Omniana Blog

Mendoza tops engineering recruitment exam

2009-01-27T20:38:00.000-08:00

By: Maria Leni D. Oro

Garnering a total of 159 points out of 200, Edward Dave P. Mendoza BS ECE 5 emerged no.1 in recruitment exam given by DASH engineering Philippines Inc., a Cebu-based Japanese firm on July 17.

DASH Engineering Philippines Inc. is a plant construction company that designs chemical plants and environmental apparatuses and a subsidiary of Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co.,Ltd..

“When I was informed that I topped the exam, well, I was surprised! It was so great achievement for me and I thank God for it. I was so blessed that I was able to make use of my learnings in all my subjects and it so happened that what I have learned in this university are the ones that came out in the design examination”, said Mendoza.

Fifteen students from NDMU passed in the cutoff, earning a passing rate of 21.73 % among the other participating schools that included Notre Dame of Dadiangaas University (NDDU), and Mindanao State University (MSU)-General Santos City.

Joining him on the top five are Jennifer D. Rico and Anthony Ian R. Tupas, both BS ChE 5, John Rey B. Cuba and Kris Ryan Quirino, both BS ECE 5. The passers shall undergo an interview, and the final qualifiers shall be automatically hired by the Cebu-based japanese company.

Movie Review # 1

2009-01-27T20:33:00.000-08:00

By: Jim Yurick Baltores

URDUJA

For the first time ever, Philippines had already her own first full-length digital animated film made by true-blooded Pinoys. Arranged by over 400 Filipino animators, Urduja, the love story of a Filipina princess and a Chinese pirate was finally brought to life on the big screen.

Urduja features the voices of the country’s top movie personalities led by Asia's Songbird Regine Velasquez as the voice of Urduja and Cesar Montano as her love interest, the Chinese pirate Limhang. Completing the lineup were Eddie Garcia as the voice of Lakanpati ( Urduja’s father), Johnny Delgado as Wang, Jay Manalo as Simakwel, Michael V as Kukut the rat, Allan K as Tarsir, Ruby Rodriguez as Mayumi, and Epi Quizon as Daisuke.

The whole story was purely and traditionally a PINOY style. As the only daughter of Lakanpati, chieftain of the Tawilisi tribe of Central Luzon, Urduja was raised as a warrior to help protect her people from their rival tribe, the Batyaws. However, Lakanpati's failing health has given rise to his urgency of finding a husband for the Tawilisi warrior princess.

Lakanpati deemed Simakwel, a Tawilisi warrior whom Urduja hates, to be the most eligible husband for the princess and become the future Tawilisi chief. Unconscious of Simakwel's ambitious and devious ways, Lakanpati tries his best to convince Urduja to marry him. However, Urduja meets Limhang, who lands on the Tawilisi shore as he flees the wrath of the ruthlessly greedy wis.

From this chance meeting blooms a beautiful romance between Urduja and Limhang, who will have to bravely face all odds to fight for their love. Limhang, as a foreigner must prove his sincere intentions not only for Urduja but also for the Tawilisi people while Urduja has to fulfill her obligations as a daughter to Lakanpati and as a princess to her tribe.

HANCOCK

When I saw the trailer of Hancock I was like "Wow this movie looks cool" and it lived up to my expectation because the film was absolutely funny and unforgettable.

Hancock has the kind of premise that you will wonder why it took so long putting it on the big screen. With the overabundance of comic book movies coming to cinemas this decade, it was only a matter of time before we were given a tale of a washed up superhero, drunk and lonely, being berated for his destruction rather than praised for his bravery. If Pixar's The Incredibles touched a bit on the subject with the disbanding of heroes by the government, however, here is something different. This guy doesn't hide his identity or pretend he is something he's not. No, he lets it all out on the line and most of it is unflattering and just plain rude. Jaded from the lack of respect he receives, John Hancock finds that he'd rather wallow away in solitude than try to make people like him. Surely, he will still go out and help while making 9 billion dollars worth of damage. But when he's done, he's back to the bar and the bottle, his only friends in the world.

All things changed when he met a public relations man whom he caught a second from death we Hancock saved his life, while harming many others in the process. Seeing an opportunity to get back into the in big leagues, Ray Embrey decides to make his hero his new client. Having this freak of nature turn himself into authorities, Ray thinks that a little time away from the city will show the people how much they need him.

While imprisoned, crime goes up 30% in just five days, people start to worry as the criminals begin to feel invincible, and, to top it all off, Hancock gets a little quiet time to himself so that he can rework his image.

Dealing with anger issues and alcoholism on the inside, Ray also begins to work on his personality turning him into a civil person. Once the city comes a calling, his rebirth will allow him to be ready to take control as someone the public can trust, rather than hate.

The story twisted when Hancock had amnesia when he discovered that Ray’s wife was his long lost wife. Mary Embrey is also having the same power like Hancock but they lose their powers when they are near each other. This gave their enemies a chance for revenge. The accident almost killed them. Because of Hancock’s love for Mary and his friend Ray, he decided to move away and continue saving lives from a distance.

Made for comedy, the fact that Ray is played by the talented Jason Bateman and Hancock by Will Smith, the film was delivered funny. The evolution of Hancock took barely an hour and a half, there's not much room for more depth. Overall, the laughs are big and the film is certified entertaining.

WALL-E

There's a way to measure how well an animated film takes over your imagination. Are you forgetting something when watching animation? Do the textures and settings, the fantasyland and characters, become — for lack of a better word — real? That, or something close to it, is what happened to me during WALL-E, the puckishly inventive, altogether marvelous new digitally animated feature from Pixar.

The movie sets us in a rusty, post apocalyptic urban desert, all glaring sun and junk-heap skyscrapers, where the only living thing or at least the only thing that moves is WALL-E, a cute squat robot with droopy binocular eyes whose name stands for Waste Allocation Load-Lifter Earth-Class. That's a very fancy way of saying that WALL-E is a roving trash compactor — and, in fact, he's the last of his breed. Hundreds of years after humans fled the earth, he's still doing what he's been built to do, molding scrap metal into bricks and piling them into neat towers.

After a while, a spaceship landed, and WALL-E met EVE, a frictionless white pod with cathode-ray eyes who's been sent to earth in search for organic life. (Her name stands for Extra-terrestrial Vegetation Evaluator.) It was love at first sight for WALL-E but EVE doesn’t show affection for him although she felt amused on his personality. After that meeting, they developed a genuine friendship like humans that later fell into love. These two don't talk, exactly, but they hold each other’s hands and burble each other's names. It's love at first mechanized heartbeep.

Their love story ended when EVE deactivated after fulfilling her mission and was taken by the same ship that brought her on Earth. WALL-E clung to the outer hull of the ship as it departs into space. Upon arrival on EVE’s place, WALL-E encountered many challenges that tested his bravery and love for EVE. These caused serious damages on his part that eventually deactivated him. EVE brought WALL-E back to Earth.

Having arrived on Earth, EVE frantically repaired and reactivated WALL-E. However, the extent of the damage erased his memory and personality completely, making him return to his normal directive. Heartbroken and believing that the WALL-E whom she knew and loved was gone forever, EVE held his hand and gave him a parting "kiss". The resulting spark rebooted WALL-E's memory, and he suddenly recognized her as they clasped hands in joy and kissed each other once more. With a renewed sense of purpose, humanity and robots began working together to restore Earth's biosphere.

Even as the movie turned deeply ironic, still, it never lost its heart. I'm not sure I'd trust anyone, kid or adult, who didn't get a bit of a lump in the throat by the end of WALL-E, a film that brought what the best Pixar films had: It whisks you to a new world, then makes that world every inch our own.

Man and the stitched Curse

2009-01-27T20:30:00.000-08:00

By: Florence Ruby C. Bayog

“Man and the Stitched Curse Our quest for our destiny and how destiny quested our lives”

Hurricanes, tsunami, floods, and other sudden disasters get the big headlines, but day after day other tragedies of otherwise avoidable dimensions unfold: the one child who dies of malaria in Africa every 29 seconds, the one person who is infected with HIV every 6.4 seconds, and the 8 million who die every year because they are too poor to stay alive (TIME, Dec. 26, 2005- Jan. 2, 2006).

Three months ago, as I usually turn on the television I witnessed so much from the world beginning from the Popocatepeti volcano eruption in Mexico to the Kenya food riot, Chile wildfire destruction, Yangon flood and to the biggest calamity that twisted China into rubble.

The world is flooded with so much disasters, human diseases and natural calamities that brought endless misery in the planets as if the odds of today brings no more tomorrows. These are all because man never stops his quests. From that quest, man stitched unexpected events as longs as it fulfills his ambitions nature.

The sad thing is, man never knows that those dreams are the ones that will extinguish human race. He never thought that everything he has done from mining, drilling to logging is the nightmare of the world where he is living. He never thought that these quests for his dreams could be a curse.

Symptoms not Problems

Man is the unpleasant root of everything and because of his quests for something he made the destructive symptoms cited in TIME Magazine. These are symptoms and not problems because these are man’s results of his quests. Man suffers and slowly swallowed by his actions as the world seems to make its way to destruction. This is a nightmare that human race cannot escape from.

Today, unexpected rainfalls have just arrived, long dry season coats the land and even the fall of ice pieces have been observed these do not normally happen in the tropical region like the Philippines. Even myself, is afraid of what had happened and what would happen next. We know that these are all effects of Global Warming.

For the past months, we witnessed different floods. We saw how it took so many lives, destroyed thousands of homes and drowned hundreds of living. Then, it takes me a second to think what if it will happen again. How many lives more will be lost again? How many homes more will wreck? How many livings more will be drowned? Or what if on the next flood, I’m on the list of the missing persons?

Where’s now the reason to laugh if we are already swallowed by the result of our actions? We are already grinded by the toxics of the highly automated plant, stung by the heats released by sophisticated jet planes this making the earth warmer. We have been boxed in a situation that we can never run away.

This man who quests for his dreams has a bountiful living, has a house made of rock, he looked up by many because of what he has done, has plenty of food, and thousands of dress locked in a closet. But take a look at the African people who have been the victims of that dream, they have been enslaved of mining. Is there anyone who can pull them from the quagmire of misery and be truly happy? And those black South Africans who suffer discrimination from their fellow South African citizens, Is there anyone who can resolve this world’s apartheid? Nelson Mandela spearheaded in addressing dismantling his problem and yet has not been resolved. Is there anyone who can stop these symptoms of the problems?

Rise from the Symptoms

We cannot find the solutions from others in coping with miseries that we have for these solutions can only be made if we start in ourselves.

It is from the moment that we answer the questions why things are happening in a way that we are not expecting as they are and how we do things in a way that we are expecting in a way it should be. From the moment that we realize and take a stand on it, this is now the time that we should set our goals, start working on that goal, keep motivating ourselves to pursue that goal and be happy for we have now a contribution to the resolution of the problem.

Three months ago, we have witnessed China and its quick transition. We have witnessed how they won the battle against the curse. As I remember, that was May 12, 2008 2:28pm while people in the Sichuan province of China were on their job, laugh with their officemates, dealing with investors, transport vegetables to nearby provinces, play gulf, sleep a killer 7.9 Richter scale earthquake struck enough to rock the world of its axis for nearly three minutes, making the hearts of women, men, and children of all ages pound in terror as they cried out in panic.

Two months and twenty seven days later. August 8, 2008, 11:30pm, is another milestone to these very same country as it holds the world’s prestigious event, the Olympic Games. It’s almost three months from the tragedy yet another event unfolds. From tragedy, this time people are shouting, giggling, jumping and keeping an eye for another fireworks display, another record to break, another hot and excellent athlete and for another hand to hold the coveted trophy for the Olympics.

If all countries will look up China on how they work harder on the things they need to fix and on how they put solutions to the existing problems, surely they can attain what they want and what the world is looking for. Everyone can do what they want as long as they believe that everything has a purpose if they only Almighty. In the Psalms 125:1, Revised Standard Version says “those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” If you’re a believer you’ll not be daunted even in the harshest of the trials, and China is an example of the modern times situation. They proved that not only wealth can complete them, but it is the spirit of collaboration that makes everything good.

This is what exactly China has done from the moment the buildings collapsed, as the white smoke and dust arose like some apocalyptic dream, to the construction of Bird’s Nest, the Water Cube, and the Laoshan Velodrome for the Olympics held.

Indeed it is but natural for the Chinese people to rejoice and not to deprive their present lives with the tragedy of their past. China, just like any countries is just “like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jer. 17:7-8).

Turning Point

What do we get from this? You may say that it’s all hypocrisy because man cannot sustain his life without mining, drilling and logging. You might be true, but you have to choose either to quest your dreams or be swallowed by your actions or quest your dreams while giving value to life. At the end, we may either face a curse or a reward that could be either we will be the one to quest our life or our life will be one will quest us.

The world’s suffers so much from various calamities. The world was bitten by the fangs of these symptoms because of man. And we may not know that there are still more to come and will cast more lives and destroy everything.

Whatever curse we may suffer because of man’s interest, whatever disaster that will untold the world “if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, if you are pure and live with complete integrity, he will rise up and restore your happy home. And though you started with little, you will end with much” (Job 8:5-7, New Living Translation).

And this indeed, the man and how he stitched his curse.

The Rise of Student Empowerment

2009-01-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

By: Maria Leni D. Oro

There was once a man who saw a child in the seashore. In curiosity, the man asked the child about what he was doing.

The child looked at the man and answered, “I was just throwing starfishes back to the ocean to live”.

In astonishment, the man replied, “But there’s too many starfishes stuck in the seashore. How can you save them all?”

The child picked a starfish and threw it back to the ocean. Then he smiled and said, “I may not throw them all back to the ocean, but at least, I made a difference to the life of that single starfish”.

This story was the same story that the Ayala Young Leaders Congress’ organizers keep on telling their student delegates. Leadership is not just about influence; it’s about making a difference even to a single life.

In Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), the Department of Student Affairs and Development (DSAD), the Guidance and Testing Center, the Supreme Student Government (SSG), the different collegiate student councils, the various clubs and organizations as well as the student leaders are taking the steps to pick up our own version of the starfishes and throw them back to the ocean. Various activities are conducted to involve us, students and create a positive change in our lives.

Behind the enlightenment brought by the simple story, the question still remains. Let’s just say that the boy keeps throwing starfishes to live, will the boy become successful if the starfishes themselves don’t have the desire to live? Will the NDMU students be saved if they themselves are not empowered enough to want to?

The Great Challenge

This is the call we must respond to. There might be forces to propel us to move, but if we don’t have the drive, we never can make a change. Looking at this, what is student empowerment?

To give us the idea, the OMNIANA passed questionnaires about this article to the different student college presidents, presidents of selected clubs and organizations and even the SSG, DSAD and Guidance Center.

According to Mr. Romeo C. Babar, director of the DSAD, Student empowerment is when students take control of their educational programs and voice out their opinions and views in the right time and place. “To be empowered, one must know the responsibilities and accountabilities that lie beneath in taking his active role. He should know his boundaries and limitations to avoid conflict between his studies and interests ”, said Mr. Babar.

As for our SSG president, Wilter Friales BSEd Engl 4, Student Empowerment means making use of the student’s own power, talent, skill, ability, and potential in order to create a great change in themselves. For him, ”one is empowered if he is willing to take the risk and sees the value and essence of what he is fighting for”.

“Student Empowerment for me is to enable the students to realize the greatness in them. It’s like “feeding them to grow” and “teaching them to know” in order to be productive students of the university”, said Tyron Jann B. Villanueva BSN 4, president of the College of Health Sciences Student Council.

“It involves gaining greater awareness and control of the self and becoming a more responsive and responsible individuals”, added Rogello Estiban, Jr, BS Engl 4, Principal of the T’nalak Youth Group (TYG).

“Empowerment is a choice. If a student wants to empower himself, then he will work for it. An empowered student is awake and is present. He envisions and he works. Student empowerment is a tough process and it involves not only the student leaders but mainly and most importantly, the students themselves”, according to the College of Business Administration Student Council president, Ryan J.Alair BS Mktng 4.

“You never force them to do it but you made them realize that it’s for their own good”, said Ciane Lou Siman BSEd GenSci 4, president of the College of Education Student Council.

The Vague Past

Looking back at the pages of NDMU history, how did we assert ourselves in the past? Are we empowered?

“Student participation in the past is not that bad and not that good because most of the students are passive”, according to Kim Lovies P.Alocada, AB Philo 4, president of the College of Arts and Sciences Student Council.

In Sir Babar’s experience, Student participation in the past was evident. “As I can recall, when I was in my high school and early days in college 20 years ago, students were too active and aggressive enough to oppose the school administration especially when there is a tuition fee increase. But as time moves on, all things have a way of mellowing down and dying out or shall I say things now are equilibrated. ”

For Wilter, people who are attending the activities are the same faces. “This means that the same faces of students are also being empowered and developed while the rest stay stagnant in the university. They play the role of being just plain students, because they don’t take a n active role in terms of student activities.”

The Steps to Take

If this is the status of our participation in the past, surely, our leaders have their way to solve this problem. The incessant passivity has become so alarming that it needs to be addressed. Based on the forms distributed to our respondents, there are three ways common to them all.

First of all, they plan meaningful activities.

“Our first move in empowering our students is to provide simple yet meaningful activities that harness them socially, physically, and mentally.”, said Tyron in the CHSSC.

For the SSG, Wilter stresses that the SSG plans activities which are beneficial, sensible, values-oriented, and caters to the need of the students. These are activities that are worthy of their involvement, time, effort, and interest.

“I am designing programs and activities according to the objectives and mission-vision of my organization”, said Norhashim M. Ulangkaya.

Moreover, for Rogello, “We designate tasks to our volunteers in which they would discover their potentials and enhance their skills. Through this, we let them feel that they are trusted, and a vital part of the organization. We allow them to explore the world of learning and experience so they gain maturity and better understanding of their worth and essence”.

Second, they make it a point to be visible to the students. The SSG stresses that visibility has a bearing on student’s active participation.

Indeed, visibility can be equated to the measure of a leader’s commitment. His visibility is a concrete proof of his dedication. In the arena of student leadership, leaders are constantly subject to observation and criticism. If students can’t see their leaders working, how could we demand participation from them? It’s leading by example.

“Empowering ourselves must be done before empowering others that’s why we are synergizing our students’ capabilities and ideas that will lead to one strong college.” that is Edward Dave Mendoza, College of Engineering and Technology Student Council president.

Finally, Information dissemination is given key attention. “We make sure the information about the activities is well disseminated so that their interest will be ignited thus facilitating participation from them”, said Tyron.

Lighting the Fire

Given wonderful plans and meaningful activities, how do our student leaders motivate their members? What are they doing to light the fire with regards to their involvement?

“First, I just make them realize that the motivation will start from themselves and giving them importance in every activity, that without them, activities will be useless; and letting them feel that they are the core of all these activities”, according to Kim.

In addition to that, Tyronn stressed, “We allow the students to see the reinforcements that we do to those who are participating, like recognition and appreciation of a job well done. In that way, students who participated will feel a sense of accomplishment. In return, they will be eager to join and participate to the college’s endeavors. ”

The Thorn on the Road

Living to empower the students is a difficult task. Yet, our student leaders are committed for this cause. Seeing from the perspective of the past events the following are notable observations.

During the first SSG General Assembly on June 26, students flocked the NDMU gymnasium almost filling it to the brim. On the “Dayon kag Magkinalipay: A Welcome Night ” on July 11, the gym was once again filled with students as they witnessed impressive multimedia presentations and an array of activities lined up for the night. Also, the increase in attendance during college assemblies is highly commendable. Looking at the SSG schedule posted on their bulletin board, almost all Saturdays are jampacked with activities as well as Sundays.

Will the incessant quest for empowerment jeopardize our academics? Are we losing focus on our studies?

“For me, it depends on how the students handle and control their time and effort. The students must know how to manage their time in academic and non-academic activities. Time management is very important in every one of us”, said Norhashim who was the president of both MSO and Young Mindanawans Peace Builders (YMPD) and the treasurer of Student Support System for Development (3SD). “I always remember that proper time management is the key to success”, he added.

For Ms. Elaine Labiao, Director of the Guidance and Testing Center, “Oftentimes, our first notion is that school activities is likely to hamper student’s academic performance, For me, it would mean otherwise. However, the activities one should have must be within his capacity and inclinations. If managed properly, school activities could invigorate and give stimulus to our mind and body.

Further, we could learn a lot of things out of school activities which will help us enhance [ourselves] academically”.

“Students must know how to balance educational programs involving both academics and extra-curricular activities. While it is true that their academic is important, the latter is always considered as essential to the formation and development of the students and is designed to supplement and not to interfere their studies.”, according to Sir Babar.

The Vision

How do our leaders visualize the NDMU students in the future?

“I can see students who are active and empowered. Everyone takes part in every activity. Everybody has a role to play, all potentials are manifested, and all student are working for excellence in both academic and extra-curricular activities”, said Wilter.

“They will be participative in different programs not for the fear of attendance and any forms of punishment. They do it because they want tp and able to understand the real essence and values of the said programs”, according to Ciane.

“I can visualize our students in the future to be more brilliant in facing challenges and trials, to do extremely well not only in academics, but also to broaden their capabilities in terms of extra-curricular activities that enhance their character, competence, and our culture”, said Edward.

The Greatness in Us

According to Spiderman’s uncle, “With great power comes great responsibility”. In an institution nourished by the values of excellence in character, competence and culture, we Notre Dameans bear the mark of excellence. Yet when this power remains untapped through the lethargy of our passivity, we will forever be stuck in where we are.

“Both academics and extra-curricular activities are important. True, you have an edge among others if you excel academically, however it is through school activities that your leadership skills and interpersonal relationship are being honed. The spirit of team work and cooperation are likewise developed trough in which is essential not only during your stay in this institution but more importantly, in the field of work. My dear students, a well managed and balanced academic performance and extra curricular activities will lead to a successful life”, expresses Ms. Labiao.

Indeed, our powers are endless, and it is our responsibility to discover them and utilize them. We are called not only to excel academically, but also to rise in field of activities, where we gain the wisdom of learning about ourselves, about others, and about the real world in store for us.

For sir Babar. “To be empowered, one must strike the balance. Maintain your academic activities yet consider also extra curricular activities as an essential tool in the formation of your whole being. Take the best opportunities being offered by the school to the maximum learning and get the best experience of college life in this institution.”

We are all starfishes stuck in the shore. Our student leaders and school leaders are trying to throw us all back to the ocean to live. They can always pick us up and help us get back to the ocean, yet, it is our prerogative if we will waste the opportunity they have provided us, or we will grab this chance and make the most out of our stay in this vast ocean of learning.

As the starfish, do you have the will to survive?

Enjoy college. Grab all the opportunities. Be empowered.

SONA: Stink Of the Nation Address

2009-01-27T20:22:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

To the Filipino people I serve, a pleasant day to you. Today is the day of truth. As your president, it is my duty to share and commemorate with you all the great achievements that my administration has made. Until now, the memory of EDSA 2 is still very fresh in my mind- the time when I successfully stole my presidency.

So many good memories have passed away. Until now, I could still remember when the Magdalo group challenged my administration. I could not think for any reasons why they are so sweet of giving such good memories.

My incessant service and dedication to the Filipino people could not be replaced by any material things around. But if you won’t mind to give me some recognition, I will never hesitate to accept it.

It will be good if we’ll start the SONA (Sink of the Nation Address) with a big, big round of applause for me. (claps/cheers)…thank you…

I, your beloved Pres. Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, struggled for the worse of our country just like everybody has dreamed for. It is very evident with the stressful moments that I suffered in this field.

They said, stress has also a big factor to one’s physical growth development. Therefore, I did not grow even just an inch. I believe that I made the previous years of my service successful and fruitful for I have worsen our economy. I could really see in your faces the happiness and gratefulness that you have felt right now. That’s nothing to me. Don’t say “thank you” for it is really my duty to worsen your lives.

My dear Filipinos, you experienced so much happiness when I stole the position as your president. Everybody celebrated. The MILF, Abu Sayaff, and New People’s Army almost swallowed their bullets and bombs due to so much gladness when they heard my name as the newest president of this country during that time.

I know that I’m better than Erap because I made corruption in the Philippines better than ever. I am just so proud that I made the right choice of stealing this position because it is really notable that you my people are enjoying the taste of poverty I served on your table. You must be proud for I made you feel the bitterness of life.

Philippines is now no. 1 in the list of most corrupt countries in Asia according to this year’s survey of Political and Economic Risk Consultancy (PERC). That is just one of my greatest achievements for you my countrymen. Ever since, I really dreamed to put our country at the top list of most corrupt countries in Asia. What can the Indonesia and Thailand say now for we defeated them in the competition of “Search for the Most Corrupt Country in Asia?” We are really unbeatable.

Now I’m planning to organize an elegant competition which will be entitled as “Search for the Most Corrupt Country in the World.” There is no reason for us to be intimidated by the other leading countries in terms of corruption since we really have that strong foundation. Would you mind to give me a round of applause for that? (claps/cheers)…thank you noh?

As the World Bank study says, Philippines loses more than 2 billion dollars a year to corruption. Look at my husband Mike Arroyo and the rest of my constituents who are involved in ZTE deal scandal. They perform well in the realm of corruption.

Our justice in the Philippines moves slower than a quail. Don’t worry because nobody chases us- we don’t need to run. If you have been demoralized and decided to seek for justice, don’t worry because we still have centuries to count up in attaining your precious justice.

To tell you frankly, you must be thankful for that because it gives you a reason to live longer. But if you want to cut off your lives as earlier as you want, don’t worry because the government is giving you the poorest health assistance in the universe.

There is only one doctor for every 9, 689 patients and only one hospital for every 809 patients according to the ADB survey. Would it not kill you? Honestly speaking, we do have many medical doctors, nurses, and caregivers, but I let them get out of the country so that we in the government could have bundle and bundle of dollar remittances to corrupt again.

In this administration, I am really striving to make Filipinos uneducated. Few numbers of classrooms, teachers, facilities, and so on are my basic ways to make you remain illiterate. UNESCO ranked the Philippines 74th in terms of Education Development Index- dullest among its neighboring countries: Mongolia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and China. We are poor in the trends of International Mathematics and Science studies. Another great achievement if the foreign countries would call us “idiots.” Thus, I sharpen your minds by letting you digest all the erroneous textbooks produced by the Department of Idiotation. A round of applause for that please… (cheers)…thank you…

I care about you; therefore, I’d like you to take a long rest at home. You must be happy for there are no good job opportunities here in the Philippines. Lucky are those scavengers, prostitutes, drug pushers, kidney traders for they have elegant jobs. We achieved a good unemployment rate of 8 percent and an underemployment rate, 19.8 percent as of June 2008 according to National Statistics Office. It’s a good thing because Filipinos would prefer to be slaves abroad and we would be winning the title as “Global Servants.”

I really admire the existence of criminals in our country. I believe that the PNP failed to lessen the crime rate and good news because that really contributes for the betterment of our country.

One out of 10 families (11.5 percent) had a member victimized in a street crime between June and December 2007. I am glad that the SWS survey last February 2008 said that 10.5 percent of Filipino families lost property in a house break-in; 8.6 percent encountered pickpockets; 1.9 percent had their vehicle stolen; and 1.3 percent suffered physical violence. My achievements for you my people are really invaluable.

My dear Filipinos, do not complain if I am making you hungry because that is my way of helping you diminish the existence of parasites inside your intestines.

I achieved 14.5 million of your number who experienced involuntary hunger between April and June 2008 as the SWS survey said.

I am glad for I made an excellent increase of 4 percent points higher than the 10-year average hunger rate of 12.1 percent. Now, I’m proud to say that you went up to 4.2 percent, meaning, there are additional of 3.8 million of you who are suffering with hunger today. A round of applause please… (Claps)…hehehehe… thank you.

For my eight years of service, no regrets for I made Philippines still a poor nation.

My dear Filipinos, let us unite in increasing poverty in our country. Let us unite in cooking my NFA rice to relieve your starving stomachs.

Allow me to thank you all for lending me your deft ears for this SONA- the Sink of the Nation Address.

Maraming salamat at nawa’y mas lalo pa tayong maghirap…

...(claps)…(cheers)… thank you, noh?,,,

BJE: The NDMU Perspective

2009-01-27T19:51:00.000-08:00

By: Maria Leni D. Oro & Arjay L. Balinbin

What does the NDMU say?

The Notre dame of Marbel University (NDMU), despite being a Catholic institution is comprised of both Christian and non-Christian students including those who belong to minority groups.

Today, the BJE issue sprouted and has triggered commotion to our community, what can the NDMU family say about it?

If we are to see the different angles of the issue, what is our position as Notre Dameans?

In response to this, last August 22, the Supreme Student Government (SSG) conducted a Symposium on GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain to promote awareness to the students. As part of the activity, there was a mock voting on MOA for the NDMU students and faculty.

There were 242 respondents, 212 of them voted “no” to MOA while only 30 of them said “yes.”

In behalf of the views of the NDMU community, the OMNIANA interviewed two students, Norhashim Ulangkaya., Muslim Students Organization (MSO) President. and Marionne Afable, Political Science Society President; two instructors who are, Mr. Joseph Intila, College of Arts and Sciences faculty and Dr. Buenafe Quillope, Director of Peace and Development Center; and Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico., FMS, NDMU President.

1. What is your stand on the GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain?

Bro. Willie: I am for peace. I always dream of a peaceful Mindanao…the MOA does not deserve any attention for it did not go through any legitimate consultation with the people in Mindanao…

Mr. Intila: My stand, obviously, no-no to the MOA. It’s because from the very start, the MOA was done with secrecy between the MILF and the GRP peace panel. So if there are no consultations made to the people of those areas of Ancestral Domain, it follows that it should not be implemented.

Dr. Quillope: The document, GRP-MILF MOA on Ancestral Domain is very unconstitutional. Of course, I, for one, would want something that is constitutional. It has not been given to the constitutionalists and there is even a question on who framed this and not all sectors were represented in the deliberation of this.

Norhashim: …it is a firm statement of patriotism on behalf of all the Bangsamoros who claim it a birthright to assert their distinct identity…

Marionne:
I am against the MOA… because it is a plan for transforming our government into a feudal government which is an irrelevant action…this MOA will pave the way to Cha-cha. It just means that it will retain the Arroyo regime.

2. What do you think are the advantages for Christians, Lu mads, and Muslims if the MOA will be implemented? How will these affect their relationship as citizens of Mindanao?

Bro. Willie: The existing MOA per se is detrimental to any group and to the future of the entire Mindanao. Anything that was not discussed openly by people involved will not bear positive fruits. Hence, let us explore more ways to achieve genuine and lasting peace for the Mindanaoans.

Mr. Intila: …there will be a definition of the territory of those groups like the Lumads, the cultural minorities and so on. But it should be done in a legal way…it follows that there is a separation of the territories among Christians and non-Christians, Lumads and non-Lumads, Muslims and non-Muslims…we are also talking of the separate, independent state… they will be detached from the Philippines. And maybe they will not be anymore called as Filipinos.

Dr. Quillope: ...the document itself is very advantageous for the Muslims. And maybe for the Lumads but I am not sure with the Lumads if they want it. Christians have not been consulted. But for the Muslims, I am one of them who are longing for Bangsamoro. They’ve been here in Mindanao for a long time, long before the Christians came. Christians would be prejudice in such a hazy agreement since they are not yet represented in the peace panel, so surely it will affect the thorough education of the people in the name of cultural solidarity.

Norhashim: Christians, Muslims, and Lumads will be benefited with the resources that the BJE covered because of the fact that, at present we are not directly benefited with our own resources. The people in Luzon, Visayas, and other countries are those who benefit our resources. So when this MOA will be implemented, we will be the one who can benefit the resources of our homeland.

Marionne:
None, I don’t think there will be any disadvantages. I am not in the position to judge the MILF but I will be lying if I would say, I have none against the MILF. I mean, we cannot forget what they did to our people.

3. Is MOA between GRP and MILF the answer for peace and development in Mindanao?

Bro. Willie: The MOA is not an answer to achieve peace in Mindanao. To achieve peace in this region does not mean giving full support to one group alone but rather a support that will bring fulfillment to every Filipino in Mindanao. We cannot talk about development if people are in constant state of fear, uncertainty and deprivation.

Mr. Intila: No, the MOA… is not the answer for peace process in Mindanao. First, there is really a violation from the very start. There is no consultation. It follows that you are disenfranchising the rights of the people in Mindanao…Kung hindi pumasok ang Supreme court in giving their TRO, anong mangyayari?

Dr. Quillope: I won’t say so. It is not found in the constitution. Maybe, it’s a very start for the consultation then all parties would agree on certain points People would be educated and say “no” or maybe “yes.’ But this is a good start. There are so many things we need to consider when we are for peace and development. But it’s a good start.

Norhashim: Yes… As a peace advocate, I insist for the negotiating table, not all out war which is the most viable option to ease tensions on the ground and properly seek justice for slain and displaced civilians.

Marionne: No, because promoting peace is parallel to unity. It will divide the nation into two.

There it is.

Everybody surely has a stand on this issue. The answer is either a plain NO or YES to the GRP-MILF MOA. Whatever is our argument, we definitely have reasons for it. One thing is certain, this issue is not just a mere something that can be ignored. Many lives have been wasted in the war for the Bangsamoro’s incessant demand for their ancestral domain. Whatever is better for Mindanao is something to be pondered upon, not hastened.

The quest for peace still remains. But, it is completely ironic that the answer for peace is war.

Mindanao! Bansang Moro of Bangsamoros

2009-01-27T08:49:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

Many innocent civilians die due to the continuous counterattacks between the Philippine government armed forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Many are asking why must have to kill lives and destroy millions of properties in pursuing the peace process.

Mindanao, the land of promise is now subject for partition in response to the MILF’s claim for their ancestral land in the name of peace with the Philippine government.

Many are asking these questions:

What is really the MOA all about and many of the lives of our
Mindanaoan brothers are being sacrificed?
Why should we say “yes” or a big “no” for the plebiscite on this MOA?
Is it all about peace process or war?
Is it all about Charter Change?
Is it a sign for Marshall Law?
Is it constitutional?
What is all the FUSS?

MOA- the flaring issue

In a summary of the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain taken from abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak, the Philippine government agrees to recognize the Bangsamoro people as distinct from the rest of the national communities with distinct territory and government and is to be conceded with an international recognition.

The Bangsamoro people refer to "those who are natives of Mindanao and its adjacent islands including Palawan and Sulu archipelago at the time of colonization and their descendants whether mixed or full native blood. Spouses and descendants, including the Lumads are also classified as Bangsamoros.

"They are the ‘First Nation’ with defined territory and with a system of government having entered into treaties of amity and commerce with foreign nations,” said Camilo Miguel Montesa, policy adviser of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG).

Under the MOA, the Bangsamoro territory comprises of present Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM); municipalities of Baloi, Munai, Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del Norte; and additional geographic areas in the provinces of Sultan Kudarat, Lanao del Norte, and North Cotabato-subject to plebiscite.

The Bangsamoro lands will encompass ancestral communal and customary lands, maritime, fluvial and alluvial domains and all the natural resources therein that have vested ancestral right which will be governed by the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE).

Montesa said the "relationship between the Philippine government and the BJE shall be associative characterized by shared authority and responsibility with a structure of governance based on executive, legislative, judicial and administrative institutions with defined powers and functions."

The BJE’s purpose is to "establish a system of governance suitable and acceptable to them as a distinct dominant people." (abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak)
Constitutional or NOT?

“Nothing was proven to be unconstitutional. We were compliant with the instructions of the President to follow the constitution,” said Hermogenes Esperon, PGMA’s peace adviser.

According to the Primer on GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the Ancestral Domain (AD), the 1987 Philippine Constitution was not discussed, reserved, or even mentioned in the said document.

It is said that the GRP-MILF MOA is unconstitutional, non-transparent, and treacherous as it seeks to give away portions of the country’s territory through a flawed process.

The GRP-MILF MOA does not have a definite recognition of the constitutionally provided process. It is seen to create a new state- “a state within a state” as former Congressman Hilario De Pedro III emphasized during his talk in a symposium held at the Notre Dame of Marbel University last August 22.

“It’s just a piece of paper. There’s nothing to worry about,” Fr. Joaquin Bernas S.J., dean emeritus of the Ateneo Law School. Bernas said the MOA “doesn’t mean anything” until the Congress acted on it and a plebiscite was held. “Any change in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao) or territory has to go through Congress and a plebiscite,” he further added.

It is also mentioned in the primer of GRP-MILF MOA AD that “it was created with treachery and without proper consultation with affected persons and entities, especially the local government officials.”

“…the MOA has deprived the people of its right to information and to participate in the decision-making process. This is a blatant violation of the constitutional rights of the people,” Erico Fabian, Zamboanga representative and company stated during their protest against the signing of GRP-MILF deal.

Makati Rep. states that the agreement will take effect only after it becomes legal, meaning after the constitution is amended. If the constitution will not be amended, the agreement will just be a useless piece of paper,” Gonzales said.

Teodoro Locsin Jr. affirmed that the signing of the MOA would be a “voluntary dismemberment of the republic.”

“…constitutional amendments and remedial legislation are not required for the agreement to take effect,” Locsin added. But Senior Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzalez III of Mandaluyong disagreed.

“As I understand it, there is a clause in the agreement which On the issue that the GRP-MILF MOA surrenders the country’s exclusive right to exploit and control the lands of the public domain and natural resources in favor of the MILF, through the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), Press Secretary Jesus Dureza explained that while the MOA sought to grant the proposed BJE the powers to exploit all natural resources in its area, the deal called for a 75-25 percent sharing of the proceeds, with the government getting the lesser share.

Dureza denied that the BJE would become an independent Islamic state with the right to raise a security force ostensibly led by the 12,000 MILF fighters.

“We will see there is no cause to be threatened. It’s not only for MILF, it’s for whole communities in Mindanao,” Secretary Dureza said.(Philippine Daily Inquirer)

“There is nothing to fear about the GRP-MILF Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestal Domain (MOA- AD),” said MILF Chairman Murad during his press conference last August 26.

“Apparently, there is some kind of fear among the people. But this unfounded and should be eradicated. If we take close look to the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), despite the fact that it is not the genuine and JUST REALIZATION of the Bangsamoro’s freedom and right to self-determination, there are so many non-Muslim areas included in its territory but none of them have had any complaint of maltreatment and injustices committed by the autonomous government by any way,” Murad further added.

Chairman Murad asserted that “the BJE is not an MILF entity. It’s not only for the MILF but for all the people. But certainly the MILF shall play a lead role in shaping the structures, organizations, and instrumentalities of the BJE during its formation stage. We shall establish the political structure/ set-up and the system of governance that is well-founded, fair, transparent, accountable, just and sustainable.” (www.luwaran.com)

At the same day, Press Sec. Jesus Dureza confirmed the government’s plan to institute federalism.

“An opportunity should be given to the whole country to avail of the reform effects of federalism. The sentiment of many people there is to give local officials more authority in order to perform better. And the federal set-up is the way forward to this,” Dureza said.

Cha-Cha- the hidden agenda?

There was a presumption that the issue on GRP-MILF MOA AD will lead to Charter Change since it is a requirement for the said deal for its implementation. The state within a state is only applicable in federal government. Thus, there is a need for constitutional change.

“We advocate federalism as a way to ensure long-lasting peace in Mindanao,” Pres Gloria Macapagal Arroyo told visiting Swiss Pres. Pascal Couchepin last August 11.

“Recent political developments and Palace maneuvers demonstrate that Pres. Arroyo is still bent on pushing the Charter Change to remain in power beyond 2010,” said Anakpawis Rep. Rafael Mariano.

A House resolution for convening a Con-ass for a federal shift has been filed by Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco. “There is no term extension here,” he said.

House Speaker Prospero Nograles denied that the House was trying to extend Pres. Arroyo’s term. “(Term extension is) not in our radar.”

More than 80 lawmakers crossed party lines to sign a resolution condemning the MOA. The resolution said that a document “as important as the MOA… could only be drafted and agreed (upon) if the terms of the same are negotiated under the democratic requirements of absolute transparency and full consultation involving all stakeholders.”

“The planned revision of the Constitution should be stopped by any means if it was meant to accommodate the MOA,” said Makati Rep. Teodoro Locsin. “No amount of Charter change, however large the scale of public approval will make it right,” he added.

Locsin also stated that “Heck, if all but one Filipino were to vote to give away a part of our country so that it becomes a separate country…God damn the bastards who want to give away part of our country just to keep a grip on what remains.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Deal or No Deal?
The Arroyo administration says that amending the Constitution is needed to make it possible to set up the Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE) which is touted as a solution to the problem with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Where should we place ourselves? Does it give us an assurance for positive change and peace in Mindanao? Is the government not being fooled by the rebel group for the realization of their demand? Or, is the government not fooling us with their treacherous way of changing the constitution for their personal interest?

To whom should we lend our trust, to the rebel group or to the Arroyo government?
Will you say “DEAL” for MOA and so with the Charter change?
What is your stand? Is it a deal or no deal?

Perspective: Happiness

2009-01-27T08:48:00.001-08:00

By: Florence Ruby C. Bayog

Material things are not everything and are no longer the true measure of happiness. Putting our fingers cross on it is just a matter of shrugging our shoulders, but it is hard to escape the fact that there is something not quite right on how we perceive pleasure.

I was thinking about it while playing a bottle of mineral water that has been stocked for several days in the office. I’m thinking about what really make us happy. Is there an exact science for ways to make us happier? Is the well-being state a bad idea?

I am running out of ideas.

Quick: Think of everything that would really make you happy: peers, jewelry, cars, gadgets, more money and being rich?

“If you love money, you will never be satisfied; if you long to be rich, you will never get all you want. It is useless. The richer you are, the more mouths you have to feed. All you gain is the knowledge that you are rich. Workers may or may not have enough to eat, but at least they can get a good night’s sleep. The rich, however, have so much that they awake worrying.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-12).

Now think about what would make you most unhappy: losing your sight or a having been afflicted with cancer? Well, it’s not what it really means. .

“Sorrow is better than laughter; it may sadden your face, but it sharpens your understanding. Someone who is always thinking about happiness is a fool. A wise person thinks about death.” (Ecclesiastes 7:3-4)

As I ponder unto it, I realize that these are just one of the facets that is part of the larger perspective of happiness. The point is, we are terrible at assuming the source of our happiness. Whatever choice we make, we believe it was all for the best. No matter what choice we make in search of happiness, there’s a good chance we’ll decide based on our foresight.

Aristotle said that eudaimonia, or happiness is the goal of life and making our life worthwhile is crafted in the health of the children, the quality of their education, the joy of their play, the strength of marriages, devotion to country, wit, wisdom and courage. None of those can be measured by money or wealth and this is what happiness usually calls for- happiness based on economics. It affirms that happiness is everywhere and well-being is a simple fraction of happiness. It takes long to grasp the answer why happiness is everywhere, why well-being is a simple faction of happiness when in fact many strive for higher earnings because money will give them a choice and measure of freedom and would probably give them pleasure.

Sometimes, I end up confused of what true happiness brings in life. It took me a hard time to ponder on which sense of happiness I would really embrace. It’s like choosing between two apples: the red and the green. The problem is, I like them both. The choice I’ll make is the key to what I really want to happen in my life.

Sometimes, I find myself sitting in the bleachers looking at other students laughing and talking to their friends about what had happened in their previous days. I asked myself why I cannot be like them. Why am I thinking so much of the next day, following week or next month? Why am I thinking more about my future? Why can’t I be satisfied and happy within? I told myself to stop pretending. I told myself that if I’m not happy, I should not pretend that I am. Instead, I must pray to find the answers that would be enough to know what made me so unhappy.

Life often is unpredictable and the happiness that it brings is a matter of consequence and reward. We might never know what will happen next, but we are always assured of a bright light in every end of the tunnel.

As I start to count the years of my studies, I realized that in almost 15 years, there’s only one thing in my mind that cannot be solved through Mathematics. This is immeasurable that even the brightest man in the world can do nothing about it or even the greatest mathematicians cannot devise an exact formula for it and that is happiness.

As I look into the hammered-like surface of the bottle of mineral water, it was then I thought that life is not all about happiness. I decided to enjoy myself and find out what happiness is. But I found that this is useless, too. I discovered that laughter is foolish, that pleasure does you no good (Ecclesiastes 2:1-2). After all, I realize that what is important is the love of the family and God that set me in proper perspective of my life now.

I never understood before the goodness of life without happiness. I never thought that it would be better if we share ourselves to others and try to live their life even just a day. I never thought that the true happiness may come from the unusual things that we do. This time, I know that it springs from the moment we help other people, from the time that we make them happy to the time that we share in their tears and sorrows.

Just like finding a piece of color in the Rubik’s cube that matches the others is just like life struggling to complete its pieces. Learning the priorities is much important not merely happiness at all times. We must be given more emphasis on finding the missing pieces in ourselves because we cannot be as happy as we want if we never feel the completeness of the experiences that we had.

This time, I cherish my life with my parents by giving them simple happiness through better performance in the school. As I look back on the days that I was born, I know that my parents were happy because they believed that I could be someone; a writer, an achiever and a good son. Everyday I am persuading myself to give my best shot in all I do. I am trying to be kind and to give hellos and pleasant smiles as I can to the people around me to make them happy for a while. I always remember that life is cruel, that it has so many cautions and I must be aware because there are really people who may misinterpret what I’m trying to convey and show.

When my eyes passed the clock, its past 10 o’clock in the evening and still I’m holding this bottle of mineral water. I didn’t even notice that it’s almost distorted from my hands while thinking about the different sides of happiness with which I can derive many perspectives in the world. It just depends on me on how I interpret those clues. Sometimes, there are scenes beyond my control, but I can put it between my fingers if I look at it in different perspectives.

Intoxicated: The Truth in Intoxicants

2009-01-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

Life is like a bottle of Red Horse. The first shot may not hit your tongue’s desire but when followed by another one, your nerves will thirst for the pleasure it brings. Yet, pleasure does not stay long unless you love to vomit and feel the insurgency of all the stuff inside your stomach, added with your head’s grief as if being squeezed by a big man’s hand.

When I experienced being covered with a blanket of wrinkle-causing dilemmas, I just simply stopped and imagined that my mind is an empty bottle that thinks nothing. Only to realize that my mind is an empty Red Horse bottle that needs to be refilled. So again, I got drunk.

All I want in life is just to be always happy. I want to make use of every hour in this life worthy. Though I am being bombarded with all the heavy loads that test my strength, the hell I care for I believe that the situation must not rule over me. I ought to learn that my mind and hands too are capable of taking control of the situations that occur.

Every man experiences failures in life, so why should be afraid to experience so? There are always good things attached in everything perceived as bad in this world, and that if you will learn to see the whole of the doughnut and not merely its hole.

The ability to look forward is a condition for success in passing the challenges. There are no such quick solutions in every trial as liquors that easily make us drunk. We need lots of time. We need to exert effort not just hoping for the best but with spirit of action.

The journey of a real drunkard is the journey in search for truth in life. Drunkard for he admires the alcoholic impact of life which provides all the experiences to hone him holistically.

Life intoxicates us with all the elements that are possibly negative or positive, depending on the stand of our perspectives. Sometimes, we dare to stop when we think that we can no longer carry ourselves to arrive in our planned destinations, but when I experienced being totally drunk and had no energy at all to awaken my sleeping body and mind, my friends who cared and knew the road towards my intended place brought me there safely and with care.

I love intoxicants so as life for there is truth in them. All we need is just to pursue our determination and develop courage in us in search for such.

People who fail to understand that life requires us to fight in the battle arena of trials and frustrations, get confused when tested with the thorns of troubles. They become melancholic. They become impulsive. They are likely to suffer hopelessness as if being caged in a bottle of beer with no way out which makes them badly drunk with the burdens of life.

As we are enjoying the intoxicants of life, we meet new faces to go along with us. We couldn’t survive without sharing a tie with others. We need them for they help us grow and discover new flavors of beer as we go on.

Pessimistic drunkards are mortal sinners. They view the world with pointed corners rather than spherical. They are likely to curse life and draw some illusions in their minds that it might be the end of the world for them, so no any reasons to move on.

Life is an extraordinary intoxicant that takes off our masks and blindfolds to view all the things around us as they are, and not solely isolated within our own ignorant conceptions. We need to grow up as persons. We need to build up ourselves through our willing submission to the realities in life and so as to God.

Do not wait for the last drop of your beer before to realize all the obligations and commitments that await you. Procrastination is a toxic that little by little kills the possibility of our dreams in life.

Dare to have a wider perspective. Intoxicant is not a mere bottle of alcohol like Red Horse. Intoxicant is all present in us. You might not know that you are an intoxicant to your family, to your friends, and to your society.

From the bottle to the substance, examine how intoxicants bring a correlation to our lives. Your wider thoughts will bring you the truth as exceptional intoxicants can do.

See the trees not trees but forest.

See the houses not houses but village.

See the earth not earth but world.

See the problems not hardships but challenges.

See the life not existence but happiness.

See the positive not resilience but optimism.

See the INTOXICANT not liquor but TRUTH…

Labyrinth: Growth Gap

2009-01-27T08:38:00.000-08:00

By: Maria Leni D. Oro

There was once a TV ad that talked about growth gap. It commonly happens to children as they near adolescence. At this point, some of the children stopped growing. As the advertisement suggests, kids should drink milk so that they will prevent being stuck at a despicable height. At the end, the endorser was so happy to see kids reach the maximum potential of their height.

Ironically, not only children experience growth gap, adults do, too. The more depressing point is, adults are sometimes stuck in a terrible growth gap that no milk can ever save them.

Let me tell you the three fields where adults pause and stop.

Growth gap can be experienced academically.

Let’s see this point, whenever you get out of the gates of NDMU everyday, have you asked yourself if you have become a better person than before you went in? Or, you are still the same old you? If they asked you about your day, can you say you have learned something amazing? Or you just say it’s all the same boring day?

If your answers to the or-questions are yes, then you are definitely on the pitiful stage of academic growth gap. At this point, you see school as another place of torment, where you are forced to learn on some out-of-this-world kind of concept, where you have to comply with some killer requirement, where you have to listen to some not-so-animated teachers. Everyday is a lousy day. Everyday is the same day as yesterday. You paddle through the stream and just let it carry you wherever it wants to.

You are on the initial stage of growth gap.

Point two, growth gap can be social.

Have you experienced being alone in the crowd, and when you look all around, you don’t have anybody to talk to? Have you been through an instance where you can’t start a conversation because you basically don’t know anything about anybody?

If all your answers are yes, then yes, you are a socially handicapped social being.

You don’t have anybody to talk to because you just spent your life talking alone to the people you usually go with. You don’t know anything about anybody because you never tried to. You have never attempted to strike a conversation to know them more and to see them beyond the light of your prejudices. Your life only revolved to the people you want to befriend, to the people you feel comfortable to be with. You’ve created a security blanket, a comfort zone, and you hate to get away from it and because you’re too comfortable, you don’t tolerate anything that poses a threat to your comfort.

At this stage, you are on a more serious growth gap.

Finally, growth gap can occur spiritually.

Have you been through a stage where everyday is an exact duplicate of the other day and the days that passed? Did you experience a disturbing feeling akin to emptiness? Is this emptiness too distressing that it feels like it’s boring a hole in your chest everyday, and the hole just keep getting bigger? Did life finally lost its meaning?

If your answers are all no, then congratulations, you are a spiritually healthy person! Also, if all your answers are no, may be you are really healthy, or you just don’t know your status because you never tried to stop and think and ponder about yourself. On the other hand, if all your answers are yes, congratulations, you are a very honest person. At least you know you have a problem. At this point, you need a cure because you have the most malignant growth gap ever. If this can’t be treated, you’ll remain slumped on a stage threadlike away from a major disaster.

The good thing is, it’s not too late.There are medications for these growth gap years. For the first one, milk can be a start. Unfortunately, milk is not the only answer. Have you checked yourself lately? What has fueled you before? What drove you before you lost your enthusiasm? Have you lost you motivation or your motivation wasn’t that strong enough that you easily broke hold of? The school is a world of learning. If you are not learning anything lately, then you should check if it’s still worth going to school after all. The motivation must come from within.

The second type of growth gap has its prescription. There is something I learned from my RE. Every person is a gift. Every person is a box of surprises, the cover may differ, and the packaging may vary. You may open the others, and few go neglected. If you only take a second of your time to open the few, you might be surprised of what awaits you! Talk to people. Learn from people. Know them deeply beyond their names and courses. Make the most of your time with them, you’ll only have them once in a lifetime.

The third one is the most neglected and ignored growth gap. Others may not even notice the symptoms unless it’s malignant. It brings upon us a truckload of burden that triggers the emotion, the soul and the spirit. It’s a gnawing feeling that bites you slowly till you fall apart. If it’s always ignored, you may end up dying without a wound.

The symptoms are unmistakable. A lack of personal direction, a lack of sense of satisfaction, and a lack of meaning are the common ones. If you feel this way, you’re not alone, but it calls for your action.

Many have clung to fame but they ended up forgotten in the end. Some have tried wealth, but they only worry of thieves and kidnappers. Others want prestige only to be surpassed by others.

“For all that is in the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever, ” according to 1 John 2:26-27.

Do you want to fill the void? Try Jesus. He cures growth gaps like no milk or Cherifer ever can.

Sounding Wall

2009-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Compiled by: Marites C. Lopez

The devastating typhoon Frank has left a very big spot in the month of July. Many are casualties and many victims still hope for sustenance.

Let’s focus our lenses to Dameans immediate response to the needy. Our student leaders must take the lead!

“Leaders are trained to act in a right away disaster cases. Act fast! Let’s help them… after all they are our neighbors.”

Quoted by Ms. Agnes Reyes, Champagnat Community College(CCC) Director, as she discussed with the student leaders the relief operation in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat.

Not only student leaders but also the herd of faculty takes it off…

“Last July, the representatives from different Colleges convened to plan out the activities for the forthcoming Marist Mission Partners’ Celebration on the 28th.

And decided to hold a simple, yet meaningful activity that would translate concretely the entire spirit of the celebration.

Thus, the donation that were collected for Lambayong flood victims explicitly manifested the meaning of Mission Partnership, “The Culture of Extension.” It simply showed that the transformational mission of an educational institution is not detached from “the great surround.”

Abraham L. Contayoso- representative of the sponsoring College (CAS).
Living on the value of concern for those in need, NDMU molds students not only academically but holistically.

SSG welcomes freshmen

2009-01-27T08:36:00.000-08:00

By: Marites C. Lopez

With the theme “Intensify Unity, Revitalize Passion, Reshape Society,” the Supreme Student Government (SSG) holds Dayun kag Magkinalipay: A Welcome Night on July 11 at the NDMU Gymnasium.

The activity was held to serve as an acquaintance occasion for everyone. Mr. Wilter Friales, the SSG president said “The activity was actually held to welcome students not only the freshmen but all the students of NDMU.”

“We prepared presentations to touch the hearts of the students for them to feel belongingness and how is it to become students,” said Mr. Friales. He added “there were also set of competitions to add spice to the event where the students can really enjoy.”

The SSG president also emphasized that the activity was not merely for mere enjoyment but it was meaningfully held to make the students feel a sense of belongingness and worth as part of NDMU community.

Registrar's office posts 6% drop in enrolment

2009-01-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

By: Florence Ruby C. Bayog

The Office of the Registrar- Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) had recently released the result of the enrolment status indicating a 6 percent drop in the number of enrollees as compared to previous year.

The current school year reported 4,402 enrollees, showing a decrease of 281 enrollees from 4,683 of previous school year’s statistics.

Furthermore, declines in present enrolment were reported as: 13.45% for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), 3.45% for the College of Business Administration (CBA), 1.15% for the College of Education (CED), 9.91% for the College of Engineering and Technology (CET), and 5.29% for College of Health and Sciences (CHS).

Moreover, the BS Nursing which has the greatest number of enrollees among the courses in the university last year decreased by 12.33% from 519 to 446.

According to Ms. Elaine Labiao, Director of Guidance, Testing and Scholarship Center, the said enrolment reduction trend is also felt by other private educational institution.

“Basically, our present economic condition and the increase on demand from foreign countries of technical graduates can be considered as the contributing factor, add it with the number of technical schools that sprouted in the locality”, Ms. Labiao said.

She further explained that they are working to cushion the impact of the said decrease by conducting Career Guidance and Recruitment in various schools in Region XII.

JTO sponsors seminar on Professional Code of Ethics

2009-01-27T08:34:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

The Junior Teacher’s Organization (JTO) conducted the seminar on personality development held at SMC hall on July 5.

The activity was realized with the foremost objective “to of the activity to revolves develop their personality and gain self-confidence.

Mr. Jim Raborar, the College of Education (CED) faculty at the same time the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) instructor, stood as a keynote speaker.

He discussed points on how to achieve winning personality, proper etiquette in public places, manners and social graces, and the appropriate dress code in different occasion.

He also reminded everyone to help themselves by sanitizing the environment they lived in and be conscious to their personal hygiene.

Mr. Raborar added that seeing no evil, hearing no evil, and speaking no evil are the best thing we can do to win the trust of others and win good friends.

As a conclusion he said, “proper grooming, social graces, etiquette, decorum should cone second nature to us.” The said activity was participated by HRM students headed by their club president Mr. John Eric Celorico.

The said activity was sponsored by the Guidance Scholarship and Testing Center.

JTO conducts seminar on Personality Dev't

2009-01-27T08:33:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

The Junior Teacher’s Organization (JTO) conducted the seminar on personality development held at SMC hall on July 5.

The activity was realized with the foremost objective “to of the activity to revolves develop their personality and gain self-confidence.

Mr. Jim Raborar, the College of Education (CED) faculty at the same time the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) instructor, stood as a keynote speaker.

He discussed points on how to achieve winning personality, proper etiquette in public places, manners and social graces, and the appropriate dress code in different occasion.

He also reminded everyone to help themselves by sanitizing the environment they lived in and be conscious to their personal hygiene.

Mr. Raborar added that seeing no evil, hearing no evil, and speaking no evil are the best thing we can do to win the trust of others and win good friends.

As a conclusion he said, “proper grooming, social graces, etiquette, decorum should cone second nature to us. ”The said activity was participated by HRM students headed by their club president Mr. John Eric Celorico.

The said activity was sponsored by the Guidance Scholarship and Testing Center.

SSG conducts Summer Festival '08

2009-01-27T08:32:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

The Supreme Student Government (SSG) together with the Collegiate Student Councils conducted a summer activity dubbed as the Summer Festival ’08 at the Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) quadrangle last May 10.

The said activity was conducted to provide a time to all students of NDMU to relax and enjoy the summer season and enhance rapport and camaraderie among them.

The activity included motorcade, Pinoy Olympics, summer jingle and dance contests, amazing race, live bands and disco.

The College of Education (CED) won as the overall champion in the said activity followed by the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) as 1st runner up, College of Health and Services (CHS) - 2nd runner up, College of Business- 3rd runner up, and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) as 4th runner up.

“I’m happy since we bagged the top awards and at the same time we have realized our main goal for this activity which is to maximize the students’ participation for them to get the essence why we conducted this,” Ms. Ciane Lou Siman, CED Council president said during interview.

“it is a good start for us student leaders to reach out, encourage, and bring back the participation and cooperation among students in all our upcoming activities for this school year,” said Mr. Wilter Friales, SSG president.

SSG launches Org's Fair 2008

2009-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

Supreme Student Government (SSG), together with other participating clubs and organization, conducted the Clubs and Org Fair, at NDMU covered area on July 8-10, 2008.

The activity was inspired by the theme “Sign up. Step up. Get involved. Be empowered!” which aims to invite students especially the freshmen to join in an organization, to provide opportunity for the students to engage themselves in an area where their skills and talents and suited in.

Led by the SSG Officers together with Mr. Romeo Babar, Director of Students Affairs and Development, the activity featured a launching program through ribbon cutting, a Quiz Bowl in which representative in every participating club were sent off for the battle of wit in answering questions, and an awarding of special awards and certificates to the participating clubs and organizations.

This three-day-event was participated by NDMU clubs and organization to wit: Young Mindanao Peace Builders (YMPB), Grant In Aid Working Students (GIA), OMNIANA, Visual Artist, St. Marcelin Club (SMC), Kariktan, Debate Society, Youth For Christ (YFC), Sports Society, Red Cross, Peer Councilors Organization Iskolar ng Koronadal (ISKO), Math Club, T’nalak Youth Group (TYG), Rotaract Club, KAMAFIL, Health Club, and Campus Evangelization.

T’nalak Youth Group, Red Cross Youth, GIAA/WS, Sports Society, and OMNIANA bested to the top 5 club exhibit.

CAS extends community service

2009-01-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

May it rain or shine, the College of Arts Sciences(CAS), with the spirit of a true Marista, led the herd of colleges in their outreach activity on July 12 at Sitio Tinu-os, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

They were inspired by their theme “ Isang Munting Alay para sa Bagong Buhay,” as they aim to help a community develop themselves to be more optimistic in life.

Together with them are the volunteer medics from the College of Health and Sciences headed by Evangelos Barcelona, CHS Council Representative.

Spirited by thanks, “Nalipay ang mga parents kag nainspire man sila…kay may privilege kag may nagasupport man gani, kag wala kami ginakalimtan,” said Mrs. Elizabeth Toledo one of the parents from Sitio Batutonggal, Lake Sebu, South Cotabato.

NDMU Library Updates

2009-01-27T08:16:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

In response to the students’ library needs, the NDMU library added new facilities such as, 30 units of flat-screen computers, new book collections, 30 days free trial subscription of new data bases under Gale Virtual Reference Library, and new journal title subscriptions.

The NDMU library is a permanent subscriber of Proquest which is under the I-group Asia since 2006. “The university is paying more than half a million annually for the subscription of Proquest,” said Mrs. Fe Diaz, Director of Libraries.

The additional units of computers in the library are due to its high demand among NDMU students.

In the 2nd semester of school year 2007-2008, 35% of the internet users were the students of the College of Business Administration (CBA) followed by the College of Engineering and Technology (CET)- 22%, College of Education (CED)- 19%, College of Health and Services (CHS)- 13%, and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)- 11%.

The library has also subscribed new journal titles such as, Police & Security News (RSN) and Police Magazine for the Law Enforcement and Public Safety program (LEPS), Educational Leadership for Education students, Pediatric Nursing, Journal of Gerontology, and Journal of community Nursing for the Nursing program, CE News for Engineering, Hotel and Motel Management, Food management, and catering Magazine for Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) and Food Technology programs, and The CPA Journal, Entrepreneurship magazine, Marketing Management Journal for Business courses.

As additional to the library’s Audio Visual Rooms (AVR’s) 1-2., new AVR is now available at San Lorenzo Ruiz Hall (SLR) building, first floor close to the College of Education faculty office.

ISKO holds Solidarity Day and 1st General Assembly

2008-12-27T20:32:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

With the theme "Akbayanay kag Magkilalahanay, " the Iskolar ng Koronadal grantees gathered in NDMU on June 28 for their first General Assembly and Solidarity Day.

"You are enjoying the honor and privilege the government has given you. You sought ti bring back a little responsibility, " said Dr. Cecilia S. Villena, PhD, the club moderator as she gave an overview of the scholarship.

According to Ivy Joy Orpia, ISKO president, the activity was the first step in materializing their goal for this year "to instill to the members their vital role in their studies or assist them in their academics and extra-curricular activites, and develop sense of awareness and loyalty."

The said activity was participated by the ISKO grantees coming from the different colleges in City of Koronadal.

Among the activities were acquaintance activity, orientation on the whole year's programs, finances, rules and regulations, open forum and evaluation.

SSG and student councils convene

2008-12-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

The Supreme Student Government (SSG) together with the five Collegiate Student Councils convened to conduct an early sharing of year-plans which include the year-end evaluation and team building activity at Hernandez Farm last May 3-4.

The objectives of the said activity were to evaluate the programs and activities of previous student councils, plan-out for different programs and activities fort he School Year 2008-2009, and to foster family spirit, camaraderie, and friendship among the student leaders.

Bro. Wilfredo E. Lubrico, FMS, Mr. Romeo Babar, Ms. Elma Rafil, and former collegiate student council presidents served as speakers in the said activity.

"The activity was good because before this school year started, the student leaders of this university got acquainted, and it's good to have a year-end evaluation to make changes and fill what was lacking before to enhance further the performance of the student leaders, " said Mr. Wilter Friales, SSG president.

2008-12-27T03:58:00.000-08:00

The Supreme Student Government (SSG), together with other participating clubs and organization, conducted the Clubs and Org Fair, at NDMU covered area on July 8-10, 2008.

The activity was inspired by the theme “Sign up. Step up. Get involved. Be empowered!” which aims to invite students especially the freshmen to join in an organization, to provide opportunity for the students to engage themselves in an area where their skills and talents and suited in.

Led by the SSG Officers together with Mr. Romeo Babar, Director of Students Affairs and Development, the activity featured a launching program through ribbon cutting, a Quiz Bowl in which representative in every participating club were sent off for the battle of wit in answering questions, and an awarding of special awards and certificates to the participating clubs and organizations.

This three-day-event was participated by NDMU clubs and organization to wit: Young Mindanao Peace Builders (YMPB), Grant In Aid Working Students (GIA), OMNIANA, Visual Artist, St. Marcelin Club (SMC), Kariktan, Debate Society, Youth For Christ (YFC), Sports Society, Red Cross, Peer Councilors Organization Iskolar ng Koronadal (ISKO), Math Club, T’nalak Youth Group (TYG), Rotaract Club, KAMAFIL, Health Club, and Campus Evangelization.

T’nalak Youth Group, Red Cross Youth, GIAA/WS, Sports Society, and OMNIANA bested to the top 5 club exhibit.

“We are happy of the result because many clubs and orgs did participate. One thing is, those clubs and organizations that were not known before were recognized by the students”, said Mr. Wilter Friales, the SSG president as he evaluated the outcome of the activity.

NDMU YFC holds youth camp

2008-12-27T03:40:00.000-08:00

By: Jym yurick Baltores

To empower and strengthen the Chrisitan life of NDMU students, the campus-based CFC Youth for Christ (YFC) conducted a 3-day camp at Gawad Kalinga Center, New Iloilo, Tantangan last August 15-17.

Some 49 NDMU students participated in the said event which included prayer sessions, group discussions, talent presentations, and talks.

"It was a camp to remember! It's a different kind of camp I usually join, " said Rodolfo Batiller, YFC President.

"This was made possible by the undying efforts of the NDMU YFC, " Batiller added.

NDMU extends help in Lambayong

2008-12-27T03:27:00.000-08:00

By: Arjay L. Balinbin

"Where is NDMU in times of calamities?" asked Mrs. Agnes Reyes, Champagnat Community College (CCC) director during the clubs and organizaitons meeting on outreach activity.

In response to this challenge, the NDMU extended its help to the victims of typhoon Frank in Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat through the initiative of CCC together with the different clubs and organizations and faculty last July 5, July 28, and August 2.

According to the DSWDm there are approximately 2000 hectares that were damaged out of 13 barangays in Lambayong.

Supreme Student Government (SSG) spearheaded the first operation on July 5 in the Barangays: Liit, Kabulacan, and Poblacion, Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat wherein 400 packs of relief goods donated by the NDMU studens from different clubs and organizations were distributed.

The NDMU Faculty Organization spearheaded the second relief operation which was held at Brgy. Pinguiaman of the same municipality on July 28.

On August 2, the last relief operation was led by the Muslim Students Organization (MSO) at Brgy. Tinumigues.

"I am very happy together with my members because we extended help to the residents of the affected area who really need our help, " said Mr. Norhashim Ulangkaya, MSO President.

The said project was a recipient of the 2007 Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) 5 awards helpd at Makati City on October 2007.

Maricon Samperoy, Daryl Justin Umadhay and Evelyn Piano represented the BITS along with other stakeholders from different sectors in the community.

Moreover, Evelyn Piano, the former BITS President, received the plaque of appreciation awarded by Assistant Division Superintendent, Ma. Rosa Gutierrez, Asst. Regional Director, Mr. Allan Farnazom and City Councilor, Hon. Rose Salanga-Dideles.

BITS receives recognition from DepEd

2008-12-27T03:23:00.000-08:00

By: Mr. Arvin Tejada

The Books and Information Technology Society (BITS) received a plaque of appreciation from the DepEd, Koronadal City Schools Division last August 8 at South cotabato Gymnasium and Cultural Center, City of Koronadal during the 6th DepEd Foundation Anniversary.

The recognition given to the club was for its support, contribution, and concern for the welfare of the learners especially at Sto. Niño Elementray Scholl, Bo. 2, City of Koronadal where its flagship project, the Adobt-A-Library was put up.

CED receives COE grant

2008-12-27T03:18:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

With the pertinent provision of the Higher Education act of 1994 and the recommendation of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education (TPTE), NDMU as one of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) was graced with the title Center of Excellence (COE) for teacher Education on June 02, 2008.

Among the fourteen identified HEI in the whole Philippines, the Notre dame of Marbel University is the sole HEI in region XII and in the whole Mindanao who was given the privilege to enjoy the COE grant for three consecutive years starting from June this year after almost 12 years since 1996.

The College of Education (CED) as one of the COE grantee was identified based on HEI’s: institutional qualities which include the administration, faculty, curriculum, laboratory, facilities, student support system, performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers, graduate profile, graduate tracer study/employment of graduates; Research and Publication which includes research activities, research environment, access in documents, references and equipments to undertake research; extension and linkages; and institutional qualification that has good academic program that stems from a clear and achievable institutional vision for excellence and quality.

Together with the profound title, are the benefits being identified as COE to wit: priority in the selection of CHED institutional partners with regards to other CHED developmental projects, entitlement to other no-monetary subsidies and awards such as graduate scholarships for faculty members, priority for CHED research grants, and recognition as autonomous and deregulated HEI.

“Aside from the fact that you will be using the name that will give you prestige, graduates can use COE as teacher education in their official documents, and we endowed priorities to grants and scholarships for our school was acknowledged to be the lead institution in the whole region,” said Dr. Noemi B. Silva, the CED Dean and NDMU Academic Vice President.

As a COE grantee, the following are highly expected: act as a role models in the local, regional, and national community, sustain and enhance research capabilities and upgrade professional or research graduate programs in the discipline, provide assistance to agencies/institution within its geographical area of coverage, undertake other activities/ projects necessary in developing quality education in the specific discipline.

Talking about quality education, Dr. Noemi Silva said “Quality education does not happen rather, we have to work for it. Working for it requires team endeavor in continuous and collaborative sustained effort of all stake holders in the University, particularly in CED, focusing in our mission-vision. "

WAC Invigorated Marist Women

2008-12-27T03:14:00.000-08:00

By: Marites Lopez

Aiming to respond to various problems concerning women in the campus, the Women Advocacy Center (WAC) headed by Sr. Andy Solar, OND, holds General Assembly on July 5, and 12, August 16 and 23, 2008 at NDMU campus.

To revitalize women concern, the program was convened with the objectives to wit: orient participants with the WAC programs and guidelines, become aware of the local and national situation of women in the

Philippines

, become conscious of their rights and privileges, elect set of officers and form a group session by ‘barkada’.

Deepening the WAC programs and guidelines, Sr. Andy discussed the following WAC general objectives: to have adequate awareness or critical consciousness on women issues; provide venue for empowerment, participation, solidarity and networking among the female students in the campus as well as with other women sectors outside campus; impart to the female students the virtues of Mary (the model of women humble yet confident, simple yet creative, modest yet empowered); and reinforce structures in the deepening of our understanding and manifestation of the Marist core values through the different activities of the WAC.

Sr. Lalyn Macahilo, OND, the Oblates of Notre Dame Women Ministry in-charge, stood as the keynote speaker of the said activity.
She discussed various abuses and violence encountered by women today such as physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuses.

“Even exposing the bodies of women in beauty contests is considered as abuse,” Sr. Lalyn said as she relates abuses to women today. “Ngaa lawas ang gamiton?,” she questioned.

The keynote speaker let the participants viewed the film entitled Sex Trafficking We’re so Syndicated Ma’am” in which women in these days were compared to business, with chicken as the sole product.

After which, the participants were clustered by barkada for a small group session entitled “Kamustahanay,” where members will spend time sharing with Sr. Andy Solar the issues/concern affecting them as Notre Demeans, how to help one another in responding to their specified issues, so as their reflection.

The said activity was participated by NDMU students particularly women. “Not only women are obliged to participate, men as well are encourage to join the program,” said Sr. Andy.

The success of the activity was aided by the group of Social Work students and volunteers from other colleges who are willing to help in the WAC Center, where it serve as a venue to expose themselves in reaching out to those in need.

Agana makes it top 30 on TOSP

2008-12-27T02:46:00.000-08:00

By: Maria Leni D. Oro

Being one of the top students of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), Mark Aethen G. Agana, a graduate of BS Computer Science and a Gawad Parangal Institutional Leadership Awardee was chosen as one of the top 30 in the Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP).

TOSP is a project of RFM Foundation in cooperation with the Commission on Higher Education, the Rotary Club of Makati Central, the National Bookstore, and the RFM Group of Comapnies since 1961 that aims to promote excellence and service as a way of life through the TOSP awardees and finalists who come from the various regions of the Philippines with this year's theme "Learning, leading, and serving for life".

"My purpose is to leave a legacy of excellence to our school and region," said Agana who is now taking his Masters degree in the Philippines (UP) - Diliman under the PCASTRD-DOST (SEI) Scholarship.

The top 30 finalist chosen by the National Screening Committee were invited to Manila to undergo a week-long formation process and other TOSP activities.

Moreover, Agana is also a participant in the 35th Ship for South East Asian Youth Program (SSEAYP), a diplomatic excahnge program among and between the emerging youth leaders in Asia.