Do you thinks it's right to Change for the Other?

jhl930: i think that we have all heard some stories about people changing for the other and sometimes that is good in my opinion and then again sometimes its not that good honestly...i think that its good to change if you are doing something bad like maybe your a big drinker and you change for that person and your not such a drinker anymore or you are on drugs or something like that and you change for that person and you don't do drugs anymore, just stuff like that or maybe before you were the kind to have a few boyfriends/girlfriends at the same time(nto serious)and you just have the one now and you are happy...but then again there are bad ways that you can change...so what about all of you do you think its right to change for the other? thanks for taking the time to read my discussion and hopefully you will take part and answer...i hope that you all have a great day today!

manunulat: The questions that we should ask ourselves would be "Are we going to change for the better? And if so, are we ready to leave the old person we are?" CHANGE should not be treated as an enemy, it's a life force and it's inevitable. When we engage into a relationship, a change should always be welcomed as a force that could make both person grow and mature. When the examples that you have mentioned are stopped or measures have been done by the person who has that annoying behavior; the idea of determining whether he or she made that decision right is the quality of how that person made that decision. When a person decides to take action on that decision, there should be an affirmation that he or she is doing it for the better- the examples that you have cited is more beneficial to that person who has that unaccepted behavior when he or she realizes that the behavior needs to be changed. There should be a commitment to do the necessary ways to make his or her plans work and if the expected result does not manifest, a person should be ready to re-evaluate the kind of decision that had transpired. On the other hand, we cannot force others to make life changes according to our standards (it's confrontational when we nag or face our men, it won't work.). We can motivate others to Change using non-confrontational approaches because there are some people that really needs life-coaching. Yet, what's been embedded as Character is really difficult to address because a person may not be open-minded to consider the benefits of such decision. And if so, are we ready to live in with that kind of relationship and are we ready to accept that kind of person he or she is? If we respect individual differences, how long can we handle their behavior? We can not not communicate.

Reading to kids

"Reading maketh a full man." as the saying goes and it's true that you cannot replace the quality of enjoyment that books could provide in Learning. While it is true that most of the materials today can be viewed in television or the internet- there are many important points missed. Have your children be checked by an specialists for physical impairment or Reading disabilities. Maybe that's one cause why your children could not stand long periods of time. Age also influence reading interests. Remember that each child have different "attention spans" so it is nice for you to be creative in making them love Reading. Before the advent of technology, reading have already contributed to man's curiosity and imagination. In that way, it allowed them to explore, seek visual evidences by traveling and do more investigation. Of course that's the missing part in television and additional media because it has already spoil the excitement of "wonders" that is supposed to be in the imaginative state in the human mind.
Do you have quality materials that fit to your children's age?
It is not necessary that children would read long paragraphs like us adults on a first introduction of a subject matter. Read with them. Demonstrate how you read and be creative. For example in reading stories, poetry and other prose that makes use of characterizations... you might want to change voice to emphasize character. In that way, children will have a grip that Reading is not purely narration but there is also Drama in it.
Do they have a routine for play and study?
If you just want your kids to Read without making schedules on their study time at home then I think this is stressful on their part especially if they are going to school... They should feel that you are not acting like their teacher. School age children normally do not listen to their parents when it comes to academic areas. If you want to impose something to your kids on this area, talk to his or her favorite teacher so that she or he will introduce it to your children then you reinforce it at home. Don't worry too much on this because this is how child develops socially.
Introduce materials related to their study and a variety.
This is something that most parents miss in seeking Reading materials. Children get bored when story books are often used most especially those stories that they are already familiar with and already watched (So don't let them be glued in the television. TV might spoil your technique. Schedule for TV viewing.). Introduce simple Science, then allow them to participate in the kitchen. Introduce sport, let your kids go out with your husband for fishing, skating, jogging, etc. There are a variety of ways to stimulate children to participate into Reading. Of course they wont be very willing at first but when you demonstrate and do stuff like that in school where there is singing and some skills demonstration; they would be interested later on. You could actually help them visualize and solve problems in mathematics by using available stuff inside your fridge. So next time they have this math homeworks, get them into the kitchen, go to a science fair, etc..
Children will love Reading, let them decide for materials. Get them into the bookstore or library with you. The more you expose them with stuff they haven't experienced, their attention will be re-focused.

Like Father, Like Son; Like Mother, like Daughter?

I read that children emulate both good and bad health habits. Teens whose parents smoke will have a tendency to smoke while kids whose parents exercise will develop the habit of exercising as well. I have read and also mentioned in our RRL on our undergraduate thesis that parents are the models of their children.
In the Journal of Health and Social Behaviour, research result show that parents influence on teens follow gender lines, boys emulate their Dad and mothers emulated by daughters.
In the aspect of health routines/ habits, what do you think have you acquired/ learned from your parents?

Fiesta

Muelitz: Yesterday, we celebrated the whole day as if we were back in our country of origin.It was a Philippine Fiesta in Canada. The organizers of the festival rented a picnic area at Meadowvale Conservation Park in Mississauga, Ontario. There were a lot of people from different corner of Canada and even from the USA. There were so much food and drinks that there were still left over 10 hours later. Aside from eating and mingling there were plenty of parlor games for the kids which they really enjoyed. I surely wished my kids were here as they would have enjoyed every minute of it. Do you enjoy attending fiestas or such an event?Just Sharing,

Manunulat: Yes and No. Yes for religious gatherings, family gatherings (especially reunions but we really keep things short to avoid disagreement circumstances since my family is BIG and complicated.) and no for merely socializing and show off. You can't deny it man, PINOYs are often extravagant in some fiestas. It is like missing the real meaning of celebrating the whole thing. In most traditional provinces, there's a so-called "house-hopping" wherein you get to go to a strangers' house to eat up, drink a lot and stuff. It is really bad since other families are in difficult situation financially but they have to resort to "debts" just to keep up with the tradition. I am lucky I am Ilocano. Most of our fiesta's don't promote such extravagance, except for the "babaknang" where it's their chance to share their blessings to others that's why most of them usually are the hermana mayors. Most festivals in the Philippines now are enhanced, fading the real spirit of celebrating it in order to commercialize it for Tourism. Good or bad? It has both effects in our values as a people.

To a Married man or the Bachelor?

Cecelgay: There are poelple says married man are a good lover than a bachelor because married man knows how to show his care, love and gives his best effort to his woman.....
>Sorry to all bachelors in mylot but i will agree on that, married man are more showy than bacholrs, married man are not afraid to show thier feeling... while most of bachelors that i know doesnt really care how thier girlfriend feel, they are busy in so many things... and sometimes they are busy in hunting another girl....
Peace to all bachelors, that is just my view... what is yours?

Manunulat: Married man is not afraid to show their affection because being into a relationship with him with a single person boosts his self-esteem, that despite he's married... he can still be attractive and can enjoy what a single guy would have. On the other hand, they could be good lovers in the aspect that they have already enough experience in committed relationships like that and committed relationships oftentimes have a higher degree of communication. I don't think being married gives a guarantee that he is a good lover. There is something wrong in the marriage that is why a man resort to illicit affair like that. On the other hand, singles often are not that affectionate because each have a degree of priority/ies that are not solely on their girlfriends. And yes, some are busy hunting on another girl because there is no commitment but there are singles who could stick to one woman. It's just a matter of how singles view their freedom.

Autism

Jsvanriet: I have a child who is 3 almost 4 and he was dianosed with low functioning Autism. he is going to a early preschool and the school is tring to rediagnose him and I am not sure how to handle this. I feel like they are pushing him aside because he has had early help and is beginning to socialize better. If anyone has any advice I am always open to suggestion. We are in Indiana and I really dont want to see my little man get pushed farther behind. We moved here from a military base and we had all the help we could ask for but now that we are in the real world we seem a little lost as what we can get for him or do for him to make his life a little easier.

manunulat: I understand your feeling as a mother. I learned that Autism is best diagnosed early in order for the caregiver to provide the necessary needs of the the child. I'm not sure what you mean by your child being re-diagnosed in pre-school. You have to realize that Medicine and Special Education have different modalities in coming up with the right approach to cater to the needs of your child. Pediatricians are most concerned with physiologic health and development while the SPED is most concerned with the optimum level of functioning of your child. I would like to point out that both of this discipline is not in contradiction but best supplements each other. How to meet it is in your hands as the primary caregiver because most of the decision-making is on you as parents. My suggestion is for you to ask questions and be more involved with these modalities.If there are any groups of parents who have the same condition like your child, consider being a member. In that way, you can have a wide array of ideas on how to handle related situations. Further, you can be more empowered and you will have additional support system. There are websites also that are accessible. You have to equip also yourself, together with your husband with some information that could be vital to your child. If you feel that your child has been stressed so much, you have to ask and ventilate your concern to the secondary caregiver. He or she could explain to you the rationale behind the approach and that is important so that you may also learn to reinforce it when you are at home. I know it is not easy but you have to be pro-active at all concerns, not only you as the mother but also with your husband.

* I don't have specialization on these kids... Hmmm do you have any more ideas? Email or post it here.

Do boys mature sooner too?

SViswan: My almost 8 year old (his birthday is in two weeks) behaves like a teenager and it's driving me crazy. He was a lovely child(and still is) but the temper tantrums and the 'not fair' (which I didn't expect till he was into his teens have started. He is irresponsible with his things and I just didn't know how to handle him (never had this problem earlier). Yesterday, I was reading a Reader's digest article on sleep patterns and his fits the teenager's sleep pattern and I suddenly could understand a bit of what he was going through.

Though I've always felt my son skipped an age (we never went through the 'terrible twos' and always had a child who was mature for his age), I didn't think the 'teenage years' would be here sooner.
But coming to think of it, girls are maturing at a faster pace now than a few years back. Could that be possible with boys too? Could that be what my son is going through? I tried to talk to my husband to find out what boys go through when they mature....but he's been of no help.
Can anyone explain this to me and help me handle my wonderful son? He's really skilled in different areas and a wonderful child. It's only the tantrums and the irresponsible behaviour I cannot stand because it's so unlike him. If it was my younger son doing it when he grows I wouldn't be surprised. But coming from my older one, I just don't know what to do!

Manunulat: It is generally perceived that girls mature earlier because their physical development seems to speed up. In puberty for example, they would develop their breasts or physical changes are more noticeable than in boys. Growth and development is a very significant matter in parenting but always remember that there are so many factors that are directly or indirectly affect growth and development. Nutrition for example is most attributed to quality of growth. Growth basically talks about physical aspect while Development basically is to maturity. These two go hand in hand.
When a child reaches 3 to six years old, they assert themselves more frequently by planning activities, make up games and initiate activities with others. If these opportunities are present, the child will develop a sense of initiative and sense of security in their ability to lead others and make decisions. If the tendency is squelched by parents by criticism and control, the child will develop a sense of Guilt making him a nuisance, a follower, lacking Initiative.
Your 8 year old is not yet a teenager so you might wanna drop your apprehensions to that sleep pattern issue that you read on teenagers; but I am not pointing that sleep is not important to your growing child. Your child falls to Erikson's psychosocial development which is Industry vs. Inferiority. This stage refers to 6 years old to puberty. Puberty is what we call the stage when a child enters the adolescence period. Going back to Industry vs. Inferiority. Your child is beginning to develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments. They initiate projects, see them through completion, and they feel good about this achievements. This is more exemplified in school. That's why, teachers play an increased role in child development. So if you're concerned to this aspect and want to find out how your child is doing in this area, you should ask your child's teacher on this. If children are encouraged and reinforced in their Initiative, they begin to feel industrious and feel confident in their ability to achieve goals. I don't think that temper tantrums and your child's mentioning of not fair a manifestation of his being irresponsible. Encourage your child for more initiatives. Define his role in the home. Don't expect him to fix his room or stuff when you fail to demonstrate it. Remember, if you have 2 children... do not compare them because they are two separate individuals. If Initiative is not encouraged, if it is restricted by parents and teachers, the child begins to feel inferior doubting his own abilities and therefore may not reach his potentials. Listen to your child and don't take his verbal replies as tantrums or his actions as tantrums. A tantrum happens when a child lacks the verbal ability to convey his needs and wants. When he say it's not fair, explore his feelings in order to determine his thoughts. Then it is your duty to present choices that enables him to make decisions. If otherwise you think a certain aspect cannot be met, you should tell the truth and make valid explanations. Children look at parents as their models so be more demonstrative in certain projects at home that they might wanna be involved with. It is a very good thing that you talk things with your husband. Try to encourage your husband to go out with some activities with your kids. Husbands may not be aware but they are effective teachers in terms of many adventurous ideas like fishing, and other sports. Determining physical changes are important also, most significant changes in boys would be physical: height, weight, hair growth, changes in voice (which marks puberty), and of course other areas of development (changes in appearance). Since you mentioned that your child is skilled in many areas, explore his needs in these areas and encourage more Initiatives to this that allow him to participate and make decisions. Don't worry, it will be fine. You are a great mom, you are observing such things. Other moms don't care this much.

SViswan: Well, my son has always been mature for his age...and a friendly and social child. His teachers at school also encourage him and they do it openly. They give him the challenging projects and don't forget to mention that they are getting him to do it 'because they know he can'. I also spoke about my concerns to one of his teachers who has known him for 3 years and she agrees that she sees drastic changes and he's not the same boy we know. She even finds him distracted in class which is so unlike him. At school, he is encouraged to do everything he can and he is the kind of child who takes initiative to do things on his own. Even if it's a competition he knows nothing about...he will enter his name and then try to figure out what to do so that he can participate....which I see as a good quality. He loves to learn new stuff and is interested in almost everything and I never stop him from exploring his interests. In fact, my only worry was that he would be over-confident and feel that there was no area that he could fail at.
Both my kids are never compared and they are very different from each other...and that is why if this behaviour I see in my older one....was seen in my little one at the same age, I wouldn't be surprised.
But you might be right on the part where my older one lacks the vocabulary to explain what is going on in his mind and maybe that is what is coming out as his frustrations. I've always had open conversations with him (he talks to me more than my husband). He even came and told me how he feels when he sees the body parts of women and he was worried it was wrong. That's when it struck me that this is how boys going through puberty feel and the way he was physically growing...not just tall.
Anyways, I have started talking to him and even though he might not have the vocabulary to verbalise what is going on, I will try and figure out what it is.

Is there Heaven?

There are many heavens. I had an OBE as a kid and I'm so sure that there is heaven. My OBE is a proof that there is life after death so I'm not worried about any thing. Moreover, holy scriptures speak about the heavens so it's a spiritual quest. More so, there is a mention of a New Heaven. So I guess that would be very fantastic. So, I'm living my life good so that I could get there someday.

Filipino Boxers minus Pacman

Luisito Espinosa is back in the country to train boxers. Alex John Banal lost in a title bout this month, certainly he will get up on his knees. There are more boxers who needs to climb some ladders to regain lost fights like Bobby Pacquiao. Here are the top ten boxers ranked with highest winning percentage according to PhilBoxing.com: Cisco Morales, Draian Francisco, Eusebio Baluarte, Milan Melindo, Nonito Donaire, Jr., Alex John Banal, Rey Labao, Mercito Gesta and Bernabe Conception.

While it is really disappointing when we see the Filipino boxers lost in their bouts, the main concern really is "How to make a greater fighter after that lost?". We hear stories of neglected fighters- they don't get really professional help after some injuries or so. We don't really have enough statistics to determine boxers who have been injured badly or died in the ring. It is really a risky sport and the authorities should look into this matter. I heard a comment in Banal's fight that Panama is also a boxing fanatic country like the Philippines. Gee, they really produce millions of Champions. Imagine the spirit they have! More so, there is also politics in boxing that we are not aware of. It's really part of the system. Most of Filipinos boxers are from grass root levels who came from disadvantaged families in provinces. I think, its not only the physique that matter since these fighters are already exposed to hard labor. There are many factors in making a Champion. I hope the amateurs could really get proper training and management. It's not the lack of equipment actually- we saw Pacman's old gym featured on TV... there's also what we call "so-called LUCK" but when the fighter becomes a national hero, being forgotten is undeniable. A fighter should also have good VISIONS.

Lorma Idol

Inspired by the wave brought about by Simon's popular American Idol that soon revolutionized Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar and other reality singing contests that invaded Philippine TV. JJ Macagba, director of the Creative Services , Albert de Guzman (Chairman of the project, SML secretary) brought the Brown Flava to LC's stage. Brown Flava composed of Carlo, Nelson, Josia, Jaema, Deni, Johann infused the new flavor of urban music mostly to my interpretation a groove soul of RnB. They appeared as opening acts of South Border in their Northern Luzon Crossover Concert in SLU so with Side A's promo tour. Also, they played back-to-back with K24/7,Retrospect, Pido and P.O.T.... It was August 14, 2003 when the Gimik Night was held at the LC Multi-purpose Hall. The first Lorma Idol was Genalyn F. Viola, a nursing student. The runners up were Jhoanalyn Noble Nano, followed by Trisha Badong, if my memory serves me right. The other contenders were: Gerald Roque, now a full pledged nursing Clinical Instructor (the last time I saw him was during a job fair in LC coz he's eyeing a middle east job.)- he was one versatile singer who could do pop, RnB... he was singing in LGS to LCSSHS, Ireneo Dulatre- he's a balladeer, Jaycus Nacis- too bad he pulled out last minute in the contest (reasons are not clear)- he's a superb amateur singer from the MT Department, also a PAMET scholar (I saw him at ITRMC Laboratory Complex), Kristina Marie Vendiola, Marife AimeeTrinidad, and Princess Marie Antonio also heat the night. Well it was a good project and the Gimik Night was a fresh experience. The SBO chairmen were among the judges but there was a text vote that enraged me that night. I'm just disappointed with the result because my bet was really on Jhoanalyn who rendered a difficult Miss Saigon piece but lost the title to Genalyn due to some text votes. I really don't believe in text votes. Sorry to say but I hate how the PDA or PI does when they do promote text votes. It spoils the real talent! More to say, I saw Trisha Badong's earlier performances before she stepped the Starstruck. I heard she's in the USA as a full pledged nurse now but I still bumped at some easy videos showcasing her talent over youtube. The Lorma Idol was also supported by the Lorma Highlights in terms of poster designs and some leaflets... some editors were even part of the production crew. The stage back-draft was done by the LC Visual Arts Guild. LH also partnered with the "Donate a Book Project" chaired by former EIC, Albert de Guzman who was SML secretary.

PROSTITUITION

There has been some buzz over an alleged prostitution activity of LC BSN nursing students (basing from an alleged email that has been circulated, it also involved some other schools.). Opinions have been posted on the LH blog message board which as follows:

by kasyam apo:
yuck….
at take not jalm….
hindi lang po mga babae
kundi pati mga lalaki na din…. i have a friend na lalaki… third na sya ngayon dito sa lorma, nursing student sya… ang sabi sa mismong mga boarding house nila ginagawa yun..
i hoping sana next issue ng lormahighlights, maging bahagi po ito doon… thank you po

by Jalm
To kasyam apo:
yupz may nabalitaan na rin akong mga ganyan. mas malala pa yung iba kasi mismong mga doctors ang costumers nila. di naman pinangalanan ang mga nursing students na mga yun.

sana nga sa next issue meron na ito. para malaman na rin natin ang kanilang mga rason kung bakit nila ginagawa ito. nga pala kasyam apo kung gusto mo eh magregster ka sa forum site ng LH

by kasyam apo:
sana nga po.. mailathala po ito sa next issue
salamat po ulit…

by sabaw:
wag niyong ijudge ang other people malay niyo may rizon cla kung bakit ganun

by kasyam apo:
baka naman sabaw you’re of them…
walang lugar ang mga pokpok dito sa mundo..
sila pa nga ang sumisira sa isang pamilya eh…
at one more thing, bawal ang makiapid… so better quit in that bad habit or else… KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

by have mercy:
kasyam apo is right. malay mo baka maadik sila sa gingawa nila at magkaroon sila ng sakit. o di kaya ay magkakaso sila pagdinemanda ng kampo ng pamilya ang pagiging kabit nya. see………

by Igmedio Damian:
I don’t think that publishing the issue would change much as the city seems to be legalizing prostitution at some points. Jalm, nurse ka diba… u should be aware that local prostitutes are even entitled for medical check-ups sa city health. Don’t judge the person, you should point to the act. Tama si Sabaw at some points, may rason ang lahat ng bagay. Oprah even admitted to have been in that situation. Remember empathy Jalm. If you’re really concerned about these persons, bakit hindi niyo sila tulungan? Isa lang naman ang klaro diyan eh, they seem to have no other choice… give them another choice so that they can change. Payak na pag-usapan ang acts of prostitution… you should dig dipper. Kung may rason kung bakit napipilitan ang ibang cheerers (because they are failing academically); I’m sure may rason din ang mga alleged nursing prostitutes na yan.

by piz:to igmedio damian….may razon nga sila pero hindi naman nila iniisip kung ano yung mga negative or magiging bunga ng kanilang ginagawa… nakaksira sila ng pamilya… hindi mo kasi alam kung anong pakiramdam.. i admit ng dahil sa isang nursing student, nawala ang taty ko… iniwan kmai ng nanay namin at ngayon, 3 na lang kaming magkakapatid ang nabubhay dito sa mundo… mahirap yun.. sana wish ko lang maramdaman mo din ang nararamdaman ko, namin…

by jalm:Yupz may reason nga sila, pwedeng kulang na ang pangtuition nila. I know the feeling kasi scholar din ako hehehe. Pero I think prostitution is not the best solution to that problem. Pwedeng siya ang pinakamabilis na pwedeng kumita ng pera pero Nurse tayo eh, dapat imaintain natin ang “kaputian” ng ating uniform. May ibang paraan pa naman siguro para kumita ng extra income.
About sa medical check-ups sa city health, nakita ko yung mga pics at profile ng mga CSW at ang bata pa nung iba. At kung sakali mang maipublis ito, I think dalawa ang magiging result nito, first - pwedeng matauhan ang mga Nsg Students na ito at maghanap na lang ng ibang job and Secondly - pwedeng maencourage yung ibang Nsg Student para gawin din iyon knowing na di sila nag-iisa!

by jalm:to piz: nag-aaral ka pa rin ba? ang hirap naman ng situation mo ngayon. I got your point. At sana di na lumala pa ang problemang ito, sana ay magawan na ng solusyon.

by Igmedio Damian:To Piz: It must have been very difficult for you. I am not tolerating the act or even taking sides on the alleged people involved. Don’t prejudge as if I am insensitive. Dysfunctional nga ang society natin eh. Kaya napakadaling masira ang basic foundation which is family. To strengthen it is to find ways to understand the whereabouts of the components. You are speaking as to experience, I understand the rage but if we radically hang each suspected prostitute, will this world a better place to live in? I’ll give you a hypothetical question, are you blaming solely on the prostitute because of what had happened to your family? That is why you are reacting on that compulsion? In that case hindi pa nga handa lahat ng senses mo para makinig.

by Igmedio Damian:Jalm, tama ka sa puntong hindi nga solusyon ang prostitution. It will never will. Classical ngang example ito ng dysfunctional behavior. Kaya nga natin yan pinapag-aralan kung papano natin atakihin ang problema. Kaya dapat huwag kang maging OR nurse eh kasi mas magiging epektibo ka sa human to human interaction. More to say buddy, tama na maipublish ang prostitution issue pero dapat protektahan ang identities ng alleged people involved. Menor de edad nga eh. Matagal ng may ganito sa Lorma. May encounter na ring ganito si Jubilo noon (former dean). Ang punto lang, gaano kalawak ang jurisdiction ng school dito? Kung pagbabasehan mo yung Guidelines ng Nursing Department, wala ng laban ang mga ito kung tutuusin. Pero, Christian educational institution ang LC, alam mo ba kung ano ang meaning ng pagiging Christian? So to speak, responsibilidad din ng Lorma na palawigin pa ang kanilang kamay para maitama ang mga ito. To add, may batas tayo eh. Kung may reklamo sa mga ito, mag-file ng kaso. Kung tutuusin nga trial by publicity na itong ginagawa natin. Man, may human rights din sila.

post script: LH already published a topic related to the issue titled: Investigative Journalism... PLAZA: Sa Likod ng Liwanag written by Elmer dela Cruz (Filipino Literary Editor). Vol 27 issue 2 of LH magazine with a theme CAMPUS JOURNALISM TOWARDS A HUMANISTIC SOCIETY.

Sporting On

Sporting On
by
Igmedio Damian

Hindi natin alam kung papano nangyari ang aksidente.
It was posted:
Let us pray for the fast recovery of one of our
schoolmate...

Walang masama sa pagdarasal. Ang pagdarasal nga
"can move mountains". Hindi ba? Gusto kong iparating sa mga authorities na bagaman ito ay
matatawag na aksidente. Hindi kaya't mayroon ding
matatawag na kapabayaan o pagkukulang?
Pagsasawalang-bahala sa kaligtasan ng mga
estudyante na may kinalaman sa aktibidad ng
paaralan? Do all schools have safety rules on sporting
events?

Sa aking pagkakaalam, itong insidenteng ito ay
matatawag na grabe kung pag-uusapan ang bahaging
nasaktan. May mga aksidente narin noon na kung saan
nasaktan ang isang pep squad member. Hindi ko
sinasabing sa pep squad na ito, dito ring nagmula.
Sinasabi kong maaaring sa ibang departamento
sapagkat ang bawat Kolehiyo ay may sari-sariling pep
squad at ang main pep squad naman usually na pang
inter-school ay binubuo ng mga miyembro mula sa iba't
ibang departamento. Isa ito magandang tradisyon at
magandang ehemplong pagpapakita ng "true
leadership" ng mangilan ngilang guro. (Sinu sino pa po
ba sa mga guro ngayon ang may ganitong dedikasyon?
Mangilan-ngilan nga lamang hindi ba? Kung meron man
natitira ay yaong mga matatawag na lamang na
"remains", coaches for compliance sake.) Dapat po
natin tularan ang mangilan ngilan na aktibong
nagtataguyod ng interes ng mga estudyante.
Bagama't ito ay bahagi lamang ng usaping pang-
akademiko (maaring tutulang hindi nga pang-
akademiko sapagkat ang sigaw ng mga elitista ay
ibalik muli ang focus sa Agham at Teknolohiya);
sapagkat ang Isport daw ay hindi naman ang
pangunahing interes sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. (Is
this the reason why DE is no longer DECS?) Atin pong
alalahanin ang mga sinimulan ng the "great Dr. C." who
lived by example, advocating the value of physical
fitness in overall health.

Bagama't mukhang "cheering" na lamang ang
bumubuhay sa mapaklang sporting event ng bawat
paaralan at inter-school competitions; kung
pagbabasehan ang mga kumento sa LH blog at mga
opinyon ng common students; dapat din nating alamin
ang masalimuot na problema ng isport. Dapat,
dagdagan ang safety precautions sa mga practices ng
CHEERING o anumang event. Have it written. Science
should be applied in each stunts. It's not just an art.
"I've watched some documentries on how stunts are
executed, it's not just a matter of coming up with it
successfully (PE teachers know this) but behind
that... SAFETY should always be a priority. Needless
to say further, should we qualify an athlete's
assumption of risk factor?" O dili kaya'y nasabak
lamang sila sa naturang sporting event simply because
there is no better choice or simply this is quite the
easier choice than to take another exam? Or given No
choice? Oh yeah, because this is like an unwritten rule
kagaya ng isang Dean's prerogative over who
deserves to pass, who deserves to attend the
capping and badge ceremony, who deserves to
proceed in OJT or level higher and move one step
further, who deserves to graduate with flying colors.
Fact is, this is categorized in extra-curricular activity
to break some gaps in deliberation of grades. Or
rather, a poor interpretation and exercise of the so-
called Academic Freedom. Make sport an option to
supplement academics? If Logic could solve this
mystery, how would the logic gurus translate these?
Or just be blind and ignore the facial expressions of
students who don't want what they are doing? Watch
them in youtube, have fun, laugh till it hurts.

Kaya nga napakahirap maging isang boxer kasi
maraming exercises... Inaanyayahan kong suriin ng
studentry at mga student journalist ang
napakahalagang bahagi ng usaping pampalakasan sa
paaralan. Meron nga bang matinong sports program
ang bawat paaralan? Or simply it reflects how poor
and we lack so much that we can't even have a good
match in major events such as the Olympics? Or we
have the poorest Characters behind it that we can't
be proud of having?

Kung ikaw ay isang mapanuring estudyante,
napagtanto mo na ba kung ano ang importansya ng
PRISAA fee na inyong binabayaran? Bagamat hindi
natin nalalaman kung ano nga ba ang halaga ng
PRISAA sa buhay ng isang simpleng mag-aaral. Para sa
iba'y ito lamang ay payak na "patungkol sa simpleng
kataga na sports." Para sa isang tunay na atleta, ito
ay higit pa sa salitang sports. Ito ay nagpapahayag
dapat ng isang "pagkakataon" ng isang malalim na
paghubog sa isang pambihirang kakayahan ng
indibidwal. Ang salitang sports ay sumasalamin sa
isang kahusayan na hindi lamang pampisikal na bahagi
ng katauhan ang nahuhubog kundi ang kabuuan ay
natututong maki-ugnay sa bawat isa para namnamin
ang salitang "tagumpay" at "karangalan". Ano nga ba
ang kalagayan ng mga paaralan sa PRISAA? Marami ng
atletang sinubukang bagtasin ang rurok ng tagumpay
sa kabila ng "kawalan o kakulangan ng suporta" at
pansamantala'y maging popular pagkat nailimbag ang
kanilang nagawa sa mga pang-estudyanteng
publikasyon o promosyon. Hanggang pagpapalimbag na
nga ba? Hanggang padayu-dayong kumpetisyon kung
saang may piyesta na lamang ba? Manalo,
magpakasaya sa buong gabi sa isang night spot at
hintayin ang umaga? Let's aim for the National and
International Events. We can! Gaano ba kataas ang
ating pangarap? Gaano ba kataas tumalon ang isang
MVP? Makakaya ba niyang patumbahin ang mga
naghahariang mga kakumpetensiyang paaralan? Can
we give a good game or just mumble our bitterness
because of a beauty pageant? Kailan naman tayo
sisigaw sa level ng pang UAAP? One hundred years
from now?

Walang bang maayos na sport program? Everyone is
just preoccupied by Imeldific display of lighting
torches. Halos maghingalo na ang noo'y mga buhay na
buhay na guro ng PE. Nirarayuma na ang bawat kasu
kasuan ng mga ito sapagkat nanamlay ang kanilang
aktibidad. Papano'y wala namang malinaw na polisiya.
Wala hindi ba? "How do you make a Champion?" Paulit
ulit lang naman ang mga naglalaro sa basketball diba?
(Performance has never been so bland.) Kaalinsabay
ng ibang sporting event mula track and field,
badminton, tennis, chess, darts, volleyball, etc, sila-
sila na naman (minsan nagdo-double body ang isang
participant... dalawa or tatlo ang sport niya, conflict
tuloy sa schedule. Hindi na nakapagtataka if may
manalo by default.). Bad gaming. Bad schedule. Sila
na naman nung nakaraang taon, sila na naman
ngayon. Dapat kumukumpitensiya na sila sa labas para
"sila" naman na nagsisimula ay "sila naman". Saan ang
motibasyon na dapat ay nakapunla para sa mga
nangangapang freshman? Na-review na ba kung maari
nang isalang ang matagal nang nakaupo sa bangkong
atleta? O dili kaya'y naghihintay na lamang ng suporta
mula sa mga nag eeli-elitistahang student leader kuno
na pre-occupied sa isang napakagarbong "beauty
pageant" sa bawat school event. Pamilyar diba? Tipikal
na Filipino culture, mahilig sa pageant... di ba nga
halos lahat ng sulok may masasabing "pageant" mula
Miss Talipapa, Mr. Suwave, Mrs. Banyera. Pinoy na
Pinoy! Hindi ako nagtatangi sa mag ito pero ano nga
ba ang "sense", ano ang nais na iparating?
Imeldification. Bakit di niyo tignan kung maari niyo ng
palitan ang mga officers ng bawat sporting event?
Bakit hindi pag-aralan ang mga rules kung angkop ba
sa students? Baka naman may marunong sa faculty? o
sa non-teaching employee kaya? Ano naman kaya ang
mensaheng maipaparating nito sa isang baguhang
kolehiyala o high school? How could we erase the
blemishes of cheating? Meron ba?

Isa sa aking sina-saluduhang mga atleta ay ang
naghihingalong Martial Arts team ni Sir Noel Sumingwa.
Opo, ang walang kakupas-kupas na "Dragon" ng LC
martial arts Club. Mantakin niyong kayang kaya niyang
magpa-demonstrate ng routine sa ilalim ng puno ng
santol at sirok ng mangga? Hindi nahihiya ang team na
ibuhos ang kanilang high kick sa ere para lang ipakita
ang abilidad, ang pormang may disiplina. This team
should have a space in the Gym with real equipment!
Alam ni Sir Noel how it's like to have nothing to come
up with something but we can't wait to have
"quantum physics" take its effect. I mean, gosh
having a Champion coach is not enough to motivate
martial artists. This is not classical anime or
something. Martial arts is a discipline that Filipinos are
excelling in and out of the country. International
martial arts enthusiast come to this part of the world
just to train and learn variations from Kali to Sikaran,
etc.. Kaya support what the team deserves.

I met an athlete in a school in Pangasinan, yeah their
gym was in bad shape. The student paper keeps on
publishing how bad the gym was... but then, the lack
does not kill their morale. It sucks but their team was
struggling and they produce Champions. Should they
be given better equipment, their Champions are not
just ordinary Champions. However, when they should
be given a chance to compete in the Nationals, make
a step further to join the Olympic team... Hmmm some
crocodiles kill their hope. Yeah sad but true. Mafias in
the National Team. There's no unity to come up with a
powerful team. You can just feel how that Olympic
coach sighed. OMG! The lack, yeah the Lackl.

Sepak-takraw. Is sipa still our National Sport? Di
naman kasi importante ... (Hahah. No sense of
Nationalism nga ang kabataan ngayon. Biruin niyong
kailangan pang magpalabas ng directive si Sec. Lapus
just to stop playing canned Lupang Hinirang during
Flag Ceremonies. Well, do you still know how to sing
Lupang Hinirang with your heart?); Darn, do we know
how many teams that are viable for any sporting
events? Authorities would boast of the well-publicized
accomplishments of many students who made it to
the national or international arena but the reality is,
they only did little to the development of such talent.
Sad reality. I would say that those who made it to
these scenes are really the lucky ones because they
are well-supported by their parents, if not... let us
give commendation to PTO/PTA for their full support.
Give commendation for the Politician who signed some
clearance and gave financial support out from his own
pocket? (and make sure we dont forget to vote for
him in the next elections.) In most schools, an
athlete is lucky if student leaders will raise funds or do
something for the delegate. Sa barangay nga namin,
mismo yung mga atleta ang nagso-solicit pero
nakakainis, makikita mo lang silang tambay na naman
pagkatapos ng liga. When funds are available, there
are delegates... if non, hmmm maybe look forward for
another event next time or next school year anyway
the final exams are approaching, focus on your studies
instead. The high spirited athlete would go anyway.
Assuption of Risk factor. If he still have PE, inform the
instructor to make an exemption, don't tell other
students they might get jealous. For the remaining
subjects, make-up exams. Enter at your own Risk. Be
a Hero, they would just have to be too proud of the
"bacon" when you are LUCKY but truth is; the school
did only little. This is a sad reality again. Napapansin
ka lang kapag nananalo ka. If natatalo, normally
authorities would rethink of Politics behind the
sporting event: corruption, cheating, etc.; then wala
ng pasasalihin or kaunti na ang suporta the next time
kasi feeling nadaya yung result or di na worthy yung
competition. That should not be the attitude. Mas
masarap kaya ang matalo, at bumagsak, at
bumangon... It's better to fight and avoid
procastinations than to be Impotent. Impotent na
nga, wala pang erection.

We hate Politics in Sport. Some school authorities
really hate it to the point of discouraging inter-school
competitions. Others dance to the music. Can't beat
them, join them. Yeah, the fact that sports should
promote an apolitical environment as in the case when
Pacquiao's fight would allow politicians to enjoy the
fight nor we see the world leaders in Olympics to
convey their support... though the hot part is "We get
more ringings with activists outcry of Freeing Tibet".
No one would dare to talk much in media if a religious
fundamentalist burned himself as a form of protes.
Rather, we would track the medals, see who is the
hot babe or adonis among the athletes. Fact is, We
love sports to death that we are most amazed to see
our heroes demonstrate their world record skills. It is
like being in the game itself- inspiring, empowering,
adrenaline rush, sometimes stupid because it is spoiled
by technicalities and boboos from different factors,
protests due to age, scoreboards, unsportmanlike
behaviour, drugs, and shits. Hate Sports and Love it.
It's like reliving the Gladiator movie.

Worse and more exposes. In public schools... kids are
taught to lie on their age just to have a grip of that
scholarship; never try to break that old rule for the
school's glory. That expose is nothing more different
when that gymnast was asked... Too bad the
Standards imposed does not favor one's winning
strategy. Win, no matter how it takes. Be otherwise,
you'll break the rule then you'll have no future. Yet,
does an athlete ends being an athlete when the Game
is Over?

Sa ganang akin ay...

Sampung bagay na naglalaro sa aking isipan... 1. Nung huli kong makausap ang aking kapatid na lalaki, nabanggit niya ang katagang "racial cleansing" sa harap ng aming diskusyon sa pulitika. Aming napag-usapan ang mga posibilidad kung hindi napatalsik ang rehimeng Marcos... 2. Naninindigan ang aking ina na hindi lehitimong pangulo si PGMA bagamat nasambit kong hindi man lehitimo, sino naman ang karapat dapat? 3.Dalawang beses ko ng nakasalu sa inuman ang aking Ama at ang pinakamahalagang sinabi niya sa akin ay ang paghingi ng kapatawaran sa mga nagawa niya sa amin. 4. Hindi ko lubos maisip kung bakit hindi pa nareresolba kung sino talaga ang pumatay kay Ninoy Aquino. Maraming teorya ngunit mahalaga na sana'y mapahayag kung sino ang may sala. 5. Masyadong mahal ang usapang pangkapayapaan. 6. Nakakatakot pakinggan ang mga religious fundamentalists pero kung hindi ka naman makikinig... wala ka ng ibang magagawa kundi magpalahi... 7. Nakakabahala ang pilosopiya ni Manong Dolphy, wala daw siyang pinagsisihan pero nasusuklam siya sa kanyang sarili. 8. Kung gusto mo ng isang radikal na pagbabago, magpasabog ka ng bomba. Pero, kung katulad ng paunti-unting pagpapasabog lamang, malamang mabagal ang pagbabagong iyan. Ikumpara mo naman ang bomba sa Hiroshima at ang pangyayari sa twin towers; alin ba dito ang pagbabagong gusto mo? 9. Hindi mamamatay ang usaping pangkalayaan. Sino ba ang malaya? 10. Bakit kapa nag-aaral kung alam mong sa huli'y hindi mo naman gagamitin ang iyong pinag-aralan?

PGMA's basket

Amidst ailing popularity ratings delivered her one hour bland SONA in July 28, 2008. Activists and civil groups protested outside Batasang Pambansa accusing her of lies of the true picture of the country. Solons have a way to say support and not. The question is "How long can Filipinos hang-on with VAT?"

CEGP Corner

Campus Press Freedom

Our caucuses on campus situation prove the glaring cases of press freedom violations (CPFVs) in every formation. One of the worst is the case of UPLB Perspective. Direct interference of the university’s high official in the selection process is alarming and enraging.

Other publications remain closed such as The National of National University of Pintig ng Diwa of the Philippine School for Business Administration-Quezon City. Regina, student publication of Assumption University in Pampanga, was closed due to ‘vulgar and immoral language.’

These attacks aim to blunt our opposition to anti-student policies and practices of school authorities. Repression exists where commercialization of education is intense. Still, the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (RA 7079) is being used by the enemies of press freedom to suppress student papers. Its provision on non-mandatory collection of publication fee results to closure of many student newspapers. Even as the Guild has been calling for the scrapping of the flawed law, the government continues to implement it to our detriment.

To launch an all-out campaign for CPF, all formations must systematize documentation of violations. Ensure that every member-publication accomplish the CPF profile. Submit the accomplished profiles to the National Office in the soonest possible time. Publish regional/provincial report on the situation of the campus press.

In pursuance of our three demands, [Reopen all closed student publications; Establish student papers in schools; End all forms of CPFVs] every formation, especially the chapters, must identify campaign schools with worst cases of CPFVs. Update the N.O. of your specific plans and actions. Our local struggles on campuses must reap concrete gains. Education, propaganda and alliance works are vital.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor forums, alternative classes and other venues for discussing CPF, CJA of 1991 and other issues hounding the campus press. Our objective is to raise the awareness of the most number of students and people.

Particularize the conduct of our CPF Week on July 22-26 and our National Day of Action for Press Freedom on July 25, the Guild’s 71^st anniversary. Inform us as soon as possible. We must unite the most number of students, press freedom and advocates and allies on this issue. We may launch a press conference as a kick-off for this campaign. Design broad and militant build-up activities for NDA. Our aim is to highlight our continuing struggle for press freedom vis-à-vis other democratic rights.

Tuition Hike

This is a hellish school year. Amidst the worsening economic crisis and increases in power and water rates and oil prices, many heartless capitalist educators managed to increase tuition. As a result, there has been an alarming trend of enrolment decline in many colleges and universities. Extended enrolment in many private educational institutions is a clear indication of a commercialized education. Those who cannot afford to pay high fees are compelled to transfer to schools with cheaper education or worse, to stop schooling.

If the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government were a bit considerate, it should have declared a moratorium on tuition hikes and other fee increases. This year, 376 private schools increased their tuition. The national average of said hikes is 12.33%, equivalent to P36.66 per unit.

Instead, it continues to implement Education Act of 1982—the culprit of deregulation tuition increases. Even its own toothless agency, Commission on High Education, conveniently uses the law as an alibi. It is high time we seriously call and work for the abolition of Education Act of 1982. There is a need to develop it as a tactical fight.

Meanwhile, the sorry state of state colleges and universities has never gone any better with the government’s meager budget for education. Like her ousted predecessor, Macapagal-Arroyo ‘encourages’ SCUs to be self-reliant (read: rely on income generating projects such as privatization of assets and services and tuition hikes). In fact, tuition increases in SCUs reach to as high as 100%. Merging, essentially closure of other SCUs, is rampant.

Release regional/provincial Campus Watch, our monitor of tuition hikes, violations to democratic rights and other anti-student policies. Encourage our publications to write features and investigative reports on the history of tuition hikes vis-à-vis decline in student population, exorbitant fee increases, low salary of faculty members and employees, etc.

Most importantly, our formations must strive to develop anti-tuition hike struggles in schools and win concrete gains.

On July 11, there will be a National You and Student Summit at Balagtas Hall, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby provinces may end delegation. Other formations may launch similar indoor activities. Primary issues to be discussed in this year’s Summit include Economic Crisis vis-à-vis Rising Cost of Education, Education Act of 1982, Budget for Education and Miniaturization, among others.

Our demands: (1) Stop tuition increases; (2) Allocate higher subsidy to education; (3) Scrap Education Act of 1981; (4) Fight for a nationalistic, scientific and mass-oriented education.

Curriculum Revisions

Under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime, globalization in education continues to escalate. Besides merging the state colleges and universities and lower budget for education, curriculums are revised in adherence to the impositions of International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

In tertiary education, the general education program in the University of the Philippines has been altered. The Revitalized General Education Program (RGEP), masquerading as a liberal program, actually makes nationalism optional. By giving ‘freedom’ to students to choose their subjects, history and social sciences become mere options. Sooner or later, the scheme will be implemented in other state-run schools.

The Millennium Curriculum or Basic Education (BEC) for elementary and high school students prioritizes English, Math, Filipino and Science. All other subjects are lumped together in one subject, Makabayan. At young age, Filipino youth will have their history forgotten, their creativity and skills dulled. Such abrupt and absurd curriculum revision has sown confusion among teachers and students.

Both programs replenish the colonial character of the Philippine educational system. Both aim at molding the Filipino youth into cheap, ‘globally competitive’ labor force for multinational and transnational corporations.

We must strive to expose and oppose these. We may link up with progressive teachers union and associations.

NSTP

The National Services Training Program (NSTP) is even worse than the ROTC as it requires women students to undergo the same nauseating, senseless program of fascist orientation. The NSTP is an insulting response to the students’ overwhelming demand to abolish ROTC.

We must continue to expose and oppose this and call for the scrapping of the NSTP. In particular, we may write investigative articles on the corrupt and violent practices of ROTC officials and intelligence work carried out against progressive student organizations and individuals.

US Interventions

The US and Philippine governments are talking about the extension and widening of the scope of Balikatan exercises, approval of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and the participation of US troops in actual combat operations. The MLSA would transform this country into a virtual US military zone.

We must intensify efforts in opposing such blatant military intervention. We must ensure in-depth discussion regarding the issue. Include the topic imperialism in every discussion. Use creative forms of propaganda such as film showing, exhibit, concert, cultural night, etc.

Strengthen/Establish Anti-Imperialist Movement (AIM) of the Youth or any similar alliance against US military intervention in schools and communities.

All information are encouraged to respond to the National Youth Protest to Balikatan on July 4. plan other activities for this issue.

Triple Whammy

As the Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo regime implements its wages- freeze policy, it tolerates capitalists to increase power rates, water rates and oil prices. Forced by the decrease in her popularity rating, Ms. Macapagal-Arroyo merely pays lip service to the people on the issue of Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA). As a patroness of the deregulation and privatization, she connives with the prize sector in exploiting further the people.

All formations must respond to these economic issues. We must participate and may initiate protest actions regarding these. We may reach out to local associations in communities.

Youth WALKOUT - 18 July 2008

OUR EARTH

Tirador

Kasalanan ba Inang diwata
Na di sinasadyang kitilin
Si Maya?

Kasalanan ko bang tawagin
Nilang Insiang tanga?

Kasalanan bang maging
Totoo at magpakatao
Oh Ina?

Kasalanan ba?

Isa, dalawa

Umpisa…

Ang mga hilong talilong,
pinagod ng ugoy ni
Haring hangin,
Ako’y nautal saglit,
Nagpatuloy, nanalangin.