The Gold Panicles Magazine

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

PRIDE 1

THE GOLD PANICLES EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF E.I.C: Ennocent John Comandante Associate E.I.C: Isagani Roma Jr. Managing E.I.C Kurtnhy Love Maderal lay-out Artist: Rally Jay B. Naife ASSOCIATE EDITORS Opinion Editor: Feature Editor: News Editor: Sports Editor: Literary Editors:

Vince Ivan Libao Marie Claire Virtudazo Rey Bade John Francis Cadampog Vanessa Ybañez

Web Admin.: Cartoonist: Photojournalist:

John James Goleña Reymond Java Rickalhyn Airean Belle Nakila

COLUMNIST:

VISION

A premier university known for academic excellence in science and technology, agriculture, environment and natural resources, engineering, education and the arts towards the sustainable development of Caraga Region.

MISSION In pursuit of academic excellence, Caraga State University shall endeavor to deliver the highest quality of instruction, research, extension, production, and administration to produce scientificallytrained, technologically-skilled, and morally-sound individuals contributing to the creation of an eco–friendly and healthy environment.

GENERAL MANDATE

Jeanmalry Paquibot THE GOLD PANICLES ADVISERS Jan Grenechaux Rolyna S. Trugillo Shella M. Alingato

CARAGA STATE UNIVERSITY

Chief Adviser Technical Adviser (English) Technical Adviser (Filipino)

ABOUT THE COVER A man on the road is the theme of the cover of this magazine. The man embodies every student of Caraga State University and the road symbolizes life, a metaphor that tells us about the wonders of a student life. As students, we are confronted with the complexities of living. On this road, there times when we have to pave a straight way.

Sometimes, there are bends, detours, sudden shifts, and constant surprises. Every turn gives us the opportunities to prove our self-worth and actualize our dreams and passions. We may, at times, be standing in some crossroads of dilemmas and indecisions. We may be looking at some distance or some horizon overcast with the unknown and the unknowable. It is at these trying times that we find the courage to fight and take some pride.

Pride, however, is a double-edged sword. It can destroy an individual as it inflates sense of one’s self-worth. It boosts confidence to the point that some turn to be boastful and arrogant. On the other hand, pride may also mold someone to be better in his own means; taking pride through self-nurturing and hard work.

It’s up to us which road to choose.

Caraga State University shall primarily provide advanced education, higher technological, professional instruction and training in the fields of agriculture and environmental studies, fishery, engineering, forestry, industrial technology, education, law, medicine and other health-related programs, information technology, the arts and sciences and other related courses. It shall undertake research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

CORE VALUES

Competence Service Uprightness The Gold Panicles

is the Official Student Publication of Caraga State University (CSU) - Main Campus.

The office is independent by function and administration from other student organizations. It does not actively promote particular political, religious parties, and other ideologies. The official domicile of the office is within the premises of CSU Main Campus, Butuan City.

SERVICES OFFERED The office serves as the official student publication of CSU, anchored on the principles of the freedom of the press.

The office is by the students, for the students, and through the students.

The Gold Panicles reserves all rights in the textual, graphical, and other contents appearing in this magazine.

Redistribution is prohibited without expressed written permission from the Editorial Board. In compiling and presenting the contents of this magazine, GP has used its best endeavors to ensure that the information is correct and current at the time of publication but assumes no responsibility for any error, omission, or defect herein. The issue may inadvertently contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors.

Further, references to any specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade name, trade mark, and manufacturer or otherwise do not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation.

The views and opinions of authors expressed herein should not be used for advertising or product-endorsement purposes. Furthermost, the opinion expressed herein are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Gold Panicles or its staffers. The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of material therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the GP concerning the legal status of any institution, area or territory, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.

Editorial

For Better or Worse?

Is it better or worse or both? Our existence and ways of life are somehow dictated by what the modern times can offer. it teaches us to choose what options we should select in order for us to live, adjust, and counteract with the demands of the highly-civilized society with firm social norms and social contracts. Thus, most people tend to seek greater heights on the field of endeavor they are heading forth but tend to forget that, while they rise higher, they forget the things that pulled them up to the top. It’s true that pride really rule over on the issue of personality identification of every individual today. Pride is often viewed in a favorable light. It conjures up positive images such as a toddler’s glee after successful performance of a task, a parent’s delight in the accomplishment of a child, a parent’s jubilation following an important victory, and a student ’s elation after a record-setting performance.

Few would find fault with these positive images of pride. Pride, however, can degenerate into something abhorrent. Students cheat and injure others in order to achieve success and bolster their pride. Teachers can become controlling and abusive of students as they seek success and enhancement of their pride. Pride can be the motivation for antagonistic actions as individuals compete for the social standing, fame, and riches associated with success. In truth, pride is double-edged: destructive and ludicrous in the wrong place with the wrong proportions, but heroic and admirable in the right ones.

How does pride positively serve individuals as they navigate the waters of social relationships and as they pursue success? How does pride, which can serve as a positive social attribute, become something negative?

Let’s answer these questions. Pride is a fundamental human psychology.

It is exhibited through specific and recognizable non-verbal expressions spontaneously displayed when individuals experience excessive self esteem. They include a low-intensity smile, expanded posture, slight head tilt, and arms to the side with hands on hips or raised above the head with hands in fists.

Pride is sometimes used to describe

the satisfaction achieved through the completion of a task to the best of one’s ability. Evidently, it is illustrated when our university hailed as one of the topperforming school in Forestry and Mining Engineering. Our students ranked themselves as top 2 in Forestry Licensure Exam and top 9 in Mining Engineering Board Exam, respectively. On the other

hand, pride, however, can be a very damaging emotion for it can serve as the motivation to engage in undesirable behavior as individuals seek to bolster and protect it. Further, a loss of pride in the form of humiliation or the potential loss of pride through ego threats can lead people to engage in aggressive and violent behavior. This is a hubristic pride, a false pride that originated deep in our selves. The hubristic are puffed up with pride, exaggerate their importance, act recklessly in pursuit of glory, and may believe themselves to be infallible.

Hubristic pride is associated with arrogance, conceit, narcissism, hostility, aggression, and it results in interpersonal

problems that allow our students to experience over self-confidence. It is the pride that has gone wrong. It is pride that is morphed into prideful. If, indeed, hubristic pride empowers individuals to engage in behavior that harms others in the quest to achieve their goals, it seems that passing the board exam and getting a reward would provide a context where those who have achieved success and those committed to success might display hubristic pride. One would also expect to observe conflict, pain and suffering in the wake of hubristic students.

Many who find success are seduced by the calling of hubris. They grow to feel that they are special, that they are more important than others, and that they are entitled to have what they want and to act as they please. Actions taken as the consequence of hubristic pride held by people often impact others negatively. We sometime know our actions are wrong, still we convince ourselves that normal rules do not apply. We do not consider other people We think, we are entitled. We are wrong. We are foolish.

We don’t get to set different rules. The same boundaries that apply to everyone apply to us.

It is evident that pride can cause problems in our lives. Though pride may benefit us in some ways, it may also be the cause of pain, suffering, and even destruction. Pride is a naturally occurring phenomenon and a dilemma to ourselves. We only need to be more cautious to our actions. Simply, taking every reward as a mere reward without extracting the attitude towards a stimulus.

Always be reminded of what really matters—we are capable of raising ourselves up to our desired limits but we should never forget to remain humble. it is the universal rule of every individual.

Keep your humility over pride. Be it hubristic or not, it will give us lesson we need to as we carry on. We just need to control it. Discipline is the key. Is it better?

Is it worse? Or both? You decide!

8 16 24 34 36

Opinion

Not a Study Place Anymore

8

Buried in the Pits of BBL

10

Renewable Marriage in the Philippines Think and Forgive The Stinking Ugly Truth Thou Shall not Cheat

12 14 15 18

Feature Bitter is Better Pens and Papers

19

Mensahe ng Isang Batang Lumad

24

In the Midst of Confusion

27

The Female Challenger

28

Brier:His Success Story of Leadership

30

20

The Gold Panicles

NEWS

Take Pride in how far you’ve come and have faith in how farther you can go.

PRIDE PRIDE 11

Against the backdrop By: Kurtnhy Love Maderal

BLACK&WHITE BEST IN CATWALK

DENIM & PRINTS This mafia looking model hits the catwalk with a furlined coat as his slouchy boots trudge forward with march of solidarity.

If you’re up to bad boys, he’s the guy for you. This bad boy has all the street necessities combined to achieve this unruffled look.

Best in Black & White male no. 9 (CEAS)

1st runner up: male no. 5 (CALM)

BLACK&WHITE

DENIM&PRINTS BEST IN CATWALK

An outfit fit for a fashion company CEO, Ms. Basic queen surely got the authority with her looks.

2nd runner up: female no. 1 (debyants)

The admixture of pastel colors is blasting with preppy-ness and fun.

2nd runner up: male no. 3 (BESS)

BLACK AND WHITE BEST IN CATWALK MODEL LOOK

DENIM&PRINTS MODEL LOOK

The main feature that flaunts her whole look is her flawless long legs— an asset models should possess.

The acid washed denim vest complements the leopard loosed leggings, and the fishnet clings to that hot-bod of his

Best in Black & White: female no. 4 (AMINES) Best in Denim & Prints: male no. 7 (DLC)

BLACK&WHITE This imaginative design can’t hit the streets but it sure did well on the catwalk.

1st runner up: female no. 5 (GK)

DENIM&PRINTS The detailed denim shorts looks edgy with that sexy leopard print

1st runner up: female no.9 (DILIWARIW)

DENIM&PRINTS The denim vest and floral tank top is sophisticated!

You can hit the streets with this feminine look.

2nd runner up: female no. 1 (JMAS)

BLACK AND WHITE BEST IN CATWALK MODEL LOOK Striking and dynamic, there’s more than one in this outfit that makes a statement: vivid balloon head piece, edgy geometric sleeves, dainty-pleated skirt, multi-chained collar, vintage legging prints, and vibrant wedge socks.

Best in Denim & Prints: female no. 3 (BESS)

A

gainst a backdrop of stunning visuals and streaks of light, the runway was all set for Fashion Forward 2k14.

Celebrating its 5th year, the show featured 65 models from 34 different organizations, which were categorized into retro mania, denim & prints, and black & white.

RETROMANIA

Retro mania

Suspenders were used to hold up trousers, but nowadays, it’s just for style.

This outfit is prepped up with tucked-in champagne pink long sleeves in denim shorts, and the glasses are so 1950s, it’s so easy on the eyes—timeless!

Retro styles never wear out of time. It’s a thing of the past with a hint of modernity, and this way of clothing usually incorporates garments and accessories which are of essence in a certain period.

Frequently, people use them exaggeratedly in combination with the current clothing.

2nd runner up: male no. 10 (YGESS)

Denim & Prints Denims, we’re all familiar with that. Each of us has one, and prints are so in now – from floral prints to comic prints and animal prints. It’s a vast plug of patterns and designs. But are they fashionable and witty enough to combine these two?

RETROMANIA Stunning pearls with the classic 50s-inspired dress, full skirt, and fitted waist, plus a flattering oversized bow to top it up.

Black and white The monochromatic perfection of high contrast look. This timeless color combination is hard to mess up since black and white goes with anything.

2nd runner up: female no. 8 (FSG)

RETROMANIA BEST IN CATWALK MODERN LOOK

RETROMANIA Best in Catwalk

The stunning blend of preppy colors, revived from the early 80s—this intricate design of combining a stand-up collar, long sleeves, and a lightweight cape makes its own fashion statement in the catwalk.

Skinny jeans and funky jackets—this outfit connects to the past. It’s sleek, and the draping scarf gives it a flair.

1st runner up: female no. 10 (YGESS)

1st runner up: male no. 9 (DBBP)

RETROMANIA

Tall, dark, and handsome, he’s the man who will sweep you off of your feet, with relaxed jeans and monk strap shoes, he’s surely the guy you will date.

2nd runner up: male no. 10 (css)

RETROMANIA MODERN LOOK

Layered polka-dotted tutus is a must-have for a chic, it’s fun and adorable!

Best in Retromania: female no. 5 (ΔΖΩ)

BLACK&WHITE MODEL LOOK

BLACK&WHITE

The vintage camera, the suspenders, the loafers— how can this be more retro?

Best in Retromania male no. 2 (SITES)

1st runner up: male no. 8 (YAS)

Looks like this star came out of an action movie.

Slim pants with Chelsea boots, ready for the camera and ready for the girls.

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

All

through the years, the CSU Ochoa Library seemed to have been the confidante of students who either missed or did not understand the lessons their instructors tried to teach, but in the past years, many would say that our university library failed to do its functions. It’s gradually becoming into something else, something not even relevant to academic at all.

The most displeasing in these changes is the disappearance of respect. Respect to the users in the neighboring cubicles or tables who try hard to stay focused on the books they’re trying to read. Some students are shamelessly picking up a call inside the library, others do not even bother to tone down the volume of their cellphones; cubicles designed for a single user are now shared by a group who make unnecessary noises; thoughtlessly dragging chairs and tables across the hall; and the constant loud chitchat of friends who carelessly raise their voices as they please.

The undesirable happenings I mentioned are common at the Ochoa Library. These are definitive proofs that some of us are ignorant. We tend to not see how negatively we affect others with every unnecessary actions we take. We tend to forget where we are and what we are supposed to do in a place like it. It’s a trait that welcomes ruin.

Maybe we really are inconsiderate in a way. However, the librarians are somehow very complacent like a police being unaware of the crime unfolding right

before their eyes. The librarians haves duties but they seem to be untroubled by these easily observed problems. Have they grown immune to these problem due to the long years of working at such a seemingly dead-end job that they become tolerant to these unwanted behaviors of students and appear to be less-bothered?

Is it a change of perceptions caused by unorthodox social changes? Or did they become tired of disciplining the students who don’t really listen at all?

The growing population of students has also been another problem. With some significant portions of the building reclassified as the ICT’s, increasing purchase of books, and the fact that the building is ridiculously small, the doubling population each year creates a situation which should be given some attention and appropriate action.

It used to be a paradise full of books; free drinking water was available; comfort rooms were open for students to use . A book haven to be exact. Now, it seems to have been completely altered. It no longer has an ambient environment. Proper ventilation or improved air-conditioning would be such a great help to give the learners the comfort they need. There

are times when no matter how much you sweat, librarians would just look the other way undisturbed with the problem.

The halls of learning have lost “respect” by the disturbance of silence and negligence to execute the duty.

CSU may have already produced topnotchers but were they able to learn the necessary knowledge here? CSU may have been accredited as a high-calibrated school but do we really experience the standards they claim to have?

Is this CSU’s way to produce scientificallytrained, technologically-skilled, and morally-sound individual? Is this the highest quality of education that we are told to memorize in the university’s mission? Will these dire circumstances help us become a “premier university”?

Is this how CSU nurture with wisdom and compassion?

Let us all stop being ignorant. The library has definitely and significantly changed and there’s no doubt about it. It’s not just the students, nor just the librarians, not even just the administration, It’s all of us, and maybe we should stop these futile changes and start improving.

IT WOULD BE A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT IF THE HEART (ADMINISTRATION) IS UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM WITH ITS BRAINS (LIBRARY).

Photo Credits: RJ Naife

N OT A ST U DY PLACE ANYMORE 8

PRIDE

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

BETWEEN THE LINES

Vince Ivan Libao vince_libao@yahoo.com

PRIDE 9

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

Photo Credits: Shaina Benedicto

BURIED INTO THE

PITS OF BBL

A

sad story. Peace was shattered, civilians had been compromised with casualties, and patriotic policemen were slain in brutality— a scenery the war has carved in the history of our land which ironically happened during a ceasefire. However the rendered sacrifice these fore battling heroes in furnishing aid to end international terror was in vain while the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement (BFA) was making its way to amend the constitution.

On January 25th, PNP-SAF desperately maneuvered their objective to serve the warrant of arrest to the suspected Malaysian bombmaker Zulkifi bin Hir, who had been enlisted in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation Most Wanted Terrorist, and Abdul Basit Usman, a Filipino who was also in the terrorist list. The operation led to exchanges of fire between the policemen and MILF; later reports concluded that it was a “misencounter” since the MILF has fully denied charges that they were coddling Marwan. It claimed 44 deaths of PNP-SAF members, 17 members of MILF, and four civilians. It also involved a dozen of wounded people.

The downfall crushed the hearts of every Filipino.

10 PRIDE

This bold action taken by the policemen brought jeopardy to the 17 years of peace negotiations between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Philippine Government. This has also provoked some of senators to withdraw co-authorship of the BBL, a draft law intended to found the Bangsamoro political entity in the Philippines and provide for its basic structure of government, which will replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

However, President Noynoy Aquino remains steadfast in advancing the bill into realization. “The dream of Bangsamoro political entity will not be allowed to die,” the Malacañang said. The palace insisted that the law will carry out the need of building and engaging all stakeholders of the country with the importance of peace in the south. This will likewise give justice and honor to the elite cops who fell in the bloody clash.

Conspicuously, the palace is in a hurry of the peace process while seemingly neglecting the deaths in Mamasapano clash. Other than the information the media have disclosed, the government, as well as the MILF, warily tended to withhold any information in connection to the clash.

The operation lacked enough coordination. Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte stated in an interview that the operation and entry of the government security force should not have been made without the coordination with the MILF and the conduct itself was an anomaly. In addition, reports have surfaced that neither Interior Secretary Mar Roxas nor Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina were informed. Police Chief

IPSO FACTO

Isagani M. Roma, Jr. ganzamor.ii@gmail.com

Alan Purisima worked with the president to carry out the operation.

The mutilation the cops had experienced during the battle was also incomprehensible and unnecessary. It is apparent in the videos which broke the media that there was an overkilling. Even SAF medics were killed which is a violation to human rights conventions.

Dead troopers were stripped off of their personal belongings and their bodies were desecrated. Duterte, who was famous for his ironclad approach towards peace and order, was appalled and was deplored with the way the policemen had been treated even when they were already dead. “Even in war, there are rules to be followed,” Duterte added.

If BBL is situated, there will be a possibility that members of the MILF responsible for the deaths of troopers will later become policemen themselves. Senator Bongbong Marcos stated that this must be seriously weighed. In Article 11, section 2 of the BBL it is stated that: Section 2. Bangsamoro Police. – There is hereby created a Bangsamoro Police which shall be organized, maintained, supervised, and utilized for the primary purpose of law enforcement and maintenance of peace and order in the Bangsamoro. It shall be part of the Philippine National Police.

This possibility is undeniably a retort to the sacrifices the SAF members had made in the battlefield, opposing the statement of the Malacañang that BBL will give justice and honor to them.

It is irredeemable that the government violated clear provisions and mechanisms the peace process has established. It is also evident that human rights were violated. Marwan’s inhabitancy in Maguindanao as well as the responsible person for the stealth-free operation is still questionable. In the absence of truth, doubts indubitably stirred which was enough to call the advancement of BBL to halt later on. As an integral part of the continuous peace process, investigation about the incident must be considered necessary before the government takes a step to reconciliation. And the first thing to do is to answer the unanswered questions which bring suspicion and distrust.

The heroes who rendered their life for the country deserve better than Bravery Medals.

The Bangsamoro Police shall be professional, civilian in character, regional in scope, effective and efficient in law enforcement, fair and impartial, free from partisan political control, and accountable under the law for its actions. It shall be responsible both to the Central Government and the Bangsamoro Government, and to the communities it serves.

PRIDE 11

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

R E N E WA B L E MARRIAGE IN THE

12 PRIDE

PHILIPPINES,FOR REAL?

The Gold Panicles

OPINION There’s always a talk on corners about the sanctity of marriage. But what is it really?

Marriage is a process where two people grow together in a relationship they have made official in a sacred life-long commitment. It’s a union of souls, aware of the greater responsibilities as husband and wife. Now, what will be the possible consequences if the marriage certificate, which is considered as the legal contract, will become renewable?

Partylist 1-Ako Babaeng Astig Aasenso (1-ABAA) proposed the bill to give a limit on the validity of marriage for only ten years, the Renewable Marriage Bill.

According to them, a marriage certificate should be just like a passport or driver’s license, that if we are not interested to renew it, we let it expires. It is also said that the main reason why they are proposing this kind if bill is that they are concerned about the abandoned and separated women who

are forced to raise their children all alone, not until their marriage is annulled.

“This move that we did will both save man and woman from the stressful processes of filing for an annulment,” 1-ABAA maintained.

As anticipated, strong oppositions came out not only from the Christian churches but also from other concerned citizens.

A pastor and a Manila Representative Bienvenido Abante believes that making marriage renewable reduces it to a mere legal contract instead of a sacred relationship.

“What is happening to our values?

That is what happens when people do not believe in absolutes anymore”, he once said.

Also, Liza Maza, representative of the Gabriela party-list find the said proposal absurd and outrageous for marriage should not be treated like a rental contract that has an expiration date.

BRASS TACKS

Vanessa Ybañez

vanessaybanez135@gmail.com

“The proposal also goes against the provisions of the constitution of the Philippines because the highest law of the land clearly advocates marriage, and of course, the family. It is also biased against the women for it would just give men the opportunity to leave their wife after 10 years and easily look for a new one”, Maza said.

In spite of these negative feedbacks that 1-ABAA received out of the proposal they made, concerning the marriage contract for married Filipinos, they will continue to fight until the bill passes unto law in the Philippine Congress.

Even though the said party list had good intentions when they proposed the bill, there are still a lot of things that are needs to be considered. One of those is the possibility that it may give a negative impact to the children of the married couple involved.

There must be a solution to every problem and it must be a better one. Other married people, saying that their marriage is not working out, are just making it an excuse for them to have their separate ways. They probably be supportive to this kind of bill.

With this bill being promoted can we still preserve the essence of marriage?

Should we neglect what Jesus said in Mathew 19:9 that only adultery can end a marriage?

PRIDE 13

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

THINK AND FORGIVE We

are once a child who loves superhero: more than as toys to play rather as humans who depicted heroic roles. They save lives and beat their enemies. We were inspired by their goodwill and with this childish dream that somehow we might became like them.

Manny Pacquiao made a mistake and dwells in a controversy. His comments was miscomprehend by the television viewers.

He was asked about his opinion on same sex marriage, he rationalized that it shouldn’t be legalized in the Philippines. He received a lot of criticisms until some of his sponsors like Nike waved their endorsements.

“Mas mabuti pa ‘yung hayop (sigh), marunong kumilala kung lalaki sa lalaki at babae sa babae.”- (Animals are better, they know how to distinguish males from females) he reasoned out. And what really made the LGBT community mad is the sentence he followed: “Ngayon, kung lalaki sa lalaki at babae sa babae, mas masahol pa sa hayop ang tao.”

- (If we approve male-to-male, female-tofemale, then man is worse than animals).

He apologized after comparing gays to animals. He asked the public to be forgiven but his stand remains absolute. In the eyes of the LGBT Community, it’s a harsh statement which demoralized their sexuality.

We are now living in an independent society where the law is everyone’s shield. No one should feel discrimination in their race or sexuality, as we, all humans should be treated equally and fairly under the law. And

14 PRIDE

because of this incident, some of us narrowed our minds to tint Pacquiao’s whole existence.

We tend to disregard him and his courageous fights for our country. According to an article in the rappler, it was said that his dominance against iconic boxers brought cheer to boxing fans around the world. And his fight against Brandon Rios gave another reason for the typhoon Yolanda survivors to cheer in the wake of the disaster.

Unlike those people with absolute power who only do less or nothing at all, he visited his countrymen in Leyte to extend his hand to those in need.

Pacquiao is now at age 37, near for a retirement. In his every match, Filipinos are like a force uniting around the world. He gave a global face to our country and he is the man whose success is neither bought nor inherited. For now, those controversies raged over the social media; nevertheless, his focus is on the upcoming fight. Twenty-one years into his career, he has this another chance to

HONEST BROKER

John Francis Cadampog jfcdmpg_1995@gmail.com

display his boxing ability which made people appreciate him in the first place.

He has been a hero for most Filipinos for a long time. He raised not only the flag of our country but also our pride as Filipinos. As the old boxing saying goes, the pain won’t last forever but the memories will.

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

TRIED-AND-TRUE

Kurtnhy Love Maderal kiffikisses13@gmail.com

THE STINKING UGLY TRUTH Measuring

the standards of any university takes some undesirable visits of their toilets, like what those no-nonsense, seriouslooking people do during accreditations.

For some reason, clean toilet facilities and standards of education are somehow correlated.

CSU has barely enough toilets to cater 6,262 students. All colleges and annexed buildings have their own—toilets. Yes, you read that right—toilets. I am not using any euphemisms here, like ‘comfort room’ or ‘powder room’ and whatnot. Unfortunately, these facilities can hardly give anyone ‘comfort’. For starters, there’s the constant foul-smell of human leakage and excrement.

But—wait! This is, by the way, not an indictment of some sort to any institutions like CSU or the Philippine government or their presidents and their indifference to invest in social transformation through quality education by building air-conditioned CR’s like what expensive students in DLSU have—no, not that. This is not even an attempt to discuss the widespread corruption in both. This is merely an attack to the fundamental human values which seemingly have, nowadays, gone to dogs. This moral decay has to stop.

Yes, the CRs. This dire condition has been a battle everybody seems to complain about, but too busy around to really discuss. The culprits at the bottom of this pit—inconsiderate students! We use these facilities like they are disposable. No one really stops to think that there are next users after we soil these things up. We have grown to become the people we despise and mindless of our own well-being and the welfare of every fellow CSUans.

RYMNDJV

to get noticed or to be given some accolade for the niceties we have done? How about the things we have never done?

Actions and inactions—our worth as a person can be assessed equally by both. We are as good as the great things we do and as bad as the things we never do. We always speak of honor and how brilliant we are, but the truest sense of pride, really, comes from the feeling that we respect ourselves and that we feel deserving to be respected by other people.

But as they say, respect begets respect, and it cannot be imposed, it has to be earned.

True pride comes from self-respect. With it, all the good things come out naturally. It is a salient component of any well-oiled human interactions. When we respect one another, like observing cleanliness in using the toilets, we will gain trust and confidence that this trust will never be betrayed.

Respect, trust, and confidence—the truest sense of PRIDE.

We walk along the corridors of this university proud and very comfortable with ourselves, almost impressing everybody who stands in our way. But deep inside, do we even deserve

PRIDE 15

The Gold Panicles

LITERARY

DOTA Boy

The Burning Tree

By: Vince Ivan Libao

Ako

si Topher, isang estudyanteng adik sa DOTA. Yaong tipong mas matagal pang nakatotok sa kompyuter kaysa mag-aral. Ganon paman, ok pa rin ang grado. Oo may mga kaibigan akong aktibo sa social pero iba ang gusto ko; ang maglaro buong magdamag.

Ganito na ang naging buhay ko at wala akong planong baguhin pa ito. Ngunit nang nakilala ko si Eva, biglang nagbago ang lahat. Ang dating saya na ibinibigay sa akin ng DOTA ay biglang naungusan ng bawat reply na sinasagot sa akin ni Eva. Tila nagising na ang aking kamalayan na ako’y ganap na lalaki nga naman.

Ganon paman, ayaw kong iwan ang dota para sa isang bagay na hindi ako sigurado. Masyado nang marami ang kilala kong umasa at nasaktan, yung iba nga, di na nakarecover at nagpakagaga.

Ayokong mangyari yon sakin.

Isang araw, pagkatapos ng aming klase, ni hindi na akog nagtagal pa sa silid, agad na akong nagpunta sa aking mahal na DOTA nang makasalubong ko ulit si Eva. Nakangiti habang ang mga mata niyay paunti-unting naging mapungay. Samantalang papalapit ng papalapit at tila naguunahan naman ang pintig ng aking puso at tila bang may paru-paro sa aking tiyan. Di ko lubos maisip ang gagawin, ako ba’y babati o mananahimik na lamang.

“Hai kuya topher” biglang sambit ni eva sabay kalabit sa aking braso. Ako’y napalunon na lamang at dumiretso. Tila ako’y bawalab bg dila at natuliro sa nakabibighaning boses ni Eva. Maulan ulan man ang panahon, ang pawis koy di mapigil-pigilanan.

Ganun paman, dumiretso parin ako sa Ambrels’ Internet Shop.

Pagdating ko’y umupo agad ako sa bakanteng upuan. Sinubukan kong maglaro ngunit tila binabagabag ako ng malambot na pagtawag sa akin ni eva at kalabit na tila ba may kuryenteng hatid sa aking buong katawan. Nakatutok ako sa monitor, ngunit isip ko’y naglalakbay pa sa pangyayarir kanina. Kung paano nag slow mo ang mga bagay, bawat kilos koy parang oras na mismo ang huminto para akoy makapasya kung sa pagkakataong ito, nararapat ba talaga akong magmahal at masaktan.

Pilit ko mang itanggi sa sarili na hindi ko siya maaaring mahalin, di ko alintana na unti-unti siyang nagkakaroon ng lugar sa aking puso’t isipan.

Bakit nga ba mas nasusunod ang puso kahit ang utak ang nasa ibabaw? Marahil ito ang sinasabi nilang “ ang pagmamahal ay di inaasahan, di matatagpuan sa sariling paraan, at lalong sa lahat—di mo kayang PIGILAN”.

Tinanggap ko nang mahal ko na siya at handa na akong magpakatanga. Isang araw, niyaya ko siyang maglakwatsa at sa biglat gulat ko’y pumayag siya.

Ang saya-saya ko noon, pagkabi di halos makatulog sa pananabik na aking nadarama. Nang nagkita na kami, sa bandang lakaran sa gilid ng library, habang mahangin ang panaho’t di masyadong kainitan ang naging saksi sa aking kasiyahan. Yaon ang unang beses na akoy nag-ayos, nagpagupit at maging pabango ng tatay koy pinagtyagaan ko na.

16 PRIDE

By: Dean Joshua L. Solis

Magkasama naming nilakad ang buong Ampayon, habang nagkukwentuhan at nagpapalitan kung ano man ang dumapo sa isip. Sa bawat salitang kanyang binibitiwan, mas lalo ko pa siyang nagustuhan.

Sa tawa niya na tila kay lulutong sa jokes kong wala namang kwenta. Nabighani pa tuloy ako sa mga ngiting kay natural lamang. Dahil sa mga paghimay-himay ko sa lahat ng detalye tungkol sa kanya, di ko namalayan na nagtatakipsilim na pala.

Bigla ko nalang naisip ang buhay ko dati, puro DOTA, bigla kong naisip kung gano ako mas magiging masaya kung magkakami ni eva. Sa di kalayuan sa highway, sa ilalim ngpunong mabolo, biglang bumuka ang aking bibig at inamin sa kanya ang dahilan ng pag-intig ng aking damdamin. Tila ako’y nabunutan ng tinik, ngunit ang ngiti niyang di mabura bura ay biglang naglaho, ang masayang mukha ay unti-unting naging malumay. Di man niya masabi-sabi, pero alam ko na ang kanyang iniisip. “napakatanga ko”, bigla kong nasambit. Akala ko ay pwede na, pero di pala. Akala ko’y madali lang, hindi man lang niya ako binigyan ng pagkakataong manligaw--basted agad. Ganito pala ang masaktan, tila pinipiga ang aking dib-dib, at nilamon ng pagsisisi at pagkadismaya. Ngayoy ako’y nasaktan na, di na ako muling iibig pa, parang sa DOTA na hindi palang nag sisimula, GG na ako.

Looking at the burning tree, My consciousness is not as it should be, The light, the shade, the shadow beneath me lurks, Hope conceals itself from the light in sulk.

Looking beyond the burning tree, Would you come with me?

To a place of dream come trues, Where the sky would dance in hues, There behind the burning tree, The wind throbs away from me, Palpitating with the touch of blade, Where my soul longs for a merry glade.

There beside the burning tree, Where everyone’s will is against me, Where I tighten the grip of rope, Blinded by the enemy of hope.

Standing under the burning tree, The dreams I dreamt is to die with me, Asking you to be around, Where our love forever will abound, Standing under the burning tree, Would you stand there with me, Will the love we have forever prevail?

Or is this our bitter farewell.

There beyond the burning tree, Where you forget our depth of the sea, Where your promises rot, degrade, and flee, Just like the burning tree.

Ang Linta sa Talampakan By: Puting Uwak Sa kandungan ng mapagbalat kayong lipunan Nakakubli ang nakasusulasok na baho ng Mga nabubulok na mga sugat.

Mga sugat na dulot ng kurapsyon, imperyalismo at kapitalismo.

Mapaglinlang, mga buwayang mapang-api.

Kaawa-awang nagkakamot sa sugat si Juan.

Di nagsasawa na sa paulit-ulit na almusal Mula sa mga swapang na de- alahas.

Wala kang maririnig na reklamo Hangga’t may nadudukot pang tutong sa latang Pinagsaingan Habang naliligo sa gatas ang baboy na si Juan rin ang nagpataba.

Ang oras ay dumadaloy sabay sa pag-usad ng Masikip na bangka sa maputik na ilog sakay ang nasyong manhid.

May ilang nagbalak salungatin ang agos dahil Sila’y namamangka tungo sa isang mataas na Talon na may mababaw na tubig sa ibaba.

Subalit malalakas ang mga talangkang sakay ng bangka.

At sa huli, ang nag-aaklas na minorya ay nilamon ng buwaya.

Hindi mapigilang gumuhit ng mga linya sa mukha Dahil sa galit, sakit at awa, habang pinagmamasdan Ang mga tila tuwang-tuwa na mga linta sa talampakang marumi. Kailan kaya nila mapapansin Na tinatapakan na sila at nakakulong sa kandungan ng mapagbalatkayong lipunan.

PRIDE 17

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

THOU SHALL NOT CHEAT

IPSO FACTO

Isagani M. Roma, Jr. ganzamor.ii@gmail.com

is a corrupt attitude that may lead to a chronic lifestyle of being dependent to an intelligent seatmate or a smartphone.

C

heating in exams is more emotionally convenient than failing. Some students desperately engage in such activity just to pass their subjects effortlessly. They see cheating’s advantage and often overlook the latent dangers in abiding their own rules instead of following the school’s.

Kodigo, cheating arrangements, and “the teacher can’t hear us technique” are some of the ways to cheat during examinations. With the advent of technology, cheating is now digital such as PDF copies on smartphones, messaging answers through mobile, among other tactics which involve technology. These encourage students to be more aggressive in cheating. Most of the time it works; and if a student does it frequently, it will be an easy thing for him to do.

Cheating is seemingly tolerated by the society, nowadays. Even in schools or at home, indoctrinating that cheating is unethical is rarely observed. Students who are cheating are even proud that they passed the exams by cheating. It

18 PRIDE

A student who cheats will soon find himself paving his way to his own doom. The underlying peril of cheating will surface during exams with strict implementation.

Article V. Section 2 of the CSU code for student provided in the official website of CSU, clearly states that cheating during exams is an offense involving dishonesty.

However for exams inside a classroom, the weight of punishment for a cheating student is relative to the judgment of the teacher.

A teacher can either create or destroy the life of a student, and cheating student’s future is in certain trouble if he’ll get caught by a vigilant teacher. It may result to a failing grade or in worst case, an expulsion. Although some teachers can’t blatantly point out a cheating student because he or she may not want him to get embarrassed, he or she will surely give the student undesirable consequences.

The culture of cheating may be evident in the classroom, but accomplishing an academic goal by dishonest means is unethical. A student should be diligent in studying and should never rely exams on his deceitful accomplices nor on his kodigo. It is a way of keeping one’s selfrespect and integrity— pride.

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

BITTER IS BETTER By: Vince Ivan F. Libao

EVERY

time I speak of my opinion about love, they always tell me that I’m embittered (one who always speak negatively about relationships. They think that someone broke me in the past and live too wounded to move on, but I’m more than that.

This is not an article that speaks of Love, of how to heal when you’re hurt, or any other nonsense that would make this article irrelevant. This is about the bitter truth. This isn’t a nagging heartbroken drama that all singles and in relationship surprisingly find amusing.

Lust

WHICH

Envy

is an inordinate craving for the pleasure of the body. It’s biological. Maybe, it’s not love. Maybe, it’s just our hunger to experience novel things like some contaminating activity involving unpleasant smells and unnecessary noises. But come to think of it. Is it even worth to risk our future for possible setbacks?

Greed

IS

the desire for material wealth or gain and the consumption of more than what one needs.

Humans naturally want to have more.

Our evolution from living in Stone Age to our current environment is a proof of that. We might think that we love the person, but we might be mistaking love for possession. We sometimes think of the people around us as possession.

It’s not love that we feel, really. It is greed.

Sloth

I admit that I was once a victim who thought love was the best thing I could have, and with it, nothing else would matter. I was a fool then, I still am but not to the point that I’d give up a part of who I am. I am young, I’m better off doing things alone, and my mother wants me to graduate with honors. I am a student who doesn’t need an additional problem that some random girl may bring.

It may take your time to realize yourself but understand this; we may have the wrong notions of love. Maybe we mistake love for:

IS

the desire for others’ trait, status, abilities, or situation. When seeing someone happy to be in a relationship, we somehow imagine ourselves to be in one. Something in our hearts somehow convinces us that the same happiness would come if we involve ourselves in what we perceive as love. Consequently, we rush things up.

We find our ways to having relationships.

We fall in love with the idea of love and it’s basically envy which led us there, not love.

IS

another reason we get the wrong perception of Love. True love is what God wants to teach us. In some ways we tend to get lazy in doing spiritual works, thus, we fail to learn. Love can be found anywhere with anyone, but it should first be learned through the teachings of the Bible. Without God, there can never be love.

Aspire for the most ideal kind of love— that which is true and pure. Rid of the unnecessary feelings and useless heartaches. Have the right amount of apathy to resist lust, contentment to repel greed, and appreciation to what you already have. Have pride to respect and preserve yourself.

PRIDE 19

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

A

cup of coffee after another; frantic scribbling of notes; and hectic tapping of calculators— these are some undertakings a student does, night before an examination. Who wants to fail, anyway? A cramming student will never hesitate to sacrifice a good night sleep just to pass an exam.

Examinations are designed to test students on how much they have learned and ensure that they have acquired enough knowledge.

It’s somehow become a medium to measure someone’s aptitude in pursuing the degree he or she has chosen. The idea of not being able to continue because you fail the exam scares most students.

The exams are made intentionally to test the proficiency of the student in a particular subject. But numerous students can only see this as a ticket that you only need to prepare for when the day of examination arrives.

The days of discussions, quizzes, and assignments would pass like a bullet train and the day of examination might approach fast.

Some students however will only prepare the night before, while the achievers will do the opposite. They prepare everyday except the night before the exam. There are also students who fail to really think the true danger of the situation and don’t study at all. Indeed, we have different techniques in studying, and what most students would do is to cram.

Cramming the night before the examination is an unhealthy way of studying, yet numerous students still practice it, thinking that the best way to study is through a panic-induced manner. The truth is that, information studied while cramming is stored in short-term memory, the capacity of the brain to hold minute amount of information in a short period of time. Surely, the way a student prepare for the examination would reflect in the results of the exam.

Well, nobody’s perfect and we all commit mistakes. It’s just a matter of accepting and learning from these mistakes and trying not to do it again. Find new ways to study and be sure not to cram again.

Here are some tips that would help you in studying effectively:

“ In the academic world, an examination seems like a typhoon for most students

“

PENS AND PAPERS

By: Rickalhyn Airean Belle P. Nakila

20 PRIDE

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

PRIDE 21

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

22 PRIDE

The Gold Panicles

OPINION

PRIDE 23

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

MENSAHE NG ISANG

BATANG

LUMAD

By: John Francis Cadampog

I

sang lugar na halos labing-anim na kilometro ang layo mula sa kabihasnan ng Diatagon, Surigao del Sur, aking natunghayan ang isang di-karaniwang komunidad ng mga lumad. Ako’y nanatili sa lugar na iyon ng tatlong araw at nakipaghalubilo sa iba’t-ibang tribo sa kanilang pagdiriwang ng Foundation Day ng paaralang ALCADEV (Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and livelihood Development).

Napakasagana sa likas na yaman lalo na sa pang-agrikultura at hindi maikakaila sa sinumang pumunta doon ay napapamangha sa taglay nitong biyaya ng kalikasan. Buntong hininga man ang iyong mararanasan dahil sa pagsakay ng motor na may magkabilaang tabla at sa daang mabato, ito’y agad mapapawi sa luntiang paligid at masayang pagsalubong ng mga katutubo. Sa tulad kong lumaki rin sa probinsya, hindi nakakapanibago sa akin ang buhay na mayroon sila. Walang kuryente, mga kompyuter, telebisyon, radyo at higit sa lahat walang signal pangkomunikasyon. Gayunpaman, hindi ako nagsisi sa aking pagpunta datapwat ako’y lubos pang nagalak na tila ako’y bumalik sa buhay namin sa probinsya. Wala tuloy akong masabi oa kundi likas na maalaga ang mga lumad sa amin na mga kabataang bisita.

Pinatuloy nila kami sa kanilang munting mga tahanan at tinuring na mga anak.

Sa aming unang araw na pananatili, nagkaroon ng iba’t-ibang palaro sa komunidad, kami’y nakibahagi sa kasiyahan at nagbigay ng karagdagang ngiti sa mga batang lumad. Sa di-inaasahan, ako’y naimbitahan na maging hurado at magkritik sa pagsulat ng sanaysay na bahagi ng mga patimpalak at sa aking pagbabasa ng apat na sanaysay, ako’y namangha sa mensaheng nais nilang iparating sa pangkalahatan. Hindi mawari sa estado ng kanilang pamumuhay ay mayroong munting mga kaisipan na naghahamok ng hustisya at karapatan.

Bilang isang manunulat, nais ko silang tulungan at ipaabot sa nakakarami ang katotohanan at mga di-makatarungan na mga pangyayari sa kanilang lugar.

Sapagkat sa aking konsensya ang manahimik at makita ang mga batang lumad na ito na sa kanilang panandaliang ngiti ay may kaakibat na takot, lungkot at galit dahil sa mga sigalot sa kanilang naranasan. Aking napagpasiyahan na gumawa ng artikulo at hinikayat ko ang batang lumad ng nagwagi sa pagsulat ng sanaysay na magsulat pa ng kanyang mga nais iparating na mensahe sa lahat.

24 PRIDE

Ito ang nilalaman. . . . . . . .

Tayong lahat ay nakasalalay ang buhay sa lupang minana, hindi tayo mabubuhay kung walang yamang lupa at kalikasan.” Dahil ang lupa ay buhay, buhay natin ang lupa.” Ang pagtatanggol nito ang ugat sa mga suliraning dinaranas ng mga katutubong mamamayan.

Sa mga mahal naming kababayan, kaming mga katutubo ay makasaysayang biktima ng panlipunang pang-aapi at pagsasamantala. Labis na diskreminasyon at matinding paglabag sa karapatang pantao ang nararanasan ng mga katutubong mamamayan dahil sa makadayuhang batas at sistema.

Ang makasaysayang karanasan ang hindi pagkilala ng estado sa aming mga batayang indibidwal at kolektibong karapatan at kawalan ng serbisyong panlipunan ang nagmulat at nagpausbong sa diwa ng pagkakaisa ng mga pinagsamantalahang mamamayan upang tugunan ang sariling suliranin bunsod ng pagkakatatag ng TRIFPSS ( Tribal Filipino Program of Surigao del Sur ) at ALCADEV at iba pang mga paaralang alternatibo na nagtataguyod ng malayang edukasyon. Ito’y pinagsikapan ng aming mga magulang, mga katutubong lider at iba-ibang organisasyon upang mabigyan kami ng kaalaman.

Sa halip na ikasiya ng pamahalaan ang dakilang tagumpay na aming nakamtan, pinangungunahan pa nito ang paggawa ng mga paraan upang wasakin ang aming nasimulang kaunlaran. Inaakala naming na kami’y ipagmamalaki ng pamahalaan na nakapagpatatag kami ng paaralan kahit na wala o kaunti lamang ang kanilang naitulong. Ngunit kabaliktaran ang nangyari dahil pinahintulutan pa nitong kampuhan ng militar ang aming mga paaralan, pinatay ang aming mga lider, sinampahan ng mga gawa-gawang kaso ng kriminal ang aming mga magulang at nakakatanda.

Malinaw na ang dahilan sa likod ng mga karahasang ito ay ang mahigpit na pagtutol ng mga lumad sa pagpasok at pangangamkan ng mina, logging at plantasyon. Umiigting ang militarisasyon sa kabundukan upang protektahan ang mga illegal loggers/ mining at plantasyon na siyang dahilan na kami ay laging lumilisan sa aming mga tahanan dahil ayaw naming may mas maraming buhay pa ang mawala dahil na rin sa kaguluhang ginagawang “ Oplan Bayanihan ” na siyang kumikitil sa libu-libong buhay ng mamamayan.

Kaya’t panawagan at hamon po sa ating lahat sa paghahanap ng hustisya at katarungan, manindigan sa pagprotekta sa ating likas na yaman na siyang pinagkukunan ng ating pangkabuhayan, ang pagprotekta ng alternatibong paaralan na naglalayong mapabuti ang buhay ng kalahatan. Sa mga mahal naming kababayan tayo’y magkaisa upang kapayapaan ay makamtan ng buong sambayan.

By: JC ALCADEV learner

Sana’y ating nabatid ang munting hiling ng isang batang lumad na walang hinangad kundi katarungan at kapayapaan. Sila man kung tawagin ay katutubo o lumad, isang karapatang pantao ang magkaroon ng sistemang edukasyon. Dahil sila’y naniniwala na sa pamamagitan ng kaalaman lubos nilang maproprotektahan ang kalikasan at kinalakihang angkan..

Photo Credits: John Francis Cadampog

PRIDE 25

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

“Show

pride

because you have something

not because you have everything”

Photo Credits: Rj Naife

26 PRIDE

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

IN THE MIDST OF CONFUSION By: Marie Claire Virtudazo

Some

say that if a person has an immoderate views of one’s dignity or preoccupied with himself or treat the world as if it’s all about “me, myself, and I”, he is showing some pride since the word itself has a middle letter ‘i’ which stands for it. Others also say that those who gained satisfaction and pleasure taken out from something done , those who feel honour and selfrespect or simply the emotion of being proud of are also some of the various reasons why Pride exist. Different views but show a common aspect, Pride. It depicts among the elite people in the society, the noble, the celebrities, the successful, the famous of all sorts and fairly it is also active and thriving in average people, including each of us.

When I was young probably at the age of nine, I was at the stage of confusion. Pretty confused why people looked superior than the others, why they appeared to be perfect in my eyes, why they never let themselves to be drag down by others because if it happens , it could be a greatest shame on them, why they always stick out their chest and hold their heads high, those were probably the messed that came into my mind as I saw those acts around me, as far as I can remembered. Then I asked one of my teacher and she told me it’s the thing we called pride. The word was not very clear to me, she said everyone has the feeling of it, but why don’t I feel the same way? One time I heard from my sister saying , “ sus kahangin pud na niya oy, murag si kinsa “ and “ hapit na kami ilupad ug hangin diri ’’ , when one of our neighbour passed by . Well after hearing what she said I thought she was just playing around acting like a want to be comedian, it’s not even a windy afternoon, she was just exaggerating. Since then I figured it out what my sister uttered were not just a plain joke there’s a sense behind it , it has something to do with pride , “ does it always give bad image of yourself to other people”, I suddenly asked my sister , “ most of the time , its better if you find it by yourself ’’, still it confused me .Not until I entered high school, all those thoughts are haunting me again and slowly gave me a great meaning of what it has to do with me.

I belong to the so-called ‘special class student’, it’s not that I was born as a special child , special because you have the something that fits to that category . It happened that I passed the examination given for me to be part of the Special Class Curriculum of the campus. The kind of curriculum where some people including the teachers, students, the faculty called us the “homogeneous, the cream of the crop, the intelligent, the high standard students (in academic achievements), the excellent one ( both in academe and non-academic field) , the model, the leaders , the exceptional among the others, those are somehow the reasons why you will be really proud of if you belong to that group, and to tell you frankly, I myself admitted that I’m very much proud that I’m part of it, it’s indefinitely a lifelong achievement .

others , good thing mom gave me some ideas how to deal with it.

“Make us proud our dear students, show some courage, chin up ,heads high ’’ , my adviser would say it every time when our school joined some interschool contest and the pressure and boiling expectation of our school were on us especially me because it happened that I’m the consistent top student in our class from the very first start and every time they sent me to competition I’m afraid that I can’t win, and it’s a shame that you can’t give some pride for your school. “The tactics is you just show off the best you have , no matter what happened just trust yourself” good thing my classmates / friends are there to support me and it eases the feeling of agony. Every time I can bring the bacon for my school it’s another triumph and pride for my alma mater.

Not all are in favour for that positive views about us, some also said that we are , “ full of ourselves , the want to be , the pretenders , the over self-conceited people , and to sum up “ the people with flowing pride” , those were all gossips spreading around , they can’t even say it to us face to face because they even don’t know the truth and they kept on spreading false accusation to us. In high school I met people who are really full of themselves , the “mahangin ’’ , “ hambog” or the real arrogant . They are really the image of the great pretenders , their showing the what we called false pride in which you are claiming that you are more than you believe you are, and that you know more than you believe you know. This almost requires outside confirmation or approval from others to cover up an inner feeling of scantiness.

Those people almost lose their self- respect if they can’t gain a confirmation from others . No matter how that person feel superiority against the others if he requires outside validation or confirmation , he is really a pretender and “hambog” . My mother said once to me , “ you have to show the true pride , the pride in which you do not wait for outside confirmation from the people around you , instead you do acknowledge and respect first who you are and what can you suppose to do” , shes really right and her words were a lesson to me.Maybe I have to learn to have some pride without losing my self- respect and of course respect from

When the outcome of the hardship is success , pride do exist . The pride I have in myself doubled as I graduated as the Batch Valedictorian and also one of the Top Outstanding Of Surigao and a Rotary Club Awardee, I indeed can say to myself I graduated with flying colours and I’m very proud for the achievements I have . When I looked at my parents eyes I absolutely felt the presence of pride, pride for the honour their daughter gave to them , pride that uplifts their dignity and mine, pride because there labour has been paid off , pride because it’s really one great achievement . Their eyes looked glowing even if they don’t say it directly that their proud to me , but I know they really mean it and I don’t wait for their confirmation because I know to myself I have something , real something because as my mom said, don’t wait for someone’s approval , because deep inside you know you have it.

Now, I can say, I have pride, the true pride.

It’s good that people show some pride if you have something that you can be proud of. It’s not true that pride is all about being arrogant and “mahangin” and it’s a common mistake for us to think about. You have pride because you know what you are capable of and you don’t act beyond you’re capabilities. Pride I have it, and I know you have it to, all people have this , it’s part of our whole being. My confusion had been answered, now I figured it out what pride really means for me.

PRIDE 27

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

The Female Challenger

By: Vince Ivan Libao

Photo Credits: Donna Batingal 28 PRIDE

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

GP: What is your first step as a president

Indeed

this year’s election is the most controversial. It may be the effect of the new challenger. We’ve heard a lot of issues, read a lot on Facebook that seemed to have stories of deeper meaning. Now we put the newly elected president Deborah Jael Herrera of the CAUSE party list in the hot seat and asked questions of which we all are interested to hear the answers.

GP: Ever since you became a genuine Carsuan, you’ve been laying low. Why did you suddenly engage in politics and even aimed for the highest position?

Deborah: Actually, way before the election, I’ve noticed that every time the election takes place, nobody seems to compete for the presidency. What’s the use of the election?

If you really want the truth Vince, I was looking for a Godly leader. I aimed at the top because it is where I can make the best impact. It was ok for me not to win, for it is not losing when all I want is to serve: I could serve as a normal student by being active.

GP: You made it clear that you’ll have a more Godly administration. Why do you think it is necessary?

Deborah: Without God in your heart, you would become weak against the temptations that might corrupt your leadership. It is important to put God ahead in every decisions. We are nothing without him after all.

GP: Did you run for presidency with confidence that you will win or were you doubtful that you’d stand a chance.

Deborah: I didn’t have an assurance, of course. I’m only human and not God to decide what the outcome should be. I only offered my intent and it was up to the students to decide whether they wanted it or not. Not winning is not an issue for me.

GP: What do you think made you win against an opponent who previously served as a senator and was expected to win for having an experience and already captured the trust of most students?

Deborah: Student’s decision is personal.

There are basis of being a good leader. And you heard during the miting the avance that intelligence and experience are important, but what’s more important is the heart that reasons. Maybe, unconsciously, they were looking for somebody new.

GP: Is being beautiful and a known campus crush a factor of your victory?

Deborah: *laughs and said maybe. I don’t really think that im a campus crush.

GP: The day after the election, Facebook users were saying that a technical error and some hacking was going on. There are claims that it was unconstitutional and others demand for re-election. What were your reactions?

Deborah: Actually, I was concerned about the first issue, because many of the students were unable to vote, unable to exercise one of the powers I want to protect with my administration. During elections, it is the student’s responsibility to secure their account. The ComElec specially the chairman Mr. Kenneth was doing his job pretty well.

I’m not against re-election. They’ve already conducted a mock election, and another election would be nothing new to me. I’m afraid that the issue might not disappear cause we don’t know the root of the error.

Maybe we should first determine the cause, but if they really want to have a re-election then it’s ok.

GP: What is your stand about the Pacqiuao controversy on homosexuality issue?

Deborah: As a Christian, It’s my faith to follow the Bible. We don’t condemn the sinner, it’s the sin.

Deborah: Everybody was really competitive during the election. My first step is for us— the winning team, to have a team building activities. I need to fix whatever might be broken inside before I could start fixing the problems external to the council. We come from the other party and there might be some issues to reconcile GP: Just to clear things out, there were a lot of questions on the necessity of a leader to be intelligent. Would you mind stating again your answer in this interview? Just for other student who did not attend the miting de avance.

Deborah: They believe that I’m intelligent.

(Maybe because of the quote she ended her speech with—Intelligence is not an assurance, it is an advantage.)

They kept on questioning me what’s more important during the miting the avance “is it the experience or intelligence?” I may have said things that caused the misconception, maybe because they think that I only have intelligence. For me, it’s both. It’s similar to comparing what’s more important, air or water. They’re both essentials.

GP: I think that’s it. Thank you, Deb, for the time.

At the end of the conversation she stressed out that she’d do her best to be the finest president. She also emphasized that it would be impossible to have a good leadership if the students won’t participate. “Students are the ones to report and we respond ”, she added.

Certainly a lot of people have expectations with this change not just students but also the faculty and administration. Being the first female CarSU USC presidents even adds a little spice to this turn of events. As a student we shouldn’t be dependent on our leaders, instead we should also be the one leading ourselves. Have some faith and face the future with Pride.

PRIDE 29

The Gold Panicles

FEATURE

Brier:His Success Story of By: Vince Ivan Libao

LEADERSHIP

Surpassing

customary leadership, Jundey Cartejenas Brier, the University Student Council, introduced new hope in making Caraga State University we all wish it would be– a comfortable school to be in. Taking actions on ancient issues, greatly improving student events, advocating policies in favor of the environment are some things that illustrate his great leadership.

Motivated by his passion to serve and deliver satisfactory service, Jundey swiftly took up the presidency. He effortlessly gave the impression of being a genuine pro-student. In times when we doubted decisions of the higher-ups, he’s there not just to offer possible solutions like we customarily had but also took actions that favored to empathize the plight of his fellow students.

His leadership skill took root in his grade-school years being the senator of ADSPHILS and consistently became the year level representative from first year to third year and was elected as the president on his fourth-year in the prestigious school, Bayugan Comprehensive National High School.

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“Jundey is the true example of volunterism”, Bernafe Locuente Bual—an active RCY member said. Jundey was once a commited member of the CSU’s Red Cross Youth organization and according to his peers, he was a great volunteer and was even dubbed Mr. Red Cross Youth of the Agusan Chapter in 2011.

“We are not paid, we have no honorarium, my only wish is for my co-students to offer help not because we are compelled to abide and follow the constitution, but with an open heart”, he said. Some leaders say that for your inferiors to help, you can either give them a reward or threaten them with undesirable things. Those two cards were neglected by this president; instead, he chose something riskier. He chose to be of help as a friend.

He seeks true leadership by changing others.

“It would really make me happy even if there’s only one or two persons who I changed for the better”, he maintained. “For me, leadership limited by term is a bad leadership”, he added.

Indeed we are accustomed to leaders leaving the radar after their administration and would rather give the problems they created to the next administration.

Photo Credits: JB Photography

In the middle of our conversation, he did not forget to mention his thanks to the divine intervention of the Lord to his plans. “I really hated the thought of enrolling here in CSU, I also even declared to myself and my classmates in high school that I would not become a leader”, he said with a smile on his face. Yet circumstances compelled him to take the path of a leader as he became the first University Scholar President in 2011 which was followed by his taking of the President position for Leage of Campus Organization in 2013 which finally led him to his current position in the USC.

One thing that only few people know about him is that he is a family-oriented man, he loves it when his family comes together. Most people at his age would rather be socializing with their friends but not him, he’s often times the one who exerts effort for his family to come together. “I go home every week to bond with my family and help them by doing some chores”, he said.

Despite him being a great leader that we know him to be, he is not so different from any of us.” I play NBA PC game as my past time, I also watch movies in my vacant times”, he revealed. He believes that to be able to properly execute his duty, he must also reward himself, not with money, honorarium, not even some exquisit-all-expenses-paid-byschool dining that other leaders are doing, but only with a simple computer game.

One thing that may surprise you is that the president also have the fatherson issues. He’s the son who trembles at his father’s words. One could tell how much he respects his father. “Things that can make me cry? When I get scolded by my father. Just a slight criticism from my father would make me cry”, he confessed. “I get teary eyes when the pressure is too much, like when student concerns are adding up with my projects”, he added.

Some say he’s the leader we’ve always needed, others say that he’s just like the previous president having an insignificant impact and will later be forgotten or remembered not for his excellency but for some blind accusations his own colleagues might throw at him. Some may never understand but talking to him would make you realize that only few are like him, a good man.

PRIDE 31

THE GOLD PANICLES

ENTERTAINMENT

Kailan nga ba naging mas mahalaga ang

Customer sa serbisyong inihahatid? Kailan pa naging mas mabuting paunlarin muna ang sariling interes bago ihatid ang serbisyong ipinangako?

Marahil, katulad na lang sa pagsakay sa jeep na maganda ang trato sayo kapag ikay naghahanap pa ng sasakyan ngunit kapag nakaupo na ay tinutulak nalang ng dispatcher para umurong at binabalewala kung ika’y nasisikipan, lalo na kung ikay nakabayad na, gustong gusto kana agad pababain.

Ganito rin ang aming nadarama sa pinakamamahal naming Unibersidad.

Napakaganda raw ng serbisyo, di hamak na mas maganda kaysa sa iba, at di ka madidismaya sa mga serbisyong ibibigay nila. Pero kapag ikay nakapagbayad na, mga reklamo mo’y sa hangin nalang mapupunta at sasabihan ka nalang na, “Hindi ‘to high school na spoon feed”. Ganoon ba ang tama? Matapos magbayad ng mga paunang bayarin ay tila nawalan ka na rin ng karapatang magtanong. Katulad na lamang ng di makitakitang Student Handbook na mula ay akong pumasok sa unibersidad na ito, ni anino man lang ay di ko ko nakita. Samu-saring palusot na lamang ang mga naririnig, isa na ditto ang kawalan raw ng constitution and by-laws ng iba’t ibang opisina kaya di makumpleto. Ang iba naman kiibit-balikat lamang, sabay sambit na “di PA namin kayang sagutin ang tanong na yan”. Hindi pa nga ba?

Oh, sadyang hindi lang talaga kaya buuin ang mga ito. Samakatuwid, ano na ang nangyari sa perang ibinayad naming; paano na yung ibang nakapagtapos na lamang, di man lang nakahawak ng Student Handbook.

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AS A N G

S A

A M

AL

M I N

L A N G

The Gold Panicles

ENTERTAINMENT

Nang akoy nasa water station ng Water World, nagparefill ako ng isang container at sinabihang walang extra na takip, agad kong naalala nung nagpadagdag sila ng bayad sa ekstrang sticker na inilagay sa takip ng container.

Nahalintulad ko parin iyon sa unibersidad, na kung may dagdag na serbisyo ay sisingilin ka ng mas mahigit pa. Katulad nalang ng Developmental fee na sa bawat semestre binabayaran, mga bayad sa serbisyo ng ICT na mas mahal pa kaysa sa commercial, ang Internet fee na dagdag na hindi naman kami ang halos nakakagamit ang mga walang laptop. Ganunpaman, bawal parin magreklamo kasi nga “mura lang ang tuition niyo kaysa sa ibang unibersidad” ika nga nila.Kaya ano pa nga ba, tiis-tiis nalang muna. Itno naman ay ang sa amin lamang

Hindi lang iyan, idagdag pa atin sa listahan. Akala ko ba estudyante lang ang mga pasaway, ngayon pala’y may instraktor na rin.

Minsan habang ako’y kumukuha ng eksam, nang bigla nalang akong pinagsabihan ng isang instraktor at hinalintulad ako sa isang studyante ng UP. Napaisip nalang ako kung bakit ko kinekwestiyon ang kahirapan ng eksam. Biglang narinig ko sa kanya na, “parang sa UP lang yan, kaya nga iyan dapat ang sundin nating standards”.

Ang sa aming lamang, walang mali kung tutularan natin ang standards nila pagdating sa pagbigay ng pasulit, ngunit sana man lang gayahin rin ang standards ng UP sa PAGTUTURO.

Marami pang mga halatang problema na dapat pag-usapan. Mga pagkukulang na ang sa amin lamang ay madali naman sanang solusyonan ngunit nauunahan ng katamaran.

Walang ibang dapat baguhin. Dapat lang i-improve ang lahat. Ang sa amin lang, sana tigilan na ang pagmamataas ng sarili at simulan ang pantay pantay na pagtingin sa anomang posisyon. Hindi naman dapat literal na magkaisa, kailangan lang iisa ang ating hangarin—walang pansarili kundi pangkalahatan.

PRIDE 33

The Gold Panicles

ENTERTAINMENT

EH HUGOT MO KAY KUYA EVALUATION FORM Publication: The Gold Panicles November 2014 - March 2015 Date: ____________ LEGEND:

SA A DA SDA

Design

- Strongly Agree - Agree - Disagree

- Strongly Disagree

SA A DA SDA

Content Relevant Useful How do you rate the value of this Publication High

Very High Low

Comments and Suggestion:

34 PRIDE

Medium Not at All

JLORD Mga linyang hugot na hugot

1 .One year ka nanguyab, pero one week rapod nagkakamo 2. May pa ang centrum, complete, pero imung gugma incomplete.

3. Kung walay forever sa gugma, wala pod dapat sa skwela.

4. May pa ang math balik-balikan , pero ako wala jud gebalikan.

5. Oo uyab mo, pero mas “gwapo� paku sa imung uyab.

6. Bahalag imung gugma naa sa iyaha, basta ako ang naka una.

7. Asa man ka? sa mabagsak na magtoon? Oh sa mabagsak na di magtoon 8. Kita naka ni maam cajenta muagi sa daghang tao?

Ing ana kahawan akong gugma para sa imu.

9. Bahalag wrong akong answer, basta manghatg ko. #COPY 10. Ang love murag WiFi, kung dli ka Connect eh Forget nalang.

11. Sa panahon karon, utang nalang ang FOREVER. 12. Akong gugma murag overpass, kabalo ko kapoyon ka pero atleast safe ka.

13. Tana ang gipangeta nimu nga seryoso, dili tana requirements ang pagka-GWAPO. 14. Bahalag pislat akong ilong basta dili lang batig nawong.

15. Ayaw na pangutana kinsay crush naku kay basin ma slide ko, Ikaw pa ako masulti 16. Ayaw pagdali sa kasing kasing nimong may pagbati , basin sa iwit magmahay kag pinadali.

17. Sa panahon karon JOKE nalang ang tinood ug BAKAK nalang ang musaad.

The Gold Panicles

R E B U S Let’s test your analytical thinking.

Find the exact word(s) to fill the lines presented by each image. Goodluck!

Mill 1. _ _ _ _

ENTERTAINMENT

Lalaki AKO!

2on

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PRINT 2. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

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6135 5. _ _ _

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a b

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AID aid aId 1

2

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3

B

B

B

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PRIDE 35

The Gold Panicles

ENTERTAINMENT

Believe it or Not: Coke

edition

The ever favorite carbonated drink -cola, unexpectedly, is not just an ordinary soda we love to gobble down our throats, but can also be used for other purposes too.

1.

2.

3.

it Dilutes blood stains (on clothes and fabrics) Simply pour an ample amount of coke on a shirt or cloth stained with blood and voila stain begone.

Fades out hair color If your hair is dyed but it’s darker than the shade you wanted, you can actually make your hair a shade lighter with coke!

Just soak your hair with coke and let its magic do the trick.

Removes gum from hair and practically any other place A gum stuck in your hair? No worries!

Put coke on the area and the gum will stick no more

4.

Cures nausea When you suddenly feel dizzy or nauseated, one of the simple remedies to relieve such is to drink coke. Maybe it’s time to put an ounc e in your first aid kit.

5.

Removes marker stains (on clothes) We all know marker stains are one of the stains that are it easy to remove from clothes. But guess what? Coke actually removes them!

36 PRIDE

PRIDE 37

THE GOLD PANICLES:

ITS RELEVANCE CHED Memorandum order No. 9 series of 2013 states that Higher Education Institutions shall support the establishment and implementation of student publication. Wherein the Caraga Sate University has The Gold Panicles (GP). The GP is simply one of the reasons why this institution had progressed to become a university.

But to us, as unpaid writers, we are more than that.

We give you relevant information on events, on-going programs, future plans, among other issues that concern the school’s most important assets— you. The news articles may seem to be late, but we are doing our best to deliver, anyhow. Straight news articles shouldn’t really be part of a magazine in the first place, yet separation of publication of news through newsletter is stalled by our financial limitations.

The student publication is made by the students and for the benefit of the students. We take stand for our welfare despite the risks we face in doing so. We boldly express our opinion and uncover the blind sides you fail to see. We convey opinion on conflicts in our university to stir your critical thinking and to persuade you to take part in initiating the change we want to see in our university.

It’s hard to contain that we are not even close to a mediocre journalist.

We get hurt when our unconditional support to the office receives negative comments. At times, we may fall short in presenting our ideas in the best expressions and finest wording, but this linguistic paucity does not hinder us to elaborate our ideas and expose what’s deemed to be known.

We are not paid. We have no scholarship. We do this work not for fame, either. We are also students. We pay the school fees just like any other student. We write with the intention to save the publication from going monotonous. So, before you turn the magazine into scrap or deface the people inside, before you throw it away just because it does not concern you, and before you criticize its relevance, we, the writers, only ask for your benevolent attention and read the magazine first. It brings joy and somehow takes away writers’s ague upon knowing that someone read and enjoyed their article, even a single reader will do.

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