About the Cover
Editor’s Note I love the art of metamorphosis. The idea of it thrills me. Growing is a part of our perpetual journey. It is not just about the increasing digits in our age per year, it also concerns our growth by mind and heart. As we age, we gain the wisdom of life and discover the wonders it has to offer. I have always pondered with the thought of how much more can I grow as an individual – Aren’t we like empty glasses being filled up with water? I often glance at the picture of who I was before. Life’s twists and turns have been very playful but helpful in molding me. The challenge of living each day is worth a boxing match or a race with death. Living and purpose are two words that I hold. Serving my purpose is what I consider living. There are countless happenings in life that changed us in a way or two. Those happenings are our ripples. Whether we admit it or not, nothing and no one stays complacent. They grow either positively or negatively. This issue’s theme is ripples. A collection of features and stories of change and how it echoed to the present. Inscribed in these pages are tales of redemption and evolution. On page 8 is the tale of Race Mar and how one horrid night becomes a motivation and a promise to conquer his life’s challenges. Read on and be inspired! This might be the perfect drop you look for – the art of never-ending change, the art of ripples.
Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Policy The Seagull is published at least twice every semester by the publication office at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University – Molo, Inc., 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.
Change is reachable and inconceivable in a way that its components are countless bits yet they meet in one end and that is progress. The cover illustrates a vectored portrait of a man showing every little detail slowly making a thin alteration to his image. This is a depiction of ripples of change that even though small, serves a purpose, creates a difference and is required to be a living proof that development is done because little improvements and reinventions are regarded in spite how weighted its effectiveness could be.
Special Thanks Overlooking the wide land, The Seagull sends forth ripples of change and this year marks a wonderful year of empowered conversions but all of this wouldn’t be possibile if it wasn’t for these people who in one way or another contributed to this masterful issue. We would like to extend our warmest gratitude to Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian for always believing in what we can achieve. Also, to Dr. Ralph L. Pador for the reliable and valued support. Heartfelt thanks are also given to Engr. Eliseo I. Jamolo Jr., Mrs. Nancy Rose R. Pelopero, Dr. Lily S. Sumbi and Mrs. Ive D. Sta. Ana for their generosity and expertise that inspire us in everything that we do. To Dr. Nonie C. Maravillas, Mrs. Lucia G. Magramo, Mrs. Rogelia S. Castro, Mrs. Kristine Jhane C. Flores and Dr. Edmundo Q. Pragados for their steadfast belief in our power to revolutionize change. The Seagull also wants to acknowledge the following people for their hospitality and help that made the sections a triumph: Mr. John John Sumanting, Tourism Officer, Municipality of Culasi, Nanay Angelita Macuha, Pot-pot and the Malalison Kids Choir, Mrs. Elvie Escote and Ms. Meghan Escote, Owner and Manager, Le Palme Beach Resort, Mrs. Nene Gabutin, Staff, Guisi Clearwater Beach Resort, Mr. Pepito Mansala, Caretaker, Guisi Lighthouse, Ma’am Jennefer Galaraga, Ma’am Nadia Talagon. To Ms. Daishel M. Balsomo and 3/E Allan Roberto for their willingness to help. To Mdpn. Marlo John C. Villaceran for enthusiastically partaking in our endeavor. To our parents for teaching us to be fearless. To you, readers, for being the essence of our works. Above all to our Almighty God who unfailingly gave us wind to transcend across borders of change we’d never imagined to conquer.
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TOURISM Redefining the mainstreams with classic elegance CAMPUS Behind every grasp of dream CLIMATE CHANGE Degreasing mankind’s new fighting machine SMALL VOICE
LIFE AT SEA My firsts: Traversing the seven seas CULTURE & HERITAGE Guisi lighthouse: Tagong yaman ng nakalipas
8 10
12 14 16
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION A strife cloaked in magnificence
18
SMALL VOICE FEEDBACK COLUMN A denominator of quality learning
21 22 23
COLUMN Tanim bala, tinanim na nga ba sa limot?
24 26 28
ECO-TOURISM Unveiling grandeur of nature SEA EXPERIENCE Sailing on the mighty waves PEOPLE The art, the sea and the dream that came in between
30
SPORTS Larong Pinoy: Revisiting childhood’s genuine playground
32 34
GENDER & DEVELOPMENT Women can be great sailors
36 38 41 42
HEALTH When memory falls into oblivion
ADVENTURE An escapade to the heart of the bike paradise DOCUMENTARY Accelerating values of a scout
MOVIE REVIEW Heneral Luna
GALLERY
TOURISM
Redefining the mainstreams with classic elegance By Mdpn. Denver G. Vasquez, Aime Hope P. Balico and Gilda A. Rodinas Photos by Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod
P
anay Island is a treasure chest that cradles the bounty of nature where tropical destinations promised nothing but great experiences and memories to its people. Spread out the map and point your finger to the western portion of Panay. There you’ll have the long list of unspoiled tourism spots, concealed behind the rugged mountains that bordered Antique, waiting to be explored apart from the usual top opted places to go. A superb escapade is bound to an all-in-one bliss of indulging oneself to nature’s beauty, adventure, food craze and relaxation. But why not stay stuck with the norms, bring your taste to an extra level of lavish pamper you definitely deserve. Your expectations drive its way over a five and a half hour travel from the heart of Iloilo to Pandan, Antique via bus or van. Though the travel is quite long and most probably bore you, the plush verdant mountain terrains and the enticing sea view will surely give you the rush of excitement. The wait has its best return, after a 15-minute tricycle ride you’ll reach Le Palme Beach Resort situated in Brgy. Zaldivar. Now
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brace yourselves as Le Palme unveils its worth for your crave to redefine what it means for a getaway!
Undeniably, at its best Le Palme is an Italian word for ‘The Palms’ suiting the facet of a palm-studded beach resort owned by Ms. Elvie Escote who is based in Milan, Italy. It started as a family vacation house which later on turned into a beach resort opened for the public five years ago and eyed for the rising figures of tourists. Various gatherings and events are being held in the place because it offers not just picturesque views of the turquoise blue waters of Pandan bay but a regal beach bum experience. Why regal? It’s far from the usual fancy beach resorts, it grants an ultimate I-amin-Italy-feeling with its all Italian-inspired accommodation, amenities, foods and beverages. Definitely, it’s a perfect blend of Antique’s tourism gem and Western touch.
The pamper As soon as you take your first step, the cool sea breeze welcomes you with its intoxicating freshness. You can’t help
one of the cleanest rivers in the country. Tourists just can’t help but get hooked to swim! The resort also offers heartthrilling activities that will surely draw you to the peak of fascination and intense enjoyment like beach volleyball and badminton for those who want to sweat out under the sun. For more exhilarating adventures, you can try the resort’s scuba diving and witness the beauty of Le Palme’s crystal clear water and its abundant marine life sanctuary with a licensed scuba diving guide. Pack yourself with stamina for a cruise, drive the Jet Ski bouncing atop the sea waves while the cold water splash onto you and wander along the coastline gripping hard on the all-terrain vehicle’s steering while engulfing the crisp air. Unleash the growling beast in you with these extreme rides! After an exhausting yet awesome day, the fun never ends. The body size chess board can be the best relaxation for geeks who opt for a brainy leisure. Checkmate!
Surely, more to its best
but take deep breaths knowing that you are really away from the polluted atmosphere of the metro. Whatever the reason is, you can’t say no to your subconscious whispering that you spend at least a night. You just can’t hold back when you get to see a closer peek of each suites and villas wherein you’ll surely feel not only the comfort of a home but the indisputably classy ambiance of Italian inspired structure and embellishments. All details from furniture, tapestry, decorations, even the bathrooms unravel the royalty in you, as it draws you closer to the Italian culture.
The bounty Most, if not all, would travel to great extent around the globe to venture trademark dishes. Well, you don’t have to cross another border to soothe your taste buds. Le Palme brings authentic Italian cuisines in a plate with imported ingredients from Italy since the resort commits to level with tourists’ dining standards. They also serve local dishes mostly of freshly cooked sea foods. So, help yourself with a banquet of gastronomical pleasures which would probably make you say ‘delizioso!’ with an accent. Plus, engulf the good vibes with aromatic hot drink in hand for a nice morning with their authentic Italian coffee and other lattés. For those who are rated party lover with rage for firewater or simply for alcoholic drinks, the bar offers both local and imported spirits and wines. With a glass of granita, a specialized drink popularly known in Milan, cheers for an amazing night! Now, you didn’t just appease your cravings but also filled your heart with bliss of out-of-the-country taste-perience.
Happiness, the topmost intangible demand to serve, is explicitly wrapped with the splendor of natural wealth laced with the resort’s delight of ‘happy hours’. As soon as the sun sets and all lights burnt up, the place boom with the all-time favorite karaoke, singing your way off to grab a drink at the bar. This loud-sought happiness is balanced with the tranquil ambiance of a tropical paradise. A match to special calendar marks such as weddings, birthdays and reunions. Experiencing Le Palme is a track of falling into the rabbit hole of wonderland where everything never ceases to amaze and captivate you. Just like how Ms. Meghan Escote, the resort’s manager proudly guaranteed, “We make it a point nga maka offer sang fresh nga ingredients halin sa Italy kag ang mostly sang amon nga mga facilities kag amenities naghalin guid sa Italy and aside from these, the place itself, is the reason that draws back tourists here in Le Palme Beach Resort.” And alla fine della giornata, (at the end of the day) you would surely utter with a long deep breath, “Di dun lang ko mag-uli, dya run lang ko sa Le Palme.”
The thrill Your eyes don’t deceive you for you’re not really in Boracay, just standing in the gateway to it — a sight of a mermaid aisle. The fine powdery white sands would likely slip you off your shoes and walk barefooted towards the pristine blue waters which is not as salty as the normal seawater since Le Palme Beach Resort is located near Bugang River, THE SEAGULL | 7
CAMPUS
Behind every grasp of dream By Aime Hope P. Balico and Mdpn. Alexandro B. Tirador
O
ver the years, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) formerly known as Iloilo Maritime Academy has been a home for exceptional and prolific cadets who, by the help of the school’s core values, made huge waves in global maritime industry. These cadets earned numerous feats and achievements which marvelously ripples an impact to their alma mater’s reputation thus, giving JBLFMU enough feathers to proudly flaunt its hat. Still, amidst this copious amount of glory JBLFMU has attained for the last 68 winning years, it remained grounded to its mission in providing quality maritime teachings and continued to value its advocacy and instill its vision. This character enabled the university to garner more good products of effort and empowerment. 3/E Race Mar Gabut, a Lacsonian by heart and mind, made himself shine out amongst the crowd of struggling mariners in the ship called the maritime business. The victors, disappointments, joys, and rough edges of his voyage as a young seafarer made him fully understand that not only by wearing those greasy overalls would make him a fully dedicated seafarer.
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Twist of fate It all started with a promise. A promise he made to himself after the tragic incident that befell upon his family when the storm destroyed their poorly built house. The moment when he was achingly crying in the rain seemed a portrayal of a dramatic movie scene but it’s beyond exaggeration rather a vivid memory that made him tighten his grip to what he vowed – a burning motivation to do his responsibilities and the sense of responsibility to stand for his family. His strong will paid off well when he graduated in high school as class valedictorian, the honor that paved way for his entrance scholarship in this maritime institution. “The first time I stepped on the grounds of John B, sabi ko ito na ang simula in fulfilling my dreams at alam ko na hindi magiging madali ang lahat para sa akin but I’m willing to take the risk whatever it takes to fulfill my dream of giving my family a simple but quality life.” At that very moment, he was candidly mindful of the countless struggles along the journey, not ignoring the reality of how hard seafaring is. The inevitable fear and hesitations crept in but he shoved it all away with optimism towards his chosen profession. For Race Mar, opening himself to
the blunt world of no fancy promises is an anticipated and calculated measure to persistently strive to hit the target – his selfless goals.
Testament of faith A turmoil of emotions exploded as he set his first glimpse on his assigned vessel M/V Sakura Wave, a bulk carrier at Port Onahama, Japan. Like any other first timer cadets, his life onboard was all first time, experiencing nuisances like separation from family, change of daily routines, and adapting to working environment especially the unpredictable weather condition and formidable crew. He had these disturbing thoughts that onboard situations especially the work won’t easily fall to places and it didn’t fail him but there was no point of return realizing that not all are given the same opportunity. Months passed, he let himself grow through extensive learning from the manipulations of machines to nurturing himself with values he needs to embody. “Technical skill is very important. Knowing your job is deemed necessary. Just knowing the procedures on how to start or stop machinery is not a trait of a marine engineer because anyone could do that, but understanding the mechanism of your machineries is a different story. It requires patience, time and hard work.” Slowly beating the odds especially homesickness as his greatest opponent, he found refuge to his extended family onboard. Race Mar is utterly grateful that he was treated as “bunso” by the Captain and the engineers – a manifestation of a healthy relationship with others that he is greatly valued and trusted as a reciprocated act for his respect to them. His pursuits orbit around his family, his core strength to keep pursuing the best of life. He was eager to save money not even wanting a single dollar to slip out of his pocket sparing it all for the renovation of their home aided by his father. “I am very happy. Now I see my family sleeping in a better home and we could say ‘amin ito’. I’m very proud that my earnings from my cadetship ay nagastos ng tama at makikita ko at ng papa ko ang pinaghirapan naming dalawa as OFW.”
awardee upon the completion of the onboard training and academic tasks given. This feat also granted him to star on the company’s official Japanese magazine, an inspirational breakthrough cadets his age is yet to achieve. He was sent to Marine Technical College in Ashiya City, Japan for a three-month pro-up training in Basic Marine Engineering Courses to further enhance his knowledge and skills. His stay there earned him both the amazing experience of the lifestyle and culture of the Japanese and the opportunity of learning outside the four corners of a classroom. “The first feeling was so strange, instead of being happy I was so nervous when I was informed that I will be featured in our company magazine in Japan. Mag-eexpect ng malaki ang kompanya sa akin. That’s a little bit scary but maybe the company just want to appreciate my efforts when it comes to my academic performance when I was in college. “ 3/E Race Mar Gabut and his story is another tell-tale testament proving that dreams are within grasp when we commit ourselves in reaching for them. Success, a melodious sound and the amount of glory it carries always echo back to how it was done just as dreams reverberating back to how they are chased in the first place. As he looks back onto the days where everything seemed to fail him and every aspect of him lurched with hesitations, he felt a surge of pride, remembering the stand and the courage he did after it all. The distance of the sea he’s traveling, the amount of money he’s getting and the volume of success he’s obtaining since the beginning of his career is not because he settled for less and let his devastating experiences manipulate the flow of his future but because he was perceptive enough that amidst these experiences he could manage to reinvent himself better.
Tale of triumph Attesting his skill and brilliance, Race Mar’s accomplishments started when he was still in his college and he has established a great mark. Striving for where his dream is sweeping him, he patiently proved to himself and to others that he is competent. With his affiliation to the different school clubs and organizations, community service, and with his dedication to discipline, it was never questioned why he rose and finished as Cum laude, batch 2013. Race Mar’s winning streak showed no sign of stopping. He recently pulled off a big spotlight, earning himself a deserving spot as one of NS United Marine Philippines Inc. ‘NSUMPI’ top achievers, braving his own against the multitude of academically and practically outstanding cadets of the said company. He emerged as NSUMPI seafarer’s academic THE SEAGULL | 9
CLIMATE CHANGE
Degreasing mankind’s new fighting machine By Mdpn. Alexandro B. Tirador and Mdpn. Kristian I. Barniego
H
umans will always have something in pursuit. It could either be the pursuit of life or the pursuit of making living safe. That’s what people should always put a thought on everytime they go out and struggle through thick mass of pollution, endure searing heat, and see themselves bear the consequences of destroying nature. Although it has been written that the world will fall into decay, it is still in the truest of sense that people is purposed to live and enjoy life.
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This invention is highly efficient because the sponge will be submerged into the water. This water then displaces the CO2 out of the material and is removed by placing the sponge in contact with the hot exhaust gases. According to this innovative approach, no energy needs to be added to the CCS and operation costs can be radically reduced. Thus, the large-scale application of CCS is another step closer to progress. On the other hand, this project is also twinned to a machine that is designed to store excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Physicist Peter Eisenberg of Columbia University, who expected a big chunk of doubt to approach his proposal, still managed to pursue on this scheme. One day, he received a thrilling call from a Department of Energy lab manager who saw his project as easily convenient as anything they’ve ever seen, fully realizing the whole meaning of amine samples that was splayed in a room temperature, bonding with the carbon dioxides. Five years later, Mr. Eisenberg already raised a $24 million for the investment and constructed a demonstration plant with at least one customer using carbon dioxide that was taken out from the sky. That’s the whole draw of why people are designed to live on this planet. People will create something that would destroy it and either way will construct means on how to preserve it. Although global warming is deemed to extend in an even bigger span, it’s never too late for mankind to consolidate their strength and move forward into constructing a fighting machine. But aside from all that, it boils down to one purpose and that is to create a resonance of change. This invention is an example of change, a change in the world’s future. Every little components of it will slowly ring an effect across the globe. This environmental change is also what cocoons the people back together to the purpose they once lived for. As long as the sun rises and sets, people will sustain the earth, protect it before humans, animals and nature will intermittently scavenge for what’s left of the earth’s fragments.
A diagram showing the CCS process of geological storage. THE SEAGULL | 11
Source: www.technologyreview.com
Global warming, in casual definition, is the gradual increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be changing its climate. At the moment, the continuing effects of this climate change has been surprisingly numerous that includes massive melting of ice in the Arctic and destruction of coral reefs due to extreme hotness of the ocean temperature. According to livescience.com, earth’s average temperature has risen from 0.4 to 0.8 degrees over the past 100 years. Global warming also expanded its capacity and scope, it already drags in drastic air pollution that prompts a huge case of dangerous smog that threatens the respiratory health of people base on the Natural Resources Defense Council. Since the declaration of this heightened global warming expansion, universities, research laboratories and climate scientists across the world relentlessly work up with inventions that would help stabilize the said global warming. With the latest uproar of modernized technologies and machineries, the results have never been better. Recently, Ghent, center for molecular modeling, and the University of California have come up with a new cheaper invention that will substantially help alleviate Global warming. The newly manufactured technology can remove the Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from exhaust gases by using the heat of these gases. The pioneering concept proposal of this invention is founded on advanced molecular simulations and can deliberately decrease the high operating cost of the process. CO2 capture and storage also known as carbon, capture and sequestration often abbreviated as CCS confines the CO2 from exhaust gases taken from power plants in order to store them underground. This technology is precisely important for CO2-neutral world transition, the CO2 emissions into the atmosphere can be radically reduced in a short term. In addition to this, the principle used to this technology is centered on the utilization of Nano-porous materials that serves as a CO2 sponge. On contact with exhaust gases, this scientific sponge will absorb the CO2 only and not the nitrogen gas.
Na obserbahan ko sa eskwelahan natin ay yung silid aralan sobrang dumi, maraming alikabok, yung mga upuan hindi na parang ‘di mina-manage man lang nakatikim ng basahan. Maganda sana yung paaralan natin pero sa labas lang. Mga estudyante dito nagrereklamo na dahil sa dumi. Sana po pairalin niyo naman yung kalinisan oh. -ANT MAN
Dear Teachers, Kung gusto niyo respetuhon kamo, tani respetuhon niyo man kami. Nag eskwela kami para may matun-an, hindi nga yawyawan kag e discriminate nga abi nila mga mango kami. Abi ninyo sa amon perpekto kami? Pasensya guid ma’am kung indi namon ma-fulfill inyo standards. -matahom nga Turista
University ini? Kataas sang tuition dayon kamusta naman amon C.R nga mabaho, wala tubig kag mahigko pa! San-o pa plano niyo nga kay-uhon ina? Ang C.R. guid ya sang girls, daw indi na ya C.R. -Miss C.R
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I AM BUT A SMALL VOICE OUR SCHOOL: Highest Quality - better Highest Standard - best Highest Rate - worse Facilities - worst Services - worst -Cloverď ™
Sa CBTR bala kung ga-ulan ginabahaan. Tani ma-solusyunan man ni labi na guid ang kisame. Thank you. -anonymous
Bakit yung mga CSM students required na mag-tie ng hair with hairnet pa? Di ba nila alam na nakakasakit sa ulo yung tinatali mo buhok mo kahit basa pa? -Emerald
Ang Grading System bala subong sobrahan guid ka budlay. Pamatyagan namon daw U.P. ang John B., kabudlay subong mag-Cum laude. Paano ninyo kami i-present sa industry kong amo kamo ni maghatag grades sa amon? Bisan ano pa ka adjust sang grades namon, kabudlay man dyapon batakon. Tani ibalik ninyo na ang previous kay indi na guid kami kasarang. -Justice Seeker
The Small Voice is solicited from and/or contributed by the JBLFMU-Molo community and is intended to circulate thoughts and does not represent the opinion of the staff. Contributions for the Small Voice are forwarded to the Publication Office and are either anonymous or in pseudonyms.
THE SEAGULL | 13
LIFE AT SEA
My firsts: Traversing the seven seas By E/C Bernard G. Navoa Stolt-Nielsen Tankers
J
uly 14, 2014. I was quite excited, happy, and nervous at the same time to go on board my first vessel — M/T Stolt Perseverance. I could still remember my three-hour flight from Manila to Singapore with D/C John Michael Monte of University of Cebu. We were both uneasy that time thinking about what will happen to us, boarding in a chemical tanker. But whatever it will be, the two of us resolved to face and go through it without a single thought of surrendering. When we arrived at Singapore around 1130H, an agent brought us to the hotel for lunch and rest. When I got closer to the vessel, I realized that I’ve been looking at the most gigantic vessel I’ve
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ever seen. We stepped on board and headed first to the captain and to the chief engineer’s office. It’s my first time to dwell with people of different races, and as a first timer, I’m a bit tensed. Our chief engineer explained to us what they are doing and what we have to do next. Even though I’m tired and hungry due to lack of rest from the journey, I did my best to help my colleagues during the operation. While I’m waiting for the valve to be filled with oil, the oiler ask me why did I choose seafaring. I answered practically and honestly that my family really needs money. He then stressed out that the work of a seafarer is not easy, the situations are unpredictable that I could die a few seconds from now, but he assured me that they will help me through my problems and difficulties for I am a part of their family now. After the bunkering, I proceeded to the crew mess to have dinner where I met the whole crew of different races, eating together as one big family. A moment later, D/C Monte and I started to share our first experiences on board. Both of us agreed that it is really difficult to be a seafarer but we can’t back down this time. We entrusted ourselves to God that He will help us as we help each other throughout the days of our apprenticeship. We looked forward to conquer all troubles and challenges in this journey of ours to Rotterdam. Doubtlessly, we erased “quitting” on our options and completely live the virtue that our ship is carrying — PERSEVERANCE. 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, 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 was assigned to do rounds inspection. I started asking questions wherein I learned a lot including why the ship couldn’t sail without a main engine, just like in our case. Three weeks had passed, I have no means of communicating to my parents since I have no roaming sim that time. But luckily, I was able to send them my simple message through email, that comforted them a lot. And that made me feel lighter, more inspired and dedicated to do my work. Having told my family that I’m safe, I thought that I must be in that state at all times until I meet them again. This resolution of mine was tested when we were in the middle of the Indian Ocean. We experienced tremendous winds and waves that stirred up our emotions as the ship battled against it. Most of us on board lose appetite due to the irregular rocking of the ship. We stayed on that condition for almost a week and fortunately, all of us survived. As time goes by, we felt comfortable with each other and we developed a deeper understanding of one another. As I’m working, there are really times that I get to damage some of the equipment but my second engineer said it’s just normal. He also emphasized that I must not hide any fault from them because in doing so, I will never learn. With full faith to my seniors, I gladly do my work and try to please them by its results. As a seafarer, I always inculcate in my mind that I’m here to find solutions, to fix problems and not to complain or make some troubles.
Our life doesn’t just revolve on hardwork, self-sacrifice and tragic happenings. It also includes good times which, in one way or another help us ease our longing for our family and love ones. During our leisure, we spent our time playing darts, table tennis and musical instruments. This is how I learned basic drums and I couldn’t remember how many intros we sang but the sure thing is we never played an ending. We acknowledged our differences and developed a stronger bond between us. We nurtured the real essence of camaraderie and cooperation. We travelled on places like the Netherlands, Houston, New Orleans and New York City, hanging out and giving ourselves a break from months of heavy works. We’ve been to different places, tried a lot of various dishes and witnessed beauties of different races. I couldn’t even imagine that we were about to part ways. It’s really hard to say goodbye to people whom you’ve learned to love and to people whom you’ve shared your sorrows and joys throughout the year. It’s hard to say goodbye to people who made you feel warm even when the temperature drops to 4°C. But this is it and life isn’t stagnant, it continues until our last breath as most of us say “walang forever”. Before leaving, I never ceased to render my heartfelt gratitude to all my colleagues promising that I would never forget the things I’ve learned from them and I will always treasure them. The sadness I felt that time disappeared when I finally saw my family welcoming me with their warmest greetings and hugs – the moment I imagined long before in the middle of the deep waters. Now I went back to my Alma Mater to acquire more knowledge and skills to equip me for seafaring. I once experienced the life of our modern day heroes and I look forward for more, to be more like them and to be officially one of them. I salute all the seafarers risking their lives for the betterment of the world.
THE SEAGULL | 15
CULTURE & HERITAGE
Guisi lighthouse: Tagong yaman ng nakalipas Ni Mdpn. John Michael D. Garibay at Mdpwn. Jael A. Gasangue Mga kuhang litrato ni Mdpn. Joseph E. Tabilona
H
indi maikukubli ng moderno at makabagong panahon ang nililok ng mga ninuno natin sa nakaraan. Mga bagay na mapahanggang ngayon ay nananatiling gabay sa pagtawid natin sa progresibong mundo. Saksi sila sa mga kwentong tila nabaon na sa limot at napaglipasan na ng panahon. At kahit ilang daang taon na 16 | THE SEAGULL
ang lumipas ay nagiging instrumento parin sila sa pagbabalik tanaw sa mga kwentong sa kasaysayan na lamang matatagpuan. Maituturing na malaki ang naging impluwensiya ng kolonisasyong espanyol sa kultura at tradisyon nating mga Pilipino, na hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay nailalarawan sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay o maging sa mga salitang hiram. Ilang taon man ang nakalipas ngunit ang mga bakas na nagpapa-alala sa atin sa ebolusyon ng kultura ay matayog na nakatayo parin. Isa ang pulo ng Visayas sa naging sentro ng pananakop ng mga dayuhang ito noon. Patunay dito ang iba’t ibang pamanang iniwan nila na malaya paring natutunghayan kahit umusbong na ang modernisasyon. Halimbawa na rito ang Calle Real ng Iloilo at ang Miag-ao Church na maituturing na malaking ebidensya sa likod ng kasaysayang bumuo sa ating pagka-Pilipino. Hindi maiwawaglit na ang isla ng Guimaras ay isa sa mga kanlungan ng mga tagong yaman na nagmula pa sa panahon ng pananakop ng mga dayuhang espanyol.
Fanto de Punta Luzaran (Guisi lighthouse) Dalawang oras na biyahe mula sa muelye ng Jordan, Guimaras ay makikita ang isa sa pinakamatandang lighthouse o parola sa buong bansa sa bayan ng Dolores, Nueva Valencia. Pagkatapos nang halos labinlimang minutong pag-akyat sa maliit na burol ay tatambad ang tatlumput-walong talampakan (38 ft.) na parolang tila naghihintay ng mga bisita. Bago mo pa man marating ang kinatatayuan ng parola ay mabubusog muna ang iyong mga mata sa mahiwagang istruktura ng paligid. Bahay-pahingahan di umano ng mga nagbabantay noon ng parola ang mga luma at ngayo’y pira-pirasong sementadong dingding na makikita sa paanan nito. Bakat man sa itsura ang pagkasira at tila pagdadamot ng panahon subalit matatagpi mo parin ang mga pira-pirasong kwento na nabuo sa lugar at iyon mismo ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ito binabalik-balikan. Itinuturing na isa sa mga atraksyon ng isla ang parola hindi lamang ng mga turistang banyaga na dumadayo kundi pati na rin ng mga lokal na residente na ginagawang wedding photo shoot ang lugar dahil narin sa perpekto itong ganapan ng mga romantikong tagpo. Marahil
ay nakatulong ang pagkakatirik nito sa taas ng burol at dagat para sa saktong anggulo sa paglubog ng araw. Kaya naman suki na mismo ang parola ng mga kabataang mahilig magselfie dahil maliban pa sa pagkakaroon ng perfect historic background ay nakakatulong pa sila upang maibahagi ito sa lahat lalo na sa mga hindi pa bumibisita rito. Mala-paraiso kung ilarawan ng iba ang kariktan ng parola, at siguradong perpekto rin ito para sa mga sabik sa paghahalungkat ng mga nakatagong pamana ng bansa. Itinayo ang parola noong kasagsagan ng pananakop ng espanya at sa pakikipagtulungan narin ng Philippine Coast Guard taong 1894–1896 bilang gabay sa mga barko at mangingisda na dumadaan. Gawa sa orihinal na tisa ang katawan at hagdan ng parola kaya naman hindi na nakapagtataka na nakatayo parin ito sa loob ng halos labinwalong dekada kahit sabihin na nating nalalansag at kinakalawang na ito sa kasalukuyan. Maituturing din na malaki ang naitulong ng parola hindi lamang sa paglago ng turismo sa lugar, kundi pati na rin sa kabuhayan ng mga nagbabantay dito. Sa murang halaga kasi na sampung piso ay makakapasok ka na sa kinatatayuan nito at ang kalahating porsyento ng naturang binabayad ng mga pumupunta roon ay napupunta rin sa mga pangangailangan ng mga torero o ng taga-pagbantay ng parola. Nakakapagnegosyo rin sila ng mga maiinom tulad ng fresh buko juice na patok na kapares habang nagmamasid sa mala-kristal na dagat sa ibaba. Bukod pa rito ay nakapagpatayo na rin ng iba’t ibang resorts sa paligid gaya ng Guisi Clearwater Resort na ipinangalan mismo sa parola partikular na dahil medyo may kalayuan ang lugar sa mga bilihan at sentro ng siyudad kaya’t tiyak na may mapaghihingahan ang sinumang bumisita.
Kahit nasa estado na tayo ng moderno at makabagong pamamaraan ngunit kung gugustuhin ay abot-kamay lang natin ang kasaysayang maaari nating buklatin muli. Ani nga ni Gng. Nenalyn Sabido Gaitan, 46 taong gulang at isa sa staff ng Guisi Beach “Bisan dugay na ina, na-abtan pa namon nga henerasyon kag dayaw man namon na nga mga taga-Guimaras.” Katibayan ito na kahit anong henerasyon paman ang dumating ay mananatiling saksi ang mga pamanang ito sa mga kasaysayang sa aklat na lamang matatagpuan. Sa kasalukuyan, dahil nga sira na ang parola na ito ay gumawa ulit ng mas bago at modernong parola ang Philippine Coast Guard noong taong 1920. May taas itong tatlumpu’twalong (38) talampakan at hugis orasan (hourglass).
Kultura ng mga taga-Guisi Maliban sa sikat at matatamis na mangga ng Guimaras ay hitik din ang lugar sa mayamang kultura ng Pilipino. Sagana naman sa yamang pang-agrikultura ang bayan ng Dolores, Nueva Valencia. Makikita sa mga lupain nila ang mga pananim gaya ng palay, saging at niyog. Masayahin, pala-kaibigan at masisipag na mga tao ang taga-roon at bakas sa kanila ang pagiging mapagmahal sa tradisyong Pilipino. Isang malaking karangalan para sa kanila ang pagkakatayo ng nasabing parola hindi lamang sa pagdagsa ng mga turista kundi dahil nakikilala na rin ang bayan bilang isa sa mga ipinagmamalaking parte ng isla. Kaya sa susunod na mga bakasyong binabalak ay swak ang lugar para sa mga uhaw sa mala-paraisong paglalakbay samahan pa ng pagbabalik-tanaw sa mayaman na kasaysayang nakaukit na sa dugo nating mga Pilipino.
THE SEAGULL | 17
DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION
A strife cloaked in magnificence By Mdpn. Steven O. Tajonera and Mark P. Almelia Photos by Mdpn. Joseph E. Tabilona
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he 3-hour dusty drive from Jordan wharf to Cabalagnan, Guimaras is a journey worth taking. The breathtaking panorama of the sea will enchant you into diving and submerge in its cool cerulean waters like an ultimate summer escape from the bustle and trouble of the metropolis. The journey will never be complete unless you traverse the rocking waves of the sea going to the island. An amazing ride in a motor bangka will surely excite you to grab your cameras and take snapshots of the scenic view of wide sea while splashes add another momentous effect to your photos.
18 | THE SEAGULL
The sea is just a prelude to another dimension of a typical rural community – Brgy Panobolon. The place, more than anything else, is blessed with greeneries and magnificent white sand beach. The alluring surrounding exudes a feeling of a true home for a weary heart. But behind all these, is a scar cloaked in magnificence. Brgy. Panobolon, like other rural communities, has never escaped the fangs of poverty. The community experiences struggles of an island life – electricity is a big dilemma for the people. Some households that have enough pennies on their pockets installed small parcels of solar panels on their homes as a source of electricity while the rest enjoys the comfort of candles and gas lamps. Unfortunately, the energy generated by these solar panels is not enough to suffice the whole day consumption of the household unless they install a wider panel with a bigger capacity. This problem affected every single household chore that they need to accomplish for the day. Some families have nothing else to do but to be contented of what is at hand. Washing and ironing clothes, watching television or simply listening to a favorite radio drama would be impossible but tantamount to these petty problems on electricity is a bigger problem that they face every day – no electricity means no light source. “Pili lang guid nga mga pamalay ang may solar panels, ang mga may sarang lang ang may kuryente kung gab-i. Sila lang ya ang may suga kag makalantaw TV, ang iba ya nga hindi kabakal sang solar panels, gasindi lang kandila kag kingki eh,” said Ma’am Nadia Talagon, one of the elementary teachers of Panobolon Elementary School. For the students of Brgy. Panobolon, the saddest part would be on their education. They lose their eagerness to read their textbooks or study their lessons or even make their home works or assignments that are urgently needed the next day. Student like Criselle, who persevere in her studies, endured the dim light from the lamp just to study in advance. Some nights, her companion is the light from full moon. “Wala kami kuryente. Kung gab-i magtu-on ko gagamit lang kami kingki kung kis-a gagwa ko sa balay kung masanag ang bulan. Wala man kami may mabuhat kay wala kami kwarta,” narrated Criselle Gimeno, a pupil of Panobolon Elementary School. Lights used on streets and churches also have their own solar panels attached with its battery which are being utilized at night scheduled from six to nine in the evening. After that, public lights will be turned off and be used again the following night. Homes that were good enough to share their electrical energy put up streetlights near the coast not just for their own security but also for the dedicated fishermen who leave early at dusk to venture the sea for a living. “Pangisda guid ang amon pangabuhian diri. Kung tagaan kami tane sang gobyerno sang kaugalingon nga pump boat, ti mas maayo eh. Wala guid nga daan permanente nga source of income diri sa amon lugar. Kung wala na guid ti, murot na lang sihi eh,” said Victoria Galvez, a wife of a fisherman. Since fishing is seasonal, there are bleak days for fisher folks. Most of the residents during this time focus on farming and planting crops for them not to starve and eventually
survive the day. During these times of strife and survival, it’s but necessary for the children to help their parents. “Kung tiyempo gane tag-alalani ga-absent ang mga kabataan para lang magbulig sa ila ginikanan mag-ubra sa uma. Sa Sitio Baybay naman tana, masami nga ang mga kabataan wala gaskwela kay masunod sa mga katigulangan mangisda sa lawod,” stressed Ma’am Talagon. The fishes they caught or their harvest from the farm is being transported to the market in Cabalagnan where they earn just enough to buy their needs for a week, and at times, inadequate to support even their own food. Problems are seem endless if you would count. Another would be their source of potable water for drinking. Freshwater from wells is usually utilized for household purposes only but not safe for drinking. “Tungod kay wala di potable water para tane imnon, budlay guid para sa amon nga imol lang ang magbakal sang mineral water sa piyak pa nga isla. Maayo lang ya ang maka-afford eh, sila ya pwede kabakal. Ti kung wala naguid ti choice sa bubon na lang kami makuha kag lagaon eh,” said Clarito Gatoteo, one of the residents. Their solution to this problem is to transport gallons of potable water from Cabalagnan or from the town proper. This became ordinary since there’s no easier way, that’s why the residents asked for support from the government or any assistance they can aid to the community. Despite all these, students of Panobolon Elementary School continue to tread their way to their dreams – to have their redemption from the shackles of poverty. They were like evening stars that serve as a hope for a better life. Their story is a challenge conquered with the aid of their best weapons – dreams and determination. “Sa mapati kamo kag sa hindi ang tuod ginapanaw lang kang kabataan kilo-kilometro para lang makasulod sa klase. Ang iba naghalin pa sa iba nga galagmay nga isla kag Styrofoam lang ang ila ginadala para makalutaw sa tubig,” added Ma’am Talagon as she continues to reveal real life situations in the island. No wonder most of the pupils develop their running skills for racing the long bumpy road from home to school which made them represent their school in provincial schools’ meet in athletics and sports as revealed by Ma’am Tanologon. This circumstance testifies that beyond any obstacle, a willing and determined heart prevails. Their dreams have become a vision enough to propel them in making it a reality. This may seem a typical story of strife but who knows about the scars and sufferings they have to endure every day. Their smiles speak a story of how simple things bring happiness to anyone, that a humble and a well-lived life is more important than an extravagant and pretentious life. The rustling of the leaves continue along with crunching steps of the children happily chasing the sun. The wide shore awaits. They grabbed their baskets and started gathering seashells to be sold at the market. Their wide grins and the genuine sparkles from their eyes are priceless. The sunset displayed a superb vista while the waves fashionably sweep the white sands which turned to gold. The footprints are being washed away but never the dream and the promise to a comfortable life in the future that are forever carved on their hearts and minds. THE SEAGULL | 19
Feedback to last issue’s Small Voice To Polaris Higher Years, Abi ko sila ang model sang first year. Nga-a sila pa ang gapakita sang rason nga para indi sila pagrespetuhon? Mapa-sign lang man tani kami ya sa “Blue Book”, ma inarti pa. Tapos if ever makita ka nila, hala pinalumba-anay sila panago. Wala man sila gatudlo sa amon. Tikal lang man gani bal-an nila pero mayo lang magsuguid. Kalain pa nga ikaw gani ang galagas sa ila tapos i-ignore lang man. Gatinudloanay pa sila kun sino matudlo sa first year, daw mga wala guid initiative nga ginatawag. Mayo lang kun may kinahanglan nga mangayo sang vote, wala man hinimu-an. -Boy Snappy
I admire your guts. Rest assured that this will be taken seriously. Please come to my office and explain to me everything so this won’t happen again. I’m expecting you to see me. 3/E Jose Ma. Rey D. Lacuesta Coordinator, Officers’ School (Formerly Polaris Organization)
Ay ambot ah, hambal nila ang haircut kada 2 ka semana ti ngaa lima palang ka adlaw mapagunting na? WAAY NA KAMI KWARTA! -ImolnaMarine
Those who are complaining about the haircut operation every first Monday of the month, follow the haircut procedures based on the student’s manual. If you have no money for the haircut, see me. Discipline’s Office
Ang iban naman nga teachers wala guid konsiderasyon kay biskan may excuse letters kaw kay nag-join ka sa mga activities yet indi ka guid paghatagan special quiz. Daad help niyo man kami nga students kay pangalan man sang school ang ginadala namon, kabudlay nga daan sang grading system subong. -HelptheStudents.com
Ang akon lang, advice ko lang ya sa mga students, after sang contest niyo, inform ninyo dayon ang mga teachers niyo para hatagan kamo special quiz. Indi nga kung diin man nga nag gwa na grades niyo amo lang na pagreklamo ninyo. Dapat i-approach niyo sila samtang timprano pa. Dean’s Office College of Maritime Education
Hi! To be honest nami kag matinlo pa ya bala ang C.R sang maritime high school. Tani muna man sa C.R sang business ba. Kulang guid ya abi sa tinlo kag ang mga classrooms paguid, higko2 guid ya. Lihog lang da ah, tani patilawa niyo man na silhig kag trapo ay. -OHRYT
The services and facilities department during the semestral break renovated two Male and two Female CR of the twin building (used by the business department) comfort rooms of the CSM Building will follow. Changes in the schedule of routine cleaning of the classrooms will be implemented soon to further improve the services of our janitorial staff. Services and Facilities
Type your message here THE SEAGULL | 21
COLUMN
A denominator of quality learning By Gilda A. Rodinas
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aobserbahan ko na yung silid-aralan natin ay sobrang dumi, maraming alikabok, yung mga upuan hindi mina-manage na parang ‘di man lang nakatikim ng basahan. Tapos yung CR, ang panghe. Sa sobrang panghe, parang hindi ka nalang papasok dahil parang hihimatayin ka sa sobrang sama ng amoy. Maganda naman sana yung school pero sana pairalin din naman natin ang kalinisan,” these statements that I’ve overheard from my schoolmates provides me a recent snapshot of the environmental conditions here in our school. It shows disturbing new information about the risks of health to school occupants and neglect of poor facilities to be renovated or repaired. We all know that an environment conducive for learning is necessary for effective absorption of knowledge knowing that the appropriate time, climate, and place greatly affects the behavior of each students towards every learning scenario. Every student has the right to an environmentally safe and healthy learning environment providing a clean and comfortable condition. This explains why our school supports the QHSE (Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Protection) policy which aims to provide quality education to every student with the highest standards possible. But how come students still complain about the dusty, dirty classrooms and stinky, pungent comfort rooms? According to the Department of Health’s survey about the top diseases that we could catch from using neglected stinky and smelly comfort rooms taken from respondents of universities and colleges here in the Philippines, 40% of the total population reported a medical condition such as asthma and allergies. The survey also includes 39% of those with medical conditions such as urinary track infection (UTI) worsens especially with women. While 14% reported sensitivity to air fumes in schools and 12% of more serious asthma or allergies attacks at school. According to the same survey, toxins coming from indoor air pollution students are exposed to may affect their quality class time and seat time because of the time consumed during their absences due to sickness. In addition, another problem with the dust and dirt covering our hallways, classroom floors, chairs, and windows is also bothering because it is a threat to everyone’s health. Aside from the mere fact that dirt and dust could easily stain our uniform which makes us look unpleasant and feel uncomfortable, World Health Organization’s study reveals
22 | THE SEAGULL
Blazing Emblem that dust and dirt can be easily ingested by anyone around the school environment either through their hands or indirectly inhaling it which is actually very crucial especially to the sensitive groups. Therefore, anyone who is exposed to high levels of dust may be affected – the longer we breathe in the dust the greater the chance that it will affect our health. To address these occurring problems, certain and concrete actions should be made. The school plays the biggest part as it upholds the delivery of quality education with the utmost concern for ensuring the health of students, teachers, staff and widely all the school occupants. Thus, it begins with the school’s management through carrying out a systematic utility service that should be observed every school day. Maintaining the cleanliness of the classrooms especially the chairs, comfort rooms, school premises and providing adequate water supply are some that should be prioritized. Also, we should consider that the school’s utility management should not be the sole body to sustain the school’s sanitation but it involves everybody especially the students. As students, we are expected to uphold the school policy knowing that we are the direct receivers of the school’s endeavors. The school is our second home considering the fact that it is where we spend most of our time every day and so, we are contributory factor in maintaining a clean and safe environment conducive for our learning. Through simple acts of throwing our trash into the trash bins, arranging the chairs after class, keeping the walls and other facilities free from vandalism, and flushing the toilet after use are just few of the numerous no-cost actions that we should practice. Through these, we are embodying the value of discipline. Lastly, environmentally sound “green” schools are obviously the standard of the future. It promotes resource efficiency in providing education, encourages individual responsibility and maintains quality, health, safety and environment policy in all premises. It is an advantage that our school has the QSHE policy which guarantees the serious commitment to the welfare of the students, teachers and employees. We all value our health as much as we value our education and so we should not let these prevailing problems of the school concerning the cleanliness worsen to the extent that this will be a hindrance to quality learning. If we could take part in maintaining our school environment clean, then we should, as a whole, start practicing it.
COLUMN
Tanim bala, tinanim na nga ba sa limot? Juan ng Pagbabago
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aging matunog na naman ang pangalan ng ating bansa nito lamang nakaraang taon ngunit sa hindi positibong imahe. Laman ng iba’t ibang pahayagan mapa-lokal o internasyunal ang talamak na modus ng tanim bala sa paliparan ng Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Nakasaad sa Republic Act 10591, Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Law, ang pagbabawal ng pagdala ng pasahero ng bala, baril, at lahat ng uri ng sandata sa eroplano. Ang mahuhulihan nito ay aarestohin ng mga pulisya na hindi lamang magreresulta sa pagkahuli sa takdang byahe kundi maaring mapatawan ng criminal charges. Sa ganitong paraan nagagawa ang tanim bala extortion scam na kung saan ang biktima dahil gipit sa sitwasyon ay wala ng magagawa kundi magbigay ng pera sa mga taong nasa likod ng modus na ito. Karaniwan sa mga nabibiktima ng ganitong gawain ay ang mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) at ang iilan naman ay mga dayuhang turista nabumibisita sa bansa. Nagsimulang umalingasaw ang serye ng pambibiktima ng tanim bala noong Septyembre 2015. Umabot na sa halos tatlumpong (30) kaso ang naiulat noong ika-lima ng Nobyembre 2015 ayon sa Philippine National Aviation Security Group habang lima lamang ang nasa record ng Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) na nagpapakita lamang ng pagsasawalang bahala sa ganitong suliranin na kinakaharap ng NAIA at nagpapahiwatig ng maluwag na pamamalakad ng naturang ahensya patungkol sa isyu ng seguridad. Samakatuwid, mas mataas pa kung tutuusin ang bilang ng ganitong insidente dahil ang ilan pang mga biktima ay takot at mas pinili na lamang manahimik para hindi masangkot sa gulo. Sa katunayan, sa imbestigasyon ng National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) ay napatunayan na ilan sa mga empleyado ng paliparan ang nasalikod ng gawaing ito habang isa mismo sa mga sangkot ay nagkuwento ng propeso kung papaano nalalagyan ng bala ang mga bagahe ng mga pasahero. Nakakapanghinayang lamang na kababayan pa natin mismo ang nanlalamang sa atin at sumisira sa imahe ng bansa. Kung umani man ng malaking atensyon ang tanim bala hindi ba dapat bigyan rin ng sapat na atensyon ng gobyerno para maresolba ang problemang ito. Pero nagiging taliwas ang tugon ng mga awtoridad dahil sa mabagal na aksyon
Ni Mdpn. John Michael D. Garibay
lalo na ng MIAA na siyang tagapangasiwang ahensya ng NAIA. Habang ang tingin ng presidente sa isyung ito na kinakasangkapan para dumihan ang kanyang pamamahala ay nagpadismaya naman sa marami na tila’y kalmado lamang ang kanyang pagtugon kahit pa nag-atas siya ng imbestigasyon. Hindi maiwawaglit na mayroon na ngang resulta ng imbestigasyon at nakasuhan ang anim na suspek sa naganap na pangingikil kaugnay sa kaso ng biktimang si White. Salungat sa naging matagumpay na hakbanging ito ay ang tanong na nanatiling pangamba sa isipan ng bawat Pilipino na wala ng nababadyang panganib dulot ng tanim balang modus. Matapos nito ay wala ng sumunod na proseso para tuluyang sugpuin ang talamak na modus at hindi pa nananagot ang mga salarin. Kung kaya’t nagiging isang palaisipan ang kakayahan ng gobyerno at mga awtoridad na maprotektahan ang kapakanan ng mga mamamayan para sa kaligtasan at seguridad ng bawat isa mula sa banta at maanomaliyang gawain sa ilalim ng ahensya nito mismo. Matatandaang dati nang binansagan ang NAIA bilang World’s Worst Airport noong taong 2013 katulad rin sa kasalukayang problema ng mabagal na serbisyo, ang madalas na pagka-delay ng flights at ang di maayos-ayos na mga pasilidad ng paliparan. Dahil sa kasikatan ng isyu ng tanim bala ay nadagdagan ang bansag sa NAIA bilang World’s Dangerous Airport of 2015. Bansag lamang ito ngunit maituturing na isang mantsang nakadikit sa imahe ng bansa. Malaking kawalan para sa Pilipinas ang apektadong lagay ng turismo lalo pa’t nasa kagsagsagan ng pagsusulong sa pag-usbong ng turismo na siya namang makaka-apekto sa ekonomiya. Nagsara na ang taon pero nanatiling misteryo ang pagtukoy sa mga taong nagpakana ng tanim bala scam at kasabay ng paglubog ng isyung ito ang kasagutan na gusto sanang marinig mula sa progresibong hakbangin ng gobyerno. Tulad nga ng mga itinatanim na bala ay sadyang itinanim narin ito sa limot. Kung iisipin hindi gaano kalaking problema ito dahil nasa regulasyon lamang na dapat mahigpit na maipapatupad at sa pamamalakad na agarang sinusulosyonan ang problema para hindi ito lumala. Higit sa lahat, kung hindi agad masugpo ang modus ng tanim bala at ipagpapaliban ang dapat na gawin ay para na ring pinahintulutan itong mangyari ulit na magbabalot ng tako’t pangamba sa mga pasahero. THE SEAGULL | 23
ECO-TOURISM
Unveiling grandeur of nature By Janine Thess V. Montaño, E/C Vincent M. Lagradante and Mdpn. Cedric Johnsen G. Gonzales Photos by Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro
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nvisioning premiere beaches, resorts, and parks for a fancy travel is a food for a soul craving for a break from the busy streets of urban living. There’s no harm to slash these stereotyped places in the list of whereto-go and opt for a travel which will not only captivate you by the marvel of the place but capture your heart by the magic it possess. The way to discover that magic is a five hour travel from Iloilo City to Culasi, Antique on a bus or van and another 15-minute pump-boat ride. The excitement you couldn’t contain will surely put a stretch of a wide grin on your face especially upon setting your eyes on the breathtaking view of Malalison Island. Malalison is a haven as genuine as a perfect depiction of a paradise that homes a community where people cultivate their abode as gift of nature. The 55-hectare hook-shaped land, which is one of the three island-barangays of Culasi, is managed and developed by the Local Government Unit of Culasi, spear headed by Mr. John John U. Sumanting as the tourism officer who orients travelers before exploring the entire island with zeal. Apart from the indisputable enticing beauty, the treasure it holds is the tale believed by the folks that Malalison Island is the fruit of affection of Mt. Kanlaon of Negros and Mt. Madjaas of Culasi.
The Jewel of Culasi The crown jewel view as you hit the road across the sea is the long pebble sandbar also called by the locals as “Kaw-it” or
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them by your bare hands when you submerge yourself five meters deep from the sea level of crystal clear, blue waters that when you drown a coin, it will be viewed as if it’s in actual face. This clean and limpid blue water is also very selfsufficient having various genus of living corals which serves as niche of all marine species and black sea urchins which can be seen by just wandering a few steps from the shoreline. But be careful because you might bleed in agony as you have mistakenly touched the tip of the black sharp spines of sea urchins. The sanctuary does not only fulfill your body and soul with bliss and pleasure but a lifetime memory of preserved aquatic animals living assiduously and free from man’s exploitation.
Adventure
hook which stretch-out for about 100 meters from the beach depending on what monsoon is occurring. It is the best spot for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and scuba-diving because of its crystal clean water and open rustic cottages situated nearby. Malalison Island has been popularly known as the “Little Batanes” because of its prairie-like landscape. A fancy “wow” would probably come out of your mouth when you dig up its tantalizing beauty. The island does not only promote its maritime civilization but also yields the hidden voices of Malalison Kid’s Choir with their instructor Joerel Amora. With their locally composed song, a voice of an angel could be heard from a nine-year old boy “Potpot” whom tourists would always say “Kun sa Bohol, kung makabati ka sang mga kabataan nga nagakanta, loboc na, pero kun diri sa Antique, kung makabati ka sang mga kabataan o mga anghel nga nagakanta, Malalison na.” Once you voyage the picturesque scenery of nature’s best, staying for a night would not be an option but probably a long week vacation. Unlike the usual hotels and beach resorts’ amenities, the accommodation are absolutely exceptional. You will stay in a foster home with two cozy bedrooms, a TV set, a fluffy sofa, and delicious sea food menus chartered by the foster parents. Somewhat like a family cultivation, right?
An exhilarating experience for the adventurous spirit is what the Malalison’s lofty hill brings you. As you trek the entire peak, your muscles will definitely freeze in fatigue. From its narrow trail and steep slopes that each step you take have corresponding slip of rocks, a crawl up to top is really an option. A wide type of exotic native flora like ferns, carnivorous pitcher plant with green, purple, and violet color, and pine trees and fauna like goat and the yellow-napped oriole bird (tulihaw) living in pines are also present. At the hilltop, bellowing of the wind manipulates every single step as it could nail you on the ground. And extreme aerial view of Mt. Madjaas, Panay’s highest mountain, welcomes you at approximately 2,117 meters above the sea level with approximately 137 degrees inclination. It has 14 waterfalls cascading down its slopes. The hardcore adventure that the island proudly offers doesn’t just end there. Two mini caves are waiting to be explored. With a narrow opening that could only fit a single person upon entering. It is said to be the shortcut on the way to Mt. Madjaas. Just few steps away from the cave, you can see a heart-shaped stone during low tide, at the other side; you can cross to the adjacent Nablag Islet by foot on its sandbar where the sun sets aesthetically. Malalison Island is the town’s newest attraction where you will be totally detached from stress brought by the noisy and crowded city and of course you’ll definitely enjoy your leisure time here without any pressure of everyday life. So, pinpoint your rear senses and hit the road to the evergreen Malalison Island in Antique, where the mountains meet the sea.
The Marine Sanctuary Now, visualize yourself to the old glutted days of grilling fresh fishes. You can’t stop yourself from imagining delicious seafood menus as you see the different varieties of fish like barangon, angel fish and other aquatic foods like sea weeds, starfish, shells, mawit, and sea cucumber. With their juicy looks, without hesitation you will surreally catch THE SEAGULL | 25
SEA EXPERIENCE
Sailing on the mighty waves By E/C Jupeth T. Baterbonia Pacific Basin Shipping Limited
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pon having the line up in M/V West Bay, I realized that it is the moment of truth; I will be living my dream as a seafarer. As the airplane flies, my mind and heart does too. I’m excited but I have this sadness within myself. When the airplane landed, I stepped on the foreign land – my journey started. My first week in the ship was hard. Provisions came and disposal of garbage in Suez Canal. Our body can’t still adapt with the new environment and it feels like I’m losing my strength. I asked myself why I took this course 26 | THE SEAGULL
and job, but I changed my mind and secured the compass’ arrow into my goal – it’s just the beginning. The first three months were really challenging; we’re changing the routine that we used to when we’re on land and adapting to the environment on board. A day felt so long and night felt so lonely. In everyday work, danger and accident follows you. I’ve experienced working with one of our oilers and fellow engine cadet. We took empty drums to change the sump oil of the generator, when suddenly, the engine cadet lose his grip of the drum and it fell towards me, but, my instinct signaled me to step aside; avoiding the drum. I’m thankful that I didn’t get any serious injury because for a seafarer, a healthy and complete body is essential to work on board. We also experienced sailing amidst the storm. The ship was extremely rolling from side to side and that made us sleepless and unable to eat. Our water breaker leaned to the No. 1 hatch cover. Even in my round up watch, accident is still there. I’ve slipped in one of the stairs in the engine room and that accident injured my left shoulder. It is difficult to work in countries experiencing winter season. Snow, strong winds and coldness causing the piping to crack are your adversaries in this situation. Bunkering or loading of fuel/ lube oil in this area must be given much attention because of the temperature requirement of the fuel/lube oil.
One of my unforgettable moments in the ship is when we stopped in the middle of the sea to change a malfunctioning exhaust valve. We rectified it even if it’s still hot because it was newly removed from the cylinder head. But with the coordination of the crew we finished it well, and we managed to return to a safe voyage. Heavy duties and work are truly our partner but not always, for there are beautiful views in this journey. Parties, new friends from different races, and experiences that will shape you and tell you to live life to the fullest are one of these. The best part of the journey was the last days in the ship – the disembarkation. I and my fellow engine cadet, who’s also my classmate, bid farewell to our home for 12 months. Being a wanderer in a wide foreign airport is also an exciting experience especially the finding-your-designated-terminal thing which made us exhausted but happy. As the airplane touched its wheels on the runway, it gave me the feeling that finally I’m home. You can only say that you are a seafarer if you have passed the obstacles physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually on board. Always bear in mind that safety is the most important thing on board as well as in in your community and live your life to the fullest. Bring it on. Rock n’ roll to the world!
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PEOPLE
The art, the sea and the dream that came in between By Mdpn. Alexandro B. Tirador, Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro and Mdpn. Denver G. Vasquez
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t has been said that life is like a huge empty canvas and its facets are blank that it takes more than one moment to color it up with different shades of hue. Truly, the way people draw, sketch, color, and paint their lives is based on random happenings, happy coincidences and series of unexplainable experiences which in one way or another helped change the way they do a picture — artfully and magically as possible. The same can also be said about 3/E Joar Unabia, a graduate of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo who, in the fanciest sense of art, embraced his ability to easily define the most vivid of figures and the most perfect blend of colors reckoning them to match a good image. Growing up as a child in the quiet town of Barotac Viejo, he already knew that art is a part of himself, a figurative personality that slowly grew in him. Together with his two other siblings, they were raised by their maternal
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grandmother while their mom worked abroad as an Overseas Filipino Worker for 16 long years. He spent his childhood with his little special family in a farm where unfortunate as it seemed, the electricity is an utter limitation thus sparing him from watching cartoons, kids his age mostly enjoyed. But that limitation opened a greater door for him and his craft. At the age of five, he discovered his speck of interest and fancy for drawing and from that day on, that speck became a huge chunk that he consistently harnessed and embraced until he stepped foot in high school where he eagerly continued a few intricate sketches sometimes doing them for his classmates and teachers. He entered the phase of college, bringing with him his talent, dreams and his personal encouragement to be a good student and a better person as well. His schooling was fully supported by various scholarships the school has granted for his contributions and these includes his Academic, School Publication and Model Cadet scholarship proving that he is a highly competent and brilliant student. He is also a scholar of Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA), an affiliation he’s most proud of. He concentrated relentlessly on his academics and community extension involvements earning him the one prize inclusion in the second batch of Ten Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA). After graduating, he embarked on his sailing career and in just a duration of four years and few months, he was able to work
onboard chemical and oil tanker, bulk carrier and container vessels. “Travelling the world is a great experience. I also apply it to my profession, molding me into a full pledged seafarer. So far, I stepped my foot to 26 countries with my sailing career. That’s Joar, a wanderer I guess.” When it seemed that all good things are already overflowing by the seams of 3/E Joar’s grasp, a bigger surprise came his way, the
opportunity he patiently waited for two decades. President Emeritus Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo chose him to pioneer the paintings, depicting maritime culture, seafaring and the art of navigation to be displayed on the walls of the newly built maritime art deck which is considered as first in the Philippines – an opportunity he only dreamed once but now is completely unravelling and is taking form before his eyes. “No seafarer in the history of John B. represented the maritime art scene and by her (Dr. Arcelo) discovery of my artworks while I’m at sea, I was given the break to prepare more works for the upcoming launching of the art deck.” 3/E Unabia’s spark for art ignited again, investing most of his free time in doing some of his masterpieces onboard. His continued concentration on the craft of art and painting helped him at times when he is struck by common seafaring nuisances like loneliness and work fatigue. It had help him regain relaxation and peace of mind supremely because of the fact that he found the seas and oceans as great art subject material and everything that is connected to it is unbelievingly refreshing, sending him back to memories of the farm with his family or to his mother who works abroad. Aside from feeling a surge of pride for his institution for achieving the feat to have the first ever Art Deck Gallery promoting maritime influence in the country, his utmost gratitude also falls to the overcrowding kindness of President Emeritus Dr. Mary Lou L. Arcelo and CEO Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian for giving him not just the spotlight but also the encouragement to his capability as a sailor in offering the finest pieces in the field of art and to his mother who made him think he can. “If you have the passion for art, go and do paint, as long as it inspires you every day. Having a fine arts degree or not won’t guarantee success. Your devotion to create a masterpiece, and the level of your desire to paint matters.” Just like any other artist and painter who successfully managed to put up a certain reputation not just to their careers but also to their name, 3/E Joar Unabia’s story doesn’t go far behind. How perfectly illustrated his life right now is through his imagination of the primary picture, how he equalized the colors, and how precise he used the materials. Through all these, is a result that encapsulates the entire essence of art — it must not only be good to behold but also rich to discover.
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SPORTS
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Larong Pinoy: Revisiting childhood’s genuine playground
By Mdpwn. Jael A. Gasangue and E/C Vincent M. Lagradante Photos by Mdpn. Jaydan P. Laboro
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ay back before IPad, Xbox and PSP ever came along with their visually stunning games, kids were just unfussy little ones playing simple toys and traditional games. Through the years, most kids entertain themselves by sticking their eyes on the screens of their gadgets, putting their thumbs into action and staying idle on the couch. Back then, kids didn’t need to spend money just to enjoy their childhood, just sheer creativity, muscle, enthusiasm, and a whole gang of friends are enough to construct an enjoyable moment. From do-ityourself guns to exhilarating group games that don’t even require any toys like patintero, luksong baka and luksong tinik. The unmatched fun and euphoria they gave and the collective memories they created are just two out of the few reasons why thinking back about them is worthy enough. Below are some of larong pinoy which do not require age limit and surely will make you reminisce the old blissful days of childhood:
Tumbang preso Tumbang preso is an exciting Filipino street game composed of 3 or more players. One player is required to be the ‘’taya’’ whose job is to guard the empty tin can. The remaining players should try their best to hit the empty tin can using a slipper. When the can gets hit, the player who hit it needs to rush out for his slipper before the ‘’taya’’ could put the can back to its original position without being caught or tapped.
Luksong Tinik Luksong tinik is a group game in which a player or two sit down on the ground positioning themselves in a fence-like position, serving as the obstacles or ‘’tinik’’. Then, other players will jump up above and must try so hard not to hit the human obstacles. As the game progresses, the ‘’tinik’’ is also elevated.
Chinese Garter Chinese garter is a street game in which two people hold and stretched both ends of the garter while other players are jumping over it. As the game continues, the level of the garter is elevated. The game starts with the garter on the ankle-level, followed by the knee-level, going to hip level, next to the shoulder-level, until it reaches the head level and above. Upon reaching the higher rounds, players generally leap with their feet first in the air crossing over the garter and ending up and landing on the other side.
Piko Piko is a skipping game with a twist. At the start of the game, players stand on the same edge of the box and throw something like stones which will serve as a “pamato”. Whoever succeeds in throwing the “pamato” nearest to the line will play first. The next will come second, and so on. The first player starts by throwing his marker at the initial section. He then hops onto the section
and kicks his marker to the next designated section. The player will continue this process until he gets to the final section. Some games require the player to retrace his hops back to the start or for players to hop across other players’ paths. At any time a player’s marker touches a line, or when any part of his body touches a line, the turn will be given to the next player. The first player to complete the diagram wins.
Luksong Baka Luksong baka is an outdoor game which can be played by everybody. It requires “taya” (a person that serves as the “baka” or cow) of the game to form a cow-like position while others jump over the “baka” supporting their body with their hands as they jump. Whosoever wasn’t able to jump over the “baka” will be the next “taya”.
Tagu-taguan Tagu-taguan is an outdoor activity which is usually played at sunset or at night. The game starts with a group ritual called pompyang or “maiba taya” to determine who will be the seeker. The taya will find all the players hiding in different places and whoever the first to be found will be the next taya. The objective of the game is for the hiding players to reach the home-based not being caught by the taya.
Patintero Patintero is a popular street game played by two groups of players with equal number. It starts by marking the ground, about 6 meters wide in rectangular shape and is divided by 4 to 6 equal parts with a chalk or water. One team guards the area and tries to tag the members of the other team without stepping off the lines. The other team tries to get through all the two or three lines without being tagged. These games will surely linger upon the timeline of people’s lives because aside from the genuine joy they encapsulate, as if prolonging our childhood, they also boast authenticity and respect to Filipino’s rich culture. So, what have you and your friends played?
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HEALTH
When memory falls into oblivion
By Mdpn. Alexandro B. Tirador and Mdpwn. Jael A. Gasangue
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he world is a big place full of interconnecting possibilities that would eventually lead everything and everyone to its proper, preordained place. Thus, one existing human attribute has helped the people of this world associate with everything that is constantly happening together with occurrences — new and old that’s being put into throttled actuality — memory. Over the years, memory has molded people into believing the full understanding of time, moments and all aspects that connect them. Yet, memory, like soldiers, are opt to face against battles they are bound to fight and miss out the value they’ve been assigned to keep. So disremembering and forgetting everything that gives meaning to how people should live and embrace life is the worst crisis one’s memory must try so hard to put at bay or if possible retaliate it with force making it to vanish completely. In the 2014 critically acclaimed film ‘Still Alice’, Dr. Alice Howland (played by Oscar winner Julianne Moore) is a professor of Linguistics who spent so much of her
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person are complexly multifarious appearing as series of knot like and brittle deformation. Their observations also imply that it takes a stretch of decade before the damages inside the brain materialize its cognitive results: Abnormal deposits of proteins form amyloid plaques and tau tangles throughout the brain, and once-healthy neurons stop functioning, lose connections with other neurons, and die. Alzheimer’s disease, like other diseases also has its signs and symptoms to take note of. Losing memory and forgetting something even for the briefest of moments is typically the first sign to surface. Symptoms of this disease also depends from person to person, trouble with vision issues, strenuous exertion in word-finding, and weakened wits to judge indicates the first stages of Alzheimer’s. News-medical.net posted an article about researchers studying biomarkers (biological signs of disease found in brain images, cerebrospinal fluid, and blood), to determine the initial alterations in the brain of a person with Mild Cognitive Impairment and into a cognitively normal one whose case may be more alarming to reach Alzheimer’s. Although permanent cure on the disease is still vague for scientists and laboratories around the world, orthodox treatments are already regarded. Typical doctors would definitely recommend some medications that could help with the treatment of the disease according to its severity. These medications are: Razadyne (galantamine), Exelon (rivastigmine), Aricept (donepezil), Cognex (tacrine), and Namenda (memantine). These drugs affect brain chemicals and may help improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s and allow patients to perform daily activities longer than they would be able to. Just like what Dr. Alice Howland used to say that a person who has a disease of Alzheimer’s is not suffering, but struggling to be a part of things and staying connected to who he or she once was. Essentially, it’s the right thing to do since losing memory feels like losing everything, the world, the life, and the succeeding changes that beep back and forth in between. Alzheimer’s disease is one out of plenty societal overthrow that continues to grow its power and perils a great sum of aging people all around the world. It is incurable yet, it also stands as an example of requisite awareness that should be sent as waves of prevention.
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Sources: https://www.nia.nih.gov | Alzheimer's Association
time in learning and teaching about languages where she is brilliant at. She believed that she was born to be fancied with how people communicate and with the linking of interaction with communication. But one day, her brain started to lose its function; her thoughts and memories detaching and withering away like autumn leaves at fall. Most of the time she forgets her speech, she gets lost in the campus where she used to jog and worst, disremembers the identity of her own daughter hence, Alice already exhibited, although unknowingly the symptoms of memory failure. Alzheimer’s disease (named so after Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer who first identified the pioneer published case of ‘presenile dementia’) a chronic neurodegenerative disease that casually begins slowly but eventually gets worst over time. According to Inquirer.net, the 2007 figures from the National Statistics Office states that over 3.6 million of elderly folk ranging from age 65 and above suffers Alzheimer’s in the Philippines and majority of them are women garnering 56.8 percent. The site also believes that Alzheimer’s is cognitive, highly terminal, and progressive brain disorder that doesn’t have conclusive cause and cure until now. During the first course, when Alzheimer is gradually gaining momentum inside a person’s brain system, an individual will experience forgetting occurrences that just happened formally called as short-term memory loss. But as the disease progresses, the risk and effect also elevates into a new form of intensity including difficulty with language, faltering memory, disorientation, and prolonged memory lapses. “I could see the words hanging in front of me and I can’t reach them and I don’t know who I am and I don’t know what I’m going to lose next.” Alice tells what she feels after she was asked by her daughter Lydia (played by Kristen Stewart). Factors that prompts Alzheimer’s disease have already been studied but ambiguous even as of the moment. Studies and research are being started by some neuroscientists and according to their discovery, Alzheimer’s disease is usually obtained through genetic mutation, case squarely given to those who experience it below the age of 65 called as earlyonset. While late-onset rises from complicated series of brain shifts that happened over decades. The changes inside the brain of an Alzheimer’s inflicted
GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT
Women can be great sailors By Mark P. Almelia and Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. Photos by Mdpn. Gypsy T. Plana
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ender never define the strength nor the weakness of a person. Inequalities and its prevalence are not strange to everyone, and the greatest kryptonite to have caused these is a bagful of stereotypes. In old ages and account, men dominate over women. Men are the champion of the family. The ones who look for jobs and feeds the family while women, on the other side, stay at home and take care of the children. This became the traditional picture of what a man and a woman is. Today, the tables have been turned for a great deal of women are already empowered in taking risks and making bold decisions. Fighting for equality and giving due credit to what is right and just. It is evident in the society where leaders, entrepreneurs, managers and other highly skilled jobs are enthroned by women. However, in a profession where men dominate the populace, it is somehow hard to fit oneself. Take into example the maritime profession wherein a pool of men tops the graph of the total population, a woman might be intimidated or be discouraged with the fact - that seafaring was never on their line. Norwella, 19 and Sairah, 19, proved it all wrong and took the chariot to make their dreams come true. Coming from a family of teachers, Norwella took the opportunity to make a difference and take up marine engineering. “If men can do it, women can do better,” she pointed out. The environment became a challenge to her. Adjusting to her male classmates was one of the difficulties she encountered. “I need to study their behavior, likes and dislikes, and above all on how they value women in the maritime field. I need to have a very strong personality, very long patience, and I need to value excellence for I need also to win their respect by showing self-discipline,” she explained. The habit of not giving up became her ultimate weapon
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in facing her daily challenges. The reality that she is the only female in a class of forty had somehow intimated her but nonetheless made her special. She gained the respect of her male classmates and most of them look up to her not just an ace student but also a sister. Being a student leader in the Marine Engineering Department – Student Executive Council (MED-SEC) testifies that she is trusted and valued. Her faith and passion have been her allies to continue achieving excellence. Saira, on the other hand, dreams of empowering women by setting an example and eventually become the fire to ignite the passion of other women to pursue their hearts’ desires. “The era of male dominance has come to a halt. Today, it is about equality. I would like to prove to myself and to the rest of the world that marine engineering is not designed for men alone. At this point in time, we have female drivers, female welders, and female conductress. I chose this profession, not only because of my passion but also because of my desire to prove that whatever a man can do, a woman can always imitate,” she clarified. “As a woman seafarer, I am against the gender bias in the world of seafaring. Let us all think of equality and fair treatment. I believe that women are more empowered now than before and can do whatever a man can do,” said Saira. Above all these, Saira and Norwella, who are both graduating students, are thankful to the institution for opening the doors for women like them who aspire to be a marine engineer as well as for the equal opportunities given that other male cadets avail. “Personally, I have gained a lot from my education, training, and all that I have gone through to finish my race. My school has equipped me with enough knowledge, proper skills, and sound attitude which will catapult me further into the real world,” added Saira who is a Maersk Line Passer. “What had been contributed by John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University with regards to excellence and skills made me 100% ready to face the life of a marine engineer,” said Norwella. John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University advocates gender equality and has been accepting female cadets with ‘bold heart’, capabilities, and passion towards seafaring. It has long been opening its doors for women to nurture their potentials and be an asset to the seafaring industry. What they hold on to is the promise and the desire to flourish in the industry and be an inspiration to other women who also aims to be seafarers like them. Indeed, their passion towards their dreams crafted them into extraordinary women who will prove to the rest of the world that women can be great sailors. THE SEAGULL | 35
ADVENTURE
An escapade to the heart of the bike paradise By Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. and Mark P. Almelia Photos by Mdpn. Gypsy T. Plana
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uimaras is a home to splendid and magnificent beaches and resorts that are best for holiday escapades. But, little do you know that it also homes the first bike park in the region. A two-hour drive from Jordan wharf to Nueva Valencia will bring you to Woodland Bike Park. The 15-hectare park was established last 2012, and owned by Dr. Ronald Raymond Sebastian, who is also a sport enthusiast himself. “Looking for a way to strengthen the advocacy of JBLFMU on health, safety and environment, we decided to develop this farmland to a mountain resort that will showcase health, safety and environment projects and activities,� said Dr. Sebastian. The park promises a blast of fun and excitement while it redefines adventure into a whole new echelon. Take the ride and sweat your shirts on!
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After the exhausting yet enjoyable journey for a day, you can relax and get your feet tickled in the park’s fish spa for as low as P20. It’s better enjoyed while you’re taking a nap with cucumber on your eyes or while reading your newest thriller novel. Getting late? The park offers reasonably priced accommodation. The twin bed and the matrimonial room are rated at P1, 500 and P1, 800 respectively which can already cater six persons. The modern Filipino-stylized rooms are just perfect in soothing your drained souls.
Commune with Mother Nature
Conquer the White-Knuckle Trails Woodland Bike Park will surely get your legs and arms worked out in its exhilarating trails. With the very affordable entrance fee of P50, one can already enjoy the four trails of the park. If you want a unique bicycle action, get a grab of the BMX trail for a heart-stopping experience that will surely gratify your audacious souls. If what you want is a cool and fun ride, check out the Four Cross and Cross Country trail while enjoying nature’s abundance and blessings. Couples will surely enjoy a tour around these trails setting a dramatic scene in your favorite romantic movies like the cross country trail in Sitka, Alaska or a “tour de France”. This is also a perfect getaway for those who wish to have an exceptional holiday or vacation experience – a good break from the draining office works and the monotonous routines at the metro. A great escape from life’s heartaches and drama. “Summer of this year, we will be offering bike rentals. These rentals will also be available and will be outside the premises of the resort so that the guest can enjoy what Guimaras Bike Paradise offers. This Bike Paradise Project is spearheaded by the university in promoting QHSE,” he added. Pack yourself with safety gears! Woodland, before anything else ensures the safety of its bikers. Dr. Sebastian also shared the inspiration behind the name ‘Woodland’. “It came from a friend of mine who taught me how to be fit and healthy through cycling. The first project of woodland was to develop a bike trail while enjoying the gift of nature. So, the word woodland was chosen among several names.”
Apart from Dr. Sebastian’s goal of promoting a healthy lifestyle, he is also an advocate of preserving Mother Nature. The park shelters thousands of grown trees which are being maintained and added up every year. A walk or two in the park will help you think and feel better. A stay under the canopies of tall, sturdy mahogany trees is also a good idea for picnics or recreations. “Woodland ensures that each and every visitor will enjoy their stay in the resort while in communion with nature. Avid cyclists will enjoy the bike trails constructed across the resort. For the tourists who just want to relax, several recreational activities and amenities are offered,” he added. At night, stargazing is a much awaited part of the camping. You can build tents under the starry, starry night while enjoying the sky filled with constellations. A jaw-dropping backdrop of the night sky, wintry fresh air and a bonfire with marshmallows on sticks will be a grand end to your tiresome day.
Take the Challenge Woodland ensures that the visitors and tourists who choose to pamper themselves in the bike paradise will have more than what they paid for. So, expect more like wall climbing and other sports activities to come and more of HSE projects. “Cycling is fun to keep your body healthy and also to make you more productive. More than that, you can also help save the planet by not only reducing your carbon footprint but also by keeping the land free for nature and by avoiding clearing more lands for parking lots. With this, we encourage you all to be part of this advocacy,” he stressed out. The Woodland Bike Park is more than just an adventure park, it is a haven of comfort, fun, and action rolled into one.
It’s More Fun in Woodland! If the trails didn’t send a single sweat running into your cheeks, the park offers more to biking. Relish yourselves in other sports activities like swimming and beach volleyball, just waiting for you take them on one by one. “Aside from biking, I think jogging or running would also be a good sport to keep us healthy and fit. As a biker, I definitely like the trails. But the scenery of nature, is my most favorite part,” shared Dr. Sebastian. Don’t worry about your stomachs getting empty because the park offers flavorful and affordable menus just fit for your budget. Bite a snack or have full meal at the cafeteria which serves Filipino cuisines like your favorite sinigang, tinolang manok and pork barbecue. THE SEAGULL | 37
DOCUMENTARY
Accelerating values of a scout By Janine Thess V. Montaño and Mdpwn. Shenah May V. Jauod
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t has almost been two years but just looking around every corner of the world makes the people of Western Visayas reminisce the past when Super Typhoon Yolanda (internationally known as Haiyan) brought mass devastation across large parts of the entire land. It has been two years but until now, the catastrophic impact of an actual tropical cyclone are still fresh on their minds. November 8, 2013. The sun could be nowhere to find. The cloudless sky went on crying bitterly making the sky consistently gray and abruptly turned dark. Trees collapsed everywhere, blocking the road, landslides concealed many houses at the foot of the mountain and the stinking smell of lifeless bodies which were sprawling on the ground were carried away by the floods. The panicky shrieks of citizens outside went with the howling of the wind and the chattering ripples of rain streaming at the ceiling brought terror all over the place. It was indeed a deadly typhoon that no one would ever wish to experience. According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Typhoon Yolanda’s storm strength falls under to Category 5, the highest and the strongest tropical cyclone to ever make a landfall. It has the capacity to cause devastation. It has high percentage of destruction of framed homes, total roof failure and wall collapse, isolation of residential areas due to fallen trees and power poles, and power outages that could last for weeks and possibly months. Its sustained wind speed at
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landfall was 195 mph, breaking the previous highest record of typhoon Nancy which is 190 mph in 1961 and made a 13 feet surge in sea level during the storm. NDRRMC stated that the provinces of Visayas with the highest number of fatalities were in Leyte, Eastern Samar, Samar, Cebu, Capiz, Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, and Camarines Sur. It has also reported that 16 million people were affected, 6, 300 deaths were associated, 4.1 million people were displaced, and 1.1 million houses were damaged by the typhoon Yolanda spread across cities and provinces. The World Health Organization (WHO) placed the Yolanda disaster at Category 3, the highest level which was at par with the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the Haiti earthquake in 2010 due to the total damage of property that stands at Php 89, 598, 068, 634.88 pesos and estimated amount of losses at Php 42, 759, 630, 025.90 which are incredibly enormous. The total reported damages to infrastructure and agriculture in Leyte, which typhoon Yolanda did wipe out most, amounted to Php 296 million pesos, this figure reflects only a small fraction of the whole damages based on NDRRMC. National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) reported that Tacloban’s population in 2010 was 221, 174. The figure had drastically reduced after the typhoon. Several towns in the province of Iloilo suffered destruction from typhoon Yolanda with some coastline
communities completely washed out by the disastrous storm. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Iloilo identified parts of northern Iloilo which were greatly affected by the calamity including the municipality of Estancia, Concepcion, Ajuy, Carles, Barotac Viejo, Sara, Janiuay, Batad, San Dionisio, San Rafael, and Balasan. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) in Region VI reported that Iloilo province accounts for 42% of the affected persons in Western Visayas with 674,719 persons (138,620 families). “Wala guid kami kabalo nga amu guid to ka grabe ang ginguba sang bagyo kay wala pa kami ka-agi sang amu sadto ka kusog nga bagyo mu, nagsalig guid kami nga indi tu tuman ka grabe,” says Cherryl A. Espinosa, a resident of Brgy. Cano-an, Estancia, Iloilo, one of the places that Yolanda monstrously visited. “Law-ay guid ang amun na-experience samtang ga-bagyo. Kita guid namon ang tanan nga gakatabo. Gakawasak ang mga balay, mga puno kag mga poste, traumatic guid ya,” she added. After the storm, in rural areas of Iloilo, signs of normalcy can be seen in the busyness of the market place, tricycles causing traffic crams, people lining up in fastfood chains, farmers tilling their farmland and fishermen struggling to eke out a living. But there are still signs of extreme poverty in some areas with many who do not have enough food to eat not to mention the dearth of shelter and sanitation facilities. Lack of employment opportunities for the dislocated families is also widespread. “Dapat mangin aware na guid kita sa mga weather forecast kag dapat maging ready guid pirmi kag dapat i-follow ang tanan nga mga instructions for safety purposes para indi na maliwat ang grabe ka law-ay nga natabo sa aton nga kabuhi,” she conclusively added. Typhoon is not the only debacle that human beings are experiencing nowadays. There are lots of destructive calamities that people should take serious preparation on before they happen and cost the lives of so many. This is just one out of several historical disasters that raise people’s value of preparedness by executing alertness and environmental awareness. There will always be an urgent need to strengthen hazard education for the purpose of achieving a lower fatality count in the provinces. “Laging Handa” should not only be executed by the Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines, neither just said to gain accomplishments, but must be applied in our daily lives in order to prevent or if not, minimize the effects of harmful catastrophies against us. The provincial government of Iloilo is now implementing a disaster preparedness and mitigation project called ReBUILD or Resilience Capacity Building for cities and municipalities to prevent or reduce disaster risks from climate change and natural hazards.
THE SEAGULL | 39
MOVIE REVIEW
Heneral Luna
Ni Mdpn. Jeton Jun S. Legaspi Jr. and Mark P. Almelia
“Artikulo Uno: Ang sinumang hindi sumunod sa utos ng Punong Heneral ng Digmaan ay tatanggalan ng ranggo, at ipapapatay ng walang paglilitis sa husgado militar.”
P
anahon ng rebolusyon sa Pilipinas nang biglang umakyat sa ranggo’t sumikat ang pangalan ng isang heneral kasabay ang kanyang disiplinadong pamumuno’t mahusay na taktika sa pakikipagdigma. Ngunit sa likod ng kanyang mapamaraang pamumuno ay ang kanyang kawalan ng pasensya at pagkamainitin ng ulo na siyang naging dahilan para siya’y maging kaalitan ng ibang heneral at kasuklaman ng ilang miyembro ng gabinete. Sa mga pagbabagong kanyang ginagawa sa hukbong militar, hindi naging madali para sa kanya na isakatuparan ang kanyang hangaring magkaroon ng iisang hukbo ang bansang Pilipinas na hindi pinagwawatak-watak ng mga rehiyon at ng mga heneral na namumuno rito. Hatid ng produksiyon ng Artikulo Uno na gawa ni Direk Jerrold Tarog ay ang Heneral Luna (2015). Isang pelikulang napapanahon upang imulat ang sambayanang Pilipino, lalo na ang mga kabataan, na hindi lang nakipaglaba’t namatay para sa wala ang ating mga bayani kundi para bigyan tayo ng malaya at mapayapang buhay. Gamitin sana natin ito upang may sumunod sa kanilang yapak na kayang isakripisyo ang kanilang mga sarili para sa bayang tinubuan. Ang pelikula ay pinagbibidahan nina John Arcilla bilang Heneral Antonio Luna, Heneral ng Hukbong Pilipino, Mon Confiado gumanap bilang Presidente Emilio Aguinaldo, Presidente ng Unang Republika ng Pilipinas at Aaron Villaflor na umarte bilang si Joven Hernando (piksyonal na karakter), isang batang manunulat na sumasalaysay sa buhay ng heneral. Nag-umpisa ang istorya sa panahon ng pananakop ng bansang Amerika matapos nitong matalo ang Espanya at mapapayag na pumirma sa Kasunduan sa Paris kung saan legal nitong isinalin ang lahat ng karapatan ng Espanya sa Pilipinas papunta sa Amerika. Marami sa mga makabayang Pilipino ang gustong ibalik ang kalayaang matagal na nilang inaasam mula sa dayuhan subalit kasing dami rin ng mga maharlikang Pilipinong nagbuhat ng sariling bangko’t iniwan ang mga kapatid nilang nakikibaka para sa bayan kapalit ng magandang buhay at pakikipagkalakal sa mga Amerikano. Nakasentro ang istorya sa kung paano ipinagtanggol ng mga hukbong Pilipino ang ilang parte ng lupaing sakop ng republika sa isla ng Luzon sa pamumuno ni Heneral Luna bilang punong heneral ng hukbo. Dama niya ang kakulangan sa kanilang hanay dahil sa mas malakas na kalaban, ngunit sa kabila nito, hindi siya pinanghinaan ng loob o sumuko sa mga kalaban at tanggapin ang pagkatalo. Subalit, mapaglaro talaga ang kapalaran, sapagkat totoo nga ang kanyang tinuran bago siya patalsikin ng kapwa niya
Pilipino: “Ganito ba talaga ang ating kapalaran? Kalaban ang kalaban, kalaban ang kakampi?” Pinaghalong komedya, drama at aksyon ang pelikulang ito na hindi nalalayo sa makatotohanang pangyayari sa nakaraan kung kaya pwedeng-pwede ito sa mga kabataan at sa mga matatanda. Kamangha-mangha naman ang pagkakagawa sa pelikulang ito na nararapat lamang na bigyang-pugay. Mula sa napakadetalyadong uniporme ng mga sundalo’t mga damit ng mga sinaunang Pilipino, mga special effects na ginamit upang mas lalong maging kapanipaniwala ang mga pangyayari at napakagandang sinematograpiya na mas nagpatingkad sa bawat eksena, hanggang sa walang kapares na pag-arte ng mga artista na ramdam ang bawat eksena ng mga karakter at sa napakahusay na paggawa ng direktor, tunay na ito ay mabusisi at maingat na ginawa ng mga tao sa likod ng kamera. Hindi rin basta-basta ang pagpili ng musikang ginamit at mga sound effects na inilagay para dagdagan ang pangangatal ng mga manonood sa kanilang upuan. Sa kabuuan, isang malaking tagumpay ang makagawa ng ganitong klaseng pelikula upang maiakyat sa ibang antas ang kalidad ng paggawa ng pelikula sa ating bansa na may kakayahang makipagsabayan sa buong mundo. Ating pasukin at tuklasin ang mundo ni Heneral Luna habang binubusog natin ang isipan ng karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa makulay at maaksyong buhay ng ating pinakamagiting na heneral. “Mga kapatid, mayroon tayong mas malaking kaaway kaysa sa mga Amerikano – ang ating sarili.” – Heneral Antonio Luna, Punong Heneral ng Hukbong Pilipinas.
THE SEAGULL | 41
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