Sapientia Magazine Vol. 17 Issue 1

SAPIENTIA VOLUME XVII NO. 1

The Official Magazine of White & Blue

S

Sapientia VOLUME XVII NO. 1

Editorial Board 2019 - 2020 working staff for this issue

Franz Claire Del Rosario Features Editor

Felix Daniel Carlos Entertainment Editor

Ralph Jon Wilmer Dollaga

Ryanne Aina Unarce

Deputy Features Editor

Deputy Entertainment Editor

Janric Bayao

Editor-in-Chief

Jastine Kabigting

Kim Angela Santos

Internal Associate Editor

External Associate Editor

Ayrton Cris Dizon

Marc Jandel Buccat

Managing Editor

Exchange Editor

Zyra Grace Binwag

Steven Ray Estabillo

News Editor

Chief Layout Artist

Jude Michael Gagarin

Daryl Pangod

Sports Editor

Chief Photojournalist

Daniella Ivy Ducusin

Kyra Eufelle Domingo

Feature, Entertainment, and Literary Editor

Chief Cartoonist

FRONT COVER Matumal by Jandel Buccat

BACK COVER

Consumed

by Jerome Carlo Villanueva and Char Sab-it

EDITOR’S NOTE

Senior Staffwriters

Diwata Donato, Anisha Myrdell Liwas, Ryanne Aina Unarce, Hedymir Fae Astudillo, John Joseph Dupingay, Meha Shane Damiyay, Grail Lubangas, Brian Andrew Milanes, Sharine Mae Ramirez, Ayra Kaye Tibeb, Jules Phillip Tillay, Bryan Lorenzo Unico Senior Layout Artist

Myrisha Jhen Dela Cruz, Alison Kisha Louriel Tandoc Senior Photojournalists

Martin Shan Cheung, Chickle Kate Dela Rosa, Juan Carlo Mateo, Amir Bolinto, Marco Antonio Ilagan, Lance Oneil, Danielle Herman, Lance Anthony Cruz, Sonai Longsiab, Kelly Caezer Molitas, Robe Martin Reyes, Carl Kayne Valeriano Senior Cartoonists

Stephanie Imingan, Nobelio Mataag, Char Bianca Sab-it, Jerome Carlo Villanueva Junior Staff Members

Leah Monica Bandoc, Allison Binay-an, Dahlia Marie Elysse Camacam, Roselle Kaithrynne Celi, Vianca Joyce Cordova, Mikhael Raeon Felix Ebalo, Sheryl Lai, Japheth Lance Pecaoco, Phillip Jerome Posas, Athena Myrrh Puday, Rio Jane Rabaca, Bianca Irish Rivera, Stephen John Sabadao, Mercy Grace Tacloy, Hanna Rouie Tamayo, Emmanuel Tinio, Jamyla Uy

Society plays the role of a dictator — apathetic and confining.

It deems the validity of the words we utter. It dictates each individual’s flow of thoughts, shaping our perception of the world we thrive in.

However, what limits us the most is our belief of being incessantly correct. We are naturally erroneous creatures; the true meaning of being human is to continuously grow from our mistakes.

In your hands lie perceptions of the other side of the same coin; for a story isn’t finished until you hear both sides. Do not settle for a single perspective.

Challenge what you think is right.

Junior Layout Artists

Chriselyn Alconis, Cyber Domingo, Julian Luis Padilla, Elyzsa Renee Jasmine Paje Junior Photojournalists

Shirleen Joy Aronchay, Angellie Eunice Baluyut, Margarette Flor Curilan, Andrei Francis Rod Gasmen, Emmanuel Gregorio, Maecille Lacamen, Rvie Keren Nafianog, Aldrich Francis Peñaflor, Andrew Seno

Sapientia is the official magazine of

Junior Cartoonists

Angelo Antolin, Naomi Bumal-o, Jonekah Alexine Catadman, Andrely Ciano, Luwy Jane Colina, Carmella Fria Lao, Janine Edriz Laureta, Karen Faith Nuguid, Jayne Macrine Sayson, Khamilla Mae Sualog, Mary Rose Tiongco Advisers

Engr. Jeffrey-Des Binwag, Mrs. Analyn Caroy

White & Blue is a member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Printed by Magicus Junctra Corporation 1720 Pres. Quirino Avenue, Pandacan, Manila

INSIDE 12 CULTURE

19

LIFE

9

PEOPLE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 1 Antibiotic Resistance: A Universal Problem

LIFE 3 Repainting the Louisian 19 Sa Langit lang may Experience Bahaghari 11 Bigyan ng Kulay 25 Locked Doors

15 Bakit List: Liwanag Sa Dilim and ill-Fitting Keys

PERSPECTIVE

32

PEOPLE 9 Maela Jose: A Woman of Vibrant Colors DEV COM 17 Trash Talk CULTURE 5 Sabay Tayong Aakyat ng Kahilwayan 12 Of Mountains and Men PERSPECTIVE 23 The Truth About Dengvaxia 28 Blue is for Boys,

Pink is for Girls

AEDIFICAT

36

AEDIFICAT

29 32

Trigger Warning Take Away the Names

Science & Technology

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A UNIVERSAL PROBLEM

by Ryanne Aina Unarce Graphics by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo

Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to overpower the drugs designed to kill them. When bacteria become resistant, antibiotics cannot fight them, and the bacteria multiply.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BACTERIA AND VIRUSES Bacteria are single-celled organisms found all over the inside and outside of our bodies while viruses are microbes that are even smaller than bacteria and cannot survive outside of a host’s body.

WHAT IS AN ANTIBIOTIC? Antibiotics aka antimicrobial drugs, are drugs that fight infections caused by bacteria in both humans and animals. Antibiotics fight these infections either by killing the bacteria or making it difficult for the bacteria to grow and multiply. Antibiotics only treat certain bacterial infections. ANTIBIOTICS DO NOT HAVE ANY EFFECT ON VIRUSES. They are NOT EFFECTIVE AGAINST viral infections like THE COMMON COLD, VIRAL FLU SORE THROATS, BRONCHITIS, AND MANY SINUS AND EAR INFECTIONS.

WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE? Antibiotic resistant bacteria can cause illnesses that have become untreatable, leading to dangerous infections. ANTIBIOTICRESISTANT BACTERIA ARE OFTEN MORE DIFFICULT TO KILL AND MORE EXPENSIVE TO TREAT. In some cases, the antibioticresistant infections can lead to serious disability or even death.

Over 25,000 deaths per year and 2.5 million collective extra hospital days in the European Union.

In India, over 58,000 babies died in one year as a result of infection with resistant bacteria usually passed on from their mothers.

In Thailand, antibiotic resistance causes 38,000+ deaths per year and 3.2 million collective extra hospital days.

In the United States, antibiotic resistance causes 23,000+ deaths per year and more than 2 million illnesses.

In the Philippines, there was a 42% increase of reported cases in 2016 when compared to the back in 2015.

1 Sapientia

CAUSES OF ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE OVER-PRESCRIBING ANTIBIOTICS PATIENTS NOT TAKING ANTIBIOTICS AS PRESCRIBED

POOR INFECTION CONTROL IN HOSPITALS AND CLINICS

PATIENTS DISCONTINUING THEIR MEDICATIONS BECAUSE THEY “FEEL BETTER”

POOR HYGIENE AND SANITATION PRACTICES

UNNECESSARY USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN AGRICULTURE

OVERUSE AND MISUSE OF ANTIBIOTICS ALLOWS THE DEVELOPMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIA

LACK OF RAPID LABORATORY TESTS

WIDESPREAD USE OF ANTIBIOTICS AGAINST VIRAL INFECTIONS

HOW DO BACTERIA BECOME RESISTANT TO ANTIBIOTICS? Some bacteria can “neutralize” an antibiotic by changing it in a way that makes it harmless. Others have learned how to pump an antibiotic back outside of the bacteria before it can do any harm.

Some bacteria can change their outer structure so the antibiotic has no way to attach to the bacteria it is designed to kill.

After being exposed to antibiotics, sometimes one of the bacteria can survive because it found a way to resist the antibiotic.

If even one bacterium becomes resistant to antibiotics, it can then multiply and replace all the bacteria that were killed off. That means that exposure to antibiotics provides selective pressure making the surviving bacteria more likely to be resistant. Bacteria can also become resistant through mutation of their genetic material.

1 2

HOW CAN WE STOP IT? TAKE THE PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTIC EXACTLY AS YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TELLS YOU. SAFELY THROW AWAY LEFTOVER MEDICATION BY REMOVING THEM FROM THEIR CONTAINERS AND MIXING THEM WITH SOMETHING UNDESIRABLE SUCH AS DIRT.

3

WHEN YOU ARE PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTICS, TAKE THE FULL PRESCRIPTION EVEN IF YOU ARE FEELING BETTER. ENSURE THAT MEMBERS OF YOUR FAMILY DO THE SAME. NEVER SKIP DOSES.

4

NEVER SHARE ANTIBIOTICS WITH OTHERS OR USE LEFTOVER PRESCRIPTIONS.

5 6

ASK YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL ABOUT VACCINES RECOMMENDED FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY TO PREVENT INFECTIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE AN ANTIBIOTIC. NEVER TAKE AN ANTIBIOTIC FOR A VIRAL INFECTION LIKE A COLD OR THE FLU.

Sources:

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

NEVER PRESSURE YOUR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL TO PRESCRIBE AN ANTIBIOTIC. NEVER SAVE ANTIBIOTICS FOR THE NEXT TIME YOU GET SICK. NEVER TAKE ANTIBIOTICS PRESCRIBED FOR SOMEONE ELSE. DO NOT USE ANTIBIOTICS FOR ACNE IF IT ISN’T PRESCRIBED

BY A HEALTH CARE PHYSICIAN. IMPROVE LABORATORIES. COLLECT AND SHARE DATA. TAKE MEASURES TO PREVENT INFECTIONS.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Sapientia 2

Life

Repainting the Louisian Experience

by Hedymir Fae Astudillo | Illustration by Nobelio Mataag

For two years, not a single university in the country received any freshmen enrolees due to the implementation of the K to 12 curriculum. This 2018, the dawn of a new academic year in Saint Louis University welcomes a batch of 7,000 students. Another stage in their lives has officially begun. From these students, a number of them from varying courses, have given their insights of what they expect and what they experienced within the walls of SLU. 3 Sapientia

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR EXPERIENCES AS A FRESHMAN SO FAR? Based on what I have experienced as a freshman, I could say that it’s really a new environment from high school, like the way the instructors treats us, the way we adjust to things and many more… but what I can confidently say about my experiences so far is that they are fun and at the same time, challenging.

–Terrence, BSBA Financial Management My experience as a freshman so far is stressful, yet fulfilling. It’s good that I am able to take the course that I want so that even though college life is very stressful, in the end, I know that it will all be worth it.

–Almira, BS Geodetic Engineering So far it’s been a difficult but fun experience for me because every day is a different day and I get to learn and grow with my block mates.

–Tristan, BS Psychology

It’s like riding a rollercoaster that won’t slow down anytime soon. It’s like everyone is so busy they have don’t have the time to catch their breath. But so far, my experience as a freshman has been great!

–Yanni, BS Medical Laboratory Science

Masaya na medyo kinakabahan minsan.

Masaya kasi madami akong nakilalang ibang tao na naging kaibigan ko rin and halos lahat ng instructors namin sa Radtech ay mababait and are very approachable at halos lahat sila ay palabiro kaya masaya sa department namin, pero medyo nahihirapan pa na mag-adjust lalo na at nag iba na rin ang grading system dito sa college at medyo nahihirapan dn sa ibang subjects. Minsan, kinakabahan na makita yung instructor kasi baka mahirap yung ipapaquiz or ‘yung ipapagawa niya.

–Angelica, BS Radiologic Technology

DID IT MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS? To be honest, I entered college with no expectations, because I know that it would be a new atmosphere for me and for my fellow students.

–Terrence, BSBA Financial Management

I haven’t, but SLU certainly has [met my expectations]. Because nobody said it was easy, nobody said it would be this hard.

–Yanni, BS Medical Laboratory Science

My expectations were kind of low before, I thought that I can still have ‘chill’ times in college. But instead, here I am procrastinating for months now and having sleepless nights just to finish requirements; so no, my expectations in college were somehow wrong.

–Almira, BS Geodetic Engineering

Yes, kasi I already expect na ‘pag college, mas mahirap, tapos yung sabi nila na halos wala ka na daw tulog dahil sa sunod sunod na requirements at quizzes. And akala ko naka-concentrate lng ang college sa acads and akala ko rin walang intrams sa college pero meron dn pala silang mga fun activities na ginagawa nila sa loob at labas ng school like intramurals, outreach, and ‘yung mga field trips.

–Angelica, BS Radiologic Technology

No, because I expected college to be more difficult but that’s probably because senior high already trained me for college life.

–Tristan, BS Psychology

WHAT ELSE ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN THE COMING YEARS? I’m looking forward to meeting new people and I’m also looking forward in learning new things.

–Terrence, BSBA Financial Management

In the coming years, I look forward to having more experiences, especially in surveying and Autocad since my course is BS in Geodetic Engineering. In having more experience, I am able to learn more knowledge in my field and can work as an apprentice in our business.

–Almira, BS Geodetic Engineering

…More difficult tasks and probably sleepless and tearful nights.

–Tristan, BS Psychology [I look forward to] more fun activities outside the school like field trip para mas maenjoy talaga ang buhay kolehiyo. More friends na makikilala. Less requirements, less stress.

–Angelica, BS Radiologic Technology Though I know this comes with great amount of hard work and dedication, I am looking forward to new and exciting experiences as a BMLS student, definitely.

–Yanni, BS Medical Laboratory Science

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE COLLEGE TO YOUR YOUNGER SELF? I would describe college as a new journey towards your dream. I would tell my younger self that it would be hard considering the strand (STEM) I took is not directly connected to the field I applied for. It would be hard at first, but just keep giving it your best and you will succeed.

–Terrence, BSBA Financial Management

If I have the chance to tell my senior high self what college is like, I would compare it to a road trip on a mountain, there may be ups and downs, difficulties along the journey, but what’s important is you never stop driving along the way. Along the way, you’ll also meet many motivational sceneries, you should focus there instead of the hindrances along the way, because in the end, you’ll arrive to where you want to go and be successful someday…it just takes time.

–Almira, BS Geodetic Engineering

College is easier compared to senior high, so hurry up and graduate already.

–Tristan, BS Psychology

Mahirap siya kung talagang pinangunahan mo na sa isip mo na mahirap, pero madali lang at kakayanin mo pa naman ang kolehiyo basta’t alam mo mag-manage ng time mo, and think positive sabi nga nila.

–Angelica, BS Radiologic Technology

At first, it’s going to be all about giving yourself and the course you’ve chosen a second, third, fourth and maybe even a fifth thought trying to resolve whether or not you’re on the right track, especially when you’ve flunked some subjects. But that’s okay… Then I’m going to tell my 16 year-old self that I’m going to be getting back to her as soon as I get through freshmen year alive and that’ll be enough time for her to think about what she really wants in life (laughs).

–Yanni, BS Medical Laboratory Science

Culture

SABAY TAYONG AAKYAT NG KAHILWAYAN

by Felix Daniel Carlos and Franz Claire Del Rosario Illustration by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo, Steven Ray Estabillo, and Char Bianca Sab-it

“May mga bituin na nagniningning sa langit, isang kurap at sila’y bumubulong. Nagsasabi ng kakatwang dula. Sa umaga naman umiiyak ang araw, nagnanais itong umapak sa lupa.”

Malakas ang hampas ng alon. Naanggihan ng maalat na tubig ang aking pisngi. Ang aking polo naman ay basa mula sa manggas. Ang bangkang sinakyan ko ay halos hindi ko na matanaw mula sa pampang. Agad akong lumapit sa batalan, ang bawat sulok nito ay pamilyar sa aking alala. Noong bata ako madalas akong maglaro sa haligi nito, at ang sugat ko sa braso ay nagmula sa pagakyat ng puno ng mangga sa gawing likod.

Sumilay sa pinto si Lolo Ben. Ang kanyang mukha ay puno ng ngiti, ngunit ang kanyang mga mata ay may kulimlim. Kinuha agad ni Lolo Ben ang may kabigatan kong maleta. “Kamusta ang byahe mo anak?” tanong niya. ”Ah, medyo maalon po lolo”, sagot ko. Ngumiti si lolo Ben at yinakap niya ako. “Naiintindihan ko, anak.”

Labing apat na oras ang byahe papuntang Panay, nakakapagod. Idagdag mo pa ang pakikipag sapalaran sa nagaalborotong karagatan marating lang ang tahanan nina lolo.

Bata pa ako noong huling pumunta ako sa tahimik na dampa nina lolo dito, ngayon bente dos na ako at may sariling pagiisip. Hindi pa pumipikit ang aking mata, ang puyat ay kinaibigan ko kasabay ng paghigop ng kape. Kahapon lang nang tumunog ang aking telepono, walang pag-aatubili kong iniwan ang trabaho at inempake ang ‘di pa nalabhang mga damit.

“Ano hong nangyari?” tanong ko kay lolo. Ngumiti ng payak si lolo. Sinundan ko siya sa kusina kung saan nakalagay sa isang rattan na basket ang madaming prutas at gulay. Nag sindi si lolo ng kandila at umupo sa kawayan na bangko. “Sana mapansin ni Pandaque ang alay ko”. Lumapit ako kay lolo, nagsindi din ako ng kandila at tumabi sakanya. “ Lo, naniniwala ako na sasabihin

5 Sapientia

ni Pandaque kay Sidapa kung gaano kadaming prutas ang inalay mo para dalhin nila si lola sa kahilwayan”. Kinuha ni lolo ang aking kamay, pinisil niya ito at hinalikan. “Sana nga anak, sana nga.”

“Lo ano ho bang nangyari?,” ulit ko. “Bumisita si Makaptan.

Gabi ‘yun, matutulog na sana kami ng nanay mo. Kaso biglang lumiyab ‘yung gasera. Sinubukan naming patayin yung malaking apoy pero hindi tumigil, ayaw mamatay ng liyab. Tapos may lumabas na ibon galing sa apoy, hinalikan niya sa noo ang nanay mo. Tapos nag-apoy ang noo niya, mainit anak. Napakainit ng nanay mo, ilang araw pagkatapos noon bigla nalang siyang nanghina. Tapos hindi namin makontrol ang init niya. Tapos isang araw hindi nalang siya nagising,” sagot ni Lolo Ben sa akin na parang may sinisilayan sa kawalan.

Tumango lang ako, ang pagpikit ay di ko nabilang.

Huminga ako ng malalim at ipinagpatuloy ang pagharap kay Lolo. Inalalayan ko si lolo habang inaayos niya ang basket, nanginginig ang kanyang mga kamay. Pagkatapos noon pumunta kami sa harap ng balkonahe kung saan may isang pawid na papag.

Biglang bumuhos ang malakas na ulan. “Anak naalala mo ‘yung mga kwento ko sayo?” tanong ni lolo sa akin. Kanyang boses kasing lamig na ng hangin. “Alin ho,” tanong ko sa kanya. “‘Yung tungkol kay Kaptan at Magwayen”, sabi niya at inilapag niya ang basket sa mesa. “Hindi na ho masyado. Matagal na rin nang huli kong marinig ang kwento niyo”. Inayos ni lolo ang salamin, huminga siya ng malalim at nag-umpisang mag kwento.

Culture “Noong unang panahon masayang nagsasama si Lidagat at Lihangin. Nagkaroon sila ng apat na anak: si Licalibutan na malakas at may katawang gawa sa matigas na bato; si Libulan na mahiyain, mahina, at yari sa tanso; si Liadlaw na masiyahin at nababalot ng ginto; at si Lisuga, ang nagiisang babaeng anak nila Lidagat at Lihangin na kumikinang dahil sa katawang pilak” Malamig ang aking balat, kumuha ako ng kumot para isampay sa balikat ni Lolo. Hinila niya ito papunta sa kanyang dibdib. Umubo siya ng malakas bago itinuloy ang kwento.

“Maayos ang pamumuhay ng kanilang pamilya hanggang mamatay sina Lidagat at Lihangin. Nalungkot ang lahat ngunit iba ang nasa isip ni Licalibutan, ganid ang nanaig sa kanyang puso. Nais maghari ni Licalibutan sa lahat, balak niyang atakihin ang kahilwayan at supilin ang kanyang lolong si Kaplan na siyang naghahari sa bawat nilalang.

Tumango ako at lumunok ng mabagal. Ilang beses ko ng narinig ang kwentong ito. Ngunit sa paraan ng pagkukwento ni Lolo Ben, pakiramdam ko isinilang muli ang kwento at ngayon ko lang ito napakinggan.

“Pinilit ni Licalibutan si Liadlaw at Libulan na sumama sakanya sa pag-atake. Hindi nakatanggi ang dalawa dahil malakas si Licalibutan. Isang araw, umatake ang tatlo, pinasabog nila ang tarangkahan ng Kahilwayan. Mananaig na sana si Licalibutan ngunit nalaman ni Kaptan ang paglusob. Nagalit si Kaptan, umatake siya gamit ang kidlat, tinamaan ang tatlong magkakapatid at natunaw sila. Si Liadlaw at Libulan ay naging bola at si Licalibutan ay napirapiraso at kumalat sa karagatan.”

Biglang tumama ang kidlat sa malayong banda ng karagatan. Nakita ko sa replekson ng mata ni Lolo ang ilaw. Umabot sa balkonahe ang maalat na amoy ng dagat. Ang samyo nito ay walang lansa, marahil nasa ilalim ang mga isda, tinataguan ang kidlat.

“Bumisita naman si Lisuga sa kanyang lolo, inosente ito sa mga pangyayari. Ngunit galit pa rin si Kaptan. Pintamaan niya ng kidlat si Lisuga at ang kawawang si Lisuga ay sumabog at kumalat sa kalangitan.”

“Nang malaman ni Magwayen ang nangyari sa kanyang mga apo, agad niyang ipinaliwanag sa kanyang asawang si Kaptan na napilit lamang si Liadlaw at Libulan ni Licalibutan. At si Lisuga ay walang kamuwang muwang sa mga pangyayari.”

“Nagulat si Kaptan sa nalaman niya.

Sinubukan niyang buhayin muli ang mga apo ngunit huli na ang lahat. Nagdesisyon si Kaptan na bigyan na lamang ng walang hanggang ilaw ang tatlong apo. Si Liadlaw ay liwanag na nakikita sa umaga; si Libulan na mahiyain ay matatanaw naman sa gabi kung kailan tahimik at tulog ang karamihan. At ang maganda at masiyahing si Lisuga ay makikita tuwing nagdidilim ang kalangitan, nagpapangti gamit ang inosente nitong kislap.”

Tumingin ako sa naabong langit. Ngayon puro gulo ang nananahan dito. Minsan mahirap talagang maghanap ng bituin kapag mas malakas ang palakpak ng mga kidlat.

“Si Licalibutan naman, dahil sa kasamaang ginawa, ay hinayaan siya ni Kaptan na mabuhay na walang taglay na liwanag. Bagkus, siya ay nanatiling kalat sa karagatan kung saan nagtanim si Magwayen ng maraming kawayan. Mula sa kawayan na ito lumabas ang ating unang ninuno, si Sicalac at Sicabay.”

Sa bawat linya ng mukha ni lolo mapapansin ang taglay niyang edad. Ngunit ang kanyang pagkukwento ay kagaya pa rin ng dati. Ang bawat pagtaas at paghina ng boses ay nandoon, ang bawat pitik at kiliti ay naroon din. Nakakaaliw pakinggan ang mga kwento ni lolo.

Gabi na ng matapos kami ni lolo sa paguusap. Ika niya ay napasarap siya sa pagkukwento dahil napakatagal na nung may nakausap siyang tulad ko. Magaling raw akong makinig. Nagagalak raw siya sa pagpunta ko at nagpasalamat siya.

“Oh anak, baka pagod ka na. Kagagaling mo lang rin sa biyahe. Matulog ka na,” sinambit niya habang naka-ngiti. “Naroon ang lampara. Gamitin mo nalang papunta sa iyong silid para hindi ka maligaw.”

“Salamat din sa mga kwento mo, lo.

Matutulog na po ako, ha,” sagot ko at nagpaalam.

Kinuha ko ang lampara at gamit iyon ay binaybay ko ang daan patungo sa silid ni papa noong siya’y bata pa. Mayroong mga lumang litrato sa tukador, doon nakita ko ang imahe ng aking ama noong siya’y binata pa. Hindi maitatanggi ang aming pagkakahawig.

Parehong matangos ang aming ilong at may pagka-malaki. Ang aming buhok ay parehong kulot at maputi ang aming balat. Nakalakihan ko na ang pagkukumpara ng mga kamag-anak namin sa aking ama. Dati ay napagkamalan raw ng aking lola na ako si papa sa isang litratong

ipinakita sa kanya ng aking ina.

Lumayo ako sa tukador at nagpalit ako ng damit. Pinatay ko ang ilaw mula sa gasera at inilapag ko ang aking telepono sa higaan.

Humiga na din ako sa katre, at ang aking pagal na katawan ay mabilis na hinila ng antok.

Kasing bilis ng paghila ng antok sa akin ang pagbawi nito. Nagising ako sa boses ng aking lolo na para bang may kaaway. Dali dali akong tumayo upang puntahan siya ngunit biglang nagbukas ang pinto. Hinihingal siyang pumasok sa aking silid at hinawakan niya ng mahigpit ang aking mga balikat. “Anak. Anak, may kukuha sa akin.

Anak, ako naman daw ang susunduin nila. Anak,” ika niya habang humihigpit nang humihigpit ang hawak niya sa balikat ko. Nanlalaki ang mata niya sa takot at tumatagaktak ang pawis niya.

“Anak,” ulit niya at yinakap niya ako. Humikbi siya. Isang masakit na pag-iyak ang lumabas mula sa kanyang lalamunan. Pinaghalong kaba at lungkot ang pakiramdam ng kanyang yakap. “Dito ka na muna matulog, lo. Tabi muna tayo.”

“Anak, huwag kang aalis ha. Huwag kang lalabas mag-isa. Baka kunin ka ng Malakat. Magiingat ka parati,” ang sabi niya habang inaalalayan ko siyang humiga sa papag. “Lo, ‘wag niyo na akong takutin. Hindi na ako bata. Matulog na lamang tayo ha. Maaga pa tayo bukas,” pabiro kong sagot sa kanya kahit na alam kong may bahid ng katotohanan ang kanyang mga pagbabanta.

“Pero naglalakad-lakad siya, mukhang tao siya sa unang tingin. At sa pangalawa. Hindi na umaabot madalas ng tatlo ang tumitingin sa kanya. May apoy ang kanyang mga mata at mahahaba ang kanyang mga kuko at – “ “Lo,” hinagod ko ang kanyang noo. “Malalim na ang gabi,” dagdag ko. Pumikit na lamang siya at tumalikod sa akin.

Rinig ko ang kaluskos ng mga dahon sa labas na nagsilbing hele para kay lolo. Maya maya ay nakatulog na rin ako at hindi ko na namalayan ang langitngit ng mga kahoy sa loob ng bahay. Pati na ang malalakas na pagaspas ng mga pakpak na hindi magagawa ng kahit anong ibon. Kasabay nito ang mga anino na itinatago ang hulma ng mga katawan ng may-ari nito sa labas ng bintana.

Lahat sila ay nagbabanta at naghihintay.

Dumating ang bukas nang hindi namin namamalayan. Mag-a-alas sais na nung biglang tumayo si lolo at nagising na rin ako. Ngunit mabigat pa rin ang talukap ng aking mga mata, nagbabadyang bumagsak muli. Hindi pa ako handa para sa araw na ito at napansin iyon ni Lolo Ben kaya’t hinayaan na lamang niya akong humiga ulit.

Sapientia 6

Culture Sa pagbagsak ko ulit sa kama ay bumisita si lola. Naka-bestidang puti siya at may hawak na mga bulaklak. Hindi ko masilayan ng maayos ang mukha niya at ang mga bulaklak na hawak niya pero may kulay puti, dilaw, at pula. Dala siguro ng antok kaya hindi ko makita ng maayos.

Hindi maganda ang pagkahalo ng halimuyak ng kanyang boses sa umaalingasaw na amoy ng naaagnas na na katawan. Isabay pa ang mga bulaklak na malapit nang mamahinga.

Hindi ko na masikmura ang alingasaw ng paligid ko. Bumibigat ang aking dibdib. Pagtingala ko ulit ay nakita kong nalalagas na ang mga puting buhok ni lola, tapos ang kanyang mukha. Ang puti niyang bestida ay unti-unting nagiging pula.

“Enrico!” rinig kong sigaw ng aking lolo ngunit hindi ko siya makita. Sinubukan kong sumagot pero humarap sa akin ang natira sa mukha ni lola. “Enrico!” ulit ni lolo at may naramdaman akong pumisil ng hinlalaki ng aking paa. Umalinsangan ang hangin at nawala ang mabigat na pakiramdam sa akin dibdib. Natatakot akong idilat ang aking mga mata. “Enrico,” tawag sa akin ni lolo at hinawahan niya ang aking balikat.

“Anak, may dumalaw ba sa ‘yo?” ika niya habang may hawak na kapirasong salubsob ng papag. Tumingin ako sa kanya tapos sa salubsob at sa kanya muli. Hindi ko magawang mag-salita.

“Halika,” anyaya niya at itinapon niya sa labas ‘yung salubsob. “Binisita ka ata ng Batibat, anak.

Naku.”

Bumangon ako mula sa papag. Inabutan ako ni Lolo Ben ng kape. Ang pait nito ang gumising sa diwa kong pagod. Kakaunti lamang ang tulog na nanakaw ko kagabi. Pumunta kami ni Lolo Ben sa kusina, doon nakita ko ang palayok na umuusok. Ang paligid ay puno ng nakakagutom na amoy. “Lo, mukhang ang sarap ng niluluto niyo”. Ngumiti si Lolo, pinaupo niya ako sa harap ng la mesa at naglagay siya ng pinggan na may dahon ng saging.

Pagkatapos kumain namasyal kami ni Lolo sa paligid. Muli nag-kwento siya tungkol sa mga sinaunang diyos at halimaw.

“Anak naalala mo ba ang kwento nina Lidagat

7 Sapientia

at Lihangin?” Muli kong naalala ang kwento ni Lolo kagabi, ang kwento ni Lidagat, Lihangin, at ng kanilang mga anak na sumisimbulo sa pagka likha ng mundo. Si Licalibutan na naging lupa. Si Liadlaw na naging araw, sina Libulan at Lisuga na naging buwan at mga bituin. Nakakamangha ang kwentong ito dahil nagpapaliwanag ito, ipanapakita nito kung paano nag rason ang mga tao noong unang panahon upang maipaliwanag ang mga bagay sa kanilang paligid. Nagpapakita ito ng pagkamalikhain ng mga ninuno natin.

“Opo, Lolo”. Mainit ang sinag ng araw ngunit ang tubig sa dagat ay may sapat na lamig.

Ramdam ko ang salat ng buhangin habang binabaybay namin ni Lolo ang dalamapasigan.

Nakaakbay ang kanyang kamay sa aking leeg, pakiramdam ko bumata ako ng sampung taon.

“Hindi doon natapos ang kwento. May mga kwento din sa kalagitnaan nito. Noong pumanaw si Lidagat, nakaramdam ng sadyang kalungkutan si Magwayen. Matagal ang kanyang pagluluksa, at sa huli nag pasya siyang iwan ang kahilwayan. Si Magwayen ay naging gabay ng mga pumanaw papunta sa Sulad. At hanggang ngayon naglalakbay padin si Magwayen sakay ng kanyang balanday upang makarating ang mga kaluluwa sa kanilang paghuhukom.

“Mahirap talagang mawalan ng minamahal, Lo. Kaya siguro naghanap si Magwayen ng paraan para maibsan ang sakit.”

“Alam ko yun” ang sabi ni Lolo Ben kasabay ng isang malalim na hininga.

“Lo ano ho ‘yung Batibat? Iyong sinabi niyo po kanina nung ginigising niyo ako?” Kanina pa ako nababagabag ng salitang iyon.

“Ang Batibat ay isang nilalang na may malapad na pigura, mabigat ito at naninirahan sa mga puno. Ang sabi nila, ang Batibat daw ay mapaghiganti. Kapag daw nag-putol ka ng punong kanyang tinitirhan, dadaganan ka daw niya sa iyong pagtulog hanggang mawalan ka ng hininga.”

Tumaas ang aking balahibo, tanda ko kung paanong hindi ako makahinga kanina. At ang bigat na naramdaman ko sa aking dibdib ay kanina. Parang may mabigat na bagay na nakadagan.”

“Eh bakit ho ninyo pinisil ang hinlalaki ko?”

“Iyon lamang daw ang paraan para matakasan ang Batibat. May nasaktan ka bang puno apo?”

Muli kong naalala ang pagkahulog ko noon sa puno ng mangga. Pagkatapos kasi noon nagiiyak ako kaya pinaputol ni Lola ang puno para raw wala ng maaksidente pa sa pag-akyat dito.

Maari kayang? Hindi, imposible.

Nasa paanan palamang kami ng batalan ng biglang bumukas ang pinto. Dali-dali kaming pumanhik ni Lolo Ben. Nauna si Lolo sa pag-akyat, bubuksan ko na sana ang muling sumarang pinto ng biglang sumigaw si Lolo.

“Layuan niyo ko! Kukunin ako ng Bubuu at Gabunan. Lubayan niyo ako! Anak, tulungan mo ko!”

Natatakot man binuksan ko pa rin ang pinto.

Nakapikit ako ng itulak ko ito ng may kalakasan.

Nagulat ako sa aking nasaksihan.

“Anak! Tulungan mo ko tawagin mo ang Kapapuan ng nanay mo!”.

Umiiyak si Lolo Ben, nakahandusay siya sa sahig habang nakahawak sa kanyang tuhod.

Magulo ang kanyang buhok at ang salamin niyang suot ay nabasag. Sa paligid niya nakatayo ang mga nilalang na pamilyar saakin.

“Bakit niyo siya tinatakot, anong kailangan

niyo!?” Tumabi ako kay Lolo, yinakap ko siya.

Ramdam ko ang kanyang panginginig. Hinawakan ko ang kanyang kamay at binulungan ko siya.

“Tutulungan tayo ni Kaptan. Magdadasal ako kay Santonilyo.” Yumakap si Lolo Ben ng mahigpit sa akin. Nabawasan ang kanyang pag iyak ngunit mayroon pa rin siyang takot. Maging ako ay natatakot sa nakikita ko.

“Ikaw ang pinunta namin Jake, narinig namin ang iyong pagbabalik”.

Tumayo si lolo. Itinulak niya ako sa kanyang likuran. “Enrico ang pangalan niya, anak ko siya.

Hindi niyo siya makukuha gaya ng ginawa niyo sa asawa ko”.

Lalong lumapit ang mga nilalang saamin.

Kinuha nila ang braso ni Lolo Ben, pagkatapos nito may pinainom silang kung ano kay Lolo. Ilang saglit pa at tila inaantok na ito. Hanggang sa bigla itong bumagsak sa braso ng isang lalaki na tantya ko ay kwarenta anyos na.

“Anong ginawa niyo sakanya!?” Sinubukan kong lumapit kay lolo ngunit nilayo nila siya saakin. “Kumalma ka Jake,” kumunot ang aking noo, bakit ba alam nila ang pangalan ko? At bakit parang pamilyar saakin ang kanilang mukha?

“Sino ba kayo? Bakit niyo ako kilala?”

“Jake, ako ito, si Tiya Bebeng mo. Kaibigan ko ang papa mo.” Bebeng? Pamilyar nga saakin ang pangalan niya.

“Halika maupo ka muna. Sigurado ako na marami kang tanong” pinaupo nila ako sa la mesa. Nag-abot din sila ng baso ng tubig na agad kong tinungga.

“Ano bang nangyayari? Sino kayo?” Ang simula ko.

“Ako si Bebeng, matalik kong kaibigan ang papa mo. Itong dalawang lalaki naman sa likod ko ang dalawa kong anak na si Mark at John. Tapos yung lalaking sumalo naman sa Lolo Ben mo ng mahimatay siya, yun ang asawa kong si Erik.”

Muling nagbalik sa aking alala ang mukha ni Tiya bebeng. Kaibigan siya ni papa, madalas silang nasa bahay nina Lola upang makisalo sa amin. Tanda ko din ang dalawa niyang anak na naging kalaro ko dati. “Naalala ko ho kayo.”

Culture

“Mabuti kung ganoon. Nabalitaan kasi naman na dumating ka kaya nagpasya kaming pumasyal para batiin ka,” ngumiti lang ako sa sinabi nila.

“Ano ho bang nangyari kay Lolo Ben? Noong isang araw ho kasi nakatanggap ako ng tawag galing sakanya. Ang sabi niya namatay daw si lola, dumalo daw ho ako sa burol” napuno ako ng pagtatanong noong natanggap ko ang tawag na iyon, nakaramdam ako ng takot, pinagpawisan ako ng malamig at tumaas ang aking balahibo.

Limang taon ng patay si lola.

Nagtinginan silang tatlo. Madami kasi akong hindi nalalaman. Noong kinse anyos kasi ako pumanaw ang aking mga magulang sa isang aksidente. At madalang nalang akong makatanggap ng balita tungkol kina Lola dahil angkan ni mama ang kumupkop saakin. Madami akong tanong tungkol kina Lolo, ngunit mahirap ang komunikasyon.

“Noong mamatay ang lola mo, limang taon na ang nakakaraaan dahil sa dengue, bigla nalang nagbago ang lolo mo.”

“Paanong pagbabago po, at si lola, dengue ang ikinamatay?” Naalala ko ang sabi ni Lolo na isang diyos ang pumatay kay lola. Alam kong walang katotohan ito ngunit nakakagulat pa rin ang katotohanan. Namatay si Lola limang taon ng nakakaraan. Hindi ako nakauwi ng Panay dahil hindi pumayag ang pamilya ni mama. Masyado pa raw akong bata, baka daw lumala ang kalungkutan ko.

“Basta, bigla na lamang nagsasalita magisa ang lolo mo. Tapos lagi niyang sinasabi na kukunin siya ng mga halimaw. Natatakot ang ilan sa kanya. Ngunit dahil pamilya na rin ang turing namin sakanya, nag kusa na kami at dinala sa ospital. Ang sabi ng doktor dahil daw sa pagkamatay ng lola mo ay nagpapakita siya ng psychotic symptoms.

“Kaya po pala.” bumalik sa aking memorya ang mga panahong kinukwento sa akin ng aking amang si Enrico kung paano siya patulugin noon ng kanyang sariling ama. Sabi niya madalas daw kinukwento ni lolo sakanya ang alamat nina Kaptan at iba pang mga diyos at halimaw. Kaya siguro hanggang sa pag tanda, pamilyar pa rin saakin ang mga ito.

“Narinig din namin na tinawag ka niyang Enrico, pangalan iyon ng namayapa mong ama hindi ba?” Tumango nalang ako.

“Nagulat din ho ako ng tawagin niya akong

anak, hinayaan ko nalang ho kasi akala ko naalala niya lang si papa saakin. Iyon ho pala akala niya ako talaga si papa.”

“Magkamukha kasi kayo ng papa mo, parehong makisig.” Ngumiti lang ako sa kanyang papuri. Hindi ko alam ang gagawin. Nagpunta lang ako ng Panay para bumisita, para din sana may kasama si Lolo Ben. Malungkot kasi ang araw na ito, ito ang araw kung kailan pumanaw si Lola. Limang taon na ngunit sariwa pa saakin ang kanyang alala.

Sa sala madalas isinasayaw ako ni lola habang pinupuno niya ng matamis na musika ang tahanan. Naalala ko ang mukha niyang palaging nakangiti, ang kanyang mata na sing liwanag ng pagkislap ni Lisuga at ang kanyang mahaba at kulot na buhok. Naalala ko rin kung gaano kasaya si lolo, kung paanong sa mga sandaling nakasama ko sila, naramdaman ko ang pag mamahalan nila.

“Oh paano iho, babalik nalang kami bukas.

Iyong pinainom namin sa Lolo mo kanina, pampatulog lang yun, magigising din siya maya maya.

Umalis sina Tiya bebeng. Muling tumahimik ang apat na sulok ng batalan. Madilim na sa gabi, at ang kalmadong pag-awit ng dagat ay tila heleng nag sasabing matulog na.

Pumunta ako sa kwarto ni Lolo Ben. Tumabi ako sakanya sa kama. Hinaplos ko ang kanyang buhok. Payapa ang kanyang mukha, wala ng bakas ng takot dito. Naiintindihan ko kung paano tinulak si lolo ng kalungkutan. Ako man ay dinala nito sa isang lugar na tila tahimik at walang katapusan. Ngunit nandito na ako, hindi ko hahayaang matalo siya muli ng pag-iisa.

Yinakap ko si lolo at doon nagkwento ako sa kanya.

“Noong unang panahon tahimik na nagsasama si Kaptan at Magwayen....”

Maaring sa ngayon ang mga kwento ng diyos at halimaw ang tanging may saysay kay Lolo.

Maaring sa kanyang kalungkutan humanap siya ng paraan para maibsan ang sakit. Gayun pa man naniniwala ako na ang mga kwentong ito ay may kahulugan. Gaya ng pinagmulan ng mga salita, ipinapaliwanag nito ang pinagmulan ng mundo.

At sa ngayon kung saan mahirap maghanap ng kasagutan, minsan mas magandang maninidigan sa nakaraan. Hindi man totoo ang mga ito, hindi man sapat ang binibigay nitong sagot. Pero may mga panahong mas gugustuhin mong paniwalaan ang mga kwento na may pinagmulan. Hindi yung mga bagay na biglaan. Gaya ng pagkawala ng minamahal.

Hinalikan ko ang sa pisngi si Lolo Ben. Yinakap ko siya ng mahigpit para maramdaman niyang may kasama siya.

“Sabay tayong maghahanap lolo. ‘Di kita iiwan,” ang bulong ko bago tuluyang makatulog.

Impormasyon tungol sa mga diyos at halimaw: Pandaque - Tagapagsalita ni Sidapa, siya ang tumatanggap ng mga alay para kay Sidapa.

Sidapa - Diyosa ng mga patay, nakatira siya sa Kasakitan kung saan mananatili ang mga kaluluwang hindi inalayan ng mga kamag anak ng namatay.

Makaptan - Asawa ni Sidapa, sinasabing nagdadala ng delubyo at sakit si Makaptan sa mundo ng mga tao.

Kaptan - Diyos ng mga diyos, diyos ng panahon. Asawa ni Magwayen.

Magwayen - Diyosa ng karagatan na naging gabay ng mga pumanaw matapos mamatay ng

kanyang anak. Asawa ni Kaptan. Sa ibang teksto, sinasabing lalaki si Magwayen at siya ay hindi asawa ni Kaptan.

Lidagat - Diyosa ng karagatan, anak ni Magwayen.

Lihangin - Anak ni Kaptan, asawa ni Lidagat.

Licalibutan - Panganay na anak ni Lidagat at Lihangin, masama at ganid. Siya ang pumilit sa mga kapatid na atakihin ang Kahilwayan. Naging lupa o mundo matapos isumpa ni Kaptan.

Liadlaw - Pangalawang anak nina Lidagat at Lihangin, siya ay masiyahin. Naging araw matapos parusahan ni Kaptan.

Libulan - Pangatlong anak nina Lidagat at Lihangin, siya ay mahiyain at tahimik. Naging buwan matapos parusahan ni Kaptan.

Lisuga - Bunsong anak, at natatanging babaeng supling nina Lidagat at Lihangin. Siya ay inosente. Naging bituin matapos parusahan ni Kaptan.

Santonilyo – Diyos ng awa. Maaring konektado kay Santo Niño.

Malakat – Nagkakatawang-tao bago umatake. Mahilig silang maglakad sa kakahuyan.

Maapoy ang kanilang mga mata at puno ng buhok ang kanilang mga katawan. Ginagamit nila ang kanilang buhok upang mapatahimik ang kanilang biktima.

Batibat – Ito ay isang mapaghiganting halimaw nakikita bilang isang matanda at matabang babae. Madalas na parusa nito sa kanyang pinaghihigantihan ay ang pagdagan nito sa dibdib ng taong pinaghihigantihan niya hanggang mawalan ito ng hininga.

Bubuu – isang agresibong tipo ng aswang.

Ginagamit nito ang tunog ng isang inahin na nangingitlog upang malinlang ang biktima ukol sa presenya nito.

Gabunan – Isa ulit tipo ng aswang, ngunit mas agresibo at mas malakas. Sila ang pinakamatandang uri ng aswang. Hindi na nila kailangang magkatawang-hayop at nakakaatake sila ng mga tao kahit na hindi pa dumidilim. Mailap sila at nakakalipad kahit wala silang pakpak. Sa kanilang tunay na anyo ang balat nila ay kasing itim ng uling, pulang ang kanilang mga mata, nakausli ang kanilang mga pangil, at mahaba at magulo ang kanilang buhok.

Kapapuan – Ito ay mga espirito ng mga pumanaw na lumilibot sa Panay.

Sapientia 8

People

9 Sapientia

Photos by Chickle Kate Dela Rosa

People

Maela Jose

a woman of vibrant colors

by Felix Daniel Carlos

Artists often inspire us to see beyond what is tangible.

From canvas to marble, we feel the emotions displayed by the vibrant colors. Every sharp edge is a story, and the interpretation is always limitless. However, some artists conspire with the universe. They set motion and challenge what we believe.

Maela Jose is a woman of optimism, her art is a fusion of delight and culture. She is the pioneer of “Tina-tik”, an art which is ready to take over the world.

The earth is a canvass Maela lived in Pampanga as a child, after spending summer vacations in Baguio and studying in Holy Family during her youth. Maela decided to settle down in the Summer Capital of the Philippines.

After graduating Bachelor of Arts in Mass communication, Maela realized that her passion does not lie with mass media. “I saw the ground as a canvas” She recollects as she shared that one day while she was gardening, Maela saw the earth, and she thought it looked like a canvas. From there, Maela began reimagining herself as an artist.

When asked about her inspiration in creating art works, Maela answered that it is creation and nature. Being a song writer and musician, Maela also believes that her artworks are sometimes inspired by her music. She also says that whenever she feels negativities, she converts them into positive ones. “If you don’t like what you’re watching, you change the channel,” she said as she reiterates that if you wallow all the time, then you will bear too much pain.

Art Capital of the Philippines Maela said that being the “Melting pot of the north,” Baguio is very diverse in its art. She said that we are rich in art and Baguio can easily be the art capital of the Philippines. “As a creative city Baguio is qualified, but the qualification should not be limited in paper… it should be manifested in action”.

Maela Jose believes that we are accultured. And that is the main reason why many still prefer European or western art. She believes that this is not a traditional celebration of the native people. “We’re stuck,” she said. She thinks there is little representation for local artist. “There are new categories that do not belong in the existing ones” Maela said as she describes

new forms of art that do not conform to traditional material.

The tinatik industry Tinatik is a word coined by Maela from two words. First is “Tina” which means color, and “tik” which means drop. Tinatik is the art invented by Maela which was inspired by Batik, which uses hot wax and dye. In Tinatik, the canvas is placed on the floor and dyes are dropped in organized and patterned motions.

Maela also said that her process is always different “Sometimes I am quiet like I’m meditating, sometimes I dance and sing.” For her, the state of being is always the most important whenever one works.

Maela envisions tinatik as an industry. She said that she is willing to share her knowledge of tinatik to others who are interested. Just like Batik she wants tinatik to become a livelihood. In the long run Maela wants tinatik to spread all over the world.

Maela believes that art is the most powerful form of social movement. Collective energy is different she said. She hopes that the local artists can justify the endeavor of being called as one of the creative city in the world. Maela thinks that artists should not think of the money, instead she wants them to ask what they can do to uplift the consciousness of others.

When asked for advice to aspiring artist, Maela said “They have to know themselves” Maela believes that one must realize where their talents lies. “Don’t be afraid to share your talents,” she added. She also believes that an artist should always stand up for what he/she believes in.

A woman of vibrance Maela Jose is a face to the new form of art. She doesn’t conform to pure aesthetics, instead she incorporates movement and culture to the patterns and drops of color she leaves on the canvas. Maela believes that Filipinos are great artists, she believes that if a person knows what he/she is made of, then he/ she can strive in the world of art.

In this world of globalization, it is easy to get lost in the blinding colors of others. But if we look at the earth as a canvas, we will understand that we can achieve greater things by starting from where our roots lies deep.

Maela is currently living in Baguio City with her sunshine, Sonny Zandueta. Together they inspire each other to create beautiful artworks and songs.

Artworks are created from the hands of artists, just like us, they face struggles. Let us support them as they inspire our artistic growth. Many artists do not get paid for their work, and in order to represent our local culture, they need to invest in materials and supplies. Let us support our local artists!

Sapientia 10

Life

1. Passengers by Luis Katigbak In this humorous yet endearing short story by Luis Katigbak, Passengers reminds us how beautiful and painful it is to fall in love; beautifully narrating a story of a boy reminiscing moments with his loved one in snippets of bus rides, high school years, and nostalgic music. Katigbak mastered the art of bringing the readers back to a time of euphoria, regret, disappointment, and maturity—all at once. Wrapped in retrospect and melancholy, Passengers is sure to tug your heartstrings.

2. Dead Stars by Paz Marquez Benitez Similar to Passengers, Paz Marquez Benitez’s Dead Stars dabbles in romance. Written in 1925, the story resonates a story around how love is measured through how much time is spent. The story narrates the struggle of the young and dashing lawyer torn between his fiancé and another woman he loved. It explores the consequences that follow from a series of wrong decisions. With a writing immersed in powerful words and sequences of tense description, Benitez’s story is sure to grip readers in mixed feelings of sadness, happiness, and frustration.

3. America is not the heart by Elaine Castillo In making wrong decisions we learn our mistakes, and we grow as individuals. Much like “Dead Stars”, “America is not the heart” is a book with a touch not only of art, but also a sense of nationalism. It follows the story of a young Filipina born into a rich family who rebels and joins the NPA; eventually immigrating to America years later to start a new life. The theme of coming of age and discovering oneself is wholly prevalent in the way she struggles to understand what it means to truly rebel and grow independently. The American Dream and the meaning it holds to people is also explored in detail. It is a must-read list for all avid readers who are sick of mainstream romance. Purposively and substantially written about the love that is birthed from a false dream and the search for purpose as a constituent of a deranged republic.

4. As I Tango by Santiago Villafina Another work coupled with the romantic effect on his readers, “As I Tango” is a compilation of poems and sonnets dedicated to Villafina’s persona, and is driven with raw emotion and passion enough to make his readers’ swoon. Villafina’s body of work can be considered monumental as it is known to have saved Pangasinan’s literary stagnation; it is without a doubt that Villafina can be considered the Shakespeare of Pangasinan.

With a delivery of words filled to the brim with sincerity and romance, any romantic writer would be at envy to his distinct writing style; worth reading to fill butterflies in stomachs, to pursue people you like with proper copyrights, or get inspired to write your own.

BIGYAN NG KULAY

by Christine Mora, Hedymir Fae Astudillo, and Daniella Ivy Ducusin Illustration by Char Bianca Sab-it

There was one spot in the house that we adore, and we curl up with the comfort of a book between our fingertips. The scent of the pages fill up our lungs, and it exhilarates us; the feeling of a multiple canvass just within our reach. How often do we feel excitement coursing through our veins when cracking up a book and finding ourselves investing in a world of someone else’s creation?

More often than not, most of our tastes in literature have been wired to support the works of other countries but our own. Finding books that you can thoroughly enjoy can be a strenuous task because despite the interesting stories they have to tell, the way they are marketed along the isles of a bookstore are rather lackluster. However, there are still many books out there that are worthy of your time. Here we list a few that we find to be good recommendations for people looking for books to read stories handcrafted and tailored by Filipinos.

11 Sapientia

5. The Girl Between Two Worlds

by Kristyn Maslog-Levis Our country’s fascinating mythology has been a source of inspiration for both local and internation authors. In this book by Maslog-Levis, mythical Filipino creatures such as the Manananggal, Duwende, and Syokoy are the stars of their own stories and described to intricate detail. Their stories focus on how they came to be as well as the many different terrors they inflict upon the people. To add, each chapter comes with a small graphic art drawn to help the imagination of the reader, a description of how Filipinos describe them, and the curse or fright they bring in every neighborhood.

Krystin Maslog-Levis is a freelance journalist based in Sydney. Several of her works have now been published by none other than The New York Times and Al Jazeera. It is of no doubt that “The Girl Between Two Worlds” is a testament to her skills as a writer. A colorful play of black and white perspectives and the exploration of the supernatural world would leave you wanting to know more.

The moment has passed, the story has long since finished.

The flames of excitement you felt in your gut are now slowly being extinguished, and the thirst for a different world is now quenched. The moment of longing has now come to pass. It’s hard to unclench your hands from the each side of the book, but the time has come for you to slowly say goodbye.

Science & Technology Culture

Photo from Estel Bee - pinterest.com

Of Mountains and Men

by John Joseph Dupingay

Deep in the mountains of Mindanao, a group of indigenous people are under duress. Military groups arrive in rusted and brown trucks, carrying rifles and a presence of intimidation. Cries arise in the different villages; screams of despair and defiance from both young and old, the sound of muzzle fire and flashes set the air ablaze. Somewhere, the loud rotors of helicopters can be heard and in tongues that bring to mind a sense of the unknown, people are locked in their houses with no hope of rescue.

Reading about indigenous groups has always been an interest in the world of social and political activity. In today’s age where technology and rapid growth largely contributes to the development of different countries, indigenous groups will always stand as the odd ones out. Seemingly stuck in the past and ridden with all sorts of traditions that ultimately seem archaic, obsolete, and outside what is seen as normal in modern day standards.

However, despite the implementation of the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) in 1997, there are still cases of discrimination and manipulation of the people and their

ancestral lands by different social, political, and military groups who claim to help in favor of an inside goal.

In recent events, the indigenous people of Mindanao struggle to maintain their standing under President Duterte’s declaration of Martial Law, which many activists see as an unfair act that may lead to the abuse of power, most especially in a time where military conflict is ever present.

The Lumads Indigenous people continue to thrive in the three main islands that comprise the Philippines, with a majority of them in Mindanao and Luzon. Mindanao in particular is home to a large concentration of ethnic groups (around 61%) compared to groups in Luzon (33%) and Visayas (6%).

Out of the many indigenous groups in Philippines, the Lumads are the largest; living in the southern parts of Mindanao whose composition is around 18 different ethnic tribes. Lumad is a Cebuano term which means “native” and is a shorthand term for Katawhang Lumad which means “indigenous people”. They distinguish themselves from other tribes through the use of the Cebuano language which is

shared between the Lumads and is seen as a common thread which serves to unite them.

Unlike the Moros who distinguish themselves due to their integration of Islamic ideologies during the 14th to 15th century; the Lumads remain untouched by Muslim and Christian bodies. As a part of a political awakening and a sense of unification during the Martial Law of President Marcos, the Lumads aim to achieve self-determination and maintain their traditional ways through the governance in line with ancestral cultures and laws.

In line with events that go back to 2015 and still relevant in 2018, the Lumads face multiple problems under the current regime of Duterte in both military and paramilitary activities the then and still on-going declaration of Martial Law in the regions of Mindanao.

These issues vary; from the abuse of wealthy and foreign parties in the investment of mining, logging, and plantation companies to the persistent issue between the Lumads and the Moro with regards to land ownership. Unjustified killings have also been reported due to the crossfire

Sapientia 12

Culture between the New People’s Army (NPA) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Desecration of the Ancestral Land As the fugitives run from their land they called their home, ancestral grounds are desecrated in favor of military camps. In a striking force of irony, other tribes band together and claim parts of the land alongside the different militia. As the Lumads flee to the different barangays for the promise of safety with their children and families; memories of their traditions are lost amongst screams and the sound of bullets.

Land ownership is an important aspect of the Lumad culture, a symbol of status and reminder of heritage that date back to years before. Many of their ancestral lands complement and accommodate the activities of different tribes such as hunting and land cultivation.

Naturally, mineral resources under these lands are also claimed by the Lumad. As Mindanao is rich in resources, perhaps the richest out of the three main regions of the Philippines, it is of no surprise that higher powers would find it necessary to take interest in acquiring said resources and profiting from it.

Historically, the Moro groups have formed revolutionary groups to counter the advances of the Philippine government. However, unlike the Moros, the Lumad never formed their own and instead relied on retreating further inland for defense when migrants came from other parts of the country, most especially from the Visayas region.

As such, they have been unable to prevent the loss of resources that are gathered from their ancestral lands, with much of the land now being owned by different companies in different resource sectors working under both legal and illegal matters.

“Now that there is a peace agreement for the MNLF, we are happy because we are given food assistance like rice… we also feel sad because we no longer have the pots to cook it with. We no longer have control over our ancestral lands,” said T’boli leader Mai Tuan back in 2008.

Argument over who should control the indigenous ancestral lands is still under controversy until today.

Education through Smoke and Fire A young boy stares at the sky, wondering if someday his people will ever find peace in their homes. Somewhere in the distance, students are taken from their schools and forced at gunpoint to fight a battle that they want no part of. Instead of lectures that discuss the different wonders of the world, innocence is misled and anger is cultivated as food for radical communities fighting for different beliefs; beliefs the refugees can make do without.

For a long time, the Lumads have taken matters into their own hands defending their right to their ancestral lands from outsiders. Their inability to understand the modern land tenure system led to the creation of schools which tackle subjects ranging from law to humanities in hopes to educate the next generation and encourage a sense of understanding when it comes to culture and traditions. In the eyes of the military and paramilitary troops however, these schools serve as nothing more than encampments.

Many paramilitary groups exist, both on the sides of NPA and AFP; with the war between these two parties still going strong to this day, the indigenous people are caught in the crossfire. Lumad schools are under the suspicion of housing both military troops and rebels, to the point that the president deemed it necessary to threaten the bombing of such “encampments”.

Many stories arise from witnesses, all of which detail the harsh condition in which the people were subjected to. Threats that lead to killings and forced evacuation are common, some ultimately leading to the killing of prominent Lumad figures such as Dionel Campos, Jovillo Sinzo, and Emrito Samarca. The latter suffered a gruesome death at the hands of the paramilitary group Magahat-Bagani and eventually led to the exodus of more than three thousand Lumad people to the provincial capital of Tandig.

Crowded in the supposed safety of evacuation centers, these refugees struggle through harsh treatment from some of the local police, with some cases pertaining to sexual harassment amidst the cries for justice.

A common occurrence is the recruitment of the Lumad on either side of the NPA or AFP. Forced to take action against invaders taking over their land, some of the Lumad people voluntarily join the ranks of the army of the rebels in hopes of fighting for what they believe is to be right. In the worst

13 Sapientia

Culture

Photo from chandlerbong - flickr.com

case scenario, people are drafted without notice and are forced to fight, serving as free human shields in the process. While the idea of taking arms to defend what one believes is important, it is an admirable feat, given the discrimination against the indigenous folk and the military advantage of the warring sides; manipulation and resistance run rampant.

There are instances of rebel groups exploiting the Lumads’ lack of knowledge in political values and issues to recruit members in their ranks using fear and misunderstanding to draw people to their side. Likewise, Lumads who work against the rebels are given their due fees, status, and promises of future prospects.

However, the mutual trust that forms from said collaboration between the military and the Lumad creates a rift in the indigenous community. This is due to the inconsistent distribution of funds and the ever present stigma that the government is not to be trusted; a misunderstanding that is used by the rebels to incite confusion and win the support of the locals.

All these actions ranging from the militarization of civilian communities to the inclusion of extrajudicial killings that is borne from the presence of militarily intervention is a violation of the rights of the Lumad as part of the indigenous community.

Despite the protests, many Lumad people still struggle with ways in which they can declare their self-determination and maintain self-governance through their own culture and traditions.

Resistance and Justice “A Lumad community that has a good relationship with the mining companies and the government and is making some economic progress will arm itself against other Lumad communities that have been alienated by neglect and therefore support the communists’ armed struggle. This becomes a cycle of violence between the security forces, the NPA, and the Lumads, which the government needs to address not only by military intervention, but through government services like education, jobs, roads, housing, and social and health services,” stated CDR Gilbert G. “Billy” Villareal Jr., Philippine Navy.

The Lumad struggle is still relevant today and is a topic amongst activists, most especially so as there does not seem to be a proper coverage by the major news outlets. Many independent organizations and groups which respect the rights of the indigenous people have adapted and supported the principle of leaving the lands to their historical owners.

There have been many talks of peace and the Philippine military themselves have started activities in hopes of empowering the community. Despite these, there have been confusions due to the lack of funding and

the efforts of the rebels to incite propaganda pieces. Lumad leaders have made it clear time and time again that they were not to be exploited by the mining and forestry sectors, and many local activists have begun sharing their stories online in an effort to gain further support from others and bring to light the injustices around their communities.

Resistance continues to grow. While still under the threat of suspicion, education and engagement in business help the Lumad people in the funding of different school facilities and supplies. These are done in hopes of teaching and helping others to build a common understanding of various subjects. Unity and collaboration talks have been discussed with the Moro and other communities in the Mindanao region.

Volunteer groups have been created such as the Manilakbayan that travels all the way to the national capital to act as a voice of the people. These actions have earned the Lumad the support of the different schools and greatly contributed to informing other people about the situation.

President Duterte himself called for action in the creation of a task force whose sole focus is to help with concern of the local people with assurance that there is the pressing need for the government to deal with the concerns of the indigenous people.

In Surigao del Sur, Lumad refugees were given assurance that they may return to their respective communities after the military detachment that camped in their land have been disbanded. In recent times, the refugees have started to make the journey back to their home.

Currently, there are a variety of talks and debates regarding the Lumad situation and their overall struggle for peace is still unassured. Attempts at unity and outreaching have been prevalent, but there is still some conflict and speculation with regards to the government’s interest and promise to support the indigenous community. It might take months or even years, but perhaps the Lumads may one day gain the independence and justice they well deserve.

SOURCES: - http://opinion.inquirer.net/89846/who-are-the-lumad - https://globalecco.org/the-lumads - https://www.rappler.com/move-ph/178181-infographic-lumadindigenous-peoples - https://www.rappler.com/nation/181349-in-photos-indigenousgroups-protest- international-mining-conference - https://www.rappler.com/nation/197639-duterte-task-force-lumadconcerns - https://kodao.org/2018/05/11/the-paramilitary-versus-the-lumad-ahistory-of-state-sponsored-oppression/ - http://altermidya.net/schooling-lumad-children-disrupted-martialrule/ - http://www.ienearth.org/stop-the-lumad-killings/ - http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1016859/lumad-ordeal-not-overdespite-military-promise - http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1019678/in-surigao-lumad-startjourney-home - https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/inpictures/2015/09/displacedlumads-mindanao-150929074732377.html

Sapientia 14

Bakit List:

Life

LIWANAG SA DILIM

by Ryanne Unarce, Hazleih Casabar, Haezel Carrera, Franz Del Rosario and MacArthur Illustration by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo

Mas mabilis pang tumakbo ang oras kaysa sa iyo sa tuwing huli ka na sa klase. Sa bawat hakbang ng iyong mga maiiksing hita’y tumatakbo rin ang iyong isipan papunta sa kawalan.

Maingay ang iyong isip; maraming katanungan. Bakit ka palaging nakikita ng guro niyo sa tuwing desidido ka nang di pumasok sa klase? Bakit nag-iba ang paraan ng pagkalkula ng grado sa oras na napagod ka na sa pag-aaral? Bakit? Hanggang sa nakarating ka na sa klase−nakapagpahinga na ang iyong katawan ngunit ‘di pa rin tumitigil ang isipan. Kaya inilista mo na lamang para kahit papa’no ay mabawasan man lang.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Bakit ‘di gumagana ang exhaust fan? Pagod na ba siya?

Bakit mas nagiging late ‘yong mga late sa OSA? Bakit ang instructor pwedeng malate pero ang estudyante hindi?

Bakit may umuupo pa rin sa hallway kahit bawal?

Bakit arki lang ang may lockers?

Bakit ang hirap mag-quota? Bakit ang hirap maghabol?

Bakit kailangan magbayad ng lab fee kahit wala kang enrolled na lab subject?

Bakit kailangan magbayad ng breakage fee kung may lab fee na sa tuition?

Bakit hindi alam ng majority ang password ng wifi kahit nasa miscellaneous fees natin ang pagbayad dito?

10. Bakit hindi puwede ang mga matitingkad na kulay ng buhok at ang mga tatoo sa unibersidad?

11. Bakit biglang pinabayad ‘yong recollection?

12. Bakit pataas nang pataas ang tuition kung hindi nararamdaman ang mga pagbabago sa unibersidad?

13. Bakit hindi libre ang parking space para sa mga estudyante?

14. Bakit hindi ginagamit ang Perfecto elevator?

15. Bakit may mga instructor na hindi nagtuturo?

16. Bakit may bagong building pero walang bagong chairs?

17. Bakit pakapalan ng output sa SEA? 18. Bakit laging down system sa OSA Bakakeng?

19. Bakit konti lang ‘yong ino-open na law subjects sa SAMCIS kahit in-demand ito?

20. Bakit ang hirap mag-memorize ng formulas?

21. Bakit Kuwaderno lang ang hinahanap (at binabasa) sa W&B? 22. Bakit haunted ang A105 at A106?

23. Bakit nagre-repaint lang ng rooms kapag may accreditor?

24. Bakit hindi man lang maayos ang pagpintura noong may accreditors?

25. Bakit wala nang 219?

26. Bakit kailangan mag-petition para makakuha ng bagong upuan?

27. Bakit niya kailangan umiwas?

28. Bakit walang uniform ang SEA? 15 Sapientia

Life

29. Bakit 6 PM nagsasara ang OSA kung may 7 PM pa ako na class?

30. Bakit hindi puwedeng maki-CR sa clinic?

31. Bakit hindi full regimen ng gamot ang binibigay sa clinic?

32. Bakit blue book ang tawag ‘eh hindi naman siya blue, mas lalong hindi naman siya book?

33. Bakit sarado ang Gate 3?

34. Bakit corrupt ang gobyerno?

35. Bakit ‘yong magpapa-check-up pa ang maghahanap ng sariling record sa clinic?

36. Bakit walang elevator sa library?

37. Bakit niya ako iniwan? Bakit niya ako pinagpalit?

38. Bakit may pagong?

39. Bakit luma ang gamit sa classrooms?

40. Bakit ang tagal palitan ng mga kurtina?

41. Bakit hindi gumagana at luma na ang mga apparatus sa labs?

42. Bakit ang dadali ng mga sample problem sa klase pero ang hirap kapag quiz at exam?

43. Bakit pag nagdadala ako ng payong, hindi uulan, pero pag hindi ko na dala, do’n uulan?

44. Bakit hindi maisara/mabuksan ang ibang mga bintana?

45. Bakit ang dilim sa ibang room kung Light of the North?

46. Bakit bawal mag-aral sa canteen?

47. Bakit si Hahn Otto-otto?

48. Bakit hindi nada-drop ang instructor ‘pag nagabsent sila?

49. Bakit may hook ng projector sa ibang rooms pero walang projector?

50. Bakit hindi sineseryoso ang mga fire and earthquake drill?

51. Bakit mas importante pang umattend ng mass kaysa sa magklase?

Natural na sa ating mga tao ang naghahanap ng kasagutan sa mga tanong na mas matanda pa sa mga kwento ng ating mga lolo’t lola. Kahit patiwarik pa ang mga katanungan, hindi naman ito mali.

Walang mali sa pagtatanong at sa paghahanap ng sagot. Ang mali ay ang pagtigil−ang pagkitil sa mga katanungan at sa paghasa ng pag-iisip.

52. Bakit tinanggal ang mga sand box sa labs?

53. Bakit may mga instructor na komportableng magmura sa klase?

54. Bakit wala pa ring magandang pagbabago sa SLU? 55. Bakit may mga DL na walang pakialam kung may maapakan sila?

56. Bakit si Waldo lang ang Perfect-o?

57. Bakit walang head room ang RFID? 58. Bakit hindi sinasabi ng nurse sa clinic na itutusok na nila ang injection?

Dev Com

K L A T H S A TR by

e

nne Aina Unarc

rlos and Rya Felix Daniel Ca

The Philippines is currently branded as the world’s third ocean polluter. In recent statistics, about 43,684 tons of garbage are collected in the Philippines daily, 4,609 of which is plastic. The Philippines lacks proper waste facility to eradicate solid and general wastes. Since these tons of garbage float freely into the ocean, they poison the marine life. The Philippines’ problem on waste management is slowly being realized as the government spends hundreds of millions to dispose garbage. This problem is only secondary to the fact that despite spending money on garbage disposal, the Philippines is still failing on properly eradicating waste that pollute our environment.

The Louisian initiative In the year 2017, an average of 56,000 tons of garbage was collected by the municipality of Baguio. In a recent report it was found out that Baguio spent 472 million pesos in hauling and tipping fees for the years 2011 to 2017. Baguio is currently hauling municipal waste to Tarlac since the Irisan dumpsite was closed in 2011. Daily garbage generated in northern Baguio City increased by more than 20% from 2008 to 2013.

However, the Municipality of Baguio isn’t the only one leaping into taking preventive measures; the schools around it are being more environmentally conscious.

Saint Louis University has since strongly implemented eco-friendly practices inside their campuses in support of DENR environmental campaigns.

Various organizations aimed towards the restoration and preservation of the environment have been founded as well.

The university’s Social Services Department (SSD) oversees the segregation of waste and coordinates with other offices within the campus to ensure that solid waste and hazardous wastes are handled properly. Waste is segregated according to three classifications: biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclables. The university utilizes color coded plastics as well: black for general waste, green for biodegradable, and yellow for hazardous waste in laboratories.

The office however expressed their concerns regarding the garbage being collected, and that the lack of discipline when it comes to segregation is apparent. This has been constantly observed not only

1 7 Sapientia

among the students, but as well as the members of the faculty. The staff also comments that they have a hard time manually segregating trash collectively from the garbage bins when it could have been time-efficient to have them segregated first before being collected just as planned by the program.

The plastic ban on SLU was implemented last January 2018, immediately affecting the establishments around the university.

Before, it used to only apply to the canteens within the campus, but they noticed that the amount of plastic has increased or remained the same. The decrease in the plastic food containers brought within the university was noticeable after a week of strict implementation. The establishments then switched from using styrofoams to paper bowls and similar containers. They also stopped using plastic bags when wrapping out take out and have opted to use paper bags instead.

One of SSD’s Janitorial Supervisor, John Lami-ing, noted in an interview that although he had observed a decrease in the amount of plastic collected within the campus, the number of plastic cups remains the same. There has also been a reported increase in the volume of paper collected. He also conveyed his concern regarding barbecue sticks, which can be used as weapons, and hopes that it would be lessened in the campus.

Not only do they tear the plastic bags during collection but also poses potential harm to the staff collecting them.

Another issue that they commonly face would be cups or bottles filled with liquids.

Apart from the fact that they are heavy in weight, the staff also struggle to empty them out one by one in the bathrooms. This is not only time consuming, but it is quite tiring as well. These liquids do tend to spill if the bags are torn or ripped, which may cause additional work such as mopping the floor if necessary. Mr. George Tawao the janitorial supervisor of the SSD adds that we must adhere to our mission as Louisians , he is curious as to why segregation still isn’t followed by majority of

Dev Com the population when there are labels on the garbage bins.

Disposal of hazardous and chemical waste collected from the university, however, is a concern. According to SSD Director Noel Olarte; Engineer Vera Lee Mendoza, the Pollution Control Manager, handles this department. She reports a summary to the office of Dr. Gaudelia Reyes in the Center for Environmental Management and Sustainable Development. Currently, the waste of the hospital and the waste of the university are stored together near Otto Hahn.

Chemicals, according to Mr. Olarte, should not be disposed off in sinks or toilets, since DENR has strictly mandated that no chemicals should pass through the sewage system. He encourages the faculty of each school to remind students to observe proper disposal of these chemicals.

On the note of biodegradable waste, the NSTP office plays a major role in its segregation. They have a project called Vermi Composting located near the women’s dormitories where they produce compost out of the solid waste they collect.

In the office of Dr. Gaudelia Reyes, she files quarterly reports to the DENR. Her office, over only 2 years old, serves as a consultant regarding waste management in the university. Her plans such as The Plastic Ban within campus has impacted the reduction in volume of plastic waste and in the increase of paper waste.

The sachet agenda Last August a 4.3 meters whale shark was found dead in the shores of Davao, after a necropsy, single use plastic packaging and trash was found inside the stomach of the giant, killing it with its toxic chemicals.

Birds are also not safe. Freedom island in Las Piñas-Parañaque with its thick mangroves and vegetation is home for at least 41 species of migratory birds, it is also a barrier that protect dwellers during typhoons. In a recent report 500 sacks of garbage was collected from Freedom island, most of it single-use plastic and sachet from big manufacturers. This is dangerous for birds and marine creatures because they often mistake garbage as food, leading them to die of either intoxication or asphyxia.

Part of the problem falls on the hands of manufacturers, giving little choice to consumers. The people are forced to buy goods that are dangerous to the environment. Our country is poor, because of this the sachet economy is thriving, however there are alternatives, there are actions that can be done by consumers.

Recycling is always a solution. Instead of buying sachet after sachet of goods. Use glass bottles, they are economical and environment friendly, they can even be used as pot for seedlings after they ate used. Technological advancements also use recycling in producing greener goods. A great example is the manufacturing of blocks made of plastic and clay.

Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 , which prohibits dumping of solid waste in open areas. Increased penalty might also discourage violators. In addition the transaction between hauling companies and the local government should be made transparent to avoid under the table dealings.

Unearthing the garbage The Philippines already has the 2000 Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. It is a law that mandates all local municipalities to handle general waste or as they call it municipal solid waste (MSW) at their level. Through this the “barangays” should act as an intermediate facility where segregation and recovery of reusable materials should occur.

The problem is implementation, many people still have the not in my backyard (NIYMB) attitude, where people refuse to participate in dumping garbage in a material recovery facility.This is due to social perception between a dumpsite and a material recovery facility, where the later acts as a place where garbage is segregated and recycled.

Another problem is financing. To obtain technology and manpower, money will always be vital, but in the case of the 2000 Ecological Solid Waste Management. The burden usually falls on local government units. This is problematic because the strategic planning and competency of employees usually varies, and the law itself does not act as a manual because it lacks specific action plans.

The Clean Air Act of 1999 also inhibits LGU’s from incinerating general waste, because of this, garbage is piled up in sanitary landfills where they emit methane, a gas 34 times more dangerous than carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is produced through incinerating general waste. Many advanced countries like Singapore and Germany employ incineration; the difference is in their technology that eliminate toxic gas.

Picking up the trash From grade school we’ve learned the difference between biodegradable and non-biodegradable. From there we graduated to color coding trash and memorizing the 3Rs, which stands for re-use, reduce and recycle. Despite instilling these in our heads, issues on waste management are still evident. Discipline is hard to maintain but it is attainable, if we understand the consequences of our actions then the world would be greener. It might be a small piece of wrapper you throw away, but it is a landslide of trash and ignorance you give back to the world.

Our Earth is home for more than 7.6 billion people. We are not the only living things that occupy this world, but we are the only one capable of making it better or shutting it to its final days. We’ve seen calamities happen all over the world. Most are created because we lack the proper attitude. We are here now, we can do something.

It’s time to leave our indifference, it’s time to remember that we only have one home. Our home is beautiful, it was more grandiose before. Let’s preserve its beauty for the next generations to come.

A recent study also found out that most garbage that end up in the oceans are actually from collected garbage by haulers and garbage trucks, this goes up to 74% or 386,000 tons of plastic.

The leakage was also attributed to both illegal dumping of garbage by some companies and dumping of garbage near bodies of water.

This might be solved through the strict implementation of the

Sapientia 18

Life

Sa Langit Lang May Bahaghari Illustration by Char Bianca Sab-it Photos by Danielle Herman and Margaret Joy Dong-e

19 Sapientia

Life Para Sayo: Hindi ko alam kung paano baguhin ang mundo pero sana mabago ko ang isip mo. Alam ko na pagod ka na sa paulit-ulit na pagpapakatatag. Alam ko na pagod ka ng maniwala na kayang tanggapin ng mundo ang naiibang kulay mo at disenyo.

Alam kong rinding-rindi na ang tenga mo sa sinasabi nilang pagbabago. Alam ko, alam ko.

Sa totoo wala akong ideya kung paano simulan ang liham na ito. Alam ko lang ang tungkol sa pait na dinanas mo pero hindi ang iyong kwento. Alam ko lang ang itsura ng nabuburang kolorete sa pisngi mo, pero hindi ang kolorete na nanggaling sa tatay mo. Alam ko kung paano kamuhian ng iba dahil darna ang gusto mong itawag saiyo, pero hindi ang pag-takas na siyang dahilan nito.

Sana managinip ka na dilat ang perehong mata. Naiintindihan ko na ninakaw na nila ang iyong pagkatao, pero naniniwala ako na sa kabila nito; ikaw ay buong buo.

Malambot man ang iyong katawan pero ang puso mo ay bato. Huwag mo sanang gantihan ang mundo, matuto ka sanang lumaban ng tapat at may puso. Gayun pa man lumaban ka para sa sarili mo, ipahayag mo ang kulay na ipinapakilala mo. Sa kabila ng ingay ng batikos naririto ako, kabilang sa mumunting bulong na nagtutulak saiyo.

Hi, You may not know me personally nor I you, but you look familiar. Yes. We may have passed each other in the hallways when it is not too crowded to actually see people, when our existence are more than wriggling creatures, skin touching skin. We may have bumped into each other before. You have the same anatomy structure as me. See, our arms match. We both have hands with fingers that can hold another’s and I saw you held hands with her. When you look at her, it’s as if you have all the answers. But they insist that that’s wrong. The person behind me makes a disgusted face, a crowd of students shoot uncomfortable looks your way, and your mother; the woman you can’t see eye-to-eye, asks “baby girl, why are you holding hands with her?”. As if that is wrong.

As if you were wrong for holding someone you love close to you. It is not.

You, who have the same eye color as mine, do not cry. There is nothing to grieve.

There’s nothing wrong with the way you look. Don’t hit the mirror. Don’t hit your chest and blame your heart for beating, beating, beating for someone you can’t have

Kaya mo yan!

Umaandar ang mundo, napapalitan ang mga tao. Sa bagong henerasyon nakaangkla ang kinabukasan. Mabagal man ang pagpinta ng bahaghari, sing tingkad naman ito ng katauhan mo. Bukas hayaan mo ang sariling maging totoo, dahan-dahan mong iwan ang kadiliman na dala ng maabo at inaagiw na hawlang ginawa nila para saiyo.

Hindi mo na kailangan ibase ang imahe mo sa kung ano mang nasa pagitan ng binti mo. Naiiba ka dahil ikaw ay maganda.

Huwag mong hayaang pilitin ka nilang magkasya sa mundo, dahil mas malawak ka sa mundo. Huwag mong hayaang ikahon ka nila dahil hindi parisukat ang hugis mo.

Itaas mo ang iyong noo, isuot ang sapin sa paa (kahit gaano pa iyan kataas) at lumakad (kumembot kung gusto mo) ng may dignidad at pagpapahalaga sa sarili.

Alam ko kung paano maghintay, pero hindi kagaya ng paghihintay mo. Alam ko ang sakit ng pagtalikod, pero hindi ang pagtalikod ng pamilya mo. Alam ko ang kirot ng sugat, pero hindi ang hapdi ng mga salitang ipinukol sayo. Alam ko ang kalungkutan ng pag-iisa, pero hindi ang pananabik mo sa hawak ng iba. Alam ko kung paano humiling sa mundo, pero hindi gaya ng pagsusumamo mo. Alam ko na hindi pa tapos ang laban, dito sigurado ako.

Felix because of your father. I am sorry that you have to beat yourself up instead because of this, because of what other people will say, because of what his ego will say. I am sorry, love.

You, too. You, reduced to a vessel of rumors. You are not just a phase, okay? And your feelings are always valid. No matter what they understand or misunderstand.

No matter what they throw at you for being different, throw them back. Forcefully open the closet and hit them with its doors. You can come out now, love.

You know, what I am most unfamiliar with is what a gay person looks like. My friend told me that her other friend is gay, but he does not look like it. What does a gay person look like anyway? I am not certain but they must look familiar. We are all made up of stardust, after all. We are connected and I know this. I know because our hearts beat the same way even though we love different people. We are diverse. We are humans. And that includes you.

From one stardust to another,

Franz Sapientia 20

Life To the equally beautiful human beings, I’m sorry if at first you have to dwell with the world’s inevitable judgement. Some of you have to experience too much pain.

Some of you have to cut off their wings or paint off their colorful masks black and white or mute their lively music for others’ convenience. Some have to dive deep into the darkness for a long time only to rise up when the room is no longer crowded and it feels like the world can accept you genuinely.

But look at you now, darling. You have conquered all that life has thrown at

To Legabitra, Perhaps I cannot understand your experiences and the difficulties you go through day by day. I know I never truly will, so I won’t pretend that I can. But I can give you this: my undivided support for you. L, you inspire me. You’re courageous, wise, and talented all in one. Don’t think for one second that I don’t mean that. By striving to be the best version of yourself, you have changed the world for the better. If you’ve been able to change the view of this closeminded, conservative, religious-oriented writer, I believe you can do anything you set your mind into.

Screw the anti-LGBT. Seriously, screw them. They don’t know what it’s like to be in your shoes. They can’t see life through your eyes. I’m sure if we could all see life through

Greetings!

I know you are tired. You were forcefully leashed by the norms that society has set.

Your eyes were blindfolded, arms shackled, mouth covered, and you were made to listen to things that aren’t you. I know that it is hard for someone to stand up where someone is satisfied sitting down. I know that it is hard to try and row your own boat against the current and expect no damage.

But I don’t know how hard it is for you to fight a battle improvising every weapon you could just to survive. I don’t know how hard it is for you to try and speak up and to get your own identity in this world that dictates who you are and what you should be. I know

21 Sapientia

you and I’m sure that in the future, you will undoubtedly overcome future challenges.

Because I believe in you. With you people, I have encountered the most beautiful souls and have seen the most genuine happiness.

The dreams you strive to achieve, keep them alive within the palms of your hands.

Always bear in mind that you all have the power in your hands to spread the love this world longs to have.

These words might not heal the pain or in any way comfort you, but as you read this message, I want you to know that somebody out here gives a damn.

Sis

the eyes of another, the world would be a much more compassionate place. Just remember that they don’t hate you, they hate what you represent. People hate what they can’t understand, so they fester in their ignorance. They fail to see the humanity in the absurdity of life.

You’ve taught me that love comes in all forms. You’re not the “other” like my parents taught. You’re my friend, and if seeing you as you are, and not as others like to demonize you then there truly no hope for this world.

If I could have the chance, I would like to try seeing the world from your perspective.

I wouldn’t mind living another life with your challenges. Maybe then I may learn what it truly means to love.

With love,

an Ally

that you are suffering. However, I also know that there are always times where you get to be happy. Times wherein you can be free and not think of how people see you. I know that in your life you can truly smile behind those tears. I know yet I don’t know.

I’m sorry because you had to experience being an outcast, a thing, and as someone whom many regard as not normal in this world where everyone promotes love yet not everyone loves. I thank you because you are strong. I thank you because you are still trying to fight for who you are.

Don’t hate. Love. Love truly.

Yours truly,

Allen

Life

Hey you, It is not a phase.

Because every single moment you look at her, there is a tightness in your chest, suffocating your heart, threatening it to burst. And when she smiles. God, when she smiles. It just knocks the wind right out of you, like a hundred butterflies punching you in the gut. The way she brushes her hair behind her ear, the way she says each syllable of your name, and the way her hands hold yours; they didn’t make you want to be her, they made you want her. The late night conversations about sweet nothings, the dawns with her beside you whispering good morning, and all the moments in between.

They made you want her—all of her.

You and I both know it’s not a phase.

Because there was that boy back in college, he was always sitting by the corner, a comic book in hand, randomly bursting with laughter as he turns each page. The sunlight gently brushing his features. He was loud.

He was far from your type of gentleness.

He just wasn’t the type of person you’d enjoy having coffee with. But here’s your heart, beating erratically, longing to curl up beside him and join in on the joke or run your fingers through his hair and place your nose on the crook of his neck because he

Darling, How did it feel when you realized you stared a bit too long? A mere second it was, and yet it was a second too long, a second you can’t bring back. A singular unit of time to realize that you aren’t what most people think you ought to be.

Why is it so, that although her shapes were similar to yours, his shoulders as broad as your own, and yet, they look so much more enticing when he, when she wears them? Another second too long you stare, another second of shame and fear and guilty, thrilling pleasure running through your veins boiling and freezing your blood at the same time. No, no, no, no, no: this is not what it is ought to be.

You bear yourself to those you trust and love, hoping to find solace and acceptance.

“You can still be saved,” they say, as if you’re possessed, as if you’re afflicted with some kind of illness that the devil has somehow cursed you with. What sickness would the devil cause that fills your heart with sadness and love?

just radiates warmth, and you want nothing more than to bathe in it.

They say you can’t be in the middle.

That you only have to choose one or the other. That the gray area doesn’t exist. Be gay or be straight. You can’t be a little bit of both. One day you’ll wake up and you will no longer be attracted to the same gender.

It’s okay to be the way you are now because you will eventually marry the opposite gender, you’ll have a family of your own, and that’s what we want for you. A normal life.

Not everyone will accept you for who you are.

I know, it’s hard, your family and your friends turning their backs on you. Looking at you differently. It’s hard. Not everyone will accept you for who you are. But I do.

I accept you wholeheartedly. And there are a lot of people who will be more than willing to accept you. So don’t be afraid to embrace who you are, and acknowledge your identity and your interests. You are already flawless the way you are. You are valid. Love regardless of the opinions of others. Because life isn’t about what you receive, it’s about what you give.

Stay and may the force be with you,

Aina A second too long, it reveals a door—will you open it? The closet with the skeletons you’ve hidden for so long, that they’d begun to lose their glamour, but they’re still there, just waiting for you to shine the light on their rainbow-colored porcelain pieces. Are you willing to drop the mask that you’ve almost glued to your face? Will you choose to be who you are or who others think you ought to be?

Love. Love is the answer, the rusty, overused key in all the locks of fairytales and tragedies. But happy endings don’t have to end with a Prince Charming, no.

Love from yourself, and those who care and accept you for who you are. Love, in whatever shape, size, or form so long as it is true and pure, always wins. Your form is perfect; your love is beautiful. Your rainbowcolored heart should never settle for less.

That second was never too long, it’s the beginning of the story of you, and, however you write it, so long as you follow love, a rainbow-colored happy ending will always come to you <3<3<3

Dear LGBTQIA people, Believe me when I say that you are more than your skin color, ethnicity, or the type of clothes you wear. You are more than worthy to be recognized for you are beautiful in every angle.

I’m writing this to you not to tell you it’s okay to be in your true colors but to celebrate it like the day you first put make up on, you had your very first pixie cut or the day you turned 18 or 21— the day you turned legal and celebrated liberty.

I’m sorry if there are still people who couldn’t understand people like you. In behalf of them, I’m asking for your pardon.

We tell hurtful words and we are hardcore insensitive. We are blinded by our self-made truths about gender standards and we couldn’t find time to reconsider but believe me, the truth is, we are just like you we couldn’t find an outlet to ventilate what we are struggling inside. And I know it is not an excuse, we are genuinely sorry.

Chin up, stand straight and walk confidently like a gazelle on her way to her wedding. Never hide your real identity.

Always carry yourself with a bagful of self-love and definitely as inspiration to everyone.

Whenever you feel unloved, remember that there is someone out there who loves you even without your knowing. It could be your friends, your sibling, your classmate who lent you a pen this morning, it could be your professor, it could be a complete stranger and it could be me. Promise me you’ll stay strong for I’m one with you, I am you.

Anonymous

Anonymous Sapientia 22

Perspective

THE TRUTH BEHIND

Dengvaxia

by Esther Munson and Krisnna Mariano Illustration by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo

23 Sapientia

On September 2017, ten year old Anjielica Pestilos received a shot of Dengvaxia. She was a Grade 5 student studying in a public school with a bright future ahead of her. During the run of the immunization program, government health workers would reassure the parents that they should consider Angelica lucky because she received the dengue vaccine shot for free.

Unfortunately, she would be one of the first and last to be a part of this program. Her parents reported that her health suddenly declined only a few days after her shot. She was rushed and confined to the hospital for more than three weeks. Some of her symptoms were bruising under the skin, abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and difficulty of breathing. Despite the best medical efforts, she died on December 6, 2017. Her death certificate stated the cause was due to intractable metabolic acidosis secondary to systemic lupus erythematosus. However, when forensics exhumed her body for investigation five days after her burial, they found the real cause to be severe hemorrhagic dengue.

Perspective

DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD One of the major problems of the Philippines when it comes to healthcare is dengue, an acute infectious disease caused by Aedes mosquitos. It is especially rampant during rainy seasons and can be fatal because no cure exists. When Dengvaxia, the first licensed vaccine for dengue was introduced, the Department of Health got on board. The Philippines, under Health Secretary Janette Garin, hosted the nationwide launch of Dengvaxia on February 11, 2016, in an attempt to lower dengue mortality rates.

Unfortunately, the attempt backfired on itself.

exposure to dengue) of the recipient of the vaccine be positive for it to be effective. Prior testing of the recipient's serostatus was considered by the board but was then rejected. The reason? The only existing tests available cost an estimated P5,000 per head, even more expensive than the vaccine itself. Even if the tests were approved, they could not reliably diagnose a previous exposure to Dengue.

Testing could also result in false positives like exposure to Chikungunya virus, another disease passed by infected mosquitoes. Ultimately at the time the vaccine was approved the side effect was known, but how common and severe the dengue could become was not. The greatest consequence of this was the administration of a risk-laden vaccine to everyone regardless of previous exposure. This ultimately lead to the incident spiraling into what it has now.

EVERYONEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LOSS

Confusion, mourning, and blame. Parents have Dengvaxia is the first ever licensed vaccine lost their children and they will never get them back. against dengue. The vaccine was developed by Sanofi , a multinational pharmaceutical company founded Aside from the blame game on who is responsible for

by Sanofi Pasteur. It was evaluated in five countries what, the victims of indiscriminate needle-stabbing in Asia and in five countries in Latin America. The now demand justice for the young and innocent Dengue vaccine, however, is a double-edged sword. It lives lost because of negligence and lack of study.

The implications from the dengvaxia can perform very differently, depending controversy are unpredictable and likely on whether or not the taker of the destructive. Trust has been broken and vaccine has had dengue before or not.

To those who had lost. Vaccines are more frightening than To survivors of dengue, it can become a never contracted ever , especially for parents who just valuable protection against the disease. want the best for their children. The dengue before, it To those who had never contracted credence of previously trusted names in dengue before, it could precipitate a could precipitate medicine may now been compromised. severe form of dengue in the future. a severe form of Other Parents in the future may even Distressed people look for whoever opt out of vaccinating their children dengue in the future. is to blame for what has now numbered altogether because of Dengvaxia. to over 60 deaths nationwide. Deaths Even though the controversy has that were, ironically, caused by what been devastating for our country, the future ahead was supposed to save lives. Nationwide, people have been spewing names believed to be at fault. may be less bleak than it seems. The vaccine is still Some point to former president Benigno Aquino III effective, and though its side effects were not fully because the vaccination was approved and launched known, it could be used in the future when testing for under his administration. Others point at the Duterte dengue exposure becomes more reliable. WHO itself administration who went through with the campaign. has updated its information on the vaccine warning The government then pointed at Sanofi Pasteur, the of its side effects on those who are seronegative. developer of the vaccine. He, in turn, defended himself Department of Health workers all across the nation by citing the results of the research clearly stating encourage families, now more than ever, to avail the risk that the vaccine would bring to seronegative for their children life-saving vaccines to dispel the (never had dengue) individuals released March 2016 Dengvaxia fear. If the Philippine government were to approve any new vaccines, they will certainly look

by WHO. Former health secretary Janet Garin shed some back on this incident and be vigilant. The first step for light on the Dengvaxia incident and why they approved us is to seek the truth and learn from it. the vaccine. She herself was interested in what side effects the vaccine may have since its efficacy was announced to her as greater than sixty percent.

They found that the vaccine heavily depended on the serostatus (whether or not someone had prior

Sapientia 24

Life

“

Locked Doors an

by Esther Munson and F Illustration by N

THE PEOPLE ARE LEFT WITH ONLY ONE, IF NOT UNNATURAL CHOICE – ABSTINENCE

At twelve, the youth can be exposed to sex but would fail to receive sex education.

The word “sex” incites discomfort and is disregarded. The act and the use of contraceptives are frowned upon by the church and its followers. The law, on the other hand, can only provide limited help.

Deficit Presented in Numbers The system falls short and we accept it.

One of the things we are forced to accept is the rising percentage of unplanned pregnancy in the Philippines. This has been evidenced by the constant increase in teenage pregnancy rates from the past decade. According to United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Philippine Statistics Authority, teen pregnancy in the Philippines increased by 65% from 2000 to 2010. While unplanned teenage pregnancies are dropping on the other parts of the world, it is expected to go higher in the Philippines.

Statistic reports from the Department of Health (DOH) states that one in ten girls ranging from 15 to 19 years of age has already given birth. Another data from the Philippine Statistics Authority found more than 18,000 girls between the ages of 15 and 19 have already had a second child.

Of these girls, only four percent will pursue college later in their lives. Two-thirds of them belong to low-income families with little to no access to sexual education.

On a more alarming note, the incidences of teenage girls getting pregnant are getting younger. Births of those under 15 years old have doubled in a decade.

Along with this is the phenomenon of teen mothers having multiple children at a young age. The implications of teenage pregnancy range from health complications to social complications, especially since most teenage mothers are those who are of lowincome families.

Another is the rising HIV rate in the Philippines. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), if the HIV rate exceeds

25 Sapientia

”

5% in two years’ time, the HIV in the areas would be uncontrollable. In addition to that, on 2015, the Department of Health have already identified 6 cities found with HIV “concentrated epidemic” and may reach “uncontrollable” levels in a couple of years.

Among the six cities, half are in Manila (Quezon City 6.6%; Manila 6.7%; Caloocan 5.3%). The highest HIV rate among male-tomale sex is 7.7%, in Cebu. The number of HIV cases in the Philippines have also increased by over 25 percent from 2001 to 2009 and is prevalent in 20 to 29 age range.

Furthermore, only 5% of HIVpositive pregnant women have received antiretroviral medicine to prevent motherto-child transmission. To make matters worse, very few of those at risk have taken an HIV test – with a number of zero for those under 18 years.

Both problems are complicated and are dangerously simplified by blaming the people for having sex. Sit tight and close your legs. This is only the beginning.

Church Above State The relationship of the church and the state contribute to the ever-rising rate of the people’s problems regarding sexuality.

The state took a brave step forward with the passage of the Reproductive Health Law after its 11-year fight in the Congress.

However, its implementation was road blocked by Catholic groups filing a petition against it, saying it is unconstitutional. This led to the Supreme Court giving a status quo ante order that stalled the RH Law’s implementation.

More than a year later, the Supreme Court held that the law was not unconstitutional except for the 8 provisions.

The Catholic groups did not stop there and filed another petition with the aim to stop the government’s purchase, sale, distribution, and administration of contraceptives – claiming that these are abortifacients.

The Supreme Court, on cue, imposed a temporary restraining order (TRO) on the

Life

nd ill-Fitting Keys

Franz Claire Del Rosario Nobelio Mataag

distribution of birth control implants. The TRO was eventually lifted two years later and the Department of Health can now freely distribute contraceptives to regional health offices and to various NGOs. While the complaints of the church were heeded by the government, the public suffered from unheard voices.

People easily forgot how the law’s core is about women and their right to choose to live better, more meaningful lives. There still exists a patronization of men and women in the hierarchy of the Church having a say on people’s bodies. To this day, the strong lobby of religious groups prevent the masses from being educated because of the fear of promiscuity.

The latest report from the Department of Education (DepEd) revealed that there is yet a development of minimum standards concerning comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in schools and learning facilities. Comprehensive Sexuality Education is a critical piece of the RH Law that schools and learning facilities have to comply with.

According to United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), a scientificallyaccurate, culturally and age-appropriate, gender-sensitive and life skills based CSE reduces risky behavior among young people who are sexually active. Although the CSE has already been included in the K to 12 curriculum, it has not adopted the CSE standards developed by a panel of experts.

In addition, teachers have yet to be trained on how to best deliver age-specific CSE within the K to 12 curriculum.

The limits of sex education do not stop in the skills of its teachers and the standards to be met, but in the schools themselves.

There are over a thousand Catholic schools nationwide and as far as they are concerned, sex education has no place within their walls. In this day and age of rising teenage pregnancies, HIV infections, and risky

sexual behaviors among young people, Catholic schools deny its students a chance to be equipped in today’s challenges.

There had been action done by Catholic teachers and educators such as the educational book Population and Development Education Training Modules for Catholic Schools. However, it was rejected by the Commission on Family and Life of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines who imposed a series of changes. According to one of the main writers, the bishops wanted the book to state categorically that masturbation and homosexuality are sins. The changes are yet to be done as changing the book according to their wishes will compromise the scientific accuracy of the book and may even antagonize the students.

People are being denied of their rights because of the state’s limitations and the church’s ideologies. Both of which hold more power than the people’s choice over their own bodies, over their lives. The people are left with only one, if not unnatural, choice – abstinence.

The Non-Fitting Key to the Problem Sexuality and desire are inherent components of a human being. However, sex – the act and the word – is swept underneath the carpet despite it being an evolutionary and pleasurable necessity.

People pretend that it does not exist until it bears fruit, even before the wedding bells ring It goes in line with the values most, if not all, Filipinos are brought up with. That is, to preserve chastity until marriage – to be a “virgin”. Failure to adhere to the practice brings about shame and stigma, which contribute to how Filipinos perceive themselves.

This practice of abstinence has not given good results. There are still teenage pregnancies and HIV cases (among other

AT TWELVE, THE YOUTH CAN BE EXPOSED TO SEX BUT WOULD FAIL TO RECEIVE SEXUAL EDUCATION. Sapientia 26

Life sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, syphilis, etc), and they are increasing in ghastly rates. Abstinence-only education programs are not effective at delaying the initiation of sexual activity or in reducing teen pregnancy.

A 2004 review of 11 state-based evaluations in the United States of America found that there is little evidence of sustained (long-term) impact on attitudes and intentions. Worse, they showed negative impacts on youthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s willingness to use contraception, including condoms, to prevent negative sexual health outcomes related to sexual intercourse.

Abstinence has been proven to be inefficient, but the practice means more than delaying sexual activity or reducing teen pregnancy. Abstinence is seen as the moral thing to do. The refusal to accept that sexual intercourse happens among adolescents or among unmarried people makes the problems more difficult to address. It is generating ignorance on the willingly-blind society.

Generational Misinformation It is difficult to teach the youth about sex, since it is thought to be awkward. Abstinence is often the default response regarding the topic because it avoids further explanation. The youth, especially girls, are unware of how their bodies work and how to protect themselves when it comes to sex. Some do

27 Sapientia

not even know what contraceptives are.

The importance of family planning is also dismissed as something that only those with families are allowed to do. Hence, the phenomenon of teenage mothers having multiple children. The youth simply do not know what to look for. They do not see the problems as medical and social problems â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just a product of their lust and impulsive decisions. The problems are reduced to labels.

There are question marks left unanswered weighing down on their shoulders.

In our culture where even parents cannot talk to their children about a sensitive, but natural topic, the youth are left to ask their peers who are just as misinformed. There is so much shame attached to a natural phenomenon that it impedes people from understanding it better. In the end, the blind leads the blind. Unless changes are made, another generation will be bred with ignorance.

Perspective

Blue is for boys, Pink is for girls

by Murielle Florendo Illustration by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo

The Philippine society has come a long way whe0n it comes to equal rights between men and women.

The revisions made to cater to women’s rights such as maternity leave and protection from domestic abuse show that we pay attention to the injustices women face every day. These laws, however, are not concrete proof that our society is progressing towards equality.

The conservative roots in which our fragile societal standards rest upon is the reason why girls are still made to believe that they should prep themselves to be wives in the future. We tell girls to close their legs, be prim and proper, and make vanity a priority over other human aspects.

In recent times, there is an effort to change that. The media had begun empowering women through cartoons, short videos, programs, and articles that encourage them to look beyond the conservative roots. Many have done so, but that is only half the battle. If true equality is something we really want to strive for, perhaps we should look beyond one side of the scale. If we can question why pink is for girls, why can’t we question why blue is for boys?

What society has failed to understand is that the enemy of progress is not from a single individual, but rather from a collective ignorance of a certain group. It is embedded in our culture for us to lean on male superiority. Is it purely male privilege that is the problem or is it the things we encourage on our male youth that cause their shift in perception in life?

In a study done by Ronald Levant, Ed. D. in Psychology Today, he came up with eight basic principles that guide male behavior: emotional restriction, avoidance of femininity, focus on toughness and aggression, self-reliance, achievement, rationality, objectification of sex, and homophobia.

Given that his findings were based on American traditional roles, it may not apply on a universal scale.

However, given our history and a simple observation of how we appreciate foreign tastes, it is safe to say that we are susceptible to readily adapting other cultures. This is most especially prevalent today with regards to the rise of millennial mentality and the admiration of the American regime. With this, perhaps some of the American traditional roles ring true in the way we go about raising little boys.

Stories in Philippine media don’t exactly show that men are sensitive beings that can resolve problems through conflict mediation. Culturally, most fathers don’t exactly raise sons to talk about their feelings. That would be “so gay”, which basically means it doesn’t show off the stereotypical male toughness seen by many to be ideal. Showing emotion is apparently a female thing and showing off feminine aspects make you gay which somehow should be taken as an insult. We put heavy pressure on girls to keep their legs closed, but at the same time make fun of boys who talk about their feelings and are prone to outbursts? This has been the norm for so long that it somehow becomes logical to a majority, when really it proves no other point than just being a standard that exists for the sake of having standards to draw a line between two sides.

Feeling certain emotions isn’t a girl thing.

It’s a natural, gender-inclusive human thing.

Toughness doesn’t correlate with being a man, and lacking it has nothing to do with being gay, which is not an insult but rather a perfectly normal sexual orientation. Boys shouldn’t have to live up to the pressures of a misogynistic patriarchal society as much as girls shouldn’t have to live in it. It starts with the recognition women don’t need to be codependent as much as men don’t need to ‘man up.’ We all just need to be decent human beings, which really makes a lot more sense.

Sapientia 28

Perspective

TRIgGER

WARNING

by Franz Claire Del Rosario and Ryanne Aina Unarce | Illustration by Kyra Eufelle Domingo males are more commonly affected in childhood.

The brain is one dynamic organ. It goes from surviving an impalement to suddenly telling someone to end his or her own life. It is difficult to comprehend. Its complexity cannot be simply explained through internet searches. It is because of its dynamism that it can be a dark place to be.

1. BULIMIA NERVOSA I rush to the bathroom and hurriedly find a stall. What have I done. I ate too much again.

What have I done. I get on my knees, I place my face near the pale toilet, and shove two fingers down my throat; trying to force everything out. I gasp for air when I feel my stomach settle down.

There, it’s all out. It won’t do any-thing. I’m sure it won’t. But I’ll take in some laxatives just in case. I slowly stand up, my knees almost giv-ing out. And I look for a scale.

Bulimia Nervosa is a deadly psychological eating disorder. It happens when a person consumes a large amount of food in a short period of time, this is followed by purging to avoid weight loss. Ways of purging includes: forced vomiting, uncontrolled use of laxatives and/ or diuretics, and over exercising.

It has three characteristics: recurrent episodes of binge eating, inappropriate behaviors to prevent weight gain, and self-evaluation which is influenced by weight and body shape. It is diagnosed when a person re-lapses at least once per week for three months.

Bulimia Nervosa is different from eating too much. This is clinically differentiated thru gauging the person’s food intake, a person with Bulimia Nervosa will eat excessively in a single meal, which is different from a person who eats a regular meal, followed by small amounts of snacks.

Bulimia was revealed as Pricess Diana’s “secret disease” in Andrew Morton’s book entitled “Diana: Her True Story” in the year 1992. Morton reports that she first struggled with bulimia in 1981, and was still suf-fering from it during the late ‘80s when she sought treatment. During the mid—and late—1990’s, news about the princess’ disorder became public. There was a sharp increase in the number of bulimia cases reported. Some people speculated that the news of the princess having an eating disorder was encouraging more cases of bulimia to occur. However, another fact was soon revealed: it was because of Princess Di-ana’s admission of her struggle with food that many people were finally able to come forward and

29 Sapientia

admit that they had an eating disorder. Because of her courage to combat her eating disorder, many other people have also confronted their problems and sought treatment. This movement has come to be known as the “Diana Effect”.

Many eating disorders therapists credit Princess Diana’s bravery with saving the lives of many who suffer from Bulimia Nervosa. She allowed her personal battle with Bulimia to become public, which is only one reason that she is so beloved and will continue to be influential, even after her death in 1997.

2. OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER (OCD) I need to lock the door before I leave.

Have I locked it? Did I lock it already? Better check again. This does not feel right. I have to do it again. Again. Again. Again. Did I wash the dishes? Did I? Did I? My hands look dirty. The sidewalk has a crack in it. I better take the long way to work. Have I washed the dishes? I should probably wash my hands first. I should go back to my apartment to wash the dishes, wash my hands. Did I lock the door yet? I need to lock my door properly this time.

Obssessive – Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by the presence of obsessions and/or compul-sions. Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that are experienced as intrusive or unwanted.

Compulsions, on the other hand, are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that an individual feels driven to perform in response to an obsession or according to rules that must be applied rigidly.

The obsessions and/or compulsions are time consuming and cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning. Individuals with OCD have dysfunctional beliefs. These beliefs include an inflated sense of responsibility and the tendency to overestimate threat, perfectionism, intolerance of uncertainty, over-importance of thoughts, and the need to control thoughts.

Males have an earlier age onset of OCD than females. Although, females are affected at a slightly higher rate than males in adulthood,

Albeit unofficial, Louis Pasteur’s experiments that led to the pasteurization process may have been a prod-uct of his obsession with infection and contamination. Apparently, he would not shake hands and would regularly wipe his glass and plate before dining. Pasteur’s behavior reflects a cleaning compulsion, wherein a person feels the need to keep cleaning themselves, their clothing, or their homes. It just happened that Pasteur’s obsession with cleanliness (or rather, his cleaning compulsion) became a means that changed the world.

3. DISSOCIATIVE AMNESIA What are you talking about? She was here a while ago. She’s my wife! And we went sailing last Saturday and… and then a storm hit but I was able to swim back to the boat. My wife! Oh! My wife could not have been buried without my knowledge, no! If so, I should have been there! I should remember it. No. No. My wife is not dead.

My wife, where is she? Where is she?

Dissociative amnesia is characterized by an inability to recall autobiographical information that is incon-sistent with normal forgetting. This amnesia may be localized, that is, inability to recall an event or a period of time. It may be selective, or inability to recall a specific aspect of an event.

It may also be generalized, that is, inability to recall identity and life history. The duration of the forgotten events can range from minutes to decades. It may also involve purposeful travel or bewildered wandering (fugue). Initially, people with amnesia are unaware of their “lost time”.

Awareness comes when circumstances make these individ-uals aware, that is, when they discover evidence of events that happened but which they cannot recall. Until then, individuals have “amnesia for their amnesia”. Some episodes resolve rapidly while some persist for long periods of time.

Individuals with dissociative amnesia are commonly with suicide and other self-destructive behaviors. More so when the amnesia remits and the individual feels overwhelmed with intolerable memories.

Crime novelist, Agatha Christie, mysteriously disappeared for 11 days in 1926 which drew even Arthur Co-nan Doyle and Dorothy Sayers into the puzzle. There were a myriad of theories trying to explain what happened to her, ranging from suicide to a plot against her unfaithful husband.

None of the theories were proven as she was eventually discovered safe; alone and using an assumed name.

She had been living in a spa hotel in Harrogate since the day after her disappearance. She took the name Teresa Neele and failed to recognize

Perspective herself in newspaper photographs. Christie’s behavior is an example of dissociative amnesia with dissociative fugue. Dissociative fugue is marked by fleeing to an entirely dif-ferent location, taking up another name, and forgetting personal identities along with details of past lives. Such is the mystery of the Queen of Crime, now solved.

4. BODY DYSMORPHIC DISORDER (BDD) I don’t want to get out of the house, mom. I am pretty sure my sweat smells odd. Or terrible.

Or worse, people may not even sit beside me on the bus. Mom, I need new clothes but I do not want to go out of the house. I’m afraid people will smell me even from afar. What if I look weird, too?

I do not want to try on clothes at the mall because I might leave my scent there. People may also talk behind my back and make fun of me. They will mock me, mom. I need to take a bath again so I won’t smell weird around you, too. I’ll put lots of deodorant as well, okay? Is that okay, mom?

This is my fourth bath now, mom. Do I still smell weird?

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is formerly known as dysmorphophobia. It is characterized by preoccu-pation with one or more perceived flaws, and by repetitive behaviors or mental acts in response to the ap-pearance concerns. The perceived defects or flaws in the appearance of individuals with BDD are not ob-servable, or they only appear slightly to other individuals.

Concerns of individuals with BDD range from looking “unattractive” or “not right” to looking “hideous” or “like a monster”. Their repetitive behaviors include but are not limited to mirror checking, excessive grooming, skin picking, or reassurance seeking. While, mental acts may be comparing one’s appearance to other people.

The preoccupation causes clinically sig-nificant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Many individuals with BDD have ideas or delusions of reference believing that other people take special notice of them or mock them because of their appearance. Individuals with this disorder tend to have bias for negative and threatening interpretations of facial expressions and ambiguous scenarios. Also, they often receive cosmetic treatment to try to improve their perceived defects. Occasionally, they perform surgery on themselves. Some individuals may even turn violent or take legal action when they are dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome.

Canadian-born singer-songwriter, Lindi Ortega addressed her struggle with Body Dysmorphic Disorder in an essay entitled “In the Mirror, a Fractured Reflection”. She mentioned how she would obsess about how un-attractive she was and that she spends an obscene amount of time scrutinizing her large pores and her crooked nose. She said that the more she focused on her perceived flaws, the more she felt alienated from the world.

She would also refrain from leaving her house because of her compulsive grooming, hiding, and concealing rituals. Ortega began to struggle with her appearance when she was bullied by a male peer at a party, when she was 13. Her aim in sharing her story is to remind those who are suffering with BDD that they are not alone. She was able to pursue her dreams even with BDD, so individuals suffering from the same disorder need not feel that they have to stifle their dreams because of it. “If I can do it, anyone can,” she said.

5. BIPOLAR DISORDER Four minutes before the date and I just stopped applying mascara. My tears fell and I just sunk well into the bathroom floor.

It feels cold. I feel sorry for cancelling again.

Just hours ago, I am well beyond my lim-its.

I was traipsing around and asking someone out – setting dates even without getting sleep for three days. I was my gold-sequined dress and not this nightie I changed into. I almost felt the feeling of his skin, of his lips on my skin, but I guess that’s just for the living.

There are two types of Bipolar Disorder. The first is Bipolar I Disorder, which is the modern representation of the classic manic-depressive disorder or affective psychosis described in the 19th century. The differ-ence from the classic description i s that neither psychosis nor a major depressive episode is a requirement for the diagnosis.

However, the vast majority of individuals whose symptoms meet the criteria for a full-blown manic episode experience major depressive episodes during the course of their lives.

Second is Bipolar II Disorder, this one requires a lifetime experience of at least one or more episodes of major depression and one hypomanic episode. This is not a milder condition compared to Bipolar I disorder. This is because the amount of time individuals with this condition spend in either the depressive episode or manic episode is typically accompanied by serious impairment in work and social functioning.

To be clear, a manic episode is a distinct period of when a person feels elevated, expansive, or irritable. Mood in a manic episode is said to be euphoric. It is also said to be excessive bordering hazardous enthu-siasm that the person feels like he or she can do anything. A major depressive episode, on the other hand, is characterized by diminished interest and pleasure in all, or almost all, activities. This is noted alongside with persistent feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness and excessive and inappropriate guilt. It also ac-companied by an increase or decrease in sleep and appetite, recurrent thoughts of death, and diminished ability to think or concentrate.

Carrie Fisher, also known for her legendary role as Princess Leia. A royal rebel even in real life. A brave light in the midst of stigma. Her openness in talking about her Bipolar Disorder helped her fellow bipolar travelers in their journey against the disorder. Her honest-to-goodness sharing of her experiences – the highs and the lows – helped people to understand and to empathize with the people suffering from it. She posited the “Bipolar Pride Day” after years of struggle and denial. In her own way, like her legendary role, she gave people hope and courage. [May the force be with her.]

6. SCHIZOPHRENIA Someone is trying to kill me. You have to believe me. I am God. That is why they are planning to kill me. Did you hear that? I can hear their plans. I can see their thoughts and they are passing it to me. 67 Boule-vard, Veronica. They are going to kill me. Hide me. Hide me. Hide. Let’s go hide so they won’t find us. So we won’t get killed. So I won’t get killed. I am God after all.

Schizophrenia is the top mental health disorder in the Philippines. Also, most individuals with schizophrenia here in the Philippines are male.

It is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, disorganized speech, cata-tonic behavior, and negative symptoms. Delusions are fixed beliefs that cannot be easily changed even with evidence against said belief while hallucinations are perception-like experiences that occur without an external stimulus. Hallucinations may occur in any sensory modality but the most common is auditory hal-lucination.

Another is disorganized speech, this ranges from an individual switching from one to topic to another; to incoherent answers, but all of which lead to impairment in communication. Catatonic behavior, on the other hand, is marked by a decrease in reactivity to the environment. This ranges from resistance to instructions; to a rigid, inappropriate or bizarre posture; to a complete lack of verbal and motor responses.

Last is negative symptoms. There are two negative symptoms prominent in schizophrenia, they are: dimin-ished emotional expression and avolition.

Diminished emotional expression includes reductions in the expressions of emotions in the face, eye contact, intonation of speech, and gestures. While avolition is a de-crease in motivated, self-initiated purposeful activities.

Schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder but there are still people who can loosen the ropes. One of which is John Forbes Nash, the lead character in

Sapientia 30

Perspective the movie “A Beautiful Mind”. In real life, he was declared by For-tune magazine as one of the leading mathematicians in 1958.

His symptoms first appeared on the same year, he was 30 years old then. He experienced auditory halluci-nations and was committed to mental hospital several times. He and Alicia, his wife, also got divorced when his accusations against her intensified. Alicia remained devoted to him still and they remarried in 2001.

Another “survivor” of the disorder is his son, John Charles Nash, who also developed schizophrenia but also earned a Ph.D. in mathematics. Winning against schizophrenia does not have to be grand as earning a Ph.D., living through it is already a great feat.

7. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Oh God, what was that sound? Was that the whistling of a mortar falling from the sky or was that just my kettle going off? Was that the rattle of assault rifles raining behind me or was it a jar of marbles falling on the floor? Was that loud bang just now from the explosive blast of a grenade or simply a kid having his par-ty balloon popped? Oh God, oh God, the sounds of war still return to haunt me even if I’ve left the battle-field years ago.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) primarily affects individuals who’ve encountered and endured stressful events of great magnitude.

Such instances include but are not limited to military service, sexual assault, or physical violence. Initially thought to only impact soldiers who’ve served on the battlefield, PTSD was incorrectly branded as a disorder correlated to people with generally weak character or a lack of moral fiber. However, as time went progressed, so did the understanding of PTSD. Subsequently, psy-chologists later recognized that PTSD occurs after any traumatizing event and not at all a sign of weak-ness.

Even in the absence of stress or danger, people suffering from PTSD frequently perceive feelings of anxie-ty and fear. Moreover, faulty flight-orflight responses, flashbacks, and nightmares are common symptoms of having PTSD. Such symptoms are found to be caused by changes in both the brain and body affecting the production of hormones, specifically adrenaline, which then leads to incorrect responses made by the individual.

Although, you don’t have to experience war in order to have PTSD; you may acquire it after experiencing traumatic events. Rolling Stones lead singer Mick Jagger has been reported to have experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder due to the suicide of L’Wrren Scott, 49, his partner for over 13 years. The band postponed part of their world tour due to Scott’s suicide. The Stones claim Jagger had acute traumatic stress disorder, and was told not to perform for a month since the disorder can cause flashbacks, nightmares, feeling of guilt, and emotional numbness.

But despite this, the gaunt-faced lead singer still per-formed with high spirits, entertaining his audience.

8. HOARDING DISORDER I step on piles of paper, covering the floors.

I walk to the kitchen, I’m hungry, and I want to cook but my stove is long underneath the piles of clothes. My fridge, I haven’t opened it in 3 years.

The cans I’ve left on the shelves are now all

31 Sapientia

expired, rust enveloping them. I don’t sleep well either, half my bed is occupied by shoes, books, and boxes of food. The far left corner of the room is filled with plastic bottles, and clutter that has piled up over the past 10 years. I like keeping my things; they bring me joy, and parting with them is non-negotiable.

Hoarding disorder is a persistent difficulty of discarding or parting with possessions because of a perceived need to save them. A person with hoarding disorder experiences distress at the thought of getting rid of the items. Excessive accumulation of items, regardless of actual value, occurs.

Hoarding disorder is different from collecting.

People who have collections, such as stamps or model cars, deliberately search out specific items, categorize them and carefully display their collections. Although col-lection can be large, they aren’t usually cluttered and they don’t cause the distress and impairments that are part of hoarding disorder.

There are some cases where people hoard animals. They may collect dozens or even hundreds of pets. Animals may be confined inside or outside. Because of the large numbers, these animals often aren’t cared for properly. The health and safety of the of the person and the animals are at risk because of unsanitary conditions.

People with hoarding disorder may not see it as a problem, making treatment challenging.

But intensive treatment can help people with hoarding disorder understand how their beliefs and behaviors can be changed so that they can live safer, more enjoyable lives.

Youtuber Garrett Watts is known to have been suffering from this disorder. He released a twopart video series on his channel talking about his hoarding problem on September 13 and October 20, 2018. He ex-pressed that his life was dysfunctional, and that he always put off getting rid of his things. The reason why he didn’t want to throw things away was because he valued each and everything that he brings into his life.

He explains that when he sees something he likes, a backstory forms in his mind. For example, a simple ash tray he finds in a flee market could have been from a woman who likes dating smokers in the ‘60s. He applies this with everything, thus he has no reason to part with his items, and in turn, they have accumu-lated over the years.

His solution to his problem was to move to an entirely different house. However, this hasn’t been of much help to him since he still struggled with the disorder. It has been hindering his productivity and his con-sistency with uploading videos for as long as he can remember; he doesn’t allow his friends over or his significant other into his home insisting that his place wasn’t “ready” yet.

He was then intervened by his friends Shane Dawson, Andrew Siwicki, Ryalnd Adams, and Morgan Ad-ams. They had helped him declutter his entire place within 24 hours, and the process allowed him to under-stand himself better. He expressed his gratitude, and his newfound motivation to keep his home declut-tered. He noted that it’s okay to accept help from other people, and that recovery is indeed a process.

9. DID I’m Jess, I’m 7, I love penguins. I have a twin sister, her name is Alex. Anna, our mom is a 40

year old recluse woman, she likes wearing pink.

Then there’s Ben, a 21 year old gay man, who loves wearing drag. Lastly, there’s Amy, she’s the only one that ages; she’s the one who gave us all our names. But we all have the same face, and we all share the same body.

Dissociative identity disorder (DID) is a severe condition in which two or more distinct identities, or person-ality states, are present in—and alternately take control of—an individual. DID is the preferred term for what used to be called multiple personality disorder. Some people describe this as an experience of pos-session.

The person also experiences memory loss that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.

Dissociative identity disorder is associated with overwhelming experiences, traumatic events, and/or abuse occurring in childhood. The full disorder may first manifest at almost any age (from earliest childhood to late life). Dissociation in children may generate problems with memory, concentration, attachment, and traumat-ic play.

Sudden changes in identity during adolescence may appear to be just adolescent turmoil or the early stag-es of another mental disorder. Older individuals may present to treatment with what appear to be late-life mood disorders, obsessivecompulsive disorder, paranoia, psychotic mood disorders, or even cognitive disorders due to dissociative amnesia. In some cases, disruptive affects and memories may increasingly intrude into awareness with advancing age.

Kim Noble is a mother, artist, and author who has Dissociative Identity Disorder. She was in and out of the hospital from the age of 14, with no formal art training, However, Kim and her alters still became interested with painting. The resulting 20 artists each have their own distinctive style, color, and themes that they work with. Many alters are unaware they share a body with the other artists.

Combined, they have had over 60 exhibitions nationally and internationally.

During her interview with Oprah Winfrey, her main personality, Patricia, introduces the alters one by one. Their daughter, Aimee, knows all of Kim’s personalities. However, she doesn’t always immediately know which one is present at all times, and she would ask who they are in order to build a relationship with them. Patricia explains what the alters are like; how she believes whoever Kim used to be is gone forever; how they do not represent a specific mood but rather experience emotions as individuals; and how their painting styles differ. Dr. Mary Sue Moore, a clinical psychologist, says it’s no mistake that art has a therapeutic effect on Kim. “Memories are in a part of the brain that is also capable of producing artwork. Instead of coming out as words, the expression comes out in art.”

ON THAT NOTE These are but few examples of mental disorders, along with a look inside their impact on the person. These symptoms can be felt by all of us as there is a thin line between “normal” and “abnormal” behaviors. Hence, it is dangerous to put a label on another or on oneself without enough knowledge on the subject. Worse, it can contribute to the stigma or prevent a person from seeking help. Instead, listen. Learn to empathize.

And seek professional help. This is a steadier helping hand.

Perspective

take Away the names

by Franz Claire Del Rosario | Illustration by Theo Ardsjiel Astudillo and Jerome Carlo Villanueva

In the philosophy of language, a proper name is meant to identify a person or a place’s referent in the world. It also pertains to the person’s identity. But names can be fragile, as we humans are. They can be snatched from our depths when we open our palms. Taken away by persons who think that exercising power and taking the humanity of a person is a fair exchange. Names, for them, are but an image of vulnerability and an object of power.

Forced entry Evil has various descriptions but it has never been defined like this. The MerriamWebster Dictionary defines the verb rape as to seize and to despoil; also, unlawful.

Meanwhile, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 states a lot of instances wherein rape can happen and when it is considered as rape. It goes from marital rape to same-sex gender rape.

All of which are in the presence of force, threat, and intimidation; and in the absence of consent.

The law, in an attempt to embody moral values, stated that forgiveness can acquit the offender even after committing rape.

Forgiveness brings peace, it gives you real freedom. Before peace and real freedom, there is fear of something – who used to be someone – waiting for you. Just waiting.

This gives you the restless nights and an endless wonder of how to achieve peace again.

In addition to forgiveness, marriage can bind two people more than it should as it extinguishes criminal liability regarding rape. Hence, when the rapist marries his or her victim after the crime – he or she is forgiven by law. It is easy to miss but take note of the shivering and the avoidance of eye contact and put it in a box. Put it somewhere behind drawn curtains and locked doors; somewhere no one can hear the screaming.

Rape happens, despite the law. In reality, one woman or child is raped every 53 minutes. As cited by the Center for Women’s Resources (CWR), from January to October 2016, there were 7, 037 reported

rape cases nationwide. Rape happened and has been happening despite the execution of a convicted rapist in 1991. This may be due to a corrupt system – the inefficiency of women’s and children’s desk and police officers being the main perpetrators of rape since the war on drugs. In addition to that is our culture that tolerates rape, led by President Rodrigo himself with his victimblaming statements and rape jokes.

Unknown to many, rape causes a lot of damage to the victim. It gives the person trauma. Imagine reminiscing your worst memory, have it haunt you every time.

Imagine not being able to touch your own skin without flinching. This is with guilt. This is with blaming oneself. This is the aftermath of rape.

Sapientia 32

Perspective Lost and found dead Just last July, the Angono Police issued a 10-point list on how to prevent rape. The list had statements such as “Do not drink alcohol”, “Do not wear short clothes”, “Do not walk alone in dark alleys”, among others. The roster triggered criticisms as it pinned the blame on the victims (mostly women) rather than on the sexual offenders.

It propagated misinformation about rape and justified victim blaming. Rather than protect the victims, these kinds of statements only boost the perpetrators to commit rape. After all, they can always put the blame on the victim.

Contrary to the warnings, rape is seldom committed on the streets but they do happen. One happened below a tight alley at Sitio Guibang, Dagupan City. Reported August 29, 2018, Reysha Vidal, a 21-year-old sales clerk, was raped and strangled to death by four men. She was found in a pond, lifeless, with her blouse tucked up and without lower garments.

There are also reported cases of victims being thrown out in the streets, resembling worn-out dolls instead of people.

Remember the 17-year-old girl who tumbled out of a gray sedan naked and crying, year 2014. That was considered a rape slay case. Just hours before that, there was another rape-slay victim, Anria Espiritu. She was 26 then. Her body was found with multiple stab wounds, and was raped by more than one assailant.

There was also Myla Rosales, a seven-year-old who bore twenty stab wounds after being raped by three men. She was seen half-naked, dumped behind a common restroom under a shanty.

News like these churn the insides but they need to be told.

According to the Center of Women’s Resources (CWR), the official data on rape incidents could actually be underreported. The National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) said, only three in every ten sexuallyabused Filipino women seek help. It was also noted that

33 Sapientia

majority of sexually-abused women sought help from family and friends.

These women are reluctant in reporting the abuse because of the cultural and social stigma associated with rape. They become targets of gossip and doubts, worse – hatred. In addition to that is social media. It can also be used as an avenue to spread the stigma in forms of stereotyping and victim blaming.

There are various instances wherein netizens suggested that the victim “deserved it” because he or she parties and drinks a lot. The netizens say this is also because of the victims “provocative” clothing. And, like what our President proclaimed, only “pretty girls” get raped.

Reporting the incident is a brave step in the part of the victim because depression usually settles in first. If not depression, there is a threat that impedes a victim to report. If not threat, there is shame.

While they are away Reporting rape is difficult even when the perpetrator is a stranger but more so when they are family. One case is of a 7-year-old girl raped by her uncle for over three years. Her uncle first asked her to go to sleep, lie on the bed.

Then, he took off her shorts and her underwear. He also took off his clothes.

Then, he penetrated the 7-year-old. She begged for him to stop but he would not listen.

This persisted. She was raped during lunch, between 11 AM to 12 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays. She was raped twice per week, on average, but more so during holidays.

Her uncle stopped raping her at 4th grade. He also preyed on her two younger sisters. The three girls frequently saw and watched each other get raped.

Perspective They were helpless.

The rape also happened even when their neighbors were around but he threatened the girls with a knife. He said he would kill their mother if they told her. Their mother was a laundrywoman while their father toiled in Manila. They were living with their grandmother in Roxas City, north of Capiz province. Their house was up on the mountain, seemingly peaceful.

Another, a 14-year-old, was raped ever since she was 6. It was April 2, 2008, 10 in the morning, and it happened inside her room. Her father grabbed her and forced her to remove her shorts and underwear.

He forced her to lie down and covered her mouth with a cloth. He threatened to kill her if she makes a noise. He forced her to spread her legs. He forced himself unto her, penetrated her and began to push and pull.

Then, he dressed her up. He told her to not tell her mother or else she will be killed, along with their entire family. Her mother had been working at the rice fields then, and the other four times she was raped after the first. Over the course of 7 years, she was raped 5 times.

According to Keith Fadelici, a licensed clinical social worker and assistant director of Victims Assistance Services, there are signs that point to incestuous rape. The child may either be very attached to the parent or be avoidant. They may act more sexual or show either extreme fearlessness or fearfulness. Often, the victims respond to incest with self-destructive behavior, such as cutting themselves or doing drugs.

These are the ways they do in the hopes of making sense of what is happening to them.

There is confusion and emotional pain as an authority figure in their life, or someone they trust, is the one victimizing them.

Majority of the incest victims are girls between the ages of 14 and 17. However, there are reported cases of below 5 years old. From 2011-2016, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) served a total of 2,770 incest victims out of a total of 7,418 victims of sexual abuse.

The data is far from accurate because, as mentioned before, rape cases go unreported.

More than threat and deeper than shame, the unreported cases stay that way because of disbelief. The victims do not go straight to the police after the rape but they

do tell their families, after some time. They are met with hate and irrational statements.

Such as: “‘Di naman gagawin ng tito mo ‘yun. [Your uncle would never do that],” or “Bakit gagawin ‘yun sa ‘yo eh tatay mo ‘yun.

[Your father would never violate you.]” They still believe that rape only happens outside the sanctity of their homes and after dark, despite the signs.

Prepare the feast There are homes and there are houses, we know the difference between the two.

Home is seen as a place of refuge while a house is defined as a building, a structure.

Home is where you feel a sense of belongingness. However, there are homes wherein the sense of belongingness come with a price. These places condition you to become a house, something hollow. And the hollower you are; the more guests you can accommodate.

One evening in 2014, just before midnight, the Philippine police officers raided an ordinary looking home in the slums of Manila. They entered with a search warrant. Inside, they saw an unusual amount of computer equipment: laptops, webcams, and a Wi-Fi router. The computer equipment is not the only thing that was odd. They also found a group of four girls and boys, aged between 7 and 10. They were preparing for a ‘show’. They were about to undress and perform sex acts on each other, as per the instruction of a pedophile from overseas given via webcam.

This live-stream sexual abuse was organized by an “operator” living in the house. She was also the mother of one of the children. The other three children also live with her while their mother worked outside Manila. They call her “Auntie”, despite not being a blood relative.

The live-stream sexual abuse is an open secret and there are ‘shows’ arranged every other night. If the children in the slum are hungry, they go to the show for food and shelter, plus 150 pesos for taking part in the show. Because of these “benefits”, some parents even bring their own children there.

This form of sexual abuse is present in families when incestuous rape happens but they also happen in the sex-slave industry.

They execute the abuse through grooming.

Grooming is a process wherein a person prepares a child, significant others, and the environment for the abuse of the child.

Sapientia 34

Perspective

This is to gain access to the child, gain the child’s compliance, and maintain the child’s secrecy to avoid disclosure. This process serves to strengthen the abusers’ pattern of abuse.

The abusers first pick a victim that is vulnerable.

Like, those children who have less adult supervision hence they are more likely to engage with a stranger offering acceptance. Next is gaining access to the potential victim. The abusers may engage the child in communication (e.g., giving gifts, offering a ride) in order to initiate contact.

Then, they “develop trust” by learning about his or her interests, being helpful, and showering the child with gifts and attention.

This gives the impression of a loving and exclusive relationship between the abuser and the victim. Here, the abuser adjusts his or her strategy based on the age, needs, and perceived vulnerabilities of the child.

This “trust” allows the offender to control and manipulate the child.

Lastly, they desensitize the child to touch. They begin with seemingly innocent touches which then escalates to more intimate touching. They use tickling, swimming nude then drying off the child with a towel, and cuddling which then escalates to sexual contact. The desensitization may also be psychological. Here, the abusers may begin discussing sexual content to the child to achieve increased sexualization.

The process sounds calculated and occurs in a long span of time. But the children in the slums become easy victims to such abusers because they are deprived of many things, including their basic needs.

The process does not need to be as deliberate as it sounds in cases like these.

Sons of Adam weep Rape victims are mostly identified as women or children. Both of which are seen as less powerful or even vulnerable – too easy to exploit. Although unheard of, men are victims of rape, too.

Reported at June 6, 2012, a 21-year-old college student had just left school when he was hit on the head by a hard object. This rendered him almost unconscious. He was able to recall that he was carried by two

35 Sapientia

burly men inside a van, then he passed out.

He then woke up and found himself naked and tied to a bed inside a room. He was forced to drink a suspicious beverage. He was kissed despite his pleadings for the man to stop. He was told to relax and just enjoy it. He wanted to cry and fight back, but he couldn’t. Afterwards, he was again carried into the van and was dropped along EDSA. Along with the sexual violence he had been through, he had also been stolen Php 6,000.

Reported at May 27, 2014, a Filipino man was in critical condition after being raped and beaten by a gang of men. He was found nude on May 16. He sustained serious head injuries and multiple fractures and was being treated in an intensive care unit in the capital city of Riyadh. The perpetrators were believed to be police officers.

Before October 22, 1997, there was no law that protects a man from rape. Under Article 335 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (RPC), the crime of rape can only be committed by a man against a woman.

But this has been amended by Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997. Under Section 2 of RA 8353, the crime of rape has been classified as a crime against persons.

Hence, the victim of such crime is no longer limited to the female gender. The assailant may also be either a male or female.

Rape has no gender, and so are its effects. There is a great negative connotation on male rape in a society with a strong masculine custom. Crying rape is seen as unmanly because as men they should be able to take care of themselves. Also, males are thought to always want sex. They get an erection which means they are aroused.

But that is not always the case. Slight genital stimulation or stress can create an erection even in the absence of a sexual stimulation.

Hence, an erection does not mean consent.

When rape happens, another name turns into a statistic. Another line drawn, another number. Another casualty of a crime long-existing. Or worse, they cave in and make do with the letters they are left with. That is, they leave their throat swelling with the stories untold, their screams trapped midway. They retrieve the pieces of themselves that were forcibly torn. They try to make themselves feel like their names again. And try will always be what they are left to do unless the society, as a whole, does something.

S

t. Aloysius Gonzaga devoted himself into prayer and missionary work until his death. Born from a privileged upbringing, he gave up his rights and entered religious vocation, offering himself to a life of humility, poverty, and missionary work. Near the time of his death, Rome, the venue of his missionary upbringing, was hit with a plague. In his compassion for the stricken, he fervently aided to volunteer in the hospital even when he was prohibited by his superiors. He tended and washed patients, carried the dead to the hospitals, and worked with the sick to bring them to health. During his assistance to the hospital, the young Gonzaga contracted the plague, grew ill, and was bedridden. For weeks, he attempted to combat this sickness; however on the 21st of June 1951, he succumbed to death while praying. As a student and youth of faith, he was characterized by his purity of soul and heart which he committed in improving the life of others and fortifying his faith.

Much like the saint and its namesake, the Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Parish emulates youth, purity, spirituality, and compassion. It perseveres to be a beacon that calls upon a community bound by charity and virtue. With its reconstruction in 2018, it proudly emanates the embracing warmth, like that of St. Aloysius, that cares for those who are afflicted with diseases and predicaments. Its tall walls personify the pride of youth- holistically empowered by ingenuity, excellence, and proficiency. Its sturdy wooden doors, etched with ornate cultural and spiritual design, emulate Gonzagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welcoming and steadfast commitment for the society regardless of the different social strata.

The firm determination and martyrdom of St. Aloysius paints the identity and character of the university- an institution imbibed with competence and creativity, integrated with spiritual principles and dedicated to societal development and improvement.

With its magnificent presence in the university, it constantly reminds the students and the youth of the young saint whom zealously offered his life in the service of other people and pursuit of excellence while exemplifying kindness and benevolence.

AMARE ET SERVIRE: To love and to serve In memory of St. Aloysius

by Jude Thaddeus Damian Photo by Margaret Joy Dong-e