War: who’s to blame?

WAR is sometimes a "necessary evil." But, it is still evil and it should be avoided at all cost. In the absence of war, we have peace where growth and development can prosper. In armed conflicts or violent hostilities – war, whether amongst political movements and local communities or between nations and allies, will always be more costly in terms of social disruptions and economic destructions (Abarece, 2013).

The month of September seemed a frightening commotion to the people in Zamboanga City as the war outbreaks in the place between the colonial Philippine occupation soldiers and the Bangsamoro freedom fighters of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Various reports include the city schools, public offices and businesses closed; food, medicine, toiletries, and other basic needs supplies running out; thousands stranded as commercial flights and ferry services were suspended; and at least 60 people have been killed and 52 wounded. Thousands fled their homes as some were used as human shield and hundreds of houses were burned down to ashes.

Who will be accountable for the damages and injuries? Who will shoulder the costs of rebuilding the lives of the thousands of civilian victims? And the biggest question is, who to be blame? Is it the MNLF or the government or we, the nature of people?

These questions bothered many Filipinos not just those who lived in Mindanao. It occurred because of personal interests and desires to take something from its enemy. Both the government and the MNLF should ponder about the possible effect of this conflict. When one request is not granted, a revolution immediately occurred that produced “War”. War is not the solution to such misunderstandings and disagreements of disapproved requests because at the end, the innocent people will be the most affected. Sometimes such mentality of development for one’s own good delivers undesirable result.

Many would think it’s the MNLF who to be blame because they started the killings. They did immoral acts to Filipinos because of their selfishness, yet many of us failed to look on the real reason why this group plotted this way. The government has also a big part in this war, especially on the way they responded to the terrorist’s intervention of asking for a do-or-die battle. Instead of making a process of fixation on the problem in respect to September 2, 1996 MNLF-OIC-GRP Jakarta Peace Agreements, the government withheld an off-thinking decision of war. It is the duty of the government to protect its state that is why they have said they did what is the best for the nation.

Whoever started or caused it, each one is accountable to act for peace. Each one has the tendency to think for his or her self only, but should at the same time consider the majority. The greediness to power may lead to unhealthy and disastrous living in this world. Instead, of cooperating and making every necessary action to maintain the harmony, we have the attitude of wanting war to exist in order to get benefit from it. Thus, we have no difference to the MNLF who we labeled as selfish people. Taking advantage of war for one’s own interest is an immature way of looking into it because this may destroy what is important to us, both family and society.

Whatever is the reason behind the credulous war in Zamboanga City, one thing is sure it brought no good to everyone because many lives have lost for such mischievous act. It may shatter life that will shed tears and blood. This will also hinder each one to live together in progress for an aim to improve. It is the fact that war need to end and it will depend on us: MNLF, government, and the people. Pointing fingers will never solve war, but instead pointing and giving emphasis to peace talk as well as resolution will do better. Who to be blame? No one knows, yet we have the right to say and support for PEACE rather than WAR because at the end if this war will continue, no one will win, both will lose.                                                                  

Read More

High Price-Rice Commotion

One afternoon on July 11, 2013 at around 7:00 p.m., I arrived home. Feeling tired and awful, I decided to sit on one of our chair furniture in front of the television screen. I turned on the TV and leaned my back to relax.

            “…This sector grew 3.3 percent in the first three months of 2013. This is triple the 1.1 percent growth it recorded in the same time period in 2012. That is why we continue to sow initiatives that will certainly bear the fruits of even greater progress for our farmers…” a familiar voice caught my attention when I approached the TV screen. “Oh! Today is his SONA”, I exclaimed. I seriously listened to the replay of Aquino’s 3^rd State of the Nation Address. I felt really like an innocent child on what he said about the improvement of the country maybe because I only heard or watched over the news- about the economic development- yet haven’t experienced it.

            As a student, I’m aware on the burden of our country because I’ve been into it, but such appraisal on his SONA was unexpected. I continuously listened and he continued talking about his ways to decrease problems on poverty and crimes as well as the progress of living under his administration. Korina Sanchez and Ted Failon reported the situation outside the Malacañang. Such a historical SONA in our country makes many people wait for another hopeful statement from the considered most trustworthy President in the Philippines. People were interviewed and many still admired Pnoy in despite of some issues regarding his leadership.

            “Such a funny thing that happened in the market”, my mother told me from behind. “What?” I asked. “I’ve been in the market to buy five kilos of rice. I was shocked with its price- now from the normal range of Php. 30.00 - Php. 35.00 to Php. 38.00 – Php. 50.00. The usual household ingredients like cooking oil, spices, jams, milk, and utensils or materials used at home also have uncontrollable high prices.” she said as she put the groceries on the table. “…the vendor bragged and said, ‘high price commodities are due to oil price hike…’ when I’ve asked him, why?” she added.

            My mother was amused and told the vendor sarcastically, “Did you add gasoline in your rice?!” We both laughed as my mother stand and went straight to the kitchen.

            I’ve been thinking that my mother was joking, but she showed the reality behind Pnoy’s positive declaration of economic growth. Despite the perception that Pnoy took a “tuwid na daan” towards life betterment, many people haven’t seen it or even felt a bit of it yet because though he took the straight path, other officials procured the opposite one. That is why the latest high price commotion bothers many Filipinos; some says there is a rice shortage, others proclaim that it’s a hoarding agenda. Whatever the reason, Filipinos are the most affected with this issue. We cannot escape from poverty if diverged personal interests arouse from the individuals in the government. If government continues to take advantage over the whims of its countrymen, surely we will remain a poor country; hard works and labor of the Filipinos will remain useless. The issue on Janette Napoles and three senators proved the greediness and selfishness of some people to power without even thinking about the possible negative effects to their nation.

            But though this is the reality today, one thing the Filipinos should remember is to keep the fire burning for hope that there will still be change in the future. They should never stop smiling and working hard to live no matter what the price is or what the cost will be.

                                                          

                                Jonnafe Mae A. Prongco

Read More

Filipinas or Pilipinas?

As the month of June was about to end, a new issue arouse in the country leaving this question unanswered, “Is it going to be ‘Filipinas’ or ‘Pilipinas’?”

Before we answer that let’s first discuss how this question came up to the news. According to the recent update, a resolution was moved that instead of using the ‘Pilipinas’, it will be revolted to the name ‘Filipinas’ as the official name of the country. The aim is to promote the country’s official and modern name that would definitely mirror the country’s history and development along with this month’s ‘Buwan ng Wika.’

Furthermore, they intend to scrap first the name ‘Philippines’ since it showed that the Americans’ rule was still retained in the minds of the Pinoys and also the name ‘Pilipinas’ since this name was just used as a substitute to the original ‘Filipinas’  because letter ‘F’ was not existing in the past abakada. Though everything that is spelled in ‘P’ is not required to be changed into ‘F’ such as ‘Pinas’ to ‘Finas’ and ‘Pinoy’ to ‘Finoy’, still it would affect a lot of sectors in the whole country.

For us students, we can never imagine how enormous the impact will be to our simple lives. Can you ever imagine, watching Ms. Universe Pageant, and then the candidate would say “I am Ms… 26…. Representing ‘Filipinas’!” Well, it’s a bit awkward. Even that idea would make us laugh. But it’s not a joke. Although it may appear to be one, the point is it’s hard to change a habit or a custom. That’s why, if we are to ask that question, is it Filipinas or Pilipinas, the common answer would probably: a.)‘Filipinas’ nalang para maiba, or b.) ‘Pilipinas’ nalang kasi nakasanayan na, or c) ambot oy, pakialam ko dyan.

Whatever will be our answer, their decision to change the spelling was already fixed. Although the changes will be a processed, it will surely come to pass. And soon, it will just be normal to use the new name.

No matter what name will be used, may it be ‘Finas’ or ‘Pinas’, we will still be the people that the world had known -  the people who faced fear from death march, the people who fought through swords of in waters, and the people who died for their own country to be free.

MC Fajardo

Read More

#Justiceforcindyrosevillena

The NDDU Community condemns this bestial act of killing a young lady with big hopes for herself and the family. We pray for the repose of her soul. We condole with the bereaved family. And we continue to seek for justice as we urge the authorities to exercise their powers to bring the perpetrator(s) to the arm of justice. I urge the administrators, faculty, personnel, students, alumni to plan an "ACT OF SOLIDARITY" to ensure that we cannot remain silent, indifferent and helpless. If we don't do our share to make our communities as safer place, we "die" with Cindy and other victims of violence and injustice in our country today.

-Bro. Manuel de Leon-
NDDU President 

'

The tragic death of Cindy Rose Villena, 18 years old - 3^rd Year Mass communication Student of the institution saddened the NDDU community especially the Mass communication Students as well as the College of Arts and Sciences.       

With this, the NDDU community gathered as one to have a Solidarity Procession and Prayer Service for Cindy Rose last January 29(Wednesday) and was enjoined to wear white shirt with black ribbon tied on the right arm to condole, express sympathy, outcry and search out for justice for the death of their fellow Damean.

The solidarity procession started around 5:00 pm from NDDU Open Field-Roxas Avenue-OLPGV-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial College-Pendatun Avenue and back to NDDU Open Field. Then, followed by the prayer service with the sharing from Justin Dominic Cayanan(Mass Communication Student/Friend of Cindy), followed by Professor Salvador Bagaan and then Ms. Charish Lyn Villena, older sister of Cindy Rose.

“She is a good and nice girl na maraming gustong ma-achieve”, as what Justin would describe Cindy Rose. He also added about the signature “wedge sandals” that Cindy would usually wear every Wednesday. Professor Bagaan on the other hand describes Cindy  as “Retouch Queen”, who usually retouch and holds mirror at class, “Kahit na paminsan-minsan napapagailtan ko yan, masakit para sa akin na makita na bakante na ang upuan ni Cindy”. Professor Bagaan also quoted “Protect the People and Serve for Justice” in the last part to end his sharing.

And then, Cindy’s sister shared that even if they are siblings they aren’t that showy with each other but they really do love and care for each other. “Kahit na masungit ang kapaitd ko malambing siya, smilling at jolly, talented din sya.”, says Ms. Charish Lyn.

Lastly, Bro. Manuel utter a message to everyone that what happened to Cindy Rose serve as a lesson to all and that life is fragile and he world is surrounded by either kind or violent but still the justice of God will forever prevail. 

April Mae A. Tizon

Read More

Doze of a Hungry

Materials: Charcoal on Eggshell Drawing paper

Timeframe: accu. 6 hours

Artist: Z (photo reference from google)

Hunger tops as one of the most leading cause of death of children in the world. Every 10 seconds, almost 1 in every 15 children in developing countries dies from hunger.

Read More

New World (Poetry)

Read More

Horoscope for January 2014

 Aries (March 21-April 19)

                Graduation na sad pero wag  kaexcite masyado kay hindi ka kagraduate ngayong tuig. Wag mabalaka, di ka nag-inusara kasi pati imong friends hindi din kagraduate. Birds of the same feather flock together baya. Swerte nga number: 888. Pwede din rambulon.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

                Ngayong  bakasyuna, mag outing kayo sa imung family sa dagat. Magwear ka sa imung kinakusgang two-piece kasi naay possibility na maputol yan pagkakita mo sa gwapo. Kung hindi mo gusto mapaulawan, mag jacket ug jogging pants ka na lang. Concern lang ako sa imuha.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

                Enrollment na naman. I’m sure ang mata nimo ug imung mga friends nagahanap na naman ng mga gwapo ug gwapa. Yan tuloy hindi mo nabantayan na nakawat na pala ang iyong kwarta. Luoy. Hindi ka na gani makaskwela, hindi mo pa talaga makita ang imung crush. Paita.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

                Malas ka kasi ang imung katapad damak. Mahilig sya mangugmo. Pero swerte pud ka kasi brayt sya. Sya ang rasun bakit ka makapasa sa imung mga assignment, quizzes ug exam. Mag-antus ka para makacopy ka pa sa kanya sa sunod. Swerte na gamit: panyo. Para doon ka magpahid kung nalagputan ka ng kugmo nya.      

Leo (July 23-August 22)

                Maglaag kayo ngayon ng iyong mga friends pero reminder wag mo dal-un ang iyong selpun. Kasi mahurot lang ang iyong load sa kakahingi nila sayo ng pasaload. Dal-un mo lang ang iyong selpun kung wala ka din load. Oki?

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

                Magbalon ka pirmi ng karayom at sinulid kay maguba ang iyong sanina dahil sa bagyo. Kung wala kang karayom at sinulid, ok lang. Bagyo man din, wala ka na time para magtahi. 

Tao demalas: Kinsa pa, edi ikaw!

Libra (September 23-October 22)

                Congratulations! Maghingi ng number sayo ang imung crush through chat sa pesbuk. Ligawan ka nya sa text tapos sugtun mo din sya agad. Happy ka daw masyado kaso nakamata ka. Damgo lang pala. Pagtingin mo sa oras, late ka na pala exam nyo pa talaga. Nya crush2 ka pa?

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

                Delikado maglakaw ngayon sa dalan kasi maslide ka ug daghang tao makakita sayo. Kaya likayan mo mag-agi sa dalan ngayon. Doon ka sa dagat maglakaw sa may tubig para hindi maklaro na naslide ka.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

                Buhian mo ang bagay na iyong gunit ngayon. Yan ang nagahatag sayo ng kamalasan sa kinabuhi. Pero swerte pud ka ngayong adlaw kay librehun ka sa imung tapad. Kung wala kay tapad, wala ka din libre. 

Ang imong kaswerte, pwidi piro dipindi.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

                Feeling gwapa ka ngayong adlaw kay madami kang mauyab. Ang kalain lang kay tanan nimo uyab iresponsable. Ikaw tanan gipahimo nila sa kanilang mga assignment ug project. Gapulaw ka karun kay naa pa lang ka sa ikaduhang uyab out of sampu. Biga pa.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

                Swerte ka karung araw kay makarecieve ka ng gift galing sa imung mga friends. Makahilak ka kay pareho sila ug gift sa imo. Lifetime supply ug deodorant. 

Tao nga demalas: imung katupad.

               

 

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

                Makafeel ka ug kalaay kaya wag ka magtingin sa imung dagway. 

Lugar debwenas: Obviously, sa lugar na walang samin para hindi mo makita ang iyong dagway.

Paalala: Hindi hawak ng mga stars ang ating future 'pagkat sila ay maaaring makapagbibigay sa'yo ng inspirasyon o ilusyon. Hindi kailangan paniwalaan kung hindi naman kailangan ng adventure. Ang mahalaga, hindi ka nagcocontribute sa air pollution.

- Madam Da-Mean

Read More

You’re wrong grammaring!

You like me to teach something else you want? Come on! Let’s go.

English is one of major major language in earth. If you can speak it, it’s your lucky. Good for you. Anyone can do it, its just the matter of the fact. They say that if you’re good in speaking the English, your good at it and you can do it and you can say “YEHEY!” so speaking in English is easy. Simple steps are followed to do it.

First, you must know the words in English. Of course, you can’t tell in English if you don’t know it. Such an useless if you don’t know it.

Second, conversation to others is a must. How can you tell in English if you don’t conversation. Tss!

Third, in classroom raise your hand and recite in English. My parents did said that when reciting speak in English, it’s a best exercise, so you must.

Last, find a grammar teacher. Because you see this paragraph? I know you don’t see because you  read, full of English but wrong grammaring, if you can find one, tell us, to check this, if ever you want.

By the way, if you can speak or not in English, the best way is you can express your feelings no matter what happening will happen on your happy life. The important is you tell everyone what you want.

Era Asperga

Read More

Kpop or Ppop?

“Na eureureong eureureong eureureong dae
Na eureureong eureureong eureureong dae”

“Na sa’yo na ang lahat, minamahal kitang tapat

Na sa’yo na ang lahat”

KPOP or PPOP? Kung kayo ang papipiliin anong mas gusto niyo sa dalawang iyan?

Sa panahon natin ngayon, nauuso na talaga ang iba’t ibang genre ng mga kantahin.

Hindi katulad dati na ang mga kanta ay yung mga tinatawag nating, kantahing bayan. Uso pa dati-rati ang mga kantang “O ilaw, sa gabing madilim”. Ngunit ngayon, ibang iba na talga, lalo pa’t nauuso na ang “KPOP”.

           

Ang KPOP o Korean Popular Music ay masasabi nating isa sa mga trending na musika sa ating henerasyon. Ang mga kabataan ngayon ang masyadong nahuhumaling sa mga Koreanong sumasayaw at kumakanta. At isa pa, magaganda at mga gwapo rin ang hanap ng mga kabataan ngayon sa KPOP. Isang halimbawa ang EXO, sila ngayon ang masasabi nating pinakasikat na grupo ng mga lalaki sa industriya ng KPOP. Pinauso nila ang kantang Wolf, Growl, Mama, at marami pang iba. Napakadaming mga babae ang nahuhumaling sa kanila. Meron ding Girl’s generation, Bigbang, Shinee, Got7, Winner at napakarami pang Kpop group stars. Ngunit ang isang tanong lang, tayo bang nakikinig sa KPOP ay naiintindihan natin ang kanilang mga kanta? Nakakapag-aral pa ba kayo dahil sa kakasunod niyo sa mga bagong balita tungkol sa kanila? At kilala ba nila kayo?

Ang PPOP, sigurado akong alam niyo ang ibig sabihin ng PPOP diba? Ito ang mga kantang gawain ng mga Pilipino, tulad ng Na sa iyo na ang lahat, Alaala. At napakarami pa. Napakaganda nga naman pakinggan ng mga katang naiintindihan mo, lalo na’t may ibig sabihin yung kanta. Ngunit, may ibang hindi  nila type yung kanta ng PPOP, may iba pa nga na ayaw rin nila sa kumakanta nito. Atsaka may ibang hindi nila hilig ang PPOP, di natin sila mapipilit kasi kagustuhan nila yun ehh. Ang tanong lang, naaapreciate mo ba ang kanta nating mga Pilipino? O sadyang wala ka lang pakialam sa mga kanta ng sarili mong lengwahe? At bakit kinicritisize natin ang mga sintunadong kumakanta ng PPOP?

Totoo ngang iba’t iba ang hilig nating lahat. Hindi natin pwedeng husgahan ang isang tao sa mga gusto at ayaw niya lalo na sa musikang gusto niya. Sabi nga nila “music is a language” sa tagalog “ang musika ay isang lengwahe.” Kung ano ang nararamdaman mo ay pwede mong iablin sa musika. Depende na yan sa iyo kung anong klase ng musika ang magpapasaya saiyo. KPOP or PPOP? Walang PAKIALAMAN! 

Era Asperga

Read More

Trivia 101 - 001

Source: Wanna Fact?!

Keep always in mind to love moderately. You don't want to end up your life due to a broken heart, do you? Smile. Life has a loooot more to offer! *wink

Staff Jesse

Read More

Sisters Elsa and Anna of Frozen is Korean made!

Many Korean artists had invested their talent and time to create these wonderful characters in the hit Disney animation ‘Frozen’, Sony Pictures Releasing Walt Disney Studios Korea had said.

The mastermind behind young Elsa, Anna and the sisters’ parents, the King and the Queen is Character design supervisor Kim Jin. He is also the one who came up with various but natural expressions on the characters.

He is not alone, of course. There are many other Korean artists who were a part of the production team. This includes the layout artist Kevin Lee who participated in the overall screen staging, the animators Lee Hyunmin, Choi Youngjae and Jang Lee who constructed the breathtaking northern Europe winter landscape of Arendelle. Elsa’s beautiful ice magic effect was organized by a Korean as well, Byun Dongju, and is considered as Frozen’s most admired aspect in the animation.

Tremendous pride was felt by the Korean people as this Disney animation ‘Frozen’ has been a successful project all over the globe. 

Matsu Jin

Source: OSEN

Read More

Lights off, please!

"Oo na crush ko yung boss namin"

Araw ng lunes - may pasok ako, Hahahaha makikita ko nanaman si sir, ehem! Makakatrabaho na pala ulit ako para sa pamilya ko.. 

Uyy! Alam ko iba ang iniisip niyo.. oo na crush ko yung boss namin, atsaka wala namang masama, single siya. At ako? Single rin noh, at magkaedad lang kami. Classmate ko siya nung highschool at noon ko pa siya crush, pero hanggang pangarap lang ako.. Okay lang.. inspiration ko na lang siya.. 

Yah! Balik tayo... 'Yun, pumasok ako.

“Goodmorning Nana,” sabi ng isang employee.

“Goodmorning rin.. Musta na?” sagot ko.

“Okay lang… Ganda ng ngiti ahh.”-siya..

“Umaga na pala?” ako.

“'Yan nanaman yang mga banat niya. Ok fine! Oo bakit?” siya.

“Kasi hindi ko napansing umaga na sa kakaisip ko sa’yo.”-ako, sabay tawa kami, oo nga pala si Pearl, bff ko sa office. And oo nga pala secretary ako ni Mr. InMyDreams or si Mr. Chris Dela Cruz.. Hehehe

"Lights off please!"

“Nana, natapos mo ba yung mga pinagagawa ko?”-siya

“O-opo sir..”-ako, medyo nagstammer ako. Ang gwapo niya kasi.

“Why are you stammering? Proceed to my office.”-siya.

“Ah-yes sir..” sumunod ako sa kanya, grabeh ang bango!! WAAAHH!..

Sa office niya.

“Let me see the presentation.”-siya.. “Light off please!”-utos niya sa akin..

“Wait sir..” tumayo ako ng tuwid..

“Why?"-tanong niya.

Namula ako… "lights off ka ba?”-ako

“Why on earth.. fine! Bakit?!”-siya..

“Para tayo na lang mag-ON”. Matapos ko tong sabihin pinatay ko ang ilaw tapos ipinakita ang presentation at lumabas.. GRABEH ang bilis ng tibok ng PUSO KO!!!...

Maya-maya sinundan niya ako..

“NANA!”-sigaw ng lalake and alam ko kung sino 'to, hindi muna ako tumingin..

“W-why sir?”-tanong ko

“Past, present, future ba kita?”nagulat ako sa sinabi ni sir, kaya humarap ako..

“B-bakit sir?”ako

“Kasi I can tell you that in my past, nandyan kana, tapos ikaw pa ang present ko, what if maging......" maging ano!? maging?

"TAYO sa FUTURE?” sabi niya.. 

Ako?! Speechless!

Read More

Ang Asul na Ibon

Isang araw, merong isang Asul na ibon na nakalipad sa loob ng kwarto mo at hindi makalabas. May kakaibang aura si asul na ibon kaya sabi mo sa sarili mo na aalagaan mo na lang ito. Pero sa hindi mo inakalang pangyayari, kinabukasan, ang ibon ay naging Dilaw! Itong ibon na ito ay nagpalit nanaman ng kulay overnight. Sa umaga ng ikatlong araw ay naging Pula siya, tapos naging Itim naman sya sa ikaapat na araw.

Ngaun, may tanong ako.

Ano ang kulay ng ibon pagkagising mo sa ikalimang araw?

Ang ibon ay hindi na nagpalit ng kulay. Itim na sya forever.

Ang ibon ay naging Asul ulit. Boring daw ang Itim eh.

Ang ibon ay nagbagong buhay at naging Puti.

Sosyal si ibon, Gold na kulay ang pinili nya.

Ang ibon na nakalipad sa kwarto mo ay ang symbol ng ‘good fortune’, pero bigla itong nagbagong anyo, at nagaalala ka na baka ang kasiyahan mo ay hindi magtagal. Ang reaksyon mo sa situation na ito (sa pagbabago ng kulay ng ibon) ay nagpapakita kung ano ang klase ng reaksyon mo sa paghihirap at pagaalinglangan sa totoong buhay.

Sa mga sumagot ng Itim

Pessimistic ang outlook nyo sa buhay. Naniniwala ba kayo na pag parang wala ng pag-asa ang isang situwasyon ay hanggang doon na lang yon? Wag ganyan! Tandaan: There’s no rain that doesn’t end and no night so dark that there’s no dawn the next day. Sa medaling salita, may bukas pa.

Sa mga nagsabi ng Asul

Kayo naman ang mga tinatawag natin na ‘practical optimists’. Naniniwala kayo na ang buhay ay weather weather lang at wala na tayong magagawa doon kundi tanggapanin na lang and realidad ng buhay. Kalmado kayong humarap sa pagsubok and hinahayaan lang tumakbo ang mga bagay na walang stress or worry.

Sa mga pumusta sa Puti

Cool and decisive kayo. Hindi kayo nagsasayang ng oras sa kakaisip kung ano ang solusyon sa problema na iyon. Kung masama na talaga ang situwasyon, mas pinipili mo na maghanap pa ng ibang paraan para ma-solve ang problema kaysa atakihin kayo ng wala kakwenta-kwentang kalungkutan. Needless grief, ang tawag sa walang kakwenta-kwentang kalungkutan na yan. Oh diba. Literal masyado ang pagka-translate.

Sa mga mahilig sa Ginto or Gold

Ang tawag sa inyo – fearless. Walang ‘pressure’ sa dictionary ninyo. Kung meron man, minsan lang nagagamit. Para sa inyo, ang bawat problema sa buhay ay isang oportunidad. Pero mag ingat na hindi maging over-confident. Mamaya sugod na lang kayo ng sugod.  Mas maganda kung maingat parin kayo. Mahirap na ang buhay ngayon. Nasa huli ang pagsisisi.

Tugma ba ang mga sagot sa inyong personalidad?

 Jin Matsu

Source: Kokology – The game of self-discovery by Tadahiko Nagao and Isamu Saito 

Read More

Newest Spot: Veranza Mall

If you need to chill and have a mini food trip with family and friends, where do we usually go? Where can you get free air-condition experience?  The automatic answer to that is the Mall. We have a couple of malls here in Gensan, and recently another one is added to our choices.

After a mass held by no other than Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez, complete with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was attended by the city’s VIPs, KCC suppliers, clients and tenants and many other important figures, Veranza Mall celebrated its opening with a bang.

Veranza is said to be a GREEN mall. It has transparent roofing that allows natural sunlight to shine during the day, thus, saving the ever consuming electricity. The building’s structure also screams nature, and more than 800 plants and trees dominate the mall’s three floors. This includes its ROOF GARDEN, which contributes greatly to the environment.

Lo and Behold! It has two outdoor waterfalls which is the first of its kind here in Mindanao. Located right across the KCC Mall, it also has an Activity Area or Atrium which is ideal for indoor activities, ceremonies and concerts. This is where the blessing ceremonies on its opening day took place. Veranza also has an AL FRESCO dining area, which accommodates the country’s high and popular local bands and other performers to perform live.

The building which is flanked by the mighty waterfalls on the side and is connected to the mall by a bridge is their five-floor parking lot.

Veranza is said to rival the other malls of Gensan. Looking at its building structure, design and purpose, we might say that SM has found its match. And like any other mall out there, Veranza has its own branded stores. Such as Vans, Lacoste, Swiss Gear, Coffee Bean, Payless, Alberto and many more. With all these kinds of brands in one roof, Team Veranza earns a point above Team SM. But who says SM is going to sit and nurse its flattened and ruffled feathers? Let’s just wait for its mighty and well planned come back, if they have one. That would make living in Gensan a little more fun and interesting.

It is a huge mall with huge, well-known merchandise. It is a beautiful structure that wants to help somehow in saving Mother Earth, and it has these awesome waterfalls that you can stare at all day. KCC is just on the other side, so you don’t have to fret and worry about your grocery. It all has its benefits; the disadvantages have yet to make themselves known. So, have you visited Veranza yet?

Read More

God's art

Photos by Leizel Zafra

Read More

Touch of nature

Photos by Leizel Zafra

Read More

Bruno Mars

Materials: 2b and 8b on eggshell drawing paper

Time frame: Accum. 6 hours

Artist: Z (Reference courtesy of Google)

Read More

Ang mga Babaye sa Batotiti

Source: http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/love/images/33002173/title/love-wallpapers-wallpaper

Dili gani ko musugot nga ana-ay Search sa among lugar, ti-aw ka, ang mag-daog, nganlan nila’g “Miss Batotiti” lami ba diay paminawon?

Ambot nganong naga-boarding house pa man ko. Duol man lang pud amo-a sa eskwelahan.

Didto lang gud sa Malungon.

Didto ko nagdako, sa may Barangay Batotiti – nakabati na ba ka ana? Kuyaw lagi kaayo pangalan sa among baryo. Ingon nila, ang mga dalaga nga nagapuyo sa among lugar, mga gwapa man unta, hilig lang galing mam-basted. Ing-ana jud daw katig-a ilang mga dughan murag bato. Hence, the name for our barangay.

Dili gani ko musugot nga ana-ay Search sa among lugar, ti-aw ka, ang mag-daog, nganlan nila’g “Miss Batotiti” lami ba diay paminawon? Hinuon, lami man pud siya inig dugay, kay akon man na-realize mas nindot kaysa “Miss Malungon”. Hehe, opinion ko lang ‘to ha?

As I was saying, mahilig magpahilak ug laki ang mga bayi. Bag-o ko nag-eskwela sa kolehiyo, ubay-ubay pud akong napahilak. Sari-sari akong mga suitors: nay manong-balot, kanang si Berto – napundir na lang iyahang itlog (sa balot ba) sa sigig bike paadto sa among balay, wala lang gyapon ko musugot nga mahimong iyang trato.

Si Erwin nuon, anak sa usa ka adunahan nga tag-iya sa Funeral Homes. Gwapo man intawon pero tag-himo lagi sila’g lungon. Kung mangolitawo siya, nagaduda naman ko kun asa gikan ang iyang mga bulak. Nagaduha-duha tingali ko modawat.

“Ate, sayang ‘to no… gwapo man si Erwin. Anak sa usa ka adunahan, but-an pa jud! Unsa ma’y ginapangita nimo?” ingon sa akong igsoon, si Ging-ging.

“Ambot uy… basta. Mo-eskwela ‘sa ‘ko.”

“Wala man ko naga-kolek og fafa, sila man lang mudo-ol. Dili ko sama nimo Lyn, hadlok laki.”

Busa katong nagpa-enrol na’ko sa pinaka-prestihiyosong eskwelahan nga gipili pa sa akong amahan, single pa kaayo ko. Hadlok pud gani ko mag-boarding house, apan, ingon sa akong auntie nga nagapuyo sa GenSan, naa kuno sya’y kaila nga nanag-iya ug Ladies Boarding House, na’y discount ang mga gwapahon.

Sadihang, gipangayuan man dayon ko ug 2 months advance ug deposit. Ambot sa langaw… asa didto ang discount? Pero, desente hinuon ang kwarto nga akong gipili, dako siya ug ‘nay tatlo ka katre ug usa ka aparador. Tatlo mi ladyboarder sa usa ka room.

Dire nako naila-ila ang akong mga kaboardmate: si Amanda, bright kaayo, nagkuha og Nursing, og si Nenita, Commerce, taga Isulan, ilonggang dako. “Day, taga Malungon ka? Ti, Cebuana timo haw?” iya ko gipamangkot. “Sagol naman gud ko mo-istorya” tubag pud nako.

Kadugayan, nag-bonding napud lagi mi sa akong mga ka-boardmate. Lami man pud diay ang feeling: murag naa mi’y girl power, pero na-O.P. ko gamay kay puro lagi mga boyprend ang ilang gipang-istoryahan.

Si Amanda, naka-lima na. Ingon pa niya: “Wala man ko naga-kolek og fafa, sila man lang mudo-ol. Dili ko sama nimo Lyn, hadlok laki.” Unsa? I realized, hadlok ba jud diay ko sa laki? O hadlok ko sa relationship? Seryoso man ko sa akong pang-eskwela, ‘kana ang akong pirminti rason. Medyo nahadlok ko kay naa ‘ko nadunggan. Ingon ni Nenita: “Ang mga klasmeyt ko tana sa Elementary, nag-busong dun. Kadalagko gid sa ila tiyan, indi man nila matago. ‘Ti nagpangasawa na sila… ka-aga pa lang gani.”

Si Nenita, nay boyprend, katingalahan. Sige’g bisita dire sa boarding house. Bawal lagi pero gina-jammingan man lang niya among tigol-its nga mayordoma, si Manang Saling.

Usa ka adlaw niaana, nabal-an na lang nako nihawa na si Nenita. Nag-istorya pa man mi ato, depressed man to siya. Gipangutana pud ni Amanda: “Buntis ka Neng? Pag-sulti na lang ug tinuod, naa bitaw mi dire…”

Deny man pud siya. “Dili lagi… basta lang…” Naghinilakay pa mi ato. Na-hurt pud siguro si Amanda kay dili man mag-istorya si Nenita. Niuli na lang sa ila si Nenita, nabilin mi duha ni Amanda sa boarding house.

Nagligad ang panahon… manog-graduate na mi Amanda, stick-to-one tingali to. Na-inlove sa iyang lab partner. Na-develop siguro sa ilang RD “Ambot uy, nag-injection siguro si Cupido sa akong dughan…” ingon pa niya. Happy ko sa ilaha.

Tapos graduation, nag-impake na mi sa among boarding house. Nag-despidida si Manang Saling. Naghiwalay na mi ni Amanda, pero nag-pramis musulat kanunay.

Ako…? Nibalik ko sa Batotiti. Gamay lang gyapon tawo sa amoa, gamay lang lagi nagapakasal didto. Na-isip ko advice ni Amanda… “Kung mabiya-an ka Lyn, unsa na lang?” Unsa tingali? Siguro time na para main-love ko.

Siya na gyud siguro ang para kanako.

Katong celebration sa among balay, gibisita ko ni Berto, dili na siya manog-balot, naglapad na ilang hatchery, ug medyo nag-asenso na pud ang negosyo niya. Ngisi-ngisi pa siya, naa daw siya isolti kanako.

“Lyn, kanang… busy ka karong Sabado?”

“Ah… ngano man Bert? Isoroy ko nimo?”

“Kanang kwan Lyn… sa simbahan unta…”

“Ha?”

“Pwede ka mo-ninang sa akong kinamagulangan?”

Agay.

Dugay pud ko bag-o naulian. Wala na kaayo tawo sa compound. Pagka gab-i, ni-puwesto ko sa bintana sa taas sa among balay. Nakit-an ko si Erwin, misulod sa among gate, naa sya’y dala bulak. Naka-porma. Nag-atang pud ko sa bintana, istoryahon ko tingali. Siya na gyud siguro ang para kanako. Si Erwin, dugay napud nako siya gusto. Ngano man gipahulat pa na’ko? Karong gab-I, kung siya mosulti sa iyang gibati, mag “I do” na’ko. Si Erwin diay ang tinuod.

Unsa gani ‘tong iya gibitbit nga bulak? Ah! Mga rosas ‘to, pula kaayo. Gihuna-huna ko ang among future.

Dugay man kaayo siya? Asa naman ‘tingali si Erwin, nganong wala pa man siya nisaka?

Miadto ko sa silong.

Nagsakit akong dughan, ‘ato siya sa duyan, gisabak si Ging-ging, nga anaay uyat nga mga rosas-pula kaayo.

Source: Admist Injustices (The Voice Publication, 2004)

*References to actual names, places and events are used for the sake of writing fiction Batotiti does not exist in Malungon.

Read More