The Purisimian Treasures content

FEATURE

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Behind the Mask of the Untreasured Purisima’s Golden Treasure Community Step The Truth on Atlantis Nature’s Lost Treasure

COLUMN

10 Angel’s Ink 15 Panorama 32 Reality Check

SHORT STORY of a 05 Secrets Broken Home 14 Kapitbahay 29 My Knight in Shining Armor 30 Not Enough Sunsets 33 Eman 34 The Unread LoveNotes GAMEzone 42-44 Comics & Games

FEATURE

Behind The Mask

BY Maxwel John Berdugo

of

the

Un-

wackiness and jokes. That’s her. That’s what she chose to be.

Because her other siblings now have a life of their own, there are instances where she doesn’t know what to do with her life. It even came to a point that she needs to stop from schooling because of financial instability. Sometimes, she even hears harsh words from her older siblings who supported her schooling before she quited.

“What can I do? It’s undeniably true that I’m dependent on them financially. But what do they expect from me? I’m a mere student, what the hell could I do to finance myself? Besides, if I have a choice, I would never ask for their help. That’s why there’s nothing I could do but accept all those harsh words…” she confessed.

We breathe in this intricate world not just to exist alone.

To survive in this challenging battle is not just about filling our stomach with food and water or building a house and clothing ourselves for shelter and protection, or breathing fresh air. As humans, with a heart that is capable of different emotions, we also crave for love, care, attention, and affection from the sea of people around us. We want to be loved by our parents, cared for by our siblings and relatives, attended to by our friends and teachers, and given affection by those of the opposite sex. That’s SEEKING SOLACE We sometimes see life in black and human nature─ we want to be TREASURED. Unfortunately, not all white. We can either hold the sadness of us are lucky enough to be treasured by others. in or let it out. Sometimes, all it takes is Just like Clarisse. She’s jolly. She’s funny. She’s a joke-cracker. someone’s genuine concern and we’re Definitely, she has a gift of spreading joy and laughter to the on our way to dealing with the probpeople around her. She may seem happy in the eyes of others lem. The bottomline is: thet there is a lot of hurt and pain and these need an but deep down she’s hurting. outlet.

HER UNTREASURED PAST REJECTION

REJECTION - that could best fit what Clarisse feels right now. Even as a child, she already felt that she was unwanted.

She doesn’t have a good portrait of a family. Her mother was a battered wife while her father was a drunkard. At the age of 7, her mother died of cancer. As the youngest among four siblings, it’s a sad thought to know that she was able to experience such pitfalls of life that early.

When she and her sister and two brothers were left with their father, that’s when the feeling of rejection and not being treasured grew even stronger. His father continued his Godforsaken life such as alcohol-drinking, gambling, and the like. She didn’t feel the love of her father.

“Never in my entire life did I feel loved by my father…We didn’t have happy memories together that’s why I envy those kids having a good time with their fathers…” she said in a melancholic tone.

BATTLING THE TEST OF TIME

When she was 8, their father decided to bring them here in Roxas City because he can no longer support them financially. They stayed in their relatives’ house. It was a brand new beginning for them.

“When I found out that were moving here in Roxas, a big part of me was sad knowing that our father couldn’t be a father to us…” she revealed, struggling to be composed as much as possible as tears began to fall.

She was wallowing in sadness that she had no choice but go on with the flow of life. Day by day, she learned to adapt to her new world, her new home.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

She continued her schooling and started to make new friends. She grew tired of staining the covers of her bed with tears and recounting some sad incidents down her memory lane. She taught herself how to stand on her own, she came to know the word INDEPENDENCE because she had to.

HER PRESENT LIFE

Clarisse is currently out of school and a runaway because she can’t take the unwavering rejection she felt from her siblings. Despite that, you can still hear the laughter and see the curves on her friends’ lips when she’s around.

She’s known to be the clown of the group, their source of happiness amidst their busy student life, because of her

As for Clarisse, she’s not afraid to seek help. But she always chooses her friends who could hear her out. She’ll open to them and after that, she’ll once again start cutting the drama with her jokes.

Unlike other people who become shattered and lost, she was more driven than ever to make her life normal. She’s merely escaping from the painful truth but there are unavoidable instances reminiscing her painful yesterdays.

“I’m not the drama queen type. I may feel “untreasured” at some point but I always make sure not to mope around and engage in things that remind me of those rejections.”

That’s how strong she is. She believes that one can cry buckets but

FEATURE

Mr. Ricky Apelado: Purisima’s Golden Treasure THE EXAMINATION

sweating and our heartbeats seemed to be abnormally louder and faster. It wasn’t the dreaded weekend exam that made us so restless over the week, for it was actually the day when our teacher would finally share to us who passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) board exam, something that we, accountancy students, are always eager to know. We braced ourselves as our teacher cleared his throat for the announcement. Just like watching the coronation night of Ms. Universe, “Ricky…” my teacher started. “Ricky Apelado is now a CPA.” We felt like a heavy hammer had just been lifted from our shoulders, all giving a sigh of relief. “I knew he would make it,” we silently whispered to ourselves.

Patience pays off.

This is what Mr. Ricky D. Apelado has proven to us all after he passed the CPA Board Exam last October 2009. After years of rigid studying and months of restless review, he now achieved what every accountancy student aims for, to be a Certified Public Accountant.

Mr. Apelado was born on January 14, 1989, and is the son of Mr. Ramonito A. Apelado and Mrs. Salome D. Apelado. He grew up in Brgy.

Dumulog and is the youngest among the six children in their family.

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Licensure Examination is an exam given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) open to any graduate of BS in Acoountancy.

The subjects given in this exam are the following: Theory of Accounts, Business Law and Taxation, Management Services, Auditing Theory, Auditing Problems, and Practical Accounting. It is said to be one of the most difficult examinations and that’s why only a few would take the challenge, and even fewer would ever make it.

However, this did not stop Mr. Apelado from achieving his dreams. He took the board, as he shared, because he wanted to prove something, for himself and to other people as well, and to help his family. During the AS A MEMBER OF THE PURISIMIAN review, he used well of his time through proper Mr. Apelado wasn’t just a studious scheduling and a sprinkle of self-pressure to student during his years in college, for motivate himself. He also never stopped from was also a believing in active “It was like fishing and trying to fill as very God, letting part of some many fishes as you can into the boat organizations, Him do the rest. After under a time constraint. It was like having and one of months a chance to save lives in an emergency them is The of review, room, unsure what the outcome will be. It’s Purisimian. He there were like passing on the spot an article just to was part of TP also times since his 2nd when he felt meet a deadline,” Mr. Apelado said about year in College his feelings while taking the exam. like giving onwards. He up, most served as the Asst. Managing editor (2nd especially when his grades declined, but his yr.), Managing Editor (3rd yr.), and finally, drive to succeed outweighed them all. To as the Editor-in-Chief during his last year in overcome these challenges, he also went to College. Weighing both the responsibilities his classmates to ask for encouragement. With in the Publication, as well as his busy the advice of the reviewers, friends and family, school life, he learned that being involved he survived the months of homesickness and in school organizations and activities help “mourning.” a person obtain a healthy student life, just He shared how uneasy yet excited he was like on-the-job training, preparing him for on the examination day. After a few moments the bigger and more complex problems though, he just felt complete peace, for that in the future. time, he prayed and let God manage his exams.

CURRENT LIFE AND FUTURE PLANS “It was like fishing and trying to fill as many As of now, Mr. Apelado is a faculty fishes as you can into the boat under a time member of the Accountancy Department constraint. It was like having a chance to save at the College of St. John-Roxas, De La lives in an emergency room, unsure of what Salle Supervised. As a CPA, he claims he the outcome will be. It’s like passing on the still wants to grow each day. He plans spot an article just to meet a deadline,” Mr. to proceed to taking MBA or Law. He Apelado said about his feelings while taking also wants to be involved in community the exam. activities and earn more for a better life.

Indeed, Mr. Ricky Apelado is true and AS A STUDENT living proof that blessings really come for Mr. Apelado graduated his elementary at anyone who knows how to strive and wait.

Dumulog Elementary School. He then spent For his achievements and the footprints almost eight years at Colegio de la Purisima he left for other Purisimians to follow, he is Concepcion for his High school and College, undeniably another shining treasure that and was one of the best students in his class. our school is proud of.

He took B.S. in Accountancy because he THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

Friday. Our palms were

wanted challenge, and because of his brother’s advice.

He admitted that he did not travel a smooth path during his school years. As a normal student, he also experienced pressure, criticisms, failure, frustrations, fatigue, insomnia and even tardiness.

He even came to a point of almost “chopping” his body just to accomplish his series of tasks. To combat this problem, his inner voice reigned atop all of the bad things he had heard from other people.

He believes that what you think or say to yourself will be the primary thing that will help you. Even without Latin Honors, he proved that he could still be one of the students our Alma Mater can be proud of.

SHORTstory

BY Savage Athena

Secrets of a

I

n a lifetime, people are given the chance to believe whatever they wanted to. What if one day we realize that the truth we believe in is in fact a lie?

To be a lawyer is my childhood ambition. I wanted to become like my father who is competent and brave in almost everything, just almost everything except my mom.

I grew up in a big house filled with beautiful antiques and expensive stuff. People would always say I was born with a golden spoon in my mouth. There’s always one thing that makes me wonder why even with the lights inside our entire house, darkness was constant. Ever since I was a child, I never saw Mom and Dad together. Yes, we live in the same house, but they never talked, they never laughed together and never hugged or cuddled each other just like Aunt Shirley and Uncle Leon sometimes do when they are having fun with my cousins.

One night, I was six then, we waited for Mom to arrive. It was her birthday so Dad and my paternal grandparents prepared a surprise party for her. Mom did not arrive even after all the guests as well as my grandparents have left. Dad’s smiling face turned serious when the clock struck eleven so he asked me to go to bed. Yayang, my nurse maid, brought me inside and went to sleep. But even if Yayang was already fast asleep, I never managed to. I still wanted to greet Mom. I didn’t know how long I’ve been waiting but I suddenly heard a car stop.

I slowly turned the doorknob and watched for the next scenes. I saw Dad with a serious face holding a bottle of beer.

“Where have you been?” Dad asked staring at Mom. “Oh, Mr. Lawyer, we’re not in court so I don’t see any right from you to interrogate me,” Mom replied with her casual my-words-can’t-bemoved tone. She was wearing a red short dress with her curly hair hanging loose. What made me admire her is first, the way she acts firmly yet with details of femininity; secondly, she speaks as though nobody could ever change her mind; and lastly, the THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

ture of theirs. In our entire house, no wedding picture of theirs was ever displayed. My eyes caught the big box beside him. Obviously, the box contained Mom’s belongings. I stared at the other scattered pictures. They were all Mom and Dad’s pictures during their younger years. They have pictures together during their childhood. I reached out to get one of those pictures but Dad spoke.

“Krizia, be careful, your mom will surely get more angry if she finds out we’ve opened this box,” he stared at the picture I was holding. That was taken maybe when they were my age. Dad was hugging Mom and she posed with a smile. The picture indicated they were playmates. “Look at that picture. You really look like your mom. I know you will grow up into a smart and beautiful woman like her.” He smiled with teary eyes.

“No Dad, I don’t wanna be like her. I won’t slap the people I love.

I won’t want my child to hate me,” I said and I hugged Dad. “Why, do you hate your Mom? Oh, don’t hate her. Your mom was once beauty a very kind and sincere person. It was she possessed Dad’s fault. Everything was my fault”, that makes Dad he explained trying to stop himself from behave like a puppy trying to crying. please his master.

“No Dad, for me you are our hero!” I “My parents were here and gave shouted with glee. efforts to surprise you. We’ve tried so After three days Mom returned hard and have been very busy, then home. But nothing’s changed. Everythat’s all you could say?” Dad was thing went back to normal. Dad took angry. care of me when he’s not in his office.

“I never asked you to do that,” Mom would just check if I’m okay. She Mom said calmly and was about to would leave the house the whole day enter the room but she turned, “Next time don’t do such things ‘cause I’m not and would arrive late at night. The most normal thing, they don’t talk to each good in returning favors.”

Just as Mom entered the room, Dad other.

I was used to that kind of lifestyle. followed her. I was so curious because it was their first time to talk that long so I My questions grew more puzzles when I went to school. I was shocked to know managed to get out and follow Dad. Dad walked straight towards Mom, that not all moms and dads lived like put his hands on her shoulders and had Mom and Dad do. Since the time Mom slapped Dad’s face, I learned to hate her face him. her. Yes, I’m ashamed to tell her but I “Let go of me!”

“What’s happening with you? It was know she could feel that I resent. I grew up not close to her. I wasn’t able to already seven years…” make her listen to my problems.

“Yes, seven years have passed What was between Mom and Dad since you…”

“Yes, I did it because I can’t afford remained wrapped in a shroud of mysnot to have you because I love you…” tery till I reached college.

One night, Mom arrived home Dad was crying and he hugged Mom. drunk. She looked helpless. She never But she suddenly pushed him and even refused when Dad carried her to slapped him on the face. their room. I asked Dad if he needs help “Liar!” That’s all she said and left.

I rushed towards Dad and hugged but he told me to go to sleep ‘cause him. I can’t remember how many buck- everything would be fine.

The next morning, Dad woke up ets of tears I have shed but I cried and differently. His smile was special. He was cried.

The next morning, I saw Dad crying the one who cooked our breakfast.

But about two months after… inside their room. He was holding a bot“I am not going to bear this. After tle of beer on his right hand and some empty ones were scattered around him. what you did years ago, now there’s I slowly walked towards him and found going to be another!” Mom was very out that he was busy on some stuff. He angry.

“Please don’t do something with the was holding their wedding picture on his left hand and kept on staring at it. It child. Just give him the chance to live was my first time to see a wedding pic- and you can leave if you really don’t

“No Dad, I don’t wanna be like her.

I won’t slap the people I love. I won’t want my child to hate me,” I said and I hugged Dad.

SOURCE: www.caligreen.com / www.thereaganwing.wordpres.com

want your family.” I pity Dad with those words. two of us, I saw it as the only way to make her “So it’s easy for you to say that. What marry me. I forced her to go to bed with me,” a great compensation for me! After I was Dad sobbed. used, I could just live freely again! Is that “I was supposed to be her hero. But what what you mean, bastard? Everybody thinks have I done? She was crying but I did not stop. you’re a good person, a lawyer of prinShe was begging for me to stop but I did not. I ciples. Even my child admired you and have stolen everything from her. Her boyfriend hated me. Now that you have had enough, left her after she revealed to him what hapyou’re asking me to leave. After all…after pened. Her parents were happy of what hapall…I still appear as the culprit. After I was pened to us because ever since, they wanted raped…” I was shocked with those words. me to be part of their family. Nobody was there Mom was crying. She started to be violent to mourn with her… to comfort her. They forced and started to give Dad punches on the her to marry me. I thought after the wedding I chest, on the face, and anywhere but he could gain back her love. But I was wrong. She stood still as though he couldn’t feel the turned worse. Since she had given birth to you, hurt. she went back to her single life attending parties “You rapist! User! Criminal! You ruand coming home late at night.” ined my life! I’ll kill you!” the moment Dad “I’ve tried so hard to be a good father, moved was when we both saw the blood a responsible and loving husband. I never running down through Mom’s legs. stopped her from doing what she wanted. That

“Mom!” I rushed towards Mom way, I thought, I could pay for the damage I even if I learned to hate her for years. had caused her. But that was so silly, of course. I “Dad, what’s happening?” guess whatever I do I can’t pay the price of her “Just open the car and we’ll drive her life that I have ruined. Now, I’m just having the to the hospital.” fruits of that mistake. And it hurts more when I After a few hours, there I was, sitting see you feeling the hurt too,” beside Mom waiting for her to wake up.

I was not aware that the whole time Dad Dad was there. What had happened just was revealing the story, my tears never ceased brought more puzzles to me. After some from falling. Now, I got the answers why whatevtime, he broke the silence. er kinds of hurt Mom had given him, they never “I know you’ve heard everything,” he moved Dad to hurt her back. If I only knew, I said without waiting for my affirmation. “I should have done something to show Mom that know everything puzzled you. Ever since I love her too. you were a child you were perplexed “Now that you’re seventeen, you’re gowhy we acted like we’re not couples and ing to have a baby brother. We’ve almost lost I wasn’t able to explain it to you because him because of me. Believe me Krizia, after all I’m afraid you would hate me. Now, I these years, the only thing that could make me guess, it’s about time for you to know.” brave enough to stand all of these heartaches I stayed silent waiting for answers to and awkward situations is my great love for your my queries. mom,” just as Dad finished talking we heard a “Your Mom and I were childhood friends. gentle sob. It was Mom staring at Dad. Our parents were friends too because we “I’m sorry Ella, but if you don’t want me here were neighbors. We used to play together.

I’ll just go out,” he was about to stand when We both wished to be lawyers but it was only Mom spoke. me who was granted. She’s so smart and “No Kent, please stay,” I can’t believe it. eloquent. When she talks, she has this talent That was my first time to see Mom look at Dad to make necks turn at her. But she’s sweet of us,” she said“Kent, with please stay and take care with affection. and kind. I admired her but she didn’t know tears falling down it. We stayed friends until we reached junior from her face. high school. I courted her and she became I guess, with my girlfriend. We were so young then. And it the way they was so obvious that she was attracted to me hugged each more than I was attracted with her. One day other, there are I decided for a break up. She begged for me no more words to stay but I left her crying and I had another needed. I am girl,” Dad paused and had a deep sigh. certain, all mistakes “She got hurt and I suppose, our break were forgiven and up brought her trauma. After four years she inevitably, after met Arthur and they were engaged. I was seventeen years shocked when I heard the news and tried to of my journey, I court her again. I was a fool! I loved collect- am going to have ing girls but I have overlooked and dumped a home, where the only girl I truly loved. I thought she would there could be no accept me but she did not. She said she’s sweeter music than going to marry him.” our laughter; and “Then came Mom and Dad’s anniversary where there could and your mom’s whole family was invited. be no lights brighter Her family left earlier but she stayed to join than the spark of me and our friends. Believe me, it wasn’t my love Mom and Dad plan. But she got drunk that I was asked by would start.=* my dad to take her upstairs to have some rest. When we were inside the room, only the

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

BY Mary Grace A. Daliva

FEATURE

Community Step: A Movement on Kid’s Educational Foundation At the age of 12, Melvie seems to lack the confidence of a young and energetic teenager. She’s ashamed of having to repeat the fifth grade once again. This is not the first time, when she was seven, she had to go back to the first grade again after failing several subjects in her class.

“There’s really a big difference between my fifth grade daughter who’s never undergone any day care program than my third grade child who is currently receiving an early education program.

My 12 year-old daughter Melvie is having problems with her comprehension skills.

She had a failing grade in English and Science subjects. Her teacher didn’t allow her to enroll this school year in the sixth grade for that reason.” Melvie and her mother Aling Vivian lives here, in this shanty town of Barangay Subang-Dako, Cebu City.

“I can’t afford to enroll her in a day care center during that time”, she added.

They would rather spend 1,000.00 pesos for their monthly expenses than ensuring Melvie’s education.

But now, things are a little bit different.

With Balay Bata’s initiative of scaling down the monthly contribution for early education to 40 pesos a month, parents are now able to send their children to day care centers.

“Balay Bata helps our kids to acquire basic knowledge in school. With the partnership of Balay Bata and Share-AChild Movement Inc., we can give our kids the right education they need,” says Aling Vivian.

Melvie is just one of the 782, 628 (Philippine Informal Reading Inventory) students who fail to pass reading test for grade one pupils because of poor early childhood development programs. In the recent report of Share-A-Child Movement Inc., there are 41, 995 day care centers for 46, 747 barangays all over the Philippines, and there are still more barangays across THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

the archipelago who are still in need of day care centers.

The desire to improve early education program is picking up momentum in Cebu City, and Brgy. Subang-Dako is one of the perfect sites where early education program is well implemented. Aside from educating the young, the mothers and their children are given time to bond through play groups. There are creative workshops for parents as well, to educate them about family planning, proper budgeting and proper way of caring for the young.

This early childhood development program also enables the parents to participate in the feeding program financed by the ShareA-Child Movement and the Barangay officials.

Parents are encouraged to contribute to the feeding program of their kids.

Monthly contribution of Php 40.00 is collected among parents of enrolled kids for the fare of the teacher, visual aids and materials being utilized inside the classroom.

Brgy. Subang-Dako is just one of the fortunate barangays in Cebu City where education programs are given utmost attention.

This proves that once the local government and non-government organizations work together, it is not impossible for young kids to reach their optimum goals.

It was late afternoon in March 2009 at Sitio Mahusay, Barangay Subang-Dako, Cebu City. The long dirt road lining the sitio was given a faint life by a little child walking sulkily towards a house. She carried a small knapsack on one hand and a piece of paper marked with red ink on the other. She is Melvie.

And in just a few short moments, she will have to reveal to her mother the grueling truth she bore: She will have to repeat grade five next year.

This is nothing new to her, though. She also took her first grade twice because she failed in her subjects, particularly in Math and Science. And now she faces this fate once more.

Why is this the case? Why does she keep repeating these failures over and over again? When her mother was interviewed, she related that one of the key factors is the fact that Melvie had not attended day care program before she began her formal schooling. “The centers were all from private organizations during that time and unfortunately, we did not have the money to enroll her there. The public day care centers only came to our Barangay when she was already in grade two. So it was already too late. She related.

Indeed, as surprising as it seems, children’s enrolment in pre-schools and day care center puts them at an edge towards doing better throughout their school life. This will help promote and uphold the children’s proper development process. But the pressing problem is the fact that there is a shortage of day care centers

in the country. According to the Share-a-Child Movement, Inc., there are 9,205 barangays in the Philippines without any public daycare centers. And this shortage brings about the increase in the population of underdeveloped children, which includes elementary and high school dropouts. According to a research conducted by the same organization, it showed that out of 1,000 entrants to the elementary level, 312 drop out before reaching grade six, and one main reason here is that these children cannot cope up with their other classmates who were able to complete a preschool or day care program.

Article 4 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) provides that the government has the responsibility to make sure that all the children’s rights are respected, promoted and fulfilled. In terms of the children’s right to development, the government has the primary responsibility of providing accessible day care centers.

The story of Melvie alone should be enough of a driving force for everyone to help one another in upholding the right of the child to development. Through the right ways, who knows, in the future, we could be sure that Melvie’s said story will not be repeated not only by herself but by others as well. The key is simple; the dawn begins long before

SOURCE: projecctdennio.blogspot.com THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE

BY Jotham Funclara

Dawn Breaks

FEATURE

When the

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

SHORTstory

you see, child, it brings back painful memories,” said the old woman.

“Don’t go near that house, Julia! Mother said an old, ugly witch lives there!” said a small, fat boy, “Can’t you just give me holding a bar of chocolate in his tiny hands. the summary of the summary’s It was Saturday afternoon, and, according to their undeclared house rules, Julia is free to play with summary? It’s a fair deal.” Julia her friends and roam around their subdivision as much as she wants. Well, that of course, includes all begged the more. the corners of their place, except an old, huge mansion that seemed to be standing there for hundreds “Okay, okay. Now, sit straight of years. Compared to all the houses in their small area, it’s the only one which still has Kapis shell for its windows and red bricks for its roof, a design that makes anyone who passes by the house seemed to be and I’ll tell you.”

And Julia obeyed like a robot. transported back to the Spanish era. The house is huge and, regretfully, dusty. Seeing the Guava leaves scattered around its backyard, it seems that the owner really forgot how to clean-up. Though Julia’s family It happened long, long ago, has been living there for almost ten years now, they still wonder how the owner looks like for she has when this place was still full of trees never, never gotten out of her house. They can only guess that there is really someone there for every and grass always grow as tall as single night, a slow, sad song is being played on a piano, making anyone who hears it swears to being men. I was once young then, and on scared to death. “It’s like a song coming from the graveyard. My children always cry at night once the my 18th birthday, my loving mother song starts,.” Aling Nena, their neighbor, always says every morning. Rumors have it that the owners of the gave me what I really wanted for, a subdivision have once tried to convince the old lady to leave, but she just shook her head, making the “I was never afraid of the huge, black piano, with its elegance old mansion, though as old as itwitches! is, still aMother part of their modern little city. enough to have gone this far,” the voice was now said, those things don’t exist!” Julia said as brave shining atop any other piano in our soft and warm, allowing Julia to breathe for a while. as she can though her heart was beating wildly as town. It was splendid! I ran to the “I… I….” no word came out of Julia’s mind as she stepped even closer to what everybody calls piano and began dropping my she slowly turned around to face the woman. In her the “forbidden” house. fingers on its keys. Cling-dong-tingthought, she silently prepared herself to die at that “Oh yeah? Then why are you shaking then? cling. Everyone in my party patiently very moment. But as she finally opened her eyes, Ha-ha-ha! Poor Julia, you must be very… very…. listened, but it was my mother who Julia was surprised to see no monster! Not even a scared,” the boy laughed, not knowing that bits stopped my hand from playing crazy pointed, scary-looking nose she had imagined a of chocolate were sticking on his teeth. rhythms. witch to be like in her nightmares. Instead, she saw “I said I’m not afraid! I’m not, I’m not and I’m “Child,” my mother said. “It an old, but definitely beautiful woman, almost as not!” seems to me that you need some old as her grandfather, smiling at her. Her face was “Julia! Noooooooooooo!” tutorial.” And she turned her back to somewhat pale, probably after years of seclusion, The boy tried to grab her arms but it was the guests and flicked her hand to yet amazingly spotless. There were a couple of already too late. Julia, with eyes tighly closed, call up a person. wrinkles showing up beside her dark, rounded eyes, immediately slipped into the metal gate and “Mother! I don’t need a…” and a few on her forehead, yet her beauty was still ran inside the backyard of the old house. Before I stood up and turned around to very evident at her age. Julia can still see the old she even knew it, she was already standing at its stop my mother but my words left woman’s well-sculpted cheek bones and her hair, arched, oak door, a place where not even the hanging as a young man, almost as long and all grey, was neatly tucked up at the nape young as I was, came slowly from the sniffiest chismosa in their place, has ever dared of her neck. Julia couldn’t help but wonder just how to go. crowd. His tall, muscular physique beautiful she was in her youth.

“So what now Bryan? Who’s chicken now?” made him a total stand out in the “Young lady, don’t be scared. I’m not what Julia proudly shouted. same old faces of our guests. He was everybody thinks I am,” the old lady said with her “Hey stupid! You’ll never get out of there almost glowing as he slowly made his sweet, calm voice, making Julia relax even more. anymore! Wait ‘til I tell your mommy!” and the fat way to me. His face was strong yet “I’m very sorry, Lola. I just really wanted to show angelic, and his clear, brown eyes little boy ran away as fast as he could. my friend that I am brave until your door opened “Ha-ha-ha! Go tell my mommy then! Run spoke for themselves. His skin was and I found myself here, but I promise! I didn’t come medium-brown, smooth and very like a coward, Bryan! Go… ho… home… and…” here to do you harm!” The little girl looked at the Julia never finished her sentence as the huge healthy. His perfectly-pointed nose floor, guilty for what she has done. door behind her creaked loudly, a sound she only bridged his beautiful brown eyes to “Hush, child. It’s okay. It’s been years since imagined hearing from horror movies. Her heart his semi-red lips, whose smile was I’ve last talked to another soul. I hope you won’t was pounding crazily as she turned around and the most attractive smile I’ve ever be scared of me anymore,” and the old woman saw how the wooden door opened by itself. As seen in my life. I almost forgot how came closer and tapped that little girl’s shoulder. it opened wide enough, Julia almost dropped to breathe as I already saw him only “Would you care for a seat?” and the old woman her jaw as her eyes saw what’s inside the old, inches away from me, with his sweet, pointed to the chair by the piano, which Julia gladly masculine scent surrounding my forbidden mansion. It was nothing but pure accepted. The woman slowly sat near her. grandeur. whole being.

“Well, maybe I was before. But now, Lola, I “Wooooooow!” she finally found the words “Mo… mother… is… he…” I promise, I am no longer afraid of you anymore. You to describe it. As if by magic, she forgot about stumbled upon my words, unsure of don’t look like what my friend told me about. Not her fears and stepped inside the house. The what to say. even close,” Julia honestly said. place was wide and surprisingly beautiful! It was “Yes, dear. Meet Manuel. He’s “I am really glad to hear that, dear. I hope nothing compared to the filthy backyard it has a friend of Rodolfo, farmer in one of you’d feel comfortable in a place I call home,” the outside. At the ceiling hangs a shiny, and almost our farms. I’ve heard he’s one of the old woman’s smile was wider than before. magical glass chandelier, giving the whole room best pianists in San Ignacio where he “Oh it’s beautiful! It’s the first time I’ve seen such grew up. enough light . In almost every window hangs a beautiful house!” and Julia’s eyes sparkled with beautifully embroidered white curtains, with not “Hello! Juliana, right? Such awe. even a speck of dust clinging at its every thread. a beautiful house. My pleasure “Thank you so much, child. You’re the second The two wooden and grand staircases at the to meet you.” Manuel lent out a person who told me that. It’s pretty nostalgic, very center of the room were also very shiny, and hand, making me blush with his actually.” The woman’s voice cracked at the end, the carvings at the handle showed just how rich compliments. I handed him my and her gaze dropped to the piano near us. the owner is. Julia turned around and saw the trembling hands, and was almost “Second? Then who was the first, Lola?” her figurines and paintings that she only saw in her shocked by the bolts of electricity as inquisitive lips never failed her again. trip to the museum. As she turned at her left, she our palms finally met. I immediately “I’d rather not talk about it, dear. It happened immediately found it! The one that plays the sad pulled out my hand, an action I soon a long, long, long time ago.” Then the woman songs that give her the creeps every single night regretted. looked at the closed window, as if longing to see ─ the black piano. With its shiny top, it looked like “I’ll attend to our guests first. someone. it just got out of the store. She stepped closer to it, Enjoy your lessons, Juliana.” And “Stories! Oh how I love to hear stories, Lola! Oh and, amazed by its beauty, she allowed her small my mother left the two of us, unsure please, please tell me! Please!” and Julia crossed fingers run lightly over its keys. what to do next. her palms and widened her eyes to look even cuter, “Don’t touch it!” a mad, but small woman’s “I reckon we should start our something that always worked when she wanted voice came from behind that made Julia jump lessons now. It’s getting late.” I finally her mother to buy her candies. from where she was standing. spoke, pointing out to the chair near “Oh dear! You really remind me of someone.

“Why are you here, child? I bet you’re brave the piano. I sat down at one end You seem to have his gorgeous, brown eyes. But THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

while he carefully sat at the other. As our arms “I’m not sure about that, Juliana. It’s not brushed against each other, another bolt of that I’m in a hurry but… if you will just tell me that electricity sparked between us, causing us you love me and you’d not want me to leave, to startle. Soon, our fingers were on the keys, I would not go anymore. You might not believe starting our lessons one key at a time. Since me but… I love you, more than I ever loved my mother taught me how to read notes anyone before.” And he held my hand again, before, it didn’t take long before I finally but even tighter this time. I felt my blood rushing learned Manuel’s lessons. to my cheeks. I’m sure I love him, but in our “Stepping into this makes the sound go world during our times, where women couldn’t shorter, while stepping on the other makes say “yes” to a man without years of courtship, the note go longer.” I wasn’t sure if I really how could I ever tell that man that I fell in love understood what Manuel was talking about with him after just a single night? for I was just looking at his eyes, and the way “I… I’m sorry” I nervously said, though my his fingers gently pressed on every key. The heart told me otherwise. visitors, one by one, bid goodbye as the “I understand, Juliana. You don’t need to party was over, but we were still there at one explain.” He stood up and let go of my hand. corner, enjoying every minute in our little “Maybe, I just really made the wrong move. world.

I’m sorry if I couldn’t stay any longer. I have to “Can you press that key for me, go. Thank you, for making me feel what love Juliana?” He pointed out the last key to is all about before I face my uncertain destiny me. Drunk in a liquor called love, I aimlessly tomorrow,” and right after saying that, he pressed the nearest key to my right, not even immediately ran away, without waiting for me noticing I pressed the wrong key. to utter anything. He stopped at the door and “Not that one, Juliana. Here, let me help turned to me, his eyes filled with pain. And for you,” and Manuel grabbed my hand and the last time, he spoke: held it next to his. We looked at each other, “Juliana, I forgot to tell you the last thing both surprised by the brand new feeling we you have to remember when playing the piano. both shared.

You may learn all the notes, but after all those “I… I’m sorry,” I spoke, not pulling my things, the only thing that is important is ... play hand away from his. with your heart. You will never go wrong with it.”

“It’s okay, Juliana.” He smiled at me as And he finally walked down the steps, with only he said those things. the drops of his tears left on his trail.

“I don’t understand,” I stared at him in And that was the last time I ever confusion. saw him, and the last time I ever heard “Juliana, I can’t keep this feeling his voice. He never returned. I lived anymore. Honestly, I was in love with you everyday just waiting for him to the first time I saw you visiting one of your come, to tell him something that farms with your mother. Your long, black hair I held back for so long… that I swaying with every graceful move, and your love him, and I long for the smile…. It’s beyond compare. I can’t believe day that he just how things would go this fast. The next would play thing I knew… I am sitting here with the most this piano for beautiful girl my eyes have seen. He said, me again. looking at my eyes.

I know he “I… I don’t know what to say,” I muttered, gently shaking my head in disbelief.

Ding-dong-ding-dong. The clock hit loudly. Loud enough to finally step us back to reality again “Oh! It’s already midnight.

Time really flew fast” he slowly said frustratingly.

“Yes… yes, I guess so,” I said as I finally pulled my hand away from him.

“Maybe it’s time for me to go. I must prepare my things for tomorrow.” He said.

“You’re… leaving? Why? I mean, where?” I couldn’t hide my frustration.

“Our country needs more valiant soldiers to fight against the Japanese.

I volunteered myself in and tomorrow, we will fight in Bataan, along with Rodolfo and others.”

“So… will you ever come back?” I looked up at him.

SOURCE: www.britta.com(damadana.wordpress.com)

will be back. He will be, someday… when the trees are full and the grass will be as tall as men again.

And the old woman finally ended her story with tears running down her eyes. When will you come back, Manuel de los Santos? When will you ever come back? The old woman thought for herself while looking at the black piano, where he first and last held her hands.

“Aaaaaww! What a sad, sad, story, Lola Juliana. I almost cried while you were telling me that.” Julia spoke.

“Julia! Julia! Get out of there! Julia! A loud, familiar voice made Julia jump off from her seat.

It was her mother, and, basing on her voice, she must be so mad.

“Oh my! Oh my! Oh Lola Juliana, I really have to go! My mother might be so mad at me!” and the old woman watched the little girl run hurriedly, but midway, the girl stopped and turned her back to the old woman.

“Lola Juliana, isn’t it a little funny that we almost have the same name? my grandfather gave me the name ‘Julia’ saying that I will grow up as beautiful as his first love.” The young girl, with full innocence, said to the old woman.

The Black

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

COLUMN

Medals and Honors:

BY Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao

Treasure or Pressure?

10 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

It took me so long to say something which would open the minds of some of our dear parents, but now I guess it’s about time for my pen to do it.

Ever since, I was always pressured to get academic awards during recognition and graduation. Based on this experience, I know and I understand what honor students feel if they get flunked or disqualified from the dean’s list.

It’s really one of life’s ironies when the things you tried so hard to have are also the things that, most of time, do not land on your palms.

If we missed the notes, we could have the photocopies. If we missed the books, we could surf the internet. If we missed the assignments, we could text a friend. If we missed the medals…the honors…do we have other options to satisfy our parents?

It’s hard to tell Mom and Dad that at least even if I’m a second rater, I did my best because it’s for them. It’s hard to tell grandma that I’m still one of the best few even if I’m not the number one. Of course, how would they understand? It’s easy for them to say they’re sure I’m going to be number one because I almost lose these eyebrows studying my lessons.

It might be so easy to convince them that you can be proud of me, even if I’m just second or third because I’m still in the honor roll. It might be so easy to ask them what if they’d be in my place; could they afford to get the first honor? It might be so easy to tell them to stop expecting for anything because I hate to have medals anymore. Yeah, it might be so easy…it might be but believe me…it’s not.

If they ask me why I became a second rater after all of the things they have provided, I would ask them back, “Are you aware of the heartaches I had? Were you able to give advice to inspire me? Did you look after me?”

I really wished that one day I could make them hear these things: HEY MOM, DAD, GRANNY, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING, BUT JUST BECAUSE YOU PROVIDED ME EVERYTHING, IT DOESN’T MEAN I COULD BE EVERYTHING YOU WANT ME TO BE. I AM YOUR CHILD, NOT YOUR ROBOT. YOU CAN’T JUST DROP TOKENS OR PUSH A BUTTON THEN… ALAS! FOR THE MEDAL. Dear fellas, if you can’t afford to tell your parents, I hope this somehow, could be of some help.

SOURCE: www.usm.edu

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 11

BY Maxwel John Berdugo

I’ve been suffering from the little crab in my head these past few days. I have a girlfriend. Her name’s Jenny. I met her at a mutual friend’s party although we didn’t actually start going out until a few weeks later. One thing I remembered that time is that she was a stand out. Until I got a chance to ask her to be my girlfriend and we’ve been together ever since.

But now I don’t understand why I already find it difficult to tell her that I love her. I even stop being jealous about other guys. I am not exactly known for being a kind and caring creature, but I really do. That’s the exact reason why I find it hard to let her know that this has to end because I’m not sure if this could go anywhere.

I’m only sure of one thing; I’m in love with another girl named Carrie. Oh man, she’s not just a girl. She’s beyond compare.

Everything’s a blur from that day my eyes first laid on her. I just remembered laughing, talking, and basically having a great time with her at my friend’s (who is her cousin) surprise birthday blast. But what stands out the most in my mind is the feeling that this was right, that I’m the right place, and that this was how things should be. It was a perfect night. Sadly, even perfect nights have to end. But when I got home, I was on such a high from how I felt and I kept thinking about the possibilities of being with her.

I thought there’s no such thing as fairy tale. That Prince and Princess who, like in famous bedtime stories, have fallen deeply in love with each other, fought against all odds, and yes, lived happily ever after. This may sound girly but I really felt like a prince so brave who will gallantly combat for love. Silly but true.

So where did my feelings for Jenny go? That was a very tough question.

One I couldn’t answer. Everything was

her and end the relationship I once enjoyed with her “I tried...” I said.

“I’m not that stupid. I’m not that numb.

Yes, I see it coming, but I was never prepared for it. So I did my best to make it work but I guess this really has to end.”

“I’m so sorry Jen… You know how I hate emotional confrontations like this ‘coz still hopelessly jumbled in my head like puzzle it sucks. I don’t wanna hurt you. Yes, this pieces thrown out of a box. I closed my eyes as is damn hard for you, but believe me Jen, if that could help me focus. Still it hadn’t – not multiply that by 10 for you to get an idea of even a single clue. Dozens of questions flew in how I feel…” and out of my brain like a bolt of lightning, yieldIt’s hard for me to see her that way. ing no answers.

Come on, let’s face it, once upon a time I It was as if I were standing In front of a tall also fell in love with her. I can’t afford to just and huge wall that was locking me out of everyleave her behind just like that. I want her to thing. I couldn’t find the door, couldn’t find any realize that she may have lost a boyfriend, way to enter. but not a friend. I guess that’s man enough.

I decided to take a break and enjoy the I hugged her so tight, wiped her tears sea breeze while taking a walk. I shoved my free and said. “Always remember that you’ll hand deep into my pocket. I didn’t want to think always have a special place in my heart about anything, really. Just make my mind blank Jen. Thank you for teaching me how to and regain its neutral state. love…” Then, I kissed her goodbye while a Break up or make up? Which is which? tear, with all my male ego and masculinity, It really takes more than just dozens of cascaded on my cheeks. flowers and sweets to make a relationship work.

Now that all is said and done. I can It’s no joke. Enough about pretending that it’s completely move on and swim with the okay when in fact it’s not. I need to look for ways other possibilities. At least,I’m now free. The to show her that the relationship should end I –can’t-sleep-coz-Im- bothered feeling is because I don’t wanna stay in a relationship over. Nothing to worry about now. I may locked in lies and pretentions. be closing the door on my last relationship, As days fly, the “the end is near” feeling but that doesn’t mean another won’t open continued to consume every inch of me. Oh tell soon. I just hope that it’s with Carrie. the hell with it. I should really break this to her A soothing, sweet female voice rose out of nowhere and echoed in my head for a moment.

I was afraid I was crazy. And then I became aware of Jenny’s arms around me. A feeling of guilt pervaded through me, blocking out the effect generated by the voice.

Maybe she felt the cold shoulder I gave her. I looked at her and saw how her countenance changed. “Okay I’ve had enough of this,” she opened.

Her eyes glistened. Oh man not tears. I had no idea what to do with tears. Usually I would pretend they weren’t there but I was looking at her face dead-on. If those tears took shape and started to fall, no way could I act as if I didn’t see them.

“So what do you want?” she asked while struggling to hold in the tears, trying her best to be composed.

For a moment, I was lost that it made me bow down. Until I finally got the courage to face

SHORTstory

Funny how I never really thought about it before, but it was then that I knew I was falling in love with her. Unfortunately, it’s all wrong, totally wrong.

FEATURE

BY Ma. Camille Dordas

The

Truth

on

Atlantis is a legendary island where a great civilization is said to have existed. Stories have been told and retold about the pleasures of the place, how the people lived there, and how the island sunk. Some movies tend to make people believe that Atlantis really did exist. Some say it was just a result of a creative imagination.

All races share the story of a great flood that destroyed an entire civilization. The name Atlantis appears in various forms throughout the world. The Canary Islands have a legend involving Atalaya, the Basques of Northern Spain have Atlantica, the Vikings told the tale of Atli, Northern Africa called it Attala, the Aztecs have Aztlan, and the Northern American Indians called theirs Azatlan.

Origin The sources of many Atlantis legends are the two dialogues of Plato in the Timaeus and Critias. In Timaeus, Plato recounts the story of Egyptian priests who, 200 years earlier had reportedly described Atlantis as a powerful island empire seeking to dominate the Mediterranean world more than 9,000 years before Plato’s time. The grandiose, expansionist plans of the Atlanteans were ended only when their Army was defeated by Athens. Shortly afterward, an earthquake caused Atlantis to iank beneath the ocean. In Critias, Plato wrote of Atlantis’ architecture, engineering, and ceremonies in great detail. Many people, even Plato’s own students, thought this place was Plato’s own creation, but he argued that Atlantis was real, and filled with more splendors that anyone could imagine.

Atlantis and its People Here is a summary of the story of Atlantis written over Critias. Over 11,000 years ago, there existed an island nation located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean populated by a noble and powerful race.

The people of this island possessed great wealth, thanks to natural resources found throughout their island. It was also a center for trade and commerce. The rulers of this land sway over the people and land of their own island as well into Europe and Africa. This was the Island of Atlantis; the domain of Poseidon, the god of the sea.

When Poseidon fell in love with a mortal woman, Cleito, he created a dwelling at the top of a hill near the middle of the Island and surrounded the dwelling with 12 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

rings of rivers and land to protect her.

Cleito gave birth to five sets of twin boys who became the first rulers of Atlantis. The island was divided among the brothers with the eldest, Atlas, the first king of Atlantis, being given control over the central hill and surrounding areas. At the top of the hill, a temple was built to honor Poseidon which housed a giant gold statue of Poseidon riding a chariot pulled by winged horses. It was here that the rulers of Atlantis would come to discuss laws, pass judgments and pay tribute to Poseidon. To facilitate travel and trade, a water canal was cut through the rings of the land and water running south for 5.5 miles to the sea. The city of Atlantis was just outside the outer ring of water and spread across the plain covering a circle of 11 miles. This was a densely

populated area where the majority of the population lived. Beyond the city lay a fertile plain 330 miles long and 11 miles wide surrounded by another canal used to collect water from the rivers and streams of mountains. The climate was such that two harvests were possible each year.

One in the winter fed by the rains and one in the summer fed by the irrigation from the canal. Surrounding the plain from the north were mountains soared to the skies.

Villages, lakes, rivers, and meadows dotted the mountains. Aside from the harvest, the island provides all kinds of herbs, fruits and nuts. An abundance of animals including elephants, roamed the island.

Plato portrays the Atlanteans as having a fine character. However, before their submergence, their character took a turn for the worst. For many years, as long as

the divine nature lasted in them, they were obedient to the laws, and respectful of the god, whose seed they were, for they possessed true and every way they were great spirits, uniting gentleness with wisdom in the various chances of life, and in their intercourse with one another.

They despised anything but their virtue, caring little for their every state of life, and thinking light of the position of gold and other property, which seemed only a burden to them. For generations, the Atlanteans lived a simple, virtuous life but slowly they began to change. Greed and power began to corrupt them. When Zeus saw the immorality of the Atlanteans, he gathered the other gods to determine a suitable punishment. Soon, in one violent surge it was gone. The island of Atlantis, its people, and its memories were swallowed by the sea.

Proofs of Existence

In April 1939 Edgar Cayce fell into a trance and spoke about Atlantis.

“Atlantis, when there was breaking up of the land came to what was called the Mayan Land or what is now Yucatanentity. In support of this, Atlantis has been hailed for spawning civilizations such as Hellenistic Greece, the Mayans and Incas of the New World, and ancient Egypt.

Atlantis has had an impact on every culture.

In 1890, an expedition led by Sir Arthur Evans, discovered in the Island of Crete, near the Kephala site, a Bronze Age palace. The palace was the Knossos site and the palace was of King Minos.

The civilization that inhabited the area until the volcanic eruption of 1400 BC was the Minoans. The Minoans were advanced in art and architectural design. The paintings show the close relation they had with nature, on one hand, and the realistic views (e.g. fights), on the other hand. Their religion shows the sacrificing of bulls which coincidentally, Plato mentioned when talking about Atlantis.

The most powerful theory that locates Atlantis is J.M. Allen’s theory.

Allen’s research was shown on Discovery Channel and his work was published as “ Atlantis, Andes Solution” He first stumbled upon this theory when studying ancient measuring systems. He didn’t believe that Atlantis could be an island that sank in one night, so he searched for Atlantis in South America, focusing first on finding a plain as described by Plato. Allen places Atlantis in the Andes. The region is full of question marks, which one more can only help. His first focus is Atiplano, a plain found in Bolivia. To verify his research, he uses Plato’s dialogues. If you remember, Plato mentions a man-made channel

used for ships. Allen finds the channel which is indeed man-made and is cutting the plateau in two. The plain has a rectangular shape, as described by Plato. Allen found a new length for a ‘stadia’, and the pieces of his puzzle fill correctly into place. Using the new measurements, he traced on his map the lace where the wall surrounding the city should be. Afterwards, using the map and the calculations he has made, he looks for wall on land, and found ruins of it, just where they should be.

Arysio Nunes dos Santos claims that only his theory fulfills the detail given by Plato on the location of Atlantis. However, at a closer look, he bends the original story himself. He tries to connect Atlantis with Eden and the Paradise mentioned by all ancient cultures and by the Bible itself.

Robert Sarmast claims Atlantis could be found in the waters between Cyprus and Syria. He was an architect who became fascinated with the search for lost civilizations and ancient history.

For years he traveled, gathering facts in his pursuit of these ancient cultures. He was extremely interested in Atlantis. He published a book on the subject in 2003 entitled “Discovery of Atlantis” and has come to the conclusion that the island of Cyprus was where Atlantis existed.

Sarmast states that clues were there in Plato’s descriptions. He said that he received data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration that fits perfectly. He went on to say that his claims come from gathered data in 1987 when a scientific survey in the Mediterranean was taken. Then to further back up his claim, he stated that he had used sonar to find unnatural formations that were found at the center if the ancient city of Atlantis.

When he was asked to tell what he saw both now and 10,000 years ago, he stated that going back in time he could see a predominant city with buildings, but now it was only ruins that were buried.

Proofs of Destruction According to some archeologists and scientists, it is not possible for an island or a continent to sink easily under the ocean on only one night. Some theories have shown that Atlantis was destroyed or had disappeared in some other ways. There are hundreds of theories by many scientists about what could make the island sink so quickly, and they range from carefully constructed hypothesis to strange and absurd guesses. Some common theories have to do with the level of the ocean rising and engulfing the island.

Dr. Bruce Heezen claims that eleven thousand years ago, the water level of the ocean was perhaps three hundred feet lower than it is today. When the Ice Age ended, billions of gallons of ice and snow melted into the sea, resulting in

a dramatic, sudden and terrifying rising of the sea level all around the world.

Today, with the resources and research materials available, this information has been verified by more than half a dozen sources. The rise of water undoubtedly caused the flooding of many low-level seaside communities. If the rising of sea level was so sudden that it caused flooding and disappearance of towns and cities in coastal areas, it could have also caused a large, low lying island to similarly be swallowed up by the higher level of the ocean, leaving only the tops of its highest sections visible; just as legends on Atlantis describe.

Another theory, first suggested in the early 20th century by a group of European meteorologists, claims that an enormous meteor struck the Earth thousands of years ago, smashing part of the Atlantean continent down into the ocean and leaving only the isolated islands that still exist in the Atlantic Ocean.

Muck, a German rocket scientist offers a detailed account, as well as suggested date, as to when such a catastrophe may have happened. His theory is based on a huge meteor having collided with the part of Atlantis that is situated in the Western Atlantic Ocean.

The asteroid, referred to as the Carolina Meteorite, was to be accompanied by a vast number of smaller meteorites that formed the numerous craters or bays which are seen along the American coast and have been identified in the tens of thousands. Muck thought that the main asteroid/meteor struck the island continent of Atlantis, crushing part of it under the sea and causing volcanic explosions, tidal waves, and changes in the ocean floor – an understandable result of the shock that a large asteroid (which, if it were ten kilometers in diameter, as he states, would weigh two hundred thousand megatons) exploding contact with the Earth would cause. Dr. Muck has estimated the explosion to be somewhat equivalent to thirty thousand H-bombs. He also proposed that one of the first dates of the unusually exact Mayan calendar marks the destruction of Atlantis, at the translated date of 8498 BCE. By a series of calculations, he has established the date of the end of Atlantis according to our present Gregorian calendar as occurring June 5th. At one o’clock in the afternoon, local or central Atlantic (or Atlantis) time. This fatal date coincides with the opposition of the sun, Venus, the moon and Earth, which prepared the way, through a series of interlocking poles, for “Asteroid A” to crush into one of the thinnest and most sensitive regions of the Earth’s crust.

Source: Book-Existence of Atlantis A Research Work by Maru

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 13

SHORTstory

BY Mary Grace A. Daliva

I

sang lingo ng hapon, habang Masaya naming pinagsasaluhan ang inihandang merienda ng aking pinsan biglang lumitaw si Uncle Ted mula sa likuran ng bahay ng aking pinsan sabay sabing, “Anong merienda n’yo diyan? ” “Arroz Caldo po!” ang sagot ng pinsan kong umanyaya sa aming magkapatid na magmerienda at siya ring nagluto nang meryenda. “Hali po kayo, kain muna.”

Ang paanyaya ng aking pinsan Jay Uncle Ted. Sa isang maliit na mesa kung saan nakalagay ang mga mangkok ng arroz caldo naming magpipinsan habang nakaupo sila sa tig-iisang plastic na silya at ako nama’y sa isang pahaba na upuan na walang sandalan at yari sa kahoy, nakangiting tumabi ang matanda.

“Jim, kunan mo ng merienda si Uncle Ted,” ang utos ng aking pinsan sa nakababata niyang kapatid.

Nang magsimulang magkuwento ang matanda, natantiya kong lasing ito dahil sa tono ng boses nito at sa nangangamoy siya ng alak. Tumawatawa pa ito ng magsimulang magkuwento hanggang sa namaalam na ito sa amin na lilipat na ng bahay. Malungkot ito ngunit pinipilit ngumiti. Namumula ang mata at nangingilid ang luha ng higupin ang arroz caldo na inihanda sa kanya.

“Naku! Baka pag bumisita ako dito sa inyo baling araw ay hindi na ninyo ako kikibuin o di kaya’y pag nagkasalubong tayo sa bayan ay hindi na kayo ngingiti sa akin.” Ang naibiro pa ng matanda.

S i Uncle Ted, kapitbahay n a m i n g magpipinsan.

Ang bahay niya ay

14 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

Kapit bahay pinapagitnaan ng bahay namin at bahay ng mga pinsan ko. Hiwalay ito sa asawa, mula Mindanao ay napadpad ito sa lugar naming.

Ninais na makapiling ang pamilya ngunit dahil ayaw ng maybahay niya hindi ito sumunod sa kanya ditto sa lugar naming. Isa siyang dating sundalo, kaya kahit matanda na ito ay malakas pa rin dahil araw-araw itong nag-eehersisyo lalo na ang pagjogging kaya naman magkasundo sila ng nakakabata kong kapatid na isang atleta.

Lilipat ito ng bahay kasama ng mga alagang mga baboy dahil pinapalipat ito ng administrador ng lupang tinitirikan ng mag bahay namin. Dati kasi, kasama niya ang kamag-anak ng aking ama na napangasawa ng isa niyang anak. Ngunit sumama sa ibang lalaki ang kamag-anak ng Tatay kaya sila na lang mag-aama at ang isa niyang apo ang namumuhay sa bahay nila.

Hindi man diretsahang sabihin ng matanda, ayaw niyang mag-asawang muli ang kanyang anak na lalaki na iniwan ng asawa niya. Nais niya sanang pagtuonan ng kanyang anak ang kanyang apo na laging tulala sa skwela. Hindi man niya ipagtapat, nahihiya siya sa amin dahil baka dalhin dito sa lugar namin ang bagong kinakasama ng anak niya. Nahihiya ang matanda sa pamilya namin kahit pa ang kamag-anak namin ang sumira sa buhay ng anak niya.

“Paano ba ako hindi lilipat malapit doon sa panganay kung anak, eh iniwan ni Mercy doon ang dalawa niyang anak sa akin, mag-aabroad daw ito matapos iniwan ng kinakasama niya na sabi-sabi pa eh dahil kabit lang daw siya.”

Nang akmang tutulo na ang kanyang luha, mas lalong ibinaling ng matanda ang atensyon sa pagkain ng merienda.

“Sa’yo Jean, iinom pa ba ako?” ang hindi ko maintindihang tanong sa akin ng matanda.

Iniwan ko ang matanda sa upuan dahil tinawag ako ng Tatay. Awang-awa ako sa matanda, gusto ko siyang tulungan pero hindi ko alam kung papano.

Minsan kasi para ko na rin siyang magulang lalo na kapag may tampuhan sa bahay. Hindi naman ito madadaan sa pagbibigay ng ulam lang. Minsan tuwing umaga, sabay kaming

nagkakape sa gilid ng kalsada bago siya mag-jogging sabay kuwento ng buhay teenager na hindi ko makuwento sa Tatay ko. Kung pakikinggan lamang sana nila ang matanda, isa itong mabuting ama.

“Mag-aral kang mabuti!” Ang palagi niyang habilin sa akin. Kaya siguro ngayon oras na upang pumagitna ako sa kanila, kahit pa wala akong karapatan.

“Uncle, pwede po bang humingi ng pabor, regalo na ninyo sa akin, graduation ko naman eh.” Ang pangungulit ko sa kanya.

“Oh, ano ‘yun?” ang naiganti ng lasing na matanda.

“Punta naman kayo bukas sa graduation ko, mag-polo kayo, pumorma ng pormal saka po pwede sanang walang inom?” ang nakangiti kong paglalahad ng mga kondisyong nais ko.

“Oo na! Naku ang batang ito para ko na kayong mga anak.” Ang maluha-luhang naiwika ng matanda.

“Sumabay na lang kayo kina Tatay, sasabit kayo ng medalya.” Ang huli kong paalala sa kanya.

Sa araw ng pagtatapos.

“Uncle Ted, hali muna kayo, samahan niyo naman ako sa kaibigan ko.” Ang panghihila ko sa kanya.

“Oh bestfriend, sorpresa ko sa’yo, ang papa mo.” Ang pabiro ko pang pahayag.

“Diba kaya ka napadpad dito sa amin sa kahahanap mo sa kanya ikaw kasi eh, kung hindi pa tayo ga-graduate eh hindi ka pa magsasalaysay ng history mo.

Kapitbahay lang pala namin pare, si Uncle Ted.” Ang pabiro ko pang paliwanag sa kaibigan ko.

“Gerald?”Ang tanong ng nasorpresang matanda.

“Opo!” ang napaluhang naisagot ng kaibigan ko.

Sanggol pa lang si Gerald ng lisanin ng matanda ang Mindanao, napadpad sa lugar namin dahil nadestino. Nahirapang hanapin ni Gerald ang matanda dahil ayaw ng ina niya ngunit nagpumilit siya.

Kaya kayod-kalabaw siya para matapos ang pag-aaral ng lumipat siya dito sa bayan naming para matagpuan lang ang mga pangarap. Trabaho sa gabi, aral sa umaga. Mabuti na lang napilit ko siyang magsalita mula sa apat na taon niyang nakakabasag na katahimikan. “sabi ko sa’yo Uncle Ted, sasabit kayo ng medalya, Cum Laude yan! Pupuntahan ko muna sila Tatay.” Sana naman naging

.

. . . z z

. . . uzz

B

u B

Bee

Lessons from a Imagine yourself at school with your friends when you suddenly hear these familiar noises. I bet most of us would run immediately in the fear of getting stung.

Without even seeing it, this creature seems for us to be one of the most vicious insects here on earth. Yes, you are thinking what I am thinking of too, B2—the bees, the small, brightly-colored creatures that send us chills whenever we see them.

Perhaps, it is one of the reasons why we never really take a closer look at these humble fellas, and pick up some important lessons from them.

What? Lessons from a bee? It may sound ridiculous but it’s one of the things that I realized after the whole day of being bugged by my conscience to write an article for this year’s magazine.

Like us, bees also work hard everyday. It may not be in the form of hundred-page assignments, role playing and oh crap, examinations, but they also work like us, and even way harder than we ever worked our whole lives. But every time they are set to work the next day, they work even harder, despite being tired and bored of their everyday routine.

Being a student is also a lot becoming a worker bee. Like collecting nectars, we are set to go to school

everyday, whether we like it or not.

We cannot simply say “no” when we get tired, or walk out of the room if the class gets so boring. Yes, studying is also hard work. Hard, hard, hard work. The more we work, the more we get tired.

The more we get tired, the more they give us work. It’s an unending cycle that we have to undergo for the sake of “education.” But if even a small bee takes the challenge of working everyday, would we, humans, quit? Would we now say “I give up!,” raise our hands, walk away from school and swear never to come back again because we are already “tired”? Definitely no. Like a bee, it just reminds us that we have to get up and work even harder the next day.

This may sound like an overused CD, but if we get tired of just sitting in a corner and reading our books, how about our parents who toil under the sun just to pay for our tuition? Don’t they get tired too?

Can’t they also say: “Anak, I am so tired, can you just quit school?”

Being a student is also being vulnerable to many challenges in life. It’s also like spreading ourselves out in the sun and being exposed to hundreds of lions that may devour us anytime. It may have started as easy as tracing slanting, vertical and horizontal lines when we

were in kindergarten, until the load became heavier and heavier, and sometimes, too heavy to bear. Now comes our parents’ pressure on us, teacher’s stern look when caught cheating during an exam, and even to a point of catching butterflies, literally, for a science project. But as we go over these events in our lives, we can also think back and say: “I may not have learned more without them.” Challenges aren’t there for nothing. The rocks that we have stumbled upon and have made our feet bleed are the same rocks that would prepare us for giant boulders that we will be facing in the real world. And, like a bee, if you will stop collecting nectars today because of a speck of dust that blur our eyes, then you will have no honey to eat for tomorrow.

Another sad thing about being a student is when people tell you that you “can’t do it.” These are the people who look down at us like we have nothing more to offer, like we are just nothing compared to them.

That even if we tried our very best, it will never be enough. The only thing that they wish us to do is quit dreaming. Well, one piece of advice from my fellow bees, TO DON’T STOP DREAMING! They say that bees, aerodynamically, couldn’t really fly; that their body structure and tiny wings aren’t just fit for flying. Well, look at the bees. They’re beating odds along their way. Like a bee, bravely fight for your dream and never stop, no matter how difficult your struggle is. Be like a bee─ in times of doubt, it does the impossible, it soars!

-a friendly message from Jollibee. =P

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 15

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

COLUMN

z. . z u B

SHORTstory

BY May Genesis L. Avelino

“You may now kiss the bride.”

A thunder of applause filled the ostentatious set up as the prince leaned to kiss his lovely princess. Then, they faced the crowd exuding a great aura which made “love is in the air” an understatement. I could feel the hair at the back of my neck rising and there is also that oh-my-gosh chill in my spine. My cousin finally found her prince charming or is it the other way around? Whoever found who first doesn’t matter at all. One thing is certain: she is living her fairy tale and her gleaming eyes showed it all.

Life. Love. Happiness. The air was filled by those. And it’s suffocating me. I simply can’t handle it. I decided to walk on the beach, hoping to grab some “fresh” air, trying to get away from scenes that bring those sickly sweet air. I’m not morbid. I’m simply not up for something that plays life, love and happiness. We’ve been here in this island for three days now and we’ll be staying here for another week. I took my wedges and sat on the sand, looking at the waves from afar. I was trying so hard to tune out the laughter of a group of tourists who were just a few meters away from me. Everybody seemed to be having so much fun on this island. Everybody except me. No matter how beautiful, almost close to paradise this island is, it will never put my life back to the way it used to be. My mind journeyed down the memory lane, slowly doing well in my attempt to tune out the laughter around me…

“Tash, baby, I had to work overtime. I’m really sorry. I’ll make it up to you some other time, kei? You can go out with your friends but be careful, kei? You don’t want me to worry, right? You know how much I love you.”

That was Jake. When “sweet talking skill” was showered from heaven, he happened to be coming out from their house thereby acquiring too much of it.

I went out with my friends that night. I was certainly enjoying

16 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

the heat of the party until I saw a physique I would always know no matter what the circumstances are.

He looked into my way and an angelic smile formed on his angelic face. “Jake’s a jerk.

So full of surprises.” were the thoughts on my mind. He started to take steps towards me.

Oh how I wanted to grab him really hard. But he was taking his time, carefully calculating his pace. You know that thing in movies? It seemed like everything around me, from the way he glided when he walked and the way he looked at me were done in a slow-mo. And I wonder how I managed to stay alive despite the feeling that my heart is skyrocketing so high.

Unexpectedly, Jake’s glance passed through me. Was he looking at something behind me? When I turned, I realized it wasn’t something at all. It was someone. Jake didn’t see me. He was neither looking nor smiling at me from the start. He was looking at her and smiling that “angelic smile” which I thought were exclusively for me. The girl took steps to close the gap between them and they kissed. I wanted to shout “Cut” but I remembered this isn’t a movie at all. This is for real and when I heard him say, “Denise, baby, you’re so stunning tonight. Do you have any idea how much I love you?” I wanted to die, literally.

I stormed out from the bar and ran on the street. Yes, I ran and ran until my feet hurt.

Then, as if heaven is taunting me, it rained.

As much as I tried to hold back my tears, the ambiance brought by the dim street lights plus the oh-so-sad rain made me lose control. I cried. The tears I shed were as heavy as the rain. I was a poor soul lost in the world. I was love-poisoned and I’m dying. I hate this kind of dying though. Looking at the physical aspect, I am in great shape but looking at within, that’s another story. Then a pleasant-sounding voice filled the air, “If you feel so down, you have to make an effort to lift yourself because if you don’t, it feels like you are also putting those people who believe in you and love you down.” I didn’t look up to know who it was but my mind argued, “How am I supposed to lift myself if the only love I ever wanted was the one who let me down?

It doesn’t make any sense at all.” And as if he could read my mind, he then uttered, “Don’t worry. Every little thing is going to be alright.”

His last statement was more than enough for me to regain my composure. It struck me like a lightning and I believed it. It became my most favorite line in the world.

After a few minutes, I looked up but found out that the owner of that voice had left. …a big wave hit the shore and splashed over me thus distracting my journey down the memory lane. I realized I had been here in the shore for quite some time now and my cousin is probably looking for me. Besides, this is the biggest event of her life and memories that happened four years ago should not ruin this moment. I was about to return to the reception when Drew held my hand.

Drew was the cousin of my cousin’s

husband. He lives in France and is a citizen of that country. “Oh here goes the non-resident alien.” I hissed at him. “And you are the nonresident, non-alien… Earth calling Tasha.” He jeered at me. I know what he meant. I’m here but my mind is wandering on unknown regions.

This guy is totally getting on my nerves! While I was trying to go over the calming process, I barely noticed that he was still holding my hand not until he squeezed it and my heart gave a notso-gentle squeeze of its own. Darn. How could I ? I tried to let go of his hand but his strength won over me and his face turned serious. “How are you, Tasha?” I instantly knew what he meant but what caught me off-guard was the fact that his voice sounded like someone who have known me for quite a long time.

For the past four years, since that dreaded day of my life, I tried everything I could to avoid talking about THAT certain issue. It hurts like hell having to think that the universe appeared like they join forces in order to produce a tragic show and gave me the “most prestigious” chance of being the lone star in it. I loved. I lost. And I refused to lay down all the cards to my friends and even to my family. They knew better not to ask me about THAT, not to remind me, not to add insult to the injury I acquired.

After four years of avoiding the issue, here I am, sitting on the sand, uncovering the story behind my “non-resident,non-alien” attitude to the man whom I don’t know that much at all. I wondered if I really have become strong enough through all those years or the pain had already subsided which made it possible for me to mention “JAKE” without wanting so much to cry.

Drew gasped when he knew the entire story. He didn’t say anything. All he did was held my hand and startlingly, I felt even better.

Then I told him about something I wanted to do. He didn’t hesitate. We headed towards the reception and looked for his cousin. We found him standing at the porch. He wore the same tux he had when he brought my cousin to the altar awhile ago. He noticed our presence and turned to face us. He smiled his angelic smile once again and I uttered, “Congratulations, JAKE. Be happy with my cousin.” I don’t know how I managed to say those words to him. I first thought that I will never muster enough strength to do so. But I did and surprisingly, I seriously meant all those words.

Afterwards, Drew and I went outside the hotel. I was walking ahead of him. It struck me when he whispered, “Don’t worry. Every little thing is going to be alright.” I smiled, genuinely smiled as he chanted my most favorite line in the world. I could very well hear my heart beat.

It was so audible that it felt like my heart had been taken out and put near my ears. We raced towards the shore but he reached for my hand and held it so tight. I had to remind myself how to breathe while a promising idea registered on my mind: Uh-oh here goes my own “Once upon a time…”. :)

For a Hated Love

How can you say I’m fine, When all I could do is to cry?

How could you say everything’s alright, Now that my stars don’t shine at night? ‘cause maybe you think the ending was easy, But it wasn’t for me. ‘cause maybe you’re over with the past, Though I’m still hoping everything will last.

By: Savage Athena

Teach me to hate you and Reasons to forget you; I need a lot of them So that my heart would keep quiet again.

Tell me why in things I do and say you don’t agree?

And you are happy teasing me.

Nobody knows what I feel Inside this heart that for a while went still.

Loving you is one of the reasons I hate Oh, will I ever resist you before it’s too late?

Vacant stares, that’s what you give me.

Ever since we’ve been friends You seemed to be the antagonist.

Oh, if ever you find the meaning of this poem, Understand this heart that’s still looking for its home.

How cold could your heart be?

What should I say now, that you’re over me?

It’s like I’m living in your dreams, Trapped in your schemes.

Before, I was that good girl you found, Now, you had me ten feet off the ground.

How could you act like you care?

And played the game, it’s so unfair!

How could you smile like you mean it, Though I was not for your heart to fit. ‘cause your world is different than mine, And yesterdays will always remain for the last time.

You gave me reason not to live your fantasy, I know everything was left in history.

Feared Soul By: Maxwel John Berdugo

The flowers bloomed under the morning sun, For the cool breeze of night time is gone.

The birds sounded so playfully, As the air blew a wonderful melody.

Then I conquered the skies in the vast expanse, And be among the clouds in the heavens.

Sadly, thunders and lightning appeared.

The clouds darkened and I got scared.

Questions pervaded through me, But the answers remained like lost fishes in the sea.

My thoughts travelled in a place of nowhere, Along with the fear I couldn’t bear.

Amidst my mourning, Appeared a blanket of stars, sparkling.

It casted away my fear, It dilluted my despair.

Then the skies above became tranquil, The clouds now looked so still, It ignited the hope in me, The courage to fight gallantly.

Now I will always look up to Him, Live a life according to His scheme.

Never will I be hopeless again, I know I’m in God’s good hands…

How cruel could your heart be?

What can you say, now that you’re over me?

So I’m leaving out of your dreams, I’ll find ways to escape from your schemes.

Before, you were that nice guy I found, Now we’re fair, Sorry but I have you ten feet off the ground.

COMPLETELY By: Jayson Mendoza

I always had a complicated life, But You always made it simplified.

The presence of a father I longed for, Was dwindled by Your grace.

My girlfriend might leave me, My peers might tease me, And my relatives might discriminate me, But You will always be right there beside me.

My eyes may not see You, My hands may not hold Yours, But you gave me a heart, That can feel and thus believes in You. I may not have the luxuries in life, Nor the appeal that girls may like, I may not have the perfect family, But I have You, who always make me happy.

With the wind that succors me, And the sun that lightens up my destiny.

I will lack nothing, Because I have You, my Father, my everything!

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 17

LITERRARYPoems

Ten Feet off the Ground Jinky Frejoles

LITERRARYPoems

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18 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

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THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 19

LITERRARYPoems

Ako, Isa Lang Ka Manunulat By: Alessandrian

Madalum gid ako nga nanumdum, Ano na naman bala ang isulat ko karon?

Kay bisan isa ka article, wala ako sa guihapon, Ano nalang bala akon pagahimuon?

Kag sa akon madalum nga pag-huna-huna, Isa ka bagay ang sa paino-ino ko nagtunga.

Ano bala kung isulat ko amon pagbaka-baka, Para lang kita nga estudyante, may mabasa?

Ako isa lang ka manunulat, Kag sa news, ako pirmi gahulat.

Gis’a, gakapoy ang siki lakat, Para lang ini akon masulat.

Kung kis-a, wala man kami pahuway, Masulong sa init, sa ulan masulay. kis-a, gatalisik pa ang mulay, Para lang mabasa ninyo ini sinyo balay.

Kung kamo, samtang sa Gaisano galibod, Kami sa publication, naga-upod-upod.

Ma-meeting, ma-istorya, kag ang ubra, itapod, Sakit na ang ulo, sakit pa ang likod.

Kung tapos na sulat, indi pa katulog, i-lay-out pa ina, goodluck simo li-og.

Matapos ina, dira ka na kurog-kurog, Sa ubra busog, sa kape palahubog.

Matapos ang tanan, i-pasa sa Maki, Then edit, edit and edit baby.

Sit-in, observe, see, it ain’t easy, Pero ma’yo gid lang, mabuot si Ma’am Sally.

Tanan ini, among ginakaya, Muna tani, hangayan niyo man amun ubra.

Kada article nga inyo ginabasa, Pila sina ka gab-i amon pagbaka-baka.

Wala man kami may napangayo nga iban, Ma-appreciate niyo lang amon pinakabudlayan.

Ginasulat ina, gina-edit kag ginapulawan, Muna makita lang kamo gabasa, amon gid kasadyahan.

Alam ko…

Ni: Maxwel John Berdugo

Alam kong hindi maiiwasan, Ang mga bagay na magdadala ng kalungkutan.

Alam kong hindi madali, Ang makita kung anong mali.

Alam kong napakahirap, Ang mawalan ng isang iglap.

Alam kong napakasakit, Ang hindi siya makita kahit isang saglit.

Alam kong ito’y nakapagtataka, Lalo na ‘pag may ilaw sa kabila.

Kaya bukas na bukas din, Magbayad ka na ng electric bill.

20 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

Buti Ka Pa… By: Maxwel John Berdugo

LANGIS: Ang sarap talaga maging mayaman.

Mga problema ko’y nagsisialisan.

Ayos lang kahit maraming nahihirapan.

Basta ang kaban ko’y maraming laman.

Halos lahat ng mga tao ako ang pinag-uusapan.

Wala na raw laman ang kanilang mga hapagkainan.

Hiling nila na ako’y bumaba na upang maibsan, Kanilang mga dinadala na dulot ay kalungkutan.

SWELDO: Mabuti ka pa palaging tumataas.

Ako nama’y kakambal ay malas.

Kelan pa ba ang inaasam kong pagtaas?

Paghihirap ko ba’y kelan magwawakas?

Sana naman kahit minsan ikaw ay maging patas.

Hindi ko na kasi alam kung saan ako kukuha ng lakas.

Buti ka pa’t sa aki’y kumakaltas.

Pati pagbili ko sayo, bulsa ko’y laging waldas.

Ang Tuod ko nga mga Amigo By: Jayson Mendoza

Ako sadto nagalakat, Pirmi nga gaisahanon sa tanan nga buhat.

Kung magab-ihan sa mga kaladtu-an, Wala gid sang nagahulat nga abyan.

Apang adto nga hitabo, Wala magdugay kag nagbag-o Mga tuod-tuod ko nga mga amigo, Nag-alabot para updan ako.

Umpisa sadto kami nag-ulupod, Sa tanan nga buhat kami magkasabwat: Sa mga tulun-an sa eskwelahan, Kada isa ginadampligan.

Sa mga daskalanay, Kami wala gapamingutay.

Sa mga babayi, Kami wala gaagaway.

Sa apat ka haligi sang amun klasrum, Magbuka amun baba, ginamo gid dason!

May ara man kung kis-a nagakapikon, Pero ang pag-amigohanay ang mas ginapanumdom.

Ining akon nga barkada, Kung sa pagkaon, kumpletos rekados na!

May Santino kag Mayor na, May Hearthrob(kuno) kag Kyle Camo Sr. pa!

Maskin subong lang sila sini, Nga daw mga alien permi, Ini nga mga tinuga, indi ko gid pag-ibaylo sa iban, Tungod sila ang tuod ko nga mga abyan!

Si Bonbon… ni: Maxwel John Berdugo

LIBRO:

Maayo pa sadto sang ako gaisahanon, Pirme lang ako ginasapak ni Bonbon.

Pero sugod sang ikaw nag-abot, Daw wala na siya sa akon labot.

DOTA:

Anhon ta ina kay natamaran na si Bonbon sa imo?

Sala ko bala ina kong mas gwapo ako sa imo?

Mag-updanay kami daw indi na gani mag-bulag.

Kung tawgon ni Nanay daw indi pa magpa-tublag.

ASIN:

Ayaw pagkabalaka, libro…

Sa pila ka adlaw makita gid nimo…

Sa iya sina nga pagpadayon…

Sa ulihi ako nalang iya panyapunon…

Kaya Pala By: Savage Athena

Reminiscin’ my high school love Nang una kang makilala, Di ko agad nahalata, Bukod sa singkit mong mga mata, May gwapo rin palang mukha.

At dumating ang tadhana, Gumanap tayong artista, Bilang Florante at Laura, May pag-ibig na dakila.

Mga biro ang iyong hilig, Ako nama’y kinikilig.

Unti-unting inuusig, Damdamin kong tila manhid.

Mahigpit nating yakapan, Siya pang magbibigay daan, Sa puso kong natutulog, Na bigyan ng kasiglahan.

Di ko alam ang gagawin, Lalo na ang iisipin, Ngunit gawin man akong alipin Ikaw ay mamahalin pa rin.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 21

Lorevie

Joemil

Roda

SEAWATER WABUKO

CEIN

Camille D. Dordas Managing Editor

ALESSANDRIAN

Arian Mariz V. Javellana News Editor

Christine

Ms. Caressa Lynn A. Siglos Adviser

FUNNYMATHICS

Mary Grace A. Daliva Associate Editor

s

CONTRIBUTORS

Jayson

Jinky

Marie

SALAMANDER

DRAMA KWEEN

Jotham D. Funclara Editor-In-Chief

SAVAGE ATHENA

Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao Asst. Managing Editor

Jose May Genesis L. Avelino Column Editor

SHERLOCK NORMS

Maxwel John B. Berdugo Literary Editor

LITERRARYPoems

Do you know? bchen

BY: Hilarious_Lie

ret

A Painful Reg doza By: Jayson Men

d, now all packe Your things aready to depart.

Anytime re ut any trace, Leaving withoss you see in my face. e sadne tin Neglec g th e past, Reminiscing thlty and bad. ui lg Makes me fee yself asking, Leaving m pain? used you that Why have I ca ing, ompares noth Having you c el a supreme being. fe You make me you go, I admit, ng tti le So, etrated. st thing I perp e b um d e th Is pain, The scourgingy veins, m h Runs throug nd syringes, Like a thousa pore of my skin. ry Injected in eve counted, Days are now parated.

For us to be set stop it, I know I can’ this painful regret. and live with But to accept

ndro AleBy:sAlsesa sandrian

em… write you a po I wish I could s any poet’s lips, As sweet a by, mother’s lulla As gentle as a any lover’s song. s As magical a em… write you a po I wish I could casso’s masterpiece, s Pi As beautiful al as the rays of sunshine, rfu e nd o enice.

As w s the river in V As romantic a em… write you a po I wish I could cable ever written… c The most impeI when your smile itself, d ul o rm?

Yet how c most perfect fo Is poetry in its

24 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

w it feels like, Do you know ho e dark?

To feel so in th the lies, by d de in bl Being n eyes. ow ry ve Within your how it feels, Do you knowyo ur heels? th, r de un Like of your wra s ow When the shad my faith. h ug Glistens thro , to be imperfect How it feels es c? iti cr a of In the ey st expect, All this heart jurespect.

Is just a little , How can I gain in? pa is th m A relief fro ing them in vain, br s ay w al I They say g insane.

I think I’m goin , can’t you see, Can’t you hear a flee.

Don’t I look liketo be in glee, ed em se y me?

Everybod w it feels to be Do you know ho

A FRIENguDelles

By: Christine D. Ar

you, at I can count on I always knew, th rever here beside me, And you will be fohen I’m sad and blue, Through times w share secrets with you Though I cry and also you, t only myself but I learn to love no, and good times I’ll be here. es Through bad tim e smile for me not to cry, m e ak You m es drowned. ars where my ey te y m ed ip w u Yo busy, e, even you are You comforted m slowly blew us away.

Even though timesother will always stay, Our love for eache has set us free.

Until the tim lonelier, goes shorter and Now as the days ch other becomes shorter. ea And our time for arts are filled with sorrow, he r ou w.

Though struck by an arro And it feels like I’m , ill always be here Our memories wprints in the sand.

It will leave foot k millions of words, spea And pictures thate you is God’s gift.

A friend lik

Red Lipstick

By: Rizzi Ang

elica V. Mar

ibao

Kaleidoscop

If your heart It would probhas its eyes, This feeling I’m ably notice, A love that is trying to hide, so endless.

If your heart has its ears, It would The special soprobably hear, A music that ng my heart sings, is played sile ntly.

Your frown te To act witho lls me, ut a sound, But I ju To be funny st can’t resist, when you’re around.

For me you’r e Mr. Perfec And though The prize is all my care, t, for you I’m n ear to be I assure you I’ll always be ing Ms. Defect, there.

I just can’t u nd Why you’re soerstand, sick, Every time I My favorite retry to use, d lipstick.

Rebecca

By: Christ

ine D. Arg

uelles She is ble s s e d w ith natura Has a h l bea art gifted A smile e ith purityu, ty, w h ich facew With eye s sin s spiced with simcperity, licity.

She’s mo re li k e a And talks father, like a siste But th r, Than youere’s nothing be r love my tt r, dear me other She’s a ays there While I clw to co fort m are ssly e skinnedm When I’le m in ti mes of gmy knee She gave me a quic rief, k relief She’s a sy She gave mbol of femin us love a ist, The nd Like of mre’s no other repserenity li y dear m other Recba, ecca

+_+mr.Yoso+

e Life

_+

Red; I’m fee lin My mood is g angry, It gives me too hot, curiosity.

I’m blue wh My tempera en I’m lonely, Silence is m ture slowly drops, y only comp any.

Pink; someo ne humiliate d me, My I’m feeling u cheeks blush, nderneath th e ground.

Green; my m ind is corrup ted, Maliciou Suspicions wsly, I believe, ere on my h ead.

Heavenly; I’ I’m in beatit m white, ude flight, I’m feeling so pure.

Black; I’m a lways That’s my nain the dark, I’m always in ture, rapture.

No, not all tr I’m always geasures were gold, Shining like littering and bold, the universa l stars.

I don’t need crayola, Because my life is colorfu l, Jolly like a ra inbow.

CRUSH

-Jinky.Fre

joles-

I was sta You worending alone staring a sm at It’s weird how I stay ile and I find it so you, tru away whe Don’t you n you’re n e. notice this ear me, awkward reality?

Sometime s At least I cit’s better if I were But how ould stare at yo just a stranger, To be you I wish I could be u a little longer. m r good frie nd is a reaore than that, son to be glad.

But hey, I’m What I fee not in a rush! l is just a li It’s n tt But your po big deal every ti le crush. me resence is enough fo I blush, r me to hu sh.

My heart is n o t that easy ‘Cause th to bruis is fee Now it maling is too easy to loe, d This curiosi e a little sense, se. ty I must ri nse.

There’s no b ig deal ‘Cause w hat I feel every time I blush , is just a It And every’s just a simple thinlittle crush. g, body has this kind o f feeling.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 25

LITERRARYPoems

Confessions of Lady Numb By: Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao I would rather say no, Than break my heart by saying hello.

If the one who says “hi”, Would be ready again to say goodbye.

I would rather be single for years, Than shed for more tears.

For this heart is so tired, Now it’s ready to use its pride.

I would rather overwork this pen, Than risk this heart to several men.

For in this pen I could give caution, But hurt is all that I’d get in passion.

Maybe this heartache I’d soon forget, Or maybe I’m not ready for that thing yet.

So as of now I would rather lie, Than to see my heart hopelessly die.

Magic Carpet

Why is it Always Me? By: Hilarious Liebchen

Whenever I wanted someone, I always thought he was the one, But he wasn’t meant to be, The very one for me.

I always got those thorns, A heart which often burn.

I always tried to run, And pretended it was fun.

“Why is it always me?”

A question inside of me.

“Why am I like this?”

Can anyone be my sunshine’s bliss?

Happiness is very far away, Millions of nights and day.

I always ask them to stay, But somehow they are taken away.

By: Jinky Frejoles

Your lies I used to believe, Your words are made not to be read.

You’ve got the power of leaving me flat, And good things are made to be bad.

You said you love me Back in times I just wanted you to be, But we’ve lost our faith, Wake up, this isn’t a game.

Knock, knock on my door, Got to find a way out in this flaming door.

Got to find a magic carpet far away, Just a few years back would be okay.

Got to escape this modern time, In this magic carpet, I know I’ll be fine.

Back to our memories, Words are left unspoken.

Things are left to torn pieces, Why did this happen?

Knock, knock on my door, Got to find a way out in this flaming door.

Got to find a magic carpet far away, Just a few years back would be okay.

Got to escape this modern time, In this magic carpet, I know I’ll be fine.

26 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

“No Any Other Night” By: Alessandrian

Another sleepless night, Another glance at the moon’s scarred face.

As tired as my heart in its blank rhythm, And my soul drenched in tears.

Another nonsense thought, Of you and I as we walked by the shore.

I still hold those memories in my little red chest, Hoping you would come back and make them real.

Another lonely poet, With only loneliness in my heart.

The pain of remembering those days, When you were still there with me.

Another hopeless sigh, As the moonlight hid behind the clouds.

Will this always happen to me?

To see and not be seen, love and not be loved back?

Another sleepless night, To be alone, I am destined after all…

And with my last breath, I promised, This would be my last sleepless night of all.

How

By: Savage Athena

How do colors of a rainbow Make a girl happy?

If despite the colors in it, Black and white is all she can see.

How could songs of a bird Make a girl fulfilled?

If the ears of her broken heart Are hopelessly sealed.

How could a summer breeze, Soothe a girl’s feeling?

If all in the earth she could feel, Is the fire burning deep within.

How could a man Give love to woman?

If the only thing he can do, Is give love to everyone.

Summer in Pontevedra By: Alessandrian

When I was young, I used to ask, Where Pontevedra really was.

My grandmother would then smile at last, “It’s the place of greens, tall trees and grass.”

It’s the place where you would wish to stay, And mind not the clock that ticks away.

In its fields, you can run, shout and play, Climb in its trees, night and day.

It’s the place where birds still fly, Not in cages but in its bright, blue sky.

No smoke, no noise, no lover’s cry, Where carabaos moo by and by.

It’s the place where kids and mothers, Wash clothes along the river.

Where you can have your boat and be a sailor, And swimming couldn’t get any better.

Missed You so Badly By: Hilarious_Liebchen

It’s the place where neighbors stop and smile, And recognize your face even from a mile.

Where most houses are of bamboos, not of tiles, But you would always want to stay all the while.

What’s this I feel?

A pain that’s hard to heal.

What kind of explanation, Can give its description.

Now that I’ve grown, I don’t need to ask, Where Pontevedra really was, For I can finally tell myself at last, “It’s the place of greens, tall tress and grass.”

Odd, strange and unusual, This feeling is not just neutral.

It’s bringing down a theory, Which means “I miss you Whely.”

No words can tell, How much you’ll be cherished.

You might not even feel, But my love for you won’t perish.

I missed you so badly, In my heart, you’re the only.

I’ll whisper it gently, ‘cause I love you truly.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 27

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

FEATURE

The Little Prince and the Sack He Carries

It was a bright Monday morning of May. Dodong, a boy with wide, bulging eyes and with bones almost showing up in every part of his small frame, got up and prepared himself for another day. He put on his best clothes, lightblue pants, and a shirt that almost touched the ground with a huge, bold name of a presidential candidate at the center. He smiled at his reflection at an old, broken mirror, proud to finally get to wear the “best” pair of clothes he has in a small carton box of Tanduay which he happily called his “cabinet.”

28 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

After combing his short, black hair, he turned around with a smile as his eyes caught his little “treasure,” a small plastic piggy bank he found in a garbage can in one of the houses he visited. It was almost half-full of coins, with a half-full promise that his little sister, also with bulging eyes and a big, balloon-like stomach, could go to school this June.

It’s a heavy promise from a boy like him, yet he is always eager to fulfill it.

As soon as he was ready, he kissed his mother and sister goodbye and went on to a river near them. A few minutes later, Dodong came out, with a small sack of different catch─ tiny shrimps and fish, almost close to what we might call a phytoplankton, and a seashell he called “litob-litob.” He didn’t care to wash the mud off his hand, or the weight of his load. For him, it was another meal, and another chance for his sister to go to school, something that poverty has stolen from him. With all of his strength, he grabbed the sack with his tiny hands and shouted, “Isda! Litob-Litob! Isda!” Fish!

Seashells! Fish!

This is an everyday chore for Dodong. At a young age of eight, he already became the head of the family, after his father died a few months back. Daily, he walks a few kilometers from their home in Cablatan to Cagay, to sell whatever he might get from the river. As he knocks at every house, only some would wish to buy what he sells, complaining that most of them were too small, while some don’t even bother to give the little boy a glance. With every step he comes closer to his hopes that someday, his luck may just change.

“Auntie, pwede ko kapangayo tubig?” (Auntie, may I have a glass of water?) He once said to my grandmother when he knocked at our door after hours of walking. His spirit never gives up, yet sometimes, his body does. Once in a while, he would rest by standing at our door and watching whatever program we were watching in our small television, laughing away his tired heart.

My grandmother’s eyes would then look at him with so much pity and understanding. You can clearly see that his body was too young, yet his eyes showed the fiery determination to feed his family.

“You should always be thankful for what you have right now.” My grandmother used to tell us before, and we’re glad to finally understand what it means by just looking at the young boy’s bitter smile.

As for Dodong, it might not be his luck that day, for he went home with most of the seashells still on his sack. He gave all of his earnings to his mother, a few pesos and two ten-peso coins, just enough to buy them another kilo of NFA rice, except the two pesos he silently kept on his left pocket. He tapped them a little with his hands, proud to hear them give tiny clanging sounds.

“This one goes to my treasure chest,” and Dodong finally smiled.

SHORTstory

BY Christine D. Arguelles

I love him so much that I almost forgot I had a brain. It’s hard to criticize the feeling that I felt for him. I call myself a foolish person because of not seeing the fact I blinded my eyes to the truth. Then I came to realize that it was so overdue. I could still remember the day, that moment when I first saw him. I’m Lauren, and he’s Harris. I was fifteen and he was sixteen. He really did appear so astonishing in my eyes.

On that moment too, I felt a tinkling sensation inside my body. I don’t know why I felt that way. Something told me that I just had to know him. He seemed so quiet that time. Many girls would really fall in love with his charming looks. For me, he seemed to be so serious yet mysterious that time. He’s a loner. I don’t know why, but I am really

totally attracted to him. I got the chance to meet him at my cousin’s debut. He’s a friend of my cousin. When we shook hands, I felt something like magnetism. It’s like his hands and mine were stuck together. Suddenly, I felt a strange feeling. It’s more like a bolt of electricity that electrified my soul.

After that day, we became friends. As time went slowly, I got shocked when he told me that he loved me. He told me that it was since he saw me on that park. I was afraid I might ruin my studies, but my heart fought against my mind. I told Harris I love him too.

And so the two of us became inseparable.

I was in second year college that time. In spite of the time we spent together, something tells me he’s hiding something from me.

One day, I was sitting on the bleachers watching him play soccer. He didn’t notice me. I didn’t want him to. He really looked so gorgeous in his soccer outfit.

Many girls on the bleachers were shouting his name. After the game, I followed him near the lockers. Something was telling me not to go there but I did. I saw him kissing a girl. Yes, a very beautiful girl. She’s the cheerleading captain of our school, Vanessa. Lucky for him ‘coz I’m not fond of confrontations.

The very next day, he was sitting on a desk in their room. I secretly passed by so he won’t notice me. Lucky for me, he saw me again. I tried to run away from him but there was no way. He asked me why I was acting very odd. I didn’t know what to answer. He told me he loved me but I believe that was a lie. I asked him who’s that girl I’ve seen he was kissing, but, damn! He turned his back on me and said it was his ex-girlfriend. I was left crying in the middle of the darkness when the rain suddenly poured so heavily.

I didn’t want to stand up and go home. I wanted to be alone. A few moments later, I thought the rain had stopped because there were no raindrops anymore. I saw a man with an umbrella and he was trying to protect me from the rain. No, it wasn’t him!

It wasn’t Harris, but the man in my dreams.

He looked at me in the eyes while tears fell streaming on my face. I felt very safe that time. Suddenly, the rain stopped. When I looked back to ask his name, he was gone.

I never got the chance to know him. Next day, when I woke up, my eyes looked disgusting, I felt so ugly that time. The school bell rang. I saw Harris and he seemed to be so guilty. He can’t look at me straight in the eye. We broke up. Know what he did? He hugged me and thanked me for setting him free. Then again, I cried to death. Suddenly, while I’m sitting on a bench, someone offered me a handkerchief. I accepted the handkerchief, and the man walked away.

As I finished rubbing my eyes, I looked at the handkerchief finding the initials “J.B”. I was on the bleachers, while my friend Eunice harshly pulled my hand. She rushed me up. She told me that there was this guy, a transferee student from London, who looks so awesome. He plays soccer too! I was shocked when I saw him. He was that guy who gave me his handkerchief. After the game, he approached me, “Hi Lauren! I’m Joenel!”

After that time, I thought to myself that the man in my dreams had come to life.

He was the one who protected me with his umbrella while the rain was trying to flush me away. We became friends. Next, we became more than friends. We’ve been so happy together. It was then that I came to realize that Harris is just a way for me to meet my one true love.

“Sometimes, SOURCE: we should be thankful for itsablackthang.com THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 29

SHORTstory

BY Jotham D. Funclara

The sun was setting on the horizon and the view was breathtaking. From the school building below the hilltop where I was sitting to the road and mountains in the distance; everything seems to be on fire, with orange covering the entire landscape. It was a very strong yet very sad sight; a sight befitting the pain and hopes of a goodbye between good friends. Soon the orange will fade, and all the beauty of the day will be replaced by the emptiness and shadows of the dark night.

Funny, I’ve always loved sunsets. And I’ve always loved sitting alone, just doing nothing but admiring it. Yet right now all I feel is a very familiar heaviness of the chest with a wet fog forming in my eyes. I didn’t really like the moment. Not now, not anymore. I never wanted to be alone and at the company of others both at the same time before today.

It seems like all the emotions of four years of college were taking their toll.

“I knew you’d be here.” I heard someone say from behind me. “Are you sure you’re still going to wear that tonight?” April said, staring at me, looking disgusted.

I looked at my clothes and saw what she meant. My black, finely-ironed long robe was now filled with bits of dirt and leaves, not to mention wrinkled beyond belief from all my sitting. The cap that goes along with it was nowhere to be found, and then I remembered: Oh yeah, I was sitting on it.

30 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

I just shrugged my shoulders then resumed staring into the distance. Seeing her here was definitely not good for the ominous fog in my eyes. Then again, had it been any of my other classmates, I would have felt the exact same thing. I had abandoned them for so long, I didn’t know anymore how to be around them.

“So what are you doing way up here, anyway, all alone when you should be getting ready?” she asked, squatting on the grass nearby.

“Just thinking, really.” was all I said to hide the squeak in my voice.

“We finally made it, huh? This is really it.” she said.

“Yeah, I know. And I almost gave up too; I can’t believe I even made it here today.”

“I know what you mean. Getting through the last year wasn’t easy, huh? But I guess we all deserve it, you know, with all the hard work we’ve put through in everything we’ve worked on,” she said.

I didn’t have an answer for that. So I just sighed and kept silent. She did the same too, for a while. The silence just gave me more time to think, and it made me sick to the stomach. I felt so much relieved when she spoke again.

“I wonder what life’s going to be like after this. It’s exciting, huh?” she asked me.

“Exciting, scary, mysterious, and put every other description there and it would still fit.”

“What do you want to do, Zach?

What do

you want to be?” she asked again.

“Me? I just want to be successful. I’m taking up Law after this, but my passion has always been about writing, so I guess we’ll see where it goes from there,” I answered, keeping my voice low. “How about you?”

“I have a lot of plans in the long run, but I’m not really sure what to do right away,” she said with a laugh; a hearty, beautiful laugh that I’m surely going to miss.

“We all have pretty dreams,” she continued, speaking with a smile. “Big guy Elliot took the exam to be in the police; Jenny says she’s going to teach…” she began enumerating out classmates and what they wanted to be.

I just listened. I’m not quite sure if she also felt the big black hole in my heart building up, eating me alive with every name she spoke of. I wanted so much to explode into nothingness. Finally, I couldn’t bear it anymore. My eyes burst into tears and I had to wipe my eyes with the sleeve of my robe.

“I’m sorry. I don’t know much about them,” I said in tears, but still keeping a steady voice.

“I know, I’ve been secluded so much in my own world, in my own struggles that I just realized one day how far away I’ve drifted from all of you. The bonds that we used to share, I’m not even sure if they’re still there at all. I’ve been a stranger for far too long, and now it’s too late. I’m not getting another chance.”

It was true. It was only in our first year that I ever really got close to my classmates. In the next three years I have been so caught up in the complexities of achieving my own aspirations that I didn’t realize I was already turning my back on them. I had experienced success, failures, hopes made and crushed, all in my time, but I was alone in doing all those; alone because of abandoning my friends and closing my heart. But now it’s too late to change anything, too late to be a friend again.

I was expecting a whole lot of different reactions from April after my weeping and baring my soul, bracing myself for a sermon from her. But I really didn’t expect her to laugh. That’s right, she laughed. It wasn’t the kind of insulting laughter though, nor was it of ignorance. Rather, it was almost as if she was relieved. She laughed like she finally got something off her chest. In short, she was kind of laughing in my place.

“You know Zach, I never really imagined you to be this emotional,” she said after we both calmed down, me from weeping and she from laughing, which sort of made me feel like a completely pathetic fool.

“Yeah, I never imagined it either,” I said sarcastically.

“There’s not enough sunsets…” she said, this time in a serious tone.

“Huh?” “Someone used to tell me that. Isn’t it true? Haven’t you noticed? Every day of our lives we can get to see the beauty of a sunset. It comes and goes fast, and then it turns into night,” I wanted to say something,

but she was starting to make quite a point, so I didn’t interrupt. “If we missed it one day, we can still look forward to another on the next day, and so on. So for one thing, actual sunsets never really end.”

“But life isn’t like that,” I finished the statement for her, to show that I got her point.

“That’s right. Sunsets in our lives aren’t fleeting by just to come back again. They’re permanent. We can’t expect to always have the same friends with us all through our lives, because everyone has his own path.

Goodbyes are always to be expected as we go on with our lives. It’s just the way things are.”

“Yeah. And all we can do is to just make the most of things while they are still with us,” I finished for her again. “We should always appreciate them because we may never know when their paths will stray from ours.”

I looked in her eyes, and as our gazes met, we smiled at each other. In that moment, my mind flooded with flashbacks of all the beautiful moments we have shared, all of us, my classmates and I. I remembered sitting in the classroom, eating while waiting for the teacher, talking and teasing each other all the while. There were also flashbacks of happy laughter while we hung around in the mall, in the school corridors, and by the food stalls outside the school, and even the simple times of having lunch together in our favorite carinderia.

I also remembered the fighting, the misunderstandings, the busyness and the hard work that we all had managed to endure somehow. We have quarreled quite a lot, especially through our last year, yet it was both very surprising and comforting that we managed to patch everything up together in the end, before it was too late.

These memories may be very few for a whole four year stay at school; especially compared to my other classmates’, but these memories will surely be some of the best moments of my life. Good or bad may it be, these experiences will always be my greatest treasure and weapon as I go through my life after college.

“I’m going to miss you, you know,” I told her as my tears began to form again. She smiled at that.

“Same here. We’re all going to miss each other.” she replied, all the while keeping the smile on her face.

After speaking those words, we were quiet again. We stared at the scenery, which was already getting paler. The beauty of the sunset was fading in the distance, making room for the darkness of night. But then, before I could relish the moment of silence for five minutes, another voice broke into the silence.

“You guys got room for a few more?” It was Elliot. He was coming up to where we were seated. Our other classmates were also going up.

“What’s the big idea? You guys dating now?” Elliot said with a smirk. Everyone laughed and jeered at that.

“Not really,” April said, smirking back at him. Lately the both of us have been the

object of everyone’s teasing, but as time passed, we learned to just go with the flow, often teasing them back in return.

“What are you all doing here?” I asked.

“Are you really going to ruin your togas too?

They’re not cheap rental you know.”

I was speaking nonchalantly. But deep in my heart it was like I was smiling and crying at the same time. I knew why they were here.

For sure everyone was thinking the same thing: one last bonding before we part. It was a beautiful thought; giving my heart more gladness than the beauty of the vanishing sunset.

We were all dressed up for graduation, yet here we were, on a hilltop above the school, staining our polished shoes and ruining our clothes. Then I started having the sick feeling in my stomach again. The fog in my eyes almost completely covered my eyes. I had to wipe it with my sleeve once more.

Everyone found their places and sat down on the bare grass. Then we talked just plain old talk. Nonsense stuff, stuff about our future, reminiscing the past, and things like that. It was simple, yet it was the most beautiful sight I have ever seen: eleven classmates about to go their separate ways very soon wasting away the time bonding and simply being together. In the few moments we had left to be together, we shared laughter; the laughter I’ve been missing for the past three years. A sight such as this may never occur again, unlike the sunset, it was to be cherished more, for it may as well be a once in a lifetime.

April was right, there’s not enough sunsets in our lives for us to take for granted the people that have crossed our path.

We have to live in appreciation, for where is true happiness, if not in appreciating the littlest facets in our lives that take our breath away? Our friends and loved ones that we have today may not always be with us for all time, for all through our lives. Hence, we must always appreciate the things they are and are doing for us. I may have realized this too late, but then again, maybe it wasn’t too late after all.

This short story is dedicated to my classmates of Bachelor of Arts Batch ’10: Kuya Edzen, Nang Au, Mark, Sheryl, Pearl, Joice, Merlyn, Bryan, Jennifry, and Allan.

Thank you so much for everything: the memories and experiences we have shared.

Even though I have steered far away from our friendship and bonding during most of my stay in CPC, still you showed me that I was part of the group, and I will forever be grateful. I’m lucky enough just to have friends like you.

Our moments during the retreat and during our after-grad bonding taught me the value of appreciating what little time we had left as a group of little kids, having a lot of fun with each other, playing, teasing, talking, and just simply bonding. We may be all grown up now, walking on our own chosen paths, but one thing’s for sure: we will never forget all the times we have shared together.

I miss you all so much!! Good luck on THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 31

COLUMN

BY Maxwel John Berdugo

There are guys who get high on having a new pair of sneakers, a nice cut of jeans, or a quote-printed shirt. It could also be a new hair cut, a tattoo from Bora, or an earring on the left ear. Some even get their happiness from eyeliners, black clothes, cool bangs, and stuff like that (you know what It has been a while since the last time I took my pen out and scribbled I’m a talking about). few lines. Whew! It was like squeezing an almost-dry lemon in the middle of It’s perhaps having an instant girlfriend in just a click of his finger, the latest 3D TV a hot afternoon to make lemonade. But it’s no joke. You have no idea how where he could also step in and out of many leaves of my notebook (that Maam Care gave me last Christmas) the screen, or the coolest motorbike in the I consumed as scratch. Not mentioning my messy penmanship and the market that doesn’t run out of gas. Then loads of erasures I made. But I guess even the most-skilled writers on the there are boys who would want to play the planet also get their minds rusted at some point. Now, breathe in, breathe most perfect online game in the planet (that out. Enough blabbering…it’s time for some “serious” action. could even surpass the DOTA fever). The kind Let me ask you: How do you define HAPPINESS? And I mean of game that doesn’t need keyboard anymore. All YOUR happiness…From a box of cookies? Sitting beside your crush?you just have to do is to pick your player, summon it on Hearing a corny prank? Definitely, we all have our own share ofthe virtual field, and command it at will. that. But allow me to break this from a boy’s point of view.

There are those who become truly happy spending An average guy is happy when he wakes up in the morningquality time with their family, catching up with a long-timewith a sweet text message from his girlfriend or just having hisno-see relative or playing cards with cousins till dawn. For favorite omelette on the table for breakfast. There are otherssome guys, it’s just thinking of the idea that he’s alive or who express it by just strumming their guitar strings or listening toproving he’s worth something in this world. Undeniably, their all-time favorite music on their playlist during idle moments.we all have our reasons to be happy.

Sometimes it’s simply just sitting on a comfortable couch with a So basically happiness boils down to the person itself. bowl of home-made popcorn while watching his favorite NBAThis goes to everyone now. If writing makes me happy star shooting their team way up to Finals or the latest episodes ofthen it may or may not work for you. It could be something Naruto Shippuden. else, like reading it instead. Happiness comes in all sizes There are some who get happy when they hang-out with theirand shapes but fits us differently and uniquely. Sometimes chums in their favorite place, go partying at night in the coolest clubwe’re too busy looking for it that we’re already not aware in town, or having a romantic date on the beach with their girl. Itthat it’s there. All we just have to do is appreciate it. Let’s could be having a bottle of beer, a stick of cigarette, or other vicesmake it a DO-IT-YOURSELF project because it is the only which give them that Cloud 9 feeling.thing that we could only do for ourselves. And no one in It’s perhaps having a splash in thethis world could ever take that away from us. pool, reading a K-Zone magazine So be it big or small, crazy or not, as long as you’re not and all that, or even just gettingstepping on anybody’s foot, stay happy! Oh and before enough sleep.

I forget, just don’t carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Smile.

32 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

SOURCE www.beckerphotos.com

kamay at hinalikan iyon.

Nagsalita pa ito, ”Ikaw lang ang pinakauna at pinakahuling babae sa buhay ko,mahal na mahal kita.” Namangha ako at nagbiro, ”Naks naman ang sweet naman ng boyfriend ko. Mahal na mahal rin kita.”

Ikaw lang ang nag iisa dito sa puso ko. kaya magpagaling ka na.”

Pareho kaming napangiti.Hinalikan ko siya bago ako tuluyang umalis.

Pagdating ko galing sa bahay ay nagtaka ako kung bakit may mga doctor at nurse sa labas ng kwarto ni Jyan.”Doc John, ano po ang nagyari dito?” tanong ko. Sinagot niya akong malungkot ang mga mata,at nagsimula na akong kabahan.

“Gabby,wala na si Jyan.” Halos magulantang ako sa narinig ko. Dali-dali kong pinasok ang kwarto at doo’y nakita ko ang pamilya ni Jyan, umiiyak. Halos ‘di ko maipaliwanag ang aking nadarama ng mga sandaling iyon. Napakasakit ng aking kalooban.

Nagising ako sa aking pagmuni-muni nang huminto ang bus. Nakarating na ako sa libingan ni Jyan. Bitbit ang nga bulaklak ay tinungo ko ang puntod niya. Nag-alay ako ng maikling panalangin at nagsalita, “J, alam ko nasaan ka man ngayon ay masaya ka sa desisyon ko.Mahal na mahal kita ngunit sadyang itinadhana tayong magkahiwalay. Alam mong mahal na mahal kita. Ngunit batid kong kailangan kong ipagpatuloy ang buhay kasama niya.

Bukas na ako nakatakdang mangako, J. Bukas isang ganap na madre na ako….at masaya ako sa napili ko.”

Lumisan akong may ngiti sa labi at bitbit ang mga alaalang iniwan ni Jyan.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 33

BY Joan Marie Macellones

ng malaman naming may sakit pala si Jyan─ kanser sa dugo o mas kilala sa tawag na “leukemia”. Halos gumuho ang mundo namin sa nangyari. Nabalutan ako ng matinding takot. Takot mang mawala sa akin ang taong pinakamamahal ko, ngunit naniwala pa rin akong makakaya naming lagpasan ang mga pagsubok na ito.

Nang ma-confine siya sa ospital ay ako ang nagsilbing nurse niya. Magdamag ko siyang binabantayan at walang pagod na inalagaan. Lagi lang akong nasa tabi niya, nakaalalay sa kanya, stage 5 na pala ang sakit ni Jyan, kahit na pinanghihinaan na siya ng loob ay nariyan pa rin ako upang ipadama sa kanya na hindi siya dapat sumuko. Sa katunayan, isa rin ako sa nga nag-donate ng dugo para sa kanya. Kahit na nagsisikip ang kalooban ko habang nakikita si Jyan na nahihirapan ay hindi ko iyon ipinakita sa kanya, sapagkat ayoko siyang panghinaan ng loob. Namumutla at pumayat na ang dati’y malusog,masayahin,at gwapo niyang mukha. Ngunit ni minsan ay hindi iyon nakabawas sa pagmamahal ko sa kanya.

Isang gabi habang pinupunasan ko ang kanyang mukha ay hinawakan niya ang kamay ko. Tinitigan niya ako sabay sabing:”Gab,kung sakaling hindi ko man malampasan ang mga ito, lagi mong “Aray naman! Masakit yan ah!”reklamo tatandaan na mahal na mahal kita. Labis akong masaya sapagkat dumating ka sa ni Jyan habang kinukurot ko ang tagiliran buhay ko..” niya.

Napaluha ako, saglit na natigilan at “Hahaha,buti nga sayo,masyado ka nagsalitang “Ano ka ba? Gagaling ka nang nakakapikon eh,” sagot ko.

Jyan. ‘Di ba nangako ka sa akin na kahit Medyo nagkakaasaran lang pero anong mangyari di mo ako iiwan. Ikakasal masaya kaming naglalakad pauwi. pa tayo, magkakaroon ng maraming Kakagraduate lang namin ng kursong nursing at ngayo’y nag rereview sa parating anak. Huwag kang sumuko, Hindi tayo susuko, malalagpasan din natin ‘to. At na board exam. Pareho kaming inspirado mahal na mahal din kita. Hinding-hindi kita sapagkat kapiling namin ang isat-isa. papabayaan.”

Mag-aapat na taon na kaming magPareho kaming nakatulog ng gabing kasintahan,simula pa nung forth year high iyon, puno ng pangamba na baka mawalay school. sa isa’t-isa. Ngunit pinanghahawakan pa rin Magkasama kami hanggang makatapos ng kursong kinuha. Sabi nga nila namin ang aming wagas na pag-iibigan.

Kinabukasan matapos naming mag almusal “perfect couple” daw kami, pareho daw ay nagpaalam akong uuwi saglit, sapagkat kaming mabait,masipag at matalino. Wala na daw maipupuna sa aming relasyon. Kahit kukuha lang ako ng ibang mga kailangan namin. ako nga mismo ay hindi makapaniwala na Pumayag naman siya at nang paalis na nagtagal kami ng ganito. Siguro masyado ako ay bigla niyang hinawakan ang aking lang naming mahal ang isat-isa kaya masyado rin naming inalagaan ang aming pagsasama. Hindi tutol ang aming mga magulang sa aming relasyon sapagkat batid nilang kami ay nag-aaral namang mabuti.

Masaya at simple lang ang buhay namin ni Jyan. Sabay kaming nangarap na balang araw kami sana’y magkaroon ng isang masayang pamilya. Hindi kami naghahangad ng sobra,basta’t kasama lang namin ang isat-isa.

Araw ng Exam…

Pareho kaming kinakabahan at excited. Nang matapos ang exam ay hindi pa rin kami mapakali. Pagkalipas ng tatlong buwan, nalaman na namin ang resulta. Halos maglulundag kami sa tuwa ng malamang pareho kaming nakapasa. Sabay rin kaming nag apply at kalauna’y,natanggap din ng sabay sa parehong ospital.

Ngunit lahat ng kasiyaha’y nagwakas

SHORTstory

Nagising ako dahil sa ingay ng alarm clock. Sinadya ko itong i-set para magising talaga ako ng maaga,dahil pupuntahan ko pa si Jyan.

Bukas na ang kasal ko kay Eman ,at nais ko sanang malaman niya bago iyon mangyari. Alam kong maiintindihan niya ako,dahil alam kong mahal na mahal niya ako,at mahal ko din naman siya. Ngunit sadyang ganito ang kapalaran,si Eman ang naging sandigan ko nang iwan ako ni Jyan.

Medyo malayu-layo pa ang kinaroroonan ni Jyan,kaya kailangan ko pang sumakay ng bus,papunta sa kanya.

Habang bumabyahe ay nanumbalik sa aking isipan ang nakaraan, kung paano

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

SHORTstory

February 14, 2010

ntly as the in and shaking viole ing in to ra e th in ed ch en de the school, dr her instead of go standing there, outsi uld someone be out there in this weat ding eyes, I felt like I dro, To my dearest San e day when we first met? You were wo pl y. Why face and ea ought you were craz think of. But as I saw your angelic Remember th th I nd and heavy rain e, nc

gla st fir are of the stormy wi minute, we both could ever your face. At aw I st un rd u, ain wo yo ag s ly w rd on ble e wa th air to at’s cold e. For a lking er? Yeah, stupid. Th between us. I just found myself wa en look up to my fac elt ev sh t e n’ m did so u for Yo l oo u. e yo sch lin rther, I approached tracing the invisible wind that swept Without thinking fu of us against heaven’s wrath. was under a spell, . rm ifo un ed against the mighty on -ir er lly o isp fu tw wh y e a m th e on st lik ju t ed s, os that pour were alm t raincoat chills. Your words t umbrellas, withou stood there, withou u?” You said in the middle of your “Who are yo

r direction. using for air. arms. ad,” I sarcastically back and forth in ou o’s crazy,” I replied, without even pa urself around your just go inside inste yo n ng ca wh pi I ne ap en eo wr wh om ll l “S sti foo id,

u say so?” You sa and standing like a prove how “Why… Why do yo out here, with no umbrellas… and…

e me the chance to giv d I’m e ul us wo ca e Be sh e. s, pl he benc “Sim

it for her in these that if I would wa rs started to fall. d tea ise ur om yo pr at he answered. th S ve r. lie he be I for d, ng en iti e th wa “I’m... I’m… ur voice croaked at

e could just see…” Yo sh If r. he es ago in a e lov I h muc e I just saw minut on e th d an ?” ho lar W pu l Po “Wh…

laimed Miss Schoo The 2010 Self-Acc t.

“Clara.” gh Ri odern martyr!” I . ah

Ye … elf re! Talk about a m he ll repeated to mys sti I e ar a… u ar yo Cl d

heart, an yfriend. ke, her rumored bo y, played with your restaurant with Ja b! She’s out there with another gu d instead. u.

“You’re dum y those words to yo . I know she would understand.” I lie at to her!” sa

st ju d ul co I sh r there prove th elf. I wi blurted out to mys you can go inside and just wait for he love her and I would do anything to , drenched ntly. “I “You know

ook your head viole like a little child. word, wanting to be sh a u t ou Yo ” th r! wi he e e m lov to “No! I o came I pouted

a bloody nobody wh e. side, I won’t too!” m “If you won’t go in nt. Who cares anyway?! You’re just to s rd wo

e thos ck. wa you almost shouted u chilling outside here!” I shouted ba Our eyes met, for the first !”

“Do whatever you to u yo d ke

as dy yo n. bo at lio no y ng en gr ki an wh loo en an nd ev of e sta se the y in front nn bu tle in the rain with m just nobody! A nobody who couldn’t lit a shed I could just era e wi lik t tly os en sil alm I s e, wa I tim I’m t, “Yeah! ur heigh ness. That

down on me. In yo ined with anger, confusion and loneli You finally looked sta suddenly noticed es ey n

ow ally became calm. I ur round, br fin yo w ice sa vo ly ur ar Yo cle I …” time, and s just that eyes. u. It’s just that… it’ seen through those pain in your heart… rry. I didn’t mean to be so rude to yo “I’m… I’m so ng at your eyes.

voice is. ered back, still looki how masculine your . You don’t have to be sorry.” I answ ched.” dren ld.

“I understand lly really sorry… I’m

sorry. Well… you’re starting to feel so co ’m sorry… I am rea much help because . “I really my fault. I’m first!” I joked though I was already ly s en it’ op o… ed “N kl uc

teeth as you ch t drenched g that didn’t do “Wow! Look who go w you smile. I saw your pearly white fore you offered it out to me, somethin

be sa s I nt !

You smiled. Alas wet hand on your pa

o.” You wiped your dr an ess Al for t or sh our back shouted. chorus of insulting Sandro, en a loud voice from under the rain, for heaven’s sake!” a the rain too. wh in g t in we eth e m ar so s y nt sa pa it your s still about to a date, don’t do “I… I’m Mari…” I wa You two! If you want to go out for ed to come, she

If she really want s! under the rain. e. g Ye or in u! th ym yo ba an t ey a os H ar ! alm Cl ey “ H n’t wait for who saw us

d so am I. Please do ’s the tricycle driver ion of Clara. laughter followed. It please go home? You’re drenched an ng you will wake up from your illus w pi no ho “Can we

a desperate request re already.” It was should have been he ed. k you.”

Silence follow

you home as a than swer. ke ta e m let ll wi u you said. your an “Well… if yo

es, surprised with the rest of my life,” l ey ‘ti ur re yo he to en in be ck ve ba must ha . We used to I looked

you didn’t come, I e the best of friends If m ca it. be do e ely m iat ed let m se, “Plea we im the time that I

m the same school, est” and that was fro “B e e ar m d, ng we re.” lli ce su ca in d S u… . rte “S e as your best frien

d between us year, you sta u only considered m at my expressions, Yo ’s how things starte u knew how I loved eating. After a t. at os th m d e m An rts hu

e yo st friend and that then pause to look ool canteen, becaus lk about Clara and end! Your best friend! Since I met “best” as short for be ta e d m ul d hang out in the sch lle wo ca u u yo , Yo ile R. e girl’s C. ce in a wh ur best fri yself cried instantly in th ing best friend… and nothing more. On your best friend, your best friend! Yo e one who is here for you? I forced m g ly in th lov d on eth am s an m I wa so al at I is loy r you, u see th d that your ever y to see me hurt. Fo th your stories about Clara. Can’t yo d just fall in love with you more, an ping I would see pp ha lly rea e ar u as if yo fed up wi u, I woul crush, ho te that word. I am stay away from yo ara, I told you about Troy, my fake your you, I learned to ha use I was so hopeless. If I will not Cl that I’m really just t ou ed ab liz ed rea lk I ta , u ere yo Th ca er be e. ev iv oy en sit Tr to be close to up the pain wh uld be that insen ppen. Just to cover ver thought you co d hurt this bad. first, knowing that I didn’t want to ha st smiled and said “good luck.” I ne d I known it woul ha e lov d an p s there. I refused at hi die ju ds u stu en Yo y fri e Clara, m o. een to ish s tw fin be lou e to you jea friends, that you lov I do, wants me ossed the lin e cr an H th . ve e da ha or na m ld Ca ou be in r sh , r ve ys r sta uld ne . Before best friend. I neve go where my mothe st stuck with the reality that we co ge my mind if I see your smile again to e m s nt wa d da ju an My

ery day, I am because I might ch ent on you. But ev u I was about to go t looking at me… yo ld to r ve I’m almost depend ne I . no s be your shadow whenever you are and that I’ll alway art silently whispers he y m at wh u yo Yours u. I love you. please let me tell , I love you. I love yo

a.

Goodluck with Clar

34 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

Mari

To m y dea

res waiti Rememt Mari, gaspe ng foolish ber the thou d for air ly for Cl day when when ght you w as I saw ara. I sa we first poun you cam ere Ven your ro w you thmet? It w Febra hurt ded as y e to me us, the G und, che en, from as rainin ury 1 o o e a g u d t r w s h e gat so har ithou dess of ful fac 4, 20 there I wat came d e e t … no n c 10

umbr hed a bea ear me. I any um Beauty, inand deep of our schand I wa s b , e u o r d l o We th las… n ty lik was r ella. Y schoo ut th ark e ol. I you best ekept your en becam o shelter e you dre ude to yo ou didn l uniform yes. For immediat ere, talkin yes… the figure. I e the best … just th nched in u just b ’t even n ! I was s a minute ely me, w g about best lau called yo of friend e two of u the rain ecause I otice how o surpri , I se becau could my v hen you Clara to ghs… and u “Best”… s. You ea s. n’t h my hear d se of t s o w m e a c s e e me. W lp bu t ost o hort f l your very abular alked f o ot bu e both t be that nervous y. I was near me t cute jealo all… the r “the one t I am alw stood in fro special da then. I b gatherin he day w us pouts best girl who ha ays won g s I o the p nt of my y when ught flo up all t e first me whenev have e the best dering h was r ain but i face. I wyou start wers and he coura t, I alrea er you he ver seen.” smiles… ow word eally jus n reality as so an ed talking cakes ange I coul dy erased ar her na I was j the that s “best fri t your be , I just w gry… no… about T d plann d muster the nam me. Beli ust ev ro ed we w end!” st frie e a t

ill ju I wa nd. Yonted to mjealous of y. I felt li everythi o court y “Clara” ine s o n s t k u. I g to alwa ur bes elt th that g e my my p My m stay w since rovince…. other ju as “friend ys haunt t friend! at very m uy. I jus whole wobe perfect as Y e s s to go my Tita for good. t called ” for th d by the our best oment. I t smiled rld crush on letter , knowing is the on My mothup that e rest of o thought friend! N t was cle to cover ed I go, because that I c e who sp er could my Tita ur lives. that you othing m ar to me up n h a e I wa I ma will n ore bu . I

y not n’t leave nds for it ’t afford mas just d nt to ever b t the y i e w y edu d and I lov tell yo be able ou her h

e min e n c s e…

Goodl e you. I u someth to leave e. But I he was s ation her I need t o go e in t till a uck w love y ing th if I s have ba liv he to ee a ith T ou. I roy. love yt I have you. I h . I am rea e. I didn’ city anymck to o kept t l ou. for so pe you ge ly sorry. really w ore long… t to re I wrot ant ad th e this is. Be fore

Sand Yours, ro

The Unread

Love Notes THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 35

FEATURE

BY Rizzi Angelica V. Maribao

The Guitar

Tells A Story Can you still remember the last time you cried because of a song? Or, is there any song that takes you back to the past the moment it is played?

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Well, many youngsters today admire twenty year-old American pop country singer-songwriter Taylor Swift not only because of her angelic face or the quality of music she plays with her guitar alone. It’s all about the stories told behind those songs. And with those songs, pasts are reminisced, tears fall and most of all, lessons are learned.

Before we go further, let us have a little bit of Taylor’s biography.

Taylor Alison Swift, was born on December 13, 1989 in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She is the first child and only daughter of Andrea, a homemaker, and Scott Swift, a stockbroker. “Monster in My Closet” was her three page- poem which made her a national poetry contest winner when she was in fourth grade.

Now let us have a glimpse of some of her songs and reflect on the experiences we had or the situations we are in right now.

Fifteen

“’Cause when you’re fifteen and somebody tells you they love you, you’re gonna believe them…”

“Fifteen” brings many girls way back when they were fifteen or the first time they fall in love.

This song tells us all about Taylor and everything that happened when she was fifteen.

This also portrays the feeling of young girls, that when you are young and somebody tells you he loves you; you are going to believe him. One common thing this song tells us is: promises are made to be broken.

It makes us realize that our love life is not the only life we have in the world. And love is “’Cause I’m not a princess, this ain’t a fairytale, I’m not the one who’ll sweep off her feet leader not the only thing that should be considered in of the stairwell. This ain’t Hollywood, this is a small town, I was a dreamer before you went and let marrying. Of course, the other person should me down, now it’s too late for you and your white horse to come around.” also love you and most of all, there should be When we fall in love sometimes we tend to be stupid. This song tells the story of a stupid girl an assurance for both that you will together who found realization one day. strive for a better future.

One true thing we could learn is that, love is never a fairytale. And it does not always have a Moreover, in our younger years, we happy ending. So it means that if we fall in love, we should bear in our minds that not because we don’t know who we really are. When we get shed buckets of tears, the person we love will be ours in the end. matured and we look back, that’s the time we After the girl had moved on when her man had left her, he now comes back and asks her to wish to go back and tell ourselves what we love him again. But on the part of the girl, it’s too late. The martyrdom and stupidities are over. It’s the know now. time to realize that before you love, love yourself first.

This serves as a lesson for boys who always take girls for granted as if they are just toys to be played with during their past time.

White Horse

You Belong With Me

“But she wears short skirts, I wear t-shits, she’s cheer captain and I’m on the bleachers, dreaming ‘bout the day when you wake up and find that what you’re looking for has been here the whole time…”

The story in this song is a little bit similar to the story in “Teardrops on My Guitar”. The girl is also in love with her best friend who happens to have a girlfriend.

According to the song, the girl is the opposite of the guy’s girlfriend. Just try to compare a girl who wears short skirts and high heels from a girl who wears t-shirts and snickers. But the guy appears to be happier with this girl than he is with his girlfriend. This is what makes the girl think that the guy belongs to no one but her.

On the part of the listener, it gives hope knowing that you have a lot more to give to make someone happy.

Teardrops on My Guitar “Drew looks at me, I fake a smile so he won’t

see…”

Released in 2007, this song made Taylor the youngest artist ever to win the award Songwriter/Artist of the Year awarded by the Nashville Songwriters Association International.

This song tells a story of a girl who is in love with Drew, her best friend, a boy who happened to be in love with somebody else.

Every night, according to the song, the girl plays the guitar in tears, feeling the pain of being a listener to the heartaches of the one she loves. The girl pretends to be happy that Drew is in love without him knowing that she is in love with him.

Taylor Swift is just one of the best songwriters of this generation who touched our hearts through songs. But her songs are indeed inspiring.

They teach us to love and to hate, to forgive and to forget, to move on and to realize, to stumble and to stand up again, to be weak Love Story and to be “Romeo take me somewhere we can be alone. I’ll be strong, and waiting all there’s left to do is run. You’ll be the prince and I’ll be thr princess it’s a love story baby just say yes…” most of all, Well, this is the only song of Taylor that had a happy ending. to cry and This song tells about the modern Romeo and Juliet. As eventually, to usual, following the Shakespearian tradition, they cannot marry each other because of a conflict between their families be happy. so they built a secret world together.

One thing this song teaches us is the value of respecting the parents of the one you love. In the song, Romeo and Juliet did not just go away together but Romeo faced Juliet’s dad.

The two fought for their love until Juliet’s father permitted SOURCE: www.zimbio.com Romeo to marry her. And it was a happy ending.

THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 37

SHORTstory

BY Maxwel John Berdugo

How? That’s the BIG HANGING question. They say it’s too “So can I go ahead?” late. But I believe that “too late” is an unknown concept to I wanted to answer “No” but Lil’ol’me finds it those who are in love. Quite sissy from a jerk like me. But hey! awkward to spill it.

I’m now more than willing to shout at the top of my lungs that “Okay, but wait…” I mumbled, went closer yes, “I’m so in love!” And not just with the romantic idea to her ear and whispered, “Let’s meet tomorrow of a relationship but with the real person in all her flawed 2pm in the school gym…it’s a secret. No one perfection. She was not afraid to be honest about who should know.” Then I rushed my way out of the she is, what she wants and thinks— now, it’s my time to picture and smiled because of excitement. be honest about how I truly feel for her.

Things are now starting to fall into At long last, I finally have the strength and courage to place. So instead of letting myself turn into a push through, scream to the world my long-kept shout outs, green-eyed monster, I must redirect my attenand break the spell of silence casted upon me….Is it really tion and prepare myself for the BIG day—my game over? Naaaah…it’s not. I guess it’s just the start of the confession. What am I gonna do? Those super, game for me. totally outrageous confessions of a dork to the Well, it was that Saturday afternoon when I decided to spy girl he loves in the movies gave me a little hint on them. Weird. How desperate. But hell do I care; she’s the of what it’s gonna be like tomorrow. Yet, I’m still closest girl to my heart at the moment so I’ll do whatever it not sure if I could do it naturally without flaws. I takes just to make her mine. kept on checking my closet, but no “extra speThere they go again─ Ella and that newbie, Brent. Guess cial” idea would come out. I just hope that the what? They were strolling happily while doing the cheeziest seasonal spurt of romanticism would come out thing. I kept on clutching my fist as I stared at them from a from me tomorrow. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. distance. Again, it was like hell. I felt like my heart was be Big day came. My knees continued ing mish mashed into pieces. The whole time I was there, to tremble. My hands were very icy and sweaty. I witnessing his win and enduring my loss, I can feel my world could feel butterflies in my tummy. It was like I’m in falling apart. But then I realized that as long as there’s no a super-huge oven as tension filled every vein inside “yes he’s my boyfriend” confrontation between me and my body, It was way freaky…way, way freaky. I was Ella, I will continue to gamble my remaining coins. Anyway, so busy savoring the heat of the moment when a even if I pursue her or not, there’s still an equal chance voice caught my attention. that I’ll end up with sleepless nights of helplessness and “Ella?” I said. heartbreaks! So I guess it’s about time for me to turn into “Yes…it’s me,” she answered. a big boy now and start facing it like a real man.

“Good thing you’re here…”

Monday came. I saw her in our school park, dash“So what’s with the no-one-should-know line?” ingly perfect, sitting on the bench while scribbling on her I gave her my most genuine smile. memo pad. As I was heading towards her, it was like “Is this a joke?” she reacted upon seeing it (the my heart pumped terribly fast that it could almost pop smile). out of my chest. Every step feels like I’m entering the “What do you think?” enchanting world of fantasy and imagination— *sigh,* “Well, I have no time for this…So I better be goshe was too good to be true. ing now.”

It just dawned on me that she has this mysterious I held her hand in mine, pulled her in, put my other aura. It’s as baffling as the most intricate math probhand on her back, and touched her lips with mine. I lem. I love seeing her at different angles. She’s indeed could not think of a better way of starting up with all those a step closer to perfection. When she looks at me, it sends dramatic lines so I guess I give the credit to the “spurt”. That shivers up and down my spine. It’s just amazing how much power Ella has overmoment was like a floating scene. Kissing her was the most beautiful me. You know how it is when you’re just walking in the corridor and she surprisesincident in my “love history”. you with a hug, and then while you’re looking at her, she gives you that cute She was caught off guard for a moment. I thought she’s gonna little smile and you just can’t help but go insane?!? Boom! That’s power. slap me that jiffy but not even a single touch happened. She finally I decided to take just a step at a time. For the next days, we spent hoursbroke the silence. on the phone with each other every night. I tried my best to get a constant grip “What’s that for?” on our usual boy-stuff-bonding. Sadly, Brent also doesn’t fail to play his thing.

“El, I’ve wanted to tell you all this time that I love you and it I can smell a sort of competition grilling now. even grew more when Brent came. Now, I finally have the courage The next day… to confess my love for you…”

I squirmed over to her and uttered “Hey Ella…”

“Right here, right now, I’m letting this timeless kid who desShe smiled and said “Hello…what’s up?” perately hopes that his gal pal will not break his heart to finally go “Oh nothing. Just dropped by to see you…” out…” I knelt, held her hand, and looked passionately at her. “Can “How sweet of you…We just talked last night, aren’t you sick of me?”

I now have the permission to call you mine?”

Oh brother, I’ve been agonizing about how to take a feat of courage for She smiled. “I guess my problem isn’t about breaking your months. If only she only knew how those “to-get-Ella-operations” had beenheart.” churning in my head…

I was puzzled. “Why?” “Of course not…why did you ask?”

“Because the real problem now is on how I could break “Oh, no big deal actually…” the news that you’re now my boyfriend to Brent, my second “Uhmm…El?” I asked in my best tone. cousin…”

“Yes?” I was really shocked with what I heard. How foolish of me not Shoot! I thought I’m gonna have my first base, but it’s that damn newbieto ask her in the first place. But anyway, it doesn’t matter anymore. again. Oh! How could I ever forget that he exists! I’m just a second awayThe big hanging question has finally been answered— that’s the from saying those three words to Ella but he messed the whole thing up! Nowmost important matter at the moment, nothing else. what?

I just smiled, stared at her mesmerizing eyes, ran my fingers “So what’s that again?” on her hair down to her angelic face and said: “Oh nothing…”

“By the way, you’re so pretty…” (Oh boy, I finally had the 38 THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010

BY Arian Mariz Javellana

As the sea glistened along with the setting of the sun, another bulk of gold was buried under its bed. Slowly, its shimmering light turned pale as the salty waters devoured its unclaimed glory, destined to never be part of its makers’ hands again… FOREVER. Treasure. One single word, yet enough to make our eyes sparkle with excitement. For long years of our existence, this word had set thousands of voyages at sea, adventures on land, and even war between hostile nations. From a person’s perspective, treasure may gain a lot of definitions. To us, it may simply mean anything, or even anyone, that is highly loved or valued, while for others, it may mean an accumulated wealth in the form of jewels, money, gold and other valuable possessions.

Regretfully, however, our human minds usually limit ourselves on the definition of the latter, making us think only about the blinding light of gold whenever we hear the word “treasure.” Perhaps, this is one of the reasons why, for years, many have lost their lives in search of the wonderful promises of instant wealth. But are these deaths just mere coincidences, or are they made by spirit guardians, wanting revenge? Is treasure really TUTANKHAMEN ANDRead HIS WINGS OF DEATH a blessing or a curse? the following stories and decide for yourself.

FEATURE

TREASURE:a blessing or a curse?

Tutankhamen- Egyptian king at nine, mummy at 17. This young boy- and other war prisoners were forced to dig up tunnels, and as the tunnel closed in, king, son of Akhenaton and successor of Shenkhkare, is one of the most famous they were also buried with the vast shining treasure—alive. With the arrival of American figures in Egyptian history. Upon his tomb’s discovery by Howard Carter, an English forces, Yamashita fled, leaving the buried treasure, to be hidden forever. Nobody with archeologist, in 1922, he has become one of the most sensational archeological the knowledge of where the treasure was has ever survived to tell the tale. Recovery finds ever made. Everyone’s eyes marveled at how amazing the treasures efforts of these riches were made after Yamashita’s death, but none were successful. found inside his silent dwelling place is– starting from his solid gold coffin, scarab Dozens have also died digging up roads, river beds and mountains in search for this ornaments, large golden statues, up to his fabulous death mask made of gold, elusive treasure. There were those who were buried alive while digging up a tunnel, lapis lazuli and turquoise. These are just some of the wealth that some of us would suffocated, and many others who were killed on their quest. No one knows when or wish to have. But they are not just the things that the discoverers of the tomb have where these treasures can be found. found, for some of them also met their untimely death.

It is believed that the mummy of the ancient pharaoh places its curse upon THE MYSTERY BEHIND OREGON’S GOLDEN TREASURE As the sea glistened alongthose withwho the setting of the sun, another bulk of gold under its Oregon. bed. Slowly, its shimmering light turned as the Lake, With its beautiful blue water, captivating sunset,pale and with disturb his solemn rest. Just months after the discovery of thewas youngburied Crater salty waters devoured its unclaimed glory, destined to never be partdied. of its makers’the hands again… sky almost touchingFOREVER. the surface, it’s one of the best places nature’s hands has ever king’s tomb, Lord Carnarvon mysteriously According Treasure. One single word, yet enoughtoto makehe our excitement.

For long of bewitching our existence, this wordtale. had set thousands Yet, years behind this beauty lies a bloody According to stories, a of accounts, haseyes been sparkle bitten by awith mosquito, and later, shaped. voyages at sea, adventures on land, and even waraccidentally between hostile nations. person’s perspective, treasure may gainIt awas lotdiscovered of definitions. galleon, landed where Oregon is now standing. that this To slashed the bite while shaving, infecting As the toSpanish us, it may simply mean as anything, or even that loved or valued,contained while for others, it may as an accumulated wealth myriads of costly cargo,mean most likely chests of gold and precious jewels.in the wound.anyone, Days later, he diedisofhighly blood infection. form of jewels, money, gold and other valuable George Jaypossessions.

Gould I also died on May 16, 1923 after Knowing this, and greedy for its wealth, the sailors fell upon the captain, murdered Regretfully, however, our human minds usually ourselves definition making us possessions think only about lightover of gold andlatter, stole all of his valuable and took it tothe the blinding shore. Quarrelling their catchinglimit a fever following aon visit the at the king’s tomb.ofIt the whenever we hear the word “treasure.” Perhaps, thisbefore is one the reasons why, forclaim, years, many lives in search the wonderful several of thehave banditslost weretheir slain. The Indians were alsooftroublesome, so later, wasn’t also long the of archeologist himself, Howard promises of instant wealth. But are these deaths justalong mere or are they made spirit Is now treasure really it was agreedby to put mostguardians, of the goods towanting the ground,revenge? done in a tract known as Carter, died with coincidences, many other deaths associated a blessing or a curse? Read the following stories and decide for yourself.

Hez Copier’s Farm. to the curse found at the tomb which says: Before the task of burying was completed, the Indians went back, driving the “Death shall come on swift wings to him who disturbs bandits away. Two years later, one of the crew returned to Oregon and conducted a the peace of the king.”

With the onset of technology, still, no one could search for the treasure but found nothing. The man who supervised the burial, and the clearly deny or affirm the curse set on the tomb only one who knew where the wealth was buried, was discovered to be mysteriously of the young pharaoh, making Tutankhamen’s missing. Decades later, a group of spiritualists in Columbia said that it was revealed wings of death, one of the greatest mysteries to them where the goods were buried. When they came into the site, they only found broken stones. And when they threw these rocks out, one of them fell dead, so the of all time. search was abandoned. It was believed that the spirit of the murdered captain had claimed him. Feared because of the unfortunate events, the search only resumed in March 1890, when another set of men came and continued the digging, only to find THE SEARCH FOR EL DORADO El Dorado, Spanish terms that means “the golden one,” on the pit a number of skeletons, probably the remains of the bandits who got killed starts its legend as a Muisca chief who covered himself in gold dust in the fight. Seconds later, a man fell into a pit of madness, so the search was again and dived into Lake Guatauta. Later, it was known as the legendary “Lost City abandoned. It was believed that a curse rests on the treasure. Until now, no one has of Gold,” imagined to be a kingdom of pure wealth, gold statues, and a huge ever dared to search for the buried goods again, for doing so, will awaken the spirit of garden, not of nature, but leaves of shining gold. Since the times of the the slain captain, guarding his treasure… for eternity.

Spanish Conquistadors, it has allured many explorers, but none of them actually found the elusive golden THE LOST DUTCHMAN’S MINE In the east of Phoenix, Arizona, lies the majestic beauty of a 3000-foot monolith empire. It was also rumored that this lost city claims known as the Superstition Mountain Range, also called by locals as “Superstitions.” It the lives of whoever greeds for its wealth.

The first known expedition was led by Ambrose was said that the Apache Indians once inhabited the place, long before the arrival Alfinger. He traveled parts of Venezuela, Columbia, of the Spaniards, led by Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, in 1540. These natives and Magdalena River. Devastated for not finding the considered the mountain range as sacred, and even believed to be the home of city of gold, he and most of his men were murdered their Thunder God. The Spaniards cared less about these tales and went on to search

by Indians on his trip back. Another was of a man for the “Seven Golden Cities of Cibola.” Being told that the mountain range did indeed named Diego do Ordaz, who was killed by a poison contain gold, they intently searched the place, not minding the warning of the Apache arrow while he was on his search. Coazolo Pizarro, also Indians that if they would trespass the sacred ground, the thunder god would take brought with him 200 Spaniards, 4000 Indians, 5000 revenge on them, causing horrible deaths. The Spaniards continued to explore the pigs, and more than 1000 hounds on his expedition, mountains, but almost immediately, some of their men started to mysteriously vanish. hoping to see the lost city. Only half of his men returned, As the search continued, more men disappeared, and were later found dead, with heads and bodies mutilated. while the rest… perished.

Finally, the Spanish conquistadors feared for their lives and fled, and the legend This pursuit of wealth caused many explorers to vanish, of the Superstition Mountain Range started. Long after, the Spanish have come back never able to see the blinding light of gold. and have indeed found gold. These people, however, didn’t have the chance to enjoy their wealth, for on their way back, they also mysteriously disappeared, with only YAMASHITA’S GOLD The story starts during the Japanese invasion in the a few surviving to tell the story.

Philippines, where the Japanese government tried to loot their treasures from the Pacific, emptying every treasury, bank, and even from its black CURSED OR NOT CURSED Whether these tales are real or not, one thing is for certain: many have already economy. Its looting network is the Philippine island of Luzon. The treasures from all over the South East Asia arrived in the Philippines daily. But towards risked and lost their lives in pursuit of these riches. Throughout human history, there were the end of World War II, it became difficult for the Japanese to transport people who spent most of their lives voyaging at sea, or digging the land in search the treasures back in Japan, while some allied submarines and aircrafts of the blinding bulk of gold, or the famous chest of gems, only to pay them all with sunk along with them. So, instead of shipping them back to their country, their own blood. Instant wealth comes with a price, and in the end, only those who they began hiding the loot in caves and underground complexes. toil the land with their own hands under the scouring heat of the sun and owing every They believed that even after the war, they would still be able to cent he earns, could finally understand that riches are everywhere, but men are just keep the country under their control and retrieve their buried goods. too blinded with the shimmering light of gold that they often miss to see the treasure In the frenzy of events, General Tomoyuki Yamashita arrived and with that really matters.

For the Yamashita’s gold, the Dutchman’s mine, and other buried chests under the allied forces closed in, he dug massive tunnels outside Manila, hundred feet deep, leading to the storage chambers. Filipinos the sea or land, they might still be out there, just waiting to be discovered. But how about you? How much are you wiling to give up for these treasures? Are you willing to THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 39

FEATURE

BY Jotham D. Funclara

Nature’s

In ancient times, when everything in the world was gigantic, reptiles ruled the Earth. These massive, majestic and intelligent creatures overpowered all others. But then nature decided that it was time for a major change. One day, a huge rock from outside the planet, roughly the size of Australia hit the world, and eventually ended the reign of these beasts. The new world then became a treasure trove for a new kind of beast: the mammal.

Through time, mammals have taken over the world, and nature made a select breed into a being of higher intelligence than all other creatures, and tasked this being with caring for all life.

But alas, with the passing of time, came the passing of more of natures’ magnificent creatures. More and more species died out.

And what’s troubling is that this time, it isn’t nature’s will. Rather, it is man’s needs and wants that brought the end of these creatures.

Here are some of Mother Nature’s treasured species that have faded out into nothing but mere memory because of the very beings that were meant to protect them.

Lost Treasures Steller’s Sea Cow – Extinction: 1768 Native to the Northern Pacific region, this large aquatic mammal, closely identifiable to seals and manatees, was officially discovered in 1741 by Georg Steller, a German naturalist, in a group of islands called Commander Islands.

These animals have long been hunted by natives for food and raw materials. Aside from their meat, their skins were also made into durable boats, and even the abundant amounts of fat in their bodies were gathered to produce long-lasting, odorless fuel. Hence, even before their discovery, their numbers were already dwindling. And incidentally, when Steller made the world know of their existence, they were wiped out.

Sea cows span at about 27 feet long and weigh about 10 tons. This meant they were lugging masses of easy prey for ferocious sea predators like sharks: no match even in their natural homes.

They also couldn’t completely submerge into the water, and they usually traveled in groups, leaving behind a trail of uprooted sea kelp for hunters to follow; qualities that made them very easy prey for hunters and poachers.

The Dodo Bird – Extinction: Late 17th Century This one-meter tall flightless bird thrived on the island of Mauritius without any natural predators, feeding mainly on fruits and nuts. The dodos ruled their island, and for many generations they remained undisturbed and massed without hindrance from predation. Their plentiful life went on until explorers and settlers came to the island and cut their lives short. They were hunted for meat and even their eggs were used for food. Although hunting was abundant, it was mainly the cats, dogs and pigs that the settlers brought with them that drove the dodo close to their doom. These animals robbed the birds of their food or even killed them.

Eventually, deforestation became abundant in the island as more houses and buildings were made. Forests were cleared and the lumber was used by people. This drove the birds out of their homes and soon, by the late 17th Century, the dodo completely died out.

This tragic story also made these birds the international symbol of wildlife extinction.

The Bali Tiger– Extinction: 1937 Even the toughest jungle cats in the wild have proven vulnerable to extinction. There are two main tigers who have already met the extinct list, one is the Javan tiger, but more devastating to the animal kingdom was the demise of the Bali tiger.

This species are the smallest of the tiger family, measuring only a little more than seven feet long and weighing roughly 200 pounds. With this size they no doubt dwarf the size of the common tigers. They lived only on the island of Bali, Indonesia; secluded in their own habitat, susceptible to hunters.

Throughout time, the tigers’ forest homes were greatly reduced as the population of humans around and within the island increased, either destroyed to make way for human habitation or cleared out by hunters and poachers. But although with their numbers already waning, the Dutch colonization of Indonesia put the tombstone on their existence. The last of the Bali tigers was said to have been killed in 1937. Although some may have been able to survive in the wild for a bit longer, it is now very highly unlikely that any still survive in existence.

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The Quagga– Extinction: late 1800s This beast is a sight perhaps similar to some bizarre science fiction movie. The Quagga is a strange blend of a horse with a zebra’s upper body part, and the lower half which seems to be similar to an ordinary horse or pony, being entirely brown with no striped markings. Quagga thrived in the dry wildlands of South Africa before human population increased dramatically in the area.

However, they were soon hunted to extinction by the turn of the late 1800s. They were hunted and killed for their quality meat and hide. They were also considered as competition to the local livestock who shared their feeding areas.

Fortunately, these animals have had their DNA analyzed before they died out, hence it is possible in the near future to once again propagate these creatures in the wild and maybe even for use domestically.

The Tahltan Bear Dog– Extinction: uncertain If there was a more hard-working and loyal breed of dog than the modern domestics, it would be the Tahltan Bear Dog. They served as loyal companions and hunters to the native people in the Americas even before the European settlers. It was said that they were with the first settlers who came to America via land bridges.

Hence they were perhaps the first domestic dogs to have made their home in the United States.

They were used to hunt and track down bears, distracting and harassing them long enough for the humans to move in for the kill.

These dogs may have been fierce hunters, but they were loving and loyal companions at home, which makes them very ideal pets for the early settlers.

Unfortunately, as the Europeans began building settlements in the Americas, they brought along many different new breeds of dogs. And eventually, as time progressed, no pure breed Tahltans remained.

They say that nature has her own way of weeding out the weak and keeping the strong alive and well.

Scientists call this the Law of Survival of the Fittest. It’s a fact, in nature, if you don’t have the right weapons and protection, you will be crushed under the weight of your weakness. However, due to the rise of human civilization, there are other forces that were created to control this law.

In most cases, it was the humans’ need to propagate and build empires and complex metropolitan cities that led to the destruction of nature’s many ecosystems and thus the fragile lives that have thrived there for countless years.

From what is apparent, this is the new survival of the fittest: find a way to escape the massing humans, or risk the destruction of your species. It’s also little wonder why many animals who were once

considered wild have found ways of adapting in the urban jungles. Some of these are riot-causing chimpanzees in India, skyscraper eagles of the United States, and even snakes and alligators in tropical countries.

We have been cursed to no longer hear the sounds of the dodos or feel the quagga’s skin or the loyalty of the tahltan dogs. With every passing year, more and more animals are being placed in the endangered list, more so, on the closed coffin of extinction.

These are nature’s beloved treasures, given to live alongside us in this lonely planet we call home. Yet now, as we grow in number and power over our world, these creatures will never again be a part of the continuous cycle, their lives cut short and ruthlessly.

SOURCE: www.wordinfo.info/parbcork.wordpress.com THE PURISIMIAN | MAGAZINE 2010 41

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BY Joe Monkey

GAMES

Spot the Difference

Hello Purisimians!!!

This is Joe Monkey, Please send us your jokes and we’ll make it our comics.

If you also have your own orginal comics, please visit us at The Purisimian Publication office, 3rd floor CPC Main Bldg. from 8:00AM to 5:00PM Mon-Fri, or drop your entries on our suggestion boxes.

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