WILL

After tropical storm Ondoy’s destructive pass over Manila and nearby provinces, it has left nature’s mark of anger to its insensitive parasites. It made sure that everybody learns a lesson before anyone else could even complain.

But nature’s thrilling way for us to feel guilty did not end there. A new and stronger storm categorized on the highest possibility was then considered a super typhoon greater than the others, came. Typhoon Pepeng’s unexpected entry late in the evening of October 2 among the vicinity of Cagayan North was devastating in terms of agriculture and livestock.

The preventive evacuation done in the province was a big success for no casualties were reported. Low lying areas were filled with water for almost until the waist of an ordinary Filipino and this has caused much trouble in communications as well as transportation of goods. Cagayan is known to be the no. 1 source of corn used in feeding hogs, chickens and among others. Due to this typhoon, fields were destroyed and there will no more be earnings for the farmers by this time. But that is not the problem to be talked about now. It is on how do we, people of God treat His masterpiece created out love. Or rather, what are the moves we must do in order to decrease such instances.

PAGASA and other experts say that more and more typhoons shall destroy a multitude of innocent lives not only in the country but also in the whole world. It is said that this scenario is caused by climate change and global warming. When the earth gets hotter, it brings stormier weather and the rise of sea levels because of the melting that is happening in the Arctic regions. It is by this reason that Bangladesh experienced extreme flooding in previous years. To date, the earth’s average temperature increased between 0.30C and 0.80C. And when it increases more, something terrible might happen.

Almost everyone else in the world knew what this is all about, but was there any move done? None. Definitely nothing was ever done. Yes, there was a ban in 1996 on the excessive use of chlorofluorocarbons or CFCs yet it will take at least a hundred of years to take its effect.

Little do ordinary people like us know about the precautionary measures that the government has placed over this matter. They say they put millions of pesos for calamity funds but a few were used. A few felt that millions. But waiting for the people with higher authority is not worth it. Do we still need to experience tsunami, tidal waves and hurricanes before we can decide what to do? To work on it now before it’s too late is the best solution.

We must have the initiative to know what is right and definitely we must go against the opposite one, the wrong. As Paulinians, we are obliged to love God and our neighbor. But thinking of it literally is useless. We must have the will to serve like Jesus our model that came forth into this world “to serve and not to be served”.

This is the best way to bring back anything good from the pass and reminisce them in the near future. But it all depends on us; on how we will act against climate change and global warming. Remember, you must first change your self before you can change the world. ##

I Kendu, Can you?

The newest craze involving numbers and logical thinking was once again developed in Japan. It is literally like the ordinary Sudoku except for the twists included. Its official name is KenKen or Kendoku or Kendu which means “cleverness” in Japanese. It is a brain booster which enhances the mind’s capability to think in a wider range and logically.

It is in the year 2004 that a Japanese math ace teacher named Tetsuya Miyamoto invented this to allow oneself to test his/her puzzle acumen and to improve mathematical skills. He is an innovator and believes in “the art of teaching without teaching” principle.

KenKen takes Sudoku to a new level by adding elementary arithmetic to exercise your brain. Each puzzle grid contains rows, columns, and bordered regions.

To solve a KenKen puzzle, you must combine numbers in each bordered region with the given math operation to obtain the region’s given answer while not repeating any number in any row or column.

The goal of each puzzle is to fill a grid with digits –– 1 through 4 for a 4x4 grid, 1 through 5 for a 5x5, etc. –– so that no digit appears more than once in any row or column. Grids range in size from 3x3 to 9x9. Additionally, KenKen grids are divided into heavily outlined groups of cells which are often called “cages” and the numbers in the cells of each cage must produce a certain “target” number when combined using a specified mathematical operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division). For example, a three-cell cage specifying addition and a target number of 6 in a 4x4 puzzle might be satisfied with the digits 1, 2, and 3. Digits may be repeated within a cage, as long as they are not in the same row or column. No operation is relevant for a single-cell cage: placing the "target" in the cell is the only possibility. The target number and operation appear in the upper left-hand corner of the cage.

For those who are eager to try this game you can now download it on your Iphones just visit the website for more information.

Though it is not yet that recognized as a global addicting game, countries in the western region are now advertising it, letting it be known worldwide. Start boosting your minds with Kendu! I’m sure, if you like Sudoku, you’ll love Kendu! After every puzzle, I assure you you’ll shout and say “I Kendu!” ##

NASA magnifies the future with new telescope.

To retract the past events in the world including the beginning of life inspired the scientists of NASA in making a bigger and more concise and clear telescope ever to be built in man’s history. The development of such technology will enhance more and shall testify the hidden truths of our origins. And it may help, hopefully for the resolution of major problems the world is now facing.

So let’s move on, read and learn on how mankind visions its future through this new telescope…

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) will be a large infrared telescope with a 6.5-meter primary mirror.

JWST will be the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It will study every phase in the history of our Universe, ranging from the first luminous glows after the Big Bang, to the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets like Earth, to the evolution of our own Solar System.

JWST was formerly known as the "Next Generation Space Telescope" (NGST). JWST was renamed in Sept. 2002 after a former NASA administrator, James Webb.

JWST is an international collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center is managing the development effort. The prime contractor is Northrop Grumman; the Space Telescope Science Institute will operate JWST after launch.

Several innovative technologies have been developed for JWST. These include a folding, segmented primary mirror, adjusted to shape after launch; ultra-lightweight beryllium optics; detectors able to record extremely weak signals, microshutters that enable programmable object selection for the spectrograph; and a cryocooler for cooling the mid-IR detectors to 7K. The long-lead items, such as the beryllium mirror segments and science instruments, are under construction. All mission enabling technologies were demonstrated by January 2007. In July 2008 NASA confirmed the JWST project to proceed into its implementation phase, and the project is currently on track to conduct its next major mission review in March 2010.

There will be four science instruments on JWST: a near-infrared (IR) camera, a near-IR multi-object spectrograph, a mid-IR instrument, and a tunable filter imager. JWST's instruments will be designed to work primarily in the infrared range of the electromagnetic spectrum, with some capability in the visible range. It will be sensitive to light from 0.6 to 27 micrometers in wavelength.

JWST has four main science themes: The End of the Dark Ages: First Light and Reionization, The Assembly of Galaxies, The Birth of Stars and Protoplanetary Systems, and Planetary Systems and the Origins of Life. Its immediate launch is scheduled on 2014. ##

Student-leaders join the 2009 Paulinian Leadership Training

12 chosen Paulinians from grade school to high school participated in the National Leadership Congress for Paulinian Student-Leaders which was held last April 19-22 at St. Paul College-Pasig with the theme: “Lessons from the past, Challenges to the future leaders.”
Bernice Rodriguez, Charmie Rabanal, Isabel Gujilde, Dayanne Abad, Valentina Ignacio, Vanne Sanggalang, Krystalyn Invierno, Ria Ramos, July Cabalbag, Lemuel Tuvilla, King Palmea and Renz Tamayo with Mrs. Lilia R. Collera, the current Student Affairs Chairperson, make-up the delegation of St. Paul School of Aparri in the said event.
At 4:30pm last April 18, the selected representatives of SPSA left the town riding a provincial bus going to Manila. Upon arriving at the terminal, a hired ven fetched the group and took them to SPC-Pasig.
Registration of the participants took place on the 19th of April (Sunday) during lunch time. After dinner was served, all participants went to the cOnvention Hall for the Orientation Program featuring Talents and cultural performances including a musical titled “Paul! Paul!”
Day 1-Breakfast was served at the SPCP Tent and following after it was the Morning Worship and Opening Ceremonies. Sr. Teresita Baricaua, SPC, Directress of SPS-Pasig gave the Welcome Remarks. After which, the presentation of the delegates followed next by Sr. Teresita Agana, SPC, SPCEM Core Team Leader. An inspirational speech with the topic “Lessons from My Paulinian Education” was said by Ms. Kathleen Mae Villamin, Political Science Representative of UP-Diliman.
After lunch break the first Keynote Speech explaining the theme was delivered by Governor Grace Padaca, Province of Isabela, in the Convention Hall.
Different Break-out Sessions involving activities or games were held after every speech or break in designated areas in the campus.
Dinner was served at 5:30pm -6:30pm. Afterwards, Socials and Talent Night was culminated. Two guest performers were called and entertained the delegates. Ms. Christine Allado first performed followed by Ms. Miki Hahn, a new singer nad artist in the show “Lip Gloss”.
The next day, April 21 (Tuesday), two Break-out sessions were done. And in the afternoon Mr Mark Meily, a multi-awarded film and television director rationalized the topic “Opportunities for Future Leaders”. Though his speech was more on filming/movie-making, students kept on asking questions. A break was given and the day was synthesized after.
Orientation for the Outbound Trip came after dinner. Next to it was the closing rites then the last socials and talent night. Mr. Christian Bautista was the guest performer who sang popularized songs by him and promoted his new album to the listeners.
Early morning of April 22 (Wednesday), delegates of the congress assembled in the SPCP Tent getting ready for the field trip in Zoobic Safari Adventure. There were more than ten tourist buses that were equally occupied by the more or less 600 participants. After 2 hours of educational tour in Zoobic, the group immediately went back to SPC-Pasig. The expected influx time at around 4:00pm was not followed due to the heavy rain that brought traffic on the streets.
Dinners placed in Styrofoam were distributed upon arrival. The hired van came late at around 6:00pm that kept th SPSA delegates waiting for almost two hours later in schedule. In going home, they rode the same bus they used in going to Manila. ##

KEY

Overwhelmed, it is!
A feeling that is at ease
The mark of triumph bore fruits
Fruits from my unending beliefs

Beliefs that rebuked trust
Trust on me that life is just
Success that I’ve waited
Too long, that I never hesitated

Hesitations were just fine
And criticisms were at thine
To be aggressive at my very best
Was my passport to reach my nest

Publicity is not my goal
But to play fair is the magic ball
To live life in truth and honesty
Is the key to success in serenity

-REINER LORENZO J. TAMAYO

we believed!!!

"at ang nakakuha ng unang pwesto para sa sayawit ay ang...ikalawang kalahok!"

"yes!"
"yahoo!"
"party na!"
"jbee!"

those were the joyful words that came out from our mouth after the emcee has announced the winner. yes, we won. in fact, we won 1st place for three contests, namely, sayawit, dula-dulaan, and palarawang sayaw. we were all grateful and indeed shocked! we never expected to be on top, all that is on our mind was to be on top 3.but, god really is that good and he let us feel the fruits of our efforts. efforts that were all not ripe in the beginning but was developed as we go on in fulfilling what we ought to do and accomplish.

it all started this way. our class adviser, ma'am jacquelyn salvador was absent for couples of days she even didn't make it to hear what activities will be held on the celebration of the linggo ng wika when the administration launched a faculty meeting. and so, ma'am janelyn yadao stood as the replacement of our adviser that time. she then borrowed notes from other teachers in order for us to know what were brought out in that meeting. she told us to prepare for the sayawit, tagisan ng talino, dula-dulaan, and palarang sayaw. we didn't made any moves yet because we hoped for our adviser to delegate the task among the class equally.

after how many days, mrs. salvador came back and she oriented us about the activities. she assigned leaders for each activity so that work would run out faster. Danica was assigned to make the script for the skit, Isabel to act as leader of the dancers in palarawang sayaw and I with some friends for the sayawit.

we were like turtles while working for the different events. we were but slow, maybe slower than the usual "slow". and so from time to time our adviser gets angry with us and we feel that her anger was rising up to the ceiling. we cannot do anything but to resist our guilt of our faults. but those "hot" moments never ended. 3 days before the celebration started, all were not still working out fine. dance steps were not yet complete and the practices were not finalized. soon enough, as we all expected, she got mad at us. we, without much expectations, answered her back, with voices a little higher than the normal ones. both of the parties are now growing hot in temper. she then settled everything so fast. maybe, she doesn't like to waste more time.

the day came, and everyone was nervous. before each contest, we pray and say good luck to each other. its our way of lessening stage fright and sometimes even fear. god helps the people who helps themselves. as Frankilin said in his almanac. we helped ourselves and we are competent to have places for these for God through our intimate prayers to Him will help us too.

Luckily, or let's say in God's will and our will, we won. those trophies serve as inspirations for us to strive better and show to everyone that we have something to blow up. we are not only good in academics, as they say, but we are also good in other careers. our class has now academic topnotchers plus dignified actors and actresses.

Abusive Authority

It is said that God created human equal and that it is a right for every person to be treated fairly. most people nowadays are merely treated equally. discrimination, biases and injustice acts by people who have higher authority over slums are thriving in the present society. and that those who have that authority also have the power to do what they wanted to do, anytime and anywhere. it is unfair but very true.

superior people of a school are what we refer to as the people who have higher authority and power. most of them make use of it improperly, treating others unfairly. teachers for example are allowed to buy foods outside the campus yet students are not permitted to do so. many are then complaining about it. jealousy and envy are what students feel whenever they see their teachers holding cooked foods from street vendors in the park.

another thing is that some of them come to school late but there were never punishments laid upon them unlike students who are demanded to clean comfort rooms. some also wear improper uniform like 'tsinelas' instead of sandals or shoes. they even can't resist sometimes using profane language or bad words while scolding their students. the questions here now are the following: if teachers can, why can't the students? how can the students follow their teachers, if they too are VIOLATORS? is it because they have more authority than students? they, the educators who must be good models whose duty is to teach the best for students, tend to do the opposite way.

when teachers speak of authority over students, they naturally mean authority for themselves by holding on to power as long as they can for their own good. their brazen commands awaken the students to use their instincts to protect their rights from the abuse of too much professionalism. but as they continuously treat students as though they are contemptuous individuals, they perpetuate more power.

there is nothing bad to use the power vested on them, but they must not go over the limit. yes, teachers have multiple rights but to think of the fact and of reality, students have them too. they must always remember that the authority given to anyone is given by a supreme being who has all the right to command and is with official power. they must not abuse it by any means just to fulfill their own satisfaction. do they deserve to be called 'teachers'?

Top 3? O yeah!!!

Yesterday afternoon, while we were having our English class, Mrs. Yolanda Annang, our teacher for that particular subject announced the results of the 2009 NAT (National Achievement Test). It was held last year when we were still in the 2nd year. Subjects such as English, Filipino, Math, Science and Araling Panlipunan or Social Studies were included in the exams. Most of us found it pretty hard to answer some questions for they were still not discussed by our teachers. That fact was a real disadvantage for us to put St. Paul School of Aparri among the top schools in the Province. But the standing of the school is not yet confirmed.

I was in total shock when I heard our teacher announced that I was on Top 3 among the 60+ second year students in our school last year. Making it to the top without review is the most overwhelming fulfillment for an individual. and I felt the joy in exchange of that after hearing that announcement. Almost all of the answers that I have placed were from stock knowledge but some of it were guess. ha ha ha.

My lowest I think was Math. What else would I expect? There's no other. But now, I try to make up to it. I concentrate more on the major subjects. but balancing my responsibilities is the only problem I face now, a serious problem...