rather than exiting your home screen. It’s a little bit annoying when you have to exit something just to read some simple text. You can also easily press the home button whenever there is a calendar invite in your home screen. IOS 10, promises better display and lesser text projections.

You could say that you don’t have dig up applications just to open up a new one. This also lets you to peek at some applications without leaving your applications ever again.

Here is the real question here. Are we compatible… with the new software upgrade? Well, technically, Apple released it for everyone except for their early predecessors like the iPhone 3g, iPhone 4, and iPhone 4s. Those not later than iPhone 5 can upgrade to iOS 10. (I told you, better start saving!) Then ask yourself, are we still compatible?

Apple devices and their prices are still acidic to our pockets and purses, but they can be a ‘worth it’ gadget for everyone. People still look forward to see better software upgrade from Apple that could make their experience kick down the notch!

November 2016 49

LITERARY

Halumigmig ng Hangin Hiling sa Noche Buena! text|Rolly Sumaya artwoklAdrian Cada

Unti-unting uminit Sabaw na kumkuhit Karamihan napukaw sa halik Bumili na pamprotekta sa paso Isa para sa limang rekado Ngunit sarili’y lima para sa isa

SOBRA!!!!!

Tuwang-tuwa sa tinatamasa

Hamon, Menudo, Kalinawan at Porkchop

Tsokolate, Yema Cake at Tiramisu Waring alapaap ginintuang bunga Datapwat sa maraming panaghoy ibinugaw

Tuyo, sardinas at instat noodles

Dugo, isaw, paa, ulo at kung minsan BATO!

Nganga sa pasko! Sa araw-araw na pasko!

Bagaman pinagtrabahuhan ng talipandas Adik ang siyang nanlimas Kailan kaya huhubugin ng kapalaran?

Nang sabihin ang katagang pagmamahal sa bayan?

Init ng sikmura lang pala!

Pinunan sariling bitukang malavaccum!

Si Juan at Juana, ganito mag Noche Buena!

Ang Kwento ni Juana text|Westhley Canonigo artwork|Bea Javier

Ayos lang sa akin kung nagsosolo ako ngayong pasko.

Mag-isang niyayapos ang lamig at ang saya na dulot nito sa akin.

Dahil ‘di na ako magtataka kung ilang beses man akong takasan ng tadhana.

Ang kwento ko ngayong pasko?

Heto, nag-iisang nakaupo sa harap ng lamesa kung saan ang mga pangarap natin ay nabuo.

50 mekanismo

Pag-ibig ng isang makata text and photo | Jan Aldous Viriña

Unang dampi

Kumapit at humahagod Ikalawang dampi

Mas rumiin at nakapapagod Ikatlong dampi

Sumala at napunit

Lumuha at dumagata sa balat

Bumulwaka ang likido ng kaalaman

Hindi batid nginig-kalamnan Uhaw sa kaibututran ng langit Isa, dalawa, tatlo

Sumarap ng kumayod pataas at pababa Apat, lima, anim

Ilang demonyo ang sumapi sa akin Pito, walo, siyam

Ito pala ang tunay na pakiramdam Nang ika-sampu

Tumayo saka humipo

Handog sa malamig na karimlan Sa gitna ng gabi nakatingala Sinong mag-aakala?

Makata ang siyang iyong napala!

Heartbreak Holiday text|Justine Trillana photo| Grecielle Baldesco

To the girl I wrecked You should listen to them! They’re right I’m dumb fool.

I do love you. I DID. It’s feels like gravity is pulling me down and made me stuck in the middle of nowhere. I may seem very happy without you. But my heart was still captivated and my mind is rumbling every change of the sun-moon cycle.I am still figuring the future with you in my head running towards the zenith, TOGETHER.I don’t care what they’re going to blurt out. It is because I’m still into you.Yet this three word sentence will end with just a word.

I LOVED YOU, SORRY. My middle muscle crumples every time I think of every pictures of life with you. I LOVE YOU… But I LOVE MY ROOTS…I have priorities and responsibilities.

I’m a coward.This is the only way.This feeling inside I can’t handle.

Seeing you like a candle melting. It’s like I’m drowning from an acidic mixture It HURTS to see you like that. You DESERVED better than me.

Listen to them.I attempted to do things to connect to our world But if they find out They’ll kill youI went away to protect you.

I went away to save you.

I LOVE YOU, I DID. I’m SORRY. Move ON. Enjoy.

Life is beautiful as the dawn.

Indeed, this is my REMORSE.

November 2016 51

S

Ang Corny text|Salome Salvacion

a hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, nabighani ako sa panlabas mong anyo. Sa tuwing nakikita kita sa loob ng paaralan, hindi ko maitago ang saya na aking nadarama. Lagi lang kitang natatanawan, sa malaking canteen at library. Pero ‘yun nga lang, hanggang tanaw lang. Tanaw sa matangos mong ilong, sa patpatin mong pangangatawan, sa mala-poste mong katangkaran at sa ngiti mong nakabibighani.

Alam kong sobrang labo na makikilala mo ako, sa simple at mahiyaing katulad ko. Kahit pinsan ko ang kaklase mo. Imposibleng makilala mo ako. Pero nagbago ang lahat noong isang Sabado ng umaga! Isang ordinaryong umaga, binuksan ko ang facebook ko na may isang friend request! Tiningnan ko agad kung sino iyon at sa hindi inaasahang pagkakataon, ikaw! Ikaw na tinatanaw ko lang sa may library at malaking canteen! Ikaw na may matangos na ilong, na may patpatin na pangangatawan, na may mala-

posteng katangkaran at may ngiting nakabibighani.

Humiling ako na sana ikaw na. Ikaw na nga ang para sa akin. Sa bawat paglipas ng sandali ay nais kitang masilayan at heto na malapit ng magpasko at ikaw lang ang tanging hiling ko. Ikaw?! Ikaw nga! Dali-dali kong inaccept ang friend request mo. Nakita kong online ka kaagad.

Nakikita ko pa lang pangalan mo sa gilid ng mga online na friends ko, kinakabahan na ako. Pero ano ito?

May nag-chat agad sa akin?!

Chinat niya ako?

Chinat niya ako!

Dug! Dug! Dug! Sabi ng puso ko. Dali-dali kong binasa ang kauna-unahang chat niya na magsisimula ng lahat!

“Hi...ate..baka gusto mo ng xtra inc0me. Sama ka na sa team namin…Yung 1k mo magiging 10k. Pramis! PM me.

Tnx.”

BULONG. HILING. HININGA. text| Westhley Canonigo photo| Shien Rhoel Moral

Ano nga ba ang tunay na ibig sabihin ng pasko?

Magsasabit ng medyas sa iba’t ibang parte ng bahay?

O, ang paghihiling ng mga bagong gamit?

Nakaranas ka ba ng pag-iisa?

‘Yung t’wing pasko eto na ata ang pinakamalungkot sa kanila.

Gigising ka ng umaga na nakangiti, ngunit bigla mong naalala wala nga pala sila sa’yong tabi.

Haharap na lang ba ulit tayo sa isang bagay na nagpapatakbo ay makina?

Kompleto na ba talaga ang iyong pasko kapag narinig mo ang mga boses nila?

Malayo, Ilang milya ang itatakbo.

O kaya’y magdidiwang ka mag-isa sa gitna ng kalsda.

52 mekanismo

Nakangiti ngunit lumuluha, Inaabangan mo pa rin ang mga bagay na kahit kailan hindi ka nagkaroon.

Hayaan mo, kahit ‘di kompleto ang mga hiniling mo, ‘di mo sila nakita sapagkat kayo ay malayo.

O wala kayong matitir’han dahil sa mga unos na inyong natamo.

Dahil ang tunay na diwa ng pasko nakatanim lang sa ating mga puso, nakasindi, nagbibigay gabay, at nagpaparamdam sa atin na minsan na rin taykng nagbigayan at pinaramdam ang pagmamahalan na kailanma’y di matatawaran kung gaano man kalaki ang halaga

My Christmas Mourn

photo|Bea Javier

text| John Miles Quintana

It could turn to just a normal night.

Eating alone in your dining room.

Going to sleep, thinking you’ve done all the things you want to do for that day.

Doesn’t expecting someone will greet me.

Winds are blowing Approaching the past It feels wierd the feeling’s summoning me ‘We don’t want you to feel alone’ ‘Merry Christmas’.

And it’s ironic, Carols reminded me of you.

I guess, even if it takes million wishes you will never come back to me.

Christmas supposed to be merry, mine’s turn out to be mourn.

An Angel Beside Me text|Christopher John Kabigting artwork| Bea Javier

You were standing right in front of me, You look very happy, as I can see Beautiful like a cherry blossom tree An angel from the heaven, who came to visit me, I can’t find the words to say, You turned my sky to blue from gray I see your smile like a sugary sweet, I could die a happy man now, yes indeed I couldn’t believe, I saw a gleam Who is this girl sitting by my side?

Oh! The girl of my dream!

The one I prayed to be my bride.

You are beautiful as ever My eyes were focused on you forever I thought it was very clever And there were no problems or whatsoever

November 2016 53

INTERESTS

I’LL BE THERE FOR YOU

Friendship extends from giving advice to being a shoulder to cry on. In a world of fabricated truth, can we still find someone to stay by our side?

By Lou Fatima Muega | Graphics by Gerald Janolino

54 mekanismo

“Dear Anton, Happy birthday! Simula noong nabuhay ako, ikaw na ang una kong kaibigan. Gusto ko lang namang sabihing maraming salamat sa lahat-lahat-lahat! Alam kong inis-inis na tayo sa buhay. Naiinis tayo sa mga bagay-bagay, kung bakit ganoon, bakit ganyan, bakit ganire? Marami akong problema sa buhay pero alam mo kung anong maganda doon? Ikaw.

Andon ka sa lahat ng ‘yun. Siguro nga, we can’t have everything at the same time, at ngayong panahong ito, ibinigay ni Lord sa akin ang isang mabuting kaibigan, at ikaw ‘yun. Nagpapasalamat ako dahil nagkaroon ako ng best friend. Salamat!

Nagmamahal, Lotty”

T

hat was two decades ago when it was written by someone I am close with. It’s a letter for her best friend, whom on that time, is celebrating his 21st birthday. It’s just a simple letter of a friend writing a birthday greeting and expressing her gratitude for her best pal.

It may be an “ordinary letter” for us but that girl who wrote that was planning to commit suicide before but later changed her mind because of her true friend.

There are many recent researches that friendship is really a vital role in our lives. According to Pappas from Live Science website, people who have strong social relationships are less likely to die prematurely than people who are isolated. She also added that according to a 2010 review of research, the effect of social ties on life span is twice as strong as that of exercising, and equivalent to that of quitting smoking.

These studies found that measures of the strength of people’s social relationships, from their number of friends to their integration into the community, were all linked to decreased mortality.

Moreover, a new research said that having lots of friends can be ‘better than morphine.” According to the article of Bodkin (2016), scientists at Oxford University found people with large groups of friends have a higher tolerance for pain. Experts looked into endorphins - the body’s natural pain killers. Studies suggest that social interactions trigger positive emotions when endorphin binds to opioid receptors in the brain and this gives people that feel-good

factor that they get from seeing their friends.

These are proofs that friendship has a significant role in everything we do.

Friends are great factors that can affect our lives. Furthermore the letter written by Lotty two decades ago is another proof. Before she wrote it, she was diagnosed with depression. Depression is not just extreme sadness, depression is an illness. From the definition of American Psychiatric Association, depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.

Lotty is depressed. The doctors said that it is because of the death of her parents due to an accident that leads to Lotty’s depression. On teenage years, Lotty became an orphan and lives with her distant relatives. In her time of depression, her relatives cannot do a thing about it because they are also busy with their own lives. But on the other hand, Anton, a friend of Lotty since elementary, is always there for her. He always visits Lotty and always trying his best to make Lotty smile or laugh. In fact, he will do anything for his friend. One day, Anton accidentally read an entry of Lotty’s diary. Lotty wrote: Senyales na ipagpapatuloy ko pa ring mabuhay: Number one: Makakita ng lumilipad na pulang lobo. Two. May dumapo sa aking paru-paro. Three. Makita ang Aegis. Four. Makita si Romnick Sarmenta in person. And the list goes on and on.

Anton found it weird when he first read it. Yes, it’s really weird that you’re de-

pending your life on the signs that cannot turn into reality but maybe, it is not weird for a girl who plans to commit suicide. So Anton, a very true friend, tried to make the list of Lotty possible. He secretly bought a red balloon and let it fly at the sky and make sure that Lotty will see it. He secretly caught a butterfly and make sure that it will land on Lotty’s shoulder. He secretly bought tickets for an Aegis concert and invited Lotty and said that he won it on a raffle. Sounds like a Koreanovela, right? On those moments, Anton saw the smiles of Lotty that was not seen for a very long time. In spite of those, Anton found it hard to make the fourth list possible because Romnick Sarmenta is Romnick Sarmenta! How can you invite an actor just to see a girl with suicidal plans?

“Alam ko, Anton, itigil mo na.” Lotty said to Anton.

Anton was shocked that Lotty knew all along what Anton is doing for the past weeks. Anton thought that Lotty will still commit suicide because Anton deceived her. But no, it did not happen. In fact, Lotty thanked Anton for everything he had done for her. She realized that even though her parents are not there for her anymore, she knew that there is still a person that will love her and make her existence valuable. And that person is Anton.

The road you are taking maybe bumpy and rocky, the paths you are traveling now leads you nowhere but as long as there are people by your side, life, still, is really worth living.

November 2016 55

INTERESTS

W

Professional Craziness!

WORDS | Brian Florendo GRAPHICS | Bea Javier

e always have this moment in our lives that we encounter embarrassing and crazy things. Mostly, they happen in our childhood up to adolescence life and later on fades away when we’re on the job or being a professional person in the future. Little do we know that embarrassment is something that doesn’t pick on any age. So, what if you’re a professional and encountered something crazy during your work? Here some professors from our university who took the drip from the faucet to share their memorable experiences.

“

I don’t know if it something I should laugh about it but I am a woman. But when I instruct my students to pass something, they always write on their papers Mr. for my name that should be Miss!”-Miss Taken

When you’re professional, it doesn’t mean life stops to be crazier!

We have to know that life is fun and embarrassing but mostly, memorable!

56 mekanismo

“

I was handling several subjects way back then and my schedule was all mixed up in a week. I went to a class to teach Humanities and after the discussion I realized I have discussed Social Studies instead!”-Ma’am Confused

“

“

“

“

I was having a sore throat way back then and I thought to dilute a lozenge in my mouth. While I was discussing something in my class, I accidentally spitted out the lozenge, falling on the floor. After that, I just said, “Sayang naman.” But until now, I can’t help but laugh at that moment.”Ma’am Lozenge

This is something I always smile about but this is crazy! When I pay for my fare in a jeep, they always give me a discount for a student!

Later on, when I enter the gate, the guards would always tell me I can’t go inside because I’m not wearing a uniform and an I.D.! I will always tell them that I am not a student but an instructor.”-Mister Fountain of Youth

I had this crazy experience in a college that I have thought.

After a quiz or exam, there is one student in my class that hurts himself in every mistake he commits! I knew he was a perfectionist, but hurting himself?

That is something!” -Ma’am Concerned

My experience is considered as a cliché one but every time it happens to me, I can’t help but be embarrassed. In my classes, I always talk. In my conversation, I can’t help but create ‘rain’ which affects the front row students.

Some even told me they would bring an umbrella next time!”Ma’am Rain shower

SPORTS

Main Campus smashers lead in Badminton tilt

by JAJA FABULA and JAMESON FLORES

E

xhibiting their killer shots, Santa Cruz Campus (SCC) grabbed 3 gold medals in Badminton competition as they overpowered the other campuses in University Games 2016 held at Victoria Laguna, Nov. 4.

Los Baños(LB) racket master, Loudimer Carlos Jr. prevails in a neck to neck rally over Rick Justine Nacional from SCC resulting to scores of 2624, 17-21, 21- 19 in Single A Category.

In an interview with Carlos he said, “Masaya ako dahil first time at hinihintay nila at ako ang inaasahan nila na mag-champion. Medyo okay naman ang performance ko hindi tulad last year na pahina ako pagdating sa mga utakan kaya natalo ako.

Suporta ng mga kaibigan at coach ko aang nagging susi ko para manalo” Meanwhile, Rodmir Buen-

salida from SCC showcased his excellent foot works against his opponent from LB Vien Amor Romualdo from LB ending with a score of 21- 13 declaring Buensalida as the champion in Single B category.

“Sa laro ni Rodmir pinanatili niya ang resistensiya at concentration sa court, sinigurado niya na bawat tira at galaw ay kalkolado sa kanya talaga ang game.Lagi niya sinasabi na gusto niya makasam sa regionals at ‘yun ang motivation niya” said by Mr. Rhoniel Vivora from SCC coach of Buensalida.

Siniloan Campus(SC) shuttlers tandem, Aldrin Cainto and Rogie Launio claimed the title in Men’s Doubles category through their strategic attack and smash over SCC duo Rex Carasco and Joseph Tajale resulting to the score of 18-21, 18-21.

Moreover, Sarah May Beliganio from SPCC triumps over her opponent Aizelle Ann Rayela from SC through her grip tricks in Single A category. SCC smasher, Jerlyn Madrideo hooked the championship against Jessica Kaitlyn Biglete of San Pablo City Campus(SPCC) with an outcome of SCC pair Cary Kolimlim and Darlene Noceto captured the crown in Mixed Doubles category against twosome of SC Jovelyn Veridiano and Reniel Ceballo .

“Okay naman kahit nalalamangan na kami ginawa pa rin naming yung best namin ng ka-partner ko” said by Kolimlim. “Masaya ako kahit nagkaroon kami ng mga errors, ginawa pa rin namin yung best” Veridiano added.

November 2016 57

LSPU-SCC Modern Standard dance couple remains undisputed; SCC Latin American couple snags title

by WESTLEY CANONIGO

E

xecuting their astounding routines, Latin American duo from the Laguna State Polytechnic UniversitySanta Cruz Campus(LSPU-SCC) set fire on dance floor as they showed off their dazzling moves while LSPU-SCC Modern Standard dance couple maintained their championship belt in the celebration of this year’s University games, held at the LSPU-San Pablo City Campus (SPCCC) Gymnasium, November 3.

LSPU-SCC MODERN STANDARD DUO MARKS THREE YEARS CHAMPIONSHIP For three consecutive years, the LSPU-SCC Modern Standard dance couple John Paul Pizarro and Roanne Canlas had been undefeated as they got their three straight titles for this year’s University games.

LSPU-SCC dance couple once again showed their supremacy with their gracing routines against five couples from different LSPU campuses.

Smooth flow of graceful movement of LSPU-SCC made them to the top even though they had a technical problem during showdown.

“Priceless happiness, that’s what we are feeling right now. Just believe in yourself and don’t forget the creator from above to thank him.” Canlas said in an interview, Moreover, LSPU-SPCCC dance couple Mary Jane Montalla and Alvin Ariaa, LSPU-SCC dance couple Ivanka Joy Montefalco and Kevin Howell Tabirara, made their way to the second and third place, correspondingly.

LSPU-SCC LATIN AMERICAN DYAD BAGS TITLE LSPU-SCC Latin American dance couple, Ezekiel Pambuan and Elma Evangelista ruled the dance floor as they performed their winning performance with astounding routines which made their way to Regionals.

Screams and applause from the crowd filled up the Gymnasium as the spirit of 12 couples began executing their routines as they swayed to the rhythm with the facial expression and sensuality to seal throne in Latin-American categories in the dance sport competition.

Facial expressions seen on the

58 mekanismo

dance floor were equally captivating and as varied as dance styles themselves.

Pambuan-Evangelista couple turned on the fire on the dance floor as they showed their breath taking stunts and routines executed their swift exhibitions showing ChaCha, Rumba and Jive in the showdown.

“I can’t get over to the things that are happening right now”. Evangelista shared. “During the competition, we feel tensed because our contenders are not easy to defeat”. She added Meanwhile, Leslie Katigbak and RajohnPanopio from LSPU-Los Banos Campu, Honey lee Austria and Mark Anthony Sison from LSPU-SCC, and Mary Joy Peramo and Ezekiel Xavier Dia from LSPU- San Pablo City Campus intensified the crowd’s yell when they sealed second third and fourth place, correspondingly.

Dela Cruz-Acta’s pair aims LSPU’s 4th gold in STRASUC

by EFREN SARDOVA

S

iniloan Men’s Beach Volley duo John Carlo dela Cruz and Joebert Acta earned the slot for the Regional Beach Volley pair as they pulverized all of the other contenders in Intercampus Sports Fest.

The tandem immediately outmuscled Los Baños pair earning their first victor, 21-13, 22- 20. Meanwhile, Santa

Cruz made a struggle but still fell into the hands of the dela Cruz-Acta tandem,21-16, 21-12 in the eliminations.

Siniloan tandem which was supervised by the University of the Philippines – Los Baños varsity player Joseph Aldrin Ganibo, earned no loss record throughout the tourney in both Divisions

clearing both gold for their Campus.

The previous consecutive years of the Men’s Beach Volley of LSPU all earned three gold medals in total during the STRASUC with Jeffrey Apolinar, Joseph Tongohan and JemvilleActa who outplayed all other Regional contenders.

LB hitters battered SP keepers in Softball Finals, 12-1

by JENNY MELICIO

L

os Banos (LB) campus clobbered San Pablo (SP) campus, 12-4, in this year’s single elimination bracket Softball Competition for University Games held at LSPU-SCC Open Grounds, November 3.

SP received cheers from the crowd as they created a score of 7-3 over Sta. Cruz (SC) in the first inning and with Cuello’s excellent hit, they managed to continue their reign on the last two innings scoring 7 more points creating 14-4 win over SC. SP seem to lose their coordination as LB took over the next game not letting

SP to make any points in the first two innings scoring 6-0 and 1-0 respectively.

SP still tried to stop their lead but LB remained coordinated marked by excellent hits from Kerubin, Lanaca, and Manaig creating a score of 5-1 in the last inning. LB was declared as the winner scoring 12-1.

“Hindi kami ganoong ka-confident talaga [na manalo] kasi halos lahat sa’min ay bago at inaamin namin na kahit kaming mga varsity na dito ay hindi rin gaanong kagaling pero dahil sa tulong ng Coach namin, si Coach Jojo, ay natuto at lumakas kami. Kung iko-compare

last year, masasabi ko talaga na nagimprove yung performance ng team dahil halos lahat ay iniwasang magka-error.

Kahit na hindi ganoong kalakasan ‘yung pag-pitch ko at napapalo ng kalaban, may tiwala naman kami na maayos ang mga infield at outfield namin.”, shared

by Bernabe, LB’s pitcher in an interview.

San Pablo campus having one win and one loss, Los Banos campus having one win, no loss and Santa Cruz campus having one loss is the final standing of the game.

November 2016 59

SPCC registers 20 golds in Arnis; earns their march towards STRASUC

by RAYNS KENETH AMPON

B

y earning a total of 20 golds, San Pablo City Campus (SPCC) crowned in Arnis competition for this year’s Intercampus Sports Fest, Laguna State Polytechnic University Main Campus, Sept. 28.

SPCC held their gallant prowess in combat and talent in gripping many types of weapons in exhibition as it makes them their way to Regionals of Arnis competition.

Men fighters of SPCC dominated 5 out of 8 category as Tristan Escaba for Pin weight, Gerold Budiño for Bantam weight, Marco Consevero for Feather weight, Adriel Suelto for Welter weight, and Joshua Aguilar for Heavy weight also drew fighters from Santa Cruz campus (SCC) and Los Baños campus (LBC).

Meanwhile, other fighters from SPCCC who took gold medals in women’s category were Camille Razon of Pin weight, Jewel Cailo of Fly weight, Buzan Jane Urbiña of Bantam weight, Lenlen Opiño of Light weight, and Aira Untivero of Welter weight hands in a victorious routine in full contact Arnis.

In addition, the team (SPCC) also tops the individual and synchronize category for Solo Baston, Double Baston and Espada y Daga both in Men and Women’s category.

Gimena-Cordova tandem bags gold in Beach Volley

A

by EFREN SARDOVA fter dethroning the Santa Cruz Volleybelles’ duos last year, Jaya Gimena and Jairish Cordova tandem of Siniloan Campus Lady Spikers didn’t gave the Volleybelles another chance to regain the crown but instead they outscored them; 21-6, 21-8; in Intercampus Sports Fest, held at LSPU-SCC. Lady Spikers finished the tourney without any loss. This was after they pulverized their rivals all throughout the matches against other campuses.

Siniloan duo immediately showcased their gallant prowess sweeping the Los Baños Campus with a 21-10, 21-4 victors.

Likewise, Lady Spikers also managed to take the Santa Cruz’ pair away and never relented ending their last match in the elimination into 21-14, 21-12 victory.

60 mekanismo

Viray explodes; dethrones last year’s champ

S

by JOHN MARK DORADO AND SHULAMAE CASTRO an Pablo City Campus Block- teen kills in total for her team leaders (SPCC) turned the table af- ing their march to their victors. ter dismantling the defending “Nungnakitanaminsilakahaponchampion Santa Cruz Campus Spik- lang, kitanamanyung height nilasers (SCC) in Volleyball Women’s Di- aamin. Natakot kami talaga, although vision championship match with the naririnignaminnamalakassila kaya siyscore of 25-16, 13-25, 25-17, 25-23. empregumawa kami ngparaan.”said SPCC started strong in the first team captain Viray to their opponent. set securing a 25-16 advantage against It all went downhill from there for the Red Spikers but bounced back and the SPCC as SCC tried to catch up took Blockers at bay on the second set with them, but by with errors from the to create a 25-13 score to tie with 1-1. other team, SPCC claimed the victory.

Blockers rushly took down Santa “Yung talinolangsalaro.

Ayun Cruz squadron with deathly kills sealing lang yung sinasabi ko sa kaan eight-point deficit for Spikers,17-25. nila as their captain.” She added.

Battling toe-to-toe, SCC strived for a Other scorers, Exelle Ojeda of three point lead in the fourth set,23-20. But SPCC added eight points, while Shiela Kate Marie Viray’s pointof SPCC and Spik- Mae Lucido chipped in seven points. er’s costly errors tied the game with 23-23.

On the other hand, Magnaye Without hesitation, SPCC took led with sixteen points, while April Bathe rush and create a clean 5-0 run in- nagan added eight markers and Rica cluding Viray’s point which ends their Mae Dogillo added five points for SCC. bout and held them as a champion.

SPCC’s Virayexploded with a fif-

SPORTS EDITORIAL

Seven Years Undisputed

F

or seven long years, College of Engineering (COE) has been amazingly performing every annual sports fest. Isn’t that commendable?

COE seems to be not only for serious subjects like Differential Calculus, Differential Equation, Statics, among others but also they really are always ready to pound and defend for their title every year.

Commonly, it’s not obvious that COE do enjoy sports as a hobby but a flame to be kept on burning.

Looking on sports orientation of each college, COE appears to be allotting extra time to conduct activities that will enrich the skills, flexibility and agility not only of their athletes’ but also of those who have potentials. It could be reflected from the sports activities and other physical activities during the col-

lege weeks and per courses’ week having sports tournament such as basketball, volleyball, chess etc.

Another thing is having Mechanical Engineering Olympics (MElympics ) that was just held in Laguna State Polytechnic University-Sta. Cruz (LSPU-SCC) where the Mechanical Engineering (ME) students conducted a fun run activity participated by other COE students. Aside from that, the campus snatched the title as this year’s overall champion in the MElypics participated by other ME students all over Laguna; an indicator that COE students are physically fit and highly-inclined with sports.

More so, the college never fails to take good care of their athletes as we observed. Every day of the training prior and during the intramurals, student athletes

are receiving food allowance and support from the funds aided and managed by the college. Also, incentives are given to those active athletes and more to those who had given honor and pride to the college.

Aside from the situations above, every after class, many could notice that there are students playing in the volleyball and basketball court and what’s up? They are still COE students playing for leisure and enjoyment. The point is COE students enjoy what they do and still are giving time for sports.

Indeed, COE’s secret in winning is not merely a secret. It’s a matter of doing things at a systematic, objective and wholehearted way. COE is worth commending and this is really a great way to inspire more of the university’s colleges and athletes.

November 2016 61

COLUMN

LAWN TENNIS FOR LIFE

CRIMSON

by CHRISTOPHER JOHN KABIGTING

swinging arms on the right angle The first two days of intercampus seems like a distant afterthought until head on to the finals. In lawn tennis, I thought LSPU-SCC team is going to get at least one gold medal but then, San Pablo and Los Baños’ lawn tennis team outmatched some of us, although we trained ourselves and had a lot of practices. It’s too bad because we didn’t get a chance to have a at least a person who can train and teach us some techniques, basics and the fundamentals of this sport.

Well I can say that those two campuses were well-trained and well supported by their coaches and they are good inside the court especially those young twins named Jonathan and Julius Listana from Los Baños’ Doubles-A in men’s category; I do really admit that SCC had failed to give us enough support, although they assisted us with 3-day allowance yet not enough to fulfill our needs, OUCH! On November 4, the tournament was held at San Pablo Central Tennis Club Court; The players our campus were Rodalyn Balela (Women’s Singles-B), Jaspher Afable (Men’s Singles-B) and I, Christopher John Kabigting (Men’s Singles-A). The first match was Sta. Cruz versus San Pablo’s Singles-B in women’s category; I hereby say that it all started out good but the result was not in favor of our team, the second match was Sta. Cruz’s versus Los Baños’ Singles-A in men’s category; it was a very close fight and a good match, but the result was also not good. The final opponent was San Pablo with players from Singles-B in men’s category and unfortunately lost the game. Even though we didn’t get a gold medal in our team, at least we bagged few bronze medals and fortunately, one of us was selected by the team manager and permitted Rodalyn Balela ( the one who opposed San Pablo’s Singles-B in women’s category) to enter the regional lawn tennis tournament! I wish her good luck and may God bless her!

Here we are, let us go to the final round of the whole tournament; On the 62 mekanismo

“....OUR TEAM DIDN’T SHOW ANY REMORSE BECAUSE WE ENJOYED EVERY SINGLE MOMENT AND IT’S A GREAT FEELING TO HAVE NEW SET OF FRIENDS FROM OTHER CAMPUSES.”

final and the most awaited match, San Pablo’s Singles-B (Pauline) in women’s category battled with honor against the player of Siniloan campus team (Lorrien Rabacal), Lorrien Rabacal was also the defending champion of SCUAA / STRASSUC Olympics. The heated battle continued for almost two hours, it was a very good fight that brought out the flame in the eyes of us observers and audiences, although it was a very close fight it was less fortunate for our defending champion, she lost the battle against Pauline with a score of 8-4! Whoa! I can say that the underdog was a tough opponent for our defending champion. What a match!

As I said with my above statement, “We didn’t get at least one gold medal”, all I can say is winning is nice,

but winning and enjoying the ride is even nicer, even though our team can’t stand a chance against those two campuses, our team didn’t show any remorse because we enjoyed every single moment and it’s a great feeling to have new set of friends from other campuses. It was a great experience for us new players!

You were thinking that my topic was all about lawn tennis; you might think that it is so hard to play this sport but it’s literally not that hard, you just have to learn how to swing your arm in a right way and put your racket in a face down angle. If I were to define this sport, it is an indoor or outdoor game that is played with rackets and a light elastic ball by two players or pairs of players on a level court (as of clay or grass) divided by a low net. It is a sport where players are called “tennist.” Not only that, I consider it as a sport where people can enjoy and forget all the worries in their life, so go outside and start playing with your friends now!

That is all there is to say about lawn tennis, Adieu!

Topher is a young man who wears many hats. Aside from playing tennis, he also plays some musical instruments.

Topher is one of the publication’s photojournalists.

COLUMN

FINAL AND IRREVOCABLE

PARDZ

by RENIEL RENZ GALLARDO

luto ba ang laban?

“How come that they became the winner, they are not good enough to surpass contender number 204.

Judges became bias.”

Word bias became talk of the town in every sports event that requires judge’s decision in order to announce the winner. But in the end of the day some of the crowd, give such comments of being bias or in Filipino term, Luto ang laban.

I see these phrases as the words of people who lack of understanding about the law of sportsmanship because in every competition there are winners and there are losers.

The athlete accepted that they already loose in the competition so why these people from the crowd are over reacting? Judges are chosen by the school to give corresponding points to the performance of the athletes but in the end they are being judged by the crowd.

Judges decision is final and irrevocable. This is commonly misunderstood by the crowd or they understand but they don’t apply. Judges have experiences and several backgrounds in certain event that’s why they are chosen to be one of the adjudicator.

But right after the announcement of the winner, there are many side commend

“THE ATHLETE ACCEPTED THAT THEY ALREADY LOOSE IN THE COMPETITION SO WHY THESE PEOPLE FROM THE CROWD ARE OVER REACTING?”

from the crowd that judge is being unfair, that the judge doesn’t appreciate the true quality of the performance, and the judge are being bias.

This is the usual happenings for every event. We can identify something to be bias if that does not agree on our expected result or it is not in favor to our bias individually. We have different points of view and different taste while watching the performance, the judges who are there to give points, look for mistakes and good sides of the performance, and we, who are there to watch and to cheer for our favorite contestant, same as the college where we belong or more likely our friends or

relatives.

There are times that they are questioning the judge’s decision on giving points. Yes, many will say that the performance of certain contestant is good but they are not experienced and experts to see the errors in the performance. It is hard to the side of the judge that their decisions are being questioned. They know more about the event more than we know. We see the whole performance as good and we don’t notice any mistakes but they know which part that the contestant made their errors which made the performance stunning.

I know that it is the free country but most of those who have side comments are lack of knowledge in the rule of that certain events. They don’t even know the basic steps and they don’t even notice the correctness and errors of the performance. What they are just pushing is the result that should always be the same as their expectation since they also watch the performance.

For the very beginning, those who reacted that the judges are being bias are those who are really bias.

They are bias in the way that they are fighting for the position of someone without considering the person announced as a winner. They are bias because they are considering their point of view but there are different point of view regarding the performance but they say nothing if that agrees the result they want. They insist the result they want without considering others.

I consider that many will favor for the comment of the crowd but it doesn’t mean that the correct judgment or the correct result. Judges have their own advanced standard and criteria. In the end of the day, the basis of the result is the judge point other than the crowd. They are the only who have an authority to decide who is the winner and losers.

Renz started to fall in love with sports writing when he entered college. He is also an education student major in TLE.

November 2016 63

UNEXPECTED DREAM

by JUNE LOUIE FLORES

W

omen also possess a man’s power; it takes time to unveil the total strength within, if the passion and dedication emerge together.

Janine Nicandro, believes that the power of woman has the same level of a man. In her beginning to the world of officiating, she never knew to be in the field that is far from her dream but the one that gave unique experience in her life.

The first ever woman referee of the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA) is one of Laguna State Polytechnic University’s alumni from Santa Cruz, Laguna and raised from Pagsanjan namely Janine Nicandro.

During her college years while taking up bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, she already started to adore basketball, “Before, basketball is not my chosen sport in high school, it was volleyball that I spent time with.

In college, I started to play basketball and my knowledge to it got broad.”

She never dreams of being part of PBA’s referee, “I dream of being a teacher, stewardess or flight attendant, at first, it’s not my intention to get involved in officiating games.” In her three years serving the association, Janine officiate games all over the country from UCSAA, PBA-Developmental league, and to Barangay Inter Color and Inter Church.

Helping her to excel in officiating games, Janine practiced, studied the rules

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and mechanics of basketball and watched games. “A plenty of experience and exposure is needed in order to make my knowledge improve,” she added. Without the encouragement of Mr. Celso Rivera, a former referee at the PBA to make her join, she will never attain the profession of officiating basketball games. “My parents al-

“BE AT YOUR BEST. DO NOT BE OUT OF FOCUS UNTIL THE LAST BUZZER” ways support me during the time I’m applying to PBA because of my zero knowledge in officiating.” Janine is not the only one who applied for being the association’s referee position but she is also with Ms. Edith Boticario, they were picked from 15 trainees consisting of five (5) women. Boticario and Nicandro underwent training for the women 3x3 tournament league’s Campus tour of PBA - Developmental League.

Way back in her years of being a

student athlete; basketball and volleyball take her to regional and national level competitions. She believes that every game is a championship game. “Be at your best; do not be out of focus until the last buzzer,” she stated.

With her coaches Mr. Joseph Benzon Tomboccon and Ma’am Mariz Arapan who molded her as a successful athlete and helped her to enhance her strength and knowledge, she’s really grateful on every blessing that came into her life. “Enjoy the process, respect the process, and learn from your mistake.” Janine’s message for future referees to serve as motivation.

Janine Nicandro first officiates in the PBA’s governor’s cup match of The Meralco and Phoenix held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with black and white uniform.

Before the two female referees enter the game they were reminded that many fans or hecklers will bash and will shower them with negative comments from the decision she will make for the players. "Nakaka-tense po, nakakakaba, pero masaya po,” Nicandro said. "Na-pressure po pero kailangan natin i-overcome," she said in an interview at ABS-CBN. One of her remarkable judgment was when she made a decision for Mark Borboran which is a quick technical foul that made an impression to Mr. Chito Narvasa, the commissioner of PBA.

“T

hey call it horseback riding, but I prefer to use Equestrian.”

Long time ago, horses were already used but not totally in sports purposes but for business and livelihood reasons. Before we use horses in sporting purposes, horses were initially domesticated and used as partners in business and agriculture. Particularly, they were used in transporting agricultural crops from one place to another. That time, horses were used as workers for the absence of machineries and other transportation means that we already have these days.

During ancient times, horses also give a bigger role during warfare in which they were used as a war horses which they carried soldiers and knights on and off the combat. As time passes by, horses were evolved for their uses until they were used in gambling purposes in which it was driven by the jockeys until it became a sport.

The sport in which horses were used or ridden by a horseman is called an Equestrian. This kind of sport involves the skills in riding, driving, and steeple chasing, and vaulting of horses. With these skills, it includes the use of horses in transportation, recreational activities, artistic purposes, and competitive sport.

Horses were trained for different equestrian activities particularly horse riding, racing, rodeo, polo, vaulting, endurance riding, etc. In Olympics, Equestrian events were first included during 1900. Nowadays, the three Olympic disciplines were still seen as a part of this event in which it was governed by the rules made by the International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Dressage which means training, involves progressive training of the horse to a high level of impulsion, collection, and obedience. Competitive dressage aims to showcase the natural

movement of the horse without too much time of thinking.

Show jumping is a timed event judged on the ability of the horse and rider to jump over a series of obstacles, in a given order and with the fewest refusals or knockdowns of portions of the obstacles.

Eventing, also called combined training, horse trials, in which it puts together the obedience of dressage with the athletic ability of show jumping, the fitness demands the cross-country jumping phase. In the last-named, the horses jump over fixed obstacles, such as logs, stone walls, banks, ditches, and water, trying to finish the course under the “optimum time.” There was also the ‘Steeple Chase’ Phase, which is now excluded from most major competitions to bring them in line with the Olympic standard.

Aside from Olympic Games, Equestrian was also played in FEI World Equestrian Games which consists of disciplines of combined driving, endurance, reining, and vaulting. In addition, FEI also recognizes horse ball and tent pegging as its two regional disciplines.

In the Philippines, there are different Equestrian parks which were used to develop skills in horseback riding and other disciplines of this sport. It was not only made to train skilled people in this type of sport but also for those who are interested with this type of recreational activity.

Although this sport is acidic on everyone’s pockets, it will surely give everyone extraordinary feeling and experience.

SPORTS & HORSES

by EFREN SARDOVA

November 2016 65

L Y L O A B IN T

P ASKE B

LA

U FAB ANN

oy, n i P a AN a ES g R O r L m u t IE F g l U n O u k EL yo UN a a s t

by J ng g a o n b ero k i i p a g a i a k n “Ka ali o m i na ri ang lah g m sa u . Mara hang ib o.” y man salamu laga ta a a nak a rin t Souls p iba tro and - Re

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CE

OY DJ

P

hilippine culture is truly different from other countries because of the Filipino’s way of thinking is different from the way they sustain their needs, up to satisfying their selves. It’s totally unique! Filipinos can always think of something that can change the perception of a person. They always use their creativity in order to have a better way of living.

Basketball is one of the most played sports in the Philippines, which was presented by the Americans through Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) way back in the year 1898. The creative minds of Filipinos today began to give the basketball a new taste or a new twist to add more excitement, more fun and more game preservation in the culture. The different ways of Filipinos playing basketball can be mostly seen in many barangay fiestas.

MOVING BASKETBALL RING This is basketball game that requires much effort not only for the player but also for the court setting because of the moving ring. In this type of basketball league, not only players are running back and forth, but also the ring where the players are going to shoot the ball. This concept of basketball was played by seven youths of Barangay 335 of Santa Cruz, Manila. It was just simply for fun until it became viral on Facebook.

The goal of the game is to have a maximum score of five (5) points and whoever team can do it will be considered as the winner.

Each team should score to the ring—that is made of scrap and weighs two (2) kilos while a person moves it to different sides of the street. Even though the game is very tiring everything is worthy for it gives so much fun. It is unique for moving basketball ring is only in the Philippines!

BASKETBALL MARATHON The game is for a person with unlimited strength.The Philippines is awarded by the Guinness Book of World Record for the longest time while playing basketball, with the time of 120 hours and one minute! “Walang Iwanan” and “Bounce Back” are the names of two teams that composed of twenty-four players, mostly Filipinos. Basketball is usually played with twelve players per team but in this situation, they allowed many substitute players in the game. Additionally, the players have only two hours to take their time to rest. Aside from having a record, this also aimed to raise funds for survivors of Typhoon Yolanda.

BASKETBALL IN THE FLOODED AREA It is the game after the typhoon. Filipinos are searching for some ways when it comes to entertaining their selves.

Through some reported information, residents of Malabon, Manila are playing basketball in the flooded area wherein the movement of each player is difficult to control because the level of water reaches their waist line. Some rules are still applicable except dribbling which is obviously impossible to execute. Basketball runs in the bloods of the Filipinos that’s why no matter what happens, even the flood, can’t stop them! They will still continue to play basketball!

BASKETBALL OF THE BLIND The game that uses sense of hearing. This was started in Jaro, Ilo-llo way back in July 31, 2011 which was organized by the Philippine Blind Union ‒ Ilo-Ilo Chapter. It is to support blind residents of their town and also to celebrate the International White Cane Safety Day recognizing the blind people.

The game has its own mechanics in which they have a member who is not disabled that stands as the guide. Both rings have a buzzer for them to know the location of it. The score will be two points if the ball touches the ring and three points if the ball shoots the ring.

People of Ilo-Ilo want to show that even the blind individuals can have a sport and also to have a chance to show how great those individuals are. Even if some people do not agree with this, they still want to show that disabled person can do things like a normal people can do.

MASCULINE BUT FEMININE Most of the basketball players are known for their jersey shirts. There are different colors and designs that make the team known to the crowd and make them look more aggressive in the hard court. But in the Philippines there are places that use female dresses as substitute for expensive jersey uniforms. Players are wearing skirt, blouses and dresses that adds thrill on the game.

Example of this is the one that was featured on Kapuso mo Jessica Soho, the Team Pabebe and Team Walang Pake.

This kind of basketball league is not easy for guys should wear woman clothes! However, in order to win, the guys should focus on the game instead of thinking how they look.

BASKETBALL SHOWDOWN: GAY VS. MIDGET The game with extraordinary teams against each other.

Instead of having guy players in basketball, the team is composed of gays and midgets. It was started years ago in Cebu, when Nathaniel “Tanya” Fides a.k.a Mother Nature organized a basketball league. The game applied the same rules but instead of having serious atmosphere during the game, this league was different for they covered it with laughter and joy.

The midget team really proves the saying “Small but terrible” while the gays continue to give happiness when earning points. Even though this twist in basketball is kind of odd to others, the organizers and players believed that it lifted up the image of gays and proved that midgets deserve bigger significance and higher respect.

These twists established the sense of creativity of the Filipino people that made us more incredible. Basketball is not just a sport; basketball is there to be our leisure time, hobby and a way to build camaraderie.

Filipinos really proved that adding more excitement to a simple sport can result to higher chances of giving fun and joy. Basketball will always be there and will be everywhere because it’s in the blood of every Filipino and is already part of Filipino’s culture. As they say, “Basketball never stops.”

November 2016 67

ANG PAGSISID SA BUHAY PALABOY

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November 2016 69

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The Official Magazine of The Gears Publication Copyright Š 2016

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