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---

Pa, I'm Sorry..



Sa totoo lang, wala akong maisip kung ano ba ang dapat kong ibahagi sa inyo. Hindi ko alam kung saan ako magsisimula. Ni hindi ko rin alam kung ano nga ba ang dapat kong isulat lalo na’t tungkol pa ‘to sa tatay ko. Kanina ko pa iniisip.. mas mabuti bang sabihin ko na lang kung ano ang tunay na nararamdaman ko o magiimbento na lang ako ng kahit ano?

Sa totoo lang din, ayoko talaga ng drama. Ni ayaw ko ngang kinukwento ang madrama kong buhay. Iniisip ko pa lang na parang pangMMK ‘tong isusulat ko, parang masusuka na ko. Hindi talaga bagay sakin yung ganun pero dahil Father’s Day naman.. sige na nga. Baka sakaling mabasa pa ‘to ng tatay ko. Baka maalala naman niya kami kahit papano.

Sa mga kakilala ko, marami pa sigurong may hindi nakakaalam na galing ako sa isang broken family. 9 yrs old pa lang ako mula nung maghiwalay ang Mama at Papa ko. Lahat yata halos ng mga nakakaalam sa sinapit ng pamilya namin iniisip na makakaapekto daw sa ming magkakapatid yun. Baka hindi daw namin makayanan lalo na’t bata pa kami. Baka mahirapan daw kaming intindihin ang sitwasyon. Pero alam nyo, kahit bata pa ko nun.. alam ko na ang bawat detalye. Alam ko na kung bakit ganun ang nangyari sa min. Naiintindihan ko na lahat kahit na hindi pa yun ipaliwanag sa kin ng mga magulang ko. Aaminin ko naging malungkot din ako, minsan nainggit rin ako sa ibang bata kasi may tatay sila pero mas gugustuhin ko nang mawalan ng tatay kung sa huli pare-pareho lang naman kaming masasaktan lalo na ang mama ko. Hindi naging mahirap tanggapin para sa kin ang lahat. Alam kong mas magiging masaya ang mama at papa ko kung maghihiwalay na lang sila.

Walong taon na rin ang nagdaan pero pakiramdam ko 17 years na kong walang ama. Kahit minsan hindi ko naramdamang nandyan siya. Siguro dahil bata pa lang ako madalas ko na silang hindi nakakasama ng mama ko. Mula nung 2 yrs old ako, lola ko na ang nag-alaga sa kin hanggang sa magkaron pa ko ng kapatid. Kahit na malayo sila pinilit ko pa ring intindihin ang sitwasyon. Alam ko para rin samin yun. Tuwing umuuwi nga sila sobrang saya ko pero nandun pa rin ang pangamba dahil alam ko hindi naman sila pwedeng magtagal, kailangan pa rin nila kaming iwan.

Sa pagsasama ng mga magulang ko, ni minsan hindi ko sila nakitang mag-away. Hindi sila yung tipong halos magpatayan na kapag may problema sa bahay. Hindi nila pinapakita samin na meron na palang nangyayaring ‘di maganda. Pero kahit ganun, nararamdaman ko pa rin na hindi ok ang lahat. Marami akong naririnig. Marami rin akong napupuna lalo na sa tatay ko. Minsan pakiramdam ko mas importante pa sa papa ko yung mga kabarkada nya kaysa makasama kami. Madalas kapag wala siyang trabaho, andun siya lagi sa labas nakatambay at nakikipag-inuman. Mas gugustuhin ko pa ngang ‘wag na lang siya umuwi ng bahay kaysa naman maamoy ko pa yung mabaho nyang hininga dahil sa alak. Nakakabwisit talaga. Minsan nga sa sobrang kalasingan muntik na siyang malunod sa ilog. Naisip ko tuloy, mas mabuti pa sigurong kinuha na lang siya ni Lord para hindi kami nahihirapang espelehin siya at hindi na nagpapakaengot ang nanay ko. At least kung kasama niya si Lord baka sakaling matauhan siya, yun nga lang huli na ang lahat. Hindi ko nga alam kung pano yun natitiis ng mama ko. Kulang na nga lang batukan ko siya ng sampung beses para lang matauhan. Kahit nga yata magdasal ako nun sa lahat ng santo, wala pa ring pag-asa. Tingin ko wala pa ring magbabago sa tatay ko. Mula nang makilala ko yung tunay na kulay nya, parang unti-unti na kong nawalan ng respeto. Nagalit ako sa kanya at hanggang ngayon inaamin ko, meron pa ring akong natitirang sama ng loob sa kanya. Naalala ko pa dati, madalas ko siyang sinasagot kahit alam kong hindi yun tama pero hindi ko talaga maatim lahat ng ginagawa niya. Sa sobrang galit ko sa kanya minsan nabato ko na siya ng tsinelas at dahil dun sinampal nya ko. Hindi ako nasaktan. Alam kong nasa tamang lugar ako. Mas gusto ko pa ngang saktan na lang nya ko physically kesa saktan nya ang mama ko emotionally. May time na nabalita pang may babae siya. Nagalit ang mama ko nun pero syempre dahil sa paawa effect ng tatay ko at kesyo ‘di niya daw gagawin yun, mahal daw nya ang mama ko ayun nagpakaeng-eng na naman ang martyr kong ina. Nawalan pa nga siya ng trabaho at dahil dun kinailangan pang umalis ng mama ko para lang mag-abroad. Syempre dahil dun buhay binata na naman ang napakabait kong ama. Naawa ako sa mama ko pero wala akong magawa. Lahat halos ng perang pinapadala ng mama ko sa kanya napupunta lang sa alak, sugal at sa mga luho nya. Kung pwede ko nga lang ipabugbog nun ang tatay ko ginawa ko na. Umabot pa sa pagkakataong maski sa graduation ayaw ko siyang makasama sa entablado. Nag-away pa kami nun. Ayokong siya ang magsabit sakin ng medalya at lalong ayaw ko siyang makasama habang binibigay sakin ang diploma ko. Para sakin hindi siya ang dapat na nandun. Ang sama ko no? Pero hindi nyo rin ako masisisi. Naalala ko rin nung dumating sa point na hindi na namin matiis talaga ng lola ko, pinalayas namin siya sa bahay. Kahit na alam kong mali tinambak ko lahat ng gamit niya sa labas ng bahay. Nagalit siya pero hindi niya kami sinaktan. Nagulat na lang ako ng kunin nya yung video cam at lahat ng bagay na ibinigay sa kanya ng mama ko. Lahat ng yun sinunog nya. Natakot ako akala ko nun kung ano na gagawin nya pero sa awa naman ng Dyos umalis naman siya. Buti naman kahit papano may natira pa palang hiya sa kanya. Noon pa lang talaga ayaw ko na sa papa ko at alam ko ayaw nya rin sakin. Naalala ko pa nga nung sinabi niya sa kin na sa lahat ng anak nya, ako ang pinakaayaw nya. Umabot pa sa sitwasyon na pati lola ko sinisisi niya dahil sa pag-uugali ko. Hindi ko alam kung gano kakapal ang mukha nya para sabihin yun! Dapat nga magpasalamat pa siya sa lola ko sa pag-aalaga samin. Dapat nga isumbat nya lahat ng yun sa sarili niya mismo. Hindi naman ako magiging ganun kundi dahil sa kanya. Gusto kong magbago siya. Gusto kong matauhan siya pero kahit sa sarili niya mukhang di niya yata alam kung ano na ba yung mga pinag-gagagawa niya. Minsan tuloy naisip ko siguro nasa talampakan utak ng papa ko kaya hindi niya naiintindihan lahat ng pagkakamali nya at hindi siya marunong makiramdam!

Hindi pa dyan nagtatapos. Hinding hindi ko makalimutan yung pangyayaring nagtulak sakin para kalimutan kong nagkaron ako ng amang tulad nya. Yun yung pagkakataong talagang kahit na pumatay ako ng tao kahit na ama ko pa, hinding hindi ko pagsisisihan. Birthday nya nun, inimbita nya lahat ng kamag-anak nya dito samin ng walang pasabi. Wala man lang siyang hinanda at bukod pa dun, alas-sais ng umaga nandun siya sa tindahan umiinom at nakikipaghuntahan sa mga kabarkada nya. Nagalit si lola sa kanya. Anu nga naman ang ipapakain namin dun sa mahigit na dalawang dosenang kamag-anak nya at balak pa yatang matulog sa min. Ok lang sana eh kaya lang hindi man lang nagpasabi ang papa ko. Kahit na medyo mahinanong sinabi yun ng lola ko sa kanya, sinagot pa rin nya si lola ng pabalang. Alam mo yun, lola ko na nga ang concern minasama pa niya. Kung anu-ano pang drama ang pinagsasabi niya. Kesyo birthday naman daw nya pag-bigyan na daw siyang maghappy-happy. Ok lang daw kahit anu ipakain dun sa mga bisita niya at kahit wala ayus lang daw?! Pagbigyan na lang daw siyang makipag-inuman tutal birthday naman nya nun. Syempre di nagpatalo ang lola ko. Sa inis nya eh pinagdadakdakan niya si papa sa harap ng mga kamag-anak nya. Dun na nga nagsimula ang away. Kitang kita ko lahat. Kinuha ng tatay ko yung itak at alam ko kung anung gusto niyang gawin dun. Pipigilan ko na sana siya pero parang nangatal lang ang buong katawan ko sa pagkakatayo. Wala akong nagawa, hindi ko alam kung bakit basta bigla na lang akong umiyak nun. Buti na lang kamo, hindi natamaan ang lola ko. Buti na lang yung batya yung hinataw niya ng itak. Pagkatapos nun nagkulong ang papa ko sa kwarto. Umiiyak lang ako habang yakap ko ang lola ko. Gusto ko siyang sugurin sa kwarto pero natatakot ako. Naalala ko pa kung ano mismo ang sinabi ko sa lola ko nung mga panahong yun.. “Lola, bakit siya pa naging daddy ko? Bakit hindi na lang iba. Galit ako sa kanya!” Alam kong masama rin ang loob ng lola ko nun pero kahit ganun sinabi pa rin nya.. “Ganun talaga, wala kang magagawa papa mo yun. Hindi ka dapat magalit sa kanya. Papa mo yun eh. Kahit gano pa siya kawalang-hiya dugo’t laman mo yun.” Kahit na paulit-ulit na umaalingawngaw sa isip ko lahat ng sinabi ni lola, hindi pa rin mawala ang galit sa ‘kin. Papa ko nga siya pero hindi naman tama lahat ng ginagawa niya. Di ba dapat siya ang nagtuturo sa min kung anong tama at mali? Hindi ba niya alam na nasasaktan na kami. Ganun ba ang ama? Kaya ba niyang maatim na saktan ang sariling anak nya?

Mula nang maghiwalay sila ng mama ko, wala na kaming balita kung sang lupalop nakatira si papa. Ang alam lang namin meron na siyang pamilya. Ang nakakalungkot dun, kung anung sinapit ng pamilya namin ganun din ang sinapit ng mga pangalawang pamilya nya. Mas naging malala pa nga. Sumulat sa amin ang nanay ng papa ko, ikinwento niya lahat. Naawa ako lalo na dun sa mga anak niya. Ipinangalan pa nga sakin yung isa. Wala silang pambili ng gatas. Walang maayos na buhay, hindi tulad namin. Walang ina. Wala ring ama. Ayaw kong pagdusahan nila lahat ng kasalanan ng tatay ko sa min. 18 yrs old lang ang napangasawa ng papa ko, adik pa. Hindi na nga rin ako magtataka kung ganun na din ang papa ko. Hindi ko alam kung bakit ba patuloy lang niya sinisira ang buhay niya. Masaya kaya siya? Naalala ko nung high school pa ako, nagawa pa niyang bantaan si lola na papatayin kaming lahat. Hindi ako natakot nun, naawa ako sa kalagayan ng papa ko. Hanggang ngayon pinagdarasal ko na lang na sana matauhan na siya.

Siguro sobra na lahat ng mga nasabi ko. Parang hindi nga yata angkop ang mga inilagay ko sa dapat na isulat ko. Puro galit. Puro poot. Puro sama ng loob. Hanggang ngayon, tinatanong ko pa rin ang sarili ko.. napatawad ko na nga ba siya? Galit pa rin ba ko sa kanya? Tanggap ko na nga ba siya bilang ama?

Ewan ko. Hindi ko alam. Hindi pa rin ako sigurado. Pero tanggap na tanggap ko na lahat ng nangyari.

Minsan tumawag uli siya samin. Binati niya ko nung birthday ko. Nagulat pa nga ako nung tumawag siya samin. Hindi ko pa nga nakilala ang boses niya. Kinamusta nya kami, kinamusta ko rin siya. Pero hanggang dun lang. Nangako pa siyang papadalhan niya daw ako ng regalo pero hindi na ako umasa at tama naman ako. Sulat o regalo, wala akong natanggap. Mula din nun hindi na siya tumawag.

Siguro ngayon, kahit papano.. naghilom na rin lahat ng sugat. Kahit na wala akong tatay, pakiramdam ko kumpleto pa rin kami. At kahit di ako pinalad na magkaron ng mabuti at responsableng ama, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako sa Dyos kasi kahit ganun siya, marami akong natutunan sa kanya. Sa lahat ng sakit na pinagdaanan namin, natuto akong tumayo sa sarili kong paa. Mas naging matatag ako. At alam ko dahil sa mga naranasan kong yon mas makakayanan ko pang harapin lahat ng problemang ibibigay sakin. Dahil sa papa ko mas namulat ako sa buhay. Mas madali kong naintindihan lahat ng mga bagay-bagay. Kahit sa ganung paraan siya naging parte ng buhay ko, nagpapasalamat pa rin ako kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanya hindi ko marerealize kung gano kahirap mabuhay sa tunay na mundo. ‘Di rin ako matututong mas pahalagahan lahat ng taong nasa tabi ko. At higit sa lahat, dahil sa mga nangyari, mas napalapit pa ko dun sa “taas”. Siguro nga may rason kung ba’t nangyari ang lahat at masaya na rin kami ngayon. Sana lang nga natuto na ang papa ko. Sana ok na siya. Sana masaya na rin siya. Hindi man kami magkasama, sana alam na niya ngayon lahat ng pagkakamali niya at itama na niya sana yon sa pagkakataong ‘to. (Hayy, sana nga..)

Ayoko talagang magdrama pero mukhang mahaba yata ang naisulat ko.

Pa, pasensiya ka na kung masyado kitang tinira pero kung sakali mang mabasa mo ‘to sana nga nagbago ka na. HAPPY FATHER’S DAY na lang!

I’M SORRY.


--Alt+F4--

Ctrl + S (A Journey to Remember)

“Honestly what will become of me, don’t like reality its way to clear to me. But really life is a dandy, we are what we don’t see, missed everything day dreaming…”


Upon hearing these lines from the song “All Good Things (come to an end)”, it instantly become my quite favorite, not solely because Nelly Furtado is one of my favorite foreign artists but the connotation that embraces the whole song. Whenever, I hear its stupefying melody, memories are starting to create an impressive mirage in my mind. It feels like a Doraemon’s time machine is transporting me to another portion of the huge puzzle, that will unlocked the paradox of my life, a dimension that I own and wanted to possess until the end of the metamorphosis.


Time is passing so swiftly, I could not imagine that I have been staying in this University for almost three years now. I remember myself as a gullible freshman that wanted to adapt to this new environment as a fragment of this game called “life”. I thought it was going to be hard for me to adjust. It is like starting all over again, to gain new friends, to learn new things, and to discover the real me. But with God’s guidance I overcome all my fears and doubts. I started to weave splendid memories that will last a lifetime.



Those three years of my stay is full of interesting experiences and unexpected catastrophes that add spices to my college life. Seeing myself traveling several kilometers just to reach the school, I ended up with my hair all over my face and I cannot help the feeling that all my pores are being clogged by dust, I think a one year supply of facial wash, and toner included would not be enough. Well, it is because going to school is synonymous of having a fieldtrip for me considering the fact that I need to travel over three municipalities just to get there, just imagine how much dust I am expose everyday!


When I am already in school and my first period ended, it is like testing my endurance again because now I am sprinting against my classmates in a loom dash only to reach our destination. Where? None other than the 350° F temperature inside the rooftop of the Roxas Hall. Staying there is like having an instant blow dry to my hair and being in a sauna at the same time. But do not worry, it has no added charge, no VAT and definitely no EVAT, it is absolutely free to everyone. So, enroll now for your early reservation!


Whenever every semester ended, I feel so hopeless, so sick and afraid in going to school again. It is not because I was anxious to my teachers or I am just sluggish but the fact that I will experience the worst day of my college life--again, I mean days…Of course the procedure that will really measure your stamina—enrollment. I really hate this particular part a lot. If I will to choose between enrolment and a glass full of ampalaya shake, I would rather choose the greenish and bitter refreshment than to be obliged to wake up so early and arriving only to see that the line is already as long as San Juanico bridge! But sometimes, enrollment is a pretty good chance in a sense that I and my friends would have ample time to mingle and to bond with each other.


The unforgettable moments were highlighted by quotable words that add sprint to my stay here. I remember when I together with my group mates were working our documents for Data Communications and Networking in ICE 4 and we were really in a rush because it would be pass on that afternoon that same day but we were not done yet.


But we are not the only group, because other sections were also there for some agenda. Then all of a sudden, all computers instantly shut down due to power failure, what’s ridiculous is that everyone was screaming and yelling the words “NA-SAVE MO BA?!”, because mostly forgot to save their files. And I think this incident prove its worth. I am so glad that I have saved my report because if I am not able to, my group mates would surely kill me!


Whenever every semester starts, we are all excited about it; new instructors, new lessons, new computer labs and classmates. We have been together for three years now, we already established strong bond of friendship with each other especially to person closest to us.


But what I really want to avoid is this certain line that would surely be uttered when a group project was given, “UY, OVERNIGHT BA?” Overnight means that I have to use my bulky backpack in order to carry all my personal things as a preparation and whenever my sister saw me with that, she always say “MAY CAMPING KAYO?” Overnight also means that we will be practicing Kuya Germs’ famous tag line “WALANG TULUGAN!.” I am glad that I am still alive!


Things were not made permanent like the song it must come to an end and the only constant is changes. But whatever changes come to my life, those good things will still remain deep in my mind and in my heart forever because it makes me who I am now. I want to save those memories I weave because it made me create a wonderful masterpiece ---friendship beyond hardships.


“omnia mutantur, nos et mutamur iri illis”


--Ericka V. Bautista

The Music Goes On.. (A Tribute to Engr. Marvin J. Cruz)

Our Beloved

Engr. Marvin J. Cruz

November 12, 1981 – June 3, 2008
peacefully joined our Creator

His remains lie in state at Cruz’s Residence Brgy. Cutcut, Guiguinto, Bulacan
Interment will be on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon.


Death Only Reminds us of Life...

Monday midnight, June 2 – he was rushed to the nearby hospital in Guiguinto, but unfortunately declared dead on arrival (June 3). His death was because of medically diagnosed disease called “Acute Pancreatitis” —a disease occurs when the pancreas suddenly becomes inflamed. It occurs more often in men than women. According to a research, it may cause dehydration and low blood pressure. During acute attacks, the blood contains at least three times more amylase and lipase than usual. Amylase and lipase are digestive enzymes formed in the pancreas. The heart, lungs, or kidneys may fail. If bleeding occurs in the pancreas, shock and sometimes even death follow.


Some odd books I have read often start with the ending of the story. But that taught me something: Ending is also a beginning, for with the absence of ending, it is totally chaotic thinking how to start a new chronicle. Death is sometimes impatient and unfair, a bad kismet for some…but death moreover pertains to another journey and adventure. According to Robert Fulghum, “No death; no life.” It’s just that: We all take our own time to heal.

A Chain of Serene Prayers...
(As BulSU-CICT Family Bestow Honor for Sir Marvin)

“Luksang Parangal”- June 5, at 2:00 in the afternoon his BulSU family offered a meaningful moment of prayer and honor for Sir Marvin at Cruz’s Residence, Cutcut, Guiguinto. This was lead by Engr. Jason J. Villafuerte joined by the CICT dean, Prof. Fausto S. Hilario, the Director of Cultural Affairs and Historical Development Dr. Herminio Suarez, the BulSU Saring Himig, faculty and students.

During the third part, words from selected individuals were delivered:

Marvin as a Colleague...

"Hindi ko mapaniwalaan na ang napakabait at napakabuti nating kaibigan na si Marvin ay kukunin ng ganito kaaga. Nag-enrol na siya sa PUP para sa Masteral Degree at ang sabi nga niya, excited na siyang mag-aral…Marvin, napakabait mong tao, wala kang idinadaing na problema…
Nawalan man kami ng isang kapamilya, babaunin namin sa aming puso at isipan ang iyong kabutihan, katapatan, at magiging inspirasyon ka namin at ng mga estudyante mo. Paalam kaibigan at maraming-maraming salamat sa mga ala-alang ibinigay mo sa amin.”
--Dean Fausto S. Hilario
Marvin as a Friend…

Before Ma’am Noemi delivered his farewell speech for Sir Marvin, she read a poem which I believe is worth to share:


Morning comes and off it goes,
Like people come and they go.
Some came and gone
Just passing my way.
But few are meant to stay.
The hard lessons of letting go
And holding on
Are left here with me.
You’re like a needle that pricked my heart
My heart, my friend, you rift.
Come closer, see the wound in my chest
My heart, my friend bleeds.
Blood filled my pen like ink
My journals, my friend, are stained.
Days tinged with pain since you left
The void, my friend, still hurts.
Comeback someday and heal this broken heart
Come home, my friend, I’ll wait.



“Kulang sa sampung taon na kaming magkaibigan…Through thick and thin, nandiyan siya, kahit hindi siya magsalita alam mong nandiyan siya sa tabi mo at hindi ka niya iiwan. Marvin, mami-miss ka namin, mahal na mahal ka namin.”
--Engr. Noemi Pascual


Ma’am Noemi is the first person I interviewed for this article, and as we talked about what really happened to “Biya” (Sir Marvin’s nickname in their barkada) I can feel her sorrow and regrets of losing a colleague, a friend and a brother.

She even said with her eyes close to tears “Ang daya-daya niya. Nag-promise kasi kami na hanggang pagtanda, magkakasama parin kaming magkakaibigan, walang iwanan. Pero sabi nga namin, may natutunan kaming lesson kay Marvin: I-enjoy mo lang ang buhay, gawin mo ang mga bagay na dapat mong gawin at yung bagay na makakapagpasaya sa iyo. Dahil maikli lang ang buhay, hindi mo alam kung kelan ka mawawala. ”

I have down pat with a quote from Jean de La Fontaine “Death never takes the wise man by surprise; He is always ready to go.” Then, I saw Sir Marvin’s shoutbox message on his friedster account output on my monitor. "I need a genie to grant me wishes!" Well, I am not certain if he truly met a genie, but somehow I am confident to believe that whatever his wishes are, Heaven made him fulfilled it and granting more than that above, with our Creator.

Marvin as a Son...

“Kung ikukumpara sa isang part of speech, masasabi kong lahat ng magagandang adjective nasa anak ko na: mapagmahal, masunurin, mabait na anak. Nagpapasalamat po ako sa Panginoon dahil nagkaroon ako ng anak na kagaya niya…Natatandaan ko noong bata pa siya, ang sabi niya sa’kin “Nay, gusto ko maging pari” Sabi ko naman ‘oo anak maganda iyan’. Tapos nagtanong siya, “Nanay nag-aasawa po ba ang pari?” ‘Ay anak, hindi..’ “Eh hindi nalang ako magpapari.” Pero hindi po siya tumigil sa paglilingkod, gustong-gusto niya kumanta sa simbahan, nagbuo siya ng choir sa amin…”

It brings me back to the memory when I once asked Sir Marvin “Bakit po hindi kayo nag-pari?” Because honestly, I can see all the qualities in him. Then he replied with a smile, “Marami nga ring nagsasabi sakin niyan eh. Kaso wala pa ‘yung calling, saka gusto ko muna i-explore ang buhay ko saka yung paligid ko. Actually, may malapit nga na seminaryo sa amin eh.” Then I realized that on our way to their home, I saw a big gate with printed letters and pictures on a tarpaulin “Immaculate Conception Seminary”. It might be the seminary he was saying to me.

After the closing prayer, I had a chance to talk to Nanay Pacing (Sir Marvin’s mother). Her eyes cannot veil the lament of losing her son particularly just a year after Sir Marvin’s twin-brother Melvin passed away. Ma’am Noemi shared to me that Nanay Pacing told her “Si Marvin ang anak ko na sa tingin ko makakasama ko habang-buhay.” She showed us some childhood pictures of “Taba” (Sir Marvin’s nickname at home) and I spot the logic of its origin. As I watched her pointing his pictures, I see the eyes of a proud mother but it slowly turned into nostalgia as she whisper while wiping tear from her eyes “Mami-miss kita anak..” I really fought hard to hold back my tears, and suddenly unable to say or even remember any comforting words, the least thing that I can do is to hold her hand.


My Personal Thoughts...

Sir Marvin passed away… I read the message in my inbox almost 10 times, my eyes were locked at it while my neurons tried to find definite signal for definite emotion but all it finds and sent back is something that leave me blank, numb and unable to give any idea about what I feel.

Flashback--M.CRUZ (the room schedule revealed the name of teacher that will occupy the room for that specific time). We paused for a while in facade of the closed wooden door. My classmates and I have some exchanged of glances. “Si Ma’am Minneli pala ang teacher natin sa DSA!”, I remember one of my classmates uttered those words. As the door opened we managed ourselves entering the Room ICE 2 but---

Ma’am Minneli stood there with a slashed of confusing eyes. “Teka, hindi ako ang teacher niyo. Si Sir Marvin Cruz. Intayin niyo nalang muna siya sa labas.” And we reciprocated her with a puzzling look too.

We waited for him for some more lengthy minutes until we have decided to confirmed the faculty if he will be meeting our class for the subject. That was my first encounter with him;

“Excuse po, kayo po ba si Sir Marvin? Kami po yung klase niyo ngayon.Imi-meet niyo pa po ba kami?”.With a slight portrayal I approached him with a tinged of annoyance waiting for him that long (one and a half hour remained for our supposedly three hours period) on our first day of Data Structure and Algorithm class with him.

“Ah, naku pasensiya na ha, galing kasi ako dun kanina eh. Akala ko wala kayo, sandali lang ha. Pasensiya na talaga.” He smiled at me despite of my disrespectful manner. (And I remember that we saw him in front of the room but ignored him, because we are not aware that he is actually M. CRUZ) I found myself losing any kind of response and all I discerned is that my conscience is shouting at me just behind my back. It may sound absurd, but personally speaking his smile and calm way of talking has the power to tame one’s vexation that every time he flashes those smiles it makes me state this phrase “parang gusto ko magdasal.”

When he failed to attend as one of our invited guests in our final presentation, he searched for me and gave the questions he prepared and showed me the right way of answering those and shared some tips on how to gain confidence and told me “Kaya niyo ‘yan. magagaling kayo.”

Last December 2006, he told me that he was invited to sing on CICT Band Concert. That night we are all waiting for his number, I was surprised receiving a SMS from him. He personally apologized because he won’t be able to perform due to some unexpected reasons and told me that he will find the perfect timing some other time. He is truly a man of honor, a mentor I will respect and always admire for his kind personality. Though he is physically gone, his memories and words of advice will always be a guide and an inspiration.

Messages from his Former Students and Friends…

“Java namin siya. Sa sobrang bait niya eh hindi namin magawang dayain siya ng mga kabarkada ko, like magkopyahan o ano pa. Pagkakataon na pero mahihiya ka talaga na gawin iyon sa kanya.”

--Ronald Dionisio
“Kaya niyang dalhin ang sarili niya in a way na mapapatingin ka and masasabi mo that you want to find more about him.Napaka-considerate niya…”

--Mary Grace Reyes

“Mahilig si Sir Marvin sa gadgets, laptop, cp, ipod..Very supportive. Ang hirap tanggapin na wala na siya.”

--Sir Edwin Garcia

" friendship ang tawagan namin, hindi siya plastic, hindi namimili ng kaibigan..he listens to my problems and give me advices. Kinakantahan niya ako, napakaganda ng boses niya. Nagulat talaga ako sa balitang wala na siya, at hanggang ngayon nalulungkot ako. Wala na akong friendship..Sayang, dapat yung masasamang tao na lang ang nawala at hindi siya.”

--Ma'am Diana Bautista
“Sir Marvin…Kapag nagkikita kami greet niya ko Ma’am Jane!!! (excited na tono ng boses) naka-smile na bihira ko lang makita pati mata nagsha-shine. Palagi tahimik sa faculty, busy sa pagdownload ng music..Kapag hihingi ka ng help, kahit mabagal tumutulong siya.”

--Ma'am Jane Suarez

“Sobrang mahal at pinahahalagahan niya ang kanyang family and friends. Tahimik siya, may pagkamahiyain pero mapagbiro rin at madaldal, di lang halata. Hindi siya marunong lumangoy, kapag nagsu-swimming nasa isang tabi lang siya nagvo-vocalize. Gustong-gusto niya kapag kumakain sa dahon ng saging at salo-salo doon lahat kumakain..Matulungin, masipag at mahilig magbasa. Kapag tinext mo siya ng 9am, naku for how many years pa bago siya magreply…Mami-miss ko siya, mami-miss namin siya, lahat-lahat sa kanya, yung ngiti niya, kwentuhan, kakalugan, ang magandang boses niya, mga advices, pangungulit—lahat!..”

--his dear friend in Singles for Christ

I can still figure out the way he sung these lines, the last time he performed for the CICT Band Concert:

“You are the dream that never dies…
You are the sunshine in the sky
You are the sparkle in my eyes…”
--Dan Hill - Never Thought (That I Could Love)

For a son, a brother, a friend, a colleague, and a mentor… Sir Marvin, you will always be in our thoughts and prayers. May you find the eternal happiness and life with our Creator. You may be gone---but your sweet voice will sustain, your smile will be our tone for moving on, your advices will be our melody, your kind acts will accompany our tunes, your shared knowledge will be our chords for the future and your memories will never ever be forgotten as lyrics of our life’s common song. You will be our note and YOUR MUSIC GOES ON…

The Teamwork Conspiracy

Trust men and they will be true to you; treat them greatly, and they will show themselves great. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I remember a teacher I met in College who was the first to decipher to me the fluctuating dimensions of the word TEAM during a team-building type workshop and seminar for our Publication. It is:

T-RUST
E-MPATHY
A-FFECTION and
M-UTUAL SUPPORT

It was second day in a journalism seminar which I and my colleagues attended last month when we encountered a perceptive speaker who writes for five different papers. I did not focus about his discussions about the difference between News and Feature writing. I did not take lectures on the seminar instead I focused abut his personal journalism given scenarios. I remember him saying “…ang mahirap sa pagiging journalist ay yung kailangan mong patunayan sa mga kapwa mo reporter na may ibubuga ka, at the same time kailangan mo ring patunayan yun sa sarili mo…” which I think is certainly true. I am in this publication for over a year now. It’s tough. The real challenge here is this: PROVING THAT YOU ARE SOMEBODY TO YOUR OWN SELF. I am now on my third month of being in the Publication’s Editorial Board. It’s tougher. Another challenge is this: PROVING THAT YOU ARE SOMEBODY TO YOUR SUBORDINATES. I received too many criticisms for the past two weeks, maybe it was about my leadership or my articles but the greatest criticism I ever received was this statement “…grow up.” that line cut me. When I knew that it was sinking on my mind, I already thought of giving up my position in the Paper. To me, it sounded like I never really learned anything for the past 17 years of my life… (so it may sound dramatic). The mere thought of it makes me cry. Strong more questions started popping out my mind. “Am I really an immature leader?”,Are my efforts not enough so somebody who knows me blurted out that I should grow up?” I was losing my only trust to myself until I look at the whole picture here and it was a bit ironic. Here is where I found more trust. It is when somebody gave you your lesson the hard way because he knew you’ll be stronger despite the criticisms you are able to receive. It is trusting through a very thin labyrinth and I call it “tough learning”. Here is a picture of TRUST.

I was going home when I saw six children on the street playing basketball. It was the same old street going down home. I saw one boy, filthy, his usual shirt smutty from an all day playing-under-the-sun routine with other children. He grappled for the ball and his friends stood by him and waited for his next move. Apparently, the other team posted for the same side of the court focusing on how the ball would go in until he paused for a second or so… he threw the ball to the center of the ring but it just fell before it and then to the ground, after another second, I saw a frown freckled in the boy’s little lips. Two of his friends went to him and whispered something like how old best friends comfort each other after years of their own struggles in a coffee shop when somebody is very low at the moment. I thought of the common bonds I had with the people in our Publication just last year. We didn’t just build a working organization towards a common goal but we build friendship and family. I remember writing a banner article for a special issue when a mistake occurred accidentally upon an interview I made and it reflected on print so our adviser was very furious that morning upon reading a copy of the 1000 pieces printed one-page issue. I was thinking about my termination the next moment he will move but it was only my paranoia. It was really a hell out of an apology. Because of my single mistake, 1000 pieces of paper were trashed and we end up printing another thousand copies of it. I thought they would kill me until my Editor that time said “…kasalanan ko rin, ako nag-edit eh. Let’s do better next time.” Here is where I found empathy. It is to understand more in the middle of your teammate’s lousiest mistake. It is to still have that smile even if somebody in your subordinates is having a hard time doing his/her tasks. It is all in the “knowing why” and in the “understanding when”. Here is a picture of EMPATHY.

Last week, I was so lucky to participate for the 3rd Media Sportsfest. It was participated by journalists from different campus, local, and national papers. The best part of the whole event was the game called “Extra-challenge” where all members of each team needed to participate. It is a game where everybody has to move forward through stepping in a long wood with ropes tied into their hands from the wood. Of course they can’t move towards their goal when they wouldn't step forward using the same right or left foot at exactly the same time. Truly, a team needs cooperation and cooperation needs affection to integrate. I remember our team leader that time, a big man with a big husky voice who handed us towels when we’re sweating from a sack race and then I saw the other teams’ leader who called for bottled water for his teammates after a tiring game. That is showing affection. When I first enter the paper, I never really showed affection to my Editors and even to the other staffs. I love doing coverage alone. I’m not good in showing affection; moreover, I never showed that I cared for what they’ve been doing until one of them talked to me and said something I was really stunned to hear. “…ang bato, kahit gano katagal, nalulusaw din sa tubig, yung mga bahagi nya, sasama din sa tubig, ganun sya nagcocompliment sa ibang bagay”. It wasn’t about how tough the stones are but it’s when it melted with water, it looses almost every parts of itself. It was another irony I hated to decipher. Here is where I found affection. It is caring for your fellows, sharing them what you have learned and what was good instilled in you even if it looses some parts of yourself. That is what I call “real giving”. Sometimes, it even endures sacrifice. Here is a picture of AFFECTION.

Last night when I was on my bed, I received a text message from a former writer I worked with last year. The message reads: “u’ll never knw how mch u needed ur friends until u look back along the rope & realized how many knots they tied to keep you from falling.” I felt that I was the only secluded thing in the paper when we started discussing out about an Editorial Board exam last year until it happened and now, I still have that secluded feelings. Still, I have that doubts in my own self I had when I was taking up the competitive examination for the top positions of the paper and how one of the panel in the closed door interview with us still haunts me in my nightmares. I remember them giving me topics for banner articles for news or giving me a chance to talk during a heavy meeting discussion. I never really gained enough confidence until now when everybody would dare leave me the Office’s main key. I remember when our adviser that time, when we’re in a meeting, let us chose what sections we wanted to write for. It was freedom at the same time, there is support. We also applied it in our term now but in a smaller scale. I also remember them letting me took care of Cursie, the fighting fish we had in our office. I remember telling my adviser my excuses one time when I can’t attend to a party though I know nobody will cover it except for me, he just said “sige…bahala ka” with a false smile. He doesn’t know how much I felt sorry so I got up and started fixing my make up so I could attend to the ball rushing and whenever I hear other staffs saying they would quit, he would just allow them to. He doesn’t know how I thought that he doesn’t care. Here is where I found mutual support. It is realizing that somebody urges you not to back out for your tasks. It is letting you be free in whatever way you chose because they knew you need it to grow up. Someday, you’ll realize how much they tied ropes just to let you be your real self. Here is a picture of MUTUAL SUPPORT.

When I looked back at every single detail of how different people left something in me and how they contributed to what I am now, I can’t help but to grin and be thankful about it. It is there in the open air on how we build teamwork with each other. It is a matter of so many perceptions on how you decode so many lousiest scenarios into the positive picture of it. Learning is a continuous process though it maybe in the hard way, or the apathetic way, or through criticism, failure and rejection. A very demonstrative way of learning from others and others, learning from you is upon teamwork- I read this from a book I already forgot years ago. The challenge we have here is that: LEARNING AND KEEPING THE TEAMWORK IN.

---Mirasol Buenaflor---

Erratum

Ang manunulat ng CURSOR ng artikulong "Paggunita ng Lalawigan ng Bulacan sa Pambansang Araw ng Watawat ng Pilipinas" ay lubos na humihingi ng paumanhin sa pagkakamaling nagawa nito. Ang nalathalang artikulo ay nagkaroon ng pagkakamali sa orihinal nitong dibuho. Nakasaad dito na si Ludovico D. Badoy (Punong Tagapag-ganap, Pamabansang Suriang Pangkasaysayan) ang sumunod na nagsalita pagkatapos ng mensahe ni June G. Joson (Pangulo ng SAMPAKA Inc.). Matapos ilathala ang artikulo, inihayag ng Bahay-Saliksikan ng Bulacan sa chatbox ng blogsite ng CURSOR na si Alex L. Balagtas (Punong Sangay ng NHI Bulacan, Zambales Chapter) ang syang kumatawan kay G. Badoy upang gampanan ang kanyang presensya sa naturang pagdiriwang.
Kami po muli, ang manunulat ng CURSOR ng nasabing arikulo ay lubos na humihingi ng paumanhin sa nagawang pagkakamali. Salamat po.
--Rica Morales--
--Joseph Theodore Jiongco--