Attention CICT Students!!!

Certificates for the attendees of CICT Week's Seminars, Literary Folio and Magazine for those who paid Php30.00 (A.Y. 2007-2008) will be available at the 3rd Floor, Student Center (Cursor Office) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, August 25-26, 2008.

Bulacan in its 430th year: Gov. Mendoza bared plan to engrave Bulacan in Guinness Book

“Sulong Pa, Bagong Bulakenyo!”

This was the battlecry of every Bulakenyo as Bulacan Day was celebrated in its 430th year last August 18, 2008 at the provincial capitol, Malolos City. That red-letter day was topped off by a program concelebrated by a mass spearheaded by Bishop Jose Francisco Oliveros D.D. of the Diocese of Malolos started the program, to anticipate the occasion of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which fell on the same date. In his homily, Bishop Oliveros asked the Provincial Government to do their job for the welfare of Bulacan, and stressed taking consideration the value of life in taking sides of the Reproductive Health Bill, which is still in vis-a-vis argument between the church and the government, in a desperate attempt to control population. After that, the raising of the Philippine Flag together with the singing of the Philippine National Anthem that was led by the Himig ng Bulacan Choir succeeded by the offering of wreath of flowers by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Cities and Municipalities Officials in front of the statue of Gregorio Del Pilar, signaled the start of the celebration.

Sipag, Husay at Talino: Tatak ng Bagong Bulakenyo was the theme of the celebration. An interpretative dance by the 2004 Gawad CCP Awardee, Barasaoain Kalinangan Foundation brought the audience to a ride down memory lane depicting 430 years of journeying to Bulacan being a Province on August 15, 1578. After that Words of Welcome, Salutation to unwavering success of Bulacan throughout the centuries and recognition to the Government Officials present during the celebration were given by Board Member Ernesto Sulit, as a prologue to Governor Mendoza's speech.

Some of the Provincial, Municipal and City officials that participated in the event were Governor Jonjon Mendoza, Board Members Ernesto Sulit, Ferdie Estrella, Michael Fermin and Monet Posadas, House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Glenn Santos and Minority Floor Leader Ariel Arceo, Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members Centi Cruz and Pat Laderas, Bulacan 4th District Representative Jonjon Delos Santos, PNP Bulacan Chief Allen Bartolo, League of Municipalities of Bulacan Mayor Domeng Marcos, Mr. Arthur Robles from the Lone District of San Jose Del Monte, Plaridel Mayor Tessie Vistan, Baliwag Mayor Romy Estrella, Hagonoy Mayor Angel Cruz and many others.

The speech delivered by the Governor followed. He recalled the blood-letting efforts of our ancestors and asked modern-day Bulakenyos to continue what they have started. "Ang Bulacan ay mga mamamayan na pwedeng magyabang!" he exclaimed.

Furthermore, he stated his appreciation to the people, for giving him a chance to serve the province. "Di ko inakalang ang simpleng Jonjon na dati'y kapitan lamang ng barangay ay magiging ama ng Bulacan," he recalled. He also stated the setbacks he encountered during the first years of his administration, citing the fact that Bulacan is the richest Province of the Philippines. "Akala ko ay pwede ang lahat. Kailangan ay pantay-pantay ang mayayaman at mga mahihirap. Kahit tayo ang pinakamayamang probinsya sa buong bansa ay kulang pa rin. May mga taong pag kinausap mo ay mga maayos kausap, ngunit pag nakatalikod ka na ay tsaka ka titirahin. Hindi man ako ang pinakamagaling na Gobernador kasunod ng mga nakaraan na sila Gobernador Pagdanganan at Josie Dela Cruz na aking kapatid, ang maipagmamayabang ko lang ay ako ang Gobernador na nagbibigay ng tunay na serbisyo - serbisyong nararamdaman ng mga Bulakenyo.

He stressed that Bulakenyos must unite for a better Bulacan - Bulakenyos who are not for selfish ambitions. "May oras sa pagbibiro, May oras sa pagseseryoso," He added.

Those words brought everyone in the occasion in a halt as it impacted their minds not until he bared the plan to engrave Bulacan in the Guinness Book of World Records by making the longest pastillas in the world that is estimated to be 200 meters in length, that astonished the Bulakenyos and ended Governor Mendoza's speech. The unveiling of the tarpaulin signaled all systems go for the longest pastillas, with it, the 28 -day countdown duration which will end on September 12th by the Provincial Government ended the program.

--Staff Writer: Jose Mari R. Cipriano--

Street Fusion Tops in Modern Dance Competition

Three dance groups waked the sleepy souls inside the BSU Gymnasium during the CICT Night as they set the dance floor on fire in the Modern Dance Competition.

The first dance group was the Dynamic Movers, who topped off the tilt with their black attire while dancing to different paces of music. Second, was the Street Fusion, composed of students from BSIT 2A. They received a big audience impact especially from their class. They began with a melancholic entrance as lights shut off, with their pen lights only lit up. They made firefly-like movements with their lights, then eventually turning on the lights and dancing their own moves. Their attire matched their dance grooves with their red-colored coat with inscriptions of the name of their class and their names. Last dance group was the Juan Wik, composed of all-male group. Just like the two groups, who didn’t want to be left out. They showed their dancing powers while dancing to different genre of music.

After all the dance groups have performed, the moment of truth came – the announcement of winners. At the end, the Street Fusion Dance Group of BSIT 2A was declared as the dance floor Champions of the Nights.

The winning group automatically became the New Set of CICT Dancers as Dean Fausto S. Hilario stated in his speech before the contest. He promised to give the group a part in the upcoming concert of the CICT Band.

CICT Week Results NEWS BITS

--SPORTS FESTIVAL—

CICT vs. NAPA

NAPA (Non-Academic Personnel Association) smashed down the Valencia Hall as they breathe out the CICT Faculty Team with 22 points in the Basketball Exhibition Game last August 5. The breath-taking event was held inside the university gym at exactly 5:30 in the afternoon.

At the end of the first half, the CICT Faculty got 17 points while the NAPA earned 36 points. In the second half of the game, the NAPA dug up 66 points which outwitted the CICT Faculty who only got 44 points. At exactly 7:00 in the evening the game ended and NAPA brought home the bacon.

BIT 4^TH YEAR GRIPPED-IN THE BASKETBALL TROPHY

BIT 4^th year grab the cup of the champion on the prior to the basketball tournament that was held at BulSU oval last August 6 up to the 8^th day of the same month.

Dan Espela was awarded as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the overall basketball game for the CICT Week ’08.

CICT Students startled for a checkmate

A neck to neck bottle among CICT students in the chess tournament took over last August 08, 2008 at BulSU Academic Building, Malolos City. For the women division, gold goes to Michelle Bautista from BSIT 2B, Silver goes to Zara Gaille Yambot from BSIT 4B, and the Bronze goes to Eileen Rose Salita from BIT 1I. For the men division, who had been to a close fight, Dominador Melendres from BIT 3A gained the Gold Medal and Israel Dionisio from BSIT 2A as the Silver winner.

On August 5, an elimination game was done the whole day due to a number of students who want to participate in the said event with a total of 24 students facilitated by Mr. Reylan Evale. On the second day of event, a round robin game was done by the players. There are seven men competing for the title as the ruling while on the queen side there are five.

The winners would be our representative in the upcoming Intramurals and so with the other participants who were chosen for the top five.

--Skills Olympics--

Top 3 CICT Students suited for the Java competition criteria

Three criteria have formulated to be a basis for the top 3 programmers to won in Java programming facilitated by Mrs. Digna Evale in IT 3, BulSU Academic Building, Malolos City last August 8, 2008. After almost two hours of thinking and timing, the programs were checked by EvaleThe winners are Joey Agana getting 1^st place, Erol Egie Cruz, 2^nd place and Christopher Alendano as 3^rd place both from BSIT 4D. Java is a programming language that has closely resemblance with Turbo C but quite simpler and easy to understand. A competition about this programming language was joined by a couple of students who solved and create a program given to them. The program was judged considering a certain criteria as Functionality 60%, Interface & Design 30%, Time 10% with a total of 100%.

BSIT 4A student won the Web Page Making Contest

The competition for Web Pages Making was conducted last August 8 facilitated by Ma’am Evelyn Samson held on IT 5 at BulSU Academic building. A BSIT 4A G1 student named Leonila Santoyo won the contest. The knowledge in the software became a necessity for the contestants used to create a website and the creativity for design which were Layout/Design 30%, Consistency 10%, Animation & Graphics 25%, Navigation 20%, Overall/Additional Features 10%, complete 5% with a total of 100%. Only two registered names were there to compete in this Skills Olympics which became a man to man battle.

Visual Basic Programming

Six students from CICT competed in the recent skills Olympics for Visual Basic programming last August 8 in IT 5 of the Academic Building.

Sir Ronald de la Cruz facilitated the event where he also gave the problem to be solved by the participants about mathematical operation of fractions which answers should be in the simplest form. The program was judged based on its functionality (80% including its percent error, proper output), time (10%), and design (10%).

After consuming the allotted time, John Isaiah Carmona of BSIT 2A grabbed the 1^st place. Sir de la Cruz pointed out their mistakes and cites good points on how they will smarten and improve their works. The 2^nd place was Lawrence Espiritu while John Carlo Brigino placed 3^rd.

Camua Grab 1st Place in Turbo C Skill Competition

Brains stormed, Programs ran, Errors appeared and Success messages tried the wits and guts of the contestants to make the best program flow in the Turbo C Competition, one of the Areas in the Skills Olympics during the CICT Week held at Room IT 2of the Academic Building.

Participants from different year levels mostly from BSIT, claimed that it’s a challenging experience for them to join this competition, as this serves as a training ground and a execution pool of what they learned from their Computer Programming subjects using the environment and lingo of Turbo C.

At the start of the competition, Ms. Raquel Adriano, the teacher-in-charge of the contest, asked the students to create a program that will only accept an odd number from 3 to 9 and display a diamond shaped series of numbers. The contestants were judged according to functionality, interface and Time of the program.

The results came out that same day, Friday at 11:00 A.M. Lester Camua won the top spot placing 1^st, Aimee Gatchalian on 2^nd place and Bryan Salting on 3^rd Place.

Lester Camua, a student of BSIT 3C said that he has still many things to know about Turbo C.

“Kaya ko naman. Ineexplore ko lang yung others na hindi natutunan, mostly I get it outside the classroom. “My knowledge is not that wide, but I know and will apply what my instructors thought me”,he added.

Furthermore, Ethel Grace Santos, a freshman from BSIT 1F doubted if she will win, as this is her first time to join the duel and teach Turbo C. “Konti pa lang alam ko!” she said.

Turbo C is just one of many events in the Skills Olympics that tested the abilities of the students during the CICT Week 2008.

Software Application

As part of the Skills Olympics held during the annual week, Software Application was conducted administered by John Roman Tolentino in IT 5 of the Academic Building.

Few students joined the said event which required speed (10%) in creating a document (30%), follow certain formulas in the spreadsheet (30%) and create a design in Microsoft PowerPoint (30%).

After the time pressured that the participants experience during the competiion, Catherine Aglipay placed 1^st, 2^nd is Erlinda May Marino and Nikki Marie de la Cruz placed 3^rd.

CURSOR attended OSP’s 2nd Journalism Seminar

“When you write the success of the story, show it don’t tell it” –emphasized by the speaker, Mr. Ben Domingo, a professor from the UP College of Mass Communications in the 2nd Journalism Workshops and Seminar held at BulSU Hostel, Malolos City yesterday. This is a joint project of the Bulacan State University (BulSU)- Office of the Student Publications (OSP) and Pacesetter- the Official Publication of BulSU. Domingo lectured about News, Features, Editorial, Opinion, Sports writing and Copy reading under the theme: “ABC’s of Campus Journalism”. 125 participants from all Institutes and Colleges’ newsletters and publications around BulSU, and two other Universities in Central Luzon attended.

The 1st Journalism Workshop and Seminar sponsored by OSP and Pacesetter was held last 2005 to train the development of young campus journalists in their talents and skills. Mr. Romulo Mercado Jr., the director for OSP said that “This is held to hone the interest of the students in campus journalism”. The opening of the seminar was presided by Dr. Antonio Del Rosario, Vice President for Student Affairs with an opening remarks and an inspirational message from Mr. Danilo Faustino- Vice President for Academic Affairs. According to Evelyn Alera, managing editor of Pacesetter as the host publication, in a text message, this is held to refresh the writers about the basics of campus journalism. “Apparently, next year mag-tuloy-tuloy na ito and I’m looking forward to the next level of campus journalism seminar since this one was the very basic” Mercado added.

CURSOR- the official student publication of the College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT), participated the seminar and workshop with six of its members: Alicia Magtira [Editor-In-Chief], Mirasol Buenaflor [Associate Editor], Nelseilene Dela Paz [Managing Editor], Sheila Rose Valenzuela [Features Editor], Matt Anthony Jabonette [Literary Editor], Camille Jen Eusebio [Staff writer] and with their incoming adviser- Ms. Jane Suarez to further increase their knowledge in campus journalism.

--Mirasol Buenaflor--

CICT Challenge

In almost 2400 students one should out stand. Someone who has the ability to pass every challenges. Someone who will fight until the end. A student who has the courage to overcome every obstacles. It is all or nothing!

CICT students, let me present to you the first ever CICT survivor, Mr.Glenn Mendoza of BIT 2-I. He was the one who overcome every challenges brought by the CICT week. I asked Mr. Mendoza what he felt while doing the challenges and this was his response:

“Kabado syempre, hindi ko ine-expect na mananalo ko, masaya ko!”

Mr. Mendoza did six(6) challenges in order for him to win the 2GB flash drive. Those challenges were CICT Diskette Hunt, CICT Army challenge, CICT Egg Hunt, CICT Salon, I-jug-jug mo and the IT Hep-Hep!, Comp Tech Hooray! Challenge.

CICT Diskette Hunt

The diskette were spread out on the bleachers of the gymnasium. Forty(40) students who found a diskette were included on the next round.

CICT Army Challenge

Sack race, crawling under the ropes and sipping “water candy”, these were the three extraordinary test on the Army challenge. Teamwork was tested on this part. The forty(40) students were divided into four (4) groups (A,B,C and D), each group were composed of ten(10) members. Two(2) teams were given the chance to move on the next round. Those two teams were B and C.

CICT Egg Hunt

Teams B and C were no longer team this time because on this challenge, new teams will be formed. Every student should find a plastic egg from the faculty members and SWITS officers. There was a letter inside the egg(A and B). Two new groups were formed again. Every student should know how to deal with the other competitors in order for him to win.

CICT Salon

Salon Challenge? I'm sure this challenge was all about beautifying. In this challenge, every member should apply lipstick, wear a duster and open an umbrella. The first team to finish the race with the least time will move on to the I-jug-jug mo challenge. Team A won on this round.

I-Jug-Jug Mo

It was like “Tak-Tak mo o Tatakbo” of Eat Bulaga. A question and answer portion. Now, every competitors should make a choice if they will go to letter C (for BIT-Comp Tech students) and I(for I.T. Students). In this round, you will be tested if you were really a CICT student because the questions were course related. If you answer the question correctly, you will move on to the last round. Five(5) students qualified on this challenge.

IT Hep-Hep, Comp Tech Hooray!

When Mr. Keno Piad says I.T, the student should clap his hands and shout Hep-hep!,and when he says Comp Tech, the student should raise his hands and shout hooray! This challenge was very confusing because you need to response quickly. The person who will not be eliminated will be the winner. And that person who won every challenge is Mr. Glenn Mendoza.

This CICT challenge brought every students to laughters and thrill. I'm sure the other participants were really happy and thankful because somehow they've became part of the CICT week. Most of the students said that CICT week was more exciting and adventurous.

--Sheila Valenzuela--

Baklushii makes its debut in CICT Week

The opening of the 2008 College of Information and Communication Technology (CICT) Week started with a bang as the Search for the first Baklushii made its way to begin the first day of the CICT Week.

The day one of the CICT Week started in a parade with the different sections of various year levels wearing their respective colors together with the showstopper – from the CICT Building to the gym – the Baklushiis. Eight men from the CICT dressed up as women as they paraded along the roads of the university. The crowd burst into laughter and applause as they welcomed them. After the opening rites has been made, the moment that the whole CICT Family was waiting for came as the Pageant for the first Baklushii in CICT History opens.

The contestants were Mystica, Ethel Muta, Prima Donna, Jasmine May, Paulicious, Chelsea, Tina Moran and Mariel Rodrigo. They first showed their prowess in beauty as they walked in a fashion show theme showcasing their attires. Some wore mini skirts, tubes and a “censored red short.” The contestants introduced themselves in different ways. Some popular and comical lines that the contestants spoke were “Pa Pe Pi Po Pu, Peru!”, Arinola, Kaserola, Venezuela!”, Maitim man ako, maputi naman ang ngipin,” “Ang Malayong paglalakbay nagsisimula sa unang hakbang”, brought many expressions of laughter among the students and teachers.

The tilt was hosted by Mr. Keno Piad, CICT Instructor and Mr. Joel Cruz of SWITS. After the fashion, show ended the question and answer portion followed after. The judges were composed of three CICT Faculty Members namely Mr. Randy Dela Cruz, Mr. Edinnel Valentino and Mr. John Roman Tolentino. The questions mostly dealt about knowing one’s personality as a Baklushii.After the judges laid out their cards and analyzed the performances of the contestants, they gave their verdict. Contestant number 1, Mystica, won as the Baklushii 2008 of the CICT. A sash and a bouquet of flowers were given by Dr. Fausto Hilario, Dean of CICT as the prize for the said pageant.

--JM Cipriano--

CICTians Unveil CICT Week

Temporary stop of the rain unveiled the opening of the CICT Week thru the efforts of the student leaders, advisers, faculty and administration, with its team “Unity through ICT, One Team, One CICT” last August 5.

Wearing their shirts with colors assigned to them, CICT students launched their parade from the Academic Building moving around up to the University Gymnasium. Sir Keno Piad and the secretary of the Society for the Welfare of Information Technology Students (SWITS), Joel Gajilomo became the Master of the Ceremony. Invocation started the program lead by Vice Governor Karen Abobon, followed by the entrance of colors and the singing of the National Anthem conducted by the BulSU Brass Band.

“You must be the change you want to see in the world-Mahatma Gandhi”. This was the statement left by Senator Ernest Timothy Flores as he proudly presented the product of the sweet labor of the merged CICT major organizations. Dr. Danilo Faustino, Vice President for Academic Affairs attended the program of the Annual Week where he congratulated the college in advance for its succession. He was happy seeing the thousands of students in the gymnasium and dare them to aim more so that they can be landed on the top 3 in the upcoming Intramurals “Wish you all goodluck and total success”, he ended.

Dean Fausto S. Hilario formulated the cheer “CICT Go! Go! Go!” as the start of his opening remarks. “Winning is not everything. Through this activity we want to promote sportsmanship, friendship and camaraderie”, he stated. He again boasted the lesser records of trouble made by CICT students in the guidance center making them to be so-called “most discipline”. He also reminded the students that ATTENDANCE IS COMPULSORY. Upon hearing these last words, he formally declared that CICT Week is finally open.

“There is a time to born and a time to die, a time to study and a time to play. The emphasis of this kind of activity have proven that the administration always see to it that while you are in the campus, the balance in your life will be maintained.” Dr Antonio Del Rosario, Vice President for Student Affairs. He even asked the students to take care of themselves in the 4days activity of the college.

CICT Week countdown arouse the excitement of the students as the leaders of he different organizations leaders flight the banner accompanied by the lightning of the torch conducted by Governor Jedmerick Bernardo. After this, Ms. Jennifer Camille Eusebio, new staff of CURSOR led the Oath of Sportmanship together with CICTians.

CICT WEEK'08 UPDATES!!!

Bashing CICT Week '08 Opening Ceremony

The first ever "Baklushii Search" marks in the CICT History

Outwit, Outplay, Outlast! : CICT Survivor '08

Keep visiting our blog for more updates and read the story behind the pictures!!!

Watak-watak na Utak

Kaalis pa lang ng editor kong hati-hati ang utak sa hati-hati niyang mga bagay na iniisip na nangangailangan ng pansin habang nagkakamot ng ulo habang naglalakad paalis. Balita ko, dadaan pa siya sa library para mag-research tungkol sa kanyang assignment sa isang subject ng berdugo niyang prof. “Haay… mukhang ang hirap talagang maging isang graduating…” -naihinga ko sa aking sarili. Naiwan tuloy akong nag-iisa dito sa dulo ng hallway ng puting gusaling pinamumugaran ng mga estudyante sa kompyuter. Ito na ang huling araw ng recruitment ng dyaryo para sa mga bagong magiging member nito. Sa loob ng limang araw ng pagiging bukas ng dyaryo para sa mga gustong mag-miyembro, umaatikabong [with drumbeats] walong estudyante lang ang nangahas na lumapit sa kulay lupang lamesang ito na may nakadikit na papel sa harap na ang nakasulat ay “CURSOR office” na may arrow na nakaturo sa pinto na nasa gilid nito at nag-fill up ng application form: ang isang papel na magiging susi sa pagbukas ng takip ng isang basurahan.

Basurahan?

Oo. Basurahan. Katatapos ko pa lang basahin ang isang akdang tungkol sa pamamasura: sa mga basura at sa basurahang dapat nitong kalagyan. Marahil ay isa lang ito sa mga katotohanang ang mga basurang nagkalat sa paligid ay sa mga kadahilanang walang interes ang mga tao sa kung saan ito nararapat na itapon. Mga berdugong walang pakialam sa pag-dumi ng kanilang paligid at mga kaluluwang nagkalat lang sa labas ng basurahang ito; tulog, ayaw makialam sa totoong mundong kinabibilangan nya at nag-tatamad-tamaran sa pakikiisa para sa pagbabagong ninanais ng nakararami tulad din ng literal na pagtatamad-tamaran o pagbubulag-bulagan ng ilang nakakita na sa mga nagkalat na balat ng kendi, bote ng C2, plastic cup ng gulaman na mayroon pang straw at balat ng bread pan na nakakalat sa gilid ng hallway [kung hindi pa singhalan ng teacher ay hindi pa pupuliti’t ilalagay sa drum ng basurahan.]

Bilang isa sa mga miyembro ng CURSOR sa loob ng isang taon, nadismaya ako sa hawak kong walong application forms na nafill-up-an na. Walastik. Oo! Sa loob ng dalawang-libo, apat na raan at dalawampu’t limang estudyante ng pangalawa sa pinaka-malaking populasyon sa Unibersidad ng Kolehiyong ito, ay labing-siyam lang ang estudyanteng bumubuo sa isang dyaryong ito at walong estudyante lang din ang nagkaron ng interes na maging kaisa nito sa pagsagawa ng kanilang hangarin tungkol sa pagbabago. Napaisip ako sandali kung nag-kulang ba ang strategy namin sa publicity na kami ay naghahanap na ng mga bagong members o hindi naman yata lahat ng estudyante ay katulad kong 2.25 ang grado ng salamin para hindi mapansin ang mga nakadikit sa pader ng CICT building? Hindi din ba sapat ang text brigade namin sa lahat ng class president para hindi ito maiabot sa ibang estudyanteng nasa north at south pole pa yata ng mundo?

Nasagot ng aking tanong ang nakatambad sa aking harapan ngayon habang ang sinag ng araw ay lumalapit na sa gilid ng mesang piping saksi sa utak kong pilit sumisigaw at tila nagpapapansin sa lupon ng mga kabataang tumatambay lamang sa hallway at nag-aabang para sa susunod nilang klase. Naitanong ko rin sa aking sarili kung bakit ang karamihan ng mga estudyante ay matatagpuan mo lamang sa tabi-tabi para makipag-inuman at mag-DOTA sa computer shop? Mga utak na nag-kalat sa puting gusaling ito at nag-hihintay lamang ng kung ano ang merong bago sa kanilang paligid bilang estudyante kinabukasan. Sa aking harapan ngayon, ang nagsikalat at watak-watak na utak ng mga estudyanteng nagnanais din na maipahayag na masaya sila sa bago nilang building at sa pagkakaroon ng aircon sa kanilang mga silid-aralan, sa pagkakaroon ng mga bago at wireless na kompyuter na nagagamit na ng iilan at iilan ding utak na naghihinaing sa ilang bagay na nakikita nilang mali. Ngunit bakit hindi na lamang ito itapon sa tamang lugar upang mag-bigay aral sa iba pang estudyanteng makakabasa nito? Totoong kawalan ng interes sa ilang mga bagay-bagay na pwedeng makapagpalinis ng iyong paligid ang tila nawawala na ngayon sa iilan sa ating mga estudyante.

Sa Economics, nagkakaron ng scarcity kapag malaki ang demand at kulang ang supply. Kapag maraming nangangailangan at kulang ang nagtutustos o ang pinagkukunan, nagkakaroon ng kakulangan. Parang ganito din ang pangangailangan ng isang dyaro para makapag-supply ng kumpletong impormasyon sa mga mambabasa. Para makapagpa-imprenta ka ng dyaryong sapat na para mabasa ng ¾ ng populasyon ng kolehiyong ito, kakailanganin mo ang ilang matitiyagang miyembrong pwedeng tumao para sa issue dissemination. Isipin mo na lang kung paano maiaabot ng labing-siyam na estudyante ang halos dalawang libong issue sa mga kapwa nila estudyante? Ang isa pang katanungang pilit na sumisirit sa aking isipan ay ito: paano nga magkakaroon ng issue kapag hindi nagkapondo ang dyaryo? Marahil ay puro tuyong utak na lang ang uusad sa mga manunulat na maiingay ang utak mula sa nakikita nilang kalat sa paligid na parang naging tanong narin ng Mamang driver ng isang dyip sa gate 2 na papuntang bayan; papaano uusad ang byahe kapag isa, dalawa o tatlo lang ang nakasakay na pasahero?

Nangangahulugan lamang ito na kailangan ng CURSOR ang mga estudyanteng kagaya mo.

May papalapit… “baka mag-apply ang dalawang ito” [bulong ng manunulat sa kanyang sarili.]

Lumapit ang dalawa kong dating kaklase noong isang taon, tumambay sandali habang hinihintay ang kanilang bagong prof. at nakipagtsismisan sa kung ano ang meron sa loob ng pinto sa gilid ng mesa. Lingid sa kaalaman nila, nakalipat na kami ng bagong opisina sa gilid ng isang classroom na tanging magkakadikit na computer stands lang ang main division. [Partida, tatalong student org. pa ang namamahay dito] pero masaya kami dahil nalagyan na ito ngayon ng aircon unit na parang pampalubag loob lang. Sumibat din sila matapos ng isang walang kakwenta-kwentang tsismisan. Naiwan na naman akong nag-iisa ngunit sa pagkakataong ito, tumambad muli sa aking mukha ang tanong na ito: Pagsumali ako diyan, ano ba ang benefits na makukuha ko sa CURSOR? Marahil ay hindi lamang sampung ulit ko na itong narinig sa iilang taong nakakilala ko sa loob ng kolehiyo, ng ilang utak na nakitaan ko rin ng potensyal sa pagsusulat na sinubukan kong hikayatin ngunit sadyang hindi malakas ang convincing power ko.

Ngunit dahil diyan, ay maaari kitang kwentuhan na kakakwento ko pa lamang sa kakasibat ko lang na dalawang kaklase.

[at dahil lang ito sa wala ng maisip ang writer] May isang bata. Oo, isang bata. Bata pa lamang siya, mahilig na talaga siyang mag-sulat. Ang unang tulang isinulat niya ay tungkol sa maligayang pasko ng kanyang aso na ang pangalan ay princess. Naging tapunan ng kanyang mga ideya ang kanyang pangit na notebook na bukod sa kinulayan ng itim na ballpen ang ngipin ng nakapose na si Jolina Magdangal eh nilagyan pa ng bigoteng gawa naman ng kanyang childhood best friend. Pinangarap rin niyang makasali sa pahayagan nila noong elementarya, lalo naman noong nag-kaisip na siya noong high school ngunit dahil mas naniwala syang mas marami ang mas magagaling [at totoo naman ito], mas ginusto niyang magsulat ng kung anu-ano at itago na lang ito sa likod ng mga pahina ni Jolina Magdangal. Lumaki siyang kime, maramdamin at palaging nasa isang sulok lang… nagsusulat para sa kanyang sarili, tahimik at hindi na ginustong makialam pa sa mundong gusto rin niyang ma-explore. Nang pumasok na siya ng kolehiyo [sa wakas!] tila aksidenteng napasok siya sa isang dyaryo [sa wakas!] dahil niyaya lang naman siya [pinilit pa nga] na magsign-up ng application form at mag-pass ng tatlong articles at nagising na lang siya ng isang umaga na nagsusulat na siya para dito hindi na para sa kanyang notebook na tila naaagnas na sa loob ng ilang taong gamit. Nagsimulang lumawak ang kanyang mundo, nagbago ang ilan sa kanyang mga pananaw sa buhay, nakahanap siya rito ng ilang mabubuting kaibigan at nakakilala ng mga utak na nag-kakaisa, hindi watak-watak na nagturo sa kaniya ng totoong layunin niya sa pagpasok sa mundo ng pagdidiyaryo at nagturo sa kanya ng totoong pakikipagsapalaran sa buhay dito sa loob ng Unibersidad. [kung anu man yun, pakitanong na lang sa batang ito.]

Sa CURSOR, hindi ka magkakaroon ng limpak-limpak na salapi o mananalo katulad ng sa go-binggo na sobrang instant dahil dito, lahat ay paghihirapan mo, hindi ka rin bibigyan ng ticket ng adviser na trip for two sa America, hindi ka rin bebeybihin ng editor mo kapag nagkamali ka, at lalong walang sweldo sa trabahong ito… hindi pera, hindi kung anong material na bagay ang maibibigay o maipapangako ng CURSOR sayo.

Nang masali ako dito, naisip ko rin kung anong mapapala ko sa pagsusulat para sa mga estudyanteng wala namang pakialam sa akin ngunit ng nagtagal ako, saka ko lamang unti-unting nasagot ang aking sariling tanong. Higit pa sa kasabikan ng sarili mong damdamin na magpahayag ng ideya, saloobin o hangarin ng kaibigan mo o ng kakilala mo ang pwede mangyari dito, sa CURSOR, ikaw ang medium ng 2,425 na estudyante sa isang tema o issue. Kung merong tig-isang org na nagrerepresenta sa dalawang kurso ng kolehiyo, sa CURSOR, halos yung kabuuan ng estudyante sa kolehiyo kailangan mong ipagbuklod. Sa CURSOR, nalaman ko na hindi lamang nito patatabain ang sarili mong talento o palalawakin ang kaalaman mo tungkol sa talentong ito, bibigyan ka nito ng dahilan at daan upang maabot ang iba sa pamamagitan ng iyong talento. Hindi lamang nito itutuwid ang baluktot mong personalidad kung pano humarap sa mundo ng mga tao kundi pagtitibayin nito ang sikmura mo na harapin ang nakakadiring basura ng iba at magkaroon ng lakas ng loob na maitapon rin ang sarili mong basura kahit nabubulok pa ito. Hindi lang nito patataasin ang ika nga eh hackles [tignan mo na lang sa dictionary] sa likod mo kapag nalaman mong naapektuhan ang iilang nakabasa sa iyong sinulat o tinakot ka ng iba mong kakilala na meron kang nasagasaang higante ngunit patatabain ng CURSOR ang puso mo sa pagkatutong mayroon kang nagawa para sa Kolehiyo kahit sa mumunting sulatin lang na tulad nito at masabi mo sa iyong sarili na “Mahal ko ang Kolehiyo ko”.

Implementation of LAN in CICT Rooms

Since last year, our college has remarkably undergone lots of improvement and exceptional changes. Facilities were upgraded, services were improved, and new curriculum has been developed. Moreover, the rooms in 3rd and 4th floor of the new academic building were now being used as computer and lecture labs intended for all CICT students.

All CICT rooms in the new building are fully equipped with new PCs. There are lots of workstations allotted per room in order to accommodate all the students within a class. In order to ensure the security and performance of all the PCs, implementing a Local Area Network for each room is one of the focal project plans of CICT this year. Engr. Jason Villafuerte is the person who facilitated the construction of a network design plan in each room and the one in-charge for the execution of this project. All CICT rooms are specially designed to have its network (LAN). Last semester, the network in three rooms IT 4, IT 5 and IT 7 were already completed with the help of some senior computer technology students from our college. Due to other top immediate priorities that the CICT should focus on, the implementation of network for all other rooms are delayed but is soon to be continued.

According to Engr. Villafuerte, having all the workstations networked, the optimum performance of the PCs and the power of computer networking will be effectively utilized. Through networks, files can be copied and sent from a single workstation. Faculty can monitor students closely as they perform activities, and it can reduce (if not eliminate) the spread of viruses through a single-point entry, which is the server in every room. Moreover, centralized server administration will surely help each faculty technician ease their burden of maintaining large number of PCs in several rooms.

The student organizations (ACTS, SWITS, & Cursor), CICT Faculty, CICT-PTA, and the BulSU administration, through Dean Hilario, were helping in obtaining sources of funds for the completion of this project. Ma’am Josephine Bayonito had also approached Engr. Villafuerte that it would be possible to make some request from the PTA to purchase several devices needed for building the network.

As for the design, “The plan for the rooms is simple. All the rooms shall have its own LAN, connected to the proxy server at the faculty. A hierarchical star topology shall be used because it is easy to install and configure, and the network materials are easily available once we have additional funds. However, we already have our temporary wireless internet connection in the faculty room” , Engr. Villafuerte stated.

Aside from having a specific personnel or faculty technician assigned for the maintenance of each labs, Engr. Villafuerte fully explained all other factors and important points to be considered in order to sustain and ensure the functionality and security of the network.

He proposed that every computer room should have its server running Windows Server 2003 or Fedora Core Linux. Windows Server 2003 features Active Directory, in which students are assigned their own login username and password, each having a set of permissions (or privileges) they can have in using a PC. Moreover, students are restricted to alter computer settings and transfer files to other workstations freely which could somehow eliminate viruses since the only entry point of the network is the server accessible only by the teacher. Alternatively, reduction of virus infection is more highly expected in using the Fedora Core Linux since most of the viruses propagate in Windows environment, and not in the Linux kernel. Utilizing this kind of server could also make the students be familiarized of the Linux environment and its evocative advantages.


--Grace San Juan--

Ang CURSOR ang aking Dakilang Basurahan

Nakakita na ako ng maraming diyaryo at magazines—makulay, malaman, mapanuri, mapagpanggap, mapang-usig at malaya. Meron ding pang-mayaman, pang-mahirap, pang-tsismosa at pang-walang magawa. Napakadami. Sari-sari, iba-iba. Katulad ng tao na may kani-kaniyang layunin sa buhay ang bawat babasahin-- may kanya-kanyang tema, may bagay na gustong marating at makamit sa pagitan ng bawat pahina.

Isang taon na akong nagsusulat sa CURSOR, napakaikli kung tutuusin para masabi kong nakamit ko na ang layuning maipabasa lahat ng gusto kong sabihin at ipahayag, kung sabagay iyon siguro ang dahilan kung bakit patuloy parin ako sa pagsusulat, katulad ng katotohanang ang tao ay patuloy na nabubuhay para isakatuparan ang natatanging layunin, alam man niya ang “layuning” ito sa ngayon o hindi.

Habang naglalakad ako patungo sa susunod kong klase sa CICT building, nakita ko ang maraming basurahan, iba’t-iba ang kulay, iba’t-iba ang laman. Pero hindi iyon ang unang kumuha ng atensyon ko, kundi iyong mga BASURA na wala sa basurahan, wala sa tamang lalagyan, nakakalat, agaw-atensyon, at may hatid na dalawang pakiramdam: ang pagkawala ng pakikialam o pagtubo ng disiplina sa sarili.

Naisip ko na ganito rin ang buhay sa isang pahayagan. May pahayagang may sari-sariling istilo at natatanging laman. Katulad ng mga letrang mababasa sa labas ng mga basurahan, may mga ideyang nabubulok at hindi nabubulok.

Ang CURSOR ang aking dakilang basurahan. Ito ang sumasalo sa lahat ng ideya, sama ng loob, mahahalagang impormasyon at nagpakita sa akin ng katotohanang kahit pala mabaho, marumi at nakakadiri ang isang bagay sa paningin ng iba at dapat nalang DAW itong itago sa sarili mo-- ay dapat mo parin itong itapon sa basurahang angkop para sa kanyang ikalalagyan para malinis ang lugar na kinabibilangan mo. Bakit nga ba maraming natatakot o hindi pabor sa paglantad ng basura sa kani-kanilang sarili? Lahat tayo may itinatagong kabulukan, nasasaiyo na iyon kung magpapasya kang itapon ito o hindi…

Bakit nga ba ako pumasok sa CURSOR? Eh kung tutuusin, ayos lang naman ang maging isang simpleng estudyante lang—aral, tulog, gawa ng project, uuwi ng bahay, minsan(madalas) may lakwatsa, friendster sandali, mag-a-unli para makipagtext at magtsismisan, ganun lang kasimple! Bakit ko ba kailangang makialam sa basura ng iba at ipaalam sa iba ang mga basura ko?

Maniwala ka! Nakakasawa na ang magsulat sa formal theme dahil hindi naman talaga binabasa ito ng teacher ko nung high school, tinitingnan niya lang kung maganda ba ang sulat ko at mahaba ang isinulat ko tungkol sa topic. Nakakasawa narin magsulat sa diary, eh ano naman ang mapapala kong sagot sa isang simpleng notebook? Ako lang din naman ang makakabasa noon paulit-ulit pa. Naisip ko nga, noon ang diary ng mga hari at reyna eh ginagawang gabay o record ng history para sa mga susunod na mamumuno, pero ngayon sulatan na ito ng mga nobela ng kasawian sa pag-ibig, may mga patagong FLAMES HOPE pa! Nakakasawa na rin mag-vandal sa loob ng mga bagong pinturang C.R. bakit? --Kasi iyon ay mga basurang itinatapon sa maling lugar. Katulad ng katotohanang maling magsulat ng “inaantok ako” o “tagal naman matapos,nakakatamad” sa ibabaw, ilalim o gilid ng upuan mo sa tuwing tatamarin kang makinig sa teacher at pumasok sa klase.

Iyon ay ilan sa mga dahilan ko kung bakit ako naghanap ng tamang basurahan. Pinili kong ipaalam sa iba ang mga bagay na itinatago ko/nila/natin para sa ikagaganda ng mundong ginagalawan nating pare-pareho…Katulad ng dahilang, ang basurahan ay nilikha para mawala ang kalat at basurang wala sa lugar, ganun pa man ibabalik parin niya ito bilang isang kapakipakinabang na bagay—iyon ay kung mamumulat tayo sa katotohananang, hindi lahat ng basura ay walang silbi. Itinapon ito ng iba para makinabang naman ang iba at ipakita ang aral na ang lahat ng bagay ay may kanya-kanyang lalagyan. Alam ko, kahit saan naman may basura at may mga putik din…Dalawa lang iyan: Hahayaan mo bang itago nalang ang mga basura? Hahayaan mo bang malagyan ka ng putik o lilinisin mo na ito bago matuyo. Ang nangyayari kasi, hinahayaan matuyo kaya mas mahirap tanggalin. Nakadikit na, parang tuko.

Lahat kami sa CURSOR, itinatapon namin ang mga letra, dibuho, larawan, at disenyo sa isang sulatan, hindi dahil sa walang silbi ang mga ito, kundi dahil naniniwala kami na ito ang dakilang basurahang nilikha para sa mga simpleng tao NOON na nangangarap NGAYON na mapansin, pakinggan, at iayos ang mundo natin sa kasalukuyan at hinaharap. Masyado bang malaki ang pangarap na iyon? Para sa akin,--HINDI. Marami na ang nagtagumpay dahil sa basura, dahil tiningnan nila ito hindi bilang isang bagay na walang silbi, kundi mga bagay na magsisilbing daan para sa pagbabago ng kanilang simpleng buhay. Marahil kung tatanggapin natin ang katotohanang may mga basurang naghahanap ng tamang lalagyan upang magbigay aral o kung hindi man ay magmulat sa mga taong nasa paligid natin—noon mo pa lang maiintindihan kung ano ang ibig sabihin ng CURSOR at kung kailangan mo ba talaga magbayad para sa isang dakilang basurahan na ito...

Ikaw? Naghahanap ka rin ba ng basurahan? Nasasawa ka narin bang makakita ng basurang wala sa lugar? Bakit hindi mo subukin na magtapon sa ating dakilang basurahan? Malay mo, baka ikaw na ang hinihintay naming magbibigay ng basurang tutulong para magbigay-aral at magmulat sa simpleng buhay ng iba.

Hihintayin ka namin…

"Mr. & Ms. CICT 2008"

Unleash the Beauty and Confidence within YOU…

Dare to be the most handsome guy and the fairest lady in the whole
College of Information and Communications Technology…

Join the search for the very first
Mr. & Ms. CICT 2008

Interested applicants may contact 09054785904 and look for Karen (CICT-LSC)

Join the search….be an epitome of BulSUan’s pride!

The Most Anticipated CICT Week 2008!!!

You think college days are too boring???

Well, think again!

Hey guys cool down…swept those frets away and say goodbye to your ordinary days dear Explorers! Because here comes the most awaited episode of your college days! The CICT WEEK ’08. We will splash every inch of you with exciting programs, sports activities and academic challenges. Its time to sharpen your wits and body! This is your time to shine, this is your time to gain more knowledge, this is your time to rule and lead because we are not just typical students-- we are the youth that will revolutionize the dynamic world of Information and Communications Technology and we will start it here!

“I want you to learn on how to organize an activity for the betterment of every student.” Dean Fausto S. Hilario said on the first general assembly of student leaders last July 04.

This was participated by different student organizations within the college: Society for the Welfare of Information Technology Students (SWITS), Association of Computer Technology Students (ACTS), CURSOR, The Official Publication of the College of Information and Communications Technology, CICT-Local Student Council (LSC), class presidents as well as the student organizations’ advisers. According to Sir Keno Piad (SWITS adviser), this will be the time where “student initiative” is very much important. These student organizations will take the lead in preparing diverse activities for the forthcoming college week.

The tentative date is August 3-8. For the opening, there is the traditional BUT not the usual parade of students with the respective assigned color of t-shirt for their year level. It is not just customary line of students because the “Mr. and Ms. CICT” candidates from each team bracket will be with the march to show off their beauties and glamorous composure PLUS the appearance of “Ms. Macho Man” (a male student that will inhabit a female personality for some hours of his life) that will be coming from each year level will surely add twirl to the event.

Belong to the list of thrilling activities set forth for the week are: Basketball (men) (women), Volleyball (men) (women), Badminton (single) (double), Billiard competition, Table Tennis, Athletics events, CICT Challenge and Dance Group Competition (each team bracket are encourage to have a dance group of eight to compete because this will also be the search for the official CICT dancers). There will be a registration fee for selected events to cater the payment for the venue of that specific competition, more information regarding that as well as the academic competitions will be posted soon. An acquaintance party will be at the end of the week; this is to welcome the freshmen as a member of our bigger and happy CICT family.

Seminars and workshops are presently on its organizing stage aiming to feed up the minds of learner in our college.

“It is more than the attendance. It is about fun and camaraderie.” Sir Jason Villafuerte (CURSOR adviser) articulated these sensuous words.


Deadline for registration as well as the list of students who would like to attend the Acquaintance Party will be on JULY 25 until 5pm.

For inquiries coordinate with your class president or you may visit student organization office (CICT building, 4th floor) or email us at cursor_newsletter@yahoo.com.

Keep visiting our blogsite for the updates! We are expecting your full cooperation for the success of our college week…

Life of a Freshman

“I am now a college student!”

That was the first thing I’ve said when I passed the college entrance examination in Bulacan State University. Actually, when I first entered this university, I was so astounded. Unlike my former school, the buildings were bigger and the students’ population is much larger. Aside from that, I was also shocked and confused because I have proven that being a high school student is totally different and far from being a college student. The teachers are more professional and strict too. You definitely have to exert extra effort in order to survive. From an easy-go-lucky student to an assiduous and independent one.. From a 5-page long homework to 20-page long assignments, reaction paper and research works! From sleeping more than 8 hours per day to a long and stressful sleepless nights! That was not easy! Adjusting gave me a headache! But as time goes by, I’ve learned to adjust. I became responsible in some ways. And now I’m on my third year in this university. I’ve already adapted the environment of BulSU. So now, I’m wondering if the freshmen are experiencing it too. Maybe? Or maybe not? So to find out, let the freshmen speak for themselves!

(I conducted a survey to some CICT freshmen students through text messaging...Let us hear their responses!)

1.) How will you describe your life being a first year college student?

“Mahirap peu msaya.. mhrap kc.. mhrap mgaral e.. msaya nman kc mdmi k mkkilla at mgging frnds.. npka adventurous ng lyf at full of fun, exctment & thrills.. nppawi dn un pgud at hrap dhl dun!”

-Rochelle/BSIT 1F g.2

“ bilang first year nakakapanibago patakaran ng BSU.”

-Chris Angelo/BSIT 1C

“hmm. Masya mejo mhrap.” -Maria Beatrice Bautista/ BSIT1F g.2 "masaya, kaconfuse at excited dahil sa mga new friend and minsan kalungkot kasi miss ko iyong high school life ko." -Anghelito/ BIT1H g.2"masaya na boring minsan, boring kasi most of the time nakatanga lang kami, dahil sa tagal ng break time, masaya kasi exciting yung mga activities." -Jennica Rose/ BIT1H g.1"mahirap pero masaya."

-Gilbert Alexander B. Tan/ BIT1H g.12.) What are the adjustments you’ve been doing?

“ mdme lyk, dpt bgo ung lesson nkapgresearch nah, isa pah dpt lgue kang handa sah mga quiz.”

-Aleli M. Teodoro/BSIT 1F g.2

“gumcng ng 3am.. huhu.. mgimbak ng pera.. mgreview kht dna kaya ng powers..=P”

-Rochelle/ BSIT 1F g.2

“wala naman.. basta yung mga kailangang dapat gawin.. ginagawa ko na lang para di ako masyadong mahirapan at malate sa studies.. naku ewan!=)”

-Monica/BSIT 1C g.1

"ahm adjustments? xempre ano, study hard ngaun and dpat maging matured and responsible."  -Maria Isabel V. Domanillo/ BIT 1F g.2

"nakikihalubilo me sa ibang tao, lalong lumakas ang paninindigan ko at natutong tumayo sa sariling paa o sikap.

-Anghelito/ BIT 1H g.2

"makahanap ng bagong kaibigan. At kung pano makihalubilo sa hindi mo pa kilalang tao."

-Lorenz/ BIT 1H g.2

First time is definitely exciting. Full of twist and turns, new lessons and new experiences. It is always special though it is really not that easy to start everything from scratch.

Dearest freshmen, I know you can all do it! Be self-motivated, set your goals and know your potentials. Prepare for 99.9% patience. And don’t forget to give your best shot at all times! Remember: Quitters never win! Don’t let “pressure” be the reason to give up your dreams. 
Aim high!


--Sheila Rose S. Valenzuela--

CHRONIC TRILOGY

A Wish…

It was Christmas three years ago when I went to Raja Soliman with my best friend. We actually planned for a picnic with another high school friend so we bought sandwiches and bibingka in a fruit basket and sweets too. I remember hanging out there for several times. It is one of those commercial spots in Manila. Imagine a late sunset: a very late one where stars begin appearing in the pale sky where tangerine is only one fourth of the sky and darkness eats up the tangerine light that reflexes to the far side of manila bay, where the dirty water of the city clashes to the cemented part of the park, where coconut leaves dance with the wind from the open, where you can see almost every kinds of people; businessmen with their crazy neckties, street children, balot, ice cream, popcorn and fishball vendors, couples in PDA, passers-by, students, senior citizens, every kinds of them. This is just a side of a multi-faceted place. Notice a whole lot of air pollution too. Every year before Christmas when our family would spend the season in Manila from our province, my best friend and I will make it a point to visit the baywalk and of course to toss a coin over the fountain and whisper our little wishes.

Last year’s wishing scenario was different. It was different from those Christmas wishes when we just threw coins there. I sat in one of the benches near the circle of the fountain. I heard street children doing their caroling. It was normal, every kid in the world do this caroling before Christmas but there was really this very experience where I was stunned from a reality. I was ready to throw the one peso coin over the multi-colored water that flashes from the colored lights around the fountain. It was really beautiful. My attention was obstructed by a young girl. I think she was eight to ten years old that time when I met her. She was wearing a simple smile, her hair was short and she looked so thin and then she approached me out of a sudden.

“Ate pwede po bang akin na lang yung piso nyo na ihuhulog sa fountain. Pangbili lang po ng candy para sa kapatid ko.” and pointed towards a little girl who sat in another bench a few feet away from us sobbing and looking austerely from a candy stand with three more kids sitting there. I dig down my pocket to find any other coin inside but there was no any. I pulled my coin purse out from my back pocket but there was none. My best friend doesn’t have any coins too except from the two pesos change from our fare. So I paused a moment and thought if I’m going to give my one peso coin and my very important Christmas wish for my mother to get well in his terminal stage of cancer while the young girl stood near my sight and also waited for my decision.

I threw the coin over the fountain and wished….

The young girl turned her back sadly and disappointedly and walked towards her dear sister. I followed her and gave them the fruit basket with sandwiches and the sweets we bought from the department store. “Tahan na may pagkain na tayo.” said the young girl consoling her sister to stop sobbing. Apparently, a big smile was painted in the little girl’s lips from crying upon seeing the fruit basket. As we left the bench and headed for the balot vendor to eat, my friend said “Nako, binigay mo lahat ng pagkain natin eh pang-balot na lang ang meron tayo”, these five kids went near us and started singing “we wish you a merry Christmas… we wish you a merry Christmas…” they caroling was all around us.

You know what was my wish over the fountain? It was for the young girl to have a merry Christmas.

I guess they really had one. They also wished us a merry Christmas in their caroling. They gave back what we have wished for them. That was amazing. We had one merry Christmas too.

Plastic Cup…

I remember riding down home from Alabang's Metropolis. It was during my last year in high school. I bought things for school since the senior year was just two weeks away. It was getting dark. I looked at my watch. It's already past eight o'clock.

The traffic light turned red as we passed through the side of gateway mall in Cubao. As I turned my gaze towards the sidewalk, my attention was caught by a man lying under the only light of a lone lamp post. Philosophy tells that sleeping positions tell the situation of a person. "His" is a position of a castaway from afar represented by a wavelength of guilt at his body's expressive gesture, maybe a late landlord over his bountiful roots, abused, which possessions were grabbed or somewhat stolen by his tenants, a man who was fooled by another that led him to his deterioration. Beside him was a plastic cup ruled over his left hand while his right hand was positioned over his stomach like a horizontally perfect manuscript of Christ leaning over his cross getting ready to be nailed. He is obviously suffering from hell. Hell on Earth. I am talking about the people who had done this to him. I don't know but I feel quietly sure about my perceptions and I can merely hold on to my instincts as well. I'm also talking about the world he knows that is so cruel, full of rejections, full of sufferings, burned over the fires of hell. I could definitely see how he was suffering from all of these misfortunes vented to his life.

One lady wearing a formal suit with his red stiletto, matching her red expensive bag passed-by and dropped one, two, three coins on the dirty plastic cup of the man without ever looking at him. Suddenly, I felt a sense of happiness. It is really a world of strangers. People may look at him with pity in their eyes. He is a stranger to everyone. Does anybody know this stranger who lies in a damp dark place like this sidewalk of Metro Manila? Who has nothing but a dirty plastic cup and just nothing at all?

As I gazed at him literally, I could say it's really a living hell... sleeping without covers, waking up with an empty stomach, alone without any family to take care of his aged health, as if waiting for his death hopeless for a nice burial. But as his picture flashes on my mind and recalled the only light of a lone lamp post, I know its God. The only one who does know this stranger very much? There's still a place of harbor.

When he woke up, I knew that he would be happy to see the coins in his plastic cup.

Grains of Rice….

At seventy-six years old my grandma could still wash her own clothes and her grandsons’ elementary uniform. All her life, she lived a peaceful and contented life in the province where I grew up and have been raised for 15 years there. Her life was so simple. She cooked in a dirty kitchen where you have to make up a fire: you know… put chopped woods together and waste scratch paper and burn until the wood flare up and fan it or in another easier method, pour out a gas (that’s how the people in the province call the Liquefied petroleum gas which is a mixture of hydrocarbon gases that is used as fuels for heating appliances) first over the chopped woods and throw a flaming red match into it and burn. She was married at twenty-six with my grandpa and had seven children. Another thing, she also lived a very superstitious-conscious life. She lives all through out her life believing into superstitions. I remember eating in her house with the rest of our family every Friday night after attending the mass. I was only in my third grade that time and every time she saw droplets of rice over my placemat and my other cousins’ placemats, she would suddenly become hysterical. She would say that every grain of rice that we would waste during our lifetime, we would pick all of it when we finally died, our souls will suffer and then we would get so afraid that we will make it sure that no grain is wasted or dropped over the placemat or the table. My grandma taught me this one thing: learn how to give importance to everything.

Their family, our family in fact is made up of emotional and strict people. One time, I was so riveted from a one hundred peso discussion with my Lola. My mom called for a hundred peso in our little store stall in the market to buy medicine for my grandma’s arthritis. Upon walking back home to give the wrapped 100 pieces of coins in a cigarette’s foil, one peso coin dropped from my palm and lost it. When I get home, I gave them ninety-nine pesos. My grandma started getting hysterical again about the one peso coin which I had lost. She said “kapag tinanggalan mo ng piso ang isang daan, hindi na isang daan yan”. The very lesson I learned about what happened is also the first lesson I learned from the grains of rice.

When you lose a little part of the whole, no matter what you do, you can’t erase the fact that it is not the whole anymore so learn how to give importance to everything.

In life, the story about the only wish in the fountain, the dirty plastic cup, and the grains of rice is interwoven with three deep conspiracies. Like the peso coins depicted in the each of them… ask beyond the coins… Which kind of coin are you? The coin for the dream come true? The coin for the pathetic stranger in the sidewalk? Or the coin wasted and lost for a person in your life to realize that they need you?

--OusideTheConventAndSeminary--

C _ RSOR Awaits “U”!

“Why be ordinary when you can be extraordinary?”

“Live up with your extraordinary potentials with CURSOR!”

“Let us work together and make a meaningful difference”

“Not just an ordinary publication-- Requires custom fit”

Explorers! Can you still remember reading these lines before? Yes! CURSOR will unlock its door again to welcome you… If you noticed in CURSOR special issue for this semester, we have delivered right into your hand the key for another exhilarating adventure of unraveling proficient talents in our college (with an open letter) :

Have you ever read me at least once? Did you see me one time holding firmly by someone? You don’t have to wonder because I’m here for you. It’s your turn this year! You can write. Make a poem or even form a story and post it. Create artistic designs and layouts. Be a Shakespeare! Be a Christian Andersen. If you have the hands of Picasso, Da Vinci… then why don’t you share your artistic talent?

Those who are such imaginative and creative, I’m calling you. You’re a prodigy. Who knows you’re the one of many we’re looking for. Everyone who is interested to be a staff writer, layout artist and cartoonist… we’re hiring you! We’ll be glad if you spend some time doin’ some stuff that will make me more meaningful. Here with me you can express your opinions, feelings, thoughts stories and views in life. Everything you believe that others will learn something. We know that two heads are better than one. Witty minds are much better.

We’re looking too much for you! We have vacancies that await you and the income will be your readers’ comments, remarks, suggestions, and statements that will help you and me to improve. Be a part of my group. It is not just a group but a squad with different personality and aptitude. They share their talents and merge different ideas while they work as team and finally come up with me. They also learn new talents because at my office they share and teach everyone. I’ll be just a paper and can be trash someday but having you will make me more noteworthy! Make me the best as you can. Remember that an idea is salvation of imagination. Hope to meet you at my office. We will be waiting for you…

“If an idea is worth having once, it’s worth having twice. “

Sincerely yours,

CURSOR

So what are you waiting for? We are encouraging you to visit CURSOR, at the Fourth Floor of the CICT Building for application inquiries from July 17-22 (11am to 4pm), or send us an email at cursor_newsletter@yahoo.com for position requirements.

The CURSOR admission examinations will be conducted on July 23 (3pm-7pm). You will be notified by the CURSOR staffs on where, what thing/s to bring (and/or other requirements) on the said examination date.

We demand for your voice and ideas… We dare you to stand up… We dare you to make a meaningful change…We dare you to be in CURSOR!

How I Wish I am…

Did you ever wish to be somebody or something else? Not to be the person you are now? Not the entity you inhabit at this very moment? Me? I did and I do…

How I wish I am still a child circling around the playground with friends—not minding if I have coins or nothing; not minding of the world’s cruelty; not minding of the school works that steals nights for sleep; not minding of tomorrow’s pandemonium; not minding vanity and material scarcity.

How I wish I am a machine programmed to do expert tasks—not minding if I truly have essence in this world; not minding of experiencing heartaches, and numb of human emotions and complex intellectual connotations.

How I wish I am a phoenix gaining fresh life from ashes-- not minding my bitter past, I can burn myself and live again, with a new being rebirth from death’s pain.

How I wish I am a sunset splashing the sky with spectrum of light—not minding if I signify “ending” nor deliver a gloomy horizon for I know I will send the human kind to rest and make them eager for another day’s quest.

How I wish I am a magical wand with a twist and turn I am capable of performing enchantments -- not minding if I am real or just an illusion; not minding if I am just a real wooden stick of false impression.

How I wish I am a book sharing my knowledge, ideas, stories and lessons—not minding if I am crumpled, tattered out or even ravaged externally for I know I am still preserved through words that never be forgotten, rationalizing that my worth still lounges inside—untouched and never rotten.


But those wishes are just wishes—of a fool who fancies impossibility. Of a man tired of living in the core of a real world that conceals the splendor of dreaming and believing in imagination. Indeed life is full of foes, ironic facts and uncertainties-- that a life requires acceptance of living in grievance and envy.

How would a man be a man? -- Only when he is ready to face the test of human existence, that is—to bleed, to weep, to hope, to dream, to fail, to die, to let go, to move on, to accept, to heal, to grow, to laugh, to hate, to believe, to fall, to stand, and to wish! To wish-- without losing the grasp of the world’s impurities… Life is not about escape gateways, not about circumvention of reality, not about cowardice. Life tolls for a man who is scared of reality but know how to face it in any case with may be a fearful eye but with a valiant heart…

-- Psych Hunter --

SG 3rd Legislative Meeting Held: Resolution for CICT Approved

SG 3rd legislative meeting of the whole University’s student council is held at the SG Office on 4th of July, at exactly 9:30 in the morning. Officers from different LSC local student councils participated including LSC Officers from CICT, ISSP, CIT, IAL, IPERS, IS and LHS. The legislative body is composed by eight senators and headed by the vice-president.

The meeting is about the deliberations of resolution submitted by the different LSC before June 30. Authors of the resolutions are given a ten minute privilege speech to defend the resolution and convince the senators to support the resolution and vote for it. The vice-governor is the one to read the resolution. If the vice-governor is not present, the board member will be the one to read it.
As the meeting started, the invocation was led by Ms. Arianne Nellaine P. Hernandez, the senator from CAFA and head of the financial committee.

The opening remark was given by the presiding officer, Mr. Mark Anthony P. de Leon- Vice-President of the Student Government (SG). He said that all meetings and happenings in SG would be transparent, even though they are still coping up with these changes and will acknowledge the different publication present in the event. (The Nurses’ Notes, Engineers, The Mentors, and Cursor were the publications present in the meeting.)

Then, Ms. Jennifer Fabian of IS, a senator read the report about the last meetings held. She categorized the different meetings into General Assembly of all the officers, local and supreme; Supreme Student Council Meeting composed of the senators, vice-president and the president and the Legislative Body Meeting which is the vice-president, senators together with the LSC Officers who proposed the resolutions to be tackled.

The Supreme Student Council held their first meeting on April 19 then, on May 30-31, where the oath-taking ceremony was held at Radio Veritas. The 2nd SG meeting was on May 3, wherein they talked about the calendar activities of this school year. Afterwards was a legislative meeting. Forming of the different committees headed by each senator was talked about during the 2nd legislative meeting. Sen. Ernest Timothy Flores, senator from CICT gave a message to the press for attending the event as the head of the Public Relation Committee. He believed that the media serves as the ears of the students and they want the students to know what happened during the meeting.

Sen. Arianne gave the financial report for the collection of SG fee this previous enrolment. She detailed the expenses of SG during the oath-taking and other activities and as of June 18, SG has a fund of P620, 577.18. He explained that the main campus of each Colleges/Institutes would have a share of 50% from the collected fee in there department while for the satellite campuses they would have 20% share for the projects they would have.

At around 10:30, the adviser of SG, Dr. Bonifacio Cunanan came and gave a speech stated that “Positions is given by the electorate so they should serve the students and should not abuse their powers”.

Quarterly, LSC Officers could pass their resolutions, on the last week of June, August, and October for the first semester. For the second semester, they could pass it on the last weeks of November, January, and March.

Sen. Jessie Quinto gave the rules and regulations in submitting a resolution and how would it be approved by the legislative body. According to Article 7, Section 1 of their constitutional by laws, passing of resolutions are regularly and afterwards a legislative meeting is to be held to deliberate the resolutions. For a resolution to be approved, 2/3 votes are required. And a resolution should be for the benefit of the students and must be an allocated budget for the College/Institute. He quoted out that there are two types of resolution: a University wide resolution. Resolution/s should be submitted in a legal size folder together with nine copies of the resolution for the senators and adviser. After a week of activity, a financial report should be passed on their office. One senator should endorse the resolution. For this meeting, five votes should be garnered to be approved.

Resolutions are discussed according to which College/Institute submit first. The first was the ISSP (Institute of Social Science and Philosophy), their fist resolution was for the financial aid of their Publication “Tanglaw” costing of P5, 000.00. After a long discussion, five senators voted and had been approved named as Resolution No. 7. The second resolution of ISSP was about the needs of the students for long tables, cork boards and chairs. It was used in their laboratory and newly established building in the Spratlys. The materials are about P5, 000.00. It gained five votes from the senator and passed. It was named Resolution No. 9.

Due to lack of time, LHS (Laboratory High School) defended their resolution for the cleanliness and room ventilation. It is around P6, 250.00 for trashcans, lockers and wall fans. It was named Resolution No. 8.

IAL (Institute of Arts and Letters) requested the amount of P5, 000.00 for the seminars in writing and audio and video editing, a two-day event for the journalism majors. With some comments and questions, the senators approved it and named Resolution No. 10.
IPERS (Institute of Physical Education and Recreational Sports) requested P3, 000.00 to purchase a digital clock that will be used for monitoring athletes through their time management. It was known to be Resolution No. 11.

CIT (College of Industrial Technology) requested for P35, 000.00 as their budget for wall fans and long steel tables. Due to insufficient budget it was pended and the resolution was asked by the board for revision.

IS (Institute of Science) submitted two resolutions. First was for the financial aid of the IS Band Organization around P1, 500.00 It was them who said that students love and enjoy music. The resolution was approved named Resolution No. 12. Another resolution about their bulletin board about P3, 000.00 as budget but because certain bulletin boards are vacant from the Math Organization, the legislative body demanded a letter from their Dean that he is giving the right to use the board to the IS LSC so the resolution is pended.

COE (College of Engineering) requested P15, 000.00 budgets for rooms' ventilation in Federizo Hall because the rooms was lacked with electric fans and was needed repairs and with no opposed from the senators; it was approved and named Resolution No. 13.

At last! The voice of CICT (College of Information and Communication Technology) was heard, Vice-Governor. Karen Abobon, read their first resolution about the need for electric fans in the 3rd and 4th floor of the newly established academic building. They would donate 25 electric fans costing of P25, 000.00.

As our governor, Mr. Jedmerick Bernardo gave his privilege speech and said that from the previous year they also came up with the resolution asking for 200 chairs and some electric fans but because it was late March, the administration said that they would provide aircon units for the rooms. They defended the resolution and for the record, all seven senators voted for this resolution. It was named Resolution No. 14. The second resolution of our College was for the name tags of the new rooms in the academic building. They asked P3, 500.00 budgets for the materials needed since they want it to be digitally printed in panaflex. Apparently, it was pended.

Then the ex-officio senator from Meneses campus asked P5, 000.00 for the sports fest that they would have. It is a two-day event in which representatives for the Intramurals 2008 are chose aiming to improve the skills of students, senators approved it and became Resolution No. 15.

Before the meeting ended, Vice-president Mark reviewed their approved resolutions. Again, he thanked the media for attending the said event and hoped that they have opened our eyes through the backbone of working towards the betterment of the studentry.

--Ayra Roela Celso--

SWITS Elects New Set of Officers

Let’s keep the fire burning for SWITS. This became the highlight of the election for the new sets of officers of the Society for the Welfare of Information Technology Students (SWITS) held last June 19, 4th floor CICT Building.

The election started through a registration of the officers from the different year levels, sections and groups. Ms. Rhia Linsao, incumbent officer of SWITS initiated the prayer while the singing of the National Anthem was conducted by Rolan Cruz, Vice President. “Lagyan natin ng konting tamis ang ating organization dahil konti na lang ang nakakaramdam sa ating existence”, said Mr. Keno S. Piad, the newly appointed SWITS Adviser. He also tells something about the organization and how it became a help for him in his stay in the college. Kristina Evangelista, the incumbent President introduced the officers of the last academic year and provided the those who attended a copy of their accomplishments and financial statements together by the treasurer Mark Lawrence Panganiban and the Auditor, Gennelyn Francisco.

Among the officers present in the election is Senator Ernest Timothy Flores who shared his experience in the organization and how he became one of the Student Ambassador of the Japan East Network of Exchange for Students and Youth Programme and thanked the SWITS for being his training ground to the position he have now.

The incumbent President Kristina Evangelista presided the election and it did not take a long wait until Ms. Anna Lorraine Catiis (3E) won over the three other nominees for being the President earning 37 votes. Mark Lawrence Panganiban (3C) became the new Vice President with 36 votes. Other officers who won in the election are Joel Gajilomo (3D), Secretary, Gennelyn Francisco (3A) Treasurer, Nelsielene Dela Paz (2A) Auditor, Johanna Pineda (1E) Business Manager, and Rolan Cruz (3A) Public Information Officer. The Board Members comprised of the persons from different year levels namely Ma. Lourdes Mangahas (1D) Ma. Lara May Santos (1B), Joey Cabanalan (2E), Mark Raymond Francisco (2A), Karen Abobon (3C), Mark Jordan Santos (3A), Federico Faustino (4A), and Jemalyn Manio (4C).

“Masaya ko na naging president ako ng SWITS dahil yung mga gusto kong project matutupad, sana.. Mas maraming pagbabago ang gusto kong matamo nito. Mas lalo tayong lalapit sa mga estudyante”, this was the statement left by the new elected President of SWITS. This only proves that the organization is still soaring high this academic year.

--Nelsielene S. dela Paz--

Hero in Me

Superman? Spider man? Batman? They are nothing compared to the man I’ve always knew. Maybe, he can’t leap across tall buildings nor run faster than a speeding bullet but I can tell you how extra-ordinary he is. How tremendous his ways are to raise us, an imperfect one but always willing to satisfy his imperfections. Do you know who is he? He is no other than my father!

Being a daddy’s girl is bliss enough for me. Having my dad completes my life and without him my life will never be the same.

When I was in grade 6, my father bought me an aquarium as a birthday present. I was so happy because that was my dream during my childhood days. I ran as fast as I could just to reach for the aquarium and as I watched the fishes swam, my father told me that:

“You know this aquarium is too expensive but I bought it for you because I love you and I want you to give everything I could give.”

As a child my heart melted. I was so touched for my father’s love. Because of what he said, I felt that I was not all alone, that I have someone to depend on.

One morning when I was in high school, our family had a problem: a financial one. I thought I could not make it to go to school that day. I was so mad at my father because I haven’t understood our situation that time. I cried because of self-pity. My father saw me crying. He left our house for two hours and when he came back, he looked so tired. He told me to prepare my things to go to school while giving me my allowance.

“Where did you get this money?” I asked.
“I will do all I can to give you education. Even if takes so much. Even if takes my life.” He answered while smiling.

I was so disappointed with myself. I was so selfish for being mad at my father because of that simple thing. On that moment, my father taught me that “action speaks louder than voice but an action with voice is better.”

On my graduation day in high school, he told me that he is the happiest father ever. That he was so proud of me and he will continue supporting me through the success and failures that will come my way after me that graduation day. I am so lucky to have him in my life. I was so blessed.

When I entered college, my life became different. Unlike when I was in high school and elementary, my studies gave me so much pressure. Not only in my studies but also with the people I want to be with.

One morning, my father asked me why I looked so sad.

“No I’m not.” I answered.
“Do you think I will believe you?” he answered curiously. “I know you very well.”

“Dad, I don’t know if I can make it. My professor told me that some of us are not going to pass his subject.”
“So what’s the point of being so negative?” he answered.

With his simple words I gained confidence and faith. I don’t know but whenever my father will speak, there’s always an encouragement- simple yet so powerful.

As I remember, I and my friend joined an essay writing contest. We joined that because we need to find ourselves and what we really want. I realized that since high school I never achieved anything. So, I was looking for my own way, but whenever I’m trying something strange, or when I go out there reaching for my dreams, I always fail. That’s why I was so depressed and disappointed about myself.

Actually, one of the reasons why I’m in CURSOR is because of my dad’s encouragement. When I heard that our College Publication is looking for new staffs, I tempted to join but I was so confused because I thought that I will fail again at the first place.

Before the staff examination for CURSOR, I got so confused if I will still continue or not. So, I asked my father:

“Dad, do you think I need to continue?”
“Whenever you started something, finish it, because leaving your works undone will give you so much depression!”
“But dad, I don’t want to fail again.”
“How did you know that you will fail again?”
“I just know! I always failed.”
“Just believe!” he told me while looking straightly to my eyes.

So I took the examination. I put every word he told me in my heart and my father is right, I JUST NEED TO BELIEVE. My father thought me one special thing: life is so simple, and we are the ones who are just making it complicated.

For all of my childhood aches and pains, he has been always there. Maybe he is not as powerful as the other heroes I’ve known since childhood but those heroes are nothing compared to the man who gave me such wisdom, love, care, affection and encouragement. This hero of mine will always be my hero and I hope that someday I could help him the way he did to us.

---Sheila Rose Valenzuela---