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Compiled by: Dorothy Joyse Pama

2010-02-08T18:13:00.000-08:00

(Sounding Wall)

NDMU Students’ Involvement in the 2010 Elections

I am just about to register as a voter. I really want to vote because most of my barkadas will. I don’t wanna be left behind.
–BangkaNgBayan08, CET

I know that a single vote, my vote, is a big factor that can affect the result of the elections. I am already registered and willing to vote and choose people whom I think is responsible enough to be in the position.
-blue heart, CET

I am waiting for the Boto Mo, Ipatrol mo: Ako ang Simula. Saka lang ko magparegister para mag-vote kay para sabay naman paregister dira.
–AgostoDyis, CAS

Wala ko gana magboto pero nakaparegister na ko. Amo man gyapon, ara ngadaan ta sa Pilipinas. Hambal halin sa aton ang desisyon, gaboto man ta, pero anhun tan g boto nga na kung dayaan man gyapon? Useless. Nagpakapoy-kapoy ka lang.
-COOLang, CAS

I will vote this coming election and this will be my first time. I want to experience how it feels to vote. Everybody’s busy on the election and it feels good to be involved in that event.
–Singko, CBA

Every individual’s vote is important and every single vote counts. I won’t miss voting because I believe that my vote can make a difference. Though I am not registered in any programs or groups which will act as watchdog during election, I will still cooperate in fighting for honest voting.
–Violashes, CED

I won’t get involve neither try to get involved in preparing for the upcoming election, mainly because I no longer believe that our government still have the chance to function effectively. The 2010 election is premeditated and therefore a mere hypocrisy.
-Ms. Lagunoy, CHS

How I wish I can vote but I’m just sixteen. I think the best I can do is to observe people who are about to vote because I know, I will be one of those who will be next in line. I will also help in preventing vote-buying by observing and reporting people in case.
-Backlight_09, CED

Skits by Jahlil, Gladwyn, and Benjo

2010-02-08T18:05:00.001-08:00

Are You Proud To Be A Damean? By Manuel John Pabilona

2010-02-08T18:03:00.001-08:00

My first steps inside the campus were still fresh in my mind. Students were staring critically. It was a circumstance of my life where I really felt like melting. Well, knowing that these students are no ordinary ones, I was quite intimidated, but I never showed it. Instead, I let myself be very much composed. I continued walking towards the Guidance Office, as if I didn’t feel like running away from that scene. For the first time, I saw these great college buildings, educational facilities, pleasant-to-the-eyes landscaping, cleanliness and orderliness. I was impressed—very far from what I have thought.
Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU), in its 63 years of dynamism, continues to take flight. Being one of the most leading universities here in Southern Mindanao, NDMU never fails to deliver quality education, lived-up the Christian values taught by the Marist Brothers, and carry forward the granting of high standard of systematic instruction to the Filipino youth. A constantly flourishing educational institution, pillared with wisdom from God that is composed of competent, dynamic, superb and dedicated officials and staff, and constituted with focused, disciplined, intelligent and well-mannered students.
In an interview with Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico, FMS, he said… “I expect that the students would take their studies seriously, because in the very first place the main purpose why they entered this institution is to learn. And strengthening the instructions to the students, balancing the school activities, providing better facilities, and monitoring the students and teachers are the best ways to meet that expectation. I’m praying that all the students of NDMU would become productive members of our society someday, and continue being good Christians. NDMU is still on a consistent excellence in terms of academics, and we, the administrators, are doing our best to maintain it.”
We should all be glad that we are enrolled in an institution administered by responsible people with good purpose.
Despite all the dilemmas in our society today, the university is still on an indestructible progression. Even the Global Financial Crisis and the Pandemic Diseases, did not get their way of impeding the university’s development.
Curricula are revised in the different colleges under the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) memorandum order 39, and changes on some of the physical plant of the university are on process. There will be expansion of roads inside the campus for more convenient walking locomotion of the students. The provision of audio visual room to the college building is ongoing. The college of business administration building is already renovated, in order to provide the students nice atmosphere while absorbing knowledge. Medical Technology diagnostic laboratory will be transferred as well as nursing laboratories. There will be new locations for better experimentations. Repainting on some of the portions in the university library has been done- offering a cozier ambiance to the students as they turn the pages, and read the contents of the books. The fixing of the reviewing stand at the field also took place. Splendid… isn’t it? The brilliance of improvements is all over the vicinity of NDMU.
How inspiring it is that after all the imbroglios and chaos happening in our community today, the university remains thriving. A true sign of excellence; an area of resplendent opportunities; a symbol of hope and inspiration- molding the Filipino youth in a very dynamic way, and giving pride to the Southern Philippines. What more can I say? I am proud to be a Damean.

2010 Philippine Automated Election System: Solusyon nga ba ng isang maruming halalan o dagdag pasanin sa mga mamamayan? By: Ivy Ingrid Galindo

2010-02-08T17:57:00.000-08:00

Lubhang nakasisindak ang dagundong ng mga pandarayang nagaganap tuwing eleksyon. Pawang bagyo ang lakas na maihahalintulad din sa katakot-takot na bagwis ng lawin sa himpapawid ang paparating na yugtong ito sa buhay ng mga mamboboto at pulitiko. Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman ang mga pandarayang nagaganap bago paman, habang, at kahit tapos na ang isang halalan. Halos walang halalang naiulat na idinaos ng mapayapa at walang pagsasabotahe sa mga balota at pagmamanipula sa resulta nito. Dahil sa mga kaganapang iyan ay nahahantong sa isang madugo at maruming halalan, isinumete sa gabinete ang Republic Act 9369 kung saan nilalayon nito ang isang payapa at walang anumang pandarayang eleksyon kung saan isasagawa ang Automated Election System! Subalit, ito nga ba ang magiging solusyon sa maruming halalan sa bansa o sadyang daragdag pa ito sa mga suliranin sa darating na halalan 2010?
Ano nga ba ang RA 9369?
RA 9369 is an act amending RA 8436, entitled “an act authorizing the Commission on Elections to use an automated election system in the May 11, 1998 national or local elections and in subsequent national and local electoral exercises, to encourage transparency, credibility, fairness, and accuracy of elections, amending for the purpose Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, as amended, RA No. 7166 and other related election laws, providing funds thereof and for other purposes.”
Pormal na inaprubahan ito ni Pang. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo na alinsunod sa Senate Bill No. 5352 na isinumite ng senado at House of Representatives noong December 7, 2006 at December 19, 2006 na kinabibilangan nina Roberto P. Nazareno, secretary general ng House of Representatives at Oscar G. Yabes, Secretary of Senate.
Bagamat napagbigyang bisa na ang “Modernization Law” noon pa mang 1997, noong January 23, 2007 lamang ito binigyang daan upang ang Pilipinas ay magkaroon ng isang modernong halalan na gumagamit ng makabagong teknolohiya sa paghalal ng mga pulitiko sa nararapat na posisyon. Para sa mabisang pagtaguyod nito, nagkaroon ng pakikipag-ugnayan ang COMELEC sa Dutch Company Smartmatic at Total information Management, Inc. (TIM) noong nakaraang July 10 para sa pagsuplay ng Precinct Count Scan (PCOS) machines.
AES- Automated Election System
A system using appropriate technology which has been demonstrated in the voting, counting, consolidating, canvassing, and transmission of election result, and other electoral processes.
Kung ihahambing natin ang AES sa Manual Election System, masasabi nating mapapadali ang proseso ng pagbilang ng mga boto dahil diresto na itong naitatala. Subalit mayroon lamang kaunting pagkahabag sa isipan ng ilang mamamayan kung nararapat bang gamitin ang modernong pamamaraan sa kadahilanang, sa panahon natin ngayon, halos lahat ng bagay ay ginagamitan ng teknolohiya ay madali na lamang manipulahin. Kung mamamanipula ang mga boto noong mga nakaraang eleksyon na tao mismo ang nagbibilang at gumagawa, paano naman kaya ang isang makinarya? Sino ba sa akala nila ang gumawa ng ganyang teknolohiya? Hindi ba’t tao rin? At sinu-sino rin ang maghahawak sa opersyong gaganapin sa halalan? Tao din naman.
Sa pamamagitan ng mga teknolohiya ngayon, mayroon na tayong “Programming”. At sa pamamagitan niyan, maaari mong ilapat na lamang sa computer ang iyong nais gawin upang ika’y hindi mahirapan. Kung sa tingin nilang payapa ang magaganap na eleksyon sa pamamagitan ng inaprubahang RA, oo payapa nga maaaring “gawa” at “tapos” na ang halalan bago pa man nakapindot ang mga mamboboto.
Isang pag-uusig lamang ang mga katanungang yaon. Dahil na rin sa halos wala na tayong tiwala sa kinauukulan pagdating sa mga bagay-bagay na nagaganap tuwing halalan.
Ang sa akin lamang, tayo’y maging mapanuri sa mga nagaganap sa ating Inang Bayan. Huwag tayong mabulag sa makabagong teknolohiyang talaga naming kahanga-hanga at naiibsan ang pagod ng mga mamamayan, bagamat isipin at timbangin mabuti ang mga posibleng pangyayari alinsunod at naaayon sa bagay na iyan. Tayo ay may karapatang maglabas ng ating mga opinyon at manindigan. Huwag tayong maging sunud-sunuran laman. Kaya sa muli kaibigan aking tanong sa iyo ay iyong sagutan.
2010 Philippine Automated Election System: Solusyon nga ba ng isang maruming halalan o dagdag pasanin sa mga mamamayan?

Center for People Empowerment in Governance
www.cenpeg.org

SSG Initiates Leaders’ Enrichment By: Erika Kris Gascon

2010-02-08T17:56:00.000-08:00

The Supreme Student Government (SSG), in coordination with the office of the Student Affairs and Development, gathers 5 major officers of collegiate councils and different clubs and organizations of Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) for the leaders’ enrichment program entitled LINANG on June 20, 2009 at SMC Hall.
The activity, inspired by the theme “Exploring Possibilities and Expanding Horizons for Excellence in Leadership”, aims to gear young leaders with skills essential for leadership, develop their potentials, and boost them with ideas on how to serve as well as to lead the students of the said institution.
“The activity is a good venue to harness young leaders’ potentials,” Mr. Normie Al Bogoson, SSG president said. “Hence, the inputs given will surely help the leaders in the operations of their organization,” he added.
CET conducts College Days
By: Arwin John H. Barnuevo
With the theme:”Standing in Unity, Soaring for Victory”, the College of Engineering and Technology held its college days last July 13-18 at the Scitech grounds.
The said event was comprised of activities such as; sports, literary and academic competitions.
In the end, the Engineering department bagged the championship of the year’s college days. They garnered points on sports, literary and academic contests.
“The college days showcased the talents and skills of my fellow students not only in sports but also in literary and academic competitions. They have shown their active participation and full support in this activity”, said Jun Songonon, President of the College of Engineering and Technology Student Council.
College council officers, club officers and CET students are the ones who spearheaded the success of the said activity.

NDMU welcomes freshmen
By: Erika Kris Gascon
The Supreme Student Government (SSG) in partnership with the collegiate councils greets the freshmen with warm welcome through ‘Dayon kag Magkinalipay 2009’ on June 18, 2009 at the university gymnasium.
The highlight of the event is the grand entrance of freshmen of different colleges with the welcoming cheers and jingles of old students per college. According to the SSG president, Mr. Normie Al Bognoson, the welcome night is not only for the freshmen but also to all NDMUans for them to enjoy and to be acquainted with each other.
“Masaya, first time ko kasi ma-experience yun,” said Jihana Haiyah Nor Edzrapil, a BSA 1 student. Keben, CE 5 student, said when asked about her comment about the event, “The program was well-planned, it really served its purpose that is to welcome and encourage the students to participate in school activities, the program turned out to be. . . sadya, sadya gid, daw intrams.”
“I enjoyed the activities especially the showcase of talents of the NDMUans,” Johanna Marie Era, BSA 2, said. “SSG officers had done their part responsibly; I also appreciate the preparation of every college, their effort in showing each college’s uniqueness,” she added.

JPIA confers recent CPA’s
By: Ivy Ingrid Galindo
JPIA – The Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants, Notre Dame of Marbel University (NDMU) Chapter, confers and honors the recent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board passers during the testimonial dinner and fellowship night of the College of Business Administration (CBA), Accountancy Department last June 20 at EMR Center.
The newly recognized CPA professionals were Renante M. Dacles, Junnie V. Puada, Apple Joy Simbayon who arrived together with their parents and despite of her absence, Arriane Rose Valencia, CPA.
Honorable Dennis Velasco, MTCC Judge, led them in their oath taking as professionals and Mrs. Lily Viray, CPA, President , PICPA (Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants) members.
“I am the captain of my own ship”, a quote stated by Ms. Apple Joy Simbayon, CPA, during her testimony to the present JPIA members and officers, headed by Mr. John Yrick Era, JPIA President, through Mr. Nelson Palete, CPA, MBA as their moderator.
Some personnel present during the program were Mr. Debbie Mendoza, Dean CBA, Bro. Wilfredo Lubrico, FMS President, NDMU and Ms. Weny Panganiban, CPA Head, Accountancy Department.

A Movie Review By: Newmar Romero

2010-02-08T17:53:00.000-08:00

What do you get when you put Star Wars and Iron Man? You get G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra.

As a summer action movie, the very first live-action film in the G.I. Joe franchise has it all-- cool gadgets, high-powered action scenes, and a palatable story. The ensemble cast of Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Dennis Quaid, Ray Park, and Rachel Nichols deliver performances appropriate for the genre and the villains in the story (Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Christopher Eccleston) give good and believable motivations for their devious acts. The film diverges with the cartoon series in a lot of ways, but it was a nice touch to make the G.I. Joe unit an international force (like the United Nations).

Director Stephen Sommers (The Mummy, Van Helsing, The Scorpion King) injects his action movie expertise and may have found a good formula by integrating James Bond-like international intrigue and battle scenes on the ground and beyond. The movie is definitely escapist in nature and geared toward the little children in boys and men. Also, the movie has several Easter eggs that give a little nod to the original G.I. Joe cartoons.

The whole basic premise of this film is the introduction of Duke and Ripcord to the GI Joe as you will see on the first half. On the latter part, it will set the foundation for Destro and Cobra Commander for future sequels.
Then there are also tidbits of back stories for some of the characters most especially Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow. But most of all, it’s one hell of a roller coaster ride.

The plot, such as it is, revolves around an evil arms manufacturer & dealer (played by Christopher Eccleston) trying to take over the world and the efforts of a highly-trained, international crack squad of underwear models to stop him. They may actually be soldiers, not models. It's never entirely clear.
Eccleston's plan to take over the world involves the sort of imbecilic planning so loved by James Bond villains everywhere; having just sold some new 'nanobombs' (a hilariously indiscriminate and horrific WMD) to NATO, he then steals them back to hold the world to ransom. Seemingly it never occurred to him simply to build the bombs for himself and just not tell anyone. There then follows an extended special effects/chase sequence through the street of Paris which follows the plot structure of the opening scenes to Team America: World Police so closely that I can only assume it was some sort of big-budget homage. French people and cultural landmarks are bowled aside like ninepins before it all cumulates with the destruction of the Eiffel Tower.
As the leader of the squad says with a ironic but merry twinkle as he surveys the destruction, "The French are very upset", and this pretty much sums up the tone of the film. Thousands of Americans die in tower-related disaster? Catastrophic atrocity! Thousands of French die in similar? Entertaining Megalolz!

If you want to sit back, relax, and enjoy a movie then GI Joe is for you. Don’t think too much about plot holes or inconsistencies with the comic or animated series and you will really enjoy this film. Lots of action scenes, high-tech weaponry and explosions. I particularly like the Paris scene and those power suits which I initially thought were corny? They’re actually cool to watch. You can see Sommer’s hand in this scene with all those wanton destruction going on similar to what he did with Van Helsing .The CGI’s are okay although some look like cut scenes from PC games. And I can do away without those cheesy lines like “Knowing is half the battle.”

Short story ni Sir Quimno

2010-02-08T17:52:00.001-08:00

NOBYEMBRE UNO, tayming gid man nga semestral break, sang ginpakadto ako ni Kyla sa rubber plantation nila. May ginhiwat abi nga Halloween Party para sa ila mga trabahante. Si Tatay, isa sa mga ginasaligan nila sa plantasyon sang guma.
Nag-umpisa ang party alas dos sang hapon, kag natapos sang alas singko. Wala niya anay ako ginpapuli. Malapit sa plantasyon may ara suba, gusto niya makadto kami liwat kag magpaligo. Ginpasugtan man dayon sia sang Mommy niya kapin pa nga ako ang kaupod ni Kyla. Basta ara ako, para sa ila safe gid ang bata nila.
Ikatlo na ini nga Halloween nga ari kami ni Kyla sa suba. Ginapabugal ko gid nga ang suba nga ini ginpangalanan namon sing La Sol River, kumbinasyon sang amon ngalan: Kyla kag Solito.
May dala nga backpack si Kyla. Ginpagwa niya ang photo camera, kag kasunod ang isa ka gamay nga cassette. Ginpatugtog niya ang isa ka kanta sang Yano, ang “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo”.
“Patugtoga na lang bala ang Dyinggol Bels,” siling ko.
Nagkadlaw sia. “Indi takon,” siling niya.
“Sige. Inang kanta na lang sa mga patay. May ara dira “Maalaala Mo Kaya?”
“Ngee!” Mas nagtihol ang kadlaw niya, daw kuring nga gindismenorya.
May isa pa ka bagay sa sulod sang backpack niya apang indi ko na bal-an kon ano yadto kay daw ginasekrito sa akon ni Kyla.
Medyo karadlawan kon diri na kami sa suba kay pareho kami nga weird ni Kyla. Isa lang gid ka bagay ang sulod sang amon ulo, puro katuntohan!
“Sige, Solito! Itiklud mo na ako!”
“Ti, mabasa ka!”
“Okey lang. Magpaligo man ako, indi bala?”
“Basi madalom da!”
“Indi. Okey lang. Expert man ako maglangoy, indi bala?”
“Ngaa kinahanglan pa gid nga itiklud tika? Ngaa indi ka na lang maglumpat halin dira sa ginatongtungan mo?”
“Trip ko man abi. Gusto ko. Sige na… itiklud mo na ako!”
“Huo, sige!”
Perti ka kusog ang pagtiklud ko sa iya. Nag-ulwak ang tubig. Dugay ako nga naghulat sang paglutaw ni Kyla. Ginkulbaan ako. Basi nalumos na si Kyla!
Pero indi. Nagsalom lang gali sia sa pinakadalom, kag sang magbutwa didto na sia sa pihak nga tampi sang suba, ginasundan na niya ang American frog, ang daw nagamulto nga paka, nga kaina pa namon gusto makuha.
“Solito, lumpat na!” siling ni Kyla sa makusog nga tingog. “Dira ka sa pihak. Basi makapalagyo ang paka!”
Kami na gid man guro ni Kyla ang pinaka-weird sa amon childhood days. Basta makahimo na gani kami sing katuntohan sa sulod sing isa ka adlaw, solved na gid man kami, enjoy na. Lab-ot na gid sa langit ang amon kalipay.
“Sige, Solito, mahimo na guro nga mangin flying saucer ining paka!”
Kita n’yo, pati American frog amon gintripan. Ang likod sang paka gintuslok namon sing mataliwis nga stick sang kawayan, ginbutangan namon sing pakpak pinaagi sa dahon sang saging, ginsab-it sa puno sang bayabas, ginbutangan higot ang stick sang kawayan kag sang amon ginbotungbotung nagtiyugtiyog man ang American frog, nga daw subong sang nagalupad nga flying saucer!
Isa ka adlaw didto duman kami sa manubo nga puno sang guma sa rubber plantation nanday Kyla.
“Solito, duhit! Masaka ako sa puno sang guma!”
“Ha? Ti, basi makita ko panty mo!”
“Sige na, magduku ka lang para indi mo makita ang panty ko!”
Apang ginahinay-hinayan ko ang pagduhit sa iya para makita ko gid man ang panty niya.
Pula ang kolor sang panty niya! Kag soen gali ang panty niya.
“Hoy, Amu!” gulpi niya ako ginsipa. “Unggoy ka gid bala! Gorilla! Tikbalang pa!”
“Wala, ha!”
“Anong wala? Nakita ko! Ginalili mo buli ko!”
Nakalab-ot na sia sa isa ka sanga sang puno sang guma. Pero gulpi lang, nabakli ang sanga nga ginatongtungan ni Kyla kag nadulaan sia sing panimbang.
Ginkulbaan ako. Nadulaan na gid sing kapag-on ang sanga kag nagasinggit na si Kyla.
Nahulog sia!
Tumupa sia sa lawas ko. Perti ka bug-at kay Kyla. Ang akon guya diretso man tupa sa epot sang karabaw. Napatungan niya ako.
“Ngee! Perti ka bahu sang ilok mo, Kyla!”
“Gagu! Hindi ako, ha! Basi ang epot sang karabaw!”
“Indi! Ikaw gid ya! Perti gid ya ka bahu sang ilok mo! Butangan mo sang tawas! Ka-manggaranun sa inyo, waay ka nagatawas, haw?”
Pero lain na gid man si Kyla sang magdalagko na kami. Mahumot na gid man sia, kag very sexy pa! Kag ayhan mahumot na man pati ilok niya?
Nahuya na gani ako kay ginapanumdum ko nga ayhan madamu na sing nagapangaluyag sa iya. Sa syudad na abi sia nag-college, sa NDMU, bagay lang gid sa mga manggaranon. Kag ako sa isa lang ka Technical Institute.
Sa tuudtuud lang ginahigugma ko gid si Kyla pero indi ko mahambal sa iya. Kag nahadlok ako. Daw parehas sang isa ka kanta: Kapag kasama ka, ako’y namumutla. Kapag kausap ka, ako’y namumula.
Isa ka adlaw may ginhambal ang best friend ko nga si Abba, Abraham for long:
“Padal-i sing love letter. Kopyaha sa libro ko, madamo matam-is nga mga tinaga, makapatindog sing balahibo.”
Ginsulatan ko gid man si Kyla. Madamo ako ginpamutang nga “I Love you”, ayhan isa gid ka dosena. Manami ang mga English words ko, halin tanan sa libro nga nabakal ni Mon sa General Santos City. Indi ko kaintindi sang iban pero sigurado ako nga magparanindog ang mga balahibo ni Kyla pag nabasa na niya.
Nakatatlo na ako ka love letter, ang pinakaulihi may petsa nga November 1, tayming gid nga nakalantaw ako sang “Mutya ng Kalag-kalag” sa baryo namon. Nagpakitluoy na gid ako sa sulat nga kon mahimo gift na lang niya sa akon ang matam-is niya nga “Huo”. Love na love ko gid abi sia. Ginpaamanan ko pa gid sing kanta: “Banal na Aso, Santong Kabayo”. Gusto ko gid abi ipaintindi sa iya nga ang kanta nga ato daw theme song na namon sang amon childhood days didto sa La Sol River.
Apang pamatyag ko daw nalipatan na ni Kyla ang isa ka Solito nga sadto nangin sekyu-sekyu pa niya. Kag ang La Sol River, daw indi na importante sa iya.
Isa ka adlaw ginpangbalik niya sa akon ang akon mga love letters. Napaslawan ako. Abi ko man gani akig sia. Nakibot ako sa iya ginhambal.
“Liwaton mo inang sulat mo!” siling niya. “Kag kay-ohon mo ang grammar mo. Madamo mali!”
May mga corrections pa siya nga ginpangbutang sa akon love letter. Ngaa mali pa ang grammar, ginkopya ko na gani sa libro, indi bala?
Apang indi ko mahambal sa iya. Makahuluya kon singganon ko sia nga nangopya lang ako.
“Kag indi manami ang ginsulatan mo, Solito!” ginsugpon niya. “Kung magpadala ka sing love letter, indi mo pag gamiton ang yellow pad! Ano ako, cheap?”
“Ngaa haw? Ano gali dapat?”
“Ay! Ay!” gulpi niya kadlaw. “Indi ako pag singgana nga waay ka nakakilala sing stationary?”
Ginpamangkot ko si Abba kung ano ang stationary. Sabat ni Abba sa akon: “Ay, amo ina ang ginasulatan nila sa banwa! Mahamot nga papel.”
“Kon amo, bisan yadtong yellow pad, mahimo man guro nga butangan ko na lang pulbos para maghamot.”
“Indi ka niya gihapon pag sugton,” siling ni Mon. “Basi gusto gid man niya ang stationary.”
“Makapabanwa ka bwas?” pamangkot ko. “Baklan mo ako.”
“Madamo ka pa utang sa akon, Solito.”
“Baydan ta lang ka pag ginsugot na ako ni Kyla.”
Apang deep inside ginahigugma man gali ako ni Kyla. Indi niya lang mahambal sa umpisa apang after one year, sang adlaw liwat sang Kalag-kalag, ginpaupod niya ako simba sa kapilya sang amon baryo, ginhambal niya sa akon: I love you too, Solito.
Daw malumpat ako sa sobra nga kalipay. Kon pispis lang guro ako, kaina pa ako naglupad upod sang mga kabog sa kagab-ihon sang Kalag-kalag.
“Bal-an mo,” siling ko sa iya, “nagpreparar ako sing sulat. Stationary na gid. Indi lang mahamot, sobra pa gid ya ka hamot. Ginbutangan ko pa gid abi sing perfume.”
Nagyuhom si Kyla. Kag nagkadlaw. “Ihaboy mo na lang,” siling niya. “Anhon mo pa?”
Apang ang pinakaulihi ko nga love letter para tani kay Kyla akon na nga gintago. Para sa akon, may sentimental value ang sulat.
Sa dalan halin sa Kalag-kalag mass, sa madulumdulom gin-agbayan ako ni Kyla, kag nag-kiss sia sa akon.
“First time mo?”
“Huo,” siling ko.
Sa lips. Kag sa lips pa gid. Daw mabudlay patihan nga si Kyla expert na gid mag-kiss. Amo gid man guro ini ang mga nagaeskwela na sa syudad, madamo na sing nabal-an nga kiss kag paabtikanay sing kamot. Kag sa pamatyag ko daw ako ang perti ka inosente, wala sing experience.
Nag-1st monthsary na kami ni Kyla sang mabal-an sang iloy niya ang parte sa amon relasyon. Gin-akigan ako kag gin-akigan man sia. Apang para sa akon, may mas madalom pa nga rason: para sa mga ginikanan ni Kyla indi ako takos mangin parte sang ila pamilya.
Langit kag duta, amo yadto ka simple ang estorya. Kag naintindihan ko man bisan masakit pa sa akon tagipusuon.
Kag wala na si Kyla!
Ginpanumdom ko na lang ang tanan, kapin pa subong nga Kalag-kalag duman.

SI SOLITO DE LARA, JR. ang handumanan nga ginbilin sa akon sang nagtaliwan ko nga asawa, si Tet. Napatay si Tet sa isa ka aksidente sang sarakyan.
Kag karon, kaupod ko si Junior, ari kami sa suba -- sa La Sol River. Ambot ayhan kon kinahanglan ko pa gid man tawagon nga La Sol River ang suba nga ini. Indi ko masiling kay Junior.
“Tay, hasta san-o ang aton bakasyon di -- diri sa Baryo Siyete?”
“Hasta nga mag-ayo sa sakit ang imo Lolo Tibz (Tiburcio for long), indi kita maghalin diri.”
“Mas manami kon indi na lang ta magbalik sa Bacolod, Tay. Hasta sa New Year, diri na lang ta.”
“Indi mahimo, anak. Didto na sa Bacolod ang obra ko.”
Nagdakop kami ni Junior sing paka sa higad sang suba. Nadumdoman ko si Kyla, kag ang American frog nga sadto ginhimo namon nga flying saucer.
Kag natingala si Junior sang makita niya nga naghimo ako sing paper boat. Indi ko mahambal sa iya nga ang papel nga akon gingamit amo yadtong love letter nga akon gintago sa panahon sang Kalag-kalag sadtong waswit (sweetheart bala) ko pa si Kyla .
Naglutawlutaw ang paper boat. Pagkatapos, gin-anod sang tubig.
Upod sadto ang pangamuyo ko nga tani ang paper boat nga hinimo halin sa stationary, hinimo sang love letter halin sa akon kagahapon, makalab-ot liwat kay Kyla.
Ah, si Kyla. Ginahandom ko lang gihapon sia.
Kapin pa gid subong nga Kalag-kalag, kon sa diin nakalab-ot sa akon ang balita nga sia… isa na man gali ka viuda. – END

NASAAN NA ANG KAPATIRAN? By: Investigative Group

2010-02-08T17:47:00.000-08:00

Years passed after that controversial initiation that took the life of a neophyte. Students of NDMU now ask, “Where are the fraternities now? Do they exist? Are there still recruitments? How about the initiations?”
Spending time and having a conversation with some of the members of prestigious & licensed fraternities here, people can have a better understanding and knowledge about the stand of the fraternities.
One on one
In search for the real stand of the state of their brotherhood, OMNIANA interviewed real members of licensed fraternities, packed with their real stories brought by real people. The interview was done on July 28, 2009 at 5:00 pm.
According to Toby (not his real name), their fraternity still exists in the campus, active and still having their recruitments.
“Ara gyapon ang amon frat diri sa NDMU, pero, kumbaga daw naging underground na lang siya, starting tong ginpagbawal na sang school nga masali kami sa clubs & organizations, kay tong natabo bala sa lain nga frat, nga may napatay sa initiation, tanan nga frat nadamay. Patago na lang ang amon recruitment diri sa school, kay pwede kami matanggal diri sa school if ever madakpan.” Toby says.
“Last year gani may nadakpan man daw nga frat, gin pa stop gid sila. So kami kag ang iban pa nga fraternities, nag lie low na lang.” He added.
Gangs in the Campus
“Dali mo man lang mabal-an kung sinong mga members sang gang, kag kung sinong mga members ka frat. Indi mo man sila maconsider nga frat, kay ang tood gid nga frat, wala gapahambog kag gapangita gamo. Kami nga mga members sang lain-lain nga frat, gakilalahay man.” Toby stated.
Benifits to get from a fraternity
“Benefits?Damo ka gid mabenefit eh. Una gid da ang brotherhood kag sisterhood. Gabuliganay kami kung may mga problema, halimbawa sa school,academics. Indi ng bulig nga kung may gainaway ha, gabuliganay kami para maging better person or better individual. Sa amon frat, ga build gid kami sang leadership, kag gina improve gid namon ang isa kag isa, as magbrother kag sister. Ga conduct kami sang community extensions, community development, community service sa mga baranggays, mga tree planting.”
The initiation
Recruitment of members is the initial part of an individual’s membership in any organization. But for fraternities and sororities, recruitment is seemed to be the most exciting and intriguing part of the pack. According to Toby, “Basta ang pinakauna gid is loyalty, dapat loyal ka gid sa frat mo. Tapos may disiplina ka, kag pwede ka maging good model sang brothers kag sisters mo. Tapos, dapat may willingness ka, willing ka himuon ang tanan para sa frat mo.
Usually ang mga ginarecruite namon is friends or kakilala, sila ang amon gina approach. Pero kung indi mo kilala, syempre gin amigo anay namon sila. Storya-storya about sa frat namon. Kung indi siya interested, OK lang, kung interested siya, OK gyapon.”
On another interview with a member of another fraternity existing in this institution, Dan (not his real name) said,.”Fraternity is. . . indi lang sya more on gimik, enjoyment, dira mo ma feel ang true brotherhood, dira mo makita ang sharing sa time sang scarcity, ang loyalty ka gang truthfulness “ when we asked him of what is fraternity for him.
“Himuon mo gid tanan”, he abruptly said after hearing the question how much could he sacrifice for his fraternity. OMNIANA took his side of how they recruit and initiate members. According to him, their recruitment starts within the circle of friends. On that point, they’ll be oriented with the fraternity’s history and purpose. The next is initiation.
Is hazing still practiced?. Yes, hazing can never be taken away from the process of initiation. What can you say if hazing will be eliminated? “Indi ko magsugot,” Dan strongly said. “Lain gid ang performance sang member kung na initiate sya through hazing.” he added. According to him, loyalty is really affected. Hazing means devotion and sacrifice
The Prefect of Discipline
According to Mr. Ermie Bonzo, Prefect of Discipline, “Wala na gina recognize sang school ang fraternities since may natabo kay Doktora (a student of NDMU who died in hazing 3 years ago).Wala naman sila ginsali sa lists of student clubs & organizations diri sa school.The school has no hold sa frats. If ever mahuli gid man sila, may ara sang major offense. Wala man ta control sa mga students if mag join sila sa fraternities kay ila man na nga freedom,basta hindi lang maput-at-stake ang school kung may matabo gid man sa mga students”.
“Wala connections ang school sa frats. Actually, there was a rumble during the T’nalak fest. The groups involved there are with fraternities and the other group consists of first year students of NDMU. The prefect of discipline office called their attention, not because some are members of frat, but because they are NDMU students that needed to be disciplined.”
“Tong mga sangkot naman sa case ni Doktora, wala na sila ginbaton sang school. The school advised them to look for another school na ma enrollan.”
Tong ginstate gali nga may nadakpan nga frat last year, so far wala man, wala pa man sang reported cases nga may nadakpan nga frat, especially last year.”

The Director of Student Affairs
“The whole AFSO (Alliance of Fraternities and Sororities Organizations) has been stopped or frozen almost 3 years na. It is temporarily suspended because of what happened to Doktora. Some students join the frat outside the NDMU campus. Pero so far, wala pa man may ne report or may nadakpan, “said Mr. Romeo Babar, DSA
Having an interview with Mr. Babar & Mr. Bonzo, it was found out that there was no reported case regarding about Toby had stated, that there was a frat that the administration seized.
Operations of fraternities and sororities seemed to be forbidden inside the premises of the university. They weren’t visible for these past few years. Fraternities and sororities’ activities are not observable in the campus. They perform their assemblies, training schemes and other activities outside. We know that they exist. But their conduct inside the school is less and their actions are secretly done. According to Mr. Babar, these organizations are “temporarily frozen” and their activities are temporarily disabled. How long are they going to act this way? How long are they going to hide? How long are they going to be banned? “yan ang di pa natin ma-determine,” he answered.
Before, fraternities and sororities are obviously operating in school. “Nami man sila” Mr. Babar said. According to him, these groups had good programs from which the university could benefit. These groups have donated wall clocks, trash bins, and signage. Some of these are still visible in the campus at present. He added that these groups spearheaded symposiums and seminars. They advocated and actively participated in school activities.

The Administrative Vice President
“We do not ban. We have nothing to ban because there were no recognized Fraternities and Sororities in this institution individually,” Mr. Andres Magallanes, Administrative V-President.
Ever since the history of Notre Dame of Marbel University has begun, there were never recognitions of individual fraternities and sororities.
We cannot deny the fact that these organizations do exist. Though facing the actuality that they are not recognized by the school as legal organizations to operate inside the school, not only one or two frats have thrived inside the school for years but more than we expected. According to Mr. Magallanes, these fraternities and sororities are difficult to reach out. The school does not have any knowledge what is going on in the bounds of each fraternity. The administration is very concern with the students’ wellbeing, since some of the members of these organizations are students of NDMU. Because of this, the administration tried to reach out those “underground society” through the establishment of AFSO.

“In order to manage the underground fraternities and sororities, AFSO was organized,” Magallanes said. “This alliance was a movement created to help fraternities man and manage their organization. It was a loose organization of different fraternities,” he further explained.
As of the school year 2005-2006, there were 22 fraternities who affiliated themselves in the said alliance. But this movement had become ineffective. Though it lasted for several years, they haven’t fulfilled their purpose. On the reign of this alliance, the administration still has no control with the underground society. It was purposely designed to monitor fraternities’ activities and programs. It was said to be the implementing arm of the school in terms of rules and regulations within the formation and operation of fraternities and sororities. Thus, this alliance was dismantled just three years ago. It was just that school year when someone had died because of fraternities’ activity unknown to the administration; It was later discovered that he’s death was caused by the fraternity’s physical initiation. It was just that school year (2006-2007) that the AFSO was disorganized.
“The school does not seek for full control over those organizations. The school respects their constitutional right to Form,” said Magallanes.
Why was there no recognition of individual fraternities? Like any other organization and club which are legally recognized in school, fraternities and sororities should comply the requirements and requisites in order to be recognized as legal organization to operate inside the campus, use the universities’ facilities and the like.
Stipulated in the revised student hand book 2007, all clubs and organizations are required to coordinate all activities with the office of the student Affairs to ensure that activities are reflective of their objectives and the mission statement of the school.
The Students View
There are many good organizations in the school. The students should be contented and they should not join fraternities.
May, 19, F
Halos binugoy, amo gid nang perception koh sa mga fraternities.
Dong, 16, M
Though fraternities offer benefits to its members, it is better not to join.
Ray, 18, M
Fraternities should not be branded as “bad” organizations. They are giving great help to the community.
Alvin, 17, M
It is better to have good friends and company than to join fraternities. And it is really wrong to inflict pain to people aspiring to become members of a brotherhood.
Liz, 19, F

“Every student organization is required to register at the beginning of the school year. To be recognized, a campus club must explicitly affirm in its duly approved Constitution and By-laws, the organization’s adherence to mission statement of the Notre Dame Of Marbel University.
Official forms for application must be submitted by the head of organization and co-signed by the moderator.”
The moderator of campus clubs and organization must be a full time faculty of this institution.
New organizations should submit the ff:
· Rationale of the Organizations
· Constitution and By-Laws
· Objectives
· Program of activities for the current school year
· List of officers and members

From these, fraternities have not complied any of these requisites and thus, THEY HAVEN’T BEEN RECOGNIZED.
It is then clear that seeking for recognition, while working for it, is the way to find the recognition every club and organization long for including fraternities and sororities. It is more than material donations for the school. It the compliance of things needed for the welfare of every individual, of every NDMUan.

DEFENDING PRESS FREEDOM TODAY AND FOR BEYOND…By: Felix Lavilles

2010-02-08T17:45:00.001-08:00

OMNIANA started as a representative of the students to introduce their unrest to the higher echelon; scores of years, it never inherited hesitancy and never surrendered looking for avenues to excel.
Now a challenge is forthcoming. What challenge? The challenge is- we should wage a CHALLENGE. Our armaments are something to reckon with: our pens and will, and the need for a better tomorrow. To start today may augur well for all of us.
God and our founder St. Marcelin have blessed us all. God chooses to give us the privilege. Others have been less fortunate. Isn’t it just fitting to share with them a little something of our ‘too much’? For all men are created equal as Martin Luther King Jr. said.

The Symposium

Last Nov. 7, OMNIANA invited three speakers to commemorate its winning as 3rd placer in the just concluded 3rd GAWAD LANOG MINDANAO Award for Best Magazine in the whole island.
The award serves to honor the most excellent and most outstanding student publications.
The mini-symposium was conducted in conjunction with the CEGP (College Editors Guild of the Philippines) with the theme: “Manunulat para sa Pagbabago: Sumulat para sa Bayan! Ipagtanggol ang Kinabukasan!”
Supreme Student Government and some student leaders from different colleges and organizations were present in the activity.
Catherine Cortes, CEGP coordinator for South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat, and also a writer of STAND-MSU conferred about the marginalized sector of our society. Who are they? They are those who are often ignored, and whose voices aren’t heard. They are the IPs (Indigenous Peoples), the youth, the women, the workers, the farmers, and most of all, the poor.
Cortes also mentioned in her speech her encounter with the IPs of Saranggani during one of their outreach programs. One of the IPs approached them to ask for salt seedling, so they can plant and cultivate it. The kind of education that we enjoy clearly has not touched them.
Leigh Dalugdog, the CEGP vice president for Mindanao, and a former writer of Atenews- Ateneo de Davao University, talked about the current mainstream and campus media situation.
Dalugdog made clear the inherent difference between the mainstream media and campus journalism. Mainstream media is highly commercialized and neutral. Campus press is encouraged to be biased, in the sense that they should take a stand. Not just mere mediators.
Oni montejo, the CEGP coordinator for Davao del Sur, and is a writer of The Cordial- Cor Jesu College of Digos.
Montejo conversed about the role of citizen journalists and the youth in the upcoming 2010 elections.
“Even in the simplest of means, we too, can contribute to change what is rotten and what is already obsolete,” Montejo concluded.

But what is CEGP then?
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines was founded in 1931 by the editors of the Philippine Collegian of University of the Philippines- Diliman, The Varsitarian of University of Sto Tomas, and The Guidon of Ateneo de Manila University.
Wenceslao Vinzons, who later died as a hero when he joined the HUKBALAHAP, was the first elected president.
CEGP is an alliance of tertiary student publications in the Philippines. It has over 750 student publications as members from more than 500 colleges and universities in 68 (out of 78) provinces and cities nationwide.
It is patriotic and democratic. It upholds and defends the interest and welfare of the Filipino youth and people. This commitment has kept the CEGP as the oldest-existing and the widest youth organization. It is the national center for the advancement of campus press freedom. Its main campaign is to reopen all closed student publications, establish publications in all schools, and end all forms of campus press repression.
CEGP aims to work for the professionalization and independence of the campus press; uphold the highest standards and ethics of journalism; defend campus press freedom and other student democratic rights at all levels; raise the social consciousness of the Filipino people in general; support in issues and actively participate in their struggle; cooperate with organizations and prominent individuals here and abroad with the similar objectives; and support the professional media and their struggle for genuine press freedom.
CEGP also continues to attract new members and give assistance to all Publications without discrimination. It reaches even secondary student publications, aspiring to establish the High School Editors Guild of the Philippines.

CEGP’s Martyrs

It is so much apparent, no noble undertaking is too good for the ungodly. But their cursed deeds make martyrs out of men.
Rachelle Mae Palang, press freedom fighter and nurse for the people, was killed by elements of the armed forces of the Philippines on September 18, 2008 in an alleged encounter with New Peoples Army rebels. Her face was barely recognizable; she was shot at point blank range. Her feet and legs were black and bruised, and signs of torture were evident on every part of her body. Rachelle Mae’s demise re-echoed the fate of another CEGP alumna, Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez, the former vice-president for Mindanao and human rights volunteer who was murdered by the military while conducting a fact-finding mission in Cotabato province. Investigations revealed that AFP, after wounding Beng, raped and shot her at close range. They later insisted that Beng was an NPA rebel.

TRY IT AND LOSE YOUR TOMMOROW By: Manuel John I. Pabilona

2010-02-08T17:43:00.000-08:00

After so many decades drug addiction is still a major problem of the world, and unfortunately it keeps on increasing enormously.
It is a case where a person experiences intense cravings for drugs, not so legal drugs to be specific, and wants to use it again and again, obsessively seeking to use a substance without being too conscious of the potentially negative psychological, social, and physical consequences.
Many people sometimes feel they are powerful enough to control themselves being addicted. But addiction exempts no one. Once you begin to indulge at something addictive escaping from it would never be that easy. When you stop taking it, it would only stimulate different unpleasant reactions. This kind of circumstance would not only damage your body and mind; it would also make your money disappear just like a bubble. Well, drugs are never that cheap, so before becoming an indulgent of it, try to ask to reflect on this question: “Do I want to become an addict? Spend lots of money and die?”
Alarmingly the horror of drug addiction has already conquered the teenagers too. Despite the many organizations in the whole world against this problem, the amount of drug abuse cases is still constantly increasing. Number one reason to teenage drug usage is peer pressure, representing social influences that affect us. It’s called a direct influence when a teen is offered to dry drugs and indirect influence when a teen is around people who are drug users and sees there’s nothing wrong with using drugs. One might do it just to fit in, to belong, or to be considered “cool” by the group. It is very important that we carefully choose the people we hang with. Because the influence they may bring could be very severe.
Main causes of drug addiction could possibly begin at home also. There are parents who grant too much freedom for their kids, being blinded by its negative impacts. When a child can do everything he/she wants to do, the word “limitation” would never be in his/her vocabulary. Providing everything what kids demand makes them incapable of accepting NOs in life. It’s like withdrawing them from reality, not letting them to learn. Now let’s go to the irony of unlimited freedom, a child have to do this and do not do that, some kind of a dictatorial government. Every single wrong move is paired with fatal consequences, perfections should be attained. This kind of situation may lead to a rebellion, which more likely would urge a child to do awful things just to obtain freedom. I guess parents should learn to put balance in handling their children. Freedom is alright as long as it is bounded, and strictness is okay, but it should always be moderate.
Cited by some health specialists, teenagers tend to underestimate the risk of dependence associated with drug experimentation. Being on the slope of adulthood, teens are essentially supine to engage in risky behavior. They are not mature enough to understand that indulgence to drugs poses a threat to their health and well-being. They would have to wait for adverse effects before realizing everything. Teens would typically go with this line, “C’mon! One try is not going to hurt me!” But actually after those first hits, your mind will never be the same anymore. A pursuit of more drugs could be the mere result of that first try.
Drug education would really be a big help in killing drug abuse. Drugs such as heroin, cocaine, marijuana and many others will only cause damage to the nervous system and the brain, deterioration of the immune system, sudden mood changes, nervous breakdowns, etc. Pro-long use of these substances causes chronic disease to the liver, damages the organs, and may contribute cancer to the esophagus. With these numerous bad things illegal drugs bring to a person who uses it, are you still going to try it? We don’t have to be deliberate in saying NO. we must be against drugs because we are aware of the stories of many drug addicts, right? Drugs will only destroy our future. Drug users oftentimes become criminals. Taking illegal drugs will only lead us to tragedies. Abstinence is the best way to murder this pro-longing existence of drug abuse. Let’s be involved at something that would help us improve ourselves just like sports. Be a member of something that promotes positivity for our society. Never let yourself be a contributor of delinquency.
Closer and stronger families should be developed. The bond must always be strengthened. Parents should work on the relationship with their children. Set a good example, communicate well to the children.
Above all never fail to ask guidance from one and only creator. Life is a precious gift we must never take for granted. Let’s bring difference and live life meaningfully. Drug addiction is difficult to destroy but never impossible.

The Call for Help

2010-02-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Call for Help
And just as we thought everything was going fine.
The youth of today already discarded their passivity. We see sprouting organizations spearheaded by teens of today’s generation, bringing forth the youth’s active participation in the country’s affairs. We, NDMUans are also a part of this activity.
The recent BMPM or Boto Mo iPatrol Mo and COMELEC registrations within the premises of this institution provoked us into volunteerism and critical thinking for the good of our nation. We are no longer just bystanders and passers-by waiting for something to happen. Now, we are the ones who are going to make things happen.
Contemplating upon our roles in political affairs that are skewed as of this moment, another tragic instant has poured down on us.
We all know of this situation, the recent Ondoy and Pepeng typhoon outbursts that seized the lives of our countrymen. We have seen how many suffered, have we not? Haven’t we witnessed how roofs of houses were stormed? And haven’t we sat still in front of our televisions keeping track of lost lives?
Who is to be blamed? Mother Nature that has taken its course? God, who has permitted this to happen? Or is it our relentless abuse of our natural resources?
We are now formally registered Filipinos by our own will. We are not just for this institution anymore. We are no longer just for this city. We are not just for this Province. We are now part of this nation. And this nation needs us. Now.
Many have come forth to volunteer. Many have bestowed their benevolence in cash or in-kinds. Many have prayed for safety and guidance. Many have lost lives to save others.
Ask yourself, Damean, What did you do?

Nudis Verbis By: Arjay L. Balinbin

2010-02-08T17:36:00.000-08:00

Pinoy Pride
You can never be strong, you can never be happy, you can never feel contentment, and you can never make things the way you want unless you see a funny side to everything you face day-by-day; be it bad or good, sad or happy, small or big, dark or bright and other such things.
It always feels good to laugh everyday, though no reasons to laugh—just laugh. No certain law requires us to formulate reasons to laugh. I just want to say, it also feels good to be crazy, ha-ha. Yup, it feels good to be a Filipino, since it is our attitude to be positive amidst of crisis; whatever kind of crisis it is, we smile, we laugh, and we sing- tied up with a thought that there’s always a morning to come.
Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng are just two of the reservoirs of life’s adventures. That is life, so let things be, we were not born just to sleep and eat, talk and walk, study and work, get rich and die; we should always expect for unexpected, since half of the unexpected events is a spice that will either make or unmake us as travelers. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
We shouldn’t worry about our damaged properties, we ought to worry first about how we feel; let’s ask ourselves: “are we happy?” [even just a bit] because if not, we must be the poorest ones who have nothing left even the pride to smile. Anyways, happiness is free so let’s not deprive ourselves with it.
Always remember that there is always a home for us. The thing that the two typhoons failed to smash down, since we never made a home in place; we made a home for ourselves inside our heads: our happy memories, families and friends whom we can trust, the love of learning, and other such things. This home goes with us wherever we journey. So, stand up Philippines, smile Philippines! We can rise above the global challenges with a SMILE…

The half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.

Kikoeru by: Mary Angeline Dalipe

2010-02-08T17:35:00.001-08:00

Was there a song that struck you really really deep? Like you listen to it a gazillion times that even your friends got tired of hearing you sing it? A song you carried with you all the way even if it debut five years ago? A song that others think of as “laos”, “pan-os”, and other outdated names they’d brand it?
We always hear people utter that music can soothe a savage beast. They also declare that music is the language of the soul. Didn’t ABBA say thank you for the music? That without a song or dance what are we? So, thank you for the music. For all the joy they’ve given.
Like most people, I enjoy the refreshment songs could offer. I’d let my phone play MP3s, fall asleep, and wake up the next morning only to find out my batteries were dead hours ago. I’d then turn on the DVD player, swish in a disc, and lip synch a song while I iron my uniform.
Beauty queen of only eighteen. It started like that. And it didn’t take me long to realize how much the song meant to me. I know, we like or listen to something because we can relate to it. The lyrics tell us to be angry, move on, cry and let go, smile and be proud, wait, forgive and forget, et cetera. Like the thoughtful words of a friend, the stammering sermon of our parents, or the cool whispers of a better half, song lyrics reach our heartstrings in many ways, feelings, and delivery that made it a powerful channel of self-expression.
I don’t mind spending everyday out on your corner in the pouring rain. These are the exact words I am hearing now. Settling myself in front of the monitor, I can’t help myself but smile. The song is ringing in my ears and I’m visualizing rain outside and a glass of milk on this table. That would be just perfect. Even more perfect if someone is really spending tonight out on my corner in the pouring rain. Haha.
How would it be if there were no songs? I can imagine a tiny detail of it. Music for us will be the belches of vehicles. The chatter of the city folks. Cries of urine-drenched children while their mommies are drunk in nonsense gossip. Our literature will be reduced to poems and stories that sadly, most people tend to ignore. Why do politicians create jingles that even they themselves think are ridiculous? It is because songs are often heard more than any other auditory media. And also because they have beats and tunes that people can dance to. Lyrics and rhymes are easily caught by the masses. People make fun of political jingles by singing it exaggeratedly over and over. And that emphasis and exaggeration makes other people remember “si Gloria Labandera,” or “Akala mo blah-blah..” highly making some politicians being known well.
Ahem. I got carried away back there. I lost my sense of coherence. Pardon me.
My heart is full and my door is always open you can come anytime you want. Words can do much. Even much more when turned into song lyrics. Sometimes, If I need someone to talk to, I’d grab a scratch paper and dab my feelings on to it while listening to songs. It’s as if the songs were my friends, telling me everything’s okay and tomorrow’s another day. Like they were exactly spelling out what I needed to do. The power of songs isn’t limited to these. Haven’t you noticed? We get LSS (Last Song Syndrome) a lot. And unconsciously, too.
I’ve played my favorite song for six times already during this hour. The voice faded. The song was replaced with another. But even after five years of singing along with Maroon 5, yeah, She will be loved. A

Conundrum by: Dorothy Joyse Pama

2010-02-08T17:33:00.000-08:00

Bottled Meaning
Things don’t always go the way they are supposed to.
Everything has a purpose; we have reasons why we act and react this and that way and when things are being done. Though “wala lang” is overused, there are still reasons behind that… valid reasons. Well it is still a reason; it is just that it is not a specific reason. “Wala lang” isn’t as empty as what we are thinking… we never know.
Some people interpret things as easy as “when someone sleeps, it simply means that person is sleepy” but things doesn’t always go that way. Maybe, the person uses sleep as an escape from thinking of problems. Things don’t always mean the same as what we are thinking. We don’t always realize that things aren’t a shallow as what we are expecting.
Giving up doesn’t always mean you don’t have the ability and capacity to win. It may mean you just don’t want to compete because you’re tired of competing, or maybe you just want to give others the chance of winning. Other than that, sometimes, the people you love are your opponents and their feelings are more important than your name.
Crying doesn’t always mean losing. People sometimes cry to unload the heaviness inside and gain strength to fight again. Crying can ease pain more than just keeping the burdens acting unaffected.
Laughing at jokes doesn’t always mean the joke is funny. We just don’t know maybe people just don’t want the person throwing a joke to be embarrassed. Sometimes people laugh not because the joke is funny, but because the person joking is funny! There are times that the reaction of the person is funnier than his jokes.
Jokes aren’t always meant for laughter and far from reality. Most of the time, it speaks of the reality in a funny manner. There are also times that it isn’t funny and won’t make us laugh but instead, make us think. We also “spit” unspoken words through jokes sometimes. We don’t always make people laugh because of our jokes…we sometimes hurt them.
Asking questions doesn’t always mean innocence or dumbness. We always do this to make ourselves sure of something or to let someone know that we are not convinced of what he is saying.
Acting “I know nothing” doesn’t always mean we really don’t know anything about what people are talking and if we act as if we heard nothing. It doesn’t also mean we’re deaf! There are times that we choose to be “innocent” to play safe. As if we know nothing but the truth is we are aware, or even in control of everything. It depends on the situation. In times that people are talking bad things about a certain person because of what that person did before, this one really helps both you self (conscience) and the person those people are talking about..
Silence doesn’t mean you don’t have anything to say and talking a lot doesn’t always mean you know a lot. Most intelligent and smart persons keep quiet and observe before judging and hand their suggestions or decisions down.
It’s hard when you find yourself trapped in your own shell and desire to go out but you can’t. We have to admit that sometimes we need other people to understand us and read our masks’ bottled meanings.
These are just some of the things that we think we understand but most of the time we don’t. These things are hidden and locked. In times we decide to show these things, it’s sad when people around you aren’t good enough to get it but at least we know not all things are done because of its usual reasons.

INNOCENCE By: Eria Kris Gascon

2010-02-08T17:24:00.000-08:00

It wasn’t a dream. . .
My name is Beckett, and this is not a dream. This is not a delusion. This is not based on a true story.
This is true.
After her mesmerizing bestselling novel I Was Amelia Earhart, published in fifteen languages, here comes another work of art. Jane Mendelsohn has written a potent ode to American Teenager. This novel, INNOCENCE, has paved its way of revealing the inner life story of a young girl, Beckett, growing in the city. Swallowed by the demands of her new environment, her wit became her armor against the forces of her new home.
This parcel-of-a-teenager-life story unveils the truth that reality is razor thin apart from fantasy. Her view of life gives rise to her principle. “What matters isn’t whether something is real. What matters is if it is true.”
Mendelsohn’s vivid poetry has hooked me as I was reading her book. Innocence showed how a teenager thrived after her mother has died. How a teenager coped up with new society as soon after the death of her mom, they transferred in the city: new neighborhood, new school. Her struggle was even heighten as her father falls in love with the school nurse and as she turns from a young girl to a lady.
Adolescence is one of the most critical stages man has to cross over. As the story goes, Beckett is on her way of becoming a lady, the advent of her monthly period. Living in the city, a society that sucks the life force out of individuals, especially children. The pressure of being a virgin has sank into her mind, into her heart, and worst into her blood. Her mind was poisoned by the thought that she is still a virgin. This poison has penetrated her mind fantasizing that the lady in coat with sunglasses—Pamela, the school nurse, wants to drink her menstrual blood as potion for the nurse’s unaging beauty and youthfulness. This has led her to run after her boyfriend to have sex with her.
As teens, we used to dream, fantasize, and live in a life of imagination. We’re drifting away from what is real. The story shows that even Beckett herself cannot distinguish reality and fantasy. What is important is the truth.
This is a story not to be missed.”In Beckett’s story, then we see the suffering, the beauty, the mystery of human mind. A girl with vivid imagination, a father mourning a lost wife, and a woman trying to save them, set against a backdrop of cultural malaise and adolescent confusion—in Beckett’s story, we see innocence twisted into the disease of our time, the disease of fantasy, a disease created by a world in which there seems to be nothing real.”

OMNIANA Core Values

2010-02-08T17:22:00.000-08:00

OMNIANA

Core Values
Members of the publication are expected to possess the following set of values:

1. Commitment
In the organization- the OMNIANA must be on the writers’ list of top priorities.
In excellence- each writer’s work must be far better than mediocre and must continue to improve his writing skills and principles to be effective in his/ her role as a student journalist.
To student welfare and development- each writer must dedicate himself/ herself to the NDMU students.
2. Accountability
- each writer has a responsibility to the NDMU students.
3. Leadership- OMNIANA should take the lead in ensuring that students are given what they deserve in this institution. The organization must serve as a model to other school organization.
4. Creativity-Each writer must find ways to present facts in a manner that students will be interested.

Principles
OMNIANA as the Official Student Publication of Notre Dame of Marbel University exists as the voice of the students.
Its ultimate role is to protect the rights of the students through journalism by examining school, local, and national policies concerning students’ welfare.
It analyzes issues that directly or indirectly affect students and publishes them in order to promote awareness and critical thinking.
It encourages student participation in various activities that are geared towards student welfare and development.

General Goals
-To encourage students to be actively engaged in school activities and students development programs.

-To influence students to become aware of social realities and become socially responsible individuals.

-To aid the development of students’ critical thinking and help instill the value of learning.

Editorial Board

2010-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

CEGP
College Editors Guild of the Philippines

OMNIANA
The Official Student Publication of Notre Dame Of Marbel University

Board of Editors:

Editor-in-Chief: Arjay L. Balinbin BSED-Engl-4
Managing Editor: Mary Angeline Dalipe AB-Psych-2
Assistant Managing Editor: Dorothy Joyse Pama BSN-2

Arts and
Visuals Editors: Rubenjamen Regoniel BSEE-3
Gladwyn Tomarong BSCE-3
Jahleel Domingo BSComEng-1

Interactive and
Layout Managers: Alvin Nashif Magarang BSIT-4
Joey Laglagaron BSIT-4

Staff Writers:

Abegail Tanjili AB Psych-1
Erika Kris Gascon BSED-Engl-4
Newmar Romero BSED-Engl-3
Henry Vinson BSHRM-1
John Dominic Arellano BSA-1
Giancarl Daliva BSMT-2
Manuel John Pabilona BSN-1
Gringo Jusa BSED-Engl-4
Frederic Gastala BSMT-2
Jezreel Domingo AB MASSCOM-4
Herlene Grace Lubaton AB MASSCOM-4
Ivy Ingrid Galindo BSA-1

PHOTOJOURNALISTS:
Corinne Galicia BSED-Eng-4
Richie Prosperoso, BSAT-2

CARTOONIST:
Jahleel Domingo BSCoE

Lay-out Artists:
James Bernardo BSIT-3
Shermaine Joy Dimapilis BSHRM-1
Noris Vargas BSCS-4

Mr. Abraham Contayoso
Adviser