TheSPARK Vol XXIX, Issue No. III

The SPARK | LATHALAIN

Pilatik sa Gitna ng Karimlan NI HERMINIA A. VASQUEZ

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

Sa araw-araw na pagbabanat ng buto, hindi ang nakasusulasok na amoy ng umaalingasaw na basura at mapanlapnos na sikat ng araw ang matinding pangambang suong ng isang ulirang ama, kung hindi ang takot na umuwing walang tangan na pagkaing papawi sa kumakalam na sikmura ng kaniyang mga anak.

Pagsapit ng umaga, panibagong hamon na naman ang kakaharapin ng limampu’t pitong taong gulang na si Tatay Marcelo – ito ay ang ilang oras na paghuhukay at pamumulot ng mga bote, plastik, bakal at kung ano pang basura na maaaring matumbasan ng salaping ipambibili ng kanilang ulam at bigas.

Pangangalakal ng basura ang pangunahing kabuhayan ng karamihan sa kanilang lugar lalo pa’t nasa paanan lamang ng dumpsite ang mga kabahayan. Tanging konkretong pader na halos dalawang metro lang ang taas ang siyang nagsisilbing partisyon kung kaya’t tatambad agad sa mga residente ang gabundok na basurang naging tanawin na sa araw-araw.

Marumi ang paligid at malalanghap agad ang napakasangsang na amoy ng dumpsite mula sa kalsada. Ngunit para sa kay Tatay Marcelo at mga kadapit-bahay, ito ay bahagi na lamang ng kanilang payak na pamumuhay sa Brgy. Balatas, siyudad ng Naga.

naman ng hapon kung sila ay panggabi. Singkwenta pesos bawat isa ang upa sa sinasakyang trak. Balikan na ito sa loob ng isang araw kung kaya’t nakakaltasan agad ng isang daang piso ang dapat na kikitain sana ng mag-asawa sa buong maghapon.

Bukod pa rito ang kakaining meryenda na papawi man lang sa gutom at pagkahapo.

“Noon, dati naming kinikita dito (sa Balatas) na 400 sa bawat saru samuya (isa sa amin), pinakamababa na a (ang) 350, duman (doon sa San Isidro), dae na maabot nin 200 (hindi na aabot ng 200),” pagsasaad ni Tatay Marcelo.

Naging dobleng pasakit pa sa kanila ang bagong patakarang inilunsad hinggil sa pagbabagsak ng mga nakolektang basura mula sa kasentrohan. “Ang nangyari digdi (Balatas), gabos na ula pinapakalakal samuya, duman (sa San Isidro) dae na.

Kasi ang ibang ula diretso na duman sa tinatambunan na daga.

‘Yong mga nalalapa, ‘yon ang pinapakalkal samuya. ‘Yong dae nalalapa, dae na [...] (Ang nangyari dito sa Balatas, lahat ng tapon pinapakalakal sa amin, doon sa San Isidro hindi na. Kasi ang ibang tapon, diretso na doon sa lupang tinatabunan. ‘Yong mga hindi-nabubulok, hindi na),” pagdadagdag niya.

Sa kilometreng layo ng distansyang naidagdag mula sa kanilang tahanan patungo sa dumpsite, at pagbawas ng halos kalahating basurang kanila sanang ikakalakal, naging ambag pa sa mabigat na pasanin ng mag-asawa ang pagdadagdag ng dalawampung miyembro sa kanilang grupo. Kabilang sina Tatay Marcelo sa samahang Kadamay na binubuo ng mga mangangalakal na nakadestino sa loob ng dumpsite.

“Ang isang ula, ‘pag kinaykay kan gabos, ma kang mahiling na ula ta tao na an mahiling mo, ta dakul an tao (Ang isang tapon kapag hinukay ng lahat wala ka nang makikitang basura kasi tao na ang makikita mo, maraming tao),”pabirong sambit ng matanda.

Tagaktak ng pawis Kung may isang araw man na pinakahihintay si Tatay Marcelo sa loob ng isang linggo, ito ay walang iba kung hindi ang Sabado. Ito rin kasi mismo ang araw na ipagbibili niya ang mga kalakal na naipon mula sa limang araw na paghuhukay at pamumulot ng basura sa ilalim man ng matinding init o malakas na ulan. Pag-alis sa junk shop, tiyak na ang humigit-kumulang apat na libong pisong salapi sa kaniyang palad na kadalasang kinikita niya at ng kaniyang asawa sa loob ng isang linggong pakikipagsapalaran sa dumpsite.

Halos anim na taon na rin kung susumahin magmula nang magsama sina Tatay Marcelo at Nanay Tachana sa ilalim ng isang bubong. Sa kabila ng edad na labimpu’t isa at labimpu’t dalawa noon, magkatuwang pa rin nilang itinaguyod ang tatlong anak ni Nanay Tachana sa unang asawa nito, sa pamamagitan ng pangangalakal ng basura.

Pag-uwi sa bahay na yari sa kahoy at trapal, tiyak na ilang linggo na naman ang kanilang mairaraos, ngunit wala pa ring kasiguraduhan kung ilang taon pa ang kanilang babagtasin sa masalimuot na buhay na kanilang kinasasadlakan. “’Yan naman na kasi ang ikinabubuhay namin, dumpsite.

‘Yong maiba man ang parong. Mabataon man. Pinagtitiusan ‘yan ta ‘yan ang hanapbuhay namin (‘Yong iba ang amoy. Mabaho.

Pinagtitiisan ‘yan kasi ‘yan ang hanapbuhay namin),” wika ni Tatay Marcelo habang patingin-tingin sa malayo.

Ito ang buhay nila noong bukas pa ang Brgy. Balatas para sa umano’y biyayang handog ng basura, mahigit apat na buwan na rin ang nakalilipas. Ang kahit paanong apat na libong kinikita sa pangangalakal ay unti-unti nang bumaba, hanggang sa ang tawag sa pangangailangan ng panibagong pagkakakitaan ay kanila nang pinasok.

Pagdodoble-kayod Bakas na sa mukha at patpating katawan ng mag-asawa ang labis na pagod at hirap na dinaranas sa araw-araw na pakikipagsapalaran sa hamon ng buhay. Ngunit sa kabila ng kahabag-habag na kalagayan ay pinili pa rin nilang kumuha ng isa pang ekstrang pagkakakitaan sa kadahilanang hindi na sapat ang perang kanilang naiuuwi. Sa paghahanap, ang pagbabalat ng plastik ng bote ng mineral ang naging tugon sa kanilang pangangailangan.

“Per kilo kami duman (doon). An sarung kilo dos (Ang isang kilo dos). ‘Pag may ipakilo, may pera na. Minsan kumikita kami ng 150 sa isang araw.”

Malimit lamang kung sila’y hindi pumasok sa trabaho.

Kadalasan, si Tatay Marcelo ang nagsusumikap na makapunta sa bagong dumpsite upang mangalakal, habang si Nanay Tachana naman ang magbabalat ng plastik sa junkshop, ilang metro lamang ang layo mula sa kanilang tahanan.

Pagkain sa araw-araw Sa araw-araw na pakikipagbuno sa nakakalulang bundok ng basura, hindi lamamg mga plastik, bote at bakal na ipapakilo ang nakukuha nina Tatay Marcelo, kung hindi maging ang pagkaing pagsasaluhan sa hapagkainan.

“Samuya dae na kami nagsasabi na maati ang pagpag ta kadaklan naming nakukuang pagpag nakalagay sa plastik (Sa amin hindi na kami nagsasabi na marumi ang pagpag dahil karamihan sa nakukuha naming pagpag nakalagay sa plastik) […]. Balot na balot ‘yan.”

Hindi rin makalilimutan ni Tatay Marcelo ang mga sandaling nakakuha siya ng isang buong manok na mainit-init pa at nakasilid sa isang supot ng Mang Inasal na iniuwi niya para sa

Naghihingalong kabuhayan Kung noon ay halos isang daang metro lamang ang layo ng nilalakad nila mula sa kanilang bahay patungo sa tambakan ng basura, ngayon ay kinakailangan pa nilang sumakay ng dyip at tricycle upang marating ang bagong dumpsite sa Brgy.

San Isidro, dalawang baryo ang pagitan mula sa Balatas.

Upang makatipid sa araw-araw na pamasahe, sabay-sabay na pumupunta ang mga trabahador sa dumpsite depende sa iskedyul ng kanilang trabaho. Kung sila’y pang-umaga, alas otso pa lang ay naroon na sila upang mangalakal at alas tres

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

kaniyang pamilya. Minsan naman ay isang kalderong kanin at lenchong-kawali kung suswertehin.

“Pero ngunyan ma nang pagpag ta an nagkukuha niyan nagiistimar ng Robinsons, Jollibee […]. Sainda na an pagpag. Ma na kaming makukuko (Pero ngayon wala nang pagpag kasi ang kumukuha niyan nag-iistimar ng Robinsons, Jollibee […]. Sa kanila na ang pagpag. Wala na kaming makukuha),” malungkot niyang bulalas.

Ngunit bilang haligi ng tahanan, buong sikap na itinataguyod ni Tatay Marcelo na mapakain ang kaniyang pamilya ng tatlong beses sa isang araw. “Mahirap ang buhay namin dito. Pero sinisikap naming mag-agom na dae kami magkakan nin kulang sa isang araw. Samuya sigurong duwa matios mi ‘yan, pero [a] mga aki ‘yan ang di mi matios (Pero sinisikap naming mag-asawa na huwag kumain ng kulang sa isang araw. Sa amin sigurong dalawa matitiis naming ‘yan, pero ang mga bata, ‘yan ang di ko matiis.”

plastik na tila nakikipaglaro rin sa mga batang nagsisitakbuhan pagsapit ng dapit-hapon – isa sa maaaring maging sahni ng kanilang pagkakasakit.

“Dati abu ko ang parong d’yan, ku bagong makaabot ako digdi. Pero noong nakalihis na an pirang aldow, pirang bulan, nasanay na rin ako. Oo, nagkakasakit kami. Madalas din.

Mayaman nga nagkakasakit, kami pa kaya (Dati ayaw ko ang amoy d’yan, noong bago pa lang akong makarating dito. Pero noong nakalihis na ang ilang araw, ilang buwan, nasanay na rin ako),” pangising tugon niya.

Iginagapang na edukasyon Hindi man maibigay ni Tatay Marcelo ang mga bagay na nais ng kaniyang anak tulad ng manika, bisekleta o kung ano pa mang karaniwang hiling ng mga bata, ipinangako niya naman sa kaniyang sarili na hindi ipagkakait sa mga ito ang nararapat na edukasyon. Hindi rin kasi nakapagtapos ng elementarya ang kanilang ama kung kaya’t nais nitong igapang ang mga anak Tagpi-tagping silungan kahit sa pamamagitan lamang Sa pinagtagpi-tagping trapal ng pangangalakal ng basura at at yero ay nakahanap si Tatay pagbabalat ng mineral.

Sa patuloy na pakikipagsapalaran Marcelo at ang kaniyang pamilya ng Palaging nagtatabi sina Tatay sa gitna ng nakakapagod na laban, masisilungan at matatawag nilang Marcelo at Nanay Tachana ng sariling tahanan. Ang kanilang salaping pambayad ng mga takot ang pangunahing armas ng bubong ay yari sa nipa na siyang anak sa paaralan. Kabilang na isang matandang hapo at walang pananggalang sa malamig na rito ang ang mga kakailangan pahinga–takot na hindi maisalba dampi ng tubig-ulan at kalasag sa para sa paggawa ng, proyekto, nakakapasong sikat ng araw. kontribusyon at araw-araw na ang pamilya sa nanlalamong Sa tuwing darating ang malakas pangbaon. kumunoy ng kahirapan sa Brgy. na bagyo ay labis na pangamba ang “Kung minsan kulang, misan Balatas. nadarama ng ama para sa kaniyang igwa. […] Kadaklan talaga kulang, mag-iina. Sa mabagsik na ihip pero natutustusan naman. Naglamang kasi ng hangin at bugso ng aadal man sinda (Kung minsan ulan ay maaaring mawala sa isang iglap ang pinagtitiyagaang kulang, kung minsan meron. […] Karamihan talaga kulang, pero barong-barong na ilang beses nang pinadapa. natutustusan naman. Nag-aaral naman sila).”

“Noong nakaraang taon, December din ‘yon. ‘Yang harong Nasa kinder na ang kaniyang bunsong anak na si Cassandra, na ‘yan, natumbahan ng mangga. Pinatindog namu utro ‘yan, habang nasa ika-apat na baiting naman ang panganay na Pinuwersa ko nang pakarayon an harong nang may masilungan babae nitong si Janna. Araw-araw sabay na pumapasok ang man lang kami (‘Yang bahay na ‘yan, natumbahan ng manga. magkapatid sa eskwelahan na nasa kabilang kalsada lamang, Itinayo naming ‘yan ulit. Pinuwersa kong ayusin ang bahay nang malapit sa dumpsite. may masilungan man lang kami),”ayon kay Tatay Marcelo.

Sa maraming taon pang gugugulin upang mapagtapos sa pag-aaral ang mga anak, isa lamang ang tanging pangaral ni Apektadong kalusugan Tatay sa kanila, “Kung nagtios kami saindo na pag-adalon kamo, Dahil sa ilang hakbang lamang ang layo ng kanilang bahay magtios man kamong makatapos, tanganing a mga kakanon na mula sa lumang dumpsite, hindi na maiiwasan ang masangsang gusto nindong makakan, makakan nindo (Kung nagtiis kami sa na amoy ng mga nabubulok na basura na yumayakap sa buong inyo na pag-aralin kayo, magtiis din kayong makatapos, upang kabahayan. Maaaring apat na buwan na ang lumipas matapos ang mga pagkain na gusto niyong makain, makain ninyo).” itong isara sa publiko ngunit tila wala pa ring pinagbago ang Sa halos anim na taong pakikipaglaban ni Tatay Marcelo sa amoy na dulot nito. Nakahihilo. Nakakapanakit ng tiyan. Ganito tunay na hamon ng buhay sa Brgy. Balatas, hindi lamang ang ang epekto para sa isang taong malayo ang antas ng pamumuhay husay sa pangangalakal ng basura ang magiging sandata sa at ibang-iba ang paligid na kinagisnan. Ngunit, para kay Tatay mga susunod pang taon. “Hangga’t kaya pa naming maghanapMarcelo at sa lahat ng mga nakatira sa paanan ng dumpsite sa buhay, maghahanap-buhay kami. Dahil dito, natuto akong Brgy. Balatas, ang nakapangkukunot-noong amoy ay tila bahagi magpasensya. Natuto na rin akong magtiis hangga’t kaya ko.” na ng kanilang pamumuhay.

Sa patuloy na pakikipagsapalaran sa gitna ng nakakapagod Bukod pa sa mabahong amoy, problema rin ng mga residente na laban, takot ang pangunahing armas ng isang matandang ang mga plastik na kung minsan ay inililipad ng hangin at hapo at walang pahinga – takot na hindi maisalba ang pamilya pakalat-kalat sa mga eskinita. Plastik dito. Plastik doon. Mga sa nanlalamong kumunoy ng kahirapan sa Brgy. Balatas.

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PITAK

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KOMIKAZEE ISPAY TULA MAIKLING KWENTO

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PALAKASAN

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DEVCOM

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EDITORYAL

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TUNGKOL SA PABALAT Bakas sa nangungusap na mga mata ang labis na pangambang tangan ng isang ulirang ama; takot na umuwing walang bitbit na pagkaing papawi sa kumakalam na sikmura ng kaniyang mga anak.

Ngunit, ang mga agam-agam na bumabagabag sa kaniyang balintataw ay ang siya ring sandigan sa araw-araw na pag-alpas sa hamon ng buhay. Hindi alintana ang mapanlapnos na sikat ng araw na yumayakap sa kaniyang balat, maging ang gutom at pagkahapong pilit na lumalamon sa nanghihinang katawan.

Titingala na lamang sa asul na kalangitan na animo'y may gustong ipabatid; mga mensaheng tiyak na hindi mo maririnig. Kasing tayog ng kaniyang tanaw ang pagnanais makawala; makawala sa masalimuot na buhay na kinasasadlakan; buhay na ika niya'y kaniya nang kapalaran.

Buksan natin ang pahina ng librong tumatalakay sa matinding pakikipagsapalaran; hindi ng isang matikas na bayaning nangingintab na tambak ang sandata, kung hindi ng isang amang tangan ay pagmamahal sa pamilya.

The SPARK | BALITA

CSPC launches new VMGO STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Photo Credit: Victor Bardon SETTING THE ROAD CLEAR. College president Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, together with the academe and stakeholders, made changes to the Vision, Mission, Goals and Objectives, making its directions clearer to their goals for the college and relevant to its mandate. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

As part of the official installation of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges’ (CSPC) fifth president, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, the new vision, mission, goals and objectives, and quality policy of the institution were launched on January 6, at the CSPC Auditorium.

Through the virtue of Board of Trustees Resolution No. 19-62, the new set of institutional directions was realized to visualize what the institution exists to achieve in the coming years and to articulate what defines its character and philosophy as an academic agency.

CSPC aims to deliver a firm institutional commitment to provide world class education that transcends the aspiration of the youth and communities in the Bicol Region, as articulated on how it envisions the future through its newly crafted vision: “Polytechnic education at its best for the Bicolanos.”

Moreover, the College, through the pillars it has long been established with, re-crafted its mission in response to building a progressive future to contribute in eradicating poverty. The new mission goes in the manner that is aimed at: “Transforming lives to be free of poverty

by creating a better future through world class polytechnic education and technological innovation.”

CSPC, on the other hand, shall pursue its vision and mission with fervor, steered by the initiatives that bring the institution to its purpose.

Specifically, it shall be determined towards the attainment of the following reformed goals and objectives: produce professionally competent graduates who are responsible Filipino and global citizens by providing quality teaching and learning environment; address regional and national science and technology concerns by institutionalizing and integrating research-based programs in all colleges; improve the quality of lives through the conduct of demand-driven and research-based extension services; and strive for optimal performance by sustaining good governance conditions and sound management of the College’s resources.

In its dealings with the stakeholders, “CSPC commits to provide the highest standards in total customer satisfaction in accord with legal and statutory requirements, and current and future needs of clients and stakeholders by sustaining good governance conditions and continual improvement of its quality management system,” as stated in its newly quantified quality policy.

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Furthermore, on its initial establishment as part of the College’s institutional components, the Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs) were crafted in order to serve as a guide, of track to the path towards universityhood and of adherence to projected endeavors. The following have been identified to be the College’s established ILOs: critical thinking and problem solving; resultsoriented; professional ethics; lifelong learning; communication; environmental stewardship; and global competitiveness.

The College, in addition, aims to deliver its principles and standards of accordance to what it upholds as a community and as an institution, whereas its restructured set of core values were agreed to be of consonance to this acronym: CSPC CARES; creativity, service orientation, passion, collaboration, character, altruism, responsibility, excellence, and stewardship.

The newly launched institutional directions, shaped through the efforts of the College’s officials, faculty members, students, parents, alumni, and other stakeholders, are set to be en route to Dr. Cadag’s 10-year roadmap outlining targeted future milestones. Also, these are envisioned to reflect excellence and transformation as the College takes the path of becoming a full-fledged Polytechnic State University of Bicol.

The SPARK | BALITA

COE faculty presents study in US

STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Engr. Rizza T. Loquias, a College of Engineering faculty instructor, conquered the international arena as her co-authored research study entitled, “Quantitative Assessment of TV White Space in the Western Philippine Nautical Highway,” was presented in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers’ International Symposium for Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks on November 11-14, in New Jersey, USA. Engr. Loquias, who was on a study leave for three years, produced the abovementioned paper as part of her preliminary research work as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) student of the Electrical and Electronics Engineering Institute (EEEI) of the University of the PhilippinesDiliman, under the Engineering Research and Development for Technology (ERDT) program.

Of consciousness to radio frequencies being not fully utilized, Engr. Loquias’ research study aimed to evaluate the availability of radio spectrum in order to allocate broadband

application within the premises of the country’s nautical high way.

“The Philippines being an archipelago, is busy being traversed by passenger ships, bringing people from Luzon to Visayas, to Mindanao. So, gusto nating malaman if the radio spectrum there are fully utilized or not utilized, para i-allocate natin for broadband application. Kasi we know na ang broadband or the internet is almost everywhere and talagang kailangan ng tao, so kung nasa’n ‘yung tao, we should provide internet or broadband services. […] To enable that, […] dapat mero’ng available radio spectrum,” Engr. Loquias stated. “The result of that study, ‘yun ang content ng paper that we presented in the US,” she added.

For its enablement, Engr. Loquias’ coproduced study was provisioned of necessary equipment by the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), as it was funded by DOST-ERDT. Meanwhile, she imparted the significance of partaking in research platforms which are made

to be staged through international arenas.

“As a Ph.D. student and a scholar of DOSTERDT, it is required of us to present papers not only in national but in international conferences as well. […] Kapag pinag-present mo ‘yung paper mo, then it will be published. As a researcher, as a Ph.D. student, it is required that you present and publish your work,” Engr. Loquias stated.

The research study was a collaborative effort with ASTI, as it was produced in direct cooperation with Engr. Loquias’ adviser, DOSTASTI acting director, Dr. Joel Joseph Marciano Jr., alongside Calvin Hilario and Mar De Guzman, EEEI UP-Diliman faculty members.

Engr. Loquias, however, was not able to orally present the study with her co-authors, due to some unforeseen circumstances on her part.

She, instead, was permitted to deliver the study through an online presentation.

At present, it is already the second paper that she was made to present overseas. The first one was with an international forum in Australia, as it was published as a book chapter, as well.

3 faculty join 3rd ACIAR, awards Pontillas as best presenter STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

With the aim to impart the best practices in using research solutions toward educational problems, the 3rd Asian Conference on Institutional and Action Research, was held on November 28-30, at Mallberry Suites Business Hotel, Cagayan De Oro City.

Spearheaded with the theme, “From Institutional and Action Research to Publications of Best Practices,” the abovementioned event intended to disseminate results of dissertations in tertiary and graduate education levels, and draw new perspectives in solving educational and organizational issues and problems.

Dr. Marlon S. Pontillas, Dr. April Z. Luzon, and Dr. Maria Visitacion Taburnal, took part in the international conference, wherein Dr. Pontillas was declared as the best paper presenter in his category, with his research study entitled, “Reducing the Public Speaking Anxiety of ESL College Students through Popsispeak.”

“As a researcher importante ang action research because […] you will be able to provide solutions to the problems of the school or institution,” Dr. Pontillas stated. “I plan that my action research will have its phase two, phase three, phase four, so that […] the intervention that I proposed will be clear. […] So sa mga susunod, whatever recommendations na mafound out ko sa study will be implemented [and] included in the next phase,” he added.

Moreover, Dr. Pontillas highlighted that it is significant to craft and produce action researches that are driven of the goal to eradicate academic

CREATING SOLUTIONS. Dr.Marlon S. Pontillas (third from the right) was named as best paper presenter in his category. With his paper tackling public speaking anxiety, Pontillas urges more action researches to be published in making solutions to existing problems. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

problems in the educational setting, and that can help in developing practical solutions to address instructive difficulties quickly and effectively.

“I hope that more faculty members especially in the CSPC community will engage into action research because […] it provides solutions to the problems in our educational system. Whatever problem they face or encounter in teaching or instruction, pwedeng pwede siyang maging subject for action research,” he added.

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Hosted by Asian Society of Teachers for Research Inc., and co-hosted by the University of Southern Philippines Foundation, the 3rd ACIAR gathered scientists, researchers, academicians, administrators, teachers, and students from basic and higher education institutions, as it highlighted the delivery of studies that are aimed at providing solutions to identified problems in the educational landscape.

The SPARK | BALITA

Photo Credit: Carl Anthony Gorgonio

CME studes partake in nat’l confab on hospitality, tourism

BUILDING BRIDGES. Tourism and Hospitality students all over the country gather up in the National Hospitality and Tourism Convention, discussing the relevant skills in the industry and challenges that all should expect. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

STORY BY SHIELA MAE C. PARCO

Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management (BSTM), BS in Hospitality Management, and BS in Food Service and Management students, gathered in Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City, on September 28, as the National Hospitality and Tourism Convention transpired on its 9th year.

The aforementioned event invited various guest speakers including Ramon Siocon, UTP Travel Care Leisure and Tours founder; Jean Paul Ceron, mixology specialist; Mae Cezille Montalban, culinary consultant; and Wilma Doesn’t, Manila International Integrated Learning Center, Inc. founder, as they discussed integral concepts in line with tourism and hospitality management.

Siocon, a visa specialist, talked about tourism opportunities and realities. He was followed by Ceron, who showcased skills in flare tending, as he also shared the levels, types, and applications of flare. Montalban, on the other hand, discoursed about Filipino cuisines, heritage recipes, and food

innovation. Afterwhich, Doesnt imparted fundamental disciplines on personality development.

Maryjulia Soltes and Ruffy Sadang, both second year BSTM students and officers of the Association of Tourism Students, shared what they have gained from the convention, respectively.

“My realization from the convention is that, I don’t have to settle for little things.

Tourism is a big sector and we do not just end up being a graduate, which leads me to pursue more my studies. As [what] the speakers in the convention [have] taught us, it is important to nurture ourselves and participate to different seminars that will help us to be productive in the future work,” Soltes stated.

“As a tourism student, I learned how to value punctuality, being neat and presentable […] [and] bringing a smile all the time. All of these are important, especially when you are in the [tourism] industry,” Sadang said.

Aside from seminars, several CSPC

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students attended to various events, wherein Benhur Molleda Jr. and Marvin Casilan bagged the third place in the Bathroom Amenities Set-up Contest.

Furthermore, Danica Jane Blancada, a second year BSTM student, represented the College in the Search for Mr. and Ms. Tourism and Hospitality, and seized the first runner up position.

Significantly, according to Mrs. Maria Luisa Sotero, a BSTM instructor, conventions and seminars, such as the abovementioned event, help engage students in the development of their character as they enter the arena of their respective industries.

“The significance of this kind of event is that it helps the students compose themselves, it encourages them to the path they have chosen, and it builds bridges that can help them reach their destinations,” Mrs. Sotero emphasized.

The said undertaking was organized by the Mayon Global Careers Co., and it is being held every year in Albay Astrodome.

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PSME-CSPC studes attend 12th RegCon STORY BY ANTHONY JAY A. COMBATE

UNIFIED. Mechanical Engineering students around the region gathers up in the 12th Regional Students’ Convention, with its aim of sharing what skills are needed in the industry and to engage with other students as well. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Photo Credit: PSME-Bicol Regional Council of Students Units

The student unit of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) in Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), joined the 12th Regional Students’ Convention on November 22 to 24, at Bicol University East Campus, Legazpi City.

Geared with the theme, “Smarter, Bolder, Faster,” the abovementioned annual convention was spearheaded through the PSME-Bicol Regional Council of Student Units (PSMEBRCSU). Engr. Gene M. Llorando, the PSMEBRCSU adviser commenced the undertaking in Albay Astrodome.

One of the highlights of the said conference was the ME 69, wherein eight male candidates from the state universities and colleges of the Bicol Region, crossed-dressed as females and vied for the coveted ME 69 title. John Encinas, a fifth year Bachelor of Science (BS) in ME student, represented the College and secured the Miss Congeniality award. “Katuwaan lang,” said Encinas. “Dati na akong sumasama sa RegCon at nanunuod ng ME 69. Dahil du’n nagka-interes akong sumali,” he added.

The second day of the event started with four technical talks from different resource speakers. “You need to change your mindset and practice healthy living if you want to be successful,” stated Engr. Moises Engano, 2015 ME licensure examination 8th placer, in a talk about brainpower and board exam review habits. Sporting tournaments, on the other hand, followed. Simultaneous activities such as the General Information Quiz, PSME Regional Quiz Show, and the aMEzing Race, were also conducted.

Meanwhile, a machine design competition took part to the realization of the event. Clusters of students were tasked to build and design

a prototype of a hydraulic-powered machine for water treatment. As part of the mechanics, every group’s machine was required to be of capacity in filtering water pollutants such as sand and mud to cause clean water. CSPCeans, namely, Lynch Delas Llagas, John Kim Reyes, Wilson Jacob Maritana, and John Mark Palcon, participated in this event.

For its conclusion, the conference settled with the Music and Dance Competition wherein selected delegates performed and competed in four events: Dance Off, Lip Sync, Jambonganga, and Knock Outs. ME Night, followed then.

According to Rosalie Bondilles, a second year BSME student, partaking into events such as the

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abovementioned conference, can help students in identifying their roles and their purpose as they take the path of the field they intend to practice.

“Makatutulong ito sa amin sa future field kasi napa-practice kaming maki-engage at makicommunicate sa iba’t-ibang tao. Natuto rin [ako] kung paano mamuno at sumunod sa mga rules and regulations sa isang organisasyon,” she stated.

The said conference aimed to promote academic excellence, as it exposed its delegates in the field of profession, towards becoming competent leaders, nation builders, agents of good change, and flexible future engineers.

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Photo Credit: CSPC - Robotics Club

CRC seizes 4th in the 2019 NRC during IECEP’s Students Summit

SUMO CHAMP. Electronics Engineering students of the College’s Robotics Club bags home 4th in the 2019 National Robotics Competition, despite the time constraint that the team experienced leading up to the competition. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

STORY BY BRIEN ARISTOTLE S. IRAOLA

Among the 21 participating universities and colleges, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) Robotics Club (CRC) representatives won 4th place despite being first-timers in the 2019 National Robotics Competition (NRC) during IECEP’s Annual National Students Summit, surmounting its 40th year, at the ABS-CBN Tent, Vertis North, Quezon City, last November 27.

With the theme “Unlocking the Digital Economy Mindset: Electronics Profession in Focus”, the aforementioned one-day conference established various activities that emplace learning opportunity for the Professional Electronics Engineers, Electronics Engineers and Electronic Technicians, and Electronics Engineering (ECE) Students, all in one forum.

In the NRC, Markham R. Clorado, Hermino T. Zagada Jr., and Christian C. Sales, 5th year ECE students, and members of CRC, were able to set up their entrée sumo-robot (named E-YOUTHICON) inside the battle ring with pride and dedication regardless of

hectic schedules and time deficiency as their last year in the academe approaches to an end. Under the coaching and supervision of Engr. Keith Marlon R. Tabal and Engr. Vicente E. Malapo, the team took almost a month of numerous tweaks and experiments to attain the desired performance set in order to get to the top.

“Buwan din ang ginu-gol namin at hindi talaga mawawala ang failures sa isang project. Pero dahil dito, masusubok kung paano ka makakasurvive or maso-solve para lang mapa-gana mo ito,” said Zagada, with regards the preparation for the contest.

During the competition, the group admitted that their device was not as sturdy as they expected to be to compensate the impacts from the opponents, and still needed more practices and tests to maximise its performance value. However, amidst the capitulation of defeat, E-YOUTHICON emerged as victor during the one-on-one fight against team Technological University of the Philippines – Taguig in Round 3, which allowed them to advance in the semi-finals. “ […] Hindi namin akalain na makakasama

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[pa] kami sa semi-finals at nag-ika-fourth pa.

Kasi, hindi talaga ‘yun ready, ‘yung sumo-bot namin. […] Nasiraan pa kami ng motor no’n at wala pa ‘yun line sensor sa ilalim. Kaya nakaka-tuwa na nanalo pa rin kami kahit pang-fourth,” he stated.

Furthermore, the CRC complimented the team for representing the club as well as CSPC, and for giving their best to bring home the pride.

“E-YOUTHICONS fought hard and with might! CRC fell short at claiming the thrones but will surely come back stronger for the crown,” stated CRC on a Facebook post showing their utmost gratitude and support.

The said event also stressed on the discussion of ECE Board Exams, Curriculum Updates, and Career Progression from related fields such as Microelectronics, Biomedical Electronics, Telecommunications, Broadcasting, Power Electronics, etc.

Moreover, IECEP, Inc. upholds and stay true to its mission and vision to “promote continuing professional development and competence among its members especially those from the academe.”

Tisoy hits Bicol

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MDRRMO claims preparedness measures, affirms decreased ruins in Nabua STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Photo Credit: MDRRMO Nabua RISING FROM THE WRATH. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management officials and locals clear the road of destructions, after the onslaught of Typhoon Tisoy last December and causing massive damage to the region. -MICHAEL WILLIAM RONCO

Typhoon Tisoy, internationally named as Typhoon Kammuri, with maximum sustained winds of up to 175 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 240 kph, hit the Bicol Region on December 2.

According to Nabua Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Research and Planning Officer, Adam Kristian G. Bardon, pre-emptive measures were accordingly observed before the tropical storm hit the region, hence his affirmation that the municipality recorded no casualties and reduced incidences of destruction.

“November 26, na-identify na mero’n nang bagyo sa labas ng PAR (Philippine Area of Responsibility). Nagbigay na tayo ng mga advise sa barangays. Even sa Facebook account ng MDRRMO Nabua naka-post na ‘yung mga weather advisories [and] preparations for the incoming typhoon,” said Bardon.

Moreover, upon having identified Tisoy’s estimated landfall in the region, a memorandum order was released through the Office of the Municipal Mayor duly recommended by the MDRRMO, which enforced preparedness measures in all barangays to monitor the incidences of flood and pre-position the readiness of food items for relief operations.

Forced evacuation was observed, particularly in areas of high risk incidences. “Lahat ng nasa high risk na lugar, binabaha, may mga bahay na made of light materials, lahat sila pinapunta sa evacuation center and Kabarangay Shelter. Inikot ‘yung lahat ng barangay sa Nabua, at pinagpaforce evacuate sila,” Bardon supported.

Pre-clearing operations, furthermore, were administered in areas of flooding incidences. “‘Yung mga pwedeng makahambalang sa daan

during typhoon, […] pinatanggal sa mga barangay para at least kapag bumagyo man, mababawasan ‘yung makakaharang sa daan na makakapagimpede sa transportation,” Bardon stated.

Clearing operations in waterways were also done, as Bardon affirmed, “Nagbawas ng bara sa Antipolo River, ‘yung andito sa San Miguel, kaya […] walang masyadong nakabara [sa mga ilog] dito sa Typhoon Tisoy. Hindi katulad nu’ng Usman, baradong-barado ang mga ilog kaya ‘yung baha [noon] sa Poblacion ang taas.”

The municipal officer also said that immediately after the typhoon, their office already started to identify the areas wherein post-typhoon clearing operations can already be conducted. “[…] Para ‘yung mga tutulong na mga operators din galing sa labas [ng Bicol], pwede silang makadaan,” he added.

However, he claimed that although clearing operations were aimed to be delivered of immediacy, most of the physical obstructions that made roads impeded were electric posts, as he told that these are hard to be removed with limited people at hand. “Hindi sila basta-basta madaling ma-clear,” Bardon stressed out. “Pero nagawan naman siya ng paraan,” he added, as provincial operations were readily of reach upon their call for assistance.

“Isa kasi sa mga pinaka-way para madaling makabangon ang isang lugar is dapat immediately after [the typhoon] transportation muna ang maclear,” Bardon put forth, as he emphasized that through the collaborative efforts of government agencies, the day after Typhoon Tisoy, the National Highway being the main route of transportation in the municipality, was already cleared and was then restored for its usual operation.

Furthermore, Bardon highlighted that relief goods have already been prepared in every

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barangay prior to the typhoon.

Meanwhile, the officer emphasized that no casualty was recorded during the typhoon, as forced evacuation to vulnerable areas was observed.

“Wala tayong death due to typhoon, […] kasi nakapag-force evacuation tayo,” he supported.

“May mga injured, pero [dahil] sa pag-ayos ng bahay na nasira.”

Causal damages In figures, Typhoon Tisoy has caused 7391 partially damaged and 1260 totally damaged households. “Meron tayong 8651 na mga nasirang bahay [in total],” Bardon calculated.

Under the area of infrastructure, Nabua recorded P19 million worth of infrastructure damage. “Kasama na diyan ‘yung health centers, barangay hall, covered gyms, [and] public schools,” he supported. “Sa kabutihang palad naman, wala namang totally damaged,” Bardon affirmed.

He, additionally, stated that agriculture is the most obliterated sector of the municipality, due to Typhoon Tisoy. Rice recorded with P49 million worth of damage. Meanwhile, high-valued crops have had P2 million worth of destruction, while corn recorded with P2 million, fisheries with P1 million, and livestock with P300 thousand worth of loss.

Meanwhile, 27 barangays were recorded to have had cases of flooding. However, the officer claimed that unlike Tropical Depression Usman, Typhoon Tisoy recorded a lesser level of floodwater within the municipality’s Poblacion area.

“Hindi siya (floodwater) ganu’n kalalim. Hindi katulad nu’ng Usman [na] umabot ng six feet,” he stated.

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SHEM ON U

Dress-up Drive SHIELA MAE C. PARCO

Disyembre 9, 2019. Isang linggo matapos ang hagupit ng bagyong Tisoy, balik-eskwela na naman ang mga mag-aaral ng CSPC. Kumalat ang samu’t saring mga aayusin at lilinisin, para magamit na ulit ang mga pasilidad at silid-aralan. Kalat na rin ang mensahe sa kaniya-kaniyang mga GC na may nilalaman na:

pero may iba lang talaga na hindi naman na kaaya-ayang tingnan lalo na’t hindi naman fashion show ang inyong pinuntahan kundi eskwelahan.

Teka, baka ibang anunsiyo ang kanilang nabasa. Parang ganito ba? “ [...] We can wear civilian tomorrow for the DRESS-UP DRIVE PO sa campus natin.” Oh, ‘di ba? Pormang campus, CSPC version.

Imbis na walis tingting ang hanapin, hitsura ang pinagtuunan ng pansin. Imbis na kagamitang pang-linis ang dalhin, extension cord ang hindi kinalimutang tangayin.

“Tumawag na po si Sir, magpapagawa na po ng memo kay VPAA po. We can wear civilian tomorrow for the CLEAN-UP DRIVE PO sa CAMPUS natin.”

“Yey! Hindi magsusuot ng heels.”

Natuwa ang karamihan. Sa wakas, ‘di ba? May excuse na ang lahat para hindi magsuot ng uniporme. Una sa lahat, hassle raw ang pagsuot nito. Ikalawa, mas komportableng gumalaw kapag naka-civilian. At ikatlo, BROWNOUT! Like, hello? Sino ba naman kasi ang gustong magsuot ng school uniform na gusot-gusot?

Baka mamaya niyan, habulin ka pa ng plantsa papasok ng eskwelahan.

“

“Ay, yes, diri kita mig-uniform.”

“

At ito pa, nakalimutan na nga ‘yung pagsuot ng ID, nakalimutan din kung ano ang dapat at hindi dapat isuot sa loob ng CSPC. Okay lang naman sana magsuot ng palda, huwag lang yung sobrang iksi. Paano ka niyan maglilinis, Ate, kung sa pagyuko Nawa’y ang nangyaring ‘yon ang mo, konti na lang, halos makita na ang ‘yong iniingatan na kayamanan? magbukas sa isip ng lahat na

ang anumang suliranin ay hindi matatagumpayan kung kaunti lamang ang gumagalaw.

Lights, Camera, *Click*

At hindi pa nakontento sa pagrampa. Aba, nag-photoshoot pa ‘yung iba. Ano ‘to, CSPC’s Next Top Model? Ayos lang kung medyo may aftermath pa ng bagyo ‘yung napiling background, kasi konting edit lang sa lightroom, magiging maganda na ulit ito. Bato bato sa langit, ang matamaan, shapul. Eh, ‘yung ibang kalat kaya sa campus, pwede rin kayang i-photoshop na lang din para mawala?

Ngunit, sa kabilang banda, hindi dapat ikinabubunyi ang hindi pagsuot ng uniporme. Bilang estudyante, isang obligasyon ang pagsuot nito, dahil ito ay ipinatupad ng eskwelahan at ito rin ay isang paraan ng paggalang at sumasalamin din ito sa pagiging maayos at disiplinado ng bawat magsusuot nito.

Nasaan na ‘yung tinatawag na “Bayanihan”? Tulong-tulong ba sa paghanap ng saksakan? Tulong-tulong sa pagtambay kahit saan? ‘Yun na ba ‘yun?

Sa pagkakaalam ko, pinayagan tayong magsuot ng civilian upang tumulong na maging malinis ang CSPC. Balikan natin ang anunsiyo, ha. “ [...] We can wear civilian tomorrow for the CLEANUP DRIVE PO sa CAMPUS natin.”

Nawa’y ang nangyaring ‘yon ang magbukas sa isip ng lahat, na ang anumang suliranin ay hindi mapagtatagumpayan kung kaunti lamang ang gumagalaw. Sa huli, kailangan nating matutong isipin, hindi lamang ang ating sariling kapakanan, kundi pati na rin ang kabutihan ng lahat. Kaya sa susunod (pero sana wala nang susunod na bagyo), magkapit-bisig para sa ikauunlad ng ating eskwelahan.

Ayan. CLEAN-UP DRIVE. Wala naman atang sira ang mga mata ng iba para hindi iyon mabasa at ‘di naman na sila mga bata para hindi ‘yon maintindihan. Dumating ang Lunes, pero wala namang nangyaring tulungan. Kung meron mang sumunod, bilang na bilang lang. Pumasok ang ibang mga mag-aaral na suot-suot ang kanilang OOTD. Hindi ko naman sinasabing masama iyon

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RUTHLESS

Is Unfair Fair?

HANNAH RUTH P. CHUA Life is unfair.

Now, ponder upon this: how big are the salaries of Mocha Uson, Tito Sotto, Bong Revilla, and Bong Go? Mocha Uson, who spreads lies and fake news; Tito Sotto, who “suggested” changing the lyrics of Lupang Hinirang; Bong Revilla, who robbed our country and refuses to pay and Bong Go, who “fulfills” his duty as senator by being the personal assistant of Duterte. They do these and they get paid hundreds of thousands for it. Frustrating? Disgusting?

Sickening? All of the above.

There was a time when I thought that life is fair, because it is unfair to everyone. I was young. I was wrong. I never saw how the world worked. I stayed in my comfort zone. When I took the risk; took a peek; took a step out of my own little bubble; I was horrified. Because when I did, most of the things I knew turned out to be fantasies made up for kids.

“

When I was asked what I wanted to become when I was little, Sometimes I can’t help but question how thick-faced these I answered I wanted to become a nurse, other times I said I people are. Where do they get the audacity to spend the taxpayers’ wanted to become a teacher. This is because I always saw the money when they don’t even do their jobs right? Do they even fairytales of these professions; I know what their jobs are? Did they not was not informed of the horrors read their job descriptions? You are, that came along with it. When it unfortunately, leaders of a country. was time to choose my course in The people of this nation have to put college, I pursued none of the two. up with you for another couple of Looking at how these professions years. Our expectations are below low are doing today in our country, do I I thought life was fair, and then already. Get your acts together and regret choosing another profession? don’t shame yourselves further. But I grew up and realized that I am I think not. Because no matter which then again, do you even care? living in the Philippines. one I choose, there would be no escape from the unfair treatment Life is unfair. that the people in these professions People who deserve to be experience everyday. imprisoned get a position in the The teachers have to battle with government. People who work their mental and physical fatigue each asses off get trashed by other people day just so they could attend to their students needs, sometimes and robbed of their privileges. People who lie get luxury lives, while even to an extent where they forget they also need rest and selfpeople who tell the truth are either thrown to prison or silenced care. Do they get the salary they deserve? Definitely not. There forever. People who are in the top of the food chain are still greedy are also instances when they were robbed of their supposed raise. and they get what they want, while people who only want what they The nurses and the other professions in the medical field do not need are deprived of it. have it better. The lack of medical facilities has been a problem I thought life was fair, and then I grew up and realized that I am for I-don’t-even-know-how-long already and up until now; this living in the Philippines. problem has not been addressed. It doesn’t help that there are people who are rude and toxic that they have to deal with in every Nothing in this country was ever fair. duty. Let’s not even start with their pay.

“

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Theatrical Absurdity JOMAR C. ONDING

“

This society is a phalanx of puppeteers, puppets, and puppets’ puppets—a grandiose show—a boring showcase of who’s the dumbest among the dumbest. Faux intellectuals are taking the limelight, with pleasure.

the lead of their great puppeteer. Whatever the puppeteer is saying to the public should appear okay and should be defended by them with all their hearts, with all their no brains.

“

Facts in opinion articles are often ignored—neglected. Spoonfeeding is quite a trend. Not now. Survive on your own. No summary of an issue, no statistics, only theatrics, but facts still, you decide, who knows, and I dare you not to believe. Activate your own senses to hyperactivity and watch the show by yourself.

No thorough narration. Formulate your own conclusion.

The puppeteer’s show will never be a puppeteer’s show without the puppeteer—the master of the show. His words are reverberating, spewing nonsensical and unfulfilled promises. Curse words are cursed, unless it’s his words. Innocent lives will leave the theater innocent without lives. Cold lives are quite pleasing and adding quite an excitement to the show, feeding the bloodlust of the puppeteer.

Ignorance is an epidemic, gradually In a quite bigger arena, what invading to completion the logical do you think will happen if the Are you brave enough to be sane systems of humans with a blinded puppeteer will be under the control perspective of what’s behind the of another puppeteer, when a amid the insane ones or just a scene—of the truth, which is concealed puppeteer has also become a coward who would rather dive and coated with a disgusting design to puppet? The show will be out of into the abyss of absurdity and make it uninviting—rerouting its victims hands, don’t you think? On the to irrationality. They’re turned into second thought, it has gone out of comical tragedy? the puppets’ puppets. Their existence hands in the first place, the moment is existent, not to say, exponentially the show has begun. Nevertheless, growing. They are easily fooled by the it will further create an abysmal fools, luring them to the cult of the clutter, which will result to a more august setting of deceits and lies—stuck in the labyrinth of doom, gigantic destruction. Territory after territory he’ll surrender. He enchanted with a dark spell casted by the puppeteer himself and surrendered—like a kid bullied to give up his toy, a toy not even reinforced further by his puppeets. Justifying the inhumane deeds named under his possession. He’s not close to a victim, but a mere of your so-called leaders, who are not-so leaders, and supporting bullied bully within the radius of the people’s alley. them all throughout, till truth do you part, makes you one of their Here’s the thing, the Philippine setting is exactly like this show. armies, arming you not with cannons, but with waterless water You might fit in the shoes of one of those characters or you are just guns. one of the audience—either you’ll clap or you’ll rebut.

Let’s venture down the lane towards the puppets’ haven, This society is a phalanx of puppeteers, puppets, and puppets’ but dare not to be hypnotized by their conniving words and puppets, versus the sane ones. Are you brave enough to be sane actions, you might fall into the burrows of its own puppets—it’s amid the insane ones or just a coward who would rather dive into lethal. They’re quite the stars of the show—no brilliance, just a the abyss of absurdity and comical tragedy? This is a theatrical combination of false dominance and greed of power. They’re the play. Play or die unknown. You choose or forever hold your breath bulletproof vest of the puppeteer, whenever sane souls pay a visit under the fantasy of fallacy concocted by your reverie. But, this and lurk around the vicinity of the truth with a mission to bare it. opinion is actually baseless, don’t you think? Is it? Think.

Puppets are puppets. They will never be able to sever the ties, not because they can’t, but because they are willingly securing

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The SPARK | PITAK

MINI-YUUUUUH

Pilang Hindi Kapila-pila HERMINIA A. VASQUEZ

Mga bagay na pinipilahan sa CSPC:

estudyante ay umuwing walang napala, sa kabila ng ginastos na pamasahe at nakayayamot na paghihintay.

1. Scholarship

Paghihintay sa ano?

2. Graduation rites 3. Campus crush 4. Online evaluation and enrollment Tama! Tama ang iyong nabasa, kaibigan. Ito ay isang purong paglilinaw lamang: Hindi Star Hunt audition ang iyong napuntahan at lalong hindi ang makapasok sa bahay ni Kuya ang naging kaganapan. Hindi ito pila ng kabataang animo’y sasabak sa anumang pangmalakasang awdisyon, kung hindi pila ng humigitkumulang limang libong estudyante ng CSPC na ang tanging hangad ay makaraos sa nakababagot at bulok na sistema ng online evaluation at enrollment.

Ika-anim ng Enero nang opisyal na buksan ang online system para sa enrollment at kabuuang ebalwasyon sa mga guro. Ngunit, taliwas sa inaasahan ng lahat, ang ika nga’y sistemang idinisenyo upang mapadali ang transaksyon ay naging tampulan ng labis na pagkadismaya nang humantong ito sa napakahabang pilahan at naging dahilan ng isang linggong pagkaantala ng klase.

Nagsimula ang pila sa ikalawang palapag ng Academic Building patungo sa tatlong silid: IT Lab 1 para sa Enrollment, IT Lab 2 para sa evaluation, at CS Lab naman para sa pag-reset ng password. Sa rami ng dumagsang estudyante sa araw ng Lunes (ika-13 ng Enero), halos ‘di na mahulugang karayom ang kahabaan ng pasilyo sa itaas kung kaya’t kinailangan pa itong paabutin hanggang sa unang palapag. Ang mismong araw na ito kasi ang naging simula ng pag-aasikaso para sa karamihan ng mga estudyante matapos ang palyadong unang linggo na inilaan sana sa nasambit na pagkakaabalahan. Maaaring ang iba ay nakapagevaluate at nakapag-enroll na, ngunit karamihan sa mga

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Paghihintay sa mga kulang-kulang na marka.

Paano kami makakapag-enroll kung karamihan sa mga subjects namin ay wala pang marka? Sa katunayan, unang araw pa lang ng enrollment nang ako’y tumungo sa eskwelahan upang simulan na ang lahat ng dapat asikasuhin bago sumapit ang bagong semestre. Dalidali kong binagtas ang hagdan sa Admin Building patungo sa kiosk upang tingnan ang nakuhang grado.

Nakapapanabik.

Ngunit, sa siyam na asignaturang nakalista, apat lamang ang may katabing numero.

Nakadidismaya.

Ilan pa naman doon ay may pre-requisite subjects na hindi mo maidadagdag sa ikalawang semestre hangga’t hindi pa nakikita sa system kung naipasa nga ba talaga ng estudyante ang pre-requisite nito sa nakaraang sem.

Hindi rin magiging magandang ideya kung mag-e-enroll ka kaagad habang kulang pa ang mga asignaturang iyong maisasama sa bagong iskedyul. Tiyak na panibagong proseso na naman ang iyong sasapitin kung ipadadagdag mo na lang ito sa araw ng pasukan.

Naabala ka na, makaaabala ka pa.

Hindi po ba’t ika-9 ng Enero ang deadline ng pagsumite at pag-input ng grades sa system? Ngunit, bakit pitong araw na ang lumipas ay hindi pa rin namin kumpletong maaninag ang gradong aming pinaghirapan? Hindi kakulangan sa internet o kung ano pa mang rason ang nakikita kong problema, kung hindi ang personal na kakulangan sa tangan na responsibilidad.

May ibang instructors na kung kailan kasagsagan na ng enrollment ay tsaka pa lang mag-che-check ng

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finals exam at projects. Kung nagawa ng ibang guro na makapagkompyut at makapag-input ng grades nang mas maaga, ba’t hindi magawa ng iba? Time management at commitment po, mga Ma’am at Sir! At dahil natapos ang isang linggo na mangilanngilan lamang ang nakapag-enroll, mula sa ika-13 ng Enero ay inilipat ang simula ng semestre sa petsa kinse na kalaunan ay iniskedyul muli sa sumunod na linggo, petsa bente.

Sa ilang oras na paghihintay sa pila na kadalasan nga’y inaabot pa ng maghapon, ramdam na ang tensyon sa bawat sulok. Ang iba ay pilit na ngumingiti at tinatawanan ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon, habang ang iba naman ay hindi na maipinta ang pagmumukha lalo na kung sila’y nasisingitan sa pila. Sino nga ba namang hindi, ‘di ba?

Sa kasalukuyang aberya sa sistema ng online enrollment at evaluation, kahit hindi pa rin 20-20 ang

“

“

Kung wala pa tayo sa buong kapasidad para gumawa ng agarang aksyon sa ganitong uri ng suliranin, ito’y nagpapakita lamang na hindi pa tayo handang tahakin ang landas tungo sa susunod na kabanata ng CSPC.

vision mo sa 2020, tiyak na kitang-kita mo pa rin ang mga pagkukulang.

Pagkukulang sa ano?

Una. Pagkukulang sa tamang antisipasyon.

Lubos naming nauunawan na ang mabagal at pawalawalang internet connection ay hindi na hawak ng admin at kinokonsidera bilang epekto ng bagyong Tisoy na nanalanta noong Disyembre. Ngunit, ang aberya sana sa sistema ng online enrollment at evaluation ay maaaring nabawasan kung nagkaroon man lang ng maayos na antisipasyon o ika nga’y advanced na pag-iisip.

Dahil karamihan sa mga instructors ay hindi pa nakapagsusumite at nakapag-i-input ng mga grades sa unang linggo ng enrollment at maging ang internet ay pawala-wala pa sa mga oras na iyon, na kadalasan nga ay wala talaga, mas mainam sana kung gumawa

at nagpalabas muna ng memo ang eskwelahan bago sumapit ang Enero, na nagsasaad ng alternatibong pamamaraan ng pag-e-enroll, tradisyunal man ito o bago. Ang mahalaga, hindi naantala at nagkabuholbuhol ang takbo ng enrollment.

Pangalawa. Kakulangan sa paghahanda.

Bakit hindi man lang naisip na magbigay ng iskedyul na maaaaring by department, program at section?

Halimbawa: Ang unang araw ay nakalaan muna sa isang department at ang oras naman ay hahatiin depende sa kanilang program at section. Mas makabubuti sana kung ito ang naging patakaran nang sa gayon ay hindi na nag-abala pang pumunta sa eskwelahan ang mga estudyanteng walang kasiguraduhan kung uuwi bang may napala. Unang araw pa lamang kasi ay napakarami na ng nagsiuwian matapos tumambad sa kanila ang napakahaba at siksikang pila. Ang iba naman ay matiyagang naghintay hanggang hapon ngunit hindi na talaga inabot dahil alas singko na at kailangan na ring itigil ang transaksyon.

Pangatlo. Kakulangan sa agarang aksyon.

Kung nakikita na naman na ang solusyon para sa kasalukuyang problema, bakit hindi agad bigyan ng karampatang aksyon? Kung hindi na maasikaso ng Admin ang paggawa ng mga simpleng patakaran, sino nga ba ang dapat umaksyon? Central Student Council, dito na ho kayo papasok. Kayo ang pinakamataas na organisasyon sa buong CSPC at may kapangyarihang magsagawa ng mga hakbangin na makabubuti para sa mga estudyante, ika nga’y student body. Kayo ang magisislbing boses sa aming mga daing. Salamat sa inyong isinagawang solusyon, ngunit hinahanap pa rin namin ang inyong agarang aksyon, implementasyon at malawak at pormal na information dissemination.

Pang-apat. Kakulangan sa disiplina.

Hindi lamang admin at student leaders ang ating dapat sisihin, kung hindi maging ang mga estudyanteng walang sapat na disiplina sa sarili. Singit dito. Singit doon. Paano n’yo nagagawang manlamang sa iba sa kabila ng katotohanang lahat naman ay nagpapagod at nagpapakahirap?

Isa pa sa aking natunghayan ay ang pag-aaway ng tatlong estudyante sa social media hinggil sa isang post na bumabatikos sa online evaluation at enrollment. Hindi naman masama na gawing hingahan ng sama ng loob ang facebook o kahit anumang social media platforms, ngunit alamin din natin ang saklaw ng ating limitasyon.

Nakakahiya naman na nakikita pa ng ibang tao, lalo na ng mga estudyante sa ibang eskwelahan, ang pagaalitan sa pagitan ng magkakakapwa-CSPCeans. Ito’y nagbibigay ng negatibong impresyon, hindi lamang sa mismong taong nakipagsasagutan, kung hindi impresyon bilang estudyante ng CSPC. Kung wala pa tayo sa buong kapasidad para gumawa ng agarang aksyon sa ganitong uri ng suliranin, ito’y nagpapakita lamang na hindi pa tayo handang tahakin ang landas tungo sa susunod na kabanata ng CSPC.

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The SPARK | PITAK

ADAMANTINE

Misogyny in Song CHRISTINE T. ASTIBE

“Chicharon ka ba? Bakit? Kasi ang ingay mo ‘pag kinakain ka! BOOM!” Boom, indeed! I was in shock hearing these words come from my four-year-old nephew as he ran off to play with the neighbor’s kids.

From outside, I could hear them singing more lyrics to this disgusting song. It was not long after that I discovered that this song is not only a hit, but also a trending dance challenge with hundreds of covers already circulating online.

How can people enjoy this music? Well, kids may be too young to understand what it means, but teenagers? Grown men and women? The song is literally about objectifying women and you all think it’s a bop?

Yes, music is a form of expression and we are all free to express ourselves. But that freedom also comes with responsibility, the

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responsibility to ensure our expression does not harm anyone in any way. How come of all the amazing songs we have in our language, it was this specific song that had to be the one I heard almost every single day, when walking through the school corridors, chilling somewhere with friends or even just scrolling through Twitter?

What I found ironic was the number of covers young female teens uploaded online of them dancing to the song. There is nothing wrong with wanting to entertain people with your talent. However, maybe choose a better song to dance to? Not a song that literally exclaims that women are nothing more than objects for sexual pleasure. Hello, it’s 2020 already. Let’s stand up for our rights as women. You can’t be a strong, independent woman and allow others to trample on our beings at the same time.

The SPARK | PITAK

It is troubling knowing that OPM culture promotes this kind of music. However, it is not much of a surprise.

“Pahipo naman! Pahawak naman!”

“Kailan kaya kita maiuuwi?”

It was these lyrics of an old song that upset me as my family and I listened to the car radio.

I came to realize that OPM had this kind of music since decades ago. Until now, I wonder how these lyrics could ever be well-received

“

“

Yes, misogyny has been in music for years and years, but it definitely won’t stop if we keep our mouths shut.

by an audience. Is it because of the catchy tunes? Or perhaps because famous singers wrote it? Or is the reason because this kind of concept seemed acceptable then?

And no, I am not shaming OPM music. I, myself, am a fan of our local music. However, I don’t support misogynist or any harmful music for that matter. We should uplift the music with deep and wholesome meaning, especially in the OPM rap scene. One of the most known Pinoy rappers, Gloc-9, can write songs with stories that teach us lessons.

He makes hits that also hit us in the feels.

Gloc-9 has songs that tackle poverty, gender discrimination, and more social injustices. It is rappers and like him and his kind of music that

we should support in OPM, not music-stealing and women-objectifying fools. Wouldn’t it be a waste to have artists that actually put blood, sweat and tears into making songs with great content fall to the bottom of the charts?

Many may argue that it is not only local music that may have these kinds of songs, and that is true. Songs from other countries may also have misogynistic undertone. No matter what language it is, suggesting that women are tools to men is never okay.

I know what many of you may be thinking and I’ve been told this by a classmate before, why am I getting so worked up? It’s just a song?

It’s letting the little things like this pass that makes it so hard for people to understand what’s wrong. It’s not just a song. It is a disrespectful and disgusting excuse for music.

Not only does it imply women are like toys that men play with, it also exemplifies toxic masculinity. Objectifying women in the guise of complimenting them is not okay. A gentle reminder for the boys out there who still don’t know this: you can respect women and still be masculine. Singing songs about using women for your own sexual needs does not make you any more of a man. In fact, it makes you more of an animal.

By stomaching issues like this, we are contributing to the problem. Yes, misogyny has been in music for years and years, but it definitely won’t stop if we keep our mouths shut.

I believe that society has become more open-minded when it comes to social issues.

Yet, why are we still tolerant? How can art ever be something highly appreciated when it is used for degradation and victimization?

Music has always served as people’s escape, for leisure and expression. Let us not allow disgusting subjects to stain it.

Promote wholesome music. Support worthy artists. Stop misogyny in the arts.

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The SPARK | PITAK

DEEP TRUTH

Sick with the System MICHAEL WILLIAM R. RONCO

With a rising desperation felt among the ordinary and a system that greatly places them at the disadvantage, the public’s hunger for an alternative to our judicial process is unsurprising. And this leads to an increasing dilemma scrounging the public minds—a distorted yet appealing justice for most, and one that is out of due process.

can possibly give rise to anarchist notions— something that can surely disrupt the current system we’re settled in and eliminates all safeguards that we enjoy from it.

As a rule of thumb, justice should be objective, impartial, and undergoes due process. This is to ensure that evidences are all taken into account and to make sure that fairness is upheld at a highest degree. With a rising notion that this structure is paced awfully slowly and that people feels left out from it, people lose confidence to this system and prove to be highly devastating.

The public’s frustration to the system forces them to seek for an alternative, something that is faster and where they can easily go to. Raffy Tulfo’s program Raffy Tulfo in Action is a good example. But this could go overboard, and it actually did. In an episode, a grandmother and two parents went on the program to complain about a teacher who was allegedly maltreating their child. The program ended with urging the teacher to get her license revoked. This episode went rounds in social media, gathering mostly negative reviews.

This mentality is dangerous as people could put justice into their own hands and

It was later figured out that the punishment to the accused was too hard and the public

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The SPARK | PITAK

agrees. This is an extreme case which proved to be highly destructive to the one indicted, and is something that could never happen if due process was followed.

It is tempting to say, just close the program down and everything will be alright again.

But a bigger picture lies. People flock to programs like this because reliable way of settling disputes is hard to find. They view swift justice as the only justice. They want something visible, in action.

“

“

With a rising notion that this structure is paced awfully slowly and that people feels left out from it, people lose confidence to this system and prove to be highly devastating.

The public’s hunger for programs like this is a reflection of how ordinary people is left behind. In court alone, if someone relied only to the Public Attorney’s Office for legal assistance, odds are against them. In 2017, the average lawyer in the Public Attorney’s Office handled 458 cases and assisted 5,794 clients. Knowing the fact that cases can go years to process, odds are stacked against the poor.

It is also important to note that between 2005 and 2010, lower courts had an annual average case load of more than 1 million which would mean an average of 4,000 cases daily. According to the Philippine Statistics

Authority, this means a judge would have an insane average annual workload of 644 cases.

This means that it could take years before a verdict could be made. Knowing that there are only 2,000 courts serving the population of a hundred million, it’s not difficult to realize why ordinary citizens have a huge frustration to the whole system, that any alternative is highly entertained if there’s any.

This is why in the latest Rule of Law Index of the World Justice Project, the Philippines ranks 90th, way behind from Singapore ranking 13th; Malaysia at 51st; and Indonesia at 62nd. These reasons, added by alleged corrupt practices and overcrowded detention centers and prisons, makes the whole system unappealing to the public.

The public having a distorted notion of justice is a manifestation of the failures of society in extending its arm to everyone. The ordinary citizen resorted to what can they do with their own hands and it just happens that Trial by Publicity is the only available option.

And surprisingly, it worked and the public loved it.

Though practices like this are unreliable, the problem roots not from it, but in the system itself. We cannot expect to just force programs like it to stop because even if we do, people will still resist and will always find for an alternative to the judicial process. The best thing that we can do is to make this process a lot better, that the ordinary will not think of it as a last resort, but a first one.

This is a call to those who are in power to act on it faster. For a long time, people become so frustrated to the system that institutions like this is seen as unnecessary and better off looking for an alternative. Let’s not wait for a time that the very institution that is built for this very purpose will eventually fade out of relevance to the people, and the safeguard that this provides will be threatened.

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IBARRETA | PACARDO | RODENAS | LU | IGANA

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The SPARK | KOMIKAZEE

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The SPARK | KOMIKAZEE

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The SPARK | KOMIKAZEE

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TheThe SPARK SPARK | PANITIKAN | ISPAY

P S Isang mapagpalang araw mga ka-Kolehiyo!

Malugod na pagbati ng Ispay sa inyo.

Panibagong semester na naman ang ating nasimulan.

Maiinit na isyu agad nang pakakawalan.

Imulat ang mga mata, at simulan na ang paglalakbay.

Sa mga binitawang kataga, isip ay ipatangay.

‘Wag magmadali sa iyong pagbabasa.

Namnamin ang bawat salita’t letra.

I

Sa isinagawang Investiture rites, opisyal nang ipinakilala, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, ika-limang presidente na.

Salamat sa magagandang plano na iyong binubuo.

Buong CSPC, lubos na sumasaludo.

Kumustahin muna natin ang halos dalawampu’t limang araw na bakasyon.

Christmas break at sem break, sa CSPC sabay na ngayon.

Pilit na nagsaya sa Christmas Day at New Year nang may pangamba: Nakaraang semester, maipapasa ba?

Late submitted na grades sa wakas nai-release na.

‘Di na ma-access sa system, kulang-kulang pa.

Bawat pag-tap ng ID sa kiosk, may ibang level ng excitement at kaba.

Mula sa nakababagot na paghihintay, Congratulations! Pumasa ka!

Online Enrollment System hindi accessible sa ibang location at device?

5648 na studyante kailangan pang tumungo sa Internet Laboratory.

Hala roon sa pila, makipagsiksikan na!

Pagkatapos maka-enrol ng iba, mapapa-sana all ka na lang talaga.

ID issue, hanggang ngayon problema pa rin.

Unreadable na sa library, reserve for transaction sa kiosk denied din.

Alternative smart card, hanggang kailan pa gagamitin?

Data Base Center, Pakiayos po nitong paulitulit na palya.

02 26

Y A P TheThe SPARK SPARK | PANITIKAN | ISPAY

Nanghihinayang din ba kayo sa maraming bilang ng solar panels na nasira?

O ang mas magandang tanong: Ba’t ‘di inasikaso nang bagyo’y ‘di pa nananalanta?

Early warning sa NDRRMC at radyo natanggap naman ata.

Ano pa’t sira na, wala nang magagawa.

Halos tatlong linggo ring nawalan ng kuryente matapos humagupit si Tisoy.

Kasagsagan pa naman ng finals: Exams at submission ng projects.

CSPCeans saksak dito, saksak doon.

Nilibot ang buong eskwelahan tangan ang kani-kaniyang extension.

Araw-araw na tatambad nakalululang octopus connection.

Cellphone, tablet at maging laptop ay hinamak.

Gagawin ang lahat upang huwag lang bumagsak.

Sa ika ngang pansamatalang CSPC: Charging Station Polytechnic Colleges, salamat.

Pasko sa CSPC postponed ngayong taon.

Panibagong saya na naman sana ang nabuo kung nagkataon.

Wrong timing kasi ang pananalanta ng bagyo.

Di bale, may next year pa.

Sana’y bigyan ng magandang panahon.

Agaw pansin naman ang bagong pinto sa Admin Building.

Aba, asensado! Automatic Sliding Door na rin.

Bilang estudyante, ito lang ang aming hiling, Mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga esyudyante inyo sanang panatilihin: Maayos na palikuran at sapat na drinking fountain!

Isang munting paalala lang muna mga Ma’am at Sir,.

Paggawa ng miniature kailan man ay hindi madali Gumugol ng gabutil na pawis, oras at salapi.

Pahalagahan naman sana; ‘wag itapon nang ganoon kadali.

What’s up, CSC? 2020 na!

Bukod sa pa-Aquaintance Party, concert at gift giving na inorganisa, Ano pang kaabang-abang na activity ang

02 27

TheThe SPARK SPARK | PANITIKAN | ISPAY

aabangan ng madla?

Natatandaan n’yo pa ba ang matatamis na salitang inyong binitawan noong eleksyon?

O baka nakalilimutan n’yo na ngayon?

Pinangakong tangible projects pinagplanuhan na ba?

Kung meron man, aba simulan na!

I

P S Conflict sa PE schedule, isa rin sa mga daing.

Magkakasabay ang klase, siksikan na sa gym.

Sumabay pa ang ibang varsity players na kahit hindi pa oras ng praktis Mga estudyanteng nasa kasagsagan ng class ay kanila nang pinapaalis.

Konting respeto naman ho.

Hindi lang sa mag-aaral, kung hindi pati na rin sa guro.

Mula sa pagkakatayo sa gym, tumingala ng bahagya.

Bagong Led shot clock inyo nang makikita.

Meron nang Led score board at basketball ring ay mga bago na rin.

Inaabangang basketball games no’ng intrams ay mas naging exciting!

Isa pa ito sa aming namasdan, Mabilis na pagpapatakbo at pag-counter flow ng mga sasakyan.

Signages sa eskwelahan uso naman pong basahin.

Huwag ipagsawalang-bahala, inyong intindihin.

Motor o kotse pa man ‘yan, wala kaming pinapanigan.

Bato-bato sa langit, umilag nang di tamaan.

Kamustahin naman natin ang nga Org. shirts na hanggang ngayon ay wala pa rin.

Alam naman naming meron kayong subject na Engineering Drawing, Pero please lang, hindi ito parte ng inyong aralin.

Natapos na ang Intrams. Isang sem na ang nakalipas.

Kailan n’yo balak magpasukat?; Kapag 2nd sem ay patapos na?

Alam naming meron kayong pinagkakabusy-han, Pero sana’y responsibilidad ay maayos na

28 02

Y A P TheThe SPARK SPARK | PANITIKAN | ISPAY

gampanan.

Hinahanap na rin kasi ng aming mga magulang, polo-shirt na ika nami’y kailangan agad bayaran.

Kaya Organization leaders kami sana ay pakinggan, Galaw ninyo baka pwedeng pakibilisan?

Heto na naman tayo sa isyung ‘di mamataymatay.

Problema sa basura ‘di tatantanan ng Ispay.

Ba’t ginagawa pa ring basurahan ang damuhan malapit sa GB? Plastik at papel, doon ay sinusunog din.

Pakinabangan naman natin ang mga lumang locker.

100 pesos daw ang rent sa loob ng isang sem.

Ibang estudyante pasimpleng gumagamit?

Pagdadala ng sariling kandado, kanilang bet na bet!

School Pub Moderator sa loob ng halos tatlong taon.

Taglay ang dedikasyon at malikhaing imahinasyon.

Ang kaniyang mga salitang nagsilbing inspirasyon, Pinanghahawakan namin, mula noon hanggang ngayon.

Sa kaniyang mga banat,ika’y mapapahagalpak.

Ang kaniyang kakulitan sa amin ay pak na pak!

Lubos kaming sumusuporta sa bagong karerang iyong sinasabak.

Mula sa iyong Sparkans, Doc Arl, maraming salamat.

Sa kaniyang pag-alis ay siya namang pagdating, Ng bagong ilaw na muling gagabay sa amin.

Aming kagalakan nawa’y iyong mapansin.

Welcome to The Spark, Ma’am Gigi!, malugod naming pagbati.

Maraming isyu na naman ang aming inungkat.

Mga bahong isiniwalat, papuring binulatlat.

Tutuldukan muna sandali ang pagsusulat.

Lilitaw muli kapag may bagong isyung ikakalat.

29 02

SPARK | TULA TheThe SPARK | PANITIKAN

Wings Ineffable

BY KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO

River of Blood

BY KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO River once you were, What have become?

Dry… Now you are…

But still watered by blood...

Why? Is it because…

Of me…

Opposing the flow?

(Sigh)

La Rosa Dell’amore

I am a seed…

Enthralled to grow my wings…

But do seeds have one?

Or perhaps they have none?

“Nay! Nay! Nay!” Some says…

I refuse to believe: To have I won’t; I will of course!

Then rain came and punished me…

(Painful it was); unbearably…

To God I pleaded…

“Please make it stop!”

But to stop; He didn’t…

He let me grow…

Time then since elapsed…

A ray of light crossed my sight…

A wish granted: It’s already time— Time to fly…

In a Forest;

(10 Poems wi By: Karl Chris

The Forest WITH Dark and deep; FLICKE Perhaps not for LONG Cowards AFRAID OF “

Nalihad

NI VICTOR N. BALAGAT JR.

BY JOANNA ERIKA Y. PUZON

A crimson-colored flower sat on top of my desk Among crumpled papers and silhouettes I picked it up, anticipated the pain On ts thorny body, my fingers shall remain

Lasap bawat minuto sa sandaling umapoy na ang dulo; namnam at yakap: rolyong pilak-papel na may damo.

Tampisaw sa mga namumuong usok, Kalangitan ng mga yagit na mapupusok.

Karagatang siyang nilalangoy, Kapayapaang hanap ay ugoy.

To my nose, the flower I lift Admiring its beauty, I took a sniff Although it barely smelt like the books I read But sweet, sweet flowerAdmirance I cannot resist

Namulang matang palatandaan, Halimuyak ng bulaklak na bawal Usbong ng damong kinalakal, Mabilis lang ang palitan“Pre may extra pa?”

On your soft silk-like petals, My eyes were fixed Equal portions of trust and patience, I gently mixed clueless of the path were going to take What I blissful sensation a single rose could make

‘Di dahil sa may problemang dinadala, Kundi paano bubusugin yaongBatang paslit na uhaw sa kalinga Paulit-ulit sa diktang “wala ka kasing kwenta!”

Alas! Lovely flower will soon wilt and die Along with a broken heart and all my mght Single bud once with vivid petals now dry A mirror- the reality that we’ll soon break ties…

Posporo palito kasama ang milagro, Hanggang ngayon bulag mga santo Pagkukulang sa kalinga at pag-iintindi; -ang tanging gamot sa maling prinsipyo ng BALIKTAD NA DAHILAN at DAMO.

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TheThe SPARK SPARK | PANITIKAN | TULA

Ang Ngalan ng Kalapati’y Magdalena NI JUSTINE RHEYVAN TATARO

FIRE ”FLIES”

ithin a poem) stian L. Reario

H FIRE“FLIES— “ ERING, “IN BEAUTY…” G, “IN SILENCE FLEW” “THEIR OWN LIGHT.”

Lipad kalapati!

Sapagkat maraming pumapalakpak, Huwag indahin, Ang bahag na pakpak.

Lipad Kalapati!

Habang ika’y bata pa, Wala nang dadagit, Kapag sila’y sawa na.

Humayo ka kalapati, ‘wag babaan ang lipad, Kumawala mula sa hawlang, Lipunan-kung tawagin nila.

Gagamba

katotohanan muling hinahabi’t binabalutan, gumagawa ng puting kasinungalingan. bibig—makamandag at saki’y kasiyahan piga ang katas ng biktima; katangahan nila’y ‘di ko na bibitawan pa.

Lahat aking nakikita, ‘di sa marami akong mata bagkus sa kagalakan kong magdala Ng panganib sa lahat ng gustong makadama ng pangdudusta

Lumulutang ang isip sa kathang langit Walang pinipiling oras dilat sa panaginip Mapang akit na sayaw na alay ng dagitab Lumuluha ng pawis sa pagtunaw ng ulap Lakas mula sa langit namumukodtangi Dama ang alapaap sa pagdampi ng mga labi Buong gabing makulay matang mapaglaro Isang daang makipot namumuong dugo Isang gabing makulay sa gubat na masukal Mga matang nakapikit bibig na nakabusal Katawang nakabalot sa itim nahalukay Ulap na kaytamis kapalit ng buhay.

Puksain ang Buwaya

NI ERWIN I. ALVARO

Tagpi-tagpi’t tagni-tagni; kathang galamay Tila palipad hangin bawat sapot na pamatay Sa paglikha nitong aking bahay, Maraming naaakit; napapasakay Hindi tahanan— ‘to’y himlayan sa’king palagay

KEMS

NI RENZ DOMINICK CARISO

NI ROSE ANN S. LAGATIC

Gubat ay kay tahimik, puno ng yaman na ubot ng rikit Huni ng mga ibon ay kahali-halina,mistulang mga sirenang kumakanta Berdeng dahon na malamyos, aakitin ka sa bawat haplos Paraiso mang maituturing, Hindi lahat totoo sa paningin Buwaya! Buwaya! Buwaya!

Kaibigang bumabaybay, bukasan ang mata at sumubaybay Matutulis na pangil, lagging handing sumupil Kulay niyang mapanlinlang, sa paraiso’y ikaw ang abang abang Oh kaibigan!Mag-ingat ka’t huwag magpaloko Sa buwayang ang gusto, ay kunin lahat ng sa’yo Huwag nang dumagdag pa, sa milyun-milyong nagging biktima Maging handa sa pagpuksa, sa buwayang walang kaawa awa

Teritoryo ko ang huhusga Sa mga naghahanap ng liwanag na gamu-gamo Sa mga mapagpanggap na paru-paro Kaya pag-isipan mong mainam Kung ako sayo walang kai-kaibigan sa kaalaman; lahat talo talo Ika’y mangamba sapagkat ako si gagamba Sa bitag ng kaalaman, mag-ingat ka.

31 02

The SPARK | MAIKLING KWENTO

Rosas-talulot;Batong malumot STORY BY KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO

Maginaw— ang hanging umiihip mula sa maingay at maliit na bintanang bukas-sara; isang napakaulan na umaga. Paunti-unti. Ang patak ng tubig na tumutulo mula sa kisame— Umaalingawngaw. Sa Madilim, na silid. Nakakandado. Siya lamang ang naririto. Sa leeg— inumpisahan niyang ipilipit ang lubid— mabagal na mabagal, marahang marahan. Kaharap.

Ang sarili. Sa lumang salamin, na aninag sa dulo ng kwarto; kinausap ang sariling repleksyon, tinatanong… bakit siya— nagkaganito. “Tugon!”

Isang binata, Vicente ang Pangalan. Labing siyam na taong gulang. Tahimik, matikas at hindi sa pagbubuhat ng bangko, marami ring tagahanga. Namumuhay siya sa isang payak na tahanan kasama ang amang bumubuhay sa kanya mag-isa. Iniwan na kasi sila ng kanyang ina.

Matalik na kaibigan naman niya ay si Pablo. Sabay silang lumaki pareho. At pawang sa basketbol ay magkagrupo.

Subalit isang araw siya’y nag-iba. Si Pablo, naging lasenggo, basagulero at mainitin ang ulo.

Hanggang isang araw, lumayas siya sa tirahan nila. Walang mapupuntahan, pinatuloy siya sa bahay ni Vicente at malugod naman siyang tinanggap ng Itay nito.

Subalit pagkaumaga, laking gulat ng ama. Pagbukas…ng pintuan…tumabad sa kanya… si Pablo, nakadagan kay Vicente…pawang walang saplot… at tanging kumot lamang ang nagkukubli ng kanilang kahubaran. Oo, sa kabila ng tindig, itsura at hubog niya,inaamin niya. bakla siya. Bakla si Vicente.

Hindi makapaniwala ang kanyang ama sa nasaksihan at napapikit na lamang.

Bumangon si Pablo at dali-daling umalis nang hindi nagsasalita.

Naiwan sila Vicente at kanyang ama sa kwartong binabalutan ng nakakabinging katahimikan.

Ilang sandali pa— “Mag-almusal ka na.” ang tanging mga salitang sinambit ng tatay niya at hindi na nagsalita pa.

Pumasok si Vicente sa paaralan na mabigat ang pakiramdam. Ngunit siya’y nagtataka bakit ganito titig ng mga tao. Tila nasusuklam at diring-diri sa kanya.

Alam na pala nila ang balita. Sa nangyari sa kanila ni Pablo. Mabilis na kumalat. Dahil galing mismo kay Pablo. Na pinagsamantalahan raw siya nito. Pero ang totoo, pareho nilang ginusto ang nangyari. Nais niyang ipagtanggol ang sarili. Subalit paano? Kaya tiniis niya na lamang ang bigat ng damdamin. Kung ano-ano ang naririnig niya. Salot. Paminta. Rapist. Tawag nila sa kanya.

Hinusgahan siya ng labis. Dinuro nang dinuro. Hinamak nang hinamak. Kinutya nang kinutya.

Tumakbo siya. Sa daan. Tanging sariling sigaw ang naririnig sa pagbuhos ng malakas na ulan.

Umuwi si Vicente ng bahay at nagkulong. Pumasok sa kanyang silid ang kanyang ama at niyakap ito. Subalit sa kahihiyan na dala, hindi niya nagawang kausapin siya.

Araw araw, pumapasok ang kanyang ama sa kanyang silid upang dalhan siya ng pagkain. Hindi kumikibo at nagpatuloy si vicente na ganito ng ilang araw.

Hanggang isang araw, hindi na pumasok ang tatay niya sa kanyang silid. Siya’y nagtaka, nagtanong, nagkamot. “Bakit hindi ka na dumadalaw sa akin, Itay.” Bulong sa sarili.

Samantalang siya’y nag aantay sa kanyang ama. Kay Pablo pala’y may nangyayari rin na.

Siya’y nalulong na sa droga. Matapos niyang iligtas ang sariling mukha mula sa ginawa nila ni Vicente. Hinayaan niyang lamunin ng kapighatian ang kaibigan. Nakukonsensya siya kaya umasa sa droga upang maibsan ang nararamdaman nito. Subalit nagpalamon siya sa kumunoy ng kasalanan at nagpagapi rito.

Isang gabi si Pablo ay nangati at hindi napakali sapagkat wala na siyang drogang naitabi.

Siya ay lumabas upang maghanap ng mapagkukunan. Kinuha ang baril sa aparador. Nag abang, naghanap. May nakita siyang taong naglalakad nang mag-isa. Nilapitan niya ito at tinutukan sa likod. Di na niya pinalingon yung tao para di sya makilala. Sabi nya “akin na ang pera kung ayaw mo ng bala” Ang biktima ay sumagot habang boses nangangatal. Sabi niya pera niya’y iisang daan. Si Pablo ay nagalit binaril niya to sa ulo. Pagtumba nakita nya mukha nung tao at nanlumo kanyang mukha dahil ang kanyang nabiktima… ama ni Vicente, kaibigang pinagtaksilan niya.

Mabilis nakarating kay Vicente ang balita at siya’y napaluhod sa sahig…hindi na siya nag atubili pa at nagtungo sa may tulay. Sa isang iglap, tumalon… at dagling namatay…

Bumabalik sa alaala ni Pablo ang nakaraan nila ni Vicente...bumubulong paulit-ulit...kasabay ng unti-unting pagpatak ng tubig sa kisame, isang kalabog ang umatungal sa nakakabinging silid— Sinundan niya si Vicente.

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The SPARK | MAIKLING KWENTO

Cliché STORY BY BRIEN ARISTOTLE S. IRAOLA

“Shoot him on his face! I wanna see his face blow up!”

I hate this guy. So much. He’s rich and girls drooling whenever he’s around. He thinks he’s cool with those sunglasses? Good thing my bud, Jayson, found him lingering around this area at this rate of time. What a weakling he is, one hard punch on the back of his head made him unconscious already. Ha! And he got loads of cash, thick, thick—we might have a one whole night at the Nightowl’s, with beers and women and drugs. My .45 APC is really handy I will say, glad I still got two bullets in my back pockets. Well, I might reconsider him, just pop his eyeballs out—or a finger maybe, adding it to my collection?

No. Shoot. *Bang!* Disgusting stupid brat, his pig’s blood is all over my Islander! A spineless creature like this deserves to die and rot in hell. I might see him there, though. Haha. I will kill him the second time, for sure.

“Get his car.”

Jayson’s a birdbrained, can’t even catch a key 20 feet away. The pathway here is narrow, with dirty concrete walls full of moss, and a kilometre away from the night club. His car’s not that far so Jayson should be honking by now. Hmmm. I like his Vulcum’s, I might as well take it. Blood’s not staining it yet. And his watch, that’s good qua— *Honk! Honk!* That should do it. My Aficionado should be here somewhere— got it. *Sprays* Damn. I must admit this is a sexy Jaguar XK-E! It smells nice, with a little bit of tanginess, my perfume got overwhelmed. The last person I killed owns a Stradale, which became mine of course, but I like this more. Too extravagant. Classy.

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“I’ll drive.”

I prefer open window, see the bystanders’ reaction as I drive my baby they can’t even afford. What a loser. Those dumbasses with coats and briefcases, I will see you when I see you, in hell I guess. Being rich is a piece of cake, cutting a rich man’s head is a lot easier. Ughh! Useless traffic lights. *Speeds up* Wooh! That was seconds after the red. F*** rules! Oops, we’re close now. It is time. *Glitch* Time…

Time…

Time…

A spotlight from heaven suddenly appear in front him—it’s a beam towards the ground but it’s blinding. The moment the car touches the light, like a slow-motion effect, it dissolves into tiny bits of dots vacuuming their entirety. Until the very last particle from the back of the Jaguar disappeared into mid-air. One blink and the light vanished.

The enormous spaceship, which can be seen by no one, glides smoothly to the right. Few milliseconds, after, two unidentified objects fall down from the orifice to the grassy firing area. Blink.

Gone the spaceship.

A dim light from a 24-hour store enables a glimpse of the feces.

Jayson. Skinless, with a bullet-hole in his bony face, incapable of movements as mere wind is as sharp as needles. Synonymously, with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, useless creature with a deformed head and a huge fist blemish under his external occipital protuberance, two eyeballs are gouging out, and a missing forefinger.

The TheSPARK SPARK||LATHALAIN OPINYON

Where’s the

Escape Route?: A Viewpoint of a Mental Disorder Victim and Why We Should Talk About It STORY BY BRIEN ARISTOTLE S. IRAOLA

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

W

hy, sometimes in our adult lives, we feel like we don’t actually want to say anything to anyone?

Why is it sometimes putting a good amount of adhesive on our lips seems to be a safer option?

Sometimes we wish to be babies again, where socialising and not taking responsibilities are never a problem (because all of them wants our attention and a little giggle to them is enough). All we can do is to lock our bedroom doors, cover ourselves with warm blanket, and - in a more polite way - shut our mouths.

To normal people like most of us, it is quite acceptable to sulk at times: maybe the tension between you and your significant other is not ceasing for months, or the furious landlady have forgotten the one-week deal you both agreed to, or you have lost the paraphernalia of the company causing you to withdraw thousands of dollars from your savings. In other words, what triggers our emotional ego to socialise is basically because of the inconvenient happenstances at points of our lives and the outside influences themselves.

But what could flip these notions, and could possibly enlighten us, is the story of one of our colleagues, who at a young age suffer from the conundrums he never expect to bloom in his life; a curse he never dreamed of in his fairy tale.

Gyro, not his real name, was supposed to be a normal guy. He already experienced different kinds of work while finishing his bachelor’s degree during his college days. And—partly— like most of us, he was enjoying much of his youth, and his social life was at its peak: he hang out with his friends everyday, always have new colleagues, can easily converse with strangers, and so on. In times when finding for a job is unfortunate, drinking liquors from morning to the next morning is never a shocker for him. He also smoke, which became one of his vices.

Although melancholy took over their family after his father’s death due to second-time stroke when he was 12, where he grew up in Manila, Gyro managed to graduate in college holding his degree. And at the age of 25, he came back to his siblings and together bought a decent house—that is when another tragedy followed suit: his mother’s death.

Setting aside those tragic events in the past, everything seemed normal, at least for Gyro. But then all of a sudden, an abrupt shift happened.

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At first Gyro thought it was just a normal sulking—he was hurt by the let-downs of his friends, his siblings, his lovers, and the affairs.

And then he became cold with his other friends, he was easily angered around small things.

Not to mention in his working place, he was judged by co-workers for his less masculine appearance (though he admitted to himself before then that he was bi-sexual), which also created more friction between them. The chaos in the outside world seemed to penetrate his psychological array of patience, resulting to continuous self-doubt and repression of—in all aspects—his freedom. He began to stay in his bedroom longer than usual.

As time went by, the supposed-to-be normal sulking turned into constant overthinking. Gyro tried to rebuild rapport and bring back closure with his friends and siblings, but he always had this fear in his mind that keeps lurking around like parasites: what if they cheated on me again? what if they never really loved me in the first place? what if they are just using me? what if I am the only one who’s trying? what if they stab me behind my back?

Gyro thought it was time for him to become independent.

Shovelling the dust on his shoulder away, Gyro decided to focus on his work. But at one time, when he was about to leave his door (and while in his journey to the office), there was a tingly feeling in his stomach... and he knew he had to drop everything he’s doing for it.

Gyro was about to burst!

And burst means an urgent defecation, yes.

It was surprising for him because the moment he woke up, he didn’t feel any somersaults in his stomach. Did I ate something bad today? An expired coffee? He could not recall.

Careless about what or whoever he bumped into, Gyro immediately went back to his house then straight to the toilet. What frustrated him the most was that he never actually wanted to

The SPARK | LATHALAIN

poop, or more precisely nothing actually “came down” from the rectum. His body has steadied and in good condition, he realised.

That was the start of his nightmare.

Every time he open the door outside for work, Gyro feels the same sensation: his body produces cold sweats, he is shaking, and again the rumbles in his stomach—for no reason at all. And since he felt uncomfortable going out, he cut the contract from his job and resigned.

Once, Gyro tried to test himself and went to a bar with his friends, but it was a disaster: his heartbeat is like gunshots—so fast he thought he was going to die.

He became unstable, his head hurt, he felt nauseous, and again, his most hated symptom occur: diarrhea.

There was this one time when he was hanging out with his friends and all of a sudden he started to feel the same sensations that he had to use a public restroom— first time in his life that he had to poop on a public place. When he’s home, everything’s good, normal.

But whenever he run errands outside or go for a jam with his friends, the anxiety from embarrassment that it might happen again on public grew more and more.

It’s a catastrophe! A curse!

The sickly feelings he was experiencing during those times made a solid contradictory to his youthful, socially-active personality. Gyro, unable to even go out of his house, cut the ties from the outside world... including the people he used to hang out with. Is this the end? Can someone bring me back to my normal state? Anybody?

After a few deep breaths and breaks from all of the confusions that took years for him to realise, Gyro began to wander about his physical being. He went for HIV diagnosis, which he assumed could be the reason for all of this, but it was a failure. After some time he took consultation for diseases such as TB, for digestive system, for brain and nervous system, and again, negative and clear. None of those tests compensated to his breakdown, and later he realised it was not his organs or the physical body that causes the stigma. It was his lone consciousness.

One of his doctors suggests it would be ideal to try consulting a psychiatrist. That time, Gyro rejected the request—he was still clinging to his solid-as-rock mindset: I am perfectly normal.

The way he handled things just after his refusal became more inconsistent. At some moments, he’s always in a good mood, then all of a sudden he was easily irritated and feel betrayed by anything. And with this constant mood swings, he lost friends and hated by colleagues.

Gyro couldn’t take it anymore: he knew to himself that there is something wrong with his mental state.

Now that he had no choice but to look for something— or someone—that could at least provide a clue of what was really happening, he first typed in the symptoms he had experienced on Google and searched for leads.

Then there was this post from a person with exact same story as Gyro, and he figured it was actually a Facebook forum; a bunch of people sharing the same experiences and struggles in a circle. He contacted that same person, became friends, and—in no time— his lover.

Eventually, with the help of a new partner, Gyro pledged to book a counsel with a psychiatrist. At the time when they were about to go for counselling, the demons attacked him again, making him unavailable, re-schedule after re-schedule. Though skeptical at first, the brutal force from his consciousness and his partner’s encouragement boosted his attempt to step out his comfort zone. And after series of questions and unending discussions, the psychiatrist diagnosed him with Agoraphobia with Panic Attacks.

After the session ended, Gyro still doubted the doctor, like he doubted everyone else: maybe this psychiatrist was only telling me these kinds of stuff because I am a client, and not totally in concern with my state of mind and being, or maybe I am being betrayed again, bringing out causes of my so-called disorder but in actuality it was all a lie, just so that I can feel the shame. He assumed he was right all along: no one really cares for him.

Check-ups after check-ups he went (though he was already in question with all of them), Gyro was recognised as manic depressed, and discovered that he has a social phobia. He was advised to take Jovia and other depression-related medicines which, though in denial about the concerns, became his maintenance.

It was all shocking the moment he sum up the unfortunate events in his mind: the reveal of his unimaginable “disease”, the medications, the loss of

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

friends he thought would never abandon him, and the his life is circling around social and mental health downscale of his resolve to live. And the fact that his environment. subconscious also dismisses the possibility of trusting “Parang pinaranas sa’kin ng Diyos ito, eh, para anyone made him vomit—he couldn’t seek for help, in [the] right time, may mai-shi-share ako para not that he wanted to. makatulong sa ibang tao,” he realised.

But, after two months of continuous medications, Gyro’s inspiring story emphasises the infinite Gyro finally saw some positive effects—he somehow possibilities when it comes to mental health: it felt happy about himself, which came to the conclusion differs from person to person, from brain to brain, that he must—little by little—take this seriously once from microcell to microcell. We can’t just point out and for all: for his loved ones, for himself. something base on what we see, or what we think. We At today’s present time, Gyro is 38 years old and have to screw in to our minds that no matter what we working in a food industry. One good thing about believe is right, may not feel right to others. The mere his job is that the president of the food chain he is movements of each individual may not be their—our— currently working on had also choices, or something experiences related to his, in the back of their and labelled himself as socialconsciousness is anxiety disorder survivor. dictating the actions The president understood his and the actual feeling is conditions and support him negligible. The tempo enough, making Gyro be able of their footsteps, We can consider sometimes to take a break from work the wavering eyes, that it’s not entirely their fault whenever the phobia kicks in, the heaviness of the or when he was not in the right breathing, the stutter and we are not staying true to work mood. or the fluidity of their ourselves if we say we are more Though this made Gyro at speech, their skinnormal than them. ease and very thankful, he had type, their reading his own definitive principle: comprehension and “ […] Ang isang mental speed, and it goes illness […] is forever na. on. We can consider There’s no cure, kumbaga, sometimes that it’s controllable [lang]. […] [May] not entirely their fault, maintenance na lang [ito], forever.” and we are not staying true to ourselves if we say we The symptoms are still manifesting from time to are more normal than them. time up to this date, but, because he gained a lot of “Hindi kami baliw. Nagkataon lang siguro na, sa information about his condition, and can analyse the ngayon, malakas ka; emotionally healthy ka. Pero cases and experiences his colleagues have shared to [kapag dumating] ‘yung time na manghina ka, siguro him, he can now handle them at a bare minimum— maiintindihan mo kami—at sana ’wag naman dumating which actually took him years. With that, he sa ganu’n. established groups of friends and colleagues (some Hindi kami nag-pi-pray na maranasan mo [ito], sana of them are going through the same rough situation) lang, maging matagumpay ka sa emotions mo, sa pagfor psychosocial support, and—though contrary to his iisip mo. […] Ji-na-judge mo kami ngayon, dahil hindi inability to socialise well—became an admin of several ikaw ang nasa sitwasyon namin. Soon, mare-realise related forums. He also write blog posts about social mo na totoo pala ang depression, […] ang socialdisorders and behaviour, plug in stories of himself anxiety.” and people with similar cases (of course, without On the other side of the spectrum, for those who mentioning his real identity), in order to spread social suffer the same situation as Gyro, here are some awareness to the readers regarding these kinds of words that he left before the end of his interview: conditions. Another astonishing facet is that he is “Sa mga taong ‘tulad ko, there is hope. Kailangan lang conducting speakerships and seminars in different nilang maging totoo. […] Kung may nararamdaman ka, schools and settings through a representative (he sabihin mo sa […] kasama mo sa buhay. […] Ilabas decided to become anonymous as possible, and since mo. […] Kahit sabihin naman na may kakayahan kang it’s a crowd, the symptoms might manifest): he wrote mabuhay mag-isa, […] kailangan mo pa rin ng kasama the content and worked behind the scenes. Right now, sa buhay, kailangan mo ng kaibigan.”

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

OFW

STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

Commotions from the central district: protesters against a cluster of law enforcement officers, dispersion of tear gas, destruction of transportation vehicles, demonstrators breaking into governmental headquarters, and people clothed in black and white to signify the need for an administrative reorganization.

These scenes are what Hong Kong is of current condition, and of this sight—are Filipino migrant workers.

According to records, there are 130,000 Filipinos that constitute to the ethnic minority of Hong Kong, many of whom work as foreign domestic helpers.

One of them is Beth (not her real name), an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) in Hong Kong, for almost 10 years.

Beth is a mother of a CSPC student, Allaine, who requested not to disclose her full name, as she detailed with TheSPARK the circumstances faced by an OFW amid the inland upheaval that Hong Kong is of present position.

In an interview, Allaine imparted that her mother decided to work overseas, in search for a sustainable means to support and suffice the needs of their family—as a single mother. She, moreover, conveyed that it was Hong Kong that her mother chose to get an occupation to, as it suggests convenience in travelling and it had then opened an opportunity for employment.

Through an electronic messaging application, and Allaine’s administered delivery of interview questions, Beth shared few of the experiences she had initially encountered as a domestic helper in the foreign land.

There was a time, as she revealed, when her employer terminated her contract, and immediately made her leave without giving her even just a portion of her monthly salary. To her recollection, it was just then four o’clock in the morning, and her belongings were placed inside a rubbish bin bag. Of good things finding a place among trials, a fellow Filipino citizen saw her condition, offered some help, and gave her 50 dollars so that she would be able to ride a bus and ask for assistance in the immigration.

“Then, naranasan ko din ‘yung may kapitbahay ako na binigyan ako [ng] pagkain dahil nagugutom ako.

Nilagay niya [sa] ilalim [ng] basurahan sa [may] back door, para lang may makain [ako],” Beth expressed, as she imparted a time of her stay in Hong Kong, wherein the employer whom she had to work for, treated her indifferently.

She eventually had an opportunity to find another household to work for to and through this, she is now

receiving the right salary and the fair treatment that is of due accordance to the service she provides.

However, at present, Beth is situated in a circumstance wherein her perseverance and resiliency will be put into test, once more.

Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, currently faces multiple efforts of hostility, aimed at screeching a collective clamor: autonomy.

Social equality and human rights, being the major issues since Britain’s transfer of Hong Kong’s sovereignty to China in 1997, are mainly of conversation to this matter; these drive its citizens to be on their toes in attaining democratic reform.

Hong Kong protests are said to have started due to the proposed legislation of the region’s extradition bill, suggested for the establishment of a specified mechanism in transferring fugitives not only for Taiwan, but also for Mainland China, through “mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.”

The introduction of the bill caused widespread criticism among its citizens, in fear of the collapse of Hong Kong’s legal system and its integral protective measures against unjust judicial verdicts. Significantly, this fear can be interlinked to China’s permitted ability, through this bill, “to arrest voices of political dissent in Hong Kong.”

The Hong Kong government’s attitude on legislating the bill is believed to be the reason as to why the protests have grown in number.

The fear of losing rights, freedom, including the “high degree autonomy” that is being enjoyed by the Hong Kong citizens, further sparked the intensity of protests. The demand for universal suffrage as promised in Hong Kong’s de facto constitution, the Basic Law, escalated demonstrators’ clashes with the police, as well.

Central, the “business and retail heart of Hong Kong,” is where mass protests are regularly convened.

Aside from this, Shatin, Tsuenwan and Yuen Long, including government offices and police stations, according to Beth, are commonly the schemed places of demonstrations, as these are also the identified areas where people are frequently prohibited to enter.

“Kasi kadalasan ‘yan ang mga target ng rally. […]

Madaming protests sa Central area, kasi andu’n [ang] mga government offices. Then, Tsuenwan at Shatin area, kasi andu’n ang justice hall nila,” she added.

In the face of massive protests, aside from the rest of the Hong Kong natives, Filipino migrant workers are met with the difficulty to move as free and as at ease

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN as before. While rallies are continuously occurring transportation, like MRT, may nag-a-announce agad within the central business district of Hong Kong, na umalis o lumabas ‘yung mga Filipino o Indonesian OFWs as well as their families, are faced with the helper, para ‘di masaktan o madamay,” Beth complications of being amid an internal turmoil that supported. they will certainly not be of control.

As overseas workers are also of part to the totality “May time na kausap ko siya sa phone ta’s bigla of the Hong Kong citizenry, their view towards the ko na lang maririnig sa part niya na may parang mga course of this domestic malady, is of the sight that can police mobile,” Allaine imparted, when asked about bring light along the progression of its occurrence. the things she worries about, while her mother is As Beth intended to let know, many are bound to be situated in a place of frequent demonstrations. greatly affected with continued protests. “Madaming “Meron naman ‘yung magpapadala siya sa’kin mainland Chinese na may business dito ang nagsara [noon] ng pera for my allowance. [Magkausap kami at umuwi na sa kanila. Madami rin ang lumipat sa ng panahong ‘yon sa telepono], ta’s rinig ko talaga Singapore,” she emphasized. “Bumababa ang palitan ‘yung parang nagmamadali siya. […] Ang lapit daw ng peso to HK dollar,” she highlighted. kasi sa kaniya nu’ng mga nagpo-protest. Pinilit niya pa In the same way, she worries that she would be rin magpadala ta’s as soon as naihulog niya na ‘yung curtailed of the opportunity that she is now of tight hold. pera, umuwi na siya,” she added. Beth supported, “Maraming aalis dito na mga employer [at] marami “Mahirap pumunta sa mga lugar na may remittances, ang mawawalan [ng] work,” she told. “Siyempre […] so need mong gumawa ng paraan.” ‘pag nagsara [ang mga] kompanya nila, mawawalan Moreover, Beth brought emphasis to the specified sila ng work, wala na [ring] pangsahod sa’min, [kaya] limitations that the massive protests have caused, due mawawalan din kami [ng] work,” she detailed. to their prevalent execution.

Furthermore, Beth expressed, “Mahaba-haba pa ‘to “Limitado na ‘yung lugar na pwedeng puntahan, [at] (mass protests), kasi ‘di pa binibigay [ang] gusto nila may mga bawal na kulay sa pananamit. […] [May isang (demonstrators).” beses na] nasita ako [sa] MRT (Metro Rail Transit), As brought forward, mass protests have mainly kasi naka-itim ako,” she stated. Garments of black been driven of five key demands: the “implementation and white in color are what protesters usually wear of genuine universal suffrage; the withdrawal of in demonstrations, and in the the extradition bill; event of wearing such, one can official retraction of be a subject for being arrested. protests declared as According to the Department a form of riot; the of Labor and Employment, last cancellation of charges While rallies are continuously August, a Filipino worker was against protesters; occurring within the central arrested in Mong Kok, Hong and the “launch business district of Hong Kong for being suspected as of an independent Kong, OFWs as well as their one of the protesters. He was commission of inquiry wearing a black shirt when into matters relating to families, are faced with the the incident happened but he the anti-extradition bill complications of being amid an affirmed not being a part of any protests.” internal turmoil that they will movement.

While mass certainly not be of control “Saka bawal mag-mask. demonstrations are Ipinagbawal ‘yun, para makita still of occurrence [ang] mga mukha nu’ng mga within the margins of raliyista, lalo na ‘yung mga Hong Kong, domestic namumuno ba,” Beth further informed. workers like Beth, are still of determination to carry She also shared that the days made to be for rest, on with the journey as an OFW. As per the words of especially for domestic helpers like her, are affected her daughter, Allaine, Beth is of perseverance to as well. “Tapos ‘yung ‘pag nag-off (day off) ka, conquer everything, for her children. “Sa mga pagmagmamadali ka[ng] umuwi, kasi makikita mo sa uusap namin, wala siyang nababanggit na gusto niya kalsada ‘yung [mga] nagra-rally,” Beth supported. na[ng] umuwi, dahil sa [mga] kaganapan doon. Ang Nevertheless, the migrant worker affirmed that, “‘Di lagi niyang sinasabi: kakayanin niya ang lahat para pa naman apektado ang Filipino community dito, in makapagtapos kami, kahit ga’no pa ito kahirap,” general. Kasi ‘di naman nagkukulang ang Consulate Allaine remarked. OFWs, of the manifested resolute dito sa pagpapaalala na mag-ingat at ‘wag makialam character they are of hold, serve as a wellspring of sa usaping politika dito.” grit and resolve, as they make their roles lived in spite She further imparted that the said office is constantly of the challenges that they are made to encounter; notifying the schedules of demonstrations and the may it be getting terminated, being made to starve, or areas of their convention, through its Facebook page, having to be amid an internal turmoil.

Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.

“Saka kapag may mga rally or komusiyon man sa

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ALS: A Second Chance in Life and Learning for Out-of-School Youth and Adults STORY BY CHRISTELLE O. ONG

Among the multiplicity of classrooms in Nabua Central Pilot School (NCPS), is one that can be found along a narrow pathway, behind the school’s gymnasium. Inside, a few number of chairs and a couple of instructional materials can be seen, including a collection of printed quotations attached to the wall, with a particular one that reads, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

This aphorism of Clive Staples Lewis, could probably sum up the entirety of what this room is of significance and what it exists to be realized with.

But one thing is certain—within its atmosphere, hopes and dreams are once more, lived.

“Nabibigyan ako [nito] ng pag-asa. […] Kailangan kong maipagpatuloy ‘yung pangarap ko na naputol noon na makapagtapos, dahil kulang sa pera.

Sa edad kong ‘to nabibigyan ako ng pag-asa na makakuha ng diploma para kung sakali makahanap ng mas medyo maganda-ganda na ring trabaho para sa mga anak ko,” stated Mary Joyce (not her real name), 30 years old, an Alternative Learning System (ALS) learner of Nabua East, attending classes in NCPS. Recent statistics indicate that about 3.7 million youth aged 16-24 and 3.1 million adults aged 24-30 did not complete junior high school and are out of school. Of the determination to recommence her dream of getting a hold of a diploma, Mary Joy decided to give a free rein to the past that she once belonged to as she disengaged herself to the reality of these figures.

WHAT IS ALS?

According to Dona Crestea I. Yaguel, Nabua East ALS implementer, similar to the goals Mary Joy is of hold, are the determinants that ALS is of foothold in providing a helpful option to those who were once or many times curtailed of the opportunity and are not capable of attending formal education, but are of profound eagerness to finish studies.

Nabua East of its delivered ALS implementation, as detailed by Yaguel, caters to out-of-school youth and adults who have not had a chance to complete their elementary and secondary education. Initially, they are provided of accorded learning strands through the Basic Literacy Program (BLP). “‘Yung BLP, [covers] undergrad students na elementary and secondary, na hindi marunong magbasa, […] o hindi marunong sa numbers,” Yaguel stated. “Hindi ‘yun imposible dito, kasi ang iba nagsasabi na naka-grade six, ang iba nagsasabi na naka-first year high school, pero ‘pag ako na [ang] nag-assess, hindi marunong magbasa, hindi marunong sa numbers, kaya magfo-fall down sila sa BLP,” she added.

With regular meetings which are convened every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday, learners are given of the opportunity to attend learning sessions of agreement to their availability, as many of them are already working, or are looking after their children. They, however, are in need to be of two to three records of attendance every week, based on the arranged schedule with their learning facilitator. “Gusto nilang makatapos […] kaya ginagawan ng paraan para makapasok,” Yaguel put forth.

A HIGHER NOTCH Furthermore, after finishing the program, learners are then assessed if they have already acquired the integral concepts of which they will be in need of as they undergo the Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) test, which will indicate their passage towards attaining a diploma, in either the elementary or secondary level.

A&E, as the national examination of ALS, determines if a student can already be promoted in junior or senior high school (SHS). To take into account, prior to 2013, learners can already enroll to vocational courses or apply to college degrees once they have already passed the examination

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN as high school students, however, from 2014 onwards, due to the shared that most of the learners under her supervision, are either implementation of the K to 12 curriculum, A&E test passers may decide hampered of their occupation or are too timid to attend classes. “Mostly to enroll in the SHS level. kasi nahihiyang pumasok, kaya minsan pinupuntahan ko na sa bahay “Sa ngayon, ALS 2.0 na kami. Dati ‘pag naka-graduate ka na ng high para du’n turuan,” she added. school, pwede ka nang mag-enroll ng TechVoc [courses], ng college Moreover, Albert Estallo, a BLW of Barangay Lourdes Young, bachelor degrees. Ngayon hindi na. May Grades 11 and 12 na kami,” emphasized that it is necessary to be at place to where ALS learners Yaguel emphasized. reflect their selves to, as through this, they will feel more understood Upon completion of the SHS level, ALS learners who will pass the A&E and more close to realizing their essence as individuals. examination will receive a government credential that can facilitate to “Sinusuot mo rin ‘yung sapatos nila, para maramdaman mo ‘yung their access of higher education, vocational or technological trainings, […] kinatatayuan nila. […] Kasi kung hindi, ‘di mo sila maiintindihan,” and holistic employment he stated. prospects.

As per Yaguel, it is not only the students whom gain lessons, Moreover, ALS is also of in this endeavour, as the roles they have eventually found in a program that promotes this platform, turned to be of significant part to the realization livelihood, as it certifies its of their purpose, as well. “Ang mga BLW may kaniya-kaniya Serving to the ‘least, the lost, learners with a sustainable silang kuwento. May kaniya-kaniya kaming [mga] kuwento. and the deprived’, ALS is of means of generating income, Nagkakatagpo, na natututo kami sa kanila (ALS learners), at commitment to reach as many even to those whom are already natututo rin sila sa’min,” Yaguel emphasized. “Mas maraming out-of-school individuals to of a permanent day job. nangangailangan sa akin [dito] kaysa du’n sa four walls na fifty better bridge them to countless Informal Education (InfEd), lang kada taon. Dito, imagine, 214 ngayong taon, last year 132, as one of the programs under lahat ‘yun nata-touch ang buhay ko, at buhay nila,” she added. opportunities.

ALS, provides short-termed Yaguel, moreover, imparted that ALS has a key role in the courses in driving, electronics, development of the learners’ outlook and attitude towards life. welding, bread and pastry, and “Dito sa ALS, hindi lang basic education ang binibigay namin, cosmetology. pinaparamdam namin sa kanila na ‘yung buhay nila kailangan “‘Yung InfEd, every Sunday ‘yun. 16 Sundays, most probably ‘yung nilang pahalagahan,” the ALS implementer stated. “Buhay ang pinagmga courses. […] Pwedeng mag-enroll ang mga nasa in-school, college uusapan dito, hindi sa loob ng classroom, kundi buhay sa labas. Kung level, professionals, teachers,” Yaguel highlighted. “Bread and Pastry […] pa’no mahaharap ang mga challenges ng life, dito ‘yun sa ALS,” is NC II. So for national certificate, ang iba, teachers talaga ang nageshe supported. enroll. ‘Yung iba naman nasa level ng college [at] gustong matutong Many of us have already given up in life; many of us have already mag-negosyo about bread ang pastry,” she supplied. stopped chasing for the dreams we have carefully curated alongside our vision of the stars; and many of us have already surrendered to what the OF PATH TO RENEWED HOPES AND DREAMS society has shaped us into, but what ALS intends to partake of place to The ALS implementer, on the other hand, imparted how the program these particular viewpoints, can be looked at in retrospect to obtains a certain number of learners, and how the learners find their several words Yaguel has imparted, “Kahit ‘yung age way back to the track of their dreams that they were once impeded to nila, halimbawa elementary […] at 30 years walk to. old, nandu’n ‘yung eagerness na “Nagma-mapping kami, literacy mapping. […] Para kaming census; makatapos. So ‘pag nakapasa sila [nagba]bahay-bahay, tatanungin namin kung sinong naka-graduate at [sa A&E examination, at] nakatapos, sino yung hindi. ‘Yung hindi tatanungin namin kung interesadong magmagkakaroon sila ng bright future. enroll sa ALS. So kung interesado, prospective learner na namin ‘yun,” In what way? Kasi may diploma sila.

Yaguel stated. […] ‘Yun ‘yung pinanghahawakan In Nabua East, as the ALS implementer stated, there are more or less nila, na magkakaroon sila ng 214 learners who have enrolled in the program, for the current school diploma.” year. These are from the municipality’s 18 identified barangays of inclusive Community Learning Centers (CLCs).

“From January 1, to December 31, pwede kaming magaccept ng enrollment. So, anywhere, wala kaming pinipiling place, wala kaming pinipiling holidays […] wala kaming pinipiling edad, […] mayaman o mahirap, basta gustong mag-aral, ina-accept ng ALS,” Yaguel emphasized.

Serving to the “least, the lost, and the deprived,” ALS is of commitment to reach as many out-of-school individuals to better bridge them to countless opportunities. With this, through the Provincial Ordinance Number 35 series of 2018, Barangay Literacy Workers (BLWs) were made to immerse in communities, in order to administer learning sessions.

“May mga nakakabasa na, marunong nang mag fill-up ng form, nakaka-intindi na ng mga direction and instruction from the teacher,” Marichelle T. Carina, a BLW of barangay San Jose, stated, when asked about what she is of observance amid the implementation of the program to their barangay.

Carina, however,

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STORY BY CHRISTINE T. ASTIBE

W

hen asked to name someone who is particularly good at a certain skill, people usually resort to naming famous people. We are quick to praise celebrities and internet sensations for their talents. Millions of people form dedicated fanbases to a single person or group they don’t even know personally. Celebrities earn tons of money and live lives of luxury because of it. But we tend to forget that talent can be found literally anywhere, not just on television or on social media.

He is known around town for his portrait drawings, and is sometimes spotted working on his art in the town proper. Once, he was even spotted sketching away at a waiting shed near the CSPC gate. It has been two years since he started selling his portraits in Nabua.

“I don’t charge very high, kasi naisip ko, kung 500, nag-iisip pa sila.” Lolo Nadong charges according to how many faces he has to draw, with a rate of 250 pesos each face. This is cheap compared to other artists who charge double the price or even more. His usual materials are a one-eighth illustration board and different types of pencils. Although he always had an interest, he only ever really started his art journey somewhere in his 40’s. “Nagsimula ako mga late na, mga kwarenta na ako. Pero otsenta na ako ngayon!” Because of almost four decades of creating art, he has lost count of how many sketches and paintings he has made so far.

He took up a one-year course on commercial arts in Manila. “Mahirap. Papasok ako ng alas singko, uuwi ng alas nuebe ng gabi. Pero masaya.” After graduating top of his class, he started work at Papua New Guinea. He spent 21 years working there. His main mode of art then was painting. Lolo Nadong experienced painting signboards and even trucks used for advertising certain products. He also sold his art there, to stores and people. It was also in Papua New Guinea where he married his wife.

From selling paintings then, he sells portraits now.

Lolo Nadong went viral in a post last year when he was photographed trying to give Coco Martin his portrait of him. Many netizens were amazed by his talent and also wanted Coco to receive the gift. It turns out, Lolo Nadong made it backstage but couldn’t make it close enough to give his gift. Eventually, his gift reached Coco when one of the staff took the portrait and gave it to the celebrity. For a brief moment,

Sometime in late April 2019, hundreds of people started rushing to the town’s municipal hall, all trying to catch at least a glimpse of a television star. A mix of young and old are comparing how he looks in person as to when on television. Teenagers have their phones up, struggling to take pictures to post on their social media accounts.

But, that same day, a post started to go viral. Photos of an old man, clutching a piece of illustration board loosely wrapped in plastic, who stood at that same municipal hall, spread through social media. On the illustration board he was holding was a sketched portrait of the celebrity that he drew himself. All that Lolo wanted to do, was to gift his work of art to the celebrity who was onstage. And this old man was Lolo Nadong.

Fructuoso Nadong, sometimes called Lolo Prox, is an 81-year-old artist who lives in Topas, Nabua. He lives with his wife and twin grandsons. His only daughter now works as a nurse in Dubai. Lolo Nadong was born to a family of 13 siblings, but shared that he was the only one born with artistic talent. He is a simple man who is still quite strong for his age, with a white mustache, beard and a wonderful sense of humor.

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doesn’t have a client. From people in magazines, to couples on wedding invitations, he enjoys drawing them all. And with these drawings, there are always amusing stories to them. “I enjoy it. Enjoy ako dito sa ginagawa ko.

Kapalit ng bisyo. Halimbawa, may bisyo kang alak o barkada, sugal, dito ka na lang. Maganda, parang libangan ko na rin.”

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the television star stuck his head out a car window and thanked Lolo Nadong for his gift. Ever since that viral post, Lolo Nadong has gotten many more requests for portraits. And because of this, he was thankful.

Aside from art, he also has a knack for music. Lolo Nadong can play the piano, which is another skill only he had in his family. In fact, he used to play piano in church when he worked abroad. He even tried playing piano at a hotel with a saxophone player, but only lasted a month because of the poor pay. But Lolo Nadong laughed during the interview as he recalled the experience because of the fond memories that were with it.

There is more to Lolo Nadong than just his art, though. “Taong simbahan yan!”, his wife proudly told us. “Pagsisimba lang ang bisyo niyan.” She told us of how early he’d leave to go to church.

Lolo Nadong also incorporate his faith to his art. Whenever he has a hard time with a particular piece of art he is making, he pauses to ask God for guidance. It is also God to whom he thanks for his gift in drawing. “Sa tingin ko, it’s a gift from God, kasi may kapansanan ako. Pilay ako. Ngayon, siguro si Lord, binigyan ako ng talent.”

Gardening is another hobby for Lolo Prox. He used to plant pineapples, bananas, and okra when he was younger. However, he is unable to carry on this hobby now because of his old age.

Drawing is more than a hobby for Lolo Nadong; it is his way of life. He enjoys drawing so much that he looks for something to draw even when he

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Habang nabubuhay ako, gusto ko mag-drawing.

For the 40 years he’s been creating art, Lolo Nadong has never grown tired of it. In fact, when asked when he thinks he’ll stop drawing, he answered, “Habang nabubuhay ako, gusto ko mag-drawing.”

Although we may see the fruits of people’s talent on television or online, there are individuals around us who deserve the same praise and appreciation for their talents. These people are those who continue to develop their skills not for fame, but because they are doing what they love.

Lolo Nadong’s advice? “Kung may talent kayo na ibinigay ni Lord, i-develop niyo na. ‘Wag [kayo] mahihiya o madiscourage. Kahit sa primero, may mga discouragements, [...] ganu’n rin ako dati, eh. Pero keep going pa rin.”

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tum Leap: A Story of Boldness STORY BY MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA

Oftentimes, we see both success and failure as terrifying as na sa SUC, kailangan hindi ka lang magtuturo. […] kasi we have it is. We are hesitant of moving forward, because we might face four full functions, which is the Instruction, Research, Extension, whether the dead end or the road to sustain. While the inside of our and Production,” Sir Harold said. beings still want to take the risk and walk through it, it seems like His dedication to what he named as his first love —teaching, has there is this friction that keep us stoned from taking a step. Some grown stronger day by day that he embraced it by honing himself would choose to take it easy and temper themselves slowly until through research. Sir Harold had published a total of 6 researches. they outdo the force. But, others would take with them the will and Some of these researches have reached the international arena for bravery to continuously resist until it breaks and find themselves research. In fact his latest paper “Development of International raising their hand with a close fist shouting “I already did it!”

Curricula for the Master of Engineering Programs Using the CDIO Perfect example of someone being this bold is Professor Harold Framework” was published at International Journal of Engineering Jan F. Terano, an engineer, a teacher, and a researcher of Camarines Pedagogy. He shared that these were made possible by his Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). Sir Harold, as what he is fondly enthusiam of doing research. called by his colleagues and students, is a 31-year-old native from “Ang research kasi takes passion. Para makapag-research ka, San Vicente Ogbon, Nabua, Camarines Sur. He is the second son kailangang ma-accept mo muna sa sarili mo na gusto mo rin talaga of the five children of Gregorio and Julieta Terano. This assiduous mag-research.” lad has been labeled as the youngest Professor 1, Besides being a confirmed by the Philippine Association of State research producer, Universities and Colleges (PASUC). Not only was he he is also an author. promoted at such a young age, he also overpassed 12 Four books published ranks, as he advanced from Instructor 1 to Professor 1.

by Lambert Academy ‘Go lang. There’s no harm “A quantum leap,” they call it.

Publishing from Germany were authored in trying.’ Kalaban mo The Beginning of the Leap by him while one was After his secondary education, Sir Harold planned to co-authored. He also lang talaga ang sarili mo. take up Bachelor of Science in Information Technology practices refereeing (BSIT) at CSPC. His mother, Julieta, on the other hand, as member of the encouraged him to take an engineering course, which editorial board of seven ended up being BS in Electronics and Communications publishers from other Engineering (BSECE). Being an obedient child that he countries such as India, is, he agreed with his mother’s persuasion.

USA, and Spain. He is During his early years in college, he shared that like any other the former Extension Coordinator of the College of Engineeering student, he was also stressed and worried because of the pile and to date leveled up as Research Director of the College. of requirements to be accomplished together with difficult math With all these engagements, one would wonder how he manages subjects to pass. But a teacher’s advice never left his mind from the to do all these. Sir Harold articulated, ”Dedication lang talaga sa moment he heard of it. work.”

“Na-encourage talaga ako na mag-aral, dahil sa isa kong teacher.

Sabi nya sa’min noon, during their college life daw, hindi sila From Leap to Reap pumapasok sa klase na meron silang naiiwan na math problems, na Because of his determination to fulfill what he believes his hindi pa naso-solve, para ready talaga daw sila pagpasok sa klase. purpose in life is, he has able to reap the fruits of his labor. He was ‘Yun ang na ano [realize] ko talaga, na kailangan mag-practice in able to inspire his colleagues that would, from time to time, tease solving math problems. Kailangan lang talaga ng practice.” him as their “lodi” in the institution.

From 120 students of two sections of their batch, only 27 “Nakaka-inspire siya. Sa kanya ko na-realize na you should graduated on 2010. He was able to hurdle the requirements and not just wait for your time, but at the same time work hard while subjects that he was stressing out—a survivor. He then took up waiting,” Engr. Rowel Ramos, engineering faculty, said. methods of teaching at the University of Saint Anthony (USANT) and He may had self-doubts, fears, and pressure, all trying to wreck finished it on 2012 to do what he is passionate about—teaching. his ambition, but he conquered it by believing in himself more with the support of the people around him.

Professor in the making “During the accreditation sa’min, magi-interview na, natatakot In 2011, after earning his bachelor’s degree, he started teaching na ako noon, grabe ang kaba ko. ‘Yun na ata ang pinakanakakatakot part-time at Bicol University Polangui Campus alongside University na sitwasyon sa buhay ko: ang pagharap ko sa panel. […] Pero ang of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) and CSPC. Teaching as part- sabi ng mother ko sa’kin, ‘go lang. There’s no harm in trying.’ […] time instructor in the three Colleges, he still finished his Master in Kalaban mo lang talaga ang sarili mo.”

Engineering Technology year 2014. That is when CSPC absorbed With his thirst for self-improvement anchored with consistent him as Instructor 1. In five years span, he was able to grasp the hard work, he is now savoring the results. His dauntlessness in competition in his new environment, not among his colleagues, aspiring for something bigger, bigger than he has ever dreamed of, but against himself. Before he achieved the professoral rank, he bore fruits and will still vine overflowing persistently. engaged himself into research and extension services. “ From the start na ma-regular ako dito [sa CSPC], na-realize ko

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“I

benta mo ang iyong puri… o maghirap at mamatay sa gutom? Mamili ka.”

natulala at balisa, sinara ang bibig at hindi na umimik pa… hindi niya alam ang dapat na madama.

Nakipaghiwalay ang kanyang ina sa tatay niya matapos nitong malaman ang nangyari. Bagama’t nais nilang makamtan ang hustisya, wala silang nagawa, sapagkat salat sila sa pera. Kaya inilayo na lamang siya ng kaniyang ina patungong probinsya.

Subalit ang akala niyang makakapagpalimot sa isang bangungot, isa lamang palang ilusyon.

Dise otso—siya’y namasukan bilang kasambahay at natanggap lamang dahil kaibigan ng kanyang ina ang amo. Subalit, muli siyang napagsamantalahan ng anak nito na siyang sanhi upang mabuo ang sanggol sa kanyang sinapupunan. Siya’y hindi pinanindigan at pinagbantaan pa na papatayin kapag nagsalita tungkol sa nangyari. Kaya muling sa sarili kinimkim ang bigat ng katotohanan. Katotohanang hustisya’y di makakamtan kung ika’y mahirap lamang.

Ito ang nagsilbing mitsa upang tangkain niyang wakasan ang sariling buhay.

Isang araw, Siya’y nagpasya at handa nang ibitin ang leeg sa likod ng kanilang tahanan. Sa kabutihang palad, nakita siya ng kaniyang ina at nagkumahog na iligtas siya. Dahil sa kaniyang ina, nagpakatatag siya. Kaya matapos isilang ang kaniyang anak, nagsumikap siyang makahanap ng disenteng trabaho. Subalit, dahil hindi siya nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral, walang nais na tumanggap sa kaniya. Kaya… upang buhayin lamang ang kaniyang pamilya… nagpasya siyang magbenta ng sariling laman.

“Ano pang pu-protektahan ko? Eh, nakuha na ‘ko ng iba,” iyan sa isip niya, kaya hindi nag-atubiling ibenta ang sarili para sa perang panustos ng pamilya.

Bigla siyang bumalik sa kasalukuyan. Tinatakpan ang kahubaran habang nakaupo sa may higaan.

“Masarap ka,” sambit ng kanyang kliyente habang inaabot sa kaniya ang bayad.

“Syempre! Ako pa!” kanyang tugon.

Subalit sa likod ng kaniyang isip, siya’y diring-diri sa sarili. Pero hindi dapat mag-inarte, dahil hindi pa sapat… kailangang kailangan niya ng pera... Pangkain ng pamilya at gamot ng kaniyang ina. Natapos ang gabi na siya’y naka-lima. Bale isang libong piso lahat ang nalikom niya.

Tinangka niyang magbagong buhay… Subalit, mundo’y sadyang mapanghusga. Sinubukan niyang muling maghanap ng mapagtatrabahuhang malayo sa pait ng nakaraan… subalit… sino nga ba ang kukuha sa isang babaeng walang pinag-aralan? Malala… isang prostitute pa sa daan. May mga nagsabing: “bakit hindi ka mamasukan bilang kasambahay? Mas marangal pa. Ang arte arte kasi.” Napakadaling sabihin, subalit mahirap gawin. “Anong magagawa ko? Ang tanging mayroon ako ay katawan ko. Mas mabuti na ito kesa magnakaw at manloko. Ayos lang malosyang basta’t may pangkain ang pamilya ko. Lunukin ang puri o maghirap at mamatay sa gutom? Mamili ka…” mga katagang tanging pinanghahawakan niya upang mabuhay, kaya sa dating gawain hindi na umalis pa. Subalit kasabay ng mga katagang ito, siya’y umaasa na makaalis sa ganitong uri ng pamumuhay.

“Ilang lalaki nalang… hihinto na ako,” pabulong niyang sambit sa hangin.

Mapait na nakaraan… masakit na kasalukuyan… hindi

Unti-unti niyang iminulat ang kanyang mga mata… mabagal na mabagal… nag-unat, humikab, siniyasat ang sarili gamit ang malalantik na daliri. Itinali ang buhok, hinagod, mula sentido pababa sa leeg hanggang sa mga paa. Siya’y may katawang may hubog kurba, kutis na makinis na malaporselana, mayroong mapupungay na mata. Siya si Pamela, edad: dalawampu’t isa.

Sa isang tirahang pinagtagpi-tagping yero, umiiyak ang tatlong taong gulang na anak niya. Tiyan nila ay kumakalam pareho, ngunit ang tanging maipapainom niya sa kanya, tubig mula sa pinagsaingang sasangkapat na kilo. Napatahan niya itong saglit at kapagdaka’y pinatulog nang mahimbing. “Gumagabi na pala…” ani niya sa sarili. Saka niya ibinilin sa nanay na may sakit, ang natutulog na supling. Wala siyang asawa, at tanging sila lamang ng anak at ina roon nakatira.

Tinungo niya ang banyo… naligo, nagbihis ng mapusok saka nagsipilyo… sabay labas ng mga makeup at pabango… sa kapirasong salamin, nag-ayos, nagkilay, nagkolorete… saka sambit: “handa na ‘ko.”

Handang ibenta ang sarili…

Sa kalye Magsaysay, sa ilalim ng puting ilaw, doon siya pumapara at nag-aabang… oras ay malamig at nakakasulasok ang usok ng mga dumaraang sasakyan… sa wakas may huminto… lalaking nakaramdam ng tawag ng laman.

Sa bintana siya’y dumungaw. Kasabay ng titig na malagkit at mapusok—siya’y kinikilatis.

“Kuya, 200 lang…”

“Sige, saan?” tugon ng lalaking siya’y hinintuan.

Sagot niya’y kahit saan.

Sa isang malapit na motel doon sila nagtungo. Kahit sa damdami’y kaba ang nangingingibabaw, adhikaing magkapera ang sa isip niya’y higit namuno. Habang ipinagagamit niya ang kaniyang katawan at siya’y hinahalik-halikan, biglang bumabalik ang alaala ng nakaraan.

Edad: labing-apat, Pook: Maynila, Oras: ala una ng hapon (May kumakatok) Pinagbuksan ni Pamela ang kumakatok sa pinto. Ito ang kanyang tiyo Ramon, edad: tatlumpo.

“Asan mga magulang mo?”

“Wala po” wika ni Pamela.

“Ah… ibinilin ka kasi sa’kin ng tatay mo.”

Tumuloy siya sa kanilang bahay at pinatulog siya ng tiyo niya sa kwarto. Ilang saglit pa, sumunod ang kanyang tiyo sa kwarto at saka siya hinalay.

Ilang araw ang nagdaan na parati siyang balisa… makailang ulit ding tinangkang isumbong ang nangyari sa kaniya. Hanggang sa masambit niya isang araw sa kanyang ama ang tungkol sa nangyari.

Subalit sa pag-aakalang kakampihan sya ng kaniyang ama, siya’y nanlumo nang sinabi nito na: “Naglalambing lang ang tiyo mo.”

“Seryoso, lambing!? Tapos pinasukan ng ano! P*ta!”

Saka niya lamang nalaman… Siya pala’y ibinenta… ibinenta ng sarili niyang ama… kapalit ng droga. Siya’y

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tiyak na hinaharap… Sa tanikala ng kahirapan, patuloy Ayon sa Havocscope naman, tagapagbigay ng datos siyang kumakapit sa patalim... patuloy nabubuhay sa mula sa black market, sa isang aklat noong 2015 na kahihiyan ngunit para sa sarili, nagsisinungaling na may pamagat na Prostitution: Prices and statistics of the tanggap ng lipunan.

Global Sex trade, higit 180 bilyong dolyar ang ginagasto Ito ang kwento ni Pamela… ang babaeng bayaran na kada taon para dito sa buong mundo. At sa Pilipinas, ating hinuhusgahan, dahil sa tanging paraan na alam niya ayon sa kanila, ay mayroong nasa 800,000 na prostitute. upang buhayin ang kaniyang pamilya. Isang kalapating Walong daang libo. hindi makawala sa kaniyang hawla, sapagkat malalim ang Walong daang libong indibidwal na napilitang ilako ang pagkakabaon ng pangil ng prostitusyon sa kaniya. sarili dahil sa kahirapan.

May ilang nagsasabing pinili niya na maging Walong daang libong indibidwal na tinatawag na salot prostitute—sariling pasya. Subalit, angkop nga ba ang ng lipunan ng ilan. ganitong mga salita? O marahil hindi. Sapagkat ang Masisisi ba natin sila? Hindi. Sapagkat hindi nila pinili pinakamakapaglalarawan sa prostitusyon ay ang piniling na maging prostitute. Napilitan lamang sila. Napilitan. pagpipilian ng mga taong salat sa pagpipilian. Isa si Hindi sila makahanap ng normal na trabaho, kasi walang Pamela sa mga taong iyon kaya humantong sa paggamit gustong tumangggap sa kanila. Wala silang ibang ng tanging bagay na mayroon siya—pagbebenta ng pagpipilian, kasi iyon na lang ang natitira sa kanila. Kung sariling katawan. mahusgahan pa sila, tingin Buhat sa nakaraang natin napakarumi nila. Mapalad sekswal na pangtayong mayroon tayong aabusong karanasan normal na buhay na malayo sa kanyang kabataan, sa kanila. Bagama’t may ilang nagsilbi itong pugad itinuturing na trabaho ang upang mamuo sa utak prostitusyon, ang stress level niya na wala na siyang na nakukuha nila ay kapantay [...] Piniling pagpipilian ng puri na dapat ingatan. lamang ng mga nararanasan mga taong salat sa pagpipilian Ito’y buhat na rin sa ng mga sundalo sa giyera. kaisipan ng karamihan Karaniwan nang makaranas ng [...]—pagbebenta ng sariling na ang dangal at post traumatic stress disorder katawan. puri ng kababaihan at mga venereal disease ang ay matatagpuan sa mga prostitute. Lapitin sila kaniyang katawan. sa karahasan. Marami ang Subalit, mali! Sino ba ang records ng mga prostitute naglagay ng dignidad na sinasaktan at inaabuso— ng tao sa kaniyang ari? pinapatay.

Minsan pa’y Na kapag nagahasa ba hindi binabayaran. Madalas, ay nawalan na siya ng puri? Hindi! Ang iyong dangal ay itinuturing pang kasangkapan lamang. Karamihan sa ang iyong mabuting kaisipan. Iyon ang iyong puri. Kaya kanila’y nakakakuha ng mga sakit tulad ng HIV at iba inilagay ang utak sa pinakamataas na bahagi ng katawan pang STD. sapagkat siya ay ikaw.

Paano ba masusulusyonan ito? Masusulusyunan ito Karaniwan sa mga kababaihang nasasadlak sa sa pamamagitan ng pagputol ng demand ng pagbebenta ganitong uri ng propesyon ay mga walang wala sa ng pakikipagtalik. Ang sinumang magbabayad para lipunan, walang makain, walang magulang, at walang sa sex ay dapat maparusahan. At ang mga prostitute matirahan. Samakatuwid—kahirapan. Naaatim nila ang naman ay huhulihin para tulungang maka-recover upang kahihiyan bunsod ng labis na kakulangan. makapamuhay ng normal. Ito ang paraan ng Sweden at Ang mga prostitute ay may tatlong uri: 1.) mga babae naging mabisa. Subalit sa Pilipinas, tila hindi ito akma, sa bahay-aliwan na kinukontrol ng mga bugaw, 2.) mga dahil sa kultura ng pagiging mapanghusga. babaeng nagtratrabaho bilang dancer (na sumasayaw Kung nais nating mapigilan ang prostitusyon, nang walang saplot) o guest relations officer na nasa kailangan nating lumikha ng isang lipunang angkop ilalim ng pamamahala ng may-ari ng pinagtratrabahuhan pamuhayan ng iba’t ibang uri ng tao—isang lipunang nilang bahay-aliwan, at 3.) mga tinaguriang freelancers hindi mapanghusga at hindi tumitingin sa nakaraan ng na nagtratrabaho sa mga lansangan upang personal na iba, bagkus ay sa oprtunidad na magbago para sa sarili at maghanap ng mga customer o mga kliyente. ikabubuti nila. Sa ganoong paraan, magpupumiglas ang Si Pamela’y nahanay sa pinakahuling uri. Isa lamang mga naturang kaladkarin mula sa kani-kanilang hawla siya sa higit 40 milyon na prostitute na nagtratrabaho para sa kinabukasan nila. sa buong mundo ayon sa report mula sa Foundations Sa ilalim ng puting ilaw na pinipwestuhan. Naroon Scelles (via Le Figaro), kung saan 3/4 parte nito ay nasa kaya? Nag-abang? Nag-antay? Handa? Isang gabi lang edad sa pagitan ng 13 at 25. Akala niyo ba babae lamang naman sa mapaklang kaligayahan, eh, pero oo nga pala… ang prostitute? Pati lalaki mayroon din. Sa 40 milyong umulan kagabi. nabanggit, 80% nito ay babae.

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The SPARK | LATHALAIN

55

U.S.O.G The SPARK | LATHALAIN

Sa mundong iyong ginagalawan, may mga matang mapagmasid, mga bagay na hindi maipaliwanag, at mga pangyayaring hindi inaasahan.

Ayon sa paniniwala ng matatanda, mayroong mga elementong hindi natin nakikita na nagdadala ng masamang hangin at nakapagdudulot ng karamdaman na kung tawagin ay usog.

Spell, USOG! U- Ugat

Ang “Usog”, “Hinsuokan” o “Bales” na mas kilala natin dito bilang “Sibang” ay isang pamahiin na kung saan kapag ang isang sanggol ay binati o pinuri ng isang estranghero na nagtataglay ng masamang mata, siya ay mauusog.

Laganap ang paniniwalang ito mula Luzon hanggang Mindanao. Makablawan ang tawag dito ng mga Ilokano, mantala sa mga Benguet Igorot, gahoy sa Mindoro, Nabati sa Tagalog, tiyaw sa mga tao sa Iloilo, buyag sa mga Cebuano, at pasu simid sa mga Muslim Tausug.

Kung sa Pilipinas ay may usog, mayroon ding tinatawag na Mal de Ojo o evil eye ang Espanya. Ayon dito, nagtataglay ng malakas na kapangyarihan ang titig o ngiti ng isang tao at naililipat ito sa sinumang mahinang indibidwal na sanggol o babae.

Galing Espanya, tumungo naman tayo sa Mexico. Sila ay may Hot and Cold Theory, na kung saan, dapat panatiliing balanse ang temperatura ng kanilang katawan. Sinasabi sa teoryang ito na mabuti ang kundisyon ng isang tao kapag parehas lamang ang elemento ng tubig at init. Nagagamot ang nilalang na ‘yon kapag sinalungat ang kanilang karamdaman. Halimbawa, kung ang sakit mo ay init, dapat mo itong kontrahin ng lamig.

Mayroong isa pang paniniwala na pwedeng maihalintulad din sa pamahiin

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ng usog. Ito ay ang yin-yang ng mga sinaunang tao sa Tsina.

Ang yin ay sumisimbolo ng babae at mga negatibong elemento gaya ng kawalan, kadiliman, at kalamigan. Ang yang naman ay para sa lalaki at mga positibong elemento katulad ng kabuuan, kaliwanagan, at kainitan.

“Galin iton sa mga tawong di nababayad. Ku unang panahon, nililipat an kanato ku mga itom para mag-iba kita kanda...” (Galing ‘yan sa mga taong hindi natin nakikita. Noong unang panahon, ipinapasa yan sa atin ng mga itim para sumama tayo sa kanila...), ani Manang Clarita, isang alburayo sa Nabua na kung tawagin ay caling.

Dagdag pa niya, may tatlong uri ng sibang—galing sa patay, sa mga elementong ‘di natin nakikita at ang pinakamadalas ay ‘yung bigla ka na lang manghihina na galing naman sa ibang tao. “…Halimbawa ako, may sibang tapos parehas tayong gutom. Nag-usap tayo tapos pag alis ko, tatamaan ka na rin.”

Sa panggagamot niya sa loob ng dalawampu’t walong taon, sinasabi na halos araw-araw sa isang linggo may nagpapagamot sa kaniya na ‘di umano’y na-sibang.

G.

The SPARK | LATHALAIN

S- Sintomas

krus sa tiyan at pusod nito.

Malunggay-- Ang maliit na sanga ng malunggay ay tinatapik nang “’Yung hilong hilo talaga ako as in tapos super sukang suka. mahina sa likod ng taong na-usog.

Nanlalamig din buong katawan ko tapos parang namimilipit ang Nganga-- Ito ay gawa sa apog, tabakong intsik, dahon ng litlit at tiyan.” ani Grace, (‘di niya tunay na pangalan) isang estudyanteng areca nuts na siyang ginagamot ng mga albularyo na pampahid sa nakaranas na ng sibang. katawan.

Isa ring karanasan mula kay Vera Marie Decembrada, “Sobrang Sabi ng albularyong si Caling, dahil galing sa baho ang Sibang, lamig ng tenga ko noon, namumutla at nanghihina rin ang katawan.” kailangan mabaho rin ang pangontra. “…Ana bulong kiton, bawang Maraming pwedeng maranasan ang isang taong na-usog. Sinasabi saka calamansi na binudburan sa asin o kaya malunggay.” […Ang na maaaring siya ay magkaroon ng kabag, panlalamig ng tenga, gamot niyan, bawang tsaka calamansi na binudburan ng asin o kaya mamutla, mahilo, sumakit ang tiyan, mawalan ng ganang kumain, malunggay.] at kapag matindi talaga ang pagka-usog, maaari rin itong ikamatay Ayon pa sa kanya, pwedeng gawing first aid ang malunggay kung hindi agad maagapan dulot ng pagsusuka at panghihina ng at madre cacao. Pwede rin na magpausok gamit ang insenso’t iyong katawan. kamangyan o di kaya nama’y pahiran ang katawan ng dinurog na Kapag ikaw ay nakaranas ng ganung mga sintomas, tumakbo ka bawang at calamansi. na sa pinakamalapit na albularyo upang malaman kung na-usog ka Usog Pamahiin, dadaan ang Siyensiya. ba o hindi.

“Take both sides. Respect tradition and at the same time, go with Pero ano kaya ang kanilang mga ginagawa upang malaman kung science.” iyan ang sinabi ng Direktor ng Health and Environmental na-usog ka nga?

Management Services ng CSPC na si Mr. Jerome M. Francia, sa panayam ng The Spark.

O- Orasyon “Bilang health worker, ako ay naniniwala na ‘yan ay kailangang i-manage symptomatically [‘yung sibang] pero wala namang masama Kung may X-ray ang mga doktor, mayroon ding ginagamit ang mga kung susunod din tayo dun sa mga sabi o pamahiin ng matatanda as albularyo na kung tawagin ay “Santiguar.” long as sinusunod parin [natin] yung basic Ang iba naman ay dumudurog ng nganga at hygiene and basic medical principle. For kung ito’y sobrang pula, dito malalaman na example, ‘di ba laway, magpapalaway ka pa may usog ka. ba dun sa taong hindi man lang nagsipilyo?”

Isa pang paraan upang matukoy ito ay sa Ibinahagi niya ang isang teorya na pamamagitan ng pagkuha ng tangkay ng kung saan maihahalintulad ang Sibang malunggay at kapag ito ay nagkaroon ng sa Heppatitis A. “Kapag kumain ka ng katas, ibig sabihin din ay meron. streetfood, maaring ikaw ay magkaroon ng Respect tradition and at Maari mo rin malaman ito kapag naluluto Heppatitis A na galing sa ibang tao. Once the same time, go with ang kalampunay kapag ito ay pinatakan mo magkasakit ka, masisira ang iyong atay at ng langis. dahil virus yan, pwede ka na rin maging science.

Bukod pa rito, malalaman mo rin kung carrier nito and at the same time, may meron kang Sibang, kapag mahina ang immunity ka rin dito.” iyong pulso.

Acute Gastroenteritis ang tawag sa kundisyong pagsusuka ng mga taong G-Gamot nakakaranas ng sibang. Ito ay ang pagkasira ng tiyan dulot ng virus na pwede Narito ang iba’t ibang mga lunas na pwedeng gawin o gamitin base ring dumaan sa balat. sa mga taong nakaranas na ng usog: Viral Infections are “self limiting”. Kusa itong nalalabanan dahil “Pwera Usog”-- Marahil ay narinig mo na ang katagang iyan. Ito nagkakaroon ka rin ng resistensiya sa katawan. Gaya ng mga taong ang madalas sabihin ng mga magulang kapag nawiwili ang isang may Sibang, pwede kang makahawa sa iba pero mayroon kang tao sa kanilang anak na sanggol. Sa ingles, ito ay tinatawag na immunity--- ang iyong laway. Kaya dapat, kung sino ang naka-usog “verbal ointment,” isang mabisang pangontra sa usog, ayon sa mga sayo, sa kanyang laway din ang dapat hanapin mo dahil galing sa matatanda. kanya ang tinatawag na antibody.

Unton-- ito ay kulay pulang anting-anting na makikitang binebenta Ayon pa kay nurse Francia, wala namang masama kung susubukan ng mga Aita at inilalagay sa damit ng sanggol araw gabi hanggang natin na magpalaway. “There have been cases na may dinalang mga siya ay tatlo o apat na taong gulang na. May mga ginagamit din na bata sa ospital na ‘di umano’y na-sibang at nakailang bote ng swero. pamproteksiyon tulad ng pulseras na pula o kuwintas na may palawit Imagine, ang isang bote ng swero ay umaabot sa two hundred pesos. na kulay pula rin.

Pag na-sibang ka, at ipinadpad ka sa ospital, makakaubos ka ng anim Damit-- inilalagay ang damit sa kaserola na may mainit na tubig at na bote sa isang araw times three, aabot sa libo ang magagastos mo pinapakuluan ito. nyan. Pero magkano ang laway? Libre! Why not take a risk, ‘di ba?

Langis-- ipinapahid ang langis o aceite de manzanilla sa tiyan para ‘Wag lang kalimutan yung proper hygiene.” mainitan ito.

Tiyak na mas mura ang pagtungo sa albularyo at magpalaway pero Laway-- Sinong mag aakala na ang laway pala ay isang kung hindi pa madala ng kahit na anong lunas na nabanggit sa itaas makapangyarihang lunas kontra usog? Ito ay ipinapahid sa tiyan, ang iyong karamdaman, aba’y nararapat lamang na tumungo ka na balikat, paa o noo ng batang na-usog. Pero tandaan, laway lang ang talaga sa doktor dahil baka iba na ang iyong sakit. kailangan at huwag dapat dilaan.

Sa kabuuan, mas mainam kung magiging maingat tayo sa mga Butil ng bigas-- Ito ay nginunguya at ipinapahid sa tiyan at noo. taong ating nakakasalumuha lalo na sa mga hindi natin kakilala. Malay Luya-- Katulad sa bigas, ito rin ay nginunguya at ipinapahid. mo, ang taong nasa harap, gilid o likod mo ngayon, ay nagtataglay Dahon ng Atis-- Dinudurog ito kasama ng asin at ipinapahid ng pang hindi kapani-paniwalang kundisyon na kung tawagin ay----USOG.

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LATHALAIN NI SHIELA MAE C. PARCO

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The SPARK | PALAKASAN

STORY BY FELIMON L. GOZUN JR.

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wice-to-beat disadvantage were nothing but just words for John Paul De Lima–College of Health Care Technology’s (CHCT) captain and ace.

With a handicap entering the finals, De Lima led CHCT obliterates the difficulty and clinched the Sepak Takraw championship in Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges Intramurals last November 15 at school grounds.

CHCT completed its dominance in Game 2, drubbing the College of Management and Entrepreneurship (CME), 21-13, 21-12, following their Game 1’s 21-18, 21-15 beating to humiliate the rival with a total sweep in the series.

Nursing student De Lima pulled off a oneman show in the finals, carrying his team with a 20-point outburst in both games to overpower the opposition.

“Ginawa ko lang lahat ng makakaya ko at nagtiwala sa aking mga kakampi (I just did my best and trusted my teammates),” said De Lima.

The green-clad CME went strong right from the get-go, accelerating to a 5-0 advantage from

the headers of Kenneth Cortez.

Trailing by four, De Lima went berserk and scored all seven points for CHCT with his calculated service aces and strong head butts to turn the tables, and put a 9-7 upper hand.

From then, the game went easily on the healer’s side as De Lima continued his heavy loaded headers and service aces assault, 2113.

On a similar note with the 1st, CME displayed a good start in the second set off to the headers of Cortez and Kevin Amata, 5-1.

CHCT retaliated right away as De Lima banked in razor-sharp service aces and tricky placings around the court to even the scoreboard, 6-all.

CHCT’s offense suffocated the rival’s defense, forcing them to commit unforced crosscourt errors that ballooned the margin to 12-8.

Cortez and Mata tried to nurse the gap with kills, however De Lima gave CME his kiss goodbye with a fake drop just behind the net to go home with the triumph, 21-12.

CME’s topscorers Cortez and Mata were unable to penetrate the opposition’s defense in the course of the game, restraining them to only six points in a must win do-or-die Game 2.

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The SPARK | PALAKASAN

STORY BY ANTHONY JAY A. COMBATE

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ollege of Management and Entrepreneurship (CME) Soaring Falcons remained unstoppable as they marched through their fourth consecutive title victory and survived against the perilous College of Engineering (COE) Raging Rhinos in the Men’s Basketball Championship held on November 16, 2019 at CSPC Gymnasium.

Bernales and Resayaga tried to fight back for COE with their all-around executions on both ends of the floor, but Garcia and Hernandez blazed with tenacity as they clustered a series of plays in a 5-0 run for a 43-37 upper-hand at the end of the second half.

The third period was inflamed with scourging turnovers as the Greys launched a massive assault, which is quickly responded by the Falcons’ fortified defenses to push the scoreboard to 53-all.

Hernandez put on a show as he delivered two more baskets to the green-side but COE’s John Privaldo Siano and Encinas double efforts haulted his rampage with a mind-blowing outside shot and buzzer beater performances, before the third quarter was finished, 57-58.

Trying to move the series into a deciding game, Bernales and Obia keep their one-point lead by painting the board with flying floaters and tricky fade-away shots against the hungry Falcons, 63-62.

The court then rained with three-pointers as CME’s Paolo Cabaňero and Joselito Braga, together with COE’s Bernales, each, exploded with consecutive thrilling three-point shots to move the scoreboard on its last deadlock, 70all.

Christian Ken Baylon bursted one last free throw for the Rhinos, but the Falcons never looked back again as DumagsangHernandez tandem once again overwhelmed their opponent’s defenses to secure the game and catalputed CME to their fourth straight championship title, 74-71.

“Under pressure kami. Gusto sana naming ipilit hanggang Game 2, ngunit hindi talaga kinaya. Magaling ang kalaban. Masaya ako na nakaabot kami hanggang Finals,” said Encinas of COE Raging Rhinos.

“Pinalakas namin ang depensa, dahil marami ring shooters sa COE,” told by Falcon’s Dumagsang.

“Higit sa lahat ay [mayroon kaming] tiwala sa isa’t isa at halos lahat talaga nag-contribute sa aming team,” he punctuated.

Trailing behind the Rhinos with just a point, the Falcons leave their twice-to-beat advantage unscathed and denied the latter of extending the Finals to a deciding Game 2, as they gunned deadly counter-attacks which surprised the Greys in the last 42 seconds of the 4th quarter en route to a 74-71 win over COE. “Communication,” said CME’s ace player Patrick Hernandez when asked about their winning strategy. “Masaya ako na simula first year hanggang ngayong fourth year [ay] naging bahagi ako para makamit ang ika-apat na championship ng CME.” Both teams started hot, drilling shot after shot on the opening frame, as the Falcon’s Hernandez-Carlo Dumagsang tandem parried by the Rhinos’ aggressive team plays elevated the crowd with their roller coaster balling performances.

CME, who toppled early COE on the elimination round, tried to put a scare on the Grey side right after the tip-off, but wasn’t able to build a momentum as the Rhinos equalized their outputs that resulted to four deadlocks, before the herd pulled away with Earl James Puyo and Jeric Resayaga combo plays, 16-18.

Dumagsang, Paolo Cabaňero and Jomar Olivares contributed five additional freethrows for the green clad, but still not enough as the Rhinos took the lead, firing from all over to end the first quarter with four-point advantage, 2125.

CME turned the tables on the second frame, as Ryan Garcia sliced the way for Falcons with a dazzling three-pointer, followed by Louie Jay Requio’s jumper that gave them a 26-25 lead.

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The SPARK | PALAKASAN

STORY BY EMMANUEL D. BRISENIO

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ollege of Engineering continued to show their dominance in front of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges community as they defended their Chess Championship throne for both Men’s and Women’s Division during the 2019 CSPC Intramurals held on November 15, 2019 at the College Chemistry Laboratory.

On the other hand, CICT Growling Jaguars secured the second spot with 11 wins and 9 losses while the CEAS Mythical Sharks collected 10 wins, 9 losses and 1 draw to settle for the third spot.

Chess Women’s Division Repeating their last year’s victory, COE Raging Rhinos conquered the top spot and tortured all its opponents with 17 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw victory in the Finals of Chess Women’s Division.

Ella Mae Federis had a great run in the competition with a clean and undefeated record of 5 wins to help lift COE in the top notch.

COE Raging Rhinos, CME Soaring Falcons and the CSPC Buhi Extension Campus Roaring Tigers started the first two rounds of the competition tenaciously as the they tied for the first spot with 6 wins and 2 losses.

Raging Rhinos, Soaring Falcons and the Roaring Tigers continued to hustle for the top spot in the third round as they evened their records once again with 10 wins.

The Raging Rhinos then leave their rivals behind and dazzled through the championship crown as they pocketed 17 wins, 2 losses and 1 draw, more than enough to disappoint the Soaring Falcons who fell on the second place with just one draw behind the Rhinos, with 170-3 win-loss-draw haul in the Final Rounds of the tourney.

On the other side, Roaring Tigers stumbled down but still gave a good run to snatch the third spot with 11 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw.

Chess Men’s Division The defending champions punctuated the Finals of Chess Men’s Division in a high note with 18 wins, 1 loss and a draw to grab their second consecutive championship title.

The Rhinos was lagging on the second spot having 6 wins, 1 loss and a draw behind the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Growling Jaguars who clinched the upper hand with 7 wins and 1 loss in the first and second rounds of the competition.

The Raging Rhinos started to climb up the ladder as they continued to impale losses to its opponent after sweeping the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS) Mythical Sharks in the third round of the tournament.

Inspired with their third-round output, the COE Raging Rhinos remained solid in the fourth and fifth round having a clean record, ending the competition with 18 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw.

Ronald Pasiona and Joe Matthew Cotoyan both have an undefeated record in the tournament contributing a combined 10 wins for the Raging Rhinos.

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The SPARK | PALAKASAN

STORY BY EMMANUEL D. BRISENIO

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ollege of Management and Entrepreneurship (CME) Soaring Falcons strangled College of Engineering (COE) Raging Rhinos and seize the championship in the Game 2 of Women’s Volleyball Finals, 2514,21-25,25-17, held at the CSPC Gymnasium on November 16,2019.

COE Raging Rhinos wanted to force the finals series to deciding Game 3 starting the second set as they started strong offensive assaults to gain a 2-point advantage in the opening salvo, 6-4.

Blazing spikes were thrown by the Raging Rhinos to abate the floor defense of Soaring Falcons leaving them 4 points behind, 12-8.

Determined to clutch the set 2 from the Falcons’ side, the COE Raging Rhinos tried to sustain its destructive and heavy charges, but the Falcons did not make it easy for the Rhinos making the second round a more intense brawl, not until COE’s setter Rizza Mae Botor berserk with consecutive aces to drown the CME with a 5-point deficit, 17-12.

Soaring Falcons did not give up easily as Araya responded with another services aces, cutting the Rhinos’ lead down to two points,17-19.

However, the Raging Rhinos already established their play and continued to harass the Soaring Falcons with powerful smashes to secure the third set, 25-21.

The third set was the crucial moment for both teams as COE and CME are both enraged with determination to win the round.

The Soaring Falcons’, however, ruled out the beginning of the last set and battered the Raging Rhinos with fiery spikes sent by Ecal to lead the set with 2 points, 5-3.

The Soaring Falcons sustained their momentum as they continued to splash the COE Raging Falcons with service aces made by Araya to extend the lead to 4 points, 11-7.

Ecal remained strong suppressing the defense of COE Raging Rhinos’ with her strong serves and quick attacks to extend the Falcons’ advantage to 7 points, 18-11.

Soaring Falcons ended the hopes of strongwilled Raging Rhinos for a Game 3 as Araya concluded the third set with her blasting spikes to overthrew the COE with an 8-point lead, 2517.

Team Captain Rodelyn Ecal capitalized on the weak floor defense of the Rhinos and slaughtered the COE with her whooping spikes to carry her team to its second championship.

Juliet Saldivar of COE Raging Rhinos exploded with 15 points defeating the CME Soaring Falcons in a 5 setter Game 1 forcing the finals series to a do or die Game 2, 25-15, 25-20, 2426,15-25,15-7.

Bouncing back from their previous loss, the Falcons extinguished the fire ignited by COE Rhinos and did not allow its rival to destroy their twice to beat advantage, after beating their two-year nemesis in Game 2.

CME Soaring Falcons bombed service aces and set to weaken the floor defense of the aggressive COE and snatched the first set of the crucial Game 2.

Raging Rhinos ravaged early as Maria Jonnavee Valencia bombarded the Soaring Falcon with sharp serves and fast attacks to gain a 4-point lead in the opening set, 4-6.

COE Raging Rhinos and CME Soaring Falcons were both determined to win and continued their slugfest but Ecal stood out and fired sizzling spikes that evened their scores at 10 all.

Soaring Falcons finally gained its momentum as Araya launched deceiving kills and tricky placings that broke the tie, pocketing the first lead for her team, 14-12.

Raging Rhinos tried to recover but couldn’t hold more the damage as the Soaring Falcons continued to blow spikes and dropshots that crippled Raging Rhinos’ defense and closed the first set with an 11-point lead, 25-14.

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ollege of Engineering (COE) Raging Rhinos outsmarted College of Management and Entrepreneurship (CME) Soaring Falcons by serving its trump card in the deciding Single B game and dethroned the last, 2-1, in the Men’s Badminton Championship Round held on November 13, 2019 at CSPC Gymnasium.

The last year’s runner up team was troubled with a slow start as CME’s Single A ace player Joemar Abaňo dominated his game and breezed through a straight set win against the former Palarong Pambansa standout of COE, Wayne Ayura.

Geared with good reflexes and varsity training, Abaňo proved to be too much for Ayura whose skills have long been used since his last national meet showing six years ago, as the first overwhelmed the latter in the first set, 11-21.

Sustaining the momentum fired in the first clash, Abaňo showed no mercy as he took advantage of the COE racketeer’s weak side and consecutive errors, and seal the second set and the game, 9-21.

“Varsity iyong kalaban at aminado rin ako na kulang ako sa practice kaya ako natalo,” said First year Ayura.

Trying to recover from the first result, the Greys cemented the score as John James Carlo Badong and Ceejay Redoquerio tandem survived an intense smashing battle against the Green Falcon’s power-dou, Albert John Follero and Beejay Eroimedez in the Doubles game.

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Banking in coordinated footworks and synchronized plays on the opening set, BadongRedoquerio pair worked hard to disappoint the CME’s side, as they barely scratched the last with a two-point win, 21-19.

The Green-dou started strong on the second set but eventually lost their composure as Badong-Redoquerio tandem once again trounced them with fast attacks and witty placings, 21-16.

“Sinikap talaga naming manalo para makapag-laro pa ang Single B player namin at maipanalo ang Finals,” COE’s Badong Doubles player commented.

Inspired by the second outcome, the Raging Rhinos doesn’t let the Falcons replenish their strength anymore as Jesus Espaňo settled the long-time rivalry between COE and CME with an outstanding gold performance against Roberto Boncayao in the Single B Game.

Soaring Falcon’s side literally rained with shuttlecocks as the Grey MVP’s Espaňo poured service aces and gunned strong offensive plays, leaving Boncayao running out of gas and hunted in the entire first set, 21-3.

Boncayao tried to fought back by slowing down Espaňo at 11-8 score, but the first committed back-to-back faults, and the last fired consistent forehand and backhand serves and smashes to clinch the game and the championship match, 21-12.

“Nag-effort mga kasama ko at napagod.

Kaya ginalingan ko talaga para manalo,” COE’s badminton hero Espaňo told TheSpark.

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azzling with another rip-roaring performances, College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS) Mythical Sharks elevated the jam-packed crowd of CSPC Gymnasium in the Cheerdance Competition held on November 15, 2019.

mere showing off of what CEAS cheerdancers can do, but it was also an advocacy for respect, love and acceptance amid diversity” The Blue Mythical Sharks outclassed their rivals with synchronized dance moves and creative choreography to deny their opponents with the most coveted win and remain at the top of their class.

College of Management and Entrepreneurship Soaring Falcons, on the other hand, gleamed with dynamic and cleanly executed acts on their leafy-colored Mexican costumes to clinch the first runner-up.

Meanwhile, the College of Health Care Technology Blazing Phoenix also romped their way through the podium as they secured the third spot with kicky and wild ethnic performances.

“Kung ano man po ang [naging] preparations before the competition ng ibang colleges sa cheerdance, ‘yun din po ginagawa namin. Pero kami may extra effort na ibinibigay. Dapat give na give, everyday of practice and personally, kami ni Ma’am Gilma Veras talaga ang handson sa pagkilatis ng kanilang (cheerdancers) [mga] steps and executions. Kung hindi namin masyadong gusto, pinapa-innovate nalang namin with the trainor,” Raňon concluded.

“One thing in common sa mga cheerdancers namin all throughout the 4-peat victory is discipline,” Dennis Raňon, one of the CEAS mentors, alongside with Gilma Veras, commented about their key factor in besting other departments. “Well, lahat naman ng cheerdancers na sumasali every year talagang disiplinado. Pero iba kasi ang status ng CEAS kasi the pressure is there. Kaya, they are mentally, physically, emotionally, and in all aspects, disciplined.”

Inspired with LGBTQ themed routines, the three-time defending champion charged another electrifying executions that propelled the CEAS through their fourth consecutive victory.

“LGBTQ ang theme kasi it is one of the hottest issues today. Not just in our community but in the country,” Raňon explained their chosen theme for this year’s cheerdance competition.

“For me, the presentation was not just for a

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STORY BY FELIMON L. GOZUN JR.

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n a world where size matters, a single midget won’t bother.

fighting spirit of Roxas never faltered. In his mind, talent and skills can overcome the disadvantage in front of him and it didn’t failed him. Though they lost in a cross meet It is very unusual in basketball for small people to be in against CSPC-Naga City campus (now Bicol State College the game. It is a sport where towering athletes compete of Applied Sciences and Technology), his performance with each other and those who lacks height are being left got him in the list that will compete for State Colleges behind. However, Melvin Roxas breaks the limit. Standing and Universities Athletic Association. His journey as a at 5-foot-5, he proves that in the game of basketball, 1st year varsity continued when the champion Partido “heart more than height”.

State University tapped him to be their point guard in the Surrounded by basketball posters, PBA-fan neighbors, national level. and a basketball court at the age of seven, Roxas started “Di ko inii-expect ‘yun kasi sa dami ng pwede nilang to find himself interested in playing the game. He started kunin ay ako pa talaga ang kinuha nila tsaka hindi naman in a make-shift ring in front of their house at Potrero, ako galing sa school nila,” he said.

Malabon City.

After a two-year Technical Education in Electronics “Nag-start ako sa harap lang ng bahay namin. ‘Yung course, he decided to enroll again in CSPC for BS nakatayong hagdanan, ‘yun ‘yung ginagawa kong ring Information and Technology. In his last two years in the before,” said Roxas. varsity, he leads the team to consecutive nationals.

In a half basketball With the credentials in court near their house, his resume, he was named the potential of the young Athlete of the Year in 2018 baller begins to unfold. when he graduated.

From watching at the “Naisip ko na ito ang sideline to being on the career na gusto kong court playing an actual tahakin kasi mahal ko ang game. He easily learned basketball,” said Roxas.

‘Di ko na tiningnan ang height how to play and made it as “May mga nagsasabi rin na ko. Sabi ko, gusto ko ‘to, ito na a hobby. may potential ako para sa ang gagawin ko, kahit anong “Madalas akong mga mas malalaking liga. ginagabi noong bata Dahil sa basketball, natapos sabihin ng iba. pa ako kakalaro ng ko ang aking pag-aaral dahil basketball,” he said. sa scholarship at allowance.”

His talent continued “Di ko na tiningnan ‘yung to grow as he entered height ko. Sabi ko, gusto ko the basketball team of ‘to, ito na ang gagawin ko their school at Potrero kahit anong sabihin ng iba,” Elementary School. He he added. constantly practice to improve his skills. Even when they The name of 26-year-old Roxas became popular in moved to Laguna when he was in grade six, he effortlessly Nabua, Camarines Sur because of his game. He was able got into the team with his talent that shines among his to play for the municipality in an Inter Town Basketball peers.

League hosted by the Provincial Government. After the Growing up, Roxas used to idolize NBA superstar event, his outstanding performances made him noticed Allen Iverson and one of Asia’s best point guard Jason

by Iriga City. He then signed an agreement to play for Castro. From their physical features, he saw himself into Iriga City Oragons in the National Basketball League them – small yet flashy. He was inspired by them that Season 2. even though they’re small, they can still be deadly on the “Di ko na-imagine na makakapaglaro ako sa NBL, kasi court. Looking up to them made him adopt their playing ayon nga, kulang sa height,” Roxas humbly stated. style that he is still nurturing until now.

As a back-up point guard of the team, Roxas is ready to “Merong mga nagdi-discourage. Konti lang naman go whenever his name was called upon. pero ini-ignore ko na lang kasi di naman makakatulong “Ako raw ‘yung spark plug sabi ni coach (Pablo Lucas). sa’kin,” Roxas said.

‘Pag slow ang start namin, pinapasok nila ako. Ako ang As he transferred in his father’s hometown in Iriga City nagbibigay ng energy. Dahil na rin ‘yun sa height ko,” during his second year high school, he started to compete joked by Roxas. in Department of Education’s sports competitions. From “Mataas mindset ko, mental toughness. Kung ano ang the year he transferred until he graduated, he was a nand’yan, tatapusin ko,” he added. consistent Palarong Bicol athlete in basketball.

The Iriga City Oragons are set to enter the PBA His basketball career continued in college where he D-League this year. It is now a one step closer for Roxas joined the varsity team of Camarines Sur Polytechnic to be in the highest league in the country.

Colleges – Nabua Blue Stallions. Though being a first If a Muggsy Bogues at 5-foot-3 made it to the NBA, year, he already became the team captain. why not a 5-foot-5 Melvin Roxas in PBA. In college where athletes are already grown-ups, the

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asaysayan, karangalan, pagpupunyagi at mainit na pagtanggap na hinaluan ng konting aberya at problema ¬– ‘yan ang natunghayan ng mga Pilipino at buong mundo sa pagdaraos ng ika-30 edisyon ng Southeast Asian (SEA) Games dito sa Pilipinas noong Nobyembre 30 hanggang Disyembre 11, 2019.

na si Presidente Rodrigo Duterte, ang buong arena, nang nagumpisang dumaloy ang malasantakrusang parada ng mga atleta, sumunod ang pagtatanghal ng mga Pilipinong artista.

Matapos ang matagumpay na pagbubukas ng 2019 SEA Games, umarangkada naman ang mga atletang Pilipino sa pag-ani ng mga medaya sa iba’tibang larangan. Matapos ang 12 araw na pakikipagpalakasan, nasungkit ng Pilipinas ang 149 na ginto, 117 na pilak at 121 na tanso, na bumuo sa mahigit 387 na medalya ng bansa, upang manguna sa ika30 edisyon ng nasabing palaro.

Bago pa man opisyal na magsimula ang palaro, bumungad na sa maraming nag-aabang rito ang ilang mga aberya. Una ay ang problema sa transportasyon na naranasan ng mga koponan mula sa Cambodia, Myanmar and Timor-Leste. Pangalawa ay ang isyu PAGSUNGKIT SA MAILAP NA MEDALYA sa akomodasyon ng Cambodia, Singapore at TimorLeste. Panghuli ay ang problema sa ilang mga Sa unang araw pa lamang ng SEA Games ay gusaling pagdarausan ng palaro, kung saan ilang humataw agad ang ating mga atleta sa paghakot araw na lang bago magsimula ang SEA Games ay ng mga medalya para sa bayan. Unang nagpasiklab hindi pa rin natatapos. si John Leerams “Rambo” Chicano na sumungkit sa Dahil sa mga ito, humingi si Philippine SEA Games pinakaunang gintong medalya ng Pilipinas sa isport Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) Chairman Allan na Triathlon na ginanap sa Zubic Bay Boardwalk sa Peter Cayetano ng paumanhin dahil sa mga abalang Zambalez. nangyari.

Dinomina ni Chicano ang 1.5-kilometer swim, Ngunit tila nalusaw ang mga problemang 40-kilometer bike at 10-kilometer run nang kinaharap ng Pilipinas nang ganap nang umpisahan matapos niya ito sa loob ng isang oras, 53 minuto ang SEA Games noong Nobyembre 30, 2019 at 26 segundo. Pumangalawa naman sa kanya sa Philippine Arena ang kapwa Pilipinong si sa Bocaue, Bulacan.

Andrew Kim Remolino Naglahong biglaan ang na nagtala ng oras na mga ito kasabay ng 1:55:03. mainit at engrandeng Bukod sa Triathlon, Walang imposible.

Kahit pagsalubong ng mga nasungkit din ng Pilipinas na anumang pagsubok ang Pilipino sa mga bisita ang tumatginting na dumating sa ating mga atleta, ng bansa. Si Senador 10 gintong medalya sa Manny Pacquiao kasama dance sport. Pinagharian lahat makakayang lampasan si AIBA boxing Champion ng ating mga Pilipinong sa tulong, suporta at mainit Nesthy Petecio ang mananayaw ang Tango, na pagmamahal nating mga nagsindi ng kaldero. Ang Viennese Waltz, All mga alamat ng isports Five Standard Dances Pilipino. na sina Alvin Patrimonio, Events, Waltz, Foxtrot, Efren “Bata” Reyes, Quickstep, Samba Paeng Nepumoceno, Rumba, Chachacha, Lydia De Vega, Onyok Paso Doble at Jive.

Velasco, Eric Buhain, Akiko Thompson at Bong Coo Tinapos naman ni World Artistic Gymnastics naman ang nagdala ng Southeast Asian Games Champion, Carlos Edriel Yulo, ang SEA Games na Federation Flag. Habang binalot naman ng hiyawan may pitong medalya sa lahat ng gymnastics events. at palakpakan ng libu-libong manunood, kabilang Nagbuslo si Yulo ng dalawang gintong medalya

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para sa Pilipinas sa all-around at floor exercises events, at limang pilak na medalya naman sa still rings, pommel horses at vault events.

Si Yulo na maglalaro para sa Pilipinas sa darating na 2020 Tokyo Winter Olympics ay pinarangalan din bilang most bemedaled athlete ng Pilipinas.

Hindi naman nagpahuli sa pagdagdag ng medalya para sa bansa ang Olympic Silver medalist, Hidilyn Diaz matapos niyang makuha ang kanyang pinakaunang gintong medalya sa SEA Games.

Bumandera si Diaz sa Weightlifting nang manguna siya sa Women’s 55-kg event at magtala ng 91 kg sa snatch at 120 kg sa clean and jerk. Kabuuang 121 kg ang kanyang nabuhat upang madala ang Pilipinas sa inaasam na kampeonato noong Disyembre 2, 2019 sa Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

makopo ang kanyang unang gintong meadalya sa paligsahan.

Natapos ni Hallasgo ang karera sa loob ng dalawang oras, 56 minuto at 56 segundo habang si Tabal, na binansagang “marathon queen” noong 2017 SEA Games, ay nagtapos sa oras na 2:58:49.

Nagmarka rin sa kasaysayan ang Philippine Men’s Volleyball Team nang matagumpay nilang makuha ang pilak na medalya – ang pinaka mataas na panalo ng Pilipinas sa larangang ito matapos ang 42 taon.

Nabigo mang masungkit ang gintong medalya sa finals kontra Indonesia, nagawa naman nilang mapatalsik sa trono ang kasalukuyang 4-time champion Thailand sa pangunguna nina Bryan Bagunas at Mark Espejo.

ANG PAGBABALIK NG ALAMAT

PAGBASAG SA MGA TALAAN

Sa kanyang pagbabalik sa laban, pinatunayan ni Billiards Legend Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes na kalabaw lang ang tumatanda matapos niyang maiuwi ang tanso sa One Cushion Carom event na ginanap sa Manila Hotel noong Disyembre 6, 2019.

Nabigo mang makuha ang ginto, pinatunayan pa rin ng 65-anyos na si Reyes na may ibubuga pa siya sa billiards. Sa kabila ng injury niya sa balikat, muli niyang pinabilib ang mga Pilipino dahil sa kaniyang ipinamalas na katapangan at determinasyon sa paglalaro.

Hindi lamang ang pagkapanalo sa harap ng kanilang mga kababayan ang nagpainit sa SEA Games, kung hindi pati na rin ang pag-ukit muli ng kasaysayan ng ilang mga manlalarong Pilipino.

Sa kanyang unang pagdalo sa SEA Games, binasag ni Kristina Knott ang walong-buwang rekord ni Zion Corrales-Nelson, na nauna na ring winasak ang mahigit 33-taong rekord ni Lydia De Vega.

Natapos ni Knott ang preliminaries ng 200-m dash sa loob ng 23.07 segundo upang matabunan ang record ng Fil-Canadian Nelson-Corrales na 23.16 segundo noong Abril 25, 2019 sa Sacramento, USA.

#WeWinAsOne

UNANG MEDALYA PARA SA MGA BAGONG ATLETA

Isang malaking tagumpay na naman ang natamo ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng palakasan nang mangibabaw ito sa ikalawang pagkakataon sa ika-30 edisyon ng SEA Games. Isang malaking karangalan para sa ating mga atleta ang maglaro at magbigay ng saya sa harap ng mga kababayang Pilipino. #WeWinAsOne, ito ang naging sandalan ng ating mga manlalaro upang manguna bawat laban na kailang kinaharap. Walang imposible. Kahit na anumang pagsubok ang dumating sa ating mga atleta, lahat makakayang lampasan sa tulong, suporta at mainit na pagmamahal nating mga Pilipino.

Hindi lamang mga beteranong atleta ang nagmarka sa kasasayan ng Philippine Sports kung hindi pati na rin ang mga bagong henerasyon ng mga manlalaro.

Tinapos ni James Deiparine ang sampung taong tagtuyot sa medalya ng Pilipinas sa swimming matapos niyang maiuwi ang unang gintong medalya sa 100-m breaststroke sa loob ng isang minuto at 1.46 segundo noong Disyembre 4, 2019 sa New Clark Aquatic Center sa Tarlac.

Sa kanyang unang paglahok sa SEA Games, tinalo naman ni Christine Hallasgo ang kapwa Pilipinong si Mary Joy Tabal sa 42-km Women’s Marathon at

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rials, difficulties, challenges, walang progress? Ganoon talaga sa isports at sa buhay walang madali. Kailangan mo lang talaga ng pasensya.”- 2016 Rio Olympics silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz.

MGA HAMON AT PAGSUBOK

Ngunit sa kabila ng kaniyang mga nagawang kontribusyon para sa bayan, mayroon pa ring mga tao ang hindi natutuwa sa kanyang mga nagawa at pinipilit siyang hilain pababa.

May mga taong walang maggawa sa buhay, nagkakalat ng ANG SIMULA NG ALAMAT mga maling impormasyon at nagpapausok ng mga maaanghang na salita tungkol sa kanya. Sa katunayan naisali Mahigit dalawang dekada rin ang lumipas ng huling pa ang pangalan niya sa listahan ng Duterte Matrix noong magkamit ng medalya ang Pilipinas sa prestihiyosong Mayo 2019 na kanyang mariing itinaggi at ikinagulat dahil Summer Olympic Games. Ang pinakahuli ay noon pang wala naman siyang kinalaman dito.

1996 na ginanap sa Atlanta, Georgia ng Estados Unidos.

Pero imbes na intindihin ang mga ito ay mas nagKung saan nasungkit ni Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco ang pokus na lamang si Diaz sa kaniyang pag-eensayo para pilak sa larangan ng boksing. sa susunod na Olympics. “Trials, difficulties, challenges, Sa panahon ng pinakamahabang tagtuyo para sa walang progress? Ganoon talaga sa isports at sa buhay pambansang isports, lumitaw ang bayaning weightlifter na walang madali. Kailangan mo lang talaga ng pasensya,” si Hidilyn Franscisco Diaz para sagipin ang Pilipinas mula sa pahayag niya. “Lapit talaga kay God, then iyak lang ako and matinding pagkauhaw sa olympic medal. Naging tunay na surrender everything sa kanya. I have to admit. Hindi ko makasaysayan ito sapagkat si Diaz lang naman ang naging control lahat ng bagay kaya kailangan na kailangan ko ng kauna-unaunahang pinay at taga-Mindanao na nagsuot ng maraming prayers. I need strength from God.” napakailap ng medalya.

Hindi alam ng mga tao Kung babalikan ang na kabaliktaran ng kaniyang nakaraan, hindi rin ito ang mga matitigas na muscles kaniyang naging unang at solidong pangangatawan pagsabak sa Olympics. ay may malambot na puso Simula noong 2008 Beijing rin si Diaz. Isa pa rin siyang Kailangan talagang magOlympics, hanggang 2012 normal na tao at higit sa training ng maigi at maging London Olympics kung saan lahat ay isang babae na may naging flag bearer pa siya ng pakiramdam at marunong smart. Choose people na magsuPilipinas, ay nakikipagbuno masakatan. Ngunit katulad support saiyo, na magbibigay na siya sa pandaigdigang ng ginagawa niyang arena ng weightlifting. Sa pagbubuhat sa weightlifting, ng positive influence sa buhay mga panahong iyon ay hanggat kaya ay bubuhatin mo. kulang pa ang exposure niya rin lahat ng mga ng mga isports na hindi problema at pagsubok sa masyadong kilala.

Siya buhay. Para sa pamilya at ang nagbukas sa isipan para sa bayan. Kaya naman ng sambayanang Pilipino sa kabila ng mga bashers na hindi lamang dapat isa, ay mas marami pa ring mga dalawa o iilan lamang ang dapat nating suportahan, lalo na pilipino ang nagmamahal at walang-sawang sumusuporta sa panig ng gobyerno. Kung hindi lahat ng may malaking sa kaniya. potensyal at mga medal-rich sports. Kaya naman matapos “Ayun isa ako sa mga humahanga sa pagiging ito ay tumanggap ng samu’t saring papuri ang atleta at mapagkumbaba pa rin niya. Sa kabila ng mga krititismo pumitas pa ng mga medalya sa iba’t ibang mga palaro at pinagtatanggol ko siya,” wika ni Gabriel Hernandez, isang torneyo. freelance sportswriter na naging masugid na tagasubaybay Una na rito ang nakaraang 2018 Asian Games kung na ni Diaz simula ng manalo ito sa 2016 Rio Olympics. saan ibinulsa niya ang isa sa apat na ginto ng Pilipinas.

Sino nga ba si Hidilyn Diaz? Sino nga ba siya sa likod Sunod naman siyang kumulekta ng tatlong pilak sa 2019 ng mga bakal na barbel at mga kumikinang na medalyang Asian Weightlifting Championships, habang kambal na nakasabit sa katawan? tanso naman ang kaniyang tinangay sa 2019 World Weightlifting Championships. Hindi rin niya tayo binigo sa ANG BAYANI NG ZAMBOANGA katatapos lamang na 2019 Southeast Asian Games kung saan nasikwat niya mismo sa harap ng mga kababayan ang Tubong Zamboanga City, ipinanganak si Diaz noong kaniyang kauna-unahang ginto sa nasabing palaro.

Pebrero 20, 1991. Panglima sa anim na mga anak nina

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Eduardo at Emelita Diaz, lumaki siyang mahirap at salat sa pera. Ngunit sa kabila nito, nalamapasan niya ang lahat ng mga pagsubok na pinagdaanan sa buhay.

Taong 2002 nang dalhin siya ng kaniyang pinsan na si Allen Jayfrus Diaz sa mundo ng weightlifting. Nagustuhan niya ang weightlifting at magmula noon ay sumasali na siya sa mga trainings ng pinsan niya. Ngunit hindi ito naging madali para sa kaniya dahil sa kakapusan ay sanga ng puno ang kaniyang unang pinag-praktisan sa pagbubuhat.

“Nagsimula akong mag-weightlifting mga 11 years old sa Zamboanga City. Nag-start sa ipil-ipil, semento at mugs (gulong) ng dyip,” paglalahad ni Diaz.

Kahit mahirap ang ensayo at kulang sa suporta ay hindi ito naging hadlang para mas magpursige ang determinadong si Diaz. Hindi naman nasayang ang kanyang mga paghihirap at sakripisyo ng makuha niya ang atensyon ng pambansang koponan sa weightlifting at magsimula na siyang sumabak at mamayagpag sa loob at labas ng bansa.

Pebrero 2019 ng magsimulang mag-training si Dayao kasama ang kaniyang ate Hidilyn. Ayon sa kanya, kapag nasa Pilipinas si Diaz, sinasabay siya nito sa mga training niya, ikaltlo ng hapon hanggang ika-anim ng gabi, tuwing lunes hanggang sabado sa Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, kasama ang iba pang bata.

“Ginagawa niyang simple ang mahirap. Kahit paulit-ulit akong magkamali sa technique po, matiyaga niya po akong tinatama. Hindi niya po tinitigilan na matutunan ko po ang mga technique,” dagdag pa niya.

Dahil sa mabuting paggabay ni Diaz kay Dayao ay naguwi siya ng pilak sa unang sabak niya sa Batang Pinoy Championships noong Agosto 2019 sa Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.

“Kailangan talagang mag-training ng maigi at maging smart. Choose people na magsu-support saiyo, na magbibigay ng positive influence sa buhay mo,” pagbibigay punto ni Diaz. “Kaya niyo yan! Maabot niyo rin pangarap niyo.”

INSPIRASYON PARA SA MGA TAGAHANGA

ANG LABAN PARA SA BAYAN

Batak sa hirap at mga pagsubok, alam ni Diaz kung gaano kahirap ang maging isang atleta. Isa siya sa mga naglakas loob at nagtaguyod para mas mabigyan ng pondo at atensyon ng gobyerno ang mga atletang may malaking potensyal ngunit walang kakayahang maitaguyod ang kanilang mga isports. Ito’y sa kabila ng ilang mga negatibong komento ng ibang tao ukol sa kanya.

Kaya naman matapos ang makasaysayan niyang panalo sa 2016 Rio Olympics, hindi niya pinalagpas ang pagkakataong tumulong at magsilbing inspirasyon sa ibang tao lalo na sa mga kabataang nais ring sumunod sa kaniyang mga yapak.

“Message ko sa lahat ng student at gusto akong tularan [..,]. Hindi madali, hindi madaling maging silver medalist or olympian,” pagbabahagi ni Diaz sa kaniyang mga tagahanga.

“Pero kung ito ay pangarap niyo, syempre gagawin mo ang lahat para dito.”

Upang mas mapalaganap ang weightlifting sa bansa, nagbigay si Diaz ng libreng scholarship at training sessions sa mga gustong matuto ng weightlifting. Marami rin siyang naturuan sa Zamboanga, Bohol at Cebu. Nagawa rin niyang magturo sa Maynila ngunit bilang lang. Ito’y dahil naging abala na siya sa pag-eensayo para maisakatuparan ang kaniyang ika-apat na sunod na Olympics.

Isa sa mga batang kaniyang naturuan ay si Jose Dayao, labing-dalawang taong gulang at kasalukuyang nag-aaral sa Ramon Magsaysay High School sa Maynila.

“Magaling po siya mag-coach. Simple, mabait at matulungin po siya. Dahil noong lumapit po ako para magpaturo ng weightlifting kahit powerlifting po iyong isports ko, hindi po sya nagdalawang isip na turuan ako kahit hindi niya po ako kilala,” pagkwe-kwento ni Dayao.

“Na-encourage po ako mag-weightlifting para sa pamilya ko po at na-inspire po ako kay ate Hidilyn Diaz.”

Sa ngayon si Diaz ay patuloy na lumalaban ng buong puso para makapasok muli at mai-uwi ang kauna-unahang ginto ng Pilipinas sa darating na 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Ngayong taon, una siyang sasabak sa 2020 Roma World Cup na gaganapin sa katapusan ng Enero. Bago ito, isa rin siya sa pitong mahuhusay na atletang pagpipilian ngayon para sa apat na upuang naghihintay sa Philippine Olympic Committee Athletes Commission sa Enero 11, 2020.

Nang tanungin tungkol sa kung paano niya kinakaya lahat ng pressure at matupad lahat ng mga inaasahan sa kanya ng tao; “Sa totoo lang mahirap i-handle. Siguro swerte lang ako kasi I am surrounded with good people, iyong core team ko. Sila [ang] nakakaintindi sakin at nag-a-adjust especially kung masyado na akong focus, at kung masyado na akong tensed sa trainings and competition.”

“Sila [ang] nagri-remind sakin bakit ko ito ginagawa,” dagdag ni Diaz.

Ang buhay ng isang atleta ay parang weather-weather lang. Minsan mainit, minsan malamig at minsan maulan.

Ngunit kahit gaano man katagal ang tagtuyot. Kahit gaano man kaginaw ang taglamig. Kahit gaano man kalakas na bagyo ang dumating. Hindi kailaman kailangang piliin ang pagsuko sapagkat may sisibol pa ring dahon ng pag-asa, upang magbigay buhay sa panibagong umaga.

Sa darating na 2020 Tokyo Olympics, sama-sama nating suportahan ang ating bayani at idolong si Hidilyn Diaz kasama ang iba pang mga atleta. Sabay-sabay nating isigaw at ihiyaw ang kaniyang paboritong linya, “Laban para sa bayan!”

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Hinabol: Weaving through the Future STORY BY HANNAH RUTH P. CHUA

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very thread was patiently put in the small holes of the hundreds of needles; every hand and foot diligently pushing and pulling through the handloom; every sacrifice and sleepless nights; the non-stop spinning of spindle in every house with looms; all of these to produce a cloth of colorful patterns and design that represents the rich culture of weaving in Buhi.

Survival of a colorful culture Handloom weaving has long been done by the women of the Philippines, including Buhi-nons. It was our ancestors’ way of providing for the clothes of the people which was then the baro’t saya and the kamisa. Through the introduction of convenient stores, the handlooming waned almost to the brink of extinction, but not in Buhi. The rich culture of weaving never stopped, but survived by innovating its way through the ever-changing industry of this world.

Clarita Noble, 53 years old, was one of the people who witnessed how the handlooming weaving grew to be how it is now. She was a young girl when she beheld how her grandmother and grandfather would make “hinabol,” the cloth made from handlooming, and sold it as a means to provide for their family. Being only a child, she was fascinated of how they made individual threads into colorful blankets. Growing up, she admired how her mother would make beautiful embroideries on the hinabol.

Now that she has her own family, Clarita made use of the memories she embraced from when she was

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young. Her business of handloom started on 2003, when their only source of income was from his husband’s work as a teacher. Aware of their financial status, she wanted to have extra income to prepare for her two children’s education.

Weaving through success Clarita started from buying similar handwoven products from Albay, which her husband sold on his workplace. To their surprise, all the goods were sold out. She then ordered more; travelling from Buhi to Albay to get the handwoven crafts they would sell. The travelling tired her which made her think of different what ifs. What if she, herself, makes the products instead of ordering from Albay?

She followed her idea when she saw the hinabol sold at Buhi. She started to buy threads to make the hinabol. Instead of just blankets, she also made scripture holders. She brought it to church and when the missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints saw them, they ordered the same scripture cases. When the missionaries taught people house to house, the people they were teaching were intrigued of the scripture cases they were using and asked where they bought it from.

Words about the hinabol scripture cases spread throughout Buhi.

From scripture cases, the missionaries requested that Clarita makes necktie out of the hinabol.

From that, she experimented with different crafts that can be made from hinabol: shoes, pouches, and bags. Among them, the bags became the most famous. She gets ideas from commercial bags and tries to remake

The SPARK | DEVCOM

them using hinabol. The idea spread like a wildfire. Now, that the government and other agencies spearheaded to Buhi-nons who are also into weaving industry make bags improve her knowledge of the craft she’s selling. as Clarita does. Slowly, her business rose. From doing the The trainings, seminars, and programs that the hinabol alone, she now has three helpers. From supplying the government conducted involved Department of Trade products herself, now she had suppliers from around Buhi and Industry (DTI) and National Grid Corporation of especially when orders are in bulk. From having her siblings the Philippines (NGCP), in partnership with Gugurang doubt her products, now they support everything related to Industries, Inc., local government unit of Buhi, Philippine it. Now, she is also part of Buhi One-Town, One Product Key Textile Research Institute, and Department of Science and Players Association(BOKPA), one of Technology. the largest associations of weavers DTI has helped BOKPA by in Buhi. identifying them as one of the first The beautiful art of handloom Although Clarita’s handloom beneficiaries of Shared Service weaving will continue to create weaving is stable now, she also Facilities in 2013. One of the a colorful future of designs and experienced difficulties and primary concerns of the weavers struggle when she was just starting. then was the lack of equipment for patterns for the people of Buhi.

There are times when customers the production of their goods. This It will adapt, progress, and stay would only want the product. When was given solution by the program so long as the people know and they get it, they wouldn’t pay for led by DTI. With the help of Caceres realize its worth. it. This had caused her a great Social Foundation, they gave the loss of more than Php 30,000. local weavers 40 handlooms and Clarita stayed patient despite these six sewing machines to help them struggles and put into mind that she wouldn’t change “produce and earn more.” From that time onwards, the and someday, her hardworks would pay off. Fortunately, Buhi weavers showed their gratefulness and appreciation her labor was rewarded with great fruits. Because of her by putting the handlooms and sewing machines that they handloom weaving, her eldest daughter was able to finish received into good use. Clarita attended the program and her education. witnessed how the weavers who received their equipment start their own handloom weaving business in their own Improvement with government involvement homes.

When Clarita was just starting with handloom weaving, The NGCP on the other hand, had started their training she learned by herself, but also took various trainings called Project BARO in 2017 which was concluded in

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The SPARK | DEVCOM November 23, 2019. The beneficiaries of Project BARO included BOKPA and Kalinga Indigenous Weavers Association. The threeyear program was conducted with “uplifting the quality of life of the traditional weavers from various host communities at the same time, promote and preserve weaving as a cultural heritage in areas where it is seen to thrive” as its main objective. With Project BARO, the Buhi weavers were given kits that they used during the whole duration of the program.

To help improve the quality and design of their fabrics and to help them earn more, NGCP invited various speakers in different fields such as business management and fashion industry. For business, they were taught on how to manage their handloom weaving business by teaching them leadership skill, organizational development, financial management, productivity tools, quality control, how to use email. This would help them to properly promote the products to the community, to the whole country, and also internationally, if possible. The fashion industry, on the other hand, had taught them what designs and patterns they should use that would be appealing for the present time. In conclusion of the program that NGCP directed, they turned over five advanced handlooms to BOKPA while 41 Buhi weavers and BOKPA members graduated from the Sustainable Communities Uplifting and Development Academy.

The trainings and livelihood programs have greatly helped not only the weavers, but also the people of the community who were willing to learn the traditional handloom weaving to provide for their families’ needs. With the knowledge imparted to them, NGCP hoped that the Buhi-non would be able to improve the quality of their products and would be able to earn more from this growing traditional, yet versatile, business. The trainings and programs played a great part in preserving an important and colorful culture that the Buhi-nons have—the art of weaving threads into beautiful hinabol that supported families for generations.

Even if NGCP had concluded the program, they turned over the responsibility of imparting knowledge to those who graduated in the program. The program did not end after Project BARO, it began when the weavers shared their knowledge to the community of Buhi, in hopes that this beautiful tradition would continue even after they were gone. It is up to Clarita and all the other beneficiaries to help their fellow Buhi-non to pass this acquired skill to the next generation. And she is doing her part. Clarita is bound to train a Buhi-non about handloom weaving. This is the most effective way to apply what they learned during the Project BARO. Continuous spinning of the spindle Change is enevitable. One way or another, the world will not as we remember it today. But we must never turn our backs to the things that helped us get to where we are now. Just like how the Buhi-non never turned away from handloom weaving even when commercial fabrics was introduced to the world. The beautiful art of handloom weaving will continue to create a colorful future of designs and patterns for the people of Buhi. It will adapt, progress, and stay so long as the people know and realize its worth. The beauty it possesses, the benefits it gives, the cultural validation it grasps, it will stay. Just like any other tradition and culture, if nourished, handloom weaving will not be forgotten. It will continue to weave its way through the future. Each of us is responsible of protecting the rich culture of our place. For whatever kind of diversity we have, it is our cultures and traditions which make us unique and connected to each other.

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Pansinin ang Hulagway

Pilit mang ibahin ng mga mapanlinlang, mga mapang-api, at mga mapang-abuso ang anyo ng demokrasiya at katotohanan, ang hulagway nito’y kailanma’y hinding-hindi maikukubli, mananatiling totoo, at ituturo’t ituturo ang tunay na kaaway.

Noong nakaraang Traslacion ng itim na Nazareno, mainit na pinag-usapan ang social media post ng mamamahayag na si Jun Veneracion tungkol sa paghablot ng isang mataas na opisyal ng kapulisan sa kaniyang cellphone, habang kinukuhanan ng

lente ng kaniyang kamera ang mainit na tagpo sa pagitan ng isang kawawang debotong marahas na pinagtutulungan at ng kapulisan sa kahabaan ng Ayala Bridge sa Maynila. Naisauli sa kaniya ang cellphone, ngunit nakapagtatakang burado na ang video footage ng pangyayari. At nang tanungin niya ang hepe ng Southern Police District kung bakit nabura ang video, agad na itinanggi nitong wala siyang kinalaman doon. Subalit, sa kasamaang palad, na-recover ni Veneracion ang naturang

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footage na naglantad ng katotohanan at nagbunyag sa labanan. Ang kalaban ay ang mga lumalaban para sa kasinungalingan ni Brigadier General Nolasco Bathan. katotohanan at ang sinusuportahan ay ang mga lulong sa Matapos ito, agad ding humingi ng tawad si Bathan, at pagkitil ng mga inosenteng mamamayan at ng ating sariling sinabing hindi niya nakilala ang mamamahayag at inakalang bayan. banta si Veneracion sa aktibidad at granada’t hindi cellphone Ating balikan at muling bagtasin ang mga daang pilit ang hawak nito. Ngunit, makikita sa dulo ng video ang iniiwasan ng karamihan. Mahigit tatlong taon na ang lumipas pagbanggit niya sa pangalan ni Veneracion, tungkol sa simula ng umarangkada ang bagong administrasyon sa pangingialam nito, at ang isang malutong na mura. pamumuno ni Duterte. Ang kriminalidad, droga, at korapsiyon Ang kasinungalingan kapag tinakpan ng isa pang ay hindi nawakasan sa loob ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan, kasinungalingan, sa layong isalba ang pangalan ay isang hindi tulad ng naipangako. Sa kaniyang administrasyon, katangahan. Marahil tama ang kaniyang hinuha, na ang nailimbag ang huling sandali ng mga inosenteng buhay na ginawa ni Veneracion ay banta—banta hindi sa seguridad biktima ng Oplan Tokhang; nagsimula ang mas malalang ng mga naroon, kung hindi sa kalbaryo ng mga magsasaka, matapos kanila. Granada nga ang bitbit ni maipasa ang Rice Tarrification Law; Veneracion, ang katotohanan—isang mas dumami ang mga biktima ng marahas na pagpigtas ng maskara ng eksploytasyon, bunga ng hindi pa rin kasinungalingan, upang masilayan nawawakasan na kontraktuwalisayon; Sa seryeng ito, kapangyarihan ang hindi kanais-nais na imahen nakikipagbuno ang ating mga kontra katotohanan ang labanan. Ang hindi lang ng mga pulis ala-kawatan, mangingisda sa West Philippine Sea kalaban ay ang mga lumalaban para sa kung hindi pati na rin ng karamihan na ating sariling teritoriyong pilit na katotohanan at ang sinusuportahan sa iniluklok ng sambayanan. inaangkin ng Tsina at malaya namang ay ang mga lulong sa pagkitil ng mga Ang mga pangyayaring ganito’y pinababayaan ng ating gobyerno; at inosenteng mamamayan at ng ating kung tutuusin ay nasa rabaw marami pang iba. sariling bayan. ng totoong nangyayari sa ating Bukod sa tinta ng dugong dumanak sinilangan—isang pasilip sa sa ating kalupaan at sa pagyurak sa realidad ng lipunan. Ito’y salamin karapatang pantao ng mga Pilipino, ng pagnanakaw-hustisya sa ating ang pagsuko ng soberentiya sa bayan—ang pang-aabuso ng kapangyarihan ng mga nasa teritoriyo ng ating bansa sa ibang bansa ay kailanma’y hindi katungkulan at ang pagkitil sa karapatang pantao ng mga magiging tama. Ang Pilipinas ay hindi pagmamay-ari ng Pilipino. Ngunit, sa haba pa man ng listahang ito, marami pamahalaan, ito’y angkin ng mga mamamayan. pa rin talaga ang mga walang pakialam at mas pinipiling Kung magpapatuloy pa ang ganitong kalakalan, ano nang magpalinlang sa ilusyong binubuo ng mga tiwaling namumuno mangyayari pa sa ating lipunan? Walang demokrasiya kung sa pamahalaan. tigang ang balon ng sambayanan upang apulahin ang apoy ng Isa ring halimbawa ang pagtalaga kay bise-presidente Leni mga pumipinsala sa ating bayan.

Robredo bilang kaagapay na pinuno ng Inter-Agency on AntiHangga’t hawak ng mga panggap intelektuwal, mga walang Illegal Drugs (ICAD) at ang agarang pagtanggal sa kaniya alam sa pamumuno, mga ganid sa atensiyon, at mga hayok makalipas lamang ang labing-walong araw na panunungkulan. sa kapangyarihan ang apoy ng pamumuno sa ating gobyerno, Bukod sa kawalang-tiwala, wala rin daw konkretong planong patuloy na aabante ang nasyon paurong. Hangga’t may takot nailatag ang pangalawang pangulo, upang sugpuin ang mapaso at may nanatiling bulag, pipi at bingi, habang isa-isa problema sa droga sa bansa. Binuksan nila ang kanilang nang nagsisihubaran ang katotohanan sa kaniyang harapan, pintuan sa oposisyon, ngunit agad ding sinarhan sa takot na walang pagbabagong mangyayari. Hangga’t itinuturing na matuklasan ang karimlan sa likod ng madugong giyera kontra kalaban ang mga lumalaban, sa halip na sabay-sabay na droga sa mga lansangan labanan ang mga dapat na wala sa kapangyarihan, walang Sa seryeng ito, kapangyarihan kontra katotohanan ang matatawag na tunay na kalayaan.

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EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF

Editor-in-Chief JOMAR C. ONDING | Associate Editors MARY FRANCE O. BALDOZA, HANNAH RUTH P. CHUA| Managing Editor BRIEN ARISTOTLE S. IRAOLA | Art Editor JOSEPH RYAN R. IBARRETA | Layout Editor CHARIS JOY N. LUNA |News Editor CHRISTELLE O. ONG | Sports Editor ANTHONY JAY A. COMBATE | Literary Editor KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO | Senior Photojournalist ALEXANDER B. CEZAR | Senior Artist EDEN GRACE P. LU | News Writer JEAMALYN B. GORGONIA | Feature Writers CHRISTINE T. ASTIBE, SHIELA MAE C. PARCO, JOANNA ERIKA Y. PUZON, HERMINIA A. VASQUEZ | Sports Writers EMMANUEL D. BRISENIO, FELIMON L. GOZUN JR. | Staff Artists LARRY ANDRE V. PACARDO, KIRSTIEN AJ FRANCENE R. RODENAS | Photojournalists MICHAEL WILLIAM R. RONCO, JUDE ZYMON M. CASYAO | Apprentices JAN KLOUDE M. IGANA, ROSE ANN S. LAGATIC, RAFAEL ANGELO O. MORALES | Broadcast Journalists ASHLEY MAE T. BENICO, FE MARIE F. BERMIDO, MARIA SHARLYN I. BAYTA, MARIELLA S. VILLAR, LORENZO B. ARENGO, JANSEN B. IBARDO | Editorial Assistant MA. ENJAELYN M. BONGCAYAO| Contributors ERWIN I. ALVARO, RENZ DOMINICK CARISO, JUSTINE RHEYVAN TATARO, VICTOR N. BALAGAT JR. | Publication Moderators MARLON S. PONTILLAS AND GIGI V. SEVERO

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Sana hindi— NI KARL CHRISTIAN L. REARIO Mapapatid, hindi— ang mga pawis na ipinapandilig sa lupa, kung 'di ang mga luhang mariing ikinukubli ng mga mata.

Mapapawi, hindi— ng laway sa tirik na araw ang pagkauhaw ng natitigang na lalamunan, bagkus ang kalam ng sikmura ng anak, gagawan ng paraan.

Iginuhit, hindi— sa kanilang mga palad ang salitang kapus-kapalaran, kung ‘di sa mga taong may kapangyarihan na tulog at busog sa kasakiman.

Oo, hindi— hindi pa sa ngayon maiibsan ang mapait na kasalukuyan...

Balang araw...

Sana...

Salitang binibitawan, hindi hahantong sa basurahan.

Sana hindi na—