stimuli - Sti.edu

Editor’s Note
Editorial Staff
Dear Readers,
Summer is now here! I’m sure you already have a list of the things you want to do like
going to the beach or heading to out-of-town trips with your friends and family. To
make your vacation even more exciting, bring along the STIMULI as your ultimate guide
this summer! We have some tips on how to look fit and fab so you don’t have to worry
whether your clothes are outdated or not. You can also now indulge yourself with all
those yummy food without gaining weight! Have a worry-free summer too as we give
you few advices on how to save money.
Aside from these cool tips, we also featured two very special stories that will surely touch
your hearts. So, take out your hanky and read on the stories of Alejo San Buenaventura
and Rita King.
The National Youth Convention (NYC) is also back with even more enlightening topics
for the students! Take a peek on what happened over the last four months as the NYC
team visited eight cities nationwide.
We certainly have lots of good stories in store for you this issue so turn the page now
and start reading! Enjoy “summerlicious!”
In this Issue:
4
CAMPUS
NEWs
8
15
Special Feature:
NYC Cracks the Code to Success
Special Feature:
stimuli
Editor-in-chief:
Elbert de Guzman
Associate Editors:
Jennymarie Dy
Karen Precious La Rosa
Jazmine Katigbak
Contributors:
Jed Ericson Abastillas
Elisohn Bascogen
Stephanie Batang
Eduardo Bautista
Mary Jane Lucero
Jaline Natividad
Karen Ocampo
Myzel Perez
Emerson Ramos
Chicky Recheta
Ma. Cristina Reginio
Jeremiah Torrevillas
Ma. Cecilia Ycong
Fe Zacarias
Layout and Design:
Maria Donna Diamante-Alo
6
Events @ STI
10
Cover Story:
Your Ultimate
Summer Guide
Are you ready to be an…
IT Professional?
16
STIMULI is a publication of the
STI Education Services Group.
17
Special Feature:
A Mother’s
Selfless Love
The Pursuit of
Success
18
Writer’s Block
For comments and questions,
please write to the STIMULI Editorial Team
at the University Parkway Drive, Fort Bonifacio,
Global City, Taguig,
or email [email protected]
Send your original poems and short stories also to
[email protected]
S
U
P
CAM
STIer wins
Codefest Warrior
Programming Competit
ion
NEWs
By: Jeremiah Torrevillas, 3rd year BSIT
STI College – Marikina
There is definitely no stopping this kid from
Network
GRADUATION
conquering borders and achieving his dreams
as tech-savvy Galileo Lajara, a BS Computer
Science student of STI College – Marikina, won
the first ever Codefest Warrior Programming
Competition held last October 4, 2008 at the
Ateneo de Manila University. The competition
was part of the celebration of the Software
Freedom Day 2008.
1st semester 2008-2009
ACADEMIC HONORS
Magna Cum Laude
Renato C. Pasion Jr.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
STI College – Global City
Cum Laude / GHP
Vergie M. Pampillona
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
STI College – Shaw
With Honors / GHP
Mark Bradly A. Begonia
Diploma in Computer Studies
STI College – Las Piñas
The contest was organized by Bluepoint Linux Users
Elite (BLUE),a non-profit Open Source Education
and Development Center in cooperation with the
Commission on Information & Communications
Technology-National Computer Center (CICT-NCC),
Advanced Science & Technology Institute (ASTI), and
Bluepoint Foundation. Lajara received a PhP 25,000
training voucher from Bluepoint and PhP 10,000 cash
from CyWare, a software development firm
specializing in web-based solutions. Aside from
the competition, there was also a seminar about
free software.
Various colleges and top universities competed
for the much coveted title.
It was not an easy road for Lajara as he was
almost disheartened during the elimination
round because of a technical glitch. About 15
minutes to the event and just as Lajara had
already submitted his first “run” or the required
code for the competition, a technical problem
occurred and spread throughout the entire
work stations. And the competition was then
re-scheduled. It was frustrating for Lajara since
he was the first challenger to submit a “run.”
However, he was determined to win. “Ako ulit
dapat ang unang maka-submit at ako rin dapat
ang manalo.”
His persistence eventually paid off as he
ousted other tough challengers and won the
championship! S
STI College – Sta. Maria
SPECIAL AWARDS
Leadership Award
Renato C. Pasion Jr.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
STI College – Global City
Victorious in
SCITE Quiz Bee
By: Ma. Cecilia C. Ycong, Faculty
STI College – Sta. Maria
Two
STIers from STI College – Sta. Maria
emerged as champions in the recently
concluded Students Conference on Information
Technology Education (SCITE) Senior Quiz Bee
held last January 29, 2009 at the Olongapo City
Convention Center.
Renato C. Pasion Jr.
Magna Cum Laude and Leadership Awa
rdee
4
Christine Salvania and Leonel Mendoza,
students of BS Computer Science (BSCS), beat
the participants from 14 other schools in the
country. These are: AMA Computer College –
Cabanatuan, Angeles University Foundation,
CEU – Malolos, Columban College, Gordon
College, Lyceum of Subic Bay, Polytechnic
University of the Philippines (Sta. Maria), Republic
Central Colleges, SACT St. Mutien College, St.
Mary’s College of Meycauayan, STI College –
Angeles, Systems Plus College Foundation, USSTTarlac, and Wesleyan University.
Aside from the Quiz Bee, the delegates of STI
College – Sta. Maria also attended a conference
sponsored by SCITE last January 29, 2009.
The topics discussed were Data Warehousing
using OLAP, CAD/CAM Technologies, Current
Trends in Hardware Development, E-Security,
Animation-The Making, Infrastructure Security,
Social Computing, Best Practices in Software
Development, Geographical Information System,
Network Voting System, Automated Entrance
Exam System, and Audio Transmission via Laser.
First runner-up was Columban College while
Lyceum of Subic Bay placed second runnerup. SCITE is being supervised by the Philippine
Society of Information Technology Education
(PSITE) wherein STI College – Sta. Maria is one of
its registered members.
STI College – Sta. Maria’s COO/Administrator
Ms. Mary Grace Buenaventura and Dean
on Information Technology, Mr. Reynaldo
Buenaventura II, couldn’t be more pleased with
the performances of their students, both in the
Quiz Bee and in the conference. S
Leaders are not Born:
The STI Student Leadersh
ip Camp
By: Mary Jane Lucero
STI College – San Pablo
A
two-day training and
workshop for student leaders
was held last October 2930, 2008 in Casa de Tobias
Nagcarlan, Laguna. With the
theme “Awakening the Leader
in You,” this is the third time
that STI College – San Pablo held
a Student Leadership Camp
that was warmly participated
by students from different
departments and organizations.
The students were treated to two days of funfilled and exciting learning and experiences.
Various activities were held to draw out the
hidden talents and skills of the students. The
activities also aim to instill in the students the
values and qualities of a good and responsible
leader.
At the end of the training the students learned
to cope with their inner changes as they slowly
discover their innate leadership skills. It has
also taught them to adapt to the never-ending
changes in our society. The camp helped the
The 29th day of October 2008 marked the dash
of 16 different schools, including STI College –
San Pablo, in the Laguna Provincial Elimination
of the 17th Philippine Statistics Quiz.
The competition aims to enhance, develop, and
value every student’s knowledge and skills in
performing problems and operations related to
statistics.
students boost their abilities and encourage
them to further go out and express themselves
in front of a crowd – be it big or small.
Facilitating the workshop were the following
faculty members: Ms. Yrmeliza Villegas, Ms.
Kristhine Katigbak, Mr. Rolando Recto, Mr. John
Henry, and Ms. Myra Dimayuga, who was also
the Camp Coordinator. Helping out in the camp
were also the students who participated in last
year’s leadership training. With this number
of people closely working together, it was no
wonder that the camp was pulled off without
any hitch. It was certainly a big success. S
Organized and sponsored by the National
Statistics Office (NSO), the whole program was
held at the Cultural Center, Capitol Compound in
Sta. Cruz, Laguna. Each participating school was
required to have two freshmen representatives
from any college, hence 32 competitors fought
for the title.
The program started with a doxology and
national anthem performed by selected students
from Pedro Guevarra Memorial National High
School (PGMNHS). The Board of Judges was
comprised of Regional Director of NSO Region
IV A – CALABARZON Ms. Rosalinda P. Bautista,
Provincial Director of the Department of Trade
and Industry – Laguna Ms. Susan Palo, and
PGMNHS Head of Mathematics Department
Ms. Amor C. Gewez.
The air was filled with tension and excitement.
The audience cheered the contestants quietly and
there was hardly any yelling at all. Finally, after
three consecutive rounds, 5 competitors emerged
as winners. Among them was our very own
Jeric Bryan Yanez, a BS Computer Engineering
student, who placed 3rd runner-up. The Dean
of the College of Information and Technology
Mr. Joseph Luna and his coach Ms. Emma Tajao
were extremely proud of Yanez’s achievement
and the glory he brought to their school.
By: Fe A. Zacarias, OSA/Placement Officer
STI College – Fairview
“I am so excited about the trip! This will be my first
time to ride on an airplane,” Venuz exclaimed.
This programme aims to deepen the delegates’
understanding of the Japanese culture. The
participants will experience home stays, interact
with Japanese youths, visit schools as well as
historical and cultural sites. The JENESYS also
serves as a venue for the young people of
the Philippines and Japan to harness their full
potential through sharing of experiences and
expertise. These activities are seen to be strong
contributors to the promotion and appreciation
of each other’s culture leading to future-oriented
Philippine-Japan relations.
17th Provincial
Statistics Quiz
By: Ma. Cristina Reginio
STI College – San Pablo
STIer becomes
ador
Student Ambass
to Japan
Venuz T. Oabel, a second year 2-yr. Information
Technology student of STI College – Fairview was
chosen as one of the 92 student ambassadors
to Japan under the Japan-East Asia Network
of Exchange for Students and Youth (JENESYS)
Programme on May 19 – 28, 2009.
STI wins 3rd
runner-up in
The National Youth Commission (NYC) is the
implementing organization for the selection of
delegates in the Philippines.
The winners received a plaque, cash, and gift
prizes. Their respective coaches were likewise
given special gift prizes for their hard work. All the
winners also qualified to the Regional Statistics
Competition. S
Venuz is a dean’s lister and also works as student
assistant at the OSA/Placement Office.
This is indeed a very big opportunity for a hard
working and determined girl like Venuz who
believes that success can also come to people of
humble beginnings.
Venuz comes from a brood of five who subsists in
making rags and selling them along the streets.
Kiwotsukete (take care), girl!
S
5
STI College supports ABS-CBN
2’s Umagang Kay Ganda (UKG) in
their “Buklat Aklat Project.” The
project aims to scout for deserving
schools in Luzon, Visayas, and
Mindanao and provide them
with instructive books that will
help improve the quality of
education of our youth.
Events @ STI
From North…
STI opened the project
by visiting its first stop at
Barangay San Jose, Laur,
Nueva Ecija. With the STI
Mobile School in tow, STI
provided more than 200
school bags with notebooks,
ball pens, and pencils to
the students of San Jose
Elementary School. Through
its Mobile School, STI
conducted a brief training
on graphics manipulation
to the students of Laur, and
to continue their learning,
a computer set was also
contributed by STI.
San Juan Elementary School has
203 registered students, with
only four classrooms and one
make-shift classroom made of
bamboo and a tent. UKG found
the school through the help of
ABS-CBN Foundation’s “Gabay
Kapamilya.”
…to South
STI Alumni Association, joined by its local chapters in STI College – Fairview,
STI College – Pasay, STI College – Novaliches, STI College – Recto, STI College
– Caloocan, and the STI Headquarters (STI HQ), spent a meaningful day
reaching out to the children of Paaralang Pantao in Payatas, Quezon City.
Literally meaning Humane School or School of Humanity, the Paaralang
Pantao aims to help children who are deprived of formal education.
STI Nursing and Hotel and Restaurant Services student-volunteers, doctors,
and STI HQ employees dedicated their quality time with a hearty lunch,
medical and dental mission, and gift-giving to the children of Payatas
and their families. Around 170 kids were present, and almost 200 STI
volunteers participated on this endeavor, headed by STI VP for Academics
Mitch M. Andaya, STI VP for School Operations Resty O. Bundoc, STI
College – Fairview CEO Rowena R. Basilio, and STI College – Caloocan
and Novaliches CEO Walfrido Xavier. Truly, STIers were able to spread the
Christmas spirit.
Paaralang Pantao was founded by Leticia B. Reyes in 1987, with only five
children then. Now, the school has almost 200 enrollees, from ages 3 to
20 years old . S
6
STI traveled to Barangay Villa
Espina, Lopez, Quezon to close
the campaign. Education for
the aeta community in Lopez,
Quezon, is a luxury that they
have just started to enjoy only
some months ago. This has
moved STI to happily participate
in this very humbling and fruitful
experience.
Bringing 650 fun and educational
books, notebooks, pencils, and ball
pens, the students of the local school
happily showcased their impressive
reading and writing skills much to the
delight of their benefactors.
Still part of the Buklat Aklat Program,
the gift-giving is STI’s way to give thanks
for the celebration of its 25th year. S
STI College spent a fun-filled and healthy day under the
early morning sun last November 23, 2008 at The Fort in
Taguig.
60 students, faculty, and staff of STI College – Global City,
along with the employees from STI Headquarters sweated it
out in the annual marathon-for-a-cause of FM radio station
101.9 For Life dubbed as “Run For Life Year 5.”
Proceeds of this fund raising project went to the Tahanan
Foundation, a Drug Treatment and Rehabilitation Center in Quezon
City.
The marathon was categorized into 3K, 5K, and 10K. STI College
participated in the 5K race as they ran with fun and compassion to
contribute to a good cause. Consequently, STI College was also recognized
as the Biggest School Contingent awardee.
STI College continues to develop its students through empowering
activities that ensure the holistic development of STIers inside and outside
the classroom. S
STI and Gawad Kalinga believe in
the next generation of heroes – the
Youth.
More than 500 students, faculty, and staff from STI College
– Global City joined the Gawad Kalinga EXPO 2008 held in
Bonifacio, Global City last October 2008.
With this year’s theme “Walang Iwanan: Ano ang taya mo?” numerous
participants from various schools, communities, government, and
non-government institutions were one in the festivities and various
recreational programs during the whole day activity.
Participating institutions were invited to take part in the Tambayani
Exhibit. STI College celebrated the spirit of bayanihan with a booth in
the Tambayani that provided free internet access and tutorials on basic
computer skills to participants through its STI Mobile School.
In the afternoon, the strong army of STI College – Global City students
marched with fellow youth-heroes from the other schools and
communities in the GK Martsa ng Bayani. Armed with their flags,
banners, and a heart committed to the cause of Gawad Kalinga, STI
College – Global City has manifested how our Filipino youth can take
part in a positive change.
Earlier on, STI also participated in the opening salvo of Gawad Kalinga
in preparation for the GK Expo 2008, held in UP Diliman. Consequently,
hundreds of STI College – Fairview students, faculty, and staff then
marched to the Quezon City Memorial Circle in the “GK Isang Milyong
Bayani Rally: Walang Iwanan 2008.”
STI continues to be an active supporter of Gawad Kalinga’s cause.
S
Christmas spirit was all over STI as students and
faculty from STI College – Recto, along with the
people from the STI Headquarters and STI Foundation
gathered to share the holiday cheers with media friends.
Dubbed as “Celebrating a Childlike Christmas,” the whole
team was able to merrily celebrate Christmas with the 50
street children gathered by ChildHope Asia Philippines, last
December 10, 2008.
It was a Christmas party of sorts for the kids as they feasted in Harbor
Square, Roxas Boulevard, eating their favorite treats and dancing with
Jollibee. After having their fill, the kids excitedly partnered with their
Ates and Kuyas from STI College – Recto and the media, who served as
their guardians for the day. Hand in hand, they then hurried to Star City
for a fun-filled adventure!
Donning ride-all-you-can tickets, the kids ages 8 to 12, were all big-eyed
with their one-of-a-kind Yuletide treat. Indeed, it was a time well spent
as the children and the guardians got to know each other better, with
the kids sharing their heartwarming stories. That one fine day of great
bonding leaves every child and all participants with happy hearts and a
one-of-a-kind memorable experience.
ChildHope Asia Philippines is an international movement on behalf of
street children. Its mission is to advocate the cause of street children by
educating, protecting, counseling, and assisting them. Know more about
ChildHope Asia Philippines by visiting their website at www.childhope.
org.ph. S
7
The STI 14th National Youth Convention
NYC Cracks the Code to Success
By: Jennymarie Dy
Associate Editor
The National Youth Convention (NYC) was back on the road with even more interesting topics for the students! With
the theme “Connect, Communicate, Control – Cracking the Code to Success,” the 14th NYC successfully kicked off its
caravan last November 28, 2008 in Baguio as the students enthusiastically listened to the speakers.
From Baguio, the NYC also visited other key cities in the country such as Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Tacloban, Cagayan de
Oro, Davao, and Metro Manila.
The convention talked about the three important Cs in our life – connect, communicate, and control. A Blog’s Life kept
the students abreast about blogging and its different kinds. Blogging, after all, is one of the hottest trends right now
and a very effective way of expressing oneself. PESOnality, on the other hand, was all about managing one’s personal
finances. Lastly, Think Link! talked about how to build relationships and be able to communicate effectively to other
people.
And as promised, STI again took the level a notch higher as students in Metro Manila were treated to a new venue, the
SMX Convention Center, also the largest exhibition and convention center in the country today. School pride was also
very high as students swarmed to all the venues and quickly filled up the places to its maximum capacity! S
8
9
Your
COVER STORY
Hot
Fashion
Ultimate
this Sunny Season
Nothing spells out FUN better than summer! After grueling months in school, it is
time to let loose and laugh your heart out! Be prepared not only with the long list
of activities to do, but also remember to gear up and always be fashionably fab for
all the challenges that await you this summer.
For the ladies, this season is all about bright and floral outfits, and the sporty chic look.
For the men, it is spending summer in your most comfortable but trendy get-up.
Here are some helpful tips to make your summer style sizzling hot!
3
A comfortable and
fashionable shorts
2
• Let your legs breathe and feel the summer
breeze! For the girls, it’s the über-stylish
way to feel all comfy and pretty as shorts
make those legs look a lot longer. For
the boys, shorts would never fall short
in meeting their needs, they can move
easily as they load its pockets up with
their most beloved gadgets.
• Ballet flats are the way to go for ladies to
make your look very casual and comfy.
4 Jeans (maybe wide-leg
Plain cotton tees for the ladies, and
a crisp white shirt for the hot guys.
Always pair it with accessories like
funky earrings or watches.
Your Style Guide:
• Going classic with plain cotton tees and
crisp white shirts will always be stylish
for summer, especially with our tropical
climate. Just remember to always jazz it
up with accessories and pair it with nifty
bottoms! But don’t over-accessorize!
Get a focal piece that will tie your look
together and make it the ultimate
summer outfit. For men especially, don
a watch – you will look good and be on
time!
Your closet must-haves:
1
By: Karen Precious La Rosa
Associate Editor
5
or skinny, depends on
your body type)
Floral summer dresses
• Spending a summer date with your
beau? Wear your floral dress in bright
hues to instantly liven up your mood.
• Jeans will always be the best option
when there is already no other way to
go.
• Guys should start thinking about using
the sling bag rather than the old-school
backpack! Sling bags are very stylish yet
functional. It is easier to carry around
and it is more hold-upper proof.
Ballet flats (the best
alternative to the
too casual flip
flops!)
6
Oversized totes to carry
the girls’ summer gear
and sling bags for the
guys
Try to be cool and look hot this summer with
these helpful pointers! But never forget the
ultimate tip of them all, wear clothes that
spell Y-O-U! S
Style tips from: Kabbie A. Rodriguez, Fashion & Beauty Assistant,
OK! Magazine
FASHION FACT:
In India, men wear pajamas as their daytime apparel! Talk
about putting comfort over fashion!
10
Summer
Guide
Stay
Slim &Stunning
This Summer!
By: Jaline Natividad
Copywriter, STI HQ
Admit it, summer is your favorite season! Family vacations, barkada outings, and
unlimited swimming escapades are on top of your list! Too bad, these outings and
vacations also mean stressful preparations and loads of food tripping sessions that can
pack on the pounds and can make you look tired!
This is the season that we all want to look our best and not like a total mess, so here are
some tips to keep that slim and sensational look during summertime!
Stay Slim:
Stay Stunning:
• Eat right to look right! – Balanced diet is the key.
Make sure that your meal contains the right amount
of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, fats, and
proteins! Remember, junk foods are not included!
• Practice sunblock safety – Apply a good dependable
brand of sunblock everyday (and not just during
summer) to avoid the sun’s harmful UV rays that can
cause premature signs of aging and sunburn.
• Enjoy the exercise! – Give the gym a miss, now is
the time to actually enjoy exercising! Go swimming,
running, biking, mountain climbing, waterskiing,
and wakeboarding!
• Buy a swimsuit that flatters your curves – There are
different types and styles of beachwears that flatter
different body types.
• Always go for healthier alternatives! – There are
other healthier options you can pick without
depriving yourself with sweets treats. You can
choose sweet tropical fruits instead of fatty cakes
and ice creams! More vitamins, less calories!
• Eat fiber – Fiber helps a lot in the digestive process.
• Hydrate!!! – Quench your thirst with water, not
with sodas! Drinking eight glasses of water removes
toxins from your body, promotes proper digestion,
and hey, it keeps your skin healthy too!
• Sleep – Eight hours of sleep is beneficial to your
overall health and well-being. Also, studies have
shown that people who lack sleep gain weight. So
sleep eight hours a day.
• Four things that can totally get the ladies’ attention –
Lightweight polo shirt, khaki shorts, trendy sandals,
and summer sunglasses! Eye-candy on the beach
alert!
• Use hair conditioner – Your hair also needs nourishment,
most importantly during summer, to avoid getting it
dry and frizzy. A good conditioner can keep your hair
manageable, soft, and shiny even under the sun.
• Love the light make-up – Hard, cakey, and kabuki-like
make-up is a no-no at the beach! Light foundation,
blush-on, and lip gloss can go a long way to get that
natural summer look!
• Remove unwanted body hair – This is the best beauty
tip ever!
Have fun and enjoy summer!
S
FAB FACT:
Watermelon can just be your newfound best friend for the summer! It doesn’t only serve as your
thirst quencher and your sweet tropical delight, it also moisturizes and tones your skin! I can say
“yey” and “yum” to that!
11
COVER STORY
Road Trip:
Summer
Fiesta Fun!
By: Jaline Natividad
Copywriter, STI HQ
• Pahiyas Festival – Celebrated in Lucban, Quezon
every May, this festival exhibits lively, multicolored, and extravagant house displays with
its star décor – Kiping. Kiping is a rice tortilla
that can be used as either colorful decoration
or as delectable sweet desserts. The houses are
also overflowing with the locals’ specialties,
longganisa and lechon to delight the guests
from all over the world.
Want something unique to do for the summer aside from swimming and beach-hopping?
Then pack your bags and bring on the enthusiasm, because we are taking you around the
country to experience the fun, flashy, flamboyant, and famous Summer Festivals in the
Philippines!
Every summer, tourists from all types of color, culture, and nationality flock to witness
these grandiose celebrations. They get to see the amazing productions, participate on the
non-stop singing and dancing, and taste the rich flavors of the native delicacies. Here are
some of the country’s most celebrated celebrations:
• Strawberry Festival – Held every March at
the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines,
La Trinidad, Benguet. This celebration
features strawberries and strawberry-based
products and cutflowers, with the very
large strawberry cake that the locals made
themselves as the main attraction.
• Pintados de Passi Festival – Celebrated
every month of April in Passi, Iloilo, the
Pintados de Passi festival is a sure magnet
to foreign and local tourists because of its
colorful, creative, and uniquely entertaining
week-long celebration, with the finale of the
crowds’ favorite – the tribe competition.
• Moriones Festival – Held in the islands of
Marinduque, this week-long event starts
from Holy Monday and ends on Easter
Sunday. This festival is staged with colorful
Roman warrior costumes with masks, in
remembrance of the story of Longinus,
the one-eye blind Roman soldier who was
converted into Christianity because of a
miracle that restored his vision.
• Obando Fertility Rites – Childless women,
single men and women, and other people
dance their prayers on the streets of Obando,
Bulacan every May.
• Flores de Mayo – A flower festival which lasts for
the whole month of May in honor of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, this event is celebrated by many
towns all over the country. The highlight of the
event is the Santacruzan or the procession of
sagalas wherein children, and the town’s most
beautiful ladies partnered with their escorts,
parade to the church while wearing elegant,
colorful, and extravagant outfits!
• Butanding Festival – Every April in Donsol,
Sorsogon, locals give importance to the
Butanding (whale sharks), which has been
their city’s main attraction to tourists, both
here and abroad. The Butanding Festival is
celebrated through street parades and
eco-trips for whale watching. The Butandings
were also trained by the locals to entertain
and amuse the tourists!
So this summer, let the heat entice you to feast on
the fun, food, and a whole lot of excitement as you
experience these festivals with all the rest of the
fiesta loving people around the globe! S
FIESTA FACT:
12
Kiping is not the only “star” of the the Pahiyas Festival. Tourists also go loco for
Lucban’s Pancit Habhab which is named after the way it is eaten. Pancit Habhab is
served on a banana leaf and eaten straight from it using only your teeth and tongue!
Learn and Save this Summer:
Think
out of the
BUCKS!
By: Karen Ocampo
Communications Assistant, STI HQ
Save-up this summer!
If your budget is tight on this season of summer getaways, read on and think out
of the BUCKS!
Tip #1
Toss your coins in a “piggy
bank.”
Dropping coins everyday in a piggy bank could
save you from unforeseen circumstances. If
accumulated in a year, you’ll be surprised on
how much you have saved!
You could have saved your P900 for rainy days!
Drink water. It’s being practical while being
healthier as well!
Tip #6 Bigger is less.
Tip #2 Withdraw your vices.
High-priced tags attached to big items normally
lead us to drop the item in a heartbeat and get
the sachets and small packs instead because it’s
cheaper.
Cigarettes and beers could screw up your daily
allowance and if accumulated monthly, you
will realize that you have just cleaned out your
pocket with unhealthy vices.
The truth is 100ml. toothpaste is way cheaper
than purchasing 10 pieces of 10-ml sachets.
The rule of thumb here is, if you are buying a
continuing product get the bigger size.
Tip #3 Recycle old stuff.
Tip #7 Stick to the list!
Collect all your clothes and bags from your
closet and recycle these by using your creativity!
You are the master of your piece so you may
incorporate your mood in the design. Again, you
have saved yourself from shelling out cash.
Tip #4 Be economical.
You don’t have to take yoga classes or enroll in
gyms to get that fabulous body this summer.
Try jogging. It is the cheapest way to exercise.
All you need is a good pair of rubber shoes,
jogging pants, and a shirt, then you’re all set!
You can now jog around your neighborhood
or your town’s local park. It is a good way also
of building up your stamina and strengthening
your leg muscles. So why waste your allowance
on gym classes, when you can put them away for
your additional savings!
Tip #5 No softdrinks please.
Drinking softdrinks is generally a part of our daily
meal. But do we actually realize how much pesos we
disburse just for an unhealthy sugar beverage? Let’s
make a brief breakdown of your expenses in a day
just for a drink. Let’s peg it at P15 per bottle and 3x
a day is already P45. If you buy softdrinks everyday
day, you will spend around P900 per month.
First, review the differences between the
“must have” and “nice to have.” We easily get
tempted with things we don’t actually need
at the moment especially in the department
store where everything seems glittery. There
would always be thousands of reasons to get
enticed with a new dress, cool shades, and other
fabulous things in every nook.
So, before your budgeted allowance gets ruined
because of over spending, make sure you have
listed down the things you really need to buy.
Then give yourself a strict mind rule: “If it is not
on the list, then I shouldn’t buy it.” This way, you
can also be more disciplined to yourself.
Tip #8 Make convenience stores your
last option.
When you want to make your favorite halo-halo
and you lack some of the ingredients, it is better
to buy them from the market or grocery stores.
24-hour stores considerably offer doubledpriced items. However, if it is really an urgent
need that you need to buy one or two items
and the market is far-off your place then it is
okay. But remember that the convenience store
should be your last resort.
THRIFT TRIVIA:
Tip #9 Explore on Ukay-Ukay.
Are you looking for low-priced branded apparels?
You may want to check out the nearest ukay-ukay
in town! I’m sure these stores offer clothes that
will suit your taste and at a lesser cost too! So,
grab 3 shirts for only P100. This is way cheaper
than buying clothes from the clearance racks.
Shopping is now easy on your wallet!
Tip #10 Play
around with a low-cost
date.
There are many ways to have a less-expensive
but exciting date this summer:
• Invite your special someone to attend the
events in your town.
• You can also watch fireworks displays outside
the malls.
• Visit your girlfriend/boyfriend and cook
for her/him. Then enjoy the food while
watching a movie. It’s through resourcefulness
and creativity that makes a date low-cost but
worth the while.
Look at every opportunity to map your path
to a financially secured future as early as now.
Remember, the more you save, the better your
future! And summertime might just be your startup in saving-up! S
Switzerland is said to be the thriftiest country in the world while the Ilocanos are
known as the most frugal people in the Philippines.
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Are you ready to be an…
IT Professional?
By: Karen Precious La Rosa and Karen Ocampo
Associate Editor and Communications Assistant, STI HQ
Is the IT industry best for you?
YES NO
q q
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q q
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Do you enjoy searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally?
Do you love doing projects that will require extensive amount of thinking?
Are you an analytical thinker? Do you analyze information and use logic to
address work-related issues and problems?
When you have a special project, are you keen on details?
Are you confident with your capabilities? Can you do things and guide yourself
with little or no supervision?
If you tick “yes” to all these questions, then this might be the perfect career
for you!
Let’s look into the up side and the down side of this career.
The Plus:
The Minus:
1. Boundless opportunities are available here
and abroad. Jobs in the field of IT are not
solely apparent in IT companies – even the
head offices for the food industry, banks, and
other industries require IT professionals.
1. Competition is fierce – sometimes too
fierce! With a lot of graduates in the same
field, the industry can become too saturated.
But never fret! There will always be a special
place for you once you put your heart to it!
2. There is something new to learn everyday.
With technology evolving every minute, new
stuff are always up for grabs! You will never be
too bored with your line of work.
2. Fast developments! Slackers definitely do
not have a place in this field. You must be able
to cope with the changes as quick as you can
learn the twists and turns of the new trends.
3. The financial rewards are a given. But
accessorize it with the chance to travel
and everything is just plain sweet! Attend
conferences abroad or service foreign clients.
3. The stress can sometimes be intolerable!
But do not forget to count your blessings to
keep you on your toes. What you do for the
day will benefit the company as a whole for a
long time.
How to become an IT
Professional
1. Love the industry! The only way to
survive is to love and care for your
workplace as if it were your home.
2. Always keep an open mind, and never
stop finding new ways to learn! Attend
more training, seminars, and get
certifications! Buy books and consult
your seniors. More knowledge can only
bring you more good than bad.
3. Every time you get frustrated with a
project that you are currently doing,
never lose the fire! As Ethel best shares,
“I always look at the bad endings as only
10% of the overall result. The other 90%
is comprised by the way I respond on it.”
Fast Facts
Name: Ethelwin Abonitalla Babia
Nickname: Ethel
Occupation: Senior Technical Specialist for
Globe Telecom
Course: BS Computer Science
Campus: STI College – EDSA-Crossing
Batch: 2003
My childhood ambition was: To become an IT
Specialist
People would be surprised to know that: I
started as a log interpreter and now, I got my
dream house!
Three words that best describe me: Firm,
passionate, and optimistic
Words I live by: We cannot have a new
abundant life if we will continue living with
our old restricted attitude.
A Typical Day
“Everyday, my task is to monitor the performance
of my team. I make sure they address all concerns
promptly.
Another basic routine is to attend several
meetings with internal support group and
project managers. We normally discuss collated
issues of our existing products then we proceed
to plan for the launching of our new projects.
My day can be considered monotonous, doing
the same things, same processes everyday.
What makes it different each day is the people
you meet and the different concerns they bring.
It also tests your patience and confidence a lot.
Because you need to address people differently
and approach issues in a variety of ways. My job
definitely is a great venue for growth that makes
my busy day worth the while.” S
15
The
Pursuit of
Success
By: Chicky Recheta
Alumni and Career Services Manager, STIHQ
A native of Gainza, Camarines Sur, Alejo is the fifth of seven children of Juan
San Buenaventura, Jr. and Merly Sarcilla. His father is a tailor by profession
and also tends the small family farm with his wife. With seven children to take
care of, life was difficult for the San Buenaventura family.
Alejo graduated Valedictorian from the Loob Elementary School. Although
his two elder sisters were taking up their Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary
Education, the family could not afford to send Alejo to high school as
he had to make way for his two sisters. He knew that the only way he
could further his studies would be through a scholarship. His sisters were
eventually able to complete their degrees, also by way of scholarship
grants and through perseverance.
Alejo then took the examinations conducted by the Sisters of Mary School,
an institution providing free food, shelter, clothing, and secondary education
to poor but deserving students all over the Philippines. He was one of two
from his school lucky enough to pass the exams and interviews given by the
nuns. At a tender age, Alejo had to move and live in the Sisters of Mary School
campus in Silang, Cavite, miles away from his family. He only got to visit his
family once a year for a short period of two weeks. Fighting homesickness,
he decided to immerse himself in his studies and also participated in extracurricular activities. He finished high school as Third Honorable Mention
from a batch of more than 700 graduating students.
With the help of the Sisters of Mary, Alejo started to look for a job as their
curriculum in high school was equipped with vocational courses such as
refrigeration and air conditioning, auto mechanic, driving, and courses in
computers. He landed a job as a draftsman/CAD operator in SHI Designing
& Manufacturing, Inc. (SDMI), a Japanese firm and started working at the
age of 17.
16
After working for a year, he took night classes and in 2003, earned a
diploma course in computer programming. He was also transferred to the
IT department of the company as a junior programmer trainee.
Later, Alejo decided to pursue a 4-year course and enrolled at STI College –
Shaw (formerly EDSA-Crossing) in B.S. Computer Science. Not only was Alejo
a working student who was active in extra-curricular activities, but he also
financed his younger brother’s studies who graduated in March 2007 with
the degree of Electronics and Communications Engineering. Both brothers
now share in putting their youngest brother through an Electrical Engineering
course in Manila. Alejo acts as the guardian of his younger brothers and
their role model. Not forgetting how he was able to finish high school, he
is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Alumni of the Sisters of Mary
School, Inc.
Recognizing his achievements, STI awarded him the distinction of being
the STI Student of the Year for 2008. Days before his graduation, Gurango
software met and employed him on the spot while attending Shaw’s
National Job Placement Month. Now, Alejo San Buenaventura’s next goal is
to get a Masters Degree in Information Technology or Computer Science to
further his knowledge and skills in the global IT industry. He also does not
discount the possibility of having a career in the academe.
“I want to share the knowledge and experiences I learned from my previous,
current, and maybe future careers. I think the love of teaching really runs in
our family as my sisters are both public school teachers. I believe that more
than the monetary reward, the opportunity to touch other people’s lives
and leave a lasting imprint in the people you meet everyday is much more
important in life,” shares Alejo. S
Despite all these setbacks, Howell still
continues to persevere and strives hard to
finish his studies. He is currently enrolled
in STI College – Shaw as a freshman in BS
Computer Science. And standing beside him,
helping him go from one class to another is
his mother.
Mrs. King is Howell’s very own warrior and
shield. She protects him from the teasing
and harsh comments that he sometimes gets
from his classmates. But now that Howell is a
grown up, he tries to do things by himself now
and all that his mother can do is watch him,
support his decisions, and help him out only
when it gets too hard for him.
Her thoughts on going to school again...
“It’s very rewarding. Now I am able to answer
math problems better minus the time pressure
and terror teachers. Seriously, I am lucky to
have been able to experience and compare
both eras – our time and our kids’. I am very
thankful for the free lessons, the friendships,
and the refreshing conversations with the
students. I think I am discovering a way to
forge the generation gap.”
The struggles she and her son go through
everyday...
“I have thought of home schooling Howell
several times because of his delayed motor and
speech development. However, there is yet no
home school program available for someone
like my son and Howell insists on finishing
his studies. He has always been interested in
robotics and dreams of having a good job and
a great life despite his conditions.
A Mother’s
Selfless Love
By: Jennymarie Dy
Associate Editor
They say that when you are a mother, you
always have to think twice - once for yourself
and once for your child. It is in a mother’s
innate nature to always put her child first
before herself.
The same thing can be said for Rita King. She
was a part-time businesswoman but had to
give up her financial independence due to
unforeseen circumstances and become a
full-time housewife and mother to their two
children. It was not an easy decision for her
but it could not be helped. Her youngest child,
Howell, needed all the support, help, and
attention that their family could give him due
to his special condition.
Life has been a series of unfortunate events for
the King family. Their son, Howell, spent most
of his childhood in and out of hospitals. He had
his first surgery when he was just a few months
old because of lingual frenectomy (due to poor
sucking), had Bell’s palsy when he was only 3
years old, and was then diagnosed with a sleepdisordered breathing after several bouts of life
threatening pneumonia, severe respiratory
distress, and cardiopulmonary arrests.
Last 2006, he went to the US and underwent
another series of operations. Howell now wears
neck and body braces for protection, and uses
crutches to help him with his balance.
Howell is a very tough and determined person.
Everyday, he undergoes physical rehabilitation
therapy where he tries to do some lifting, but
weighing not more than five pounds. And, to
straighten his back and stomach muscles, he
takes off his braces at home for a few hours.
He also has to walk with crutches since he still
needs to work on his balance.
And just like any parent, it is very hard for me
to see him face all these difficulties and I want
to protect him from all physical and emotional
trauma as much as possible.”
Thus, despite of not being able to work
anymore, Rita does not regret her decision. She
shares that she can always go back to where
she left off once her son becomes more mobile
and has recovered for about 75%.
A mother’s love for her child is certainly like
nothing else in the world. Rita King’s love for
her family is unconditional and incomparable.
Howell’s message to his mother…
“I don’t mind going to school everyday with
my mom. In fact, I am very thankful to always
have her by my side. I can’t imagine how I will
be able to get through all that has happened
in my life without the support of my dad,
sister, and especially my mom.” S
17
A Wonderful
Dream
Accounting Love
By: Elisohn Bascogen, BSBA
STI College – Calamba
Boundaries
Love is like accounting
By: Stephanie Batang, BSIT
STI College – Meycauayan
By: Jed Ericson Abastillas, BSIT
STI College – Dasmariñas
Many sleepless nights
It needs a balance sheet for time setting
Rolling around my bed;
No more capital for the bonding
At first I am just admiring you.
Those dreadful nightmares,
As long as you deal in promise to pay.
Your handsome face and tantalizing eyes,
which I soon realized less worthy
keeping me awake.
You need to give all of your assets
than the kindness you have.
I closed my eyes
Even if it is credit
You never let others down;
To think about you;
Just make sure of it
You make them feel comfortable as much as possible.
And I’m really
That you might end up with the profit.
And as time passed by, my feelings grew.
Loving the view.
Assets = liability + owner’s equity
Admiring you is all I thought.
Imagining holding your hand
Commitment + acceptance = love ability
And never expected that I will feel love for you.
Like there’s no tomorrow;
How to compute 143
I knew that loving you is a risk.
Wondering about you
Without knowing each other’s equality.
Boundaries are starting to state my limits.
I realized that having this feeling for you is really useless,
Seems to erase my sorrow.
Whenever committing liability
Unless you’d feel love and not pity for me.
Now I really want to sleep
Bear in mind that you have time payable
Just to have you in my dream;
Set the condition of love receivable
I want to touch you,
All I need is you
To make relationships manageable.
Hold you,
Hug you.
To have a wonderful dream.
Don’t be sad assuming if you loss
But these walls are starting to grow.
Just compute your costs
Trying to stop me from loving you.
Analyze the financial statement that you’ve
spent
I know in these boundaries I can’t escape,
Together with the mortgage moment.
No matter how hard I tried them to break.
It’s only a proof that my love is not surely enough.
This is accounting love
And I need your love to overcome these walls.
You have to accept all the doubt
It involves accountability, same with
But I know you’ll never help me in breaking them,
responsibility
‘coz in between those bricks,
Better if it works for profitability.
which composed of these walls,
that created these boundaries,
behind these boundaries is you.
These boundaries I could not break.
18
The Past & The Future
Indifference
By: Emerson Ramos, Alumni
STI Laoag
By: Eduardo Bautista, DIT
STI College – Sta. Maria
Time has been standing still for me,
I grew up in London.
but a new journey is about to begin!
My mother is from Finland
We’re given a new life as the season changes.
We’ve reclaimed the strength that we lost.
We abandoned our thoughts in this dizzying age
and have completely forgotten everything.
If only I could have met you
when everything was falling apart,
I wouldn’t have been all alone.
So I take my love and affection,
face the sky and bury my tears in my heart.
We’ll be able to meet up again in the darkness.
Deep down in the depth of our pain.
You say if you could fly,
you’d never come back down.
You only have eyes for that blue, blue sky.
You’ve yet to learn what sadness is
and are just now grasping what pain is like.
Even the feelings I have for you
must be expressed with words.
As you awake from a dream
into an unknown world,
spread your wings and take flight!
Life
By: Myzel Perez, DCET
STI College – Batangas
When we find ourselves stuck in a routine,
we find no meaning in what we are doing.
Sadly there are many who live routinely
and their lives closed to new adventures
And new experiences;
Like what I’ve done last vacation,
That’s why I feel bored.
Do you sometimes feel this way?
Life has its ups and downs;
No one is privileged enough
to have existence all of his/her life;
If we look at the trials as a
challenge to our capacity to overcome obstacle
Then we must feel strengthened;
Like in an audition on a dance troupe
You feel nervous at first,
But you will have self-confidence
after thinking positive thoughts,
“kaya ko ito”
“kakayanin ko ito.”
Or if you go fishing
And my father is Asian.
My brothers are raised in Australia
And my pet is imported from Chile.
Plants from the garden came from Britain
And the rest of them chose to settle in Canada.
However, we still see the same sun
And we breathe the same air;
We live in the same planet
That revolves around the sun.
Two hours advance,
Three hours late;
Difference in the time, likelihood in the flesh.
Though different lands, indifferent lives
From seed it grew; to color it flew.
Through the wind breeze that follows you,
To the wilderness and to the windmills,
They vanished but soon will renew.
Whether the world continues to move
And days continue to fade;
One by one, day by day;
The difference doesn’t count
For uniqueness is all the same.
and for a time you do not catch fish,
Don’t give up right away;
Rather check your line
and see what the problem was.
In the same manner,
It pays to look into the reason
behind depression,
Anger, and constant irritability;
Know why you are unhappy or angry
Mirrors were invented not only
to reflect beautiful faces but also flaws.
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