What Happened 100 Years Ago?

Two days, ten months and ninety nine years ago, the Philippines was not much different from what it is now. There were news related to politics, health and festive activities that Filipinos normally do. What differs between the past and the present is the manner of how news or stories were written and published in newspapers. As if the concept of responsible journalism was not yet reiterated then. But it doesn’t matter. What matters is that we all get to know what our beloved ancestors did and experienced at that certain time which were primary ingredients in molding what and who Filipinos are today.

“ANG DEMOCRACIA”, the official Tagalog publication of the “Nacional Progesista” Party, is one of perhaps the few newspapers circulating the country back then. The headline of the paper on February 5, 1912 is about an American who disguised as a Chinese. Certain officials began to follow all his steps and looked for clues that will reveal his real personality. In the end, it was known that the American was accepting money from illegal lottery owned by a full blooded Chinese. The woman behind the story was a hired investigator of somebody named Mr. Trowbridge.

I was shocked to read an article on the front page about two parties destroying each other. The ligueros were allegedly suspected of telling things against the Partido Nacional Progesista In return, the article in the same newspaper owned by the latter party claimed that what the ligueros are doing is part of their political strategies: to destroy the other party.

An article was also describing how grand the parade that happened the other day which is February 4, 1912. The article states that there were a lot of people who joined the event and in the parade includes the Kings of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. It was further noted that a float known as Carroza ng Matrona ng Filipinas stood out. Fifty horses accompanied it and people would clap the said float pass in front of them. Alongside with the parade were carnivals and shows that all Filipinos in the event enjoyed.

In very small fractions, there were news stories about certain personalities who left their job or were promoted that time. But what gave an impact on me was a notice that someone was dead. It stated there in brief form that the man lived in Carolina Street and died of a serious illness.

More happened that time based on the newspaper. There was a news story about a group of people who established a group to see if the medicine for leprosy was giving the expected effects. A head was assigned to lead the study. The purpose of the study is to solve the growing number of people with leprosy which are confined in San Lazaro Hospital. It was said in the article that there were people who were proven to be free from that disease but the hospital insists to confine them. The article asks the readers if what they could infer from this. This article gave me the idea that Filipinos back then were already trying to put their soles in the medical world.

There was a fire incident that happened and some immediately panicked. But it was known afterwards that an open electrical cable just touched a tree near it and that it caused the fire. Everyone was relieved for it was near the stage where performances were being done that day.

Like our newspapers today, the “Ang Democracia” had advertisements scattered in their publication. There were advertisements telling the people that new neckties, handkerchiefs and socks are ready to be sold on a store named “The Novelty Store”. It boasts off that their products cannot be seen from any other stores for it was imported. Some products that were also advertised include shoes, eyeglasses which they call “invisible bi-focals” and sold at 25 Pesos.

“Ang Emulsion ni Scott” was the only medicine advertised. Other advertisements were about the offices of lawyers, information about lending firms and corporations like the Cadwallader – Gibson Co. who makes muebles. Others were written in Spanish and I cannot understand them.

I am happy to see poems mostly below the articles. There were four poems written in Filipino and some of them I believe were long. Parts of the poem are published day by day as for readers to continue patronizing the entire newspaper.

What I can say with the experience of looking back at the past is that it was amazing. I never knew that there is a technology that can put books, journals and newspapers to thin and small microfilms. But more than the unique experience, what remained in my mind is that the newspaper I read is a proof that we progressed in some way and at the same time remained the way our ancestors were.

Same ordinary things happened on that day. News articles were written in a way that the readers would think they’re just listening to somebody sharing a story about happened to him today. I cannot say that some articles were not significant because all of them are important in our study of our own history.

I can competently say that the impact of the Spanish colonization is great. Their practices such as the festival and parade and their language were imprinted in the Filipino culture and somehow remains until today.

Looking back is an important step in understanding how we became who we are now. We can never change what happened either good or bad. But these hundred year old materials serve as instruments for us to appreciate and learn from the past to make the present and the future better, if not the best.

(Histo homework to be submitted on December 7, 2011)

Time to do multi-tasking, set priorities

We have always been bombarded with a lot of stories about people who cannot and do not have the chance to study a certain degree in the college or university he/she likes or even deserves. It is not a new story in this country. It has always been like that. Poverty. Poverty. Poverty. Many Filipinos continue struggling to live in this third world country day by day. But we must not blame the government alone. Blame the society we are in to.

The story of Lyndon John S. de Leon in the June 22, 2011 issue of PDI was an eye-opener for all who has read it. It is an ordinary story for most of us. But still, we have that soft side that keeps us feel pity over individuals with such case. More importantly, because he is a supposed to be student of the University of the Philippines Manila, we eventually embark more 'panghihinayang'. The fact that he passed the UPCAT is an indication that he is bright and has a big dream that he eagerly wants to fulfill. Long and behold, that dream may never be attained for he ended up studying today the course he never liked and dreamed.

What lies ahead in the students who are in the same place as Lyndon? They can end up unsuccessful or not that successful. But chances are, along the way, they will love the profession they have entered to.

President Noynoy Aquino keeps on saying that he needs to solve the problems that the past administration had left. Yes, it is true that he has lots of things to do and more, to accomplish. But, I am sure there are many ways for him to tackle and solve not only the problems from the past but also the ones we have today - the present. It is time for President Aquino to face what the Philippines is currently showing him. We have to look at the past in order for us to move on, that's right! Yet, we are far behind from the present. Now is the time to do multi-tasking.

I am not demanding President Aquino to move immediately as soon as possible. But I want him to set priorities. Why not invest on education more than anything else? I strongly believe that education is still the most important tool for a person to grow and develop to become a more effective citizen of his/her country. Let us take Japan for example. Unlike Philippines, they have less when it comes to natural resources. But look at how they conquer the world in terms of economy? They are now one of the countries with the strongest economies.

Their government has empowered its citizens. These citizens are the primary reasons why their country zoomed to the top in a short span of time. I think we should adopt what they did. The government, I guess, should empower us. Empower through education; education that is enough to compensate our hunger for knowledge. And after that, everything we ought to have and wished to do will surely follow.

AMY

We decided to take the available seats at the far right corner of the jam-packed classroom. I grabbed one chair immediately without second thoughts. She was on my left holding a pen and a small notebook with a lot of scribbled words that I cautiously tried to understand. They appeared to me like personal notes or some sort of reminders which were intended to be understood by the one who has written them.

Everyone around us started talking and conversing with each other. There was a gradual build-up of noise and it seemed like anytime soon the room will burst out. Hence, we cannot start-up the engine of our own “who-are-you” conversation at that moment. Silence was in-between the two of us not until I began to ask how will we ignite a supposed to be continuous talk.

Later on, she asked tons of things about me using the Tagalog-English language or what we normally call Taglish, even though she said “I’m not very vocal”. She might have grown up speaking the foreign language possibly because she was enrolled in a private school, and that she came from a wealthy family who manages a poultry farm. She talks in a fast manner and even writes as fast as she talks. I was there popping my naked eyes out to see how she was able to write that way.

This is my classmate who I came to know a few days ago. Her name is Amirah Andres better known to everyone with the nick Amy. It is not pronounced as it is but instead in a more westernized way and goes like this: Ey-Mi. It’s a unique way of uttering the name “Amy” which we, Filipinos, normally read as ‘ah-my’. Her friends coined it from Britney Spears’ song entitled “If you seek Amy”.

She has a very realistic outlook in life and normally expects the unexpected so as not to disappoint herself. It is because of this perception in life that people characterized her as a pessimistic person. But nobody who is a pessimist would probably say what she told me, “I always like to win.”

Having been raised by semi-strict parents, almost everyone would have the impression that she could be a brat or something worse than that. “If I don’t know you, I’m mataray. But once you get to know me, you’re life will change.” Amy said. And everybody must stand corrected for she is really not snobby.

On that day, she was wearing a light green polo shirt that was paired with ‘jeggings’ or leggings that look like jeans. She was dressed enough to convince everyone that she loves shopping, and of course, fashion. Because it was a rainy day, I chose to wear my one-year-old rubber shoes. I looked down her feet and was in awe to see her wearing a pair of small white shiny boots. It was simply perfect for the weather.

She began telling me things she normally do. “I used to design websites, css and html codes. I’m adept at Photoshop,” she said. She also mentioned that arts and craft is her hobby. She eats yogurt instead of the top favorite ice cream and has thousands of songs in her IPod’s library that she listens to depending on her mood.

She prefers meeting people personally and dislikes the modern way of befriending somebody through modern techniques such as the use of social networking sites like Facebook. She does not have an account there, for real. Yet, it doesn’t mean she has an inactive social life when in fact, she said she very much “like to go out and have fun!”

I opened up the topic about books. “I like reading books,” I said, “…especially the detective type” She was also into books but more on the classical ones. She said in reply, “I love reading classics; ‘20,000 leagues under the sea’, ‘Wuthering Heights’, ‘Sherlock Homes’, ‘Great Expectations’ and etc,” She added one of Charles Dickens’ famous books, “A Tale of Two Cities”

She listens attentively while I talk and tell stories about myself and my family with a matching gesture of the eyes opening wide. This happens specifically when you tell her things that amaze her or when you are telling her about things you can do which she never thought you can.

Moreover, as we go on with the simple talk, she looks like a reporter grasping every bit of important detail as if it was history that can never be repeated. She would eventually look at me then to her notebook then again to me and to her notebook. That went on until we ended the conversation. I can see her sincerity in listening intently and at the same time the curiosity while we chitchat.

Amy, who was once a member of the religious group Youth for Christ; who had a chaperone up until she was in second year high school; who would rather write down her thoughts and feelings instead of sharing them to her friends; who learned how to commute only when she was a junior; and who has a medium length silky black hair that is hanging loosely from her head with dark brown eyes and body covered by peach-white skin begins to live independently and bravely as a college student to fulfill her greatest goal in life. That is to be successful in the field she has chosen.

(Comm1 Personality Sketch, 1st Sem AY 11-12)

2011 LACTACYD CONFIDANCE

Dancing is a well-known form of art throughout the world. Many, if not all, know how to groove their bodies with the rhythm of sound. Due to our fondness of dancing, we created dance contests or competitions to enhance our dancing skills and to recognize who among us stands out. Our country is of no exemption to these dancing activities. Barangays, Universities, and organizations are some of the organizers of these contests. Many are joining such contests not because of the prize but because of their passion in dancing.

Recently, I was able to watch one of the country’s many dance contests. The inclement weather did not stop ten dance groups from different universities and colleges who made it to the grand finals of the 2011 Lactacyd Confidance from heating up the dance floor of SM North-Skydome last Saturday.

The event started later than the scheduled time. Audience and supporters lined up and waited outside the dome for more or less an hour. But the spirit was all in when the event finally started. Hosts came from the Kabarkada Channel, Studio 23, together with a female DJ from Tambayan 101.9. ABS-CBN covered the whole event and is scheduled to air on television next Saturday.

De La Salle University hooked up the Championship this year and brought home a trophy and PhP100,000 after showcasing a clean and dynamic routine. UP Diliman Streetdance and UP Manila Indayog landed on 1^st and 2^nd runner-up, respectively.

Other finalists included UP Manila Belle, Asia Pacific College, Ateneo De Manila University, DLSU College of St. Benilde, Miriam College, College of the Holy Spirit, and the people’s choice awardee, Far Eastern University.

Lactacyd, a leading brand of feminine wash, initiated and sponsored the said event boosting up the confidence level of young women through dancing.

I find the event a good way to show the dancing skills and talents of female college students. I believe the objective of the contest was met leaving behind the fact that in a way it was an advertising mechanism.

All participants performed well. There is no doubt that they reached the finals. But I will agree with one of the three judges who commended UP Manila Indayog. Among the rest, they were the group who staged a routine that was very feminine. I was also expecting ADMU to have a place on the Top 3. It is because their routine was somewhat perfect and eye-catching. They have performed a routine I never thought they can. On the one hand, there is no other reason to contend the results. The winners deserve it.

During the duration of the contest, I was a little bit puzzled with what the hosts were doing. I have asked myself more than twice if what I was looking at was just a rehearsal. It wasn’t clear to me at all not until they announced that it will be aired on Studio 23. And so, I concluded that they were recording it. They did a lot of takes because the hosts were committing mistakes. Sure enough, it consumed a lot of valuable time.

The venue was enough to accommodate the expected audience. I’ve seen vacant seats around. I think not all knew about the event and that the admission is free. I suppose the committee on public relations of the said event lack the effort in disseminating information. If not, it may be the bad weather and the closing of MRT Line 3 on that day which hindered some supporters from going to the event place.

Students, parents, friends and even educators were present to witness the event. The crowd was crazy of their own bets. It was fun to cheer for the teams that represented your university.

This is not my first time to watch a dance contest. However, it was somehow different from what I’ve seen in the province. Many of what I saw in the suburbs we’re copied or else lousy routines. While here in the Metro, what I can say is that new ideas are revolving around.

The contest served as an avenue to bring out creativity and of course teamwork and unity. Moreover, I am sure that the dancers allotted time and effort to come up with a bombastic dance routine. It all paid off for we were all entertained.

I will grab other opportunities like this. It is one of the Four Extras stated by Richard Burkhardt that we, freshmen, should avail. Aside from the entertainment value, life’s lessons not taught in school are learned here and besides it’s free. This will make my college life complete.

It is true that dancing is already in our system. Humans have established different kinds of dances that can be performed in various occasions and programs. We, then, must learn to love and appreciate it no matter what. After all, dancing is an effective means of expressing yourself and enhancing one’s self-confidence as proven by the finalists.

Country of the Aged

If it becomes law, the RH bill in the House of Representatives could lead to an old generation, the opposite of our present young generation. Why young? Because we have more young than old citizens. The bill is a threat to the country, not a solution to its economic problems as its authors claim. It could result in zero birth rate. If babies are born, we can probably count them on our fingers. We could run short of manpower, which would hurt the economy more. If the congressmen fear that we might run out of space, they should remember that not all of our 7,107 islands are inhabited. Develop all of those islands and give people jobs there. This bill is not a priority. We already have enough problems without it. —Reiner Lorenzo J. Tamayo, Manila

My very first letter to the editor, published in the June 11, 2011 issue of the Philippine Free Press, the country's longest-running newsweekly. :))

http://philippinesfreepress.com.ph/2011/06/11/country-of-the-aged/

MONEY without VALUE

For years of implementing different school policies, the incurring of fines has laid out a bunch of questions from the student body as well as the faculty. There has never been a guarantee that paying fines for every violation committed provides the solution to problems which are addressed to be answered by this certain policy.

In the beginning of the School Year 2010 – 2011, the Student Council officers (SCO) immediately began its collection of fines for every violation. The SCO further stressed out in the Students’ Orientation that the policy is presented to teach the students a lesson. But, it seems that the officers have forgotten the fact that giving examples is a way of teaching. Yes, they are making the students learn a lesson: to follow the leaders in their fraudulent system.

One of the problems that are to be solved by this policy is the overflowing number of students coming to school late. When the policy has taken its effect it was seen that there is no change at all. Whereas, more and more students come to school late each day even though they are to pay fines as punishment. The policy in its very nature has no effect on students and so it is useless.

In every month, the SCO is presenting projects and programs that according to them, will aim for the total development of each student. The money that the council uses comes from the fines collected. Again, according to them, the fines are helpful enough to supply them financially to push through their projects. What’s on the mind of these officers when it comes to fines? It is not making the students more disciplined but to let that money give them a good impression from other people.

Is it not that the fines are collected to make the students more disciplined? The Student Council officers, who implements such policy, must go back and read its main objectives. Nonetheless, in more than a hundred times, no matter how intense you implement the policy, still there is no valuable outcome that will be seen on students. Do the bandits understand?

Reiner Lorenzo Tamayo y Jarabe

1st place, Editorial writing (high school level)

SPSA Journalism Seminar

26-Sep-2010

My campaign speech last February 2010 SC Elections

“Popularity will not count, but the ability will be an account.”

This is a recycled quotation which was originally made by me for my campaign speech last year. But it is only this time that I had the chance to stress out what it means.

It is not necessarily a person who is popular must be considered an honest or truthful officer. Everyone should change their personal views toward this. For a person who has the utmost ability; ability to lead and serve; ability to listen to his/her members and the ability to be a follower has the right to become an effective leader. Leaders who are weak are not worthy to be called leaders. They are easily carried away by “external” factors that most of the time aren’t true. If you show, even from the start that you are weak or you cannot hold on to something then how can you lead? How can other people believe in your capabilities? Insecurity leads to a person’s downfall. It’s not the fault of the people surrounding you. Leaders speak for the truth, the very truth; they act for the best and are vocal all the time because they care for the rest.

For years of running for a position in the Student council, I am sure that most of you possibly know me enough. But for those who don’t, kindly lend your ears.

I am Reiner Lorenzo from the simple clans of Jarabe and Tamayo. I am popularly known with the nick “RENZ”. I began studying in SPS-Aparri since kindergarten and is a consistent topnotch in class. I was elected 3 times since gr. 4 and was then the president of the GS Student Council when I was on the 6th grade way back 2006 or 2007. I am your current Treasurer and I believe that I have served you at my best and I still continue to do my duty for the school year did not end yet. I filed a candidacy and I am now running for the position: Vice-president for External Affairs under the Vocal party. I would be on guard that we, if elected as your new set of SC officers next year will implement effective, just, and favorable programs and projects that aim for the development of every Paulinian.

I strongly and firmly suppose that our party is a complete package of leaders; from journalists to singers and from dancers to athletes then many more. This is not to boast or show off but to exclaim to you that we also have something to blow up. Though, we may be good in different areas, we still have something in common, and it’s leadership, real leadership.

Please once again cast your votes of confidence and trust not only to me but to my party mates as well.

Don’t forget on Monday, Feb. 8, Renz Tamayo, R-E-N-Z, as simple as that for V.P. External.

Act now! Speak up! Be VOCAL!

Thank you and Peace be with you.

Message to parents (Tribute - March 30, 2011)

Millions of earthlings consider the work of a teacher as the most difficult job. Wake up people! You are wrong! The work of a teacher is far easy than that of people working with the title “PARENT”.

Why did I say that being a parent is the hardest if not the most demanding of all the invented work or job in this world? Well, parents are persons who possess all qualities and they perform all the professions you can name. They were our first teachers, religious leaders, managers, bodyguards, and also our first aid doctors.

Our dear parents, from the day of marriage you have accepted the responsibility to rear a child. You have stepped out of the boundaries and faced the firing squad just to put us here. We have nothing in mind anymore except two words: THANK YOU.

Thank you for keeping us alive by working non-stop to provide food, clothes, and books – life.

Our senior year was really tough. Projects and other requirements were given almost every day. But look at us now, we are standing firm and steady ready to enter another dimension.

May this tribute be a way for us to thank you. It is simple but you are gonna enjoy what we prepared for you.

To end my message, let me share a quote taken from one of my favorite life-changing books entitled “Tuesdays with Morrie” written by Mitch Albom: “There is no experience like having children. That’s all. There is no substitute for it. You cannot do it with a friend. You cannot do it with a lover. If you want the experience of having complete responsibility for another human being and to learn how to love and bond in the deepest way, then you should have children.”

Certainly, you have loved us the deepest way. Today, we are giving you due importance in the most profound way. For the nth time, thank you!

Catholics by Name

Aside from the August 23 Hostage Crisis in Luneta, the RH Bill of both the Senate and House of Representatives gave a quake in President Aquino’s half-cooked administration. It is better to use the fund of the Filipino people to things that are of greater use and benefit than to spend it on useless contraceptives that do not abide the Supreme Law of God. RH Bill is unconstitutional and that it was and will forever be not welcome in this Catholic country.

The most prominent RH Bill was primarily authored and proposed by Representative Edcel Lagman. The Bill’s main goal is to disseminate information about the use of family planning devices and birth control through established community health centers. Moreover, the Bill stated a proposal that the Filipino Taxpayer and private sector will fund the distribution of these devices. This proposal aggravated the argument between pro-RH and anti-RH. Why make use of the people’s fund when there is at least less than 1% of the total fund be given back to them? There is even no assurance that everybody will benefit from it when there is a hanging fact that there is no single benefit that any ordinary Filipino could get.

Proponents of the Bill even said that it will help the economic status of the country be stable. How? According to them, it is by lessening the population through contraception. Well, studies show that the use of birth control devices and pills do not give a 100% guarantee that the persons using it will not conceive a child. Three or two percent is not a small difference. It is a BIG difference. There are more or less three hundred three thousand 0.000000001 in three percent. Why put those decimal points in to trash when lives are deemed at stake?

It is but more helpful and beneficial for the economy and the Filipino especially the youth if the fund be used for educational purposes and health services that the country needs the most instead of wasting time and money for an argument to which the conclusion is not even seen or at hand. The lawmakers need not to battle against the Church just to make their desires pulled up and create boundaries between the two parties.

President Aquino moved his token at the middle of the war by claiming that he supports a portion of it. He said that the government will provide contraceptives for parents who ask for them but not straightly promote it for his position, according to him, was concentrated on responsible parenthood rather than reproductive health. The challenge still lies in his hand whether he approves the bill when it is passed both in the senate and the house. P-Noy needs to prove to the people that he is a real Catholic.

Up to now, the battle against and in favor the RH Bill continues. The RH Bill is one of the many bills that will stir up the ability of the Church to defend its self against the self-centered state. Hence, as Catholics, we need to do our part and go for what is morally right. There are many countries around us to where we could get draw backs of the same bill. We need not to experiment the same proposal in our country especially that money is a big talk of the town. One thing lies sure about this bill; it’s a waste of time and money. That’s it. If you’re a Catholic and if you support the RH Bill, you’re just a Catholic by name.

(The article/editorial I submitted to The Paularri, the official publication of Saint Paul School of Aparri, for its 2010-2011 issue. I guess the paper is not yet published...until now.)

RH Bill: a threat not a solution

The House Bill No. 4244 of the Congress better known as the RH Bill ignites the probability of an old-age generation which is the opposite of what we have now - a young generation. Why "young"? It is because the population is dominated by younger citizens instead of the older ones.

I see the Bill as a threat and not a solution to population increase, as what the authors said. A threat because the government will superbly encourage its citizens to use contraceptives instead of practicing natural methods. If all legally-aged Filipinos are gonna thrive in drugstores or government health centers to purchase such contraceptives the tendency is that we would have ZERO MORTALITY RATE for no babies will be born. If there are, we are going to count them with our fingers.

The result will be worst for we shall soon be lacking manpower. The congressmen want to control the population primarily because they do not want to experience space shortage as well as its consequences. But let me stress out that we are blessed with 7, 107 islands and not all of those islands are inhabited. What our government need to do is to utilize those uninhabited islands and provide more jobs for the people so that they will forget indulging into pleasurable "intimate" moments in a successive manner.

The Bill is not a priority. The country has lots of problems to deal with. And wasting more time for absurd things like this will never lead us to MATUWID NA DAAN.

Aparri was SOLD. Let's not let it happen to PALAWAN!

I was saddened by the news about the mining in Palawan. That news almost lead me to a nervous breakdown! (weh? really? haha!) I really admired Palawan especially Puerto Princessa and the St. Paul Subterranean Underground River, a finalist in the seven wonders of the world.

I love the province even though I haven't visited it yet. I can remember what our Division Schools Superintendent told us what they do in Palawan during the DSPC in the year 2007 (not sure). She told us when she visited there once that the students and teachers keep their papers and other garbages in their own bags. and at dismissal time on their way out of the school, they assemble and all at once throw all those garbages in a container.

One more thing that she told us is about her experience riding a van. She was about to throw a leftover food on the street, though she really did not intended to do it, when the driver told her this: "Ma'am wag po! pagagalitan po tayo. may basurahan po sa likod ng upuan ninyo."

This proves to us that the inhabitants of Palawan are trying their best to preserve what they have-natural beauty. and that makes them rich. tourism is one of their best sources of income. They are also blessed for the province is located where storm seldom crosses and earthquakes doesn't happen. (i only read it on the internet, heard on tv)

The question is, why did they let this happen? To get some national income for more government projects? that's a bad idea! i think the best asset we have is our environment. it is why the Spaniards came here, right? and why millions of tourists continue to flock in the different beautiful spots of the country. if that's what they want. they'll get it. but do they know that mining gives temporary satisfaction? and the benefits does not go directly to the people, but to the miners and those who are behind this?

i am encapsulated by my anger and guilt that i cannot do anything to save Palawan. i've got little readers and not all of you will do a thing to stop it. what's worst is that we are currently experiencing the effects of mining, specifically black sand mining in our town Aparri. yeah, it was perked at the edge of heaven. that was before.

I do not want Palawan to experience what the Aparrianos are experiencing now. Filipinos must make a move now before anything else gets worse. i want to step in Palawan, untouched, not mined, not destroyed. and i want my children's children's children's children to see the beauty of the place. i know you want that too. so make a move! sign up to www.no2mininginpalawan.com or just click on the badge below. Save the Philippine's last or else ONLY PARADISE!

do the right thing! be a Filipino by heart, not by name. :)

Up! Up! in UP!

UPCAT '11 took place on July 2010 while the USTET took place October of the same year. I took these entrance exams for me to qualify for admission in the supreme state university in the country, the University of the Philippines; and the renowned Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas.

UST is probably my second choice. Not only because my sister studied there but because I love the university itself. 400 years of existence, is it not magnificent? well, they have maintained it well - the standards and the surroundings. I think they are renovating different buildings/facilities each year making it more beautiful. i grew up studying in a private-catholic school which urged me to take the USTET. i am confident enough that i will not be hard up to adjust. i have been there a lot of times and each time i go there feels like in heaven. yeah, most of the students are rich. they have cars, gadgets and everything and the school fee amounting to almost 4o,000 is but one peso for them. but it is worth it. world class facilities, fun events and secured future is what they offer.

i was so glad that I passed the course BS Accountancy which was my first choice. i do not know why i did not qualify in the Faculty of Arts and letters. i placed Mass Comm as my second choice. my classmates also had question marks in their heads. yeah, why? how come? how come i passed accountancy and not mass comm? i would accept waitlisted. haha! we could get the answer from ust but i wouldn't bother anymore.

not until the day before graduation that i finally decided to be a Maroon rather than a Tiger. I have long waited for the assigned course. my mom called OUR and they told her that I must choose between Phil Arts or Nursing. why would i take phil arts? that's a Big NO NO! haha! i want to take up BS Pharmacy, a pre-med course. i'll be shifting next year. so help me God! :)

UP is what I call the "DREAM SCHOOL". Everybody with high hopes would eventually like to study in UP. There are simple reasons: High standards and "abot-kaya" school fees. but before i will be officially called a "Iskolar ng Bayan", i will undergo different medical check-up and exams. enrolment would be tough. but studying is tougher!

I hope and pray that my decision is right. giving up UST is like killing your pet. but choosing UP is probably like walking in the clouds. Up! Up! in UP i'll be up! :))

Remain humble, pray always and have a thankful heart my son

Remain humble, pray always and have a thankful heart my son
by Reginald B. Tamayo on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 5:05pm (www.facebook.com)

To my dear son Renz:

Congratulations!

I read in earnest your blogspot articles in the past son. I re-read them with intent today. I tried to recall what you said in your valedictory address and, at the end of the day,I reached one clear and definitive conclusion: you speak and write better than I do.

Truth to be told, I tried to digest the thoughts you were imparting to your blogspot readers like me. Your thoughts were so deep and profound. I found some which were philosophical. Others were also witty while a handful were expressions of indignation and righteousness. I thought you have grown fast and so maturely but with grace. You have grown into a fine young man my son.

Without you asking me my son, when I was listening to you while addressing the crowd, I was the proudest and happiest father at that moment. I was listening with interest as if every word you uttered was divinely inspired. Not an atom of doubt, the speech was well written by you and it was delivered with the right tempo and pronunciation. I did not care when people saw me cried a river. I cried even more when you started to mention our sacrifices as a family. Those tears eloquently expressed my joy that God gave me a son who is gifted and who knows how to share God's glory to others by his sterling qualities.

You made true to your promise that you will give me and your mom the grandest gift this year for our birthdays and wedding anniversary. To tell you the truth my son, your being the Valedictorian in your class is the best gift we received. But you sacrificed a lot in your aim to be on top of the class, right? There is no denying, you look thinner, there are even more noticeable yet manageable zits on your face. I could imagine your sleepless nights reading your lessons. I could picture your desire to reach out to me and to your mom for help when you were pushed to the wall. I could think that you felt helpless when assignments and lots of school work overwhelmed you. During those times when you felt you were alone and desolate, during those moments when you thought that the world was against you, your mom and I were there in your heart my son. We though of you and your ate Regine and ading Iya and RG in our prayerful wishes. You were never alone my son in the lonely fight to be on top. You ate Regine, Ading Iya and Ading RG, Mama Li and your mom were with you all along.

My eyes are welling with tears as I write this my son. Frankly, I feel the stigma of joy of a father being pleased by his kid. Just remember to remain humble. Always keep a thankful heart. Pray to God always.

I love you son.


Sincerely,


DAD

MY Valedictory Address - March 30, 2011

To our beloved parish priest, Rev. Fr. Adalbert Barut, our Directress-Principal Sr. Alfreda Maria Rosario V. Piguing, SPC; Sr. Alicia; Sr. Leah; our scrupulous advisers, Mrs. Teresita Taguba and Mrs. Karen Chan; the Student Affairs Chairperson, Mrs. Ronalyn Agustin; our Student Council President for the school year 2010-2011, Mr. Ryan Esquibil; patient mentors; parents; friends; guests and fellow graduates good afternoon!

A few weeks ago, we were taking up Latent Heat in our Physics class with Mrs. Noemi Sibayan. It is also referred to as Hidden Heat. Why? It is because the heat that was absorbed by an ice cube for instance does not affect its temperature. But a change in its state happened. From a solid ice it turned into liquid ice. Like the ice, we have absorbed some 1,000,000 calories of knowledge from our teachers. We are now going through a phase change at this very moment. We are ending our being solid hard headed people and are travelling in the speed of sound to be more flexible individuals ready to go with the turbulent waves of a more crucial life.

Sir Winston Churchill once said, “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” Yes, I failed several times. I lost hope but eventually I never lost faith. Failure has been and will forever be a part of the cycle. Without it, fluorescent lamps and ballpoint pens couldn’t have been invented.

Our graduation song with the title “The Climb” best describes the journey I went through before I got here. Let me state two lines from its chorus: “…sometimes I’m gonna have to lose. Ain’t about how fast I get there…” It was not really that fast and easy to reach the top for it took me eight long school years. I waited eight years for me to be called ‘First’ once again. The last time I heard people call me the ‘First Honor’ in class was way back 2002 when I was on the 1st grade.

What I humbly prayed for in the past ten months was to simply finish the race with whatever distinction I deserve. But God is good to me and my family for He gave me more than what I prayed and hoped for. I have faced tons of obstacles and jumped hundreds of hurdles or even thousands. Duties on the council and school requirements came like a tsunami day after day drowning me in stress. The zits you see on my face are living proofs.

Those difficult times and depressing moments did not stop me and all of my batch mates from dreaming, claiming and working for it. Nothing, ever, is impossible to get. What you need to do is to stick with that goal and get busy with those special codes in order for your plan to work out like a computer program.

We have been waiting for this day for us to finally escape Catch-22s and dilemmas encountered on the four corners of our classrooms. After this day, the disgust whenever there is an assignment or project, the eye bags during and after examination days, and the trepidation and anxiety we feel after each grading period will be all gone! They are all replaced by euphoria or a feeling of great happiness. At last, our story is in its conclusion part already! Everyone is glad about it for we are now a part of SPSA’s history and SPSA is now a part of our history.

Today, March 30, 2011, we are gathered here to harvest the fruits of our efforts. These recognitions represented by metal medals will soon rust. They will look old and ugly and will not serve their purpose. That is not the matter to be talked about. For the most important thing here is that you recognized our small and simple efforts. We do appreciate every compliment and comment, even criticisms perhaps, before these medals and diplomas were handed down to us. A piece of metal and a piece of paper, could they make another Jose Rizal? Mahatma Gandhi? Or even Ludwig van Beethoven? Definitely, not! Yet there is always a possibility that one or two of these 60 graduates can be like them or be greater than them.

Next semester we would be studying and taking up different courses in different colleges and universities; from Green and Gold to Maroon, Blue, Red or else Black, Gold, White. The next level is eventually more difficult but still is not the hardest. We must not be afraid and just thank St. Paul School of Aparri who equipped us with all the necessary knowledge and virtues needed to win another battle. I say it is not the hardest for the hardest level in life is when you are already earning money to support a family. This institution has prepared us for this final level, inculcating into our innocent minds that whenever we stand on a high platform we must keep our head facing down and never forget the fact that before we got there we were once on the ground.

Graduation day is also a day of gratitude. It is but proper to thank all those who have played their role in making up our short story.

First and foremost, I would like to thank you dear parents for the opportunity to study in the No.1 provider of Quality Catholic Education in the Northeastern part of Cagayan. Thank you for the very day or night that you decided to work on a special biological process to conceive a new baby into the wombs of your wives. Thank you for taking into consideration all the ironic attitudes we staged on the early years of our lives. Thank you for everything, especially the incomparable love you are giving us.

To the SPC Sisters, thank you dear Sisters for understanding us. We tried our best to make you happy and be proud of us. We hope that you will consider our batch as one of the good ones. May the Holy Spirit be with you to help you continue your mission here.

To our mentors, I am glad that you did not reach your elastic limit. Your wrinkles alone proved to us that your profession is quite hard. Thank you for the unending support on all our endeavors. We hope to see you after five years when we finally landed on a specific job. The strong gravitational attraction between us and this school will keep us going back and say ‘thank you’ to each and every one of you who molded us. Ma’am Rona, I thank you for being a shoulder to cry on. May your decisions be for the best. Just keep on praying. I know that one day they will appreciate all our sacrifices especially what we have done which they refer to as “ordinary and little achievements.” Again, to all the teachers, thank you.

To the non-academic personnel: Ate Aida, Ate Mary Ann, Kuya Edmund, Kuya Nelson, Kuya Rey, Kuya Erol, and our three security guards together with Nurse Dianne, Ma’am Nida, Ma’am Roldan and Ma’am Sol, you are special contributors to our success. We thank you for the services you unceasingly offered which made our stay in St. Paul School worthwhile.

To my older sister Regine and Ate Aurea who are both in UST by this time, thank you for inspiring me to just go on with the race. Ate Regine, I now know how hard it is to study here. The experiences you shared gave me distinct ideas on how to go about every individual in this school. You are right. Some tried their best to put my face in the mud but their plans did not work out. I stood mightier.

And to my parents, Mom and Dad thank you for everything. You knew the sacrifices I needed to do and the temptations I needed to resist. This is it! I graduated Valedictorian. Our long lost dream became a reality. My fight was tough. But without you here beside me made it tougher. You urged me to be strong and so I did. You are miles away from us to work. I did not complain because I know you are doing that painful sacrifice to make our lives better. I am not asking anything from you or even let you buy things for me. It is because I know that a single cent costs a thousand drop of sweat. This is my birthday and anniversary gift to the both of you.

Batch mates, I will truly miss our craziness, laziness and also the kilig and sunog kilay moments. We are like Lego pieces. We are of different shapes, sizes and colors. But even though we have physical differences we are classified as one. Cecilians, I’m gonna miss our more than 5 minute morning worship. I will miss all those long prayers and Bible passages that we pray and read every morning. But what I’m gonna miss the most are the moments wherein we get to bond with each other. I hope that you will be able to reach your dreams and pursue your ambitions in life. Thank you for cheering me up during the times when I feel I couldn’t make it. You have made my last year in SPSA memorable.

Finally, to the Creator – I thank you Lord for keeping my faith strong and giving me people like Fr. Diddi who let me realize the importance of claiming and not just dreaming. Thank you for giving me this life, this school, and everything that I am. Whatever and whoever I may be in the future, be it for your glory!

To all of you present in this commencement program, thank you for coming. You have just witnessed one of the important occasions in our lives. Your presence made it more special. God bless you and your families.

One more thing batch mates do not stop believing. We are notes and we make up a harmonious song of love and unity. We are not fortune-tellers, not even prophets, who could read palms and predict what will happen in the forthcoming years. We do not know what lies ahead in our future. But never forget that we are the composers of our lives. Whatever we think and do now will reflect to who we will be later. Make your song – your life – a masterpiece!

Caritas Christi Urget Nos! Thank you and Congratulations to all of us! (Reiner Lorenzo J. Tamayo)