unsung melodies

Mdpwn. Juneza-ann M. BorroEditor-in-Chief

d/C FranCIS daVe L. SeLorIoAssociate Editor

Mdpn. BeJIe d. SorSanoManaging Editor

Mdpn. John pope d. eStInoCoLiterary Editor

Mdpn. John CarL t. taGuLaLapFilipino Editor

Mdpn. John MIChaeL G. LondreSFeature Editor

Mdpn. Mark LuIS S. SedICoLNews Editor

Mdpn. CarLS adrIan B. LIBaoSports Editor

d/C tItuS Ira J. adaYonMdpn. rYo John MeL z. deLa Cruz

Mdpn. John ChrIStIan d. GueVarraPhotojournalists/ Staff Writers

Mdpwn. trISha Mae C. CanILLoMdpn. rodeL J. GaLVan

Mdpn. thoMaS rIChard e. GrazaMdpn. MarFred John V. Jauod

Mdpn. noMar raIMond G. oLIVarMdpn. keeM CathLene a. tuGuBLIMaS

Editorial Assistants

Mr. MIChaeL VInCent a. eVIdenteSAC Publication/Adviser

dr. eLnora C. eLIzandr. rodrIGo B. Leonor

MrS. Ma. aGneS S. GILCritics

attY. Lorna d. GeLLadaAdministrator

edItorIaL poLICY: The Dolphin is published once or twice every semester by the Publication Office of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Arevalo, Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City. Publications are carried online at http://www.jblfmu.edu.ph. Articles contained herein are personal views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official thought or endorsement. These are published to stimulate ideas and provide an open forum for discussion. The Dolphin accepts original articles from students, faculty, staff and department heads. We also solicit comments regarding our issues. All contributions must be submitted to the Publication Office, legibly written, with generous space and margin. You may also e-mail them to [email protected].

Vol. 54 No. 1 November 2014

Municipality of San Joaquin

Brgy. Ginot-an, San Joaquin, Iloilo

Mr. Hector S. Secapuri

Mr. and Mrs. Joaquin Sedicol

Mr. Romeo N. Nicar

Karen Faith Yunque

Marzh Rapinan

Mdpn. Ronald Allan C. Choa and Family

Mrs. Johna Miranda and family

Municipality of Calinog

Calinog Police Station

Mr. Bernabe A. Basbas

Ret. Mstr. Sgt. Felimon and Rowena Densing

3rd Infantry Division, Jamindan Capiz

Mrs. Rowena C. Rafil

Mr. & Mrs. Edwin Borro and Family

Ms. Mary Hope L. Torrechante

Mr. Benjie Lloyd L. Selibio

Mr. Ralph A. Peñalosa

Think Logic Recording Studio

Lt. Col. Aniano B. Orap-orap Jr.

Maj. Gen. Leonardo B. Guerero

Sgt. Larry B. Castor

Staff Sgt. Dennis A. Abellana

Sgt. Arnold F. Cabunducan

PFC Jessie S. Lastrilla

Sgt. Dominador B. Valespin

Ptr. Rogelio Elosendo

Brgy. Garangan, Calinog, Iloilo

Caballero Brothers and Panay-Bukidnon Tribe

Unsung MelodiesThree years have passed since I’ve entered this

institution, three short years of writing for The Dolphin, three short years of acceptance and joy.

Looking back, I have never imagined that I could be a marine transportation student. I always have big dreams for myself, but seafaring was never included in those dreams.

I entered this institution with the thought of having money and a prosperous future in my mind. But then, I cannot deny the call of writing from my blood.

This semester’s issue of The Dolphin has the theme: Muffled. We have gathered stories that (probably) have never been heard before. We tried to unearth and bring you the best stories that we have gathered.

This issue took us to the heights of mountains, to the depths of the seas, to delve into the mysteries, to astounding innovations and most especially to our hearts.

To you our dear readers, whether you may be Lacsonians or not, I ask you to keep this magazine (whether you may like it or not) and do not throw it away, for it is our muffled hearts that we present to you. It is our muffled hearts that we give you.

For now, I would let my pen speak to you of its muffled melodies.

Mdpwn. Juneza -ann M. Borro Editor-in-Chief

aCknowLedGeMent

1

the doLphIn November 2014 1

EDITOR’S NOTE

CyanMagentayellowBlaCk CyanMagentayellowBlaCk

Hope on the HorizonWords by Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro

Everyday is an advent of the world's technological innovation. As the world progresses, it demands to consume electricity. And as the demand for electricity is increasing, the production and its sources are depleting.

We all know that the Philippines and most progressive countries like the United States are relying on coal, oil, natural gas, petroleum and sometimes even nuclear energy in order to power their homes, business buildings and cities. But as we continue to consume these resources, they become less and less, thus countries fight for islands or territories where resources such as these are found to be abundant.

In the busy search for fuel and amidst the loud debate conducted by the scientists, lies a muffled source of energy that does not burn out- the tidal energy.

It is a known fact that 75% of our world is composed of water. It is a big question why we do not utilize our coastal area to power our homes and our country.

Philippines is an archipelago. Every island has beaches, why not utilize our coastal areas to power our homes and our country?

The demand for electricity in our country is great. According to a statement released by the

Department of Energy (DOE), Luzon (specifically Manila) may suffer from shortage of electrical power by 2015. We can only imagine small-scale businessmen losing their businesses due to lack of electricity.

However, tidal power generation offers us a choice. The energy of the ocean's tides come from the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun upon the Earth. It is a choice for a continuous and stable supply of electricity. As long as there is water in our coasts, we will have electricity.

what IS tIdaL power GeneratIon?Tidal power generation or tidal energy is a

form of hydropower that converts the energy produced by the tides into electrical power. It consists of turbines which are propeller-like structures that turn with the tide and harness its power.

Tidal power comes from earth’s oceanic tides. The oceanic tides come from periodic variations due to the gravitational attraction exerted by celestial bodies. Due to these gravitational attractions, corresponding currents or motions in the ocean are created that result to the bulge on oceanic water or more commonly known as the rise in sea water level.

Amidst the loud debate conducted by the scientists, lies a muffled source of energy that does not burn out.

the incoming tide signifies the rise of tidal power generation

2

2 November 2014 the doLphIn

POWER GENERATION


As the water level at the middle of the ocean rises, the water from the middle of the ocean is forced to go to the shoreline, giving birth to tides. This event occurs in a never-ending manner because of the consistency of the moon’s orbit around the earth.

Tidal energy or power is the only technology that gets its energy from the orbital characteristics possessed by the celestial bodies (specifically the Earth-Moon System). However, in order to produce tidal power or energy, you must need a tidal generator.

A tidal generator is the one which converts the energy of the tidal flows into electricity. If there is greater tidal variation, the tidal current velocities can exhibit significant change and increase the potential of a site for tidal electricity generation.

Due to the earth's continuous rotation and the gravitational interaction between celestial bodies are occurring in an unfailing manner, tidal power generation is completely inexhaustible, thus it is classified as a renewable source of energy.

Being a renewable source of energy, tidal power generation is an emerging technology- a promising future for electrical stability.

hIStorYThe first recorded use of tidal energy dates

back to 900 A.D. Furthermore, it was due to archaeological expeditions that the Roman Empire was discovered to harness the power of tides. But it was during the Middle Ages that the Europeans had first recorded the use of tidal energy.

The Europeans then called it tide mill because they used this to turn their mills that grind their corns and other agricultural products.

A tide mill was designed so that during high tide, the sea water would flow towards the reservoir in a one-way gate and was then automatically closed when the tide started to fall. If the water level or tide was low enough, the stored water would then be released in order to turn the wheel that in turn would turn the millstone.

The development of modern tidal power generation started in France last 1920, however the project was abandoned due to insufficient funds.

In 1966, a company called Rance Tidal Power on Rance River in France produced the world's first tidal power station. The Annapolis Royal

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an illustration on how tidal power generation is being operated 3



Generating Station on Nova Scotia, Canada is North America's first tidal power station founded in 1984.

Today, there are currently six modern tidal power stations. Most of them are situated in Europe and South Korea.

what are the tYpeS oF tIdaL Generator?

• tIdaL StreaM GeneratorThis form of generating the tide's power is

similar to that of the wind turbines. It uses the kinetic energy of moving water to power the turbines.

The turbine (a propeller-like structure) is placed on a tidal stream. Tidal turbines are very much like underwater windmills except that the rotors are driven by consistent, fast-moving currents. The submerged rotors or propellers harness the power of the marine currents to drive generators that produce electricity. A tidal stream is a fast flowing body of water created by the tides. The turbine then takes energy from the flow of water.

This type of turbine is described to be most effective in shallow water since ships could navigate around it.

Tidal stream generator could also be built into the structures of existing bridges, land constructions such as inlets and the like.

The blades of this type of generator turn slowly so the marine life would not get caught in the system.

• tIdaL BarraGeIf the tidal stream generator uses kinetic

energy to harness the ocean's power, tidal barrage is different. It uses the potential energy in the difference of heights between the high and low tide.

It has a similar principle with the millstone. In a barrage, water can spill over the top or through the turbines in the dam because the dam (constructed for the barrage) is low. Turbines inside the barrage, harness the power of the tides in the same way a river dam harnesses the power of the river.

When the tide rises, the barrage gates are opened (just like the construction of the gate of the millstone). During high tide, the door or the barrage gate closes creating a pool or more commonly known as a tidal lagoon.

At low tide, the water is then released through the barrage's turbines creating

the pictures are some types of the propellers being used to harness the tide's power4



energy at a rate that could be controlled by the engineers.

This type of tidal power generation is more expensive compared to the other types of tidal power generation. Barrage could be constructed near tidal rivers, bays and estuaries.

• dYnaMIC tIdaL powerDynamic tidal power or more commonly

known as DTP is a new type of tidal power generation. It aims to generate power by exploiting the interaction between potential and kinetic energy in a tidal flow.

This type of tidal power generator aims to build dams which are 30-50 kilometers in length along coasts,straight out into the sea or ocean without enclosing an area.

Introduction of tidal phase differences across the dam would lead to a significant water-level differential in shallow coastal seas. It would also feature strong coast-parallel oscillating tidal currents like the ones found in UK, China and Korea.

• tIdaL LaGoonTidal lagoon is also one of the new tidal

energy generating designs. A tidal lagoon is a

body of ocean water that is partly enclosed by a natural or man-made barrier. It could also be an estuary with freshwater emptying into them.

A tidal lagoon would function like a barrage. However, one advantage of tidal lagoon is that it could be constructed along the natural coastline. The turbines within the lagoon would function as the lagoon is filling and emptying.

The lagoon could also be constructed using natural materials such as rocks, which would appear as a seawall during low tide while being submerged at high tide. The construction of the wall would allow smaller fishes to swim into the lagoon while larger predators like sharks are being kept away.

addItIonaL BeneFItSAside from being eco-friendly, the tidal

energy sector can bring significant economic benefits.

Tidal energy could power millions of homes, save millions of tons of carbons and create jobs or local employments.

If a country would invest in tidal power generation, the energy sector would greatly benefit because of the ceaseless electrical energy that the tides would supply.

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Most renewable energy comes from the sun. Solar energy could be generated in order to light up homes, buildings and generate electricity. Furthermore, the sun's heat also drives the winds creating wind energy.

In order to capture the energy from the wind, tall wind turbines are being constructed and the energies that turned the turbines are converted into electrical energies that could power homes and industrial areas.

When water vapor turns into rain, or when snow flows into the rivers and streams, the energy could be captured and turned into hydroelectric power.

Another form of renewable energy is the biomass. It is the organic matter that makes up the plants. It can be a source of fuel or in great quantities, could generate enough power to supply electricity.

We all know that hydrogen is abundant in our planet. However, it is always combined with outer elements. But if you separate these other elements from hydrogen, it could be burned as a fuel or could be converted into electricity.

Geothermal energy on the other hand uses the Earth's internal heat for variety of uses and that includes electric power production as well as heating or cooling buildings.

www.pennenergyresearch.com

Sustainable energy for Sustainable development

the construction of the propeller used was being supervised properly 5



Without carbon or other hazardous emissions, tidal energy could generate power without harming the environment. The marine life is also protected and ensured letting the fishes thrive to live a life.

The environmental and biological implications of tidal power generation is so little that its effect on the planet would not be felt at all. However some environmental concerns have aroused that the fouling of machineries will destroy the marine ecology, construction companies ensure that their products are marine and eco-friendly. Researches are also being conducted in order to produce or use materials in which the fishes could live or would turn into an artificial coral preserve later on.

what IS the prICe?Tidal power generation is indeed costly to

construct. However, studies in UK showed that as the tidal power generators operate through the years, the cost of electricity is declining.

If you compare it to coal, oil, natural gas, petroleum or even nuclear power plants that increase the cost of electricity every year, tidal power generation is indeed at an advantage.

***In fact, ocean energy comes from a number

of sources. In addition to tidal energy, there's the energy of the ocean's waves, which is driven by both the tides and the winds. The sun also warms the surface of the ocean more than the ocean depths, creating a temperature difference that can be used as an energy source. All these forms of ocean energy can be used to produce electricity.

Offering quality service and continuous supply of electricity to the consumers, as well as being eco-friendly is a huge plus factor on tidal power generation.

History may tell us something about the effectiveness of tidal power. But we remain deaf to its calling.

The world is changing, so, we need to change our ways too. If we do not open our eyes to possibilities, do we achieve progress? We would forever remain in the dark. Our cries for progress will always be muffled. Just like the cry of our ocean waiting to be heard.

Let the cry of our ocean be heard. Let the voiceless scream of sustainable energy be voiced out. Let the world live a stable and healthy life.

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the rance tidal power plant in rance river, France6



The NomadsWords by D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio

Photos by D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio

As the rooster crows, the dawn breaks. At 5 a.m., Liezel, 29, wakes up to cook breakfast for her 20 Ati children. They are not hers biologically but she chose to be their mother. Then, she would set those tiny packs of yema candy and fill those five little baskets. Her children would sell them in school, nevertheless, to support their education.

Everything is entirely new to her. Instead of the sound of crickets in the wilds of Bugasong, Antique, revving engines of motorcycles signify the beginning of the day. The green landscape filling the horizon are now concrete jungles of the relocated houses of the Iloilo old airport refugees. The unpredicted climate took them far away from what was comforting and familiar.

For the Aetas, the environment was once a safe haven. They flourished like budding flowers from the fertile soil. They slowly grew until they were able to root. They bore fruits until they were many. For nomads like them, nature is their life support. They depend on the splendor and abundance of their surroundings. Now, everything is not the same anymore. Slowly, the drastic, creeping, and discreet changes in climate in the uplands pushed them down the mountains. All they have now are sweet memories of what life was like then.

Several decades ago, food came naturally. The sharpness of their spears were enough to catch the attention of wild bores and other wild animals. Pointed arrow heads were intended to pass through feathery bodies of forest birds.

"Sang una wala gid kami gaproblema pagkaun. Ang halo maski ano oras pwede gd makadakup. Subong, ginabakal na namun ang halo 200 ka pisos kada kilo. Grabe na gd ang pagbag-o sang kalibutan (Back then, food was never a problem. Anytime we could catch bayawak. Now, we buy it for 200 pesos per kilo. The world has changed tremendously)," Liezel reminisced.

Several likely impacts of climate change in the Philippines were determined by experts. Primarily, these include change in temperature and unpredicted change in rainfall patterns.

"Patas lang gid ang ulan kag init sadtu. Tanda ko pa basta tingadlaw gane gapaligo kami sa busay kag kung tingulan gapang-habung-habong kami na sa sulod ka payag. Paktan gid sang tuko ang panahon pagkasunod nga adlaw. Sa subong, tam-an na gid kabutigun sang mga tuko (Rainy season and dry season were equal before. I could still remember when we used to take a bath in the waterfalls during dry season and hover under the blanket inside the shack when rainy

Paktan gid sang tuko ang panahon pagkasunod nga adlaw. Sa subong, tam-an na gid kabutigun sang mga tuko.

aLMoSt Made It. planted with high hopes, this corn cob is among those in the plantation in the uplands which did not survive the drought.

7


CLIMATE CHANGE


season came. The gecko could precisely predict the weather the next day. This time, they tell lies)," Liezel said jokingly.

As predicted, the mean temperatures in the country are expected to rise by 0.9 degrees celsius to 1.1 degrees celsius in 2020 and by 1.8 to 2.2 degrees celsius by 2050. All areas in the Philippines will get warmer, more so in summer months.

"Ang amun pananum labi nagid ang mais paswertehan. May bes nga damu ang ani pero may ara gid nga wala. Mala-mala ang duta. Nagakapatay ang tanum sa kakulangan sang tubig (Our farming especially corn was a game of luck. There were times when our harvest was bountiful while at times there were none. The soil was too dry. Our plantation died because of the lack of water)," Ronie, Liezel's husband shared.

There will be a reduction of rainfall in most parts of the country in the years to come. We will experience Type II climate six years from now. This means that there is no dry period all throughout the year, at all. Usual wet season becomes wetter. Dry season becomes drier. The phenomenon will be beyond measures.

According to International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Philippines is the third among

nations which are most vulnerable to disasters and extreme calamities. We are geographically positioned perfect for the ever changing patterns of typhoons. As expected, there will be more floods and drought spells.

"Sang Yolanda to wala kami ka-preparar. Daku gid ang halit sa amun. Pamatyagan ko maguba na ang kalibutan. Pangamuyo na lang gid amun naamligan. Ano pa bi kay sa bukid wala gid radyo nga makapamalita kami (When Yolanda came, we were not prepared. It caused great damage to us. I felt the world was coming to an end. I had faith on my prayers. For there was no radio in the mountains to listen to news)," Liezel recalled how they experienced the havoc brought by Yolanda.

Unlike Eastern Visayas, the local government with the help of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)informed the people in Northern Iloilo to evacuate the soonest possible. Early warning systems were put up with personnel monitoring closely. On the aftermath, lesser casualty was found in Western Visayas compared to Tacloban, Leyte. Although, more homes were taken down in Western Visayas with a total of 515, 071 according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development. While 280, 968 homes were displaced in Eastern Visayas.

Liezel looks after her newly-born just as she chose to tend over the ati children she is living with.

this goat used to be part of the herd which rely on the grass in the uplands but scarcity of food pushed them downhill.

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"Pagatapos sang bagyo, wala na gid kami mahimu kundi manaug sa patag. Indi makaabot sa amun ang mga bulig nga ginahatag sang gobyerno tungod sa kalayu-on. Ubos kalatumba ang mga kahoy. Kag ang iban nga pamilya sa amun naglalapta. Ambot kung diin sila nagkaladtu (After the typhoon, we could not do otherwise but to go downhill. The help extended by the government could not reach us due to distance. Tress fell down. Some of the families in our community scattered. We do not know where they went to)," Liezel lamented.

Evidently, the government has been pursuant to mitigate climate change and adapt to its effects. The Climate Change Act of 2009 mainstreams climate change into government policy formulations, establishing the framework strategy and program on climate change. In this purpose, the Climate Change Commission was created directly under the Office of the President.

It ensures mainstreaming of climate change, in synergy with disaster risk reduction, into the national, sectoral, and local development plans and programs. It formulates a Framewok Strategy on Climate Change, to serve as basis for the programs and planning on climate change. It recommends legislation, policies, strategies, programs and

appropriations for adaptation and mitigation. The key investments are greatly recommended such as water resources, agriculture, forestry, coastal and marine resources, health and infrastructure to achieve national sustainable development.

Solutions were framed up to address the likely impacts. To ensure sustainable water resources, designs of infrastructures such as dams shall be revisited for they pose danger to human settlement. Adaptive capacity shall be enhanced when impact and vulnerability assessments are being used in strategic and long-term planning for adaptation. Appropriate planning shall be made to avoid mismatch between water supply and demand.

For forestry, ways and policies on how to safeguard livelihoods in communities shall be improved not to further promote land degradation. Whilst, insufficient food supply could lead to malnutrition, higher poverty levels, heightened social unrest and even conflict in some areas especially indigenous tribes. This is greatly brought by decrease in yields of crops. Hence, careful assessment of primary and secondary impacts of this sector shall be made.

"Tungod sa kabudlay na sang pagpangabuhi sa bukid, nag-amat-amat na kami panaug sa mga

due to unpredicted change in climate patterns, this corn plantation of the atis dried up.

what was before a landscape of green crops and towering trees is now a wide lifeless barren land suffering from kainging farming from time to time. 9



siyudad. Nagkalaguba na ang amun pangalabuy-anan. Indi na maka-sustento ang amun palibot. Gane, damu ka makita nga Ati nga gapangayu-ngayo sa mga kalye (Due to the difficulty of living in the mountains, we slowly went to the downlands. Our livelihood were damaged. The environment could not sustain our needs anymore. Therefore, there are many Aetas begging for alms in the streets)," Liezel shared how they were greatly affected by climate change.

The increase in temperature and rain regimes triggered the outbreak of water-based and vector-borne diseases leading to higher mortality. There is an increase of health risk from poor air quality especially in urbanized areas. Malnutrition becomes more severe with frequent occurrences of extreme weather events that disrupt food supply.

"Namag-uhan gid kami sa klima diri sa siyudad. Sang nagligad tuig may lima kami ka-tuig nga bata nga namatay dira sa Lapaz. Nahibal-an lang namun nga Leukemia kag pneumonia sakit niya sang na-ospital na siya. Ginhulam lang namun ang nitso nga ginlubngan sa iya (The climate in the city is new to us. Last year, we had a five-year-old girl in the tribe who died in Lapaz. We just knew she had leukemia and pneumonia when she was hospitalized. We just borrowed the place for

her burial)," Liezel told in teary eyes.Climate change has become a global urgency.

More to it, it is a planetary emergency. As forecasted, the events will become worse. Time demands for drastic changes in our behaviour. Indeed, we came to a point of no turning back.

Eventually, Liezel and the Ati tribe will get used to this new normal. Each day, they will face unpredicted circumstances. The geckos will keep on telling lies. Survival is the only option they have. If they fail to adapt, their names will just vanish in history books. Their stories will become fairy tales. Worse, they might be forgotten.

But the collective effort of the government and NGOs to mitigate climate change and adapt to it will be more effective with our help. We are a hero generation. We are the generation who ended Martial Law through people power. We are the generation who bravely fought to give this nation its freedom. As what Al Gore said, 'we ought to approach this challenge with a sense of profound joy and gratitude that we are the generation by which, a thousand years from now, philharmonic orchestras and poets and singers will celebrate by saying, they were the ones that found it within themselves to solve this crisis and lay the basis for a bright and optimistic human future'.

Climate Change act of 2009

It is the policy of the State to afford full protection and the advancement of the right of the people to a healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

As a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the State adopts the ultimate objective of the Convention which is the stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere which should be achieved within a time frame.

Recognizing the vulnerability of the Philippine archipelago and its local communities to potential dangerous consequences of climate change, the State shall cooperate with the global community in the resolution of climate change issues, including disaster risk reduction. It shall be the policy of the State to enjoin the participation of national and local governments and nongovernment organizations to prevent and reduce the adverse impacts of climate change.

Further recognizing that climate change and disaster risk reduction are closely interrelated and effective disaster risk reduction will enhance climate change adaptive capacity, the State shall integrate disaster risk reduction into climate change programs and initiatives.

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to systematically integrate the concept of climate change in various phases of policy formulation, development plans, poverty reduction strategies and other development tools and techniques by all agencies and instrumentalities of the government.

www.wikipedia.com

Photo Courtesy Ptr. Rogelio Elosendo

the noMadS. these ati people went down from the mountains in the hopes of surviving but ended up flaunting along the streets of Iloilo City.10



There it stood. For 21 years of standing still in the tests of time, the life of this mahogany is coming to an end. The years nature fostered it will be measured by board feet. Everything will be paid off. Some parts will turn into sawdusts and some will end up buried under the ground as they would slowly turn into coal.

Standing a few meters from it, there he stood. Looking up to the mahogany's towering height, Nong Chap took a deep sigh. It is another day David was gonna face Goliath. But Goliath did not stand a chance over the young man and his chainsaw. That day, he would earn money to put food into their barely empty table. The mahogany's end would extend someone else's lifeline.

Logging would visit the headlines once in a while. There has been extensive efforts made by the government to minimize logging in the mountainous areas. Evidently, more stringent punishments were enforced. But the stories of the men behind those lumbers were unheard. Nevertheless, the sawdusts milled out of their chain saw have filled those growling stomachs of their family. The society might have labelled them based on their practice but the future they secure will never be brighter than the way they do it.

The Legal Loggers

At 9 a.m. , I sat on the street benches outside Jolibee. Few minutes after, a taxi passed by in front of me and I saw Ma’am Juneza on the front seat. The cool air flowed out the moment I opened the rear door. I sat beside Sir Dave and on my far left is Sir Jeth. Sweat flowed on my neck and forehead so I opened my bag to get my handkerchief. Suddenly, I saw the red notebook clipped with a black pen.

It was then that I remembered where our destination is. I’ve never been to Dingle, and my would-be-first visit is somehow for a purpose.

We jumped off at Tagbak Terminal and took a bus all the way to Dingle. On the way, I've seen trees-a lot of them by the roadside. Inside of me, I was thinking, “Today, another brother of yours is about to die.” Also, I have seen building of different sizes, different structures and different designs. If we sum up everything, none of those would stand if not because of timbers our forests produce.

In the outskirts of Dingle we dropped off a few hours later. At the gateway to Brgy. Libo-o, Dingle Ma’am Juneza’s dad was waiting for us. We rode the tricycle he was driving and in a few moments we were already in their place. We ate lunch and then changed clothes for we were going to a Talon or woodland. We carried with

Words by Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro and Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza

Photos by D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio

the 20 year old mahogany tree fell at the brutal strike of the chain saw

But the stories of the men behind those lumbers were unheard. Nevertheless, the sawdusts milled out of their chain saw have filled those growling stomachs of their family.

11


DOCUMENTARY


us some papers, a camera, and a mind full of questions waiting to be satisfied.

We went to the site with our subjects- the loggers whom everyone refers as nature’s worst nemesis. They were Nong Chap, Nong Vito, and Sir Jun Jun. Immediately they found the 21-year old mahogany they were set to cut down. After a minute or two, the tree which stood its ground for the past 2 decades received a fatal blow of Nong Chap’s chainsaw and slumped into the vegetation of anahaw.

Also with the use of that chainsaw, Nong Chap sliced the trunk into planks with his assistant Nong Vito. Sir Jun Jun stood beside us not very far from the loggers and explained to us how the process work. While letting the fresh planks dry a little bit, they moved to cut down a termite-infested Narra while we, the Dolphin Staff moved back into the highlands and waited for them for the interview.

It was almost 3 in the afternoon when we all settled. I did the questioning after I made sure everyone’s and everything’s set. Our objective was to listen to the muffled lives of loggers directly from Nong Chap, Nong Vito, and Sir Jun Jun themselves. Their names are Charnie B. Dalde, Jovito C. Porras, and Benjamin A. Daurug respectively. All of them are residents of Brgy.

Taguyuman, Dingle. We first asked how they started in this industry.

“Sa una, gapanilag-nilag lang kag November 2013 lang ako nag-umpisa( at first I was just observing and I started to do it myself only this November 2013),”said Nong Chap who is the hands-on chainsaw operator.

“Ako kang Mayo lang nga ja. Akun ubra helper lang ko sa ga-chainsaw ( I started this May. My part is to assist and help the chainsaw operator),” Nong Vito, his helper added.

Sir Jun Jun also told us his part in every project. “Ako ang ginakuhaan kang kahoy or dos por dos. Tapos ako man mabakal kang kahoy nga i-sarahe.Ako man gabayad kang mobilization. Bale daw ako ang ga finance (I’m the one people contact whenever they need timber. Then I’ll be the one to buy the trees to be cut down. I pay the mobilization I act as the financer of the project).”

Since the timber reserves in the high lands have lessened in number, loggers are slowly taking those in the plains. Private contractors hire them to supply wood to projects and infrastructures. Their compensation depends upon the frequency of the job. The more trees taken down, the more they earn. They only rely on probabilities to fill those silverspoons.

the mahogany tree before it received the fatal blow of nong Chap's chain saw nong Chap cutting the tree for lumber12



Contrary to the popular belief, they explained that what they are doing is completely legal.

“Basta sa pribado nga lote lang mabuol wara kaso ra. Kung bukun ti private ti mangayo pa kaw kara permit (If it’s done one private lots then it’s no big deal. If not, then you need to get a permit),” said Nong Chap.

Nong Vito seconded. “Tapos wara man ti problema kung personal nga gamit lang (Also, there’s no problem if you would only use it for personal needs).”

Both of them, we can say were novice on this field unlike Sir Jun Jun. He once supplied Dingle timber as far as Bacolod and made projects for a local gas station company.

In terms of monetary compensation, they regard “pang-sarahe” to be more than enough of what they need.

“Subra eh. Bastante gid ka tama ( Its too much abundant for us).” Said Nong Vito, married and a father of two kids. Nong Chap is also a dad and has three kids. He agrees with his pal saying, “Hindi gid mahimu sa isa aka simana waay gid (It never happened that a week passed without an order).”

In addition to that, they said that they work all-year round, unlike their previous job as masons and laborers which give them meager

income. Then I asked them what was their message as legal loggers to the notorious illegal loggers who stained the furnished name of their industry.

Nong Vito calmly said, “Bay-e sila da kay amu na illegal ila. Amu na ila pangabuhian ti bay-e lang sila da (Nevermind them. That’s their livelihood and I don’t mind them).”

He ended saying, “ Basta amun ya ara lang kami sa lote. Amu na eh may mapakaon ka sa imu pamilya, may kuhaan kaw kwarta kag hindi tinakawan ang imu inubrahan (But for us, we just do it on legal private lots. And it’s where we can get food for our family, we can generate income and we earn money without stealing) .”

Those words struck me and slapped me to wake up in a bigger reality. Just like everyone else, they are just persons who want to feed their families and find a livelihood that is legal and enough to support them.

In the days to come, more trees will come to their ends. More Goliaths will be taken down and David will continue on living a life between sawdusts and hardwood. It is just saddening that they are branded to be the root of all our ecological problems. When in fact, they only want to survive.

Logging in the philippines

Logging was a profitable business at the end of the 1980s. Actual forested land was estimated to be about 6.5 million hectares--more than 21.5 percent of Philippine territory--and much of that was in higher elevations and on steep slopes. Logs were a major foreign-exchange earner. By 1977, 8.3 million hectares of forest area were licensed for logging. In the late 1970s, the government became aware of the dangers of deforestation and began to impose restrictions. The amount of forested land and the volume of forest exports declined. By 1988, 120 licensed loggers, operating on a total area of 4.74 million hectares, cut an estimated 4.2 millon cubic meters of logs and exported 644 million board feet. The contribution of logs and lumber to total Philippine exports declined from 25 percent in 1969 to 2 percent in 1988.

In addition to the officially sanctioned logging industry, there has been considerable illegal logging. From 1955 through 1986, log imports from the Philippines, according to Japanese statistics, averaged about 50 percent more than log exports to Japan according to Philippines statistics. In 1987 and 1988, the discrepancy was considerably reduced, perhaps an indication of the Aquino government's stricter enforcement policy.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported that 90 percent of the 170 logging companies with concessions had failed to implement reforestation activities.

Source:http://www.gigsilonggo.com/sweet-bandi-in-san-joaquin-iloilo/

Marker. after 20 years of standing the tree was marked for lumber

Mdpn. Graza helps in organizing the finished products from the Mahogany tree 13



Sampaw Bato:Once a Safe Haven Words by Mdpn. Rodel J. Galvan, Mdpn. Mark Luis S. Sedicol, & Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap

Photos by Mdpn. Nomar Raimond G. Olivar

Hazy particles of fog lowered the temperature to below normal centigrade. We could feel the cold sensation the air brought into our nostrils as we tried to outweigh the amount of carbon dioxide inside our dead beat bodies. Trekking the way to this place, we wondered how the elders long ago endured the same feeling as we were having.

This was once a safe haven- a place that sheltered some Filipino fighters and residents during the Japanese occupation. This place is covered with a plethora of trees, fertile vegetation, wild faunas and pastel-colored orchids. This is truly blessed with the richness of Mother Nature. Moreover, its lengthy distance from the barrio did not hinder the elders to mount it just to be put out of sight of the Japanese’s outrageous eyes.

This place was named Sampaw Bato. Ginot-an, San Joaquin, Iloilo, August 23 – It

was 0400H when we left Mrs. Sedicol’s house located at the center of the barrio. Silence and darkness covered the milieu and even the moon had shared a minimum amount of light. There were no other sounds that we could hear except for the rustling of the leaves and the sharp clicking sounds of the crickets.

We only had one flash light and that made our adventure trickier. But that never thwarted our immense excitement to reach the top of Sampaw Bato. We had taken every step cautiously, making sure that we would not step in the animal holes.

As we reached higher altitudes, we could feel the temperature slowly degrading. The slope of the mountain became steeper making it difficult for us to balance ourselves. We had to cross a small river through a narrow wooden bridge.

After half an hour, we arrived at our first stop which was in Sitio Bating- a sitio in the barangay. It was a distance above the ground that you could spot navigational lights from ships and boats at sea though it was a seven-kilometer barrio from the coastal town. Then, our feet brought us back to our trek. On our way to Sampaw Bato, we saw various trees growing anywhere. Some were canopying our path, as if they were in a straight formation and their leaves form a roof for us.

The weather was so cold that it penetrated our epidermises and resulted to goose bumps. However, our sweats exchanged blows with it. We were now in somewhat like a ‘forested’ area wherein there were immeasurable number of trees, small waterfalls and rivers and the visible patchy fog.

There were no other sounds that we could hear except for the rustling of the leaves and the sharp clicking sounds of the crickets.

the rocks stand still on top of a mountain

14


DOCUMENTARY


The sun was readying itself to rise since we could already see each other’s visage. From our location, appeared some silvery and brawny structures. As we got nearer, we saw small native bungalows. That made us realize that we were in a small village.

The clock ticked at 0500H when we came in Sitio Balabago, also one of the three sitios of the barangay. With 10-15 houses, most of these are made in bamboo and wood. It was a far-flung place where civilization is at high price. At present, the place is on its process of putting up electricity.

As we entered the village, it was still too early for the residents’ houses to be open, most of them were still sleeping. Yet, there was a middle-aged woman, together with her son, who was in their plaza and asked us “Kamu lang ‘To (Only a few of you)?"

“Huod ta… madiretso danay kami sa Sampaw Bato (Yes auntie)," we answered.

We were half-a-kilometer to our destination. Along the trail, we could see wild sunflowers, bell-shaped flowers, and different colored faunas that would perforate our senses for nature. We were in a hurry to reach the top of Sampaw Bato, just before the sun peeked in the horizon. Meanwhile,

we stopped at the foot of the mountain to shoot a photo with the mountain as our background.

The sun had finally showed us its golden rays, making it as a superb walk while we were trekking the mountain. The cogon grasses were ubiquitous- that’s why we were so careful in what we grasped and passed by. The bouldering rocks on top were like a train, small from a distance but as we got nearer, we could see every facet of it.

At last! Our sweats were all paid off when we reached the top. The life-sized rocks, some were mounting on each other, were truly a gift of nature. The rocks, igneous in type were like mountain ranges, some mounting on each other and others were separated by a small distance. They were wide, with rough edges and had greyish black spots.

It was first named as Bato Sampaw but as time goes by, people especially travellers to Mt. Panay call it Sampaw Bato. The mountain that holds the Sampaw Bato, is surrounded with abundant trees and foliages, with fields and grassy ground soil.

Sampaw Bato or Bato Sampaw, whatever name you call it, gives a place of serenity amidst one’s fatiguing body. It gives a refreshing portrait of nature that would help unwind one's self while breathing fresh air.

Not only famous for their best-preserved Campo Santo (Roman Catholic Cemetery), San Joaquin as the southernmost municipality of Iloilo is also well-known of its sweet delicacy—the Bandi. Bandi as a type of candy is made of peanuts and caramelized sugar. For some people especially the businessmen, they also add sesame seeds that for them, improves its taste.

San Joaquin, specifically Brgy. Qui-anan, is currently entitled as the Bandi Capital of the Western Visayas. The main ingredient in making Bandi (which is the peanut) is naturally a San Joaquin-grown crop by the Bandi makers themselves. Formerly in making Bandi ,the saha sang saging (a layer of banana trunk) serves as the tray for the drying of Bandi. Saha contains moisture that enables the Bandi to dry at a minimum time after it was cooked. At present, they prefer plastic wrappers for ease.

As an honor to the Bandi makers of San Joaquin, they celebrate the “Adlaw kang Bandi” as one of the climax of their Bayluhay Festival (celebrated every third week of January).

Currently, San Joaquin is the title holder for the biggest Bandi made in the country measuring 140.65 square meters labored by seventy Bandi makers made up of seven sacks of peanuts, seven sacks of raw sugar, seven gantas of sesame seeds and three cans of cooking oil.

www.thenewstoday.info/2005/01/14/news1.htmlhttps://www.gigsilonggo.com/sweet-bandi-in-san-joaquin-iloilo/iloveiloilo.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/quianans-special-bandi/

San Joaquinhon’s pride–Bandi

MaGnIFICenCe. the sun slowly lits the horizon

two rocks mounting on each other 15



Tranquil was the place and it was an opposite scenario of the city. The fresh air damped our sweaty bodies and satisfy our cravings for oxygen. From it, we could see the bird’s eye view of the town, and even the neighboring town of Miagao and Igbaras. At the opposite angle, Antique shone its wide scope. Behind this mountain is another mountain named Mt. Panay.

Then, we ate our breakfast and had a tour around the mountain.

Sampaw Bato. This was once a safe-haven.It was indeed safe that Poras, a leader of the

HUKBALAHAP ( Hukbong Bayan Laban sa mga Hapon ), kept their rifles against the Japanese forces. They made small holes beneath the rocks where they used to keep their armaments and other equipment.

According to Mr. Romeo N. Nicar, a former Barangay Kagawad, Sampaw Bato used to be a hide out of the HUKBALAHAP in the place. Filipino troops led by Poras would hide in it through the use of weaved verdant coconut leaves and any other means that would mimic the surrounding and would deceive the Japanese warriors.

“Kang una, ang mga kamal-aman ridya nagtago sa sulod kang sara ka semana sa mga

Hapon. Wara sanda naga tig-ang, kundi niyog kag mga balinghoy lang anda ginakaon kay basi makit an kang mga Hapon ang aso kag matutulan sanda, (Long ago, elders used this place to hide from the view of the Japanese for almost one week. They did not cook rice, instead they just ate coconut and other root crops because they were afraid that the Japanese would see the smoke and they would be recognized),” he said.

Nowadays, Sampaw Bato is a resting place for people who climb the Mt. Panay during holy week. Mt. Panay, which is one of the towering mountains of the town, has steeper and more perilous paths.

After which, we ate our lunch at Mr. Nicar’s house and had a short break. Then, we left Sitio Balabago at around 1100 H, when the sun was almost directly above our heads. It did not matter since the winds brought cooling effect.

As we bade farewell to the place, it wasn’t only the footprints that we left but also the joys and memories in our hearts. In fact, we had not only trekked the place, but also we’ve learned a memoir of the past.

Indeed, it was an exhausting yet wonderful trek.

Bird’s eye view as shown from the top16



The Living DeadWords by Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz, Mdpn. John Pope Estinoco and Mdpn. Marfred John V. Jauod

Photos by Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz MYSterY. the cadaver of Lola Bebe inside the glass closet

…where Lola Bebe was buried they had seen a shining light from the grave. Some have sensed a distinct fragrance which they have not ever smelled

Others believe that mummies manifest miracles by virtue of only seeing or touching this corpse. Some claims that they are ‘guaranteed’ healing of dire health conditions and amazing good luck. They believed that this could bring them to whatever their hearts desire.

These are the allegations of local folks of Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz to the cadaver of Maria “Lola Bebe” de Juan Basañes who died of heart failure on the normal day of March 12, 1929. This unusual incident scattered all over the town and startled many to come and visit Lola Bebe, especially during Lenten season for them to be healed, to be guided and to experience her unbelievable miracles.

In the year 1882, Maria de Juan was born in the province of Cavite. At her tender years, she was taught by her parents how to pray and live a God-fearing life. They completed their Sundays by attending holy masses. Consequently, at the age of 15, she became one of the devotees of Holy Rosary.

It was in Laguna where she met her husband Catalino “Ino” Amisola Basanes who was a native of Panay, Capiz. Her heart was woven by the captivating aura of that man. At their married life, they had founded a business that sustained their livelihood. They earned profit by selling food and

clothing in the market. It was just enough for their daily necessities.

By the grace of God, the couple was blessed by a son, Jesus de Juan Basanes. They had named their son as Jesus because they want to give gratitude to the Almighty Creator for the blessings and fortunes they received throughout the odyssey of their life.

Several years later, they had procured a land in Pilar, Capiz where they built their permanent home. They had also decided to make their livelihood through netting fishes because the place was near the abundant coast of the town.

“Katung waay pa mahukay ang bangkay, mga tahu sadto nga nagasaysay nga kung maglabay sila sa patyo sang Casanayan may makita sila nga nagabanaag nga kasanag sa nitso ni Lola Bebe. May iban man nga nagasiling nga ila napanimahuan ang sa daw pinasahi nga kahamut halin sa nitso (During the time Lola Bebe was not yet excavated, group of people confessed that whenever they pass to the cemetery of Casanayan where Lola Bebe was buried they had seen a shining light from the grave. Some have sensed a distinct fragrance which they have not ever smelled),” narrated by Nicholas Garcia, Lola Bebe’s grandson.

17


HUMAN INTEREST


tIMeLeSS. Lola Bebe’s remains on display at her descendant's household

Abiding the village’s tradition, ten years after her unpredicted death, her body was intentionally excavated to accommodate the dead body of her own son. Upon opening her rotting coffin, people’s innocent eyes were petrified because the remains of Lola Bebe, surrounded by muddy water, were still intact and unbroken.

“Daw hindi magpati ang mga pumuluyo diri kay waay tana naga-agnas ang iya bangkay. Amu to gin desisyonan nalang namon nga i-preserve siya kag panitiron sa amun balay (People couldn’t really believe of what had happened to her remains. That’s why our family had decided to preserve Lola Bebe in our home.) Nicholas furthered explained.

As time passed by, the thing they called as "miracle" reached every ear of the people even beyond the borders of Casanayan, Pilar. This news pushed them to render their faith. Convinced by a living proof, many people coming from different places went to asked for a miracle of healing.

Since then, they made their choice that Lola Bebe’s cadaver should be opened for the public in order for them to closely witness how she escaped her decomposition process. There are instances where they have seen amorseco or kind of grass in Lola Bebe’s white clothing and drops of

sweat on her forehead. The townsmen believed that Lola Bebe's

living cadaver is a gift for them that will bring a new hope on the entire place. They began to treat all these things as a miracle since the time Lola Bebe's temporarily sleeping body started to show unusual happenings when it was still six-feet below the ground. Until now, Lola Bebe's remains still brings wonder to the people living in the area if it was truly a gift from God or just an undiscovered truth of science yet to explain.

Devotees express that through their regular prayers every noontime, Lola Bebe will ensure guidance to them. This strong faith serves as their assurance of being safe everyday and away in illnesses and harms.

One of the regular goers in her vicinity is Maria Luisa Clasa who said that she is being possessed by Lola Bebe. According to her, she experiences the difficulty in breathing which signifies that Lola Bebe wants to enter the temple of her body.

Maria Luisa can still reminisce the feelings she experienced when she was 16 years old. She was amidst on the brink of her dreams that night when she saw Lola Bebe’s presence in her room that seemed to be intently looking and slowly

on top of Lola Bebe's glass closet is Christ on the cross

these are the religious paraphernalia beside Lola Bebe18



what is a Mummy?

A mummy is a deceased human or animal whose skin and organs have been preserved by either intentional or accidental exposure to chemicals, extreme cold, very low humidity, or lack of air, so that the recovered body does not decay further if kept in cool and dry conditions. Some authorities restrict the use of the term to bodies deliberately embalmed with chemicals, but the use of the word to cover accidentally desiccated bodies goes back to at least 1615 AD.

Mummies of humans and other animals have been found on every continent, both as a result of natural preservation through unusual conditions, and as cultural artifacts. Over one million animal mummies have been found in Egypt, many of which are cats.

Mummification is a process in which the skin and flesh of a corpse can be preserved. The process can occur either naturally, or it can be intentional. If it occurs naturally, it is the result of cold (as can be found in a glacier), acid (as can be found in a bog) or dryness.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mummy

what is mummification?

zeaLot. Lolo richard proves Lola Bebe’s miracles

approaching her. At that very very moment and at that particular scenario, all of a sudden, a holy rosary was given to her as a symbol of Lola Bebe’s source of miraculous power.

That was the moment when Maria Luisa began to share her gift of healing to other people. This news of her healing has not just spread in the premises of their town but also to different places. This kindness is being given to others without even asking a return favor from them.

Looking on the reversed mirror of reality, some people still see this as a mystery enacted by Lola Bebe to somehow help the local folks. But some are on the verge of contradiction on this belief. They acclaim that this phenomenon is possibly explained by scientific evidence.

Doctor Erwin P. Erfe, director of Public Attorney’s Office Forensic Laboratory, justifies that Lola Bebe’s mummification is not a usual for today’s occurrences. Presence of mummies from other countries proves that preservation of cadaver is because of its environmental condition.

With his thorough investigation and further examination, he found out that surroundings greatly affected Lola Bebe’s mummification. One of the factors that slowed down the mechanism of her decomposition was the salty atmosphere that

was caused by the distant sea from the cemetery, the last resting place of her cadaver.

Doctor Erfe also considers the contribution of its cause of death to the body’s preservation. “We haven’t seen any sign of infection in her body. Lola Bebe died with a clean death, there is an absence of infection that will supposedly harbors viruses and bacteria that will help the decomposition. Thus, it was confirmed that Lola Bebe died with a congestive heart failure.”

Doctor Erfe had seen stitches on Lola Bebe’s neck as a sign that she had undergone embalming process. He added that airtight coffin was maybe used as a means of her storage that trapped insects to fasten its decay.

It is true that there are doubts and misconception surrounding Lola Bebe's mummy. It may be explained by science, or it may be a sign from God. It is up to the people of the world to judge this phenomenon accordingly. For now the people of Brgy. Casanayan, Pilar, Capiz will treasure Lola Bebe's mummy.

A little more than 75 years later since her mummification was noticed by people, Lola Bebe remains inside her glass closet, seemingly living along with the rest of the household and several generations of her descendants.

19



They Used to Know

Curiosity kills a lot of cats. As this aged aphorism travelled for ages, we are reflexively motivated to take actions or do something that we never did before. But we should not be blinded by our own enticing and impulsive thoughts. Since tomorrow is yet to be written, our personal downfalls lie behind the doors of nowhere.

“Ginhimo ko to because of curiosity kag dara man guro kang affection,” (I did that because of curiosity and perhaps brought by affection). She was Che*, 14, curious about the uncertain sensation that could be drawn from an intimate intercourse from an opposite gender. But eventually, she had miserably found her beaten self in a degrading and humiliating situation.

Way back in 2012, the deafening news about her viral video scandal scattering concealed her voice to speak her side. She was helpless and weary.

***Q: Bal-an mo bala nga may video?Were you aware about the video?A: Man-an ko nga may video. Pero wala

ako kama-an nga i-share na gali to sa iba kag ipakita kay gasarig man ako sa laki kay

palangga niya kuno ako (I know that there was a video. But I did not expect that he will share and let others watch it because I trust him for he said he loves me).

Q: Ano ang imo reaksyon sang nabal-an mo nga imo na gali video ang gakalat?

What was your reaction when you knew it was your video that was spreading?

A: Daw masalop guid ako sa lupa. Ang feeling bala nga gusto mo mag-disappear na lang haw, nga gusto mo lamunon kaw dun lang ka lupa kay nahuy-an kaw sa bilog nga campus (It seemed like I was plunged down the ground. That feeling that you just wanted to disappear, that you wanted the ground to swallow you because you have been humiliated in the whole campus).

Q: Ano ang impact sang natabo sa imo kaugalingon?

What was the impact of what happened to yourself?

A: Bahol guid ang impact eh, ang nabatyagan ko. Daw nag-naba dun guid, as in, ang pagturok ko sa kaugalingon ko. Maski ako, ginkahuya ko ang ngaran ko kag tsura ko. Tanan nga may diyan ako daw nadura dun (It made a great impact to what I felt. The way I

looked at myself before was very degrading. I, too, embarrassed my name and my face. All that I have was all gone).

Q: Ano bay gin-ubra sang pamilya mo parti sa diri?

What did your family do about this?A: Wala ako anay ginpa-eskwela ni

Nanay eh kay basi bisyuhon lang nanda ako sa eskwelahan, mas bahul ang damage nga matabo. Biskan amo to ang natabo, makita mo kung sin-o guid bala ang nagapalangga kanimu haw, despite sa tanan nga mahimo mo, bahul guid nga bulig ang nahimo ka pamilya ko. Tanda nagpangamuyo kag nagtibay kang akon kaugalingon.Todo suporta guid eh. Wara da guid ako ginbayaan (My mother did not let me to be in school because people there might bully me. It will create even more damages within me. Even though bad things happen, you will see who really loves you despite of all the things you have done. My family helped me a lot. They prayed for my strength to conquer this problem. They have greatly supported me all the way and did not ever leave me).

Q: Ano ang imo na-reyalisar sang amo to nga tiyempo?

Until Where Can Your Curiosity Take You?

A Body that

MISerY. Che watching the world away from her

Words by Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz, Mdpn. John Pope D. Estinoco and Mdpn. Marfred John V. Jauod

Photos by Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz 20


INTERVIEW


What was your realization back there?A: Ginabasol ko ang akon kaugalingon

kag ginakahuya. Pero later on, na-realize ko nga life must go on. Problema lang dyang naga-agi. Ako mismo ang mabulig kang akun kaugalingon para makatibawas sa natabo. Total acceptance of the consequences bala aw. Kay gin-obra mo, panagutan mo (I blamed and disgraced myself. But, later on I realized that life must go on. It was just a problem that would pass. I, myself will be the one to help me rise up from that happening. At the end of the day, it was all about acceptance of the consequences because since I have done it, I should stand for it).

Q: Ano-ano ang ginpang-ubra mo para makalampuwas sa muto nga sitwasyon?

What were the things that you have done in order to survive from that situation?

A: Gin-admit ko eh. Gin-amin ko guid tung ginhimo ko to kay ginahinulsulan ko guid. Ginhambal ko guid sa pamilya ko nga “sorry” kay ginguba ko ang handum kag salig nanda kanakon. Ginpatawad guid nanda ko eh kag ginbaton gihapon as a

family kag nag-pramis nga magsuporta guid tanda kanakon.Through prayers kag nag-communicate kay God. Maman-an mo guid nga my outlet ikaw kay pagkatapos mo pour out mabatygan mo bala nga may nagmag-an sa kaugalingon mo (I admitted that I have done that video. I confessed what I have done and regretted about that. I asked my family an apology for ruining their dreams and trust in me. They have forgiven me and accepted me as family as well as promised to support me. Through prayers, I communicated to God. There will be always an outlet to pour out your burden for you to feel lighter).

Q: Ano imo ma-advice sa mga tao parti sa natabo sa imo?

What can you advice to the people from what happened to you?

A: Advice ko lang, think many times before making a decision kay once nga naka-decide ka indi mo na mabawi. And don’t make decisions when you are on the peak of your emotions. Kag tuon guid ka mayad kay makabulig sa pamilya kag love yourself (I advice them to think many times before making a decision because

once you have decided to do a thing, you can never bring it back again. And don’t make decisions when you are on the peak of your emotions. And they must study well because it will help them and their family and most of all, love yourself).

***Each one of us has a tendency to be

curious at times, particularly at the stage of youth wherein curiosity is at its peak. But as we move our bodies forward, we must put in consideration that our souls will not be moving backwards. What we are now are products of what we have done from the past.

Che was maybe six feet down the ground like nobody hears her cry, but as she said, “life must go on”. It is always a compromise that moves us all along. Mistakes are inevitable for everyone but learning from those setbacks will make a whole new person.

We have done things due to curiousness that we regret. But if humans have their own deaths, miseries have too. And if curiosity has killed a lot of cats, well cats, they have nine lives.

anti-photo and Video Voyeurism act of 2009 (ra 9995)Acts punishable under the “Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009

1. To take photo or video coverage of a person or group of persons performing sexual act or any similar activity or to capture an image of the private area of a person/s such as the naked or undergarment clad genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breast without the consent of the person/s involved and under circumstances in which the person/s has/have a reasonable expectation of privacy.

2. To copy or reproduce, or to cause to be copied or reproduced, such photo or video or recording of sexual act or any similar activity with or without consideration. It is immaterial if consent to record or take photo or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s.

3. To sell or distribute, or cause to be sold or distributed, such photo or video or recording of sexual act, whether it be the original copy or reproduction thereof. It is immaterial if consent to record or take photo or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s.

4. To publish or broadcast, or cause to be published or broadcast, whether in print or broadcast media, or show or exhibit the photo or video coverage or recordings of such sexual act or any similar activity through VCD/DVD, internet, cellular phones and other similar means or device. It is immaterial if consent to record or take photo or video coverage of the same was given by such person/s.

pcw.gov.ph/law/republicact-1995Che hopes to find and reclaim herself again 21



Beyond the DustWords by Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro and D/C Francis Dave L. Selorio

Photos by Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra

enChantInG. kalikasan Falls mesmerizes the visitors

22


TOURISM


It was a long sweaty ride from Sigma to Jamindan, Capiz, our destination. We were expectant as the jeepney driver told us that we were approaching Camp Peralta.

The camp was nestled in the nook of trees that looks like a fortress, hiding it from civilization’s prying eyes. Dust greeted us as we neared the camp and as we passed a little village outside the camp, we could see its classical beauty.

Truly, Camp Peralta is not a well known tourist spot in Western Visayas. Though it is there, laying low, letting other places voice out, it lays like a dormant volcano. Though being constrained and muffled by its geographical and topographical nature, Camp Peralta will one day erupt and let the world know of its beauty, grandeur and prestige.

hIStorYThe 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division

originated from Guadalupe, Cebu. However, the increase in the number of military men demanded a large area in order to hone their skills. Thus, the 3rd Infantry Spearhead Division was transferred to Jamindan, Capiz and was dubbed as Camp Jaena Norte. On May 1, 1987, the camp’s name was changed to Camp General Macario Peralta, Jr. in honor of the local guerrilla hero.

MaJeStIC. Malinamon Falls awes the visitors with its cascading beauties

weLCoMe. the entrance to Camp peralta

the atF facility dubbed as home

away from home

Camp peralta's bike trail

Camp Peralta will one day erupt and let the world know of its beauty, grandeur and prestige

eCo-tourISMAside from being a military base, Camp

Peralta is also a home to many natural sights that could challenge you and at the same time leave you breathless. It offers the visitors an escape to the hustle and bustle of their city lives.

If you are inclined to less strenuous activities, but want to get closer with mother earth, there are fish ponds where you could get fresh tilapia for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are also picnic areas and forest parks in which you could enjoy together with your family.

If you want a leisurely exploration of the place, a bike trail is perfect for you. However, if you want to give back to nature, an “endangered specie area” and “regreening area” established by the camp and the National Irrigation Administration let you plant trees (endangered or otherwise).

Aside from the relaxing activities, the camp also offers challenging hikes and treks to its hidden treasures. Make sure that you pack your bag with camera, extra batteries, extra clothes and most especially, extra energy. Be ready to get wet in the hidden falls of the camp.

The Malinamon Falls is a 3.97 km hike from the headquarters. In order to get there, you need

23



to hire a motor cycle or an off road vehicle (which would be reliable enough to carry you to the ups and downs of the mountain). After all the hard work, the scene of the cascading beauties will take your breath away.

After exploring Malinamon Falls, take a look at another challenging hike. The Kalikasan Falls which is situated between two mountains is a sight to behold. Be ready for aching joints and burning muscles and calories when exploring this area of this camp. When you get to the falls, you would forget where you are for you will think you are in a fairy land.

The third hidden falls is the Jungle Base Falls. It consists of seven cascading waterfalls that would refresh your sore muscles and tired faces. After taking a dip to these waterfalls, it would rejuvenate your energy and youthful vigor.

other FaCILItIeSIf you want a relaxing escape from the city,

the camp also offers a wellness center which includes a tennis court, gym and could be utilized as a basketball court. There is also a soccer field which could also be made into a 600-meter jogging field. For firing enthusiasts, the camp’s firing range could be made available for practice

shooting or contests. The area could also be used to hold mini-golf tournaments.

There is also a swimming pool, where scuba diving lessons, water-safety training and survival skills could be done. The training camp also provides obstacle course which is ideal for team building activities.

Future pLanSWith the help of the local officials (including

Congressman Tony Del Rosario and Governor Victor A. Tanco) as well as the tourism officers of Capiz, Camp Peralta is continuing to move forward. Visitors are provided with Visitor’s Nook, Museum, Zip Line, Cultural Shows, Orchidarium, Bird Watching Area, Cottages and Restaurants, Efficient Transportation and Parking Areas.

***Winding roads and slippery hiking trail may

take the wind out of you. But the fulfillment of discovering the hidden falls, scouting the area and being one with nature is irreplaceable.

Our aching legs and sore muscles are the testimonies of how and why we enjoyed being in the camp. Surely we could say, Camp Peralta! We shall return!

Camp peralta's inviting pool

this steps are known as the stairway to heaven

a hidden falls at kalikasan Sanctuary

what to do:For those who want to

visit Camp Peralta, you must prepare 400 pesos for your fare (back and forth) from Tagbak Terminal.

Furthermore, if you want to stay inside the camp, the Army Transient Facility (ATF)is open to occupants for only 200 per night. You could cook your own food in the facility or buy inihaw outside the camp.

There are also mini marts and convenient stores outside the camp where you could buy your basic needs.

24



Happiness, joy, excitement and fun – these are just the things that most of us people have ever wanted. Having all these emotions, it feels like we gain self-fulfillment and contentment within ourselves. But life doesn’t work that way. It does not let anyone pass by and get to the paradise of bliss that easy. Even an amusement fair or a recreation center, locally known as ‘perya,’ which is a source of complacence and pleasure to sweet innocent children, teens and grown-ups, still holds a scar of sadness, broken heart, and everyday struggles hidden behind its bright and wonderful colors.

To understand more of what’s the secret deep within the smiling faces and enthusiasm of the perya’s employees, we decided to put ourselves in their shoes. We applied as workers of Marielle’s Recreation Center. We made ourselves instruments of glee to other people of all ages. We turned ourselves to work like what they call, ‘peryante’.

Being a ‘peryante’ means we have to enjoy what we do. We have to love even the hardest part of the job and muffle all the worries, fears and uncertainties of our hearts. For it is the only way to radiate joy to the customers and attract as much luck that the business can get, strengthened with faith and happy thoughts.

With the scorching heat of a late morning sun,

we traversed the dusty road towards the location of the ‘perya’ in Lambunao, Iloilo. Even from a distance, joyful music from their stereo and the cracking voices of their gutsy videoke singers tingled in our ears. We entered the ‘perya,’ looked around for a while to embrace the place that we would be calling home for a day. After a few minutes of sightseeing, we searched for the perya’s manager to start our endeavor. Luckily, an old man pointed us to the boy in a corner preparing lunch for his subordinates. She’s a girl, or so we thought, until we approached the man and met him face to face. His name is actually Marzh Rapinan. We talked to him about the real purpose of our presence. Without even a pinch of hesitation, the girl accommodated us like we were really one of her employees. We were delighted by her hospitality when she offered us food for lunch and briefed us about her routine.

In Marielle’s Recreation Center, there are different games that customers could play like color games, ball games, basketball shooting game, play-gun shooting game, coin-throwing game, rolling wheel game and a lot more. These are just some of what they offer to people trying to feel the essence of festivity in the place. Most of these games test the player’s luck through a form of gambling. You give out a coin without having a

Blocks and WheelsPeryantes’ untold pandemonium behind the bliss

Words by D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon, Mdpn. John Pope D. Estinoco, Mdpn. Carls Adrian B. Libao and Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano

Photos by D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon

”

“Being a ‘peryante’ means we have to enjoy what we do. Love even the hardest part of the job and muffle all the worries, fears and uncertainties of our hearts.

Fun and GaMeS. Marielle’s recreation Center brings smiles to the people

25


IMMERSION


single clue if it would be doubled or get nothing in exchange. But win or lose, sweet chuckles and heavy laughter thunder in the area. For the rides, they have four tempting and colorful kinds namely rabbit coaster, flying bee, dolphin and ferris wheel. These are usually what attract children to come. Since it’s quite risky for little kids to ride alone, their concerned parents always go along with them. It is quite a perfect moment for them to have a great bonding time together.

We are not immediately obliged to work at their game booths as long as that means, we won’t be having any earnings for the day. And since early afternoon customers are not much in numbers compared at night, one of us decided to take a little chitchat with Marzh. They talked about how ‘peryantes’ actually live. It’s true that the recreation center is all about fun. But after every night or everytime it transfers from one place, their struggles begin. It only goes to show that nothing in this world is permanent. Usually, just before their scheduled transfer from the current place they are staying, the owner would already have bidding together with the other recreation centers at a town with the upcoming fiesta next in their calendar. Transferring is never easy because it is the time that they have to disassemble every booth, including the gigantic

rides and all their belongings. It sometimes takes them 5-7 days and their truck travels about 5 trips before they can fully transfer.

Evening crickets started to sing as more kids and customers started to flood in the recreation center. Entrance fee is five pesos only and if they’re lucky enough, there’s a chance that they can go home with a lot more pennies in their pockets. We, the newly-hired ‘peryantes’ have our assigned booths to lookout. Early that afternoon, we already had familiarization and rehearsals on how to manage a certain booth that we were currently assigned. Bejie was assigned in the ticket booth of the Flying Bee ride, Libao was assigned at the ball game, Pope was assigned at the color game and I was assigned at the play-gun shooting game. While managing the booth, time ceased to exist. We felt like there’s nothing better to do in the world than being part of other people’s joy. This unexplainable feeling is so meaningful like a love potion that makes us addicted to the job.

Looking at other ‘peryantes’, some were really enjoying what they were doing. There were some who were already quite bored while others had their own ways on how to entice more customers to come in their booths. One of their ways was being energetic while cracking jokes as the game played on. Like at the color game, when blocks fell with a

Mdpn. Libao assists everyone on color ball game

Mdpn. estinoco assigned as a peryante for color blocks game Mdpn. Sorsano sells tickets for the Ferris wheel26



white color, the ‘peryante’ would say “Taya-taya sa tihaya, nagwa ang puti ginkaon ka mga agi! (Bet in lying at your back, and the white comes out, swallowed by the gays!)”

‘Peryantes’ also believe in superstitious beliefs. Like things to do on how to scare away the bad luck and attract good ones. Some of these beliefs are wiping poles of the different booths with scented oils and dowsing the soil where customers usually stand. When someone does this, some customers get curious and ask, “Excuse me, nga-a ginabasyahan mo na? (Excuse me, why are you wetting that?)” Then they would just answer jokingly, “Huod eh para matubuan kahoy! (Yeah of course so that a tree would sprout in it.)” They even secretly insert a peso coin in every pole of each booth games. They practice this belief everytime they transfer to another bid-won town.

To draw an even fine line of smile to others, ‘peryantes’ have really unique ways. Many go for fun and some bet everything they have just to win. We can say luck just came on its own way. We can’t made luck stand forever on our side. Luck is nature itself, always remains unpredictable. But for the ‘peryantes’, if luck cannot make itself, they make path for luck to ford straight to them. They have this so- called anti-negative- vibes they strictly follow.

A peryante cannot be assigned to any booth games if he cuts his fingernails or toenails before he is assigned. No one will be assigned if she had her hair cut in the recent. “Kag indi guid pwede magbantay kung nag-mercy ka kagab-e. (And someone cannot be assigned if he or she had done sensual pleasure of any kind the night before.)” Marzh added with a glint of sarcastic smile.

There was so much fun in the 'perya' that we haven’t noticed the ticking of the clock. Before we knew it, midnight was already approaching. Along with the deepening darkness of the night was the slowly fading of the people. After all the customers had gone home, the enjoyment in Marrielle’s Recreation still went on. It was now a time for ‘peryantes’ to celebrate. There were videoke singing, dancing, drinking and storytelling all over the place. Most stories told were all about reminiscing their great memories at the ‘perya’. But you are not a person if the only stories you could tell are the good ones. We discovered various past of the ‘peryantes’ before they ended up in the Marielle’s Recreation Center. There were some who no longer have families to run into while others gave up their love-life and chose the career that could sustain their everyday needs. ‘Peryas’ are like an enchantment to others that instead of chasing bigger dreams,

Fair. This is the concept of carnival intended to cause hilarity to people since then by a large exposition of rides and acts. In February 1908, the first renowned Manila Carnival was well thought-out by Captain Langhorne, an American colonialist. He appealed ₱50,000 from the Philippine Assembly to build a cockpit to set up curiosities and unveil “half-naked” Igorot tribesmen. Due to the confounded effect of such plan, Governor General James Smith transmuted the notion of the freak show into a fete of Philippine-American relations. Cameron Forbs, Secretary of Commerce, by then took the custody of preparation. With his plan, he only requested ₱15,000 from the Assembly. He procured the same amount through campaigns with private subscription such as the Carnival Queen Contest.

Manila Carnival was formerly located at Wallace Field, Luneta at the present. Commencing its origin, from Manila Carnival, to Public Carnival, it was made into Municipality Fair during fiestas. Innovations were applied and a lot of rides, games and gimmicks to attract the interest of the people were made. Until now, fair is anywhere in our country.

en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Manila_Carnival

history of philippine Carnivals

d/C adayon assigned on a shooting game 27



they are lured by its charm until they never want to leave anymore. For them, ‘perya’ is the biggest and greatest dream come true in their life.

While the merriment at the ‘perya’ continued as if there’s no tomorrow, our bodies started to feel exhausted. As much as we already wanted to dump our drained bodies in soft and comfy mattresses, the ‘perya’ offered no such thing. Their rule suggests, “Keep yourselves at home.” That means we have to find our own place to sleep. The only bedrooms they have are their game booths themselves.

The golden rays of light once again shined upon the ‘peryantes’ of Marielle’s Recreation Center, unveiling the shadow of promises of another busy day. Before anything else, we needed first to eat something to sustain our energy. Unfortunately, no breakfast was being served at the ‘perya’. Their acting manager just gave us 30 pesos each which they call dyeta for us to buy whatever food we like. Usually, others don’t care anymore about their dyeta because the amount they’ve taken from their booth’s income during their post was more than enough. The manager prepared schedule for their chores. During lunchtime, the assigned personnel prepared food for all ‘peryantes’. Every ‘peryante’ makes sure that he has fully filled his stomachs and satisfy his craving appetites in preparation for his

long and hectic night ahead. During their nighttime assignments, 'peryantes' will never have their dinner until their assigned booth is free of players.

It is now a new beginning for them to live in the present moment burying all the darkness and chaos of their past. What matters most for them now is knowing that in the perya, they have a family to call their own. It is the home they can consider as forever, in good times and in bad, in sunshine or in storm. Even though most of the time the perya earns, but there’s always a time that they lose. But none of these make them weary nor cause any worries on how to live tomorrow. Just like what elderly ‘peryantes’ used to say, “life is like a ferris wheel, what goes up must come down, sometimes you win sometimes you lose.” Despite all these ever-changing cycle, they chose to put themselves in the center that no matter what happens, they will always treasure the ‘perya’, being a ‘peryante’ and all the good times built with each other’s love.

Time flies so fast and our being a ‘peryante’ was now over. We may have left the ‘perya’, but the inspiration that it leaves within our souls is priceless. It even gives us a once in a lifetime experience that we will never forget. It reminds us of a very important lesson in our existence which is no other than – happiness is a choice.

the Ferris wheel of the recreation center Customers betting and hoping to win on the color ball game

Children waiting to ride on the Flying Bee

28



Some part of our pure Filipino blood descended from our forefathers --- the Panay-Bukidnon. They are known to be the original indigenous people of Panay island in the Philippines. Hence, when the thought of going back to them came across our minds, it never left. We took hold of it and let it drift us away into the past.

It took us two hours from Iloilo City to reach the far-flung town of Calinog, Iloilo. We took our lunch at around 10:30 a.m. in a nearby shack and got guided by some local folks. We were there for the first time. And so, the experience was entirely a peek-a-boo.

Humanity has come a long way towards the future. Although anchored to the past, we push every opportunity away from it. In the case of Filpinos, we try to preserve what was left of our roots. We revisit our history books from time to time and learn them all over again. But the Panay-Bukidnon's historical tales were seemingly murmurs in the mountains. Their faint echoes continue on reverberating across generations. Without our knowing, somewhere up there, their culture is intact and well-preserved.

Going Back to Our Roots: Panay-Bukidnon

aGonG. panay-Bukidnon is famous of their distinct music greatly incorporated with agong ensemble

We strolled around the town of Calinog until we found the Police station. We asked for relevant information and got referred to certain individuals that could help us. We shot some photos in front of the town hall while waiting for the Habal-Habal to come along. Then it was our term for a motorbike trekking in the mountains.

From the town proper, we travelled for 45 minutes to reach Balay-Tulun-an where the Panay-Bukidnons reside. Since it was raining, the rough road up to the mountains was muddy. More to it, the rocks were slippery and running water gushed down. It was a bumpy ride with lots of breath-taking moments. There were times when we would stop for a while to reposition ourselves on the motorbike.

Alongside were giant rocks and steep cliffs on the other side. We were going up and up and up. The drop in pressure was deafening just as when we were riding the plane. But the scenic view of the lowlands from atop was awe-inspiring. There were towering century-old trees shading the rich flora of the forests. The cold breeze was embracing and made me feel how it was to be back home.

Getting dirty with the mud was the most exciting part. We glided in the slopes and climbed

Words by D/C Francis Dave Lacson Selorio

Photos by Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra

Panay-Bukidnon's historical tales were seemingly murmurs in the mountains. Their faint echoes continue on reverberating across generations.

29


CULTURE


hills through rocky steps. But the life-changing experience had not started yet until we finally met the Panay-Bukidnon.

Welcoming us was Rodolfo Caballero, also known as 'Sandigan'. He was the cultural consultant of the tribe. We exchanged few greetings and immediately, he gathered the members for a meeting. We were briefed of the basic precautionary measures. We discussed over their ethics. In a few moments, they were wearing their red-dominated and embroidered ethnic costumes.

As Sandigan told, the name Panay-Bukidnon came from two Hiligaynon words --- Panay and Bukidnon. Panay refers to Panay island where they originated and Bukidnon refers to the local natives in the mountainous area of the island. They also have their own political system lead by their tribe masters.

"May ara kami ya nga sarili namun nga kultura. May mga layi de-bukid kami nga ginasunod (We have our own culture. We have our own customary law that we follow)," explained Sandigan.

On the other hand, their epic chant 'Sugidanun' is considered to be one of the longest epic ever written. If sung, it will take about two

days and two nights for the chanter to finish it. Federico Caballero also known as 'Tuohan'was named as Philippine GAMABA (Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan)awardee way back in 2000 for his laudable epic chanting. He was hailed as one of the Philippine National Living Treasures.

"May ara pa gid kami Ambahanun. Ginagamit namun ini para magpang-abi-abi ukon magtikal kapin pa kung may mga okasyon (We also have Ambahanun. We use it to make greetings or boast especially during occasions)," said Sandigan.

They are also well-known of their embroidery called 'Panubok'. The designs are indigenous patterned to different animals in the locality. Usually, the designs are inspired by birds. The designs are even featured in fashion shows in the Philippines. Several prominent people buy their designs because of its ethnicity and distinction.

"Ang pagpanubok isa sa amun ginpanubli nga mga kultura. May mga sari-sari nga disenyo nga ginbuol namun sa palibot namun, sa mga pispis kag mga tanum (The Panubok is one of the cultures we have inherited. We have different designs inspired by our surroundings, from birds and plants.)," said Mahilway, cultural master for Panubok and daughter of Federico.

Panay-Bukidnon is very famous of its Binanog

Mahilway is the cultural master for Panubok Mahilway demonstrating how their Panubok is done

Young people of the tribe are taught on how to dance Binanog Sandigan chants Sugidanun – one of their epics30



dance. It is a courtship dance in which the dancers imitate the actions of a hawk. The music is led by an agong ensemble which is played by the tribe members. The dancers make use of long handkerchiefs to manifest their motives with their partners.

"Kung ano ang aksyon sang pispis nga lawin sa kahanginan, amu ina ang ginasunod sang mga gasaot. May duwa ina ka-klase, ang tigbabayi kag tiglalaki. Ang tigbabayi puro bayi lang ang gasaot samtang ang tiglalaki, laki kag bayi ang gasaot. (Whatever the action of the hawk flying in the air, the dancers imitate them. It has two kinds, the tigbabayi and tiglalaki. For tigbabayi, the dancers are all women while for tiglalaki, the dancers are composed of a man and a woman.)," Sandigan explained.

Furthermore, military troops were put in the area mostly composed of indigenous members, letting the people know that despite the distance and seclusion they are in, tourists are safe and secure to come and go there anytime.

"Kung kis-a may ara sa amun mga indigents di nga gusto mag-apply sa army. Te kalabanan underheight sila. Pero kung ubrahan namun kasulatan nga pirmado sang tribu, ginapasugtan sila mag-intra maski nubog sila. Muna nga bilang

baylu, gabalik sila diri sa amun. (Sometimes, we have indigents who want to apply in the military. Mostly of them are underheight. But if we make a documentation signed by the tribe, they are allowed to join despite their height. In return, they serve us here.)," testified Sandigan.

In the course time, they were able to preserve their rich culture. They already have professional members of the tribe. Although some of their traditions like Binukot were already stopped because it is not applicable in the present times, they still teach these to children. They conduct classes every Saturday in the GAMABA training center making sure that their noble stories will surpass the test of time. Whatever happens, they will always be the original indigenous people of Panay island with a culture intact and well-preserved.

Indeed, the day we went back to our roots was life-changing. It felt like home. We know that some of the blood running through my veins were passed on from the Panay-Bukidnons. They took us way beyond our knowledge about our indigenous backgrounds. The three-hour close encounter with them has defined who we truly are. Wherever we go, we know that Panay-Bukidnon will always welcome us home.

Federico Caballero, a Panay-Bukidnon from the mountains of Central Panay to ceaselessly work for the documentation of the epics of his people. The epics are rendered in a language that, although related to Kiniray-a, is no longer spoken, constitute an encyclopedic folklore.

His own love for his people’s folklore began when he was a small child. His mother would lull his brothers and sister to sleep, chanting an episode in time to the gentle swaying of the hammock.

His fascination naturally grew into a desire to learn to chant the epics himself. Not long after, he conquered all ten epics and other forms of oral literature, besides.

And his influence extends far beyond the bounds of his community. He understood his vision for the culture of the Panay-Bukidnon. Perhaps even to say that he shares her vision is not an overstatement.

For his part, Nong Pedring stays resolute in his purpose. He continues to travel form his home in the mountains of Calinog to the busy district of Iloilo City , patiently doing his share in the work that has spanned nearly a decade. Yet the greater triumph is one nearer to Nong Pedring’s heart. His children and family have of late rediscovered pride in their heritage. They are no longer ashamed of their roots as they once were. To Nong Pedring, there is perhaps no better reason than this to carry on with his work.

National Cultural Commission of the Philippines

Federico Caballero: Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardee 2000

FroM the top. a breath-taking view of the panay island from Brgy. Garangan, Calinog, Iloilo 31



Taking Another StepWords by Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza and Mdpn. John Michael G. Londres

Photos by Mdpn. Ryo John Mel Z. Dela Cruz

There he is in the darkest corner of the street. He endures the exchange of toxic smoke from his so-called brothers whose burning eyes have penetrated his senses to blow the puff and even taste the powder inside the silver foil. But he is not one of them. He plays a different role.

Standing half-dead, as what his neighbors in Janiuay see him, Ricardo at 40, defies the banality of his life. He strides along a winding road that leads him to a vague destination. But one thing he is certain of, one wrong step could be his last one.

Our society today becomes more alarming than it was before. Various crimes just sprout like mushrooms everywhere, turning people to be afraid to walk the streets at night. The police do not have the ultimate power to cease all of these. Hence, police assets emerge under their shadows. This paved the road for Ricardo to support his family.

Ricardo started working as a police asset since 1997. This was when he gave up finding vacant position in police stations here in Iloilo after finishing criminology. He was then, encouraged by his friends who are policemen to be their asset. Enticed, he applied for it and immediately he was hired.

His first days were tracks of adjustments. Each time he was deployed to criminal-packed places, his fear always leaped into his heart. But as the time passed by, he learned the routines and his fear subsided. He could already manage the situations.

“Kabudlay gale maging police asset, kabuhi mo ang nakataya. Ikaw ang nagatudlo kung sino gid ang nagagamit sang illegal drugs, may illegal possession of firearms kag kun diin gatago ang mga wanted persons (It’s really hard to be a police asset, your life is at stake. You will point who is really using illegal drugs, has illegal possession of firearms and where wanted persons hide),” Ricardo shared.

Ricardo further disclosed that there are instances that he needs to spy by getting along with alleged persons and acting like a criminal. Sometimes, in situations involving illegal drugs, he is forced to use these drugs as a form of disguise. When he knows a drug user, he arrests that person if he has a virtue of warrant of citizen arrest at hand.

For him, these are all worth it because he is able to help the police in locating crimes as well as the reward he obtains from this work can suffice his family’s daily needs.

But one thing he is certain of, one wrong step could be his last one.

ricardo during the interview

32


INVESTIGATIVE


history of nBI

The Department of Investigation (later named the National Bureau of Investigation) was then formally organized in 1937 and was composed of forty-five (45) agents and approximately 100 officials and employees. These included lawyers, doctors, chemists, fingerprint technicians, photographers, research assistants, clerks, stenographers, janitors and messengers.

The formation of the DI generated considerable public interest wherein more than 3,000 applied for the initial 48 positions of NBI Agents. Physical and medical examinations were conducted by doctors of the Philippine General Hospital and San Lazaro Hospital. Of the 3,000 applicants, only 150 were allowed to take the mental test and of this number, less than 100 passed, and after the screening, 48 were certified for employment. Of these successful candidates, only 45 actually accepted appointments as Agents.

The Bureau of Investigation, later renamed the National Bureau of Investigation, came into existence on June 19, 1947, the date Republic Act 157 was approved.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Bureau_of_Investigation_(Philippines)#History

In such, he is able to feed his two children the bread of education. He has already learned the lesson, thus, he doesn't want them to be like him who easily gives up his hold on the rope of life. He wants them to inculcate the true meaning of courage and patience. After all, he dreams a bright future for them.

Nevertheless, a footprint of fear can still be traced behind Ricardo. He often receives death threats through phone calls and texts that make him anxious for the safety of his family. Moreover, he cannot be fully assured of their security by hiding in safe houses and changing of identity. “May ara oras nga gusto ko na gid buy-an ang muni nga ubra, ugaling kung ubrahon ko gid man, magutman gid kami (There is a time that I really want to give up this kind of job, but if I do, we will really suffer hunger),” Ricardo lamented.

Ricardo also learned lots of secrets of some policemen from the station he is working for. These policemen engage in illegal deeds; however, he just holds his tongue about it. He keeps himself muffled. Consequently, this also chains his foot from leaving his job because he might parcel out these misdeeds to the higher authorities when time comes.

For now, what remains for Ricardo is honesty in his work. The pledge he carved

before entering to the cell of police assets is deeply marked in his heart. He has the immeasurable courage and faith heaved from his family and God that he uses whenever situations between life and death take place. As for him, he has the guts.

Though muffled, his cooperation with the police portrays his concern to our society. He may not be known by who he is because of his countless identities, as long as he does his one goal, he will be the servant of peace. But it will be temporary for his family still emerges as his most priceless wealth among other things. As for this moment, he remains in the jail of reality.

There he is in the darkest corner of the street again. He endures the exchange of toxic smoke with his so-called brothers. Their burning eyes have penetrated his senses to blow the puff and even taste the powder inside the silver foil. But he is not one of them. He is a police asset. But soon, he will depart from it, once he sees a way out. For the meantime, he decides to take another step.

*Ricardo is a pseudonym of the NBI/Police asset mentioned above to protect his identity.

Memphatamine hydrochloride (shabu) in its raw form

Bonnet and dark shades, essential accessories for an undercover agent 33



De Quezo Kemaya(Chicken Bitter Gourd)

Salita ni Mdpn. Carls Adrian B. Libao

Mga litrato halaw mula sa www.cafeilonggo.com34


LUTONG ATIN


MGa SanGkap:

1 kilong manok na hiniwa (laman)½ kilong ampalaya¼ kilong longganisa3 nilagang itlog (hinati)30ml oyster sauce3 bell pepper, hiwain1 sibuyas, hiwainKaunting bawang, hiwainHiniwang luyaKeso (kinayod)Dahon ng sibuyas (tinadtad)Asin at pinong paminta2 kutsaritang asukal

hakBanG Sa paGLuLuto:

1. Prituhin ang longganisa. Panandaliang isantabi.2. Gisahin ang sibuyas, bawang at luya. Matapos

nito ay isunod na ang manok. Hintaying lumambot.

3. Ilagay ang ampalaya at oyster sauce. Kapag lumambot na ang ampalaya, budburan ng asin at paminta ayon sa gustong lasa. Lagyan na rin ng bell pepper at asukal upang may kaunting tamis.

4. Paghaluin ang niluluto at piniritong longganisa.5. Isalin sa lalagyan at ipatong ang nilagang itlog.6. Ibudbod ang keso at dahon ng sibuyas. Handa

nang ihain.

Mapait—ito ang unang sasagi sa inyong isipan pero pasa-saan pa mahuhuli rin nito ang hanap mong linamnam. Ihanda na ang sarili sa pagtikim nang nakakamutawi at nakakaganang kombinasyon ng manok at ampalaya. Mas isasarap pa nito ang idinagdag na longganisa at itlog na magbibigay ng kakaibang timplang swak sa panlasa mo. Sa amoy palang ay mapapa-umami kana at hindi mapipigilang umariba sa hapag. Unang tikim mo ay agad mong malalasap ang pinaghalong pait at manamis-namis nitong lasa na maglalaro sa iyong dila. Hindi mo mapipigilang muling tikman at punuin ang iyong kumakalam na sikmura sa sarap nitong hatid. Aangkop ito sa mainit na kanin at walang dudang papatay sa gutom mo. Siguradong mapapa-WOW! ka sa linamnam ng bawat subo na siyang mong ikakagiliw at ikakabusog.

35



Nanonoot sa repleksyon ng kanyang mga mata ang karimlan ng kanyang kublihan. Abot ng kanyang mahaba at maitim na buhok ang lumang papag na nagsilbing suporta sa makinis at maputi niyang balat. Ang kanyang mga palad at kanyang talampakan ni minsan ay hindi nadama ang likas na kagandahan ng kanyang kapaligiran.

Hinubog ng panahon ang kubong ito na naging kanlungan ng kariktan. Hinarang nito ang hubad nating mga mata na masaksihan ang pamumukadkad ng ating mahiwagang kasaysayan.

Sa pagkislap ng liwanag na dala ng bukang liwayway sa kabundukan ng Barangay Garangan, Calinog, Probinsiya ng Iloilo, siya ring kumaluskos ang mga berdeng dahon ng dantaong gulang na akasya na nakalagi malapit sa cogon na kubong pinaliligiran ng maputik na kalsada. Dito na rin lumaki at nagkamalay ang mga katutubong Panay Bukidnon.

Tradisyon na sa tribu ng Panay Bukidnon ang tinatawag na pagbukot o ang pagkukulong ng anak na babae. Isinasagawa nila ito mula sa pagtubo ng dalawang maliliit na ngipin ng bata hanggang sa makapagbayad ng dowry ang lalaking nagnanais na maging kabiyak ang batang binukot.

Tila naging bilanggo sila sa sariling mundo. Gumising na hindi alam kung bakit ipinagkait

sa kanila ang desisyong mamuhay nang matiwasay at malaya. Sa loob ng kwartong hindi pinapasukan ng liwanag, namulat sila bilang isang normal na bata. Para sa kanila wala itong kaibahan sa natatamasa na buhay ng mga kapwa niyang katutubo sa labas.

Ang pamumuhay na ito ay naging parte na ng pagkatao ni Rosita “Lapaz” Caballero, 66 na taong gulang. Nananalaytay na sa kanyang dugo ang pagiging isang binukot. Simula sa kanyang mga ninuno hanggang sa maipamana sa kanya at sa mga anak. Ang pagbukot ng babae ay nakadepende sa kanilang mga mal-am o magulang. Sa estado ng buhay ni Rosita kasama niyang ibinukot ang kanyang nakakatandang kapatid, si Sokoro Silva.

“Gaabot man sa akon kung ano ayhan kung waay ako ginbukot. Pay anhon mo daa kay amu ni ako subong (Napapaisip din ako kung ano kaya ang buhay na mayroon ako kung hindi ako binukot. Pero aanhin mo pa dahil ganito na ako ngayon),” pagtatapat ni Rosita.

Tulad ng isang makinang na diyamante, si Rosita ay itinuturing na kayamanan. Iniingatan. Tinatago. Tinatangi. Naging pang-araw-araw na pagkain niya ang baboy, manok at itlog. Subalit kapag lumagas na ang panahon ng kanyang

La Doncella PrivadaSalita nina Mdpwn. Trisha Mae C. Canillo, Mdpn. Thomas Richard E. Graza, Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra, Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano at Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap

Mga larawang kuha ni Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra

Ang Pinagkaitang Birhen

Hindi ko guid malimtan ang gab-e nga nagsulod kami nga duwa sa isa ka patadyong

paMILYa. Si Lola rosita kasama ang kanyang kamag-anak suot ang kanilang tradisyunal na kasuotan36


KULTURA


kabataan darating rin ang pagkakataong ibebenta siya ng kanyang mga mal-am.

Ang kanyang mga sakong ay kailanma'y di naranasan ang init at hapding dulot ng tigang na lupa at walang bahid ng dumi ng maputik na daanan. Tuwing iniimbitahan si Rosita kasama ang pamilya sa isang piging o mga pagtitipon ng mga tribu, dahandahan nilang isasakay si Rosita sa kanilang duyan. Bubuhatin nila ito hanggang sa lugar ng pagdadausan.

Sa paggapang ng anino ng akasya kasabay ring itinurok ni Rosita ang karayom sa pulang telang naging simbolo ng kanilang tribu. Ito ang larong naging pang-aliw niya sa sarili. Sa panubok o pagbuburda, nakakagawa siya ng mga disenyong hinahalintulad niya sa kalikasan. Ang mga disenyong ito ay tulad sa mata ng mga ibon, bulaklak ng mga halaman at iba’t ibang uri at hugis ng dahon ng mga puno sa kanyang kapaligiran.

Ang kanyang pinagdiligan ng pawis ay kanyang ginagawang damit upang ipantakip sa kanyang magandang hubog na katawan. Idinadagdag niya pa dito ang mga pisong pinagdugtong-dugtong upang gawing kuwintas at palamuti sa ulo. Ito daw ay nakakadagdag ng kanyang alindog at kagandahan.

Nang lumapit si Rosita at unti-unting sinilip ng kanyang kanang mata ang maliit na buho o butas ng kanyang kubo, nakita niya ang nananabik na mukha ni Federico “Tuohan” Caballero. Kakompetensiya ni Federico ang mga binatang nagmimithing maging kabiyak ang 15 anyos na si Rosita. Dala-dala niya ang isang kalabaw at salaping nagkakahalaga ng tatlong libong piso bilang dowry, na naging sapat na upang maangkin ang puso ng mga magulang ni Rosita.

Idinaos ang kanilang kasal sa bisa ng isang ritwal kasabay ng tatlong kinatay na baboy at “mumpo” o rice wine, bilang mga handa ayon sa pangako ng pamilya ni Federico. Ngunit ang papel ng pagiging binukot na ginagampanan ni Rosita ay hindi lang basta nagtatapos dito.

“Sang ginkasal kami, may nagbag-o guid sa kabuhi ko. Nakuntento guid ako sa kapalaran ko(Noong ikinasal kami, may nagbago talaga sa buhay ko. Kuntento na rin ako sa tadhana ko),” kuwento ni Rosita. “Basta bana mo, palanggaon mo guid( Basta asawa mo siya, dapat ay mahalin mo ng lubos),” dagdag pa niya.

Nadidinig nina Rosita at Federico ang malamig na hanging dala ng kalaliman ng gabi. Hindi pa kumukupas ang galak sa pag-iisang dibdib nilang dalawa. “Hindi ko guid malimtan ang gab-e nga

pagsasadula ng katutubong sayaw na Binanog pagtambol ni rosita ng kanilang katutubong awitin

ang kuwintas na gawa sa barya na sinusuot ng tribung panay Bukidnon

37



nagsulod kami duwa sa isa ka patadyong (Hindi ko makakalimutan ang gabing pumasok kaming dalawa sa isang patadyong),” paglalarawan niya. Sa gabing iyon naging buo ang pagiging ganap na asawa ni Rosita.

Pinagpala sila nang makapagbigay-buhay si Rosita ng walong supling. Ang pagiging prinsesa niya ay hindi tinuldukan ng kasalan. Si Federico ang nagpatuloy sa pag-aaruga sa kanya. Sa katunayan, bilang isang binukot, hindi makakakain si Rosita kapag hindi sinusubuan ni Federico at hindi rin makakainom kung ang baso ay hindi pagmamay-ari ng kanyang asawa. Bukal naman sa loob ni Federico ang pagsisilbi kay Rosita.

Sa mahabang panahon ng kanilang pagsasama, ay walang sawang inaaruga at pinagsilbihan ni Federico si Rosita. Lahat na gawain sa bahay ay si Federico mismo ang gumagawa pati sa paghanap ng kakainin at gastusin sa bahay. Sa kanyang luray na katawan mula sa pagbibilad ng sarili sa kanilang bukirin at sa kagubatan, dali dali siyang uuwi kapag sasapit ang tanghalian at hapunan para paglutuan at pakainin ang asawa. "Sa konsensya mu dulang nga pagserbihan siya asta sa ulihi. (Sa konsensiya mo na lang na pagsilbihan siya hanggang sa huli)," sambit nga ni Federico.

Kasabay sa pagtulak ng pinto ng kubo ni Rosita ay ang pagbukas naman ng kanyang kaisipan at napagtanto ang mga kakulangan niya noong panahon ng kanyang pagiging birheng binukot. Kasama dito ang edukasyon.

“Bisan ano lang daad nga ubra. Pay kung makaskwela, bisan commerce lang daad (Kahit anong trabaho lang sana. Pero kung makakapag-aral, kahit kursong commerce lang sana),” sambit ni Rosita. Ang hiling niya sana noong bata pa siya.

Habang patuloy na lumalago ang teknolohiya, unti-unti na ring sumasabay ang mga katutubong Panay Bukidnon sa pag-indayog nito sa modernong sibilisasyon. Napagtanto na ng mga katutubo na labag sa karapatan ng mga batang binukot ang pagkukulong sa kanila at pagkait dito ng edukasyon. Itinuldukan na nila ang pagbukot ng mga anak na babae dahil sa batas.

Naging sangkap si Rosita sa pagtimpla ng kasaysayan ng mga kalahing binukot. Bago sila tuluyang nilamon ng kanilang tradisyon, natanggal na nila ang tinik na nakaduro sa kanilang mga lalamunan at maisigaw ang kanilang kalayaan. Ang kubong nagsilbing madilim na kulungan, ngayon ay puno na ng liwanag ng karunungan at masaganang kasaysayan.

Naisakatuparan sa ginanap na ikalimang sesyon ng Kongreso ng Pilipinas sa Metro Manila noong ika-22 ng Hulyo 1991 ang Batas Republika ng Pilipinas bilang 7610 na naglalayong magpatupad ng mabisang proteksyon laban sa pang-aabuso ng mga kabataan sa lipunan , pagsasamantala at pang-aalipin o diskriminasyon, at pagpapatong ng nararapat na parusa sa paglabag sa nasabing batas.

Kilala bilang “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,” ang programang ito ay nagbibigay sa mga kabataang edad 18 pababa o mga taong walang kakayahang pangalagaan ang kanilang sarili ng pangunahing konsiderasyon upang mabigyang atensyon ang kanilang mga hinaing laban sa mga pang-aabusong pinagsasawalang bahala ng mga nakararami.

Nakasaad sa Artikulo 4C Seksyon 3 na ang mga miyembro ng isang komunidad ng katutubong kultura at namumuhay sa labis na kahirapan o sa lugar na may kakulangan sa pag-unlad at mabagal ang pagkuha ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan sa ikabubuting pamumuhay ay may karapatang makatanggap ng pantay na pagtrato, sapat na serbisyong medikal at proteksiyon laban sa mga pang-aabuso.

https://www.congress.gov.ph

Sa kanyang Murang edad

hIMIG. Sa mahinang pandinig ni Lola rosita ay sadyang pinagdiin sa kanya ang bawat kataga38



Ramdam na niyang unti-unting humihiwalay ang kanyang kaluluwa mula sa laman nito habang nahuhulog ang kanyang isipan sa kawalan. Biglang tinusok ng mga sinag ng isang hindi maipaliwanag na liwanag ang kanyang mga mata. Pangalawang buhay kung kanyang tawagin, ito ang naging simula ng mga bagong pahina sa buhay ni Johnny.

Nakahimlay ang kanyang luray na katawan sa bingit ng kamatayan subalit ang kanyang puso ay nananatiling buo sa pag-asang gumaling mula sa 'di maipaliwanag na karamdaman. Sa gitna ng kanyang kalunos-lunos na sakit, lumitaw sa kanyang mga pagod na mga mata ang liwanag na dala ng isang dakilang Santo Niño. Sa mabuting palad ay binigyan siya nito ng isa pang panibagong buhay buhat sa isang gintong bolang binigay sa kanya. Ang mahiwagang biyayang ipinagkaloob sa kanya ng Santo Niño ay may katumbas na mahalagang misyon. Isang napakamisteryosong misyon na kanyang dapat na gampanan at isakatuparan sa bawat pag-ikot ng kanyang buhay sa mundong ibabaw.

Sa liblib ng nakausling isla ng Guimaras ay may isang natatanging tinig na sa tinagal-tagal ng pagkakagapos ay hindi na nahayaang makapasok sa mumunting butas ng ating mga tainga. Kilala siya sa pangalang Johnny. Sa biglang pitik ng

pagkakataon ang kanyang simpleng buhay ay binago ng isang pangyayaring kanyang matatawag na “Himala”. Hindi man lubos nakikila ng lipunan ang milagrosong uri ng kanyang panggagamot subalit ito ay umuusbong at gumaganap ng mabuting adhikain sa kapwa.

“Nag-umpisa ang tanan sang ginsudlan ako sang isa ka indi mabal-an nga espirito, ginapatihan nga siya isa ka tamawo kag kapid ko sa dungan nga nagabulig sa akon suno kay Iska nga akon sorhano nga amo ang nagbulong sa akon (Nagsimula ang lahat nang sumanib sa aking katawan ang isang 'di maipaliwanag na kaluluwa na pinaniniwalaang isang tamawo (fallen angel) at kapatid ko sa aking espirito ayon sa aking espiritistang si Iska na siyang gumamot sa akin),” paliwanag ni Johnny. Taong 1983 ay nagsimulang manggamot si Johnny sa mga may malulubhang sakit gamit ang kakaibang kakayahan sa tradisyunal, modernong uri ng panggagamot at maging ang hindi kayang lunasan ng siyensya. Isang seremonya ang nagaganap sa tulong ng kanyang kapatid na isang tamawo na si Amigo Ronzo, pangalang tawag din sa kanya sa tuwing may gagamutin. Si Amigo Ronzo ay milagrosong manggagamot siya gamit ang kanyang banal na ritwal. Sa madaling salita ginagamit ni Amigo Ronzo ang katawan ni Johnny

HiwagaSalita nina Mdpn. Rodel J. Galvan, Mdpn. Nomar Raimond G. Olivar at Mdpn. Mark Luis S. Sedicol

Mga larawang kuha ni Mdpn. John Carl T. Tagulalap

kagamitang ginagamit ni Mego Johnny

Nag-umpisa ang tanan sang ginsudlan ako sang isa ka indi mabal-an nga espirito, ginapatihan nga siya isa ka tamawo

39


MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN


upang manggamot sa mga may hindi maipaliwanag na uri ng karamdaman.

Mula sa pagbigkas ng ilang mahiwagang orasyon hanggang sa pagsindi ng tatlong malalaking kandila ay pinaghahandaan ng maigi ni Johnny ang kanyang gawain. Sa loob ng isang madilim na kwarto, may larawan ng isang Santo Niño sa bandang kaliwa. Sa mismong harapan nito ay nakasabit ang malaking berdeng rosaryo at sa ibabaw ng lamesa ay nakalatag ang mahahalagang sangkap na ginagamit. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang Lana Milagrosa (ginagamit upang malaman ang uri ng sakit), Libreta (aklat ng mga halamang gamot), isang kulay berdeng bola na nakalagay sa loob ng palanggana at iba pa. May pamantayan din na dapat sundin ang mga pasyente sa loob ng seremonya . Kailangang Amigo Ronzo o Amigo lang ang dapat na itawag kay Johnny sa oras ng panggagamot. Bawal hawakan o hipuin ang mga bagay sa ibabaw ng mesa at maaari lang tawagin si Johnny sa pangalan nito pagkatapos ng buong seremonya.

“Wala ko kabalo kon ano ang nagakatabo sa akon sa ti-on nga ginasaniban ako ni Amigo Ronzo. Ang hambal sang iban nagabata daw ang akon nga hitsura kag daw landong lang guid daw ako (Hindi ko alam kung ano ang nangyayari sa akin sa tuwing sinasaniban ako ni Amigo Ronzo basta ang

sabi daw ng iba ay bumabata daw at pawang anino lamang ako),” dagdag pa ni Johnny.

Ayon sa pagsusuri nito, kapag sumpa o ina-aswang ang uri ng sakit ay gagamutin niya ito gamit ang lana de agua (kumpletong sangkap ng halamang gamot) at ilan pang uri ng lunas mula sa pinaghalong bisa ng ibat-ibang sangkap ng halaman. Kapag ang sakit naman ay may kinalaman sa siyensya gaya ng cancer, diabetes, hepatitis, leukemia at iba pang uri ng malubhang sakit ay bibigyan niya ito ng mabisang gamot medikal mula pa sa palasyo ng mga tamawo. Pagkatapos masiguro ni Amigo Ronzo ang kalagayan ng kanyang pasyente at tuluyan itong gumaling sa patuloy na paggamit ng mga gamot na kanyang binigay ay babalik ito para sa huling araw ng lubusang pagkagaling at tutupad sa kanyang panaad(magpasalamat sa Diyos). Ang pagbayad ng pasyente kay Johnny ay nakadepende sa kung magkano ang halagang sinisingil ni Amigo Ronzo.

“Tuod guid na ang mga sugilanon nahanungod sa mga tamawo, kay sila na ang mga fallen angels nga gindagdag sang una sa duta sang naglisa sila sa sugo sang Ginoo, may mga gahum na sila kag gapuyo sa ila palasyo sa Bulkan Kanlaon (Totoo ang mga haka-haka tungkol sa mga tamawo , sila ay mga anghel na inilaglag ng Diyos dito sa lupa,

Isang uri ng sakit sa kamay

Mga naiwang halaman sa panggagamotBabaeng nagpapagamot kay Mego Johnny

Lugar kung saan ginagawa ang ritwal40



may kapangyarihan sila at nakatira sa palasyo ng Bulkang Kanlaon),” paliwanag ni Johnny.

Marami na ang mga sumubok at naniwala sa paraan ng panggagamot ni Amigo Ronzo. Patunay dito si Gng. Elena. Taong 2010 nang dapuan siya ng sakit na kidney cancer. Malubha na ang kanyang karamdaman at may taning na ang kanyang buhay. Agad siyang nagpagamot kay Amigo Ronzo at sa loob ng apat na taon na patuloy na pagpapagamot ay gumaling siya sa kanyang sakit. Humaba pa ang kanyang buhay sa inilaang taning sa kanya ng doktor. Lubos ang kanyang pasasalamat kay Amigo Ronzo at sa Panginoong Diyos sa kanyang paggaling. Gayunpaman, ang kanyang panaad ay ang tumungo sa tatlong malalaking simbahang inutos sa kanya ni Amigo Ronzo – ang Simbahan ng Baclaran, Mana-oag at Novaliches – upang magsindi ng kandila, magsimba at magpasalamat sa biyaya ng Panginoong Diyos.

“Biskan amu ini nga gagamit ako sang gahum sa pagpamulong indi buot silingon nga ginalapas ko na ang kasugo-an sang Ginoo, ang ini nga bugay bal-an ko hatag sa akon sang Ginoo para makapamulong sang mga sakit nga indi kaya bul-ngon sang siyensya. Indi ako mag-untat sa akon ginaubra kay ini misyon nga ginhatag sa akon sang Santo Niño (Kahit na gumagamit ako

ng kapangyarihan sa panggagamot, hindi ibig sabihin na nilalabag ko na ang aral ng Panginoon. Ang biyayang ito ay alam kong galing mismo sa Kanya at gagamitin ko ito upang makatulong sa mga nangangailangan. Gayunpaman hindi ako titigil sa panggagamot dahil ito ay isang misyong dapat kong tuparin mula sa Santo Niño),” pahiwatig ni Johnny.

May mga bagay na mahirap ipaliwanag na nangyayari sa kasalukuyan. Marahil ay gumagambala ngayon sa iyong isipan ang mga ganitong uri ng isyu, subalit ang nakakubling katotohanang ito ay may napakahalagang papel na ginagampanan sa ating lipunan. Mahiwaga ang paraan ng panggagamot ni Johnny bagamat lahat ng iyon ay biyayang kanyang pinagpapasalamatan sa Maykapal. Hindi mahalaga sa kanya ang sasabihin ng ibang tao basta ang importante ay naniniwala siya sa iisang Diyos at masaya siyang tumulong sa mga nangangailangan.

Sa malaalikabok na numero ng mga tao, hindi niya mahanap-hanap ang kasagutan kung bakit siya ang pinili. Sa bawat pagtanggap ng kanyang mga mata ng mga piraso ng nakasisilaw na liwanag ng araw ay isang panibagong pahina sa ikalawang aklat ng kanyang buhay. Siya si Johnny at ito ang naging takbo ng kanyang buhay.

Ang “faith healing” ay paggaling sa paniniwalang ang isang tao o lugar ay may abilidad na makapanggamot at makapagpagaling, na ang isang nilalang o bagay ay nakakapag-alis ng karamdaman o nakakawala ng anumang nararamdamang sakit sa pamamagitan ng koneksyon sa isang mataas na kapangyarihan.

Ito ay ginagawa sa pamamagitan ng dasal, pagbisita sa isang religious shrine o sa pamamagitan lamang ng malakas na paniniwala.

Ayon sa mga naniniwala sa faith healing, ang paggaling ay maaaring matamo sa pamamagitan ng pagdarasal o mga ritwal na nagtatawag ng presensiya ng kakaibang lakas at kapangyarihan para makapagpagaling.

Kadalasan, kamay lamang ang ginagamit kapag isinasagawa ang mga ritwal para sa faith healing.

Sinasabing ang dasal, pagsanib sa isang nilalang ay nakakapagpagaling ng iba’t-ibang sakit, partikular ang mga malalalang karamdaman.

Kadalasang iniuugnay sa isang himala ang umano’y paggaling ng isang tao.

May iba’t-ibang klasipikasyon ang faith healing base na rin sa paraan ng panggagamot ng mga taong nagsasagawa nito.

http://banderablogs.wordpress.com/2012/05/09/albularyo-espiritista-magtatawas-atbp

ano ang Faith Healing?

Mga paalala sa harap ng pinaggagamutan 41



Pasyon at Pangarap

Isa sa mga tampok na palabas na napabilang sa 2012 First Sineng Pambansa National Film Festival sa Davao City ay ang ang pelikulang Ilonggo na pinamagatang ‘Beadworks’. Ito ay tungkol sa kwento ng isang pamilya na ang kanilang ikinabubuhay ay ang pagkakabit ng beads sa mga gown at magagarang damit ng iba’t-ibang okasyon. Ipinakita rin sa pelikula kung paano naitutulak ng kahirapan ang tao sa paggawa ng mga imoral na bagay para lamang mabuhay.

Sa likod ng matagumpay na pelikulang ito ay ang direktor na si Ronny Poblacion ng Janiuay, Iloilo. Hindi siya tubong direktor dahil tumapos siya bilang mechanical engineer sa University of San Agustin. Nagturo rin siya sa unibersidad na ito sa loob ng tatlong taon sa iba’t-ibang asignatura gaya ng mathematics, technical drawing, physics at electricity. Bago rin siya sumabak sa paggawa ng pelikula ay naging isa siyang sikat na photographer.

Ang pagkahilig ni Ronny sa pagkuha ng mga makabuluhang litrato ay hindi habang buhay na nasukluban ng kaniyang kinamulatang propesyon. Nagawa niyang ibaon sa alaala ng kahapon ang totoong pinag-aralan at tinapos ang pagiging inhinyero. Ang paglipat niya sa

Salita nina D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon at Mdpn. Keem Cathlene A. Tugublimas

Mga Larawan ni Ronny Poblacion

pagiging photograper at direktor ay isa sa mga pinakamagandang pangyayari sa kaniyang buhay. Ito ang nagtulay sa kaniya upang makatulong sa pagpapaunlad ng sining sa bansa.

“After the people power, I lost my job and I was lured into my hobby. At first, it became a hobby then I turned into a professional photographer long before the analogue days, the film era pa. Everybody now is almost a photographer because they can easily get the images out of their cellphones, gadgets and small cameras. (Pagkatapos ng people power, nawalan ako ng trabaho (pagiging engineer). Kaya nahuli ako sa bitag ng aking libangan (photography). Nung una, libangan ko lang talaga. Hanggang sa naging isa na ’kong propesyonal na potograper bago pa man ang mga analogong araw, noong kapanahunang film pa ang ginagamit. Kahit sino ngayon ay halos puwede nang maging potograper dahil madali lang sa kanila ang kumuha ng mga imahe mula sa kanilang mga cellphones, gadgets at maliliit na kamera)”, Sabi ni Ronny.

Sa unang pagkakataon, nanalo siya sa patimpalak ng National Historical Institute National Photo Contest na may temang, ‘Preservation of Historical Sites and Landmarks in the Country’ bilang national winner noong taong

pagsasagawa ng pelikulang "Beadworks" ni ronny poblacion (may hawak ng kamera)

Nagawa niyang ibaon sa alaala ng kahapon ang totoong pinag-aralan at tinapos ang pagiging inhinyero.

42


SINING


1984. Pinarangalan siya sa National Library sa TN Kalaw, Maynila ng Secretary of Information Gregorio Sendania at ng National Historical Director Renato Perdon sa taon ding iyon.

Noong taong 1996, nagkaroon na naman ng isang National Advertising Photo Contest sa Glorietta ang Eight O’clock Sugarland Company, Happy Moments. Nagpadala si Ronny ng limang entri kung saan ilan sa mga ito ay pinangalanan niya ng kaniyang anak, empleyado, at mga pamangkin. Hindi niya inaasahan na pagkatapos itong husgahan ng mga hurado, lahat ng kaniyang entri ay nanalo at nahigitan pa ang ibang mga entri sa buong bansa. Siya ang tinanghal na grand prize winner, second prize winner, third prize winner, fourth prize winner at honorable mention winner.

Sa kalagitnaan ng dekada 80, pinasok din ni Ronny ang wedding photography. Sa kasalukuyan, si Ronny ay naging potograper na nang higit sa 6,000 kasalang may iba’t-ibang klase. Simula pa noon sa pangbaryo na tema hanggang sa prominenteng kasalan ng malalaking pamilya sa Iloilo, Maynila at pati na rin sa ibang bansa.

Pagkalipas ng ilang taon ay sumubok si Ronnie ng paggawa ng pelikula. Noong 2009 ay nagsapalaran siya sa Estados Unidos para makapag-aral sa bagong landas na tinatahak. Sa

kasawiang palad, maraming kailangang papeles na dapat asikasuhin si Ronny bago makapasok sa Tribica Media Arts sa Chicago na may gawa at produser ng Tyra Banks.

Ang mga hinihiling na papeles na ito ay hindi naging hadlang para kay Ronny upang matuto sa larangan ng paggawa ng pelikula. Naghanap siya ng mga pinoy na may pinag-aralan sa kaparehong larangan at nagpaturo ng mga teknikalidad sa paggawa ng pelikula.

Bago pa man pumunta ng US, ay ipinasa na ni Ronny ang pangpelikula nyang iskrip na ‘Beadworks’ sa Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) para sa isang pagsusuri. Sa ikalawang buwan pa lamang ng kaniyang pamamalagi doon ay napag-alaman niya na ang kaniyang manuskritong ipinasa ay isa sa mga napiling ipanukala ng FDCP at binigyan siya ng paunang 600,000Php para sa pagsisimula ng pelikula.

Pagbalik ni Ronny ng Pilipinas ay agad niyang sinimulan ang paggawa ng ‘Beadworks’ . Ang pagsisimula na iyon ay hindi lamang nagbukas ng panibagong pag-asa para sa katuparan ng isang maka-sining at madamdaming palabas kundi isa ring katuparan ng kaniyang pagsisikap at mga pangarap.

“BEADWORKS” Ang Beadworks ay isang

pelikulang tungkol sa buhay ng mag-asawang Mang Domingo at Aling Veronica na mahirap at salat sa opurtunidad sa matiwasay na trabaho kaya’t sinamahan niya ang kanyang sawa na buong araw na nakatapat sa pagbe-beadwork kasama ang kanyang mga anak na gumawa ng mga bagay na labag sa moralida ng isang tao para malampasan ang mahirap nilang pamumuhay.

Maraming pagsubok ang dumating sa buhay ng pamilya ni Aling Veronica na nakapagbago ng kanilang estado sa buhay. Pero sa halip na sila ay sumunod sa hatak ng kahirapan pababa, humanap sila ng paraan para makaahon at mabuo ang minsa’y isang buong pamilya kasama ang pagbe-beadwork.

ang pagbe-beadwork.Ito ay matrabahong

gawaing kamay na gamit ang isang karayom, sinulid at iba’t-ibang kulay ng “beads” na kakailanganin ng isang manggagawa. Ito ay isang malikhaing paggawa o pagdi-disenyo ng isang bagay na gawa sa tela o mga bagay na pwedeng tahiin. Sa pelikulang “Beadworks”, ito ang trabaho ni Aling Veronica na nagging tulay para mairaos niya ang kanyang pamilya sa kahirapan.

http://angsiningsapagbasaatpagsulat.blogspot.com/2012/08/reaksyon-sa-pelikulang-beadworks-ni.html

43



Salita't Himig

Ang himig ay parang ulan. Maaari itong isahod sa kahit anong salita sa kahit anong dahilan. Salita man ay magpapakaagos sa alimpuyo ng isang himig, dadaloy at bubuksan ang panibagong alapaap, babasain ang bawat tigang na pangarap at lulunurin ang bawat uhaw sa pagnanasang maawit ang bawat ibig na salitang kumukubli sa lumalagaslas na himig. Mistulang naghihintay sa sinumang magtampisaw sa mga pumapalag na himig na di mananatiling tikom.

Isa sa mga napakarami sa atin ang nagtampisaw sa himig at musika ay ang studio na Think Logic. Parang isang pugad sa mga taong naglalayong sumagip nang pa idlip-idlip sa mundong likha ng musika at ilayo ang sarili sa mga maligasgas na katotohanan buhat ng mundo at maibsan ang pagod at lungkot kahit sa sandaling pikit. Pero tulad ng isang himig ng awitin, sadyang mahirap lapatan ng nababagay na nota. Gayundin ang Think Logic.

Ang Think Logic ay binuo ng magkakaibigan ng isang banda. Naisip nilang ilagay sa iisang silid ang kani-kanilang mga instrumento. Ito’y dahil sa karamihan sa kanila ay walang trabaho. Gayunpaman, naging mahirap at walang panustos ang banda para sa istudyo na kanilang pag-eensayuhan. Sa isang bakanteng silid sa itaas ng computershop na Think Logic, doon tinipon ang

mga instrumento, para mas madali at malimit ang gastusin sa tuwing mag-eensayo kung may gaganaping gig ang grupo.

Isa sa mga nagpundar at naging tagapangasiwa hanggang ngayon ng Think Logic Recording Studio ay si Ralph A. Peñalosa, 30 anyos. Isang band drummer sa kanilang bandang kilala sa tawag na “Tyrant”- ang kaunaunahang bandang kanyang kinasangkutan. Unang taon pa lamang si Ralph sa kursong I.T (Information Technology), ay naging bahagi na siya ng isang banda. Ginugol niya ang panahon sa banda. Nagkaroon sila ng mga iba’t ibang gig band dito sa Iloilo. Ngunit di namalayang hinayaan ang sarili na lunurin at sakalin ng musika.

Nagtapos si Ralph sa kursong IT sa edad na 25 anyos. “If there’s one thing nga negative sa music muna kung ma dalman ka. By the time nga nagstart ko tukar, I was damn and fool. Tambay-tambay kag tukar lang pirme ubra ko and there is no one to guide me and no studio nga parehas sini (Kung may mga bagay na negatibong dulot ang musika ay kung hindi mo na namamalayang nalulunod ka na. Noong nag-umpisa akong tumugtog, ako ay nahihibang. Tumatambay lang at tumutugtog kasama ang banda ang ginagawa ko at walang taong gumagabay sa akin at walang studio na kagaya nito)," pagtatapat ni Ralph.

Ngunit sa aming kaibahan, may isang bagay ang magkakapareho ang lahat, iyon ang musika

Salita nina Mdpn. Bejie D. Sorsano, D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon at Mdpn. Keem Cathlene A. Tugublimas

Mga larawan kuha ni D/C Titus Ira J. Adayon

tInIG. Marami nang himig na naibulong sa Think Logic Recording Studio

44


MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN


Ngunit kanyang namalayang parang tinatapon niya na ang kanyang buhay. Dito na nag-umpisang tumugtog kasama ang bandang “Overture” nang sa gayon ay makaipon para sa kanyang pang-araw-araw na gastusin. Nagpatayo ng sariling negosyo at natatrabaho habang nag-aaral sa kolehiyo. Pinilit tinapos ang pag-aaral sa mahabang panahon sa edad na 25 anyos.

Kung may mga asal mang natutunan si Ralph, ay ang disiplina sa sarili. Ang disiplina ay sumibol sa masusing pag-aaral ng mga diskarte kung paano tugtugin ang himig ng awitin. Dagdag pa niya ang musika ay parang “stress reliever”. Sa tuwing pagod, wlang magawa o maraming suliranin na hinaharap, dinadaan niya lang na raw sa pagtugtug ng mga awitin. Dito ay nakakahanap siya ng payapa sa isipan. “Its what makes me healthy,” ika niya na may bahid ng tuwa sa kanyang mukha. Ang musika ay maririnig kahit saan at nagbibigay lakas para harapin ang buhay.

Ang musika ay parang isang salita. “Music is an opinion. Everyone is entitled of his own opinion yet have different interpretations. "Ang musika ay isang sining dahil sa mga kanikaniyang pananaw sa mga bagay. Ito ay magiging sining dahil sa nabubuong himig. Ang himig mismo ang bubuo ng mga bagay na kapansinpansin at dahil sa lahat ng kasapi ay

nag-iisa at nagtutulugan para makabuo ng iissang himig," pagsasalaysay ni Ralph.

“Pumunta kami sa isang lugar para tumugtog. Doon, maraming businessmen, lawyers, engineers at ang mga iba’t-iba pang banda, ngunit sa aming kaibahan, may isang bagay na magkakapareho ang lahat, iyon ang musika,” ika ni Ralph. Sabi pa niya ang musika ang nag-uugnay sa bawat kasapi ng banda. Kahit sila ay galing sa iba’t-ibang lugar sila ay nagkaka-intindihan at nag-iisa dahil sa musika, dagdag pa niya.

Sa nabuong paraiso, ang Think Logic, may layuning dapat walang diskriminasyon sa bawat genre ng mga awitin. Ito ay nagbibigay lugar sa mga taong nais tumawid at lumundag sa bawat nota nang isang himig. “We are here accepting everybody who has passion for music and to unite and respect every genre and to teach equality of musics."

Katulad nga ng Think Logic parang panibagong alapaap sa mga taong musika ang nakahiligan. Kaya sa bawat uhaw at tigang ang isipan, hayaan ang sariling bumabad sa bawat himig na naririnig. Malay mo ang bawat himig na ating naririnig ay iisa. Naghihintay sa bawat dilang babangitin ang mga salitang pumipilit na makaalpas. Nang sa gayon, walang himig na hindi maririnig at walang salitang mananatiling tikom.

Si Maria Carpena ang kauna-unahang babae na naging recording artist ng bansa. Isang mapait na buhay muna ang kanyang tiniis hanggang sa makamit niya ang ningning ng kanyang bituin.

Pinanganak si Carpena noong Oktubre 22, 1886 sa bayan ng Santa Rosa, Laguna. Nagsimula siyang kumanta sa simbahan bilang isang tiple (soprano) ng choir.

Naging katuwang siya ng mga madre sa kanilang mga gawain tulad ng pagbuburda. Dahil dito, naipagpatuloy niya ang kanyang pag~aaral.

Sa edad na 15, nagtanghal siya sa isang konsyerto sa Zorilla Theater noong 1901. Ito ay nagdala sa kanya upang mahalin ang teatro at nagbukas ng pintuan sa mundo ng pagkakanta.

Nagpakasal siya kay Jose Alcantara sa napakabatang edad. Nang naging 18 anyos na siya noong 1904, bigla siyang nabalo at naiwan sa kanya ang dalawa nilang anak.

Subalit nagpatuloy si Carpena na kumanta sa choir at teatro. Dito siya nadiskubre ni Severino Reyes ng marinig siya nitong umaawit sa simbahan ng Biñan. Naging katambal niya si Victorino Carrion sa isang sarswelang "Walang Sugat" at dito nagsimula ang kanyang karere bilang recording artist. Tampok din siya sa"Minda Mora", "Lakas ng Dugo" at "La Confianza Mata al Hombr".

Pumanaw siya noong 1915 sa Maynila.

Pinagkunan: Manuel, E.A. (1995). Dictionary of Philippine Biography (Vol 3). Quezon City: Filipiniana Publications.

Maria Carpena

Mga memorabilia pangmusika ni ralph mula sa iba't ibang bansa

drum set na pinag-eensayuhan sa think Logic 45



Solusyon sa may Puwang na Gilagid

Isang pamilyar na usok ang muling bumalot sa loob ng bahay ni Mang Erning*. Sa kanyang mga bihasang kamay, maingat niyang pinagdikit-dikit ang bawat piraso ng bagong pag-asa. Matapos ang ilang oras, ang pinagsama-samang mga piraso ay naging bungisngis.

***Ang ngiti ay isang mahiwagang elemento

ng buhay. Wala man itong halaga sa nagbigay, nagpapayaman naman ito sa pinaghahandugan. Malimit nating ginagawa ang pagngiti. Kapag nalagas ng panahon ang ating ngipin, gumagawa tayo ng paraan upang maiwasan ipagdamot ang ngiti sa iba. Isa na rito ang paggamit ng pustiso.

Sa modernong panahon ngayon, maraming makabagong teknolohiya ang umuusbong sa paggawa ng pustiso. Sa kabilang dako, ang mga Pilipino ay nananatili pa rin sa kumbensyonal na proseso. Sa madaling salita, ang mga kamay talaga ang pangunahing makina sa paghulma ng pustiso. Nakasisiguro ba tayo dito?

Isa si Mang Erning sa gumagawa ng pustiso. Natutunan niya ito sa kanyang kuya na nagtrabaho bilang dental technician sa mga laboratory at pagawaan ng pustiso sa Bacolod at dito sa Iloilo. Halos maglilimang taon na siyang

nagpapangiti sa kanyang mga kababayan.“Sa una, nabudlyan gid ako kay damu mga

process ang ginaagyan. Sa kadugayan, daw nakuha ko naman ang tanan, daw wala na lang sa akon subong kung mag-ubra ko pustiso. (Sa una, nahirapan ako kasi maraming mga proseso ang pinagdadaanan. Sa katagalan, parang wala na lang sa akin ngayon kung gumagawa ako ng pustiso,)”pilyong panimula ni Mang Erning.

Kumbensyonal ang paggawa ni Mang Erning. Sa loob ng kanyang bahay siya mismo gumagawa kung kaya’t hindi sapat ang kanyang kagamitan. Sa tagal niya rin sa ganitong trabaho, ang mga kasangkapang mayroon siya ay talagang gamit na ng panahon. Pwedeng maging dahilan ito upang mamuo ang mga kalawang at makasama sa kalusugan ng taong gagamit ng pustisong gawa dito.

Kapag pumasok ang kalawang sa ating katawan, maaari itong magdulot ng sakit tulad ng tetanus. Naging kaugalian na rin ni Mang Erning na hindi gumamit gloves o guwantes. Hindi na siya nagsusuot nito sa buong proseso, simula sa pagpasukat ng bunganga ng pasyente gamit ang tray hanggang sa pag-alis ng sobrang wax sa pustiso.

Inamin rin niyang ginagamit niyang muli ang

Salita nina Mdpwn. Trisha Canillo, Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra at Mdpn. John Michael G. Londres

Mga larawang kuha ni Mdpn. John Christian D. Guevarra

LIkhanG-kaMaY. ang maingat na pagbuo ng pustiso

Matapos ang ilang oras, ang pinagsama-samang mga piraso ay naging bungisngis

46


KALUSUGAN


ang pustiso ni Lola

Simula pa noong 700 B.C, pustiso na ang pumalit sa nalagas na natural na ngipin.

Ang unang pamantayan sa istilo ng pustiso ay tinakda ng mga Etruscans, mga ninuno ng modernong Italyano. Ito ay gawa mula sa ngipin ng labi ng tao o hayop.

Samantala, ang unang set ng Europeyong pustiso ay nagmula at ginawa tulad sa modernong pustiso ngayon. Subalit ang kalidad nito ay hindi masyadong maaasahan dahil mabilis masira kahit nilikha ito mula sa ivory o buto, o paminsan-minsan ay ngiping mula sa mga sementeryo.

Ang unang porselanang pustiso naman ay ginawa ni Alexis Duchâteau noong 1770. Sa pagdating ng 1791, pinasa ni Duchâteau ang proseso ng paggawa nito sa kanyang katulong na si Nicholas Dubois De Chemant. Dito nagmula ang "De Chemant's Specification". Ito ay naglalahad na “ ang komposisyon sa paggawa ng artipisyal na ngipin ay maaaring single, double, pahilera o sa kumpletong set kung saan ito ay pinakakapit at pinadudugtong sa madali at epektibong paraan at maaaring lagyan ng iba’t ibang kulay na mananatili sa matagal na panahon at dahil dito magiging kahawig nito ang natural na ngipin”.

Pinagkunan: funtrivia.com

mga ngipin mula sa lumang pustiso sa paggawa ng bago. Ang mga ngiping ito ay gawa sa porselana na kung saan mayroon itong butas na pinapasukan ng artificial gums na tumitigas habng pinalalamig. Maaari itong alisin sa lumang pustiso at gamiting muli.

Subalit pinagtanggol ni Mang Erning ang kanyang produkto. “Tinlo man ang ginaubra ko nga pustiso kag ginapabukalan ko man kung matapos na. Hindi ko man pagpasuksok sa pasyente ko kung may mabuol siya nga sakit (Malinis naman ang ginahawa kong pustiso at pinakukuluan ko naman ito kapag tapos na. Hindi ko naman ito ipapagamit sa pasyente ko kung may makukuha siyang sakit)."

Pinabulaanan naman ito ni Dr. Aniceto S. Ballesteros, isang pribadong dentista. Ayon sa kanya, napakaliit ng tsyansang may makukuhang sakit ang pasyente. Sa tagal niya sa mundo ng mga ngipin, wala pa naman siyang nababalitaang nagkasakit dahil sa ganitong proseso ng paggawa ng pustiso. Isang nakababahalang problema lamang ang kanyang nakita.

"Ang quality sang gin-ubra nga pustiso pareho kay Mang Erning ay hindi masyado credible. Wala ko kabalo sang mga kagamitan niya, so pwede ini makacontribute sa quality sang pustiso. Anytime maguba ini, unlike sa laboratory made nga

ginpolish gid kag masarigan gid (Ang kalidad ng ginawang pustiso katulad kay Mang Erning ay hindi masyadong maaasahan. Hindi ko alam ang mga kagamitan niya, kaya't pwede itong magdulot sa kalidad ng pustiso. Anumang oras masisira ito, hindi katulad sa laboratory-made na talagang inayos at talagang maaasahan)," wika ni Dr. Ballesteros.

Sa huli, sa tao pa rin nakasalalay ang desisyon kumg mananatili pa rin ba siya sa kumbensyonal o tangkilikin ang makabagong proseso. Bagamat atin lamang pgkatatandaan na kung anumang desisyon an gating gagawin kailangang isaisip kung makabubuti ba ito sa ating sarili.

***Muli na namang nakapagpangiti ng tao si

Mang Erning. Naniniwala siyang maibabalik ng kanyang likhang-kamay ang kumpiyansa ng taong muling ngumiti. Hatid niya ang bagong pag-asang pinagdikit-dikit ng kanyang mga kamay. Para sa kanya, anumang pagsubok ang darating sa kanyang buhay, patuloy siyang magpapangiti. Anuman ang mangyari, mananatiling pustiso pa rin ang solusyon sa taong may puwang ang gilagid.

*Mang Erning-hindi niya tunay na pangalan.

pagtatanggal ng sobrang wax sa pagitan ng mga ngipin

pagpipino ng ngipin gamit ang grinder paglalagay ng wax nilutong artificial gums 47



Tao sa Modernong PanahonSalita ni Mdpwn. Juneza-Ann M. Borro

Mga litrato halaw mula sa www.livescience.com

H indi natin maikakaila na sa paglipas ng mga taon, marami nang natutuklasan ang mga siyentipiko tungkol sa mga tao at sa iba pang mga bagay-bagay. Datapwat marami ang nangangarap na makatuklas ng bagay na may maitutulong sa pag unlad ng tao. Marami ring imbensyon na ngayon lamang natin matutunghayan.

Isa sa mga ito ang tinatawag na "Bionic Human." Ang "Bionic Human" ay binubuo ng iba't-ibang imbensyon na makakatulong sa tao upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng mga ito. Ginagaya ng mga imbensyon na ito ang normal na ginagawa ng mga parte ng katawan kung saan ito iginaya.

Meron tayong tinatawag na "Bionic Eyes." Ito ay nadiskubre ni Dr. John Pezar, at pinangalanan niyang Argus II Rectical Prosthesis. Nagsisilbi itong camera at kumukuha ng mga imahe, pagkatapos ay ipapadala ito sa utak gamit ang electronic signals na kukunin at bibigyang-kahulugan ng electrodes na naka-implant sa utak ng tao.

Noong 2005 naman, nadiskubre ng mga mananaliksik mula sa UCLA kung paano patubuin muli ang nasirang buto ng tao. Gamit ang UCB-1 (isang uri ng protina), pwede nitong

ayusin ang mga sira sa buto ng tao.Sa Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

naman nadiskubre ni Aaron Kowalski ang tinatawag na "portable pancreas." Ito ay may kakayahan na i-monitor at i-adjust ang blood sugar at insulin ng sumusuot nito.

Si Professor Niekirk ng University of Texas ay nakagawa ng "electronic tongue." Ito ay may kakayahan na suriin kung ano ang "chemical content" ng isang pagkain.

Ang "Bionic Arm" na ginawa ni Dr. Todd Kuiken ay may kakayahang i-interpret ang o gawin ang kung ano man ang iniisip ng utak na ipagawa sa kanya gamit ang isang linya na nakakabit mula sa "Bionic Arm" patungo sa utak. Gumagamit ito ng surviving sensory nerves para ipaalam sa utak ang temperatura, vibration at pressure na galing sa "Bionic Arm".

Ang RHEO naman na isang prosthetic knee na natuklasan nina Hugh Herr at Ari Wilkenfield ay may sariling utak. Meron itong sensors para malaman kng saang "terrain" naglalakad ang tao, para maibagay ang kanyang hulma sa "terrain" na nilalalakaran nito.

Meron ding tinatawag na "wearable kidney". Ito ay sulusyon nina Martin Robert at David B.N. Lee upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng

paG-aSa. ang matang ito na tinatawag na Bionic eyes ay pag-asa ng mga bulag upang makakita

Sa huli, nasa tao kung gagamitin natin ang teknolohiya sa kasamaan o kabutihan

48


TEKNOLOHIYA


tao na kasalukuyang dina-dialysis. Gumagana ito katulad ng sarili nating bato.

Si Damiel Hammer ng University of Pensylvania ay gumawa ng artificial cells. Ang artificial cells na mga ito ay kayang gayahin ang ruta kung saan dumadaan ang white blood cells ng tao. Tinatawag din silang "c", at may kakayahan itong magdala ng gamot diretso mismo sa parte ng katawan na nangangailangan nito.

Maraming lalake ang namumublema sa kanilang buhay sekswal (lalo na ang mga tumantanda). Naging solusyon ni Anthony Antala at ng kanyang mga kasamahan sa Wake Forest University ang pag-culture at pagpaparami ng corpora cavernosa na isang tisyu na pinupuno ng mga dugo tuwing may erection ang isang tao. Ito na marahil ang sagot sa erectly dysfunction kung saan tumatamlay ang kanilang pagkalalaki habang tumatanda.

Kung nanghihina at pumapalya naman ang inyong utak dahail sa katandaan o sa stress, isang chip na naimbento ni Theodore Berge ang sagot diyan. Ang chip na ito ay maaring pumalit sa hippocampus, isang bahagi ng utak na nagkukontrol ng short-term memory at spatial understanding ng isang tao.

Kalimitan, ang parte ng utak na ito ay

ang Smart knee na isang prosthetic leg na may sensor

ang portable pancreas na nagmomonitor ng blood sugar ng mga diabetiko

Ikinakabit ang portable kidney sa taong kinakailangan ng dialysis

nasisira ng mga sakit tulad ng Alzheimer’s at stroke. Ang implant ng chip na ito sa utak ng tao ay makakatulong upang maging normal muli ang takbo ng buhay ng mga taong may kapansanan.

Ang genome editing o ang pagpapalit ng DNA sa chromosome ng isang tao ay may malaking maitutulong sa lugar ng biomedicine. Ang mga mananaliksik mula sa MIT ay pinangalanan itong CRISPR. Ang CRISP ay may pontensyal na makatulong sa mga mananaliksik upang mapag-aralan akung anong genetic mutation ang nagbubunga ng mga sakit tulad ng autism, Alzheimer's at iba pa.

Marami pang nadiskubre tungkol sa katawan ng tao. Maaari nga'ng dala ng modernisasyon ay polusyon, bagamat hindi natin maikakaila na dala rin nito ang maraming solusyon. Sa huli, nasa tao kung gagamitin natin ang teknolohiya sa kasamaan o kabutihan.

Ngunit sa patuloy na pag unlad ng tao at ng teknolohiya, huwag sana nating kalimutan na maging tao, sa pagkat wala teknolohiya ang makapag papatao sa atin kung iwawala natin ito.

www.livescience.com

SuperheroIsa itong maliit na device na

pwedeng i-implant sa katawan ng tao at may kakayahan na i-monitor ang electrical impulses ng mga organs o bahagi ng katawan at gamutin ito kung madapuan ng impeksyon o di kaya’y masugatan.

Tinatawag itong Electrical Prescriptions or EclectRx. Ang programang ito ng Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency o DARPA ng Pentagon.

Ang biyolohikal na proseso na tinatawag na neuromodulation (o peripheral nervous system) ay minsang naantala o nagmamalfunction. Subalit kung mayroon ElectRx, mare-regulate nito di umano ang reaksyon ng neuromodulator upang mapabilis ang pag galing ng isang pasyente.

www.livescience.com

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When Somali Pirates Attack

While sitting on a life-size rock along the shoreline, I started picturing myself wearing a seafarer’s uniform, holding a steering wheel and having my expeditions across the wide blue oceans of the earth. I imagined how it feels to be like going and exploring other places just like having an adventure. I dreamed of becoming a seafarer.

But sometimes life at sea is chancy. You’re life isn’t always a lap of luxury. And there will be something that you do not expect to happen and you least expect to happen.

LLYICHEVSK, Ukraine, May 15, 2013 – It was 1600H and I could feel the warm summer breeze I was wanting when I was a child. I could not believe that I was going through on what I refer as a ‘dream’. I was in a different place with various people speaking in different languages and having diverse traditions and norms. When I felt that my food finally entered my gullet, it was then that I realized that I wasn’t dreaming.

The sun was about to set when I had my duty because my reliever went off. I was in my cover-all uniform and readied myself for duty. However, our cargo holds did not pass the inspection to load grains because it weren’t hospital clean. So, we started cleaning the cargo holds for the

inspection. I was so thankful that the crew and the officers were eager to help me familiarize and teach my basic duties. They helped me know the ropes of a seafarer’s job onboard. The next day, our cargo hold already passed the inspection, thus, the regular loading started until it was finished and my reliever had arrived.

Before leaving the port, we conducted a drill for passing a high risk area- the Somali Sea. This was done so that we would know the do's and don’ts when Somali pirates attack. Consequently, the officers and I readied the ship for voyage. I felt some tension because we will be having our voyage in one of the most perilous seas in the world- a place where you’ll either be mutilated or be a captive of the pirates.

It was nine o’clock in the morning when we left Ukraine to Mombasa, Kenya. The ship departed from the port until all that I could see was the wide berth of the oceans and the waves that tapped our ship. We arrived in Yemen and I was having my pirate watch with the 3rd officer, able-bodied seaman, and an engine cadet. At that time, our Ukrainian captain was on the bridge.

The officers told me that the pirates are using skiff. This is the boat that they are using in order for them not to be identified as pirates.

Words and Photos by D/C Geoffrey Bajala Jr.

Somali pirates from afar

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SEA EXPERIENCE


This is where they hid their rifles and other weapons they use in attacking a vessel and some seafarers would assume that they are just ordinary fishermen.

While the sun slowly concealed its light, I was called by the chief officer to substitute the Ordinary Seaman (OS) because he will be having his dinner. Having a watch during that time, the pirates started to show off. They have curly hairs with black complexion and medium height. They were using their skiff to follow us behind. However, we remained calm since we were escorted by the armed guards upon entering the Suez Canal.

We were entering the Somali Sea as the pirates continued to run after our ship. The captain had already increased the speed of the ship. Suddenly, a heavy rain poured down and started to create huge waves that hindered the pirates from following us. There was a positive outcome yet the heavy rain created a whirlpool of anxiety on my mind. At that time, I was thinking of my family especially that I am the youngest and the unico hijo of my parents. I silently prayed and asked God's guidance from above to spare us from the imminent danger. I knew that everything would be fine and nothing would happen bad

to us. I relaxed myself and believed that we can finish this voyage safely.

Thanks to Him. Everything was fine. The pirates were already out of sight

from our vessel and the weather came back to normal. I was breathing normally and the paranoid thoughts that I had yesterday were already gone. I could finally put back the smile on my face while thinking of my family and I felt excited to see them.

I continued my duty as a pirate watcher for 12 days- watching the waves trying to meet each other, wearing my seafarer’s uniform, and at the same time keeping a strong and keen faith to myself. Finally, we arrived in Kenya safe and sound.

This was just a bijou experience of mine compared to other seafarers. Others may have worse experiences. With this encounter, I have proven that it is not very easy to be in this field of profession. I knew that being a seafarer you’ll be meeting the waves of difficulties you’ll never experience in land. Your life is always at risk. You’ll be facing the perils of the sea. You’ll be facing different situations that would test how strong you are.

Every day is unpredictable.

We were entering the Somali Sea as the pirates continued to run after our ship.

protection onboard against the pirates the Somali piratesrISk. the ship’s bow is pitching while the heavy rain pours 51



ACROSS THE MILES

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unsung melodies

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