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Feature

His Share of a Story:

he Future Defender of Rights H By Maxwel John B. Berudgo

e has more than just an average day ahead of him. He hardly has time for a cup of coffee, much less time to do his usual routines before. After fixing himself, he immediately goes to work as a secondary teacher in English in a private school, ready to face the loads for the day with a bright vibrant spirit, crisp uniform, and fresh scent. But his busy day doesn’t just stop when the school bell rings at 5:30 in the afternoon. After going out of the four corners of his classroom, he immediately packs up his things and travels a couple of kilometers going to the CPC Arnaldo Boulevard Campus to attend his classes at the law school until 8:30 in the evening. That’s his life now after he has chosen the path of becoming a law student a future defender of rights.

“I see this field as the atlas of a nation, carrying and preventing it from falling to chaos…Being a lawyer is not a mere profession but a strict duty to be vanguards of justice and right…”

BEHIND THE CHOICE

Lawyers form the backbone of the legal system which affects every aspect of our complex society. They delve into the intent of laws and judicial decisions and apply it to the specific state of affairs faced by the oppressed. They hold positions of great accountability and are indebted to adhere to a strict code of ethics. But for Mr. Jotham Funclara, now 21 years old, he bravely took the challenge of becoming a lawyer in the future. He is a Cum Laude graduate of this institution and was also the Editorin-Chief of the Purisimian Magazine, A.Y. 2010-2011. “Personally, I took up law as an answer to my passion for writing, speaking, and reading… Only when I was already a part the law school did I appreciate it for what it really is about,” he said when he was asked why he took up Law. “I see this field as the atlas of a nation, carrying and preventing it from falling to chaos…Being a lawyer is not a mere profession but a strict duty to be vanguards of justice and right…” he added. According to the US

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Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Series, although there is no recommended pre-law undergraduate major for this, potential lawyers should really develop proficiency in writing, speaking, reading, researching, analyzing, and thinking logically because these skills will be needed to succeed both in law school and in the law. As for Jotham’s case, it’s an advantage on his part that he is a student writer, public speaker and debater, and a student leader during his college days because he was able to apply his experiences in his chosen field. Moreover, it’s worth-noting that he sees this field not just as a good choice of line of work but something that he could contribute to in the future in our vindictive society.

DEVOURING THE CHALLENGE More often than not, it takes eight years of around the clock study if one wants to become a lawyer someday four years of undergraduate study, followed by four years of law school. The

applicants must have a bachelor’s degree to qualify for admission. However, in order to meet the needs of students who can attend only part time, a number of law schools have night or part-time divisions just like in Jotham’s case. During the first year of law school, one of the hardest parts that they have to undergo is the process of adjustments. They usually study core courses such as constitutional law, contracts, property law, criminal law, civil procedure, and legal writing. There are even times that he has to study one hundred plus articles for just one exam and analyze mind-boggling cases. “Being a Law Student is both hard and enjoying but with good study habits, time management, and socialism, surviving won’t be a problem…” he proudly revealed. It may be somewhat difficult for him to find time to hit his books because of his set-up but he is really will powered to pursue this field.

FROM HIS VIEWPOINT

At the present, our country continues to elapse into destruction because of the besetting drastic things and sad realities. But the existence of lawyers has created a big impact in maintaining the balance in our society. They act as both advocates and advisors by facing criminal and

civil trials through presentation of evidences and arguments, and counseling their clients about their legal rights and obligations and suggest course of actions in unsolved matters. “A world without lawyers will result in a backwards, uncivilized place without rules and therefore, without peace….” he explained with a grin. With all the threats lurking in the corner, we are really in need of people who are well-equipped in defending our rights from violators and abusers, in its truest sense. And that’s one of Jotham’s reasons why he is striving so hard in reaching this dream. “The justice system in the Philippines is full of so much ideal geared toward the protection of rights and equality, however, we lack good people who uphold our laws selflessly and without bias…” he added. He also stressed about our society that is leaning towards anarchy due to the existence of different forms of biases because of the traditional politics, corrupt practices, and “pakilala” attitude that’s why he wants to be an unbiased lawyer and well versed to properly defend his clients. “…we call our batch dura lex, sed lex. The law may be harsh, but it is the law and I believe that’s the best principle any lawyer can apply…” he said.

Health

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A Smelly

Problem By Christine D. Arguelles

ecuring one’s surroundings for a healthy lifestyle can be very difficult— especially when it involves the livelihood of a neighbor. As for Analyn*, her case could get worse. She is a resident in a certain community she thinks isn’t strict when it comes to sanitation. Their neighbor takes care of ducks and pigs in their own backyard. She often complains about the foul smell that comes from them. Add the fact that their neighbor has no proper waste disposal system. Analyn always argues with her neighbor’s daughter about it. She even tried to talk peacefully to her neighbors about it but they still end up fighting. Her neighbor says, they have the right to raise animals as long a they are inside their backyard. He says that they make sure to

After Analyn complained to the Katarungang Pambarangay where action was taken twice, if the complaint still continues, the barangay officials should comply, seek help and file a certificate to file action to the higher authority which is the city health officer. Mr. Atienza Jr also added, “It’s okay for them to raise livestock as long as they don’t serve as nuisance to the community. If the nuisance still continues, we, health inspectors, will recommend the complaint to the local chief Executive or the City Mayor’s Office. Then, the complainant shall have the right to put a stop to the nuisance which is the foul odor of the livestock.” The Presidential Degree No. 856, also known as the Sanitation Code of the Philippines, which has been approved in December 23, 1975, initiates that the health of the people is of first and foremost importance for the country. It is stated in PD856 Chapter 19,

clean their pigpens and duckpin but Analyn complains that the odor is still there. According to Analyn, her neighbor has the right to their own property but not to the extent that they are already violating other’s rights by not caring about the effects of their livelihood to their neighbors. Inhaling the foul smell could cause respiratory problems which could be dangerous to her health. Analyn said, “Naililinis nga nila pero nandyan pa rin ang amoy.” She added that the waste disposal system is not properly maintained. Their neighbors don’t have irrigation for the waste from the pigs and ducks. Analyn even went to their barangay hall

to complain of these matters to the barangay captain. After the complaint, the barangay officials decided to conduct an inspection. The team who inspected the place concluded that the place was clean. After a month, the foul odor returned. For the second time, she reported it to the barangay captain but again, the area was found clean. According to Health Inspector, Joaquin A. Atienza Jr, “If settlement cannot be achieved by the barangay, the complainant has the right to elevate the complaint to the higher authority concerned. “The complaint will be passed to us by the Barangay Captain,” he added.

(Nuisance and Offensive Trades and Occupations) Section 84a; “Nuisance is anything that injures health, endangers life, offends the senses or produces discomfort to the community.” The concern of this said Decree is to secure the people’s health through the cleanliness and proper sanitation of our community and the prevention of some threats in our environment. As for this situation, it serves as a nuisance for it produces foul odor which disturbs not only Analyn but also her family as well as her other neighbors. If this continues, Analyn and their neighbors may be more prone to consequences more severe than what they initially thought. We should keep our surroundings clean for a healthy and an illness free life. We should always bear in mind that in the end, we will suffer the consequences of the wrong actions we take. Our right ends, where the rights of our neighbors begin. September-October Issue

Feature

born

Infringement of the

By Jose Arsenio A. Quinzon

n the statistical reports conducted by International Family Planning, some 400, 000 abortions are happening each year in the Philippines and the abortion rate is within the range of 20-30 induced abortions per 10, 000 women aged 15-49. Meanwhile, some 80, 000 women are estimated to be treated in the hospitals for the complications of induced abortion. These figures of abortions are large enough in a country of morality and religion and a shame for a state that promotes life but whose citizens don’t value the unborn. Abortion Defined

“The word abortion has been misused, misinterpreted, and maligned,” says Dr. Lourdes B. Capito, Chair of the UP-PGH Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The medical definition of abortion, such as that used by MedicineNet.Com, is simply the termination of a pregnancy through “the premature exit of the products of conception (the fetus, fetal membranes, and placenta) from the uterus.” There are two major types of abortions. Spontaneous abortion, otherwise known as a miscarriage, occurs due to abnormalities in the development of the fetus, and is clearly beyond the woman’s control. Induced abortion, which is the type of abortion that has the religious groups up in arms, takes place when a procedure is done to end a pregnancy.

Stand of the Government

In the Philippines, abortion is illegal as stated on the 1987 Constitution. Article II, Section 12 states that “The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution. It shall equally protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn from conception…” Also, Section 1 of the Bill of Rights says that “No person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without the due process of law, nor

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shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws”. In relation to these principles, the state enacts laws against abortion and protects the unborn from the harshness of the outside world. The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines defined the various means by which abortion is committed, by whom, and their corresponding penalties. Articles 256, 258 and 259 of the Code mandate imprisonment for the woman who undergoes the abortion, as well as for any person who assists in the procedure, even if they be the woman’s parents, a physician or midwife. Article 258 further imposes a higher prison term on the woman or her parents if the abortion is undertaken “in order to conceal dishonor”.

When does the human life begin?

On the question of when human life really begins, authorities from around the world in the fields of medicine, law, ethics, and the social sciences met together in the First International Conference on Abortion held in Washington, D.C. (October, 1967) and unanimously concluded that: “The majority of our group could find no point in time between the union of sperm and egg and the birth of the infant, at which point we could say that this was not a human life. The changes occurring between implantation, a six-week embryo, a six-month fetus, a oneweek- old child, or a mature adult

are merely stages of development and maturation.” At the very moment of conception, when the chromosomes of the father and the mother unite, a new being is created. It has, by any standard, a life of its own and in no way is part of the mother or the father. By three weeks, the unborn human being already has the beginnings of eyes, spinal cord, nervous system, lungs, stomach, and intestines. By the end of the first month of pregnancy both the brain and the heart are functioning. By the end of the third month of pregnancy, the child can kick its legs, curl and fan toes, make a fist, move its thumb, turns its head, squint, frown, open and close its mouth.

Negative effects of abortion

A common misconception is that the father of an aborted child is not affected severely. However, after the death of their baby, the disposition of some fathers also change. They develop a stronger tendency of distrust towards females and might remove themselves from anything that might generate another pregnancy. However, in most cases, it is the mother who is probably the most heavily affected in abortion case. Since she carries the baby, the mother is more attached physically and emotionally. When the child is aborted, the mother’s emotions

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undergo changes. She has an increased tendency toward rage and she might even have suicidal feelings. Abortion is miserable enough that the parents have to deal with problems, but the children they already had would be affected too. The common diseases that comes after abortion are:

Breast Cancer

Women who have aborted have significantly higher rates of breast cancer later in life.

Ectopic (Tubal) Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy is any pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus. After an abortion, you are 8 to 20 times more likely to have an ectopic pregnancy. If not discovered soon enough, an ectopic pregnancy ruptures, and you can bleed to death if you do not have emergency surgery. Statistics show a 30% increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after one abortion and a 160% increased risk of ectopic pregnancy after two or more abortions.

Infection

Mild fever and sometimes death occurs when there is an infection from an abortion. This happens in anywhere from 1 in 4 women to 1 in 50 women. Even death may be a result of abortion. Let us value life because it is the most prescious gift God has ever given us.

Down the

Road By Jinky C. Frejoles

hey wake up early in the morning; drink a cup of coffee to feed their empty stomach. Rain or shine, they are always there to convey us, to transport us safely in a span of time. They’ve been our friendly companions in our everyday transactions every time we’re in the busy streets of the city. They are none other than our hard working drivers.

Just like ordinary people, these drivers also work hard to earn something in order to feed their family. Just another day would pass with profitable earnings, and sometimes their earnings are just enough to buy gasoline so they could keep their tricycle in good condition. However, do you think poverty is a reason for them to abuse the rights of their passenger? Is being a tricycle driver enough reason so passengers could abuse a driver’s right? *** According to Mr. Armando B. Andrada of Barangay Bolo Central, Roxas City, for 25 years of being a tricycle driver, one of his rights that must be respected by his passengers is proper payment of their fare. There are times when some of his passengers don’t pay their exact fare. “Instead of paying eight pesos, they only pay seven pesos.” He knows that it’s unfair, but he would rather keep quiet and accept what his passenger paid him. Mr. Andrada stated that as a driver, he could not avoid committing traffic violations. Some of these are “No U-Turn”, “No Left Turn” signs. One of the most common concerns of passengers are drivers who choose the people they want to convey. On Mr. Andrada’s case, he does not choose his passengers. “Wala ko gina-pili akon pasahero. Kung diin man sila mapa-dul-ong, ginadul-ong ko gid na ya sila sang maayos basta tsakto lang ila nabayad,” he stated. He’s not in denial when asked whether he is able to give back the exact change of his passengers.

He said, sometimes, he no longer notices whether his change is exact or not since he’s in a hurry to convey another passenger. He says he is used to it and that it’s already normal for him to do those things. “Ang problema man dabi sa mga pasahero, wala na nila gina isip ila nga sinsilyo. Amu nga wala ko naman nasasapak kung tsakto akon sinsilyo sa ila,” he added. Mr. Andrada understands why some of his passengers do not pay their exact fare but they should always bear in mind that it’s their right to be paid properly. Since drivers serve the public and it’s their obligation to transport their passengers, then passengers should also do their obligation of paying the former fairly. *** Jenny* stated that aside from those abusive tricycle drivers who charge them above the exact fare are those who choose their passengers and refuse. She also added that since there is an implemented law wherein drivers are not supposed to refuse any passenger, then it must be followed. But once this has been violated then passengers could report this to the authorities who are concern with this matter. “Sa punto ko, may right man ta ya nga mag-pili sang aton masakyan. Right ina naton ya!” She also added that there are some drivers who cannot be trusted based on their gestures or the way they bear them selves. Some wear earrings, some have reddish eyes, and as if they are addicts or drug users. When Jenny was asked if it is okay for those drivers who convey people in authority without letting

them pay, she simply said “No, it’s not okay.” But then she added “Unfair man kung gina-libre nila sila. Pero kung ibutang ko akon sitwasyon sa kay Mr. Andrada na may mga kakilalang mga opisyal, mahuya naman ko guru nga sukton sila. Pero kung willing naman sila mag-bayad, batunon ko man e.” Jenny’s only message is that drivers must respect whoever will be their passengers. They should not abuse their rights like charging more than the exact fare. They should be gentlemen. They should be neat and clean so they are pleasing to the eyes of their passengers and should not be aggressive. Jenny also added that if they want us to respect them, then they should learn to respect their passengers. *** Both sides have spoken. Both sides have expressed their concerns and their rights that must be recognized and be respected by others. According to Atty. Socorro G. Rapiz-Oliveros of the Department of Justice in Roxas City, “The rights of these tricycle drivers are recognized. Since they are doing their job to the public, it’s their right to be paid fairly. They are to inform their passengers that this is the exact fare to be paid. After informing them, and if they would still do the same thing then that’s the right time that

they could enforce their rights.” She also added, “With respect to their passengers, the duty of these drivers is to convey passengers without discrimination. Since they are public carriers, it’s included as their obligation.” According to Atty. Oliveros, drivers only think of how they are going to earn without noticing that they have been violating some of the rights of their passengers. “One of the problems of these drivers is they actually lack discipline.” she continued. “They should not ignore the law.” Programs like seminars about awareness of committing traffic violations and knowing the rights of their passengers and dissemination of information through meeting or flyers could help them to observe and to keep truthful service to the public without discrimination. Just like ordinary people, drivers are also public servants who render service to the public, but somewhere down the road some of their rights are left hanging and remained to be unnoticeable. But in order to keep both parties rights, people should always bear in mind that those rights must be recognize. *not her real name

September-October Issue

Filipino Section

atalinong bata si Tonyo* at madalas siyang mapabilang sa hanay ng mga Top 10 ng kanilang klase. Mula Kinder hanggang Grade 2 ay walang lumilipas na taon na hindi umaakyat ng entablado ang kanyang ina upang magsabit ng kanyang medalya at wala rin namang araw mula noong tumapak ang kanyang mga paa sa bakuran ng paaralan na hindi siya umuuwing luhaan dahil sa pang-aasar ng kanyang mga kaklase. Payat at maliit kasi siya at hindi ito akma sa kanyang edad kaya madalas siya maging tampulan ng tukso at biro ng kanyang mga kamag-aral na pawang mas malulusog kaysa sa kanya. Dahil dito, napilitan siyang huminto sa pag-aaral bago pa man siya tumuntong sa ikatlong baitang. Maaring karaniwang tagpo na lang sa atin ngayon ang kaso ni Tonyo dahil sa klase ng ating lipunan. Pero ano nga ba ang pang-aapi o bullying at bakit talamak ito sa mga kabataan? Bullying: Delikadong Gawain

Ayon sa www.nobully.org.nz, ito ay ang panghahamak ng isang grupo ng tao sa iba; maging sa pisikal na pananakit, panunukso, hindi pagpansin, pananakot, at sapilitang pagawa ng isang bagay. Ito ay pwedeng maganap kahit saan; maging sa paaralan, sa loob ng bahay, o kahit sa opisina.

Bakit may mga bullies?

Ang mga bullies ay mga taong hindi kontento sa kanilang sarili. Naghahanap sila ng ibang tao upang siraan at pagtawanan. Ginagawa nila ito para ipakita sa ibang tao na magaling sila at makapangyarihan. Ito ay nakakasanayan nilang gawin dahil nararamdaman nila ang kanilang superiority. Nang-aapi naman ang iba dahil sa inggit. Merong mga tao na nangaapi dahil sila mismo ay inaapi rin. Maaaring naaapi sila sa loob ng paaralan, tahanan, o ng kanilang mga kaibigan. Dahil sa pagkayamot at pakiramdam na hindi makaganti, nang-aapi sila ng kanilang mga kapwa. Sa ganitong paraan, maaring mapanatag ang kanilang kalooban at makumbinsi nila ang kanilang sarili na kaya rin nilang maging malakas kahit sila rin ay naaapi.

Sino ang pwedeng apihin at mang-api?

Lahat tayo, maging bata man o matanda ay pwedeng makaranas ng pang-aapi. Kadalasan, ang mga naaapi ay yaong mga tao na iba ang hugis ng katawan, pandak o sobrang tangkad, maiitim, o dahil sa kakatwa ang tunog ng kanyang

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pangalan. Madalas ring inaapi ang mga taong nag-iisa at walang mga kaibigan. Sila ay nakakaranas ng pang-aapi dahil sa pag-aakalang wala sa kanilang kakampi at magtatanggol. Samantala, lahat rin naman tayo ay pwedeng maging mapang-api. Lahat tayo ay may kinaiinggitan at kakulangan. Pero ito ay hindi sapat na dahilan upang tayo ay mang-api ng kapwa. Kahit kailan ay hindi naging dahilan ang kakulangan o inggit upang manakit ng iba.

Ano ang pwedeng solusyon?

Noong nakaraang Agosto 19, 2010, naghain sa kongreso ang Ako Bicol Partylist ng isang panukalang batas na may House Bill No. 2361, o mas kilala sa Anti-Bullying Act of 2010, na naglalayong sugpuin o maibsan ang pang-aapi sa mga kabataan. Nakasaad dito na sinumang mapatunayang nang-api, kahit menor-de-edad, ay pwedeng maparusahan kahit labag sa juvenile justice system ng bansa. Pagmumultahin rin ang mga magulang ng mga nasangkot sa pang-aapi at isasailalim rin sa counseling. Pero ang simpleng pananakot o pang-iinsulto ay hindi matatawag na bullying ayon sa naturang batas kung ito ay hindi pa naganap ng lagpas sa dalawa o higit pang beses. Ito rin ay hindi matatawag na bullying kung ito ay hindi kinasasangkutan ng dalawa o higit pang persona laban sa isang biktima. Hindi lang ito ang tanging solusyon. Maaaring magsumbong ang taong nakakaranas ng pangaapi sa mga kaukulang otoridad tulad ng mga guro, principal, o faculty ng paaralan. O hindi kaya ay lumapit sa taong lubos na pinagkakatiwalaan tulad ng mga magulang, o mga kapatid. May kakayahan silang sugpuin ag pangaapi at proteksyonan ang sinumang nasasaktan. Maaari ring huwag na lang

Katotohanan sa

Likod Ni Jose Arsenio A. Quinzon

ng Kaapihan

pansinin ang nang-aapi. Kung hindi nila makukuha ang atensiyon nino man, ititigil rin nila ang kanilang pang-aapi.

Ano ang mga senyales ng pang-aapi?

Ang mga taong naapi ay nahihirapang magsumbong o magkwento sa iba. Ito ay sa pagaakalang pagtatawanan lang sila o hindi paniniwalaan. Ang mga senyales ng isag batang naaapiay ang mga sumusunod: a. Lumalayo sa iba at ayaw makihalubilo. Nakakaramdam sila ng pagtakwil mula sa kanilang mga kaibigan kaya sila ay lumalayo. b. Magugulatin. Ang mga taong naaapi ay laging kinakabahan na baka sila ay aapihin ng sinuman kaya sila ay madaling kabahan at magulat. c. Walang gana sa pagkain. Sila ay nawawalan ng gana sa pagkain dahil sa pag-iisip sa kanilang problema at pagkatakot. Kung sakaling ang mga senyales na ito ay makita sa isang tao, marahil siya ay nakaranas na ng pang-aapi at siya ay takot na maulit itong muli. *Hindi tunay na pangalan

Tandaan lang na lahat ng nilalang ay may kanyakanyang karapatan. Kasama na rito ang karapatang maging ligtas sa lahat ng panahon at karapatang maging maligaya. Igalang natin ang karapatan ng iba.

Mga pinagkunan: 24-oras, GMA 7 www.nobully.org.nz www.allvoices.com/contributed-news

Feature

Advocacy

The Piercing Sound of Silenced

Guns do their work. Sometimes,

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they give people relief, knowing that the former may kill the culprit, pacify the antagonist and frighten goons who disturb peace and order. By Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao

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But what happens when guns are used to silence the people who serve as protagonists of the society, practicing advocacy to help victims of human rights oppression? This is what happened to student journalist Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez, a member of the College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) who was killed in the mountains of Arakan Valley on April 5, 2002 while studying a human rights violation case. Beng, as she was fondly called, was indeed a human rights defender aside from being a journalist. As a matter of fact, she was vice president for Mindanao of the CEGP and deputy secretary general of the human rights group KarapatanSouthern Mindanao. Aside from being an AB Literature student, she has the passion of being a student activist who strongly stands for what she believes in. She even wrote a poem

expressing her agony against her university. These are just some of the lines from that poem:

unstoppable. There came a time when she had a month long research on the peasant situation that she led on the case of Tababa Massacre in Arakan Valley. O n e morning at about ten o’clock, Beng, together with her companions Vivian Andrade, Crisanto Amora and Libaon Sinunday were to eat lunch when six members of CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) arrived. Beng, together with her companions, were shot to death. Her body was found with her hands raised, an indication that she was begging for her life. Her palms and upper right chest were riddled with bullets. Her burnt chest was an indication that she was shot at close

n my university You can’t ask questions nor discuss Nor reason out Instructors are much too strict They think they are always right Learning here is like eating Without masticating. Her eagerness to expose the rotten system in the country, is one of the things a journalist would ever admire. When she worked with Karapatan, she was exposed to about half a dozen fact-finding missions on human rights violations purportedly committed by military on civilians and suspected radicals. Despite the death defying nature of her work, Beng was

range. A witness even stated that she was pleading to the suspects not to harm her. Even after her death, she still reaped accusations such as that she was a member of the New People’s Army and that she was killed because of the supposed removal within the movement—a propaganda made by the military to escape prosecution. Now, murder charges have been already filed against the culprits. Eight years have passed, as a tribute to Beng, CEGP gives Gawad Benjaline “Beng” Hernandez, an award given to publications that publish articles on human rights. Indeed, Beng was a big loss when she died at the age of 22. But her death will serve as an inspiration to journalists and human rights workers, that despite the guns, the principles that they stood for are louder and tougher, and there’s no way they can ever be silenced, more than ever when it comes to the preservation of human rights. September-October Issue

Feature

Wiping POTS OF GOLD

ll individuals are entitled to certain basic rights under any circumstance. However, behind every enjoyment brought by our rights are also sad stories of people who have experienced unlawful mistreatment and abuse. It is, in a sense, that some are treated as if they are less than human and undeserving of respect and dignity. The story of a rape victim, a battered individual, a child at work, and a violated student are just some of the pieces of the puzzle that form the picture of how cruel our society could be. Yes, it is a sad truth that has already cemented its mark in humanity. That is why, as we continue to venture with life’s adversities and imperfections, it is very important that we become conscious of our rights. The question now is, why do our rights often get violated?

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They say money can buy all the material things in the world but never true happiness. However, it is not true for greedy people who will do everything including violating other people’s rights just to add more golden coins to their pots. For instance, despite the persistent efforts to weed out graft and corruption, fraud, and illegal transactions, still these continue to periodically rock the government. Its eradication remains a serious predicament and one of the most vexing challenges today. Whether we like it or not, official scams thrive inside our system. Instead of earning the people’s trust, officials are earning more money for themselves; instead of minding the public’s interests, they are minding their self-centered motives. However, as citizens of the Republic of the Philippines, we have the right to receive benefits and remunerations from the taxes that we pay to the government because we are entitled of the money we have entrusted to them. The current scenario, however, speaks of how this right has been violated. Not only has this existed in the government, but also in some pyramiding scams and illegal businesses operating secretly in our country. They offer substandard products and fake services just to maximize profit.

Feature

Out the Mist of Ignorance By Maxwel John B. Berudgo

They care less for their customers. But as buyers, we have the right to receive what is JUST for us, what we have paid for. Sadly, that’s not always the case. Who could ever forget the Melamine incident, the poisonous lead content issue, and the doubledead meat scam? Although they were all discovered and controlled, knowing the fact that the damage has been done by those unethical businessmen is aggravating on the victims’ part whose rights were despoiled. Though it didn’t happen to everybody, it still didn’t erase the possibility that the same scenes would eventually happen in the future. All that matters to these kinds of people is MONEY irregardless of their dirty ways of making it.

UNRESTRAINED LUST

Once upon a time, a girl dreamt of his Prince Charming riding on his white horse whisking her away to a lifetime passion, happiness, and bliss. Sadly though, Mr. Prince Charming eventually turned out to be a frog! Yes, the girl is just one of the millions of rape victims on the planet. In other words, she was violated and it’s all because of somebody’s immoral display of sexual pleasure. The Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 redefined and expanded rape including penile penetrations and insertion of any object into the genital or anal (or any other)

orifices of another through force, threat, or intimidation. Therefore, any form of such treatment will automatically be considered as an infringement of women’s rights. The continuous global ushering of technology is one great factor why the tendency of people, most especially men, grows more drastically—pornography to be exact. Because of their uncontrollable urge to have sexual contact, they tend to seek outlets from guiltless targets that sometimes lead them to the danger of committing unlawful acts such as the above-mentioned. Eventually, this results to a poor crying victim seeking justice!

LINGERING INEQUALITIES

All men are created equally. That is a given. Sadly, it doesn’t seem to occur in our society. While there is a growing increase of tolerance towards the third sex, the gays and lesbians do not enjoy all the rights under the law as a straight man or woman do. Despite the existence of AntiDiscrimination groups, there are still members of the third sex who are violated just because they are considered “abnormal”, “different”, and “outcast”. Quite harsh but that’s the reality. You can often hear news from different media about genderdiscrimination-related cases. Yes, the Bible says that there should only be two genders existing in

this judgmental globe, but there are just some unexplainable phenomena that we must accept. They didn’t choose to belong on that side of the bridge, thus, they must also be given due respect and equal rights. Another example is the discrimination happening between the blacks and the whites. The latter enjoy more privileges than the other. The whites have bigger opportunities in terms of jobs and power. Yes, Barrack Obama’s reign as president of the United States of America proved that even the highest wall of discrimination can be destroyed. But we can never refute that in one way or another, it still exists today. Even our overseas filipino workers (OFW’s) suffer from such agony abroad. Some even go back home because they can no longer take their abusive employers. Popular celebrities even branded our race as “monkeys”. Indeed, racial discrimination is undeniably one of the chart-toppers in the list of UNJUST realities in the world.

SOCIO-CULTURAL TRIBULATIONS

Despite some improvements in our laws and their implementation, crime and substance abuse remain major threats to our rights. The country’s chronic crime problems are attributed to a variety of social and cultural factors such

as widespread poverty and rapid population growth. These devastating sociocultural problems are prevalent in our country that many of our countrymen become submissive to crimes and drug use. These people are prone to do things— mostly illegal—just to uplift their lives from the quagmire of poverty. The nonstop booming of the population, which results to shortages in prime commodities, also heightened their criminal tendencies. And because of shortages of land and jobs in rural areas, it has produced a steady internal migration to cities. This urbanization of a traditionally agrarian society was cited as one of the causes for the increasing crime rates. This migration drift led to rapid growth of urban slums and squatter areas which are very prone to crimes and substance abuse such as alcohol drinking and drug use. This alarming trend has thus created a major hazard to our rights.

THE JUDGMENT

Now that the mist of ignorance has been wiped out of our senses, it’s now time for us to stand up and fight for our rights! Remember, we are the ones teaching others how to treat us. If we let others step on our feet, then WE are also the problem, not just the violator. So be vigilant! Uphold your rights!

September-October Issue

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ith their friendly tones and jolly lyrics, mommies and children enjoy singing them. One could automatically be reminded of the innocence of childhood. We can never really deny that nursery rhymes bring happy memories. They teach kids lessons and encourage early signs of creativity.

Nursery Rhymes: Product of Human Rights Deprivation By Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao Illustrations: Joemil D. Lava

But do you know that nursery rhymes are not mere songs made for children but were actually brought about as a result of human rights violations? Here in the Philippines, people enjoy 10

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the right to petition the government for redress of grievances and the freedom of speech and of expression as articles of the Constitution guarantee. Digging English history, nursery rhymes were in fact

made as an expression of grievances against the government and the popular people. In the old times, direct criticisms are often punishable by death and nursery rhymes became a humble instrument because the

people needed to use innocent vehicles to quickly spread rebellious messages. One critical element of a nursery rhyme is the shortness of its lyrics, making it easier to remember because

those times many people were not able to read and write. It was passed verbally from generation to generation which resulted to many versions and inconsistencies in lyrics. Let us consider some of the famous nursery rhymes with their hidden meanings revealed:

Henry VIII. This was all about the torture and executions made by her to those who adhered to Protestant faith. It was believed that the garden referred to was the allusion of a graveyard. It was believed that the “silver bells and cockle shells” were instruments of execution.

Three Blind Mice

“Three blind mice, three blind mice, see how they run, see how they run, they all run after the farmer’s wife who cut off their tails with a carving knife have you ever seen this once in your life…” This nursery rhyme sounds so jolly even if the lyrics clearly and obviously denote violence. Queen Mary I, daughter of King Henry VIII was referred to as the “farmer’s wife”. Through violent persecution of the Protestants she was given the label “Bloody Mary”. The “three blind mice” referred to the three noblemen who adhered to the Protestant faith. They were convicted of plotting against Bloody Mary. Never think though that the three men were chopped and blinded as the nursery rhyme says because she ordered to burn them at the stake!

Jack And Jill

“Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water, Jack fell down and broke his crown and Jill

came tumbling after…” This rhyme is one of the most popular and this is often used in advertisements and TV commercials. But the history behind this rhyme is really horrid and hair-raising. “Jack and Jill” referred to are believed to be King Louis XVI and Queen Marie Antoinette respectively when the execution of the latter followed the beheading of the former. The lyrics of the rhyme provided a happy ending to be made more acceptable to children though.

Mary Mary Quite Contrary

“Mary Mary quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With silver bells and cockle shells, and pretty maids all in a row.” This rhyme has a connection with the “three blind mice” for the main character is still Mary, the Mary Tudor, daughter of King

Little Boy Blue

“Little Boy Blue come blow your horn, The sheep’s in the meadow the cow’s in the corn. But where’s the boy who looks after the sheep? He’s under a haystack fast asleep. Will you wake him? No, not I - for if I do, he’s sure to cry.” ‘Blowing one’s horn’ is obviously an offputting quality. Dating back to the English Tudor history, this quality was possessed by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey. At the early age of fifteen, he finished his bachelor’s degree causing everybody to call him “The Boy Bachelor”. He was very arrogant and bragged too much which

resulted for him to have a lot of enemies in court. In 1529, after the anti-Wolsey propaganda was established, the king proclaimed that all the possessions and properties of Wolsey be forfeited. His robe was in fact scarlet, but his Blazon of Arms contained blue faces of four leopards and possibly, this could be the reason why the title of the rhyme is “Little Boy Blue”. It was said that this rhyme may have been a message balking the greed of the cardinal prior to his demise. So now that the mystery has been revealed to you, what do you think “Bahay Kubo” means?

Source: www.rhymes.org.uk

Feature

A Fight for Her

Right

to be

By Maxwel John B. Berdugo

Happy

Doing her best to steel herself, Grace watched the man she’d been wishing to once again fulfill her fairytale dream of a happy ever after, the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. But there were loose ends that needed tying and dirty corners that needed cleaning; things that created those howling disturbances which continued to haunt her. Still, she believes that she has the right to be happy. HER STORY UNVEILED

Looking into a mirror, seeing herself as a bride wearing a gown fit for a queen with strains of wedding march starting to play- she’d been in that same scene before. But back then, it was with a different man who gave her three beautiful children-her husband. But after those years of bittersweet marriage, he died of lung cancer. During the process, she suffered from financial, emotional, mental, physical, and intellectual stress which turned her life upside down. Grace was left miserable and alone to raise her children. But that was before Mark came. Because if he hadn’t come into her life just when he did, Grace wouldn’t have been reborn, wouldn’t have been this unbelievably happy the woman she had been had only managed to sleepwalk through life. “Actually, wala gid ko ga-expect nga maging kami…” she confessed. (Actually, I never thought of having a relationship with him…) Her expression indicated that she’s very happy of the surprise that came her way. But the next line she said, 12

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however, explained the setback she’s currently experiencing: “… sin-o man dabi makapanumdum nga ang isa ka 22years old mapatol sa isa ka 42 years old?” (…who would ever think that a 22-year old man would choose to marry a 42-year old woman like me?) Yes, they depicted a picture of a May-December affair. They met through a common friend. To her pleasant surprise, Mark has been invaluable; he was there by her side during her dark hours, acting both as her smile when tears fall from her face and her back to lean on during tough times. It amazed her how well they meshed together. And every minute of everyday, he thought about the possibility of turning their friendship into a romantic thing. And so it happened…unexpectedly.

AGAINST ALL ODDS

Her expression slashed deep into her soul. The soul she has just begun to share with someone whom she never thought would grab her hand and run away, like a scene out of an old movie. The soul

that is now so vulnerable. Just like any other relationship, particularly this case, they also experienced problems. Because of their age gap, people continued to judge them and create gossips about them. Even inside their family, their relationship is the most talkedabout topic during gatherings and group talks. Although her children understood her situation, still, she felt uncomfortable of the circumstances. Considering their gap of 16 years, many say that Mark is just using her to finance his needs. Fortunately, two of her children have jobs now while the youngest is in college so they are mature enough to think that their mother knows what she’s doing. When she’s at work, although she still has some close friends who can understand her, she’s still the object of chitchats of some of her coworkers. Sometimes, anger danced through her. But she’d rather stay silent as much as possible to get away from everything than say something she would eventually regret.

“Muna wala na ko masyado gastorya sa ila para wala na gamu…” she uttered. (That’s why I chose not to interact with them to avoid complications…) Remembering to smile, Grace chose not to hear any of those words. All she can hear at the moment is Mark’s voice in her head. Somehow, she managed to hold herself together and pull off her responsibilities as a single parent to her three girls. She made sure that she had time for them and she wanted them to know that she’d be there for them. “Pero I know love conquers all…May purpose gid si God ngaman natabo ini…I know that Mark is not just an ordinary passer by…” (But I know love conquers all…God has a purpose why this is happening…I know that he’s not just an ordinary passer by…)

Mark’s wife days from now. Not only was she marrying a wonderful man, but along with him, she is discovering more beautiful things about life. With each passing day, her understanding also grows more. Facing the odds has made her become a better mother, a more mature woman, and a stronger person. She did love the father of her children and even until now she still loves him but Mark also showed her how love could be so true, that even age could never hinder. “Bal-an ko para sa iban kalain akon ginhimu tungod 2 years ago lang napatay akon asawa kag Mark is younger than me, pero as long as wala kami may natapakan and everything’s doing good, why bother to explain to them diba?” (I know for others what I did is not right because my husband just died 2 years ago and Mark is younger than I, but as long as we’re not stepping WHAT SHE HAS BECOME The woman she is now savors on anybody’s feet and everything’s every sight, every sound, and her doing good, why bother to explain, every feeling. And most of all, she right?) savors the fact that she will be

Fighting for her right to be happy, with a younger man holding her hand , may have opened a myriad of problems down the line, but Grace firmly believes that she is standing next to someone who is ready to move heaven and earth just for her. This is indeed not an easy task but for Grace, when we do choose to offer or accept unconditional love with God as the center of it, it is very empowering. It is worth the fight. => September-October Issue

Feature

A Justice that year 2000 when executions were suspended by former President Estrada. Until now, the suspension has been put into practice.

WHAT’S YOUR STANCE? hen we want to withdraw from an ATM machine, take an In the past decades, the order from the counter of our favorite fast-food chain, or abolishment and inhumanity wait for our turn to pay our electric bill, being first in line is of death penalty has been what we always want. However, in one special case, everything seems a disputable subject of all to be in hostile. Those included in this “line” wish that at least, they’ll classes of people. It has a high-tensioned be the last ones to take their turn and desperately bid that they could become issue both for its supporters somehow stop the time. These are the prisoners who now belong in and its detractors. Both of the have their own grounds the death row because of the cruel DEATH PENALTY. Laws are promulgated to maintain the order and safeguard the rights of every individual against violation from others. They give justice to those who are offended and provide just punishment for those who violate it provided with due process. However, having a penalty that claims the life of a person is a visible blatant disregard to one of the prisoner’s inherent rights the right to life. The big question now is, “Do we have the right to take away other people’s lives?

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According to Republic Act No. 7659, Death Penalty is a penalty for crimes that are heinous for being grievous, odious and hateful offenses and which by reason of their inherent or manifest wickedness, viciousness, atrocity and perversity, are outrageous to the common standards and norms of decency and morality in a just, civilized, and ordered society.

HOW IT STARTED

In 1987, the Philippines was the first Asian Country

to abolish death penalty. Six years after(in 1993), it was reintroduced with forty-six heinous crimes all subject to death penalty. From 1926-1976, the Philippines was the only country which used the electric chair aside from the United States. But during its reintroduction in 1993, the country shifted to lethal injection. Six years after, executions resumed and a house painter named Leo Echegaray was the first convict to be executed for repeatedly raping his stepdaughter. It was in

on choosing which side to join. Here are some of them.

CON’S: “Death Penalty is the ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights” -Amnesty International

“Imposition of death penalty was shown to have not served its principal purpose of effectively deterring the commission of heinous crimes”

-Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

For these people, they oppose death penalty mainly

Feature

Kills or a Justice that Heals? By Jayson Mendoza

because of the imperfections and the weaknesses of the Philippine judicial system. In a study conducted by the Free Legal Assistance Group (FLAG), it pointed out that some of the decisions of the Trial Court were prejudiced for imposing death penalty on some offenses. It also showed that two out of three death sentences handed down by the local courts were found to be erroneous. They also believe that conviction mostly happens to those of the marginalized sector of the society. Because they are poor, they could not afford to hire private lawyers and in result, conviction is most likely to occur. Furthermore, this law is not a deterrent to criminality as indicated by the everincreasing number of death convicts every year. In 1995, from 12 death convicts, it increased to 104. In year 1996, it reached 182. In 1997, it recorded 338 more death convicts bringing the number to 520. In year 1998, it increased to 721. And in

year 1999, it reached 956. Another issue is the “sanctity” of human life. It is a known fact that most Filipinos are Catholics. They believe in God and according to His fifth commandment, “Thou shall not kill.” He is the supreme law, and only

“When it is a question of the execution of a man condemned to death it is then reserved to the public power to deprive the condemned of the benefit of life, in expiation of his fault, when already, by his fault, he has dispossessed himself of the right to live.”

could be a form a retributive justice. Furthermore, crimes punishable by death penalty are acts of pure evil. These acts could only be justified by death. In this world, everything has responses. Both sides may be right or wrong. We always say that we

The truth of the matter is, the abolition or execution of death penalty would be unnecessary if no one in this world would commit a crime that would fall under such penalty. Today, it may sound impossible, but after all, it is still up to us. Him has the power to take lives. PROS: “I have ever had the single aim of justice in view... ‘Do equal and exact justice,’ is my motto, and I have often said to the grand jury, ‘Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape.’”

-Judge Isaac Charles Parker

-Pope Pius XII

On the positive side, those who support death penalty believe that if it would be administered justly, this punishment would deter the exhibition of more heinous crimes and will save innocent lives. Some leading political figures believe that for crimes like rape, murder and kidnappingfor-ransom, death penalty

are “not perfect”. It’s true. be Imperfection, however, is not an acceptable excuse for the commission of such heinous and grievous offenses. The truth of the matter is, the abolition or execution of death penalty would be unnecessary if no one in this world would commit a crime that would fall under such penalty. Today, it may sound impossible, but after all, it is still up to us. September-October Issue

Feature

send him or any of his other siblings to school, he knows he’ll never fulfill his dreams, and what he sees now is vagueness as hopelessness tries to dominate his chance of being a future ‘army’ someday.

Facing the Choice

Future Risk a

By Jinky C. Frejoles

People can obviously tell that they have been away from the guidance of their parents. Most of these v teenagers were actually out of school.

siblings. His youngest sister is the only one who is studying, now a grade one student In order to help his family, he finds ways to earn money so that at the end of the day he’ll have money to buy a kilo of rice and a can of sardines to complete their meal. Gino became my mother’s helper carrying softdrink cases and doing errands at our house. After his tasks, he is then being compensated by my mother for fifteen pesos, and as is his usual way, then buys a stick of cigarette.

A Story of a Boy

Acceptance of Broken Dreams

t the waiting shed, there were groups of teenagers talking about nonsense stuff. The way they talk, bear themselves, and their voices dominated the silence of the street.

Gino is turning fifteen on October and he’s supposed to be a third year high school student now. But instead of going to school, attending classes, and listening to the lectures of teachers, there he was, lending his ears to his peers, listening to senseless topics and talking about people’s private lives. Gino stopped his studies when he was in grade four due to financial problems. His family’s only source of income is his father’s job as a tricycle driver with the help of his elder brother, who also stopped studying and works as a construction worker. His mother is a plain housewife. He has two younger

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“Tamaran na ako mag-eskwela.” Gino answered when my mother asked him why he stopped studying. But as he continued, he said he’s still willing to continue and graduate from college. He would rather be working first, help and feed his family than wear proper uniform, attend flag ceremonies, attend classes, and even pass examinations. “Gusto ko tani maging army,” he said when my mother asked him what profession he wanted to be when he grows up. Since his parents can’t afford to

Here in the province of Capiz, Gino’s case is a common problem in our society. Many children and teenagers are forced to stop from schooling by their parents due to financial problems. His right to go to school and have a bright future, just like other children, becomes bleak each day. Most of the time, rights are being violated. But in Gino’s situation, his right of going to school was not violated by anyone but by circumstances. However, he instead dares to face the risk, the risk of sacrificing his studies and prioritize his family first before anything else. To work, help, and serve his family is his main goal rather than to become a soldier and serve his country. He would rather risk his right of having a bright future than to see his family starve. So far, Gino is happy with his life, although he still hopes that someday he’ll be able to share a bright future with his family. As of now, he is contented of what he has and does his best to pursue the things he and his family do not have. For him, what’s more important is too see his family happy—enough reason to continue the kind of life he possesses now.

Feature

In the

Eyes of John By Arian Mariz Javellana

I can never go back to the childhood I had once missed, yet what I can do is make sure that my future children will never experience such fate,” and a glitter of hope was finally seen in John’s eyes. It was another rainy morning. The tiny droplets of rainwater leaking from their old, thatched roof awakened John from his sleep. With a heap of breath, he silently prayed before he gently got up from the wooden floor that served as his bed at night. Like many children of his age, he bathed and prepared himself for the day. At one look, he was just an ordinary student getting ready for school, but his blank stares and clothes tell us a different story. He wasn’t going to school that day, for at his age, he is ready trying to do a thing that his body tells him he’s too young to do – earning a living. He positioned himself to the tricycle that he rented from their

neighbor and gave it a mighty start. The machine, in turn, made a distinctive rumbling sound, telling him it was a start of another day and on this depends whether he and his family will have something to eat for the night. This is John, a young boy of 16, with the body that prematurely resembles that of a young man. He was always teased by his classmates for being the oldest in the class, for at his age, he is still struggling to finish his first year in high school. He can’t be blamed, though, because he always misses out on school every other day of the week to earn money to pay his school fees as well as to provide

food for himself and his family. “Bal – an ko man nga indi ko pwede magtrabaho, student’s license lang gani akon ginagamit. Pero wala naman ko mahimo. Tigulang naman si Nanay kg Tatay, kag puro naman may pamilya akon mga magulang.” John shyly muttered. Child labor is not new in this poverty-stricken country. For years, many children, some starting as early as five, are forced to work to help their families financially. The range goes from chasing cars and speedy cyclists on the road as cigarette vendor, up to handling dangerous explosives with their bare hands as makers of “kwitis” and “super lolo” during the heat of New

Year’s noise fever. Sadly, the list of the different faces of child labor just goes on and on. John is just one of the 800,000 children, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO) who works at a young age in our country. Region 6 alone has a total of 96,000 cases of child labor, a few digits away from the highest ranking Region 4 with a total of 104,000. “They [the victims of child labor] are deprived of their rights to a well – rounded development os personality, rights to a balanced diet, clothing, shelter and healthy life and most of all, the right to education,” laments various agencies focusing on child labor in the Philippines. Article 139 also states that “no child below 15 years of age shall be employed and no case allow the employment of person below 18 years in an undertaking which is hazardous or deleterious in nature.” The sad tale of these children is just another proof, or perhaps, a reminder for the need to uphold and promote the rights of the children, whose innocence and gleeful smiles have been stolen by the cruel hands of poverty. As for John, he continued to scour the city in search for passengers that day despite the heavy pouring of rain. I can never go back to the childhood I had once missed, yet what I can do is make sure that my future children will never experience such fate,” and a glitter of hope was finally seen in John’s eyes.

I know that I shouldn’t be working. I’m just using my student’s license. But I have no choice. My parents are now old, and my brothers and sisters already have their own families. September-October Issue

Editorial Board & Staff A.Y. 2010-2011 Freedom of Speech

“Freedom of speech is one of our basic rights because without it, an egalitarian society cannot be achieved. This advocacy is not limited to speech alone but is extended to the right to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

“Teaching a child to treat pets as kin is as valuable to the child as it is to the animal. Need I say more?”

“One of the most important rights to be promoted and protected is the rights of the children since childhood is the very basic foundation of a human person. Protecting children’s rights promises a brighter future later on for all of us.”

Adviser

Managing Editor

Staff Writer

Column Editor

Right of the Earth to be Clean

“This advocacy doesn’t only raise the awareness for our environment but also seeks the survival of our race. Clean environment makes our species healthy. But if the earth is polluted our species will perish.”

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Rights of the Children

Animal Rights

Lay-out Editor

Right to Artistic Expression

“Along with people who can only express sentiments through their talent in artistic design, I push the right to artistic expression.”

Literary Editor

Right to Health

“The right of every citizen to a healthy and illness-free life is important as the people’s health is the first and foremost important quality of a better nation and the way to achieve its progress. ”

Along with the pens are strong advocacies. Rights of the Accused

Right to Education

Expanding the wingspan of our creative spirit will never be possible if we are not intellectually equipped with knowledge and wisdom. If we will continue to battle buffeting storms that may hinder us with great faith we’ll surely land on a better place for education.

“Despite the numerous cases of human right violations, even suspected human rights violators still have their rights. They should be protected and defended. Among these rights are the right to be presumed innocent, to remain silent and to counsel. But the primary focus of this advocacy is the right against torture, self-incrimination and double jeopardy.”

Associate Editor

Editor-in-Chief

Staff Writer

Feature Editor

“The right to suffrage means the right to vote without force, threat or bribery which is being exercised by Filipino citizens.”

“We have the right to have religion or beliefs of our own choices and to manifest it through worship, practice and teaching. Government should permit religious practices and should not persecute believers of different faith.”

Right to Suffrage

Freedom of Religion

The Right to be “HOME”

“We should have the right to be home. This includes having a shelter that will protect us from environmental harm and most importantly having an ‘indestructible structure’, our family, which will give us the affection we need, safeguard us against all odds and promote our interests even if it means a sacrifice on their part.”

News Editor

Staffwriter Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is essential to individual rights, without media, a free society and democratic country would not be possible.” September-October Issue

Technology Section

f a coming storm could be determined through weather forecasting, ailments could be prevented from becoming malignant, now, terrorist attacks could also be stopped before they occur using a mind-reading technology! Photo Credit: http//: www.rdn-consulting.com

Pre-Crime Busting Goes By Jayson Mendoza

Scientists at Northwestern University can pick up the location, date and means of a future terrorist attack by using a brain-electrode cap and slideshow imagery. This slideshow could be the next weapon against terrorists.

The Breakthrough

According to J. Peter Rosenfeld, a scientist at Northwestern University, they presented the mock terrorists with the stimuli that are rational choices of what they might do. They were seated in a chair with the brainwave recording electrodes attached on their scalp as they look at the screen. The electrodes measure the P300 brain wave. The P300 brain wave is an involuntary response to stimuli that starts in the temporal parietal junction (lower part of the brain located near the sides of the skull) and spreads across the rest of the brain. When the wave hits the surface of the brain, the electrodes detect the signal. The stronger the reaction of the subject to a particular stimuli, the stronger is the P300 brain wave. In their research, they divided 29 Northwestern University students into two groups. One group planned a vacation while the other group planned a terrorist attack. They were

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then shown various images of different cities and various means of attacks, along with other related but irrelevant image controls. According to Rosenfeld, as the slide show advanced, the electrodes recorded the P300 waves. When, for instance, the mock terrorists saw an image of the city they planned to attack, the electrodes recorded strong P300 brain waves. The Northwestern scientist then compared the strength of all the brain waves to find out who was planning an attack on which city, when they were planning it and how they meant to carry out the attack.

The Process

This new technology works by attaching brainwave recording electrodes on the scalp of the suspected terrorist. He will then be seated in front of a screen showing slides and photos of possible areas to be attacked. As the image of the city that the terrorist is planning to attack appears on the screen, strong P300 brain waves reacting will signal the device, the electrode will then record the response. Through this, the investigators can identify the place that the supposed terrorist is planning to attack as well as when and how the attack will happen.

Completing the Puzzle

The P300 brain waves can, or at least could be defeated. This can be done by artificially creating a strong response to an image that is unrelated to their attack, terrorists could have a countermeasure against the electrodes. “The subject just has to be on alert for any other stimulus, and when they see an irrelevant stimulus, they secretly make a response,” said Rosenfeld. “That response could be anything from thinking about their girlfriend or wiggling a toe.” Research can now identify, and counter, the countermeasures up to 83 percent of the time.

In reality, it is very difficult to detect who actually committed the crime and it is much more difficult to determine who is planning to break the law. The chances may be low for this technology to be used anytime soon to prevent terrorist attacks but for now, at least, it offers intriguing possibilities for the future of law enforcement.

New Tech for your

Protection E By Jaon Marie F. Macellines

very person has the right to defend his/ her self wherein the prosecutor cannot institute any legal proceedings against him/her, provided that the following situations happened: (1.) If someone is showing a strong possibility of attacking you in a non-verbal manner. Examples are pointing guns, knife and other deadly weapons (2.) If there is immediate threat to life and defending yourself is necessary. Example if a thief came into your house to steal and he has guns or other deadly weapons you know may use to hurt you, it will be reasonable to defend yourself. There are different weapons made for protection. Nowadays, we are much aware of how technology has influenced our lives. Inventors make use of technology for them to create guaranteed, quick, and easy-touse gadgets so that people could live with no worries. You can now protect yourself without losing your poise. Check out these cool gadgets you could use for self-defense.

Cell Phone Stun Guns

With this harmless looking Cell Phone Stun Gun, you won’t have to worry anymore. It works like real stun guns by just pressing its end and the trigger. Once it touches your attacker’s body, electrical charge will flow and disarm him.

Stunning Ring Pepper Spray

Shotgun Flashlight

Surprising, right? But with technology impossible things can be made possible. According to Alan Parekh, Member of the Certified Technicians and Technologists Association of Manitoba, Canada, by simply pressing the button, the flashlight fires. This kind of equipment is perfect for people travelling at night.

Pepper Spray

With just one spray, the device will release a fragile ball that will break once it reaches the body of your opponent where it releases irritant powder. The powder contains a chemical substance that irritates the eyes and nose, temporarily disabling your assailant.

Lipstick knife

An innocent-looking part of your kikay kit turns out to be a gadget that can get you through a tough fight with an attacker. By just rotating its bottom like a normal lipstick a blade will appear immediately, allowing you to defend yourself.

The devices mentioned above do not guarantee us 100% safety. Somehow, our safety still relies on how we become responsible and disciplined. As much as possible, let’s avoid staying late outside, walking alone especially on dark streets, and talking to suspicious strangers. Even with these high-tech devices, the old phrase still works for all: “It pays to be extra careful”.

While enjoying the beauty and elegance of a ring, you can now also protect yourself from harm. Just one press on the switch, it can produce a pepper spray with a high heat rating. Sources: And it is said to be more *Section 1, Article II of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines *Alan Parekh effective because, it (Member of the Certified Technicians And Technologists Association of Manitoba, Canada) is closer to your hand *Bill Kipp (A leading authority on the Subject of adrenal stress response training) than a pepper spray on *George Bell your bag. (Martial Arts Experience 7th Degree Black Belt, Modern Moo Sa Do

Photo Credits: http//: www.hackedgadget. com http//: www.featuresblogs. chicagotribune.com http//: www.safetygearhq. com http//: www.notcot.org http//: www.stungunsusa.com

6th Degree Black Belt, Taekwondo)

September-October Issue

Feature

By Jayson Mendoza

ou don’t need to spend too much just to go to the spa for relaxation, purchase expensive apparel and equipments to have adventure, and you certainly don’t need to buy happiness. Here’s a package treat—the soothing ambiance of a river that can be found at Brgy. Agloloway, Jamindan Capiz—the Kipot River. — Kipot River!

The Purisimian Magazine

How To Get There? Comfortable. Fast. Economical. These words

best describe how travel going to the Kipot River is. At most, transportation expenses would only cost two hundred pesos for a round trip. From Roxas City, it will only take an hour and thirty minutes to reach the place. If you don’t have your own car or a transport service, the only way to get there is by riding a jeepney and a motorcycle. To reach the place, you must ride a jeep with a trip going to Camp Peralta, or commonly known as “Campo”. After at least an hour’s ride, you must stop at Brgy. Jaena, Jamindan, Capiz particularly at the road crossing Brgy. Agloloway. From there you will travel on a motorcycle thirty minutes at most. As the wheels of motorbike ride slowly cut down the distance to the river, you will get to witness nature’s beauty unfold as you pass by foliage and natural landscapes.

TOURISM

The Hidden River Paradise

A hundred meters away form the river, you will pass by a downward slope which the residents coined “miniBaguio” because it is identical to the roads going to Baguio. Upon reaching the place, the enticing beauty of the place will welcome you. The river is surrounded by a chain of mountains where you can camp, hike and trek. In these mountains, you will see rare plants and trees like the ‘kawpak” and “ugmak” which are usually seen in wild forests. The height of the mountains vary, some are high and some are low, but the best part would be standing at the peak of the tallest mountain seeing not just the whole beauty of the river but also the alluring presence of nature. It is really

the perfect place for adventure. The river also has gigantic rocks randomly scattered which can be a great spot for picnic. These are not just ordinary boulders because they resemble perfectly shaped arcs and statues. The river could be compared to the “Banaue Rice Terraces” because of its rocks and sand formation smoothly being shaped by the flow of the water along the riverbank. According to Nonoy, an avid visitor of the river, he used to do water rafting in the river using an improvised raft made of bamboo. “Basta, manami guid diri magbalik-balik ya! Super lamig, super nami kag super sadya!” he

said. Another asset of the river is its icy cold water, bringing an instant boost to comfort to your stressed body. There are also a number of “mini-waterfalls” or the “magagmay nga busay” that can be found in the river according to a native of that place. The river, though located at a remote area, is still frequently visited by adventure-seekers. Almost every weekend, different groups visit the place. It may be too far from the city or way too remote for others, but still, it is appreciated by its visitors. There’s no doubt, therefore, that the Kipot River is truly nature’s wonder!

September-October Issue

pamilya Feature

Ama, Ina, Ang mahalaga ang

aramihan sa mga Pilipino ay umaalis ng bansa para makapagtrabaho. Umaabot sa halos 3,000 ka tao ang lumuluwas sa bawat araw ayon sa ulat ng OWA at DOLE. Ibaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ibang rason, ibaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ibang ang paniniwala. Mayroong ginusto nila, meyroon ding napipilitan lamang. Karaniwang mga dahilan ay ang hindi balanseng ekonomiya kung saan ang pamahalaan ay hindi makapagbigay ng sapat na seguridad para sa kinabukasan ng mga mamamayan, patuloy na pagtaas ng pursyento ng unemployment na kung saan karamihan ay nagtatrabaho ng hindi naaayon sa kanilang natapos na kurso, mababang sahod na kung saan mas gugustuhin pa nilang magtrabaho ng kahit

ano lamang sa ibang bansa kaysa manatili dito at ang iba ay iyong mga nakaranas ng diskriminasyon sa mga inaplayang trabaho kung saan mas pinipili iyong mga napagtapos ng kurso sa mga kilalang unibersidad at kung sakaling matatanggap kaman ay mababa ang iyong posisiyon at hindi pa ayon ang sweldo sa trabaho. Subalit, ang pagluwas ng bansa upang makapagtrabaho ay nangangahulugan din ng pagkawalay sa pamilya at tanging sa pamamagitan lamang ng tawag at text nakakapag-ugnayan. Hindi na gagabayan ang mga anak at hindi sila nakakasama sa kanilang paglaki. Minsan maging ang paglilibang kasama ang pamilya ay hindi na rin natin mararanasan. Maraming bagay ang dapat

isakripisyo kapalit ng buhay abroad. Dito nagsisimula ang paglitaw ng bagong mukha ng pagbabago, hanggang umabot sa puntong, lahat ng bagay na ating pinakaiingatan ay sa atin din mawawala. Ang kaligayahang ating nararanasan ay untiunting nagiging marupok na kalungkutan. Ang buhay na kasama ang buong pamilya ay nawala na. Wala na ang amang nagsisilbing haligi ng tahanan. Wala na rin ang inang nagiging ilaw natin. Mga anak na lang na tanging oras at panahon ng mga magulang ang inaasam-asam. Angatingmgamagulangay may kani-kaniyang tungkuling dapat gampanan, malaki ang pagkakaiba na maaaring maibigay ng ama na hindi makaya ng ina at marami ring bagay ang naibibigay ng ina

By Roda V. Gangoso

na pagkukulang ng ama. Ang ama ay may napakahalagang kontribusyon sa paglaki ng mga anak. Hindi lamang sa pag trabaho upang maitaguyod ang pamilya kundi pati rin sa pagpapaunlad ng pag-uugali at tamang disposisyon sa buhay. Kinakailangang ang ama ay maging modelo sa kanyang mga anak. Sa paguugali ng anak nasasalamin kung anong klaseng ama mayroon ang isang pamilya. Sa kanya natututunan ng anak na lalaki kung anung ugali dapat mayroon siya. Sa ama nakakakuha ng lakas ng loob ang anak na babae. Kung paano siya makipaghalubilo sa mga lalaki ay nakadepende sa relasyong mayroon siya sa kanyang ama noong siyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;y bata pa. Kaya kahit na ang ina pa ang pinaka pangunahing tagapag- alaga natin sa ating

Ang pagkawalay sa pamilya ay isang napakahirap na bagay, lalong-lalo na kapag anak na ang pinaguusapan. Photo Credit: http//: www.actyl.com

The Purisimian Magazine

Free will:

Reflection Section

Freedom & Limitation Free will is the freedom in thinking & in acting connected to our consciousness. It has different philosophical perspectives which lead to determine a man’s position in regard to his moral freedom, his power of real choice, his ability to decide what actions to do. One of the perspectives is the theological view. This studies the questions of the existence the nature and attributes of God, and His relations with man. The reconciliation of God’s fore–knowledge & universal providential government of the world with the contingency of human action as well as the supernatural grace with natural power of the creature. In the Christian religion, God has commanded man to obey the moral law, & has promised to reward or punish him for observance or violation o his law. For man who is created free, should be responsible for his actions. If man practices such things concentrating his attention more on remote goods or material things which motivate him to engage in some vices, his freedom diminishes & he is easily swayed into sin. On the other hand, the more the man practicing good works & avoiding being tempted & living in a virtues life, the more he increase in self – command & therefore in freedom. We should always pray to God for Him to help us use our free will properly. We should never ask God

for something specific that we want to happen. Rather we should pray that God’s will be done. God made us to show forth his goodness. But the only infinite perfect reason for doing anything is to do it for God. We must always remember that free will has limitations, but free will also enables man to do good. Freedom would bring us into holiness when directed towards God. Here on earth, we should always choose what is good & avoid evil. God gave us free will as a test for each of us to choose between good and evil in our acts. We should avoid acting on our own and instead let Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior direct us to goodness. Let him be our way in our thoughts, words, actions and deeds. And as we follow the Bible and accept the word of God we will be given strength to overcome all temptations.

By Roda V. Gangoso

Photo Credit: http//: www.cssr.ei.columbia.edu

buhay, malaki pa rin ang tungkuling ginagampanan ng ating ama sa aspeto ng pangangailangang mental at emosyonal ng mga anak. Ang ina ay marami ring tungkuling dapat gampanan sa mga anak. Hindi lamang natin siya ina, siya ang ating nagiging doctor, guro, tagapagluto, at marami pang iba. Lahat ng problema natin sya ang ating sandalan. Siya ang ating kaagapay sa ano mang problemang ating nararanasan. May kasabihan ngang, “ Ang ina ang pinakamagaling nating kaibigan”. Kapag wala na ang ina, wala ng iba pang makakapag bigay ng pagmamahal na katulad ng maibibigay niya. Ang pagkawalay sa pamilya ay isang napakahirap na bagay, lalong-lalo na kapag anak na ang pinaguusapan. Ang ama at ina ang nagsisilbing modelo ng mga anak at salamin sa pagharap ng buhay. Kaya’t kailangang buo ang pamilya, naroon ang ama at nariyan din ang ina at mga anak. Hindi lamang sa materyal na bagay ang ating kailangan. Ama’t ina na magtataguyod sa atin sa tamang landas ang kailangan natin madarama. Karapatan natin ang magkaroon ng isang masayang pamilya. Panahon at pag-aaruga nila ang siyang nais nating madarama. Ito ang mga bagay na hindi mapaparisan at kayang ibsan ng kahit sino man at kahit ano man. Lahat ng pagsubok ay malalampasan, tunay na kaligayahan ay madarama kapag buo’t nagtutulongan ang pamilya. Ang presensya ng ama, ina at mga anak ay dapat nariyan.

September-October Issue

Sports Section

The Kick for

Freedom By Lorevie Joy Dela Torre

struggle against Aparthied.

enced being sent to prison without any violations committed. Many have suffered in hunger and many have become slaves of their own country, but they did not just passively allow this to happen. Blacks protested against this slavery ven though they know that it will cause them imprisonment or death. Still, they fought. “So many wars settling scores, bringing as promises leaving as poor…” Colonizations and wars happened but through it all, African people were still not able to taste freedom. They still suffered a lot of pain, physically and emotionally. They hoped and believed that being under the governance of other developed countries could help them to be free, but the colonizers unfortunately, just made use of South Africa’s resources, leaving its people starving for there long deserve freedom.

The Sufferings

The Hope

s the world witnessed how players from different countries fought their way during the world cup tournament this year, (where Spain dominated the field with their victorious kicks), two songs have emerged and become some of the most played songs over the radio. The songs Waka-waka and Wagin flag gained an overwhelming popularity around the world. Its music videos even gained lots of hits on the internet and were used as backgrounds music on different TV shows. These songs became people’s favorites not only because of its beat that could make us dance or because of its harmony but for its message.

The Launch

Federation International de Football Association, or known as FIFA is a big event each year for it is a world cup soccer tournament joined by different countries around the globe. The first world championship was healed in Uruguay in 1030. After the host county (Uruguay) won over Argentina in the finals, it then became an international interest. From then on its existence has become on of the most anticipated world wide events. But this year the tournament was not just as simple and usual- tournament was held in South Africa and was warmly supported by the African people, who cheered and welcome all participating teams; the Waka-waka song was their way for welcoming other people in their country and was also a chance for South African people to flaunt their freedom and victory in their long

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“So we struggling fighting to eat, and we are wondering when we’ll be free.” Apartheid is a system of laws which started in the year 1949-1991 oppressing the rights of blacks while maintaining the whites supremacy. During its implementation, racial groups were divided. Non-whites were given limited rights to owned land, prohibited social contact from other races and were segregated in their residence. Public facilities, educational institutions and even possible jobs for all were segregated, creating white and non- white services. South African people especially back people suffered a lot from this discrimination which made their country prone to violence and poverty. Many have experi-

“When I get older I will be stronger, they call me freedom, just like a waving flag.” After so many years of suffering, Nelson Mandela, an activist became the hope of every black African who suffered from racial discrimination. But before he was given the chance to grant the freedom his people wanted, he was imprisoned for how many years and suffered torture. In spite of it, his still stood for what he was fighting for. It was F.W. Klerk who released him from prison. He then led the negotiations with the government for an end to Apartheid. Nelson Mandela became the president of the South Africa as they held their multi racial election. Indeed, fighting for freedom

is just playing a soccer game, one has to persist and all the possible ways just to kick the ball, make a score, and win the game. Every kick of each player from each team represented how Nelson Mandela eagerly fought his people’s freedom. As sung in Waka-Waka, Nelson Mandela was a good soldier fighting for his chosen battlefield. Every fall represents their failure but it doesn’t mean that the game is over, they stand up and dust their self off and against fight like buffalo soldiers. The hope of every African is like the movement of a waving flag, moving back and forth to the gust and to the breeze of the wind. Playing soccer represents what Africans have done in order for them to achieve their ultimate goal – to bag the trophy of freedom.

The Story of The Songs

The song Waka- Waka tells how African people welcomed people of the world in their country. It was their time to let others know how well they have fared after the past years of struggles. Although South Africa did not participate in FIFA’s competition what they have done was help players become more aggressive on the field. They also showed how happy they are to be the host country. Wavin’ Flag in the other hand, tells how black African people suffered from Apartheid and how they have overcome oppression. In spite of all the struggles and suffering, the song tells how black people never backed down and how they have proven themselves as brave warriors. There may be times that they fail, but the fight must go on, the battle must end with only one champion!

Literary

By BlueSeraphim

Photo Credit: http//: www.inmagine.com

Buo na ang pasya ko, tatapusin ko ang aking pag-aaral. Nasa huling taon na ako sa kursong Accountancy, at ako’y naturingan na isa sa mga matalinong magaaral ng aming paaralan. Hindi pa naman nila mahahalata ang paglobo ng aking tiyan. Isang buwan pa lang naman ito at dalawang buwan nalang ay magtatapos na ako. Tiniis ko ang hirap ng pagbubuntis. Mabuti na lamang at nariyan ang pili kong mga kaibigan na dumamay at tumulong sa akin. Gamit ng aking konting ipon, ay tumayo akong mag-isa, tanging sa Diyos lamang umaasa. Dumating din ang araw ng aking pagtatapos at nakuha ko ang pinakaaasam kong diploma. Ngunit hindi ko inaasahan na darating ang aking mga magulang dala ang kanilang kapatawaran, pag-uunawa at pagmamahal. Masayang natapos ang araw na iyon. Nanatili ako sa puder ng aking mga magulang hanggang sa manganak ako. Lalaki ang naging anak ko at pinangalanan kong “Gabriel”, sapagkat tila siya’y anghel sa aking paningin. Nang manumbalik ang aking lakas ay naghanap ako ng trabaho. Pagkaraan ng ilang buwang pagtitiis ay natanggap ako sa inaplayan kong trabaho, na labis kong ikanatuwa. Pagkalipas ng halos tatlong taon… Isa na akong Senior Accountant sa isang tanyag na bangko. Nabuo kong muli ang pangarap ko, ang buhay ko kasama ng munting anghel ko. “Mama!” sigaw ng isang munting bata, habang patakbong lumapit sa kanyang ina. “Hello Gabriel! How’s your day, baby?”

andito ako sa isang sulok, umiiyak habang hawak ang aking sinapupunan. Maraming pregnancy tests na ang sinubukan ko, ngunit isa lang ang naging resulta, buntis ako. Hindi ko makontak si Ben. Tinawagan ko ang iba pa naming kaibigan ngunit ni isa ay walang nakakaalam kung nasaan ito. Naghihirap ang kalooban ko. Kailangan kong mamili sa lalong madaling panahon. Ano nga ba? Ang isalba ang sarili ko sa kahihiyan? O ang bigyan ng pagkakataon ang buhay na namumuo sa pagkatao ko na masilayan ang mundo? Nabuhayan ako ng loob nang makita ko ang pangalan ni Ben sa screen ng cellphone ko. “Hello Ben? Nasaan ka?” Halos nanginginig na sambit ko sa telepono. “Cara, sorry pero papunta na ako ngayon sa airport. Patawad kung naging duwag ako, hindi ko pa kaya ang resposibilidad,” sabi ni Ben at pagkaraay hindi ko na marinig ang tinig niya sa kabilang linya. Nag-uunahan sa pagdaloy ang maiinit na likidong nagmumula sa aking mga mata, kasabay nang malakas na pintig ng puso ko. Hindi ko akalain na sa kabila ng lahat ng aming pinagsamahan ay magagawa niya akong iwan, sa ganitong kalagayan. Anong mukha ang ihaharap ko sa mga magulang ko? Sa mga tao sa paligid ko? Paano ko mabibigyan ng magandang buhay ang munting anghel sa sinapupunan ko? Nagtalo ang isip at puso ko. Sa huli’y nanaig ang puso ng babae na nalalapit ng maging ina. “Bubuhayin ko ang anak ko,” mariin na sabi ko sa aking sarili. Nakapagpasya akong magtapat sa aking mga magulang. Pero taliwas sa aking inaasahan ay itinakwil nila ako. Galit na galit sila sa akin. Nilisan ko ang aming bahay na tila pasan ang buong mundo. Magulong magulo ng isip ko.

Lumakad ako ng diretso, ngunit hindi ko alam kung saan tutungo. Hindi ko namalayan na nasa harap na ako ng klinika ng isang doktor. Hindi alam ng nakararami ang kanyang ginagawa. Isang doktor siya na kumikitil ng buhay. Sa tinagal-tagal ng kanyang ginagawang pagkitil ng buhay, marami-rami na rin ang bilang ng kanyang napatay. Ngunit ni minsan ay hindi siya nahuli. Nanginginig ang kamay ko habang kinakatok ko ang pintong magpapasok sa akin sa lugar na kung saan ay ipapapatay ko ang sarili kong anak. “Cara, pasok ka,” aya ng isang babaeng nakaputing damit. “So paano, handa ka na ba?”tanong nito. Tanging tango lang ang naitugon ko dito. “Sige, mahiga ka na diyan at kukunin ko na ang gamit”. Pagkaalis niya ay biglang gumuhit sa aking isipan ang ngiti ng isang munting sanggol habang akay-akay siya ng ina nito. At nabigla ako, sapagkat ako ang babaeng may akay dito. Bigla akong napatayo, at napaiyak. “Patawad anak. Pangako hindi ko na ito uulitin,” mga katagang namutawi sa ‘king bibig. Inayos ko ang sarili ko, at binagtas ang daan palabas. Dinala ako ng aking mga paa sa simbahan. Doon ay taimtim akong nanalangin at buong puso kong pinagsisihan ang pagtangka kong pagkitil ng buhay sa aking sinapupunan. Ako ay nagpasyang harapin ang kapalit ng minsan kong pagkakamali.

“I’m fine, Mommy” masiglang sagot ng bata habang yakap ang ina. Lumaki si Gabriel na malusog, matalino at gwapo. Kahawig na kahawig ito ni Ben. Noong una ay labag sa kalooban ko na ipakilala si Gabriel sa ama nito. Ngunit ‘di kalauna’y natanggap ko na rin na sa kabila ng kasalanan ni Ben ay may karapatan pa rin siya sa anak namin. Madalas tumawag si Ben kay Gabriel. Ngayon nga ay malapit ang loob nila sa isa’t-isa. Masaya ako kahit papaano, tuluyan ko ng pinalaya ang sakit na dulot ng kahapon. Pinagmasdan ko ang aking anak, sino ba ang mag-aakala na muntik ko nang ipagkait sa kanya ang karapatang mabuhay? Ang karapatang masilayan ang mundo at mamuhay sa piling ko? Sa bawat halakhak at ngiti nagmumula sa kanya, nawawala ang pagod at problema ko. Isa siya sa mga rason kung bakit kailangan kong ipagpatuloy ang buhay. Hinding-hindi ko pinagsisihan ang minsan kong pagkakamali, sapagkat siya naman ang naging bunga. Napangiti ako habang binabasa ko ang text mula kay Ben. Sa ngayon ay nasa Amerika ito at nagtatrabaho bilang nurse. Pagkatapos ng lahat ng pagsubok na dumating sa amin ay nanatili kaming magkaibigan. Pareho kaming walang asawa o kasintahan sa ngayon. Hindi man namin alam kung kami nga ba ang magkakatuluyan sa huli, bukas pa rin kami sa posibilidad na maari naming ipagpatuloy ang aming naudlot na pagmamahalan, pero hindi muna sa ngayon. Sapagkat kami ay maligaya sa aming munting anghel na si Gabriel. Isang napakahalagang aral na natutunan ko sa buhay , na sa bawat pagkadapa natin ay kailangan marunong tayong bumagon. Huwag nating takbuhan ang mga problema, bagkus ay matapang natin itong harapin. Lagi nating tatandaan na ang isang kamalian ay hindi maitatama ng panibagong kamalian….. :’)

September-October Issue

Short Story

Ms. Man Hater’s Beauty and Madness By Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao

“Try to look around and be happy”, Mitch uttered as she turned to leave after a terrible argument between us. She got angry after I humiliated her friend. Why shouldn’t I? That guy bragged too much. I don’t need a car; I can buy the latest model anytime I want. I don’t need diamonds; I have lots of it. I don’t need mansions; they’re my collection. And he didn’t have to mention his bank accounts and all that to impress me! Bastard! I don’t need promises. I don’t need guarantees. There’s no way for a man to impress me. There’s no way I would trust anybody. There’s nobody I could trust. When I was born, I was left to my grandmother. She raised me solely. She was the only one who could be trusted. My mom left me after birth. My dad left my mom after he knew about her conception of me. See? Even my own parents couldn’t be trusted. My granny promised that she’s not going to leave me. But when a severe illness forced her to, there she broke the promise. I was left with all the property I’ve inherited from her. Then the day came when I found someone. He said he’s going to love me forever. He took care of me. I got all the promises and security a girl could ever want. After granny had left me, he was the only person I could count on. He was too good to be true that I thought if it was a dream I don’t want to wake up. One night, it was the eve of his twenty-first birthday. I sneaked inside their house to surprise him. But I was the one who got surprised when I heard that conversation. “Don’t worry Dad, I’ve got all her trust now. It’s so easy to convince her to marry me, anyway, a few months from now she’ll also be turning 21,” I started to think with those words. “That’s great son! You have to

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move faster to convert all her properties to become conjugal. That way, we don’t have to pay our debts from her grandmother. Anyway, I think Daphne remains innocent about that,” his dad said with a chuckle. “Yeah, not until tonight,” I told myself as tears rushed from my eyes. I cried silently while leaving that place. So all along, everything was a plot. The reason why he took care of me was actually never because he loves me. It’s just all because of my money, nothing more, nothing less. Nobody wants to love me… I woke up with tears dried on my face.

This place is really not the kind of place I wanted to go to. There are so many children. I hate the noise, but there are sounds that indicate happiness. I guess those are sounds of children’s laughter. I looked my way to the powder room where I could find a little silence. But as I walked to that room, I fell to the ground because of a sudden force that struck me. “Miss, here, I’ll help you stand,” he said while offering his hand to help me up. I hate the situation while I can do nothing but take it. As soon as I had given myself the right balance, I took my hand away. “Oh, I’m so sorry Miss. I didn’t intend to hurt you but I wasn’t able to see you while…” “Stop,” I said while giving him my cold gestures and proceeded to the powder room. That man was a brute! He’s like a crazy man running and playing with kids without looking at the possibility that he could bump with other people. As I faced the mirror, I recalled the appearance of that brute. He’s wearing a plain white t-shirt and jeans. He has a friendly smile but I hate to recall that because I hate the feeling when a man smiles at me that way. Maybe that brute is one of the staff the orphanage. Few weeks later, I was driving to attend a conference when I was stopped by the traffic. In that annoying situation, my eyes caught the scenes beside the street. Street children are shouting with glee Photo Credit: http//: devianart.com while a man handed each of them I can see the sunrays passing through the a plastic bag of school supplies. I stared velvet curtains. Oh, everything’s just a at the man. It was him—the brute! And dream. Why did I have to dream of the it seemed like he’s enjoying what he’s doing. past? It was all gone. That man was just wasting his time I started to fix myself. I have to attend an event on a charity foundation. I am with those kids. Ah, maybe it’s just a part not used to doing charity works but since of his work as a staff of the orphanage. The next day, I stopped at the corner this is one of the legacies of my granny, I of the street to buy some fruits when some still chose to engage.

Photo Credit: http//: www.samuhhstar.xanga.com

street kids begged for coins. I just stood still and pretended I didn’t see them. “Hey, won’t you offer them fruits?” I was shocked with the voice of a man talking to me. Oh! It’s him again! How dare this brute ask me? But before I could speak, he approached the fruit stand and bought fruits and gave them to the street kids. “Little things make them happy,” he said while staring at me with a smile. “We’ve met before, right? At the orphanage?” I nodded to affirm. A can no longer feel the annoyance. Instead, I felt comfortable being with this man especially when I saw the kids dancing and shouting because of the fruits he had given them. “I guess this is the right time to say sorry to you. I was enjoying the game with the kids and honestly, I failed to see you and so I accidentally bumped at you,” he explained. He sounded so interesting so all I could say was, “It’s okay, anyway, I wasn’t hurt.” “Good to hear that. If only I’m not in hurry, I would bring those kids to the nearest food chain,” he said sadly. “Why? Do you have lots of things to do at the orphanage?” “Nope. What made you say that? I just visit the orphanage twice a month. Despite the fact that I am busy, I want to continue the legacy of my parents,” he explained with indications of being still

amazed why I’ve asked that question. “I’m so sorry, I thought you were one of the staff,” I blushed for my mistake. “It’s so nice talking to you but I’m going to be late for a conference,” without any hesitation I gave my calling card when he asked for it. We parted and I proceeded to the conference. But my heart began to beat so fast when the guest speaker was introduced by the master of ceremony. “Let us give a round of applause to Atty. Lawrence Fajardo,” it was the time I recognized that the same person I was talking to a while ago at the fruit stand was actually the son of one of the richest businessmen in the country. After the conference, I was about to leave but Lawrence approached me. “I never thought we are attending the same conference,” he said with a chuckle. “Neither did I.” I just found myself at a coffee shop with him. “Why did you have to stop on the streets to approach beggars and filthy

street kids? Don’t you find it a waste of time doing that?” Finally, I was able to give freedom of the thoughts that bothered me a lot. “There’s no waste of time in giving love to your fellowmen, Daphne.” “But they can’t return that to you. See? After they have received, they just leave you and forget everything about you,” I argued. “I don’t need to be remembered. I was blessed with everything. And with it comes a responsibility; that is to share that everything to the people in need. Years ago, I was also one of those street kids who begged for coins and food from the people who passed by. I felt all the helplessness and rejection. I cried most nights for hunger and thirst.” I was sitting there frozen while listening. I can’t utter any word or even a sound. “One night, I was sick lying on folded newspapers beside the street, when a rich businessman passed by. He decided to take me to his home. He and his wife were childless. They took care of me and raised me as their own child. I returned all the love they had given me. But all my life, I will never forget the chaos of being a street kid. So I put up a foundation where I can help orphans. That way at least, I can feel the contentment when I see sparks from their eyes every time I give them something they need,” he smiled while staring at me as though he’s trying to find something from my eyes. “So, how about you, what’s your story?” If this were just another guy, I would have stood and left him because of that question. I did not. Indeed, I have everything, but I shared nothing to anyone. I was stranded in bitterness which pushed me away from the real meaning of life. Yeah, I may have been hurt many times in the past, but that doesn’t have to end there. Now I know this is going to be different. As I open myself to this man, I started to realize that all my riches never meant everything. Looking in his eyes, I know I’m far worse than those cast off beggars. At least they know what they need. But I… I was actually living and earning a lot without knowing what I need. Just when he started his car to bring me home, a song played:

Who will see the beauty in you your life? And who will be there to hear you when you call? Who will see the madness in your life? And who will be there to catch you if you fall?...:-) September-October Issue

Short Story

Sherlock Series:

“The Freakin’

kater Boy”

“There was once a boy who loved skateboarding with his chums. He would just laugh every time he would slip from his skateboard while on action. Over the summer, he accidentally fell, but this time not from his skateboard, but for a cute girl. She was every little thing he wanted. One day, the boy told her that he loved her. But little did he know he was caught in her trap. Days later, the dumping-the-poor-jerk happened. His life changed dramatically. School started and the boy would walk home alone. He still can laugh a little, but only when he thought about how stupid he was to fall for her that easy. Do you want to know where’s that upbeat loving boy he used to be? Well, boohoo… I’m actually starting to miss him more and more each day…=<” After scribbling those notes, I immediately grabbed my skateboard from my wall, went out, and rode on it to have some fresh air. How I

The Purisimian Magazine

wish I could freeze my tears for awhile. I never knew anyone like myself before in my entire life. I knew I existed until she came by surprise. I was hurt like a withered leaf that fell from a tree. I was browning and crumpled, stepped on and abused. If only I could place my emotions on a layaway until I know how to handle them again. And I’m just so preoccupied with the idea that it’s because of her that everything seems to be so hard lately. It has always been a question to me since that day: “How can an angel like her do such a hell-like thing?” She changes her mind as fast as she changes her make-up. I should have known. By the way, my name is James, that freakin’ skater boy who fell in love with Miss Player and is now so sick and tired of falling and picking myself up. Which is why I am out here now, staring out into the endless ocean walking off some steam. The full moon drew a long almost white streak along the water. It trailed along the tail of a kite, the one I would always play with when I was still a kid. The night was so calm and quiet; I could almost hear my

thoughts forming. The only thing that broke the sound of the crashing wave was the occasional cry of a passing dolphin. And the stars above were set just right to make me feel I’m not alone. I just don’t know when those stars will lose their sparks because if that would happen, it will once again bring back the memory of how I was treated like crap. It was just another morning, I opened my eyes. Reluctantly, I got up to get ready for school. I live right around the block from school so a dingy school bus isn’t in need of my presence. I just had my skateboard instead. As I headed towards the gate, I saw my best friend Ethan running towards me, looking flustered. “Hey dude! What’s up?” It just felt good that I still have my pal Ethan beside me to check me out. I could be dead now if not because of people like him to give me the coolest tap on the back when I needed it. “Nothing much dude…still suck…what about you?” “Ugghhh…Cheer up… there are lots of girls out there….And man, wait till you see this new girl in school! She’s a head-turner!” “Oh…Not interested….” “Good…Coz I bet she digs me too, I bet I can get her on a date with me by this week…” “Well, whatever dude… Good luck, I guess…” “I will… let’s meet up after class?” “Sure thing….” “See yah…” My class was Algebra. During the middle of the class,

By Maxwel John B. Berdugo

the rest of my mind still felt tangled. A few fragments floated through my brain −fragments that seemed to make me remember how I became so stupid. It was all wrong and so damn aggravating. But I’m a guy, I don’t cry over things that burn so deeply in my brain. We’re just not meant to be lovers and will never be. I was copying some formula on the board when Mr. Santos thought that it’d be helpful if I help tutor “Precious” after class because she needs to catch up with us. I was puzzled by the name. “Precious? I don’t remember having a classmate named Precious…” I said. “Did you come late?” “Yes…About 7 minutes…” “Now I see the problem…” Then Mr. Santos introduced Precious to me. I looked at her. It was then that I remembered that maybe she was the new girl Ethan was talking about. She stared at me with boring brown eyes and smiled weakly. I could care less about her being alone with me after class. But Ethan was right; she’s more than just a pretty face. After school was over, I met up with Ethan and broke the news about the business I had to take care of with his crush “Precious” He seemed a bit jealous because I was going to interact with her. Unfortunately for him, he didn’t even get the chance to speak to her at all that day. “What the?! Why are you meeting up?!” he asked frantically. Maybe deep down, besides getting the chance to possibly get in her pants, he maybe really did like her a lot. “Relax dude; It was Mr.

Santos’ order…I have to tutor her in Math.” “Okay, whatever…just talk about me and praise me a bit…” “What?! No way, it’s tutoring; speak to her on your own time!” “Listen dude, just bring up my name once and see if she likes me back, okay?” “Fine…” Did I actually say yes? I don’t even know what to feel or how to react right now. I have no interest in Precious, I just want to tutor her on stupid math problems and leave. I just want to go to the beach again near our house and be alone in peace. It is the only place where I feel free being a jerk and feel like a real earthling…It is where I lift my weight and try to get buff... I walked into the empty classroom and saw Precious sitting at a desk. I walked closer to her and sat on an empty desk beside her. We went straight to work with little talks. “Okay, I guess that’s a wrap…” I said after 30-minute session. “Yup, I guess so….Thanks for the big help…” “It’s nothing…” I got up to

leave when she spoke to me again. “There’s a great movie showing in theaters, I heard it’s a blockbuster…I was thinking if you wanna join me and my girls…” What was going on? It was crazy…I didn’t expect for this to happen. We just sat there, tackled some numbers, and then this? I find it cute, though. “Don’t worry…it’s my treat….a sort of saying thank you to my mentor…” she jokingly said. “Uhmm…sure?” It was

weird. I don’t look that much of a guy that girls would fall head over heels…I’m just a freakin’ skater boy who loves numbers….The only thing on my mind was why she asked me out and why I said yes. Not mentioning my gettingover processing right now…I don’t want to get high with this feeling…There’s something inside me that says it’s not right.=b To be continued…

September-October Issue

Literary | Poems

Sin-o bala akon Pagabasulon? By: Maxwel John B. Berdugo

Nene:

Maayo pa sadto Sang ako naga-eskwela Kabuhi ko wala gamu Kaugalingon ko lang ang ginapanumdum Chismis diri kag didto Bisan diin lang ako makadto Sin-o bala akon pagabasulon? Sa kahimtangan ko sa karon?

Toto:

Ano ining nagakatabo? Gasakit ang akon ulo Indi na ako kaintindi Timprano pa ako nagsubong sini Sadto gainom-inom lang kami day Hudas Gakinasadya nga daw wala nabwas Sin-o bala akon pagabasulon? Sa kahimtangan ko sa karon?

Junior: Nay, sa diin na akon gatas? Tay, sa diin na aton bugas? Akon tinae nagasakit na gid Nakagarab na bala kamu sa bukid? Ngaman kamu nagakasubo? Itsura nyo nga problemado Sin-o bala aton pagkabasulon? Sa kahimtangan ta sa karon?

Si Tiyang at Si Boyet By: Savage Athena

Tiyang: Damit, maong, sapatos na bago Sa Greenwich, Mcdo, kahit saan mo gusto Ang lahat ng ito’y ibibigay ko Basta’t ako lang ang iibigin mo. Boyet: Ako sayo’y mandiri man, Nangangako pa ring hindi ka iiwan Basta’t ika’y mangako lamang Na pangangailangan ko’y tutugunan. Pitaka ni Tiyang: O, mahal kong amo ika’y magdasal na. Pagkat ilang buwan na wala pa ring padala Si Boyet mong iniirog pag nakahalata, Tiyak maiiwan kang kaawa-awa.

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“Musmos”

By: Joan Marie Faulve Macellones

Ako’y isang musmos Sa kalye’y nanlilimos Ngunit ni isang sentimo Hindi pwede igastos Pambili man ng ulam Kasi’y ito’y hinihiram Ni tatay ng walang alam Kundi sikmura niyang kumakalam Eskwelaha’y ‘di naapakan Papel at ballpen ay hindi nahawakan Pangarap ko’y walang katuparan Dahil sa sobrang kahirapan Bakit ba ganito? Bakit ako nagtatrabaho? Responsibilidad ba ito? O bunga nang pagkalulong mo, at alak at sigarilyo? Sana naman maisip mo Di ako nabuhay sa mundo Upang tustusan ang bisyo mo Sana’y unawain mo May karapatan din ako.

Father and Child By: Jinky C. Frejoles

Father, I am scared. I can’t find my home, nobody seems to care. Father, I am all alone, In a world where people own a heart of stone. Father, what shall I do? Now that I feel so blue. Father, I am here. Please don’t leave me standing with fear. Father, the pain still remains. I can’t find the strength to wipe my tears away. Father, I want to hold Your hand. You’re the only one who knows how to understand. Father, I am sorry for all the sins I’ve made. Your forgiveness is the only thing I pray for.

My child, I can tell you’re scared. Do not worry, I am here to care. My child, I know you’re all alone. In this world where people do not know they own a heart of stone. My child, don’t be blue. For I am always here for you. My child, yes I am always here. I won’t leave you standing with fear. My child let me wash away the pain. Let me wipe those tears away. My child, I’ll be the one to hold your hand. Tell me what you feel so I could understand. My child, your sins are forgiven. Just continue praying and don’t stop believing. Stay always near me, for I will hold you tight. Always remember, I am your father, and you are my child.

September-October Issue

Literary | Poems

Beggar

By: Jinky C. Frejoles

He does not find it strange how he faces the world alone. Under the heat of the sun, he walks alone. In a corner where he usually stays, A voice longing to be heard in so many ways. With a can, he begs for alms. Tired but gleefully smiling as he stretch-out his dirty hands. By the end of the day, he’ll buy some foods for his siblings. Feed their empty stomachs, after a couple of days of starving. Why is it we couldn’t see how blessed we are? Even dropping a penny, we still find it hard? We are born to be called lucky, While they suffer and remained to be those casualty. In this world we call paradise, Fairness is what God sees through His eyes. But where is the hope of a child who owns nothing? Against the government who keeps on corrupting. The will of the greedy politicians keep on rising. What would happen if all his chances are left hanging? Will he still finds a home? If under the sun, the beggar walks alone.

“I Don’t Want You to Go” By: BlueSeraphim (Dedicated to Zizi)

In times of frustrations You were always one of the reasons Why I fought back and learn my lesson In every painful season

“Once Upon A Time” By: BlueSeraphim

Once upon a time I’ve been in love to someone... And I thought he’ll be the right one... He says he loves me... And he will wait for me...

In your shoulder I cry While your giving me a deep sigh You listen well and touch my hair You believe in me, like my mother dear

I’ve been so happy... With him seems so near me... He’s a dream come true... And means a lot to me so true...

But now you’re leaving me Do you want me to be lonely? Oh, please my friend stay here beside me Cause if you’ll gonna leave it will surely kill me

Never been this happy … After two years of being lonely… Waiting for somebody…. To love me truly...

I know you well, but not farewell Cause you’re always there when I’m in despair Say you’ll never go So that tears won’t flow….

But one day he had to go... With someone he can’t let go... And its hurts me more that he knows… But I fake my smiles so that tears won’t flow... Nights of endless pain… That I know forever will remain... And I can do nothing … But to what was accept what was happening... To see him happy is enough for me… Even it hurts me badly… Cause I miss him completely… But I have to set him free… But still I’m hoping someday the sun will rise… While I’m in his arms... Forever till the end of time... And Once upon a time... Ends happily ever after...

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Rolando ♥

By: Christine D. Arguelles

You used to be my hero When everybody thinks I’m a weirdo. You used to be my adviser Every word I speak to you is, “Yes Sir.” Did this, done that, To make it up to your path I badly needed and miss you right now Taking you back, the question is, “how?” If I could turn back the past, I hope forever will last. You taught me how to stand, With your guiding hand My dear loving father, You taught me to conquer my fear. The fear of losing it all, For me not to badly fall I wish you were here with me So I could make you see, You are my Super Hero, My dear father Rolando…

AWAKE

by Ria Bargas

Can you wake me up when its over.. When all of it is gone.. All the memories lost.. All the endings have begun.. Can you wake me up when im sober.. After the times I run... All the bendings are straight.. After the moon meats the sun.. Can you wake me up not sooner.. Than the waves touch the shore.. As my eyes leave my dreams.. Makes me think of you more.. Can you wake me up when it’s easier.. When every things said and done.. I wish I could go back time.. And start where it all begun..

Last September

By: Christine D. Arguelles

What the Young Souls Need… By: Maxwel John B. Berdugo

In the solitude of the night, When almost everybody’s asleep. You’ll find some little angels in the corner, Sleeping without minding their hunger. In the brightness of the day, You’ll see busy people walking in the streets. But have pity on those poor angels, Who weep along the lane… Do they deserve those things to happen? To toil and suffer in such a young age? Close your eyes and open your hearts… Then you’ll find the answer to what are asked… They are supposed to be at school at the hour, Enjoying their lives without much to ponder. They are supposed to be busy playing with their mates, Instead of staying in a wall, waiting for food’s sake. They are supposed to be holding a pen at the moment, Instead of carrying big boxes in the market. They are supposed to be inside their homes with their family, Not alone and frail in the dirty sidewalks… The time ticks as fast as the sounds travelling in the air, Days go by as quick as the roaring thunder. They must be lifted from the quagmire, Where they have suffered so much pain…=<

It makes me tremble. This time I can’t be nimble, When the only thing that’s left, Has been taken by a theft My knees still shiver, When your trace were coming back father I don’t want to remember Coz every time I do, my tears forms a river

I don’t to get back there. Lying there, I can’t stare. Seeing you in great pain, Makes me stupidly in vain I don’t want to shed tears. I’ve had enough of all these fears. Remembering it, I couldn’t afford. In peril, I can’t even say a word. A flashback of memories There’s a reason why I still grief. Life has many adversities. I just can’t find a quick relief. All of a sudden, The scar in my heart widen It’s when I remember, What happened last September.

September-October Issue