filipino,

Literary (Submission): Demonyo

11/30/2019 08:34:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments





Prinsesa ka,
At kahit gaano ko man naisin--
Kahit gaano ko gustuhin na maging prinsipe ;
Ako'y dukha
Naritong itinakda bilang hamak na tagahanga lamang
Ngunit hindi pa rin nagsasawang bigyan ka ng suporta

Ikaw ang langit,
At kahit gaano ko man gustuhing maging ibong
Itinakdang damhin ang iyong mga yapos,
Ipinanganak akong bulate.
Gayong hindi ako itinakdang lumipad sa himpapawid,
Narito akong parati pa ring tinatanaw ang bughaw na kalangitan

Ikaw ang araw
Na nagbibigay buhay sa lahat ng nasa daigdig
At gaano ko man naising maramdaman ang iyong sinag
Ako ang buwan
Kaya't ito ako, pinipilit na matanaw ka man lang nang sandali
Sa tuwing sumasapit ang bukang-liwayway.

Marahil hindi tayo itinadhana
Ngunit sino ba naman ako para dinggin ang itinakda ng langit
Mauunawaan ko na ikaw ay susunod sa boses ng langit
Sapagkat anghel kang bunga ng himpapawid
Ngunit kung gayon, ako'y demonyo
Handang wasakin ang itinaga ng kapalaran sa bato
Sapagkat ano pa nga bang ibang mahalaga
Ano pa nga bang pwersa ang mangangahas na maudlot ang silakbo ng damdamin
Gayong minamahal kita

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english,

Literary (Submission): Nikki VS The Mountain of Reqs

11/30/2019 08:29:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Nikki looked up and sighed.

Nikki just arrived at her next station: The Mountain of Reqs. She’s been up and about since 2am for her journey. If she could, she’d rather just be in bed with her head on a fluffy pillow as she drifts off dreaming about better days. But she couldn’t. She has to get around this mountain if she wants to reach her final destination.

Tired and lacking sleep, Nikki started her hike up.

Nikki’s journey up first started with the English valley. This is her favorite part of the trip, because it’s relatively the safest part of the mountain. It’s easy enough to pass through as long as you pay attention and use your mind and resources creatively.

Next, she faces the enormous Social Studies jungle. This part of the mountain is a bit harder because it’s so easy to get lost in all its size and coverage! Nikki drew her breath, trying to make sense of all the trees and vines before her. In a place like this, memory is Nikki’s best friend. Before the trip, Nikki had memorized the jungle part of the map. She’d also read about all the types of things that she can encounter there. After realizing which direction is which, Nikki started to navigate the jungle, making the most out of what she remembers.

After the long walk, Nikki is finally on top of the mountain! But there’s no time for celebration just yet. She still has a long way to go, only this time going down.

Pressed for time as the night draws nearer, Nikki started to sprint. Her pace gets faster and faster with every step she makes. Because of this, while traversing the Mathematics shoulder, Nikki made a misstep, a big one at that.

Nikki tripped, stumbled, and fell all the way down the saddle of the mountain. It was a hard fall. Nikki thought she couldn’t recover.

But Nikki is a fighter. Nikki stood up, with all her bruises and scratches, and dusted herself off. And then, on and on she went until the end.

Success! Achievement unlocked. Nikki made it past the Mountain of Reqs tonight. Will she make it through tomorrow’s?

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filipino,

Literary (Submission): Sulat

11/30/2019 08:23:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Sulat
Dito nagsimula ang lahat
Sa isang munting sulat
Na naglahad ng damdamin
Na matagal ko nang ninanais na sabihin

Puppy Love
Grado 1, binigay ko sa’yo ang kauna-unahang sulat
Na nagsasabing, gusto kita
Sa gitna ng pasilyo ng k-2
Sinabi mong, “crush din kita”

Pagkahulog
Sa 3 taong magkasama tayo
Di inakalang loob ay muling mahuhulog sa’yo
Matapos ang ilang taon
Baka pwede nating ungkatin ang naramdaman noong kahapon

Tapang
Sa Aninag Online magsisimulang muli
Ilalahad ang matagal ko nang nararamdaman
Lumipas man ang ilang taon
Haharapin ko na ang sa aki’y humahamon

Pagtingin
Aaminin na ba ang matagal nang pinag-iisipan
Ang binubulong ng puso’t isipan
Sasabihin ba ang nararamdaman
Aaminin na ba o ‘wag na lang muna

Payapa
Mga mata mong kumakalma sa alon ng dagat
Pakiramdam ko’y nalulunod pa rin ako
Tuwing tumitingin sa’yong mga mata
Nalunod ako sa payapang karagatan

Lunod
Pero ‘di inakala na habang nalulunod ako
Nakikipag-agawan pala sa akin ang panahon
Mali ang napili nating oras
Sa pagbabalik-tanaw sa nakaraan

Nais sabihin
Walang hinihiling na kapalit
Pag-amin ma’y hindi naging katumbas ng langit
Masaya akong nabunot na ang tinik sa dibdib
Muling makahihinga na nang maluwag

Dahil sa isang sulat nabuo ang puppy love hanggang sa natuluyan ang aking pagkahulog sa’yo. Paiiralin ang tapang para masabi ang lihim na pagtingin sa’yo, handa akong guluhin ang payapang dagat kahit pa ako’y malunod masabi ko lang ang nais sabihin.

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english,

Literary (Submission): Fly Past the Loneliness

11/30/2019 08:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Icarus flew with feathers strung by wax
To the open air-- to the blueness of skies
With the sun shining brightly out on the horizon
And the ocean, waiting in darkness and depth

Crying out to his father in front,
“Come back! Father! Don’t leave me alone.”
But onwards he went, not hearing the cries
So Icarus tried to catch his ignorant eyes

He flew way above the thundering clouds
Past all the birds who nipped at his heels
Beyond his strength and beyond what he can
He flew to the sun-- he flew to his end

He felt all the burns that pierced through his skin
He felt more bites and scratches and rips
His arms, they felt heavy from flying too much
But he pushed and contested the unnatural ache

With tears in his eyes, he followed the light
His anger and arrogance poured out his soul
The loneliness filled him with rage and despair
Even when he lit up and was devoured by shoals

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english,

Literary: The Blue Balloon

11/30/2019 08:17:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




There you stand with your blue balloon
Keeping it from the rain of June
You hold the string so firm and tight
You’ve held it now for days and nights

There you stand with your blue balloon
And even on this afternoon
You keep it tethered to yourself
Because it is for no one else

There you stand with your blue balloon
I hope you notice pretty soon
Its dear blue head is losing air
Your grip to it, it can not bear

There you stand with your blue balloon
It’s looking for the opportune
To wriggle free from your tight grip
But now its head is in a dip

There you stand with your blue balloon
Its very being, hacked and hewn
It’s flattening; no longer round
It’s inches from the cold hard ground

There you stand with your blue balloon
You know, it could’ve reached the moon
It lost your unfair, biased fight
No longer can it reach high heights

0 comments:

filipino,

Literary: Sandali

11/30/2019 08:14:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Sandali at hindi pa handa si Maria
Na iwanan ang mukha ng kaniyang mga kaklase
Nais pa niyang dagdagan ang mga panahong
Mga ka-batch niya ay makasama

Sandali at kulang pa ang mga klase
Na bagaman tinutulugan lang ni Dante
Inaabangan naman ni Petra
Dahil nakikita niyang ito’y kawili-wili

Sapagkat dito’y palagi silang natututo
Mga kaklase ay nakikilala pa nila nang husto
Katulad na lang si Gregorio na nagtatala ng aralin
Habang si Manuel ay sinasabihan ka lang ng, “Inaantok na ako.”

Si Constantino nama’y kukulitin ka sa pagtanong kung anong oras na
Sasabihing nababagot na at uwing-uwi na siya
Dahil hindi pa siya mulat at wala siyang ideya
Na dapat ang oras sa paaralan ay pahalagahan pala

Iilan lamang ito sa mga maaaring maranasan
Sa pagpasok, araw-araw sa kanilang paaralan
Ikatuwa man nila o kainisan ang kanilang mga gawain
Darating ang oras na kailangan na nilang lumisan

Kaya’t sana’y ang nalalabing oras nila dito sa gusali
Magdulot ng mas maraming ngiti
Dahil ang mga sandaling natitira para sa kanila
Maaaring hindi na nila mabalikang muli

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english,

Literary: Night Before The Moon Landing

11/30/2019 08:10:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Crisp.
The leaves on the ground I lay upon
Vast.
The night sky I look up to

Exhausted, I am.
Sleepy,
very much so.
Still, I try to force my arm up against gravity.
I hold it up quite lazily in the sky.
A little fun activity,
albeit a bit ridiculous,
that I’ve done since I was a child.

It wobbles.
Moves.
On its own, my hand goes in circles in the sky.
From circles, small and silent
to circles, big and violent.

In my supiness, I let it.
I let it control me.
Move me.

This way,
I was one with the Earth.
I was under its control,
its natural forces,
with each and every rotation,
that we both make.

Round and round,
it went about.
Circles upon circles.
My hand getting tired,
lowering after every rotation.

Then suddenly, it stopped.
I had finally taken over my arm once again.
Full control.

I held it up, high and proud.
Then, I curled my fingers
and pointed mightily.
At the moon, of course.
At the moon.

I smile.
A triumphant smile.
“This time tomorrow,” I whisper to myself, “I’ll already be on my way there.”

My hand,
in the sky,
unwavering still.

Conquered the forces by which it is bound.
Today, my hand.
Tomorrow, each and every part of me.

0 comments:

english,

Literary: Reflection

11/30/2019 08:07:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




I stand as I stare at my young self
Shouting, crying for help
Caged in a big box of glass
Growing smaller as moments pass

I shout, I cry, as loud as I can
Looking around this box I’m trapped in
And though I can’t see through
I hope someone will come to my rescue

I continue to watch, empty and broken
Then I approached and tried to open
The big box of glass that serves as a prison
To a helpless little girl with a blue ribbon

I stood up and wiped my tears
Braced myself, ready to face my fears
I walked to the wall to listen and watch
As I face the other side of the glass

We stared deep into each other’s eyes
As I searched for feelings or any signs
That even though I know she doesn’t know
I’ll be here to help even if she says, “No,”

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cerise peony,

Literary: Falling Action

11/30/2019 08:04:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




I move through the room soundlessly like a ribbon.
The graying curtains hang close, undisturbed, as I learned to expect.
The spiders, like permanent residents, continue their frolicking around my feet.
I find him spread out on the sagging couch, a hand covering his eyes.

The line of his mouth is turned down as always, it nowadays seems.
Yes, it has always been like that since.
Like an illustration in a book, he lies with content serenity, with no care,
but I knew the story behind that picture, that peace.

I always had.

Yet I will not let it continue.
I am ending this story alongside him now.

“You need to get up,” I repeat the long overdue words.
I have lost count.
But I will not lose my will to repeat this tomorrow,
and what comes after that.

He still does not move,
remaining slack in his position.
He does not appear to hear me.
I only manage to catch his chest hitch a breath.

That is all I ask.

And with that, I know he is still fighting.

I can never tell him how much his worth alone is enough.
I can never show him, anyway.
No one can.

Except only him himself, and he will not if he gave up his own battle.

So I rise, and walk to sit on the edge on the couch where his head rests,
to sit beside him and share the space which has been his dungeon since.
to fight with him as he faces the harsh void residing with him in his space,
and to see him overcome the mountain and render his progress alive again.

He will come to his resolution soon.

0 comments:

12345,

Literary: Infinity for you

11/30/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Ten days I’ve been wandering the world aimlessly,
I thought of chasing you even through land and sea.
Nine times I’ve seen your face amongst the crowd,
Delusional, did I scream your name too loud?
Eight times I passed the couch we slept on together,
Seven minutes every hour, it got me wishing that was forever.
Six moments, and that, makes up a heartbreak,
Bet when you come back it’ll seize all the ache.


Five steps and I’ve tumbled down the hill,
Bruised and beaten but no tears still.
Four thoughts popped in my head when I came tumbling,
Three was solved and the last needed thinking,
How come two loved but only one stayed true?

Zero is the exact number of answers that came to play,
But I know, someday, I’ll find the answer anyway.
Even if it takes me a whole infinity and a day.




0 comments:

english,

Literary (Submission): Antithesis

11/23/2019 08:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




I prefer the window open,
To feel the breeze in my hair;
You prefer the window shut,
to be wrapped in quiet air.

I like my watch with arms,
Its every tick and tock;
You like your watch that's digital,
The easy-to-read clock.

I admire every sunrise,
The arrival of a new day;
You admire every sunset,
Proud you've made it all this way.

I am fond of writing stories,
Every paper scribbled on, I keep;
You are fond of writing poems,
Which you crumple, tear then sweep.

I hate any form of noise
When I am trying to read;
You listen with your headphones,
So loud, my ears would bleed.

I despise the way you throw a disc,
You can't seem to aim straight.
You despise the way I catch a disc,
I run too quickly when I should wait.

If we were to play a game,
A simple match of Frisbee,
No one would ever win,
Tied at zero is all that we'd be.

At times, I can't help but wonder
How odd it would be,
If I did not hate you
And you did not hate me.

But if I were to love you,
That love certainly would fall--
I'd be cruel to make you hate yourself
If I loved it most of all.

0 comments:

english,

Literary (Submission): Maze of Time

11/23/2019 08:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Yesterday, I confessed my love for you. You asked me, “What do you want to happen?”

I said, “nothing,” I just want to say that I like you but something forbids us. This cage seems like a maze. Whenever the clock ticks, I run--I run not because I’m afraid. I run because the time is running after me. It’s chasing me and if it catches me? It will be much harder to find you. Each passage in this maze has a challenge:

First passage: School Requirements. Reports, papers, and readings, a lot of people say it would help me in college. Each week that passes by, they all pile up, it seems like a mountain which no one could ever conquer. Laptop, paper, pens and highlighters are everywhere, everything is a mess. I couldn’t decide which requirements I should finish first. I’m confused. I have faced a lot of passageways in which I dealt with these reports, papers, and readings. But it is like a cycle, it never ends. Clock is ticking, and my time is running out.

Second passage: Adulting Challenges. I had to face tasks and house chores that would help me be a responsible person. Whenever I see kids on the street, playing, I reminisce the times that my only problem is when I trip over and hurt myself. Everything has changed since I turned 18. Deciding what to do first, bewilders me. Grocery, pay the bills, cook, do the laundry, iron clothes, and a lot more. I have faced a lot of passageways in which I dealt with these tasks and chores. But it is like a cycle, it never ends. Clock is ticking, and my time is running out.

Third passage: Future Plans. People ask:
“Which college did you choose?”
“What course will you take?”
“What will be your job after that?”
But I am not so sure and yet I was able to face a lot of passageways in which I dealt with these questions. But it is like a cycle, it never ends. Clock is ticking, and my time is running out.

It is difficult if time will be your opponent.

Time is playing with us, it is us versus time. When will it ever allow us to be with each other? We aren’t going to let time win over us, right? Tell me I’m correct because of all these unsure decisions I’ve made in this maze, I’m sure of one thing alone…

You.

0 comments:

filipino,

Literary (Submission): Hangganan

11/23/2019 08:11:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Torpe ka lang naman diba
Kaya ka nahihirapan sabihin sa kanya
Na nagugustuhan mo siya dahil sa personalidad niya
Dahil ang bait-bait at ang ganda-ganda pa niya

Sinabi na sa iyo ng kaibigan mo
Na ‘wag kang matakot kasi wala ka namang ikatatakot kapag umamin ka sa kanya
Pero sabi mo na nahihirapan ka kasi ayaw mong masaktan ng taong ‘to
Pero hindi ba mas masasaktan ka kung hindi mo aaminin ang totoo?

Tinanong mo na ang mga kaibigan ng taong nagugustuhan mo kung ano ang ugali ng taong ‘to
Pero hindi ka pa rin naniniwala sa mga sinasabi nila
Sabi mo na hindi ka pa handa dahil hindi mo pa siya gaanong kilala
Ngunit alam mo naman na nahulog ka na para sa taong ‘to

Lahat na ng taong kakilala mo at kakilala ng nagugustuhan mo
Sinabi ang totoo sa’yo na maganda ang personalidad ng taong ‘to
Kaya ikaw na lang ang hinihintay ng mundo
Aamin ka ba o hahayaan mo lang na maging hangganan mo ang pagiging torpe?

0 comments:

clem,

Literary (Submission): Assassinate

11/23/2019 08:08:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




A fight breaks out
From the shadows, no doubt
Of the dangers of the dark.

Where in time cannot reverse,
A dance seemingly rehearsed,
An assassin has found his mark.

Even as the other didn’t anticipate,
A battle that requires them to participate,
Both are in the inbetween of life and death.

Slight shock, surprise
In the look of one’s eyes.
A close match is met.

A dodge, the sound of a blade,
Blows and attempts of slashes made,
To the end where only one wins.

Not that long until the sound of a thud,
And the scent of free flowing blood,
And the wait for new victims begins.

0 comments:

english,

Literary: Game Strats

11/23/2019 08:03:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




The vigorous sounds of a keyboard clacking and a mouse clicking can be heard from the room.

“Stop stealing my kills!” Luna adjusts her mic then focuses her attention to the screen, watching over her character’s surroundings.

“Well, stop being such a loot goblin. I’m out of healing,” a voice comes from her headphones. Another character joins running next to hers, trying to spot any other movement from enemies in the far distance. The game featured different kinds of environments, from abandoned cities to snowy and icy peaks to miles upon miles of fields. Right now, Luna and Morgan traveled into a wide passage through the mountains.

“I’m sorry that you’re just too slow to get the good stuff, Morgan.”
“I’m sorry that you’re too slow to press mouse one on the same spot of the screen.”

They continue on to the opening of the passage, and spot enemies in the fields nearby.

“Stop getting in front of me, I’m trying to aim.” Luna tries to move to the side, her scopes trying to hone in on the moving targets.

“From here? No way. I’m gonna go ahead.” She watches Morgan’s character move forward, getting ready to push.

She observes the enemies highlighted in red, hoping they don’t see her teammate creeping closer to them. It was a whole squad with three members. She makes a quick mental decision over the numbers disadvantage, but it was already too late. She decides to fire off an attack, and then another, and then another. Her attacks show that they have full gold armor.

'Oh, shoot.'

She is immediately under fire and takes cover.

She tries to fire off more shots, but she gets hit as soon as she comes up. "I can't get a shot! What the hell are these guys carrying?" She takes the moment to heal, avoiding all the offense coming her way.

“I’m attacking, get ready.” Morgan announces, before firing off from a position to the enemies’ side. Luna takes the chance to attack, taking advantage of the distraction. Her character swings in, immediately firing off bullets to their attackers. As they attack, they shatter their enemies' armor and the squad tries to fall back to heal. Morgan keeps them in the crosshair in the middle of the screen, not letting them rest and continuing to push.

Luna catches one of them trying to recharge their armor behind a loot bin and knocks them down. Morgan finishes off the other two, a notification popping up both their screens that confirms their earned elimination kills. It wasn’t until then that they both take a breath.

“Flanking strat. Simple, but effective.” Morgan’s voice pipes up. They both look at their health bars and armor charges, and start to heal up. "Numbers-wise though, that was risky."

“Yeah well, I’m only glad I got to actually have one kill.” Luna starts looting again. She hears Morgan laugh.

“Just give me some healing please, I’m close to dying.” She sees Morgan’s character crouch down and up repeatedly. “Please.”

She tosses over a medical kit to Morgan, and her partner immediately takes it. "Let's just go before another squad attacks."

0 comments:

english,

Literary: The Choice

11/23/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




They say every day you choose
Is it a choice when it’s so hard to pick you?

Love and adoration, it fills me all
But I’m covered in the scars

I want to love you, truly I do
It’s become so hard to remember

What's this duality of self-preservation,
And the desire to self-sacrifice?

I want to give my all to you
But how much is there left to give?

I chose, I chose you, didn’t I?
Every day I picked away and I lost

But my heart has bled so much
And I can’t help but want to rest

I love you but you've hurt me
And I don’t know how much more I can forgive

Am I just fragile?
Is it weakness?

To love
But to fear

0 comments:

feature,

Feature: Kantaririt!

11/22/2019 08:30:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



Ang pagkanta sa karaoke ay isa sa mga aktibidad na nakagawian nating mga Pilipino lalo na kapag kasama ang pamilya o ang ating mga kaibigan. Gaano man kataas ang tono at mapasintunado man ay tuloy pa rin sa pagkanta.

Ngunit minsan, sa dami ng mga kanta sa songbook, hindi pa rin tayo makapili ng magagandang kanta. Upang mapadali ang paghahanap, narito ang apat na kantang maaring pumatok sa inyo.

Tropa ng Siakol
Sa pamagat pa lamang ay mahuhulaan na kung tungkol saan ang kantang ito. Ang tunog ng musikang ito’y talagang nakakahead-bang dahil sa solo ng gitara at drums. Relatable rin para sa lahat ang lyrics na nagpapaalala sa pagkakaibigan na bagama't nagkaroon ng alitan ay nagkakaayos din at walang iwanan. Ang mga kaibigan ay malaking bahagi ng ating buhay. Ang mensaheng ito ang taglay ng kanta. Kaya’t subukan na ang kantang ito at simulan nating balikan ang dating mga tawanan at iyakan.

Dancing Queen ng ABBA
Unang pumatok ang kantang ito noong 80’s at 90’s. Ang Dancing Queen ay nagpapahayag ng kasiyahan ukol sa ating pagkabata. Sinasabi nga ng mga nakatatanda na sa adolescent stage ng ating buhay natuto, natutuklasan at nakikilala ang ating mga sarili. Ang masiglang tono rin nito ay talagang angkop sa lyrics. Talagang mapapasabay ka sa chorus.

In the End ng Linkin Park
Ang intro ng kantang ito ay bahagi ng larong counter-strike. Ang kanta ay may bahaging rap na susubok sa bilis ng iyong pagsasalita. Napabilang ito sa listahan dahil ang chorus nito ay talagang babalik-balikan ng mga tao dahil marahil sa napakaingay ngunit satisfying na tunog na nailalabas ang malulungkot mong saloobin. Nakamamanghang isipin na nagawa ng bokalista na iparating ang kanyang malungkot na mensahe na tila nagsasabing “Kahit na ba gawin ko ang aking buong makakaya, ay sa huli walang nababalewala.” Sa paraang isinisigaw na lamang niya ang kanyang mga hinanaing.

She Will Be Loved ng Maroon 5
Patok na patok pa rin hanggang ngayon ang kantang ito. Ang tunog nito’y kalmado lamang ngunit mataas ang mga notang kailangang abutin. Interesante ang naging paraan ng persona sa pagpapahayag ng kanyang nararamdaman sa babaeng tinutukoy sa awit. Ang chill vibes nito’y talaga nga namang nagbibigay goosebumps.

Mapapansin na matagal na ang mga kantang nasa listahan na ito, panahong hindi pa puro fully edited ang mga kanta at naa-appreciate natin ang magagandang boses ng mga bokalista. Napakinggan mo rin ba ito noon?

Natapos ang kanta’t nag-aabang ang iyong mga kaibigan sa makukuha mong iskor. Mababa. Kayo’y nagtawanan ngunit mahalaga’y nakaramdam ka ng saya mula sa pag-awit ng mga kantang tumatak sa iyong buhay. //ni Gabby Arevalo  

0 comments:

feature,

Feature: Chat Now, Print Later

11/22/2019 08:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



It is 6:47 AM; you’re running down the hallways though you shouldn’t be. You pass by many teachers who are on their way to their designated classrooms. Yet you don’t greet them because you are rushing towards the library with a heavy backpack. You see the library getting closer and closer. But then you notice the inside of the library is all dark and the door is locked. You realize, there’s no way for you to print your homework now.

These kinds of moments are what Christian Sarabia of Batch 2020 hates the most. But he noticed that he isn’t the only one. He was in Grade 10 when he noticed that everyone needed a printer and people were desperate for their requirements, usually their theses drafts, to be printed.

In UPIS, there are only three library printers available to cater to all UPIS high school students. During lunch, the library gets crowded because many students print their requirements before their next class. But Christian realized what if the requirement is to be passed during the first subject? Where, then, will students print their requirements? No one actually thought of tackling a printing business before and students kept on asking for “printing favors” from their classmates.

In consideration of the time and resources other students put in to fulfill these requests, Christian conceptualized his very own Printer Bot, a printing service with the help of the Messenger app.

An illustration of an alien with a red bowtie. The Printer Bot Logo was made by Alixandrea Athena Aera Dizon. Photo taken from: https://www.messenger.com/t/printthispls

Printer Bot is a feature on the Messenger app that Christian programmed to process information regarding students’ requirements, including page count, if the requirement is back-to-back, if it is colored, and/or if it is to be stapled or not.

“So naisip ko na gumawa ako ng bot na kahit tulog ako, you can send your files to Printer Bot tapos kino-collect nung Printer Bot lahat ng ipi-print ko the next morning. Gagawin ko na lang is ipi-print and i-staple if need i-staple,” Chrisitan said. (So I thought of making a bot that, even when I’m asleep, you can send your files to and then it’ll collect all of the files that I will print the next morning. All I have to do is print and staple if needed.)

Printer Bot replying automatically to a student. Printer Bot collects data using messenger. Screenshot taken by Ned Pucyutan

Though it is a bot, Printer Bot is not automatic. The Bot only collects data and it does not automatically print your requirement after you send your files. Christian has to turn his laptop on first and manually print all of the files as he gets ready for school.

According to him, of course, there are struggles with this kind of business. First and foremost is the payment issue. Sometimes, students forget to pay Christian after their requirement is delivered to them. On his part, Christian himself prefers not to accept payments whenever he doesn’t want to carry coins, making him earn less. Moreover, the delivery itself is quite a hassle for Christian.

“Ang hirap magdeliver. Sana nga may station na kung saan ko pwedeng iwan lahat ng pinrint ko tapos kayo na lang kukuha,” Christian explained. (It’s hard to deliver [the printed requirements]. I wish there was a station where I could leave everything I printed and the customers are the ones to get what is theirs.)

Even so, Christian is still happy because he gets to help students such as himself who find it hard to print their requirements on time. Also, he finds it amazing that he gets to provide printing services for people who rarely interact with him. Because of his business, he has met new friends and has made new connections with people.

Printer Bot is one of the rare services that students must support and try out. It is highly convenient for it is just a few taps or clicks away on our phones. Printer Bot is for everyone in need of a printer and it can be accessed via m.me/printthispls.

“Actually medyo nahihiya ako kasi batchmates lang nao-offeran ko sana mga lower batch din.” Christian said. (Actually, I feel a bit shy because I only get to offer [my services] to my batchmates. I hope I could offer to lower batches too.) //by Ned Pucyutan

0 comments:

news,

MC 2020 and 2021 join Elevate 8

11/22/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



Happy Tree Friends. UPIS participants from Grades 11 and 12 posing after the competition. Photo Credit: Gabe Ulanday.

UPIS students participated in Elevate 8: Midyang Mapagpalaya, a journalism writing competition held at the UPIS Auditorium last November 16.

The competition was hosted by the UP Radio Circle with the purpose of educating, informing, and honing aspiring young journalists. This event also aims to prevent the spread of fake news, misinformation, and attacks against the press. Schools from all around Luzon participated; two from Region II, two from Region III, eight from Region IV-A, one from Region V, and 14 from NCR, including UPIS.

UPIS was represented by James Tolosa, Owen Bernos, Gabe Ulanday, Cynl Tecson, and Aldric De Ocampo of 12-Katatagan and Lester Amurao, Addie Sajise, Alyssa Avila, Pam Marquez, Magan Basilio, Justin Polendey, and Therese Aragon of 11-Barros.

Before the competition, workshops in sports writing, editorial writing, cartooning, health and science article writing, layouting, feature writing, radio broadcasting, and photojournalism were also held to prepare the participants for the competition afterwards.

Despite not having placed on the overall championship, the UPIS students learned a lot and gained new experiences from the workshops held. //by Ria Amano

0 comments:

Haraya,

Pagpapalaya

11/18/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




0 comments:

ca ema week,

Get ready for an UPheaval!

11/16/2019 08:20:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




0 comments:

english,

Literary (Submission): A Losing Battle

11/16/2019 08:14:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




I can't rather don't
Something far and in between
Fresh out of raised hopes

I'm deathly tired
Of raising racket and noise
For such a lost cause

I know, I must fight
But God knows, I've fresh run out
Not of bullets but of gut

I cannot stomach
The stench of blood, my own
Leave me to rot

Cut the string, set free
The want to live but not here
To change, to be reborn

Rise from the ashes
I'm tired of being stepped on
A fresh heart, cut out

I stand not for you
On this final frontier fight
I now stand for me

0 comments:

english,

Literary (Submission): Random Encounter

11/16/2019 08:10:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




When our eyes met, I knew that it was gonna start again.

“Wild Crushie appeared!”
“Go! You!”
“What will you do?”

Everything happened so quickly that I needed to think fast too.
She’s right in front of me now and I have no choice but to "Fight" for my dignity.
Maybe a little tease would catch her off guard.

“You used Attract!”

I winked and blew a joking kiss at her.
I blushed harder than I should have when she did this to me last time.
I think now's the time for some revenge.

“But it failed!”

My jaw dropped.
Nothing happened!
How does she keep such a straight face?

“Wild Crushie used Charm!”

She waited a few seconds before she moved again.
She held her arms to her chest, shuddered, and squealed while teasingly blushing.
She caught my flying kiss and softly threw it back to me.

“Your attack harshly fell!”

I froze with my jaw still dropped.
My eyes widened.
I couldn’t speak.

“What will you do?”

There’s nothing left for me but to "Run".
I tried to turn back from embarrassment.
I avoided her gaze as much as I could.

“Can't escape!”

She tried to keep eye contact with me.
Every time I turned away, she followed my gaze.
I hope she didn’t notice me shaking.

“Wild Crushie used Disarming Voice!”

She started laughing.
Her chuckle was so cute yet so painful.
I still couldn’t move and my face was burning.

“A critical hit!”
“It's super effective!”
“What will you do?”

How come I still got teased even when I struck first?
She can counter me so well that my attempts don’t matter anymore.
I need to "Run" away while I still can.

“Got away safely!”

Just you wait, someday I’ll get back at you.

0 comments:

english,

Literary (Submission): Fish Dinner

11/16/2019 08:06:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




If I were to be asked, and once, I was asked
Which one I were or wanted to choose
A tuna fish, slathered in cream and baked
Or salmon lit with fire, covered in booze

I’d have to honestly say that once ago
The salmon light, fluffy, and pink
Was the fish I’d choose to know
I wouldn’t even have to think

But alas oh sweet fish dinner
The salmon supply runs dry,
That plan’s a true goner
I thought then, I’d wanted to cry

I scoured the seas, truly I did
In search for pink in the blue
Run and swim in storms amid
Just for you, with the pretty hue

But I washed ashore, a chef adrift
Carrying with me the spices and drink
And with my head, an aching gift
For the salmon fish, I found no link

But then oh then I heard a flop
In the water, I wanted to sob
I turned in anticipation for the plop
Instead, I saw a tuna fish mob

One came close, and I went far
“I did not come for such a fish!”
Thick and strong, wrought with scar
I did not wish for such a dish!

But closer it came, glittering scales
And caught unaware, I was
There was a beauty in its sails
I thought that maybe, it would pass

So then I cooked and labored
I slathered the fish with love and butter
And when I bit I did savor
Its unique, dare I say, its flavor? Better

And thus dear tuna fish,
If you happen to read this
I hold only one true wish
Keep with me, paletteful bliss

0 comments:

filipino,

Literary (Submission): Paalala lang naman

11/16/2019 08:03:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Sa panahon ngayon, mahirap maging mabait. Gagawa ka na lang nga ng mabuti, ikaw pa ang makukutya.

Magpapakain ka. “Cheap.”
Magvo-volunteer tumulong. “Bida-bida.”
Magsasabi ng totoo. “Mapanakit.”

Kung hindi ka naman kutyain, aba, 'yong iba, aabusuhin ka.

Manlibre ka isang beses, gagawin ka na nilang buhay na wallet.
Magbuhat ka minsan ng grupo sa presentasyon, magpapabuhat na lang talaga sila palagi.
Magpatawad ka, uulit-ulitin nila ang pananakit sa' yo.

Sa panahon ngayon, mahirap maging mabait.
Gayunpaman, maging mabait ka pa rin.

Bakit? Dahil lahat ng tao ay nangangailangan ng pagmamahal. Lahat tayo ay nangangailangan ng kaunting pagmamalasakit.

Hindi natin mababago ang pag-uugali ng ibang tao. Pero ang paguugali mo ay makokontrol mo. Hindi ka man nababahagian ng pagmamalasakit ng iba, ang magagawa mo lamang ay masigurong ikaw ay makapagbibigay nito sa iba.

Sa mundo ngayon na puno ng manggagamit at manhid, maging mapagbigay at mapagmahal. Bagama’t ang mundo ay malupit at mapanakit, manatiling marahan at magiliw. Mahirap manatiling mabuti ngunit sikapin na gawin ito.

Sa mundo ngayon na puno ng mga ganid at malulupit, ‘wag ka nang dumagdag . Ang laban kontra sa kasamaan ay magsisimula sa iyo.

0 comments:

daylight,

Literary: Step Down

11/16/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




You can't do it anymore
Brittle bones, withered muscles
Make up your better
"Step down"

You bleed
Scrapes on your knees
Refuse to heal
"Stay down"

"Look up"
Stairway through the clouds
You're at the base
Because you slipped

"Stand up"
We'll smile and watch you
As you scurry to the top
Only to fall again

Watch. Me.

A foot placed on the first step
Retracted. I calm myself,
To ready myself for the climb, I
"Step down"

This isn't a setback,
Just a quick rest. I've climbed before,
I'll do it again. I will never
"Stay down"

"Look up"
The sky mocks me
The clouds hide my goal
I will

"Stand up"
And move onward.
I silence my voice,
Only actions will be heard

0 comments:

MC2020,

Choose your side

11/15/2019 09:22:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




0 comments:

roel ramolete,

Sports: UPIS JFMBT, kinapos sa unang laro kontra DLSZ

11/15/2019 08:50:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



Naging mahirap sa UPIS Junior Fighting Maroons Basketball Team (JFMBT) na matalo ang De La Salle Zobel (DLSZ) sa unang laro nila sa UAAP Season 82 sa Paco Arena noong Nobyembre 13.

Nagpalitang ng puntos ang dalawang koponan hanggang sa kalagitnaan ng unang kwarter. Unti-unting umabante ang DLSZ mula sa 15-10 na score hanggang umabot na ito sa 26-10 sa huling dalawang minuto. Sa kulang-kulang dalawang minuto, nakakuha ng apat na puntos ang UPIS kumpara sa pitong puntos ng DLSZ. Sa pagtunog ng buzzer, natapos ang unang kuwarter sa score na 33-14.

Nagsimula ang ikalawang kwarter sa isa na namang run ng DLSZ na nagpalobo ng lamang nila sa UPIS sa score na 39-14 sa ikawalong minuto ng 2nd kwarter. Sinagot ito ng panandaliang run ng UPIS sa huling limang minuto kung saan nakakuha sila ng 11 na sunod-sunod na puntos. Ngunit paglapit ng huling dalawang minuto ng laro, nagpalitan na lamang ang pagpuntos ng dalawang koponan, at natapos ang unang half ng laro sa score na 50-36 na abante ang DLSZ.

Nagpatuloy ang bakbakan sa ikatlong kwarter kung saan muling nagpalitan ng puntos ang dalawang team hanggang sa dulo ng kwarter. Nagkaroon muli ng panandaliang run ang DLSZ at UPIS at natapos ang ikatlong kwarter sa score na 68-60 na lamang pa rin ang DLSZ.

Sa huling kwarter ng laro ay hindi na nakalapit ang UPIS sa DLSZ at tumaas ang agwat ng dalawang koponan sa 13 puntos. Tinangka ng UPIS na makabalik sa laro pero sa bawat puntos ng UPIS ay nakakasagot rin ng puntos ang DLSZ. Kaya sa huli ay natalo ang UPIS laban sa DLSZ sa score ng 84-72.

Ang susunod na laro ay gaganapin sa Nobyembre 16 sa naturang arena. Ang magiging kalaban ng UPIS ay ang Adamson University (ADU). //ni Roel Ramolete

0 comments:

aldric de ocampo,

Opinion: Too much looking back, not enough moving forward

11/15/2019 08:40:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



Photo credit: Cyñl Tecsón

When we hear the term nuclear power, admittedly, what first comes to our minds is the danger of radiation, as in the Fukushima Nuclear Accident and the Chernobyl Nuclear Disaster. The prospect of entire cities abandoned, high death tolls, horrific radiation sickness such as cancer and mutations is very real and very scary. This is why most would give a hard pass to the idea of nuclear energy here in the Philippines and/or the activation of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) despite its benefits.

The main opposition to the activation of BNPP claim the following:

1. The BNPP is not safe to activate due to:
    a. its proximity to an active volcano
    b. its position on top of an active fault line
    c. its location's vulnerability to tsunamis and storm surges
    d. its structural and design flaws
    e. its lack of sufficient safeguards to protect the local populace from the effects of a meltdown
    f. its lack of a proper system to dispose of nuclear waste
2. The constitution prohibits the utilization of nuclear power.
3. The cost of operating a nuclear plant does not make it more efficient than conventional fossil fuels.
4. The BNPP is an edifice complex of the Marcos regime and it is merely foreign loans poured into a project that was never meant to be used, just to present the illusion of progress as a means of propaganda.

There is no doubt about the possible harmful outcomes of a nuclear accident, and it is for this reason safeguards and regulations exist. In the words of Benjamin "Uncle Ben" Parker, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” This phrase does not merely refer to figurative power, but also applies to nuclear.

When looking at the BNPP’s safety, one should note that throughout its construction, it was supervised by the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC). Even before construction, it was cleared twice of safety issues by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

While the BNPP is built on volcanic byproducts, it is not built on or near an active volcano. It is built 13.2 kilometers from Mount Natib and 22.39 kilometers from Mount Mariveles.

It is estimated that Natib last erupted 18,000 years ago and Mariveles 4,000 years ago. Though PHIVOLCS categorizes these as “Potentially Active” volcanoes, the chances of an eruption in the near future is slim. Even if against all odds, one of them erupts, it is unlikely to have an impact on the BNPP.

As for the BNPP’s “dangerous location,” the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has certified that there are no fault lines under the power plant, active or otherwise. It should also be noted that PHIVOLCS found the ground under the BNPP to be exceptionally sturdy.
Even if an earthquake manages to reach the BNPP, it was designed to withstand a seismic load of 0.4g. In addition, even if such an earthquake hits, there are systems to automatically shut down the plant and avert a meltdown or release radioactive material into the environment.

Was that not the case for the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) in Japan, when a 9.0 magnitude earthquake occurred close to it?

The plant automatically shut down after the earthquake, yes. Soon after though, it was devastated by a tsunami, which led to three nuclear meltdowns and the release of radioactive contamination.
It would also be wrong to compare the two power plants for several reasons.

First and foremost, the FDNPP was built in the 1950s, so it had an outdated system compared to the BNPP.

Second, recall the 9.0 magnitude earthquake that hit the FDNPP. The strongest earthquake to hit the Philippines ever recorded was an 8.0 magnitude Mindanao shake in the 19th century.

Third, the earthquake was not what caused the meltdown in the FDNPP, but the subsequent tsunami. If a quake hits the Philippines in Bataan, the BNPP will automatically shut down. As for the tsunami? The wave that hit the FDNPP was, at its peak, 14 meters. The BNPP, on the other hand, is situated 18 meters above sea level.

In addition to those previously mentioned, the BNPP was specially designed to withstand such a situation.

In 1978, an earthquake-tsunami combo hit western Mindanao. President Marcos questioned Westinghouse Corporation, the government contractor building the BNPP, and the National Power Corporation (Napocor) regarding the BNPP’s vulnerability to such an occurrence. They maintained that such issues were addressed when the BNPP’s original location was moved from Bagac, Bataan to the much higher Morong, Bataan.

If the FDNPP is no point for comparison, how about the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant (CNPP)?
In April 1986, the Chernobyl disaster occurred in Ukraine, which was then part of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The CNPP experienced a reactor meltdown caused by a breach in the observance of proper procedure and protocol while conducting a test. Because of this, a great amount of people died of ailments caused by radiation exposure such as cancer.

Now, it would be wrong to compare the BNPP to the CNPP because the latter was engineered to produce weapons-grade plutonium aside from electric power; unlike the BNPP which was solely created to meet the country’s energy demands and decrease dependence on imported fuel. The difference here is that structurally, the CNPP had no dome, which contributed to the sudden release of radiation in the explosion, while the BNPP is safely contained.

So what nuclear plants can you really compare the BNPP to?

Possible choices are South Korea's Kori Nuclear Power Plant, Brazil's Angra Nuclear Power Plant, and Slovenia's Krško Nuclear Power Plant. All were built around the same time, by Westinghouse, using the same pressurized water reactor technology. Any defects in the BNPP, if any, would also have likely manifested in the other plants.

All plants were also highly profitable, and by now, have made back their original investment. Aside from a few minor incidents that resulted in no serious harm, these plants have been safe for their entire tour of use.

Also, in 1979, after the Three Mile Island incident in Pennsylvania, United States of America, then President Marcos ordered that the BNPP’s construction be halted and a safety assessment be conducted to ensure that such an event would not happen in the plant.

This assessment was spearheaded by Minister of Justice Ricardo Concepción Puno under the Puno Commission which recommended that, in light of the incident, additional safety measures be added. Shortly after plans were amended to meet the recommendations and to update the construction schedule, construction of the BNPP resumed.

By this assessment, the plant is safe. Its nuclear waste? Even safer.

There are protocols in place to contain nuclear waste in concrete structures underground with no risk of contamination to outside elements. There are even protocols in place to recover said waste. Why? Scientists are now looking into the possibility of using power plant waste as a new form of nuclear fuel. If successful, that means the waste underground is not the end of the process, and there would be even more power generated from its recovery.

While on the topic, there are false claims that say the BNPP should not be used because it is unconstitutional to use nuclear technology.

Indeed, the 1987 Constitution does prohibit the use of nuclear technology in the creation of weapons of mass destruction. Article II, Section 8 says: “The Philippines, consistent with the national interest, adopts and pursues a policy of freedom from nuclear weapons in its territory.” Other than this line, however, there is no other mention of nuclear technology’s unconstitutionality.

Besides, it would be impossible to completely ban the use of nuclear technology or anything that produces radiation. Medical advancements would be severely hampered: X-rays? Radioactive. Cancer treatment? Radioactive. In fact, smartphones, a common device that this very article may be read from, emits radiation. Even just stepping out of one’s house already leads to solar radiation exposure.

Although many people are scared to have nuclear power plants due to safety concerns, we cannot deny the fact that nuclear power is advantageous in many more ways.

According to Energy Informative, nuclear energy is cost-competitive. Generating electricity in nuclear reactors is cheaper than non-renewable energy sources such as oil, gas, and coal. Nuclear power plants also provide a stable base load of energy that can work synergistic with renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.

Nuclear power’s environmental effects are relatively light compared to other energy harnessing methods as well, so it is beneficial in terms of climate crisis to replace them.

Though it is not renewable, nuclear energy can still be potentially sustainable by use of breeder and fusion reactors. Nuclear fusion, if we learn to control it, can practically produce unlimited energy for consumption.

Lastly, it has high energy density. The amount of energy released in a nuclear fission reaction is estimated to be 10 million times greater than the amount released in burning a fossil fuel atom. As a result, the amount of fuel required in a nuclear power plant is smaller compared to other types of power plants.

Despite these many instances of the BNPP’s merits, there is still the political claim that it is a product of the Marcos regime.

Not to downplay its atrocities, but so what? The plant followed proper procedures, and it is still, at the end of the day, capable of reaping benefits to do immense good. Remember, it was not built using Ferdinand Marcos’ money, but the money of the people; thus, the plant should be used for the people.

The threat of energy shortage has been very real in the Philippines for several decades. In the summer months, and even in some cases the rest of the year, there are rotating brownouts due to the shortage of energy.

With one or two nuclear plants in peak operating capacity, this shortage would be alleviated and the strain on traditional plants would be lessened. Indeed, it would also be cheaper for households across the nation.

The relief has been sitting in Morong, Bataan all along for almost four decades. The longer it sits there, the deeper it gets into the proverbial “mud” and the harder it will be to pull it out. While we still have the opportunity, we should seize it now. After all, better late than never. //by Cedric Creer, Aldric De Ocampo, and Gabe Ulanday

0 comments:

angel dizon,

Mga kinatawan ng UPIS Media Center nakasungkit ng pwesto sa Tagisan 2019

11/15/2019 08:30:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



Ang mga kinatawan ng UPIS Media Center (MC) mula sa kaliwa, James Tolosa, Pam Marquez, Magan Basilio, at Eda White, kasama si Bb. Shari Niña Oliquino, isang tagapagsalita sa Tagisan at dating kasapi ng MC. Photo credits: Bb. Shari Niña Oliquino.

Nakamit ng mga kinatawan ng UPIS Media Center (MC) ang third-runner up sa Tagisan 2019 na ginanap noong ika-9 ng Nobyembre sa Palma Hall, UP Diliman.

Apat na estudyante mula sa MC 2020, 2021, 2022, ang lumahok sa patimpalak na pinamagatang Tagisan 2019: Likha, Lathala, Laya. Kabilang sa pangkat si James Tolosa ng 12-Katatagan, sina Pam Marquez at Magan Basilio ng 11-Barros, at si Eda White ng 10-Apitong. Nagsilbi naman sina Prop. Cathy Atordido at Prop. AC Nadora bilang tagapayo ng kanilang koponan.

Sinalihan ng 27 koponan mula sa iba't ibang paaralan ang naturang workshop at quiz bee. Ang quiz bee ay binubuo ng dalawang bahagi. Ang unang bahagi ay ang elimination na nahahati sa tatlong kategorya: madali, katamtaman, mahirap. Napabilang ang UPIS MC team sa limang koponan na may pinakamataas na score na nakarating sa Final round.

Ang Tagisan ay isang taunang media-workshop seminar at quizbee na inoorganisa ng UP Broadcasters’ Guild. Ngayong taon, ang tema nito ay Tagisan 2019: Likha, Lathala, Laya. Nagpopokus ang seminar-workshop sa alternative media sa porma ng Original Pinoy Music (OPM), street theatre, street art, at poetry.

Ayon kay Tolosa, hindi niya inaasahan ang kanilang nakamit na posisyon dahil unang beses pa lamang nilang sumali sa ganitong klaseng patimpalak at isa pa ay hindi sila nagapaghanda nang masinsinan dahil sa kanilang huling minutong pagsali. Sa kabila nito, napagtagumpayan pa rin ng grupo ang kanilang mga balakid sa pamamagitan ng paghahati ng mga paksa na kailangan aralin.

Bukas ang taunang patimpalak na ito para sa lahat ng mag-aaral ng hayskul, mula grado 7 hanggang 12. //ni Angel Dizon

0 comments:

aldric de ocampo,

Grade 12 students attend BNPP tour

11/15/2019 08:15:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments




Enlightened. The Applied Sciences and Engineering class of Batch 2020, along with several students of the other tracks, UPIS faculty, and staff of the Bataan Nuclear Power during the plant tour. Photo credit: Laurice Pineda


The Applied Sciences and Engineering (ASE) class of Batch 2020 and several students of the Business and Entrepreneurship and Social Sciences and Humanities tracks, attended a tour of the Bataan Nuclear Powerplant (BNPP) sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE), last October 25.

BNPP employees, Wilfredo Torres and Jose Garcia Manalo, served as the tour facilitators who discussed the BNPP's background, conditions and functions.


Humble beginnings. A close-up photo of a nuclear pellet where the fission of uranium oxide can occur. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday

Background
The construction of BNPP in Morong, Bataan started in 1976 by order of then President Ferdinand Marcos. However, in light of the Three Mile Island nuclear incident in the United States of America, its construction was suspended in June 1979 for a safety evaluation under the Puno Commission. This was followed by public hearings on its safety from July 1979 to September 1980.

The Commission found BNPP to be safe, but it still suggested the installation of additional safety measures. Finally, in January 1981, its full construction resumed until it was completed in 1985.

The administration’s plan was to build several nuclear power plants on the same site, so the initial name for BNPP was Philippine Nuclear Power Plant I (PNPP I). However only PNPP I (BNPP) was constructed because of oppositions to this project.

Oppositions against BNPP
Aside from alleged corruption and fraud issues, the government under former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino decided to mothball BNPP in April 1986 in the aftermath of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in the Ukraineian Soviet Socialist Republic.

The lack of facilities to safely store and dispose of highly radioactive nuclear waste has also been a main concern. Another argument raised is the alleged proximity of an active fault line and two dormant volcanoes to the plant's location.

To counter these arguments, the BNPP management said that the BNPP can withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake and it is located 13 km from Mt. Natib and 22 km from Mt. Mariveles, several kilometers away from the 9 km danger zone of alert level 4 set by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).


Standing strong. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant has been dormant for more than 30 years. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday

How the reactor works


Full of potential. A photo of the nuclear reactor core made up by fuel assemblies supposedly filled with nuclear pellets. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday

The 2.3 billion power plant uses a Generation II nuclear reactor, the type used by most functioning nuclear power plants in different countries.

BNPP is powered by a series of uranium-235 nuclear fission that heats water contained in the reactor. The heated water flows to a pressurized cell that retains the water in its liquid state. The water then circulates inside a heat exchanger to boil another container of water. The heated water’s steam moves the turbine that powers the generator to produce 650 megawatts of electricity. Finally, the steam is cooled by seawater that will transform it back to liquid state for reuse.


Active learners. Photos of the attendees going around the area where the reactor's generator is. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday

BNPP's current state
In 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte considered reviving BNPP. The administration ordered for safety tests to be run, however results have not yet been sent. Without the assurance that BNPP is in good condition, operations cannot proceed.


Curious minds. Several attendees observing the main control room. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday


Keen listeners. Several attendees listening to the explanation on how the reactor works. Photo credit: Gabriel Ulanday

Grade 11 ASE students also attended the tour on November 8.

“Marami po kasing negative ‘perspectives’ sa nuclear power plants, mainly dahil sa mga aksidenteng naganap sa ibang lugar. Pero sa field trip, kinlaro po ng tour guides yung mga yun. Bukod pa po doon, marami din po talaga kaming natutunan about nuclear enegry, how it works, at pati na rin po yung economic implications niya," Lian Sasing, a Grade 11 ASE student, shared.

Aldrich Agad and Bree Catibog also shared how helpful the hands-on activity was to further understand the current topic in their Science class.

The final BNPP tour for Grade 10 ASE students happened on November 15. //by Cedric Creer, Aldric De Ocampo,  Tracy Mondragón, Erika Sasazawa, Cyñl Tecson, and Gabe Ulanday


Unforgettable experience. The attendees and Bataan Nuclear Power Plant staff inside the seminar room. Photo credit: Cristy Maguyon and Joan Romero-Delloro

0 comments:

cyñl tecson,

Atty. Baguilat conducts human rights talk to Grade 12 students

11/15/2019 08:00:00 PM Media Center 0 Comments



MESSAGE. Atty. Baguilat leaves his attendees inspired as he reminds them of the social issues involving human rights violations. Photo credit: UP College of Law

Atty. Raymond Marvic Baguilat redefined human rights in his talk to selected Grade 12 students of the Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) track at Room 208 of Malcolm Hall last October 29.

In his talk, Atty. Baguilat discussed about the basic definition of human rights (HR) as both being a standard of humanity and living with dignity. He also stated significant qualities of the concept, namely universality, inalienability, inherence, interrelation, interdependence, and indivisibility.

Atty. Baguilat also mentioned common misconceptions of HR; specifically, those frequently spread on the internet through social media. These include a sense of entitlement among defenders and a bias towards Western ideals. He also connected those misunderstandings with social issues such as prioritization of development, investigation of HR violations, and public trust.

According to Aldric De Ocampo, one of the attendees of the talk, “Mas lumalim ‘yung alam ko about HR… may napulot pa rin talaga akong synthesis regarding the topic. Naging somewhat philosophical siya and humanistic discussion para sa'kin kaya masasabi kong napaka-helpful niya para sa growing body of knowledge ko regarding the topic.” [My knowledge about human rights deepened…I picked up a synthesis regarding the topic. It was somewhat philosophical and humanistic for me so I could say it was helpful in my growing body of knowledge regarding the topic.]

Atty. Baguilat is an Associate Professor of the UP College of Law. He is also a Senior Research Associate at the Institute of Human Rights (IHR) of the UP Law Center.

This talk was given as an enrichment to students who worked at the UP Law Complex for their on-campus internship. It was also open for students who were willing to attend the said talk. //by Mariel Diesta, Cyñl Tecson, James Tolosa, Gabe Ulanday

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