Optimism Under Pressure........................................................................................1 Kaguluhan sa Panatag Island.................................................................................2 Compelled with the Assumptions of Change...................................................

3
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Pinoy Politics: The Wheelchair Saga...........................................................................4 Five Things to consider before Shifting Courses.....................................................6 Lorma Overpass: Building an Unsafe Passage........................................................8 The Music We Live By...................................................................................................10 Produktong Maka-Tsino sa Lupaing Pilipino.........................................................12 The Pedagogy of the Ilokano Language................................................................16 I Saw the Signs: An Article for Grammar Nazis.....................................................18 Pamamaalam ng Isang Hari, Panlulugod ng Isang Tagapagsilbi...................22 Lumayo ka nga Sa Akin................................................................................................24
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Photoessay: Kung Sapat na ang Lahat..............................................................25 Poetry...........................................................................................................................26 Ang Inu-uod na Pagkain........................................................................................27 Mobile Education at Your Fingertips.................................................................20 NOAHs Ark: Managing Disasters in Real Time..............................................28 When Pinoys Play Dirty No More........................................................................30 A Dying PBA and Its Decline From Frame.......................................................32

The Ilocano Resilience amidst Natures Fury...................................................16

Editorial

OPTIMISM under Pressure

T
yphoon Helen brought havoc in La Union, leaving thousands of residents affected and burdened with the struggle to rise up from neck-deep floodwaters.
August 15 of this year, residents of San Fernando City were not awakened by the rooster crows, but rather by the sudden and loud noise of gushing waters flooding the metro. Several barangays including Sevilla, Cabaraoan, Biday and Pagdaraoan to name a few, were among the most devastated of areas hit by the typhoon. Many of us found ourselves treading our way amidst a heavy downpour of rains and rising waters outside our homes and even inside our own rooms. Students, instructors, and professionals were not spared of Helens wrath. No one was exempted and all of us were upon the mercy of the storms oblivious destruction. Almost 10,000 people were affected by the storm with the municipalities of Balaoan, Bacnotan and San Juan using boats and dump trucks to assist stranded residents. And still, many had to be evacuated in the San Fernando city proper because of the flooded streets and villages. Roads were closed and had become non passable and we were alarmed by the reality that the same catastrophic flood which annihilated most of Metro Manila has in fact extended its claim over La Union. The situation in Lorma Colleges was not different from what happened in the nearby municipalities. Lormanians were desolated. School days were cancelled. Rooms, offices and documents were submerged under deep water and the Intramurals was suspended. Even the administration building and Lorma Medical Center had to contend with the rising water levels from the swamp and the river beside the campus. While everyone had to deal with the aftermath of the calamity, the Lorma Highlights staff made sure that this particular disaster was documented. As journalists, we deem that Lormanians be given an insight of not just the internal campus news and victories. This particular calamity is in fact an eye opener albeit a wake up call. That despite our woes and tribulations during these trying times, the Ilocanos do not bend and break easily. We are stronger than that and we come from a rather resilient breed. Calamities may injure, deface buildings, ravage farms and wipe out an entire barangay. We may suffer and be caught off guard but despite these, the Ilocanos are of a resilient breed. We fall hard but we rise up back just as proudly and more resilient as ever. In the same manner, Lormanians are unafraid. We never backed down from a challenge. And although, Helen may have had her time with us, our spirit is stronger and a pat on the back, a hand shake of support and that beaming Lorma smile have positively made all the difference.

Opinion

Isinulat ni: Kelvin Gonzales Iginuhit ni: Palmer Gawaban Litrato mula sa: Google Images

aya ng napapabalita ngayon, halos lahat na ng maaring angkinin ng bansang China ay kinakamkam na nila. Kaliwat kanan sa mga pahayagan ang pagbabantay ng bansang China sa mga disputed islands sa Timog-Silangang Asya. Kung wala kang balitang nasagap tungkol dito, abay magtago ka na lang sa lunggang pinagtaguan mo noong pumutok ang isyung ito.
Sa laganap na pagkasira ng kalikasan at tahasang pagkaubos ng mga likas na yaman ng mga bansa, handang maglusday ng kayamanan ang mga bansa makahanap lamang ng bagong pagkukunang yaman para matugunan ang pangangailangan ng nasasakupan. Hindi rin naman lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami na may mga islang dineklarang disputed o pinag-aagawan dahil na rin sa taglay nitong yamang likas na lubha nga namang nakakalula. Nagsimula lang naman ang tensiyon nang balahurang kinawawa ng mga mangingisdang Tsino ang mga yaman ng isang isla malapit sa Zambales na tinatawag na Scarbourough Shoal. Dahil sa pagkakadiskubre ng ilegal na gawain ng mga taga-Tsina, dito na umingay ang awayan sa mga isla. Imbes na tumigil at umiwas sa napipintong kaguluhan, ladtad pang nagsagawa ng mga ekspedisyon at proyekto ang China sa mga pinag-aagawang isla. Nagbanta at nagbadya ng giyera kung sakali mang hamunin sila ng ibang bansa. Ang mga birheng isla na ngayoy sinasakop na ng mga Intsik ay nagbabanta ng malaking kaguluhan lalo nat nagbigay na ng reaksyon ang mga bansang kumikilala rin sa mga nasabing isla bilang kanilang pag-aari. Giyera na talaga ito. Patuloy pa rin ang mga aktibidad ng China sa karagatang kinalulugaran ng mga isla. Matindi naman talaga ang mga armas pang-giyera ng bansang ito at walang magawa ang mga karatig-bansa kundi makiusap, at humingi ng tulong sa mga mas malalakas na bansa gaya ng US. Ayun nga, ang mga bansang nagdeklara na sa kanila ang mga islang ito ay nagpakita na ng kanilang mga sinaunang kasulatan gaya ng Treaty of Paris ng Pilipinas. Sa kabila nito, alam naman ng lahat na handang magdeklara ng giyera ang mga war freak na bansa gaya ng China, N. Korea, at Japan makuha lamang ang kanilang ninanais. Sa ganitong punto ng pag-aagawan na maaring umabot sa dahasang giyera, katakot-takot na babala ang ipinuputok ng malalaking bansa tanda ng kanilang kapangyarihan at yaman. May mga ibat-ibang perspektibo ang mga bansa na kasali sa kaguluhan sa mga disputed islands. Ang mga bansang gaya ng Pilipinas, Vietnam, Cambodia at Singapore ay handang makipag-ayos sa pamamagitan ng peace talks. Ang North Korea at Japan naman ay tila walang pakialam at nag-aalok na lang na bilhin ang mga isla. Sabagay, subukan mong kalabanin ang North Korea kundi nuclear bomb ang sasalubungin mo. Ang Taiwan naman ay handa lamang protektahan ang kanila bansa kung sakaling sugurin na sila ng gahamang China. At siyempre ang Big Brother ng South-East Asia ay patuloy na sinasakop ang mga nasabing isla gamit ang old school na mapa bilang patunay. Gayunpaman, habang nagbabantayan ang mga bansa sa islang inaangkin nila, may apat na posibleng maging bunga ang aking napagtanto: Una, Pag-atras ng China sa pagiging epal at ipaubaya na lang ang mga maliliit na isla sa ibang bansa. Ngunit imposible itong mangyari dahil magiging katatawanan lamang ang Big Brother kapag umatras sila sa katiting na bansa gaya ng PIlipinas, Taiwan, Singapore at Cambodia. Pangalawa, Pag-atras ng mga maliliit na bansa at pagkakaroon ng kasunduan na susuportahan ng China ang mga aktibidad ng mga nasabing bansa, pagkakaroon ng mas ekstensibong kalakalan at ugnayan para mapakinabangan lahat ang pinag-aagawang mga isla na lubhang ikalulugi naman ng mga tunay na nagmamay-ari ng mga isla. Pangatlo, Pagdedeklara ng China ng giyera

sa mga bansang kokontra sa kanila. Kung mangyari man ito, hihingin ng Pilipinas at ibang maliiit na bansa ang tulong ng Estados Unidos na ang maaring kahantungan ay makokontrol ng US ang mga isla nang ginagamit ang pangalan ng Pilipinas bilang may-ari. Pang-apat, Pagdedeklara ng mga mas maliit na bansa ng giyera kontra sa China. Ngunit kung ito man ang mangyari, walang laban ang mga kumukontra sa China kung hindi pa rin hihingin ang tulong ng Estados Unidos. Gayunpaman, hindi pa naman sigurado kung sa atin papanig ang USA dahil karamihan naman ng mga malalaking kompanya ng Amerika ay nakatayo sa China dulot nga ng murang bayad sa mga manggagawa. Karamihan ng mga warehouse ay nakabase sa China at kung wala ang China, maaring lubog rin ang industriya ng USA. Kung mangyari man ang pang-apat na senaryo, PIlipinas pa rin ang lugi at talo. Gayunpaman, nasa likod ng Plipinas ang USA kaya dapat ding mag-ingat ang China sa nakaambang na tagisan nila ng Ame rika sa mga paraisong nakalimbag sa West Philippine Sea. Ang pinakamasaklap na maaaring mangyari ay ang pagkontrol ng USA sa islang pinag-aagawan dito sa Asya dahil na rin sa mga kasunduang nililimbag nito sa mga maliliit na bansa gaya ng Vietnam, Pilipinas, Singapore, at Myanmar. Sa bandang huli, isang malaking bansa pa rin ang mamumuno sa mga islang ito dahil nga sa sandatahang militar na kanilang taglay. Masyadong gahaman talaga ang China sa pang-aagaw pa ng mga islang abottanaw ng mga bansang mas may karapatan dito. Siyempre, sa mga disputed islands na nagkalat, ang gahaman ang siyang kukuha ng mga ito. Kung ikaw nga naman, malamang hindi ka lalaban sa malaking bansang ito. Kumbaga sa pinakasimpleng tanong: Kanino mo pipiliing makiagaw ng bola? Kay Baby James o Dwight Howard?

Opinion

L
We consider ourselves as pro-life. Being pro-life for me means improving what has been created, not just procreation and propagation of races. Let it be known that the future of our society lies in what we do now. And antagonizing the Reproductive Health Bill would aggravate the cacophony present in the burdened Filipinos. Worse is that, instead of improving lives of the masses, Filipinos would be loaded up with poverty, famine and even inhumane death. As you may have heard, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has branded upon itself as Pro-life, or in other words, against the RH-Bill. I just fear that the time will come when the RH bill will pass the second trial or hearing and the church will still be single-minded in its conservative principles. Now that the bill has been preceded to the House of Representatives and The Senate, the senators are still having debates if they are going to pass it as a Law. President Benigno Noynoy Aquino III is compromising the bill. Also according The legislation commands

ife is the best thing that can be given to someone , and that includes all the creations in the entirety of the cosmos. But life doesnt solely mean the birth of someone, or the union of the egg and the sperm. It has a greater consequence that deals with what would be there after such occurrence.
the natural and artificial birth control methods and teach sex education in elementary. "At this point we leave it to the House and the Senate to work out whatever deals or compromises they see fit as far as the RH bill is concerned," Strategic Communication Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters in an ambush interview at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. There is a high probability that people will forget about their faith and just go along with the zeitgeist. Christianity is more concerned with the next world but it must be noted that their religion "mandates" them to follow the scriptures in order to enter heaven which is for me paradoxical. I fearlessly say that what they are doing is giving Filipinos a hell on Earth before they could enter heaven. Nothing would be more senseless than basing all the assumptions and conclusions with purely faith and morality. We human beings are entitled with the ability to feel and think. With these two combined, we are expected to become rational enough to make our informed decisions. We let our hearts feel what the brain thinks, and we let the brain think what the heart feels. We should be wise enough and not just imprison ourselves from the belief about the church. T h e Philippines may be of Christian faith, but the government should not be blinded by the churchs influence towards their voters (you know what I mean). The foremost important goal of the government is to lead the people to a straight path of productivity and stability. I have read the entirety of House Bill No. 5043 and I seriously believe that both parties are aiming for similar goals, just differing in their approaches and ideologies. If both parties would be less defensive, listen and be more considerate, I have high hopes that the bill could arrive at a compromise, meeting both parties issues and concerns. In the Philippine constitution, there exists a passage on the separation of the church and the state where one cannot meddle with the affairs of the other. As I remember it right, it is a law, and laws must be abided by all citizens, the guilty and innocent alike. As the president confirmed his favorable support to the said republic act, the CBCP articulated that they will no longer support the president in his political career. Does this mean that a mere opposition on what the holy church wants pushes them to use their influential power to negate and let people deflect their support to the government? Isnt it simply beyond their function in the society? They pledged to spread faith and morality through the scriptures written, but such actions is an offense to the separation of the church and the state. Economic-wise, RH-bill is a way of alleviating human sufferings by taking out one of the root causes of poverty population explosion. I agree that life is aristocratic in nature and some organization is necessary, but alternatives only become relevant or convenient when the dominant symbolism of the divine fails to correspond to the collective. This is when renewal is necessary and as the saying goes, summoned or not, God is there a one-sided interpretation will thankfully provide its opposite and a renewal or new beginning is possible. Im undecided unto what should I inflict my support yet, I have this idea that change is needed to be made for the country and the citizens to be able to lift up from the mud of poverty thus making me agree in the proposed RH-bill.
Written by: Christian Manantan Photo by: Lynard Misa illustration by: Boom

Features

Words by: Jesther Bautista illustration by: Palmer Gawaban Boom

aining the peoples sympathy is easy. All you need is a neck brace, a hoarse voice and a wheelchair. Or at least thats what some politicians believe.Earlier this year, primetime news was filled with reports concerning the impeachment trial of the then Chief Justice Renato Corona. However, it was not the heat of the trial which earned ANC and other news channels whopping TV ratings. It was rather how CJ introduced a brand new genre of television drama which combines swelling emotions, dirty politics, and uhm, wheelchairs.
But long before the chief justice became famous on the internet and primetime TV, the tiny woman with the most famous mole on earth launched a phenomenon that will soon be a sure hit to those who will be facing charges in the supreme and lower courts. That might just cause a surge to the sales of neck braces and wheelchairs. Soon, the Philippines will be nicknamed, The Wheelchair Capital of the World. Whether they have heart problems, undergone surgery, or have simply forgot their lunch, some politicians are now learning the arts and craft of exaggerationa skill that once belonged to TV actors and actresses. There might just come a time when the FAMAS Award for Best Actors and Actresses will be no longer coveted by TV personalities but rather by lawyers, congressmen and other government officials. Coronavela Invades Philippine TV May 29 marked the first ever successful impeachment of the highest judicial officer of the Republic of the Philippines. The then CJ Renato Corona was found guilty of committing a culpable violation of the Constitution and/or betraying the public trust (Article II of the Articles of Impeachment). His failure to disclose his assets, liabilities and net worth was one of the eight reasons of his impeachment. Next to Miriam Defensor-Santiagos sharp innuendos, perhaps the one part of the trial which became a global trend on the Worldwide Web was the dramatic walk-out and hypoglycemic crisis of CJ Coronaa TV phenomenon affectionately called, Coronavela. The sudden exit of CJ Corona from the witness stand after delivering his almost two-hour emotional speech shocked everyone in the impeachment trial, especially Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, who was the presiding officer. His overly convincing reason? Impending hypoglycemia. His lawyers defense? Chest pain and difficulty of breathing. Those who are inclined with the health sciences must have laughed at such a ridiculous excuse. Most people who experience chest pain and difficulty of breathing will prefer to sit or lie down instead of wasting energy by walking a couple of feet. Intriguin gly, Corona managed to do the latter from the witness stand until he reached the senators chambers. Tweeted TJ Manotoc, From an anesthesiologist RT, @mother_earthtin: @ actuallykuhMD his behavior is not consistent with hypoglycemia. He walked out. He was well aware that he is suffering from Diabetes Mellitus (a medical condition where the blood sugar rises) for many years. Normally, diabetic patients have been educated on how they can prevent hypoglycemic attacks. But apparently, Corona who was a graduate of Ateneo Law School and Harvard University intentionally skipped meals on the very day he was about to defend himself. A few minutes later after his theatrical performance, the exhausted Corona was seen being escorted back to the court on a wheelchair looking pale and weak. Just when the trial was about to continue, his lawyers attested that his condition was delicate and he may no longer have the strength to proceed with the interpellation. The trial was of course postponed the next day. Corona was eventually confined in the intensive care unit for further observation. Thereafter, he never returned to the trial court. It is where he witnessed the delivery of the Senates verdict several days after. His trial became an instant hit on twitter and various social networking sites. Prominent people in the mainstream media including Atom Araullo, Love Aover and many others tweeted their hilarious reactions to Coronas walk-out. Atom tweeted, Hanep. Anong sinabi ng primetime dramas jan. Meanwhile Love said, Hahaha! Nakakatawa. Mala-politikong speech. Iyakan. Walk-out. Wheelchair. Clinic. Hypoglycemic. Buong-buo. Talagang me climax! Bravo! Vice Ganda, the self-confessed supermodel turned actress turned horse, responded by tweeting Bat ba daw nagmamadali umalis si Corona? E baka magwawatch ng concert ni Lady Gaga. Baka lang naman. Di ako sure. Meanwhile, a group of netizens composed a parody of the smash hit single Call Me Maybe which hilariously dramatizes CJs walk-out and Enriles reaction. As expected, the song circulated in Facebook, 9gag and many other sites. Clearly, not everyone was impressed with how the supreme magistrate displayed his allegedly debilitating condition. Instead of gaining sympathy, he became a laughing stock over the internet. Neck Brace Always Does the Trick If anyone is to be awarded the Best in Ridiculous Medical Alibis Award, the judging committee must seriously consider ex-president GMA as a finalist. A year ago, GMA underwent a series of cervical spine surgeries which unfortunately caused her to develop a condition called hypoparathyroidism (low levels of parathyroid hormone in the body). According to Atty. Raul Lambino,

Features

GMA's legal spokesperson, the former president also suffered from diarrhea, poor appetite and stress. Elena Bautista-Horn, GMAs spokesperson clarified that her condition is not a "new discovered illness but a rare hypoparathyroid disease. At that time, she was often seen wearing a halo vest and on a wheelchair which of course, became an internet hit. Facebook users flooded the social networking site with numerous photos of GMA depicted as a cyborg, a rogue ninja, or one of the missing members of The Autobots. Although medical practitioners claimed that her sickness is not actually lifethreatening, the former president who claims that Filipino doctors cannot manage her illness, insists to seek treatment abroad. Dr. Juliet Gopez Cervantes, Arroyos personal physician, said in a press statement that it never came to their mind to recommend Mrs. Arroyo to seek treatment abroad for her cervical spine problem. Dr. Bryan Cabral, head of the St. Luke's Renal Diseases and Transplant Services Department said, Arroyo is in a very stable condition and is doing very well. These reasons prompted the Aquino administration to deny GMAs request to leave the country. GMA is barred from going out of the country since she was placed on the immigration watch list due to an ongoing investigation on electoral fraud in the Presidential elections of 2004 and 2007.

As expected, her loving husband Jose Miguel Arroyo expressed his sorrowful disappointment towards the governments decision. Many mainstream journalists jokingly claimed Mike Arroyo will reap the Best Supporting Actor Awards for his emotional performances. Nonetheless, GMA was transferred from Saint Lukes to Veterans Memorial Medical Center. At present, Mrs. Arroyo is battling the complications of her cervical spine surgeries and has often suffered from dislocations which according to her doctors are giving the expresident difficulty in breathing and eating. Her famous cyborg look was revived during the heat of CJ Coronas impeachment trial. After the latter experienced hypoglycemia and was confined to a wheelchair, Facebook users posted photos that depict the similarities between the two. Some photos featured a race where GMA and Corona were chased by DOJ Secretary Leila de Lima on a downhill road. Another photo depicted GMA yelling to Corona, Psst! You forgot the neck brace!

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The use of wheelchair and hospitalization is starting to become a common excuse among those who are persecuted by the law. It sparks an evolution of a new breed of government leaders who, after betraying their sworn oath to serve the people, decides to escape the iron hands of justice by exaggerating simple medical conditions. Are Corona and Arroyo signs of a new breed of politicians? Will the future give us more heartwarming performances from our public servants? More importantly, will there be enough trophies to award them? Philippine politics is dirty politics. Every politician has a new trick hidden under his sleeves. Each has cleverly designed his own ingenious plan to flout the law or completely twist it around. Chasing them is already difficult. Placing them behind bars will be even harder. It is wrong to condemn those who are truly weakened by their illnesses. It is never wrong to feel compassion towards those who are suffering. However, it is not always right to feel sorry, either. Politicians have learned to play with peoples emotions. Sometimes, we cannot tell anymore who is lying and who is telling the truth. We might soon witness a new wave of Coronavela and other several versions. The question now for Filipinos is, Will we fall for them yet again?

Features

ave you ever felt like you are pursuing the wrong degree? Can you honestly tell yourself that what you are taking up now is your OWN choice? The freshman year is a deciding period for most Lormanians as to whether they will pursue their respective degrees or shift to another. Students describe the first year of college as the most frustrating and the most demanding. It is the year when you begin to question the significance of your subjects to your course. It is the time when you ask yourself this question several times, Para saan ba itong subject na to?
The freshman year is a deciding period for most Lormanians as to whether they will pursue their respective degrees or shift to another. Students describe the first year of college as the most frustrating and the most demanding. It is the year when you begin to question the significance of your subjects to your course. It is the time when you ask yourself this question several times, Para saan ba itong subject na to? Subjects like Philippine History, NSTP and Philippine Literature vaguely introduce the rudiments of the degree being pursued. For instance, associating Philippine History with taking care of patients in the pediatric ward is truly difficult. And who can explain the purpose of studying Trigonometry when your job is to treat patients who are already out of breath? Of course, minors like those mentioned in the previous paragraph lay the foundation of more advanced subjects. Most of these subjects are prerequisites. For instance, Physics is a prerequisite of most Radiologic Technology and Physical Therapy subjects.Agood foundation in Biochemistry provides a better understanding of Nutrition and Diet Therapy. When confronted with such dilemmas, many students cry, Are these subjects really necessary for my course? or Do I really need these subjects to call myself a [insert your aspired job title here]? Failure to discover the connection between the minor subject and the pursued course is one of the reasons why students fail in class. Because of the inability to associate the subject to the profession, many students start to lose interest and neglect the subject. At the end of the semester, the student earns a failing mark and will be kicked out of his respective department. Before informing your dean and more importantly your parents that you want to shift to another course, consider the following first. How do you see yourself in the next ten years? Try to picture yourself several years after graduation. Do you see yourself working in an office or a hospital? Are you sitting in front of a computer monitor or writing concepts on a blackboard with a chalk? Most freshmen were influenced by the bandwagon effect. They enrolled in programs which are hot on the national and international markets. Years ago, enrollees of paramedical courses such as Nursing and Physical Therapy contributed to the sudden influx of Lormas population. This can be attributed to the phenomenon when Filipino healthcare workers migrated to foreign countries for greener pastures. Since the salary abroad is much rewarding than the local wage, most professionals opted to leave the country and look for better opportunities in the US, UK and Canada. Its not wrong to think of what you have or what you are now at the moment but isnt it much wiser to prepare beforehand? Examine your track. Are you feeling positive to what lies ahead? Do your grades look promising? Ah, the great joy of having a very satisfactory mark. If youre earning a string of line of 9s, then you are definitely performing well. Getting a high grade after a very tiring semester is rewarding to every student. All the efforts that you have given, all the nights you stayed up late, all the exhausting trips to the libraryeverything has finally paid off.

Features

Words by: Jet Photo by: Deria Meneses

Most students are inspired by good grades. Excelling in class hints that, at one point, you are happy with what you are studying. And when a student is happy with the subject, he often becomes satisfied with the entire degree program as well. Besides, it is very unlikely to shift for those who perform well. There are, of course, exemptions. On the contrary, seeing an axe (or worse, multiple axes) spells an impending adios to your Chemistry professor. Nobody likes a grade lower than 80. A line of 7 is never satisfying. Even the laziest student will somehow still feel disappointed when he receives a 75. Earning a grade like this makes you utter an unending list of What ifs and I should haves So how can grades help you decide whether to shift or to stay? Have the habit to list down your quiz and exam results. At the end of every term, evaluate your performance by computing your class standing. If you are satisfied with the numbers, try to interpret what these figures mean. Do you deserve your grades? Was your effort enough? If you think you have done your best but your grade is poor, you might want to consider the fact that perhaps, the subject is not really for you. If the subject is crucial to your degree and you are not happy with the numbers you are seeing, then perhaps it is the right time to consider other courses. How many years will it take you before you eventually graduate? Most courses offered at Lorma require four years to complete. Exceptions include the five-year Computer Engineering and the three-year Biomedical Equipment Technology. Basic subjects such as Algebra, Communication Arts, and Bible are included in the curriculum of the majority of the degree programs. Moreover, sciences such as Physics, Biochemistry, and Human Anatomy and Physiology are all present in paramedical courses. If you are planning to pursue another degree, consider the length of time it will take you to finish. Will it be as long as the course you are leaving it for? If you think that finishing the course is too long to wait, have some time to sit down and assess the situation. List down the pros and cons of shifting. What will you gain and lose from

changing your course? Obviously, if the good things outnumber the bad, consider changing your course. At the same time, think also of the what ifs. Assuming you are about to shift, ask yourself what could have happened if you held on a little longer? Alternatively, what could have happened if you shifted earlier? How badly do you want to finish the course? True dedication to studies cannot be easily disrupted by unpromising class performance. Although the choice of what course to pursue is often based on practical reasons, there are students who are driven by a true calling. These are students who are truly passionate with what they are taking up now. They cannot be easily disheartened by unsatisfactory quiz and exam results. Grades can serve as a basis when choosing between shifting and staying. However, passion is the ultimate determinant in finalizing your decision. For instance, if you have made up your mind to become a pharmacist after graduation, then by all means you WILL become a pharmacist. Do not let yourself be saddened by the numbers you see at the upper corner of your test papers. Instead of sulking over what those numbers mean, take time to evaluate yourself and your performance. Now, can you make up for your losses and mistakes? Are the remaining months enough to recuperate your grades? If you feel positive about evading being axed from your department, there is still plenty of time to bounce back. Lastly, talk to your family and friends. They are your primary support system. Ask their opinion regarding the matter of shifting your course. They might see opportunities and/or risks that you are not able to see. In addition, talk to your teachers or to your dean. They can assess your performance inside the classroom. Seek their help when making a decision. They can help you discover what your strengths and weaknesses are. Choosing a course is difficult. A lot of factors shall need to be considered. Choosing to pursue it or not is more difficult. Even the brightest students fail in class sometimes. Do

not b e e a s i l y discouraged. On the other hand, it is unhealthy to force yourself into something that you are not happy with. It will only result to disappointments and regrets in the future. There is no rushavoid making hasty decisions. There are 24 hours in a day. Have time to carefully evaluate the things mentioned in the previous paragraphs. Dont push yourself too hard. But dont relax too much. College is lifes prep school. Dont risk your future by being an irresponsible decision maker. Note: The author is not a shifter and is very satisfied with what he is pursuing at the moment.

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hree students. Four teachers. Several others unreported. All have been victims to the deadly pedestrian lane infront of the school. For years, the seemingly safe crossroad for many Lormanians has in fact been the main reason why several of us have to contend with substandard traffic protocols and in worse case scenarios, deal with alarming incidences of vehicular accidents.

Lorma were there to support me, she said as she expressed her gratitude to the people who were her support system during those trying times. She was glad to be given a second chance at life. Dean of Student Affairs (DOSA) Melba Ano also added that apart from these cases, there might be many more Lormanians involved in vehicular accidents which are undocumented. DOSA finds the newly constructed foot bridge a necessity, however, there are several things which are quite questionable and needs further considerations. Constructed as Mandated In order to solve traffic and vehicular accidents occurring in school premises, City Government of San Fernando teamed up with the Department of Public Works and Highways in ensuring safety for pedestrians, most especially students, in their own turf. Thus, the birth of the overpass. The idea of the mentioned project was brought about by the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by DPWH, San Fernando City leaders and other involved local government units. The emphasis of the project was on the improvement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The overpass in Lorma is in fact the beginning of a series of overpass constructions which shall be built near academic institutions all over the city. According to Engr. Clyde Estrella of the Department of Public Works and Highways, more will be established in neighboring schools like Saint Louis College and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University since these schools have the largest number of students and civilians who use the pedestrian lanes. In addition, Estrella emphasizes the need for the project to proceed as mandated to avoid and prevent more pedestrian accidents occuring frequently in schools. Construction for the foot bridge began early this year in preparation for the school opening of 2012-2013. The DPWH prioritized Lorma Colleges because aside from the school, Lorma has its own hospital where in cases of emergency, the ambulance going to and from Lorma Medical Center will not be bothered to stop everytime when traffic hits and thereby not sacrifice the time in rushing a patient to the emergency room. Carlatan Barangay Chairman Rodolfo Bacani was given the supervisory task of monitoring traffic personnel manning the flow of vehicles during school days. Estrella also mentioned that the pedestrian lane will be eradicated and a barricade will be placed to prevent students from crossing over. Insisting to do otherwise would pertain to jaywalking, he adds. However, those barricades are remain nonexistent while students and employees still prefer to use the pedestrian lane rather than the foot bridge.

INVISIBLE. Despite the presence of a newly constructed overpass, Lormanians prefer to cross the street, which proves to be faster , less exhausting and more practical.

September 13, 2011, it was a normal day for a Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS) student who needed to be in class at exactly 8 a.m. But after taking a few steps to cross the street, she was hit by a speeding motorcycle, had plummeted to the ground and lost consciousness. A janitor carried her to the emergency room while bystanders remained rooted to the spot, still shocked of what has transpired. She was confined for 4 days at Lorma Medical Center. The incident may have caused an uproar inside the campus, prompting students and employees to doubt and question whether the traffic enforcers are properly doing their job in keeping injuries at bay. Nonetheless, what happened was just one of the many mishaps documented throughout the years. And unless something concrete is done, the chances of more students and employees getting hit by vehicles will continue to exist. Accident Prone Area The pedestrian lane does not equate a 100% safety of students, employees and civilians who cross the street. Factors such as being tardy in class or at work or just plain recklessness of both motorists and students have been pointed out as reasons for the

accidents happening in front of the school premises. Michaela Rubie Viloria, the 3rd year MLS student hit last year recounts that it was around 8 am when the accident happened. Naglalakad na ako papuntang school tapos yun, hindi ko na alam kung anong nangyari sa akin. Nawalan na ako ng malay, she narrated. The motorist involved in the accident was ironically a teacher of a certain school in the city. In the four days that I was confined in Lorma Medical Center, he may have paid for the hospital bills and medication but he never apologized for what happened, she lamented. Another incident which occurred years ago involved a former clinical instructor of the College of Nursing. Mrs. Eva Laudencia, who was then about to cross the street, was hit by a van in the middle of the day. Unlike Michaela who was spared of more injuries, Mrs. Laudencia was confined in Lorma Medical Center for more than a month because the injuries were too extensive and she had to undergo a major operation. Both her legs had to be placed in a cast and inserted with screws and metals to correct the fractured bones. My family and the administration of

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Benefits and Drawbacks Accordingly, the establishment of the overpass lessens gasoline expenditures for motorists since they wont have to stop in the middle of the road when pedestrians cross the street. It also lessens driving time, which is very beneficial for those who are always late for work. It will lessen traffic and thereby preventing the number of pedestrian accidents. We are privileged that among the schools in La Union we are the priority to have an overpass. We will be a lot safer in crossing the highway, says Lyndell, a sophomore MLS student. But with a height of more than 20 feet and a distance of approximately 10 meters from left to right, the overpass is peculiarly built on a high scale structure vs. a short distanced parameter. And despite these elements, support for the project from the agencies is strong and solid. However, more than 6 months have passed and the construction of the overpass is yet to be completed. The supposed roofing of the foot bridge needs to follow suit while the cables and wirings on the stairs need to be removed. Estrella admitted that although the students can now utilize and walk on the foot bridge, safety precaution must be followed and several things need to be complied. He also claimed that a roof will be provided to serve as a shade for the pedestrians. Although, the construction will have to take a backseat due to the shortage of funds from the DPWH. The agency expects to complete the project by January 2013.

When asked about the telephone wires and cables getting in the way of the left staircase of the foot bridge, Estrella assured that the telephone wires will not harm those who will pass there. The removal of the telephone wires will take a while because these cables are said to be the property of different telecommunications company including PLDT, Digitel and Globe. PLDT representatives claimed that they have removed their wires as of press time and the ones which are still attached to the posts are from other companies. They admitted that the removal was a bit delayed because they could not easily transfer cables and displace them to another post. Doing so will mean cutting the phone connections of residences and business establishments from San Fernando City to Laoag. Is it practical and safe? Executive Director Dr. Jose Mainggang recognizes the importance of the foot bridge to many Lormanians. He says that it is a good move of the local government to provide schools with an overpass because it will decongest traffic and ensure safety for students, employees and visitors of the campus and of the hospital. Im only surprised why it is not being used, he added. Several students and Lormanians have their differing opinions about the overpass. Some find it helpful and some find it useless. Mrs. Ano pointed out that she has apprehensions in the usage of the overpass. Duon sa paggamit ng overpass, kung may sinabi silang go signal na pwede ng gamitin, why not? But she added that one disadvantage not properly thought of are the ladies in their skirts. Because of the height of the foot bridge and the uncovered railings, the students will be under the scrutiny of peeping toms. Student Service Coordinator Noel Sumingwa also implied that the out of place construction may be good for nothing since nobody wants to use it. He described the troublesome climb up the steps and the 100% chance of getting wet during a heavy downpour. Yanni, a 2nd year BS Pharmacy student dislikes the imperative usage of the foot bridge. Hindi nga matratraffic pero ayaw ko dumaan dun kasi mas hassle, kasi aakyat ka pa tapos bababa pa, eh kapag sa pedestrian lane diretso lang. May possibility na hindi ka pa ma-late.

Words by: Nicole Bray Photos by: Joanna Lanuza Deria Fatima Meneses Lauren Obillo

For what its worth, the development of the overpass is a compulsion that has long been in the works among politicians and agencies. Notwithstanding its few inaccuracies and shortcomings, the long term function might eventually outweigh the drawbacks. After all, every Lormanians safety is always a priority.

HAZARD PRONE. Telecom wires and cables still abound the Lorma footbridge despite promises of safety.

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hile the moon sets its stunning glare amidst the starry night, I cant prevent myself from smiling because it reminds me of a mini-musical fantasy some yester nights ago. I just remember those Iloko songs that my Inang and Tatang would sing to me in bed during my childhood nights when we were about to sleep.
Of course, I dont think of the songs as just old and boring folk songs that were only sung during their time. I just loved hearing their songs from our choir back when I was in high school. From then, I learned some lines of my favorite traditional song, Naraniag a Bulan:

little, I just find myself living those days while leaving those epical nights together with many people who are easily hooked on times magnanimous trends. The slow elapse of the old, traditional music transformed into an array of different genres with their respective artists. The Rebirth of Original Pinoy Music Cassette tapes and the radio have been the music boxes of the 50s generation, and from my moms old Aiwa radio and those nearly discarded cartridges, I hear the songs of Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, Aegis and Rico J. Puno. Songs such as Tukso, Isang Linggong Pag-ibig, Aray, Halik, Luha, and Macho Gwapito. The Philippine music industry peaked in the 90s. It was a time when the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) was reborn and

Oh naraniag a bulan, un-unnoy ko indengam Dayta naslag a silaw mo, di mo kad ipaidam Oh naraniag a bulan, sang-sangit ko indengam Toy nasipnget a lubong ko inka kad silawan Tapnu diak maiyawawan
It was only when I realized that those starry nights were finally over as the days continuously come. And then little by

reinforced from being the Original Pilipino Music of the 1970s in order to further patronize and appreciate the classic Filipino songs from the musical prowess of local composers and singers. Following their footsteps, another generation of singers were placed under the limelight so that they could be heard by many Filipinos who are CMAs (Certified Music Addicts). Their virus spread from FM radio stations and even over the 90s juke boxes. This is the time where one can sing and listen to the songs of Regine Velasquez, concert king Martin Nieverra, pure energy Garry Valenciano, mega star Sharon Cuneta, and singer/composer Ogie Alcasid. Up to date, who could have celebrate special occasions without the presence of Karaoke? A decade of Hip hop and Rock and Roll From classical to pop and rock and blues, music has evolved into another genre called Hiphop as the songs of the late Francis M and Andrew E came into the music world. A new style has been developed in the form of rap, paving their way to be tagged as King of rap and Master Rapper respectively. However, not everyone considers rap music as real music. For some people, the songs popularized by rappers may seem unpleasant and unbearable to hear because of the use of obnoxious language and sexual innuendos. Be that as it may, rap music has built the foundation of the strong rap community today in the names of Gloc 9, Elmo and other local rappers. Moreover, it has opened the gateway of a new wave of bands like Cueshe, Spongecola, Rivermaya, Sandwhich and the phenomenal Eraserheads which is the Filipino version of Beatles. But before them was Freddie Aguilar who made the breakthrough of Philippine rock music in the late 70s by his very popular composition and hit Anak which is heard by many nationalities. To this day count, the song has been translated into 23 languages throughout the

OPM Covers. The 70s hits are back in full swing with classic Pinoy love songs and ballads which are slowly regaining popularity among the younger generation.

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world. Ka Freddie brought the limelight for Pinoy rock, inspiring rock bands such as Asin, Juan dela Cruz band, and Hotdog. In the early 80s during the Marcos regime, Ka Freddie introduced folk rock which is a form of lyrical protest to the tyrannical government. His songs Bayan ko contains such powerful lyrics that it eventually became the anthem during the EDSA revolution. The early 90s witnessed the rock band E-Heads rise to fame, influencing the formation of other bands such as Parokya ni Edgar, Siakol, and Rivermaya, all of which are still quite famous. Rise of Novelty Songs During the early 2000s, dance groups like the sexbomb girls, Maskulados, and the Viva Hotbabes introduced a new wave of music which is called novelty music. There are songs often played during special occasions like childrens party and barangay fiestas. Upbeat, memorable, somewhat lacking musical artistry but still lively, novelty songs force almost everyone to take the center stage. Both adults and children alike groove in the beat of the Spaghetti song, Halukay Ube, Sana Mama,Jumbo Hotdog, Sayaw Kikay, and Basketball. However, majority of these songs were criticized, especially by the clergy, because of their hidden sexual messages that are deemed inappropriate for the younger generations. The sexuality of the lyrics is aggravated by the fact that those who recorded and performed the songs are actually burlesque groups. Nonetheless, this era of music survived for several years, even invading local radio stations and TV programs. From K-pop to P-pop There is no doubt that fresh from our history, we have been influenced from different foreign cultures and now, even their music is dominating our country such as the well-known Korean music. Known as K-pop, the fever heated up as different songs from boy groups like Super

Beat Boxed. Lormanians Fresh2Def strikes it big in ABS-CBNs Morning Show Naimbag nga Morning Kapamilya after performing an all original rap song.

Junior and U-Kiss came to top our music hit charts. Now, many Filipinos, most especially teens are becoming avid fans of Korean Culture because of their style in music coupled by their dancing, their looks, their unique video effects and their different Korean fashion statement. And thanks to K-pop, P-pop has been reestablished from its dormant status during the 1960s. To trace its originality, Pinoy Pop, abbreviated as P-pop refers to contemporary music which was popular during the 60s and rooted from Original Pilipino Music. The style of P-pop is just shifted in order to complement the thirst of many Filipinos to K-pop style. The music we live by For as long as the boundary of music is the horizon, it will continue to grow and change with the accompaniment of time. Its changes may even bridge the cultural differences among neighboring places here and abroad. Consequently, let there be a heritage from our own music that will be left for the succeeding generations in order for them to trace the different changes that music has

undergone and by that, they could appreciate and love music more or even share their own music to inspire other people. From the near forgotten Filipino folk songs to our fanatic praises of K-pop and American music to our all-time buyer of OPM, ballads and band songs, the sound that has transcend over time continue to exist because of one thing---they have touched and inspired peoples lives. Music is universal. It embraces everything original, traditional and contemporary, and no matter what sound we listen to, music is culturally and surely embedded in the Filipino psyche. Music is one thing most Pinoys can never live without. The moon continuously shine on the vastness of the skythe night makes me realize how poignant music is. I just think that no matter how good a song (music) is, still, it will always have a fantastic end just as those nights I spent with my Inang and Tatang.
Words by: Mark Jay Lakay Illustration by: Palmer Gawaban Jr, Boom Photos by: Phoebe Bustillos, Paola Trinidad

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indi na lingid sa atin ang namumuong tension sa pagitan ng bansang Pilipinas at Tsina, dahil sa pinagaagawang Panatag o Scarborough Shoal. Karamihan ay nangangambang ang hidwaan ng dalawang bansa ay maaaring magsilbing mitsa ng pangatlong pandaigdigang digmaan.
Ilang palitan ng mga cyberwarfare at online harassment ng mga intsik at nagngingitngit na Pinoy netizens ang tila nagpapalala sa usaping ito. Bagamat nabigyang tuldok ang pagpapabgsak ng mga websites ng magkabilang kampo, tila nalipad na rin sa kawalan ang pakikipagugnayan ng bansang Tsina tungkol sa pinagtatalunang mga isla. Mas masaklap pa siguro na malaman nating natabunan na naman ang usaping ito ng mga kasalukuyang balita ng krimen at mga epal sa senado. Mukhang sa lahat ng mga labang pinangangatawanan ng Pilipinas para sa suliraning ito, mas maraming ordinaryong Pinoy ang nagkikibit-balikat na lamang at patay malisyang nananahimik sa isang tabi. Nakiki-ride on na lang sila kapag may rally o people power na nangyayari. Kung ikaw bay sabihang sinungaling at ipatapon ang tone- toneladang saging na galling sa bansang sinilangan dahil sa rasong may virus daw ang mga produktong ito, hindi ka pa rin maninindigan? Kung makita mo na unti-unting sinasakop ang kabuhayan ng buong bansa dahil sa impluwensya ng Intsik maging sa edukasyon, negosyo at kalakarang panlipunan, wala ka pa ring gagawin? Malamang wala nga, dahil sa unang tingin pa lang, baka ang damit at sapatos na suot mo ay siguradong made in China. Sabi ng isang post sa Facebook, God made man, everything else was made in China. Kung sabagay, kahit nga ang cellphone na gamit mo ay made in China. Matanong nga kita, ikaw ba ay sumusuporta sa Pilipinas at bumibili ng made in the Philippines o mas mainam para sa iyo ang sumoporta ng mga produktong banyaga katulad ng mga galling sa Tsina? Nasaan ang iyong katapatan? Maka-Pilipino ka ba o isa kang Maka-Tsino? Everything else is made in CHINA Batid man ng marami ang pang-iipit ng bansang Tsina sa mga produktong Pilipino, wala pa ring pakundangan ang pagtangkilik ng marami sa atin sa mga produkto ng bansang umaalipusta sa atin. Tumingin ka lang sa paligid mo at siguradong 8/10 ng mga bagay na makikita mo ay gawang Intsik. Pati ang sikat na pamilihan ng buong bayan Divisoria at Quiapo, ay punong-puno ng mga kagamitang bagsak presyo at made in China. Kung sabagay, masisisi ba natin ang mga sarili natin kung ang mga gamit na iyan ay mabibili ng halos 50% - 70% diskwento na presyo kumpara sa mga parehong bagay na mas mahal ang benta dito sa Pilipinas? Patok na patok sa ating mga Pinoy ang mga produktong galing Tsina katulad ng damit, school supplies at mga kagamitang elektroniko tulad ng cellphone, Ipad, laptop at iba pang nauusong gadget. Ang mga orihinal na brand tulad ng Puma, Bench, at Havaianas, ay napapalitan ng Poma, Bemch, at Havanas. Sa unang tingin, hindi kaagad mapapansin ang pagkakaiba ng tunay sa peke. Nagkakaalaman na lang kapag sinuri ang produkto at sa malaking deperensya ng presyo. Kumusta naman ang kabibili mo lang na gamit nuong isang araw, matibay at matino pa ba? O baka naloko ka na naman ng bagsak presyong benta? PAGSULPOT NG MGA PRODUKTONG INTSIK Ang Pilipinas ay nakikipagkalakalan sa mga Intsik bago pa lang sumakop ang mga Espanyol hanggang sa nanatili sila dito sa ating bansa at tumayo ng sariling komunidad na ang tawag ngayon ay Binondo. Idagdag mo pa ang paglipana ng mga tiangge at maliliit na bilihin ng mga damit, sapatos, gamit

pambahay, at kung anik anik na kayang bilhin ng pangkaraniwang tao. Ilan lang ito sa mga dahilan ng paglaganap ng mga produktong Made in China: Una, hindi pinapalampas nga mga Pilipino ang bawat pagdiriwang na nangyayari sa bawat tao katulad ng pasko, kaarawan, pagtatapos ng pagaaral ng mga estudyante, kasal, bagong taon ng hindi dumadaan sa Divisoria para bumili ng pagkain, gamit, regalo, paputok, atbp. Iniisip nila na kahit barya barya lang ang laman ng bulsa nila, mahalaga pa rin na ipagdiwang ang mga masasayang pangyayari sa buhay nila. Hindi mo mahahanap iyan sa SM mall of Asia o Robinsons Galleria. Para sa ordinaryong Pinoy, malayong malayo na ang mararating ng P50 pesos kung madiskarte ka lang. Maparaan nga ba talaga o Maka-Tsino ka? Higit pa diyan ay ang pagtakas nila sa realidad na mahirap ang buhay sa atin. Kung may kakayahang makabili sila ng mga gamit katulad ng mga damit na gusto lang bilhin, noodles na pinangkakain sa buong pamilya, at mga mumurahing dvd na pwedeng bilhin para sa kanilang pampalipas oras, abat bakit hindi. Kung puwede naman pala sa mga made in China, bakit ka pa hahanap sa iba pa? Pangalawa,maramihang produksyon ang nagagawa ng mga pabrika sa Tsina gamit ang mga modernong makinarya kaya di hamak na mas mura ang presyo ng mga ito. Hindi pinaghihirapan ang bawat yarda, ang bawat tahi at bawat pukpok kaya walang paglalaanan ng pera para dito. Ang makinarya na mismo ang gumagawa ng mga bagay bagay. Kumbaga wala ng labor fee para sa mga taong gumagawa niyon. Kung meron man, tiyak na hindi sapat ang pagbibigay sa kanila ng mga suweldo kahit kayod kabayo na ang mga naninilbihan sa pabrika. Hindi bat ang iba sa kanila ay mga Pilipino ding nagtratrabaho para sa mga pamilyang naiwan dito sa Pilipinas? Pangatlo, malaking dahilan din kung bakit patuloy ang paglaganap ng mga produktong Tsino ay ang kalakalan ng dalawang bansa. Maganda nga ang palitan

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ng mga produkto dahil pinapalakas nito ang ekonomiya ng bawat isa pero dahil din dito ay maraming mga surplus ng ibang bansa ang natatapon sa Pinas o mga sobrang mga produkto na hindi mabibili sa kanilang katutubong bansa. Kapag maraming surplus, maraming maibebenta at kayang-kayang ibagsak ang presyo. At kahit na ilang beses ng pinaalalahanan ang taong bayan sa maaring idulot na epekto ng mga produktong ito, tila mga bingi ang karamihan sa atin sa mga babalang tinakda ng pamahalaan. PILIPINONG ALTERNATIBO Ang pagbili ng sarili nating produkto ay makatutulong ng malaki sa pag-unlad ng ating ekonomiya at mas mapapaunlad natin an gating bansa at malaki rin ang maitutulong nito sa ating mga kababayang tagagawa. Marami tayong mga produktong talaga nga namang masasabi nating world class dahil sa napakagandang pagkakayari nito. Tulad ng produkto natin na matatagpuan sa Marikina. Ang Marikina Shoe Industry isa sila sa mga napakagandang tagayari ng sapatos at tsinelas na talaga nga namang maipagmamalaki natin sa mundo dahil sa maayos na pagkakayari nito dail nga sa ito ay hand-made Isa pa ay marami tayong talentadong mga kababayan na ang hilig ay paggawa ng dekalidad na muwebles at kagamitang pambahay na yari sa katutubong materyales. Isa rin itong masasabing world-class dahil sa mabusising pagkakagawa nito. Mayroong naipatupad na programa noong taong 2004 na nataguriang One Product One Town (OTOP) na naglalayon na tangkilikin o itaguyod ang produkto ng isang bayan. Layunin ng OTOP na itaguyod ang mga trabaho at gumawa ng trabaho sa bawat munisipalidad sa ating bansa para sa ating mga kababayan na may talento sa paggawa sa ibat-ibang larangan ng sining. Ang OTOP ay sumusuporta sa maliliit na negosyo para magmanupaktura, maglinang ng espesipikong produkto na maaring i-export sa ibang lugar ditto sa pilipinas at sa ibang bansa sa tulong narin ng Local government unit (LGU) at National

Mga Nagkalat na Replika. Patuloy ang pag-usbong ng demand para sa mga pekeng produktong galing Tsina hindi lamang dahil mura ang mga ito kundi dahil halos kamukha nito ang orig.

Government Unit (NGU) na sumasailalim sa Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Isa lamang ito sa mga napakaraming ahensyang naglalayong tulumong sa mga Pilipino upang paunlarin ang mga produkto ng kanikanilang bayan at upang kumita narin para sa pang araw-araw nilang pangangailangan. ANG POSITIBONG PANANAW May mga positibong pananaw din ang ilan sa mga Pinoy tungkol sa pagbili ng mga Pinoy ng mga gawang Tsina. Hindi naman masamang bumili ng produkto ng tsina lalo na sa aming mga pilipinong nagtitipid.Kahit na madaling masira ang kanilang produkto nasa pag-iingat yan ng gumagamit pahayag ni Aling Edna na isang tindera sa bangketa. Isa pa, katulad din ng nasabi kanina, nakakatulong din ang mga produktong Tsino sa pamumuhay ng mga mahihirap na Pinoy dahil kahit papaano, nakakamit din nila ang gusto nilang bilhin at iyon ang magsisilbing kaligayahan nila kapag dumaan ang mga okasyon na ipinagdiriwang ng bawat Pilipino. Kumbaga, hindi na mahalaga sa kanila kung branded o original o peke ang mabili nila basta makamit lang ang

pangangailangan nila sa pang-araw araw ay masaya na sila dun. Hindi masamang pumalaot sa kabilang dulo ng karagatan, hindi masamang bumili ng mga bago sa ating panlasa. Pero huwag masyadong ilagay ang sarili sa sitwasyong sa mga banyagang produkto na tayo nakadepende. Huwag isarado ang sarili sa mga potensyal ng ating mga lokal na produkto dahil dito sila ginawa sa ating bansa at makakaasa tayo na magaganda rin ang kalidad ng mga ito. Hindi dahil sa mura lang ang isang produkto ay bibilhin mo na ito agad. Matutong kumilatis ng mga bilihing andyan lang sa tabi-tabi. At higit sa lahat, Mas magandang tangkilikin natin ang sariling atin. Dahil sa kung ano ang meron tayo ay nagpapakita ng repleksyon ng pagiging isang purong Pilipino at naghihiwalay satin sa ibang kakumpetensyang bansa sapagkat ang kultura at tradisyon, produto nating mga Pilipino ang isang patunay na katangi-tangi ang ating lahi.
Isinulat nina: Michaela Villoria, Ian Christian Manantan Iginuhit ni: Boom Kuha ni: Lynard Misa

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he original Ilocano homeland is Northwest Luzon (the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, and La Union), but Ilocanos have inhabited many regions of the Philippines. And in many cases they predominate over the native ethnic group of the new lands to which they migrate. Such is the case in the provinces of Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac, and Benguet.
Because of the significance of Ilocano in Northern Luzon, it has been called the National Language of the North. Many ethnic groups from the northern regions of the country are more at home in their second language, Ilocano, than the national language of the country, Tagalog (Pilipino). This is undoubtedly due to the historical reputation of the language and the accessibility of its speakers. However, there has been a national language shift in the last few years due to the extensive use of Tagalog in the media and the national program to promote the Pilipino language in elementary and secondary schools. Ilocano remains a regional language with no political power or use in education past the early elementary years. blitz of the Tagalog and English languages. Informal surveys conducted in the 1990s by the Ilocano magazine Bannawag in some secondary schools in the Ilocanospeaking provinces also showed that most students preferred to read Tagalog or English magazines than those written in their mother tongue (Ilocano). Although they admited that Ilocano was the medium of communication in their own homes and in their own localities, they said they find it difficult to read Ilocano magazines because the words used are too archaic for them. The students were also found to be unable to write in straight Ilocano. Worse, they do not know their grammar and spelling. The students could not be blamed; they were trained at an early age, to write (and speak) in Tagalog and English, and that both languages, being the media of instruction have been used since they were in grade school. Unfortunately, this delegated their mother tongue to just second best. Oscar Ian Rion, sophomore Computer Technology student of Lorma Colleges Skill Development Institute said that students shall not be blamed on why are they not fluent in the medium of teaching the instructor use. They were trained in their mother tongue since grade school. Oo, alam ng marami yung basic english pero ang problema hindi inaaply. Sa loob lang ng classroom, nakadepende pa rin sa Ilocano translation ng teacher ang iba,he adds. To learn the language, it must be spoken ika nga di ba? Pero syempre kung pwedeng iexplain sa iloco bakit magpapaka trying hard i-English? Studies show that the best way to promote critical thinking is to make use of the students ability to think in his or her first language. But it takes more than that. Instilling in the students young mind that his language is not inferior to any other language will help him develop self-confidence, self-reliance and pride of his ancestry. also the language used as the medium of instruction until the completion of his formal education, imagine the impact of that language to the childs education. The Filipino student in the present educational setting, can only cringe with envy to students of other countries who do not need to spend years of studying a foreign language even before he can begin to understand what he is learning about and, after he graduates, finds out that he has learned nothing. When a child thinks, he naturally uses the language he grew up with. That is why the thinking process is fast and clear. But imagine if an Ilocano child has to first translate a Filipino or an English word, then the thinking process is not fluid anymore. The use of native language on class discussions makes students learn their lessons faster. An Ilocano student will never know the meaning of a foreign word unless being translated to his mother-tongue. It is not enough that educators teach the mother tongue particularly in the early years but they use it in teaching other subjects which are equally rich ground for developing higher order thinking skills among our young learners. The question like Kaano-ano mo si Palmer? can be answered by using the mother tongue in the classroom. Educators believe that if a child cannot fully express himself, he is inhibited to ask more whys and tend to just keep quiet or just agree with what the teacher says. Even in the tertiary level, instructors teach their students how to use their native language. On how the students can understand the subject, teachers must teach them that way, not just because it is the tradition, but because that is the best way to educate a learner. Since Iloco is their native language, the most efficient way to teach these pupils is to speak by their native tongue. They will understand the lesson faster if you explained it the way they understand it, says Edwin Cardinez, an Elementary Math teacher. The basic language they know shall also be the instrument for them to learn. Besides, as they grow up, they will soon get used with English and Filipino. There are so many educators who translate Science lessons in Ilocano so that students can better understand the concepts. For young learners, it is easier for them to understand why water boils and why it turns into ice when subjected to varying temperature

Ilocano and the Schools

Because of the remarkably stable history of the Ilocano language, owing to the fact that the Ilocano people have populated much of the Kailokuan from a small homogeneous homeland, dialect diversity is minimal. The original Ilocano speaking areas are said to speak the purest form of the language, called by Ilocanos nauneg nga Iloko (deep Ilocano). However, due to the migration of the Ilocanos southward and eastward, much of northern Luzon is heavily influenced by Ilocano language and culture. The Ilocano language is fortunate because it still boasts of 7 to 8 million speakers, making it still as the third most spoken language in the country. It also continues to establish itself as one of the four major languages of the Philippines (the other three are Tagalog, Cebuano, and Hiligaynon) in spite of the imposition of the Tagalog and English languages in places where the language is spoken through the support of the national government. Many Ilocanos may have adopted Tagalog or English as their second and third languages but still, they have not forsaken their mother tongue. However, this does not mean that the Ilocano language is not threatened by the

Ilocano and the Critical Mind

Language plays an important role in the complex development of an individual. If the mother tongue, or the language used by the child in his everyday living, is

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Words by: Christian Kelvin Gonzales Graphics by: Palmer Gawaban, Jr.

using the language they use at home. If a child fully understands what is being talked about, he can make sense of things and participate intelligently in discussions because a familiar language is used, thus, his thinking process is unencumbered. But, of course, the Filipino student has no choice at the moment but to accept the reality that the Philippine educational system is an aberration. He goes to school with the dream that all of a sudden, his English textbooks are already written or translated into Ilocano (if he is an Ilocano), or Cebuano (if he is a Cebuano), or if not, into his own national language, Filipino. He aspires that his mathematics and science books are written in a language he can readily understand and, in the classroom, he can expound his ideas in his very own tongue. He dreams that his favorite Harry Potter books are already translated into his mother tongue. Moreover, he hopes that if he is to learn a foreign language, it is because he loves to do it or it is because his future job needs it and not because he is forced to do it. He wishes that the lawmakers, the justices, and the all the powers-that-be of his country would debate his future in a language he can comprehend.

Government Tongue

supports

the

Native

There were times when the Cultural Center of the Philippines gave writing grants to native dialect writers other than Tagalog and English writers. But the agency eventually scrapped the project due to financial worries.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts is also benevolent to the plight of regional languages. Whenever its budget allows, it presents a writing grant to a regional writer or two, helps in the publication of books written in the major languages, and gives financial support to literary seminars and workshops and other cultural activities. But these supports are not seriously implemented because they do not address the problems that the regional languages have been confronting for decades, that of having been placed on the sidelines in favor of the Tagalog and English languages. However, it must be clarified that the issue here is not that the Tagalog or English languages have to be accepted or not by the other Philippine ethno-linguistic groups. Tagalog or Filipino has already been accepted as the common language of the Philippine archipelago as evidenced by the growing number of speakers of this language. The English language has even the better edge than the Tagalog language because it is the language of business and power in the country. English is the primary medium of instruction of higher learning and all licensure examinations are conducted in this language. The countrys decision makers conduct their affairs not in Tagalog but in the English language. In short, Tagalog may have become the language of the Filipino people but the future of the country is decided, irony of all ironies, by a foreign tongue. Given this situation, it is then imperative for any Filipino student,

whether he likes it or not, to be able to communicate well in the English language. The issue, therefore, is not for any Filipino to say that he is against the Filipino and English languages. The issue is for the government to give more importance to the mother tongues and to instill their value to the countrys young minds.

To the East, To the West, Ilocanos are everywhere

Ilocano Language dominates Northern Luzon, and the number of users of the dialect continues to multiply. There are Filipinos abroad who are Ilocanos, who rebuild and unite together to promote their mother tongue. There are also sizable communities of Ilocanos throughout the United States, most notably in Hawaii and California. Surprisingly, the Ilocano language is taught in certain schools. An instructor can profoundly teach students better by explaining it in their base language, like Ilocano. Wherever you are in the Philippines, you can always find an Ilocano to share laughter. The native culture Ilocanos have is different. The passion and love of mother tongue makes Filipinos proud of themselves. The prime language of the Northern Philippines will continue to prosper for Ilocanos. Ilocanos will always love their native language and wherever you go, there will always be an Ilocano.

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hile the whole province was blanketed in its fear of Manilas devastation after Habagat, the furious lashing out of two typhoons within a fortnight challenged every Ilocano to face the threat head on. The torrential rains of that dark and gloomy Wednesday have already gone on continuously for more than 24 hours. And the previous weeks downpour of the monsoon rains didnt stop typhoons Helen and Igme from bringing a deluge of heavy rainfall and strong gusty winds which perished town after town of farmlands and forcibly put cities at a standstill. It was a bold challenge sent by Mother Nature to deal with what must be the provinces most devastating natural disaster ever recorded this year.
THE WRATH THAT WAS HELEN One death and a total of 10,160 families in the province of La Union were devastated by the fury that Helen brought on August 15. Several areas were submerged and underwater due to heavy rains and strong winds. The persistent barrage of cold rains prompted residents from San Fernando City, Bauang, Bacnotan, Naguilian, San Gabriel, Aringay, Bangar and San Juan to evacuate from their flooded homes. Helen brought in torrents of water over the province when it hit at around 1 am. And by 3 am, rising water levels had commanded residents to battle out the typhoons violent pounding. Many Ilocanos had Habagat in mind when Helen hit the province, but little did we expect that a similar fate with that of Manila will be upon us when she actually arrived. San Fernando City government led by acting mayor Alfred Alf Ortega reported the rescue and evacuation of 5,399 families during the height of the storm. Many residents of Cabaraoan, Biday, Tanqui, Catbangen and Dalangayan Oeste of San Fernando City were stranded and had to be rescued using rubber boats and even jet skis. National hi-way roads in Bacnotan, San Juan, San Fernando and Luna-Bangar were not passable. These left many motorists and passengers alike stranded on the roadsides. Many had no choice but to push their cars and vans in the middle of the heavy rains. Small vehicles and jeepneys had to be rerouted in alleys and backstreet lanes to cross the flooded areas while only six-wheeler trucks and big buses were allowed to ply the national roads. DAMAGES ACCOUNTED FOR Jojie Bacani, a resident of Barangay Oaquing, San Gabriel La Union lamented how the crops she had planted were washed away during the storm. Sa 20 taon na nagsasaka ako, ang nakaraang bagyo ang pinakamalupit ang epekto sa aming mga nagtatanim ng palay. Mas malala pa sa Pepeng at Ondoy. She described how the unyielding downpour of Helen submerged hectares and hectares of palays and vegetables planted for a little over 6 months. Kawawa po kami, walang natira sa amin. Mario Gonzalo, also a farmer of the area described how the flood swallowed their farmlands with nothing to see over the horizon except for the tips of a 10-ft banana tree submerged under water. Umapaw po ung tubig dito sa sapa hanggang sa inanod na lahat ng aming mga pananim. Pati nga mga baboy at manok namin, tinangay ng baha. By August 16, Provincial Governor Manuel Ortega declared the whole of La Union under the state of calamity in which Helen devastated a total of 168 barangays and 18,073 families. C i t y government of San Fernando City reported losses in crop production with 155.67 hectares of rice plantation and 100 hectares of vegetables literally turned into a vast wasteland. And while we tried hard to get back on our feet, Helen had left the whole province tremendously battered and plundered of every infrastructure and agricultural resources which summed up to a total of Php 2.2 million. . FLOODED CAMPUS At 3 am of August 15, two Lormanians were awakened by the heavy pounding on their door and shouts of pleading from board mates to wake up. Both students were horrified to find out that their room was already in knee deep of rising waters from the continuous downpour. They were in the basement of our boarding house. I f

Pushing on Pavements. Although barefeet and drenched in the cold rain, bystanders help a stranded motorist traverse a flooded Bacnotan national hi-way.

o u r land lady and the rest of my board mates havent woken them up, they would have been submerged inside their own room, narrates Josiephine Tabas, a sophomore nursing student. Ms. Tabas and the two other Lormanians are few of the many students housed in boarding rooms near the Carlatan campus which were affected by the typhoon. Meanwhile, the recently finished water barrier along the Carlatan bridge was also eroded during Helens weather assault as the river overflowed and washed away what was left of the structure. Executive Coordinator for Maintenance, Buildings and Grounds Engr. Hercy Cepriaso also facilitated the overseeing of the Carlatan campus where water coming from the marshland found its way into the offices of the administration building. As early as 4-5 am, guards have reported the flooding of the campus of up to a knee high level. From the gym, stock room, carpentry, Student Services Center as well as the 1ST

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floor of the Administration Building which included the Faculty room, Supply Officers room, Deans offices, Executive Directors office and the Human Resources Department Office, all were inundated with the flood. Entrance to the Lorma Medical Center was also non passable because of the torrents of water which overflowed from the school and into the streets. Engr. Cepriaso explained that the age old water drainage of the campus unfortunately became the access of the swamp waters which flowed inside school grounds. In addition, the construction of the wall surrounding the schools reclaimed area caused the rising flood waters in the swamp to tide over the fence located beside Rm. LB 103. Because the area to the river was blocked, the water had nowhere to go except to follow the only available passage, he disclosed while pointing at the chain linked open fence to which the water came through. Swamp waters subsided at around 12 noon of the same day with only minimal damages to supplies, school properties and resources after the storm had passed. As of press time, the department has already replaced the drainage system and reinforced the perimeter fence of the school to address any possible flooding in the future. SUSPENDED CLASSES, INTRAMURALS In La Union, announcement from city and municipal mayors were circulated through SMS messaging and radio public service announcements as early as 6 am. Official school announcements from the executive director also followed suit to confirm the suspension of classes and office work. Students who have their morning duty in the hospitals were warned to not come and to heed advice of safety. However, many Lormanians expressed disappointment over the decision of the administration to postpone the Intramurals. Despite the bustle and hustle of the various departments rush to finish cheer dance routines, props, pageant costumes and stage backdrops, the original August 17-

Not Invincible. With the swamp waters tiding over and flooding the campus, its only logical that the students safety remain the number one priority of the administration.
18 date was moved to a one day event slated on August 25. According to Student Affairs Dean Melba Ano, the college could not afford to miss another day of class in place of an extra-curricular activity. Because of the class suspensions, the administration deem it necessary to compress the whole event into one day and still maintain the regular calendar schedule for the first semester. Commission on Higher Education mandates a specific number of days per semester and the school must comply with the said order. When all is said and done, the students safety precedes any other activity or public clamor. With the confusion and misunderstanding resolved between SML organizers, students and participants, Intramurals 2012 successfully concluded without any hitch. The event even received an overwhelming support with posts on Facebook saying Keep Calm, Matutuloy ang Intrams 12 and Ulan at Baha lang yan, Lormanian Ako! A full packed college gymnasium during the pageant and cheer dance competition made it all worth the wait. PREPARED AND READY Less than two weeks after typhoon Helen left its death mark in La Union, typhoon Igme blew another assault on the province. And this time around, we were more than ready to raise arms and defend ourselves. We were prepared, says Ramon Peralta of the planning and development unit of San Fernando City La Union when asked whether the city was equipped enough to fight back Helens onslaught and that of Igmes. La Union Provincial Police Office, Philippine National Red Cross, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guards as well as personnel from Department of Social Welfare and Development worked tirelessly over the next 48 hours to assist in the search and rescue operations. Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Coordinator Dr. Mauro Libatique Jr. illustrated the role of the PDRRMC as the front line agency in scenarios such as Helen and Igme. Libatique chronicled the governments rehabilitative efforts by reclogging canals, reduction of plastic usage, utilization of equipment to reconstruct damaged structures as well as tying up with other agencies in extending relief assistance to the Ilocano constitutents. No matter how hard the province was hit, we have not just stood by and let natures fury take over. We took a stand, followed standard protocols and ultimately helped in the reduction of losses and risks. With less than 10 expected storms to go, the Ilocanos strong sense of pride and adaptability remain steadfast and unchanging despite this years weather surges. This only shows na bagamat nakita natin ang bagsik ng baha, naging positibo pa rin tayo. We encourage the community to become more empowered and be resilient now. Maging handa tayo lagi. Wala kasing pinipili ang kalamidad ngayon, Libatique added.
Words by: Mayeen Soon Photo Credits: Mico Salamanca Lyndell Quinsaat

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of a comfort room with monthly periods. On the other hand, I have come across this road sign which shouts an advertisement of House 4 rent enquire enside. Enteresteng, huh? And as you read these signs, maybe you would ask me, Y r u so min? (Why are you so mean?) I, on the other hand,zz have one response to that (a reference to a posted ad on a boutiques glass window) - Choice your style. Funny no more The errors might be a joke to many but for some these are not hilarious at all. Humor is thrown out the window when we are told stupid and ignorant. Reading all these grammatically challenged signs makes you think that Filipinos display a less than acceptable competency of the language. Ironic isnt it when we are considered as the most competent race in Business English. The thing is our penchant for criticizing what is wrong is also the very thing that should be corrected. Instead, we should police ourselves and not others so we become better users of the language. As students, if you have doubts in the structures of your statements, go back to the basics of grammar. Write the right thing. If there are errors, it means there is still much to be improved. And in knowing that you are not entirely correct, you must exert effort to improve yourself. Sir Padrigan recommended, Read, read, read and read because you will not only know the definitions but also their spellings and usages. Be educated. Learn the basics. Be familiar with words. Study subject-verb rules. Nothing in this world can make Grammar Nazis lives sweeter by having a good syntax. English may not be our first language, but becoming a proficient user is definitely a huge advantage. Exposing these funny signs was done to rectify errors in grammar, spelling and syntax. Poor grammar must be corrected right away instead of being laughed at. I say, Stop bastardizing the English language. How? Be learned.

Words by: Ma. Criselda Abrajano illustration: Anjhannel Tagle Photo credits: naziejoe08

lasses is going on. If I am not the only one who has seen this erroneous post, hats off!
English instructor said that the root cause of committing misprints is poor foundation of our universal language. He adds that students do not give much attention (to English) and it boils down from the students ineffective reading habits and improper use of technology. Perhaps in chats and text messages, misspelled words are somewhat acceptable, he commented. These then are adopted by the students and used in written conversations and essays. Aysomorsayns (I saw more signs) I rode this Lingsat jeepney and saw a sign telling passengers to Vacant the front seat for the disabled person. Does that mean vacate? There was this Bacnotan jeepney too which had its own version of blunder by posting an announcement in multicolored letters saying Full string to stop. What he meant was maybe, if you pull the string, the jeepney will be at a full stop. When you want markdown prices, go to a shop in the San Fernando market where you can see We buy and sale. Or better yet, one can haggle more for a cheaper price in a 2nd hand shop and see the sign which mentions that there are More display upstair Of course, you do have to walk one step at a time. There you can see Stop toys while in the bag sections, you can see Malita for sale. I, on the other hand, am silently scolding myself to stop being such a maldita, just this once. When one is hungry, just eat leche plan for Php 8.00 only. Darn plan! On the other hand, if

Have you ever encountered a sign like this which suddenly caught your attention and you couldnt stop laughing because you knew it was written incorrectly? If you havent had that eureka moment, then perhaps its about time that you become a keen observer. Life is faulty. Seeing different faces around the streets, I could never imagine how imperfect humans are. Intentional or not, everyone commits mistakes. As they say, to err is human and therefore, to make a mistake is entirely acceptable. Though, Id like to believe only to a certain extent. We enjoyed that ocassion. I care for all the people around me specially my loved once. Have you misspelled those words before? I did. I once wrote that in my formal theme for our English class when I was in 6th grade. Fortunately, this got me started into cleaning up my act. English has always been a part of our curriculum. From pre-school to high school to college, we were taught the basics and fundamentals of this language. The medium for teaching has always been English. And the world demands that we must at least be competent enough to use it. Apparently, there are some who still have not understood the rudiments of this language. And like any normal Pinoy who prides himself to be educated with English since time immemorial, we have assumed the post of becoming Grammar Nazis even if we arent built to be expert critics. Is it some kinda flawed? Some time ago, I noticed errors in a library. Return the borrowed materials to its proper place. One book says Volcanoes in the Philippinis while another shows The three with an image of a mango tree above. No wonder the Department of Education constantly recalls books in public schools because the references being used are erroneous in nature. Poor education! And with that, yes, inadequate education is still the main reason behind misprints. Poor grammar and wrong spelling are signs of incompetence and lack of comprehension. Some people merely stick to their first language and forget to step up. A person must remember that in order to become globally competitive and be at par with other countries, one must be adept with the English language and boost ones grammar through reading, listening, speaking and definitely writing. Mr. Arniel Padrigan, College of Arts and Sciences faculty member and

you feel like eating street foods, try the hot balut and pinoy courtesy of your super HOT and friendly neighborhood vendor. In fast food chains, Unauthorized person keep out. Employees only. Yes, keep out of possessive employees. A post at a comfort room also reads Mens CR. Maybe it is some sort

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Words by: Precious Claire Mamaril illustration by: Boom Photos by: Deria Fatima Meneses

pples launch of its revolutionary new gadget iPad caught the attention of millions around the world. The laptop-iPhone hybrid device is definitely the craze in technology for applications, movies and music in the global market. Aside from the hardware having an entertaining presentation itself, it has also great learning potentials.

In addition, the popularity of smart and android phones all over the world has seen the speeding up of multimedia teaching and learning. It has changed how teachers teach and certainly how the students learn. With students already acquainted with the touch screen technology, the quick time response of the touch screen offers the students to direct learning rapidly between texts, videos and images. At the same time, the rise of the popularity of hand held devices such as android and 3G phones have also provided students another avenue for real time learning. School year 2011-2012 saw an increasing registration of wi-fi users in the campus. 975 laptops, 816 mobile phones and 85 tablet PCs have been recorded by the Technical Services department for the said year. Although, there is a re-registration of the units after the end of the semester, the campus wide wi-fi access has encouraged Lormanians to utilize the schools facilities to their own advantage. 1st semester of this school year, a total of 498 laptops, 956 android phones and 80 tablets have been accounted for and the number is expected to rise. This shows how technology has become a prevalent commodity among Lormanians. Productivity and Mobility Learning in the 21st century is about doing it. Tablet PCs and Mobile phone education promotes a more engaging discussion among students about real-life situations both in and out of the classroom. In doing this, the right device with

Paperless books. Electronic gadgets such as iPads make learning more fun and convenient for Lormanians due to their light weight and touch screen features.

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their progress. The use of these hand held devices give more ease to Lorma instructors who prefer discussions through showing of power point presentations and videos on LCD projectors. Aside from this, the teachers upgrade their teaching strategy at a more interactive and participative level. At present, Lorma Colleges has five iPad devices which are found in the college library. The institution projects a digitalized library by having these devices as resources. Also, Lormanians utilize the schools expansive program in the internet access as well as the unlimited wifi connection. This is just a proof that more and more students are recognizing the use of tablets in school as an accessible source of learning.
Lessons in a Click. Lormanians rely on their mobile phones to accomplish even the simplest classroom tasks taking notes. In addition to the paper, ink and effort being spared, photos can be shared with other phones through Bluetooth connections.

the right applications, tasks, and tools are needed. Students can benefit from this device by the simplest word-processing to some complicated forms of video or sound editing. They can easily create visual presentations; work with spreadsheets or save documents for their projects/thesis. Students can also track their assignments; take notes and study with ease. The device can bring several activities together and could combine course materials and collaboration tools. There is no reason to worry about social networks, IMs, email, video calls and researches because these highly advanced mobile and hand held devices key advantage is the Internet. The more the students have access to the Web and other applications, the easier it becomes to teach them. Lorma Colleges, being a fully equipped Wifi campus is perfect for the said characteristic. It fits right in the campus where mobility is definitely a huge trend. Convenience and Availability Tablet PCs and android phones, if well-considered, can be a surrogate for books. Instead of dealing with publications and trying to feed PDF textbooks, students can go into using portable devices to carry around with them dynamic content of animations, movies, and text. Tablets present ebooks featuring images, video and audio that are not possible to include in print. E-books cant compete with textbooks because they have built-in limitations and allows temporary access unlike prints that can be kept forever. But in fields when students want downloads, here is a device with a built-in ebook reader where they can also keep the material and refer back to their notes. For students or even teachers, the idea of having all the books on one device is great because they will no longer be experiencing dilemmas such as carrying heavy books or forgetting them for class. It also provides a huge memory and storage for documents, photos, videos and music thats suitable enough for the interest

and needs of every student. In some cases, tablets are surpassing everything a traditional printed book can offer. I can certainly access everything I need immediately, says April Soliven, a junior Respiratory Therapist student. I dont need to plug in my bulky laptop and search for the concepts my teacher asks me to study. By just accessing google online with my smart phone, the answers are already there. Digital textbooks are more interactive and can also be updated from time to time unlike the format of a printed one that in some instances is obsolete before it is in the hands of the user. They can also contain more current information. Lormanians can also be helpful in saving the environment by using digital textbooks instead of printing them on paper. Expanding the Classroom Since the device can be used anywhere, it can give Lormanians the opportunity to experience another setting. By having the gadget in their hands, they can take pictures and videos while in the place and at the same time, learn more about its history and culture. Or better yet, one just needs to browse over the internet and see a handful of references without travelling to the actual place - Less costly but definitely more fun. Tablet PCs such as Apples iPad or Samsungs Galaxy Tab are tools that connect users to one another and learning through it could go a long way in helping educators to connect with their students. It can radically change the teachers role in the learning process and reduce the need to be the sage on the stage. The gadgets can be indispensable to an educators life because through it, they can give necessary instructions, make notes on assignments, give an interactive test and have that test auto-graded. They can also record a video of the class lecture and have it available for the students to review. Teachers can also be constantly in touch with their students and monitor

Expected Learning Behaviors Despite iPads success and the smart phones popularity in the world wide market, there are also disadvantages of its usage in the learning environment. Some teachers dont approve the effects of computer technology to the behavior of the students. Nowadays, students lack basic manners. Educators fear that the implication of iPad education can decrease the patience and self discipline of their students because the things that the device can do will involve less of their physical and intellectual efforts. Many students today are very attached in interacting with the computer. How they treat each other in the internet is not how they should treat each other in the real world because sometimes, they dont even know the difference anymore. Besides the fact that this gadget comes in a very entertaining form and offers a lot of applications, there are chances that students will not just use them in school for learning purposes but just for their recreation and play time. Pharmacy Instructor Mrs. Ellen Abique relates that students are digital natives and they learn best when exposed to these gadgets. And she adds that in order for us (teachers) to speak their language, we must learn what they know and teach them in a way that they can maximize learning. However, she also laments that technology and the internet access as well as their mobile gadgets give the students the license to use Facebook inside the classroom. Facebook, Twitter and YM should be out. It is important that the use should be limited and regulated, Abique emphasizes. There is nothing wrong with the devices as long as they dont act as barriers in learning. Giving the right guidance and promoting social experience would be the challenge for the teachers regarding these matters. Tablets and android phones dont need to replace them but there is certainly a place for the gadgets in every students learning experience.

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Isinulat ni : Art John Sobrepea Iginuhit nina: Palmer Gawaban Joanna Lanuza

atanda at lilipas din ako ngunit mayroong awiting iiwanan sa inyong alaala dahil, minsan, tayoy nagkasama. Hinango mula sa awiting Handog ng bandang Florante, ang mga linyang ito ay angkop na angkop para sa naging buhay ni Rudolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. o mas kilala bilang Comedy King Dolphy.
Sino ba naman ang hindi nakakikilala sa mga pinasikat niyang karakter gaya nina John Puruntong, Kevin Kosme, Pidol, Facifica Falayfay at iba pang pagganap na nagpatawa sa ating lahat? Una siyang nakilala bilang Golay. Dahil sa kasagsagan ng digmaang Hapon-Amerikano, hindi naging madali para kay Dolphy ang napiling karera. Tuwing nagkakaroon ng sagupaan at mga raid, pansamantala muna nilang ititigil ang palabas, at pagpapatuloy ulit kapag wala nang putukan at mga pagsabog. Pagningning ng Isang Bituin Matapos niyang pasukin ang pelikula, pansamantalang umalis sa ilaw ng entablado si Dolphy. Hanggang sa kinuha siya ni Eugenio Geny Lopez Jr. na ngayoy CEO ng ABS-CBN, isa sa mga pinakamalaking estasyon sa bansa. Buhay Artista ang naging una nyang palabas sa estasyon hanggang sa nasundan pa ang kanyang pamamayagpag sa telebisyon at umere ang ibat ibang comedy sitcoms na talaga namang sumikat. Isa sa mga hindi malilimutang palabas ni Dolphy ay ang John en Marsha, nakasama niya sina Boots Anson-Roa, Helen Gamboa, Maricel Soriano at Nio Muhlach. Tumagal lang naman ng isang dekada ang kanilang sitcom at nagkaroon din ng mga pelikula. Matapos ang pamamayagpag ng John en Marsha, sumunod naman ang Home Along da Riles dito nakilala ang kanyang karakter na si Kevin Cosme. Sa sitcom na ito, ang mga tauhan ay namumuhay sa gilid ng riles. Tumagal din ng halos labindalawang taon ang Home Along da Riles at dito nakatambal niya si Nova Villa at nakasama rin ang kanyang anak na si Vandolph. Pumatok sa takilya ang naturang sitcom dahil ayon sa ilan, hindi lamang puro pagpapatawa ang ipinapakita rito kundi maging ang tipikal na buhay ng isang Pilipino na sa kabila ng kakulangan ay nagpapakita pa rin ng positibong pananaw sa buhay. Sinundan pa ito ng sequel na pinamagatang Home Along da Airport na umere noong 2003 kung saan sa tabi naman ng paliparan nakatira ang pamilyang Cosme. Sinundan pa ito ng marami pang mga palabas gaya ng John en Shirley na hango sa naunang John en Marsha at Quizon Avenue. Sa kabuuan nagkaroon siya ng 16 na programa sa telebisyon hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ang Pagkilala sa Isang Hari Hinahangaan si Dolphy dahil sa

kanyang paraan ng pagpapatawa na hindi lamang nalilimita sa iisang estilo. Nakilala ang Comedy King sa slapstick, deadpan, at mga one-liner na teknik ng komedya. Mapapelikula, telebisyon o stand-up comedy, hindi kailanman nabigo si Dolphy na patawanin ang kanyang mga manonood. Kaya hindi nakapagtataka na sa kanya pa ipinangalan ang isang uri ng pain killer o gamot para sa sakit ng katawan. Dahil sa kanyang kapuri-puring talento ng pagpapatawa, naging usap-usapan ang paggawad sa kanya ng National Artist Award. Ang naturang parangal ay iginagawad sa mga Pilipinong malaki ang naiambag sa pag-unlad ng sining sa bansa sa larangan ng musika, teatro at pagtatanghal, sayaw, sining, visual, at iba pa. Bagamat marami ang sumasangayon na karapat-dapat lang na ibigay kay Dolphy ang parangal na ito, may mga manunulat at mga kilalang personalidad sa media ang bumabatikos sa pagsasaganap ng Comedy King sa mga bading. Ayon kay Nicanor Tiongson ng Cultural Center of the Philippines Chief, ang pagsasalarawan ni Pidol sa mga bading sa kanyang mga naunang pelikula bilang walang saysay na miyembro ng lipunan ay mapanghamak at mapanlait. Gayunpaman, itinuturing pa rin ni Tiongson ang Comedy King bilang isa sa mga haligi ng Pinoy showbiz. Muling umugong ang usapan hinggil sa National Artist Award noong pumanaw si Dolphy. Marami sa kanyang mga tagahanga ang nagsasabing hindi sapat ang parangal na ito upang kilalanin ang nagawa ng Comedy King para sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. Marami rin ang nagtatanong, Kinikilala lang ba ang kontribusyon ng isang tao kapag itoy pumanaw na? Paalam,Mang Pidol Tuluyan nang natapos ang makulay na karera ng hari ng komedya nang pumanaw siya noong ika-10 ng Hulyo 2012 ng 8:34 p.m sa Makati Medical Center(MMC)

dahil sa komplikasyon sa kanyang baga. Milyong-milyong Pilipino, kabilang na ang mga kaibigang artista, manunulat, at mga sumubaybay sa kanyang mga pagganap sa pelikula, ang nagluluksa sa kanyang pagkawala. Ipinagluluksa ng Sambayanang Pilipino ang paglisan ng isang hari na naging bahagi na ng kanilang buhay; isang hari na hindi man nila nakilala sa personal ay pinatawa pa rin sila sa pamamagitan ng kanyang mga palabas sa telebisyon, radyo at sa pelikula. Marami ang nagtatanong kung maaapektuhan ng kanyang pagpanaw ang buong industriya ng Pinoy showbiz. Kung tutuusin, mahirap nga naman talagang sundan ang kanyang mga nagawa. Marami man ang tanyag na mga komedyante ngayon, katulad ni Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, Ai-ai Delas Alas at Eugene Domingo, nag-iisa pa rin si Mang Dolphy sa puso ng mga Pilipino. Matapos ang mahaba-habang paghahatid niya ng libo-libong katatawanan at saya sa milyon-milyong Pilpino, tuluyan na ngang nagsara ang kurtina ng kanyang tanghalan. Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang pagpanaw, di na maiaalis ang mga iniwan niyang kontribusyon at mga alaala lalong lalo na sa sining ng Komedya.

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Isinulat nina : Jasmine Sibayan, Aaron Manzano Iginuhit nina: Palmer Gawaban, Joanna Lanuza

ng paghahanap ng isang ulirang lider ay maihahambing sa paghahanap ng karayom sa isang ektaryang bukirin. Naging bahagi na ng kulturang Pilipino ang pagluklok ng mga opisyal na tila nakakalimutan ang tunay na kahulugan ng serbisyo publiko. Para sa isang bansang naghihikahos, ang presensya ng isang ulirang lider ay isang inspirasyon at simbolo ng pag-asa sa masa, na sa pamamagitan ng kanyang tuwid na pamumuno ay makakabangon ang lahi mula sa kahirapan.
Unang Hakbang Para sa Kinabukasan Mula sa pagiging level 4 na lungsod ng Naga, napagsikapan niya na maalis ang paggamit at pagbenta ng mga bawal na droga, bahay aliwan, sugalan, talamak na pagnanakaw, at squatter areas. Ang pasisikap niyang ito ay naging dahilan upang mapabilang ang Naga City sa Most Improved Cities in Asia na naipakita sa Asiaweek magazine noong 1999. Hindi naging hadlang kay Jesse Manalastas Robredo ang pagiging pinakabatang mayor sa buong Pilipinas sa edad na 29 noong 1988 upang magampanan at matupad ang hiling ng isang Pinoy sa kung ano ang lider. Sa kanyang dalawampung taong termino, hindi na mabilang ang kanyang mga naging proyekto sa pagunlad ng kanyang bayan. Dahil mahirap lang ang lungsod noong nagsisimula pa siya, pinaunlakan niya ang kanyang mga mamamayan sa pagbabayad ng buwis, lalo na ang mga negosyante. At dahil dito, lubhang tumaas ang puhunan ng lungsod ng 1020 porsyento sa loob lamang ng sampung taon. Ang pagsilbi sa bayan ay walang pinipiling oras, tao, kaganapan o lugar. Kahit na mahirap at delikado, ang isang tunay na nanunungkulan para sa publiko ay walang inuurungang responsibilidad. Ika nga, exigency of service, isang katagang tila nakalimutan na ng maraming politiko. Aniya, ang mga mamamayan ang boss ng mga lider ng ating lipunan. Tayo ang dapat nilang pagsilbihan, at hind sila ang pagsisilbihan natin. SA TAKIPSILIM Nabalot ng dilim ng pagluluksa ang buong Pilipinas sa balitang pagbagsak ng eroplanong sinakyan ni Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Robredo. Noong ika-labingwalo ng Agosto 2012, ang pribadong eroplanong sinasakyan ni Robredo ay bumagsak sa dalampasigan ng Masbate. Pauwi na ang kalihim galing sa isang kumbensiyon ng mga pulis sa Cebu at sa araw na iyon sana nakatakda siyang dumalaw sa kanyang anak na si Jillian Therese para sa kanyang paligsahan sa paglangoy. Sa tatlong araw na paghahanap sa kanyang katawan ay natagpuan din ito sa layo na 700 na talampakan mula sa dalampasigan ng Masbate at sa lalim na 180 na talampakan. Nahanap din ang dalawang piloto ng eroplano na sina Captain Jessup Bahimting at ang Nepalese pilot student na si Kshitiz Chand. At sa tatlong araw na iyon, marahil doon lang natin lubos na nakilala ang isang lider na katulad ni Robredo. Marami tuloy ang nanghihinayang at nakakapagsabi, Bakit siya pa? Sa huling pamamaalam ng kanyang biyuda na si Atty. Leni Robredo, tinalakay niya ang pagiging simple ng kalihim. Gumagawa siya ng mga trabaho sa bahay at laging naka-puruntong at tsinelas lang siya tuwing pupunta sa labas ng kanilang bahay upang magpahangin o kaya naman ay makipag-usap sa kanyang mga mamamayan. Ito daw ay para maramdaman niya sa kanyang sarili na isa pa rin siyang karaniwang tao sa kanilang lugar. Ginawaran din ang namayapang kalihim ng Legion of Honor ng Pangulong NoyNoy bilang pagpugay sa serbisyong ibinigay nya sa bansa. Ang parangal na ito ay binibigay lamang sa mga namayapang mandirigma para ipagtanggol ang bayan. Kung nandito ngayon si Jesse, sabi ng kanyang byuda, marahil mahihiya iyon at hindi tanggapin ito, dahil sa umpisa, ayaw niyang maistorbo ang ibang tao. At kahit wala na siya, ang mga imbestigasyong nasimulan niya bago siya pumanaw ay nagsisilbing patunay na pagdating sa trabaho at paninilbihan para sa publilko wala siyang kinikilingan kundi ang taong bayan. Nawalan man tayo ng isang mabuting tagapagsilbi, sa kanyang paglisan tunay natin mas naintindihan ang ibig sabihin ng Serbisyo Publiko. Ang simpleng tsinelas na kumakatawan sa paninilbihan ni Robredo ay patunay na hindi kailanman hadlang ang katayuan sa buhay upang magsilbi para sa bayan. Gaya ng tsinelas, ang pagsilbi sa bayan ay ang pagtrabaho ng walang kaartehan. Maging sino ka man o ano man ang iyong propesyon o estado, ang karaniwang Pilipino ay isang mahalagang instrumento upang magudyok sa nakararami na may pagasa tayong umunlad. Lahat maaring magsimula ng pagbabago, lahat may karapatang maging lider ng pagbabago. Sabi nga nya, Ang karakter ng isang tao ang pinakamahalagang sangkap ng isang namumuno. Ang kakahayan at pagiging dalubhasa sa pamumuno ay matutunan. Ngunit, ang hinding hindi magbabago ay ang iyong tapat na paniniwala at marangal na pagkatao. Sa iyong katapatan at tunay na pagsilbi sa bayan, sumasaludo kami sa iyo Sec. Jesse. Paalam.

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aano mo ilalarawan ang pelikulang Pinoy? Natatawa ka pa rin ba sa mga lokal na komedya? Nasisindak ka pa rin ba ng mga horror movies? Nakikiramay ka ba sa mga tauhan sa tuwing sila ay nag-iiyakan?
Ang nilalaman ng librong ito ay malupit, mabagsik, maligasgas. Ang obrang ito ay hindi isang nobela, hindi rin sanaysay, hindi nga maituturing na libro. Ito ay isang sagradong movie script. Para itong movie script pero parang hindi rin nagmumukhang movie script. Oo, lubhang nakakalito. Ang Manunulat at ang Librong ala Pocketbook Si Bob Ong (di nya tunay na pangalan) ay isang modernong manunulat. Gumagamit siya ng impormal na wikang Filipino sa kanyang mga akda tulad ng ABNKKBSNPLAko?! (2001), Bakit Baliktad Magbasa ang mga Pilipino? (2002), Ang Paboritong Libro ni Hudas (2003), Alamat ng Gubat (2004), Stainless Longganisa (2005), MacArthur (2007), Kapitan Sino (2009) at Ang mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan (2010). Nakakatuwa man ang kanyang mga akda, ang mga ito naman ay puno ng aral at pananalamin sa buhay ng isang Pilipino. Ang Lumayo Ka nga sa Akin ay binubuo ng tatlong kwento. Ang bawat kwento ay tumutuligsa sa mga paulit-ulit at nakakasawang tema sa mga pelikula, gaya ng pagmamahalan sa pagitan ng isang mayaman at isang mahirap, at ang walang hanggang Shake, Rattle and Roll Series. BOOK 1: Bala sa Bala. Kamao sa Kamao. Satsat sa Satsat. Ang unang libro ay katulad ng iba pang aksyon film ng mga Pilipino at ang pagkakaiba lang ng libro ay ang pagsingit ni Bob Ong sa script ng kanyang mga opinyon. Bukod sa pagiging predictable, minsan nilalagyan ng pisikal na katatawanan dahill ayon sa libro, hindi kasi kayang i-process ng utak ng mga Pilipino ang wit sa dialogue at humor sa mga eksena. Hindi nga ba natin kaya? BOOK 2: Shake, Shaker, Shakest Ito ay isang paggaya sa walang sawa at hindi matapos-tapos na Shake, Rattle and Roll na pelikula. Sinabi ng isang tauhan sa kwento: Ang comedy natin, puro slapstick. Ang horror natin puro visual. Kayang lumikha ng mga Pilipino ng dekalidad na pelikula kung hindi tayo mangongopya ng iba at mag iisip ng bagong kwento. Napagusapan din sa pangalawang libro ang Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc), mga istasyon ng radyo at mga palabas sa telebisyon. Sinasabing malaking impluwensya ang mga ito sa mga kabataan ngayon at sa kanilang pag-uugali. Kung ano ang nakikita at naririnig natin sa araw-araw, nagiging yon tayo. Kinokondisyon tayo ng mga patalastas na hindi tayo masaya, na laging may kulang sa buhay natin. Tatlo ang magulang ng henerasyon natin. Ang tatay, ang nanay, at ang mga patalastas o media. Kaya kung mahina yung dalawang nauna, naaagawan sila nung pangatlo sa pagpapalaki sa bata. Ang araw ng mga kabataan ngayon ay hindi nabubuo hanggat hindi sila nakakapag-Log In sa Facebook or Twiiter, hindi nakakapagbasa ng mga nasa News Feed nila, hindi nakakapaglagay ng status at hindi nakakapanood ng telebisyon. Gusto nila parati silang in o sunod sa uso. BOOK 3: Asawa ni Marie Ito ay umiikot sa istorya ng pagibig, panlilinlang, kapusukan, kahirapan, kasakiman, at pantasya. Matutunghayan dito ang masalimuot na buhay ni Marie na iibig nang tunay na tututulan ng pagkakataon. Masasaksihan ang pagtibok ng puso, pagbabagong anyo, paghihilamos ng putik, pakikipagniig sa ibabaw ng ibat ibang puno, pagtataksil at paghahanap ni Marie ng kabiyak. Sa librong ito, tinatalakay ang pagpatay ng

komersyalismo sa sining. Mas madami nga naman kasing pera ang kayang ibigay ng mga patalastas sa mga producers kaysa sa ating mga manonood. Nanonood man tayo ng libre dahil sa mga patalastas na ito, binabayaran naman natin sila ng oras sa panonood natin dito. Ang libro ay inilathala noong Disyembre, ang buwan na kung saan pinapalabas sa mga sinehan ang mga kasali sa Metro Manila Film Festival upang magsilbing eye-opener sa publiko. Ito ang isa sa pinakamasakit na isinulat ni Bob Ong. Lumalabas sa tatlong libro ang pagiging tryinghard ng mga direktor at artista na ang mga akala nilang dapat hanayan na nakikihanay lang din naman sa mga dapat hanayan. Bilang isang mambabasa, nakaapekto ang librong ito sa aking pananaw sa mga pelikulang Pilipino. Karamihan kasi sa atin ay hinuhusgahan na agad ang isang pelikulang Pilipino na korni kahit ito ay di pa natin napapanood. Binabase natin ang mga bagong labas na pelikula sa mga pelikulang napanood na natin at inaakalang parehas lang din ang nilalaman ng mga ito sapagkat parehas din lang na Pilipino ang direktor at mga tauhan. Pero hindi lahat ng inaakala mong korni, e korni. Minsan ikaw lang din talaga ang walang sense of humor at may diperensya, siguro dahil sa pinipilit mong maging iba. Madaming matatamaan sa sinabing yan ni Bob Ong at isa na ako dun. Sinabi din niya na, Ang mahilig magsabi ng korni ay e yung mga taong pa-deep. May mga pelikulang Pilipino sadyang nakakatuwa pero may mga nakokornihan pa rin. Kung gusto mong matawa, dapat paminsan-minsan magpakababaw ka. Huwag nga lamang sumobra Sa kabuuan, ang librong ito ay tumalakay sa lahat ng mga panget at mali sa industriyang Pilipino. Pinaghalo-halo lahat ni Bob Ong at ginawang nobela. Pero nakalimutan niyang may benepisyo din naming nakukuha sa mga industriyang Pilipino, yun nga lang mas nakakalamang lang talaga ng madami ang mga kasahulan nito. Ang mga telenobela, bukod sa madaming patalastas at paulit-ulit na kwento, ay isang paraan ng mga Pilipino sa sandaliang pagtakas sa mga reyalidad ng buhay.
Isinulat ni: Deria Fatima Meneses Iginuhit ni: Boom Kuha ni: Lynard Misa

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Blisters and Blood
By Sulidad

PANAGSUBLI PART 3
By Jennielou Pigao Nagagetak idi umuna. Napno ti regta ti plumak Nga mangikitkitikit ti balbalikas. Naimpusuan a panagsurat inikkak ti biag. Talek impaay da kanyak. Lumbes ti aldaw nga aglanganak pay a mangan tapno malpas ti maysa a obra. Napaisemak ti napait. Kunak nu agtultuloy daytoy a ballaigi. Ngem dimteng ti aldaw Nga nakaaramidak ti maysa a biddut A nagpasangit kanyak. Naawan ti ragsak ko nga agsurat. Naawan ti ganaygay ko nga agibbet ti balbalikas. Awanen ti regta ti pluma. Awanen ti dati a siak. Awanen ti panagtalek. Awanen. Ngem naamiris ko ti biddut. Naglemmeng ni bain ket nagsubli ni tured. Masapul a maisublik ti dati a siak. Ta nu panawak daytoy a pagayatak, Kasla isu met la ti pakatayak. Isu nga agsubliak. Agsubliak nu kunak, agsubliak.

The rush of adrenaline couldnt curb the hype veins receiving biased excitement just that, a blot of passe. Creating a genuine counterfeit Of pompous bravado A parasite that reeks of ignorance and lives off on impertinence and debts. Your friends laughed at you, with you and the faux pas that you make of yourself is astoundingly foolish. You never guessed right, really. it was all the praise that you need it was enough to put you there, a pedestal built in second hand stitches of ruined stockings and threads and a crown on your head for your brilliance ~ a joke that forced people on their knees Come now, hear this turn the noise down and continue to be deaf disbelief is a hurt that continues to gnaw But then again so is the mask that you hide your face in slowly scraping the skin off of crimson red blisters and blood that envelope my sky Ive prayed for control, prayed harder for patience painted dark grays of fury on the walls that I built my shell has grown harder and absence has not made it fonder still the chills of your ego has prodded me to emesis Thick. Green. Disgusting. My lips whispered gratitude My cheeks embraced realization Thank you for the hands that drugged me Hell was a blessing because evil showed me that I needed to live and love be damned.

Ulan
By Gener Gapuz Jr.
Himig ng karimlang nagkukubli sa katahimikan Sa mga ulap na puti nakahimlay Hinihintay ang pagapaw ng kaban Hudyat para sa pagsabog ng mga patak ng luha, Siya ring pagbuhos ng emosyong sakit at pighati Tama na. Sobra na. Pag-abuso ay din na masikmura Sige, Ulan na. Bahain ng pagsisisi ang bawat isa Tama bang saksakin ka patalikod? Ginto ang ibinigay, pagbalik ay kinalawang na bakal Ubos na ang pisi ng pagtitiis Damhin mo ang bagyo Iyan ang suka ng sarili mong kababuyan Hintayin mo kung kailan titila ang ulan Saka mo sabihin kung sino ang may sala.

WANT
by fast hands I sought to write you a poem. I needed to sketch out your smile in the darkness, your eyes in the twilight. I craved to create a world where your fingers interlace with mine. I fancied to imagine your moan echo along the moonshine. I wanted to fictionalise the possibility of passionate love making in the shower. I planned to write novels about the caress of your flesh against mine. I aspired to write you in symbolism. I aimedto immortalise you in imagery. I cannot. You are genuine. I can write you, but I wont. Instead, I will memble thank you to the stars, and love you from afar.

LANOT
By Christian Kelvin Gonzales Ti lanot a kumalkalatkat Natayag bakbakras kabanbantayan Agtudo wenno aginit Agbagyo, agkimat wenno gurruod Ngem ti lanot addanto a kumalkalatkat. Yarigko man bagik ken toy ayatko kenka A napnuan lagda, ta umayak Agsadag dita arpadmo Tapno maep-ep iliwko

Literary

Words by: MarcJay Lakay illustration by: Boom

abi nila, ang edukasyon daw ay isang karapatan. Isa raw itong biyayang ipinagkaloob para sa lahat ng may pangarap.
Ako rin naman ay may pangarap pero sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mga bakas ng aking mga paa sa lupa, may tanong na nagbabakat sa aking gunamgunam at napapaisip tuloy ako: Isa ba ako sa mapalad na napagkalooban ng ganoong karapatan? Tag-ulan na naman! Dumating na ang kinaiinisan kong mga araw sa kalendaryo. Paano ba naman, kailangan ko na namang madikit sa maputik na lupa. Kailangan ko na namang madulas ng ilang beses at magbanlaw sa madaraanang mga ilog. Mas tumindi na naman ang pagod na daranasin ko at ng mga kasama ko sa mahabang biyahe ng kaalaman. Nakakatamad! Pero kailanganGanoon talaga siguro ang mga taong may pangarap--may pinaghuhugutan. Kaunting tiis na lang Makakapagtatapos na rin ako ng elementarya at makaktuntong na rin ako sa Hayskul. Nagbunga na rin ang mga paghihirap ko. May narating din ang halos anim na taong pagpupudpod ng paa. Pero teka, may narinig akong sabisabi sa mga nadaanan kong kabahayan sa baba noong akoy pauwi na. Ang sabi ng isang aleng patpatin a y pinahaba na naman daw ang edukasyon. Ano pa nga ba kundi nadagdagan na naman daw ng dalwang taon ang pag-aaral na kailangan bunuin. K+12 daw ang naturang programa ayon sa tinderang maalam din kung magsalita at halatang may kainaman ang buhay. Bahagya akong napatigil sa paglalakad, tila ba inagaw ng oras ang mabagal na pag-inog ng mundo. Kasabay nitoy animoy naantala rin ang pagkamit ko ng panandaliang lingap ng kaligayahan. Bakit kailangan na namang pahabain ang panahon ng pagsusunog ng kilay. Gaya ng mga langgam na magdamag sa pag-aapuhap para may maimbak na pagkain, gusto rin naming mag-uwi ng bagong kaalaman sa aming mga tahanan. Ilang taon na lakaran na naman ang kailangan kong bakatin sa mga bundok na aking dinaraanan? Ilang kagaya kong animoy lamang lupa na dahil sa nagsilbi nang tahanan ang matigas, maalikabok at minsay maputik na lupa sa kalagitnaan maging sa paanan ng bundok? Teka! Masyado na yata akong matanong sa hinaharap samantalang wala namang kasiguraduhan ang lahat. Ayon sa tindera, nahuhuli na raw kasi ang Pilipinas kumpara sa ibang bansa pagdating sa aspeto ng edukasyon. Kumbaga sa pagkain, panis na ang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa Bigyan daw natin ng pagkakataon ang bagong panukala at baka nga naman maging matagumpay! Marami na raw kasing improvement ang nasimulan at maging ang mga suliranin ay unti-unti ng nasosolusyunan, simula sa kakulangan sa guro, silidaralan, upuan, libro at iba pang primera klaseng pundasyon ng isang matatag na edukasyon.

Pero nasaan ang mga iyon? Bakit parang pinagkaitan ako ng lingap para mahagilap ang dunong na kanilang inilalapit? Hindi yata nila alam na marami pa ang kagaya kong babad sa ilalim ng araw o di kayay sa lilim ng ulan na patuloy na nagpapadyak ng gahabang oras para lamang marating ang pawid naming paaralan. 0Malayo pa yatang makumpleto ang mga silya sa aming silid-aralan. Habang naghihintay, tiis muna sa lamig ng yapos ng nanlilimahid na sahig! Para sa kagaya kong salat sa buhay at kayod-kalabaw sa paglalakad, wala ng kasiguraduhan ang ginhawang ninanasa. Sa layo at haba ng aking nilalakad, hindi ko na naaaninag ang aking pangarap. Kung gusto sana nilang makipagsabayan sa ibang bansa pagdating sa edukasyon, punan pa sana nila ang dapat punan sapagkat maraming kakulangan pa ang dapat dagdagan. Nagkandaloko-loko na! Siguro nga panis na ang dating kalakaran ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas, kung ikukumpara ito sa pagkain pero sa pananaw ko bilang may pangarap, parang mas lumala pa at nagkaroon pa ito ng mga pesteng uod. At kagaya ng pag-ubos ng mga uod sa panis na pagkain, inuubos na rin nito ang mga kagaya kong salat pero nagnanais pa ring may marating. Yaman at pagkain na rin lamang ang usapin, ang bagong sistema ng edukasyon ngayon ay hindi naman basta-bastang ulam na kapag isinubo ay pwedeng iluwa kung di kanais-nais ang lasa. Masyado nilang minadali ang pagluluto ng naturang resipi. Tuloy ay madali itong mapanis at mauod. Haay! Ngayon ko lang naramdaman ang ganito katinding pagod buhat sa paglalakad. Ang dami yatang nangyari sa daan? Ang dami yatang naglaro sa aking isipan habang naglalakad? Napaisip tuloy ako: Ang pangarap ko pala ay parang isang panaginip Ah! Makatulog na nga!

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echnology and the internet, in many aspects of our society, have become mandated necessities. Whether we like it or not, these have pervaded our lives to the point of saturating our very consciousness and our very existence. This 21st century marvel generated an information influx and has become a rapid fire privilege to many of us netizens, most especially in disseminating and receiving information for public consumption. Its a tough call to give out correct information in real time, but tougher still if that information could be the only difference in saving you and your family from an impending catastrophe. What better way to evade calamities than to actually know the details before it actually makes its very first strike. And in this particular scenario, PREDICTION certainly has gotten much better.
The Philippines may have become immune to facing typhoons perennially. But facing innumerable disasters with dire consequences including lives lost, infrastructures destroyed, education put on hold and businesses at dead ends have become burdens which are too heavy to take on. And perhaps, the only thing that we can grasp and hope is to become prepared for every catastrophic forecast. Consequently, to foretell what might happen is a crucial case. But what if todays multifaceted technology has paved the way to predict results and everyone could be a beneficiary, would you still doubt your safety? In response to the Filipino peoples plight and the PNOYs plea for enhanced disaster prevention in the country, the Science and Technology Department has proffered a project that serves as the antidote to the big problem of calamity preparedness in the Philippines. Hence, Project NOAH or the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards was conceived. It utilizes enhanced technologies and management services to offer disaster risk diminution acts. And since many of us are looking forward for government aids and amendments to assure the public enough safety measures during natural disasters, project NOAH has become that saving ark which can actually avert the destruction brought on by the whirlwind of super typhoons in the country. How does Project NOAH work? Regardless of the publics accessibility to televisions and radio as channels to know weather updates, this project particularly exploits the popularity of the internet to stipulate weather information online. Project NOAH is a website www.noah. dost.gov.ph that exhibits and imparts data for weather development and rain intensity in a particular area. It features the comprehensive mapping service via Google and other websites, allowing a person to navigate high resolution 3D maps for immediate tidings being acquired by means of satellites as well as a host of other PAGASA devices such as Water Level Monitoring Stations (WLMS), Automated Rain Gauges (ARG) and Doppler radars. The forecasts that will be acquired in the DOST website will serve as the latest updates that can be accessed from the monitoring station and flood radars. On the other hand, NOAH is not only used for flood monitoring but also a station for updating temperatures, areas liable to landslides, surges and coastal corrosions. Although the project was initially launched on July 6, DOST is yet to announce the date when Project NOAH will be fully utilized. More components are still needed to be installed in order for the project to be put in optimal function. The Project components NOAH introduces different weather constituents to provide eminent warnings to the people. The components will help the project convey up- to-date insular weather forecasts. The allocation of automated rain gauges and water level monitoring stations generally called as the Hydrometeorological devices (Hydromet) in hostile areas will be the first component. A total of 600 ARGs and 400 WLMS will be inducted along the 18 major river basins (RBs) in the country by the end of 2013. This will depict the outward water in relation to flooding. DREAM-LIDAR or the Disaster Risk Exposure Assessment for MitigationLight Detection and Ranging Project will be in charge for catering systematic floodmonitoring results. LIDAR is the optical aloof testing technology that generates the

Updates on the Go. Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) stays on top of the information chain by monitoring the heavy rains and traffic condition inside their weather and flood control panel.

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accuracy of structural or topographical maps, if partnered to DREAM, it will provide a good detection system for the countrys watersheds and most destructive areas during typhoons. Region 1 is situated in such a manner that it receives the waters from the Agno and Abra River basins. Consequently, this leaves nearby provinces such as Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union to deal with the raging waters from the opened dam during torrential rains. By means of the Hydromet and DREAM-LIDAR, one can monitor the rising water levels from nearby river basins and be forewarned of an impending disaster. Geohazard mapping is also in the works to enhance the topographical detection of flooding in particular areas. By December 2014, the agency expects to complete a series of computer aided analyses which shall locate exact areas prone to landslides.On the other hand, Coastal Hazards and Storm Surge Assessment and Mitigation (CHASSAM) is accountable for instituting data in wave surges and refraction as well as producing coastal circulation models to comprehend and propose solutions in case of coastal erosions. This could certainly accommodate a better schematic intervention for incidences of shorelines being washed away in Bauang. Another component will be the Flood Monitoring Network (FloodNet) project that will serve as a flood center in giving timely and reliable statistics for flood-monition. This will be in occurrence with computer models for crucial river basins to pre-set the process of data gathering, modelling and information output and emancipation of flood forecast.

Information and news feeds concerning the latest census of affected homes and local communities in the regional and national level are adequately provided in real time. Sufficient warnings about tidal waves or tsunamis can be quickly sent out in coastal communities based on the fast information loaded in the Project NOAH website. Incidentally, there are several barangays in the province of La Union which are comprised of fishing communities. The frequency of typhoons and tropical storm lashing out on these areas has cut these residents off from the rest of the suburbs and town proper. Among the other components, Landslide Sensors Development Project has the lowest outlay for early monitoring and warning system for slope disaster, debris flows and landslides. This project is locally developed for sensorbased system and has been deployed to seven places all over the country. Other sensors are expected to be installed in 50 more sites by 2013. Brace the innovation Notably, delayed weather storm signal announcements would need not be the reason why many Filipinos students, professionals, health care workers, farmers and fisher folks as well as businessmen tread chest high waters during heavy rains and thunderstorms or swim through raging rivers and flooded areas to save crops and agricultural products. It is somehow beneficial to me because although we havent experienced any inconvenience due to flood, at least well be able to know its status, Jan Rei Marcus Nuesca of College of Computer Studies and Engineering quoted. Along with the students are our local farmers who sometimes fail to set

their plans in disaster preparedness because of the last-minute warnings or even out-dated forecasts of PAGASA. Nasayaat nga nangaramid da met iti baro nga programa panggep iti balita jay bagyo, says Manong Isidro Tabilin, a local farmer from Sevilla. Problema mi net gamin nu maminsan, kapigsaan iti tudo na jay bagyon, sa da pay lang ikuna dagiti dapat kuma ket naaramid min. (Its good that they made a new program for the easier access of news about upcoming typhoons. It is also our problem during the storm about announcements on what to do.) He adds that the project would help us become more prepared. Project NOAH undertakes enormous responsibilities in order to postulate public safety. With DOST in the lead position, Project NOAH includes other proficient organizations and agencies like PHIVOLCS, DILG and UP National Institute of Geological Sciences and Department to name a few. The agencies work in close collaboration for the adequate deliverance of forecasts. It facilitates the real time posting of information on the website of these agencies. With the introduction of the Project NOAH, perhaps the concept of delayed information dissemination would cease. As the government does its part in ensuring a safer place for every Ilocano or Filipino during disaster and calamities, we should also be discriminate enough in identifying scenarios which require us to heed warning signs, not just from posted news feeds online or radio announcements or TV broadcasts but definitely from the obvious venting out of Mother Nature. Besides, science and technology could only do so much help, that is, unless we remain oblivious to the things we need to change.

Words Words by: Jessica Guray illustration by: Palmer Gawaban Jr.

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uring our elementary days, the dirt was our playground and running barefoot under the heat of the sun was always the ultimate high. We never seem to get tired of screaming Saved! or Huli Ka! despite our mothers stern warnings of staying clean and not looking like the village hobo.We never minded if the neighbor shouted vehemently about public disturbance and violently demanded us to move our games some place else. Rain or shine, weekdays or weekends, hot or cold, as long as the whole neighborhood kids converge, those afternoon olympic delights were always the happiest of our childhood years.
Sipa. Tagu-taguan. Luksong Tinik. Pitik Bulag. Tatsing. Dama. Patintero. Tumbang Preso. Chinese Garter. These are but few of the games which elicit fond memories of our childhood.These traditional games have part and parcel become a daily routine of a typical Filipino kid. Without the dirty fingernails holding on to a piece of can, a wooden stick, worn out slippers or a red garter, we would always feel that something is missing. These games may have been rugged, rough and untidy but our exposure to it have positively molded our formative years as a child. They are imperatively an important aspect to learning the basic skills about people, life and survival. But the question is, are these games on the brink of extinction? Will it survive among the massive crescedo of the internet age and the popularity of gadgets? And more importantly, have the Filipino youngsters forgotten what it is to play the basic traditional Pinoy games? TRADITIONAL VS. MODERN True enough, the advent of the family computer, nintendo games and the play station have began the switch of the kids game preference from the traditional to the modern. With the increased popularity of foreign-influenced sports and technologically engineered games, the idea of globalization in the premises of our own nation is inescapable. At present, Filipino children and teens have undeniably become fascinated with technology and gaming trends online. Foreign games and sports such as volleyball, basketbal, soccer, billiards and boxing have created avid fanbases for several years and may have overshadowed what is uniquely ours. In addition, social networking sites which offer games to its users have contributed to this fad. Out of the 60 children interviewed by the staff, 80 percent said that they prefer computer games rather than the traditional ones. 15 percent prefer to stick with traditional games while the 5 percent left are undecided. Most of us even consider playing Luksong Tinik, Taguan and Patintero as very outdated or baduy compared to the concepts and names of the modern games and sports that are very appealing and in-demand. Tatsing vs. Tetris Battle, Killer Killer vs. Counter Strike, Shatong vs. DOTA, 1020 vs. Tug of War. The mere names of our traditional games are not-so catchy, too cheesy, barbariotic which unnecessarily demote them behind the shadows of Uncle Sams beguilling games. Come to think of it, if you compare the nomenclature of those mentioned, the latter is more catchy than the former. Tumbang Preso does certainly sound like an assassination of a prison convict. Online games such as DOTA, Ragnarok and Dragon Nest provide a certain amount of thrill to players without having to endure the heat of the sun, running around and getting exhausted or dealing with cheaters during the match. Computer games and social networking are indeed two of the most sought-after recreations generating a legion of fanatics. This is one of the reasons why priorities such as studies and

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Luksong Tuwa. Highly entertaining for both the young and the young at heart, Luksong Baka tests your physical strength and flexibility. Dare to do a mid-air split?

socialization are often neglected. Instead of doing assignments, students

tend to focus more in upgrading their levels, item build and skill, not of the player, but of the characters they use in the Role Playing Games (RPG). When asked which he prefers more, Kelvin a.k.a Fast Hands immediately answered, Online games. Why? Wala naman na akong kalaro kapag traditional, he concludes. Other respondents added that these cybergames actually give them the ultimate high. Many of the respondents mentioned that its a stress reliever, an effective antiboredom strategy and most of all kumikitang kabuhayan. The money involved in betting against players during battle net tournaments is staggeringly high. Kids and teens in computer shops as well as avid online gamers plunge in the pot money ranging from hundreds to thousands to millions depending on the nature of the conference. It may seem frivolous for outsiders but the games are serious businesses and income generating schemes for the players. Hence, the more that Pinoys become more attached and absorbed with these games, the more the traditional Pinoy games are

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Entrance, Entrance. Confusing the enemy is the name of the game. In order to make successful saves, patintero players must taunt the opposing team and find weak spots where they can slip through.

own.

The idea is indeed frustrating, but is undoubtedly true. TRAD-GAMES IN THE 21st CENTURY With the threat of total disappearance of the traditional games, Kabataan Partylist Representative Ramon Palatino proposed House Bill No. 7103 or the Philippine Traditional Games or Sports Act which aims to preserve and integrate those Laro ng Lahi in the Physical Education or P.E. subject. But years after the proposition of the said bill, as expected, not one reading has been done and as always, HB 7103 has gone with the wind. We need not to look to our newspapers to figure that our country is connected with the increased challenges of the modern century. The intense competition between safeguarding traditional games in the middle of the increased popularity of computer games and foreign sports takes into consideration. In order to keep pace with modern concepts, traditional games nowadays are modified and given neoteric or modernistic views. For instance, Patintero which is normally played and guarded by five members was turned into a six-member game in order to accommodate more players. Some games are also accompanied by certain twists or consequences to add enthusiasm, thus making it more interesting and encouraging, such as in the Luksong Baka that if you would not be able to jump over your opponent, you are forced to do some sit-ups or curl-ups. Since last year, the Physical Education department actually incorporated several Laro ng Lahi games into the curriculum for first year and second year students. It has in fact stimulated the desire of the students to be reacquainted with what could have been possibly lost in the addiction of online gaming. PLAYING REAL Traditional games have been very influential for years. During the early times, these customary leisures served as a ground

threatened and possibly pushed to its own demise. It is an eye-opener we tend to foster and settle on games which are unparallel from the way we played ours before. We are adopting foreign ideas,and worst disregarding the conventional customs. We tend to compromise with the westerners and imbibe their games as if it is our

in unwinding and expressing themselves in the midst of chaos brought about by foreign invasion. It has also served as the official comrade of every Filipino child. The increased effect this has brought in the total development of a child in terms of physical fitness, emotional constancy, mental stability and social skills is obvious thus created impact for over the years. Elders would always say that children before were more attentive,creative and active compared with the children of today. Perhaps, it has to do something with the imagination and interaction towards peers integrated with the traditional games rather than with the virtual interface with four-squared friends in online games. As follows, it is not just about executing or preserving the games for heritages sake. But it is for the sake of realizing our worth as a Filipino. Continuous practice of old ways and customs is never too barriotic. As they say, the past is a continuation of the present and subsequently, the future. If we would not be able to value our past traditions then we would never move forward or worse, we would remain forever stagnant. This is not just about protecting traditional games, it is also about patronizing our own customs. I am not saying you need to deactivate your Facebook accounts after reading this article in order to show your willingness to preserve our traditional concepts nor am I demanding that you drop everything cyber-related. What I am saying is that we should not leave our fate to Simsimi, NBA, Football, Basketball, Facebook nor leave our priorities in exchange of a six-hour Dota battle. Updated is better than outdated as they say. If we could not totally eradicate our colonial mentality, then we could at least creatively turn these games into something we could be proud of. After all, nothing is more worthwhile than the REAL thing, and that includes getting down, being a child, having fun and playing dirty.
Words by: Jennielou Pigao Photos by: Erika Alyanna Bobiles illustration by : Jesther Rowen Bugtong Bautista

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ack in the 70s and 80s, PBAs popularity was at its peak, reaching legendary status in Philippine pop culture. PBA stars were considered equals of movie stars. These days however, gone are the scrambles for tickets to watch the PBA games. Except for its out-of-town activities, the games are not packed and one rarely hears post game buzz on the streets.
PBA stars, while as good and even probably better (and better paid) than yesterdays stars, do not captivate the hearts of mainstream society. In its place, college basketball, i.e. the UAAP games, especially games between Ateneo and De La Salle have become the new sports spectacle for Filipinos, at least in Metro Manila. Gate receipts of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) are declining. Even television viewership started to dwindle. What happened to the PBA? More importantly, what will it take for the PBA to bring back its glory days? Too many Fil-Ams What started out as a good thing (Fil-Ams adding spice, variety and upgrading the skill level of the talent pool of the PBA) has now become a bane that is sucking the popularity right out of the league. The arrival of foreign athletes with Filipino lineage that started in the 1999-2000 season due to the shortness of local talents after rival Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) started to have its share may also be considered a factor in the decline of PBAs popularity. The move also led the PBA into controversy. Many of the said expatriate athletes had questionable lineage with most of them deported for falsifying documents. Now, why a factor? If I am a student of any of the college or university that is a member of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA), Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA), Universities and Colleges of Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA), or any other collegiate basketball league in the country, I will definitely follow the basketball career of my campus basketball hero all the way to the professional league. However, since PBA franchises opted for Fil-foreign players of whose collegiate basketball background I never had the chance to follow; my campus idol shall have a slim chance to be drafted in the professional league unless, of course, he has exceptional basketball skills. Another thing, the leagues move in drafting Fil-foreign players over homegrown players appears to be an insult to the basketball-adoring nation as it appears that these expatriate athletes are better than our homegrown cage talents. Therefore, the PBA should stop

hiring Fil-foreign athletes and start to hire local talents. Anyway, there is an abundance of local talents since rival MBA had ceased since 2002. Look, players from the National Collegiate Athletic Association and University Athletic Association of the Philippines bring their fans to the PBA. Players from the provinces bring their Cebuano, Ilonggo, Ilocano or Capampangan fans to the PBA. But what fans do Fil-Ams, who come directly from US colleges and universities bring to the PBA. Nothing. Zilch. Nil. Gone are the days when PBA viewership is on top of the household agenda when it comes to TV viewing since local rival networks at that time were

governmento w n e d and local TV programs then were not as competitive as it is today. The avalanche of teleseryes and koreanovelas over the Pinoys primetime has ultimately replaced basketball superstars. Too Short for the Game Basketball is no longer the countrys favorite pastime. Filipinos started to accept the fact that said sport is only for tall people. With a country where the average height for male is between 54 to 5 5, a lot of Filipinos started to believe that there is no future in Philippine basketball when it comes to international recognition. It is true that the Philippines dominated Asian basketball in the early half of the previous century but this is because the Filipinos were the first Asians that learned the sport after being under the American occupation. When the rest of Asia started to learn and master the game, the Philippines went out of contention in the Asian scene and was relegated to dominate Southeast Asia where the average height of males are almost

Philippines Prominent Sport. The availability of basketball courts everywhere and institution of local basketball leagues prove that basketball is still the number one sport in the country. PBA NBA:

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the same. Likewise, at the turn of the century, interest in sports shifted to those with no height requirements, such as billiards, after Efren Bata Reyes won the World 9-ball Championship in 1999; boxing, after the emergence of Manny Pacquiao, an eightdivision world champion as the worlds number one pound-for-pound best boxer; and now soccer, after the national soccer team, popularly called Azkals, qualified for the AFC Challenge Cup for the first time and recording their first ever victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers by beating Sri Lanka on July 3, 2011. To revert back the Filipinos interest in basketball, the PBA, must regain supremacy in Asian basketball. And hence, achieve the popularity that was once theirs. Poor choice of TV networks There are two broadcast networks which corner the bulk of advertising money: GMA 7 and ABSCBN. T h e reason is simple. They are the best. T h e y h a v e the best facilities a n d equipment. They have the best talent both on cam and behind the camera. A n d they have the best marketing teams which can market, promote and get advertising money for their products, talents and programs. Both networks can do so many things for the PBA that none of the PBAs previous media partners could do. Best equipment and facilities? Check. Cross promotion with other popular programs in the network so that the PBA is offered to the young market, the womens market, and not just the mass market which is the PBAs bread and butter? Check. Tap into the overseas market? Check. So why hasnt the PBA teamed up with either network? Currently, the PBA has partnered with AKTV (branch of TV5). Whats wrong with AKTV? Well, other than the fact that its not ABS-CBN or GMA 7, its also the broadcaster of the National Basketball Association games. No matter how you slice it, the PBA has just become the NCAA to ABS-CBNs UAAP. Meaning the PBA comes across as second best to the NBA right in its own broadcast station on AKTV.

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Embracing International Hoops. Filipinos are big fans of international basketball leagues like the NBA and FIBA which offer better athletes, amazing hoops, more exciting games and better broadcast.

Failure to Develop the Sport The reason the PBA is declining and becoming as irrelevant as the Philippine Basketball League is because it has failed in its social responsibility to help develop and promote the sport of basketball. The PBA has been here for more than three decades, but have you heard of an institutionalized effort by the league to reach out to the provinces, to the barangays, to the schools to teach the fundamentals of basketball to young aspiring basketball players? Have you heard the league to regularly organize seminars or like programs to train coaches from the provinces, from schools or from barangays? How about referees? Have you heard of the PBA going to the grassroots to teach referees to become better at their craft? And if the PBA as an institution has not done its part to develop basketball, whats stopping the individual PBA teams from doing their share on their own? So why are these ball clubs not holding seminars for coaches, referees and yes young basketball players to help improve the sport of basketball? Why are these teams and their coaching staffs not going to the provinces, to schools and barangays to teach the sport that they have spent millions upon millions to be so good at? The result is the steady decay and decline of the quality of our basketball players compared to players of other countries. So, if the PBA had done its homework and performed its social responsibility for the past 37 years, would the Philippines be still the best in Asia in basketball? Maybe. Maybe not. But certainly there would have been more young aspiring basketball players who could have benefited from better training and more basketball coaches who could have benefited from training provided by the best basketball minds

in the country. Basketball as a sport as well as the public which loves to watch and play the sport would have been better served. Bringing Back the Glory What will it take for the PBA to bring back its glory days? Several issues come to mind. These are only some of the things that may help bring back the PBA to its glory days. The organizers must re-establish an environment which fosters a newfound spirit of competition and enthusiasm not just for the players and the teams but also for its much neglected fans. Many of these plans include a more Sustained Involvement in Asian Competitions which shall give more opportunity for the association more spotlight in the sports. It is also important that there is a development of an Affinity-Based Format, a nurturing of power hungry Rivalries and a revision of the Games Structure and Format. PBA should never revere itself as the top ranking basketball league this days if it will not reconsider an overhaul of their plan and marketing strategy that would simply enhance the PBA Brand and Logo. After all, the association has withstood the test of time, it can certainly withstand the popularity contest happening in the leagues. Not adapting to the countless revolutionary marketing developments for the last three decades was unwise, to say the least. But to be conservative about adapting to such trends would be corporate foolhardiness, and a great tragedy for Philippine basketball. It would be a shame if the brilliant light that has shone on PBA for several decades would be extinguished.
Words by: Christian Kelvin Gonzales illustration: Swedelyn Mencias

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