Magazine 2015

TOURISM

Discover Magic: A blend of beauty, adventure and tranquility p. 4

DEVCOM

THE BACKSTAGE OF AN ENTHRALLING PANORAMA p. 18

SPORTS

DEFYING THE GRAVITY OF ONE’S DEBACLE p. 30

Editorial Board

Editor’s Note

Mdpn. Jade V. Dedoroy Editor-in-Chief

Mark P. Almelia Associate Editor

Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. Managing Editor

Mdpn. Joeffre A. Paterno News Editor

Aime Hope P. Balico Feature Editor

Mdpn. Steven O. Tajonera Feature Writer

The reason why not all of us are capable of defeating our old selves is that we fail to see the bigger picture of something; we fail to look what’s beyond our line of sight; we fail to realize the deeper essence of one thing.

When we look up to the dark heavens at night, we only see the stars; we see the constellations they make and then we think of horoscopes and our destinies and our fates. But we fail to see the connections that bind them together; we fail to see what makes them as ONE. In this Seagull’s issue, we will bring focus to those connections. We will share the people and their stories that made us proud – stories that made us feel connected. Indulge, as we take your eyes farther than what they can reach.

Happy reading.

Mdpn. Jade V. Dedoroy

Editor-in-Chief

Mdpn. John Rey S. Arroyo Sports Editor

Janine Thess V. Montaño Sports Writer

E/C Jose Mico C. Tambalo Literary Editor

Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod Mdpn. Ed Anthony N. Longno Photojournalists

Mdpn. Deo Paolo E. Lagunday Mdpn. Cedric Johnson G. Gonzales

ABOUT THE COVER A myriad of stars carved in a wide black canvas.

Their beauty – they sparkle, though you certainly know that they are millions and billions of miles away from where you are.

The cover shows how stars form images of the different professions in the society. When they work together, progress or development is achievable, and it goes to the same concept over and over – unity. When everyone is united, every circumstance will be easily unravel, and can therefore, catalyze change.

Cartoonists

Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro Layout Artist

Moiselle N. Descalsota Adviser

EDITORIAL POLICY The Seagull is published at least twice every semester by the publication office at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, Iloilo City. Articles contained herein are personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official views and opinions of the staff and/or provide an open forum for discussion. We accept original articles and contributions from students, faculty, and staff. Comments and suggestions regarding our issues are warmly welcomed. Articles submitted must be typewritten with sufficient space and margin.

SPECIAL THANKS We are very grateful to the people who have shared their lights in our darkest nights, inspired us in our bleakest days, and gave their comfort and warmth in our coldest moments. Indeed, The Seagull will never get tired of flapping her wings knowing that there are countless people who will tend to her wounds and catch her whenever she falls.

With this, we would like to extend our warm gratitude to Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian who are always there to support our undertakings. Also, to Dr. Ralph L. Pador who never fails to understand us and has always believed in our potentials.

We would like also to thank Engr. Cicero S. Ortizo, Engr. Eliseo I. Jamolo Jr., Mrs. Nancy Rose Pelopero, Dr. Lily S. Sumbi and Mrs. Ive D. Sta. Ana for their relentless support in our endeavors and for the success of this issue.

Also, we’d like to send our utmost thanks to Engr. Eddie Cañuto, Ms. Aimee Comprendio, Mr. Jose Plantig Jr., Ms. Merle Plantig, Mr. & Mrs. Alfonso Plantig, Kagawad Mark Cuenca, Kagawad Evelyn Peñaflor, Mrs. Raquel Mateo, Edgar Garde, Naruto, Sakura and Saski. Without your help, we wouldn’t have completed this issue in time.

Most of all, to the Almighty God, our Creator, for His unfathomable love and guidance and of course, to our most-loved readers who fuel us to be better and eventually, to be the best.

THE SEAGULL I 1

CONTENTS

04

18

Discover Magic: A blend of beauty, adventure and tranquility

The backstage of an enthralling panorama

10

SMALL VOICE

06

21

Starring: The New Wave of Student Icons

FEEDBACK TO SMALL VOICE’S LAST ISSUE

12

Not an ordinary Seafarer’s Tale

08

Climate change mitigation: Let’s get the GREEN party started!

22 COLUMN

CONTENTS 28

Ang totoong kulay ng pangarap at tagumpay

24

34

A Regal Countryside Getaway

INFOGRAPHICS

30

Defying the gravity of one’s debacle

26

36

A cLOSE encounter with the perils of seafaring

STAFF PAGE

32 Rebirth of the Ebola empire

TOURISM

Discover Magic: A blend of beauty, adventure and tranquility

By Mdpn. Jade V. Dedoroy and Mark P. Almelia Photos by Mdpn. Ed Anthony N. Longno and Mdpn. Deo Paolo E. Lagunday 4 I THE SEAGULL

T

he enticing island of Guimaras has always been known for its world-class mangoes and tourist destinations that never stop to bud out of its captivating shorelines and emerald forestry. Little do we know that there are still hundreds of uncovered magical shoreline gems waiting for both local and foreign tourists to discover – and this is where the Magic Island Resort takes its top place on our I-am-reallymesmerized-by-this-resort list!

Getting there The resort can be reached through a 20 to 30 minute pump boat ride from Ortiz wharf going to Jordan wharf.

A jeepney ride from Jordan wharf will take you to Brgy.

Lucmayan, Nueva Valencia which will take more than an hour.

From there, another 5-minute motorcycle ride going to Sitio Duncaan where a 5-minute flat boat ride will take you to the white and fine sands of the resort. Despite the long trip, the cozy and serene ambiance of Magic Island Resort will make you say “It was worth the trip!”

Knowing the resort Established last 2012, the Magic Island Resort is owned and managed by Mrs. Elena Espiso and Mr. Femo Espiso.

It is situated at Sitio Duncaan, Lucmayan, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras. You may wonder how the resort got its name ‘Magic

Island’. “Kay naga-magic ni siya [the resort] kun mag low tide naga dako [the resort’s total area] ni siya kag kun mag high tide, naga gamay ni siya,” Mrs. Elena said. Now that’s magic that will surely amaze you!

The fun begins!

Not only does the resort flaunts its fine sands and its sky blue waters, where you can swim to your heart’s content, the resort also provides thrill-filled and adrenaline-rushing activities which will surely drain your energy yet fill your day with so much fun! Beach Volleyball for your sporty friends, snorkeling for marine sanctuary lover – get close to the rich marine life of the Guimaras waters, or picking shells of various species. An adventurous boat paddling around the resort’s waters will definitely set your heart out in wonders of the seemingly painted islands perfectly scattered around the resort. The resort also offers an island hopping activity where you and the gang can tour around and be mesmerized by more than 50 islands and islets surrounding Magic Island Resort!

After draining your energy, it’s time to recharge your tummies with a sumptuous gastronomic adventure! Send your taste buds to heaven with their truly Ilonggo menu and on top of all that – their seafood dishes. One will surely fall in love with the flavors of the freshest seafood straight from

Guimaras’ waters served in the resort – shrimps, oysters, crabs and fishes. Yep, they got them fresh!

Staying for the night or even just for the day, your needs will be accommodated and will be provided for in the resort.

You can choose from among the Executive houses, Vietnam houses, Balcony houses and the Triplex houses which will definitely give you that I-am-home feeling.

What’s more!

With all the amenities that Magic Island Resort has in store for all of its guests, the thing that makes this resort distinct is the privacy and the serenity it provides. That silent and simple ambiance of the resort takes vacation and relaxation to a different level. Not to mention the hospitality and service that the staffs and the owner themselves provide. Surely, this resort will make you feel like it is a home you can always come back to. “That’s the secret eh, the way you treat your guests is what makes this resort unique,” Mrs. Elena said. “Kasi pagdating dito, we only offer the BEST FOOD, the BEST PLACE and the BEST SERVICE,” she added.

So if you are looking for a place to unwind and relax or a place full of adventures – or even a combination of both – the Magic Island Resort will surely fit your needs! Come and send your senses to a place of pure bliss! Now that’s magic for you!

THE SEAGULL I 5

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s they pursue what their hearts desire, it’s not fate which opened the doors towards their big dreams but it’s the courage that’s worth the risk. Not only evident in what they have achieved, but also with what they have become as they share their stories – profiles of the new wave of student icons.

CAMPUS

Starring: The New Wave of Student Icons

By Mdpn. Cedric Johnsen G. Gonzales and Aime Hope P. Balico Photos by Mdpn. Ed Anthony N. Longno Photo credits: www.facebook.com 6 I THE SEAGULL

Angelo Miguel Galorport, BS Marine Engineering Achievements: 2012 ILOPRISAA Vocal Solo Pop 2013 ILOPRISAA Vocal Solo Pop 2nd placer 2013 ILOPRISAA Vocal Solo Duet 3rd placer Influenced by his mother, Angelo tuned up the music of his life and embraced the passion of singing. Since elementary and high school, he kept himself on track – clasping the microphone on his hand and letting his voice be heard. More than the honor and the pride of representing the school, for him, it is happiness that he continues to seek. That is why he still ventures for opportunities that will bring him unto the next level. Recently, he had joined the GMA’s nationwide talent search “Bet ng Bayan” and was able to reach up to the Panay Finals.

“Sing to your heart’s content and live your life in harmony.”

Rosemary Occeño, BS Marine Engineering Achievements: 2014 WVPRISAA Gold 200 m, 100 m Freestyle, 4x100, 4x50 Relay 2014 National PRISAA Gold 400 m Freestyle, 4x100, 4x50 Relay 2014 ISSAA Gold 200 m, 100 m, 50 m Freestyle, 200 m Individual Medley Gold 100 m, 50 m Backstroke, 100 m Butterfly Her achievements in a seemingly long list excluding her delegations in Palarong Pambansa before she became one of the school’s varsities in swimming will stun everyone in awe.

This stunning ability possessed by Rosemary made her parents proud – granted with a scholarship to support her schooling.

What’s more stunning about her is that she accepts swimming tutorials for additional allowance. She believes that swimming is not just her sport but what was destined for her and her dream of becoming rich fueled her to be the best.

“To be a champion, don’t just go with the flow – swim through it.”

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Kim Gemvir Aquiño, BS Marine Engineering Community Service Involvements: Organizer, “Padyak sa Kalikasan: Bike for a Cause” Volunteer, Community Service Day, Mangrove Planting, Replanting and Coastal Cleaning Perceiving the intense desire to reach out to others and to the community, Kim dedicates his early years in the university through selfless service. To spare his time especially his weekends on different outreach activities is a transformational chapter in his life. As CESS President, embodied with the spirit of volunteerism, his vision of leaving change in the endeavors of extending help to others even sometimes unrecognized never dims. As he said, before leaving the gates of JBLFMU, he wants to be an ambassador of change through simple ways of service.

“The bliss of serving others is as priceless as God’s grace.”

Joeffre A. Paterno, BS Marine Engineering Achievements: 2014 System Model Cadet 2015 - The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) Elite Circle of Five 2015 - Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region VI - IWAG Awardee 2014 - Attendee, Philippine Model Congress (PMC) Running for Cum Laude As a company scholar, he assures that his academic profile remains good especially maintaining the company’s grade requirements. He is determined to manage his time well for his priorities of having a good academic standing and active participation in co-curricular activities. He believes that in the end, it’s not the different involvements in school that will count most, but the knowledge and skills that he acquired which will make him into a proficient individual in the practice of his profession.

“How eager you are to learn is the reciprocal of how you value knowledge.”

Daishel Balsomo, BS Cruise Ship Management Achievements: 2013 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy 2014 Ayala Young Leader Philippine Model Congress - Iloilo Representative Philippine Confederation of Student Leaders- Communications Officer for Visayas Centrist Democratic Association of the Philippines- Representative of Iloilo The present SSC President is empowered by the leadership role to make a difference in school which challenges her to beat

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what others think she’s not capable of. The candid vulnerability to pain entailed from failures is what motivates her to accomplish her goals on time and a motive to repeat her success. The rationale behind Daishel’s ideals is her belief that her leadership traits are innate but should be nurtured to its full potential. As she shared, to be a student leader one must be MICEE: Model the way, Inspire a shared vision, Challenge the process, Enable them to act, and Encourage the heart.

“Titles may be granted but leadership is earned through inspiring others of the vision to make something better than it is today.”

Mark Alien Cuenca, BS Cruise Ship Management Achievements: 2011 & 2012 WVPRISAA Modern Standard Bronze Medalist 2012 National PRISAA Modern Standard Finalist 2014 WVPRISAA Modern Standard Finalist It seems that dancing for Mark is like breathing – a part of his life. Since 2009, he is a member of the Iloilo Dance Sport Federation. He was accidentally discovered by a trainer during high school and started competing. He developed the versatility in Dance Sport during college. Being in a wider field of dancing though pressured, the spirit of always aiming for the gold keeps him groove. Now on his 4th year, Mark is back on his specialty – Latin American Dance Sport. His achievements attest how far his dancing has brought him but he always take a step back and bow with humility.

Glaicy Gepigon, BS Tourism Achievements: 2011-2013 Champion JBLFMU Foundation Week Latin DanceSports Competition 2011 National PRISAA Latin DanceSports Bronze Medalist Her passion is a commitment – taking applauses but leaving happiness to her audience. That is what she lives for and what God has blessed her with. It saddens her not to be dancing.

The long days spent practicing at her studio are worth the few minutes on stage. Nothing else matters for her but performing.

Glaicy is a goal-oriented dancer for she strives to improve her skills not minding how difficult the choreography is. Dancing is her creative outlet to forget all the problems and to focus on something productive.

“Dance like nobody’s watching. Own the spotlight and conquer the dance floor.”

THE SEAGULL I 7

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change mitigation: Let’s get the GREEN party started!

By E/C Jose Mico C. Tambalo and Janine Thess V. Montaño Photo credits: www.google.com 8 I THE SEAGULL

I

f you will be given a chance to be Superman for once in your life, what will you contribute to the world? What will you do in order to defeat the hell monster that gobbles our green environment? How will you use your superpowers in order to defeat mankind’s greatest adversary, the GLOBAL WARMING? For years and decades, global warming has been the world’s greatest adversity. In this worsening phenomenon, global biodiversity is at risk, leaving mankind in a state of imminent danger. The accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere has brought threat to the ozone layer causing excessive temperature rise which will one day become unbearable to all living macro and microorganisms.

As a result of global warming, climate change has become a global concern. The sudden change of the atmospheric condition greatly affects the existence of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, causing threat to the extinction of the world’s flora and fauna.

How does this super villain works?

Climate change has no difference compared to all super villains in superhero movies. As a matter of fact, it is more precarious than that of Magneto’s magnetism and fiercer than Mystique’s shape shifting ability. No super villain from DC and Marvel movies can match the terrorizing rage of Climate change, trust me!

One of the hair-rising acts of this super villain is the melting of ice caps and glaciers in polar regions which leads

to arising seawater level. The conversion of oceans into an acidic marine environment is another big problem brought about by climate change. The excessive green house gases in the atmosphere that are absorbed by the ocean causes death of the planktons (tiny marine organisms which serve as primary food for marine animals in the food web) and bleaching of coral reefs which serve as a sanctuary for aquatic organisms.

As a threat to the ecosystem, climate change affects the growth of vegetation through the sudden change of seasons leading to death of trees and extinction of terrestrial factors.

The existence of endangered species for example is a great concern. If these animals can’t adapt to the changes and variations brought by this worsening natural phenomenon, time will come that there will be no more Tarsiers in Bohol, Pilandok and Tamaraw in Mindoro and monkey-eating eagle in Palawan.

Well, the fury of this super villain does not just end there.

Its wicked wings and fangs can devour man’s properties and lives inevitably. Landslides, flash floods, tropical cyclones and El Niño are the biggest destroyers of the world’s transportation, agriculture, cultural heritages and infrastructures. Because of these, hundreds and millions of fishermen suffer from losing their livelihoods due to death of marine animals. Millions and billions of coconut growers, farmers and orchard owners had their source of income at stake due to pest invasions, droughts and floods that devastated their farmlands and crops. Millions and billions of transportation systems around the globe will suffer delays due to the havoc in transportation access due to fierceness of floods and tropical storms.

But the greatest of these, climate change can harm human life. The widespread of climate sensitive diseases such as malaria, dengue, and leptospirosis which can be obtained either by contact with contaminated air and unsafe water are threats to human life. The sudden and unpredictable change of climate, favours the existence of these diseases as it engulfs human life little by little.

That’s how dangerous climate change is.

The power is yours!

We are born far from those marvellous characteristics of a superhero. We do not have laser-vision eyes like Superman

nor manipulative power like Storm. We don’t possess a gift of speed and telepathy but we can still make change in our most simple ways.

Let’s take out the prefix SUPER from the word SUPERHERO. There are still big things that can be accomplished even without all those “magics” and one of these is mitigation against climate change.

Reducing emissions and stabilizing the levels of heat that trapped green house gases in the atmosphere is the best example of climate change mitigation. In this aspect, one should learn to practice the minimal use of electronic gadgets and appliances that produce carbon footprints.

The burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity is a big NO as well as plastic waste incineration among urban and rural communities. To use alternative sources of energy is a big thing in providing power supply for homes and industrial purposes without risking the climate system. Using solar power for example, practiced by countries like Germany, China and Italy, contributes to the minimization of carbon gases production.

Earth’s forest has a big role other than providing mankind with raw materials and basic needs. The trees have the capacity to trap harmful gases within their leaves. The woods and the soil, minimizing the presence of these gases in the atmosphere. In year 2006, UNEP or United Nations Environment Programme launched the campaign to plant billions of trees.

According to the Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability Report on 2014 from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, various levels including the government, has been efficient when it comes to adaptation. Risk reductions and preparedness were given big significance through coastline protection, dealing with seawater level, land and forest management and protection of public infrastructures and energy.

We can’t easily defeat climate change yet we can adapt and mitigate with this worsening phenomena. This war against the rabid monster takes big effort and initiative from all of us for the sake of the future generations. Doing good things is always enjoyable. Saving lives is always marvellous.

Going green is always awesome.

So what are you waiting for? Mitigate as soon as possible and let the GREEN party started!

THE SEAGULL I 9

SMALL VOICE Tinlo amun C.R. subong ba.

May audit guro ay‌ May audit guid gale‌ Jinglebell

Ano pulos sang schedule kung indi man lang pagsundon?

Sir, kinahanglan guid bala kami ang ma-adjust kay kami ang estudyante? Indi bala nga may responsibilidad ka man para sa amon? Kung kami gani ang ma-late tapos finished kana mag-check attendance indi mo gani ma-markahan late amon ngalan biskan late. Ikaw ya, ok lang? Intindihan ka man namon sir ah. Pero kis-a katalaka lang kay kanugon ang tiyempo. Kis-a daan wala mo na kami ginaklasehan. Tapos lapit na gani ang exam masiling ka lang nga indi kami malipay nga lotto type imo exam? Wala man guid kami sir nalipay sa pagkatanda namon, isa lang ka topic imo gin-discuss tapos unclear pa.

Kag indi ka ya maghatag sang exam sa imo schedule? Tsk! Tani bala sir, you’ll realize man nga may naka-schedule man kami nga mga butang nga himuon. Uyang guid ya ang isa ka oras nga wala kami naubrahan para sa muna nga bagay.

Pop Fiction Book addict

Mahal man bala amon tuition. Ngaa 1 computer is to 150 students ang ratio sang computer sa Internet Center?

Sana mas i-prioritize po ninyo ang Internet Center kaysa sa Library kasi modern na tayo ngayon. Mas prefer ng mga students ang mag-gamit ng mga computers.

Maritime High School kag college, ga-share sa Internet center? Oh come on! Gaginurutok na gani ang mga college students, how about kung magdugang ang mga high school?

Indi na kami ka benefit ya!

IneedSPACE

10 I THE SEAGULL

Ang sa canteen bala, mahal-mahal sang sud-an kag kanon tapos lawlaw ang service! Damo langaw kag ang mga plato kun gakaon ka, gatiyog man. Di kami kakaon mayo kag kung kis-a gakauyang ang kan-on or sud-an kay indi balanced ang plato. Ano klase nga serbisyo man na? Mahal guid man ang plastic plates nga maayo?

Anonymous

Ga pakigluoy guid kami nga mga 1st year nga ibalik ang daan nga computation sang grades para sa amon. Please, kay damo gakataktak nga mga deserving students. byun BSTM

Pwede po bang magtanong?

Naranasan na po bang matikman ng walis tambo ang mga palapag ng engineering building?

Thank you, muaa!

Fat7e5

Nami magkaon sa main canteen bah…

Kung mag-inulan, gatulo man sa table namun nga ginkanan. Basi bala sa sunod, ma-rain bucket challenge kami nga biglaan. I-nominate ko guid kamo….

Anonymous

Good day!

Palihog lang da gali sa doktora sa clinic ah. Tawo ko nag sulod, tani bala tawo man kun tratuhon haw. Nag-eskwela gani para respetuhon, tapus amo pa na. Doktora ka gali, lihog lang may gin-eskwelahan ka, ngaa amo na ya batasan mo haw? Mapa-check up ka, akigan ka pa. Ngaa indi ka kahambal sang insakto haw? Dapat singgitan ka guid ya? Respeto lang tani bala haw. Ginabaydan ka di sang mahal para magserbisyo.

Tapos ano ka ya? Gina-ubra mo sang mayo responsibilidad mo? Ok lang tani kung kis-a lang pero indi eh. Kapila na na!

Palihog lang da ah. Thank you!

I was so disappointed of our system here in John B. Molo regarding the Intramurals. Indi kuno pwede kaintra ang tanan nga naga-avail scholarships sa mga contests.

Teh kundi ano natabo sa mga contestants ta last Intrams?

Ah wala! Daw ginapangpilit lang nga mag-intra for the sake nga may representative ang kada team. Dapat kung varsity ka, sa sports ka lang banned pero pwede ka kaintra sa iban nga contest. Tapos pag-abot sa Foundation Day, iba man nga mga representatives ang ginpadala. Kaluluoy lang tong mga nagdalaug pag-intrams. Tani masolusyunan ta ni kay as time goes by, ga-lawlaw ang school activities ta.

Nene B.

Kanami subong tulukon ang mga students sang John B. ah, kay permi complete kag proper ang uniform. Tama ka– strikto ang mga Head of Discipline.

Gwapo nga marino

BS MarE2

Ngaa ang CR guba kag mapanghi pa? Dapat mahamot man ang CR ta para kung may bisita indi ta man mahuy-an.

Anonymous

I hope that this coming Intrams, there will be a BASKETBALL GIRLS competition. Each course will have their own team of girls competing against other courses.

Anonymous

Hay! Wala naman kami klase subong kay kulang kuno ang projector. Abi ko OBTL na ta subong muna mahalmahal tuition namon di? Tapos ang ending ga–inagaway ang mga maestro. bata nga way naman-an

The Small Voice is solicited from and/or contributed by the JBLFMU-Molo community and is intended to circulate thought and does not represent the opinion of the Staff.

Contributions for the Small Voice are forwarded to the publication and are either anonymous or in pseudonyms.

THE SEAGULL I 11

LIFE AT SEA

Not an ordinary Seafarer’s Tale

12 I THE SEAGULL

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lear skies, shallow waters and calm sea. I could almost hear the humming of the seagulls as I start walking towards my first vessel – M/T STOLT EFFORT. Yes, it was June 7, 2014 when I first started my international trip. I had three connecting flights from Manila to Hongkong, Hongkong to Amsterdam, and Amsterdam to Rotterdam. The only thing that came into my mind that time was "This is it, it’s time to conquer the great seas of excellence." When we got to Schipol International Airport in Amsterdam, I, with D/C David Alcris Villanueva from JBLCF–Bacolod, thought that we were lost since there was no sign of the agent who will fetch us and lead us to our first boarding assignment. It was never an easy day for me.

Emotions were scrambling as if a hurricane was attacking my emotional equilibrium. We don’t know what to do until a man in a black suit approached us. “Haaaayy!! Thanks God, the agent is here.”

It was never a joke. That feeling of being lost and nowhere to go was pretty killing me. That time I also started asking myself, “What if I can’t handle the situations onboard?” “What if they are not that patient in teaching?”

“What if they’ll throw me overboard?” “What if I die?” I may sound over reacting but that was really the feeling of being with different types of people and races, exposed in varying atmospheres. The only thing that gave me the courage that very moment was my family and most especially, God. At first I found it hard to adjust. My body clock was still adjusting to adapt the different time zones, my body was

trying to withstand the trembling and unstable environment, and my heart was trying to ease the pain of sleeping away from my family. Even sky scraping waves were trying to drown me with my vomit. Yet I stood up, raise my head up and said, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do. All izz well! All izz well!”

I started my first assignment as a day man having 0800H–1800H duty, checking for parameters, and sounding on tanks. Since our engine room is unmanned, it means all works are to be done during the day and according to our chief engineer's standing orders, there must be an Unmanned Machinery Space (UMS) inspection from 2200H–2400H. I, as an engine cadet, was assigned to do the rounds of inspection. That job was never easy since you really need to be keen especially in times of irregularities that are happening. On my first duty, I was not able to reset the Dead Man Alarm Button that was why the ship’s general alarm sounded and continued to ring up to the master's and chief engineer's cabin. Everybody panicked and immediately proceeded to the muster station and started to find me in the engine room because they thought that I met an accident or worse – I was dead. Since my 2/E knows where I was working, he immediately looked for me and found me at an air conditioned control room – safe and sound. Well, that incident was never funny. That false alarm, gave me an ear full of reprimanding thoughts coming from my concerned superiors. There I learned something, a lesson that no one would ever dare to neglect. I got teary eyes after I found out that those people I worked with, who were always saying bad words against me, really cares for me. Not because it's their responsibility but because they already treasured me as a part of the family.

That incident taught me a lesson that troubles always come in an uncertain time that is why we always need to be prepared. My experiences onboard do not only revolve on tragic happenings, but also include good times which I could say in one way or another, helped me ease my

longing for my family and loved ones. Every Saturday, we have a barbecue party and we enjoy unwinding our minds from the very exhausting week of duty. Foods are served and we tried to understand our differences which created a stronger bond among us, nurtured the essence of camaraderie and cooperation, and taught us the real essence of companionship.

Do you know what's best in being a seafarer aside from the dollars you are earning? Of course I knew you figure it out that easily – the free international trip. I've gone to many places, places I never expected to be as beautiful as the young lovely ladies they have. I know you know what I mean. But of all the places I've gone to, New York Time Square is the best I may consider. There, I was able to meet mesmerizing beauties you could ever imagine. Eating different foreign foods and interacting with different races.

In every journey, there is always a “byebye” time. It's already a year since I first tried standing on my own feet, trying to be strong in propelling towards the achievement of my dreams. I know it's hard to leave those people I am with but I really need to say goodbye to them. The sadness I felt that time, was driven away by the excitement of seeing my loved ones. The day that I awaited the most. Now, I am studying as a first class cadet in the institution that molded me to be competent and efficient seafarer. The institution, to which I owe almost everything that I have acquired right now. The institution that creates the best from bests.

Maybe this page would never constitute all the days of experiences I had, but I am so glad to share this to everyone, because I am very proud that I was given the opportunity of shouting to the world that "What I've been through made the best of me today!”

E/C ALVIR KEVIN JIMENEZ M/T STOLT EFFORT

THE SEAGULL I 13

CULTURE & HERITAGE

Sitio Nagpana: Home of Indigenous Ati culture

By E/C Jose Mico C. Tambalo and Mdpn. Joeffre A. Paterno Photos by Aime Hope P. Balico

U

nder the scorching heat of the sun that invades the dusty 12-kilometer road towards the mountainous area of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, behind the perils of the wilderness, there hides a sitio called Nagpana - a haven and sanctuary of minority group called Ati or Aeta, who were believed to be the descendants of the first settlers of the Philippine archipelago a long time ago. The word “Nagpana” means “to shoot using a bow and arrow” and originated from a tragic story of two brothers namely Hanalon and Baloyan that happened before the World War II. 2.6 kilometers away from Brgy. Lipata, Sitio Nagpana exhibits a rare and exotic sight of upland farming consists of corns and rice which makes the area appealing to the travelers coming from different places. This rich and colorful civilization cradles a population of 721 with 142 households, and 165 families with an average members of five per family based on the 2009 survey.

Majority of the settlers living in this area depends on nature in order to live and to survive. Pangayam or hunting wild animals for food is common among the natives of this settlement. Women indulge themselves in weaving baskets, buri hats, purses, tribal necklaces and other adornments out of raw materials gathered from the wilderness while men, are engaged in farming, hunting, gardening, harvesting coffee, planting coconuts and making charcoal.

Traditions and practices Rituals and ceremonies play a very significant part on Aetas’ way of living. This enabled them to ‘befriend invisible

14 I THE SEAGULL

elements and spirits’ allowing them to do what they are supposed to do. In practicing rituals, people of Nagpana perform chants – a song or a lyrical poem rendered in unison or solo to praise or to inform the spirits living in a particular area of their purpose. In house-building, aetas have the Daga or Dolot – a rite chant for the spirits living in the rivers of Borobalantak, Dogodogo, Asisig and Mara-ut-ngaran.

In burying the dead, the aetas perform the Kantang – a ritual for victims of witches. In this practice, the coffin which is painted by turmeric (kalawag) is suspended by a rope. After that, practitioners utter a chant asking if the killer (who is believed to be the witch) is inside or outside the village. If the killer is within the particular area or inside the settlement, the coffin which contains the corpse will become heavier and the Sorhano or Babaylan will sprinkle ashes around to scare or drive the witch away. The area wherein the dead had lain is sprinkled and drenched with alibhon juice. The family members should guard the area by means of setting a fire called damag and they should keep a vigilant watch in order to prevent the soul of the dead from taking away one of the firewoods for it would indicate that another member of the family will die.

In Kuarisma or holy week, elders would whip their children with manunggal, a vine known for its bitter taste to drive away aswangs or witches. Through this, children’s flesh are believed to become as bitter as the manunggal vine, giving them the security and assurance against witches and flesh-eating monsters that are wandering within the village which sometimes take the form of a wild pig, rooster, dog or a huge bird.

that they would protect them from harm and bless their crops. Furthermore, they respect one another despite their differences, their bloodlines, and their decisions.

Sitio Nagpana, possessing a rich and colorful indigenous culture, deserves preservation despite the affluence of modernity. Every people living on it, every belief and tradition it has, every behavior of its settlers, and every corner of the place comprised the word TREASURE. It should be preserved, cultivated and nurtured for the next generation.

Truly, Sitio Nagpana has been a living proof that amidst the growing standard of our country in terms of advancement and modernization, the culture of our ancestors should be enriched for it reflects our colorful past, our rich cultures and traditions, and our sense of being a FILIPINO.

Pag-uli Tingub Festival With the objective to reunite the people of Sitio Napana, Pag-uli Tingub which means “to come back” or “homecoming” is a festival solemnized to relive the traditional way of living among the natives of the settlement.

In this festivity, relatives from distant places come back to Nagpana to pay visit to their loved ones and families. By means of showcasing tribal dances and practices which were inherited from the past generations of Aetas, the indigenous culture is preserved.

Unique aeta traits The Aetas of Sitio Nagpana are known for being hospitable in welcoming outsiders and visitors from different places. They also have a strong family ties and they value the essence of a family and the love for their fellowmen. They value the existence of nature as much as they care for the future of the younger generations. They believe that trees and other natural creations should be preserved and protected for it balances the relationship between man and ecosystem.

The Aetas are also fun-loving people. Some of them have already adjusted with the modern world and it is not a surprise to see them having indulgement with televisions and other multimedia. Aside from that, sharing is also one of the most important traits they possess. They are always open to share whatever things they have to their fellow Aetas and even to people who are foreign to them.

They share what they have to the invisible spirits, believing THE SEAGULL I 15

16 I THE SEAGULL

THE SEAGULL I 17

DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

The backstage of an enthralling panorama

By Mark P. Almelia, Aime Hope P. Balico and Mdpn. Steven O. Tajonera Photos by Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod

18 I THE SEAGULL

F

ar from the mainstream atmosphere of the metro, of the raging and noisy engines, of the smoky and polluted air, and of the towering buildings which put your days in monotone, the exhausting roller coaster ride will bring you to the relaxing ambiance of the countryside. Despite the scorching rays of the sun which will leave your body sweat soaked or your skin burned off, it is still worth the sacrifices. Knowing the place and seeing its hidden realms will surely make your jaws drop.

Along with nature’s gift of beauty and serenity, comes a cool and welcoming breeze of easterly wind that invades vibrant greeneries and stillness of the place. The lofty trees with the accent of mystic vines create a grand entourage matched with the morning birds that sing a repetitive but pleasing melody. Nearby these fertile lands is the refreshing view of the crystal-clear rapids of the river – a natural sanctuary for the vexed and tired heart.

The verdant cornfields mapped the sides of the bulky road coupled with the fresh and soothing air from nature’s abundance.

Bounded by the mountain ranges and covered with lushes in the backdrop of the azure skies, Purok Acacia of Barangay Ardemil, Sara, Iloilo is another secret haven to those who quest for tranquility.

But in spite of this mesmerizing magnificence this realm possesses, exists an inevitable truth, a dilemma that widely concerns and affects us – poverty. The residents of Purok Acacia highly rely on planting corns as their livelihood. It is evident from the mountains of cornfields surrounding the purok.

“Budlay guid magpangabuhi diri. Sila lang ya may humay, wala kami ya, mais lang guid amon. Kung wala humay, mga ube,

balinghoy kag iban pa nga kaangay sina ang amon ginakaon.

Nagadalawat man kami dyapon bugas. Kag ang lupa indi ini amon, gapamugon lang kami,” confessed Nenita Padios, one of the residents.

The difficulty of their livelihood makes it hard for them to feed themselves three times a day. The fact that they can’t sufficiently satisfy their hungry stomachs is a bitter pill to swallow. Because of this, their children do not get the right amount of nutrition that’s why most of them are malnourished.

Even with their stomachs empty, majority of the elementary pupils in the Purok would still want to go to school and tread the 2.5 kilometer walk going to Ardemil Elementary School.

Not to mention the bumpy and bulky road that they need to journey by foot, the dusts or mud also lingers in their worn-out shoes and slippers. They walk together in flocks with high hopes that someday their hardships will be paid off and education will alleviate their standard of living.

“Ginalakat lang namon halin diri pakadto sa eskwelahan. Layo kag wala motor nga madul-ong sa amon kag budlay kung gaulan kay nagakabasa amon bayo kag gamit,” said Roneil Emborga, Grade 1 pupil of Ardemil Elementary School.

8th of November 2014, a tragic event happened which shook the people of Barangay Ardemil. Bagyong Yolanda struck the place with its growling winds and heavy rains which caused massive destructions to livelihood, properties and especially to the lives of the residents – a traumatic incident which until now is never forgotten.

“Grabe guid ya ang impact ka Bagyong Yolanda diri. Baskog guid ka tama ang hangin kag gindala ya guid ang atop sang amon balay. Nagtinong ini pero nagbalik liwat asta nga ang banyo na lang namon ang nabilin. Nagkadto kami sa idalom sang puno kag nanabon dala namon ang iba namon nga gamit kag pagkaon,” narrated Barangay Kagawad, Evelyn Peñaflor, “Wala guid ko may nasalbar sa akon mga tanom. Naubos guid sang bagyo. Ang sobra isa ka gatos nga lubi, mga 50 porsyento guid ang gintumba sang bagyo. Damo guid di sa amon ang naapektuhan amo gani nga nagapasalamat kami nga biskan malayo ang amon lugar, nagtambong guid kamo kag nagbulig,” said Boy Plantig, one of the owners of the farmlands.

Many homes and families as well as children haven’t completely recovered from the devastation and the trauma

brought by the typhoon. Health and evacuation centers are very limited while homes are kilometers away from each other and the means of transportation via skylab is inadequate. These became the factors that left many of the residents helpless during the calamity.

Aside from the inevitable incidents which marked in the hearts and minds of the residents, another sad truth which they long to seek for solution remains unsolved. Walking from the Purok to the Town of Sara will be an insane idea and would surely leave your flip-flops in holes.

“Kung may magbata, kapin pa kung lapit na lang ginadala namon sila sa sentro. Gina motor lang na halin diri. Sang una may paltera diri pero subong wala na, amo na budlay guid para sa mga gabusong kapin pa nga tuman guid ka layo ang amon lugar,” words uttered by Ermi Mortel, a mother who shared the same experiences with other mothers in the barangay.

Inadequacy in terms of transportation affects their livelihood, safety, and education of their children. Residents ask help from the government to answer their plea - the construction of roads and the improvement of their lives.

“Nagapasalamat guid kami nga nagkadto guid kamo diri kag nagbulig sa amon. Gapati guid kami nga ang grasya ara lang na kag ang mga nagabulig indi guid makapoy magbulig basta nagaintindihanay kag nagabuligay ang mga pumuluyo sang Barangay Ardemil,” added Evelyn Peñaflor with grateful appreciation.

In this day and age where means and extremes rampantly grow, societies become more imbalanced. Many enjoy a luxurious life while many also suffer from hunger and injustices.

On the other hand, the residents of Purok Acacia who are living a simple life, still believe that someday there will be progress and development in their community. A community where no one of their children will exhaust their feet walking, no one will go hungry and no one will be deprived of what’s supposed to be theirs.

Dark clouds started to slowly cover the orange skies like theater curtains. Fireflies danced with rhythmic humming of the cool winds. The magnificent beauty of the moon shined the mountains, and the stars sparkled, reminiscing the gentle smiles and happy hearts of the children of Purok Acacia – full of hope and aspirations that someday their determination and faith will bridge them to their dreams.

THE SEAGULL I 19

20 I THE SEAGULL

Feedback to small voice’s last issue Dear Comlab Working Students, Palihog kay-uha man bi batasan niyo especially sa mga baye, kanami guid sang mata niyo gaturong permi sa amon.

Tani wala na lang kamu nag working student mag-amo lang na batasan niyo. Kami man gali ga bayad tuition niyo ah.

“Working” gane di bala? Muna mangin friendly man kamo. Indi nga hampang lang ubra niyo sa mga PC. Kun gina-trapuhan niyo bi ang computer mapuslan pa. Ubraha niyo man duty niyo as a working student.

-ihateworkingstudent@comlab

High Tuition – good High Wifi connection – very good With password – evil Justice!

-Unknown

Oo kamo gabayad sa tuition namon pero dapat respetuhon man ninyo kami para respetuhon man kamo namon kay kung sawayon kamo, maisog pa kamo. Gasunod lang kami sa rules and regulations sang Com. Lab. and with regards sa panrapo, adlaw-adlaw gapaninlo kami. And for your information ginaobra namon ang responsibilidad namon, ari kami di para mag-assist kag magbantay and at the same time, para magdisiplina sa inyo. Kag wala kami gahampang kay maakigan kami o nasal-an lang kami kay ari kami permi sa tubang computer kay ga-operate kag gina monitor namon kung sin-o ang gahalampang kag galantaw movie.

Working students, Com. Lab Bongga ang Internet Center sang Janbi ba. Damo computers waay man gaandar.

-Rurubabes The Internet Center was transferred last July 2014 to its new office. If you have noticed that some of the computers are not functioning, it is because the electrical lines, outlets and internet cables are not yet properly installed. We are still on the process of renovation; construction and expansion of our Internet station to accommodate more students to use the computer and at the same time, have a good access for net surfing and research.

We are hoping to finish everything before the semester ends so that we could serve you best.

The Management

Password protection will only allow the students of JBLFMU-Molo to gain an authorized password or access code to our Internet via Wifi. Please visit the Internet Office and present your School ID so that you can avail a password or access code for FREE. The Management

Ang C.R. bala permi lang wala tubig. Teh paano na mamaintain ang cleanliness nga ginatawag. Imbis ma C.R. ka indi na lang kay wala guid tubig. Teh ano na lang ni, mansig dala arinola? Paki explain labyu.

-anonymous

Kon ang ini nga concern na mention lang tani ang specific location sang C.R. mas mahapos magsabat. Anyway the school constructed new deep well in the middle of August this year, thereby improving the source of water in our C.R. Upon my query from our janitorial services personnel, the Twin Building (where Library and Computer Laboratory is located) had problem during summer, deep wells in that area needs upgrading and cleaning this semestral break.

Hoping you‘re clarified and thanks for the concern.

Head, Services and Facilities Department THE SEAGULL I 21

Progreso para sa mga Ilonggo Ni Mdpn. Ed Anthony N. Longno

Ang Iloilo ay isa sa mga umuusbong na lungsod sa ating bansa. Kahit saan ka tumingin ay mayroong progreso at pagunlad kagaya na lamang ng mga bagong gusali na pinapatayo, pagkukumpuni ng mga daan, pagbibigay ng mga programang pangkabuhayan, pagpapaganda sa mga pampublikong lugar at iba pa. Dahil dito, napili ang ating syudad upang pagdausan ng Urban Environmental Accord (UEA) Summit ngayong 2015 at isa sa walong syudad na gaganapan ng Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Summit sa parehong taon.

Itatalaga sa ating siyudad ang APEC National Organizing Committee (NOC) kung saan magkakaroon ng pagpupulong ng Small Medium Enterprises (SME) mula sa ika-21 hanggang 25 ng Setyembre na inaasahang mayroong 700 na delegado at ng Food Security Week (High Level

Policy Dialogue on Food Security and the Blue Economy) mula ika-28 ng Setyembre hanggang ika-6 ng Oktubre na inaasahan namang magkakaroon ng 900 na delegado mula sa 21 bansa na kabilang sa APEC. Sa pagtutulungan ng Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), Local Government Units (LGUs) at ng National Government ay inaasahang magiging isang ganap na Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions/Events (MICE) destination ang ating syudad. Inilaan ang P450 milyon na pondo para sa itinatayong Iloilo Convention Center, P25 bilyon para sa Iloilo Business Park na pag-aari ng Megaworld Corp., at P300 milyon para sa pagsasaayos at pagpapalawak ng daan mula Iloilo National Airport patungo sa ating syudad at iba pang imprastraktura tulad ng mga hotels, malls at convenience stores.

People’s initiative will always prevail

By E/C Jose Mico C. Tambalo

Six years is not enough to remove the stain brought about by the past administration. In this span of time, we are talking about collecting and reassembling the broken pieces of a jigsaw puzzle rather than peeling off a banana instantly. In other words, time plays a very important role towards resurrecting the government’s former glory and it would take a good and efficient leader to fulfill this goal.

I am neither an avid fan of PNoy nor a member of the so-called PNoy Fanatics Club but I must admit, I was captivated by how PNoy assured the entire nation of his agenda. I was pleased by how he maximized his term simply by listening to people’s voices and serving without a sense of interest of devouring the nation’s wealth. However, just like other superstars of today’s generation, PNoy is never safe from bashers and critics most especially 22 I THE SEAGULL

in the issue of his term extension which is a BIG THING. Constitutional Reformation or Charter Change, commonly known as “Cha-cha” is one of the biggest issues that marked the colorful history of our Philippine government. “Cha-cha” refers to the amendments of the current 1987 Philippine Constitution through legal and political process namely people’s initiative, constituent assembly and constitutional convention. Because the current constitution of the country limits only six years of presidential term, PNoy’s administration requires amendment of the latter in order to prolong his regime up to 2016.

The fact, however, that PNoy decided not to extend his term despite all the encouragements from supporters and netizens makes him credible to the

Nagsimula na rin ang ating gobyerno na magsanay ng mga chefs, waiters, attendants, at karagdagang pulis upang masigurado ang kaginhawaan, kaligtasan at seguridad ng mga delegado at ng mga darating pang mga turista.

Naglaan din ang ating gobyerno ng pondo para sa pagkukumpuni at pagsasaayos ng mga heritage sites upang maipakita natin sa kanila ang ating natatanging kultura sa larangan ng sining, musika, lutuin, at iba pa. Mula sa mga pagpupulong na ito, tayo ay makakaganyak ng mga investors mula sa ibang bansa upang mamuhunan sa ating bansa at makatulong sa pagpapaunlad nito.

Kaya’t sana’y magkaroon tayo ng kooperasyon at pakikiisa sa ating gobyerno.

Bilang estudyante, marami tayong maiaambag sa isyung ito tulad na lamang ng partisipasyon sa mga clean-up operations, pagtapon ng basura sa tamang lugar, pagpapanatili ng kalinisan sa mga pampublikong lugar, pagsunod sa batas na ipinapanukala ng ating gobyerno, pag-post o share sa mga networking sites ng mga mahahalagang impormasyon tungkol dito at pag-anyaya sa ating mga kaibigan, kapamilya o kakilala na gawin ang mga bagay na ito. Maliit man ang mga bagay na ito ngunit kapag pinagsama-sama ay may malaking epekto sa unti-unting pag-unlad ng syudad ng Iloilo.

presidential seat once again. It is not because he is done sweeping the dirt of the past PGMA administration but because he simply shows respect for the Filipino people. Regardless of the power that flows within his veins, it is remarkable to see him letting the people decide about the fate of his presidency. It is one of the most important characteristics of a genuine public servant that the next president should possess. He or she may not be as good as PNoy but the least thing he or she can do is never try to squander the money which is meant for the people.

As what they say, everything comes to an end. Whatever task that was started will always have an end. As to our administration, despite the expiration of PNoy’s term, he still did his best in leading our country towards improvement. He may not have met the standards of a good and efficient leader but he has shown to everybody that the voices of the people are always his topmost priority. In the end, the choice is ours and it’s up to us if we will put him again on the position for no matter who and what kind of leaders are emplaced into the country’s most powerful seat, it is still the people’s initiative that will always prevail.

Another bridge IS falling down, falling down

By Mdpn. Joeffre A. Paterno

Perhaps, connecting the continent of Australia directly to America is an insane and terrible idea but bridging the City of Smiles to the City of Love is truly a dream to be pursued. This is the new vision of the newly appointed chairman of the Regional Development Council (RDC) – VI, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. of Negros Occidental as he envisions to permanently connect the islands of Negros and Panay eliminating the hindrance of sea transportation through a 14.5 kilometer Negros-Panay bridge. Unfortunately, this ambitious masterpiece of him echoed murmurs of criticisms.

The Negros-Panay Bridge has already been a dream of previous government leaders of both islands. In the time of the late Gov. Joseph Marañon, he handed down a proposal to build a bridge connecting San Juan Point in Banate, Iloilo to Brgy. Tomontong, EB Magalona in

Negros Occidental costing about US $1.5 billion (approximately 66 billion pesos) based on its feasibility study. Another was that of Iloilo Rep. Jerry Treñas and several Visayas solons who planned to build a Negros-Guimaras-Iloilo Bridge costing P53.66 billion. Indeed, this huge amount of money could tempt those stealthy handed corrupt officials to do their dirty tricks.

Well, I think I should lay to you first the advantages of this long-sought bridge. Of course, the most obvious result of this is in the aspect of transportation. We will never be hindered by the typhoons that may postpone the trips of sea-going vessels.

Second, we will never feel the boredom by the slow transport speed of the RORO (Roll on – Roll off) vessels. Third, those who have cars for personal use can now drive directly to their destinations in their own comfort. Nevertheless, the biggest

result of the success of this project, if permitted, is the alleviation of the economic status of the region. As we all know, Western Visayas serves as source of rice and other agricultural products which could truly support the nation’s thrust towards sustainable and inclusive growth. Yes, that’s the vision of the Aquino administration Let’s now discuss its cons. As what I have mentioned earlier, this project can be a honeycomb for those buzzing corrupt officials as this development project is rated at a multibillion peso deal. Also, it can spell an end to the sea transportation and shipping services of the islands of Panay and Negros for their costumers will choose the convenient and low risk transport medium. It would also force ships to reroute for this bridge may block their current sea lanes rendering additional charges to ship owners.

This foreseen advancement is a great tool to catalyze the development of the region. However, we are not counting the words of promises here. What we want is an accomplished outcome. In the end, we can only expect two things – whether this bridge will soon ascend to reality or we’ll just join hands together and sing the famous nursery rhyme “London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down…”

SELFIE: pOSIBILIDAD NGA MATUGRO Ni Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod

Selfie. Isa ka tinaga nga permi nalang naton mabatian sa aton nga mga barkada, classmates, pamilya kag kakilala. Naging sikat pa ang dya nga tinaga kang gindeklara ka Oxford Dictionary nga Word of the Year (2013) ang ‘selfie’.

Selfie ang tawag sa pag-picture sa kaugalingon gamit ang cellphone ukon digital camera kag kalabanan nga ginaupload sa social networking sites parehas kang Instagram kag Facebook. Subong, nabantugan ang Pilipinas nga may pinakamadamo nga numero kang selfies nga ginakuha adlaw-adlaw.

Ang amo ni nga indikasyon nagapakita nga ang pagkuha kang selfie sara sa mga paagi kang mga Pinoy para maipakita ang ila balatyagon, apeksyon kag pagpalangga sa mga butang nga importante sa ila. Ginagamit ang social

media bilang isa ka tulay para ipabatyag sa iba ang mayad kag lain nga isyu nga naga-apektar sa pungsod.

Bilang outlet kang mga pamatan-on kang ila ginabatyag, ang pag-selfie ang makabulig sa ila sa pagpakita sa publiko kang ila emosyon kag sitwasyon sa bulig kang mga social networking sites.

Pero ini nga paghayag sa publiko ang nagakinahanglan man kang daku nga pag-andam. Ara man sa guihapon ang ginatawag nga mangin responsable sa posible nga mangin epekto kang bagay nga ini. Dapat nga masiguro naton nga hindi dya makapalain sa balatyagon kang iban.

Pati sa pagkuha kang selfie, dapat man nga siguraduhon ang kaluwasan kang aton kabuhi. Balikdon guid naton ang aton ginatungtungan, kondisyon

kang palibot pati ang mga posible nga halit nga maga-abot.

Pamatuod diri ang natabo sa isa ka third year high school nga estudyante sang Rizal High School sa Pasig nga napatay bangud sa pagkahulog sa hagdan samtang nagakuha kang selfie upod sa iya classmate.

Daku guid ang importansya kang seguridad kang aton kabuhi kag dignidad.

Kinahanglan nga halungan naton ang aton kabuhi tungod ini sara guid lamang.

Amo man nga paghalong ang para sa aton nga dignidad kag reputasyon. Sa rason nga halos kalabanan kang aton populasyon may access sa social media, madali nga makabuhat ang iban kang malain kag di-malain nga komento.

Pilion ang tinaga nga aton igapahayag sa publiko kay dako guid ang posilidad nga ini nga mga impormasyon magamit man kontra sa aton. Kung amu ini ang matabo, daw kita lang mismo ang naghatag sa ila kang kutsilyo para ibuno sa aton nga kaugalingon.

THE SEAGULL I 23

ECO-TOURISM

A Regal Countryside Getaway

By Aime Hope P. Balico and Janine Thess V. Montaño Photos by Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod

24 I THE SEAGULL

I

f you are one of those jaded urban souls pining for a different atmosphere other than towering buildings, busy streets, bustling noises and fast-paced adventure, then an escapade away from the metro is the fate you’re up to.

Or if you really need to break free from life’s tragedy and drama, then it’s cruel to hesitate from hampering yourself with relaxation when you truly deserve it. But if you’re stuck on both situations, you’re not helpless as you think you are because both options still fall into same answer.

The perfect destination is just 40 kilometers from the city situated at Brgy. Sariri, Badiangan, Iloilo. Amidst the verdant mountains and forestry lies Ephrathah Farms, a heavenkissed place where man nurtures the gifts of nature for his own bliss and pleasure without exploiting it. The 14-hectare land owned by Cañuto Family and managed by Engr. Eddie Cañuto is divided into a 7-hectare inland resort and a 7-hectare farm which welcomes tourists who seek leisure, relaxation and adventure. What can you ask for? Everything is in Ephrathah!

The Farm As an agri-tourism site, it does not only promote agricultural cultivation but also boast the sustainability of organic and natural way of farming - pesticide and herbicide free produce. The farm is very self-sufficient having a greenhouse of seedbeds for propagation and a vermicomposting area to provide its own fertilizer. It is bordered with tropical fruit-bearing trees like guyabano, mangosteen,

cacao and the list goes on. There sprouts fresh and leafy lettuce and petchay, gourds such as squash and cucumber, and as you stroll around, you’ll discover vegetables which are new to you. They also propagate herbs like lemon basil and mint, and produce black and red organic rice. A big part of the farm is the plantations of red lady papaya and of course, a rare fruit which belongs to the species of cacti, the dragon fruit or popularly known as strawberry pear that should be tried not only for its juicy taste but because it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Perhaps, you’ll discover an agricultural enthusiast side of you upon seeing such wide variety of vegetation and crops.

A farm will not be completed without farm animals to tend. From poultry of native chickens, milking goats, pigs, rabbit production and fish culture of cream dory, catfish and Japanese koi flaunting its radiant bright scales, you just can’t refuse to try feeding these creatures. Exciting, isn’t it? From the scenic mountain views to lush greenery and breeding animals, for sure you can’t help yourself from saying “Haaay.

Diri na lang ko maistar ah.”

The Inland Resort Once your senses had feasted on the picturesque beauty of nature, you cannot just say no to an overnight stay or probably, spending a long-week vacation.

With usual urban amenities but with a touch that’s indisputably rural, the accommodation of visitors is well-served from cozy bedrooms, tranquil placid surroundings, delicious healthy organic foods, and the staff’s warmness. It has eight hotel rooms with a packaged of using the swimming pool for free, separate dormitories for boys and girls, and open wooden cottages. It’s not only best for family bonding but a campsite for youth for the fields offer an ample space likely under the shady trees to put up tents.

Aside from youth camps, Ephrathah is also an ideal wedding destination. The glass chapel, with its serene and calm ambiance, is an intimate place for couples to exchange sacred vows. The function room and the pavilion can host activities for large number of guests and can be catered by their restaurant which serves organic menu. You can even request to cook the vegetables freshly picked from the farm – healthy food for a healthier lifestyle. Then, an Olympic-size swimming pool is your refuge to escape from the scorching heat of the sun especially when it’s summer season. Reward yourself with these splendors that come in reasonable prices to soothe your soul in a blissful satisfaction.

The Adventures Just like what other resorts or tourism sites offer, Ephrathah is also in trend with thrilling outdoor adventures, all with safety measures and requisites. An exhilarating experience of Ephrathah’s 500-meter zipline will surely appease the cravings of adventure-seeking buddies. It’s time to blow your stress out as you mimic the famous superman pose surging through an incredibly strong gust of air and scream at the top of your lungs as you indulge yourself with the spectacular aerial view of flourishing land cultivation. When acrophobia (the fear of heights) creeps in and prevents you from enjoying other activities such as wall climbing and rappelling, just think, it’s only a fear so better snap out of it and go extreme!

If jogging or walking within the vicinity bores you a bit, try using mountain bikes or driving ATV mobile provided with lanes to tour around. At the end of the day, you can go boating in the lagoon where you can feed the catfishes locally called “pantat”. It is fun to watch open mouths appearing in the surface of the water but don’t just imagine piranhas, seriously, or you might trip off the boat! So dare to defy the fear within you and let the adventurous part of you take over.

Just a couple of years before the farm unfold its beauty and wonders to the public, the owners had it named after a biblical verse (Micah 5:2), Ephrathah which is the old name of Bethlehem, the land never heard until became the holy birthplace of Jesus Christ. Just like Engr. Eddie Cañuto envisions, “Brgy. Sariri, Badiangan was never known. Out of this small barangay we prayed that it will be known out to people because of Ephrathah Farms.”

The fertile land of Ephrathah Farms that yields organic agricultural products offers immense opportunities for economic development, environmental protection and ecological sustainability, promotion of natural way of farming, and people’s livelihood and employment. Its aim of revitalizing the agricultural sector through tourism makes a runway as a budding eco-tourism site in the province.

As the sweltering season is bracing up, the fancy beaches and resorts will surely be a family and friends choice topper but get over with these stereotyped destinations and drive your way to the heart of the countryside where nature’s wealth nestles. Eprathah Farms, a genuine journey’s end, offers options when vacation means comfort, endless fun and adventure, and indulgence in a peaceful haven.

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SEA EXPERIENCE

A cLOSE encounter with the perils of seafaring 26 I THE SEAGULL

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eafaring is not a simple job. It is a profession in which technical skills and knowledge are applied.

0400H, June 15, 2014. Air Philippines flight bound to China, where I first boarded the M/V Astoria Bay. I felt nervous but somehow excited and happy. It was my first time to be on a big ship and work as an engine cadet. At 2000H, we arrived at Lianyungang, China, where my vessel was waiting for me.

As days and nights went by, I easily adopted to the ship’s environment. Greasy areas, annoying noise and different individuals. Our captain and chief mate were both Russians and the rest of my crew mates were Filipinos. Some were good and some were bad or in our words, “simpleng bastos”.

Our route was liner from China to United States of America and vice versa. The fact is, I have no idea on what to do onboard but I do have knowledge in dealing with different machineries in the engine room. I faced my officers with pride and honor, proving to them that I am a competent cadet.

“Being at sea, one’s life is always at risk”. At 0015H on my 6th day onboard, underway to China, there was a turnover of duties between 4th and 3rd engineer. I was with 4th engineer and oiler A. They left me in the engine control room together with 3rd engineer and oiler B. Since we were all Ilonggos, we

E/C Espolong’s 3rd engineer enduring the excruciating pain from a second degree burn.

easily understood each other. They were planning to have a maintenance on the boiler and I planned to join them. But the luck was not mine. I was in the toilet when suddenly, the fire alarm activated and a loud explosion was heard. I told to myself “Patay. Sumabog ang Boiler!” I was frightened but still I was in focus. I immediately awakened my co-cadets as a loud and deafening fire alarm broke the stillness inside the vessel. As I went out and proceeded to the emergency fire station, I was so shocked upon seeing the burnt face of our third engineer and that scene really gave me a goosebump. I went down to the engine room and saw oiler B sitting on the chair, laughing. He said “lantawa bi tsura ko noy, gwapo man?”

The fire alarm did not stop because the heat was trapped and the heat detector was still activated. After opening the door at the back of the engine room leading to the aft of the vessel, the alarm stopped. The chief engineer went down with an unfathomable expression on his face. He told me to extend my duty and so I ended up spending 12 hours of monitoring the engine room and tried not to sleep.

3rd engineer got a second degree burn while oiler B got a first degree burn. After that incident, I was assigned to take care of them both. Everytime I go to their cabins to clean their wounds, I could see the pain, sadness and longing to

see their families. Three days and two nights had passed, U.S. coastguard chopper went to get the injured crews.

Through that experience, my strength along with my faith in God was tested. That accident taught me to be strong and entrust everything to God. The Bible verse Psalm 23 served as my guide on whatever things I did onboard. I held on to it from the start of my journey as an engine cadet until I finished it. I was so thankful to God for protecting me from whatever harm onboard. Even though I’ve encountered so many hardships, I stayed focused and determined to do my job successfully. As I was holding my flight documents, no words and expressions could describe how happy I am to be with my family and friends again without having any injuries.

I’m so thankful to my crew mates for being there for me everytime I need their presence and advices. As a seafarer, I believe that precautions should be undertaken in no matter what we do and before doing them. Pray to God and always think of SAFETY.

E/C Patrick Joe Espolong M/V Astoria Bay

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PEOPLE

Ang totoong kulay ng pangarap at tagumpay Ni Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro at Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. Mga kuhang litrato ni Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro

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arahan niyang kinuha ang pinsel at dahan-dahan itong inilapat sa kambas at para bang nagsimula itong magkaroon ng buhay matapos ang mabilis na pagkumpas ng kanyang kamay. Kasabay nito ang paglitaw ng mga imahe na kanyang ipinipinta – makulay, matalinhaga at nakakamangha.

Ang buhay ay tulad ng isang malaki at malapad na kambas samantalang ang mga pagsubok na dumarating, ang mga desisyon na ating ginagawa, at ang ating mga pangarap, na siyang nagbibigay kulay at katuturan dito. Ngunit upang lubusang maunawaan ang buhay at ang misteryo nito, kailangan nating magkaroon ng layunin, paniniwala at paninindigan.

Halimbawa nito ay ang makulay na kwento ni El Dosado, 40, mas kilala sa tawag na ‘Sir El’ sa kanilang lugar. Naging sandigan niya ang natural na talento sa sining na kanyang ginagamit upang hindi lamang ipahayag ang kanyang damdamin kundi pati na rin mapukaw ang kamalayan ng mga tao sa pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan, kultura at pananalig sa Poong Maykapal.

Bata pa lamang, naniniwala na siya na tayong mga tao ay nabubuhay kasama ang kalikasan – ang mga hayop, mga puno’t halaman, at lahat ng mga bagay sa ating paligid. Sa murang edad ay nagpakita na siya ng potensyal at abilidad sa sining. Nagsimula siya sa pagguhit ng mga bagay na kanyang nakikita sa kapaligiran. Lalo pa itong umusbong at lumago hanggang sa siya’y nagkolehiyo na. Nagdesisyon siyang kumuha ng kursong Fine Arts Major in Advertising sa Philippine Women’s University at nagpakadalubhasa sa larangan ng sining.

“Basta artist kaw, although tanan kita may artistic heart, may diyan guid nga ginahatagan ni God sang mission para ma-express mo imo art para maka-inspire kag makabulig sa iban nga tawo,” paliwanag ni Sir El ukol sa kanyang layunin.

Kasama ang kanyang asawa’t anak, sila’y nananahanan nang payak sa isang barangay sa Pototan, Iloilo. Dahil sa kanyang matinding debosyon sa kanyang layunin, natutunan niyang isakripisyo ang sana’y maginhawa at masaganang buhay kapalit nito’y ang kaligayahang kanyang natatamo sa pagtuturo gamit ang kanyang talento sa mga bata, maging sa matatanda sa kanilang lugar sa pamamagitan ng art workshop na kanyang taunang sinasagawa.

“Bangud sa love ko guid ang advocacy, medyo nagsacrifice ako, daku ang kita sa advertising pero mas nagtutok ako ‘di kag nag-share sang talent, because of wisdom bala haw,” dagdag pa niya.

Hindi lamang dito natatapos ang kanyang misyon dahil naging adbokasiya din ni Sir El ang pagiging makabansa gamit ang kanyang husay sa pagpipinta. Naipakita niya ang

kanyang pagmamahal sa ating bayan at pagpapahalaga sa kapaligiran sa pamamagitan ng mga obra na may paksa ng mga nilalang na hindi natin nakikita’t nakakasalamuha ngunit pinaniniwalaan niyang tagabantay ito ng kagubatan, hayop at likas na yaman.

Kasabay ng kanyang layunin sa pag-aalaga’t pagtatanggol ng kalikasan, naging hangad din niyang patatagin ang kultura nating mga Pilipino sa pamamagitan ng pagpipinta ng mga nakagawiang alamat tungkol sa mga engkanto, diwata at iba pang mga lamang lupa.

“Through my art and because of my art, diyan ko mas na-appreciate ang kahalagahan ng buhay – ang gift ni God sa aton, nga dapat pahalagahan at protektahan ang mga nakapaligid sa atin. Kapag pinahalagahan natin ang ating kultura, pagmamahal na ‘yan sa ating bayan, especially sa kalikasan na wala na dapat tayong hahanapin pa kung pinapahalagahan natin ito.”

Sa kanyang patuloy na pagsulong at pagpapahalaga sa kapaligiran, siya’y nagkukwento ng mga alamat sa mga bata na nagtuturo’t nagpapaalala kung gaano kahalaga ang kapaligiran sa mga tao. Patunay dito ang tagumpay ng isang pagtatanghal ng kanyang orihinal na kwento na kanilang isinabuhay kasama ang mga bata sa kanilang lugar, ang “Amigan”. Ito’y kwento na naghahatid ng magandang aral kung gaano kahalaga ang kalikasan at sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga tao.

“Ang makapagbigay ng kaligayahan at magandang mensahe sa mga tao sa pamamagitan ng magandang kwento ay isang bagay na nakakagaan ng aking kalooban dahil may nagawa ako para sa kanila at sa kalikasan,” wika ni Sir El. Ang kanyang pagmamahal, hindi lamang sa sining ngunit pati na rin sa kultura at kalikasan ay sadyang nakakamangha at karapat-dapat na tularan. Ang katulad niya ay patunay lamang na hindi imposible ang pag-abot sa ating mga pangarap, layunin o misyon kapag tayo ay may tiyaga at may pananalig sa Diyos.

Sa huli, hindi nasusukat ang galing ng isang artesano sa dami ng mga parangal na kanyang natanggap. Bagkus, ito ay nasusukat sa dami ng mga taong kanyang napukaw ang kamalayan sa pagpapahalaga sa kalikasan, napasaya at nabigyan ng pag-asa pati na rin sa mga naiambag niya sa lipunan para sa ikabubuti ng pangkalahatan.

Para kay Sir El, ang tunay na artesano ay ang taong hindi tumitigil at hindi natatakot na tumuklas ng mga bagay na patuloy na magdaragdag sa kanyang kaalaman at husay sa sining. May mga paghihirap man siyang naranasan sa buhay, hindi ito balakid upang magawa niya ang kanyang obra maestra – ang makulay na buhay na puno ng pagmamahal sa sining, kapwa, kalikasan at sa Diyos.

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sports

Defying the gravity of one’s debacle

By Mdpn. John Rey S. Arroyo and Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. Photo credits: www.facebook.com 30 I THE SEAGULL

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bstacles and trials in the life of a human being are essential things for living. Conquering those things makes us stronger and eager in facing the great waves of life. It doesn’t matter how many times we fall but what matters most is how many times we get up to overcome and face those challenges. It may push us beyond our limits but quitting is not an option rather a choice. Some people say that playing basketball is a war, for some it is just a game but for him, it is a calling.

Growing in the streets of Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Mdpn.

John Angelo Tupas Robejes, 19 years old, stands 5 feet and 10 inches tall who’s just like the other kids in this basketball manic country, grew up idolizing basketball superstars like Lebron “King” James and James “Big Game” Yap. Watching those great players play inspired him to love and start playing basketball.

He started his journey by playing in amateur leagues during his high school years in which he showed great potential and talent. Knowing that he could still improve his game, Robejes decided to enter the portals of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, one of the most competitive universities in Iloilo when it comes to basketball. He joined the try-out of the basketball varsity team where he landed a spot.

In his first year, as a member of the Dolphins, Robejes showed great potential and used hard work to improve

his game that allowed him to be one of the regulars of the varsity team. Furthermore, on his rookie year, he was already regarded as Best Guard and one of the Mythical Five of Iloilo School Sports Association (ISSA) 2012 after showing exceptional performance and skills in the said competition.

“With such calling and passion for the sports, I dedicated so much of my time in loving it and was determined of becoming an excellent athlete,” Robejes said.

He was on his great venture as a basketball player and has already made his mark as one of the promising collegiate basketball players in the province of Iloilo when a dreadful accident happened. The Dolphins were just ticks away from defeating the Iloilo Doctors College in Game 3 of their championship game and was on their way in capturing the Iloilo Private Schools Athletic Association (ILOPRISAA) 2013 Basketball crown when Robejes broke his back due to a hard fall after a collision with an opponent while he was driving for the basket. He was immediately rushed to the hospital leaving his team with great spirits and aspirations to win the game after seeing how Robejes pushed himself for the team.

Robejes was hospitalized for months. It was even in the hospital where he received his award as Best Forward. He was then advised to rest for several months and undergo therapy until such time that he fully recovers his system. It was hard for him at first knowing that he treats basketball not

just a sport but a part of his lifestyle.

This challenging experience did not stop him, for this made him a man of patience and hope. He quoted, “It was a traumatic experience. God indeed played an important role in my life as a person and as an athlete. I am thankful and blessed that He gave and opened another chapter in my journey to pursue my career.” He also believes that he was healed because of the support, love, and prayers of the people around him. “With the undying and unselfish love, and prayers of the people around me, I was miraculously healed,” he added.

After his recovery, Robejes was very eager to cope with the time wasted when he was hospitalized. He trained hard and improved his craft which enabled him to be back in form and play basketball much better the way he did before. After those experiences and lessons learned, he was again back on the hard court and superbly led his team to conquer and emerged as champion in the ISAA 2014 and also to reach the semifinals of University Games 2014.

Basketball has been a sport of pain and sprain for him but he never surrendered and even pushed himself harder to improve, for he believes that “A winner never quits, and a quitter never wins.” He was also thankful for the JBLFMU community, The Dolphins, his family, and all the people who have been a part of what he is today – a warrior who surpassed the rocking and rolling challenges of life.

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HEALTH

Rebirth of the Ebola empire

By Mdpn. Joeffre A. Paterno Credits: www.who.int Photo credits: www.images.google.com

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he outbreak started last March 2014 and first manifested in the country of Guinea then spread to Sierra Leone, Liberia, Nigeria and Senegal while another separate, unrelated Ebola outbreak began in Boende, Equateur, an isolated part of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The most affected countries include Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia.

These nations have poor health systems leading to faster spread of the outbreak. With an alarming death toll of 4,951 people out of 13,567 who were infected, the World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

This new threat to humanity is indeed alarming. It is a battle that mankind must survive and conquer in order to save every human who will possibly be affected by this rampaging death-bringer.

The Virus According to WHO, Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, is a severe and often a fatal illness affecting humans. It first appeared in 1976 in two simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo (formerly Zaire).

The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River from which the disease took its name. No vaccine for EVD is yet available which has a fatality rate of about 50%.

The Ebola virus belongs to the viral family Filovirida or Filovirus. This virus includes three genera namely Cuevavirus, Marburgvirus, and Ebolavirus which can be further subdivided into five species according to the location they were identified.

It includes Zaire, Bundibugyo, Sudan, Reston and Taï Forest.

The first three, Bundibugyo ebola virus, Zaire ebola virus, and Sudan ebola virus have been associated with large outbreak in Africa.

How it kills The EVD is quite an intelligent virus. It can imitate other diseases by mimicking its different symptoms such as flu, malaria and typhoid fever. Thus, various methods were devised to diagnose and confirm that the symptoms were really that of the EVD. Some of these are the Antibodycapture Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Antigen-capture Detection Tests, Serum Neutralization Test, and Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) Assay.

EVD symptoms can take three weeks to appear in which it has an incubation period of 2-21 days. It only means that its symptoms will start to appear at the interval of those days. As mentioned by the WHO, the first symptoms are the sudden onset of fever, fatigue, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat.

This is followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, symptoms of impaired kidney and liver function, and in some cases, both

internal and external bleeding. Humans who have acquired EVD are not infectious unless they develop the symptoms.

Mankind’s response WHO cited that the way to successfully control and suppress the fast spreading of the EVD is by community engagement. It is by applying a package of interventions such as case management, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe burials, and social mobilization.

Individuals who were exposed are also advised to take several precautions to protect themselves against EVD. Some of these are avoiding contact with blood and body fluids, educating them in recognizing the disease and preventing it, practicing careful hand hygiene including washing hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, refraining from engaging in burial rituals that involve handling the body of a person who died from Ebola and by refraining from handling items a person with Ebola has handled, including clothing, bedding, needles, or medical equipment.

Ebola Virus really made the world scream. Hearing its name would signify tremor, fear, and most of all, a painful death.

But the fact remains that as one society, the people of the world cannot just let this virus infest them. Even though the cure has yet to be found, the existence of the current human civilization has still the grasp of their strongest weapons – hope and faith.

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The Seagull 2015

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo, Inc. M.H. Del Pilar Street, Molo, Iloilo City