pharos 85_2_3 _FINAL - Manila Central University
Transcription
pharos 85_2_3 _FINAL - Manila Central University
Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 2 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body CONTENTS Page 3 Editorial at Hataw: Concert for a Cause 4 Himig AIMS: A Milestone in MCU System Green Event 2013 Presents Eco Moda 5 The CHed-DEPEd Conducts Child Protection and Empowerment Seminar Holds K to 12 Symposium 6 MCU CAS Wins MCU 1st Sing-Off 7 Nursing Bags Eco Moda ‘13 Title 8 Back-To-Back Victory: The College of Nursing The NCR Youth Hours 2013 9 MCUMCUJoins Hosts Regional Students Congress 10 Annual Research Forum Recognizes CCS Alumni 2013 MCU Olympics With a Report from Office of Student Affairs 11 The Medtech Notches 100% Passing Rate MCU Celebrates 109th Buwan ng Wika 12 Accountancy The Big Jump 13 Social ScienceWeek: General Assembly Commences Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony 14 Nursing Pharmacy Dominates Intercollegiat Mathematics Quiz Bee 15 MCU Welcomes Freshmans and Transferees 16 Breaking the limit 17 Judge Me Not 18 Amplify Our Voices 19 Experiences As A Cruel Teacher 20 Resiliency: A Filipino Trademark 21 On the Cheaters’ Notes 22 Pharos Correspondent Bureau: 2013 23 Soundtrack of a Teenage Life:Path of Your Choice Volume 2 24 The Bullied and The Bully 25 Now Showing: Chronicle of Lost Spirit 26 At The Snap of My Fingers 27 Soundtrack: Videoke Edition Sing Off Your Anthem Volume 3 28 A Shadow from The Past 29 To our Own Accord 30 Photo Essay About the Cover Breakthrough “ A breakthrough is a discovery, an unravelled talent, a realized potential and a will to break free from one’s self limitations. A breakthrough is the victory against negativity and being triumphant to all things that weaken an individual’s power — the power of breaking free. Collaboration of James Ryan Mendoza and Mary Ann Dy 3 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Have you been in a scenario wherein you are fed up of living in an undying routine of come what may? Have you been in a scenario wherein you just felt defeated and you just want to surrender? We have been in these situations so many times already. It is tiring, lonely and depressing to know that we experience such unfortunate events. Imagine a project proposal that has been rejected after months of preparation. Then you failed in a major exam that took weeks of sleepless nights and hungry breaks. And you lose a dear friend, a lover or a relative even after sincerest reconciliations done to win the person back. These experiences resulting to failures will make an individual devastated. Sometimes, we felt like wanting to run away or quit. But it never solves the problems we have at our hands. It could only provide a temporary distraction but the problem will still be there. The weight of difficulties that seem to drag us down to a miserable fit of depression and disappointment doesn’t exist to just serve its purpose. But rather, this tests our patience, faith, strength and courage. The patience to wait for a desperate turning point in our lives, the faith that will keep our hopes and dreams flying up high, the strength to hold on to the inner power of our soul and the courage to face the fears of a vulnerable self. After all, Life isn’t fully lived without ups and downs. We are in a desperate quest of finding a new part of ourselves that can provide us the power of having a life of purpose. We want to break free from our own insecurities and to fully realize that we are destined for something great. The desire to surpass the current problems we encounter requires the effort of having to work hard and be smart with our choices. Putting an effort to conquer an obstacle is a breakthrough that a person aims to have. These problems aren’t there to retard our progress. But they offer a chance for growth, intervention and self discovery. It offers the realization that MAN is capable of so many things and he has the power to overcome such obstacles. He has to work hard for it and he just has to broaden the horizons of his mind and widen the room for huge possibilities. A Breakthrough is a discovery, an unraveled talent, a realized potential and a will to break free from one’s self limitations. This breakthrough serves as a booster to the waning fire of desire in our hearts. It serves as a brightest light of hope to the person who seems to believe that Hope was lost. Great men and women, pioneers of sciences, leaders of the world and all people that never stopped searching for a breakthrough left a mark in history. Proving that perseverance and the desire to be a triumphant against the odds will bring forth a new chapter in life. Be a living testament of being able to make it through the pain and struggles. An example of everything is possible, as long as you have that drive to do it. The Pharos vests in you the power of a Breakthrough. It is a discovery that the MCU student body can bring forth a lifechanging idealism that us students, even at our current stature in the MCU community are capable of conveying truth and power to overcome issues that momentarily weakens our core. We are capable so many things; we are destined to do something great. Believe and aim for a breakthrough in our lives. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 4 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body SAMA-SAMA TUNGO SA PAGBANGON. A benefit concert was held last December 6, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium aimed to raise funds for Yolanda survivors. The event was highlighted by performances of the members of the MCU Community who gathered together for a common goal that is to help our fellowmen who were devastated by Super Typhoon Yolanda last November. The benefit concert showcased the talents of the MCU community through song and dance production numbers. Among the performers were students, faculty members, administrators and employees from Pre-school, High and Grade School and College. Also performing were the MCU H imig ataw: at CONCERT FOR A CAUSE By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration and Glaiza T. Tarin, Nursing Dance Troupe and Nursing Divas. An audio-visual presentation showing the destruction left by the typhoon and a tribute to the Yolanda survivors was shown to remind the audience of the reason behind the event. The AV AIMS: encouraged everyone to help those who were affected by the calamity. Kudos to all the Centralinos for uplifting the spirit of bayanihan and living the true essence of being a Filipino. A New Milestone in MCU System By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration In keeping with the university’s vision, the Academic Information Management System (AIMS) Seminar spearheaded by the University Registrar in cooperation with Pinnacle Technologies Inc. was conducted last August 14, 2013 at the 3rd Floor of the Learning Resource Center Internet Laboratory. The event was attended by the Student Council Officers, Heads/Presidents of Recognized Student Organizations, FDT Scholars and Student Representatives of different colleges in line with the presentation of the Student Access Module. Two keynote speakers, University Registrar Ms. Aini E. Salvadora, and a representative of Pinnacle Technologies Inc., Ms. Kristel Ojeda, taught the students how to use the Student Access Module. The Module is exclusively for students use with functions including Messaging, Section Offering, Update of Profile, Registration of Subjects, Assessment of Selected Subjects, Schedule, Grades, Payment History, Calendar of Activities and Change of Password. As of the moment, MCU and Pinnacle Technologies Inc. are still working in developing the Student Module to be accessible even at home. Students were given the chance to raise their questions and were addressed properly by the speakers. They were also asked to write their comments and recommendations to know the opinions of the students regarding the new milestone on the system. 5 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body The Green Event 2013 Presents Eco Moda By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration and Glaiza T. Tarin, Nursing “The Green Event 2013” an eco-friendly inspired event, was held last November 22, 2013 at Centennial Gymnasium through the efforts of University Student Council and Office of the Student Affairs. This event was highlighted by “Eco Moda”, a fashion show participated in by students from different colleges which aimed to develop the awareness of Centralinos and promote a green environment. Eco Moda, from the words “eco” which means ecological/environmental and “moda” which means fashion, is an environment-friendly fashion show wherein the participants must wear Filipiniana for women and Barong Tagalog for men using recyclable materials. The event started with the welcome remarks of the Office of Student Affairs Dean Diana Genevive Layag who related the green event in celebration of November as Environmental Awareness Month. USC President Clarence Santos then discussed the University Energy Saving Campaign while USC Vice President Zedrix Valdez talked about the importance of Waste Segregation in the community. Students from the College of Pharmacy, the Nursing Divas and The First MCU Sing-off Champion and students from the College of Arts and Sciences, showed off their talents as they performed production numbers. The MCU Chorale also performed their rendition of “Paraiso”. Before the competition, everyone simulated “Earth Minute”, inspired by “Earth Hour” wherein all the lights were turned off for 3 minutes to encourage the students to conserve energy. Mr. and Ms. Eco Moda candidates then did their catwalk at the runway as they showcased their Filipiniana and Barong Tagalog made up of recyclable materials. The gowns and suits worn by the contestants were made by the students in their respective colleges. Mr. Jose Mari M. Magat was hailed as Mr. Eco Moda and Ms. Noelly Jean M. Canlas as Ms. Eco Moda, both from the College of Nursing. Mr. and Ms. Photogenic, were Mr. Gavin Dela Riarte of Pharmacy and Ms. Hannah Michaella Sebastian of Medical Technology, respectively. CHEd-DEPEd Conducts CHILD PROTECTION and EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing and Nataniel Laguitan, Med Tech The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Department of Education (DepEd) conducted a seminar entitled, Child Protection and Empowerment last July 18, 2013 at the FDT-AVR. This aimed to develop the students’ awareness on Abuse and how Arts Therapy will help an individual to let out their repressed emotions and thoughts, empower the rights of every individual and enhance their talent in Arts. The opening remarks was delivered by Prof. Petrona Benitez, Vice President for Academic Affairs. This was followed by the orientation which delved on child abuse given by Ms. Priscilla Gonzales Fernando, a child psychologist. She discussed the four kinds of abuse which were Neglect, Physical abuse, Sexual abuse, and Emotional abuse. The seminar also focused on the film “Boses” which is about the sevenyear old Onyok who was made mute by unbearable experiences caused by his own father. At a children’s shelter, he suffered another bullying until Shirley became his protector. An encounter with the shelter’s “mad man”, a reclusive violinist named Ariel, changed the course of Onyok’s life to the point of the discovery of Onyok’s gift. According to Article 218, 220, 233 of the Family Code of the Philippines and PD 603, it states that “It gives the school, its administrators and teachers, or the individual, entity or institution engaged in child care the special parental authority and responsibility over the minor child while under their supervision, instruction or custody”. The next topic was about Art Therapy in which the students were asked to create mandalas (Circle), draw in the middle anything they want to and just simply focus on what they feel while a relaxing song was being played. Ms. Fernando then presented a slideshow which composed of different forms of Arts like Music, Drawing, Painting, etc. The presentation emphasized that an individual doesn’t need to be an artist to create a masterpiece. The only requirement is for us to be true to our self and be able to express our self in whatever forms of creativity. One of the highlights of the seminar was a slideshow that showed how a handicapped girl and a cancer survivor were able to dance despite their condition and empower strong feminine. Then, a sample of a creative journal from one of the children who was able to express their thoughts through drawing and colors during the time of Typhoon Ondoy was shown. Ms. Fernando elaborated the drawings. Furthermore, a collage of photographs was presented. At the end of the seminar Ms. Fernando emphasized the need in having a creative journal or a diary because it helps an individual, especially the children to be able to convey their thoughts and feelings and to allow them to let go of all the negativities in their mind. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 6 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body MCU Holds K To 12 Symposium By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology MCU served as the venue for the symposium entitled “K to 12, Solusyon Hindi Problema” last December 5, 2013. The event was held with the aim to change the negative perceptions of the program. The key speaker was Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz, the Consultant to the Technical Panel of the K to 12 Senior High School Curriculum from DepEd, discussed the structure and modifications in the program that provides students with extensive knowledge of basic education and other integrated courses to make the Filipino student globally competent and holistically developed. Parents, teachers and delegates from Caloocan National Science High School, Bagong Silang Elementary School, La Naval Academy, Tala Elementary School, Baesa High School, Maypajo Integrated School, Deparo High School, Sampaguita Elementary School, Manuel L. Quezon Elementary School, Kalookan High School, St. Joseph Academy of Valenzuela, Amparo High School, Manuel High School, Quezon City Academy, Escuela De Sophia, Immaculate Learning Center and Manila Central University participated in the event. K to 12 is composed of Kindergarten, 6 years of Elementary, 4 years of Junior High School and 2 years of Senior High School education. The students of the new curriculum are expected to graduate at the age of 18 and can be readily employed. School year 2017-2018 marks the first batch of Senior High School graduates in the modified curriculum while school year 20232024 will be the graduation of Senior High School students under the full implementation of the program. It provides the students more time in choosing a course and enhancing the skills through the addition of courses offering mastery to their previous knowledge. With R.A 10533 entitled “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013,” the proposed education system was reopened. This aims to improve the education quality by maximizing the time of schooling. It provides mastery and thorough study for the students to fully harness their skills. It addresses the problem with congested curricula and short school days. It aims to provide globally competitive and competent students. The international standards for an employee’s educational background require 12 years. Therefore, it allows Filipinos to be employed even without tertiary backgrounds. The program provides an economic advantage of long education cycle. It means that students can pursue 2 more years of education at high school tuition rates. The features of the program included Kindergarten as a mandatory course, use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction, MAPEH as a separate subject to be introduced as early as Grade 1 and the spiral progression approach especially in Science and Mathematics. Its advantages are to avoid disjunctions between stages of schooling, allow learners to learn topics and skills appropriate to their developmental/ cognitive stages and strengthens retention and mastery of topics and skills as they are revisited and consolidated. Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) has been modified. It includes home economics, industrial arts, ICT, agriculture and fishery. Dr. Brenda B. Corpuz said “Nobody will employ us across the globe if we insist the study of 10 years. Therefore, K to 12 is not anymore a choice, but rather a necessity.” She added “Change does not necessarily lead to progress but progress requires change.” 1 Sing-Off CAS W NS st MCU By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration The University Student Council held its first “MCU Sing-Off” competition last October 4, 2013 at the FDT Courtyard. The contest aims to showcase the singing talents of the students from different colleges and promote camaraderie and healthy competition among Centralinos. MCU Sing-Off is a singing competition among colleges where each group composed of 8 to 30 members were given 4 to 5 minutes to sing international hit songs “a capella” or without music accompaniment. The competition judges were Ms. Chynna Gonzales of Marketing, Ms. Fatima Grace Chua, Communication Specialist, and Mr. Alex Rodriguez, Head of DDSS. The criteria for judging was Voice Quality (40%), Timing and Diction (25%), Showmanship (25%) and Audience Impact (10%). The event started with opening remarks from MCU-USC President Mark Clarence Santos who explained the purpose of the event. The competition participants were College of Nursing with 21 members, Pharmacy with 15, Dentistry with 8, Midwifery with 13, Arts and Sciences with 13, Physical Therapy with 12, and Optometry with 10. The MCU Dance Troupe and Nursing Divas also showed their talents as they performed intermission numbers in the event. The winners were the Optometry as Second Runner-up with an average score of 87.66%, Nursing as First Runner-up with 88.83%, and Arts and Sciences as the First MCU Sing-Off Champion with 91.62%. The judges and Dean of the Student Affairs Ms. Diana Genevive Layag gave the awards to the winners and participants. 7 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body NURSING BAGS ‘13 Eco Moda TITLE The Pharos had an interview with the winners of Mr. and Ms. Eco Moda. Here, they shared some things about themselves and their drive for a greener environment. By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration and Glaiza T. Tarin, Nursing Name Hometown Birthday Name Hometown Birthday Hobbies : : : : Jose Mari M. Magat Meycauayan, Bulacan July 29, 1993 Playing computer games, reading books As ambassador of Eco Moda, how can you embody its mission that aims for a cleaner and greener environment? Why is it important to preserve our planet from global warming? — Since the time I was proclaimed as Mr. Eco Moda, it inculcated in me that I am now an ambassador of Mother Earth. I believe that the preservation of the environment should start from within. I am now and should always be a role model to my fellow Centralinos in maintaining a clean and green environment. If each of us would do the same, we can help prevent further destruction of our surroundings. An environment issue such as global warming can be addressed. We cannot bring back the old glory of our world but we can face the changes that have occurred. Caring for environment means preventing further destruction. I now appeal to everyone to give what is due to mother earth and help protect our natural resources. As a student role model, what are your plans to reduce garbage and improve cleanliness in our campus? What is your message to other students on how they can contribute towards the betterment of our campus environment? — I should start from within. As a role model, I am now more conscious of my actions. I am lucky to be a Nursing student because whenever we have our duties in the hospital, garbage segregation is a strict practice. We are trained to dispose our garbage properly. We have seen changes in our campus environment. Our CBMs are doing their part in making the campus as clean as possible. Our garbage bins come in different colors asking us to properly dispose and segregate wastes. I ask all Centralinos to do their part in facing the battle against environmental degradation. Cleanliness starts in our own backyard. Let us all work together to keep an earth-friendly environment. How did you feel upon representing your college? What is your message to those behind your success? The people that conceptualized and helped come up with a creative and innovative barong? — I felt pressured at that time but with the help of the Nursing community I was able to pull it off. The idea was to create a barong made of newspapers. We based the design on the pastillas wrappers of Malolos, Bulacan. Newspaper panels were cut to create a design that is very Filipino, that is the “Bahay Kubo”. It was accentuated with broken mirrors that were used as buttons of the garment. For my pants, a collage of newspapers was used. To complete the look, an old “salakot” was covered in newspapers. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Dean of College of Nursing, Mr. Melvin Miranda, to our clinical coordinator, all clinical instructors and all nursing students, and also the creative team who helped put up the outfit. Without them, all of this would not be possible. To Sir Art , Sir Cris , Sir Egie, and other Nursing students , thank you very much for your help. I can now say that, “WE CLAIMED THE THRONE.” : Noelly Jean M. Canlas : Sta. Ana, Pampanga : August 15, 1994 As ambassador of Eco Moda how can you embody its mission that aims for a cleaner and greener environment? Why is it important to preserve our planet from global warming? — As Ms. Eco Moda 2013, I will embody its mission of a cleaner and greener environment by starting it with myself. Being a role model should not only be within the four corners of Manila Central University but outside as well. Winning the title doesn’t end there. It is just a beginning of an opportunity for me to make a difference. I cannot teach everyone how to plant, how to segregate, and how to clean but I can show people that this Nursing student cares, lives, and tries to save not only patients but also the environment. It will take a lot of courage for me to actually influence people to join this mission but I am willing to take my stand on what is right and do something good for Mother Nature. Global warming is a problem that every generation has to take care of. We only have one planet and it’s everyone’s responsibility that our children’s children will still have the same planet that we enjoyed. This planet is where we live and we do not own this. We are just stewards of God’s creation and we owe the next generation a clean and green place to live in. Start today and surely, we will reap a good harvest in the future. As a student role model what are your plans to reduce garbage and improve cleanliness in our campus? What is your message to other students on how they can contribute towards the betterment of our campus environment? — Cleanliness starts in our own body and self. If you are clean, it follows that you love clean things and environment. By reducing garbage, improving cleanliness in our campus is long term. I cannot do this on my own. I cannot make MCU a garbage-free University or the most clean and green campus. I need manpower and public awareness is most important. A “walis tingting” cannot clean if it is just a stick. We need many sticks to clean. Just like people, I cannot do it on my own. I need the cooperation of the students, the faculty members, and staff for us to improve and reduce our trash and have a good place for learning that is eco-friendly. How did you feel upon representing your college? What is your message to those behind your success, the persons that conceptualized and helped you come up with a creative and innovative gown? — I felt really blessed and honored to represent the College of Nursing. The pageant was a first for our University and I believe in its advocacy in caring for the environment. Using old newspapers, my outfit was conceptualized from the pastillas wrappers, famous in Bulacan. To accentuate the cut-out patterns of the skirt, lights were placed inside to create the effect of a “lampara”, a traditional light source of our countrymen. The upper garment, also made up with newspapers, was embellished with broken mirrors. Used chicken wire mesh wrapped in newspaper was shaped to create the sleeves of the “terno”. To further enhance the whole outfit, arches with stars were designed at my back putting cut-out CDs to liven it up. It was then accessorized with an “abaniko” to complete the look. As a whole, we created a Filipiana couture that embodies the idea that one can still make stylish outfits made from recycled materials. Above all, it’s because of God’s grace and guidance. I would like to thank my family, friends and the entire College of Nursing. Our Dean Mr. Melvin Miranda, Clinical Instructors, to our creative team who worked patiently in arranging the patterns and styles of my stunning gown, most especially to my mentors Mr. Emmanuel Genesis Lajara, Mr. Cristopher Parungao and Mr. Arthur Cruz Fetalvero who never left me from start to finish. Lastly, my warmest thank you to all for the undying support during the entire competition. I will be forever grateful to the trust you gave and for believing in my capabilities. I will forever treasure this once in a lifetime experience. This is not only for me, but for the whole College of Nursing. Cheers to our sweet success! Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 8 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Back-To-Back Victory The College of Nursing By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration and Glaiza T. Tarin, Nursing A night of glamour showcased the candidates’ beauty, brains and talents from the ten colleges as Manila Central University held its annual Mr. and Ms. MCU Olympics last December 12, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium. At the end of the competition, Mr. Marti Meliton S. Carlos and Ms. Kristine Shane A. Micor, both from the College of Nursing, proved their competitiveness and brought home the crown as they were hailed as the Mr. and Ms. MCU Olympics 2013. The Pharos interviewed the pageant winner. Here, they share their thoughts and experiences during the contest. Name: Kristine Shane A. Micor Hometown : Balagtas, Bulacan Birthday : January 19, 1994 Hobbies : Reading fiction and going out with my friends Philosophy in life: I believe that life goes on. Everything that happens just spices up the life that is given to us. We might as well learn how to accept these. Future view of yourself: What I think of about myself in the future is very far from my answer during the night of the pageant. I will become a registered nurse and I am plan to enrol in Medicine to become a physician. Who do you think is your toughest competitor? As the cliché goes, though I still believe it, my toughest competitor is none other than myself. I learned a lot from the time I first joined such competition in Mr. and Ms. Nursing. Being my own competitor, I would like to improve on several aspects of myself such as how to interact with different kinds of people I meet and how I carry myself in front of others. Preparation before the pageant: One thing, I made sure is that I avoid all that will give me stress before the pageant. I want to feel relaxed during that special day and be ready to “claim the throne.” But, with the help of the whole college of Nursing especially Sir Arthur Fetalvero and Sir Cristopher Parungao, it became easier for me to prepare all the things needed for the pageant. What is your edge against other contestants that made you win this competition? I received only one special award that is the Best in Sportswear, while the runner-up received the same yet I still won. Why? Because of the overflowing support the College of Nursing provided me. This support motivated me to strive so hard that I couldn’t imagine not winning. We really did the best we could and I think God has seen all our efforts so He provided the fruits of our labor. How was your experience in Mr. and Ms. MCU? It is an experience that you would not forget for the rest of your life. It is going to be a bedtime story for my future grandkids. The moment was priceless that nothing could ever replace it. I will treasure that day becauseI ransformed as a person because of that experience. What are the things that you have learned? “Anumang maliit ay nakakapuwing.” I am not one of the candidates with the greatest features. However, I have learned that preparing is everything. If at first you feel small about yourself, you can still finish as something bigger and better if you are prepared. And I thank God that’s what happened. How did you feel representing your college and as the winner of the pageant? Like the other participants, I felt pressured representing my college. There is no denying that each one of us was aiming to bring home the crown. It was an honor to be chosen from among the hundred other girls in my college. The trust given to me by the College of Nursing was tremendous and this is something I can proudly call an achievement. What are your plans now being the title holder? To be more cautious in everything that I do. Being a role model for my college and the whole university, I need to watch what I say and do. I must always remember that in some ways, I will be looked up to and I want to be seen as someone who deserves the title. What can you advice the aspiring students who want to be the next Mr. and Ms. MCU? Lenka, in her song said “just enjoy the show.” If one of the aspiring Centralinos gets the chance to be a representative of their college, I would advise them that despite the nervousness they feel be at ease throughout the pageant and their true glow will show. In the question and answer portion, have the presence of mind and remember to answer with your heart so others will feel your sincerity. Bear in mind that you are in the position to show them what you’ve got, so be confident. Do you have any message to those who supported you? No words can say how thankful I am to those who gave their support and believed in me during the Mr. and Ms. MCU Olympics 2013 including those who cheered their hearts out that night. It helped boost my morale and confidence. Special thanks to God, my family, Sir Art, Sir Parungao, Dean Melvin Miranda, Ma’am Bonifacio, to all clinical instructors, nursing students, and my friends especially SMDRGG. Congratulations to the College of Nursing. This is for us … and yes, we definitely claimed the throne! To my fellow Centralinos, let’s aim high, soar and fly like a Purple Owl! Name: Marti-Meliton S. Carlos Hometown : Malabon City Birthday : August 5 Hobbies : Long walks at the beach, candle light dinners, playing volleyball (but not very good at it), cooking, and spending time with family Philosophy in life: Stop to smell the flowers. Future view of yourself: I always see myself as a nurse since I was a child, even though all my siblings are nurses and so was my mother. It is not the reason why I chose to be in this field. I see myself as a nurse not because of outside influence but because I feel it is the right choice for me. Who do you think is your toughest competitor? All of the competitors in the pageant. Everyone held up and kept me on my toes. I can say it was one of the toughest battles I had ever fought. Preparation before the pageant: In all honesty, the only preparation I did was to try and muster up confidence and courage to step up and represent my college. What is your edge that made you win? I could not have gotten anywhere without the support of the whole College of Nursing. They gave me the confidence that I needed. I couldn’t have done it without Mr. Arthur Fetalvero who was there and attended to all of my needs while I was competing. How was your experience in Mr. and Ms. MCU? It was very nerve-wracking to see all those contestants who are competing against me but I had to keep it together and give my all because I was representing my college. What are the things you’ve learned? The competition was really difficult because I was carrying the name of my college but I was surprised how supportive they were and the weight was drastically reduced. How did you feel representing your college and as the winner of the pageant? I was really nervous. I thought I did not have a shot at winning any award against my opponents. What are your plans now as the title holder? For starters, I want to study first for my prelims, midterms and finals, and aside from that I would love to put my title to good use and place the College of Nursing out there so that we can bring in more students. What can you advice the aspiring students who want to be the next Mr. and Ms. MCU? Just be yourself and be confident in what you do and never forget the people who are there for you no matter what situation you are in. Do you have any message to those who supported you? Sir Arthur Fetalvero, thank you for everything. You were such a big factor to the success, and thank you to the College of Nursing and their never-ending support. I am proud to be part of the College of Nursing. Everyone was amazing especially the players who showed utmost compassion in the sport they love. There were some difficulties along the way but we should never let these affect us and we showed great sportsmanship. Thanks also to Shane Micor as she was a great partner. 9 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Mcu Joins the ncr Youth Hours 2013 By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration With this year’s theme “Elevating Every Day Great Examples to Nation-building (EDGE)”, NCR Youth Hours held its conference at the iAcademy in Makati City last November 16, 2013. The participants were students and school administrators from different colleges and universities in NCR including MCU students Ma. Elizabeth Yanes from College of Nursing, Andy Art Clement Decretales from Medical Technology and Michelle Ann Bernardo from Business Administration, and Ms. Regina Tuazon from Office of Student Affairs. Youth Hours is an annual youth forum for Filipino student leaders which provides a venue for them to exchange ideas and discuss issues affecting the youth. It aims to empower the nation’s youth by enhancing their capacity through a clearer awareness of self, a deeper appreciation of commitment in serving others, and stronger ties with fellow student leaders. Ms. Vanessa Tanco-Cualoping, President and CEO of iAcademy, gave the welcome remarks to the participants as they hosted this year’s NCR Youth Hours. Ms. Karen Joy Nomorosa, Education and Training Committee Chair, TOSPAC- National Chapter, shared her experience as a part of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) Batch 2004. This was followed by talks from set of panel guest speakers, Cobra Pinoy Hero Atty. Rosalio “Roy” Torrentira who is known for his “taxi driver to lawyer” story of success, social entrepreneur and graphic designer Roxy Navarro of Works of Heart, Dream Big Pilipinas Founder Miguel Bermundo who changes the lives of children through football, and Postura Project Creator Arriane Serafico who is a staunch supporter of Filipino entrepreneurs with the advocacy of wearing something Filipino everyday and Arizza Nocum of KRIS (Kristiyano-Islam) Peace Library. Afterwards. TOSP Founder Jose Concepcion, Jr. then talked about the brief history of TOSP and how it all began. He gave an inspirational message to all the attendees of the assembly. Parallel workshops were conducted in four different tracks namely, Academic Excellence, Leadership, Social Responsibility and School Administrators. In each track, the participants had some interactive activities and games that developed the camaraderie within the group. Delfin Stephen Villafuerte of TOSP Batch 2013 discussed how the youth can make a difference and be a great example to nation-building which is the theme of this year’s Youth Hours. TOSP Batch 2008 and RFM Foundation Program Director Ms. Norain Sabdulla opened the nominees for the upcoming Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines NCR 2014. At the end of the conference, certificates were awarded to the participants who attended the event. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 10 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Mcu Hosts Regional Students Congress By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology The College of Medical Technology and the Philippine Society of Medical Technology Students (PHISMETS) in coordination with the Philippine Association of Schools of Medical Technology and Public Health, Inc. (PASMETH) Student Development Committee, facilitated this year’s National Capital Region and South Luzon Regional Student Congress that was held at the MCU Centennial Gymnasium last December 7, 2013. The event was held to gather Medical Technology students from different colleges and universities. The event started with an invocation led by PHISMETS President Neoffer Jelas G. Macatangay, followed by a welcome message from Dean Bernard U. Ebuen, PASMETH President. Hon. Marilyn Atienza, Member of the Professional Regulatory Board for Medical Technology gave advice in taking the board examination. A message was delivered by Mr. Jonel Medina, Vice President for NCR of PHISMETS-National from CEU Manila, who stressed that the aim of the congress of Medical Technology students that is to gather all affiliated MedTech schools in NCR and South Luzon to promote holistic growth and development among Medical Technology students. The program comprised of two parts. The first part included Research Oral and Poster Presentation Contest while the second was the PASMETH Hymn Writing Contest. At the end of the competition, Far Eastern University got 3rd and 2nd place in Research Oral Presentation Contest while Our Lady of Fatima University got 1st place. University of Santo Tomas got 1st place in the Poster Presentation Contest with their entry “Effects of pH Changes of Stock Saline Solution on 5% Red Cell Suspension” and also won the Hymn Writing Contest. Annual Research Forum Recognizes CCS Alumni By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration The MCU Research and Development Center held the 3rd Annual Research Forum with the theme “Managing Research Complexity” last August 16, 2013 at the Tanchoco Auditorium. The event was attended by Prof. Petrona A. Benitez, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Ms. Flordeliza M. Castillo, Human Resources Director, Dr. Jose A. Mallari, Dean of School of Graduate Studies and Lead Researcher, Ms. Venus A. Solar, Director of Research and Development Department, deans and faculty members of different colleges. The event was organized in order to build awareness that nothing is complex if we know how the system works and through understanding, we make complex things manageable as Ms. Solar emphasized on her opening remarks about the theme on this year’s research forum. The masters of ceremony were Dr. Katherine M. De Mesa and Dr. Donnie Y. Saludes, faculty members from the College of Optometry. Two resource speakers were invited by the organizers. The first speaker, Ms. May Antonnette O. Lebanan, MSPH, a Bio Statistician, Research Consultant and a former faculty member of UP Manila, discussed about “Meta-Analysis”. She pointed out what Meta-Analysis is about the different steps in conducting a Meta- Analysis, the Qualitative Assessment and Quantitative Computation of Overall Effect, the importance of Meta- Analysis in doing a research, when to use it and its validity. The second speaker, Ms. Rosemarie V. Bulosan, Statistician II of National Statistics Office-NCR, presented “Parametric and Non-Parametric Tests” and she tackled hypothesis testing, different methods in doing Statistical Tests (Traditional Method, P- Value Method and Confidence Interval) and the Sampling Method. An open forum took place after the presentation of resource speakers. The participants were given the chance to ask some questions to the guest speakers. One of the highlights of the event was the recognition of Research and Development Department to CCS Alumni who joined the 2013 Department of Science and Technology Regional Invention Contest and Exhibits in Creative Research Category (Likha Award) which was held last July 31 to August 2, 2013 at the TIP Gymnasium, Quezon City. With the theme “Inventions and Innovations for Smarter Philippines”, CCS Alumni which included Charlston O. Amparo, Clarizza Mae M. Banting and Roi Jonh B. Tadeo with Ms. Marilou N. Jamis as their Adviser, they presented their product entitled “E-Baby Book: Online Immunization Management System” it aimed to promote technology in community health services. This system is created for community health centers that can be used by the health care providers and the guardian. It has the capability to manage patient’s information including updating of data and records of the patients, generate immunization schedule and sending immunization reminders through mobile phones. The study provided a solution based on the problems encountered in community health centers by the health care providers especially in managing records and scheduling the immunization of their patients. Dr. Ferdinand Mortel, Dean of College of Medical Technology, delivered his closing remarks. Certificates of Participation were given to those who attended the colloquium. 11 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body The 2013 MCU OLYMPICS With a report from Office of Student Affairs By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration On its 109th Founding Anniversary, Manila Central University held its much anticipated yearly event last December 2 to 12, 2013, the MCU Olympics which showcased the healthy competition and sportsmanship among the colleges. This 2-week event comprised of two major events, basketball and volleyball, and four minor events, badminton, table tennis, chess and swimming, which was participated by the Centralinos from each of the nine colleges vying for overall championship title. After the tight competitions, it was the College of Pharmacy who won the overall championship title garnering the highest score of 107 points, followed by the College of Nursing and Midwifery with 95 points and the College of Dentistry with 84 points. The list of MCU Olympics 2013 Top Performers: MALE BASKETBALL Champion — Business Administration 1st Runner up — Nursing and Midwifery 2nd Runner up — Dentistry MVP — Harry Janer (CBA) Mythical Five • Ian Jefferson Rockymore (CMT) • William Abrigado (CDN) • Paul Anca (CBA) • Charles Manahan (CNM) • Warren Baquiran (CBA) FEMALE BASKETBALL Champion — Pharmacy 1st Runner up — Nursing and Midwifery 2nd Runner up — Business Administration MVP — Alyssa Salut (CPH) Mythical Five • Zaira Munez (CMT) • Elyssa Tolentino (CBA) • Khainah Laroza (CNM) • Kathryn Suarez (CPH) • Andrea Millara (CNM) MALE VOLLEYBALL Team Champion — Pharmacy 1st Runner up — Nursing and Midwifery 2nd Runner up — Medical Technology MVP — Dennis Del Rosario (CPH) Mythical Six • Mark Cabasal (CMT) • John Timothy Bocito (CBA) • Angelo Reque (CDN) • Christian Carlos (CPH) • Jerby Vasquez (CDN) • Marti Carlos (CNM) FEMALE VOLLEYBALL Team Champion — Pharmacy 1st Runner up — Nursing and Midwifery 2nd Runner up — Dentistry MVP — Chris Irene Bautista (CPH) Mythical Six • Richena Bachiller (CDN) • Christine Anay (CPH) • Marmela Reyes (CPH) • Lara Germar (CNM) • Nicole Manos (CNM) • Princess Luciano (Opto) BADMINTON Male Singles Champion — Claude Dela Cruz (CPH) 1st Runner up — Gil Joseph Catacutan (Opto) 2nd Runner up — July Asa (CAS) Female Singles Champion — Florence Geronimo (CPH) 1st Runner up — Ruzle Salvador (CMT) 2nd Runner up — Joyce Bereber (CAS) TABLE TENNIS Male Singles Champion — Mohhamed Bahramiforud (CDN) 1st Runner up — Clint John Mallorca (CMT) 2nd Runner up — Ivan Pascual (CBA) Female Singles Champion — Justine Valeriano (CPT) 1st Runner up — Ian Castillo (CPH) 2nd Runner up — Jem De Leon (Opto) CHESS Male Champion — Bernard Dela Vega (CPH) 1st Runner up — Ivan Pascual (CPT) 2nd Runner up — Jan Zandro Caina (Opto) Female Champion — Mica Celine Donesa (CDN) 1st Runner up — Francella Mae San Mateo (Opto) SWIMMING (50 Meters Freestyle) Male Division Champion — Abdmoakher Abam (CDN) 1st Runner up — Basil Tolentino (CNM) 2nd Runner up — Carlo Bilon (CPH) Female Division Champion — Jonna Mhariz De Leon (Opto) 1st Runner up — Bea Yason (CPT) 2nd Runner up — Rizzle Cortez (CDN) Medtech Notches 100% Passing Rate By Claudine Claus, Medical Technology Last September 4, 2013, the Licensure Board Examination for Medical Technology conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) was held at the University of the East, Manila. In connection with this, the Manila Central University, College of Medical Technology garnered 100% passing rate for the said licensure exam. The results were released three working days from the last day of examination. Dr. Ferdinand A. Mortel, Dean of the College of Medical Technology said, “We felt very pleased because of the astonishing result that the graduates of our college who took the exam got 100%. It is not just the students who actually celebrate once they pass the board examination but the faculty members are even happier whenever they pass the board examination. We feel happy because product namin sila, achievement din namin yun so we feel fulfilled when we see that students become achievers. Sinasabi namin palagi na, we need to identify the direction, we need to know our direction. And as I always say that once the direction you want to take is clear to you, then you will never go wrong. Direction leads to excellence. Reach for excellence. So, you have to know your direction as a student, you have to focus and you have to look forward in achieving excellence. It is always a challenge especially to the next batch because they have to at least be equal or surpass their seniors.” Dr. Mortel also gave a short message to the future board takers. “It is a challenge. There’s no secret formula. You have to focus on the core values of the University, perseverance and hard work and most importantly, our faith in God. You can achieve what you want to achieve. You just need to follow those ingredients to achieve what you want”. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 12 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body MCU Celebrates 109 th BUWAN NG WIKA Manila Central University held the annual Buwan ng Wika with the theme, “Wika Natin, Ang Daang Matuwid” last August 24, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium. The event began with an invocation and an opening ceremony led by Mrs. Rosa Ramoso, Mr. Amaury Tiangco Jr. and Ms. Rosalinda Radovan. The event highlighted the different activities such as the Interpretative Dance Competition, Poster-making and Essay Writing Contest. The judges for the dance competition were Prof. Carmen S. Legazpi, Prof. Garry Montecillo and Prof. Levie Cruz. The winners were PH 1-1 who was in 3rd place, MT 1-2 in 2nd place, and PH 1-4 bagging 1st. The Poster-making event was led by Mr. Alex Abelos and Mr. Tiangco. The contest showed the students’ creativity and ability to interpret the theme of the event through art. The winners of the contest were Chiari Emillie Durana of MT 1-2 who was in 3rd place, Patrick Jonas T. Deato of BA 1-1 was in 2nd place and Ronald C. Adlaon of PT 1-1 was in 1st. Another activity of Buwan ng Wika was the Essay writing contest with a goal of showcasing the students’ prowess in writing. The winners of the contest were Marc Angelo Andres of PH 1-3 and Maria Vanessa Monte of PH 1-4 who came in 3rd and 2nd place and Justin Lim Maligaya, a student from the College of Medical Technology bagged the 1st place. By Donalyn Escojido, Dentistry and Cazandra Ave D. Escarez, Arts and Sciences 13 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Accountancy Week: The Big Jump By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration The College of Business Administration- BS Accountancy conducted a seminar entitled “The Making of a CPA” as one of the highlights in the celebration of the Accountancy Week last August 13 and 15, 2013 at the Centennial Gym, Function Room with the theme “The Big Jump”. It was facilitated by MCU- Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (MCU- JPIA) officers headed by Arlene Mae R. Tiangco, MCU-JPIA President. The program started with the welcome remarks delivered by Arlene Mae R. Tiangco who presented the achievements of MCU BS Accountancy Students in recent National Competitions such as National Accounting Quiz Showdown (NAQDOWN) wherein Alfrancis D. Calma (4th year) made it to the Top 8 out of 30 schools from NCR who competed, NCR Cup 1 (Practical Accounting 1) Jasmine C. Villanueva (4th year) ranked 13th place out of 47 schools, and NCR Cup 2 (Theory of Accounts) Ms. Tiangco (4th year) got 11th Place out of 47 schools. It was followed by the seminar spearheaded by CBA Dean Rosario Corazon O. Arzaga who gave A- Z meaning of “The Making of a CPA”. She also stressed that CPA also stands for C-ommitment P-erseverance and A-spire. Prof. Fernando M. Lopez, MCU- JPIA Adviser, shared his experience when he was still studying and was about to take the CPA Board Exam and how he was able to pass the exam through hardwork and faith in God. As part of the celebration, competitions such as Accounting Quiz Bowl, Sportsfest, Sing and Dance Competition, Essay Writing Contest, Slogan and Poster Making Contest were held. One of the most awaited event was the Amazing Race wherein six groups, each comprising of Accountancy Students from different year levels, competed to finish all the challenges which aimed to bring out the spirit of camaraderie among the team members. The winners for individual competitions were Hanna Jeminah Montemayor of AC 2-1 (Singing Competition), Erika Moreno of AC 2-1 (Poster Making Contest), Dianna Marie Villarta of AC 1-1 (Slogan Making Contest), Erika Hazel Regato of AC 5-1 (Essay Writing Contest), Emmanuel Pangilinan of AC 3-1 (Table Tennis), Roel Tomco of AC 3-1 (Chess) and Mark David Garde of AC 5-1 (Badminton). At the end of the day, it was the 2nd Year students who won the overall championship with the score of 610 points, followed by the 3rd Year students with 510 points and 1st Year students with 500 points. The winners received medals, trophies and certificates. Social Science General Assembly By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration The Social Sciences Society (SSS) under the College of Arts and Sciences held its First General Assembly for A.Y. 2013-2014 last August 30, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium, Function Room with the theme, “Can You Read My Mind?” this aimed to orient the members of the organization about their future activities, to know the mission and vision of the group and to introduce the club to the new members. The program started with the opening remarks from Mr. Garry Montecillo, Head Adviser of the Social Sciences Society. It was followed by an inspirational talk from Mr. Mark David Aquino, SSS Adviser, who discussed the importance of Social Sciences Society to the students and the aim of the organization, to be socially responsive. Interactive games which required teamwork and cooperation were held. The calendar of activities for the current academic year was presented by Pamela Kate Martinez, Social Sciences Society President, with the objectives that represent the organization’s tagline “A-wareness, I-nvolvement, M-obilization”. The newly elected officers were also introduced. They were Pamela Kate M. Martinez as President, Nicolo S. Soria as Vice-President, Danica Krizel A. Regala as Secretary, Precious Mary Angel T. Pangilinan as Assistant Secretary, Dorothy A. Koa as Treasurer, Vladimir N. Viardo as Assistant Treasurer, Celine Vanessa R. Ong as Auditor, Dianara B. Torres as P.R.O., April Dale M. Delos Santos and Abbigail R. Pati as Business Managers, Frances Kleir R. Pito and Mark Adrian P. Ogabang as Project Coordinators, Alissa Marie G. Castelo and Clarisse Joyce P. Bareja as Research Coordinators. College students who are interested in joining the club may visit the Office of the Student Affairs located at the Learning Resource Center or see the advisers or the officers for further information. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 14 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body INDAK Nursing Commences Capping, Pinning And Candle Lighting Ceremony By Mary Greace T. Gamit, Nursing Manila Central University College of Nursing commenced the traditional Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremony last July 16, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium. The ceremony began with the processional headed by Ms. Ma. Ronela L. Paglinawan (Florence Nightingale of 2013), the faculty members, Mr. Melvin Miranda (Dean of the College of Nursing) and the university officials, followed by a thanksgiving mass. The welcome address was delivered by Mr. Miranda which was followed by the introduction of the guest speaker, Ms.Vilma M. Bonifacio, Clinical Coordinator of College of Nursing. A message was given by Dr. Aristotle T. Malabanan, President and Chief Operating Officer of Manila Central University. The symbolic lighting of candle was headed by Prof. Petrona A. Benitez, Vice President for Academic Affairs, assisted by Mr. Miranda. Mr. Christopher R. Parungao, a faculty member and also the master of ceremony presented the candidates, with the help of Ms. Asuncion S. Ruiz, Chief Nurse of MCU-FDTMF Hospital, and Ms.Vilma M. Bonifacio, Clinical Coordinator. The highlight of the ceremony was the Capping and the Pinning which were given to female and male nursing students, respectively which symbolized responsibility, morality, duty and commitment. It was followed by the lighting of their candles with Ms. Paglinawan, assisted by Ms. Carmela C. Asuro, BSN level II adviser, and the giving of their lamps. As the ceremony ended, the BSN level II took their International Nurse’s Pledge which was spearheaded by Mr. Mark Ian F. Navarro, President of BSN level II. 15 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Pharmacy Dominates Intercollegiate Mathematics Quiz Bee By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration The Battle of Math Wizards. The Department of Math and Physics under the College of Arts and Sciences, held its Annual MCU Intercollegiate Math Quiz Bee last August 14, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium this was participated in by students representing their respective colleges as they showcased their prowess in the field of Mathematics and Physics. The program opened with a welcome address from Dr. Elizabeth B. Parreño, Area Chair of Math and Physics Department, who emphasized the importance of having an Annual Intercollegiate Math Quiz Bee to the students. The competition was comprised of ten questions each for Easy, Average and Difficult Rounds in the scopes of Algebra, Physics, Statistics and Geometry. At the end of the competition, Pharmacy reigned supreme as they took the 3rd and 1st Place in the event. Pharmacy team members who got 1st Place were Brian Brinces, Margarette Nicole Ponce and Grethel Marie Santos. Medical Technology Team came in 2nd Place with members of Abbigail Pati, Jessica Sincero and Regie Trinidad. Lastly, another Pharmacy Team ranked 3rd consisted of Ma. Czerina Faye Caldera, Lorenzo Gregorio Nuñez III and Jhasmyne Yulo. All winners received medals, trophies and certificates of participation. MCU Welcomes freshmen and transferees By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration As a part of growing community of the university, MCU held a “Freeday Friday” last July 12, 2013 at the Centennial Gymnasium which aimed to orient and welcome freshmen and transferee students for the Academic Year 2013-2014. The event started with a Eucharistic Mass, followed by the opening remarks from the Dean of the Student Affairs Ms. Diana Genevive H. Layag and welcome remarks from Prof. Petrona A. Benitez, VP for Academic Affairs. Students from different colleges and organizations showcased their talents as they presented production numbers throughout the event. Booths were opened which offered games and prizes to the students and recruited new members. Raffle Prizes were given away to registered freshmen and transferee students at the end of the program. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 16 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Breaking the limit SHERWIN MAE G. FULGUERAS Pharmacy “Perseverance is the strongest weapon you’ll ever wield against all the wicked battles you’ll face in life.” UNWARRANTED MISFORTUNE Problems, misfortunes, tragedies, adversities; how do you cope with those kinds of stuff? Have you ever experienced any of those? If yes, then how did you manage to stand up again and start moving forward? If no, what will you do if you’ve come face-to-face with your greatest nightmares in life? Will you run or will you fight? What if you already knew that there is no freaking way that you’ll win the impossible battle; will you still stand on your ground and fight? Or will you just run just like a shameless coward? Will you let your fears beat you and consume every bit of your humanity until there is no more left of you but a hollow shell? Will you let the beasts of misfortune win? Or will you equip yourself with the right weapons in order to slay those so-called beasts? The bottom line is that the decision you will make is up to you without giving any regard to the opinion of others. It will reflect the characteristics your mind and heart possess. It will define how you will react with certain circumstances, be it honourable or cowardly. The world is a reservoir of all kinds of darkness we know and the darkness that we knew nothing about. No matter how much we try to avoid all the misfortunes that the world has in store for us, we cannot do anything about it. We cannot change it. We just accept it over and over again. The only thing we can do is to strive in order for us to survive. Those who are willing to fight have a strong faith that someday all this darkness will be wiped out by the clearest light, unimaginable. However, there are also those who have lost their hope and just gave up in the midst of everything without even putting up a fight first. Their hearts are weak. In this world, in these times of evil, those who have a weak heart end up in a bloody state of hopelessness. The sharp fangs of dread are easily consuming their once brave minds, transforming them into useless cowards. You see, our world is a giant battlefield. The difference of our world to an actual battlefield is that, in our world, we are not aware when or how will the opponent strike. Mother Nature is both our ally and our worst opponent. Although, naturally, she is our lifesaver but because humans are abusive creatures, she can also be the deadliest assassin there is. Take for example the floods that we always experience during or after a heavy rain caused by a typhoon. Those floods would always cause a variety of tragedies and deaths of people. Devastating misfortunes that would easily make a person crumble into pieces. Horrible problems that would make the person to just give up. Dreadful happenings that would cause great misery to the victims. But, bear in mind, as we witness these life-sucking events, most of those victims are willingly trying to begin and live a normal life again even after those tragedies. They persevere in order to witness again the beautiful rising of the sun in the east which signifies hope. They are desperate to live, desperate enough to fight for survival even if they knew that a battle with Mother Nature will make the human the underdog. Desperation will give you the fuel you need to make you want to change the unchangeable fact, the incompatible compatibility, and the power to accept the sickening time limitations. No matter how obviously hopeless it may seem, a person will still go on. No matter how helpless an individual may feel, because he is desperate to keep on moving forward, that person won’t stop at nothing until he claims the reward he’s been yearning at the end. All these individuals who chose to persevere have their reasons on why they chose to be that desperate to live. But, hypothetically speaking, what if your mere reason on why you live will be gone in an instant? Will you just accept it? Or will you stop and just stay at a single place, playing the game of standstill? If your answer to the second question is yes, then might as well let someone smack you in the head and knock some good sense in you. Being in a standstill is like a mentally dead person, although, still physically alive. That person is literally an epitome of emptiness. I know that familiar ghastly feeling once the single reason on why you strive each day is gone. It is difficult to accept. It is the one thing that can make you think of giving up, make you think to just drop everything you’ve been working on. However, despite all those, we must fight the strong urge of our selfish desire to stop and stay still. We must move even if it’s too difficult to move. We must break all the shackles we have in our vulnerable selves. Most importantly, we must value the life that has been given to us. We must cherish this priceless gift of life even if the reason we grew up with is already gone. Just like what I mentioned before, all you got to do is to persevere. So, what if the reason we think we have for living is gone? So, what? It’s useless to even think of stopping. I remember this thirteen-year old child telling this to me, “You can’t just stop after all the troubles you’ve been through just because you think you have no reason to continue. It’s very childish and honestly, stupid; an embarrassment to the society. Get a grip on yourself. Live your age. Don’t be like an attention-seeker, good-fornothing spoiled brat. Quitting will never solve anything. Misfortunes are unwarranted. What do you expect? Problems are what make this world rotate and revolve. All you have to do is to simply learn the right steps of the dance of perseverance. If you learn to master that, you’ll be the greatest dancer ever with killer moves, I’ll say.” It’s amazing how a child’s point of view can be so brutally honest about everything. And how opinionated they can be despite the fact that they still lack the experience to say something so meaningful very easily. So, instead of sulking just because of the disappearance of your original reason for striving, why don’t you persevere to find another reason to charge your will to the fullest to live? I’m sure there are millions of reasons out there. If you can’t manage to find it, then maybe you haven’t looked hard enough. 17 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body It’s humanity’s job to learn to accept and embrace this reality in order to keep harmonious relationships with one another. Turning point kay b. coros Medical Technology Judge Me Not Nobody is perfect. Everyone has flaws and everybody makes mistakes. But it isn’t bad at all. Imperfections don’t mean that we are any less of a person. In fact, it’s what makes each and every one of us special in every little way. Unfortunately, some people fail to understand the differences amongst us resulting in an unfair judgment towards another. Every day people are judged based on appearances, actions and words; most coming from first impressions. The way they see it, affects the kind of treatment they’ll have for you. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with that as long as we keep ourselves open in truly getting to know a person better as to avoid judging them for being somebody we think they are, but they aren’t. For instance, just because someone is mean and a bully doesn’t mean that he is a bad person already. For all we know, it could be a mask that lets him cover his weaknesses to prevent himself from being hurt by others. Each of us is different. Everyone has his own likes and dislikes, own style, own perspective of things. We should not judge anyone just because his ways and beliefs differ from us nor should we persuade anyone to change to please us. It’s humanity’s job to learn to accept and embrace this reality in order to keep harmonious relationships with one another. All I wanted to say is that we should not judge anyone based on little things like how they look, how they think, how they act or how they talk. It is not right for anyone to judge a person unless you’ve been in his shoes and felt the same feelings. Neither should they be judged based on their past. They don’t live there anymore. Sometimes people are the way they are not because they want to, but because something in them was triggered for them to act that way and be that way. It could be their past or some personal insecurity. But they should not be judged based on those things either. It could be difficult trying to pretend to be somebody you don’t want to be. Everyone should be given fair chances to have people learn who they truly are and have themselves changed for all they want. Everyone’s a critic and you will always be judged. Just remember that if they don’t choose to see the real you, it’s their loss, not yours. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 18 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Amplify our voices Confliction of choices enveloped in uncertainty. The Power of initiating change in an institution is not an overnight duty to accomplish. The society, being blinded by fallacies and surrealistic testimonies, are thereby inhibited by these to become liberated and empowered. For instance, do students, aware of an ongoing cheating in an examination, take initiative to apply proper action of reporting it to the professors? Of course not, because a lot of matters regarding fairness, transparency and unbiased judgment will be put to question. In a much wider scale, will a person that has a full understanding of what is right or wrong take the lead of overcoming these intolerable acts of deception, corruption and more despicable actions of man driven by an unending greed for power? The fact that the society became passive to the point that Evil in the sociological mentality became a social norm is an alarming phenomenon that the society MAYBE is losing its grasp on humanity and sanity. But an undeniable truth cannot eradicate the consciousness of a person exposed in a world imbalance, and that Truth is ALL OF US ARE AWARE. ALL OUR EYES ARE OPEN TO THE FACTS, that Evil is inching its way to the people’s intellectual and spiritual genius. But despite of this awareness, why is it that man seems to have lost his courage to break the barriers, he allowed bad things to happen, is it because man alone cannot work with himself? Well, it is true. An undying cliché lives on “No man is an island”. But what is happening to us? Did we take evasive action to initiate a desirable change in the world? We are very capable of so many things. We just need to work together. We are given so many choices. We can either continue to be that same passive person waiting for come what may, or we can create something bigger than us that is aiming for empowerment, growth and robust foundations of our core. The Pharos, on its 85th Anniversary, vested in the Centralino student body, the power of their voices. These voices channeled into a power of change continue to live on. But it is not entirely possible if You will not play your part in the campaign. The power of change seeks for an inspired soul, an awakened fighter crucified within the sleeping consciousness deep inside one’s heart. This power searches for a changed idealism. The publication, on its second crusade for the Centralino Empowerment, aims for a larger involvement of the student body. The Pharos vests in you, the Power of Persuasion. You are given the CHOICES, whether you remain stagnant and silent or you stand up and voice out all your vindications. Let’s amplify our voices to greater heights. LET US WORK TOGETHER. 19 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body EXPERIENCES AS A CRUEL TEACHER By Kay B. Coros, Medical Technology Everything happens for a reason. Failing grades, lost love, broken relationships. Good or bad, experiences are there not to put people down, but to shape us to become better and stronger individuals. Experiences are there to serve as our mentors to teach us to learn how to live and love life! For instance, failing grades. Admit it. Most of us would blame it all on our teachers. Kesyo hindi sya magaling magturo, hindi sya nagtuturo, hindi sya marunong mag-compute ng grade, walang konsiderasyon. But do we even try to consider what it feels like to be in their shoes? We keep blaming them for our failures not realizing our own shortcomings. Yes, teachers are supposed to teach, and they are expected to teach their lessons well. But as students, we are also expected to study, even beforehand. It may seem to be the most difficult thing a student has got to do. Pero kaya ka nga tinawag na mag-aaral e. Para magaral! But what do we do? We curse them, judge them and hate them for something they are not! And instead of pushing harder, we just simply give up and let all the negativities in. “Hindi ako magaling”, “hindi ko kaya”, “mag-shishift na ako”.. Ano na lang ang mangyayari sa buhay mo kung puro negatibo ang nasa isip mo at hindi ka bumangon mula sa pagkakabagsak mo? Tapos sasabihin mo life is unfair? Magisip ka! Life isn’t a bed of roses. Don’t expect to wake up every day and be treated like royalty. Get up and work hard! Kung hindi ka magbabanat ng buto, paano mo matutupad ang mga pangarap mo? I am not saying that grades are meant to define you because they don’t. It could perhaps be the basis of honors and awards during graduation rites, but it doesn’t define the kind of person and dreams you have. Grades are only a measurement of how well you do in school. What I am trying to say my dear purple owls is, do not blame your failures on somebody else. Ever heard of the saying, “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”? Sometimes, people fail not because they can’t. Maybe it is life’s way of telling us to push ourselves a little more. Maybe because if we do, life will reward us with a double. Take it from irregular students who top licensure exams! Experience is a cruel teacher, she gives the tests first before learning the essential lessons. In college, we are expected to be independent enough to handle our study issues well. There is always a reason in which all of these hardships in education are encountered by students. For instance, the seemingly impossible research paper due in three days are given to us students to determine how well are we to handle the assigned task. We are being tested on how are we going to provide our best efforts in studying. We should not rely on mediocrity. Yung tipong may maipasa lang na project. Term Exams. We are given tons of handouts and a handful of power point files downloaded in the net. And of course, our dearest professors expect us to master all the given lessons. If we just hope to gloriously pass the term exams, yung sapat na pasado na kahit TRES lang ay ginto na, malaki pa rin ang chances mo na maaari kang bumagsak. As much as possible, let’s not rely on merely passing the subjects with passing grades. Try to raise the stakes a little higher. Aim for higher grades so the probability of accumulating low grades can be avoided and hence keeping your head away from the chopping block. These experiences will give us an assurance of knowledge. The wisdom of pushing through the discomfort and pain. We are all responsible for our own lives. We are responsible for our future. But of course, let’s not forget that God has plans for us. And no matter how hard it may be, let’s put our fate in His precious hands. God sees us struggle and push through the difficulties and He surely will reward the just. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 20 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Resiliency: A Filipino Trademark By Michelle Ann L. Bernardo, Business Administration Nation of servants... Illiterates... Most corrupt country in Asia... “Gate of Hell”... These are some of the “monikers” that we hear about our country from other nations. It really hurts, doesn’t it? Well, we can’t blame them for thinking that way. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But amidst the bad reputation they throw at us, one remarkable characteristic that we Filipinos can be truly proud of is RESILIENCY. There were many instances that we showed how resilient we are especially in times of dilemma and the most recent one was the catastrophic damage throughout much of Leyte and Samar Islands brought about by Super Typhoon Yolanda (with international codename Haiyan) in early November 2013. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) described Super Typhoon Yolanda as “the world’s most powerful typhoon for 2013” and also “the strongest storm in world history to make landfall”. Our fellowmen in the Visayas Region were greatly hit by the super typhoon and thousands of people died. Some of them survived but homeless, starving for food and helpless. It broke our hearts when we saw the aftermath left by the typhoon. It’s Horrifying, Shocking and Heart pounding. Different stories of survival and heroism touched our hearts. Stories that made us realize how fortunate we were because we were not badly affected by the typhoon’s wrath here in Manila. A story of heroism of our kababayans who were able to save other people’s lives at their own expense. But I truly admire this young media reporter who had a live coverage as the typhoon was presently devastating the Tacloban City which he had been reporting. He didn’t mind the harm that might cause him as he was braving the strong winds during his report. His daring coverage went viral on social media and even became a trending topic. He is none other than Atom Araullo, an ABS-CBN News reporter that symbolizes the epitome of a dedicated journalist. In spite of the desolation that happened, we still managed to lift the spirits of one another through bayanihan. Aside from the Local Government Units (LGU) and the National Government, there were also private individuals who reached out to typhoon victims by giving cash and in-kind donations. Messages of sympathy and humanitarian aid in many forms have poured from different parts of the world. Some private institutions also held charity events to raise funds for the benefit of Yolanda survivors. Our bayanihan spirit that added to the support from global community will surely bounce us back to a more resilient and stronger Philippines. The world saw how determined we are in bringing back the hope and faith that were somehow lost due to the crisis. Resiliency is a trademark that we Filipinos are known for. Having an incredible way of coping and moving on from a distress is a remarkable trait that we definitely can be proud of. 21 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body On The Cheaters’ Notes By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing Cheating, does it sound new? Definitely NOT! It is associated with different ways. Maybe you know someone that cheats and have witnessed it with your own eyes. That’s why it’s not surprising that even a student would do the same. Have you read your notes? Have you reviewed your lessons? These are a few questions that students ask one another every time there’s an exam or quiz. It’s more prevalent when someone wasn’t able to review or “intentionally” didn’t review. As what students say “PETIKS LANG YAN”, I will just copy the goods from my cheatmate. These cheat tactics are excuses for being lazy in studying. Others refer to it as “Desperate measures for Desperate Times”. According to Abdolmohammadi and Baker’s study (2008), they found that ‘‘moral reasoning’’ was a significant variable in a linear regression and therefore, seemed to explain why students with high moral codes engaged in less cheating than those without them. So College life undeniably will test your character for a student who cheats and continuously cheats up to now. What’s the real score behind it? THE STORY OF A CHEATER. Some people ignore the fact that cheating is indeed an unfair tactic of passing a subject, but since a student is placed in a difficult position of doing or dying in an exam, he chooses to play dirty. You may wonder, why would someone cheat even if he’s aware that it is wrong? It is for Survival of the Fittest. The student that can stand firm until he reached the point of success is a survivor. But surviving in the cutthroat college education setting will definitely put an individual in the most difficult situations he can have. A student faces a lot of tasks. An internship requiring hours of duty in certain workplaces, projects that require time and teamwork to produce and other tasks given to a student drastically cut off the time he would use to study his lessons. A student experiences conflicts with his/her schedule and management skills. With frustrations and physical and mental fatigue, some of these tasks are unintentionally or intentionally neglected by a student. He sacrifices a certain subject so he can devote his time in an even specific topic at hand. An ironic situation that most Centralinos encounter is the difficulty of tests. Students cram for three to four chapters of a subject and they will encounter a very short quiz. It’s ironic and it will drive students crazy! Students also encounter personal problems. It can include problems with family, relationships with people and with oneself. These problems can distract a student so much. It wanes his focus in studying. THE REASONS. You may call them UNFAIR, but you can’t blame them for their choices. They have their own reasons to cheat on tests. Students in general, aim to pass or to fail. It’s up to them on how they are going to do their part in achieving these goals and avoiding such situations. That’s why some of them come to the point that they break their own principles. They want to get there whatever it takes. As a student, you don’t want to disappoint your parents, because firstly, they are the ones who provided for the all things you need in school: equipment, books, allowances and many more. It’ll be a shame on a student’s part to give his parents bad news that he failed a subject. Secondly, when parents have high expectations on their children, a person would feel the pressure to do good. They are placed in tough situations that they are driven to fulfill those expectations. Since college is very hard, there are instances that students fail to reach those standards. They end up disappointed and defeated. Students also fear being stigmatized as slow-learners or weak thinkers. WE fear that people around us judge us as someone who is not dedicated in our studies or worst, be judged as someone that is “destined” to be a loser. Students have a lot of reasons why they do these things. The ultimate goal of students is all the same. To Pass! THE WAKE-UP CALL. Do cheaters feel guilty? Do they regret their wrong doings and lastly, will they ever stop? The first two questions can only be answered by a cheater. But for the latter part the results may vary. It’s about time for a WAKE-UP CALL. •Yes, you are able to pass the tests and finished another semester. But the big question remains, did you really LEARN? If you do, is it enough for you to be prepared for the real world? •You copied those answers but, do you know the rationale behind those answers? It’s useless, to most students, a letter “A” on a specific item means it’s correct because they know it’s correct. But the reality is, your Paper is nothing but a sheet of copied random letters. •You have that high or average grade but you know it’s because of the hard work of someone else. It can be from your circle of friends that doesn’t want you to fail and leave your group. But remember, people who tolerate these actions are not a good company to keep. A friend will tell you the right ways. Avoid Bad Influences, befriend Best Inspirations. •Think of your PARENTS or whoever supports your finances on studies. They worked very hard to sustain your education. Your parents HONESTLY earn money in HONEST ways, but if you will study in a dishonest manner, it would truly disappoint them. You are fortunate that your parents are devoted to provide education and they will not like it if they knew that the reason you passed is because you cheated. •You may have heard or read these sentiments but If You cheat, you also cheat on yourself. You’re a winner but also a loser. THE ANSWER. For the students, only you can change your attitude about school matters. How about transform that temptation into an inspiration. Learn from your mistakes. Take initiative to talk to your Professors or Class adviser if you can’t understand the lessons or you have problems. So you can catch up with your lessons and help others. For the parents, it would be good if you will have a more open relationship to your son/ daughter. Talk to them in a motivating and encouraging manner. Because sometimes they are just afraid to admit that something is wrong with their studies simply because they are afraid to disappoint you. For the professors, implement stricter regulations on Cheating. We humbly wish for the patience of the instructors to the students that are having difficulty in mastering your lessons. Ultimately, we hope that we can easily approach you when we have concerns. In summary, cheating is still cheating. No matter what reason you may have, it’s still wrong. There is no type of cheating that is good. All types of cheating, be it a small or big thing, it’s still the same. No good will result from it. Think of this, you may have passed a subject because of the unnoticed cheating you have done in the past, but when it comes to the real deal in the future, what will you do if something significant is at stake that even cheating is not an option? Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 22 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Pharos Correspondents’ Bureau: The Pharos launches The Pharos Correspondents’ Bureau (PCB). A page designed to be the hub of Centralino voices. With the members of the Bureau, a team of journalists in training and the publication’s primary tool for communication, The Pharos is enabled to further reach out to more Centralino students for them to express their viewpoints regarding campus matters.” 2013 To Cheat or to Repeat? “I would prefer even to fail with honor than win by cheating”. — Sophocles What is cheating? It refers to an immoral way of achieving a goal. It is generally used for breaking rules to gain unfair advantage in a competitive situation. Many students believe that cheating is wrong. But the important question is, why these students still cheat even if they know it is a bad thing? Maybe the answer to this question is Survival. Nowadays, almost all of the students know how to cheat. Cheating provides various effects on a student. It’s upon the student’s perspective if he’s going to treat it as good or bad. “I never experienced cheating. I never cheated and I don’t want to do that because if I cheat, it’s like cheating on myself already. The purpose of exams or quizzes is to evaluate our knowledge. Maybe they got high grades and fulfillment in themselves. Somehow it affects their learning ability as for better or for worse. I’m not in favor of cheating because it’s sinful and it’s only for losers. So to my fellow students out there, let us avoid cheating. It’s better to get an HONEST centavo than a STOLEN hundred”. — Chiari Emilie Durana, Medical Technology “Cheating will never be a good habit for you to practice. It will just lead you to laziness. You’re going to school to study and learn something new. You have to know your purpose in studying. You can overcome this. Just review so you’ll know what to answer and will not cheat again. Pray hard, it works with your efforts”. — Jezreel Dann W. Moncogong, Optometry “Cheating is an excuse of people who can’t face their problems. It is also one way of protecting their fears at some point. Cheating is never and will never be a good virtue because it promotes laziness for students. It also makes students dependent on their classmates and will result to students not learning at all. There are some ways to prevent cheating, first is by (actively) listening to class discussions. By listening to professors, a student retains knowledge thus helping students during their exam. Avoiding tardiness and absences is also one way to prevent cheating. A student learns just by being present at class. The most important thing that a student can do to prevent cheating is to not let their classmate steal their answers especially for those students who have studied for their exam. A student can prevent cheating by not tolerating cheaters”. — Paul Mangeo Luzano Dela Cruz, Optometry “It’s better to cheat than to repeat.” It has a point, but in the end you’ll gain nothing. For me it’s better to fail than to pass without learning”. — John Calvin B. Navarro, Arts and Sciences “I haven’t experienced cheating during an exam this college. Cheating means you are desperate to have a passing grade which you do not deserve. It is deceitful to those who are studying hard just to pass the exam. What is the essence of having an average grade yet you haven’t learned anything?” Just remember, cheating is not a form of learning. Isn’t it that it is better to have low grades with your own efforts than to have passing grades but then you did not work hard for it? For me, you should know that there will be consequences if you try cheating. First, think about your reputation. Everything you do reflects your personality. Cheating is a major offense in school that may result to failure in exam. Second, your parents did not place you in a well-regarded school just to cheat but to study hard and learn. Third, you shouldn’t be agreeing to your classmates who encourage you to cheat. A mistake is never compensated by another mistake. Lastly, is to study. This will build your selfesteem to excel in academics by your own and to gain high grades with your own efforts as a reward. So students, let’s beat the “cheat” — Rocel Ann Caranto, Medical Technology “If you cheat you pass but the question is, “Do you also learn?” So it’s better to repeat, at least you have learned the topic which you tackled. Just study hard so you won’t resort to cheating. Whether you fail, at least you learned that you have to do your best.” — Mhila Patricia Z. Bernardo, Pharmacy No matter what reason you have, the bottom line is that cheating is bad. If we don’t stop cheating, learning may be eliminated and schools and educators will no longer serve their purpose. We won’t be able to know our real potentials. Winning is the same as trying. If you do and try with all your heart, it’s also winning. BUT constantly keep in mind that success will only be worth it and worth having when it is based on honest doing. Centralinos are intelligent, let us uphold the MCU flag with pride, competitive and honest professionals leading the way. 23 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body SOUNDTRACK OF A TEENAGE LIFE: PATH OF YOUR CHOICE VOLUME 2 By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing The melody of your life is now playing and now with a different rhythm. As a teenager, we struggle with life decisions although there are a lot of options. Picking what’s best seems hard when wants and needs collide. And like music, we have a variety of options whether to sing, groove, and rock n’ roll. It takes time and endless effort to build the choice we made but only seconds to destroy it with just a reckless move, unethical judgment, and heartless decision for everything to be scattered and torn apart. And the Big question is what path will you choose? The one you have right now because the circumstances lead you there? Or are you daring enough to fight for your own destiny and make a detour? If Life is like a Chasing Car, will you run after it for a second chance? If life is a Domino, how long can you go? And are you on the right track? If Life is a Rollercoaster, how brave can you be to face life’s ups and downs, twists and turns and life’s own escapade. As an individual there will come a time that you will need to be fierce and courageous to attain what you want. If you are indolent and just wait for miracles, you will be left behind by some people who are strong enough to take a risk and be patient enough to accept that not everything can be grasped in an instant. If you are the Undefeated, will you remain the same humble person that they love? And if you came from the Boulevard of Broken Dreams will you just allow yourself to be a loser forever? Success is not just about the achievements you have, the high grades you had or whatever the world defines success. Though it’s a shame to be a loser but if you’re going to analyze it, even the most triumphant person in the world started as nothing, as nobody and yet they became extremely extraordinary because they are brave enough to fight for their own destiny, fight those life’s misfortunes and be the change. As a student, when you’re facing a problem or under pressure you just want to say to someone just shut up! Because they just make things worse and somehow it seems your heart is made of Titanium that no matter what they say, it won’t kill you but keeps you alive. And there are times you just want to Scream and Shout and break out from all your stress, tension. And as a teenager, we have different personalities. You may be Mr. Know-it-all, the Girl on Fire, the Man who can’t be moved, while some smells like teens spirit, they wear that it’smy-Life attitude and just influence other to live your Life. There are times we feel overprotected that we tend to fight for our freedom. It’s not a rebel thing but more on a trust issue that we want to invoke to them. All we need is for them to trust us on making decisions, to stand on our own and have quality time together, savor the Father and Son relationship just Dance with my Father again. It just takes courage and honesty for them to listen to us and it takes deep understanding and acceptance for us to listen to them. For those who lost their way, you might contemplate on if you could turn back the time and just mutter What If? What if you were brave enough to admit your mistakes? Will they give you a second chance? What if you didn’t fail? Will you be able to learn the Lessons? Sometimes it takes a one big blow mistakes in order for us to be awaken, for us to learn, for us to fight and for us to stand up for our decision or somehow just be humble enough to admit that we can’t always have the best of everything. As a teenage student, we also have crushes, first love, boyfriend, and girlfriend. And there are time when you want more than friends and you will think can we be Lovers and Friends? Because you don’t want to ruin your friendship and yet you also don’t want to lose the girl/guy you love. That losing both is enough to break your heart. What about love? Have you come to a point that you felt you don’t love this person anymore? Or you’re losing someone because you weren’t able to make him/her feel how much you love them? And in the end you will regret because you let someone you love slip away in your life. Sometimes all you need is to remember why you love this person in the first place and why you would take chances on loving him/ her despite the differences and unlikely things about him/her. For those guys who weren’t brave enough they will come to a point that they will say ‘’When I was your man’’. And remember the chances he ignored the small things he should have appreciated and the feelings he should have shown. Somebody that I used to know, this is how you describe someone who hurt you so badly, someone who didn’t treat you right or someone who used to be your world but now, just a total stranger. And it will also come to a point that no matter how much faith you have in your relationship, how much you want to forgive and forget the pain he/she has caused you and how much you love him/her more than yourself, you make a decision and just choose whether to say Goodbye to you and wave Bye bye? Stay despite everything that turns apart and continue to fight and say I won’t give up? Or just to stay Single? In life, you don’t always need someone to complete you, to fix the broken pieces of your past. Sometimes it’s just a Me Myself and I thing. You just need to love yourself, accept that love or life will always be unfair. But despite the heartache, one last Cry, at the End of the Road, just say Thank you for the Broken Heart. Music is like a disc of our life compiled in an album and it touches our hearts and soul because we feel and hear the story within ourselves and it reflects the emotions we want to express. It tells the story of us undergoing tough decisions in life. If one song can save us from pain, then we wouldn’t live in vain but the beauty of life and music lies on you, you have the control under the palm of your hands. Yes, there are things that weren’t meant to be but there also things that can still be saved and the answer to your own path lies within you. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 24 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body The Bullied and The Bully By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing Bullying is a worldwide issue in which everyone can be the subject of. Since we’re mature enough to know that bad influences are wrong, we can ignore the harsh norm of society. However, many seem to enjoy the thought of making someone appear as a laughing stock or the subject of their wrong doings. In college, it is common to have a circle of friends. If you’re not part of that circle, you need to handle everything on your own. And the worst is when the person that you thought is your friend will actually be the one to pull you down. People have different kinds of behavior and attitudes. Because society imposes norms or standards, when something is uncommon or beyond normal, the society would tend to consider it as weird. Whoever destroys or tries to change the norm is considered as the black sheep of the flock. These victims may appear as weaklings, weirdos, introverts, geeks, etc. But if you’re going to sit back, listen to their true stories, and just get to know them better, you’ll be able to understand them. Why they have such mannerisms that is sort of funny or maybe annoying for you. Why they speak differently. Why they think differently compared to others. Truth be told, they’re not doing anything wrong. They are only doing what they think is normal for them. They’re not pretending. They’re just being themselves. And as far as I’m concerned, that is basically the most difficult thing to do. On the other hand, there are the Bullies: the culprit of bullying labeled as good-for-nothing socialites. But even the bullies have their reasons behind their unacceptable actions. Some of these reasons may be because of the attention they want to get from others. They tend to joke around. Get someone to be the subject of their jokes. Eventually, this desire of attention will result to insults. Let’s admit it, when someone is being physically, mentally, or socially insulted, it’s those kinds of jokes that most people find to be hilarious. But just imagine yourself being the one insulted and being laughed at. For the bullies, imagine yourself being in the shoes of the bullied. Let’s see if that can awaken your conscience. Now, according to one article of Discovery News entitled “Why Do people Bully’’ by Jessica Marshall, the reasons why bullies tend to bully someone repeatedly is because nobody is reprimanding them about it. When this keeps up, the tendency is that they would think that it must be okay, based on Marlene Snyder, Development Director for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in the United States. Evidence has also shown that bullies often suffer from social and emotional problems. Furthermore, it is also said that bullies bully because they feel bad about themselves, and research shows that they have average or above average self-esteem and that a person who bullies picks out those that are weaker than themselves, someone they can intimidate, harass or humiliate to do their bidding. So, what’s the aftermath of this? Well, everybody knows the law of karma. For every wrong deed, there is always the equivalent punishment. It’s not right to bully someone, to humiliate them, just for to feed your own self-satisfaction. Nobody is perfect, so I don’t really understand why people find it entertaining when they point out the flaws of someone. Reasons are mentioned in researches regarding bullying and honestly, I do pity the bullies for they are also victims of the norm but bullying is still bad. And bad deeds should not be tolerated. Acceptance and respect is the key. When you accept your own flaws, why not try hard to improve yourself instead of making someone feel bad about themselves just so you can feel better about yourself? Is it so difficult to just respect the people around you and accept the fact that every person is somehow different from each other? Is it impossible for the “different” to co-exist with something that everybody believed to be the “same”? 25 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body NOW SHOWING: Chronicle of a Lost Spirit By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing The war of today and yesterday has begun, can you win a battle that never seems to stop? If your life is a TV series what would be the final ending? How do you want your characters to be remembered? Have you watched something that seemed related to you? Or while watching, you shout as if they can hear your advice or warning. In one way or another, maybe you have wished to press that key in the remote which allows you to replay everything. You experience this urge to go back to a certain point of your life so you could change that awful moment or prevent mistakes. But let’s face it, it doesn’t work that way. Sports channel. You’re in the middle of the game and the score is 2-15. Are you going to give up and just stop from playing or will you continue until the time runs out and just accept whether you win or lose? Drama Show. Now as you switch on to other channel, you saw a familiar scene, hear the same lines that broke your heart. It was a confrontation scene. Your mother slaps your face as she belittles you for being a failure, for being a big disappointment in your family. And she questions your capacity, telling you that you’re incapable of doing things right. Emphasizing that your existence is worthless and that the only reason you have whatever you have is because of her. Action show. Then you turn into a secret agent on an important mission. And in every action show, there is always the antagonist and this antagonist turned out to be your allies. Investigative/Mystery. Because you want something brainy, you turn now into Detective/Police/Policewoman. You need to solve a crime but the problem is that all evidence lead to a suspect that doesn’t seem to exist. Every time you’re about to solve the puzzle, another mystery would tend to rise. Romance. As an individual, you want to be inspired. So you turn to another channel and find this story that is inspirational. You’re someone who is deeply and blindly in love with this person. You’re a martyr that chooses to continue to love even when you’re already betrayed. Horror. Because you felt this dreadful emotion, the next thing you know you’re already in this creepy hospital. The nurses, doctors, janitors are all sorts of monster you know. And what’s the worst thing that could happen? Well, nothing actually but if you’re the patient, it’s understandable if you think you’re in the worst situation ever. Anime. And now you see yourself as one of the characters in Naruto or Bleach or whoever you wished to be. Being an anime character, you want to have that godlike power, immortality, multiple abilities and skills, popularity and just have a better world. Music Channel. At this moment, your song is playing you are a black sheep, a rebel, you’re totally lost and out of control and nobody seems to understand you. As if the world has turned against you. And that melody reminded you of the pain that you’ve been experiencing so you turn off the television and throw the remote control. And now the shows have ended but not your real life. You seek attention, freedom, and a love that could bring you immense happiness. But here’s a question, you have done seeking but have you done something worthwhile to deserve the things you seek? There are a lot of things that you wanted to change, bring back and re-live your life especially when you FAILED. You’re a lost spirit taking part on the continuous chronicles of life. But remember, when you’re lost, there is a point in life when you’re bound to be found. So, now, take control of your life just like how you control the TV remote. If you feel tired of always trying hard, pray to HIM and HE will give you what you need because if there’s anyone, other than you, who knows what to do with your life, it has always been HIM, the Father Almighty. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 26 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body At The Snap of My Fingers By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology AHA! You look for something instant too, right? Even though you deny it, deep in every student’s heart they want to have some little break. Like for 10 months? Kidding aside, we all look for technology to make everything easy. We want a passing grade even though we don’t deserve it. We blame the professors for our lack of knowledge. We cheat (which is the common way) when we are not prepared for exams and quizzes. And then we cram, because we gave more time to other things more than what’s really important. But too bad Heaven does not drop that kind of technology on Earth. There is only one thing to blame – LAZINESS. Here’s the scenario. We ask our classmates if they have reviewed already or not. And if we knew that they are slacking too, you come up with an excuse, thinking that at least you’re not alone and that someone is in the same situation as you. Next thing you know, you and your companion received the same low grade. Sometimes, the temptation to get lazy and not study at all is so strong especially when the final period of examination is near. This temptation is triggered when everything around you distracts you from studying like for example, your laptop, a comfortable bed, the weather that is too good to take a nap, a playing console, you name it. Even the walls are distracting when you study. You tend to notice every nook and cranny on your bedroom wall. So what’s the mystery behind this laziness? What is the key to possess the spirit of perseverance? How to trick the body to get working? These are the questions that we want to be answered. It is natural to be lazy. Yes, even the top students in your class can be lazy too. So cheer up! It is not too late to be a productive student. First thing you must know is that BEING LAZY IS NOT SOMETHING TO BE PROUD OF. Laziness is a sickness that is difficult to cure because once you get used to it, it is already very hard to change. It’s just like trying to bend the trunk of an oak tree. And it’s a very weird sickness because it tends to get stronger every time an exam or quiz is coming up. For effective reviewing, avoid MULTI-TASKING. If you are affected by someone who is texting, eating, surfing the net, while on the right side is a TV turned on while having their books on laps and their pens behind their ear, well maybe you cannot work with a setting like that. You should understand that people have different styles of studying effectively. Some can work in a silent, organized room while others can work with their earphones plugged and a messy room. Next thing you should know is that you MUST FIND AN INSPIRATION. True stories from other people, who jumped through the hurdles of life, A quotation by a famous icon, OR if you are inspired by someone, remember, Smart is the new sexy. You can impress someone with your brains and not muscles. Brains always beat brawn. So, laziness, the unbeatable foe (is it, really?), the multi-layered obstacle that changed the lifestyle of the students is now on its domination. If only the anime character “Doraemon” exists, we would have not wished for anything more. But life is supposed to be difficult. It’s not a supporter of cheating just so you can make your life easier. We cannot kill laziness by any weapon. However, we can avoid it by not letting the temptation win over us. Life is all about struggling and the rewards behind those struggles. Rewards are more appreciated when you struggle enough to get it. Be inspired so that you’ll have enough reasons to keep on going. Think of your future. What you do now will definitely affect the things that are going to happen in the near future. Be productive and look beyond the horizon for greater possibilities. Get up now, do what you have to do, so you won’t end up a useless loser full of regrets. 27 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Soundtrack: Videoke Edition Sing Off Your Anthem Volume 3 By Glaiza Tarin, Nursing I n every journey of LIFE, there’s a worst scenario that you have to undergo for you to surpass your own weaknesses. And as a Filipino, your best companion when you want to forget your problems for a while is SINGING in a VIDEOKE. It’s your outlet to untangle your emotions, to enjoy and let loose of stress, depression, dedicate songs to someone you care for, or just simply to SING. In every song that you sing, there’s a great artist behind it, a great musician and a songwriter that makes it possible for a song to be created which makes an impact on your life. But there are times that even a great artist stumble and fall, commit mistakes and YES! Even turn into someone that you don’t expect them to be. And now choose your songs, hold the microphone and as GOD plays, let’s sing together and imagine that you’re the superstar of your own concert called Breakthrough to Success. PLAYLIST 1 –THE GHOST OF HOST. As a teenager you undergo a lot of turbulent moments that break your soul. There are times when you just want to be ALONE, scream all those things inside you or just simply and show off your dancing skills.You may say you’re BORN THIS WAY and you will ROAR like you’re the greatest and with your EYE OF THE TIGER blazing desire keeps your FAITH together that also reminds that greatness has its own limitation. You may say I’M LIKE A BIRD whose freedom sets you apart from the rest and just FLY, not minding whatever the world says and wear that I DON’T CARE attitude. Your greatness is undeniably more superb when you’re FLYING WITHOUT WINGS because you’re able to overcome everything even the most impossible. And say “I BELIEVE I CAN FLY”. Like a SKYSCRAPER, no one can BREAK AWAY your spirit. But for a person who FALL DOWN and lives on their own shadow they will utter “I’M NOT OK”. And when you LOSE YOURSELF to too much agony and MISERY, it seems like AMPHETAMINE, LITHIUM, and HEROIN are the only options left. Because of the fact that the only thing you could see is your own pain and misery, you’re possessed by your own DEMONS because you tend to do things even if they’re wrong. And because you are overdosed with so much trouble, you become hopeless, feeling like you’re in COMATOSE. You don’t even know if you want to be ALIVE OR DEAD because there’s a GHOST IN YOU that haunts you. And you’re GOING UNDER a series of life-changing experiences. You can just march on. PLAYLIST 2 - DEFEAT THE BEAST. And just when you’re about to be defeated by your own shadow, let a shed of light shine upon you and let hope rule you. YESTERDAY has put you in so many stages of anguish and troubles. The people you love come and go. You have been LOST IN SPACE, stuck in a KALEIDOSCOPE WORLD. Your body has been deeply wounded and GANGSTA PARADISE seems to be your own haven. You can REACH OUT to CURE the pain inside you as you express your innermost and sincerest pleas and asking for forgiveness through THE PRAYER, saying “LORD PATAWAD. Please TAKE ME OUT OF THE DARK; lead me to the right DIRECTION. MAKE ME WHOLE for my life has been chaotic.” HEY JUDE, HEY SOUL SISTER, now it’s a NEW DAY, rise up and shout because God has the power to FIX YOU. When you feel like you’re whole again, say “TODAY MY LIFE BEGINS.” As you look into the clear BLUE SKY, you will feel this strange but enchanting feeling and you’ll realize that HEAVEN has blessed you with a new purpose and you can’t help but say SALAMAT/THANK YOU. And after everything that has happened, you’d be able to stand firm and be the greatest SURVIVOR of your own time. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 28 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body A Shadow from THE PAST By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology and Glaiza Tarin, Nursing Have you ever noticed something peculiar in broadsheets, headlines, movies and television shows? A term widely used and yet not everyone was strong enough to admit they experienced it. ABUSE is a powerful and terrible way of inflicting agony, threat and depression to someone’s life. The person that receives this negative power is subjected to physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual injuries. As a student, we may not be aware that someone is already taking advantage of his power over you or without realizing that you’re already the villain to someone else’s life. This article shows off two faces of Abuse. The Abuse in Man’s Perception A man is known to be strong and determined when facing persecution. As a defense mechanism, they learned to fight back in order to avoid harm before someone would harm him. That is our human nature. If we don’t fight back, we would be devastated by the harsh society. Unlike the woman, man is tougher in considering something as an abuse. It would take more than a bruise, a scar and a broken arm before he can say that he is being abused. Why? Because a man would rather die before admitting that someone had taken advantage of him. However, a man can say he experienced abuse if he wasn’t able to give a chance to give tit for tat or to express what is on his mind. Men refuse to be enslaved. Take the Filipinos in the Spanish Colonization era, groups of men revolt against the Spanish government. When a child or woman is being physically, mentally and verbally abused, a man’s reaction would be to protect those who cannot defend themselves. A man cannot stand to see a child who has no strength to fight back, and a woman who had no power, being oppressed by another. A man’s nature is to attack and to defend. Attack the person threatening the safety of his loved ones and defend his life and family against all odds. Despite of these noble actions, why is this that some other men still do these cruel actions? The Abuse in Women’s Perception Women are known to be fragile when facing persecution. But they refuse to be treated that way. Women are tough; they would face the odds and strive to achieve equality. The women, back from ancient history are belittled by society. They weren’t allowed to vote and participate in politics. They were deprived of education and many other rights that men and women should equally share. But they surpassed these. Women made history in fields of politics, medicine, education and many others. They are role models for fighting and refusing to be maltreated. But despite these achievements, women still experience abuse. They are more vulnerable to these episodes. It would take more than a scratch or burn, condemnation and emotional trauma before she admits that she is being abused. Why? Because abuse caused so much injury to her, she would rather keep it inside rather than show her weaknesses to others. To let her guard down is a dangerous act to do. It’s in the human nature, to hide those weaknesses so no one can ever inflict injury to the most vulnerable spot. Men and Women meet halfway: Everyone can be a subject of ill-treatment. We can never tell when it will occur or why does it happen? But one thing is certain, we can find a way to end this loneliness. Abuse is a shadow from the past, it may darken our lives at the present but we can always look forward to a brighter future. 29 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Accord To our Own By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology We, Centralinos, are the sculptors of our university. We shape the future and the prestige and honor of our beloved school. We carve our school’s image with perseverance and patience that will provide us the confidence to stand up and rise among others. To paint the picture, we are the pride of the University. We are being built by our school to be competitive and well-rounded inside and outside the campus. We are persevering to be the best professionals of what we can be in the future. But during this process, we face these instances that we may create undesirable actions that lead to disappointments and frustrations. We are not perfect, we can do some mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes were the outcomes of our own curiosity; we like to take the risks just to uncover phenomenal things. Even if we made violations just to feed our inquisitiveness; needless to say, “We do what we want.” People do sort of things outside school premises such as drinking, smoking, gambling, violence, and extreme public display of intimacy. If people OUTSIDE the university are like this, what kind of people is INSIDE the university? •We are gifted with writing and drawing skills. We seem to enjoy writing and drawing on armchairs, tables and even at the walls of comfort rooms instead of using our thick sheets of yellow paper. It’s not allowed. It’s Vandalism. •We often wait outside the classroom whenever we wait for the other professor to dismiss his class. We love to chat, but shouting at each other was inappropriate because for all we know, it would disturb the classes. We also contribute to the noise pollutions. A noisy environment is not a conducive ambience for studying. •As teenagers of a modern world, we want to be updated with the latest trends in fashion. There is nothing wrong with getting into style but make sure that when we enter inside the campus, we will wear something presentable, comfortable and appropriate for a school setting. Clothes that show off some skin, that carry prints with vulgar meaning and other offensive designs must be avoided. We should also follow regulations about the official uniform. Female students should wear the prescribed skirt that is 3 inches long below the knees or else it would be a violation. Male students should also follow the regulations about the correct type of pants and polo shirts. •We give effort to present ourselves nicely to the public. We carry these certain hairstyles, hair colors and even long hair. Remember that a clean cut for males and a simple hairdo for females would always do the trick. And also a clean kept hair is a reflection of how well we take care of ourselves. But this article’s aim is not to list down every violation of some students. Yes, our University is strict on implementing its rules and we hate being reprimanded for what we call simple violations. These violations are just a few of the things a student may commit. However, despite of those negativities, the majority of the students are able to observe the rules and regulations this school offers in order to maintain harmony and order. If you are one of the students who are disciplined, YOU are the one that can make the MCU banner fly higher, thus you make our university proud. Hardheaded students should humble themselves and try to change their attitude when being reprimanded. They should also find ways to fully follow these rules and change those old bad habits. All schools have their own undisciplined students. Even the twelve apostles had one traitor, how much more is in a university? So if you are one of the violators, now is the time to change those misguided and crooked practices. And if you are one of the obedient students, now is the time to play your part in instilling the good virtues our university imposes. After all, good things blossom from a single seed of obedience. Every one of us has our own accord. It is up to us whether to stay the same or change for the better. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 30 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Never Letting Go Negligence FACETS PHOTOGRAPHY by CLAUDINE I. CLAUS and JAMES RYAN A. MENDOZA, Medical Technology Sunshine City Lights Desperate Plea Blissfull Company 31 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body A Love Story That Never Was By Edenmae C. Chu, Dentistry This is a story. This is a love story. This is a love story that never was. That day, when the story wouldn’t begin, the boy got up and got ready for his day to work. That same day, when the story still wouldn’t begin, the girl got up and got ready for her day to work. The boy was a bit nervous that day. Because his boss would evaluate him, and he was afraid he would get a bad evaluation. The girl was a bit cranky that day, her period just started. The boy was too early to arrive at the bus stop, so he had to wait for the bus that only made him more nervous. The girl was too late to arrive at the bus stop, so she had to run for the bus that only made her crankier. The boy didn’t sleep very well that night because of the rushing feeling in his belly caused by the nervousness, so he decided to go to the coffee shop. The girl didn’t sleep very well that night because of the painful feeling in her belly caused by her menstrual cramps, so she decided to go to the coffee shop. The boy decided to get off the bus earlier for his coffee. He figured he had to walk 5 minutes from the bus stop to the coffee shop, and from there, it was a 10-minute walk to his work. The girl decided to get off the bus earlier for her coffee. She figured she had to walk 10 minutes from the bus stop to the coffee shop, and from there, it was a 5-minute walk to her work. When the boy entered the coffee shop, he saw there were almost no people that eased his nervousness a bit. When the girl entered the coffee shop, she saw there were almost no people that eased her crankiness a bit. The boy had just finished ordering his coffee and turned around. The girl just finished choosing her coffee and turned around. The boy saw the girl. The girl saw the boy. They saw each other. They held hands together, running and laughing through a field full of flowers. They were kissing on a rug in front of a fireplace. They were fighting over The Thorn Tree (Inspired by the Thorn Bird) By James Ryan A. Mendoza, Medical Technology Standing with roots planted deeply into the earth’s bosom is a tree plagued with sharp thorns and needles. No birds dared to perch on the cursed branches of the tree. The tree would just endure to be barren forever and be desolated from the birds. Every day, its branches would sway swiftly upon the blissful summer breeze. Warmth with a hope that the tree is someday be rested on larks and nightingales. But even the darkest of ravens didn’t dare to fly closely to the tree. The wind gently blew upon its branches. It sounded like a child’s prayer, wishing for a happily ever after. An element of surprise, a tiny bird suddenly perched on the thorn tree. But as the bird slipped from its branches, a sharp needle impales its heart. The bird chirped and chirped, it gave out its most painful cry. But as the sound resonates through the heavens, God from above wept bitterly. Angels plucked their feathers in agony. Blood oozed from their severed bodies. The sky turned red as the bird sang its most beautiful song. One flawless song, a short-lived life is a price. The Thorn tree hoped for this moment to happen. Alas, after the long wait, a bird finally took rest upon it, but as it continues to stay upon the thorn nothing, and held each other very close afterwards afraid to lose the other one. The guy in the coffee shop walked closer to the girl in the coffee shop. The girl in the coffee shop walked closer to the guy in the coffee shop. They spend their whole Sunday together in bathrobes, watching cheesy comedies. They told each other their deepest fears while stargazing. They held each other’s hand while watching at their newborn child in its incubator, because it has been born way too early. The boy walked past the girl to the exit of the coffee shop with his order. The girl walked past the boy to the counter of the coffee shop to place her order. The boy looked back at the girl. The girl looked back at the boy. In One last time, One last glanced and then they continued on with their lives. The boy sighed and felt the rushing in his belly again because of his nervousness and that got him out of his daydreaming. The girl sighed and felt the pain in her belly because of her cramps and that got her out of her daydreaming. The boy looked at his watch and cursed. He still had to walk 10 minutes to his work. The girl looked at her watch and cursed. She still had to walk 5 minutes to her work. The day was only just beginning. tree’s reach, the bird would hurt more. The bird on the other hand, kept on singing. It has grown numb of its own misery. The pitiful creature sang. “I earnestly pray. Let me sing a song that rivals even the most golden nightingale would be silenced at awe”. God heeded the wish of the bird. The bird, under a lot of excruciating pain, sang more beautifully. But as it reaches higher notes, the bird felt a fleshtearing pain. As thorns from the branches deeply impale its feeble body, the higher and sweeter the bird sang. Despite the spine-tingling melody that blended with the swift airy breeze, the tree couldn’t bear that a tiny bird willing had stayed upon its branches. Blood flowed from the bird’s heart, which made the tree feel even lonelier. The tree prayed to God, “If being happy means that someone will have to endure pain, I will just endure the pain of being alone in this barren earth” The summer breeze became violent. Gust of angry winds shook the tree. With a strong blow of the wind, the thorns shed off from the tree’s branches. The bird ceased singing. The bird was set free. The bird weakly flew away, with wounds still fresh from a heartache. The bird kept flying away. Gone by the clouds, with an imprint of a song forever is haunting the winds. It is a time of healing and recovery. With that one flawless song that brought the bird to the brink of disappearance. With that one flawless song that can’t be forgotten. Forever honored and cherished. The tree had shed its thorns and needles, and rich lush leaves grew from its branches. The tree was no longer cursed with thorns, but was blessed by leaves. That showed that the tree’s life had bloomed again. Such an odd tale for the bird and tree the pain felt by the bird and tree. The pain that made the bird is majestic. Pain that turn the tree stronger! To endure a piercing pain to stand strong in pain that seems endless to survive in pain that almost kills you. Just stand up and realize that Pain is a remembrance of being alive. Alive to realize that it’s a choice of hurting and being hurt a choice of freeing and letting go. And that beauty is brought out by a great pain. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 32 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body That Day Youth Died when my By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology The burning sun is scorching the Philippines at that time. Me and my brother Miguel are walking at the sidewalk of Novaliches. The sidewalk was never intended for people to walk through, but for the vendor to lay their products such as vegetables, fish, etc. My little brother seemed to be so pale and dripping sweat all over his face. The feet have the presence of mud, while the dirty sack of empty bottles were carried by him. I softly said to my brother; “Hey, Let’s take a break for a while.” “Okay...” He sat at the gutter and dropped the sack beside him. I also sat beside him. We stared with a blank, pale face to the cars passing by. I was thinking if the garbage that we collected is enough for our mother to buy some medicine for her illness since our father left us. Miguel sighed and spoke desperately. “I guess we should do also what Ramon does.” “Ramon is a good-for-nothing teenager that left his own home for his own pleasure. He chose his life to be a drunkard and a drug addict. And where do you think he gets his money for his vices? You’ve never seen him working, have you? Our case is different, Miguel. We do not choose this kind of life. We were born in poverty and you should understand that. Even if we were poorer than rats, we shouldn’t be getting what is not ours. That’s what our father said. ” “And where is our father now?” Miguel added sarcastically “He is a soldier, you should be proud of that! I’m definitely sure that he would come back!” “Whatever… Let’s just hurry. Our mom is waiting for us” We stopped at the junkshop in the afternoon to sell what we collected. We earned few, but I’m glad that it came from our own labour. Miguel was pretty satisfied when he saw what we earned. “See? We do not need to pick-pocket” I said to my brother while walking and counting the money. “Sure! But we need to stop by to drugstore to buy these...” He showed me the list of the things that my mother wrote in a paper. I couldn’t read what’s on the list so I just gave it to the pharmacist. It cost us almost all of our profit to pay all of those. “I hope our mom would be fine after buying all of these…” I said to myself while staring at the door of our house. “Mom, we’re home!” my little brother shouted as he stepped inside the house. He was smiling and looking around the house looking for our mother. “Mom, we’re...“ Miguel dropped the plastic of medicine and started crying that made me nervous for a moment. I quickly entered the room and there was my mom, lying on the floor, fallen, cold and dead. And we cried a lot. I sobbed quietly, while Miguel hugged the corpse of the dead woman. Then there was a knock, and a sound of a very familiar voice. The shadow that I saw before I looked up in his face was a tall, and a big man. I looked slowly from his feet to his face. Then I started to cry like my brother when I recognized that it is the soldier, in his green military uniform. to be continued... 33 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body FRIENDZONE By Jesebel M. San Andres, Business Administration You may just see me as a simple friend, But I see you as my love that will never end, I am mortified by telling you this, For you might leave me suddenly. Guess I’ll accept that it’s all plain friendship, For this is what destiny gave me as hardship, But I just want you to know that deep down Inside this heart of mine, My feelings for you are stronger than brine. I love you dear friend, More than you’ll ever know Head over heels But I can’t show. I love you dear friend And I hope this will be the last, For this stage is just a phase Similar from the past. I love you dear friend, And forever I’ll stay, But can you try to love me Even just for a day? Just learn to love me you’ll be free, For I will give everything to you my dear, Never in my life did I feel this way, Wanting and yearning for you to stay. SAVIOUR By Diana Grace S. Francisco, Medical Technology How great is YOUR love, YOU gave your life for me. YOU saved my grieving soul, At the cross, YOU paid it all. This new life of mine, Make it completely YOURS. To give YOU praise and honor, Because YOU deserve it all. When I am weak, YOU strengthen me. When I am thirsty, YOU took my thirst forever. When I am down, YOU lift my soul. When I feel alone, YOUR presence fills the place. When I am in danger, YOU saved my soul. How great is YOUR love for me, JESUS, my Savior, my redeemer. I will live this life for YOU alone, For YOU gave YOUR life to save us all. Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Doktrina Eskwela By Nataniel Laguitan, Medical Technology MCU By Donalyn Escojido, Dentistry Made for a youth who are weaving a dream Abbreviated as MCU for easy remembering New techniques, modern technology Inspired every youth to pursue their skills Looking forward to what future brings And transform these dreams to reality. Centralino! Being one you’ll really be proud of Entitled to be one is an achievement to be treasured Never will you regret this school you have chosen Teachers have the key to unleash your knowledge Reach for their thoughts and travel with their brains Allow your minds be landed in the kingdom of nerds Let their intelligence be absorbed by your head. Ang taong nagmimilagro, Sumisilip sa kodigo. At kung mahuli ng guro, Humanda sa mapait na singko. Tawagin na lahat ng santo, Baka sakaling may magbago. Baka singko’y maging kwatro, Kung pag-sikapan ang panalangin mo. Bakit kasi hindi sineryoso? Yan tuloy at nakalaboso. Parang isang libo na naging piso, Nakakapanghinayang sa puso. Hindi maiiwasan ang mahirapan. Huwag mandaya upang madalian. Bawat marka ay pinaghihirapan, Paganahin ang iyong kasipagan Unbearable pressure expect in every way No back out for any U-turn Invisible stairway to think impossible to take Vest is what you need and that is to struggle Exert effort and determination to make all things possible Right beside you are professors whom abide you all along Seek for them and be shielded by their arms Intently shaping you to be in best form; the end you’ll utter Thank You MCU!! 34 35 Volume 85 Issue No. 2-3 • September 2013 - February 2014 The Official Publication of the Manila Central University Student Body Matalik na Kaibigan By Erlyn Kaye Ado, Optometry Halos isang buwan ng ika’y lumisan Mag isa’t malungkot ng ako’y iniwan Ngumingiti na lang kahit nasasaktan Itong puso kong pag asa’y nawawalan Siguro nga lahat ng bagay sa mundo Ay siya ngang nawawala kundi may nagbabago Kahit ba naman ikaw kaibigan ko Ay mawawala nalang din sa piling ko? Nasan ka nga ba aking kaibigan? Pangungulila sayo’y labis na nararamdaman Umaga’t gabi ika’y nasa isipan Hinahanap ka, ako’y iyong balikan. Mahirap sa akin, ika’y kalimutan Ngunit aking susubukan, nang di na masaktan Pero laging nasa puso at aking isipan Pagmamahal na tunay at walang hanggan. Pusong Sawi By Precious Pangilinan, Pharmacy Ako’y nasaktan ng lubusan Sa ‘yong ginawang kalokohan Pero ako’y isang hangal Parang ‘di nadadala. Ilang beses na ‘tong ginawa Pero ika’y pinatawad pa Akala ko ika’y nagtanda na Kaya sayo’y masaya pa. Pinipilit ng pusong lumisan Pawang hindi katotohanan Ang nangyayaring ganito Parang panaginip lamang. Hangad kong ikaw ay sumaya Sa piling ng iba Dahil ang alam ko, Hindi ko ito magagawa.