Unsung Melodies

Transcription

Unsung Melodies

EDITOR’S NOTE
Vol. 54 No. 1
November 2014
Mdpwn. Juneza-ann M. Borro
Editor-in-Chief
D/C FRANCIS DAVE L. SELORIO
Associate Editor
Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano
Managing Editor
Mdpn. John Pope D. Estinoco
Literary Editor
MDPN. JOHN CARL T. TAGULALAP
Filipino Editor
Mdpn. John Michael G. Londres
Feature Editor
Mdpn. Mark Luis S. Sedicol
News Editor
Mdpn. CARLS ADRIAN B. LIBAO
Sports Editor
D/C TITUS IRA J. ADAYON
Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz
Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra
Photojournalists/ Staff Writers
Mdpwn. Trisha Mae C. Canillo
MDPN. RODEL J. GALVAN
MDPN. THOMAS RICHARD E. GRAZA
MDPN. MARFRED JOHN V. JAUOD
MDPN. NOMAR RAIMOND G. OLIVAR
MDPN. KEEM CATHLENE A. TUGUBLIMAS
Unsung Melodies
Three years have passed since I’ve entered this
institution, three short years of writing for The Dolphin,
three short years of acceptance and joy.
Looking back, I have never imagined that I could be a
marine transportation student. I always have big dreams for
myself, but seafaring was never included in those dreams.
I entered this institution with the thought of having
money and a prosperous future in my mind. But then, I
cannot deny the call of writing from my blood.
This semester’s issue of The Dolphin has the theme:
Muffled. We have gathered stories that (probably) have
never been heard before. We tried to unearth and bring
you the best stories that we have gathered.
This issue took us to the heights of mountains, to
the depths of the seas, to delve into the mysteries, to
astounding innovations and most especially to our hearts.
To you our dear readers, whether you may be
Lacsonians or not, I ask you to keep this magazine
(whether you may like it or not) and do not throw it away,
for it is our muffled hearts that we present to you. It is our
muffled hearts that we give you.
For now, I would let my pen speak to you of its muffled
melodies.
Mdpwn. juneza -Ann m. borro
Editor-in-Chief
Editorial Assistants
Acknowledgement
Mr. Michael Vincent A. Evidente
SAC Publication/Adviser
Dr. Elnora C. Elizan
Dr. Rodrigo B. Leonor
Mrs. Ma. Agnes S. Gil
Critics
Atty. Lorna D. Gellada
Administrator
Editorial Policy: The Dolphin is published once or twice
every semester by the Publication Office of John B. Lacson
Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo,
Iloilo City. Publications are carried online at http://www.
jblfmu.edu.ph. Articles contained herein are personal views
of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official thought
or endorsement. These are published to stimulate ideas and
provide an open forum for discussion. The Dolphin accepts
original articles from students, faculty, staff and department
heads. We also solicit comments regarding our issues. All
contributions must be submitted to the Publication Office,
legibly written, with generous space and margin. You may also
e-mail them to [email protected].
Municipality of San Joaquin
Mrs. Rowena C. Rafil
Mr. Hector S. Secapuri
Ms. Mary Hope L. Torrechante
Brgy. Ginot-an, San Joaquin, Iloilo
Mr. Benjie Lloyd L. Selibio
Mr. and Mrs. Joaquin Sedicol
Mr. Ralph A. Peñalosa
Mr. Romeo N. Nicar
Think Logic Recording Studio
Karen Faith Yunque
Lt. Col. Aniano B. Orap-orap Jr.
Marzh Rapinan
Maj. Gen. Leonardo B. Guerero
Mdpn. Ronald Allan C. Choa and
Family
Sgt. Larry B. Castor
Mrs. Johna Miranda and family
Staff Sgt. Dennis A. Abellana
Municipality of Calinog
Sgt. Arnold F. Cabunducan
Calinog Police Station
Mr. Bernabe A. Basbas
Ret. Mstr. Sgt. Felimon and Rowena
Densing
3rd Infantry Division, Jamindan
Capiz
Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Borro and Family
PFC Jessie S. Lastrilla
Sgt. Dominador B. Valespin
Ptr. Rogelio Elosendo
Brgy. Garangan, Calinog, Iloilo
Caballero Brothers and PanayBukidnon Tribe
THE DOLPHIN November 2014 1
POWER GENERATION
The incoming tide signifies the rise
of tidal power generation
Hope on the Horizon
Words by
Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro
Amidst the
loud debate
conducted by
the scientists,
lies a muffled
source of energy
that does not
burn out.
2 November 2014 THE DOLPHIN
E
veryday is an advent of the world's
technological innovation. As the world
progresses, it demands to consume electricity.
And as the demand for electricity is increasing,
the production and its sources are depleting.
We all know that the Philippines and most
progressive countries like the United States are
relying on coal, oil, natural gas, petroleum and
sometimes even nuclear energy in order to power
their homes, business buildings and cities. But
as we continue to consume these resources, they
become less and less, thus countries fight for
islands or territories where resources such as
these are found to be abundant.
In the busy search for fuel and amidst the
loud debate conducted by the scientists, lies a
muffled source of energy that does not burn outthe tidal energy.
It is a known fact that 75% of our world is
composed of water. It is a big question why we do
not utilize our coastal area to power our homes
and our country.
Philippines is an archipelago. Every island
has beaches, why not utilize our coastal areas to
power our homes and our country?
The demand for electricity in our country is
great. According to a statement released by the
Department of Energy (DOE), Luzon (specifically
Manila) may suffer from shortage of electrical
power by 2015. We can only imagine small-scale
businessmen losing their businesses due to lack
of electricity.
However, tidal power generation offers us
a choice. The energy of the ocean's tides come
from the gravitational pull of the moon and the
sun upon the Earth. It is a choice for a continuous
and stable supply of electricity. As long as there is
water in our coasts, we will have electricity.
WHAT IS TIDAL POWER GENERATION?
Tidal power generation or tidal energy is a
form of hydropower that converts the energy
produced by the tides into electrical power. It
consists of turbines which are propeller-like
structures that turn with the tide and harness its
power.
Tidal power comes from earth’s oceanic
tides. The oceanic tides come from periodic
variations due to the gravitational attraction
exerted by celestial bodies. Due to these
gravitational attractions, corresponding currents
or motions in the ocean are created that result to
the bulge on oceanic water or more commonly
known as the rise in sea water level.
Photo Sources: www.nationalgeographic.com, www.energyplanet.com, www.rancetechnology.com and www.wikipedia.com
An illustration on how tidal power generation is being operated
As the water level at the middle of the ocean
rises, the water from the middle of the ocean
is forced to go to the shoreline, giving birth
to tides. This event occurs in a never-ending
manner because of the consistency of the moon’s
orbit around the earth.
Tidal energy or power is the only
technology that gets its energy from the orbital
characteristics possessed by the celestial bodies
(specifically the Earth-Moon System). However,
in order to produce tidal power or energy, you
must need a tidal generator.
A tidal generator is the one which converts
the energy of the tidal flows into electricity.
If there is greater tidal variation, the tidal
current velocities can exhibit significant change
and increase the potential of a site for tidal
electricity generation.
Due to the earth's continuous rotation
and the gravitational interaction between
celestial bodies are occurring in an unfailing
manner, tidal power generation is completely
inexhaustible, thus it is classified as a renewable
source of energy.
Being a renewable source of energy, tidal
power generation is an emerging technology- a
promising future for electrical stability.
HISTORY
The first recorded use of tidal energy dates
back to 900 A.D. Furthermore, it was due to
archaeological expeditions that the Roman
Empire was discovered to harness the power
of tides. But it was during the Middle Ages that
the Europeans had first recorded the use of
tidal energy.
The Europeans then called it tide mill
because they used this to turn their mills
that grind their corns and other agricultural
products.
A tide mill was designed so that during
high tide, the sea water would flow towards
the reservoir in a one-way gate and was then
automatically closed when the tide started to
fall. If the water level or tide was low enough,
the stored water would then be released in
order to turn the wheel that in turn would
turn the millstone.
The development of modern tidal power
generation started in France last 1920,
however the project was abandoned due to
insufficient funds.
In 1966, a company called Rance Tidal Power
on Rance River in France produced the world's
first tidal power station. The Annapolis Royal
The pictures are some types of the propellers being used to harness the tide's power
Generating Station on Nova Scotia, Canada
is North America's first tidal power station
founded in 1984.
Today, there are currently six modern tidal
power stations. Most of them are situated in
Europe and South Korea.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF TIDAL
GENERATOR?
• TIDAL STREAM GENERATOR
This form of generating the tide's power is
similar to that of the wind turbines. It uses the
kinetic energy of moving water to power the
turbines.
The turbine (a propeller-like structure) is placed
on a tidal stream. Tidal turbines are very much like
underwater windmills except that the rotors are
driven by consistent, fast-moving currents. The
submerged rotors or propellers harness the power
of the marine currents to drive generators that
produce electricity. A tidal stream is a fast flowing
body of water created by the tides. The turbine then
takes energy from the flow of water.
This type of turbine is described to be most
effective in shallow water since ships could
navigate around it.
Tidal stream generator could also be built
into the structures of existing bridges, land
constructions such as inlets and the like.
The blades of this type of generator turn
slowly so the marine life would not get caught in
the system.
• TIDAL BARRAGE
If the tidal stream generator uses kinetic
energy to harness the ocean's power, tidal
barrage is different. It uses the potential energy
in the difference of heights between the high and
low tide.
It has a similar principle with the millstone.
In a barrage, water can spill over the top or
through the turbines in the dam because the
dam (constructed for the barrage) is low.
Turbines inside the barrage, harness the
power of the tides in the same way a river dam
harnesses the power of the river.
When the tide rises, the barrage gates are
opened (just like the construction of the gate
of the millstone). During high tide, the door or
the barrage gate closes creating a pool or more
commonly known as a tidal lagoon.
At low tide, the water is then released
through the barrage's turbines creating
Sustainable
Energy for
Sustainable
Development
The construction of the propeller used was being supervised properly
energy at a rate that could be controlled by the
engineers.
This type of tidal power generation is more
expensive compared to the other types of tidal
power generation. Barrage could be constructed
near tidal rivers, bays and estuaries.
• DYNAMIC TIDAL POWER
Dynamic tidal power or more commonly
known as DTP is a new type of tidal power
generation. It aims to generate power by
exploiting the interaction between potential and
kinetic energy in a tidal flow.
This type of tidal power generator aims to
build dams which are 30-50 kilometers in length
along coasts,straight out into the sea or ocean
without enclosing an area.
Introduction of tidal phase differences
across the dam would lead to a significant
water-level differential in shallow coastal seas.
It would also feature strong coast-parallel
oscillating tidal currents like the ones found in
UK, China and Korea.
• TIDAL LAGOON
Tidal lagoon is also one of the new tidal
energy generating designs. A tidal lagoon is a
body of ocean water that is partly enclosed by a
natural or man-made barrier. It could also be an
estuary with freshwater emptying into them.
A tidal lagoon would function like a barrage.
However, one advantage of tidal lagoon is that it
could be constructed along the natural coastline.
The turbines within the lagoon would function
as the lagoon is filling and emptying.
The lagoon could also be constructed using
natural materials such as rocks, which would
appear as a seawall during low tide while being
submerged at high tide. The construction of the
wall would allow smaller fishes to swim into the
lagoon while larger predators like sharks are
being kept away.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Aside from being eco-friendly, the tidal
energy sector can bring significant economic
benefits.
Tidal energy could power millions of homes,
save millions of tons of carbons and create jobs
or local employments.
If a country would invest in tidal power
generation, the energy sector would greatly
benefit because of the ceaseless electrical energy
that the tides would supply.
Most renewable energy
comes from the sun. Solar
energy could be generated
in order to light up homes,
buildings and generate
electricity. Furthermore, the
sun's heat also drives the winds
creating wind energy.
In order to capture the
energy from the wind, tall
wind turbines are being
constructed and the energies
that turned the turbines are
converted into electrical
energies that could power
homes and industrial areas.
When water vapor turns
into rain, or when snow flows
into the rivers and streams,
the energy could be captured
and turned into hydroelectric
power.
Another form of renewable
energy is the biomass. It is the
organic matter that makes up
the plants. It can be a source
of fuel or in great quantities,
could generate enough power
to supply electricity.
We all know that hydrogen
is abundant in our planet.
However, it is always combined
with outer elements. But if you
separate these other elements
from hydrogen, it could be
burned as a fuel or could be
converted into electricity.
Geothermal energy on the
other hand uses the Earth's
internal heat for variety of
uses and that includes electric
power production as well as
heating or cooling buildings.
www.pennenergyresearch.com
The Rance Tidal Power Plant in Rance River, France
Without carbon or other hazardous
emissions, tidal energy could generate power
without harming the environment. The marine
life is also protected and ensured letting the
fishes thrive to live a life.
The environmental and biological
implications of tidal power generation is so
little that its effect on the planet would not
be felt at all. However some environmental
concerns have aroused that the fouling of
machineries will destroy the marine ecology,
construction companies ensure that their
products are marine and eco-friendly.
Researches are also being conducted in order
to produce or use materials in which the fishes
could live or would turn into an artificial coral
preserve later on.
WHAT IS THE PRICE?
Tidal power generation is indeed costly to
construct. However, studies in UK showed that as
the tidal power generators operate through the
years, the cost of electricity is declining.
If you compare it to coal, oil, natural gas,
petroleum or even nuclear power plants that
increase the cost of electricity every year, tidal
power generation is indeed at an advantage.
***
In fact, ocean energy comes from a number
of sources. In addition to tidal energy, there's
the energy of the ocean's waves, which is driven
by both the tides and the winds. The sun also
warms the surface of the ocean more than the
ocean depths, creating a temperature difference
that can be used as an energy source. All these
forms of ocean energy can be used to produce
electricity.
Offering quality service and continuous
supply of electricity to the consumers, as well
as being eco-friendly is a huge plus factor on
tidal power generation.
History may tell us something about the
effectiveness of tidal power. But we remain deaf
to its calling.
The world is changing, so, we need to
change our ways too. If we do not open our eyes
to possibilities, do we achieve progress? We
would forever remain in the dark. Our cries for
progress will always be muffled. Just like the
cry of our ocean waiting to be heard.
Let the cry of our ocean be heard. Let the
voiceless scream of sustainable energy be
voiced out. Let the world live a stable and
healthy life.
CLIMATE CHANGE
ALMOST MADE IT. Planted
with high hopes, this corn
cob is among those in the
plantation in the uplands
which did not survive the
drought.
The Nomads
Words by
D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio
Photos by
A
s the rooster crows, the dawn breaks.
At 5 a.m., Liezel, 29, wakes up to cook breakfast
for her 20 Ati children. They are not hers
biologically but she chose to be their mother.
Then, she would set those tiny packs of yema
candy and fill those five little baskets. Her
children would sell them in school, nevertheless,
to support their education.
Everything is entirely new to her. Instead of
the sound of crickets in the wilds of Bugasong,
Antique, revving engines of motorcycles signify
the beginning of the day. The green landscape
filling the horizon are now concrete jungles of the
relocated houses of the Iloilo old airport refugees.
The unpredicted climate took them far away from
what was comforting and familiar.
For the Aetas, the environment was once a safe
haven. They flourished like budding flowers from
the fertile soil. They slowly grew until they were
able to root. They bore fruits until they were many.
For nomads like them, nature is their life support.
They depend on the splendor and abundance of
their surroundings. Now, everything is not the
same anymore. Slowly, the drastic, creeping, and
discreet changes in climate in the uplands pushed
them down the mountains. All they have now are
sweet memories of what life was like then.
Several decades ago, food came naturally. The
sharpness of their spears were enough to catch
the attention of wild bores and other wild animals.
Pointed arrow heads were intended to pass
through feathery bodies of forest birds.
"Sang una wala gid kami gaproblema pagkaun.
Ang halo maski ano oras pwede gd makadakup.
Subong, ginabakal na namun ang halo 200 ka pisos
kada kilo. Grabe na gd ang pagbag-o sang kalibutan
(Back then, food was never a problem. Anytime we
could catch bayawak. Now, we buy it for 200 pesos
per kilo. The world has changed tremendously),"
Liezel reminisced.
Several likely impacts of climate change in
the Philippines were determined by experts.
Primarily, these include change in temperature and
unpredicted change in rainfall patterns.
"Patas lang gid ang ulan kag init sadtu. Tanda
ko pa basta tingadlaw gane gapaligo kami sa
busay kag kung tingulan gapang-habung-habong
kami na sa sulod ka payag. Paktan gid sang tuko
ang panahon pagkasunod nga adlaw. Sa subong,
tam-an na gid kabutigun sang mga tuko (Rainy
season and dry season were equal before. I could
still remember when we used to take a bath
in the waterfalls during dry season and hover
under the blanket inside the shack when rainy
Paktan gid
sang tuko
ang panahon
pagkasunod
nga adlaw. Sa
subong, tam-an
na gid kabutigun
sang mga tuko.
Photo Courtesy D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon
Liezel looks after her newly-born just as she chose to tend
over the Ati children she is living with.
This goat used to be part of the herd which rely on the grass in the
uplands but scarcity of food pushed them downhill.
season came. The gecko could precisely predict
the weather the next day. This time, they tell
lies)," Liezel said jokingly.
As predicted, the mean temperatures in
the country are expected to rise by 0.9 degrees
celsius to 1.1 degrees celsius in 2020 and by 1.8
to 2.2 degrees celsius by 2050. All areas in the
Philippines will get warmer, more so in summer
months.
"Ang amun pananum labi nagid ang mais
paswertehan. May bes nga damu ang ani pero
may ara gid nga wala. Mala-mala ang duta.
Nagakapatay ang tanum sa kakulangan sang tubig
(Our farming especially corn was a game of luck.
There were times when our harvest was bountiful
while at times there were none. The soil was too
dry. Our plantation died because of the lack of
water)," Ronie, Liezel's husband shared.
There will be a reduction of rainfall in most
parts of the country in the years to come. We will
experience Type II climate six years from now. This
means that there is no dry period all throughout
the year, at all. Usual wet season becomes wetter.
Dry season becomes drier. The phenomenon will
be beyond measures.
According to International Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), Philippines is the third among
nations which are most vulnerable to disasters
and extreme calamities. We are geographically
positioned perfect for the ever changing patterns
of typhoons. As expected, there will be more floods
and drought spells.
"Sang Yolanda to wala kami ka-preparar. Daku
gid ang halit sa amun. Pamatyagan ko maguba
na ang kalibutan. Pangamuyo na lang gid amun
naamligan. Ano pa bi kay sa bukid wala gid radyo
nga makapamalita kami (When Yolanda came,
we were not prepared. It caused great damage to
us. I felt the world was coming to an end. I had
faith on my prayers. For there was no radio in the
mountains to listen to news)," Liezel recalled how
they experienced the havoc brought by Yolanda.
Unlike Eastern Visayas, the local government
with the help of Non-Governmental Organizations
(NGOs)informed the people in Northern Iloilo
to evacuate the soonest possible. Early warning
systems were put up with personnel monitoring
closely. On the aftermath, lesser casualty was
found in Western Visayas compared to Tacloban,
Leyte. Although, more homes were taken down
in Western Visayas with a total of 515, 071
according to the Department of Social Welfare
and Development. While 280, 968 homes were
displaced in Eastern Visayas.
Due to unpredicted change in climate patterns, this corn
plantation of the Atis dried up.
"Pagatapos sang bagyo, wala na gid kami
mahimu kundi manaug sa patag. Indi makaabot
sa amun ang mga bulig nga ginahatag sang
gobyerno tungod sa kalayu-on. Ubos kalatumba
ang mga kahoy. Kag ang iban nga pamilya sa amun
naglalapta. Ambot kung diin sila nagkaladtu (After
the typhoon, we could not do otherwise but to go
downhill. The help extended by the government
could not reach us due to distance. Tress fell
down. Some of the families in our community
scattered. We do not know where they went to),"
Liezel lamented.
Evidently, the government has been pursuant
to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects.
The Climate Change Act of 2009 mainstreams
climate change into government policy
formulations, establishing the framework strategy
and program on climate change. In this purpose,
the Climate Change Commission was created
directly under the Office of the President.
It ensures mainstreaming of climate change,
in synergy with disaster risk reduction, into the
national, sectoral, and local development plans and
programs. It formulates a Framewok Strategy on
Climate Change, to serve as basis for the programs
and planning on climate change. It recommends
legislation, policies, strategies, programs and
What was before a landscape of green crops and towering trees is now a
wide lifeless barren land suffering from Kainging farming from time to time.
appropriations for adaptation and mitigation. The
key investments are greatly recommended such
as water resources, agriculture, forestry, coastal
and marine resources, health and infrastructure to
achieve national sustainable development.
Solutions were framed up to address the
likely impacts. To ensure sustainable water
resources, designs of infrastructures such as
dams shall be revisited for they pose danger
to human settlement. Adaptive capacity shall
be enhanced when impact and vulnerability
assessments are being used in strategic and
long-term planning for adaptation. Appropriate
planning shall be made to avoid mismatch
between water supply and demand.
For forestry, ways and policies on how to
safeguard livelihoods in communities shall be
improved not to further promote land degradation.
Whilst, insufficient food supply could lead to
malnutrition, higher poverty levels, heightened
social unrest and even conflict in some areas
especially indigenous tribes. This is greatly
brought by decrease in yields of crops. Hence,
careful assessment of primary and secondary
impacts of this sector shall be made.
"Tungod sa kabudlay na sang pagpangabuhi
sa bukid, nag-amat-amat na kami panaug sa mga
Photo Courtesy Ptr. Rogelio Elosendo
Climate Change
Act of 2009
It is the policy of the State
to afford full protection and the
advancement of the right of the
people to a healthful ecology
in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature.
As a party to the
United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change,
the State adopts the ultimate
objective of the Convention
which is the stabilization of
greenhouse gas concentrations
in the atmosphere which
should be achieved within a
time frame.
Recognizing the
vulnerability of the Philippine
archipelago and its local
communities to potential
dangerous consequences
of climate change, the State
shall cooperate with the
global community in the
resolution of climate change
issues, including disaster
risk reduction. It shall be the
policy of the State to enjoin
the participation of national
and local governments and
nongovernment organizations
to prevent and reduce the
adverse impacts of climate
change.
Further recognizing that
climate change and disaster
risk reduction are closely
interrelated and effective
disaster risk reduction will
enhance climate change
adaptive capacity, the State
shall integrate disaster risk
reduction into climate change
programs and initiatives.
It is hereby declared
the policy of the State to
systematically integrate the
concept of climate change
in various phases of policy
formulation, development
plans, poverty reduction
strategies and other
development tools and
techniques by all agencies
and instrumentalities of the
government.
www.wikipedia.com
THE NOMADS. These Ati people went down from the mountains in the hopes of surviving but ended
up flaunting along the streets of Iloilo City.
siyudad. Nagkalaguba na ang amun pangalabuyanan. Indi na maka-sustento ang amun palibot.
Gane, damu ka makita nga Ati nga gapangayungayo sa mga kalye (Due to the difficulty of
living in the mountains, we slowly went to the
downlands. Our livelihood were damaged. The
environment could not sustain our needs anymore.
Therefore, there are many Aetas begging for alms
in the streets)," Liezel shared how they were
greatly affected by climate change.
The increase in temperature and rain regimes
triggered the outbreak of water-based and
vector-borne diseases leading to higher mortality.
There is an increase of health risk from poor air
quality especially in urbanized areas. Malnutrition
becomes more severe with frequent occurrences of
extreme weather events that disrupt food supply.
"Namag-uhan gid kami sa klima diri sa
siyudad. Sang nagligad tuig may lima kami ka-tuig
nga bata nga namatay dira sa Lapaz. Nahibal-an
lang namun nga Leukemia kag pneumonia sakit
niya sang na-ospital na siya. Ginhulam lang namun
ang nitso nga ginlubngan sa iya (The climate in
the city is new to us. Last year, we had a five-yearold girl in the tribe who died in Lapaz. We just
knew she had leukemia and pneumonia when she
was hospitalized. We just borrowed the place for
her burial)," Liezel told in teary eyes.
Climate change has become a global urgency.
More to it, it is a planetary emergency. As
forecasted, the events will become worse. Time
demands for drastic changes in our behaviour.
Indeed, we came to a point of no turning back.
Eventually, Liezel and the Ati tribe will get
used to this new normal. Each day, they will face
unpredicted circumstances. The geckos will keep
on telling lies. Survival is the only option they have.
If they fail to adapt, their names will just vanish in
history books. Their stories will become fairy tales.
Worse, they might be forgotten.
But the collective effort of the government
and NGOs to mitigate climate change and adapt
to it will be more effective with our help. We are a
hero generation. We are the generation who ended
Martial Law through people power. We are the
generation who bravely fought to give this nation
its freedom. As what Al Gore said, 'we ought to
approach this challenge with a sense of profound
joy and gratitude that we are the generation by
which, a thousand years from now, philharmonic
orchestras and poets and singers will celebrate
by saying, they were the ones that found it within
themselves to solve this crisis and lay the basis for a
bright and optimistic human future'.
DOCUMENTARY
The 20 year old mahogany tree fell
at the brutal strike of the chain saw
The Legal Loggers
Words by
Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro and Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza
Photos by
T
here it stood. For 21 years of standing
still in the tests of time, the life of this mahogany
is coming to an end. The years nature fostered it
will be measured by board feet. Everything will be
paid off. Some parts will turn into sawdusts and
some will end up buried under the ground as they
would slowly turn into coal.
Standing a few meters from it, there he
stood. Looking up to the mahogany's towering
height, Nong Chap took a deep sigh. It is
another day David was gonna face Goliath. But
Goliath did not stand a chance over the young
man and his chainsaw. That day, he would earn
money to put food into their barely empty table.
The mahogany's end would extend someone
else's lifeline.
Logging would visit the headlines once in
a while. There has been extensive efforts made
by the government to minimize logging in the
mountainous areas. Evidently, more stringent
punishments were enforced. But the stories of
the men behind those lumbers were unheard.
Nevertheless, the sawdusts milled out of their
chain saw have filled those growling stomachs of
their family. The society might have labelled them
based on their practice but the future they secure
will never be brighter than the way they do it.
At 9 a.m. , I sat on the street benches outside
Jolibee. Few minutes after, a taxi passed by
in front of me and I saw Ma’am Juneza on the
front seat. The cool air flowed out the moment
I opened the rear door. I sat beside Sir Dave and
on my far left is Sir Jeth. Sweat flowed on my
neck and forehead so I opened my bag to get my
handkerchief. Suddenly, I saw the red notebook
clipped with a black pen.
It was then that I remembered where our
destination is. I’ve never been to Dingle, and my
would-be-first visit is somehow for a purpose.
We jumped off at Tagbak Terminal and took
a bus all the way to Dingle. On the way, I've seen
trees-a lot of them by the roadside. Inside of me, I
was thinking, “Today, another brother of yours is
about to die.” Also, I have seen building of different
sizes, different structures and different designs. If
we sum up everything, none of those would stand
if not because of timbers our forests produce.
In the outskirts of Dingle we dropped off a
few hours later. At the gateway to Brgy. Libo-o,
Dingle Ma’am Juneza’s dad was waiting for us.
We rode the tricycle he was driving and in a few
moments we were already in their place. We
ate lunch and then changed clothes for we were
going to a Talon or woodland. We carried with
But the
stories of the
men behind
those lumbers
were unheard.
Nevertheless,
the sawdusts
milled out of
their chain
saw have filled
those growling
stomachs of
their family.
The mahogany tree before it received the fatal
blow of Nong Chap's chain saw
Nong Chap cutting the tree for lumber
us some papers, a camera, and a mind full of
questions waiting to be satisfied.
We went to the site with our subjects- the
loggers whom everyone refers as nature’s worst
nemesis. They were Nong Chap, Nong Vito, and
Sir Jun Jun. Immediately they found the 21-year
old mahogany they were set to cut down. After a
minute or two, the tree which stood its ground for
the past 2 decades received a fatal blow of Nong
Chap’s chainsaw and slumped into the vegetation
of anahaw.
Also with the use of that chainsaw, Nong Chap
sliced the trunk into planks with his assistant Nong
Vito. Sir Jun Jun stood beside us not very far from
the loggers and explained to us how the process
work. While letting the fresh planks dry a little bit,
they moved to cut down a termite-infested Narra
while we, the Dolphin Staff moved back into the
highlands and waited for them for the interview.
It was almost 3 in the afternoon when we all
settled. I did the questioning after I made sure
everyone’s and everything’s set. Our objective
was to listen to the muffled lives of loggers
directly from Nong Chap, Nong Vito, and Sir
Jun Jun themselves. Their names are Charnie B.
Dalde, Jovito C. Porras, and Benjamin A. Daurug
respectively. All of them are residents of Brgy.
Taguyuman, Dingle. We first asked how they
started in this industry.
“Sa una, gapanilag-nilag lang kag November
2013 lang ako nag-umpisa( at first I was just
observing and I started to do it myself only this
November 2013),”said Nong Chap who is the
hands-on chainsaw operator.
“Ako kang Mayo lang nga ja. Akun ubra helper
lang ko sa ga-chainsaw ( I started this May. My part
is to assist and help the chainsaw operator),” Nong
Vito, his helper added.
Sir Jun Jun also told us his part in every project.
“Ako ang ginakuhaan kang kahoy or dos por dos.
Tapos ako man mabakal kang kahoy nga i-sarahe.
Ako man gabayad kang mobilization. Bale daw
ako ang ga finance (I’m the one people contact
whenever they need timber. Then I’ll be the one to
buy the trees to be cut down. I pay the mobilization
I act as the financer of the project).”
Since the timber reserves in the high lands
have lessened in number, loggers are slowly taking
those in the plains. Private contractors hire them
to supply wood to projects and infrastructures.
Their compensation depends upon the frequency
of the job. The more trees taken down, the more
they earn. They only rely on probabilities to fill
those silverspoons.
Logging in the
Philippines
MARKER. After 20 years of standing the tree was
marked for lumber
Contrary to the popular belief, they explained
that what they are doing is completely legal.
“Basta sa pribado nga lote lang mabuol wara
kaso ra. Kung bukun ti private ti mangayo pa kaw
kara permit (If it’s done one private lots then it’s
no big deal. If not, then you need to get a permit),”
said Nong Chap.
Nong Vito seconded. “Tapos wara man ti
problema kung personal nga gamit lang (Also,
there’s no problem if you would only use it for
personal needs).”
Both of them, we can say were novice on this
field unlike Sir Jun Jun. He once supplied Dingle
timber as far as Bacolod and made projects for a
local gas station company.
In terms of monetary compensation, they
regard “pang-sarahe” to be more than enough of
what they need.
“Subra eh. Bastante gid ka tama ( Its too much
abundant for us).” Said Nong Vito, married and a
father of two kids. Nong Chap is also a dad and has
three kids. He agrees with his pal saying, “Hindi
gid mahimu sa isa aka simana waay gid (It never
happened that a week passed without an order).”
In addition to that, they said that they work
all-year round, unlike their previous job as
masons and laborers which give them meager
Mdpn. Graza helps in organizing the finished
products from the Mahogany tree
income. Then I asked them what was their
message as legal loggers to the notorious illegal
loggers who stained the furnished name of
their industry.
Nong Vito calmly said, “Bay-e sila da kay amu
na illegal ila. Amu na ila pangabuhian ti bay-e lang
sila da (Nevermind them. That’s their livelihood
and I don’t mind them).”
He ended saying, “ Basta amun ya ara lang
kami sa lote. Amu na eh may mapakaon ka sa
imu pamilya, may kuhaan kaw kwarta kag hindi
tinakawan ang imu inubrahan (But for us, we just
do it on legal private lots. And it’s where we can
get food for our family, we can generate income
and we earn money without stealing) .”
Those words struck me and slapped me to
wake up in a bigger reality. Just like everyone
else, they are just persons who want to feed their
families and find a livelihood that is legal and
enough to support them.
In the days to come, more trees will come
to their ends. More Goliaths will be taken down
and David will continue on living a life between
sawdusts and hardwood. It is just saddening
that they are branded to be the root of all our
ecological problems. When in fact, they only want
to survive.
Logging was a profitable
business at the end of the
1980s. Actual forested land
was estimated to be about 6.5
million hectares--more than
21.5 percent of Philippine
territory--and much of that
was in higher elevations and
on steep slopes. Logs were
a major foreign-exchange
earner. By 1977, 8.3 million
hectares of forest area were
licensed for logging. In the
late 1970s, the government
became aware of the dangers
of deforestation and began
to impose restrictions. The
amount of forested land and
the volume of forest exports
declined. By 1988, 120 licensed
loggers, operating on a total
area of 4.74 million hectares,
cut an estimated 4.2 millon
cubic meters of logs and
exported 644 million board
feet. The contribution of logs
and lumber to total Philippine
exports declined from 25
percent in 1969 to 2 percent
in 1988.
In addition to the officially
sanctioned logging industry,
there has been considerable
illegal logging. From 1955
through 1986, log imports
from the Philippines, according
to Japanese statistics, averaged
about 50 percent more than log
exports to Japan according to
Philippines statistics. In 1987
and 1988, the discrepancy
was considerably reduced,
perhaps an indication of the
Aquino government's stricter
enforcement policy.
The Department of
Environment and Natural
Resources reported that 90
percent of the 170 logging
companies with concessions
had failed to implement
reforestation activities.
Source:
http://www.gigsilonggo.com/sweetbandi-in-san-joaquin-iloilo/
DOCUMENTARY
The rocks stand still
on top of a mountain
Sampaw Bato:
Once a Safe Haven
Words by
Photos by
Mdpn. Rodel J. Galvan, Mdpn. Mark Luis S. Sedicol,
& Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap
Mdpn. Nomar Raimond G. Olivar
There were
no other sounds
that we could
hear except for
the rustling
of the leaves
and the sharp
clicking sounds
of the crickets.
H
azy particles of fog lowered the
temperature to below normal centigrade. We
could feel the cold sensation the air brought into
our nostrils as we tried to outweigh the amount
of carbon dioxide inside our dead beat bodies.
Trekking the way to this place, we wondered how
the elders long ago endured the same feeling as
we were having.
This was once a safe haven- a place that
sheltered some Filipino fighters and residents
during the Japanese occupation. This place
is covered with a plethora of trees, fertile
vegetation, wild faunas and pastel-colored
orchids. This is truly blessed with the richness
of Mother Nature. Moreover, its lengthy distance
from the barrio did not hinder the elders
to mount it just to be put out of sight of the
Japanese’s outrageous eyes.
This place was named Sampaw Bato.
Ginot-an, San Joaquin, Iloilo, August 23 – It
was 0400H when we left Mrs. Sedicol’s house
located at the center of the barrio. Silence and
darkness covered the milieu and even the moon
had shared a minimum amount of light. There
were no other sounds that we could hear except
for the rustling of the leaves and the sharp
clicking sounds of the crickets.
We only had one flash light and that made our
adventure trickier. But that never thwarted our
immense excitement to reach the top of Sampaw
Bato. We had taken every step cautiously, making
sure that we would not step in the animal holes.
As we reached higher altitudes, we could feel
the temperature slowly degrading. The slope of
the mountain became steeper making it difficult
for us to balance ourselves. We had to cross a
small river through a narrow wooden bridge.
After half an hour, we arrived at our first stop
which was in Sitio Bating- a sitio in the barangay.
It was a distance above the ground that you could
spot navigational lights from ships and boats at
sea though it was a seven-kilometer barrio from
the coastal town. Then, our feet brought us back
to our trek. On our way to Sampaw Bato, we saw
various trees growing anywhere. Some were
canopying our path, as if they were in a straight
formation and their leaves form a roof for us.
The weather was so cold that it penetrated
our epidermises and resulted to goose bumps.
However, our sweats exchanged blows with it.
We were now in somewhat like a ‘forested’ area
wherein there were immeasurable number of
trees, small waterfalls and rivers and the visible
patchy fog.
San Joaquinhon’s
Pride–Bandi
MAGNIFICENCE. The sun slowly lits the horizon
Two rocks mounting on each other
The sun was readying itself to rise since we
could already see each other’s visage. From our
location, appeared some silvery and brawny
structures. As we got nearer, we saw small native
bungalows. That made us realize that we were in
a small village.
The clock ticked at 0500H when we came
in Sitio Balabago, also one of the three sitios of
the barangay. With 10-15 houses, most of these
are made in bamboo and wood. It was a farflung place where civilization is at high price. At
present, the place is on its process of putting up
electricity.
As we entered the village, it was still too early
for the residents’ houses to be open, most of them
were still sleeping. Yet, there was a middle-aged
woman, together with her son, who was in their
plaza and asked us “Kamu lang ‘To (Only a few of
you)?"
“Huod ta… madiretso danay kami sa Sampaw
Bato (Yes auntie)," we answered.
We were half-a-kilometer to our destination.
Along the trail, we could see wild sunflowers, bellshaped flowers, and different colored faunas that
would perforate our senses for nature. We were
in a hurry to reach the top of Sampaw Bato, just
before the sun peeked in the horizon. Meanwhile,
we stopped at the foot of the mountain to shoot a
photo with the mountain as our background.
The sun had finally showed us its golden
rays, making it as a superb walk while we were
trekking the mountain. The cogon grasses were
ubiquitous- that’s why we were so careful in what
we grasped and passed by. The bouldering rocks
on top were like a train, small from a distance but
as we got nearer, we could see every facet of it.
At last! Our sweats were all paid off when
we reached the top. The life-sized rocks, some
were mounting on each other, were truly a gift
of nature. The rocks, igneous in type were like
mountain ranges, some mounting on each other
and others were separated by a small distance.
They were wide, with rough edges and had
greyish black spots.
It was first named as Bato Sampaw but as time
goes by, people especially travellers to Mt. Panay
call it Sampaw Bato. The mountain that holds the
Sampaw Bato, is surrounded with abundant trees
and foliages, with fields and grassy ground soil.
Sampaw Bato or Bato Sampaw, whatever
name you call it, gives a place of serenity amidst
one’s fatiguing body. It gives a refreshing portrait
of nature that would help unwind one's self while
breathing fresh air.
Not only famous for
their best-preserved Campo
Santo (Roman Catholic
Cemetery), San Joaquin as the
southernmost municipality
of Iloilo is also well-known
of its sweet delicacy—the
Bandi. Bandi as a type of
candy is made of peanuts
and caramelized sugar. For
some people especially the
businessmen, they also add
sesame seeds that for them,
improves its taste.
San Joaquin, specifically
Brgy. Qui-anan, is currently
entitled as the Bandi Capital
of the Western Visayas. The
main ingredient in making
Bandi (which is the peanut)
is naturally a San Joaquingrown crop by the Bandi
makers themselves. Formerly
in making Bandi ,the saha
sang saging (a layer of banana
trunk) serves as the tray for
the drying of Bandi. Saha
contains moisture that enables
the Bandi to dry at a minimum
time after it was cooked. At
present, they prefer plastic
wrappers for ease.
As an honor to the Bandi
makers of San Joaquin, they
celebrate the “Adlaw kang
Bandi” as one of the climax
of their Bayluhay Festival
(celebrated every third week
of January).
Currently, San Joaquin is
the title holder for the biggest
Bandi made in the country
measuring 140.65 square
meters labored by seventy
Bandi makers made up of
seven sacks of peanuts, seven
sacks of raw sugar, seven
gantas of sesame seeds and
three cans of cooking oil.
www.thenewstoday.
info/2005/01/14/news1.html
https://www.gigsilonggo.com/
sweet-bandi-in-san-joaquin-iloilo/
iloveiloilo.wordpress.
com/2008/07/08/quianansspecial-bandi/
Bird’s eye view as shown from the top
Tranquil was the place and it was an opposite
scenario of the city. The fresh air damped our
sweaty bodies and satisfy our cravings for
oxygen. From it, we could see the bird’s eye
view of the town, and even the neighboring
town of Miagao and Igbaras. At the opposite
angle, Antique shone its wide scope. Behind this
mountain is another mountain named Mt. Panay.
Then, we ate our breakfast and had a tour
around the mountain.
Sampaw Bato. This was once a safe-haven.
It was indeed safe that Poras, a leader of the
HUKBALAHAP ( Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga
Hapon ), kept their rifles against the Japanese
forces. They made small holes beneath the rocks
where they used to keep their armaments and
other equipment.
According to Mr. Romeo N. Nicar, a former
Barangay Kagawad, Sampaw Bato used to be
a hide out of the HUKBALAHAP in the place.
Filipino troops led by Poras would hide in it
through the use of weaved verdant coconut
leaves and any other means that would mimic
the surrounding and would deceive the Japanese
warriors.
“Kang una, ang mga kamal-aman ridya
nagtago sa sulod kang sara ka semana sa mga
Hapon. Wara sanda naga tig-ang, kundi niyog
kag mga balinghoy lang anda ginakaon kay
basi makit an kang mga Hapon ang aso kag
matutulan sanda, (Long ago, elders used this
place to hide from the view of the Japanese
for almost one week. They did not cook rice,
instead they just ate coconut and other root
crops because they were afraid that the
Japanese would see the smoke and they would
be recognized),” he said.
Nowadays, Sampaw Bato is a resting place
for people who climb the Mt. Panay during holy
week. Mt. Panay, which is one of the towering
mountains of the town, has steeper and more
perilous paths.
After which, we ate our lunch at Mr. Nicar’s
house and had a short break. Then, we left
Sitio Balabago at around 1100 H, when the sun
was almost directly above our heads. It did not
matter since the winds brought cooling effect.
As we bade farewell to the place, it wasn’t
only the footprints that we left but also the joys
and memories in our hearts. In fact, we had not
only trekked the place, but also we’ve learned a
memoir of the past.
Indeed, it was an exhausting yet wonderful
trek.
HUMAN INTEREST
The Living Dead
Words by
Photos by
O
Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz, Mdpn. John Pope Estinoco
and Mdpn. Marfred John V. Jauod
MYSTERY. The cadaver of Lola Bebe
inside the glass closet
thers believe that mummies manifest
miracles by virtue of only seeing or touching this
corpse. Some claims that they are ‘guaranteed’
healing of dire health conditions and amazing
good luck. They believed that this could bring
them to whatever their hearts desire.
These are the allegations of local folks of
Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz to the cadaver of Maria
“Lola Bebe” de Juan Basañes who died of heart
failure on the normal day of March 12, 1929.
This unusual incident scattered all over the
town and startled many to come and visit Lola
Bebe, especially during Lenten season for them
to be healed, to be guided and to experience her
unbelievable miracles.
In the year 1882, Maria de Juan was born in
the province of Cavite. At her tender years, she
was taught by her parents how to pray and live a
God-fearing life. They completed their Sundays by
attending holy masses. Consequently, at the age of
15, she became one of the devotees of Holy Rosary.
It was in Laguna where she met her husband
Catalino “Ino” Amisola Basanes who was a native
of Panay, Capiz. Her heart was woven by the
captivating aura of that man. At their married life,
they had founded a business that sustained their
livelihood. They earned profit by selling food and
clothing in the market. It was just enough for their
daily necessities.
By the grace of God, the couple was blessed
by a son, Jesus de Juan Basanes. They had named
their son as Jesus because they want to give
gratitude to the Almighty Creator for the blessings
and fortunes they received throughout the
odyssey of their life.
Several years later, they had procured a land
in Pilar, Capiz where they built their permanent
home. They had also decided to make their
livelihood through netting fishes because the
place was near the abundant coast of the town.
“Katung waay pa mahukay ang bangkay, mga
tahu sadto nga nagasaysay nga kung maglabay
sila sa patyo sang Casanayan may makita sila
nga nagabanaag nga kasanag sa nitso ni Lola
Bebe. May iban man nga nagasiling nga ila
napanimahuan ang sa daw pinasahi nga kahamut
halin sa nitso (During the time Lola Bebe was
not yet excavated, group of people confessed
that whenever they pass to the cemetery of
Casanayan where Lola Bebe was buried they had
seen a shining light from the grave. Some have
sensed a distinct fragrance which they have not
ever smelled),” narrated by Nicholas Garcia, Lola
Bebe’s grandson.
…where Lola
Bebe was buried
they had seen
a shining light
from the grave.
Some have
sensed a distinct
fragrance which
they have not
ever smelled
On top of Lola Bebe's glass closet is Christ
on the cross
TIMELESS. Lola Bebe’s remains on display at her descendant's household
Abiding the village’s tradition, ten years after
her unpredicted death, her body was intentionally
excavated to accommodate the dead body of
her own son. Upon opening her rotting coffin,
people’s innocent eyes were petrified because
the remains of Lola Bebe, surrounded by muddy
water, were still intact and unbroken.
“Daw hindi magpati ang mga pumuluyo diri
kay waay tana naga-agnas ang iya bangkay. Amu
to gin desisyonan nalang namon nga i-preserve
siya kag panitiron sa amun balay (People couldn’t
really believe of what had happened to her
remains. That’s why our family had decided
to preserve Lola Bebe in our home.) Nicholas
furthered explained.
As time passed by, the thing they called as
"miracle" reached every ear of the people even
beyond the borders of Casanayan, Pilar. This news
pushed them to render their faith. Convinced by
a living proof, many people coming from different
places went to asked for a miracle of healing.
Since then, they made their choice that Lola
Bebe’s cadaver should be opened for the public
in order for them to closely witness how she
escaped her decomposition process. There are
instances where they have seen amorseco or kind
of grass in Lola Bebe’s white clothing and drops of
These are the religious paraphernalia
beside Lola Bebe
sweat on her forehead.
The townsmen believed that Lola Bebe's
living cadaver is a gift for them that will bring
a new hope on the entire place. They began to
treat all these things as a miracle since the time
Lola Bebe's temporarily sleeping body started
to show unusual happenings when it was still
six-feet below the ground. Until now, Lola Bebe's
remains still brings wonder to the people living
in the area if it was truly a gift from God or just an
undiscovered truth of science yet to explain.
Devotees express that through their regular
prayers every noontime, Lola Bebe will ensure
guidance to them. This strong faith serves as their
assurance of being safe everyday and away in
illnesses and harms.
One of the regular goers in her vicinity is
Maria Luisa Clasa who said that she is being
possessed by Lola Bebe. According to her, she
experiences the difficulty in breathing which
signifies that Lola Bebe wants to enter the temple
of her body.
Maria Luisa can still reminisce the feelings
she experienced when she was 16 years old. She
was amidst on the brink of her dreams that night
when she saw Lola Bebe’s presence in her room
that seemed to be intently looking and slowly
What is a
Mummy?
ZEALOT. Lolo Richard proves Lola Bebe’s miracles
approaching her. At that very very moment and
at that particular scenario, all of a sudden, a holy
rosary was given to her as a symbol of Lola Bebe’s
source of miraculous power.
That was the moment when Maria Luisa
began to share her gift of healing to other people.
This news of her healing has not just spread in
the premises of their town but also to different
places. This kindness is being given to others
without even asking a return favor from them.
Looking on the reversed mirror of reality,
some people still see this as a mystery enacted
by Lola Bebe to somehow help the local folks.
But some are on the verge of contradiction on
this belief. They acclaim that this phenomenon is
possibly explained by scientific evidence.
Doctor Erwin P. Erfe, director of Public
Attorney’s Office Forensic Laboratory, justifies
that Lola Bebe’s mummification is not a usual
for today’s occurrences. Presence of mummies
from other countries proves that preservation of
cadaver is because of its environmental condition.
With his thorough investigation and further
examination, he found out that surroundings
greatly affected Lola Bebe’s mummification. One
of the factors that slowed down the mechanism of
her decomposition was the salty atmosphere that
was caused by the distant sea from the cemetery,
the last resting place of her cadaver.
Doctor Erfe also considers the contribution of
its cause of death to the body’s preservation. “We
haven’t seen any sign of infection in her body. Lola
Bebe died with a clean death, there is an absence
of infection that will supposedly harbors viruses
and bacteria that will help the decomposition.
Thus, it was confirmed that Lola Bebe died with a
congestive heart failure.”
Doctor Erfe had seen stitches on Lola Bebe’s
neck as a sign that she had undergone embalming
process. He added that airtight coffin was maybe
used as a means of her storage that trapped
insects to fasten its decay.
It is true that there are doubts and
misconception surrounding Lola Bebe's mummy.
It may be explained by science, or it may be a
sign from God. It is up to the people of the world
to judge this phenomenon accordingly. For now
the people of Brgy. Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz will
treasure Lola Bebe's mummy.
A little more than 75 years later since her
mummification was noticed by people, Lola Bebe
remains inside her glass closet, seemingly living
along with the rest of the household and several
generations of her descendants.
A mummy is a deceased
human or animal whose
skin and organs have been
preserved by either intentional
or accidental exposure to
chemicals, extreme cold, very
low humidity, or lack of air, so
that the recovered body does
not decay further if kept in
cool and dry conditions. Some
authorities restrict the use of
the term to bodies deliberately
embalmed with chemicals, but
the use of the word to cover
accidentally desiccated bodies
goes back to at least 1615 AD.
Mummies of humans and
other animals have been found
on every continent, both as a
result of natural preservation
through unusual conditions,
and as cultural artifacts. Over
one million animal mummies
have been found in Egypt,
many of which are cats.
What is
mummification?
Mummification is a
process in which the skin
and flesh of a corpse can be
preserved. The process can
occur either naturally, or it
can be intentional. If it occurs
naturally, it is the result of cold
(as can be found in a glacier),
acid (as can be found in a bog)
or dryness.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummy
INTERVIEW
MISERY. Che watching the
world away from her
A Body that
They Used to Know
Until Where Can Your Curiosity Take You?
Words by
Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz, Mdpn. John Pope D. Estinoco and Mdpn. Marfred John V. Jauod
Photos by
C
uriosity kills a lot of cats. As this
aged aphorism travelled for ages, we are
reflexively motivated to take actions or do
something that we never did before. But we
should not be blinded by our own enticing
and impulsive thoughts. Since tomorrow is
yet to be written, our personal downfalls lie
behind the doors of nowhere.
“Ginhimo ko to because of curiosity kag
dara man guro kang affection,” (I did that
because of curiosity and perhaps brought
by affection). She was Che*, 14, curious
about the uncertain sensation that could be
drawn from an intimate intercourse from
an opposite gender. But eventually, she
had miserably found her beaten self in a
degrading and humiliating situation.
Way back in 2012, the deafening news
about her viral video scandal scattering
concealed her voice to speak her side. She
was helpless and weary.
***
Q: Bal-an mo bala nga may video?
Were you aware about the video?
A: Man-an ko nga may video. Pero wala
ako kama-an nga i-share na gali to sa iba
kag ipakita kay gasarig man ako sa laki kay
palangga niya kuno ako (I know that there
was a video. But I did not expect that he will
share and let others watch it because I trust
him for he said he loves me).
Q: Ano ang imo reaksyon sang nabal-an
mo nga imo na gali video ang gakalat?
What was your reaction when you knew
it was your video that was spreading?
A: Daw masalop guid ako sa lupa. Ang
feeling bala nga gusto mo mag-disappear na
lang haw, nga gusto mo lamunon kaw dun
lang ka lupa kay nahuy-an kaw sa bilog nga
campus (It seemed like I was plunged down
the ground. That feeling that you just wanted
to disappear, that you wanted the ground
to swallow you because you have been
humiliated in the whole campus).
Q: Ano ang impact sang natabo sa imo
kaugalingon?
What was the impact of what happened
to yourself?
A: Bahol guid ang impact eh, ang
nabatyagan ko. Daw nag-naba dun guid, as
in, ang pagturok ko sa kaugalingon ko. Maski
ako, ginkahuya ko ang ngaran ko kag tsura ko.
Tanan nga may diyan ako daw nadura dun (It
made a great impact to what I felt. The way I
looked at myself before was very degrading.
I, too, embarrassed my name and my face.
All that I have was all gone).
Q: Ano bay gin-ubra sang pamilya mo
parti sa diri?
What did your family do about this?
A: Wala ako anay ginpa-eskwela ni
Nanay eh kay basi bisyuhon lang nanda ako
sa eskwelahan, mas bahul ang damage nga
matabo. Biskan amo to ang natabo, makita
mo kung sin-o guid bala ang nagapalangga
kanimu haw, despite sa tanan nga mahimo
mo, bahul guid nga bulig ang nahimo ka
pamilya ko. Tanda nagpangamuyo kag
nagtibay kang akon kaugalingon.Todo
suporta guid eh. Wara da guid ako ginbayaan
(My mother did not let me to be in school
because people there might bully me. It will
create even more damages within me. Even
though bad things happen, you will see who
really loves you despite of all the things you
have done. My family helped me a lot. They
prayed for my strength to conquer this
problem. They have greatly supported me
all the way and did not ever leave me).
Q: Ano ang imo na-reyalisar sang amo to
nga tiyempo?
Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of
2009 (RA 9995)
Acts punishable under the “Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism
Act of 2009
1. To take photo or video coverage of a person or group of persons
performing sexual act or any similar activity or to capture an image of
the private area of a person/s such as the naked or undergarment clad
genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breast without the consent
of the person/s involved and under circumstances in which the
person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
2. To copy or reproduce, or to cause to be copied or reproduced, such
photo or video or recording of sexual act or any similar activity with or
without consideration. It is immaterial if consent to record or take photo
or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s.
3. To sell or distribute, or cause to be sold or distributed, such photo
or video or recording of sexual act, whether it be the original copy
or reproduction thereof. It is immaterial if consent to record or take
photo or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s.
4. To publish or broadcast, or cause to be published or broadcast,
whether in print or broadcast media, or show or exhibit the photo or
video coverage or recordings of such sexual act or any similar activity
through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and other similar means
or device. It is immaterial if consent to record or take photo or video
coverage of the same was given by such person/s.
Che hopes to find and reclaim herself again
What was your realization back there?
A: Ginabasol ko ang akon kaugalingon
kag ginakahuya. Pero later on, na-realize
ko nga life must go on. Problema lang
dyang naga-agi. Ako mismo ang mabulig
kang akun kaugalingon para makatibawas
sa natabo. Total acceptance of the
consequences bala aw. Kay gin-obra mo,
panagutan mo (I blamed and disgraced
myself. But, later on I realized that life must
go on. It was just a problem that would
pass. I, myself will be the one to help me
rise up from that happening. At the end of
the day, it was all about acceptance of the
consequences because since I have done it,
I should stand for it).
Q: Ano-ano ang ginpang-ubra mo para
makalampuwas sa muto nga sitwasyon?
What were the things that you have
done in order to survive from that
situation?
A: Gin-admit ko eh. Gin-amin ko guid
tung ginhimo ko to kay ginahinulsulan ko
guid. Ginhambal ko guid sa pamilya ko nga
“sorry” kay ginguba ko ang handum kag
salig nanda kanakon. Ginpatawad guid
nanda ko eh kag ginbaton gihapon as a
pcw.gov.ph/law/republicact-1995
family kag nag-pramis nga magsuporta guid
tanda kanakon.Through prayers kag nagcommunicate kay God. Maman-an mo guid
nga my outlet ikaw kay pagkatapos mo pour
out mabatygan mo bala nga may nagmagan sa kaugalingon mo (I admitted that I
have done that video. I confessed what I
have done and regretted about that. I asked
my family an apology for ruining their
dreams and trust in me. They have forgiven
me and accepted me as family as well as
promised to support me. Through prayers, I
communicated to God. There will be always
an outlet to pour out your burden for you to
feel lighter).
Q: Ano imo ma-advice sa mga tao parti
sa natabo sa imo?
What can you advice to the people from
what happened to you?
A: Advice ko lang, think many times
before making a decision kay once nga
naka-decide ka indi mo na mabawi. And
don’t make decisions when you are on
the peak of your emotions. Kag tuon guid
ka mayad kay makabulig sa pamilya kag
love yourself (I advice them to think many
times before making a decision because
once you have decided to do a thing, you
can never bring it back again. And don’t
make decisions when you are on the peak
of your emotions. And they must study well
because it will help them and their family
and most of all, love yourself).
***
Each one of us has a tendency to be
curious at times, particularly at the stage of
youth wherein curiosity is at its peak. But
as we move our bodies forward, we must
put in consideration that our souls will not
be moving backwards. What we are now
are products of what we have done from
the past.
Che was maybe six feet down the
ground like nobody hears her cry, but
as she said, “life must go on”. It is always
a compromise that moves us all along.
Mistakes are inevitable for everyone but
learning from those setbacks will make a
whole new person.
We have done things due to curiousness
that we regret. But if humans have their
own deaths, miseries have too. And if
curiosity has killed a lot of cats, well cats,
they have nine lives.
TOURISM
ENCHANTING. Kalikasan Falls mesmerizes the visitors
Beyond the Dust
Words by
Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro and D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio
Photos by
WELCOM
E. T
Camp Pera he entrance to
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The ATF fa home
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Camp Peralta's bi
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MAJESTIC. Malinamon Falls awes the visitors
with its cascading beauties
I
t was a long sweaty ride from Sigma to
Jamindan, Capiz, our destination. We were
expectant as the jeepney driver told us that we
were approaching Camp Peralta.
The camp was nestled in the nook of trees that
looks like a fortress, hiding it from civilization’s
prying eyes. Dust greeted us as we neared the
camp and as we passed a little village outside the
camp, we could see its classical beauty.
Truly, Camp Peralta is not a well known tourist
spot in Western Visayas. Though it is there, laying
low, letting other places voice out, it lays like a
dormant volcano. Though being constrained and
muffled by its geographical and topographical
nature, Camp Peralta will one day erupt and let the
world know of its beauty, grandeur and prestige.
HISTORY
The 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division
originated from Guadalupe, Cebu. However, the
increase in the number of military men demanded
a large area in order to hone their skills. Thus, the
3rd Infantry Spearhead Division was transferred
to Jamindan, Capiz and was dubbed as Camp
Jaena Norte. On May 1, 1987, the camp’s name
was changed to Camp General Macario Peralta, Jr.
in honor of the local guerrilla hero.
ECO-TOURISM
Aside from being a military base, Camp
Peralta is also a home to many natural sights that
could challenge you and at the same time leave
you breathless. It offers the visitors an escape to
the hustle and bustle of their city lives.
If you are inclined to less strenuous activities,
but want to get closer with mother earth, there
are fish ponds where you could get fresh tilapia
for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also
picnic areas and forest parks in which you could
enjoy together with your family.
If you want a leisurely exploration of the
place, a bike trail is perfect for you. However, if
you want to give back to nature, an “endangered
specie area” and “regreening area” established
by the camp and the National Irrigation
Administration let you plant trees (endangered
or otherwise).
Aside from the relaxing activities, the camp
also offers challenging hikes and treks to its
hidden treasures. Make sure that you pack your
bag with camera, extra batteries, extra clothes
and most especially, extra energy. Be ready to get
wet in the hidden falls of the camp.
The Malinamon Falls is a 3.97 km hike from
the headquarters. In order to get there, you need
Camp Peralta
will one day
erupt and let
the world know
of its beauty,
grandeur and
prestige
This steps
a
stairway to re known as the
heaven
A hidden falls
nctuary
at Kalikasan Sa
Camp Peralta's inviting pool
WHAT TO DO:
For those who want to
visit Camp Peralta, you must
prepare 400 pesos for your
fare (back and forth) from
Tagbak Terminal.
Furthermore, if you want
to stay inside the camp, the
Army Transient Facility (ATF)
is open to occupants for only
200 per night. You could cook
your own food in the facility or
buy inihaw outside the camp.
There are also mini marts
and convenient stores outside
the camp where you could buy
your basic needs.
to hire a motor cycle or an off road vehicle (which
would be reliable enough to carry you to the ups
and downs of the mountain). After all the hard
work, the scene of the cascading beauties will
take your breath away.
After exploring Malinamon Falls, take a look
at another challenging hike. The Kalikasan Falls
which is situated between two mountains is a
sight to behold. Be ready for aching joints and
burning muscles and calories when exploring this
area of this camp. When you get to the falls, you
would forget where you are for you will think you
are in a fairy land.
The third hidden falls is the Jungle Base Falls.
It consists of seven cascading waterfalls that
would refresh your sore muscles and tired faces.
After taking a dip to these waterfalls, it would
rejuvenate your energy and youthful vigor.
OTHER FACILITIES
If you want a relaxing escape from the city,
the camp also offers a wellness center which
includes a tennis court, gym and could be utilized
as a basketball court. There is also a soccer field
which could also be made into a 600-meter
jogging field. For firing enthusiasts, the camp’s
firing range could be made available for practice
shooting or contests. The area could also be used
to hold mini-golf tournaments.
There is also a swimming pool, where scuba
diving lessons, water-safety training and survival
skills could be done. The training camp also
provides obstacle course which is ideal for team
building activities.
FUTURE PLANS
With the help of the local officials (including
Congressman Tony Del Rosario and Governor
Victor A. Tanco) as well as the tourism officers
of Capiz, Camp Peralta is continuing to move
forward. Visitors are provided with Visitor’s Nook,
Museum, Zip Line, Cultural Shows, Orchidarium,
Bird Watching Area, Cottages and Restaurants,
Efficient Transportation and Parking Areas.
***
Winding roads and slippery hiking trail may
take the wind out of you. But the fulfillment of
discovering the hidden falls, scouting the area and
being one with nature is irreplaceable.
Our aching legs and sore muscles are the
testimonies of how and why we enjoyed being in
the camp. Surely we could say, Camp Peralta! We
shall return!
IMMERSION
FUN AND GAMES. Marielle’s
Recreation Center brings
smiles to the people
Blocks and Wheels
Peryantes’ untold pandemonium behind the bliss
Words by
Photos by
H
D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon, Mdpn. John Pope D. Estinoco,
Mdpn. Carls Adrian B. Libao and Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano
D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon
appiness, joy, excitement and fun – these
are just the things that most of us people have ever
wanted. Having all these emotions, it feels like
we gain self-fulfillment and contentment within
ourselves. But life doesn’t work that way. It does not
let anyone pass by and get to the paradise of bliss
that easy. Even an amusement fair or a recreation
center, locally known as ‘perya,’ which is a source
of complacence and pleasure to sweet innocent
children, teens and grown-ups, still holds a scar
of sadness, broken heart, and everyday struggles
hidden behind its bright and wonderful colors.
To understand more of what’s the secret deep
within the smiling faces and enthusiasm of the
perya’s employees, we decided to put ourselves in
their shoes. We applied as workers of Marielle’s
Recreation Center. We made ourselves instruments
of glee to other people of all ages. We turned
ourselves to work like what they call, ‘peryante’.
Being a ‘peryante’ means we have to enjoy
what we do. We have to love even the hardest part
of the job and muffle all the worries, fears and
uncertainties of our hearts. For it is the only way
to radiate joy to the customers and attract as much
luck that the business can get, strengthened with
faith and happy thoughts.
With the scorching heat of a late morning sun,
we traversed the dusty road towards the location of
the ‘perya’ in Lambunao, Iloilo. Even from a distance,
joyful music from their stereo and the cracking
voices of their gutsy videoke singers tingled in our
ears. We entered the ‘perya,’ looked around for a
while to embrace the place that we would be calling
home for a day. After a few minutes of sightseeing,
we searched for the perya’s manager to start our
endeavor. Luckily, an old man pointed us to the boy
in a corner preparing lunch for his subordinates.
She’s a girl, or so we thought, until we approached
the man and met him face to face. His name is
actually Marzh Rapinan. We talked to him about the
real purpose of our presence. Without even a pinch
of hesitation, the girl accommodated us like we were
really one of her employees. We were delighted by
her hospitality when she offered us food for lunch
and briefed us about her routine.
In Marielle’s Recreation Center, there are
different games that customers could play like
color games, ball games, basketball shooting
game, play-gun shooting game, coin-throwing
game, rolling wheel game and a lot more. These
are just some of what they offer to people trying
to feel the essence of festivity in the place. Most of
these games test the player’s luck through a form
of gambling. You give out a coin without having a
“
Being a
‘peryante’
means we have
to enjoy what
we do. Love
even the hardest
part of the job
and muffle all
the worries,
fears and
uncertainties of
our hearts.
”
Mdpn. Libao assists everyone on color ball game
Mdpn. Estinoco assigned as a peryante for color blocks game
Mdpn. Sorsano sells tickets for the Ferris Wheel
single clue if it would be doubled or get nothing
in exchange. But win or lose, sweet chuckles and
heavy laughter thunder in the area. For the rides,
they have four tempting and colorful kinds namely
rabbit coaster, flying bee, dolphin and ferris wheel.
These are usually what attract children to come.
Since it’s quite risky for little kids to ride alone,
their concerned parents always go along with
them. It is quite a perfect moment for them to have
a great bonding time together.
We are not immediately obliged to work at
their game booths as long as that means, we won’t
be having any earnings for the day. And since early
afternoon customers are not much in numbers
compared at night, one of us decided to take a
little chitchat with Marzh. They talked about how
‘peryantes’ actually live. It’s true that the recreation
center is all about fun. But after every night or
everytime it transfers from one place, their struggles
begin. It only goes to show that nothing in this world
is permanent. Usually, just before their scheduled
transfer from the current place they are staying,
the owner would already have bidding together
with the other recreation centers at a town with the
upcoming fiesta next in their calendar. Transferring
is never easy because it is the time that they have
to disassemble every booth, including the gigantic
rides and all their belongings. It sometimes takes
them 5-7 days and their truck travels about 5 trips
before they can fully transfer.
Evening crickets started to sing as more kids and
customers started to flood in the recreation center.
Entrance fee is five pesos only and if they’re lucky
enough, there’s a chance that they can go home with
a lot more pennies in their pockets. We, the newlyhired ‘peryantes’ have our assigned booths to lookout.
Early that afternoon, we already had familiarization
and rehearsals on how to manage a certain booth that
we were currently assigned. Bejie was assigned in the
ticket booth of the Flying Bee ride, Libao was assigned
at the ball game, Pope was assigned at the color game
and I was assigned at the play-gun shooting game.
While managing the booth, time ceased to exist. We
felt like there’s nothing better to do in the world than
being part of other people’s joy. This unexplainable
feeling is so meaningful like a love potion that makes
us addicted to the job.
Looking at other ‘peryantes’, some were really
enjoying what they were doing. There were some
who were already quite bored while others had
their own ways on how to entice more customers to
come in their booths. One of their ways was being
energetic while cracking jokes as the game played
on. Like at the color game, when blocks fell with a
History of
Philippine
Carnivals
D/C Adayon assigned on a shooting game
white color, the ‘peryante’ would say “Taya-taya sa
tihaya, nagwa ang puti ginkaon ka mga agi! (Bet
in lying at your back, and the white comes out,
swallowed by the gays!)”
‘Peryantes’ also believe in superstitious beliefs.
Like things to do on how to scare away the bad luck
and attract good ones. Some of these beliefs are
wiping poles of the different booths with scented
oils and dowsing the soil where customers usually
stand. When someone does this, some customers
get curious and ask, “Excuse me, nga-a ginabasyahan
mo na? (Excuse me, why are you wetting that?)”
Then they would just answer jokingly, “Huod eh
para matubuan kahoy! (Yeah of course so that a
tree would sprout in it.)” They even secretly insert
a peso coin in every pole of each booth games.
They practice this belief everytime they transfer to
another bid-won town.
To draw an even fine line of smile to others,
‘peryantes’ have really unique ways. Many go for
fun and some bet everything they have just to win.
We can say luck just came on its own way. We can’t
made luck stand forever on our side. Luck is nature
itself, always remains unpredictable. But for the
‘peryantes’, if luck cannot make itself, they make
path for luck to ford straight to them. They have this
so- called anti-negative- vibes they strictly follow.
A peryante cannot be assigned to any booth games
if he cuts his fingernails or toenails before he is
assigned. No one will be assigned if she had her hair
cut in the recent. “Kag indi guid pwede magbantay
kung nag-mercy ka kagab-e. (And someone cannot
be assigned if he or she had done sensual pleasure of
any kind the night before.)” Marzh added with a glint
of sarcastic smile.
There was so much fun in the 'perya' that we
haven’t noticed the ticking of the clock. Before we
knew it, midnight was already approaching. Along
with the deepening darkness of the night was the
slowly fading of the people. After all the customers
had gone home, the enjoyment in Marrielle’s
Recreation still went on. It was now a time for
‘peryantes’ to celebrate. There were videoke singing,
dancing, drinking and storytelling all over the place.
Most stories told were all about reminiscing their
great memories at the ‘perya’. But you are not a
person if the only stories you could tell are the good
ones. We discovered various past of the ‘peryantes’
before they ended up in the Marielle’s Recreation
Center. There were some who no longer have
families to run into while others gave up their lovelife and chose the career that could sustain their
everyday needs. ‘Peryas’ are like an enchantment
to others that instead of chasing bigger dreams,
Fair. This is the concept
of carnival intended to cause
hilarity to people since then by
a large exposition of rides and
acts. In February 1908, the first
renowned Manila Carnival was
well thought-out by Captain
Langhorne, an American
colonialist. He appealed
₱50,000 from the Philippine
Assembly to build a cockpit to
set up curiosities and unveil
“half-naked” Igorot tribesmen.
Due to the confounded effect
of such plan, Governor General
James Smith transmuted the
notion of the freak show into
a fete of Philippine-American
relations. Cameron Forbs,
Secretary of Commerce, by then
took the custody of preparation.
With his plan, he only requested
₱15,000 from the Assembly.
He procured the same amount
through campaigns with
private subscription such as the
Carnival Queen Contest.
Manila Carnival was
formerly located at Wallace
Field, Luneta at the present.
Commencing its origin, from
Manila Carnival, to Public
Carnival, it was made into
Municipality Fair during fiestas.
Innovations were applied
and a lot of rides, games and
gimmicks to attract the interest
of the people were made. Until
now, fair is anywhere in our
country.
en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/
Manila_Carnival
Children waiting to ride on the Flying Bee
The Ferris Wheel of the recreation center
Customers betting and hoping to win on the color ball game
they are lured by its charm until they never want to
leave anymore. For them, ‘perya’ is the biggest and
greatest dream come true in their life.
While the merriment at the ‘perya’ continued
as if there’s no tomorrow, our bodies started to feel
exhausted. As much as we already wanted to dump
our drained bodies in soft and comfy mattresses, the
‘perya’ offered no such thing. Their rule suggests,
“Keep yourselves at home.” That means we have to
find our own place to sleep. The only bedrooms they
have are their game booths themselves.
The golden rays of light once again shined upon
the ‘peryantes’ of Marielle’s Recreation Center,
unveiling the shadow of promises of another busy
day. Before anything else, we needed first to eat
something to sustain our energy. Unfortunately,
no breakfast was being served at the ‘perya’. Their
acting manager just gave us 30 pesos each which
they call dyeta for us to buy whatever food we like.
Usually, others don’t care anymore about their
dyeta because the amount they’ve taken from their
booth’s income during their post was more than
enough. The manager prepared schedule for their
chores. During lunchtime, the assigned personnel
prepared food for all ‘peryantes’. Every ‘peryante’
makes sure that he has fully filled his stomachs and
satisfy his craving appetites in preparation for his
long and hectic night ahead. During their nighttime
assignments, 'peryantes' will never have their dinner
until their assigned booth is free of players.
It is now a new beginning for them to live in
the present moment burying all the darkness and
chaos of their past. What matters most for them
now is knowing that in the perya, they have a family
to call their own. It is the home they can consider
as forever, in good times and in bad, in sunshine or
in storm. Even though most of the time the perya
earns, but there’s always a time that they lose. But
none of these make them weary nor cause any
worries on how to live tomorrow. Just like what
elderly ‘peryantes’ used to say, “life is like a ferris
wheel, what goes up must come down, sometimes
you win sometimes you lose.” Despite all these
ever-changing cycle, they chose to put themselves
in the center that no matter what happens, they will
always treasure the ‘perya’, being a ‘peryante’ and all
the good times built with each other’s love.
Time flies so fast and our being a ‘peryante’
was now over. We may have left the ‘perya’, but
the inspiration that it leaves within our souls
is priceless. It even gives us a once in a lifetime
experience that we will never forget. It reminds us of
a very important lesson in our existence which is no
other than – happiness is a choice.
CULTURE
AGONG. Panay-Bukidnon is famous
of their distinct music greatly
incorporated with agong ensemble
Going Back to Our Roots:
Panay-Bukidnon
Words by
D/C Francis Dave Lacson Selorio
Photos by
S
ome part of our pure Filipino blood
descended from our forefathers --- the PanayBukidnon. They are known to be the original
indigenous people of Panay island in the
Philippines. Hence, when the thought of going
back to them came across our minds, it never
left. We took hold of it and let it drift us away
into the past.
It took us two hours from Iloilo City to reach
the far-flung town of Calinog, Iloilo. We took our
lunch at around 10:30 a.m. in a nearby shack and
got guided by some local folks. We were there for
the first time. And so, the experience was entirely
a peek-a-boo.
Humanity has come a long way towards
the future. Although anchored to the past, we
push every opportunity away from it. In the
case of Filpinos, we try to preserve what was
left of our roots. We revisit our history books
from time to time and learn them all over again.
But the Panay-Bukidnon's historical tales were
seemingly murmurs in the mountains. Their
faint echoes continue on reverberating across
generations. Without our knowing, somewhere
up there, their culture is intact and wellpreserved.
We strolled around the town of Calinog
until we found the Police station. We asked for
relevant information and got referred to certain
individuals that could help us. We shot some
photos in front of the town hall while waiting for
the Habal-Habal to come along. Then it was our
term for a motorbike trekking in the mountains.
From the town proper, we travelled for 45
minutes to reach Balay-Tulun-an where the
Panay-Bukidnons reside. Since it was raining, the
rough road up to the mountains was muddy. More
to it, the rocks were slippery and running water
gushed down. It was a bumpy ride with lots of
breath-taking moments. There were times when
we would stop for a while to reposition ourselves
on the motorbike.
Alongside were giant rocks and steep cliffs on
the other side. We were going up and up and up.
The drop in pressure was deafening just as when
we were riding the plane. But the scenic view
of the lowlands from atop was awe-inspiring.
There were towering century-old trees shading
the rich flora of the forests. The cold breeze was
embracing and made me feel how it was to be
back home.
Getting dirty with the mud was the most
exciting part. We glided in the slopes and climbed
PanayBukidnon's
historical tales
were seemingly
murmurs in
the mountains.
Their faint
echoes continue
on reverberating
across
generations.
Mahilway is the cultural master for Panubok
Young people of the tribe are taught on how to dance Binanog
Mahilway demonstrating how their Panubok is done
Sandigan chants Sugidanun – one of their epics
hills through rocky steps. But the life-changing
experience had not started yet until we finally
met the Panay-Bukidnon.
Welcoming us was Rodolfo Caballero,
also known as 'Sandigan'. He was the cultural
consultant of the tribe. We exchanged few
greetings and immediately, he gathered the
members for a meeting. We were briefed of the
basic precautionary measures. We discussed
over their ethics. In a few moments, they were
wearing their red-dominated and embroidered
ethnic costumes.
As Sandigan told, the name Panay-Bukidnon
came from two Hiligaynon words --- Panay and
Bukidnon. Panay refers to Panay island where
they originated and Bukidnon refers to the local
natives in the mountainous area of the island.
They also have their own political system lead by
their tribe masters.
"May ara kami ya nga sarili namun nga
kultura. May mga layi de-bukid kami nga
ginasunod (We have our own culture. We have our
own customary law that we follow)," explained
Sandigan.
On the other hand, their epic chant
'Sugidanun' is considered to be one of the longest
epic ever written. If sung, it will take about two
days and two nights for the chanter to finish it.
Federico Caballero also known as 'Tuohan'was
named as Philippine GAMABA (Gawad Manlilikha
ng Bayan)awardee way back in 2000 for his
laudable epic chanting. He was hailed as one of
the Philippine National Living Treasures.
"May ara pa gid kami Ambahanun. Ginagamit
namun ini para magpang-abi-abi ukon magtikal
kapin pa kung may mga okasyon (We also have
Ambahanun. We use it to make greetings or boast
especially during occasions)," said Sandigan.
They are also well-known of their embroidery
called 'Panubok'. The designs are indigenous
patterned to different animals in the locality.
Usually, the designs are inspired by birds. The
designs are even featured in fashion shows in the
Philippines. Several prominent people buy their
designs because of its ethnicity and distinction.
"Ang pagpanubok isa sa amun ginpanubli
nga mga kultura. May mga sari-sari nga disenyo
nga ginbuol namun sa palibot namun, sa mga
pispis kag mga tanum (The Panubok is one of the
cultures we have inherited. We have different
designs inspired by our surroundings, from birds
and plants.)," said Mahilway, cultural master for
Panubok and daughter of Federico.
Panay-Bukidnon is very famous of its Binanog
Federico
Caballero:
Gawad Manlilikha ng
Bayan awardee 2000
FROM THE TOP. A breath-taking view of the Panay island from Brgy. Garangan, Calinog, Iloilo
dance. It is a courtship dance in which the
dancers imitate the actions of a hawk. The music
is led by an agong ensemble which is played by
the tribe members. The dancers make use of long
handkerchiefs to manifest their motives with
their partners.
"Kung ano ang aksyon sang pispis nga lawin
sa kahanginan, amu ina ang ginasunod sang mga
gasaot. May duwa ina ka-klase, ang tigbabayi
kag tiglalaki. Ang tigbabayi puro bayi lang ang
gasaot samtang ang tiglalaki, laki kag bayi ang
gasaot. (Whatever the action of the hawk flying
in the air, the dancers imitate them. It has two
kinds, the tigbabayi and tiglalaki. For tigbabayi,
the dancers are all women while for tiglalaki, the
dancers are composed of a man and a woman.),"
Sandigan explained.
Furthermore, military troops were put in the
area mostly composed of indigenous members,
letting the people know that despite the distance
and seclusion they are in, tourists are safe and
secure to come and go there anytime.
"Kung kis-a may ara sa amun mga indigents
di nga gusto mag-apply sa army. Te kalabanan
underheight sila. Pero kung ubrahan namun
kasulatan nga pirmado sang tribu, ginapasugtan
sila mag-intra maski nubog sila. Muna nga bilang
baylu, gabalik sila diri sa amun. (Sometimes, we
have indigents who want to apply in the military.
Mostly of them are underheight. But if we make
a documentation signed by the tribe, they are
allowed to join despite their height. In return,
they serve us here.)," testified Sandigan.
In the course time, they were able to
preserve their rich culture. They already have
professional members of the tribe. Although
some of their traditions like Binukot were
already stopped because it is not applicable
in the present times, they still teach these to
children. They conduct classes every Saturday
in the GAMABA training center making sure
that their noble stories will surpass the test of
time. Whatever happens, they will always be the
original indigenous people of Panay island with
a culture intact and well-preserved.
Indeed, the day we went back to our roots
was life-changing. It felt like home. We know
that some of the blood running through my
veins were passed on from the Panay-Bukidnons.
They took us way beyond our knowledge about
our indigenous backgrounds. The three-hour
close encounter with them has defined who we
truly are. Wherever we go, we know that PanayBukidnon will always welcome us home.
Federico Caballero, a
Panay-Bukidnon from the
mountains of Central Panay
to ceaselessly work for the
documentation of the epics
of his people. The epics are
rendered in a language that,
although related to Kiniray-a,
is no longer spoken, constitute
an encyclopedic folklore.
His own love for his
people’s folklore began when
he was a small child. His
mother would lull his brothers
and sister to sleep, chanting an
episode in time to the gentle
swaying of the hammock.
His fascination naturally
grew into a desire to learn to
chant the epics himself. Not
long after, he conquered all ten
epics and other forms of oral
literature, besides.
And his influence extends
far beyond the bounds of his
community. He understood his
vision for the culture of the
Panay-Bukidnon. Perhaps even
to say that he shares her vision
is not an overstatement.
For his part, Nong Pedring
stays resolute in his purpose.
He continues to travel form
his home in the mountains of
Calinog to the busy district
of Iloilo City , patiently doing
his share in the work that
has spanned nearly a decade.
Yet the greater triumph is
one nearer to Nong Pedring’s
heart. His children and family
have of late rediscovered pride
in their heritage. They are no
longer ashamed of their roots
as they once were. To Nong
Pedring, there is perhaps no
better reason than this to carry
on with his work.
National Cultural Commission of
the Philippines
INVESTIGATIVE
Ricardo during the interview
Taking Another Step
Words by
Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza and Mdpn. John Michael G. Londres
Photos by
But one thing
he is certain of,
one wrong step
could be his last
one.
T
here he is in the darkest corner of the
street. He endures the exchange of toxic smoke
from his so-called brothers whose burning eyes
have penetrated his senses to blow the puff and
even taste the powder inside the silver foil. But he
is not one of them. He plays a different role.
Standing half-dead, as what his neighbors
in Janiuay see him, Ricardo at 40, defies the
banality of his life. He strides along a winding
road that leads him to a vague destination. But
one thing he is certain of, one wrong step could
be his last one.
Our society today becomes more alarming
than it was before. Various crimes just sprout like
mushrooms everywhere, turning people to be afraid
to walk the streets at night. The police do not have
the ultimate power to cease all of these. Hence,
police assets emerge under their shadows. This
paved the road for Ricardo to support his family.
Ricardo started working as a police asset
since 1997. This was when he gave up finding
vacant position in police stations here in
Iloilo after finishing criminology. He was then,
encouraged by his friends who are policemen
to be their asset. Enticed, he applied for it and
immediately he was hired.
His first days were tracks of adjustments.
Each time he was deployed to criminal-packed
places, his fear always leaped into his heart. But
as the time passed by, he learned the routines
and his fear subsided. He could already manage
the situations.
“Kabudlay gale maging police asset, kabuhi
mo ang nakataya. Ikaw ang nagatudlo kung sino
gid ang nagagamit sang illegal drugs, may illegal
possession of firearms kag kun diin gatago ang
mga wanted persons (It’s really hard to be a police
asset, your life is at stake. You will point who is
really using illegal drugs, has illegal possession
of firearms and where wanted persons hide),”
Ricardo shared.
Ricardo further disclosed that there are
instances that he needs to spy by getting along
with alleged persons and acting like a criminal.
Sometimes, in situations involving illegal drugs,
he is forced to use these drugs as a form of
disguise. When he knows a drug user, he arrests
that person if he has a virtue of warrant of citizen
arrest at hand.
For him, these are all worth it because he is
able to help the police in locating crimes as well
as the reward he obtains from this work can
suffice his family’s daily needs.
History of NBI
Memphatamine Hydrochloride (shabu) in its raw form
Bonnet and dark shades, essential accessories for an undercover agent
In such, he is able to feed his two children the
bread of education. He has already learned the
lesson, thus, he doesn't want them to be like him
who easily gives up his hold on the rope of life.
He wants them to inculcate the true meaning of
courage and patience. After all, he dreams a bright
future for them.
Nevertheless, a footprint of fear can still be
traced behind Ricardo. He often receives death
threats through phone calls and texts that make
him anxious for the safety of his family. Moreover,
he cannot be fully assured of their security by
hiding in safe houses and changing of identity.
“May ara oras nga gusto ko na gid buy-an ang
muni nga ubra, ugaling kung ubrahon ko gid man,
magutman gid kami (There is a time that I really
want to give up this kind of job, but if I do, we will
really suffer hunger),” Ricardo lamented.
Ricardo also learned lots of secrets of some
policemen from the station he is working for. These
policemen engage in illegal deeds; however, he just
holds his tongue about it. He keeps himself muffled.
Consequently, this also chains his foot from leaving
his job because he might parcel out these misdeeds
to the higher authorities when time comes.
For now, what remains for Ricardo is
honesty in his work. The pledge he carved
before entering to the cell of police assets
is deeply marked in his heart. He has the
immeasurable courage and faith heaved from
his family and God that he uses whenever
situations between life and death take place. As
for him, he has the guts.
Though muffled, his cooperation with the
police portrays his concern to our society. He
may not be known by who he is because of his
countless identities, as long as he does his one
goal, he will be the servant of peace. But it will
be temporary for his family still emerges as
his most priceless wealth among other things.
As for this moment, he remains in the jail of
reality.
There he is in the darkest corner of the street
again. He endures the exchange of toxic smoke
with his so-called brothers. Their burning eyes
have penetrated his senses to blow the puff
and even taste the powder inside the silver foil.
But he is not one of them. He is a police asset.
But soon, he will depart from it, once he sees a
way out. For the meantime, he decides to take
another step.
The Department of
Investigation (later named
the National Bureau of
Investigation) was then
formally organized in 1937
and was composed of forty-five
(45) agents and approximately
100 officials and employees.
These included lawyers,
doctors, chemists, fingerprint
technicians, photographers,
research assistants, clerks,
stenographers, janitors and
messengers.
The formation of the
DI generated considerable
public interest wherein more
than 3,000 applied for the
initial 48 positions of NBI
Agents. Physical and medical
examinations were conducted
by doctors of the Philippine
General Hospital and San
Lazaro Hospital. Of the 3,000
applicants, only 150 were
allowed to take the mental
test and of this number,
less than 100 passed, and
after the screening, 48 were
certified for employment. Of
these successful candidates,
only 45 actually accepted
appointments as Agents.
The Bureau of
Investigation, later renamed
the National Bureau of
Investigation, came into
existence on June 19, 1947,
the date Republic Act 157 was
approved.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
National_Bureau_of_Investigation_
(Philippines)#History
*Ricardo is a pseudonym of the NBI/Police asset
mentioned above to protect his identity.
LUTONG ATIN
De Quezo Kemaya
(Chicken Bitter Gourd)
Salita ni
Mdpn. Carls Adrian B. Libao
Mga litrato halaw mula sa
www.cafeilonggo.com
MGA SANGKAP:
1 kilong manok na hiniwa (laman)
½ kilong ampalaya
¼ kilong longganisa
3 nilagang itlog (hinati)
30ml oyster sauce
3 bell pepper, hiwain
1 sibuyas, hiwain
Kaunting bawang, hiwain
Hiniwang luya
Keso (kinayod)
Dahon ng sibuyas (tinadtad)
Asin at pinong paminta
2 kutsaritang asukal
HAKBANG SA PAGLULUTO:
1. Prituhin ang longganisa. Panandaliang isantabi.
2. Gisahin ang sibuyas, bawang at luya. Matapos
nito ay isunod na ang manok. Hintaying
lumambot.
3. Ilagay ang ampalaya at oyster sauce. Kapag
lumambot na ang ampalaya, budburan ng
asin at paminta ayon sa gustong lasa. Lagyan
na rin ng bell pepper at asukal upang may
kaunting tamis.
4. Paghaluin ang niluluto at piniritong longganisa.
5. Isalin sa lalagyan at ipatong ang nilagang itlog.
6. Ibudbod ang keso at dahon ng sibuyas. Handa
nang ihain.
Mapait—ito ang unang sasagi sa inyong isipan
pero pasa-saan pa mahuhuli rin nito ang hanap
mong linamnam. Ihanda na ang sarili sa pagtikim
nang nakakamutawi at nakakaganang kombinasyon
ng manok at ampalaya. Mas isasarap pa nito ang
idinagdag na longganisa at itlog na magbibigay ng
kakaibang timplang swak sa panlasa mo. Sa amoy
palang ay mapapa-umami kana at hindi mapipigilang
umariba sa hapag. Unang tikim mo ay agad mong
malalasap ang pinaghalong pait at manamis-namis
nitong lasa na maglalaro sa iyong dila. Hindi mo
mapipigilang muling tikman at punuin ang iyong
kumakalam na sikmura sa sarap nitong hatid.
Aangkop ito sa mainit na kanin at walang dudang
papatay sa gutom mo. Siguradong mapapa-WOW!
ka sa linamnam ng bawat subo na siyang mong
ikakagiliw at ikakabusog.
KULTURA
La Doncella Privada
Ang Pinagkaitang Birhen
Salita nina
Mdpwn. Trisha Mae C. Canillo, Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza, Mdpn. John Christian D.
Guevarra, Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano at Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap
Mga larawang kuha ni
Hindi ko
guid malimtan
ang gab-e nga
nagsulod kami
nga duwa sa isa
ka patadyong
N
anonoot sa repleksyon ng kanyang mga
mata ang karimlan ng kanyang kublihan. Abot ng
kanyang mahaba at maitim na buhok ang lumang
papag na nagsilbing suporta sa makinis at maputi
niyang balat. Ang kanyang mga palad at kanyang
talampakan ni minsan ay hindi nadama ang likas
na kagandahan ng kanyang kapaligiran.
Hinubog ng panahon ang kubong ito na
naging kanlungan ng kariktan. Hinarang nito
ang hubad nating mga mata na masaksihan ang
pamumukadkad ng ating mahiwagang kasaysayan.
Sa pagkislap ng liwanag na dala ng
bukang liwayway sa kabundukan ng Barangay
Garangan, Calinog, Probinsiya ng Iloilo, siya
ring kumaluskos ang mga berdeng dahon ng
dantaong gulang na akasya na nakalagi malapit
sa cogon na kubong pinaliligiran ng maputik na
kalsada. Dito na rin lumaki at nagkamalay ang
mga katutubong Panay Bukidnon.
Tradisyon na sa tribu ng Panay Bukidnon
ang tinatawag na pagbukot o ang pagkukulong
ng anak na babae. Isinasagawa nila ito mula sa
pagtubo ng dalawang maliliit na ngipin ng bata
hanggang sa makapagbayad ng dowry ang lalaking
nagnanais na maging kabiyak ang batang binukot.
Tila naging bilanggo sila sa sariling mundo.
Gumising na hindi alam kung bakit ipinagkait
PAMILYA. Si Lola Rosita kasama
ang kanyang kamag-anak suot ang
kanilang tradisyunal na kasuotan
sa kanila ang desisyong mamuhay nang
matiwasay at malaya. Sa loob ng kwartong hindi
pinapasukan ng liwanag, namulat sila bilang
isang normal na bata. Para sa kanila wala itong
kaibahan sa natatamasa na buhay ng mga kapwa
niyang katutubo sa labas.
Ang pamumuhay na ito ay naging parte na
ng pagkatao ni Rosita “Lapaz” Caballero, 66
na taong gulang. Nananalaytay na sa kanyang
dugo ang pagiging isang binukot. Simula sa
kanyang mga ninuno hanggang sa maipamana
sa kanya at sa mga anak. Ang pagbukot ng babae
ay nakadepende sa kanilang mga mal-am o
magulang. Sa estado ng buhay ni Rosita kasama
niyang ibinukot ang kanyang nakakatandang
kapatid, si Sokoro Silva.
“Gaabot man sa akon kung ano ayhan kung
waay ako ginbukot. Pay anhon mo daa kay amu
ni ako subong (Napapaisip din ako kung ano
kaya ang buhay na mayroon ako kung hindi ako
binukot. Pero aanhin mo pa dahil ganito na ako
ngayon),” pagtatapat ni Rosita.
Tulad ng isang makinang na diyamante, si
Rosita ay itinuturing na kayamanan. Iniingatan.
Tinatago. Tinatangi. Naging pang-araw-araw na
pagkain niya ang baboy, manok at itlog. Subalit
kapag lumagas na ang panahon ng kanyang
Ang kuwintas na gawa sa barya na sinusuot ng tribung Panay Bukidnon
Pagsasadula ng katutubong sayaw na Binanog
kabataan darating rin ang pagkakataong
ibebenta siya ng kanyang mga mal-am.
Ang kanyang mga sakong ay kailanma'y di
naranasan ang init at hapding dulot ng tigang
na lupa at walang bahid ng dumi ng maputik na
daanan. Tuwing iniimbitahan si Rosita kasama
ang pamilya sa isang piging o mga pagtitipon ng
mga tribu, dahandahan nilang isasakay si Rosita
sa kanilang duyan. Bubuhatin nila ito hanggang
sa lugar ng pagdadausan.
Sa paggapang ng anino ng akasya kasabay
ring itinurok ni Rosita ang karayom sa pulang
telang naging simbolo ng kanilang tribu. Ito
ang larong naging pang-aliw niya sa sarili. Sa
panubok o pagbuburda, nakakagawa siya ng
mga disenyong hinahalintulad niya sa kalikasan.
Ang mga disenyong ito ay tulad sa mata ng mga
ibon, bulaklak ng mga halaman at iba’t ibang
uri at hugis ng dahon ng mga puno sa kanyang
kapaligiran.
Ang kanyang pinagdiligan ng pawis ay
kanyang ginagawang damit upang ipantakip
sa kanyang magandang hubog na katawan.
Idinadagdag niya pa dito ang mga pisong
pinagdugtong-dugtong upang gawing kuwintas
at palamuti sa ulo. Ito daw ay nakakadagdag ng
kanyang alindog at kagandahan.
Pagtambol ni Rosita ng kanilang katutubong awitin
Nang lumapit si Rosita at unti-unting sinilip
ng kanyang kanang mata ang maliit na buho o
butas ng kanyang kubo, nakita niya ang nananabik
na mukha ni Federico “Tuohan” Caballero.
Kakompetensiya ni Federico ang mga binatang
nagmimithing maging kabiyak ang 15 anyos na
si Rosita. Dala-dala niya ang isang kalabaw at
salaping nagkakahalaga ng tatlong libong piso
bilang dowry, na naging sapat na upang maangkin
ang puso ng mga magulang ni Rosita.
Idinaos ang kanilang kasal sa bisa ng isang
ritwal kasabay ng tatlong kinatay na baboy at
“mumpo” o rice wine, bilang mga handa ayon sa
pangako ng pamilya ni Federico. Ngunit ang papel
ng pagiging binukot na ginagampanan ni Rosita ay
hindi lang basta nagtatapos dito.
“Sang ginkasal kami, may nagbag-o guid sa
kabuhi ko. Nakuntento guid ako sa kapalaran
ko(Noong ikinasal kami, may nagbago talaga sa
buhay ko. Kuntento na rin ako sa tadhana ko),”
kuwento ni Rosita. “Basta bana mo, palanggaon
mo guid( Basta asawa mo siya, dapat ay mahalin
mo ng lubos),” dagdag pa niya.
Nadidinig nina Rosita at Federico ang malamig
na hanging dala ng kalaliman ng gabi. Hindi pa
kumukupas ang galak sa pag-iisang dibdib nilang
dalawa. “Hindi ko guid malimtan ang gab-e nga
Sa Kanyang
Murang Edad
Naisakatuparan sa ginanap
na ikalimang sesyon ng
Kongreso ng Pilipinas sa Metro
Manila noong ika-22 ng Hulyo
1991 ang Batas Republika
ng Pilipinas bilang 7610 na
naglalayong magpatupad ng
mabisang proteksyon laban sa
pang-aabuso ng mga kabataan
sa lipunan , pagsasamantala at
pang-aalipin o diskriminasyon,
at pagpapatong ng nararapat
na parusa sa paglabag sa
nasabing batas.
Kilala bilang “Special
Protection of Children Against
Child Abuse, Exploitation
and Discrimination Act,” ang
programang ito ay nagbibigay
sa mga kabataang edad 18
pababa o mga taong walang
kakayahang pangalagaan
ang kanilang sarili ng
pangunahing konsiderasyon
upang mabigyang atensyon
ang kanilang mga hinaing
laban sa mga pang-aabusong
pinagsasawalang bahala ng
mga nakararami.
Nakasaad sa Artikulo
4C Seksyon 3 na ang mga
miyembro ng isang komunidad
ng katutubong kultura at
namumuhay sa labis na
kahirapan o sa lugar na may
kakulangan sa pag-unlad at
mabagal ang pagkuha ng mga
pangunahing pangangailangan
sa ikabubuting pamumuhay ay
may karapatang makatanggap
ng pantay na pagtrato, sapat
na serbisyong medikal at
proteksiyon laban sa mga
pang-aabuso.
https://www.congress.gov.ph
HIMIG. Sa mahinang pandinig ni Lola Rosita ay sadyang pinagdiin sa kanya ang bawat kataga
nagsulod kami duwa sa isa ka patadyong (Hindi
ko makakalimutan ang gabing pumasok kaming
dalawa sa isang patadyong),” paglalarawan niya.
Sa gabing iyon naging buo ang pagiging ganap na
asawa ni Rosita.
Pinagpala sila nang makapagbigay-buhay
si Rosita ng walong supling. Ang pagiging
prinsesa niya ay hindi tinuldukan ng kasalan.
Si Federico ang nagpatuloy sa pag-aaruga sa
kanya. Sa katunayan, bilang isang binukot, hindi
makakakain si Rosita kapag hindi sinusubuan
ni Federico at hindi rin makakainom kung ang
baso ay hindi pagmamay-ari ng kanyang asawa.
Bukal naman sa loob ni Federico ang pagsisilbi
kay Rosita.
Sa mahabang panahon ng kanilang pagsasama,
ay walang sawang inaaruga at pinagsilbihan ni
Federico si Rosita. Lahat na gawain sa bahay ay si
Federico mismo ang gumagawa pati sa paghanap
ng kakainin at gastusin sa bahay. Sa kanyang
luray na katawan mula sa pagbibilad ng sarili sa
kanilang bukirin at sa kagubatan, dali dali siyang
uuwi kapag sasapit ang tanghalian at hapunan
para paglutuan at pakainin ang asawa. "Sa
konsensya mu dulang nga pagserbihan siya asta
sa ulihi. (Sa konsensiya mo na lang na pagsilbihan
siya hanggang sa huli)," sambit nga ni Federico.
Kasabay sa pagtulak ng pinto ng kubo ni
Rosita ay ang pagbukas naman ng kanyang
kaisipan at napagtanto ang mga kakulangan niya
noong panahon ng kanyang pagiging birheng
binukot. Kasama dito ang edukasyon.
“Bisan ano lang daad nga ubra. Pay kung
makaskwela, bisan commerce lang daad (Kahit
anong trabaho lang sana. Pero kung makakapagaral, kahit kursong commerce lang sana),” sambit
ni Rosita. Ang hiling niya sana noong bata pa siya.
Habang patuloy na lumalago ang teknolohiya,
unti-unti na ring sumasabay ang mga katutubong
Panay Bukidnon sa pag-indayog nito sa
modernong sibilisasyon. Napagtanto na ng mga
katutubo na labag sa karapatan ng mga batang
binukot ang pagkukulong sa kanila at pagkait
dito ng edukasyon. Itinuldukan na nila ang
pagbukot ng mga anak na babae dahil sa batas.
Naging sangkap si Rosita sa pagtimpla ng
kasaysayan ng mga kalahing binukot. Bago
sila tuluyang nilamon ng kanilang tradisyon,
natanggal na nila ang tinik na nakaduro sa
kanilang mga lalamunan at maisigaw ang
kanilang kalayaan. Ang kubong nagsilbing
madilim na kulungan, ngayon ay puno na
ng liwanag ng karunungan at masaganang
kasaysayan.
MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN
Kagamitang ginagamit
ni Mego Johnny
Hiwaga
Salita nina
Mdpn. Rodel J. Galvan, Mdpn. Nomar Raimond G. Olivar
at Mdpn. Mark Luis S. Sedicol
R
Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap
amdam na niyang unti-unting humihiwalay
ang kanyang kaluluwa mula sa laman nito habang
nahuhulog ang kanyang isipan sa kawalan. Biglang
tinusok ng mga sinag ng isang hindi maipaliwanag
na liwanag ang kanyang mga mata. Pangalawang
buhay kung kanyang tawagin, ito ang naging simula
ng mga bagong pahina sa buhay ni Johnny.
Nakahimlay ang kanyang luray na katawan
sa bingit ng kamatayan subalit ang kanyang puso
ay nananatiling buo sa pag-asang gumaling mula
sa 'di maipaliwanag na karamdaman. Sa gitna
ng kanyang kalunos-lunos na sakit, lumitaw sa
kanyang mga pagod na mga mata ang liwanag na
dala ng isang dakilang Santo Niño. Sa mabuting
palad ay binigyan siya nito ng isa pang panibagong
buhay buhat sa isang gintong bolang binigay sa
kanya. Ang mahiwagang biyayang ipinagkaloob
sa kanya ng Santo Niño ay may katumbas na
mahalagang misyon. Isang napakamisteryosong
misyon na kanyang dapat na gampanan at
isakatuparan sa bawat pag-ikot ng kanyang buhay
sa mundong ibabaw.
Sa liblib ng nakausling isla ng Guimaras ay
may isang natatanging tinig na sa tinagal-tagal ng
pagkakagapos ay hindi na nahayaang makapasok
sa mumunting butas ng ating mga tainga. Kilala
siya sa pangalang Johnny. Sa biglang pitik ng
pagkakataon ang kanyang simpleng buhay ay
binago ng isang pangyayaring kanyang matatawag
na “Himala”. Hindi man lubos nakikila ng lipunan
ang milagrosong uri ng kanyang panggagamot
subalit ito ay umuusbong at gumaganap ng
mabuting adhikain sa kapwa.
“Nag-umpisa ang tanan sang ginsudlan ako
sang isa ka indi mabal-an nga espirito, ginapatihan
nga siya isa ka tamawo kag kapid ko sa dungan nga
nagabulig sa akon suno kay Iska nga akon sorhano
nga amo ang nagbulong sa akon (Nagsimula ang
lahat nang sumanib sa aking katawan ang isang
'di maipaliwanag na kaluluwa na pinaniniwalaang
isang tamawo (fallen angel) at kapatid ko sa aking
espirito ayon sa aking espiritistang si Iska na
siyang gumamot sa akin),” paliwanag ni Johnny.
Taong 1983 ay nagsimulang manggamot si
Johnny sa mga may malulubhang sakit gamit ang
kakaibang kakayahan sa tradisyunal, modernong
uri ng panggagamot at maging ang hindi kayang
lunasan ng siyensya. Isang seremonya ang
nagaganap sa tulong ng kanyang kapatid na isang
tamawo na si Amigo Ronzo, pangalang tawag
din sa kanya sa tuwing may gagamutin. Si Amigo
Ronzo ay milagrosong manggagamot siya gamit
ang kanyang banal na ritwal. Sa madaling salita
ginagamit ni Amigo Ronzo ang katawan ni Johnny
Nag-umpisa
ang tanan sang
ginsudlan ako
sang isa ka
indi mabal-an
nga espirito,
ginapatihan
nga siya isa ka
tamawo
Babaeng nagpapagamot kay Mego Johnny
Mga naiwang halaman sa panggagamot
Lugar kung saan ginagawa ang ritwal
Isang uri ng sakit sa kamay
upang manggamot sa mga may hindi maipaliwanag
na uri ng karamdaman.
Mula sa pagbigkas ng ilang mahiwagang
orasyon hanggang sa pagsindi ng tatlong
malalaking kandila ay pinaghahandaan ng maigi
ni Johnny ang kanyang gawain. Sa loob ng isang
madilim na kwarto, may larawan ng isang Santo
Niño sa bandang kaliwa. Sa mismong harapan nito
ay nakasabit ang malaking berdeng rosaryo at sa
ibabaw ng lamesa ay nakalatag ang mahahalagang
sangkap na ginagamit. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang Lana
Milagrosa (ginagamit upang malaman ang uri ng
sakit), Libreta (aklat ng mga halamang gamot),
isang kulay berdeng bola na nakalagay sa loob ng
palanggana at iba pa. May pamantayan din na dapat
sundin ang mga pasyente sa loob ng seremonya .
Kailangang Amigo Ronzo o Amigo lang ang dapat
na itawag kay Johnny sa oras ng panggagamot.
Bawal hawakan o hipuin ang mga bagay sa ibabaw
ng mesa at maaari lang tawagin si Johnny sa
pangalan nito pagkatapos ng buong seremonya.
“Wala ko kabalo kon ano ang nagakatabo sa
akon sa ti-on nga ginasaniban ako ni Amigo Ronzo.
Ang hambal sang iban nagabata daw ang akon
nga hitsura kag daw landong lang guid daw ako
(Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa akin sa
tuwing sinasaniban ako ni Amigo Ronzo basta ang
sabi daw ng iba ay bumabata daw at pawang anino
lamang ako),” dagdag pa ni Johnny.
Ayon sa pagsusuri nito, kapag sumpa o inaaswang ang uri ng sakit ay gagamutin niya ito
gamit ang lana de agua (kumpletong sangkap ng
halamang gamot) at ilan pang uri ng lunas mula
sa pinaghalong bisa ng ibat-ibang sangkap ng
halaman. Kapag ang sakit naman ay may kinalaman
sa siyensya gaya ng cancer, diabetes, hepatitis,
leukemia at iba pang uri ng malubhang sakit ay
bibigyan niya ito ng mabisang gamot medikal
mula pa sa palasyo ng mga tamawo. Pagkatapos
masiguro ni Amigo Ronzo ang kalagayan ng
kanyang pasyente at tuluyan itong gumaling sa
patuloy na paggamit ng mga gamot na kanyang
binigay ay babalik ito para sa huling araw ng
lubusang pagkagaling at tutupad sa kanyang
panaad(magpasalamat sa Diyos). Ang pagbayad
ng pasyente kay Johnny ay nakadepende sa kung
magkano ang halagang sinisingil ni Amigo Ronzo.
“Tuod guid na ang mga sugilanon nahanungod
sa mga tamawo, kay sila na ang mga fallen angels
nga gindagdag sang una sa duta sang naglisa sila
sa sugo sang Ginoo, may mga gahum na sila kag
gapuyo sa ila palasyo sa Bulkan Kanlaon (Totoo
ang mga haka-haka tungkol sa mga tamawo , sila
ay mga anghel na inilaglag ng Diyos dito sa lupa,
Ano ang Faith
Healing?
Mga paalala sa harap ng pinaggagamutan
may kapangyarihan sila at nakatira sa palasyo ng
Bulkang Kanlaon),” paliwanag ni Johnny.
Marami na ang mga sumubok at naniwala sa
paraan ng panggagamot ni Amigo Ronzo. Patunay
dito si Gng. Elena. Taong 2010 nang dapuan siya
ng sakit na kidney cancer. Malubha na ang kanyang
karamdaman at may taning na ang kanyang buhay.
Agad siyang nagpagamot kay Amigo Ronzo at sa
loob ng apat na taon na patuloy na pagpapagamot
ay gumaling siya sa kanyang sakit. Humaba pa
ang kanyang buhay sa inilaang taning sa kanya
ng doktor. Lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat kay
Amigo Ronzo at sa Panginoong Diyos sa kanyang
paggaling. Gayunpaman, ang kanyang panaad ay
ang tumungo sa tatlong malalaking simbahang
inutos sa kanya ni Amigo Ronzo – ang Simbahan
ng Baclaran, Mana-oag at Novaliches – upang
magsindi ng kandila, magsimba at magpasalamat
sa biyaya ng Panginoong Diyos.
“Biskan amu ini nga gagamit ako sang gahum
sa pagpamulong indi buot silingon nga ginalapas
ko na ang kasugo-an sang Ginoo, ang ini nga
bugay bal-an ko hatag sa akon sang Ginoo para
makapamulong sang mga sakit nga indi kaya
bul-ngon sang siyensya. Indi ako mag-untat sa
akon ginaubra kay ini misyon nga ginhatag sa
akon sang Santo Niño (Kahit na gumagamit ako
ng kapangyarihan sa panggagamot, hindi ibig
sabihin na nilalabag ko na ang aral ng Panginoon.
Ang biyayang ito ay alam kong galing mismo sa
Kanya at gagamitin ko ito upang makatulong sa
mga nangangailangan. Gayunpaman hindi ako
titigil sa panggagamot dahil ito ay isang misyong
dapat kong tuparin mula sa Santo Niño),”
pahiwatig ni Johnny.
May mga bagay na mahirap ipaliwanag
na nangyayari sa kasalukuyan. Marahil ay
gumagambala ngayon sa iyong isipan ang mga
ganitong uri ng isyu, subalit ang nakakubling
katotohanang ito ay may napakahalagang papel
na ginagampanan sa ating lipunan. Mahiwaga ang
paraan ng panggagamot ni Johnny bagamat lahat
ng iyon ay biyayang kanyang pinagpapasalamatan
sa Maykapal. Hindi mahalaga sa kanya ang
sasabihin ng ibang tao basta ang importante ay
naniniwala siya sa iisang Diyos at masaya siyang
tumulong sa mga nangangailangan.
Sa malaalikabok na numero ng mga tao, hindi
niya mahanap-hanap ang kasagutan kung bakit
siya ang pinili. Sa bawat pagtanggap ng kanyang
mga mata ng mga piraso ng nakasisilaw na liwanag
ng araw ay isang panibagong pahina sa ikalawang
aklat ng kanyang buhay. Siya si Johnny at ito ang
naging takbo ng kanyang buhay.
Ang “faith healing” ay
paggaling sa paniniwalang
ang isang tao o lugar ay may
abilidad na makapanggamot
at makapagpagaling, na ang
isang nilalang o bagay ay
nakakapag-alis ng karamdaman
o nakakawala ng anumang
nararamdamang sakit sa
pamamagitan ng koneksyon sa
isang mataas na kapangyarihan.
Ito ay ginagawa sa
pamamagitan ng dasal, pagbisita
sa isang religious shrine o sa
pamamagitan lamang ng malakas
na paniniwala.
Ayon sa mga naniniwala
sa faith healing, ang paggaling
ay maaaring matamo sa
pamamagitan ng pagdarasal
o mga ritwal na nagtatawag
ng presensiya ng kakaibang
lakas at kapangyarihan para
makapagpagaling.
Kadalasan, kamay lamang
ang ginagamit kapag isinasagawa
ang mga ritwal para sa faith
healing.
Sinasabing ang dasal,
pagsanib sa isang nilalang ay
nakakapagpagaling ng iba’tibang sakit, partikular ang mga
malalalang karamdaman.
Kadalasang iniuugnay
sa isang himala ang umano’y
paggaling ng isang tao.
May iba’t-ibang klasipikasyon
ang faith healing base na rin sa
paraan ng panggagamot ng mga
taong nagsasagawa nito.
http://banderablogs.wordpress.
com/2012/05/09/albularyoespiritista-magtatawas-atbp
SINING
Pagsasagawa ng pelikulang
"Beadworks" ni Ronny Poblacion
(may hawak ng kamera)
Pasyon at Pangarap
Salita nina
D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon at Mdpn. Keem Cathlene A. Tugublimas
Mga Larawan ni
Ronny Poblacion
Nagawa
niyang ibaon
sa alaala ng
kahapon ang
totoong pinagaralan at tinapos
ang pagiging
inhinyero.
I
sa sa mga tampok na palabas na napabilang
sa 2012 First Sineng Pambansa National Film
Festival sa Davao City ay ang ang pelikulang
Ilonggo na pinamagatang ‘Beadworks’. Ito ay
tungkol sa kwento ng isang pamilya na ang
kanilang ikinabubuhay ay ang pagkakabit ng
beads sa mga gown at magagarang damit ng
iba’t-ibang okasyon. Ipinakita rin sa pelikula
kung paano naitutulak ng kahirapan ang tao sa
paggawa ng mga imoral na bagay para lamang
mabuhay.
Sa likod ng matagumpay na pelikulang ito ay
ang direktor na si Ronny Poblacion ng Janiuay,
Iloilo. Hindi siya tubong direktor dahil tumapos
siya bilang mechanical engineer sa University
of San Agustin. Nagturo rin siya sa unibersidad
na ito sa loob ng tatlong taon sa iba’t-ibang
asignatura gaya ng mathematics, technical
drawing, physics at electricity. Bago rin siya
sumabak sa paggawa ng pelikula ay naging isa
siyang sikat na photographer.
Ang pagkahilig ni Ronny sa pagkuha ng mga
makabuluhang litrato ay hindi habang buhay
na nasukluban ng kaniyang kinamulatang
propesyon. Nagawa niyang ibaon sa alaala ng
kahapon ang totoong pinag-aralan at tinapos
ang pagiging inhinyero. Ang paglipat niya sa
pagiging photograper at direktor ay isa sa mga
pinakamagandang pangyayari sa kaniyang buhay.
Ito ang nagtulay sa kaniya upang makatulong sa
pagpapaunlad ng sining sa bansa.
“After the people power, I lost my job and I was
lured into my hobby. At first, it became a hobby
then I turned into a professional photographer
long before the analogue days, the film era
pa. Everybody now is almost a photographer
because they can easily get the images out of
their cellphones, gadgets and small cameras.
(Pagkatapos ng people power, nawalan ako ng
trabaho (pagiging engineer). Kaya nahuli ako sa
bitag ng aking libangan (photography). Nung una,
libangan ko lang talaga. Hanggang sa naging isa
na ’kong propesyonal na potograper bago pa man
ang mga analogong araw, noong kapanahunang
film pa ang ginagamit. Kahit sino ngayon ay halos
puwede nang maging potograper dahil madali
lang sa kanila ang kumuha ng mga imahe mula
sa kanilang mga cellphones, gadgets at maliliit na
kamera)”, Sabi ni Ronny.
Sa unang pagkakataon, nanalo siya sa
patimpalak ng National Historical Institute
National Photo Contest na may temang,
‘Preservation of Historical Sites and Landmarks in
the Country’ bilang national winner noong taong
“BEADWORKS”
1984. Pinarangalan siya sa National Library sa
TN Kalaw, Maynila ng Secretary of Information
Gregorio Sendania at ng National Historical
Director Renato Perdon sa taon ding iyon.
Noong taong 1996, nagkaroon na naman
ng isang National Advertising Photo Contest sa
Glorietta ang Eight O’clock Sugarland Company,
Happy Moments. Nagpadala si Ronny ng limang
entri kung saan ilan sa mga ito ay pinangalanan
niya ng kaniyang anak, empleyado, at mga
pamangkin. Hindi niya inaasahan na pagkatapos
itong husgahan ng mga hurado, lahat ng kaniyang
entri ay nanalo at nahigitan pa ang ibang mga entri
sa buong bansa. Siya ang tinanghal na grand prize
winner, second prize winner, third prize winner,
fourth prize winner at honorable mention winner.
Sa kalagitnaan ng dekada 80, pinasok din ni
Ronny ang wedding photography. Sa kasalukuyan,
si Ronny ay naging potograper na nang higit sa
6,000 kasalang may iba’t-ibang klase. Simula
pa noon sa pangbaryo na tema hanggang sa
prominenteng kasalan ng malalaking pamilya sa
Iloilo, Maynila at pati na rin sa ibang bansa.
Pagkalipas ng ilang taon ay sumubok si
Ronnie ng paggawa ng pelikula. Noong 2009
ay nagsapalaran siya sa Estados Unidos para
makapag-aral sa bagong landas na tinatahak. Sa
kasawiang palad, maraming kailangang papeles
na dapat asikasuhin si Ronny bago makapasok
sa Tribica Media Arts sa Chicago na may gawa at
produser ng Tyra Banks.
Ang mga hinihiling na papeles na ito ay hindi
naging hadlang para kay Ronny upang matuto sa
larangan ng paggawa ng pelikula. Naghanap siya
ng mga pinoy na may pinag-aralan sa kaparehong
larangan at nagpaturo ng mga teknikalidad sa
paggawa ng pelikula.
Bago pa man pumunta ng US, ay ipinasa
na ni Ronny ang pangpelikula nyang iskrip na
‘Beadworks’ sa Film Development Council of the
Philippines (FDCP) para sa isang pagsusuri.
Sa ikalawang buwan pa lamang ng kaniyang
pamamalagi doon ay napag-alaman niya na ang
kaniyang manuskritong ipinasa ay isa sa mga
napiling ipanukala ng FDCP at binigyan siya ng
paunang 600,000Php para sa pagsisimula ng
pelikula.
Pagbalik ni Ronny ng Pilipinas ay agad niyang
sinimulan ang paggawa ng ‘Beadworks’ . Ang
pagsisimula na iyon ay hindi lamang nagbukas
ng panibagong pag-asa para sa katuparan ng
isang maka-sining at madamdaming palabas
kundi isa ring katuparan ng kaniyang pagsisikap
at mga pangarap.
Ang Beadworks ay isang
pelikulang tungkol sa buhay ng
mag-asawang Mang Domingo
at Aling Veronica na mahirap
at salat sa opurtunidad sa
matiwasay na trabaho kaya’t
sinamahan niya ang kanyang
sawa na buong araw na
nakatapat sa pagbe-beadwork
kasama ang kanyang mga anak
na gumawa ng mga bagay na
labag sa moralida ng isang tao
para malampasan ang mahirap
nilang pamumuhay.
Maraming pagsubok
ang dumating sa buhay ng
pamilya ni Aling Veronica
na nakapagbago ng kanilang
estado sa buhay. Pero sa halip
na sila ay sumunod sa hatak ng
kahirapan pababa, humanap
sila ng paraan para makaahon
at mabuo ang minsa’y isang
buong pamilya kasama ang
pagbe-beadwork.
Ang Pagbe-beadwork.
Ito ay matrabahong
gawaing kamay na gamit ang
isang karayom, sinulid at
iba’t-ibang kulay ng “beads”
na kakailanganin ng isang
manggagawa. Ito ay isang
malikhaing paggawa o pagdidisenyo ng isang bagay na
gawa sa tela o mga bagay na
pwedeng tahiin. Sa pelikulang
“Beadworks”, ito ang trabaho
ni Aling Veronica na nagging
tulay para mairaos niya
ang kanyang pamilya sa
kahirapan.
http://angsiningsapagbasaatpagsulat.
blogspot.com/2012/08/reaksyon-sapelikulang-beadworks-ni.html
MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN
TINIG. Marami nang himig
na naibulong sa Think Logic
Recording Studio
Salita't Himig
Salita nina
Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano, D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon at Mdpn. Keem Cathlene A. Tugublimas
Mga larawan kuha ni D/C
Titus Ira J. Adayon
Ngunit sa
aming kaibahan,
may isang
bagay ang
magkakapareho
ang lahat, iyon
ang musika
A
ng himig ay parang ulan. Maaari itong
isahod sa kahit anong salita sa kahit anong dahilan.
Salita man ay magpapakaagos sa alimpuyo ng
isang himig, dadaloy at bubuksan ang panibagong
alapaap, babasain ang bawat tigang na pangarap
at lulunurin ang bawat uhaw sa pagnanasang
maawit ang bawat ibig na salitang kumukubli sa
lumalagaslas na himig. Mistulang naghihintay sa
sinumang magtampisaw sa mga pumapalag na
himig na di mananatiling tikom.
Isa sa mga napakarami sa atin ang nagtampisaw
sa himig at musika ay ang studio na Think Logic.
Parang isang pugad sa mga taong naglalayong
sumagip nang pa idlip-idlip sa mundong likha ng
musika at ilayo ang sarili sa mga maligasgas na
katotohanan buhat ng mundo at maibsan ang pagod
at lungkot kahit sa sandaling pikit. Pero tulad ng
isang himig ng awitin, sadyang mahirap lapatan ng
nababagay na nota. Gayundin ang Think Logic.
Ang Think Logic ay binuo ng magkakaibigan
ng isang banda. Naisip nilang ilagay sa iisang
silid ang kani-kanilang mga instrumento. Ito’y
dahil sa karamihan sa kanila ay walang trabaho.
Gayunpaman, naging mahirap at walang panustos
ang banda para sa istudyo na kanilang pageensayuhan. Sa isang bakanteng silid sa itaas ng
computershop na Think Logic, doon tinipon ang
mga instrumento, para mas madali at malimit
ang gastusin sa tuwing mag-eensayo kung may
gaganaping gig ang grupo.
Isa sa mga nagpundar at naging tagapangasiwa
hanggang ngayon ng Think Logic Recording Studio
ay si Ralph A. Peñalosa, 30 anyos. Isang band
drummer sa kanilang bandang kilala sa tawag na
“Tyrant”- ang kaunaunahang bandang kanyang
kinasangkutan. Unang taon pa lamang si Ralph sa
kursong I.T (Information Technology), ay naging
bahagi na siya ng isang banda. Ginugol niya ang
panahon sa banda. Nagkaroon sila ng mga iba’t
ibang gig band dito sa Iloilo. Ngunit di namalayang
hinayaan ang sarili na lunurin at sakalin ng musika.
Nagtapos si Ralph sa kursong IT sa edad na 25
anyos. “If there’s one thing nga negative sa music
muna kung ma dalman ka. By the time nga nagstart
ko tukar, I was damn and fool. Tambay-tambay kag
tukar lang pirme ubra ko and there is no one to guide
me and no studio nga parehas sini (Kung may mga
bagay na negatibong dulot ang musika ay kung
hindi mo na namamalayang nalulunod ka na. Noong
nag-umpisa akong tumugtog, ako ay nahihibang.
Tumatambay lang at tumutugtog kasama ang banda
ang ginagawa ko at walang taong gumagabay sa
akin at walang studio na kagaya nito)," pagtatapat
ni Ralph.
Maria Carpena
Mga memorabilia pangmusika ni Ralph mula sa iba't ibang bansa
Drum set na pinag-eensayuhan sa Think Logic
Ngunit kanyang namalayang parang tinatapon
niya na ang kanyang buhay. Dito na nag-umpisang
tumugtog kasama ang bandang “Overture” nang sa
gayon ay makaipon para sa kanyang pang-arawaraw na gastusin. Nagpatayo ng sariling negosyo at
natatrabaho habang nag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Pinilit
tinapos ang pag-aaral sa mahabang panahon sa
edad na 25 anyos.
Kung may mga asal mang natutunan si Ralph,
ay ang disiplina sa sarili. Ang disiplina ay sumibol
sa masusing pag-aaral ng mga diskarte kung paano
tugtugin ang himig ng awitin. Dagdag pa niya
ang musika ay parang “stress reliever”. Sa tuwing
pagod, wlang magawa o maraming suliranin na
hinaharap, dinadaan niya lang na raw sa pagtugtug
ng mga awitin. Dito ay nakakahanap siya ng payapa
sa isipan. “Its what makes me healthy,” ika niya na
may bahid ng tuwa sa kanyang mukha. Ang musika
ay maririnig kahit saan at nagbibigay lakas para
harapin ang buhay.
Ang musika ay parang isang salita. “Music is an
opinion. Everyone is entitled of his own opinion yet
have different interpretations. "Ang musika ay isang
sining dahil sa mga kanikaniyang pananaw sa mga
bagay. Ito ay magiging sining dahil sa nabubuong
himig. Ang himig mismo ang bubuo ng mga bagay
na kapansinpansin at dahil sa lahat ng kasapi ay
nag-iisa at nagtutulugan para makabuo ng iissang
himig," pagsasalaysay ni Ralph.
“Pumunta kami sa isang lugar para tumugtog.
Doon, maraming businessmen, lawyers, engineers
at ang mga iba’t-iba pang banda, ngunit sa aming
kaibahan, may isang bagay na magkakapareho
ang lahat, iyon ang musika,” ika ni Ralph. Sabi pa
niya ang musika ang nag-uugnay sa bawat kasapi
ng banda. Kahit sila ay galing sa iba’t-ibang lugar
sila ay nagkaka-intindihan at nag-iisa dahil sa
musika, dagdag pa niya.
Sa nabuong paraiso, ang Think Logic, may
layuning dapat walang diskriminasyon sa bawat
genre ng mga awitin. Ito ay nagbibigay lugar sa mga
taong nais tumawid at lumundag sa bawat nota
nang isang himig. “We are here accepting everybody
who has passion for music and to unite and respect
every genre and to teach equality of musics."
Katulad nga ng Think Logic parang panibagong
alapaap sa mga taong musika ang nakahiligan.
Kaya sa bawat uhaw at tigang ang isipan, hayaan
ang sariling bumabad sa bawat himig na naririnig.
Malay mo ang bawat himig na ating naririnig ay
iisa. Naghihintay sa bawat dilang babangitin ang
mga salitang pumipilit na makaalpas. Nang sa
gayon, walang himig na hindi maririnig at walang
salitang mananatiling tikom.
Si Maria Carpena ang
kauna-unahang babae na
naging recording artist ng
bansa. Isang mapait na buhay
muna ang kanyang tiniis
hanggang sa makamit niya ang
ningning ng kanyang bituin.
Pinanganak si Carpena
noong Oktubre 22, 1886 sa
bayan ng Santa Rosa, Laguna.
Nagsimula siyang kumanta sa
simbahan bilang isang tiple
(soprano) ng choir.
Naging katuwang siya ng
mga madre sa kanilang mga
gawain tulad ng pagbuburda.
Dahil dito, naipagpatuloy niya
ang kanyang pag~aaral.
Sa edad na 15, nagtanghal
siya sa isang konsyerto sa
Zorilla Theater noong 1901.
Ito ay nagdala sa kanya
upang mahalin ang teatro
at nagbukas ng pintuan sa
mundo ng pagkakanta.
Nagpakasal siya kay Jose
Alcantara sa napakabatang
edad. Nang naging 18 anyos na
siya noong 1904, bigla siyang
nabalo at naiwan sa kanya ang
dalawa nilang anak.
Subalit nagpatuloy si
Carpena na kumanta sa
choir at teatro. Dito siya
nadiskubre ni Severino
Reyes ng marinig siya nitong
umaawit sa simbahan ng
Biñan. Naging katambal niya
si Victorino Carrion sa isang
sarswelang "Walang Sugat" at
dito nagsimula ang kanyang
karere bilang recording artist.
Tampok din siya sa"Minda
Mora", "Lakas ng Dugo" at "La
Confianza Mata al Hombr".
Pumanaw siya noong 1915
sa Maynila.
Pinagkunan: Manuel, E.A.
(1995). Dictionary of Philippine
Biography (Vol 3). Quezon City:
Filipiniana Publications.
KALUSUGAN
LIKHANG-KAMAY. Ang maingat
na pagbuo ng pustiso
Solusyon sa may
Puwang na Gilagid
Salita nina
Mdpwn. Trisha Canillo, Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra
at Mdpn. John Michael G. Londres
I
sang pamilyar na usok ang muling bumalot sa
loob ng bahay ni Mang Erning*. Sa kanyang mga
bihasang kamay, maingat niyang pinagdikit-dikit
ang bawat piraso ng bagong pag-asa. Matapos ang
ilang oras, ang pinagsama-samang mga piraso ay
naging bungisngis.
Matapos ang
ilang oras, ang
pinagsamasamang mga
piraso ay naging
bungisngis
***
Ang ngiti ay isang mahiwagang elemento
ng buhay. Wala man itong halaga sa nagbigay,
nagpapayaman naman ito sa pinaghahandugan.
Malimit nating ginagawa ang pagngiti. Kapag
nalagas ng panahon ang ating ngipin, gumagawa
tayo ng paraan upang maiwasan ipagdamot ang
ngiti sa iba. Isa na rito ang paggamit ng pustiso.
Sa modernong panahon ngayon, maraming
makabagong teknolohiya ang umuusbong sa
paggawa ng pustiso. Sa kabilang dako, ang mga
Pilipino ay nananatili pa rin sa kumbensyonal na
proseso. Sa madaling salita, ang mga kamay talaga
ang pangunahing makina sa paghulma ng pustiso.
Nakasisiguro ba tayo dito?
Isa si Mang Erning sa gumagawa ng
pustiso. Natutunan niya ito sa kanyang kuya
na nagtrabaho bilang dental technician sa mga
laboratory at pagawaan ng pustiso sa Bacolod at
dito sa Iloilo. Halos maglilimang taon na siyang
nagpapangiti sa kanyang mga kababayan.
“Sa una, nabudlyan gid ako kay damu mga
process ang ginaagyan. Sa kadugayan, daw
nakuha ko naman ang tanan, daw wala na lang
sa akon subong kung mag-ubra ko pustiso. (Sa
una, nahirapan ako kasi maraming mga proseso
ang pinagdadaanan. Sa katagalan, parang wala
na lang sa akin ngayon kung gumagawa ako ng
pustiso,)”pilyong panimula ni Mang Erning.
Kumbensyonal ang paggawa ni Mang Erning.
Sa loob ng kanyang bahay siya mismo gumagawa
kung kaya’t hindi sapat ang kanyang kagamitan.
Sa tagal niya rin sa ganitong trabaho, ang mga
kasangkapang mayroon siya ay talagang gamit
na ng panahon. Pwedeng maging dahilan ito
upang mamuo ang mga kalawang at makasama
sa kalusugan ng taong gagamit ng pustisong gawa
dito.
Kapag pumasok ang kalawang sa ating
katawan, maaari itong magdulot ng sakit tulad ng
tetanus. Naging kaugalian na rin ni Mang Erning
na hindi gumamit gloves o guwantes. Hindi na
siya nagsusuot nito sa buong proseso, simula
sa pagpasukat ng bunganga ng pasyente gamit
ang tray hanggang sa pag-alis ng sobrang wax sa
pustiso.
Inamin rin niyang ginagamit niyang muli ang
Ang Pustiso
ni Lola
Pagtatanggal ng sobrang wax sa pagitan ng mga ngipin
Pagpipino ng ngipin
gamit ang grinder
Paglalagay ng wax
mga ngipin mula sa lumang pustiso sa paggawa ng
bago. Ang mga ngiping ito ay gawa sa porselana na
kung saan mayroon itong butas na pinapasukan
ng artificial gums na tumitigas habng pinalalamig.
Maaari itong alisin sa lumang pustiso at gamiting
muli.
Subalit pinagtanggol ni Mang Erning ang
kanyang produkto. “Tinlo man ang ginaubra ko nga
pustiso kag ginapabukalan ko man kung matapos
na. Hindi ko man pagpasuksok sa pasyente ko kung
may mabuol siya nga sakit (Malinis naman ang
ginahawa kong pustiso at pinakukuluan ko naman
ito kapag tapos na. Hindi ko naman ito ipapagamit
sa pasyente ko kung may makukuha siyang sakit)."
Pinabulaanan naman ito ni Dr. Aniceto S.
Ballesteros, isang pribadong dentista. Ayon sa
kanya, napakaliit ng tsyansang may makukuhang
sakit ang pasyente. Sa tagal niya sa mundo ng
mga ngipin, wala pa naman siyang nababalitaang
nagkasakit dahil sa ganitong proseso ng paggawa
ng pustiso. Isang nakababahalang problema
lamang ang kanyang nakita.
"Ang quality sang gin-ubra nga pustiso pareho
kay Mang Erning ay hindi masyado credible. Wala
ko kabalo sang mga kagamitan niya, so pwede ini
makacontribute sa quality sang pustiso. Anytime
maguba ini, unlike sa laboratory made nga
Nilutong artificial gums
ginpolish gid kag masarigan gid (Ang kalidad ng
ginawang pustiso katulad kay Mang Erning ay
hindi masyadong maaasahan. Hindi ko alam ang
mga kagamitan niya, kaya't pwede itong magdulot
sa kalidad ng pustiso. Anumang oras masisira
ito, hindi katulad sa laboratory-made na talagang
inayos at talagang maaasahan)," wika ni Dr.
Ballesteros.
Sa huli, sa tao pa rin nakasalalay ang desisyon
kumg mananatili pa rin ba siya sa kumbensyonal
o tangkilikin ang makabagong proseso. Bagamat
atin lamang pgkatatandaan na kung anumang
desisyon an gating gagawin kailangang isaisip kung
makabubuti ba ito sa ating sarili.
***
Muli na namang nakapagpangiti ng tao si
Mang Erning. Naniniwala siyang maibabalik ng
kanyang likhang-kamay ang kumpiyansa ng taong
muling ngumiti. Hatid niya ang bagong pag-asang
pinagdikit-dikit ng kanyang mga kamay. Para sa
kanya, anumang pagsubok ang darating sa kanyang
buhay, patuloy siyang magpapangiti. Anuman
ang mangyari, mananatiling pustiso pa rin ang
solusyon sa taong may puwang ang gilagid.
Simula pa noong 700 B.C,
pustiso na ang pumalit sa
nalagas na natural na ngipin.
Ang unang pamantayan sa
istilo ng pustiso ay tinakda ng
mga Etruscans, mga ninuno
ng modernong Italyano. Ito ay
gawa mula sa ngipin ng labi ng
tao o hayop.
Samantala, ang unang set
ng Europeyong pustiso ay
nagmula at ginawa tulad sa
modernong pustiso ngayon.
Subalit ang kalidad nito ay
hindi masyadong maaasahan
dahil mabilis masira kahit
nilikha ito mula sa ivory o buto,
o paminsan-minsan ay ngiping
mula sa mga sementeryo.
Ang unang porselanang
pustiso naman ay ginawa ni
Alexis Duchâteau noong 1770.
Sa pagdating ng 1791, pinasa
ni Duchâteau ang proseso
ng paggawa nito sa kanyang
katulong na si Nicholas Dubois
De Chemant. Dito nagmula ang
"De Chemant's Specification".
Ito ay naglalahad na “ ang
komposisyon sa paggawa
ng artipisyal na ngipin ay
maaaring single, double,
pahilera o sa kumpletong set
kung saan ito ay pinakakapit
at pinadudugtong sa madali at
epektibong paraan at maaaring
lagyan ng iba’t ibang kulay
na mananatili sa matagal na
panahon at dahil dito magiging
kahawig nito ang natural na
ngipin”.
Pinagkunan: funtrivia.com
*Mang Erning-hindi niya tunay na pangalan.
TEKNOLOHIYA
PAG-ASA. Ang matang ito na
tinatawag na Bionic Eyes ay pagasa ng mga bulag upang makakita
Tao sa Modernong Panahon
Salita ni
Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro
Mga litrato halaw mula sa
www.livescience.com
Sa huli,
nasa tao kung
gagamitin natin
ang teknolohiya
sa kasamaan o
kabutihan
H
indi natin maikakaila na sa paglipas
ng mga taon, marami nang natutuklasan ang
mga siyentipiko tungkol sa mga tao at sa iba
pang mga bagay-bagay. Datapwat marami
ang nangangarap na makatuklas ng bagay na
may maitutulong sa pag unlad ng tao. Marami
ring imbensyon na ngayon lamang natin
matutunghayan.
Isa sa mga ito ang tinatawag na "Bionic
Human." Ang "Bionic Human" ay binubuo ng
iba't-ibang imbensyon na makakatulong sa tao
upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng
mga ito. Ginagaya ng mga imbensyon na ito ang
normal na ginagawa ng mga parte ng katawan
kung saan ito iginaya.
Meron tayong tinatawag na "Bionic Eyes." Ito
ay nadiskubre ni Dr. John Pezar, at pinangalanan
niyang Argus II Rectical Prosthesis. Nagsisilbi
itong camera at kumukuha ng mga imahe,
pagkatapos ay ipapadala ito sa utak gamit ang
electronic signals na kukunin at bibigyangkahulugan ng electrodes na naka-implant sa
utak ng tao.
Noong 2005 naman, nadiskubre ng mga
mananaliksik mula sa UCLA kung paano
patubuin muli ang nasirang buto ng tao. Gamit
ang UCB-1 (isang uri ng protina), pwede nitong
ayusin ang mga sira sa buto ng tao.
Sa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
naman nadiskubre ni Aaron Kowalski ang
tinatawag na "portable pancreas." Ito ay may
kakayahan na i-monitor at i-adjust ang blood
sugar at insulin ng sumusuot nito.
Si Professor Niekirk ng University of Texas
ay nakagawa ng "electronic tongue." Ito ay may
kakayahan na suriin kung ano ang "chemical
content" ng isang pagkain.
Ang "Bionic Arm" na ginawa ni Dr. Todd
Kuiken ay may kakayahang i-interpret ang o
gawin ang kung ano man ang iniisip ng utak
na ipagawa sa kanya gamit ang isang linya na
nakakabit mula sa "Bionic Arm" patungo sa
utak. Gumagamit ito ng surviving sensory nerves
para ipaalam sa utak ang temperatura, vibration
at pressure na galing sa "Bionic Arm".
Ang RHEO naman na isang prosthetic
knee na natuklasan nina Hugh Herr at Ari
Wilkenfield ay may sariling utak. Meron itong
sensors para malaman kng saang "terrain"
naglalakad ang tao, para maibagay ang kanyang
hulma sa "terrain" na nilalalakaran nito.
Meron ding tinatawag na "wearable kidney".
Ito ay sulusyon nina Martin Robert at David B.N.
Lee upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng
Ikinakabit ang Portable
Kidney sa taong
kinakailangan ng dialysis
Ang Portable Pancreas na
nagmomonitor ng blood
sugar ng mga diabetiko
Ang Smart Knee na isang prosthetic leg na may sensor
tao na kasalukuyang dina-dialysis. Gumagana
ito katulad ng sarili nating bato.
Si Damiel Hammer ng University of
Pensylvania ay gumawa ng artificial cells. Ang
artificial cells na mga ito ay kayang gayahin ang
ruta kung saan dumadaan ang white blood cells ng
tao. Tinatawag din silang "c", at may kakayahan
itong magdala ng gamot diretso mismo sa parte
ng katawan na nangangailangan nito.
Maraming lalake ang namumublema sa
kanilang buhay sekswal (lalo na ang mga
tumantanda). Naging solusyon ni Anthony
Antala at ng kanyang mga kasamahan sa
Wake Forest University ang pag-culture at
pagpaparami ng corpora cavernosa na isang
tisyu na pinupuno ng mga dugo tuwing may
erection ang isang tao. Ito na marahil ang sagot
sa erectly dysfunction kung saan tumatamlay
ang kanilang pagkalalaki habang tumatanda.
Kung nanghihina at pumapalya naman ang
inyong utak dahail sa katandaan o sa stress,
isang chip na naimbento ni Theodore Berge ang
sagot diyan. Ang chip na ito ay maaring pumalit
sa hippocampus, isang bahagi ng utak na
nagkukontrol ng short-term memory at spatial
understanding ng isang tao.
Kalimitan, ang parte ng utak na ito ay
nasisira ng mga sakit tulad ng Alzheimer’s at
stroke. Ang implant ng chip na ito sa utak ng
tao ay makakatulong upang maging normal
muli ang takbo ng buhay ng mga taong may
kapansanan.
Ang genome editing o ang pagpapalit ng DNA
sa chromosome ng isang tao ay may malaking
maitutulong sa lugar ng biomedicine. Ang mga
mananaliksik mula sa MIT ay pinangalanan
itong CRISPR. Ang CRISP ay may pontensyal
na makatulong sa mga mananaliksik upang
mapag-aralan akung anong genetic mutation
ang nagbubunga ng mga sakit tulad ng autism,
Alzheimer's at iba pa.
Marami pang nadiskubre tungkol sa
katawan ng tao. Maaari nga'ng dala ng
modernisasyon ay polusyon, bagamat hindi
natin maikakaila na dala rin nito ang maraming
solusyon. Sa huli, nasa tao kung gagamitin natin
ang teknolohiya sa kasamaan o kabutihan.
Ngunit sa patuloy na pag unlad ng tao at
ng teknolohiya, huwag sana nating kalimutan
na maging tao, sa pagkat wala teknolohiya ang
makapag papatao sa atin kung iwawala natin
ito.
www.livescience.com
Superhero
Isa itong maliit na device na
pwedeng i-implant sa katawan
ng tao at may kakayahan na
i-monitor ang electrical impulses
ng mga organs o bahagi ng
katawan at gamutin ito kung
madapuan ng impeksyon o di
kaya’y masugatan.
Tinatawag itong Electrical
Prescriptions or EclectRx. Ang
programang ito ng Defence
Advanced Research Projects
Agency o DARPA ng Pentagon.
Ang biyolohikal na proseso
na tinatawag na neuromodulation
(o peripheral nervous system)
ay minsang naantala o
nagmamalfunction. Subalit kung
mayroon ElectRx, mare-regulate
nito di umano ang reaksyon ng
neuromodulator upang mapabilis
ang pag galing ng isang pasyente.
www.livescience.com
SEA EXPERIENCE
Somali pirates from afar
When Somali Pirates Attack
Words and Photos by
D/C Geoffrey Bajala Jr.
W
hile sitting on a life-size rock
along the shoreline, I started picturing myself
wearing a seafarer’s uniform, holding a steering
wheel and having my expeditions across the
wide blue oceans of the earth. I imagined how
it feels to be like going and exploring other
places just like having an adventure. I dreamed
of becoming a seafarer.
But sometimes life at sea is chancy. You’re
life isn’t always a lap of luxury. And there will be
something that you do not expect to happen and
you least expect to happen.
LLYICHEVSK, Ukraine, May 15, 2013 – It was
1600H and I could feel the warm summer breeze
I was wanting when I was a child. I could not
believe that I was going through on what I refer as
a ‘dream’. I was in a different place with various
people speaking in different languages and having
diverse traditions and norms. When I felt that my
food finally entered my gullet, it was then that I
realized that I wasn’t dreaming.
The sun was about to set when I had my duty
because my reliever went off. I was in my coverall uniform and readied myself for duty. However,
our cargo holds did not pass the inspection to
load grains because it weren’t hospital clean.
So, we started cleaning the cargo holds for the
inspection. I was so thankful that the crew and
the officers were eager to help me familiarize and
teach my basic duties. They helped me know the
ropes of a seafarer’s job onboard. The next day,
our cargo hold already passed the inspection,
thus, the regular loading started until it was
finished and my reliever had arrived.
Before leaving the port, we conducted a drill
for passing a high risk area- the Somali Sea. This
was done so that we would know the do's and
don’ts when Somali pirates attack. Consequently,
the officers and I readied the ship for voyage. I
felt some tension because we will be having our
voyage in one of the most perilous seas in the
world- a place where you’ll either be mutilated or
be a captive of the pirates.
It was nine o’clock in the morning when
we left Ukraine to Mombasa, Kenya. The ship
departed from the port until all that I could see
was the wide berth of the oceans and the waves
that tapped our ship. We arrived in Yemen and I
was having my pirate watch with the 3rd officer,
able-bodied seaman, and an engine cadet. At that
time, our Ukrainian captain was on the bridge.
The officers told me that the pirates are
using skiff. This is the boat that they are using
in order for them not to be identified as pirates.
Protection onboard against the pirates
The Somali pirates
This is where they hid their rifles and other
weapons they use in attacking a vessel and
some seafarers would assume that they are just
ordinary fishermen.
While the sun slowly concealed its light, I
was called by the chief officer to substitute the
Ordinary Seaman (OS) because he will be having
his dinner. Having a watch during that time, the
pirates started to show off. They have curly
hairs with black complexion and medium height.
They were using their skiff to follow us behind.
However, we remained calm since we were
escorted by the armed guards upon entering the
Suez Canal.
We were entering the Somali Sea as the
pirates continued to run after our ship. The
captain had already increased the speed of the
ship. Suddenly, a heavy rain poured down and
started to create huge waves that hindered the
pirates from following us. There was a positive
outcome yet the heavy rain created a whirlpool of
anxiety on my mind. At that time, I was thinking
of my family especially that I am the youngest and
the unico hijo of my parents. I silently prayed and
asked God's guidance from above to spare us from
the imminent danger. I knew that everything
would be fine and nothing would happen bad
RISK. The ship’s bow is pitching
while the heavy rain pours
to us. I relaxed myself and believed that we can
finish this voyage safely.
Thanks to Him. Everything was fine.
The pirates were already out of sight
from our vessel and the weather came back
to normal. I was breathing normally and the
paranoid thoughts that I had yesterday were
already gone. I could finally put back the smile
on my face while thinking of my family and I felt
excited to see them.
I continued my duty as a pirate watcher for
12 days- watching the waves trying to meet
each other, wearing my seafarer’s uniform, and
at the same time keeping a strong and keen
faith to myself. Finally, we arrived in Kenya safe
and sound.
This was just a bijou experience of mine
compared to other seafarers. Others may have
worse experiences. With this encounter, I have
proven that it is not very easy to be in this field
of profession. I knew that being a seafarer you’ll
be meeting the waves of difficulties you’ll never
experience in land. Your life is always at risk.
You’ll be facing the perils of the sea. You’ll be
facing different situations that would test how
strong you are.
Every day is unpredictable.
We were
entering the
Somali Sea
as the pirates
continued to
run after our
ship.
S
E
L
I
M
E
H
T
S
S
O
R
C
A

Unsung Melodies

Transcription

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