D U P I L - PSHS-SMC Updates - Philippine Science High School

D U P I L
A C o l l e c t I o n o f
Dupil 1
Vol. 1, Issue.1, October 2012
PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SOUTHERN MINDANAO CAMPUS
HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

Dear Colleagues:
Ayon sa Bagong
Diksyunaryong Pilipino ang
salitang DUPIL ay
nangangahulugang GALING.
Bilang isang kawani ng
institusyon, tayo’y may
angking kagalingan sa iba’t
ibang larangan kaya marapat
lamang na ito’y ating
isatitik at ibahagi sa iba
sapagkat ito ay pambihirang
pagkakataon.
Screenwriter Norbet Platt aptly wrote, “ The act of putting
pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn
makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us to
regain our equilibrium. ”
Amidst the hustle and bustle of our daily work at PSHS-
SMC, it is indeed rare that one gets to write down a thought
or two beyond the usual memo, lesson plan, report or work-
sheet we prepare… to take a moment to stop to ponder and
reflect about lessons or insights behind failures and suc-
cesses. But with the birth of Dupil, the Humanities Depart-
ment ’ s folio, we are now challenged to get down and do
just that.
Let me congratulate the Humanities Department for com-
pleting this maiden issue of Dupil. Here ’ s to many more
papers, pencils, ink and of course, brilliant ideas! May the
flame of your enthusiasm burn even brighter in the issues to
come. God bless.
Very truly yours,
MS. DELIA C. LEGASPINO
Director
Dupil 2
3 Conquering the Lion
City 4 the shoe story
5 swan song
5 my
shroud
5 SHHHHH...
5 missing
You
6-8 TALES
and Trails
9 FIRST TIME, FIRST
THRILLS
9 SA LOOB NG LIMANG
SEGUNDO
10
KAPATAWARAN
10 ARE YOU A
WISE FLYER?
11 when as a
teacher I
also learn
12 TEN FILMS
YOU MUST
WATCH
BEFORE YOU
RETIRE
13 OF BAGS AND
MA’AMS
13 loving The
unlovables
14 the hunt for the
lion
EDITORIAL BOARD
Editor-in-Chief Maria Ines D. Lingatong
Associate Editors Janice Joy W. Chiongson
Sheila D. Musa
Adviser Jearvy R. Lañohan

Dupil 3
C o n q u e r i n g t h e L i o n C i t y
By Jearvy R. Lañohan
Travel is like love, mostly because it’s a heightened state of awareness, in which we are mindful, receptive, undimmed by familiarity and
ready to be transformed. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end.” — Pico Iyer
W
ith mounting impatience, I watched the Immigration
Officer taking his sweet time scanning my passport
and other documents, a mechanical ritual that induced
me into counting one to ten under my breath. Then he handed me
my papers and looked at me intently for a second or two. I
grabbed the documents and smiled. He didn’t smile back. How
unfriendly, I thought, but I didn’t really mind. I was, after all,
consumed by the thrilling prospect of finally seeing the city of the
iconic water-spewing, half-fish- half- lion beast called Merlion and
the infamous laws banning spitting on the streets, and chewing
gums. Of course, I had all the reasons to be excited. . . . and yes,
magnanimous.
Coming out from the airport, I and my eleven colleagues were
immediately whisked by the Tour Guide to our waiting coach. In
few minutes we started cruising the sleek thoroughfare of
Singapore and to our frenzied day one city tour.
Day One was for playing tourists. It amazes me until now
how we managed to cover the glittering city, posed and took
photos before the Merlion (just an aside: there are, accordingly,
five Merlion statues in Singapore and the one outside the office of
Singaporean Tourism Board was made in the Philippines!),
dropped by the famed Marina Bay Sands Hotel, gawked at the
Esplanade, cabled off to Sentosa, got lost, literally and
figuratively, in the movie-themed fantasy park that was the
Universal Studio, met with the Pisay Alumni over dinner in Vivo
City, then dashed back to the Beach Station, Sentosa to catch the
mesmerizing Songs of the Sea. But as the saying goes, if there’s a
will, there’s a way; and whatever it was we twelve from Pisay
lacked on that day, we compensated with sheer grit and will to
cover as many destinations as we can in our rendezvous in
Singapura! To say that we had fun would be an understatement.
Day Two was for visits to universities for benchmarking
activities, the primary objective of our trip. Our group
visited the National University of Singapore (NUS) and
Nanyang Technological University (NTU), two of the
four prominent public universities in Singapore.
Both the NUS and NTU figure in the 2012 World
Universities Ranking of the top 300 universities (25 th and
47 th respectively). These two currently host some of our
Pisay graduates as scholars of Singapore’s Ministry of
Education; and these former students of ours can attest to
the rigorous and challenging curricula these universities
offer. In our orientation with both universities we learned
about the strongest features of their educational system.
Some of the very prominent ones are the following:
1. ICT backed curricula. This is not something new us
in the Philippines, however, what is striking with
Singapore is how they maximized and heavily integrate
the varied uses and advantages ICT in their curricula (e.g.
Language classes use iPad, both teachers and students use
social media for discussions, etc.).
2. Strong and enviable partnership with top universities
around the world. MIT, Cambridge, Oxford, Cornell
University, Duke University, University of California,
Berkley: these are just some of the world’s leading institutions
the universities/institutes in Singapore partner
with. This, coupled with their strong Students Exchange
Program, ensures that students establish international
presence.
3. Universities are Research Intensive and Entrepreneurial.
Singaporeans put premium on high impact research
endeavors because they believe that it is the best
road to advancement. Its education system also makes
sure that students’ entrepreneurial skill is developed so
that they can translate knowledge to practical and useful
enterprise.
The list could go on. And it can make us writhe in
envy. On the other hand, it can also provide us inspiration
to dream big for our educational system and rally towards
this dream.
Truly, there is more to Singapore than its surreally
clean environment and breath-stopping theme parks.
Although it can appear too fussy to the world at times, this
273-square-mile island commands everyone’s attention to
its landscape as if to say everything can be strikingly
beautiful, practical, and efficient. And they do this by
educating its citizen, over and over again.
Gazing at the city aboard the Singaporean Flyer, I
mused at the sheer beauty of this tiny jewel and sheer
boldness of the people who transformed Singapore to
what it is today. A far cry from the fishing village it once
was.

By Mary Anne B. Villanueva
P umapalo, pumipitik ang kamay ng orasan – sampung segundo
bago sumapit ang alas - singko. Pumipintig, tumitibok ang puso
ko. Sabik sa pagdatal ng araw. Bukas ay panibagong hamon na
naman ang aking kakaharapin. Dalawang paang halos mag-unahan
na marating ang tarangkahan sa bakuran ng opisinang pinapasukan.
Sa paghihintay ay tila kayayamutan ang bawat pagdaan ng masasakyang halos
sukang-suka sa dami ng lulan nito subalit ang bawat pagdatal ay isang pag-asa, sa
bawat takipsilim ay isang pagbubukang-liwayway.
Sa wakas ay naipuwesto rin ang balakang kong hapung-hapo sa maghapong
pagsusumikap na maisagawa ang lahat ng gawaing inaasahang matapos sa bawat
araw. Tangan ang aking cellphone, dali-dali kong hinagilap ang headset. Dahandahang
isasandal ang likod na nagnanais madampian ng palad na pansumandaling
hahagod at papawi sa ngalay na nararamdaman. Maya-maya pa’y nanunuot na sa
aking pandinig ang musikang nagmumula sa aking mini-opera.
Kasabay ng himig ay ang paglalakbay ng aking isipan. Sa paglalakbay ay isa-isa
kong sinusi ang apat na sulok ng sasakyang aking kinaroroonan. Malinis at putingputi
ang pintura, bagamat luma na ay kababakasan mo ng mataman at masusuing
pag-iingat ng kung sinumang nagmamay-ari ng behikulong ito. Dagli pa ay napatingin
ako sa mamang may hawak ng manibela. Maliban sa mga gatlang mababakas
mo sa kanyang noo, masasabi mong ang lalaking ito ay minsang naging tapag-utos o
tagapagdikta sa kanyang nasasakupan. Makikita mo rin sa kanyang mukhang ang
kasipagan at kagitingan. Siyanga, ang sasakyang ito ay larawan din ng kanyang
pagkatao – masinop, hindi mainuhin at hindi mapaghusga.
Naputol ang pagsubok ko sa karakter ng drayber nang kumirot ang aking paa.
Nahirapan ma’y iniyuko ko ang aking ulo upang tingnan ang aking mga paang tila ba
nagnanais nang lumabas mula sa aking sapatos. Nagnanais nang kumawala sa pagkakagapos.
Naisip ko tuloy kung bakit naimbento pa ang sapatos.
Sa aking pagkakayuko ay nagulat ako nang mapagmasdan ko ang iba’t ibang
sapatos. Ang unang tumawag ng aking pansin ay isang tila ba matandang nagnanais
nang mamahinga mula sa maghapong pagkapagod. Kulubot ang balat at unti-unti na
ring nagtatanggalan. Talos kong ang isang ito’y pares na walang kapalit. Sinuong
ang tubig na bumabalot dito tuwing umuulan, tiniis ang mainit panahon kung tirik na
tirik ang araw. Nilandas ang mahabang paglalakbay. Tinisod ang mga balakid at
nasisiguro kong ang nagmamay-ari nito ay masinop at matiisin.
Ang nagmamay-ari ng
sapatos ay isang karpinterongnagtatatrabaho
malapit sa opisinang
kinaroroonan ko.
Tanging tagapagtaguyod
ng anim na anak. Dalawang
kolehiyo at tatlong
hayskul at isang supling
na ginagatas pa. Ang
asawa’y nasa bahay at
siyang nag-aalaga sa
mga anak. Walang hinto
Dupil 4
sa pagkayod ang padre de pamilya upang sa kanyang pag-uwi ay may maiaabot
sa kanyang asawa na pamasahe at pambili ng kanyang pangngailangan. Pahigpit
nang pahigpit ang sinturon kahit wala nang ihihigpit pa. Sa taas ng matrikula,
gayundin ng mga billihin, wala nang pagkakataong bagong sapatos ay mabili pa.
Ang sunod kong nakita ay ang isang pares na mapagmalaki. Nangingintab
sa gara at mahihinuha mong tila ngayon lamang sumakay sa isang pampasaherong
sasakyan. Hindi kababakasan ng paghihirap dahil walang dungis ng putik
o anuman. Tila bagung-bago
pa at kung hindi nama’y hula
kong minsan lamang kung
magamit dahil sa dami ng
pamalit. Nagmamayabang
ang mataas na taking na
animo’y handang sumalakay
sa sinumang magnanais
mang-isa sa kanya. Ito ang
tipo na hindi magpapaungos
bagkus ay marapat laging
nakakaisa, nakakapanlamang.
Pakiwari ko’y mahirap
maging kaibigan dahil sa
mukha nitong sosyal ang
dating. Gimik at aliw ang tila ba laging hinahanap.
Siya ay nag-iisang anak. Mayaman ang pinagmulang angkan. Sanay sa
luho ng buhay na kayang-kayang ipagkaloob sa kanya. Subalit sa gabing ito ay
isang paglaya. Tumakas siya upang maghanap ng aliw at bigyang – saya ang
sarili. Ang kasiyahang hindi niya matagpusan sa loob ng kanilang tahanan ay
hahanapin niya sa labas. Hindi man sanay sa masikip na sasakyan at makisalamuha
sa di – kilalang karamihan, napapangiti siya sa bawat pag-usad ng kinalululanan.
Hindi ko na mapigil ang sarili ko sa pagmamasid. Nagpalipat-lipat ang
aking paningin sa iba’t ibang pares ng paa. May sundalo, may pulis, may obrero,
may nakatsinelas, may nakabakya at teka may isang hindi naman kakaiba
subalit napahanga ako sa linis at kintab ng kanyang suot. Luma subalit matibay,
malinis ang suwelas at makapal pa rin ang takong. Mukhang malayo na rin ang
nalakbay o kung hindi ma’y matagal ang pag-aantay.
Siya ay isang guro. Tipak-tipak ang paa marahil sa matagal na pagkakatayo
sa harap ng mga alaga. Subalit ang sapatos niya’y marami ang pinagdaanan.
Umula’t umaraw ay lagi niyang kasama. Ang takong na laging nakaalalay
sa anumang nakapanlulumong balita. Ang suwelas niyang matibay na suporta.
Ang nagmamay-ari na gaya ng kanyang sapatos ay sandigan rin. Nakasalalay
ang pamilya, gumagabay sa mga kasama, gayundin nangangalaga sa
bawat mag-aaral na hawak niya.
Sa tatlong pares ng sapatos ay tatlong kwento rin ng buhay. Bakas sa
kanilang mukha ang kapighatian subalit kakikitaan mo rin ng kagalakang alam
mong minsan lang nilang tinamasa subalit lalaging alo sa panahon ng kawalang-
pag-asa, kalungkutan at paminsan-minsang kakulangan.
Titigan ang iyong sapatos, anong kwento ang dala nito? Anong
kalungkutan ang dinanas mo? Anong pighati ang pinagdaanan mo? At anong
kaligayahan ang nasaksihan ng sapatos mo?

By Jearvy R. Lañohan
Deftly,
I untwisted frayed tendrils
of memories and coaxed
from their strands
remnants of longings
that no longer have names
nor shapes.
As I traced fading trails
to your world, the wind
blew, sending up
in spirals dusty crumbs
of hope.
The heavens choked -
and wept.
*originally published in Dagmay, the Literary Journal
of the Davao Writers Guild
Shhhhhh…
By Jonathan V. Mancao
Ikubli mo ang panangisan sa dilim
Sakbibi ng dalita at siphayo na malaon mong kinimkim
Impit na hikbing di dapat marinig
Ng mapanghusgang tengang bingi sa pagdamay.
Isuot mo ang magarang maskara
Walang bakas ng lungkot at luha,
Mga gatla ng taon at buwang nagdusa
Walang makitang lamat… walang marka.
Ikubli mo ang panangisan sa dilim
Ikubli ang patak, luha’y pilit pigilin
Ibulong mo sa kadiliman ang damdaming tigib ng daing
Walang dapat makakita… walang dapat makarinig.
Lunurin ang luha ng mapagkunwaring halakhak.
Ikubli ang pait ng matamis na kasingungalingan.
Magkunwaring malaya, sa kabila ng pagkakagapos,
Sa nakaraan mong sa iyo’y nagpiit.
Shhhh…shhhh… tahan nena, tahan na!
My Shroud
By Sheila D. Musa
Dupil 5
This hijab I wear?
This is but a simple cloth
Usually 34 by 34 inches and
Folded into two triangles.
Oh, you mean how do I wear it?
I start by putting on an underscarf
Then place the hijab or shawl over and
See that the tips are of equal length.
Next, I secure the shawl with a pin
Right beneath my chin and for better look, I
Bring one tip of hijab on top of my head and
fasten it with a brooch as embellishment.
Why wear it you ask?
This piece of cloth protects my
modesty, more so my dignity and
Stands as a symbol of my piety.
What do you mean if I envy other women?
No, I’m not oppressed nor ashamed of my feminity
So don’t pity me because the choice I made was free and
Besides, how can you free someone who is already free?
MISSING YOU
By Angelita Arellano Castillano
I wonder in my mind how will it feel
Far from you, I do not know what to feel
Your presence which I desperately need
I love you so and you are whom I need.
The thought of you leaving, it scares me so much
Don’t know if I can make it, afraid of such
I could have requested the days to stand still
So that you’ll be here and I could have you still.
Have to accept and be subject to
I can’t have you now, you have to go
So the days must go and life must too
I cannot hold the days, they must go.
Now that you are gone, there is one thing I do know
The God that brought us together will see us through
We are far from each other, yet we truly know
Our love for each other will surely see us through.
When you were still here, didn’t you know
That I was already missing you?
Now that you’re not here I want to know
Want you to know that I’m MISSING YOU!
Looking forward to the day when I’ll not be missing you
We will have each other, you will have me, I will have you
The right time when God will bind us together, me and you
How happy will be when I will not be MISSING YOU!

Dupil 6
T a l e s a n d .
By Dr. Annie I. Rodriguez
hat makes a teacher outstanding? This is quite rudimentary but an encouraging prompter for an ordinary teacher
W who declined a nomination not just once but twice. Back in 2010, Ma’am Medy Egasan persuaded me to join the
Search for Outstanding Teachers (SOT). Our charming boss calmly accepted my reticence when I replied, “Sorry, Ma’am. I’m
not ready for this.”
Lesson: There is a time to veer away from pressures to keep one’s sanity.
Destined to Decline
The year after, I received the same form with a note on the margins from Ma’am Delia
herself, “Let’s nominate Annie for this.” Deep inside, I freaked out muttering, “Not again!”
and shoved the SOT form in one of the Dataman Filers. I collected sensible excuses to convince
my her that it was not worth sending my nomination. Crux of the matter was the fear
lurking within, knowing that the previous nominees eventually became winners. I reckoned
Mama Pinky and Ma’am Rochelle were all achievers as science teachers. I would be the first
nominee from the Humanities whose contributions would never be at par with theirs.
Lessons: Fear is debilitating; comparing self to others can be lethal. It guarantees paralysis.
Perfect Timing for an Average Juggler
With qualms and all frolicking in my head, I found myself inside the CISD Chief’s Office
sometime last January. Ma’am Rochelle persuasively uttered, ‘Do this for the school’.
Convinced that this year’s search would be extra special because Metrobank is celebrating its
golden year, I mustered enough tenacity as I worked on the requirements one step at a time
while attending to my duties and responsibilities as a teacher, outreach resource speaker, SG adviser, head of the languages
unit head and the club unit, member of the PSHS System Committee on Assessments, member of the action research
committee and chair of the decorations committee.
Lesson: When confronted with tons of work, be in full gear with the ultimate weapon: PRAYERS.
Dr. Annie I. Rodriguez delivers
a short message.
Painstakingly Prepared
I toiled on my SOT documents late at night until the wee hours: retrieving files, sorting out papers, crafting captions
on photos, recalling dates and events, reproducing certificates to be validated, and praying that I would be given a chance to
bring honor to the school, which has been my home for more than two (2) decades. These were the days when I had to
settle with just two hours of sleep because I had to wash clothes, do a lot of chores, prepare meals for the family, attend to
my son’s needs, and regularly monitor Mama’s blood pressure. It was last April when I faced head-on the bulk of the
preparations for the search. The deadline for all the supporting documents was April 23, my son’s birthday. We had two
reasons to celebrate that day, Powpet’s
8 th birthday and finishing the folio for SOT.
Powpet’s swimming spree had to be
shortened though because we had to turn
in the documents before 4:00 pm. Once
lodged, the only respite I had was a couple
of hours of undisturbed slumber.
Lesson: No hard labor, no blessed favor.
A Resplendent Break
The K to 12 training at the Philippine
Normal University and the weeklong
UPLIFT sessions with Jearvy, Janice, had
my bags filled with epiphanies, anecdotes,
photos, and materials both virtual and
real. It was one exhilarating event that
made me momentarily put SOT behind.
Lesson: Teachers though resilient to climb
mountains, also need respite.
Dr. Rodriguez shares triumphant smiles with everyone.

T r a i l s
Dr. Rodriguez takes the center stage with other Metrobank winners.
Dupil 7
Connivance of Forces
One early evening, I received a call from a gentleman claiming that he is from Metrobank Main Office. I was simply
instructed to bring all the original certificates in one of the hotels downtown. With my dutiful husband hanging around, my
documents were evaluated and validated. Little did I know that the following day, the same person would visit the campus to
interview Ma’am Delia, the personnel, as well as the students. He did not ask for a class demonstration or some sort, he did
another job – to investigate! Ma’am Delia with her overwhelming support, confided that Ma’am Pinky Villanaba and Ma’am
Mila Francisco, two former Metrobank Outstanding Teachers were at the Executive Board Room for another meeting at that
time and that they, too, gave their own assessment on me before the presence of the investigator. It was truly a make or
break day. Later on, I received more text messages and eventually a letter that I must report to the Metrobank Plaza for the
semi-final round.
Lesson: Our respect for others brings us to places.
A Gentle Push
When I claimed the plane ticket from Metrobank Magsaysay branch, I was welcomed with a warm hug and words of
encouragement from among the Metrobankers who appeared very pleased to have a nominee who would represent Davao
City. There, I realized that I will not only bring the name of the school but also Davao City! Ms. Mila Gumban, the Metroban k
Davao cluster head staunchly prodded, “Galingan mo, ha!” Deep inside, I started to panic but I knew it was also a test of my
faith, an opportunity to show that God’s power is real.
Lesson: Grab challenges with a sound conviction that all things work for good to those who love the Lord!
Blissful day!
I took the first flight from Davao to reach Makati before noon time. I was scheduled for a teaching demo and panel
interview at two o’clock in the afternoon. Awed by the exquisite interior of Metrobank Plaza, I explored corners before I
finally reached the penthouse. The moment I entered the venue, I was taken aback by the cold stares of men and ladies in
black who, I learned composed the first batch of finalists to be interviewed. I was relieved when a very amiable staff led me to
the conference room in the fourth level of the building where I met my ‘batchmates.’ One of them was a former student of my
brother in a private school in General Santos City. This finalist became my buddy and new-found sister, Ms. Marivi Castro. We
traded stories and lifted our spirits with the nitty-gritty things all over!
Lesson: There is more to competitions than winning, e.g. gaining friendships and making someone’s life matter.
The First Arduous Test
To create a lesson plan for the distinguished panel of academicians like Dr. Milagros Ibe and Dr. Fe Hidalgo was one
Turn to Page 8...

Continuation… Tales and Trails
Dupil 8
unnerving challenge. With only 45 minutes to write and prepare visuals for presentation, found myself longing for my I trusted
MSI. The most challenging part was to recall the references where the topic could be found. My first taste of victory that day
was when I promptly finished the plan without erasures. The other finalist who was supposed to be ahead of me was still
scribbling and asking for more sheets when I was led back to the penthouse. When I stepped into the dreaded conference
room, the panel looked a little worn-out so I started off with an energizer, which somehow stimulated not just the members of
the panel but also the officers and staff of the foundation who were documenting and observing the entire judging process.
The demo was smoothly presented with the members acting as my very enthusiastic students. Dr. Ibe was very kind to support
my responses with her own experiences and expertise. As I delivered my final piece, everyone was clapping and cheering as if I
won the lottery! The staff stealthily came to see me right after the interview showering me with hugs and congratulatory
remarks. So as not to expect too much, I toyed with the idea that perhaps it was their way of motivating all the finalists after
the onerous test.
The preliminary judging ended late. All of us were asked to wait until the judges had gone. We stood in a circle and waited
for the cue when we would altogether open the white envelope that contained our fate. Sir Nic Reyes, the Executive President
gave a precise instruction on how to hold the envelope. All of us were aware that a thick one would mean ‘adieu’, a thin
envelope would mean a chance to proceed to the finals. Thick or thin? We were edgy!
Lesson: A very intense moment creates muffled prayers of a restless heart but the Lord’s always ready with a perfect answer.
Mabuhay & Congratulations!
Even before the envelopes were handed over to the finalists, I had a chance to be blessed by one of the judges who calmly
tapped my shoulder and whispered, “I’ll be seeing you!” Who would not jump for joy to hear those words? But then again, I
had to wait for the official notice and yes indeed, in the first list of finalists I was the only female teacher who made it. It was a
mixed feeling though because I felt so sorry for Marivi knowing what she went through to reach the semi-finals. Before she
left, she promised to send our pictures and wished me good luck. We parted ways sharing both the joy of victory and the pain
of defeat. In fact, two male teachers had to be comforted because they were so devastated that they were in tears.
On the other hand, my husband Arnel was ecstatic! He patiently waited for me at the lobby of Metrobank Plaza. I couldn’t
have felt so assured after the semi-final round without my partner, coach and critique. Despite the late night downpour and
hurried strides along Makati Avenue, I had my mother and my son on the phone sharing the delightful news.
Lesson: In adversity we define our character, in victory we magnify humility.
Rising Action
The final interview brought me to another facet of the SOT engagement. While preparing for the trip back to Manila, I was
wide awake at two o’clock in the morning since I had to check on my son as well as my mother’s health condition before I
hailed a taxi. Arnel was also in Manila for the NSTW. When I reached Metrobank Plaza, I tried to keep my composure until I
made my way to the penthouse for the tension-filled final interview. The panel, we were told would be composed of representatives
from varied sectors: academe, business, government, etc. However, it was only a couple of hours before the interview
that the names were revealed: Senator Ralph Recto, Deputy Speaker and Zamboanga City Rep. Ma. Isabelle Climaco, Aboitiz
Equity Ventures Chair Jon Ramon Aboitiz, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and Director General of the National Economic
Development Authority Arsenio Balisacan, De La Salle University President and Chancellor Br. Ricardo Laguda, FSC, Indonesian
Ambassador Yohanes Kristiarto Soeryo Legowo, and GMA 7 broadcast journalist Vicky Morales-Reyno. As the cliché goes, the
rest is history.
Lesson: God reveals His presence in awesome ways.
As a token of my gratitude to my superiors who entrusted me with the chance to represent the school in the Metrobank
Search for Outstanding Teacher, I offer this note to our next nominee and awardee…
O – Offer your best by being paying attention to details
e.g. accomplishing forms accurately, completely, neatly and promptly
U – Understand that the competition is not just about documents but also a show of character
T – Take the challenges one step at a time to avoid exhaustion and ranting
S – Strive to be at peace with others despite differences in personalities, beliefs, and preferences
T – Tap colleagues for assistance in preparing the documents
A – Avoid whining; it’s not only infectious, it’s toxic
N – Network with those who share a similar experience
D - Do things with constancy of purpose, passion, and prayers
I - Inhale the positive; exhale the negative
N – Never give up no matter how difficult things appear
G –Give all glory and honor to our great and loving God; cultivate a prayerful heart.
I guess, I’ve answered my initial query.

First Times, First Thrills
By Levi Jusayan
F irst time experience brings out the worst in us, sometimes.
This may be about anything like falling in love for the first time,
undertaking new endeavors, or being in one’s first employment.
One thing is certain though, whatever it is that you are experiencing
for the first time, it comes with excitement and thrills.
I am no exception to this rule, so to speak. I, too, have my
first times in my life. After my wife delivered our first babytwins
in a public hospital, it seemed that every minute of waiting
to see them was unbearable. It took us about two hours after delivery
before we were able to finally see our twins in the nursery
room. While waiting for the viewing time, my mind wandered
and worried about the big “if” that might happen in the public
hospital. What if my twins were accidentally exchanged with
other babies? That would surely be a catastrophe! It was a wild
thought that concerned me so much at that time. Time passed
while restlessly waited for that precious moment. My thought
about that “if” tormented me to no end. When the first nursing
time for my twins arrived, I rushed ahead towards the nursing
room, only to be stopped by the staff nurse and informed that
only mothers are allowed inside. Nevertheless, I still managed to
sneak inside several times without them knowing. But every time
I went inside, I always found myself in a state of euphoria while
observing my twins catching their breath as they were breastfed
by their mother.
One day, there was a man in his mid 30’s whom I bet was
also experiencing his first time. He rushed in the nursery room
while still in his working clothes , complete with a hard hat on his
head. He had a baby boy as seen in the tag attached to the crib
labeled “Baby Boy Mangubat” (not his real family name). I noticed
that his mood changed drastically after reading the name
tag. He became restless and agitated. Afterwards, he lambasted
the staff nurse for not consulting him about the baby’s name. He
said, “Nganong wala man mo nagpaabot sa ako. Ako man ang
papa aning bata. Nganong nag buot-buot man mo ug pangalan
sa akong anak nga may giandam naman kami nga pangalan
niya!” Refusing to listen to the explanations, he continued in high
pitch, “Sigurado ba mo nga mao gyud ni ako’ng anak? Lahi man
lagi ni ug nawong. Wala kaya ni makambyohi’g lain?” Listening
to his nonsense outburst to the helpless nurse, I could not help but
almost choke on my suppressed laughter. His concerns sounded
familiar.
Today, after 12
years, my twin boys (Joey
and Louie) are looking
forward to their elementary
graduation. In fact,
they will be taking the
NCE for PSHS.
First time experiences
can make one feel
and behave strangely;
more so, when it is about a
milestone in one’s life.
S ino sila?
Bakit sila nandito?
Paano sila nabubuhay sa
ganitong sitwasyon?
Ito ang mga natatanging
tanong na pumasok sa aking
isipan sa loob ng limang segundo
lamang matapos
akong mapadaan sa harap ng
kanilang tinutulugan.
Pilit na pinagkakasya
ng isang ama sa isang
maliit na piraso ng punitpunit
na karton ang kanyang
dalawang anak na
babae. Kumuha ng gulagulanit
na pulang tela ang
ina at ipinambalot sa
giniginaw na mga anak.
Ang ilaw sa di-kalayuang
poste ang siyang nagbibigay
liwanag sa mag-anak
na nagpaaninag sa mga
mukha ng mag-asawa na
wari’y pagod na pagod
nang itaguyod ang pang
araw-araw na buhay ng
kanilang pamilya.
Sa tabi ng kinauupoan
ng ama makikita ang isang
butas-butas na itim na bag
na sa tingin ko’y puno ng
mga damit na siyang natitira
nilang kayamanan. Sa kabilang
banda, ang ina’y mapapansing
tinatanaw ang buwan
na tila naghihintay ng
Sa Loob ng
Dupil 9
Limang Segundo
By: Jefferson G. Nuneza
kasagutan kung paano haharapin
ang kinabukasan.
Sa tuwing may napapadaang
sasakyan, usok at
ingay ang mga bagay na
nagpapaalala sa kanila kung
gaano kahirap tawirin ang
isang buong araw pati na
ang buong magdamag.
Patuloy kong tinanong
ang aking sarili, sing-haba
ba ng pamamalagi nila dito
sa kalye ang balbas ng ama o
ang mataas na buhok ng ina?
Dumating ba ang panahon
na sila ay nabigyan ng
pagkakataon na maiayos ang
kanilang pamumuhay?
Anu-ano ang mga bagay
na nagpapanatili sa kanilang
matatag at mairaos ang araw
-araw na suliranin?
Sa loob ng limang segundong
obserbasyon ko sa
kanilang sitwasyon, isang
tanong ang kahuli-hulihang
nabuo sa aking isipan.
Ano nga ba ang ibig
sabihin ng kasiyahan sa puso
at isip ng pamilyang buong
buhay’ng nakatira sa ilalim
ng sikat ng araw at ng
buwan?

Kapatawaran By Maria Ines D. Lingatong
Lahat ng nilalang sa mundong ibabaw ay may mga ka-
salanang nagawa o magagawa habang siya’y nabubuhay at
patuloy na mamuhay sa makasalanang mundo. Batid nating
lahat na malapit na ang pagbabalik Niya kaya marapat la-
mang na maglaan tayo ng panahon upang pagmuni-
munihan ang bawat kasalanang nagawa habang may oras
pa ng pagpapatawad. Bigyang pansin ang talatang nasa
ibaba at sana’y may kapatawarang mangyari sa ating mga
buhay.
Panginoon, dagdagan mo ang aking Pananampalataya
Travelling to
places is part of
everyone’s
bucket list. It may take out some
amount from the savings account
but the thought of being able to see
the world justifies whatever amount
spent. It’s a good thing that travelling
nowadays is less costly.
Thanks to the offers of budget airlines,
people get to spend less for
the transportation cost and more
for sightseeing expenses.
However, travelling is not that
easy as it seems. Whether you are
a newbie or a frequent flyer, there
are quite a number of things to
prepare before, during and after. I
bet that the following reminders will
help you with your next escapade.
1. Know how much money it
would cost you for the whole
travel. Never assume that everything
in your destination place is
affordable. Have enough money for
food, transportation, sightseeing
and shopping. Have an extra
amount in your wallet just in case
you need to pay a fine or go overshopping.
Apply your budgeting
skills if you are going on a budget
vacation. Remember, it is always
good to have more than less.
(Lukas 17:5-10)
2. Finalize itinerary, hotel and
sightseeing bookings in
advance. If you don’t want to
waste time thinking where to go
next, and what else to do, make
everything final before you even
board the plane, bus or train. List
down the spots you want to visit.
If you don’t want to worry about
the entrance fees and transportation
costs, book everything in
advance. Everything is now accessible
on the internet. In just a
few clicks, it will take out burdens
from your travel checklist.
3. Stuff your check-in
baggage with things deemed
important and your hand-carry
bag with food.
It is cliché to say
that you should
travel light. You
may save up
some amount for
your baggage but once you forget
something to bring, that
would mean extra spending. And
what if you over-shopped?
Where will you put all your shopping
goods? Remember, it is
cheaper to pay in advance for
extra baggage than to pay for the
baggage-excess fee. Also, the
"Kung magkasala sa iyo ang ka-
patid mo, pagsabihan mo; at kung
siya’y magsisi, patawarin mo. 4 Kung
pitong ulit siyang magkasala sa iyo sa
maghapon, at pitong ulit ding lumapit
sa iyo at sabihin niyang, ‘Nagsisisi
ako,’ kailangang patawarin mo siya."
5 Sinabi ng mga apostol sa Pangi-
noon, ‘Dagdagan po ninyo ang aming
pananampalataya!’
6 Tumugon ang Panginoon, "Kung
ang inyong pananampalataya ay
maging sinlaki ng butil ng mustasa,
masasabi ninyo sa punong ito ng
sikamoro, ‘Mabunot ka at matanim sa
dagat!’ at susundin kayo nito."
Ang KAPATAWARAN ay isang
maikling salita lamang subalit ito’y
Are you a WISE flyer? By Teresa Pamela G. Soriano
weather is not always fine when
you travel. In case your flight is
diverted somewhere else, at
least you have food to munch
while waiting for your flight to
resume. Take note, when a flight
is diverted, you cannot request to
deplane. Sometimes, the airline
runs out of food . You might go
crazy with your hungry tummy.
Take this from me!
4. If you have limited time
for your escapade, hire a
coach or bus to take you to
places. This is applicable for 2-3
day travel. It feels good to explore
the place with a map. But
you will be impatient if things are
not going the way you expect
them to be. The ending is,
you’d be spending so much
time looking for the way out
than looking for the right spot.
5. Bring some comfort
food just in case you can’t
bear the taste of a foreign
food. It takes time for one to like
the taste of a foreign food. Needless
to say, Filipino food is still
the best. But as a traveler, you
must be open to learning and
letting yourself immerse in their
culture.
Dupil 10
may malaking kabuluhan kung iyong
magagampanan. Magdulot ito ng
ligaya’t galak sa iyong puso’t isipan
kung ito’y iyong makakamtan o
mabibitawan kahit kanino man.
Pagninilay-nilay:
Naranasan mo na bang humingi
ng kapatawaran o magbigay ng
kapatawaran sa isang tao?
Ano ang iyong naging damdamin
tungkol dito?
Pinatawad ka na ba?
Paano ka pinatawad sa taong
hiningian mo ng kapatawaran?
Paano ka kung magpatawad?
Bakit kailangang humingi ng ka-
patawaran?
6. Always have a travel
buddy.
Yes, no
man is an
island. The
experience
is different
when you share it with someone.
Your buddy will take good photos
of you in your travel, tempt you
to shop for more, and give opinion
on a must-try restaurant in
town. Remember, it’s cheaper
when you travel as a group. You
can get discounts for group bookings.
7. Print your travel photos.
The social networking sites give
us the opportunity to share our
whereabouts. It now becomes a
keeper of memories. But, will it
be for a long time? Print your
photos so your future children
can see and learn from your
experiences.
These are just few of the
things a traveler must be
mindful of. Remember
that every travel experience is a
learning experience. Make your
next adventure the best!

By Krishna Mie C. Zabate
O ne of the lessons I learned from the movie, “Emperor’s
Club,” was that a lot of great men have existed in history but only
a few names get to be written and be known for generations to
come. What makes them stand out? Contribution! What would
great success be if it does not have any contribution to humanity?
I would like to share two of the stories of my students who
have made a very big impact in my life, not just as a teacher – but
as a person. An impact deserving to be known for generations to
come.
The first student is Carlene. She was a silent girl and goodnatured.
She wasn’t exactly a stand out in the class because there
were those who were more outspoken, but you will know her because
she was a student who would really respect you.
In one of the sessions in their class, we were talking about
relationships at home. It started as a fun topic as many of the
students aired out their sentiments about how strict their parents
were, how much they are still being nagged even if they are living
far away from their parents already. There were also stories
which brought laughter when a student was reprimanded by her
mother when she wore shorts even if she was going to the beach.
She thought: what was I to wear, pajama? Almost everybody
could relate to each other’s story, but all of a sudden, Carlene
cried. When they noticed, everybody fell silent. This girl whom I
did not exceptionally notice before could silence a crowd. The
other students knew the story. When I asked Carlene about the
tears, I learned that her mother already died. Deep inside me, I
felt knocked out and blanched. And I could never forget the
words she said that until now has deeply made a mark in me: “If
they only know how it is not to have your mother. I would rather
have my mother nagging me every day, if it would mean having
her in my life again.” She was choked in tears and opted to just
keep silent as she almost always did. I thanked her for what she
shared and everybody inside the room learned something very
valuable that day. For my part, I felt ashamed for how little importance
I seem to be giving to my parents. Later that afternoon,
I told my mother what happened and asked her if I could kiss and
hug her.
Carlene has taught me how to value my parents. She has
Dupil 11
taught me how to be expressive and how to maximize every
opportunity to let my parents know how I care for them. It has
also taught me to give my parents the opportunity to know and
love me.
Another student that I could never forget was rather exemplary
in school. She was intelligent, sweet, friendly and a born
leader. But I have encountered many similar successful students
who have come and go; but she – she stood out with the
strength of her character.
Her name was Joanna. She belonged to one of my favorite
classes. She and her classmates were very participative in class.
When given a reflection question, they hit the profound
thoughts. They were sweet, fun, and light to handle. And yet
there was this one trying time in class. Joanna became a whistle
blower and told one of her teachers about a rampant copying
happening in their class. She did not mention names. She
asked the teacher if she could at least let them have a change of
seating arrangement. That was all she asked. For her, it seemed
unfair for those who studied and dangerous for those who
cheated.
If you were in the situation, would you dare correct your
classmates? Could you stand their piercing comments of being
a kill joy?
She did. And that was exemplary. But what also struck me
was that none of her classmates actually stood up for the right
thing. In a social networking site, they gave her angry comments
and blaming words. From one comment of a student,
came another affirmation, another finger pointing at her. It has
become a thread which nobody – nobody – dents who gave me
high hopes of integrity, honesty, and of good reflections. I realized
that words do not make character. Words are hollow if
your integrity could not withstand a trying time. It was only
when I interfered in the thread of fiery comments did one of
them slowly hushed the others.
My student cried so much during that week of torture. And
yet, I saw how much she has handled the situation with a mature
attitude. She changed sections and went on her usual exemplary
life. Shemade friends with her classmates who have
apologized to her and have accepted her apology of the hurt she
caused. She made new friends, became a very active student
leader and even graduated with honors, when everybody was
against her; she was able to rise stronger – in character and as
a person.
These are just two of the students whose stories I may not
get tired to tell. Yet there are also a lot more whom I have
learned so much from – working students who got the biggest
gratitude for life’s littlest blessings, even if others more fortunate
have disregarded the value of such blessings; students
who have experienced hurts and unfair treatments in the past
but have emerged more compassionate, more loving, wiser and
stronger in character; and students who may be silent and unnoticeable
but have genuine respect and sense of service to
others.
Perhaps in years to come, I will forget a lot of details in my
classes – names of students, those who got the highest grades,
those who could articulate the concepts well. Years may pass
and my memory may be clouded, but there will be stories
which may never fade in my
mind. It’s not just books and
young students that I encounter
in school, but lives
lived. For in truth, what I
learn most from my students
are their strength in character
molded by trying times –
their contribution that I may
not tire sharing for generations
to come.

Film has been an influential form of entertainment
since the 1900s. It lifts us up, it brings
us down, and it takes us in a journey we always
wish we could have, from the center of the
earth to the outer reaches of the universe. It
gives us joy, brings us to tears, and even provokes
us. Nonetheless, films have been there
to affect our senses and sensibilities.
Below is a list of ten films I believe should be
in everyone’s movie library. It covers many
genres and comes from different decades.
These movies have given me joy and I wish
that they would do the same for you.
1. Star Wars (1977) –
This George Lucas
classic should never
be missed. It is a sci-fi
film starring Harrison
Ford, Mark Hamill, and
Carrie Fisher that
takes place in a galaxy
far, far away. Luke
Skywalker is guided by
an old Jedi knight, Obi-
Wan Kenobi, and two
creaky robots, ferried
by a cocky pilot named Han Solo with his furry
sidekick, Chewbacca to rescue Princess Leia
and fight the robe-wearing evil guy with big
shiny helmet, Darth Vader. One might say the
plot is just good versus evil, but Star Wars
succeeded in making more than just a movie;
it depicted a new world enjoyed not only by the
young but also the old. Also, there’s news that
all 6 Star Wars films will be converted to 3D
soon!
2. The Godfather (1972) – The youngest
son, Michael Corleone (Al
Pacino), returns from World
War II uninvolved with the
family business--organized
crime. When his father, Don
Corleone (Marlon Barndo) was
gunned down, however, Michael
is driven to commit a
revenge murder, bound by
blood and “honor” to a violent course of underworld
power and survival. Eventually, Michael
inherits the role as family head, closing the
door on his uncomprehending wife (Diane
Keaton) as he receives homage as the new
“Godfather”.
The dialogue and characters from this movie
favourite have forever entered the collective
consciousness of filmgoers all around the
world.
3. Casa Blanca (1942) this most beloved
romantic film of all time is almost always in the
list of film critics. This movie tells the story of
By Jose Mari E. Ortega
Rick and Ilsa who lost love and found it all over
again in North Africa. This black and white film has
memorable lines and has been copied but never
bettered.
4. Citizen Kane (1941) details the story of the life
and legacy of Charles Foster Kane (Welles), a
character based in part upon the American newspaper
magnate William Randolph Hearst, Samuel
Insull and Harold McCormick, and aspects of
Welles's own life. Topping most of “Best Movies”
list, the film was released on Blu-ray disc September
13, 2011, for a special 70th anniversary
edition.
5. The Dark Knight (2008) is the second film
in the Batman trilogy by Christopher Nolan starring
Christian Bale as Bruce, Michael Caine as
Alfred, and Heath Ledger as “The Joker” where
he received an Oscar posthumously. With the
help of Lieutenant Jim Gordon and District
Attorney Harvey Dent, Batman sets out to dismantle
the remaining criminal organizations that
plague the city streets. The partnership proves
to be effective, but they find themselves prey to a
reign of chaos unleashed by a rising criminal mastermind
known to thecitizens of Gotham as The
Joker.
6. Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979) is a
1979 British comedy film written, directed and
largely performed by the Monty Python comedy
team. It tells the story of Brian Cohen (played by
Graham Chapman), a young Jewish man who is
born on the same day as, and next door to, Jesus
Christ, and is subsequently mistaken for the Messiah.
The film contains themes of religious satire
that were controversial at the time of its release,
drawing accusations of blasphemy and protests
from some religious groups. The movie nearly
failed to get made, only going into production
with money from ex-Beatle
George Harrison’s production company,
Handmade Films.
7. Jaws (1975) is an American thriller
film directed by Steven Spielberg and
based on Peter Benchley's novel of the
same name. Its release is regarded as
a turning-point moment in motion picture
history. In the story, a giant man-eating great
white shark attacks beachgoers on Amity Island, a
fictional summer resort town, prompting the local
police chief to hunt it with the help of a marine
biologist and a professional shark hunter. Playing
on our fear of the unknown, the movie builds up the
tension by slowly revealing the shark to the strains
of John Williams’ unforgettable score, partly to keep
us on the edge of our seats and partly because the
rubber shark used in the film looked more like the
real thing the less we saw it.
8. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
(2004) is an American romantic science fiction film
Dupil 12
about an estranged couple who have each other
erased from their memories. The film uses elements
of science fiction, psychological thriller, and
nonlinear narration to explore the nature of memory
and romantic love.
The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Jim
Carrey, Kate Winslet, Kirsten Dunst, Mark Ruffalo,
Tom Wilkinson, Elijah Wood, Jane Adams, and
David Cross.
9. Shawshank Redemption (1994). In 1946, a
quiet young banker Andy
Dufresne (Robbins) is sent to
Shawshank Prison for the
murder of his wife and her
lover. While there, he slowly
builds a friendship with another
long-term prisoner, Red
(Freeman). Over a period of
20 years, Andy gradually
learns the prison system and
wins the respect of the governor
and guards by using his
banking skills to do their tax returns and business
dealings for them. However, he never stopped wishing
for his freedom. Although not a box-office success
on its initial release, it has deservedly become
a must-see movie thanks to word of mouth in the
years since.
10. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)
consists of three epic fantasy adventure films
directed by Peter Jackson and based on the threevolume
book of the same name by English author J.
R. R. Tolkien. The films are, by subtitle, The Fellowship
of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and
The Return of the King (2003).
Considered to be one of the biggest and most
ambitious movie projects ever undertaken, with an
overall budget of $285 million, the entire project took
eight years, with the filming for all three films done
simultaneously and entirely in Jackson's native
country, New Zealand.
Set in the fictional world of Middle-earth, the three
films follow the hobbit, Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood)
as he and a Fellowship embark on a quest to
destroy the One Ring, and thus ensure the
destruction of its maker, the Dark Lord, Sauron. The
Fellowship becomes divided and Frodo continues
the quest together with his loyal companion, Sam
(Sean Astin) and the treacherous Gollum (Andy
Serkis). Meanwhile, Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen), heir
in exile to the throne of
Gondor, and the wizard
Gandalf (Ian McKellen)
unite and rally the Free
Peoples of Middleearth,
who are ultimately
victorious in the
War of the Ring.

Dupil 13
By Jearvy R. Lañohan
atching a female colleague master- knack of telling what level a particular packed somewhere inside one of those
W fully slinging multiple bags on her teacher handles by the number of bags she ready to explode bags.
person was a marvel. Why, she practically carries to school (this is of course on top College instructors and profes-
looked like a jolly saddled horse gearing for of how harassed she looks). Grade school sors are oftentimes cool with just a hand-
an odyssey when in truth she was just going teachers normally drag the most number bag or a backpack and/or a laptop bag.
home from a day’s work. She had four bags - of bags to work. And these bags normally These mortals of the academe are the least
a handbag, a laptop bag, a small bag (I sur- weigh tons as they are heaped with school saddled that’s why they can afford to walk
mised, a lunch bag), and a paper bag. With supplies, visual aids, a library of story tall and smart in the hallowed halls of the
inconsequential dread, I furtively glanced at books, collections of rocks, buttons, universities while their counterparts in
mine lumped on a sofa and counted . . . leaves, petals, treats, starry/smiley stamps, Grade School and High School can only
FIVE: a deep tote bag, a hobo bag, a lunch dreams, hopes, and sometimes, an animal pant. Yes, yes, I’m reeking envy here.
bag, a plastic grocery bag and of course, the or two. High school teachers normally Seriously, I have long given up
inevitable paper bag!
carry two to three bags bulging with stuff on figuring out why female teachers tend
Serious bagologists (note: sounds like reports, essays and quizzes brought to carry more than one bag, and I’ve alto-
like, but should not to be mistaken for, biolo- home with high hopes of getting them gether given up on an existential struggle
gists), or people who, accordingly, do schol- checked and marked only to be returned trying to reduce both my personal and
arly studies behind the psychology of hand- to school untouched because Ma’am had a work-related stuff to just one bag. Howbags
(heavens, there is such a thing?) made a thousand other things going on in the ever, I am very certain with one thing here.
striking pronouncement sometime in 1940s home front. But still there was hope I am certain that the number of a teacher’s
stating that a woman can pretty well be
bags and the countless paraphernalia in-
summed up by the kind of bag she carries.
side these bags is a very telling metaphor
Truth or half-truth, I would venture to
of the myriad and demanding responsi-
stretch this claim further by saying that a
bilities she accepted the moment she
female teacher can always be identified from
signed up for this profession. These
among the sea of womenfolk by the number
stuffed satchels do not necessarily make
of bags she lugs around.
her look glamorous but these certainly
Overtime, I have developed the
make her as a class act and nothing less.
Loving the Unlovables
L
ove makes the world go round. To love
the most lovable and most likable person
is so easy to do. To love and to be
loved is a basic human need. The challenge is to
love the unlovable people around us.
We are always amazed when people are
falling in love. Falling in love is one of the most
beautiful things that can happen in a person’s life.
Smiling from ear to ear, spending time with the
person, looking at the beloved’s face for hours,
doing unusual things for the object of one’s desire
--it seems one’s thoughts are focused on one’s
loved one. Fighting for the person is natural to
keep the relationship working even if it costs injustices,
lives, and pains.
Why do the young and the old seek to love
and to be loved?
Everyday, we are greeted with a warm hello,
alluring smiles, and comforting words from people
we know and even some strangers. We respond
positively to them. Never would they
say negative things about you nor make you
feel disgraced or made fun of. We know that
their good disposition is infectious. So we
choose to hang out with people who have
brought good things to us like assurances,
praises, recognition and affection. When we
are asked why we care for these persons, we
say, “Well I am happy with them.” Oh, is life
really like that? Happiness is complete when
the three basic components are present –
Affection, Assurance and Achievement. When
one is missing, a person can be unhappy. But
it is said that happiness is a choice and it’s a
state of mind.
Are our lives for our own happiness?
Should we forget that our role is to make
others feel loved? The presence of difficult
By Merafe S. Defensor
people can make us more sensitive of others’
need of love. Most of the time, this need
of love has been overlooked, misinterpreted
and misconstrued. Maybe being preoccupied
with daily concerns, being unloved and being
self-centered are some of the culprits. Everyday
we meet wounded, troubled and despised
people. The best thing to do is look
upon each person with love yet we forget to
do what should be done. It takes a lot of
effort, will, and love for those people who
need love the most. It’s a daily attitude to
choose to love people even it seems they
are not the lovable ones. When we are fully
aware of the love we have enjoyed, loving
others just follows. The attitude of gratefulness
to the One who loved us the most
makes us more loving of the Beloved
Creator.

The Hunt for the Lion
By Janice Joy W. Chiongson
I can still remember the day when I first
saw his graffiti. It was Saturday and I was at
Rizal street, waiting for a jeepney ride home.
That’s when I saw his work:
My curiosity led me to walk the
streets of Davao City, from Matina to Bajada.
Because of this guy, I started walking
along each and every sidestreet and major
thoroughfare of the city. I couldn’t count
the times I nearly got hit by cars or jeepneys
as I took pictures of his works. I ignored
countless stares from people wondering
what I was taking pictures of. I even
had to go behind a dumpster just to get a
picture. I have dragged friends in my adventures
and have even asked one to climb
a fence to get a picture of his work.
Anyone can scribble a few lines.
Some might be able to do artsy designs.
Still others might take their political rants
of “Villa Abrille land grabber” to the walls
of this city. Not this guy. He sticks to
“quotable” one-liners and ends it with his
signature inverted triangle. Or, he writes
“One Day” plus his usual signature.
I posted the pictures I took in Facebook
and asked my friends to help me find
more of this guy’s work. Friends told me
where to go. Some even took pictures from
moving cars and jeepneys. At my end, I
befriended graffiti artists and talked to
them. It didn’t take long for someone to
figure out who he was and the inverted triangle
suddenly had a face, a life, a story.
He is not a mythical figure but flesh and
blood and as it turns out. He’s a tattoo artist
with dreadlocks and he’s about my age. The
inverted triangle is his sign and symbolizes
a lion’s nose. Can you imagine it? He believes
that “It is better to live one day as a
lion than a thousand years as a lamb.”
Hence, the “One Day” graffiti. Here’s another
clue: he owns a bar named (what
else?) Lion’s Bar.
In his Tumblr account, he said
that what this country needs is more
positivity and that’s what he’s doing
with his graffiti. I do not condone graffiti
and vandalism. I know it costs
money to paint over these things.
These days, the city government has
passed a city ordinance against vandalism.
Slowly, his works are being covered
up and painted over. Still, I smile
when I see his signs and reflect on
what they say—that despite this crazy
world we live in sometimes, there’s
something beautiful to look forward to.
Each picture I took of his graffiti
has its own accompanying story, its
own adventure—and that’s what makes
them memorable. Who knew that there
was a lion in the city? Now, I don’t go
around looking for his signs anymore.
But if you see any of his works in the
city streets and walls, let me know.
With camera in hand, I’m always up
for another hunting expedition.
Dupil 14
One can achieve virtually
anything by writing it down.
Call it brazenness. Call it sheer
optimism. We, the faculty of the
H u m a n i t i e s D e p a r t m e n t
definitely had both when in one
of our department meetings we
boldly committed, with ink on
paper, that we will produce a
folio this school year. There
was hesitation, perhaps even
some silent protests from the
teachers who know exactly the
demands of coming up with a
publication. Do we have time?
Resou rc es? W ritin g sk ill?
Confidence of seeing our
articles published? These were
legitimate concerns, but the
teachers also knew at that time
that we owe it to our students
to show them that we too can
write (under time pressure), comment
about things outside our
classroom lessons, and share
shades and tints of ourselves.
Above all, we knew that to write
is to breathe.
As this folio unfolds it sail, allow
me to thank the teachers and
staff who courageously accepted
our call for publication. Your
response is heartwarming knowing
that it was not only articles
you’ve submitted for scrutiny but
slivers of your normally reserved
and professional selves. I also
thank the MANCOM for giving
us the blessing to pursue this
venture, and for allowing us to
grow with this venture. Special
thanks to our editors, Ms. Maria
Ines Lingatong, Ms. Janice Joy
Chiongson, and Ms. Sheila Musa,
for organizing our thoughts and
musings into this wonderful
folio. Your grit, grace, and determination
can only be called
amazing.
Congratulations!
JEARVY R. LAÑOHAN
Coordinator, Humanities Department