School Paper

1

Editorial Board
Trisha Mae L. Echeveria
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English
Editor-in-Chief
Roldan S. Ranido
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English
Associate Editor
Marjorie D. Adanza
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in Mathematics
News Writer
Cherry Mae Z. Abejo
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English
Feature Writer
Dorothy S. Lagrada
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in Mathematics
Sports Writer
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Diana A. Cuerquez
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English
Literary Editor
Vincent Alec V. Jimenez
BSBA- Major in Financial
Management
Photojournalist
Kristy Mae Casiño
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in English
Photojournalist
Roy Robert O. Dy
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in Mathematics
Cartoonist
Barry King B. Redondo
Bachelor of Secondary
Education Major in Mathematics
Lay-out Artist
Lyster Gest S. Bernadas
Adviser
3

CANCEL CULTURE; A GROUND FOR
ACCOUNTABILITY AND GROWTH
Culture, beliefs, and common
practices bring most
people together and create
a stand even in the most adverse
situations. Humans as we are,
we relate most of our situation
to the relevance and timeliness
of a particular incident. Contrary
to the idea, opposing views can
arise from an unfavorable circumstance
creating gaps between
human connection and understanding.
This arouse the idea
that when circumstances do not
agree with the majority-which is
morally accepted by the societyhas
the authority to cancel and
block their perspective. This pattern
goes on and became a polarizing
topic of debate. In the
current trend, it is commonly
introduced as “cancel culture”.
Trisha Mae L. Echeveria
In a scholarly article,
cancel culture was emphasized
as the popular practice of withdrawing
support for public figures
and companies after they have
done or said something considered
objectionable or offensive.
The cancel culture has been
a fast-paced issue in a society
occupied by technological
influences in all dimensions. In a
snap, a tweet of 200 characters
can become a means to be removed
from society by the public.
A crippling comments, reactions,
and shares from Facebook can
imply a negative perception from
the majority. In this train of thought,
a person gets cancelled easily
by the public blocking their stand
on situation and ‘cancelling” their
rights as individual in the society.
Public figures, most importantly,
are the main proponents of this
stigma. Their rising spectators
have a say on their lives- may it
be personal and career development.
When one does not agree
with the other conflicts will arise.
In the Philippines context, debates
about politics mostly trigger
cancel culture. Losing friends
and families at the expense of
not accepting one another’s
perspective on phenomenon.
Celebrities, businessmen,
and even professionals cancel
one another-removing them out
of society. Worst to come, one’s
hard-earned career can tremble
into pieces once opposed from
what the majority believes. In
this sense, one’s morality differ
from the other. The morale of a
person is based solely on what
he/she believes and depends
on how strongly he shall carry
his standpoint. A person’s mo-
4

rality cannot be easily crumbled
on dependence of ethics.
Ethics is for the common good,
but morality is your standard on
self-belief and principle. Hence,
‘cancel culture’ can be minimized
by the so-called term ‘call-out
culture’ which asserts the idea
that instead of cancelling a person’s
belief, one should educate.
The concept of cancel culture
becomes an easy button to
push through whenever someone
does wrong. It has provided
a venue to cater threats, personal
attacks, and boycotting
personal affiliations. In this sense,
it shows less address and
education on the matter at hand.
Call-out culture gives people
the opportunity to educate, especially
when notions are coming
EDITORIAL
from destructive mentalities. Callout
culture is calling out a person
and held them accountable for
their actions. Accountability makes
a person more grown, aware,
educated, and accepted. In a
destructive world, one should be
wary of their actions as to where
it would lead. Cancel culture is an
opportunity and a beautiful time to
have an open mind instead of competing
in one another’s opinion.
“While it is important
to promote transparency and
accountability for individuals who
have done something wrong
through “calling them out”, it
is also important to help them
grow from their mistakes and
learn to change for the better
through properly communicating
with them and educating
them on the matter at hand.”
5

Informative Essay
The New Normal: How to Survive the Change?
“It is not the strongest
that survive, it is the one
that adapt the environment.”
– Charles Darwin
The Coronavirus Disease
2019 (COVID-19) pandemic
is undoubtedly
one of the most destructive
health crises the world has
ever experienced. In fact,
a year after COVID-19 pandemic
has arise, we have suddenly
been forced to adapt
to the ‘new normal’: workfrom-home
setting, parents
home-schooling their children
in a new blended learning
setting, lockdown, and
quarantine, and the mandatory
wearing of face mask
ad face shields in public.
The year 2020 has indeed
already been earmarked
for many as “the worst”
year in the 21st century.
Claire McCarthy, MD,
Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard
Health Publishing; In
her article entitled- Managing
New Normal says, “We
were in survival mode; we cut
corners and made do, broke
some parenting rules, and
otherwise made choices we
would never usually make.”
In this statement, McCarthy
proposed that we are in
survival mode, yet there are
things that we need to give
up or to be sacrificed and
to initiate relevant actions
to win against the situation.
And to survive with the
change we are in right now,
there should also be a change
in everything that we will
6
Roldan S. Ranido
do or make to live according
to the untoward change the
world is currently facing.
In her article she added,
“Survival mode is taking
on a whole new meaning.
It’s time to make new
habits and routines specifically
for the pandemic. It’s
time to make better and
more durable choices that
can keep us healthier-and
happier.” Furthermore,
we should generate change
in our lifestyle, whether
talking about habbits and
routines to cope with the
change brought buy the pandemic.
Also, McCarthy gives
emphasis on the importance
of making wise choices and
decisions to still be able to
live healthier and happier
with this New Normal.
This COVID19 pandemic
suggest practicality,
to make relevant choices
and actions in this very
situation and to choose to
embrace positivism, to be
forward-looking amidst the
change together with the
people around us will help us
survived, feel and live better
in this so-called new normal.

News Article
Mayor Quina inspects the continuous construction
of the Balingasag New Public Market
Marjorie D. Adanza
In order to see the structure
and on what the
inside of the continuous
construction of Balingasag
New Public Market
looks like, Alexis S.
Quina, Municipal Mayor
has conducted an ocular
inspection last Monday,
January 10, 2022 at Barangay
Waterfall, Balingasag,
Misamis Oriental.
According to Mayor
Quina, Balingasag New
Public Market is one of
the projects for the people
in the municipality.
Yet, it is still on its ongoing
construction despite
of the pandemic until
it is ready to be used
by the “Balingasagnons”.
In fact, he leads on
this project to attain the
best quality and to make
sure that the face of the
public market will change
into better. As the mayor
wants this as clean, organize
and a peaceful area
for the market vendors
as well as for the people
who will come over to buy.
During the ocular
inspection, he was with
Vice-Mayor Felix H. Borromeo
and other Municipal
councilors namely: Hon.
Adonis Gayramon, Hon.
John Romualdo, Hon. Helen
Mabao, Hon. Crisogono
Llido, and Hon. Ligaya
Aganap. Furthermore, the
Market Supervisor in the
person of Joel Pangilinan
and his company were
also present that time.
On the other hand,
people in the town express
their heartfelt gratitude
for that upcoming new
achievement. Indeed, they
are praying for faster completion
of the new Public
Market and hoping for
more benefits they can enjoy
when it will be realized.
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News Article
Naawan bet wins Miss Kuyamis 2022
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Marjorie D. Adanza
With the celebration of the
9th Kuyamis Festival,
Annabelle Mae Tate Mc-
Donnell, representing the municipality
of Naawan, was crowned
as the Miss Kuyamis 2022 during
the grand coronation night held
at Arturo S. Lugod Gymnasium,
Gingoog City, Misamis
Oriental on January 13, 2022.
Among the 22 candidates
who were vying for the
crown, McDonnell landed in
the top 5 spot after she won
the Minor Award as Best in
Closed-door Panel Interview
and two(2) Corporate Awards
as Miss Amaya View and Miss
Pearl Body Touch Facial Center.
During the coronation
event, all of the top 5 candidates
were given the same question: “As
Miss Kuyamis and Tourism Ambassadress
of Misamis Oriental,
what is your message to those
working in the Tourism Industry
who have been adversely affected
by the COVID-19 pandemic?”
The 21-year old beauty
queen answered that she will
congratulate those working in
the Tourism Industry for they
have reassured the job stability
and morale despite of the pandemic
that we have been faced.
“Nationally and Inter-

nationally, we have been faced
with so many challenges from
the moral accountability of vaccine
equity to the inequalities
across our healthcare. However,
tourism in Misamis Oriental
has always been inclusive and
that is what is making Misamis
Oriental’s industry a crowning
glory for the province. And I
would congratulate the Tourism
Industry for you have reassured
job stability and morale in spite
of the pandemic. Because your
Miss Kuyamis 2022 knows that
inclusivity and knowing that it’s
more than the scenic beaches, but
it’s about the eyes of our farmers
and the faces of our indigenous
communities that what’s important.
And I believe that I am her.
Thank you”, McDonnell said.
Together with her on the
top 5 spot are Ms. Jimema Tempra
of Jasaan Municipality who
won 1st runner-up and the one
who got an award of Best in
Swimsuit. Next, Ms. Vanessa Dulay
from Manticao who is the 2nd
runner-up, Ms. Nice Lampad of
Sugbongcogon as 3rd runner-up,
and Ms. Natazha Vea Bautista
from Villanueva as 4th runner-up
and won as Best in Kuyamis-Inspired
Cocktail Attire.
awarded as Miss Congeniality.
However, Ms. Kim Jazryl Acosta
of Lugait won the Corporate
Award as Miss Globe and Miss
Le Rouge Salon and Spa is Ms.
Ma. Reshia Mae Go from the
municipality of Lagonglong.
Moreover, those special
and corporate awardees has received
prizes( Cash with sash,
and bouquet) while the top 5 major
winners has received those
prizes mentioned with crowns.
McDonnell felt so glad and
grateful after she won the title as
Miss Kuyamis 2022 for she will
also have the opportunity to represent
the province of Misamis
Oriental in any national competition
and present Kuyamis in any
national custome competition.
The judges in the said
event were happy too from the
start until the end especially
Governor Bambi Emano who
also witnessed the prestigious
pageant of the Tourism Ambassadress
in the province.
Apart from Ms. McDonnell,
Ms. Shirley York Gulapo
of Gingoog City received the
Special Award as Miss Photogenic
while Ms. Roshana May
Bardelao from Magsaysay was
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Man of Endurance
Cherry Mae Z. Abejo
“Life has a purpose to accomplish.”
In his white polo t-shirt with
a welcoming smile plastered
on his face, he said
aloud his motto which he was
born for to live. He looked so
formal and approachable in
this on-screen platform. As he
talks, I see fire igniting in his
eyes as a sign of how passionate
he is in the field of education.
“Mr. Jaime V. Acuram”,
his name flashed on the screen
as every student in the google
meeting is intently listening to
every word he says. He is a part
time teacher of St. Peter’s College
of Misamis Oriental Incorporated
(SPCMOI), School Head
of Mat-I National High School,
at Claveria’s Northeast District
and he is finishing his Doctor’s
degree leading to Doctor of Philosophy
in English Language.
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Nothing worthy comes
easy. Working for two bosses at
one time seems like an impossible
work but he did. His dedication
at his chosen path was never
shaken even with the heaviness
of the responsibilities. That
even after accomplishing load of
works, a three-hour discussion
was never enough for him every
time he lectures in a google meeting
class. He could even take a
lifetime to impart every single
knowledge to his learners if only
he could. His daily life seems to
be challenging but his unfaltering
enthusiasm says a lot about
how committed he is in teaching.
A multitasker like him
never felt the urge to give up. Education
must have been so grateful
for his commitment. His students
are very lucky to have him
as a model to look up to for he has
a lot of wisdom to be acquired. He
tends to lecture that when someone
teaches, he should not impose
through words, he either perform
or showcase himself so learners
could openly see a great efficient
model which they would also be
enticed to hone themselves into.
He always tries to be creative
that the insufficiency of
learning materials needed for his
students to learn well was never a
huge problem because his innovativeness
is at its highest peak. He
is resourceful that is why localized
materials had been useful in
his own dimension of teaching.

It couldn’t be helped that there
were times he was sorry because
he can’t make it to the scheduled
day of class for he has to attend
seminars in other places or
it can be, his presence is a need
for the other institution. He
knows how to prioritize things
for he believes that one can’t accommodate
myriads of things
at one time. He always takes
his works in an organize order.
Yet, even with his justifiable
reasons, he never fails to make
it up to the class and double his
effort for the skipped sessions.
His consistency falters
no more for prayers has been
his weapon in times of storm.
It has been his refugee in his
rocky road journey. It is his
light and his savior. In addition
to that, he is that type of person
who chooses to forget just to
move forward. Learning to forget
things that made him down and
continues to do things that best
provide him to his greater success,
was always been his life’s
forte. He will not hold grudges
because to function well, he
must be free from anything else.
It was like a man who
was called to become and educator
ever since he was introduced
into this cosmos, had finally answer.
That no matter how big a
responsibility is in working for
two institutions at the same time
and handle different kinds of
people, he never showed a sign of
exhaustion. He was indeed chosen
to answer the calling for he
has a place in the field of edu-
FEATURE
cation. It is the life he was destined
to because he, himself is a
man of endurance. He could always
conquer the challenge because
he has buckets of patience.
Like his motto, he has
found his purpose on this earth.
It is a heartfelt service to educate
young ones and that is his
greatest accomplishment. For
someone believed that he can,
so he did. Educating learners
became his own definition of
living life at its best so he was
never afraid of what the morrow
brings. He was a teacher since
youngling and the profession he
chose is a calling he would stay
with, as long as he is breathing.
Before ending the class
with a prayer, a learner asked
him that if his life is a movie,
what would be its title? Smiling
proudly like a man fully served
his purpose in this lifetime,
Sir Jaime answered proudly…
“The Man of Endurance.”
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12

School Updates
THESIS ORAL DEFENSE; HALL
St. Peter’s College of Misamis
Oriental Inc. known
for its quality education
have also produced
graduates who are eligible in the
corporate and business world.
The institution, evident to its
core value manifested students
who are disciplined, self-reliant,
and integrative in their educational
pursuits. Fourth year students
from the said institution,
under the Bachelor of Science
in Business Administration, has
professionally rendered their
feasibility studies in credible set
of panelists. Bachelor of Arts,
on the other hand, eloquently
presented their thesis studies
in front of highly accredited
panels. This momentous event
is an indication that St. Peter’s
College of Misamis Oriental,
Inc. creates a hallmark for graduates
to be competent and holistic
in their aspirations in the
world of trade and civilization. It
is also a great accomplishment
for the institution itself to conduct
such event bringing forth
honored personalities and panels
in the quest of shaping and
molding SPCMOI’s graduates
quality in the real-life context.
Research, studies, and
thesis defense are some of the
nerve-wracking journeys a college
student can adapt to. It is at
this very crucial moment where
your chills literally go down your
spine, however it is also at this
special voyage students acquire
learning in the best possible way.
Below are the lists of researchers
from every department
along with their panelists.
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THESISDEFENSE:
Researchers:
• 4th - year students of Bachelor
of Arts in History
Chairman:
• Joel A. Concepcion, Ed.D.
Members:
• Gerry Pol Cainoy, Ph.D.
• Luz Mae P. Dulhao
When:
• January 21, 2022,
• 1:00 PM
Venue:
• SPCMOI Annex Building
Researchers:
• 4th-year students of Bachelor
of Arts in English Language
Chairman:
• Jaime V. Acuram,
Members:
• Emmanuel Alex A. Ph.D.
• Roladel N. Tupas
When:
• December 5, 2021,
• 1:00 PM
Venue:
• The Spot, Mambayaan, Balingasag,
Mis. Or.
Trisha Mae L

MARK OF BUSINESS MAKERS
. Echeveria
FEASIBILITY STUDIES:
Courses:
• Bachelor of Business Administration
major in Marketing
Management
• Bachelor of Business Administration
major in Financial
Management
Chairman:
• Jaime V. Acuram
Members:
• Anna Marie G. Aguiman
When:
• January 22, 2022,
• 8:00 AM
Venue:
• SPCMOI main building
ABLE BAGS TO THE MAR-
KET OF LAGONGLONG,
MISAMIS ORIENTAL
4. REUSABLE BAMBOO
DRINKING STRAWS AS
ECO-FRIENDLY ALTER-
NATIVES TO PLASTIC
STRAWS
5. A FEASIBILITY STUDY OF
ESTBALISHING BLOOM
EMPANADAS IN BALIN-
GASAG, MISAMIS ORIEN-
TAL
6. A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON
THE PRODUCTION OF
SALES PROFITABILITY OF
BAMBOO BASKETRY TO
THE MARKET OF BALIN-
GASAG MISAMIS ORIEN-
TAL
7. DELICIOUS YEMA TO THE
MARKET OF BALINGASAG
The following are the titles of
the research studies:
1. CORNDOGS DELISH IN
FILIPINO STYLE IN BALIN-
GASAG MISAMIS ORIEN-
TAL
2. HOME MADE PURPLE
BUTTER; FEASIBILITY
ADAPTABILITY AND PRO-
DUCTION COST IN BALIN-
GASAG MISAMIS ORIEN-
TAL
3. BLADETA’S DENIM REUS-
These research defense
have established certain studies
that gave benefits to the local
community. It gave researchers
an avenue to support and help
in the establishment of a business,
service, or products. Moreover,
researchers formulate and
gathered data of their respective
studies with coordination
to the community it is involved.
The grilling pressure and
nervous researchers felt in their
defense is incomparable. However,
with sheer hard work and
perseverance, they raised to
the higher level and represented
their ideas competently. It is
commendable that the institution
implemented this academic
achievement as a stark reminder
of each student’s excellence
and potential in the world of business
and career development.
15

School Updates
GIFT GIVING IN CAMUAYAN
Trisha Mae L. Echeveria
“No one has ever become Fami-
poor by giving.”-Anne Frank lies residing
on the said
On the day of December 3, barangay received
gifts of
2021, St. Peter’s College of
Misamis Oriental Incorporated
initiated a gift-giving cel-
such as rice,
grocery items
ebration to the kind people of canned goods,
Barangay Camuayan, Balingasag etc. The celebration
was
Misamis Oriental. The celebration
was participated by the faculty
and staff of SPCMOI. Fam-
even made
ilies, youths, and children of
Barangay Camuayan were benefitted
from the said celebration.
Despite the drops of rain,
the celebration went on as planned.
The program formally started at
10:00 in the morning. Intermission
numbers from the talented
staff of SPCMOI rendered their
abilities and talents. Fun games
and recreational activities were
celebrated during the event. With
the participation of few student
teachers of SPCMOI, educational
games for the children were
being facilitated. Reading program,
and mathematical activities
were some of the highlights
of the event where it is masked
in the faces of the children that
they are not only manifesting
fun but also learning and educating
themselves in the process.
16
more impactful
when the ‘champorado’ was
being served which is a perfect
pair for the cold weather. It is evident
on the smiles of each child
and families that this gift-giving
celebration indeed came as
a blessing most especially facing
the COVID19 pandemic has
made situations difficult to handle.
It was a fulfilling moment
worth capturing and remembering.
The true Peterian blood-giving,
compassionate, and kindness
exudes from the occasion.
The celebration ended gracefully
with SPCMOI staff’s word
of gratitude and express sincerest
thanks for the warm welcome.
The residents of Camuayan, in return,
offered their warmest smile
and appreciation for such kind
initiative to help and reach out.
Strengthening support,
partnership, and coming together
as one people will help one
another overcome whatever hurdles
push through. It is only with
the gift of humility and kindness
wherein we can show that
we value one another’s existence.
Salute to SPCMOI for taking the
initiative and extending hands
to those in need. Mabuhay and
keep of soaring high, Peterians!

School Updates
SPCMOI TES RELEASE
Roldan S. Ranido
Dako kaayo ang kalipay sa mga
studyante sa maong tunghaan sa
ST. Peter’s College of Balingasag
Misamis Oriental human maipatigayon
ang dibursement sa TES. Ang maong
release gipasugdan niining Marso
29 tuig 2022, ug malampuson nga
natapos niing Abril 12 sa maong tuig.
Matud pa ni Barry Sajulga BSED-ll
English Usa sa bag-ong benepisyaryo
sa maong pribilihiyo, “First and foremost.
I will be eternally grateful for
being a part of the TES program. With
regards to disbursement a big privileged
to avail this program. And thank
you so much for continuing your service.”
Sa iyang mga pulong iyang gipadayag
nga sya mapasalamaton gayod
nga mahi-apil sa maong programa.
Ingon ani usab ka mapasalamaton
si Hazel Mae Mendoza Namoc
BSED-lll English sa maong programa
diin matud pa niya; “Happy charot hahahahahaha.
Bitaw usa dyud sa akung
Gina pasalamat is for giving me the
opportunity to be a TES Grantee. Kalipay
dyud tawun namo mga pobre. And
beside Ana dako kaayu na tabang ang
TES aside sa ma fully paid emong tuition,
naa pakay ma palit na mga materials
para saimong mga project in.ana.
Thankful dyud ko sa ga lihok sad kay
Gina observe nila ang protocols to avoid
the virus”. Labihan gayod ang iyang
kalipay sa maong programa diin nakita
gayod niya nga dako kini nakatabang
sa iyang pag-skwela. Mapasalamaton
usab siya sa maong tunghaan nga
makugihon nga nag initiate sa maong
release uban sa pag obserba sa Health
protocols aron sa ingon mahimong luwas
sa maong virus ang mga benepisyaryo.
Mao usab ang migawas sa ngabil
ni Mitsy R. Masungkad BSED-lV
English usa ka graduating student sa
maong tunghaan, Matud pa sa iyang
mga pulong, “Adtong release sa Subsidy
of course nalipay ko kay syempre
naa napud pangbayad sa Tuition fee
and panggasto in buying materials for
Im’s cause adtong time sa release, week
sad to a sa among mga demonstrations
so, daghan jud mi dapat gastohan. Adtong
last na release, nalipay jud di Lang
ako, kundi kami tanan.” Sa iyang pulong
naipadayag gayod kon unsa siya
ka mapasalamaton sa maong pag release
sa budget sa maong programa.
Dako gayod ang naitabang niini tungod
kay daghan ang galastoon hilabina
nga siya usa ka graduating student.
The TES is a grant-in-aid program
under Republic Act 10931 to
help qualified disadvantaged students
and those residing and studying in cities
and municipalities without public
universities to support their studies.
Ang maong TES release sa tunghaan
sa St. Peter’s College of Balingasag
Misamis Oriental nahimong malampuson
uban sa pagtimbayayong sa
mga lumilihok sa maong tunghaan.
17

18
Loving You
~Raniel Dagsa~
Loving you is killing me softly:
You’re draining my energy;
Questions about you is a mystery,
And that kills me slowly.
Looking at you hurt my eyes:
You didn’t know I always cry.
You turned into a real sun,
I think I need a fan.
When I first met you,
You were so cold and blue.
You were like snowflake floating in
the air.
I had nothing to do but to stare.
When we are in Iceland,
You willingly held my hand.
Does it mean I got your attention?
Or my affection?
When the winter indeed,
You almost put me dead.
You may not notice,
That I couldn’t resist.
It’s not like you have everything,
I also have feelings.
Were you always numb?
Or were you just acting numb?
Did you just hold my hand
Because of pity?
Or you did it
‘Cause you loved me?
Please answer me,
If you don’t,
I’ll assume
You didn’t love me.
I had many questions to ask;
To give sincere answer is your task.
Please look at me now,
I need your answers right now.
Baby, ‘til Someday
~Marjorie Adanza~
Baby, this endearment is true
You don’t know on how my feelings flow
My knees were trembling,
Whenever I saw you singing
We’ve long talk and love starts to reside
And here you are always at my side
The gentle of your lips and sweetness
Finally, found the happiness
Later you fade like a bubble
And I begin to struggle
Because of try
It makes me cry
Far from my expectation, far from what I
believed
Far from where my dreams live
Baby, ‘til someday you’ll get to see my worth
I’ll assure to find someone better
henceforth
Someone She Hopes For
~Marjorie Adanza~
At the sand of beach’s side, it’s dawn
A girl sat down
Feel refreshing from the burden of life
While reflecting its importance
Someone lend her a hand
And then they start to have a bond
Exchanging thoughts with understanding
Later, to both of them closeness is
landing
Growing up together
The same treatment to each other,
Missin’ the old days then follow
When she can’t even see his shadow
Found out he’s on abroad;
Only imagining he’s writing on the
board
His father got stroke so, he study medicine
She’s just hoping that they’ll
meet again

Elusive Dream
~Diana Cuerquez~
Stars are enchanting that everyone is
watching
Hanging above, shining brightly at the
darkest night
And just like the stars, staring as you shine
I want to meet you or even just a little bit
closer is fine
Cap, mask and cam
You’re smiling as you lift your arm
How I wished I was the one
The person you are capturing that time
With your smile and expressive eyes
My heart has been tamed and it cares
Longing for your sweet image
To remain even as I age
I was hopeless, held captive
What’s with you that I’m willing to give
Everything you wanted
Just to spare me a glimpse and know that I
existed
L-O-V-E
~Diana Cuerquez~
Mysterious, Good, yet Dangerous
I wonder how such thing contradicted
Of the most sought word on earth
Since I was given birth
We are not supposed to find it
But I can’t help but hungry for it
Wondering how would it felt
To finally have it
All mouths talk about it
Others are happy while others are angry
What’s with it that it has power to change?
Every soul that would experience its bittersweet
feeling
Love is war and we are the soldiers
Shedding blood and tears to win others
How easy would it be to let our feelings
flee?
And reciprocate as if winning a lottery
All things come in pair
Sorrow and joy, courage and fear
But why won’t they know
It’s always been me and you
I am not your fan
Yet curious of what I would become
If you challenge that word to mine,
Will I fall crazy? Or concede yielding my
glory?
But it may be heaven or hell
I will still gamble and stay,
‘Coz they can only play
By knowing that no one can say
what’s the end of the story
Temporary
~Diana Cuerquez~
Sunset, stars and nature
An impeccable creation of our creator
Breath taking and always been enchanting
May your glamour remain as if everlasting
I was walking, looking at every person
while they whisper
Stunned, fantasizing and others are
complementing
It was never new to me hearing them say
‘What a beautiful lady’ a good sight to
see
It’s always been like this
Looking at my appearance and nothing
else
Judging like a jury
A stranger who knows nothing of my
story
I guess that was the price to pay
Acquiring beauty doesn’t mean I’m
always happy
Yet grateful for I was blessed
To have an image I am please to faced
Time is fast approaching
Everything is changing as well as my
surroundings
I’m aging nothing like nature, stars and
sunset that’ll remain
Just a temporary being given chance to
enjoy the blessing
Yours Truly
-Diana-
Everyone is born unique
The only problem is they
can’t see
While I’m blessed to know
that I’m worthy
And flaunt my own kind
of beauty
19

CRUSH
~Diana Cuerquez~
Opposite attracts and that’s a fact
But you’re so cold that interest grows
You won’t spare me a glance
Nor give a chance to be near you even just
once
One time I saw, a model whose brows
perfectly grow
Holding a book at one hand, everyone’s
watching wondering who’s the man
A faint smile suddenly appear
I sat near secretly looking the face I’m
admiring
I was watching, enjoying the view of this
beautiful moment
Daydreaming, currently fantasizing of
sitting beside.
Can you noticed? I’ve become a stalker
overnight
Talking to myself, twitching like an idiot
holding your stolen shots
Now at my front, I’ve been pushed by a
hand
My crazy friend finally did it wishing for
their death
On the second thought, maybe I would be
the first
As you’re now staring, already know my
existence
Lying on the cold ground,
I secretly wished to see your offered hand
before I stand
I apologized yet at the back of my mind
I prayed you stop and ask, to calm this
troubled heart
You’re really a piece to behold
A painting worth of gold
Admirable and has worth
Enchanting, making me want to know
everything
In the book I’m reading, you are the content
Waiting for another chapter to open
But I wished the plot would be you and me
Finding your way to our love story
Climbing Mountains
~Diana Cuerquez~
Child, enjoy your moments as it last
Don’t worry too much
Over thinking will strain you up
Nothing gain, you will only drain
I once dream of a different place
A place my foot never been traced
It was overwhelming to think
Yet I was depress when it was far
from reach
I was climbing a mountain
Each of us has always been
But we always hung our heads
miles ahead
Losing our wits to reach the summit
Pride, honor and power
We’re blinded by its greatness
That by constantly looking at it,
We’re dazzled, stumbled as we
step.
Haste makes waste
I guess that was it
The reason I never get to reach
The star I’m trying to get
Yes I was a fool to think it was
easy
Later did I know it wasn’t that
way
I advance and crushed, and my
head hurts.
Like a stupid fool walking in a
snow wondering why it’s cold
One time I was in my room,
Staring, my face looking gloomed
Worrying why everything seemed so
slow
I badly want to rush things through
I’m a student
Nothing yet like an adult
So I perceived as I conclude
I’ll face what’s in front instead of
looking at a distant
One step at a time
To not stumble when hurdles come
Be grateful if you ever fall
As in pain we learn not in pleasure
Now, I get a little bit wiser
I should enjoy the moment as I
climb the ladder
Each experience will take me somewhere
To the placed I wished to remember
20

Its Time
-Diana Cuerquez-
People, here I am
Introducing myself to everyone
Have your eyes open
And hear what I’m saying
I am Time; I’m slow when you
wait
You struggle as every second
takes
Wishing you can fast forward the
event
You’re sick of hoping; always assuming
that what you’re waiting
is coming
I am fast when you’re late
An absolute fraud which you
always get
Making you rush that accident
takes place
As you run and chased for it
I am deadly when you are sad
Reminiscing things you shouldn’t
have
Remembering mostly the embarrassing
Adding fuel to your wretch feeling
I am short when you are happy
Apathetic of the things whatever
it will be
Not until you see, the darkness
already coating me
Now it’s done, back to reality
where you come
I am endless when you are in
pain
You’ll wished to go numb again
Staying in your room with your
pillow
Catching tears you can’t swallow
I am long when you are bored
Everything seems to not work
Might as well get your phone and
scroll
Or sleep until you’re oblivious to
the world
I am beautiful when you’re in love
Full of smiles and inspired
A ruin mood suddenly lights
When you hear the person on the
other side
Now you know me
You approach differently
So every time we see
Make sure that you are ready
to seize the day
Perfect Pain
~Marjorie Adanza~
The sun shines so bright
But, you are out of my sight,
Maybe they are right
That you’re not strong enough
to fight
Reminiscing those captured
moments,
Wherein I want to tell you
my sentiments
I wanna speak openly
That I’m feeling the same
way
You just didn’t know ‘coz the
face I am showing
Doesn’t match how I am
feeling
You don’t have an idea as I
am acting mad
In fact, I am happy and I
am just putting up a façade
We’re in accord in terms of
reaching goals
Setting priorities to become
successful;
We might experience being
apart
Yet, a bridge connects our
gap and builds trust in our
hearts
One day, we seemed to be an
ideas in math
The feelings we have, don’t
always follow a linear path
You’re such good in your own
words
Not thinking- you stabbed me
with those swords
Such a “Perfect Pain” you
gave me
Leaving me alone wherein I
thought we’re meant to be
Perfect pain that I’ve learned
something
As I reflect on it, I can see on
who I am becoming.
21

MALICTIONARY
A FASCINATING COMPILATION OF WORDS YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW….UNTIL NOW
Beso-beso- “Beso” is the Spanish “kiss”,
but when said twice, it becomes the
middle and upper class Filipino’s social
custom or manner of greeting female
friends or relatives in which one’s cheek
presses on the other’s while making a
slight smacking sound with the lips.
Backhanded Compliment- What might
at first sound like a compliment but
could be really taken as an insult.
Churva- Another turn-of-the-century
coinage by the swards. They say
this is derived from the Greek word
“cheorvamus” which means “for lack
of the right term to say or a word
used in place of something you want
to express but you cannot verbalize.
Jeans- Genoa- called “Gene” by sixteenthcentury
Europeans- was the first city
to make denim clothes used for jeans.
The pants were names after the city.
Jewelries- Wrong. There is
no plural form for jewelry.
Lethologica- The state of not being
able to remember the word you want.
chemists but it was the Germans who
made extensive use of it during World
War II. It was widely distributed across
the rank and division, from elite forces
to tank crews and aircraft personnel.
From 1942 to 1945, Adolf Hitler was
given a daily dose of the drug by his
personal physician to fight depression
and fatigue. Users of shabu experience
an increase in focus, increased mental
alertness, and the elimination of fatigue,
as well as decrease in appetite.
Trailer- It’s crazy but what
they call a “trailer”(of a movie)
is actually a “preview.”
Triskaidekaphobia- The clinical term
for the irrational fear of the number
13. You will notice that all the irrational
fear of the number 13. You will notice
that all tall buildings in the Philippines
(as well as in other countries, it
seems) do not have a thirteenth floorfrom
the 12th number jumps to 14th. In
the racetracks, the slots for the horses
are numbered 12, 12-a, then 14. Many
dire incidents are attributed to the 13th
of the month especially if it falls on a
Friday, the day Christ died on the cross.
Pixilated- Behaving mentally imbalanced
or even whimsical. As a
slang word, it means “drunk” . This
is rooted on the word “pixie” a fairy
like or elfin creature who is usually
playfully mischievous. This has
nothing to do with the word “pixel.
Sahara Desert- Somewhat redundant
because “sahara” already
means “desert” in Arabic.
Shabu- The street name of methamphetamine
in Japan as well as in our
country. It was synthesized in 1893 then
later crystalized in 1919 by Japanese
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Uncopyrightable- This is the only
15-letter English word that can be
spelled without repeating a letter.
Zig-zag- Street slang for “isaw”
or “barbecued chicken intestines”
The longest word in the english
language according to the Oxford English
Dictionary is “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokoniosis.”
The
only other word with the same amount
of letters is “pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanokonioses,”
its plural.
Source: Ernie Zarate

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