Ciencia y Virtud Second Issue 2020-2021

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD OFFICIAL

www.ceu.edu.ph

P U B L I C AT I O N

OF

CENTRO

ESCOLAR

UNIVERSITY

Second Issue, 2020-2021

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD Ciencia y Virtud or Science and Virtue is the life-long philosophy of Centro Escolar University.

2020-2021 Second Issue Ciencia y Virtud is published three-times in a school year by the University Publications of Centro Escolar University — One issue per semester and a graduation supplement during graduation.

ABOUT THE COVER #Kwentong Centro is a new online talk show produced by Centro Escolar University aired via CEU’s Official Facebook Page and Youtube Channel.

EDITORIAL BOARD Consultant Dr. Erna V. Yabut Editor-in-Chief Dr. Rosana D. Lucero Associate Editors Ms. Giana Anella G. Atienza Ms.Gelli G. Esguerra Lay-out Artist Bong Bundang CONTRIBUTORS Ms. Olibeth C. Bautista, Ms. Pamela Grace C. Corpuz, Ms. Gelli G. Esguerra, Ms. Ma. Jermaine R. Delos Santos, Mr. Gio A. Escanillas, Ms. Mediatrix Therese R. Galero, Mr. Julius Abel B. Galpao, Ms. Reyna Gaspar, Mr. Aaron Christian E. Ison, Ms. Johanna Lee, Dr. Rosana D. Lucero, Ms. Liezl Grace D. Millares, Mr. Eduard M. Riparip ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Marketing Communications Department, CEU Alumni Foundation Incorporated, Mr. Rowell Antonio, Dr. Jim Fernandez, Dr. Carol A. Gariando, Ms. Eden Joy Alata, Mr. Erljohn C. Gomez, Ms. Maidy Andrea Mejorada, Dr. Maria Corazon Andoy, Ms. Leanne Marie Diola, Mr. Reysan Cosas, Mrs. Danalen B. Quinonez, Dr. Florinda Canuto, Dr. Sharon K. Galang, Ms. Frencher Riegneth R. Borja, Ms. Rose Aira Mae Tayag, Dr. Maria Rita D. Lucas, Mr. Richard Rillo, Dr. Ma. Eleanor C. Espinas, Josiel P. Caseres

2

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

ABOUT CEU With three campuses and over 50 academic programs, CEU has gone far beyond its founders’ vision, laying claim to the distinction as the higher education institution to have the institutional awards for quality.

CEU was founded on June 3, 1907 as the “Centro Escolar de Señoritas” by two visionaries, Librada Avelino and Carmen de Luna, who were inspired by the patriotic movement to nationalize schools. They were cognizant of a need for a center of learning for Filipino women focused on teaching ideal womanhood, intelligent citizenry and democratic leadership that would instill in them the tenets of science and virtue. Kindergarten, elementary, general secondary, music and home arts courses were the first programs of instruction included in the curriculum.

The school was granted university status by the Philippine government in 1932 with Doña Librada as President.

VISION AND MISSION Vision: CEU is the University of first Choice - the leading higher education institution fostering excellence in the advancement of knowledge while engendering personal integrity and social responsibility.

Mission: It is committed to: • Provide a rich and stimulating learning environment to prepare students to become productive, innovative and value-driven professionals and entrepreneurs committed to nation building in the context of one world; • Enhance the development of higher education through exemplar academic programs and collaborative practices; • Contribute to the promotion of human well-being through highquality research, and community service programs CORE VALUES The core values that serve as guiding principles of the University are: V - aluing others, caring for them and

empowering them A - ccountability, integrity, and trustworthiness L - ifelong learning as individuals and

as an organization U - nity, teamwork, and loyalty E - xcellence in all endeavors S - ocial responsibility as citizens of the

Filipino nation and of the world

CEU launches Kuwentong Centro, features its ‘Chief Frontliner’

by Eduard M. Riparip and Rosana D. Lucero

H

ighlighting the pandemic experiences of the Escolarian community, Centro Escolar University launched its first-ever online talk show dubbed ‘Kuwentong Centro’ on August 27, 2021, which was live-streamed on CEU’s official social media accounts, Facebook and Youtube.

Titled ‘The Chief Frontliner,’ the first episode of Kuwentong Centro featured the University President and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina, who, like any members of the CEU community, was caught unaware of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a leader, Dr. Padolina had a fair share of fear on how she would handle the University in this time of uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, but she took academic leadership to a notch for she was on top of everything.

“What keeps me going is to keep seeing you going,” the Chief Frontliner remarked in her interview with Prof. Ricky Rosales, the host of the show.

She also shared how CEU has managed to continue providing quality instruction and academic services to the students by integrating technologies into the curriculum.

“Kaya ang ating tema noong 2020 at hanggang ngayon ay Continuing Education and Engagement in the University. Kailangang ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtataguyod natin sa ating Unibersidad na sa kabila ng pandemya ay makapagtuturo pa rin tayo sa ating mga estudyante, makapagbibigay pa rin tayo ng serbisyo. ‘Yon talaga ang number one [priority],” Dr. Padolina assured the students.

Through Kuwentong Centro, the CEU community got to know more about the lighter side of the President by underscoring her hobbies during the pandemic, her favorite singer and Netflix series, her memorable experience as a professor of UP Los Bańos, among others.

Kuwentong Centro, a breather for the members of the CEU community, came out of the many stories shared in the CEU Pandemic Chronicle. The Chronicle is the brainchild of Dr. Padolina to collect stories of hope, recovery, success, and all other positive things Escolarians may get to continue life and beat the pandemic.

With the number of stories to share with the community or even outside the CEU community, Mr. Eduard Riparip, the director, thought of coming up with a talk show which the team named “Kuwentong Centro.”

Watching the president in the first episode of Kuwentong Centro puts a smile among the members of the CEU community.

Hearing what she has to say and feel as the leader of the University with many accomplishments, is heartwarming. Having her as the first guest of the show is fun, a delight and most especially inspiring.

Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina’s story is every Escolarian’s story.

The show is the window to the many things that anyone has to say or has to narrate as a story of rising above adversaries. CEU continues to make a name for itself because its people choose to continue to be part of the quality education that every student deserves.

“Ang kuwento mo ay kuwento ko, kuwento nating lahat ‘to.”

Kuwentong Centro’s first episode having Dr. Padolina as the first guest ignites the warmth the show wants to be felt by everyone who has been through a lot and still chooses to continue life, educate and be educated. It’s nice to know and hear we have each other’s back. It’s nice to hear straight from the President, straight from the heart of the institution that empowers and inspires.

Here are the people behind the successful first episode of “Kwentong Centro” aired via You Tube and Facebook Live on August 27, 2021.

Creative Consultant: Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina

Executive Producers: Dr. Eliza B. Ayo, Dr. Arlene S. Opina, and Dr. Sharon K. Galang

Host: Mr. Ricky R. Rosales

Directors: Mr. Eduard M. Riparip and Mr. Eugene Marc D. Cera III

Asst. Directors: Mr. Dante B. Gabano and Mr. Richard Rillo

Writers Mr. Eduard M. Riparip, Mr. Richard M. Rillo and Mrs. Jullianne S. Domingo

Producers: Mr. Eduard M. Riparip, Mr. Richard Rillo, Mr. Eugene Marc D. Cera III, and Mr. Ivan Perry B. Mercado

Researchers: Manila – Ms. Michaela Alisa V. Flores and

Mr. Dante B. Gabano

Malolos – Mr. Frances M. Trinidad and

Ms. Penuel P. David

Makati – Mrs. Ma. Leah C. Tabile and

Mrs. Marian Gigi C. Cusi

Editors: Mr. John Bolivar, Ms. Christine Pereyra, Mr. Jenzy Macaraeg, and Mr. Jerome Ventinilla

Technical Director: Mr. Noel R. Aguilar

Musical Scorer: Mr. Jun Ayran

Voice Over: Mr. Ricardo S. Lumpas

Publicity Managers: Dr. Ma. Eleanor C. Espinas and Dr. Rosana D. Lucero

The brainstorming and the shooting for the first episode of “Kwentong Centro” were all done virtually. Everything becomes possible because the people in the production team believe in the purpose of this project. Congratulations and job well done.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

3

CEU Pandemic Chronicle

C

entro Escolar University President and Chief Academic Officer Ma. CRistina D. Padolina initiated a project called “CEU Pandemic Chronicle” to collate moving and inspiring stories of the members of the CEU community on their COVID-19 pandemic journey.

Here’s the letter of Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina: To the CEU Community, In these unprecedented times of pandemic, we all have stirring stories, full of resilience, redemption, and thanksgiving. Let us share and compile all of these to show how we have contained and conquered the COVID-19 crisis and turn them into historic memoirs.

The main purpose of this collection is to capture authentic scenarios involving our students, faculty, staff, academic leaders, and alumni that could result in future publications and documentaries such as coffee table book, digital book, short film, to name a few. This is our attempt to collectively record personal experiences and reflection so that we can better understand our present situation and prepare us for a bright and auspicious future.

We invite you to share your reflections, gratitude journals, experiences, thoughts, or coping strategies during the coronavirus pandemic. You could express your ideas creatively in varied formats such as vlog, blog, poem, song, tiktok, photo journal, poster, spoken word poetry, essay, and the like in English or in Filipino.

Send now and make your contribution to the CEU Pandemic Chronicle.

Please refer to this site for further instructions on how you can upload your materials.

Sincerely,

The materials can be uploaded through chronicle.ceu.edu.ph.

In this issue of Ciencia Y Virtud Newsletter, we are sharing three works of students who submitted in the CEU Pandemic Chronicle.

“Keeping Tabs Open,” is a collage by Olibeth C. Bautista, a dentistry student of CEU Malolos; Ma. Jermaine Delos Santos from CEU Manila also taking dentistry submitted a poem entitled, “Discernment”; and Aaron Christian E. Ison, a Tourism student from CEU Makati submitted an essay he entitled, “Superman”. The three students are the guests in the second episode of ”Kwentong Centro,” the new online talk show of the University.

Discernment

by Ma. Jermaine delos Santos

When I look up into the skies, I saw different lies.

So much hardship and so much pain, please come along with the rain.

I never imagined it would happen to me, and I realized, life is not for free.

I wished it would end tomorrow, but I was surprised by sorrow.

I tried new things, to let go of everything, yet I would end up crying.

Asking myself, what is wrong? and I felt I needed to be strong.

Always pursue a new beginning, but the world makes everything challenging.

I’m solely thinking maybe He has a good plan.

And just wait for Him to begin.

4

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

I

Superman

by Aaron Christian E. Ison

am a freshman student and in my second year to find books about them and study their views this 2021-2022 school year at Centro Escolar on life. I spent most of my time thinking about University in Makati campus. As I navigate, their philosophies and started to have a broader I learn new things and I really appreciate the knowledge on authors of self-help books. I never university itself, especially my professors due to liked books back then but when I experienced their consideration in terms of submission and hardships, sufferings, and eagerness to survive, I grades. Learning in a new way or approach is suddenly found relief in reading books. We can quite not easy. I find it really challenging because I comprehend then that we people are rational am not used to this which is why I am continuously animals as per Aristotle’s philosophy because we adjusting in order to survive. We can all agree that are evaluating ourselves and seeking possible this is not a fun way of learning because there is solutions to our problems.

I have been exposed to books and I could say no interaction with classmates and teachers but as I realize the effort of every student, professor, that reading really helped me in my battles. The and school staff; I am very delighted because I am very first thing that I learned is patience because witnessing something beautiful: hopefulness. I I practiced it just by reading numerous pages. My suppose that this is the best time to tell my journey views on life became healthier and wiser. They and share my realizations during the pandemic. I enable me to treat struggles and challenges as am very proud of this journey because I can give simple exercises to have an equilibrium to our suggestions to those struggling in coping with lives. We will never experience happiness without anxiety and stress from our current state. This story grief and we will not be able to determine what is may or may not inspire others but I believe that sadness from happiness if we do not experience whatever happens we will not remain in darkness; we will make a great escape when the time is right.

I enrolled in the Centro Escolar University with no friends and I could say that I was the loneliest student on our block because I witnessed my classmates how they interacted with one another and seemed that they Artcard Credit: Mr. Reysan C. Cosas are friends already for a long time. My first few days were not good because I had a both. I suppose that life is all about balance. If broken heart at that time and it added to my grief there are losers, there are winners and these that resulted in an intimidation to the class. I had stages will not last forever for there are people countless sleepless nights because I was very who seek solutions to their problems because intimidated with my classmates; they were like they want to conquer themselves.

I finished my two semesters with such lions and tigers in the jungle and it seemed to me happiness and pride. The result of my selfthat they were all hunting me.

As the days passed by, I became busy due evaluation implies that it is effective. I have good to assignments. Making homework is one of my grades and I make my parents proud of me. The most hated things to do but suddenly, I started to intimidation has declined and I started to feel love it as though it was my last resort to become confident with my not so enormous knowledge happy. I distracted myself by doing assignments about life. I appreciate every try because it is and reviewing notes. Since there were no other the first step in success yet hardest to take. My tasks to do because of the quarantine, I just fed journey makes me learn to give a little importance myself with all my modules. The group activities to the negative outcomes and I believe that any made a lot of contribution to my journey in terms defeat or failure in something only indicates that of social relationships because they enabled me we are trying and each is an obvious opportunity to talk and to have a virtual interaction with my to learn; learning has never been evil. I learned classmates and fortunately, I made friends and I how to be resilient and work under pressure and I realized that the only thing that makes no longer feel that I am alone.

The courses on every block are undoubtedly us anxious is our desire to control everything. admirable because there will always be a course Stoicism taught me that we suffer more from our that will help us to conquer our fears and so imaginations rather than from reality. We must ourselves. The courses that have to do with well- focus on things that we have the power to change being and spiritual aspects such as Theology and and not on those events that most likely happen Self-empowerment made a great help for me. due to natural causes. I applied this philosophy in The courses introduced several philosophers class that I would not be anxious on every exam with their interesting moral philosophies that I that I will take. I would just do my part; I would knew could help me in this hard time. I started review my notes and if something bad happens

that is beyond my control then I would just leave it and move on. If I have no capabilities to turn the world then I would just sit there and watch it turn for itself.

This current state has gone wild and many people have lost their jobs and it has affected the mental health of some. I really feel sorry for those families that lost members and for those people who lost their jobs. It is pure annihilation and darkness but on the other side, we can still find beauty and hope. During quarantine, we are all locked inside of our houses and I could say that it really helped me to focus on self-improvement.

I managed my time reading books, meditating, and studying. The main opponent that we must face is ourselves because we tend to set limits on our capabilities and be just content. We do know exactly who we are because every day we discover new things about ourselves. There are days that we will discover new talents that we never thought we had. We will discover new things and capabilities and also improve on what we already have.

By this empirical evidence, we must acknowledge that we are what we think we are. If we think that we are weak then we will be blinded to the fact that we are capable of many things. If we just realize the absurdity of life and self, we will always be hopeful that one day we will make our days brighter and colorful.

I consider the quote from Friedrich Nietzsche from his book “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” as my guide on how to beat myself. It states that “Man is something that is to be surpassed.” I comprehend that in order to be a better person, we must change the beliefs that need to be changed and so are our perceptions about life. I believe that empowering our perceptions is quite important because perceptions are the starting point of every action. We base our decisions and actions on our perceptions; therefore, it is important to have healthy views upon life. I empower my mind through continuous self-evaluation and I make sure that my actions are mindful and will not hurt feelings of other people. They say that to change is something that we must be worried about but I suppose not. We are supposed to change and grow because we are aging and maturing. Some things should not remain, especially our toxic traits; there are things that must stay and we just have to modify them for some meaningful reasons.

We people must adapt to the situation in order to live as per Charles Darwin’s theory. Adaptation to the current state of the world is what we must seek because it is the primary component to overcome everything. And I realized that in becoming strong, it does not necessarily mean that we must be stronger than others; we just have to focus on self and everything shall follow.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

5

A Wellness Interlude:

Self-Care THURS-DATE, Ready… Set… Glow A

Virtual Self-Care Thursday Activity was organized in lieu of the yearly summer outing for faculty and non-teaching employees. It was held on August 5, 2021, during the Summer break via Zoom.

This activity supports the employees of Centro Escolar University to address their physical, emotional, and mental health needs during this global pandemic. The virtual self-care activities include dancing, happy face yoga, deep breathing exercises, the power of positive affirmation and facial massage to help increase the happy hormones among the participants. In addition, selected video scenes of various local wellness resorts and sanctuaries were shown via video-tok or video tiktok that created a more inviting ambiance to the participants. Self-care kits and packages were raffled as prizes and made the event more enticing to all employees who participated. President Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina also generously gave away glass wind chimes to the winners.

The testimonies of some faculty and staff who shared their pandemic-related experiences were inspiring. The employees who shared their personal experiences of resilience during lockdowns were Ms. Edna T. Costuna, a faculty of School of Science and Technology and Psychology Department; Mrs. Vivian V. Suto, the office assistant of Human Resource Department; Mrs. Maricar A. Veranga, program head of College of Hospitality Management in Malolos; Atty. Jayson O’S Ramos, the University legal counsel; and Ms. Maria Belinda R. Oanes, the acting program head of BSITTM of CEU Makati. Their stories and advice on how they cope with the challenges that go with online classes, covid, and lockdowns validate what others in the community, the country, and the world go through.

Ms. Janelle Villamor, Tourism Program Head of School of Nutrition and Hospitality Management, discussed and gave a demonstration on lymphatic drainage facial massage, face yoga, the power of positive affirmation, and basic laughter yoga. Through the efforts of Ms. Janelle Villamor, Overall Chair; Mr. Jerome Soralbo and Mrs. Ludwella Tambiloc, Overall Co-Chairs; Dr, Bella Marie Fabian, Mrs. Ma. Rolina Servitillo, Dr. Olivia Limuaco, and Dr. Maria Flordeliza Anastacio as consultants; and all the members of the working committees, the event was made possible.

The Video-Pakulo Competition is a video presentation with TikTok about the top wellness resorts or sanctuary in the Philippines. The theme is “Top Wellness Resort in the Philippines Video-Tok!”. The participants from the three campuses were divided into ten (10) teams composed of CEU employees from different schools, departments and offices to facilitate the creation of the video-TOK. The teams were the following: WELLNESS SPA

SCHOOL/ COLLEGE

N0N-TEACHING

Team 1

The Farm at San Benito

SAM/AMD/CAMT

Cash and Accounting, Audit, President’s Office

Team 2

Nurture Wellness Village

Dentistry

Physical Plant and Facilities/Chaplain’s office, Academic Affairs Office

Team 3

Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa

ELAMS/ELAS

Library/ Auxiliary, Administration and Accounting Office, Purchasing Department

Team 4

Mithi Resort and Spa

Graduate School and P.E. Dept

Human Resource, Student Affairs Office, Community Outreach Department

Team 5

The Chi Spa (Shangri-la Mactan)

Medical Technology

Security/Property, Business Affairs Office,

Team 6

Mandala’s Spa and Resort Villas

NHM/HRM/CHM

OUR, TLTD, Treasurer’s Office

Team 7

North Sen Villas

Optometry and Law and Jurisprudence

Guidance and Counseling, Univo Office, Science Laboratories Section (Makati and Malolos)

Team 8

Badian Wellness Resort

Pharmacy

ICT, Registrar’s Office, Professional and Continuing Education Department

Team 9

Balesin Island (eagle Wellness Center)

Science and Technology

Health Services/ Research and Evaluation, Planning and Monitoring Department,Vice President’s Office (Makati and Malolos)

Team 10

Lotus Shore

Medicine and Nursing

Marketing, Clinical Laboratory Department

Each creative team conceptualized the video and put some creative effects. The teams did a Virtual Tour Guiding/Promotion Ad of their assigned wellness center and discussed important facts of the wellness center using TIKTOK app. Each team was judged based on the following criteria: • •

CREATIVITY MESSAGE

50 % Visual Effects/content / Audio / music 50% Adherence to the theme / Impact

Winners received the following prizes: • • •

2000 1000 1000

- - -

First Runner-up Second Runner-up Best Lead Stars (500 Each)

Congratulations to the winners and to the organizers that made the members of the CEU community refreshed and had so much fun.

6

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

CEU Alumni Foundation responds to frontliners’ need of PPE

C

entro Escolar University Alumni Foundation Inc. donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to public and private hospitals affiliated with the internship program of the various Medical Allied Courses of CEU campuses in Manila, Makati, and Malolos.

A total of 52 boxes of PPE each containing 600 isolation gowns, 600 surgical masks, and 20 goggles were distributed to the following: CEU Clinical Laboratory, Chinese General Hospital, Delos Santos Medical Center, Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Hemotek Renal Center (Malate Branch), Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Mary Chiles Hospital, Mary Johnston Hospital, Metropolitan Medical Center, Ospital ng Sampaloc, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Philippine General Hospital, San Juan De Dios Hospital, Sta. Ana Hospital, Tondo Medical Center, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Caloocan City Medical Center, Capitol Medical Center, De Los Santos Medical Center, East Avenue Medical Center, Home Health Care Inc., Lung Center of the Philippines, National Children’s Hospital, Philippine Children’s Medical Center, Philippine Heart Center, Philippine Orthopedic Center, Veterans Memorial Medical Center, Makati Medical Center, Ospital ng Makati, Bulacan Medical Center, Rogeciano Mercado Memorial Hospital, Cardinal Santos Medical (San Juan), Rizal, Ospital ng Malabon, The Medical City (Pasig), Valenzuela (Bulacan) Citicare Medical Center, Dialysis Unit of the Global Biotech Healthcare Inc. (Angono, Rizal), Batangas Medical Center, and James Gordon General Hospital (Olongapo).

This initiative was born out of a meeting of the CEU AFI officers and chapter presidents where its President, Dr. Paz I. Lucido, pointed out that there are many CEU alumni frontliners who are doctors, nurses, dentists, optometrists, medical technologists, social workers, educators, and media practitioners.

Dr. Lucido asked for recommendations on support programs they could create for the Escolarian frontliners. Mrs. Cynthia Santiago, CEU AFI Board Secretary, suggested providing assistance to CEU frontliners by giving PPEs to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. With this idea, came what Dr. Lucido considered as “God-sent” when she happened to mention the planned PPE donation while having a casual online chat with Dr. Josefina Nono-Goodwin, former

CEU faculty who is presently based in Memphis, Tennessee, USA and an active member of the Memphis Mission of Mercy (MMM). Dr.Goodwin then referred CEU AFI’s PPE donation project to MMM President, Mr. Renato Noli Zalamea and his wife Norma.

With the received PPEs, Dr. Lucido’s team composed of Dr. Lolita D. Pablo, CEU Community Outreach Program Head and CEU AFI SELAMS Chapter President; Ms. Betty Lou Peñera, Media Relations Officer; and Mariah Sharmaine Liquigan, Office Secretary led the distribution of the equipment.

CEU Forges Partnership with Smart Communications

C

entro Escolar University provides affordable mobile data promos to its students through its partnership with Smart Communications.

In the present days, students must have a fast and stable internet connection to achieve a better study experience, and with the Smart 5G sim, this is made possible. By loading Double the Data, the user may get a 50% Discount (300 and up) or load 99 below and get P20.00 off. Aside from the 5G sim, the Escolarians can stay connected with Smart Bro Pocket Wifi with an exclusive discount of 50%.

With any smart phones powered by the 5G sim or laptops and other devices connected with the pocket wifi, the GigaStudy plan worth P299 with 64GB allocation for 30 days can be availed. This comes with a 4GB open access plus 60GB

for education applications only, and with 2GB daily allocation which cannot be accumulated for use on the succeeding days.

With this partnership with Smart Communications, CEU provides the students a better option ensuring internet connectivity for efficient and productive school work. The partnership was made possible through the initiative of Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs, Mr. Jericho P. Orlina.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

7

CEU Music Students Qualify for SCCM 6 Scholarship Program for Young Conductors

C

entro Escolar University Conservatory of Music students, Jeraldine Gorospe and Vincent Lloyd Naje, were among the nine scholarship grantees who qualified to attend the online training during the “The 6th Symposium on Church Choral Music” which was organized by the Bandung Choral Society in Bandung, Indonesia on June 26-30, 2021.

Jeraldine and Vincent both received a mark of 1.0 in their choral conducting level class under the tutelage of Dr. Maria Theresa Vizconde Roldan. This qualified them for a full scholarship to participate in the training.

The educational programs of the five-day symposium aimed to increase the knowledge and hone the expertise of the trainees composed of aspiring singers and conductors. Choir experts and great conductors of the best known choirs led the seminars, workshops and various interesting activities. They shared their ideas and experiences regarding educational activities and the development of the Choir Community in various places.

The organizers made sure that the participants have increased knowledge and expertise in Choir music through online media

even in the midst of COVID19 pandemic situation. The online training aimed to build a strong spirituality in the Church Choir singing tradition, build cooperation and develop networking between and among the choirs in Indonesia and the world.

CEU School of Dentistry Conducts Limited Face-to-Face Classes

C

entro Escolar University School of Dentistry started to conduct limited face-to-face classes for its students with clinical and laboratory requirements as approved by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Health (DOH).

The skills laboratories and clinics of the school were prepared to be fully equipped in order to accommodate the students’ needed practice on dental procedures.

With the phantom heads, model jaws and dental cast made available, the students can perform oral prophylaxis (dental cleaning), filling, fabrication of dentures and crowns, root canal treatment and tooth extraction.

8

Health and safety protocols are strictly implemented inside the campus to ensure the protection of the students, faculty, and staff.

The first batch of clinicians who voluntarily participated in the limited faceto-face classes completed their clinical requirements from the period of June 28, 2021 to August 5, 2021.

The successful clinicians were able to join the virtual graduation rites of the school on September 25, 2021. The graduates will then be qualified to take the Dentist Licensure Examination scheduled this November-December 2021.

“The School was able to help the

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

students complete their requirements despite the pandemic. The facilities were prepared in compliance with CHED, DOH and LGU requirements. We conducted several dialogues with the students to discuss with them the health protocols of the University. We also ensured that all concerned in the conduct of face-to-face classes including the faculty and staff strictly follow the health protocols such as wearing of masks and face shields, observing physical distancing and wearing of PPEs inside the infirmary,” shared Dr. Pearly P. Lim, dean of the CEU School of Dentistry.

All clinicians, faculty, technicians, janitors and security guards are required to

undergo swab tests weekly prior to the start of the classes. Aside from this, the health status of the clinicians is also monitored every day when they go home or go back to their dormitories and a week after their last day of face-to-face classes.

A few of the students with remaining clinical requirements were not able to participate due to various reasons. Some of them went abroad before the pandemic and cannot return to the Philippines due to travel restrictions; thus, they failed to complete the requirements.

For the First Semester of SY 20212022, under the new curriculum, the

incoming Dent 3 students who enroll Dental Materials Laboratory and Dent 4 students with Operative Dentistry 1 Laboratory, Prosthodontics 1 Laboratory, Roentgenology Laboratory, and Anesthesiology Laboratory, participate in the limited face-to-face classes. Joining them are the 3rd year proper students with laboratory subjects on Orthodontics 2 and Endodontics, as well as 4th year students taking Clinical Dentistry 1,2,3, and 4.

The CEU School of Dentistry also announced that foreign students who wish to join the face-to-face classes may

send an email to the dean, Dr. Pearly Lim so their names could be submitted to the Department of Foreign Affairs for the processing of their tourist visa.

Continuing education in a face-to-face setup comes with a lot of restrictions and protocols to follow in order to ensure the health and safety of the students, faculty and personnel. It has not been an easy process to conduct the classes given the limitations now, but with the University’s relentless commitment to provide quality education and produce quality graduates in the health sciences, everything has been possible.

Youth Advocacy

by Reyna Monica L. Gaspar

A

s a student from the School of Dentistry, I would like to share my ongoing international affiliations to various advocacy-based youth organizations today. Currently, I am part of the ASEAN Youth Advocates Network (AYAN) an international youth-led, non-profit, and socio-civic organization established to pave the way for the ASEAN youth to experience involvement in their localities through a series of advocacybased activities and initiatives where I have been an active member since September 2020. Eventually, I got promoted as the Global Deputy Director for Internal Affairs, the office/department of AYAN that is concerned with the internal mechanisms and regulations of the organization. Since then, I have been actively involved in various projects and initiatives including on-ground and online activities as an organizer, a project head, or even as a participant. These activities include the following:

•

ASEAN Youth Cares (AYC) is a fundraising initiative intended for the benefit of the victims of typhoons/calamities all over Southeast Asia. I was the project head.

•

ASEAN Youth Week 2021 is a 2-week long initiative to celebrate the ASEAN Youth and I was part of the organizers.

•

ASEAN SDG Conference: SUSTAINABLITZ is a 2-week long event solely focused on the discussion of the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

•

ASEAN Mental Health Summit is a forum about one of the sensitive topics on Mental Health of the ASEAN youth of today.

•

UNSW-ASEAN Conference is the annual flagship conference of the University of New South Wales and ASEAN Society that aims to connect the ASEAN to the world under one global forum.

•

ASEAN Youth Advocates Network (AYAN) Malaysia’s Webinar on Youth Volunteerism is the Malaysian chapter of AYAN that held series of workshops about Youth Volunteerism.

•

ASEAN Youth Advocates Network (AYAN) Global’s Beyond Diversity: Evolving Culture and Tradition among ASEAN is a webinar in observance of the International Day for Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

As an active member of AYAN, I was also given the opportunity to lead the upscaling of the organization to the Global Youth Advocates Network (GYAN) — also an international youth-led, non-profit organization with the principle of making advocacy a lifestyle and was established for the global youth to be active volunteers, advocating for youth empowerment, inclusive societies, and promotion of wellbeing. Their first major event was the recently concluded Global Youth Advocates Summit (GYAS) where I was one of the facilitators of the breakout sessions for the 2-day event that kicked off the launch of GYAN worldwide.

In addition to that, I was also a student participant in the AUAPUBAYA Online Summer Program last February 1-5 of this year 2021; the program included virtual tours to Indonesia’s tourist attraction sites and Indonesian culture webinar classes.

There’s no reason to stop and the pandemic nor our age can prevent us from being involved.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

9

10

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

A Message to the Awardees

by Julius Abel B. Galpao

(An inspirational speech delivered by an alumnus during the Recognition Day of School of Education-Liberal Arts-Music-Social Work)

T

o the Dean of School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music, and Social Work, my former professor and mentor whom I owe my wisdom as an educator, Dr. Maria Rita Dacanay-Lucas. To all the members of the faculty and staff, students, parents, friends, and pets, in case they’re watching too, a wonderful day to each and every one.

When Dr. Rosana Derain-Lucero, who I more comfortably call Ma’am Ana, invited me to deliver a message for the awardees of today’s Recognition Day, the first thought that hit my head was “Who can say no to Ma’am Ana?” so I immediately said yes to the invitation even before she detailed out everything about the event. Takot ko lang, baka Maam Ana yan! Ahahaha but kidding aside, I gladly accepted the invitation because I want to share what I have as regards my journey so far as an alumnus of CEU-SELAMS. It was Teacher Appreciation Week that time and right after I accepted the invite, I received two thank you letters from two different people in school, one is a student, and the other is an administrator. The letters go like this.

important is to willingly receive help from others on things I cannot accomplish all by myself. Nobody saw this coming, and I will tell you, the struggle was real and still is. We never anticipated education taking this form anytime soon, and I personally admire all of you for making it this far. At this point, there’s no turning back no matter what. Just continue pursuing excellence and success will definitely follow you, pants down. (got this from the movie 3 Idiots if you know that) Know that in SELAMS, excellence is a way of life.

Denzel Washington once said and I quote, “Do not be afraid to take risks, fall forward.” Being a teacher here in the United States is by far the biggest risk I have ever ventured into. Looking back, I was once like you, the pride of SELAMS, an overachiever if I may say. Life was too comfortable and easy for me when I was there in the Philippines because the people already KNOW who I am. At some point, they feel pressured about my profile, about what I can do and can possibly do. And now here I am, living the life where nobody knows anything about me and to

nothing to lose anyway, nobody from here knows my accomplishments from the past so I came here on a clean slate. I never settled for anything less than what I know I can do. The culture of excellence is what I brought with me in this wonderful journey.

Every person gathered here today has something to offer to the table. Do not hesitate to share what you have to others. We can never tell how the simplest of things we do can be significant to others needing our help.

Only a few were given the rare opportunity to lead others so never give up, serve ‘til you drop!

Did I mention that this is just my first year as a Department Chair but my principal thinks that I’m a pro? My experiences as the SELAMS Student Council Treasurer and Honors Society President during my junior and senior years in CEU honed my potential to lead others, and this leadership is being recognized not just in our country but more so here in the United

be honest, achieving this kind of appreciation feels much more satisfying than what I have experienced in the past. More than the awards I received since my student years, these words of appreciation really hit me bigtime. It’s so rewarding I forgot that I am in a different place, it feels like home! And I know that my former professors who are with you there, were never more proud of me, as they would always extend their congratulations to me through my posts on Facebook.

What’s the secret? Nothing. I just did what they always told me back then, and that is to be the teacher I would love to have when I was a student.

At first I thought that it was too idealistic but everything started to materialize the moment I decided to embrace the idea of doing everything I can to achieve a better version of myself everyday. There’s

States. The journey back then was never easy nor smooth sailing, but all those buckets of sweat and tears paid off tenfold, enough to convince me to finish Educational Administration for my master’s degree just because I truly love leading and serving others.

In this celebration of triumphs and successes, it is just right to acknowledge each other’s core strengths and talents in building a community where each person loves pulling each other up. As we face a dire crisis brought by COVID, this ideology can be our best weapon to win this fight over. You made it this far, there’s no other way but to move forward.

Congratulations to all the awardees! I will look forward to seeing you become difference makers in your own ways!

Thank you and have a great day.

“Dear Mr. Galpao, Thank you for being my teacher and while this year was very unusual, I enjoyed being in your class. Thank you for making us think in new ways. I agree when you say school is about teaching students to think rather than memorize information. I will try to live by your message and make sure that those that come after me are better than I am. It was a pleasure meeting you and learning about the Philippines.

Sincerely, Anaeli” “Julius, SUPERSTAR! You are simply a GREAT teacher. As you know, I have been impressed with your teaching and this year, equally impressed with your leadership as the Math Department Chair. You are a difference maker and I appreciate you! Have a great Teacher Appreciation Week!

Mike Myers” It’s so overwhelming to gain such trust and appreciation from people who you do not even know personally, more that they are not Filipinos like us. But these simple gestures are as grand as the recognition you are experiencing now, at least in my own opinion.

Recognition is appreciation taken in a different form. We acknowledge the great feats of each individual and celebrate their achievements together in a grand, festive event. But let me get this straight recognition is not a prerequisite to greatness, as we can be great ourselves, in our own little ways, even without being recognized by the people around us.

To recognize others is to accept the reality that we cannot do everything by ourselves, that at some point in our lives, we need someone to help us get through the day. This pandemic has taught me many lessons in life and one of the most

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

11

RECOGNITION DAY

12

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

I

t’s human nature to want to be acknowledged and appreciated and it takes a sensitive and appreciative heart to know who needs to be recognized for a job well done, for an accomplishment, or for an achievement.

Every school year is not complete without a Recognition Day. Student councils in the three campuses of Centro Escolar University conclude their action plans with a Recognition Day to acknowledge the students, faculty, staff among others who they believe deserve the final event of the school year. Every set of officers of the schools and of the three campuses, guided by the adviser and dean, plans out the event to make the members of the community feel the appreciation and continue to be inspired in bringing out the best in them with or without pandemic, with or without the plaques and medals that are usually given to the awardees as reminders of accomplishments and contributions in making the school year worth the Recognition Day. In the centerfold of this issue, the posters of the Recognition Day of the schools and campuses are the windows of the souls of the event showcasing how important and meaningful is the day for the organizers and for the awardees.

There are people behind these beautiful and meaningful posters designed to give recognition for a job well done.

We pay tribute to these minds who put up the event and continue to inspire the members of the CEU community and accept the challenges of continuing the quality education that CEU provides.

The event is over but the recognition and appreciation remain to these people.

The Program and Department Heads Their steadfast qualities make the faculty, staff, and students secure and ready for the future. Their wisdom, patience and personalities balance the science and virtue that Escolarians possess. Their genuine concern brings out the best of the faculty and staff under their leadership. They serve to the best of their abilities with poise and humility.

We salute the brilliant people behind the programs and departments of the University.

The Faculty They too are victims of this time.

They too have experienced difficulty in the online classroom. They too suffer the consequences of this pandemic, but they did not say no to the call of God to handle a class and lead the students in beating ignorance. They don’t stop even if personal worries get in the way. They smile even if difficulty tests endurance.

They teach even if weaknesses beat them. They continue to teach, inspire, motivate students and bring out the best in them. They are the instruments chosen to be with the Escolarians. They are the wind beneath the wings of the student awardees of the Recognition Day. The Staff They complete every department and school’s needs. They are the antidote to the epidemic spell. No covid can stop them from answering a call for help. They are the magic that perfects the formula of what true service is. They are the warriors among the CEU frontliners. Without them, life is more chaotic and disorganized. We thank them for not giving up. They are the answered prayer that every office in the University needs. We thank our God each time we meet people like them, the benevolent staff.

The Deans Their leadership and examples as educators and practitioners in their fields and as mothers of the schools they lead set the standards for quality life even in the time that tests endurance. Their sincere care for the faculty, for the staff and most especially for the students are genuinely felt. The schools’ achievements, awards and accomplishments are proof of their tireless pursuit of knowledge and selfless love in leading and serving their second family in this University. They are the trunk of the tree that stands strong in order for the flowers to bloom and continue to bear its sweet fruits. Salute to the indefatigable deans of CEU.

The Administrators Thank you for letting CEU continue.

It takes effort, genuine care, and support to help the members of the CEU community grow in good times and in bad times. With the powers and undying will, they have made it possible for the students, faculty, and staff to soar high. They are the nurturing roots that bind the strong foundation of this University. Thank you for keeping science and virtue alive. Gratitude and respect remain.

The Student Awardees The entire CEU community has embraced the struggles brought by the pandemic. Students have made the biggest adjustments in continuing their education. The student awardees in the Recognition Day went beyond the struggle; they rose above it. Their adventure in the school year 20202021 brought them this far to be the University’s student exemplars.

The Student Leaders The student leaders who are behind every activity of the organizations and of the schools chose to serve and learn beyond the classrooms with or without walls. They endure the challenges and continue to learn from the successes and failures of student leadership. They too like the rest are not perfect but their decision to lead and be different makes them deserve the Recognition Day. Salute to the present and future of the world and hope of the nation, the generation of leaders.

In the midst of the pandemic, there are people who remain loyal and dedicated to their work so as to continue the quality education and the quality life. Hard Work paid off. The inspiration, the motivation, and the support given until the end of the school year produce achievers and awardees in the Recognition Day. The source of it all deserves recognition and gratitude.

Thank you Lord.

HAPPY RECOGNITION DAY!

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

13

14

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

15

USC Weekends:

by Pamela Grace C. Corpuz

T

Biyahe

he pandemic has brought numerous changes in everyone’s lives. One of these unfortunate changes is that we are deprived of discovering the world and forced to stay in the confines of our houses.

The University Student Council - Manila planned to give the Escolarians a digital journey of a life-time. The USC Weekends, formerly called USC Week, is a month-long series of activities held last March 6, 13, 14, 20, and 27 of 2021. It is centered on connecting the whole student community and giving them avenues to interact and learn with one another.

The celebration kickstarter was the Opening Ceremonies with the title, “BANGON: Bagong Lakbay,” which was held on March 6, 2021. One of the most anticipated parts in the event was the Festival of Colors wherein all the school banners were presented by a video with fireworks. Before the pandemic happened,

16

this program used to be the parade of all the schools. The sound of the drums added excitement to the virtual raising of banners.

Another highlight of the program was the Journey Through Time video documentary competition featuring the 10 schools’ experiences as student leaders before, during, and hopefully after the pandemic. All the videos sincerely made the audience feel nostalgic about the past, vibrant for the present, and positive for the future. The USC Officers also presented their own documentary video.

The reminiscing carries on with special messages coming from the past presidents of the University Student Council Manila from 2008 up to the present. It was indeed a beautiful time to enshrine the Escolarian culture that will continue to prosper.

The next day of the USC Weekends 2021 was an E-Conference entitled, “YAPAK: Hakbang Karunungan,” with the

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

subtheme, CHANGING M.A.C.: Mindset, Attitude, and Culture. Dr. Ma. Cristina D. Padolina graced the e-conference with her presence and formally started the event with her inspirational message. I as the USC Manila 2nd Vice President and Ms. Michaela Alisa V. Flores, USC Manila Treasurer hosted the event.

Sharing his expertise, knowledge, and passion for the Sociology of Youth, Dr. Clarence M. Batan, surely caught the attention of the audience by his unique perspectives and a powerful message.

He is the Coordinator of the Department of Sociology from the University of Santo Tomas. After Dr. Batan’s talk, the audience was serenaded by Mr. Kim Correa from the Conservatory of Music with his amazing piece.

Following the E-Conference, a virtual Thanksgiving Mass entitled ALAY: Handog Pasasalamat was held to celebrate

the fourth Sunday of Lent and to give thanks for the support and love that the USC has received during their events for the whole school year. It was presided over by Fr. Rindo Karippai, CM with Mr. Zeus Bunyi as the commentator. As everyone counts their blessings for the past months, Father Rindo emphasized praying for the world because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the mass, Ms. Bernadette P. Nakagami, USC President for S.Y. 2020-2021, said her word of thanks for everything that happened for the community. After stressful and anxious

months, it was one of the best times to reconnect with one’s spirituality and reevaluate their mindsets in life.

Moving forward, the USC House of Menders conducted an event called USC Fitness Online, the morning session for the third Saturday of the USC Weekends 2021. The event was composed of a health lecture provided by the University’s Health Services Department with a corresponding yoga session mentored by Ms. Gelie Dela Peña, a specialized yoga instructor from PRANALAYA Yoga and Wellness in Baguio City. This event was delivered via the Zoom application and was streamed on Facebook.

Then, taking the student leaders to a universe of fun and friendship was the main event for the third weekend of the USC Weekends celebration, the Gameverse with the title “HUSAY: Hubog Kakayahan.”

The game day was prepared so as to give the student leaders from CEU Manila a time for relaxation while challenging their competitive spirits through a series of games. Aside from really having fun, the Gameverse more importantly enhanced the camaraderie and cooperation of the councils and organizations of Centro Escolar University.

Finally, the last stop of the USC Weekends 2021: BYAHE was the Talent Showcase (Ingenium) entitled, ENTABLADONG ESCOLARINO. The activity was centered in providing a platform for students to show their gifts and talents to the whole community through Spoken Poetry, Solo Dance, and Singing competition with spectacular performances from the special guests.

The last day commenced with my opening message as the USC 2nd Vice President and as the overall chairperson of USC Weekends 2021: BYAHE. I shared the overview of the whole celebration and its essence in the lives of Escolarians. The masters of ceremonies for the evening, Mr. Juan Carlos R. Carranceja, USC 1st Vice President and Ms. Princess Jordan, Communication and Media Student, welcomed everyone with a bang as they hype the audience up for the Escolarian talent portion.

All the contenders for the Singing Competition captured the audience by their angelic voices. This was followed by the Spoken Poetry Competition which reached the hearts of the students because of the meaningful messages

behind their works and their powerful deliveries. Then, finally, the Solo Dance Competition garnered a lot of cheers from the people since everyone truly misses seeing performances up live.

The Spoken Poetry judge was Dr. Rosana D. Lucero, the Singing Competition judge was Ms. Michelle Luna, while the Solo Dance Competition Judge was Mr. Jerold Dramayo. The winners were the following: Singing Competition Champion - Mr. Jerome Ventinilla (SELAMS) Spoken Poetry Champion – Ms. Christine Joyce Nakar (Nursing) Solo Dance Competition Champion – Ms. Melana Chavez (Dentistry) The list of placers was also announced during the actual event and was posted on USC’s Facebook page. Following the announcement of winners was the Closing Remarks of Dr. Carlito B. Olaer, Vice President for Student Affairs and USC Manila Adviser. Dr. Olaer emphasized how celebrations like the USC Weekends: BYAHE can be the start of a beautiful journey ahead. He wrapped up the message by also giving thanks and congratulations to the people who supported the event and to the officers who spent countless sleepless nights to pull off the month-long celebration.

Mr. Dan Ombao serenaded the crowd with his soothing voice and charm and he gladly answered the questions of the students. Ms. Clara Benin greeted the audience with her simple yet alluring aura that captivated the students especially as she started singing with her beautiful and heartwarming voice. Just like Dan, Clara was asked questions that everyone enjoyed listening to and learned a lot from.

The night came to an end and the whole month’s weekends were filled with learning, fulfilled spirit and blessed hearts. The officers planned the whole celebration to give the students a journey of a lifetime, but it was also a journey that they will never forget and a month that tested their capacity as student leaders and organizers of the “byahe”. Truly, life is an endless journey; however, there will also be an end to this seemingly limitless road. The only thing we can do is make the most out of everything we experience and turn these into steps for us to improve from and develop into better individuals who are off to change the world in their own simple ways.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

17

Project FORTH, CEU, and Pearl PEARL Years ago I had a student named Pearl, tall, pretty, intelligent and skinny. She was always clean, quiet and smiled a lot. As a scholar she did not pay for her school fees. She only paid for her food, dormitory and other project/ school expenses. Often she would stay in the office and would assist as a volunteer. In her final semester, she did not enrol and we were surprised when her parents came and told us she could no longer continue because she had lost her senses due to hunger.

It was already her last year in college when her parents, both farmers, told her they could no longer afford her finances. They asked her to go back home but Pearl still decided to continue her studies and lived with her friends’ apartments, dormitories, homes or with whoever was willing to accommodate her. She pulled it through for one semester but food was not free. She never showed she was hungry. She never complained. She never refused when she was offered lunch or snacks, but otherwise she would never ask. Why? Is that what you call dignity in poverty? Had I known… If only she asked… If only I asked.

Up to now Pearl is my guilt. I could have helped her. I could have saved her. I could have asked her. I hate poverty.

POVERTY sucks. Pearl and her family work hard up to the last strength they have to survive. There are so many people who line up everywhere to get help, services, or anything free and the government always provides ways and means to support them, to provide for them. They are always the focus of all politicians’ platforms and promises. With the number of elections we have had, with the number of politicians who have promised them better lives, better future, why are they still everywhere? There is still no proof of improvement and the number has not changed. I may not be rich, but never will I claim I am poor. There might still be Pearls in my classes but now I am more vigilant, more sensitive so they won’t lose their precious lustre and value, but what about those who are not in the classroom? How do we help people like Pearl? What is the long-term plan or project to totally eradicate poverty? Is it ambitious to claim it’s possible?

EDUCATION may be one that we may use as capital to prevent and fight poverty. It has been the culture of the Filipinos to value education and so parents do everything to bring their children to school, earn a degree not only to bring good name for the family but also to make them productive, live a comfortable life and not suffer the way they did due to poverty.

Poverty is only one among the many challenges that the students, the teachers, the family, the community and other sectors need to address, and education is both the means and the end.

Then came Project Forth PROJECT FORTH The idea of Project Forth started when six young teachers from a European Union youth project came to the Philippines in 2015. These European teachers saw the eagerness of the

18

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

L-R Standing: Mrs. Yvette B. Sobrepeña, Dr. Maria Rita D. Lucas, Dr. Milagros Borabo, Dr. Rosana D. Lucero, Mrs. Hermie G. Castillo; L-R Seated: Mrs. Marillie O. Cueco, Mr. Ricky Rosales, Mrs. Sitty Lovito-Romero, Mr. Richard Rillo

L-R: Dr. Milagros Borabo, Dr. Maria Rita D. Lucas, Dr. Emma Melgarejo, Dr. Julia Gonzales, and Dr. Teresa R. Perez

teachers to learn new methodologies and also saw the willingness of the students to learn.

Trained in sustainability the six wanted the action they had undertaken to have a follow up. Hope for these children was an investment that could not be abandoned.

Education for all is always the clamor of all and who is the best person to give that? The teachers, the teachers who need to know how they can provide the best education for children regardless of the students’ and the teachers’ status in life. Teachers, who just like the others who want to help, also need help; and so Project Forth was born.

As a response, Project Forth came up with a teacher support program in order to help them cope with the different demands of teaching in challenging areas. Teacher motivation needs to

be strengthened to carry out a difficult but critical mission. Preparation is needed for teachers to educate and the challenge is changing the focus from the problems to opportunities, from negative perceptions to positive opportunities.

If it takes a village to raise a child, the Project Forth team is composed of universities, agencies, private and government sectors who finance the project and work on this project in order to raise the quality of teacher education and address the challenges that go with it. The following composed the Project Forth Team: Team Philippines PUP Manila - Polytechnic University of the Philippines CEU Manila - Centro Escolar University USeP Davao - University of Southeastern

Philippines WVSU Iloilo - West Visayan State University USLS Bacolod City - University of Saint La Salle CHED- Commission on Higher Education PAFTE - Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators SEAMEO-INNOTECH - Southeast Asian Ministers of Education OrganizationRegional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology TAII - Teresian Association International Inc. DepEd - Department of Education: Divisons of Manila, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Davao European Union Team UG - University of Groningen in Groningen, Netherlands UD - University of Deusto in Bilbao, Spain UniBo - University of Bologna in Italy EDIW - Education for an Interdependent World in Brussels, Belgium InteRed - Fundacion Intered in Madrid, Spain International Tuning Academy Management Team of Project FORTH From Education for an Independent World, Dr. Emma Melgario is the FORTH academic coordinator and Dr. Julia Gonzales is FORTH project developer. From University of Groningen, Ms. Maria Yarosh is FORTH academic expert and adviser, Ms. Maida Marty is FORTH project manager, and Dr. Robert Wagenaar is FORTH project coordinator/responsible.

FORTH aims to develop a network of Higher Education Institutions, associations and stakeholders creating a system of quality, motivation and support to teacher training in a number of emerging challenged areas in the Philippines that could serve as a model of teachers training for similar contexts in the world.

Students like Pearl need help and teachers who will educate these students need also the help and the support; and Project Forth saw this need.

CEU CLUSTER When the application came out for institutions to be part of the Project FORTH, Dr. Maria Rita Lucas, the indefatigable Dean of CEU’s School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work filled out the application, gathered and submitted all the requirements and the CEU Cluster was born. The team is composed of faculty with different expertise that Dr. Lucas thought would be helpful in accomplishing the tasks at hand as members of Project FORTH. Mr. Ricky Rosales is the Communication and

Pre-training with principals, Dep-Ed teachers and CEU Cluster

Media Program Head and a broadcaster who is well exposed to social structure and problems.

Dr. Teresita Mijares is the head of the Teaching and Learning Technology Department and a technology specialist. Dr. Milagros Borabo is the former head of CEU Professional and Continuing Education and a pedagogy guru. Mr. Richard Rillo is a faculty member of the CEU Languages Department and a language research expert.

Mrs. Sitty Lovito-Romero is a faculty member of the Physical Sciences Department and a science expert. Dr. Rosana D. Lucero is a faculty of the Languages Department and a senior staff of CEU University Publications and so writing this article.

The team is under the leadership of the dean of School of Education, Liberal Arts, Music and Social Work, Dr. Ma. Rita D. Lucas with the help of Ms. Aira Mae R. Tayag as the secretariat.

Part of the CEU Cluster Team are the three DepEd teachers from the three elementary schools that CEU works with. They are Mrs. Hermie G. Castillo of Librada Avelino Elementary School, Mrs. Marillie O. Cueco of Geronimo Santiago Elementary School, and Mrs. Yvette B. Sobrepena of Marcela Agoncillo Elementary School.

Project Forth’s objective is to help teachers teach in marginalized areas. These areas can be brought about by poverty, religion, geographical location, among other things that may cause difficulties for both the learners and the teachers in having access to quality education both as recipients and providers. The participating universities and Deped teachers underwent

a series of training and workshops for the past three years.

The CEU Team attended the three Transnational Trainings of Trainers. The first TTT was held in Davao in 2019, TTT2 was held in Iloilo in February,2020, and TTT3 was held last March, 2021 virtually.

The team has contributed in formulating the modules for the Master of Teaching in Marginalized Areas and in 2020, put up webinars in reading and numeracy having Dr. Milagros Borabo and Dr. Ma. Rita D. Lucas as speakers respectively. This year, there is a repeat of the webinar on Early Mathematics for Early Childhood Teachers plus the community of practice in Facebook to continue the sharing of practices in the teaching of Mathematics.

The project is from 2018-2021 but due to pandemic, the project is still on-going trying to address another challenge that educators and learners are facing now.

What do Pearl, Project Forth and CEU have in common? Education as a means and as an end is a gargantuan task addressing the challenges that go with it. Pearl is anyone who wants to make education the means but did not get its end. Project Forth is proof that there are no boundaries in making education possible for all.

CEU Cluster believes in the dream that FORTH stands for, the formation of teachers in emerging challenged areas. Today in the Philippines, soon the model that is developed in the country will be patterned and applied in other countries with similar context, so we GO FORTH!

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

19

On Recognitions, Rejections, and Redirections

by Julius Abel B. Galpao

Exemplary Secondary Mathematics Teacher 2016. Awarded by Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and Department of Education - National Capital Region. Right photo: Head, Mathematics Department. Northampton High School, Virginia, United States August 2020 to present.

A

t this point in my life, I still dream about being invited by my dear Alma Mater to deliver a keynote speech or an inspirational message to a group of young graduates who aspire to make their existence in this world significant in their own ways. A chance I had when my former professors requested my presence to give a talk to the then passers of the Licensure Examination for Teachers during their testimonial luncheon but I think I was not that prepared during that time, in a sense that my speech, in my opinion, fell short of substance due to lack of “remarkable experiences” that made enormous impact in my life as an individual. As I write this, I pretend as if this will be the message I want to share to those aspirants, if ever that time comes, I think I am better prepared, I suppose.

Year 2007, in celebration of Centro Escolar University’s centenary as a leading institution of learning, I led my batch in making this huge milestone in our lives as we received our diplomas - proofs of our hard work, determination, and perseverance that paved the way for the achievement of our dreams. Looking back, my life in CEU SELAMS was truly a bliss and I can proudly say that being an “achiever” in our college, then and now, is indeed an understatement, for we were molded not just to perform, but to shine the brightest. I have tried all sorts of stuff as a college student back then and was recognized countless times - a Math wizard, student council officer, president of a university organization, a model president and an outstanding student to name a few. Some of my friends would say that “recognition” is my way of life in the university, and they would even joke about not hearing my name in recognition ceremonies is almost close to impossible. Well, they are my friends anyway.

Being the year’s top graduate, I knew that the next big thing I needed to prepare myself for was the board examinations. The pressure was on and I really felt it to the very core of my being as the day of the release of the results were drawing closer and closer. Luckily I landed on one of the top spots and that was the time I will never forget how proud SELAMS was, especially Dr. Paz Lucido who’s the dean then, about me making it on top after long years of waiting. Being “recognized” seemed like a slight obsession on my part then - as I achieve greater heights, the desire to achieve more grew even stronger than ever.

I continued my journey as a teacher bringing with me this desire, and I cannot recall anymore how

20

many times I have sacrificed so much just to experience this same feeling of being “recognized” once more. It was my third year of teaching in a private school when I got my first promotion. I was not even tenured during that time but the owners of the school believed so much in my potential and made me the head of the Mathematics Department in the Upper School level. When I started serving the public sector, it opened more opportunities for me to showcase what I got as a young and talented teacher. I trained batches of Mathletes and won several competitions left and right, and that put me on the map of wellrecognized Mathematics personalities not just in our division but in the whole region as well. The winning streak continued and the next thing I knew, I am being awarded as Exemplary Mathematics Teacher in the National Capital Region by the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines (MTAP) and the Department of Education - National Capital Region, an achievement I never thought could materialize, not even in my wildest dreams!

Everything seemed so perfect, not until I tried another shot at exceeding my limits as an educator.

At that time, I thought to myself that maybe I can step up the game a little more. I ambitiously aspired for more and sought higher office, thinking that I am capable. This was that very moment when I experienced one of the most painful “rejections” in my life. I was denied such an opportunity to lead for reasons beyond my control and for the very first time, I felt that I was inadequate. One move after another, “rejection” waved at me like an old friend when I was struggling finishing my masters degree - something I never felt way back those times that I was soaring high like an eagle in the vastness of the skies.

The losing streak did not end there as I tried diverting my attention away from those unfortunate events by sending applications to various institutions thinking that they might consider my potential just like those people who first believed in what I can do.

I experienced applying for a job in a government agency and did not receive any response at least for a year. I also applied for a teaching position in one of the most prestigious schools in our country but my friend who happens to teach in the same school

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

indirectly and informally told me that I was not considered because they believe I was overqualified for the position I was applying for. It even came to a point that I asked for a recommendation from a known foundation just to secure a spot in another government agency but to no avail - I felt that “rejection” was a new phase in my life, like an entire chapter if I may say the least. True as they say that when it rains it really pours, and in my case, I think I almost drowned in the flood of “rejections”.

At this point, I was starting to lose the battle.

My confidence gradually shattered into dust, and I have questioned God many times why I deserve such misfortunes. I was at the verge of losing myself and totally surrendering everything at that moment, nothing to lose anymore, so I did one more gigantic leap - and this decision was the best I ever made to date.

I just took the chance of applying for a teaching position here in the United States, as one of my friends insistently encouraged me to grab the opportunity. I was really hesitant at that time, imagining how ruined my morale was and thinking about making a decision that can truly change my life for good, adding to it was the idea of going out of my comfort zone which I have never done before.

The entire process was a breeze - I did something so effortlessly and yet everything unfolded as if it was all planned well at the very beginning. I started sending my papers around June of 2018 and I was hired in July of the same year. I was amazed by how things went so smoothly that even the most challenging situations I thought of that could possibly hindered me from getting this chance were resolved even without me lifting a finger.

I started to regain my esteem when wonderful things started to unfold right before my very eyes as I laid my feet on the land of milk and honey.

My potential was again “recognized” by my fellow teachers and even more so by my administrators.

Who would have thought that they would even consider me to become the new head of the Mathematics Department in my second year here in our school despite my status as a foreign teacher. I might have been denied this opportunity way back but I never imagined that it would be given to me even without me intentionally applying for it.

It was at that moment I realized that those “rejections” I was crying about are just “redirections” that I need to embrace. Don’t get me wrong; being a teacher here in the US was never an easy task but these “misfortunes” I experienced molded me into the person I am today. The entire experience here made a 360-degree turn in my perspectives as an individual.Now, I even associate the success in my weight loss journey with those indirect “rejections” I faced in the past. Eventually I have learned how to turn these “rejections” into “redirections” of some sort.Of course, big thanks to all the “recognitions” I received along the way as these have supported me to remain resolute amidst adversities that life may throw at me.

And now I have finally found the missing piece - the interplay of recognitions, rejections, and redirections in one’s life fortifies our character and changes the way we view ourselves and the situations around us. Recognitions raise our awareness of our talents and skills that we need to share to the world and rejections are helpful reminders that we should always keep our feet on the ground. Then, our perception of redirections is indeed a game changer, as it solidifies our persona and strengthens our spirit while we recognize the idea that Someone has control over us, that His plans are always better than ours.

If I had experienced all these prior to my talk back then, I think I would have inspired them more not just to aspire for excellence rather to invest in developing one’s character as we better prepare ourselves for the greater battles ahead of us. I will be forever grateful to my dear Alma Mater, Centro Escolar University, for instilling in me “Ciencia y Virtud” - something that I will bring along with me wherever the wind takes me in this journey called life.

CEU’s Janine Pontejos as Women’s Basketball Game Changer

C

entro Escolar University alumna Janine Pontejos has really established a name for herself. After bringing pride to the Philippines with her winning games in several international sports competitions, she once again made a noise for making the women’s basketball recognized more in the country.

In her interview with Ms. Bea Daez on Samahang Basketball Pilipinas (SBP) Women in Charge Episode 4, Janine took a trip down the past years starting from playing basketball on the streets with her cousins and friends at the age of 8 in her home town in Batangas, becoming 4-time MVP for WNCAA and NAASCU during her college days in CEU, and up to her becoming one of today’s outstanding athletes in the country for women’s basketball.

Being a sharp shooter made her stood out among the rest, and this resulted in her basketball career to flourish. She said patience, “utak” and “diskarte” are her magic tricks inside the court.

In 2018, the Philippine sports community celebrated Janine’s victory as the first Filipino gold medalist in the FIBA 3x3 Mixed Competition Shootout. In 2019, she once again brought home a gold medal, both for 3x3 and 5 versus 5 tournaments in the Southeast Asian Games. With these achievements, little by little, she paved the way for the women’s basketball to gain more recognition. Janine expressed how happy she is that with this recognition, the talents and skills of

the young athletes will not be put to waste.

At the age of 28, Janine hopes to continue her passion and love for sports. She is the present Assistant Coach of the CEU Lady Scorpions Team and she is also the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s Basketball Team 2-point Specialist. Aside from being active in the court, she also serves in the Philippine Army.

Sthefanie Ventura, former CEU Lady Scorpion continues supremacy in WNBL

C

entro Escolar University alumna Sthefanie Ventura carrying her skills on the court as a former CEU Lady Scorpion plays now for the Parañaque Lady Aces, one of the competing teams in this season of Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL).

During her online interview in one of the episodes of WNBL Baseline, she was commended for her excellent performance of six points with

three rebounds in 13 minutes of their first game.

“Gusto kong ibigay ‘yung best ko kapag pinasok ako.

Hindi pwedeng lahat scorer sa team, dapat may defense din,” said Sthefanie.

Sthefanie decided to join the WNBL because she missed being able to play basketball after graduation.

She focused on her career as a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Management major in Management. She also felt that it is a great opportunity to be a part of a professional league.

Her skills are undoubtedly exceptional after making an impressive record in the WNBL draft

combine where she topped two agility tests by finishing the ¾ court sprint in just 3.18 seconds while clocking in at 12.66 seconds in the lane.

She revealed that during her elementary days, she represented her school in the track and field and volleyball competitions. It was in her 4th year of high school when she became a part of a basketball team for a municipal athletic meet.

The year 2013 was the start of her journey as a member of the varsity team of CEU where she experienced five championship games.

Sthefanie believed she owed her basketball skills to the University. Her coaches and seniors were very skilled and supportive.

The 5-foot-8 athlete also thanked the WNBL Management for pursuing to hold the league despite the present situation and said that the Parañaque Lady Aces will surely showcase much improved performance once the games resume.

Micah Figuracion, former CEU Lady Scorpion shines as WNBL player

C

entro Escolar University alumna Micah Figuracion took on the spotlight during her interview as special guest in one of Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) Baseline episodes livestreamed in Facebook and hosted

by Reuben Terrado.

From being a former member of the CEU Lady Scorpions, Micah is now one of the players of Glutagence Glow Boosters, a competing team in this year’s WNBL and had their second straight win before the games were cancelled due to the implementation of the community quarantine.

Micah has contributed a lot to the team during their first two games and was even one of the highest scorers of the Glow Boosters.

During her interview, she recalled her good old days as a varsity player in CEU which

for her made a lot of impact to her sports career now.

Their High School Director who has an uncle in CEU convinced her to join the try-out and luckily because of her skills, she qualified and became part of the team. She expressed how blessed she was for being able to experience the kind of training CEU provides to its varsity players.

Their intense training was all worth it for she is now one of the ace players of her team and is starting to make a name for herself in the field of women’s basketball.

She was also thankful to WNBL Management for pursuing to launch this season’s league despite the pandemic to

continue giving them a chance to showcase and prove that women can also play in the court.

Micah was raised in the province of Rizal with eight siblings. Her interest to play basketball was influenced by her older brother who at a young age became a Batang PBA player.

Basketball provides her an opportunity to show her strength and discipline as an athlete.

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

21

When the Monster Became a Friend

by Mediatrix Therese R. Galero

P

ain is the worst enemy, and the best friend that any person could have. Years ago, I would have laughed at the very sentence that I just wrote. Struggling people may see this notion as something that is offensive. If this was said in a public funeral, I would have gotten my eyes sprinkled with salt and cleansed with alcohol. But this concept, no matter how many people oppose it, can be a fact.

Like any normal human being with emotions, I too grappled with pain. It’s every adult’s monster under the bed; the only difference is that the creature couldn’t care less about scaring you. It feeds itself on the tears we cry, on the damages we endure. I have viewed ache and agony as the villains of my story. For so long, I labeled them as the part of me that I do not present to the people I meet. It has been hidden deep in the chest that no one could open except me. Then I realized that this box is not contained. It does not have locks or any form of keys that can keep my pain secured. It’s easily accessible, and effortlessly filled as I go on with life. I tried to keep it locked using random sorts of ties, ribbons, alcohol, booze, and irresponsible getaways. But the more I try, the more I bleed. The more I repress every feeling of hurt, the more I happen to peel off my own wounds.

Then one night, I got tired of the hopeless attempts to silence the monster. So instead, I talked with it. I took time to know it, to understand it, and finally, make peace with it. I used our common ground: words.

When pain hated me, it threw me with snarky comments about my weight, my acne and my past. But when I started becoming friends with it, it showed me a boutique where I can avail the most sultry looking swimsuit, so that I could show

22

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

off my curves. It introduced me to skincare brands that can ease up the redness of my pimple marks, and it even encouraged me to use my past as the basis of the stories I wanted to share. Pain became the source of my improvement. But this was not an easy ride at first-- and even up to now.

Lang Leav once said that it’s not true that all writers are sad; it’s the other way around-- Sad people write; and pain brought me a thousand supplies of sadness. Pain became my best friend when I understood its presence, when I stopped viewing it as the being who squatted in my mind and soul. I grasped that it’s there for a reason-- as the source of my creativity. Through it, I viewed life in a dimensional and deep perspective that I later on converted into creative works.

Creative writing allowed me to convert my darkest thoughts into words. I transformed pain into characters who struggled yet survived and thrived. I established places and settings that lacked sanity and harmony, yet produced the kindest people one could ever imagine. I can make situations superlatives. I embrace the idea that death and suffering will always be a part of our life, so why not make something productive out of it? Creative writing allows me to introduce myself, and when I say that, I do not mean the superficial details like my favorite food. This form of art empowers me to present myself: my dreams, my aches and pains, my cravings, my flaws, my insecurities and various forms of fear.

For a while, I may have also viewed it as an escape from reality; but lately, it became more than a way of taking flight. It became a lever that can help me stand and witness the harsh actuality of life, yet still function the very next day.

More than that, I see it as a form of writing that can make someone grow out of the old

ways, old habits and old beliefs we have in life.

When we write creatively, we become the most authentic version of ourselves. Even though we may add a little bit of sparkle, we never let it outshine the personal touch of who we truly are.

Creative writing is also a medium where we can productively express our vulnerability, because it allows us to share our secrets and hidden hopes.

It makes us human and more positively weak; as if the white blank paper demands to be filled with the baggage that we have not let go of yet.

The damsels in distress, the mighty warriors, the noble steeds, the glimmering castles, the chaotic cities, the apocalyptic wars, alien invasions and such-- these are all parts of a story that are within ourselves. They are all the various forms of characters and story plots that pain helped us to achieve. We writers are the painters; the canvas are the stories we share; and our human experiences and pain serve as the colorful packets of paint.

All of our sufferings will one day lead us to create masterpieces that we thought we couldn’t do.

If Jose Rizal was not imprisoned, he might not have written the two greatest novels. If Edgar Allan Poe did not experience rejection and regret, he might not have been the father of American short stories. Our pain and the way we deal with it is crucial towards our progress. Both are either the last bullet that can kill us, or the first breath of morning air that will encourage us to seize the day. Pain can be a friend, a companion, a source of creativity. But among all else, it can be us. It can be the fire in our cold hearts, the Red in our colorless world and the replenishment of our dried convictions. So when all tears are cried, and our entire being feels numb, know that we are only one pen away from becoming reborn again.

ABaKaDa

ni Liezl Grace D. Millares Sa bawat araw at gabi na lumilipas, mananatiling ang mundo ay hindi kukupas.

Sa ating mundong ginagalawan, tiyak na ang problema at unos ay hindi maiiwasan.

Kahirapan, krimen, at kurapsyon – ilan lamang sa mga problemang ating kinahaharap, na kahit anong gawing pag-angat nandiyan pa rin ang paglagapak.

Sa panahon ngayon na ating kinalalagyan maraming tao ang mahirap at dahil sa maruming politika ay mas lalong naghihirap.

Sa inyong mga namumuno, ito ang ABaKaDa para sa inyo…

Aa - AKALA Aakalain ba natin na ganito ang sasapitin, ng mundong ginagalawan natin?

Ba - BAKIT Bakit tayong lahat takot lumabas?

Kasi bakit ang iba walang mask?

Bakit naman kasi ang protocol sa iba hindi patas?

Ka- KAYA Kaya pa ba ng taumbayan ang magtiis?

Hihintayin na lang ba na ang virus ang aalis?

Saan ang solusyon, puro ba pagtitiis?

Da - DAHIL Dahil sa paglabas-labas, ang sisi sa taumbayan, Hindi n’yo ba nakikita, tao na ang gumagawa ng paraan, Dahil ‘di n’yo naman kayang suplayan ang aming pangangailangan.

PRESTO

Aaron Christian E. Ison

E- EWAN Ewan n’yo kung saan napunta ang pera?

Eh kung ‘wag n’yo kayang ibulsa, Gamitin sa tao para lahat maging masaya.

Siyang pinagaagawan sa pagitan ng tama at kabutihan Maaarok na kapanatagan kung umiiral ang tanggapan Malinis man ngang layunin sa kalooban ay may kadiliman Aling mahalaga ay itong pagyakap sa hindi kahulugan

Ga-GAMITIN Gamitin n’yo naman ang pera ng bayan, Sa makatuwiran at maayos na pamamaraan.

Hindi virus ang papatay sa mamamayan Kundi ang inyong kasakiman.

Lahat ay tataliwas sa bagay na mayroon ang bawat isa Isang pagkakamukha ito nga ay imposibleng nang makita Pinaguugnay sa katahimikan ng nagmistulang mahika Pinagbibigkis ang lahat nang sa tabi ay wala nang matira

Ha - HAMON Takot ba kayo sa hamon ng Pilipino?

Kaya kung ano-anong excuses na lang ginagawa n’yo, Palibhasa kayo, may hamon na inihahanda sa lamesa n’yo.

Ii- ILAAN Ilaan kasi sa tamang pamamaraan Upang hindi magwala ang taumbayan Dahil hindi lang para sa inyo ’yan, Kundi para sa lahat ng mamamayan.

La-LAHAT Lahat naman willing sumunod sa inyo, Pero hindi kasi lahat katulad ninyo Na kahit nasa bahay lang kayo, May laman ang sikmura at bulsa ninyo.

Pinagtrabahuan sa minahan, nilinang kung tayo’y nasaan Naglaho itong sigwa sa ating hindi pagkakaunawaan Klaridad sa pamumuhay na bigkis sa pagkakaibigan Nagbigay bisang dumaan sa katiwasayan at katuwiran Sa’ting lahat ay magkakaroon ng tiyak na kapayapaan Kung ang pagkakaiba ng bawat isa ay maiintindihan Salungat na pananaw ay hindi indikasyon ng kamalian Mawaring ang reyalidad ay nabubuo lamang sa isipan

Ma - MAGTIIS Kinakaya ng taumbayan ang magtiis, Kahit karamihan puro hinagpis.

Sumasabay pa nga kapalpakan ng mga pulis, Edukado nga pero ang mga yabang hindi maalis.

Na - NA LANG Dahil sabi n’yo badyet ay kulang, Taumbayan ay nagtiis na lang, Sa donasyon kami nag-aabang At kung hindi sasapat ay saka na lang.

O - OKEY Meron man lang ba magtatanong kung kami ay okay?

Wala naman kami magawa kasi sabi n’yo “We must obey” ‘Di ba ang tataas ng mga rating n’yo sa survey?

Pero bakit ang mga mukha ng tao puro dismay?

Pa - PANSIN Ang mga tao hindi naman ‘yan nagpapapansin, Kung binibigyan n’yo lang kami ng pansin.

Hindi ba kayo naaawa? Ulam ng iba mantika at asin.

Saan ba kami lulugar? Ang hirap gumalaw, as in.

Ra - RASON Hindi po ba, kaya kayo nandiyan dahil kami ang rason, ‘Yan ang pangako n’yo sa taumbayan noong panahon ng eleksyon Eh bakit ngayon puro kayo ngawa, walang aksyon, Ano bang ginagawa n’yo, puro kayo kurapsyon?

Sa - SAPAT Hindi sapat ang puro salita, Buksan ang inyong puso at diwa, Kumakalam na tiyan at sikmura, Iyan sana ang tugunan at hindi pagpapabaya.

Ta - TAO Kung concern kayo sa mga tao, Bigyan sila ng trabaho, hindi kaso Huhuliin n’yo agad, nakita n’yo lang sa kanto, Naghahanap lang po ‘yan ng iluluto!

U - UNAWA Taumbayan ay pilit kayong inuunawa, Kahit puro pagdurusa ang tinatamasa.

Pati ba naman ayuda, inyong kinokopra, Mahiya naman kayo, pambihira!

Wa - WALA Kaya hindi niyo kami masisisi, Kung naiinis kami sa inyo palagi, Dahil hindi niyo kami iniintindi, Palibhasa wala kayo sa aming tabi.

Ya - YAMAN Tama na paglustay sa yaman ng bansa, Sobrang pahirap, hindi pa ba puno ang inyong bulsa?

Ilang lockdown pa, may nangyari ba?

Kung mahal mo talaga ang bayan, nasaan ka?

MAYONNAISE

by GAEsca

May you still find the drive and joy that keeps you going every day. May you still find comfort in the little things in life.

That you still enjoy watching Grey’s Anatomy or Survivor, and use them as inspirations of what you want to do.

May you still find solace when talking with your friends for hours and hours.

May you still find rest despite having a lot of tasks to accomplish.

May you still be confused of what you really want to do; of what you really want to pursue.

Because in confusion, you know you are still alive and still have the drive.

May you still have the passion to keep on keeping on.

May you still be the nicest guy around May you still be nice May you nice Mayonnaise

CIENCIA Y VIRTUD / Second Issue, 2020-2021

23