business,

Feature: Business-minded: Young entreps invade the UPIS business scene

11/30/2016 09:33:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Recently, there have been a number of young entrepreneurs in school whose start-up businesses have flourished. You may see students enjoying some red velvet crinkles, biting into delicious cookie cups, or even having a little bit of a pick-me-up while doing school requirements by indulging in coffee jelly. On days when we aren’t required to wear our uniform, you might have spotted someone sporting their fresh new kicks or flaunting their simple yet fashionable pieces. Ever wondered where these people got those? Just talk to these young entrepreneurs of UPIS and they’ll be glad to be of service!

MADE WITH LOVE. Each dessert from Lykreations by Lyka Lubang is sure to give your mouth a sweet adventure. Photo Credits: Paola Pagulayan, Lyka Lubang

For the past three years, baking has been Lyka Lubang’s passion, but the idea of sharing her creations to others thru her growing business Lykreations started in July 26, 2016. She runs an online shop where she sells her products to those who love pastries like cupcakes, truffles, cookies, and brownies. She has also been invited to cater yummy desserts at special occasions like birthday parties, debuts, fund raising events, and organizations’ bake sales. When it comes to purchasing ingredients, she orders them in bulk, making sure that they are enough for her treats. She draws inspiration from the founders of J.Cuppacakes and Sonja’s Cupcakes, but those who support her and her passion pushes her to continue running her business. To her, age should never be an obstacle to reach success.

COOKIES ‘N’ CREAM. Rebeca Sinchongco makes enticing oreo treats for UPIS students to enjoy. Photo Credits: Paola Pagulayan, Beca Sinchongco

When her Lola was confined in the hospital last September, Beca Sinchongco wanted to help her parents with their finances; this inspired her to establish an oreo-related business. So with a few oreos, fresh batter, and a dash of determination, she thought of starting a business of selling fried oreos, s’moreos, oreo overload, and something to keep an eye out for: oreo truffles. Because she is still a student and wants to prioritize her studies, she only makes them during her free time, always taking into consideration if the next day is loaded with requirements.

SWEET SNACKS. Different kinds of crinkles by Little Bites are retailed by UPIS’ very own Kate Marcelino! Photo Credits: Paola Pagulayan, Kate Marcelino

Earlier this summer, Kate Marcelino started with selling waffles; however she later realized that her business would reach further heights from selling crinkles. Her target customers are the UPIS students, but when hell week is just around the corner, she makes sure to put her studies first and doesn’t restock. When you’re in the mood for just a little bite, you can buy a piece or two from the canteen, which she supplies with her delicious crinkles. Her parents, who are already familiar with entrepreneurship, inspire her to continue her business despite the challenges she faces in spending her capital and hectic schedule. Ever since she advertised her products, you can see students and teachers enjoying tubs of crinkles everywhere!

BUSINESS AS USUAL. Caitlin Norona poses with coffee jelly she’s been selling since she was in eighth grade! Photo Credits: Paola Pagulayan

Caitlin Noroña first began selling graham balls and polvoron in 2013, before her coffee jelly concoction debuted in 2015. Back when she was in 8th Grade, she used to retail a friend’s graham balls, but today, she makes and distributes her own sweet treats. She tries to make them every night, but on days where a big test is coming up, she ensures that she finishes studying before making coffee jelly. The Go family encourages her to continue selling but the fact that she sees her customers revel in her food also drives her to persevere in her business. As an entrepreneur, her income motivates her when she’s able to buy things for her loved ones. Her coffee jelly is the perfect dessert to fuel you to last through the day!

FASHION 101. Wow the town with these trendy shorts sold by Jumig!  Photo Credit: Paola Pagulayan, Hazel Romero

Juan Miguel, or Jumig, started selling various goods at around September this year. He was offered by a friend’s aunt to resell their sweat shorts around school but only about three weeks ago, he began selling goodies such as yema, crinkles, chocolate-coated polvoron, and cotton candy. On the first day he tried selling shorts, he took 10 samples to school for 150 pesos and it sold out! From there on, a lot of people became interested in his products which prompted him to begin taking orders. He pushes himself to go further because his goal is to be able to buy things for himself, without relying on his parents’ money. He looks up to Lyka because of her time-management skills and also because she was one of the first people in recent UPIS history to start a business. So if you’re looking for a new pair of shorts or maybe something sweet to eat, look for Jumig!

PUMPED-UP KICKS. Selling stylish shoes have been Emman’s method of reaching his dream. Photo Credits: Paola Pagulayan, Emman Jabiguero

Emman Jabiguero looks up to Benjamin Kickz, a 16-year-old who earned millions by selling rare sneakers to artists. He aspires to have a huge collection of sneakers one day so he started selling kicks. Similar to Jumig, he didn’t want to rely on his parent’s money to purchase the things he wants. What he does is he looks for second-hand shoes, makes sure that the pair is clean, and then resells it. His products are also advertised on a Facebook page, when someone comments on it and is interested in purchasing it, he arranges a meet-up with them. It’s easy for him if he could just meet with the person after school, especially if the location is just in Quezon City.

MESSAGE SENT. Using Hazel's beautiful postcards is an artistic way to express your heartfelt emotions! Photo Credit: Hazel Romero

Texts and chats may be easier, but they are light years away from the charm of sending messages through the post office. Postcards are a creative way to let someone know what you’re up to, how you’ve been, or where you are. Hazel Romero crafts these timeless postcards for everyone to use. She applies her watercolor skills to create intricate designs and then digitizes them for print and reproduction. She began making them last summer because she thought it would be a cool concept to go back to the traditional way of sending messages. Like the other entrepreneurs, she wanted to be self-sufficient when it came to purchasing things for herself. Despite having the trouble of people preferring electronic ways to send letters, it’s her family that encourages her to continue and master her craft. Hazel lauds Googly Gooeys and Diyalogo’s ways of creating their own names in the art industry and also admires the way they package their masterpieces. So if you’re planning on sending a special message soon, what better way to do so by sending them a postcard made by Hazel?

If you aspire to be a young entrepreneur like them, they advise you to step out of your comfort zone and to never be afraid of establishing a business. Learn to prioritize and how to manage time. But most importantly, never allow your age to hinder you. With the right motivation and the courage, there will be nothing to stop you from reaching your goal.

Entrepreneurship is both passion and talent. Those who are blessed with such skills and attitude are bound to be successful in life. It’s common for many adults to become entrepreneurs, but it’s never a bad thing to start young! //by Paola Pagulayan

dictionary,

Feature: Diksyunaryo ng Isang Isko

11/30/2016 09:25:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

May mga salitang kapag sinabi mo sa isang hindi taga-UPIS, mapapa-ewan na lang sila dahil hindi nila maiintidihan. Pero kung laking-UPIS ka, ang mga salitang walang kabuluhan sa iba ay siguradong may espesyal na lugar sa puso mo. Ang mga sumusunod na karaniwang salita ay madalas nating naririnig sa paaralan. Ito ang mga katagang nabigyan natin ng kakaibang kahulugan- mga salitang talagang atin.


Aling Norms: Mula noon hanggang ngayon, asahan mong mabubusog ka sa kanyang all-time famous siomai at sa lahat ng iba pa niyang paninda.


Bricks: Ang walang kamatayang brick wall na ginagamit ng mga estudyante bilang background ng kanilang mga litrato at agad na gagawing profile picture sa Facebook.


Double Cell: Sikat na laro sa UPIS kung saan kinakailangan ng mabilis na pag-iisip para matalo ang lahat ng kalaban. Kamakailan lamang, naging laro na rin ito sa intrams.


Homegrown: Sila ang mga estudyanteng lumaki sa playground ng K-2, natiis ang init sa Bulwagan, at patuloy na nag-aaral sa 7-12.


Isko/ Iska: Sila ang mga estudyanteng pinapahalagahan nang mabuti ang pag-aaral sapagkat sila ang Iskolar ng Bayan.


Laterals : Sila ang mga bagong estudyante na hindi nag-elementarya sa UPIS, pero may angking talino na pang-Iskolar ng Bayan.


Lorna: ‘Yan ang pangalan ng puting estatuwa ng isang babaeng nasa harap ng eskuwelahan. Pinapaniwalaang nabubuhay at gumagalaw siya tuwing gabi upang hanapin ang kanyang nawawalang lapis.


Papa Herbs: Siya ang patron ng suspensions; Gabi-gabing ipinapanalangin ng mga estudyante sa kanya na sana walang pasok (kahit ‘di naman umuulan).


Pub: Ito ang paglalathala ng articles at literaries sa upismc.blogspot.com na inaabangan ng lahat linggu-linggo!



Sci Cal: Ito ang tanyag na koleksyon ni Sir Manny at karamay natin sa pagsagot ng mga problema sa Algeb, Geom, Trigo, Stat, Physics at Econ. At hindi siya nakakatulog hangga’t hindi ito kumpleto! //ni Hanna David

feature,

Feature: Pinoy Style Christmas

11/30/2016 09:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Mula sa pagsapit ng unang araw ng Setyembre, si Jose Mari Chan na ang bumubungad sa ating umaga. Mga kantang Pamasko na rin ang paulit-ulit nating naririnig saanman tayo pumunta. Kinagabihan naman, malamig na simoy ng hangin na ang ating nararamdaman, kasabay ng mga nakabubusog pagmasdang Christmas lights na kumukuti-kutitap sa ating kapitbahay.

BITUIN. Ang parol ay isa sa mga simbolo ng kapaskuhan. Photo credit: https://www.shopback.ph/blog/post/5-reasons-why-paskong-pinoy-is-the-best

Sa buong mundo, talagang ang mga Pinoy ang may pinakakakaibang paraan ng paggunita ng Pasko. Bakit? Tayong mga Pinoy lamang kasi ang nagdiriwang nito ng halos apat na buwan. Ito ay nagsisimula ng Setyembre at umaabot hanggang sa unang linggo ng Enero kung saan ipinagdiriwang ang Epiphany o ang Pista ng Tatlong Hari. Bukod pa sa kahabaan, engrande rin tayo kung makapag-celebrate. Setyembre pa lang, naglalagay na tayo ng mga dekorasyon sa bahay tulad ng Christmas tree, Christmas lights, parol, at kung anu-ano pa, kaya naman buhay na buhay ang Pasko sa Pilipinas. Kung minsan pa nga, mas nilalagyan natin ng maraming dekorasyon ang labas ng ating bahay kaysa sa loob upang maibahagi ang diwa ng kapaskuhan sa ibang mga tao.

Ang mga Katoliko naman ay mayroon ding Simbang Gabi kung saan siyam na araw bago ang Pasko ay nagsisimba sila ng madaling araw. Pagkatapos ng misa, magsasalu-salo sila sa puto bumbong at bibingka na sasamahan pa ng mainit na tsokolate o ‘di kaya’y matapang na kape. Sa ika-siyam na gabi, isinasadula ang Panunuluyan kung saan ipinapakita ang mga kaganapan bago isilang si Hesukristo. Ang pagsisimula ng Simbang Gabi ay hudyat din ng pangangaroling ng mga bata at matatanda.

SIMBANG GABI. Nakapila ang mga tao para sa siyam na gabing misa bago ang araw ng kapaskuhan. Ginugunita ito upang maisakatuparan ang mga panalangin ng mga deboto kay Hesukristo. Photo credit: http://www.liberatingjepoy.com/2012_11_01_archive.html

Pagsapit ng bisperas ng Pasko, nagsasama-sama na ang mag-anak sa iisang bahay. May dala silang iba’t ibang pagkain na specialty ng bawat isa. Sa hapag-kainan, hindi pwedeng mawala ang hamon, keso de bola, spaghetti, manok, fruit salad at siyempre ang pinagkakaguluhang lechon na may mansanas pa sa bibig.

Maraming mga tradisyon pa ang ginagawa ng mga Pinoy tuwing Pasko kaya masasabi nating kaiba tayo sa buong mundo. Para sa atin, ang Pasko ang pinakamahalagang kaganapan sa buong taon, hindi tulad sa ibang mga bansa kung saan isang araw lamang ito ipinagdiriwang.
Ang diwa ng Pasko ay hindi lamang pagbibigayan ng regalo, pagsasama-sama ng bawat pamilya, at pagkakaroon ng mga bagong kagamitan. Higit sa mga ito, ang tunay na ipinapahiwatig ng Pasko ay pagmamahalan, pagkakaisa, at siyempre, ang paggunita sa kaarawan ni Hesukristo. //ni Zach Jugo

basketball,

Sports: UPIS Junior Maroons defeats UE

11/30/2016 09:16:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

HUSTLE. Rafael Labao (right) tries to escape Jez Villapando's (left) sneaky defense in their game against the UST Tiger Cubs last Nov 22. Photo credit: Josh Albelda

The University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) Basketball Team dominated the UE Red Warriors 95-63, at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 79 last Saturday, November 19, 2016 at the Fil-oil Flying V Arena.

Juan Gomez de Liano led the team with 24 big points, 11 rebounds and 3 steals. Ralph Labao played spectacular defense, tallied 10 huge steals, and contributed 14 points and 9 rebounds. It was a total team effort as their bench also produced 23 points.

The Junior Maroons started the game strong with confidence and owned the first half with a score of 46-24. They used their sneaky defense to minimize the scoring of the Red Warriors.

Despite a great start, the team struggled at the 3rd quarter. They only scored 13 points that gave the Red Warriors hope and ended the 3rd quarter, 59-52. But UPIS Fighting Maroons came back and never looked back after a crucial 3-point shot by UPIS veteran Bryan Lina. They ended the last quarter with 36 points that gave them the 95-63 win.

“We are all in one page. Maganda yung start ng game namin and consistent yung laro namin,” Lina said when was asked about the key to their win. “Maganda rin yung mindset namin kasi we came off a big win versus DLSU so parang confidence booster namin yun,” he added.

But after this big win, the UPIS Junior Maroons falls into a 2-game losing skid after losing against UST and FEU last November 22 and 26, respectively. UST escaped UPIS, 69-67, while they get their 3rd loss against dominant FEU, 84-68.

The Junior Maroons is currently tied with Ateneo at fifth place with a 2-3 standing. They will try to end their losing streak next Saturday, December 3, 2016 versus ADMU Blue Eaglets at the Filoil Flying V Arena. //by Carlos Laderas

english,

Sports: UPIS Swimmers participate in division meet, will represent QC in NCR meet

11/30/2016 09:09:00 PM Media Center 1 Comments

REPRESENT. Fabic, Esmero, and Hilario imitate the Oblation's out-stretched arms together with a fellow swimmer from Ateneo during their swimming division meet last Thursday. Photo credit: Zoe Hilario

The UPISVST swimmers representing the school in the 2016 Swimming Division Meet qualified for the National Capital Region (NCR) Meet last Thursday, November 24, 2016 at the Amoranto Sports Complex, Quezon City.

Competing against other schools and universities, a number of members from the UPISVST garnered a total of 36 medals consisting of 23 golds, 13 silvers and will be representing Quezon City next year together with the other winners of the said competition.

The UPISVST’s preparation for the division meet left nothing to chance. “Kapag may competition, binabawasan yung workout 3 days before para ‘di sumakit katawan,” sophomore Zoe Hilario shared when asked about their groundwork in anticipation of the Division Meet. “Iniiwasan mag-skip ng training; kahit may quiz kailangan pa rin magtraining,” she added.

Hilario, together with Junior Charize Esmero, led the UPISVST in the Girls division, copped 8 golds, and 5 silvers combined.

Senior Drew Magbag also emerged victorious in the Boys Division, adding 4 golds and a silver.

Other UPIS Swimmers Chloe Fabic, Joshua Luc Sedurante, Mark Lazaro, Antonio Aquino, and David de Layola all contributed thru individual medals in freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, freestyle relay, individual and medley relays. //by Maica Cabrera and Julian Taloma

admin,

Opinion: Brave hearts, empty hands

11/30/2016 09:04:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Photo credit: Jem Torrecampo

Being a student doesn’t only mean studying and trying to keep your grades up, it also means looking for extra-curricular activities where you can socialize, engage in physical activity, or utilize your time for building a better self.

Some students look for the said activities in varsity teams. Although it is no joke to balance academics and training effectively, student-athletes take up the task with a fierce resolve. Becoming student-athletes requires a lot of effort: balancing academics and training effectively is a tough job to handle. To have the thought of competitions, deadlines, and the stress of time-management breathing down your neck isn’t a very easy thing to deal with after all. With all the challenges, they face, they need support, too, both morally and financially. Thus, the support of the school is very much welcome.

According to our Assistant Principal for Academic Programs, Prof. Zenaida Bojo, the UPIS varsity teams receive support in multiple ways: being provided faculty advisers, being excused when they have events or competitions, and receiving financial assistance. The school also provides certain facilities and equipment for the teams’ use.

Faculty advisers play an important role in supporting varsity teams. Prof. Bojo stated that faculty advisers coming from the Health and Physical Education department are the ones who monitor the students’ performance and keep them in check. They remind the athletes to be students first with the responsibility of passing requirements, catching up on tests, and studying for whatever they may have missed while outside the school. It is also their duty to remind the students about whatever requirements they need for upcoming competitions. They should be the ones to guide varsity players to excel both as students and athletes.

With the school allowing the students to be excused for their games that overlap with certain classes comes the perk of having the opportunity to retain their class standing. This is given that they inquire about and take their make-up tests and activities and excel in these.

Of the three, financial support is usually the most pressing issue that comes to mind when we talk about the school’s support for our Junior Maroons. This kind of support usually comes from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) funds collected during enrollment which is distributed to the various varsity teams in the form of the team’s allowance, athlete’s stipend, and coach’s honorarium/pay, among others.

As much as these things support the students, there is still much to be desired concerning the support the school gives to help the students grow with their career as athletes if they so choose to devote themselves to the sport as well as their academics.

Most of the support aforementioned comes around only during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season because apparently, that is the only financial support the school can afford to give. Some of the equipment is provided by the school but most of the gear used by the students is acquired by them. They use their own savings to buy their own equipment and it’s usually a team effort to keep the facilities in shape and in order.

Sponsors also give their support to the students. The connections of the students or the coaches lead them to these sponsorships that provide the team with additional equipment and uniforms. This helps the teams’ morale and aids them to perform better mentally and physically. Sadly, the sponsorships that teams get are only as good as the connections they have. There are also organizations such as Nowhere to go but UP created by the university to support the varsity teams through finding them sponsors. They also mention UPIS teams but, unfortunately, this is the only support they get from these organizations.

Exposure is a crucial aspect of an athlete’s career. How much one is seen competing and how one performs can help boost the career of an athlete big time. Exposure is usually raised with thru joining competitions like the UAAP, Milo Little Olympics, division meets, etc. The less the students enter competitions, the less they’ll be seen by potential teams and coaches. Exposure also helps the varsity teams financially if the students can perform exceptionally well in these competitions. If their performance leaves little to be desired, potential sponsors may approach the team rather than the students approaching sponsors for their support to play. The student’s performance coincides with the support they are given as well, and as of now, some of the students feel as if they aren’t given much support or any at all.

A possible solution to this would be to look for an adviser that could devote their full attention to keeping all of the varsity teams in check, somewhat of a ‘sports coordinator’ that will also help the teams find support especially in the financial aspect. Somebody that the student athletes could always refer to if they need help in academics or in matters regarding the teams. Somebody that would help and guide these varsity teams and players who are constantly fighting for our school’s pride. Another possible solution is for the school to pay more attention to the “athletic side” of the school. If the school will give a little more attention to the varsity teams, each of them might get sponsors that will financially support the teams.

All in all, the school’s support ties in with how much the students perform, how much they give themselves to the sport and to the school. To train hard and to be able to balance things well is what makes a student-athlete great. Devotion to the game and the drive to win, not just playing to be a part of the UAAP or a competition. This kind of attitude is already evident in the students, even more so with the athletes now. They’re doing the best they can to perform, to win, to balance requirements and the heat of training, as they are representing UPIS.

They’re just hoping that the school can soon do the same. //by Rad Pascual

aldous dela pena,

Opinion: Cheating: The Misleading Quick Fix

11/30/2016 08:55:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Photo credit: Jem Torrecampo

Cheating has always been a common problem among schools, and with the help of technology, students are finding new ways to cheat. Before the internet came to be, cheating usually involved having small pieces of paper with notes or answers discreetly written on it, discussions with other classmates during exams, or simply looking at other people's papers.

But now that the internet is a couple of taps away on our cellular phones, students are now introduced to a different way of cheating. Sometimes, students take advantage of the privilege given to them when they need a bathroom break, and some even exploit the lenience of their teachers when it comes to using cellular phones during classes.

With internet connection, the whole cheating game has changed. But why do students cheat in the first place?

From a macro-perspective, cheating can be viewed as a side effect of cramming, especially when we are given time to prepare, study or do the tasks given to us which we take for granted. We underestimate the time needed to absorb information and overestimate our capabilities to absorb everything in one quick grind. But the stress and the pressure that comes with it hinders productivity. Once the due date comes, you use your emergency mobile data to cheat on tests, or even plagiarize outputs so that you have something to write or pass to your teacher which you see as one less thing to worry about. But on an even larger perspective, students cram because they have poor time-management skills.

Instead of allotting our time for studying and other academic requirements, we use it instead to play games or go on social media because we think there’s still time left or we know there are easier ways to pass. Most of us can’t handle too much stress so we either drop everything and just do whatever we want instead. These lead to choosing one of the easy way outs: cheating. With cheating, you get passing grades, and it takes little to no time to accomplish.

Another common motive for cheating is our twisted view of success. For so long, we have looked at grades and marks as figures and numbers and we think that having higher marks will lead to more favorable circumstances in the future. We all look at grades as the measurement of our intelligence, to the point that students will do everything to be "smart." It's ironic, really. In the process of trying to be so-called smart, having good grades loses the essence of making people truly wiser because they are gained through trickery.

Students have also found another way to cheat by freeloading. They survive effortlessly through leaching on their groupmates, without providing any kind of assistance in group works. The grade, in this situation, came from the hard work of the cheater’s groupmates and yet he/she receives the same mark. The cheater has then effectively earned marks they do not deserve.

We shouldn't look at grades like this. We shouldn't focus on just getting good grades. Rather, we should focus on learning as much as possible. Yes, cheaters may get higher marks, but most of the time they will lack the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be effective in whatever field they wish to pursue. Cheaters can't cheat through everything. Eventually people will recognize the cheaters and that won’t bode well for them.

Also, if the internet is a few clicks away, this means that information is easily accessible. We should maximize what we have and what we can access to learn from it. We should be looking up more important things than how to be a better cheater. Because cheaters take advantage of other people, while those who learn and study help others by sharing their knowledge. We should build a world where we have each other's backs to help us all achieve greatness, not one where we step on each other to be greater than everybody else.

What then can we do to change our current circumstances for the better? Simply put, action should be taken regarding this issue because students should go to school to learn how to improve, not to learn how to cheat. For the students, I know cheating is easy: easy grades, easy aces, easy to do, easy everything. But this world isn’t easy. If we cheat now, all we’ll ever learn until we graduate is how to cheat. This will lead to how to cheat on people, colleagues, the authorities, everyone. Let’s not pave the way for a future of cheaters. Let’s pave the way for learners, innovators, and leaders because we’re so much more than just no-good cheaters.

Now that we know that there is the pressing issue of cheating present in the school, we must take action. In this, the students greatly need the support of the teachers and staff. They know more about the students and how to handle such situations, thus the students are urged to change their ways through seeking help from those who can help them the most.

In conclusion, we must remember that grades and figures do not exclusively define success; we must also remember that integrity is a key to true and honest success. We must learn to utilize the time given to us and not take it for granted. As the internet amplifies our access to information, we must be critical in choosing how we use this convenient privilege. Those who cheat may have a head start, but in the end, they will be the last to finish. The students who cheat only instill in themselves trickery. Those who gave effort to learn will be the true witnesses of progress and success. Those who study and learn instill in themselves the knowledge they can share with others and not ways to take advantage of other people. Through this, they will be able to help oneself and others for a better future for all and not just for one.

It’s not too late. We can all still fix this problem. Those who cheat should stop, those who don’t should not allow those who do to continue. Remember that cheating is a choice we make and not one others can make for us. The authorities should guide us to a better and fairer future. The cheating game is one we shouldn’t play, because if we do, we are all doomed to be cheated out of a better life experience. // by Aldous Ayal O. dela Peña

azwraith,

Literary: Debate

11/30/2016 08:47:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

It starts with the decent.
Serful: Welcome to the Afmersia News Network! I am Serful Kham and I will be your host for today’s electoral debates. Our participants for today are the three most popular presidential candidates. First, please give it up for Tavish Skrumpy!

*Crowd cheers as Tavish strives in wearing his finest clothes*

Serful: And here comes Rinus Goodmun!

*Rinus walks up the stage wearing his “moderate” fine clothes, followed by a polite smattering of applause*

Serful: And last, but not the least, Rudy Bathum’bakal!

*Rudy steps in, dressed in his former captain’s attire decorated with medals, waves at supporters who were cheering loudly for him*

Serful: Now that our candidates are all here, I believe it’s time to explain the proceedings of today’s events. The audience will ask our candidates their questions, with the topic left to the questioner. Our candidates then have two minutes at most to answer the question, and will be asked to stop talking once the buzzer goes off. Interruptions are highly discouraged, so please refrain from speaking unless it is your turn; this goes for both the participants and the audience. Now, who wants to ask the first question?

And so it really begins…
*Serful picks out a member from the audience*

Random Audience: What would you do to deal with famine?

*Tavish straightens his posture and raises his right hand indicating he wants to answer the question*

Tavish: I’ll start a line of fast food restaurants, each of them around a corner of a city block, so that if the people go hungry, they can just go down the street and grab a bite!

*Tavish, with a smirk, steps back from the mic, while the other candidates shoot him ludicrous looks*

*Rudy coughs as a sign that he wants to be the next to answer*

Rudy: Ah really don’t think a bunch o’ resterants are gonna help us.”

*Tavish slightly narrows his eyes but says nothing*

“Ah believe tha’ whut we need is a self-sufficient country. We need ta study and fo’see how the economy will change in the foll’wing years. Ah say we should see how otha’ countries sustain themselves, and improve it. Bu’ unlike otha’ countries that rip-off other ideas and sell ‘em at twice the price, we keep it to ourselves! We only need ta sustain ourselves, not ta ovah-inflate the economy.

*Rudy hands over the mic to Rinus, then Rinus nods his thanks to Rudy*

Rinus: The first thing that I plan to do is propose possible ways to deal with famine. Say, we can store up long-lasting food to help us for the first few weeks. But what if we run out of said food? Other ideas are needed for this but I would like to improve the welfare of the farmers first. This will give them a better working environment as they serve the country through agriculture, as well as the ability to help themselves and not be slaves under others.

The boiling point nears…
This went on for a long while, with the candidates sharing thoughts on the issues at hand, like gender inequality (“We don’t need a buncha misogynists running aroun’,” said Rudy), the education system (“I do believe that the education system does need a tune-up”, agreed Rinus), and relationships with other countries (“Who needs them? We Afmersians must value ourselves first!” exclaimed Tavish).

The problem was, insults and non-constructive criticism were woven into the answers, with Rudy and Tavish nearly at each other’s throats. Rinus tries his best to diffuse the situation but to no avail, while Serful tries to keep the debate flow as smooth as possible

It all went downhill when Tavish said a particular insult against Rudy.

So chaos descends again.
*Rudy now steaming with anger, draws out his sheathed ceremonial sword*

Rudy: Say that again ya lil’ scum!

Tavish: You see here ladies and gentlemen? Do you want a hot-headed *curses* at the helm of our country? Do you want this? People of Afmersia, DO YOU?!!

Rinus: Stop this, both of you are acting like kids. Rudy put down your weapon, and Tavish please keep your mouth shut until it’s your turn.

*As they both ignore Rinus, Rudy waves his sword, grazing Tavish’s left cheek. Tavish grabs his bottle of alcoholic drink hidden under his speech table*

*Tavish attempts to smash Rudy with bottle, misses and hits Serful instead*

* Enraged, Rudy attempts to throw sword at Tavish but pierces Serful instead*

*Camera turns toward a guard telling the media crew to cut the stream*

*Camera being carried away somehow still faces the stage and films shards hitting Rinus in the face from Tavish’s bottle*

* The screen turns black, the cameraman disables the camera, ending the stream.*

filipino,

#MarcosNOhero: "Black Ribbon Campaign"

11/30/2016 08:41:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Ang "Black Ribbon Campaign" ng Kamag-Aral 7-10 ay nagpapakita ng sama-samang pagtutol ng komunidad ng UPIS sa isinagawang paghimlay kay dating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos, Sr. sa Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB). Ipinapakita sa mga larawang ito ang ilan sa mga dahilan kung bakit tinututulan ng ilang mag-aaral, organisasyon, at guro sa UPIS ang Marcos Burial sa LNMB.

filipino,

UPIS nanindigan laban sa paglilibing kay FM sa LNMB

11/30/2016 08:25:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Nagtipon ang mga estudyante ng UPIS 7-11 upang ipahayag ang kanilang opinyon laban sa paglilibing kay dating Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos Jr. (FM) sa Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) noong Nobyembre 18, 2016 sa ganap na 11:30 ng tanghali sa UPIS Quadrangle.

SIGAW NG ISKO’T ISKA. Sama-sama sa pagpapahayag at pakikinig sa kani-kaniyang saloobin ang mga mag-aaral ng UPIS.  Photo credit: Prof. Cathy Atordido

Ang pagtitipon ay pinangunahan at inorganisa ng Pamunuan ng Kamag-aral (pKA) 7-10. Ang pKA ay nauna nang magplano ng programa sakaling i-anunsyo ang petsa ng paglilibing kay Marcos sa LNMB. “Sa totoo lamang po, ang programa na isinagawa noong Biyernes ay simula pa lamang ng iba't ibang programa na binabalak ilunsad ng Kamag-Aral ukol sa isyu. Sa katunayan, kami rin ay nakapagplano na po ng programa sakaling i-anunsyo ang petsa ng paglilibing kay Marcos sa LNMB. Nagulat talaga kami nang malaman naming sa tanghali ding iyon mismo ililibing ang diktador, ngunit hindi po namin itinigil ang paglulunsad ng programa,” paliwanag ni Ron Castro, ang pangulo ng pKA 7-10.

Nagpahayag ng pagtutol aang ilang mag-aaral na mailibing sa LNMB ang dating pangulo.. Ilan sa mga puntong binanggit ng mga estudyante ay ang hindi paghingi ng tawad ng pamilya Marcos sa mga inhustisya noong panahon ng Martial Law. Binanggit rin nila na hindi ito makatarungan para sa mga naging biktima ng panahong iyon lalo na iyong mga desaparecidos.

Opisyal na binuksan ni Bb. Iszy Taj Ono Catangcatang ng Kilusang Araling Panlipunan (KAP) 3-6 ang programa na sinundan ng pagpapahayag ng saloobin ng mga kinatawan ng KAP, UPIS Media Center (MC), Freshmen Association (FA), Sophomores’ Association (SoA), Juniors’ Association (JA), Senior Council (SC), Grado 11, at pKA 7-10. Nag-alay naman ng awitin ang grupo nina Jomer Dula, Rene Rollon II at Franz Candido.

Matapos ang pagpapahayag ng mga saloobin ay nagkaroon din ng noise barrage bilang tanda ng pagtutol ng UPIS sa paglilibing kay Marcos sa LNMB.

ISIGAW MO. Isinisigaw ng mga Isko at Iska ang kanilang pagtutol sa naganap na paglilibing. Photo credit: Enzo Bautista

“Tinuloy po namin dahil ang layunin namin ay una, maipaalam sa lahat ang saloobin ng mga mag-aaral kaugnay ng pasyang mailibing si dating Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos; ikalawa, mahikayat ang mga iskolar ng bayan ng UPIS na magkaroon ng paninindigan sa mga isyu ng lipunan; at ikatlo, ipahayag na di-kailanman pahihintulutang magtagumpay ang kawalan ng hustisya sa ating bansa. Hangad lang po namin na maging mulat at muling buhayin ang diwang ISKO sa bawat mag-aaral ng UPIS,” pahiwatig ni Castro ukol sa mga layunin ng programa.

Samantala, ilang mag-aaral din ng UPIS, kabilang ang pKA, ang lumahok sa pagkilos na isinagawa ng nagkaisang UP Diliman (UPD), Ateneo de Manila University, at Miriam College noong parehong araw, 4:00 n.h.

HIGH SCHOOL NG BAYAN. Nirepresenta ni Ron Castro ang UPIS sa isinagawang pagkilos sa AS Steps ng UP Diliman. Photo credit: Joshua Suarez

Ang programa sa UP Diliman ay ginanap sa AS Steps ng College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (CSSP). Muling inihayag ni Castro ang paninindigan ng mga mag-aaral ng UPIS sa isyu. Nagpahayag din ng kani-kanilang saloobin ang mga opisyal at organisasyon sa UPD.
Matapos ang programa ay nagmartsa ang mga nakiisa patungong Katipunan Avenue, kung saan sinalubong nila ang mga mag-aaral ng Ateneo at Miriam para sa aksyong tinawag na #OccupyKatipunan. //nina Trisa de Ocampoa at Hanzvic Dellomas

KATIPUNAN. Pinagtibay ng mga isko’t iska ang kanilang paninindigan nang magmartsa sila mula UP Diliman tungong Katipunan. Photo credit: Hillary Fajutagana

english,

UPIS delegates envision new economic themes in NYC 13

11/30/2016 08:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Ten students from the University of the Philippines Integrated School (UPIS) participated in the 13th National Youth Congress (NYC) with the theme New Eyes on Development: Deciphering the Trend of Economic Growth last November 19-20 held at the GT-Toyota Auditorium and the UP School of Economics.

The National Youth Congress is an annual convention that serves as an avenue for high school students nationwide to gain introduction to the field of economics and recognize its relevance in solving the issues of our society. This year’s NYC gives emphasis on the role of agriculture in our economic development and was presented by the UP Economics Society, UP School of Economics Student Council, and the New York Times International Edition.

YOUNG ECONOMISTS. UPIS Delegates of the National Youth Congress come together for a photo-op with their teacher-trainers at the GT-Toyota Asian Center before heading on to their respective events. Photo Credits: Ms. Taj Catangcatang

Grade 10 students Alex Arugay, Jarod de Luna, Marlon Nahial, Fred Samonte, and Patience Ventura together with Grade 9 students Michael Casama, Elijah Galang, Bryant Galicia, Sheena Labordo, and Eunice Ruivivar were chosen as delegates for this year’s convention. The delegates were assigned to various events of the convention, namely, the INK Pre-event Individual Essay Writing Contest that tackled pressing issues in the country, Quiz Bee, and the SPARK Idea Generation Contest (Sparkonomics) where they generated policies or programs for an assigned non-government organization. Participants were grouped into 12 teams of delegates from different schools for Sparkonomics.

NEW EYES. With forward perspectives on the economy, the SPARK group of Eunice Ruivivar brainstorms their policy proposal for their assigned NGO. Photo credit: National Youth Congress.

De Luna, Galang, and Ruivivar joined the quiz bee while other delegates participated in the Amazing Race on the first day. The second day saw talks from different experts and the SPARK contest. Jonjon Sarmiento, Prof. Emmanuel Esguerra, Prof. Richard Heydarian, Rosemarie Edillon, and former Senator Mar Roxas discussed agriculture, the past focusing on the Aquino administration, cross-country comparison, looking forward with the Duterte administration, and anti-poverty programs, respectively.

The groups of Arugay, Casama, Galang, Labordo, Nahial, and Ventura won the SPARK contest. Nahial was also a finalist of the INK essay writing contest.
Together with the official UPIS delegates, Grade 10 students Nona Catubig, Phil Cosep, Gwenn Dulay, and Roan Ticman along with Grade 9 students Aldric De Ocampo, Elkan Reyes, Christian Sarabia, and Lander Suguitan submitted a video entry entitled “Rezealiency” prior to the convention. The short film which explored various calamities that affect the rural sector was UPIS’ entry to LUX’s Video-Making Contest.

The delegates and other participants were hand-picked by Economics teachers Ms. Taj Catangcatang, Prof. Allen Villota, Ms. Frauline Tadle, and Prof. Lorina Calingasan through essay writing. The team trained 2 hours a week for one month by having crash courses with Ms. Pat Santos about macroeconomics and the UP Debate Society on “method, matter, manner.” They also held mock debates and quiz bees to prepare for the events. //by Trisa de Ocampo and Hanzvic Dellomas

chesca santiago,

Grand Alumni Homecoming set for December 10 festivities

11/30/2016 08:14:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

UP Prep, UP Elem, UP High, and UPIS alumni will reunite for the UPIS Grand Alumni Centennial Homecoming happening on December 10 at the grounds of UPIS.

Dubbed as Sang Siglong Sigla, the festivities hosted by UPIS Batch ’91 are part of the year-long celebration for the centennial anniversary of UPIS, UP Preparatory, UP Elem, and UP High. The event also commemorates the school’s evolution and achievements throughout its history.

Administrators of the four laboratory schools, namely, Prof. Ma. Theresa de Villa of UPIS, Prof. Felicia delos Santos of UP Preparatory, Prof. Corazon Libunao of UP Elem, and Dr. Natividad Munarriz of UP High will deliver speeches on the event. The celebration will trace the evolution of the four laboratory schools through the Memory Lane which will feature pictures of UPIS from 1920s to the present.

Performers and bands include the UP Pep Squad, Centennial Dance Group, The Dawn, and Retrospect. The program will be hosted by alumni celebrities such as RA Rivera, Ces Orena-Drilon, Bettina Carlos, Apollo Abraham, Jun Ganaden, and Chiqui Hollman-Yulo. The event will conclude with the turnover to Batch ’92.

The homecoming is open to all alumni of the four laboratory schools. Attendees will be charged with an entrance fee of 100 pesos and may register online here. Registration at the venue will start at 4 pm.

For inquiries, interested alumni may contact Alegre Events Management on 09155563224 or visit the official Facebook page of the UPIS Grand Alumni Centennial Homecoming -- https://www.facebook.com/upisbatch1991 //by Chesca Santiago

YOU ARE INVITED. Promotional posters of the UPIS Grand Alumni Homecoming are posted in various locations within the campus.

beca sinchongco,

UPIS goes behind closed doors in CA EMA Week 2016

11/30/2016 08:07:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

Doors were unlocked and pretenses were unveiled as UPIS celebrated the mystery-themed Communication Arts – English, Music, and Art (CA EMA) Week 2016 on November 15-19.

With the theme BEHIND CLOSED DOORS: Things Are Not What They Seem, events included in the 4-day celebration were intended to help develop the students’, teachers’, and staff’s genuine love for reading. Activities and competitions throughout Grades 3-11 include the spelling bee, book exchange, DEAR Day, and the Literally Literary Day (LLD).

VICTORIOUS. Representatives of the groups that triumphed from Grades 7-11 (left to right) receive their awards in their LLD costumes. Photo Credit: Hazel Romero

The much-awaited Literally Literary Day wherein students, faculty, and staff come to school dressed up as literary characters was celebrated on November 17. Group representatives of each class from Grades 7-11 were given scenarios and performed at the Auditorium while individual representatives from Grades 3-6 were only asked to present their characters and performed at the Bulwagan. Group representatives of 7-Venus, 8-Dragonfly, 9-Zinc, 10-Yakal, and 11-Jaena were crowned as victors while Raiven Pascual of 3 - Dagat, Alexandra Blasi of 4 - Mustasa, Micheal Emery Go of 5 - Banahaw, and Dean Carmelo Cabrera of 6 - Perlas won in Grades 3-6.

Groupings for the LLD in Grades 7-10 were based on their household groups in English class while those in Grade 11 were based on their thesis groups.

This year also marked the launch of the Book-crossing activity, inspired by blind-date-a-book which gained popularity on the internet. Students were required to bring pre-loved and read books, wrapped in Manila paper with a note for the receiver. Books were then exchanged within or among sections through random raffle picks. After reading, receivers were asked to reply to the note from the sender, reminiscent of the DEAR Day tradition. Owners had the option whether to give away the book or ask for it to be returned. The activity aims to pique students’ interest in reading by exposing them to different genres of literature.

WORD CHAMP. Joshua Nabur from 6-Brilyante spells out his winning words. Photo Credit: Gelleen Esposo

The spelling bee was held on November 15 in which six students from each grade level orally spelled the words asked of them. Felicity Gutierrez of 7-Neptune, Isabelle Ann Isip of 8-Dragonfly, James Tolosa of 9-Calcium, and Craig Aquino of 10-Lauan won in Grades 7-10. Sofia Tan of 3-Dagat, Aila Orillaza of 4-Mustasa, Stephanie Enaje of 5-Cordillera, and Joshua Nabur of 6 – Brilyante are the champions in Grades 3-6.

CLASSIC. The CA EMA Department reenact their performance through a pose as the 9th installment of the annual Rhyme, Rhythm, and Reason concludes. Photo Credit: Hazel Romero

Festivities for the CA EMA Week 2016 were drawn to a close with the celebration last November 18 of the 9th Rhyme, Rhythm, and Reason (RRR). This year, it was held in memory of former UPIS English professors Prof. Nora Agbayani and Prof. Violeta Tandoc who passed away recently. The UPIS faculty and staff’s performances were interpretations of chorale-like recitation of lyrics to various songs–pieces Prof. Tandoc used to fondly ask her students to perform in class.

The Scholastic Book Fair also opened its stalls in the 3-6 campus throughout the whole week. //by Cedric Jacobo, Rebeca Sinchongco and Chesca Santiago

MC2018,

Discover the secret to a perfect combination.

11/28/2016 08:34:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

bella swan,

Literary (Submission): *FB Game

11/21/2016 09:33:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments

"Let's play a game. Like this post and I'll pm you a name. You'll go back here and you'll comment how you feel about that person. The name will stay between us."

Iba na talaga ang henerasyon ngayon. Imbis na nasa kalye at doon naglalaro, nasa bahay na lang at ganitong mga laro na ang sinasalihan. Ngayon, may bagong pauso na naman. Hindi ko alam kung saan nila nakukuha ‘yung mga ganitong klase ng laro.

Kadalasan, hindi ko pinapansin ang mga ganyan. Pero sa sobrang pagka-bored at kawalan ng gagawin, nakisali ako sa laro. Sinubukan ko lang naman. Nag-like ako ng isang status. Nag-message agad ng pangalan. Pangalan ng kaibigan ko. Nag-comment din ako agad. “Sobrang cool. Masayang kasama.” Nilagyan ko pa ‘yan ng emojis para sabay na sabay ako sa uso.

Natutuwa naman ako sa larong ito. Nakakaintriga ‘yung mga comment ng mga tao. Pero, hindi pwedeng malaman ng iba kung sino ‘yung ibinigay na pangalan sa ‘yo. Parte ‘yon ng rules ng laro.

Marami-rami na rin ‘yung nagpost ng status. Hindi ko naman pinalampas ‘yung mga iyon at nag-like lang ako nang nag-like. Marami pa naman akong oras para mag-comment. Tapos na ‘ko sa requirements, eh.

Habang nagbabasa ako ng mga post at namimili ng susunod na ila-like, naisip ko, para-paraan na lang ‘yung ibang tao. Kapag na-like na nu’ng crush nila, ang ime-message nila ‘yung pangalan nila kasi wala raw silang maisip. ‘Yung iba naman, parang doon na lang nagpapatama. Mayroon din na sa sobrang pagka-bored, pati pangalan ng teacher at school staff, ibinigay na rin.

Medyo matagal na rin akong nagla-like, naglalagay ng comment, at nagbabasa. Ang dami ko na ring natanggap na pangalan. Okay lang naman kapag pangalan ng kaibigan ko ‘yung naibibigay. Parang alam na siguro nila na madali ko nang mabibigyan ng comment.

Pero, nagtataka ako sa tuwing pangalan mo ‘yung ibinibigay sa akin. Sa pangalawa o pangatlong status pa lang yata na ni-like ko, nai-message na sa akin ang pangalan mo.

Nakakapagtaka kasi hindi ko alam kung bakit pangalan mo ‘yung ibinibigay. Ang mas nakakapagtaka pa, mukhang wala namang alam tungkol sa atin ‘yung mismong nagbigay ng pangalan mo. Hindi ko naman sila ka-close. Hindi mo rin naman kabatian, pero mga kaklase mo yata sila. At hindi rin naman yata nila na alam na close tayo. O baka hindi ko lang alam na alam nila na close tayo.

Sa tingin ko naman, pagdating sa ‘yo at sa mga pinagkakaabalahan mo o sa buhay mo, wala rin talagang gaanong nakakaalam. Hindi ka naman ganoon kadaldal pag hindi mo ka-close ang kausap mo. Madalas tahimik ka lang. Pero, ikaw yung tipo ng tao na sobrang kulit, sobrang sabog kapag nakilala na nang husto.

Sa pagkakaalam ko, iilan lang ang nakakaalam na kilala natin ang isa't isa, na nag-uusap tayo. Bilang lang yata ng isa kong kamay kung sino ang mga taong pinagsasabihan ko. Sobrang inaasar na nga ako ng mga pinagsasabihan ko ng tungkol sa atin. Pwede raw tayo. Bagay raw. Tapos palagi rin nilang tinatanong kung may “something” ba tayo kasi parang may "tayo" kapag magkausap, mapa-personal man o chat.

Nako. Lalo na akong inaasar mula noong minsan nakita nila tayong nag-uusap malapit sa fountain. Tapos noong wala naman na raw tayong pinag-uusapan, wala pa ring umaalis sa kinatatayuan natin. Parang okey lang daw sa atin na walang nagsasalita, magkasama lang okey na, komportable sa pakiramdam.

Kitang-kita naman daw na meron. Pero parang hindi naman daw natin alam o siguro hindi lang daw natin nakikita. Binabalewala ko na lang kasi alam kong hanggang magkaibigan lang naman tayo. Yata. Sana? Sana hindi?

Napapaisip din ako minsan. Paano kung mayroon ngang “something”? Paano kung mayroon ngang “sparks”? Paano nga kung tayong dalawa na lang ang hindi nakakakita ng kung ano man 'yon? Kung online ka rin kaya ngayon at mag-like ka ng status, makukuha mo rin kaya ang pangalan ko nang ilang beses?

Kasi naman hindi lang yata sampung beses ko natanggap ‘yung pangalan mo. Ang tindi!!! Ang malala pa rito, karamihan pa yata nu’ng nagsend ng pangalan mo ay may gusto sa‘yo. Kaya minsan kapag pangalan mo ang nakita ko sa messages, tinatanong ko kung bakit ikaw ‘yung naiisip nilang ibigay. Sasabihin nila, “Wala lang.” Sabi ko nga, eh.

Sa tingin ko nga, nakikiintriga lang kung anong mayroon sa ‘yo. O sa atin? Mukhang sila ‘yung mga taong hindi makalapit sa ‘yo para makausap ka. Pero nakakapagtaka na lalo, pati mga kaibigan mo, pangalan mo na ang ibinibigay. Kapag tinanong ko kung bakit ikaw, sasabihin din nila, "Wala lang hahaha." Pinaniwalaan ko na lang na wala lang talaga, kahit sa mga kaibigan mo na nanggaling.

Hindi ko na lang pinansin at sumagot na lang din nang pasimple. Nag-comment na lang ako, "Makulit, sabog minsan.” ‘Yung medyo obvious na alam na ng ibang may kilala sa ‘yo para hindi ako mapaghalataan. ‘Yung walang maiintriga kapag nakita ‘yung comment ko. Nilagyan ko rin ng mga emoji na nilagay ko sa iba para kunwari wala lang talaga.

Pero ang hirap pala kapag iisang pangalan ang ibinibigay sa‘yo. Lalo na kapag ayaw mong may maipahalata. Tapos iba-iba pa ‘yung mga taong nagbigay. Pinilit kong iba-iba ‘yung ilagay para hindi halatang ilang beses kong natanggap ‘yung pangalan mo. Sana naman gumana at hindi nila masabing "may something." Sa tingin ko kasi meron ngang "something" kahit kaunti. Hindi na lang ako umaasa kasi baka ako lang ang nakakaramdam nu’ng sparks sa tuwing magkausap tayo, magka-chat, at magkakulitan.

Naaaliw nga akong ka-chat ka, sa totoo lang. May mga tao pa palang katulad mo. Hinding-hindi nansi-seen at palaging nangunguna sa pakikipag-usap, ‘yung unang nagbibigay ng topic para may mapag-usapan.

Sa sobrang dalas nga nating magkausap sa chat, palagi ka nang una sa favorites ko sa messenger. Kahit na may mas madalas akong kausap doon kaysa sa 'yo. Pinipigilan ko ring masanay sa ganoon, baka kasi kapag nawala, hanap-hanapin ko pa. Ako pa ang matalo niyan.

Masaya na rin naman ako kasi hindi tayo yung tipo ng mga tao na komportable sa chat, awkward kapag personal nang nag-uusap. Kahit personal, komportable pa rin tayo sa isa’t isa.

Nung nagsawa na akong mag-comment, sinubukan ko na rin mag-post nung status. Sunod-sunod ang mga nagla-like. Ang hirap pala mag-isip ng pangalan na pwedeng makasagap rin ako ng intriga sa mga tao. Minsan, pangalan na lang ng kaibigan nila ang ibinibigay ko.

Kaya lang biglang pati yata si Tadhana, nakikipaglaro. Nagulat na lang ako, ni-like mo ang post ko. Online ka na pala!

Kinabahan ako bigla. Dali-dali naman akong nag-isip ng pangalang maibibigay sa 'yo. Hindi ko alam kung kaninong pangalan ang ibibigay.
Ilang minuto na ang nakalipas, wala pa akong naiisip. Kung pumara-paraan na lang din kaya ako? Para naman hindi rin sayang ‘yung pagkakataon. Sabi naman sa instructions, "...comment how you feel about that person." Baka sakaling ito na nga ‘yung pagkakataon para malaman ko kung ano nga ba sa tingin mo ang mayroon tayo. Kung totoong may "something" nga ba tayo.

"Ako na lang hahaha," message ko sa 'yo. Mas lalo tuloy akong kinabahan. Seseryosohin mo kaya? Tutal tayong dalawa lang naman ang nakakaalam nang ibinigay kong pangalan.

Handa na ba akong malaman kung ano sa tingin mo ang mayroon sa atin? Kasi sa akin, okey lang naman. Okey lang naman na magkaibigan lang. Okey lang din naman na may "something." Kailangan ko lang talagang malaman kung ano ‘yung sa tingin mo, kung ano nararamdaman mo.

Hinintay ko ‘yung comment mo. Hanggang sa tumunog na yung notification ng Facebook na nagsasabing nag-comment ka na raw. Pikit-mata kong pinindot ‘yung notif.

Hindi ako mahilig mag-internet. Mas gusto kong kumikilos, nabibilad sa araw, at pinagpapawisan kesa maghapong nakaupo sa harap ng computer o kaya nakatingin sa cell phone. Hanggang ngayon, kung pwede lang, hindi ako madalas mag-o-online. Kaso sa dami ng reqs, mapag-iiwanan ako pag hindi ako nag-Facebook.

Naguguluhan kasi ako sa FB. Parang kung ano-ano na lang syine-share ng mga tao. ‘Tsaka ang lakas kumain ng oras. Basa ka nang basa o nood nang nood ng mga nasa news feed tapos di mo mamamalayan late na pala at wala ka nang time gumawa ng ibang mas mahalagang bagay. Pero nasanay na rin ako. Pinipili ko na lang ang papansinin, titingnan, at babasahin ko.

May mga araw lang talaga na sasabog ang notifs mo sa dami ng pinopost at syine-share ng mga tao. ‘Yung tipong di mo malaman kung anong unang titingnan. Kagaya ngayon. Meron na namang kumakalat na ‘like this status and I’ll pm you a name’ na post. Parang ‘yung mga nauso nu’ng limang buwang bakasyon. Ngayon, apat na araw lang walang pasok pero ang dami na agad time ng mga tao. Wala ba silang reqs at trabahong iniintindi?

Hindi ko sana papansinin kaya lang may nabasa akong comment mo sa isang post: “Makulit, sabog minsan.” Ako kaya ‘yan? Madalas mong sabihin sa ‘kin ‘yan eh. ‘Tsaka may mga emoji rin na madalas mong gamitin pag ka-chat mo ako. Du’n naman sa isa, sabi mo: “Akala ko tahimik pero marami siyang kuwento.” Nabanggit mo na rin kasi sa ‘kin yan nang ilang beses.

Pero naisip ko marami ka naman sigurong kilala na makulit at sabog at tahimik na maraming kuwento. Kaya titigilan ko na sanang mag-assume pero nakita ko ‘yung comment mo sa status ng kaibigan ko: “Corny mag-joke. Haha. Jk. Ok lang. Matalino. Mabuting friend.” Pwede rin kahit kanino ‘yan, di ba? Kaso nag-reply siya: “Yan lang talaga? ‘Friend’ lang talaga?” Binabalik-balikan ko nga ‘yung post niya baka sakaling mag-reply ka pero hindi na, eh. Ewan ko ba. Ang lakas ng pakiramdam ko na ako ang tinutukoy niyo diyan.

Kaso baka naman ako lang ang nag-iisip nu’n. Bakit naman ibibigay sa ’yo ang pangalan ko sa mga post na ‘yan? Parang wala naman masyadong nakakaalam na madalas tayong mag-usap. Na close tayo. Pero sa bagay, marami-rami na ring nang-aasar sa ‘tin. Madalas na tayong tanungin kung may “something” ba tayo. Sinasabi nila, may sparks. Sinasabi nila na bagay raw tayo. Na sana tayo na lang.

Hay! Sana nga! Kung alam lang nila. Kung alam mo lang. Minsan napapaisip ako kung nahahalata mo bang gusto kita, na higit na sa kaibigan ang turing ko sa ’yo. Nahahalata mo kaya na gustong-gusto kitang kausap, sa personal man o sa chat? Ang saya, eh. Nakikinig ka talaga kahit walang kuwenta na yung mga sinasabi ko. Kahit sobrang corny ko.

Nahahalata mo kayang hindi kita sini-seen? Kahit pagod na pagod na ako, kahit wala na akong sasabihin, magre-reply pa rin ako at pilit akong maghahanap ng pwede nating mapag-usapan.
Nahahalata mo kayang masaya ako pag magkasama tayo? Kahit ubos na ang kwento, biro, hirit, side comment, basta ikaw ang kasama ko, masaya pa rin ako.

Nahahalata mo rin kayang nag-aalinlangan ako? Nakakatakot eh, pag naiisip ko na awkward na tayo. Na hindi ka na sasagot sa mga message ko. Na hindi mo na ko kakausapin. Kaya kahit gustong-gusto ko nang sabihin sa’yo na gusto kita, kahit minsan nararamdaman kong gusto mo rin ako, kahit alam ko, mukhang alam mo rin, at mukhang alam na rin ng marami na may something talaga tayo, nagdadalawang-isip ako.

Mahirap na. Paano kung di mo ako gusto? Eh di wala nang magsasabing makulit ako, sabog ako, at corny ako. Wala nang mangungumusta sa ‘kin. Wala nang sasalo sa mga hirit ko. Sanay na sanay pa naman akong nandiyan ka. Panigurado, hahanap-hanapin ko. Kaya okey na muna ‘to. Masaya naman tayo, eh.

Kaya lang nakakainis kasi pag inaasar ka sa iba. Di naman ‘yan madalas mangyari lalo na nu’ng inaasar na tayo pero nakakainis pa rin. Mahirap na ngang pigilan ‘yung “something,” mas lalo pang mahirap pigilan ang selos lalo na pag wala ka namang karapatan. Kaya pinagkakasya ko talaga ‘yung sarili ko sa kung ano lang ‘yung alam nating meron tayo.

Para hindi na kung ano-ano ang maisip ko, titigil na dapat ako sa pagbabasa at itsa-chat na lang kita. Doon na lang sana ako magtatanong nang pasimple kung naibigay ba sa ’yo ang pangalan ko sa game na ‘yan. Kaya lang nakita kong nag-post ka na ng status. Tamang-tama! Ila-like ko para ‘yan na ang simula ng usapan natin.

“Hi,” sabi mo sa chat. Hindi ko inaasahang magme-message ka agad kasi ang dami nang nag-like ng post mo. “Sasali ka talaga, ah!”

“Haha try lang.”

“Wait.

Hmmm..

Hala.

Di ko alam sino.”

“Haha kahit sino.

Wag mo na masyado pag-isipan.”

Medyo matagal bago ka nag-reply ulit. At kinabahan ako nang todo nu’ng nabasa ko ang reply mo:

“Ako na lang hahaha”

Nag-reply ako agad ng: “Hahaha sige.” Pero sa totoo lang di ko alam ang gagawin ko.

Pwede naman akong magbigay ng kahit anong sagot lang. “Maganda. Matalino. Mabait. Thoughtful. Caring. True friend.” Nakailang beses ko nang tinype at binura ‘yan. Kaso pakiramdam ko ‘eto na ang tamang pagkakataon. Baka hindi na ako mabigyan ulit ng ganito. Kaya kahit nag-aalangan ako na sa ganitong paraan mo malaman, sinend ko ang reply ko:

“Alam mo ba, matagal ko na siyang gusto. At hindi ko alam kung paano sasabihin sa kanya. HAHAHAHAHAHA bye usap tayo soon.”

filipino,

Literary (Submission): Tumbang Preso

11/21/2016 09:29:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments