TRIVIA. Quite Mysterious

Have you noticed the big circle in front of the new CICT Building? Is it a swimming pool? a BulSU logo? or a center stage??

Find out the story behind that circle!

SG Election is Now Signing On

As the end of the second semester draws nearer, here comes the election for the new set of officers for the Student Government (SG) to be conducted on March 6, 2008.

The campaign started last February 18 and they already set up their campaign paraphernalia. They had their leaflets, streamers and tarpaulins to be given away. And the rivalry between Alliance of Students for Action and Progress (ASAP) and the Partido Pagkakaisa ng Demokratikong Mag-aaral (PDM) again builds tension in the university. Sarah Jane Velasquez, the standard bearer of ASAP and Bianca Micaela D.L. Espelta for PDM, will try to vie for the most coveted position in the Student Government.

Moreover, The College of Information and Communications Technology played an important role in this election. The standard bearers of ASAP for the election of Local Student Council (LSC) are Jedmerick I. Bernardo, running for Governor, Karen C. Abobon for the position of Vice-Governor, Robert B. Parciuncula run as the Board Member of Information Technology and Roxanne M. Crisostomo run as the Board member of Computer Technology. On the other hand, the standard bearers of PDM are for Vice-Governor Jamie Jean S. Llanez and Board Member for Information Technology Marjorie Anne Santos. Ernest Timothy Flores presently the Board Member of IT is now running for senator under the party of ASAP.

Like the past election, students of CICT are expected to participate and vote to their designated places. The students will again exercise their right to vote for their selected candidates for the betterment of the college and the whole university.

--Nelsielene S. dela Paz & Joana S. Ombao--

I’m not just a Pen (The Writer of Alamat ng Tamad)

Is there any difference between a pen and an ink? How about between a parchment and a book?

I am a product of public schools, and still enroll in a public school [though what I really aim is to enter a private educational institution when I reach college]. That made me well sentient of how much sacrifices you need to pay to be able to reach your goal. I’ll tell you “Education does not come in a cheap package” -that is one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in life. Why did I dare to write “Alamat ng Tamad”? Honestly, when I was about to write an article that time, there was no single word that tried to slash my senses and it was so hard to chased ideas. I was left alone and---blank! Then I decided to walk and walk... until I reached the old bridge that is made of wood which I described as “makitid at marupok na tulay na siyang piping saksi sa labing-apat na taon ng aking pag-aaral”. If only that bridge can talk, I bet it will tell us millions of stories: of different people, of different lives, of different dreams.

And since that bridge cannot tell you those stories, I dare to share some to you. Just like how people keep on talking to communicate, how people keep on walking to arrive at their own destination, writers also keep on writing to express and inform. That somehow justifies the article I made. We are human but with different thoughts, equip with our own principles and purpose. I am not writing just to be famous nor to obliterate anyone and anything. I would like to emphasize that I have so much reverence on teachers. Teachers are persons that have a great impact in my being. I’ve learned countless lessons from them, even in the most painful way. But only good mentors imprint better influences.

Before, I am just a typical student like you—observing and listening. But I never have the guts to show my concern, because I thought, no one would listen. Just like a thin-skinned clam inside its hard covering, I’m afraid to step outside.

Then comes CURSOR, at first I was hesitant to join the team. Did I fit to be in? Am I ready to show concerns? Am I brave enough? Did we share common visions? And now, after almost a year, I can confidently say that in CURSOR, I found my second home! I am one of the voices heard.

Writers most often than not thread their pieces out of someone else’s chronicle: they are not only thinking about their own sake. Take note of this: A writer is a good listener. Now, if all of us would take time to pay attention, that is the time I can say, we are capable of hearing. If you hear something, you will understand and if you are able to understand, soon you would accept, and then if you are able to accept, soon you will learn. If learning comes naturally within you, I believe you will stop complaining and arguing. If you would take a brand new step out of your mistakes and embark on a new “you” I’ll tell you, you have the power to change what you wanted to change, because a new “you” could affect “us” in greater ways.

I am not just a pen! I don’t like to be just a pen that contains. I crave for becoming an ink! An ink that overflows…an ink that shows color-real colors. Same as, I don’t like to be just a piece of parchment. I crave to be the book that holds information…a book that tells my story, your story and our story… Believe me; what I am writing is not about what I scrutinize alone. I am an ear hearing thousands of voices. And these voices drive me to write. Your voice is the catalyst of CURSOR to keep moving. My story is your own, and let me assure you--- we are just around the corner, listening and trying to build changes.

CURSOR is not a cluster of nonsense pen. Our writings as I view it are reminiscent of a lesson in Philosophy “Sex and Imagination”. According to a philosopher, when you hear the word “sex”, your response would only be categorized into two: 1) ANXIETY and 2) HUMOR. Readers can laugh or even condemn our thoughts [falls into HUMOR]. But those who could read between the lines would react and grasp the reality that there are things far greater than the string of words, and these are the rallies of voices waiting to be heard [ANXIETY].

So what are you waiting for? CURSOR is waiting for your ink…

New Office for Cursor

Are you familiar with the domino-like effect? Well, you can feel and spot it as the students under the College of Information and Communications Technology begin to use the new academic building starting this second semester. It is like a chain of steps forward for the College.

In relation, we are proud to announce that Cursor, the Official Publication of CICT now has a new office, located at the right wing, third floor of the CICT Building. Yes, you have read it right, CURSOR is just doors away!

The said space was first meant to be a stock room but then temporarily, Dean Hilario entrusts the said room to Cursor. This is in response to the request of having a well-ventilated workplace to accomplish their objectives and goals in disseminating reliable information and promote the right to express and cultivate sense of creativeness towards the student body as well as to our society.

Let us have a quick glimpse of the room-make-over: Cursor team had a general cleaning last January 12. They have dedicated several days to make the office appear finer than what it used to be. The Editorial Board plays the role of being the interior designers in this moment of their lives. Computer? Chairs and tables? Supplies? —In! Curtains glaring as the wind blows, plus the mini-pine tree [as what we call it] cater the fresh and peaceful view and of course, the anticipated fish in the aquarium. All set!

This new space is not just an empty hole or a typical office. For the reason that this would always remind them of RESPONSIBILTY SHARING and working not as a single pen but WORKING AS TEAM!

Why don’t you try to stop over at the Cursor’s Office? The scene of being a stock room before would not ever dare to cross your mind. Every single effort has been well compensated as you pay attention to its every corner. A mixed-match of good ambiance, sharing of responsibilities and professional staffs make it an inspirational place for work.

So what are you waiting for? Visit your friendly-kapitbahay, Cursor is waiting for you ----- at their new home!

--Alicia N. Magtira--

CURSOR, Official Publication of the College of Information and Communications Technology, is in need of highly competent, energetic key players. If you are creative, self-motivated, can share your time and work under pressure, and is a 100% team player, we have a chair waiting for you in the CURSOR table. Join our dynamic team in providing in providing news, upcoming events of the CICT, and an avenue to show the creativity of CICT students.

Let us work together and make a difference.

Interested applicants are encouraged to visit CURSOR Office, at the 3^rd Floor of the CICT Building for application forms, membership inquiries, and position requirements from 10:00am – 04:00pm, Mondays through Fridays starting February 13, 2008 until February 29, 2008.

The CURSOR admission examination will be conducted on March 1, 2008. You will be notified by CURSOR staff when, where, what things to bring (and/or other requirements) on the said exam date.

QUIZ???

CICT’s Baguio Experience

One… two… three… Oh I see… I saw may name listed on Bus no. 28 with nine of my other classmates and other sections from BSIT and Comp. Tech students. I felt a sudden strike of being united as a one college.

I was only three years old when I first came to the City of Pines and that justify why it was hard on my part to remember a single detail of being in Baguio before. When I heard about the Baguio tour of CICT from my so-excited classmates, it made me long to be on the City of Pines again but this time, to capture memories that I surely can remember. Really, it saddened me when I was informed that Php. 1,700 closed the package inclusions. That is one night and two days stay. Most of us, (a good example were my classmates) fell back and decided not to join the fieldtrip anymore for it will cost us a lot. Maybe the organizers (CICT Faculty Officers) realized it’s not practical to settle for Php. 1,700 so they moved it to almost a half. Three of my friends wanted to join but only the two of us in the circle have been lucky to afford the tour’s payment. The day before, they start teasing me like “Tao ka na, makakarating ka na sa Baguio.” What I have told them is that it was my first time to visit the place.

Thank God there’s CICT Baguio Tour, I can now say that I’m able to do things that I wanted, not as a three year old little girl, but a more grown-up to treasure my experiences in my long-term memory!

When the buses came, students started prowling left and right while looking for their names in the bulletin board and on the bus where their names were listed. I saw students that midnight strolled the hallway to find bus numbers, I saw them jumped in and out of the bus and have seen some with huge bags (looks like they’re out for an out of the country vacation), almost sleeping beside the hallway waiting for the bus numbers to be posted. We hadn’t witnessed the skeletal road going up to the mountains of Baguio because we traversed the road where the night loses grasp of the light. But I’m thankful about it anyway, because I hadn’t experienced any drowsy feeling. Our tour guide with a thin but phlegmic voice really disturbed me, in fact almost all of us in the bus. For so many times, he will turn on the lights, get the microphone and would start announcing about the places were we would visit for numerous times over and over again. Nevertheless, he is a certified Baguio historian. I learned that Baguio came from an Ilocano word “Bagiw” which means a plant that grows in mossy and wet places and that Architect Burnham developed the Baguio’s structural design. That’s why Burnham park- the center of Baguio city is named after him.

I could vividly remember Baguio in an early morning. I think that’s the most beautiful part of the day. A foggish, mossy place on Earth plus the cold air – really makes Baguio different from any other places in the Philippines. I further understand why it is called the “Summer Capital” of the Philippines. One thing I enjoyed was when you open your mouth to speak; white smoke will come out of it [just like in Korean movies]. I did it when were having a coffee at six in the morning at Burnham. We’ve been to Bell tower next and there, lighted up five incense sticks in front of a huge Buddha and made our wishes. I enjoyed buying souvenirs at the strawberry farm. Ever heard of a strawberry flavored lengua de gato, strawberry taho, strawberry ice cream, and strawberry key chains? Baguio is really blessed with strawberries. We took most of the pictures in the Botanical Garden, The Mansion, the Wright Park, and Mines View Park—well, I can say that the vision of the mountain is so magnificent! You will surely fall in love standing over the deck! After that, we went back to Burnham Park for lunch- it was past one o’clock in the afternoon. Other went to SM Baguio for the last two hours. I stayed at the bus to steal a sleep. My legs were tired of walking and numb of the coldness.

At four o’clock in the afternoon, we started traveling off our way back to Malolos but this time-- no more tour guide. It was raining when we left Burnham- looks like even heaven bade goodbye as we drifted away from the cold city.

On our way home, we finally experienced the roads of Baguio. It seemed endless. From afar, I saw how blessed Baguio is. People there would not need to climb higher mountains or ride a helicopter to touch the clouds or even chase it away because during the sunset, clouds go down like bridging the top of the mountains and the sky. As the sky turned tangerine while the sun soaks through the downside of earth, you’ll see how heaven was touch by the earth through the clouds. It’s magnificent! It was past ten in the evening when the busses arrived at BulSU.

To walk back home carrying three brooms worth Php100.00, three strawberry wines, six peanut brittle, one kilo fresh strawberries and a dozen key chains is really tough especially when your legs ache. I felt loosing my feet but full of pictures of Baguio in my memory, in my camera and now, in my friendster account!

---Mira---

The Everyday Hero

This morning is maybe one of the most unspoken and poignant jiffy in my life. What is it? I am now handing a photograph, an old photograph to be exact, maybe a couple of decades older than I am. Of whom? Well, a person… a great person whom I barely know. We didn’t talk that much nor shares common visions or secrets. But no one and nothing in this world could ever veil the fact that I owe this person a lot!

Every morning, this person is one of those busiest bees. But oftentimes, many are too occupied to become aware of that, including me. This “someone” I am talking about almost dedicated her life just to provide us with healthy meals and good clothing. She was not able to enjoy the sweet taste of fruits or chocolates and I must know that because she always fakes me with the alibi saying she already had her part. I’ve only seen her with tears three to four times though in reality I know she is at all times in a deep pain. I remember attending a poster-making contest that implementing the theme of visualizing your hero, majority of the participants painted the battle over the high merit of history but definitely the one with a great edge that outstand in the competition was the one made by a young boy that beyond doubt I believe that he is owning an older heart. This art piece reminds me of something--the photograph I have seen this morning. With a trace of youthful glow and innocence, the picture reminds me of a youthful heart dreaming of a blissful life with her ideal family. She is undeniably one of the people who loves and cares for us unconditionally yet we often neglected this part of the story.

How much time we are spending with our friends laughing and crying? Does it equalize the time we spend with her? With a great advancement of technology that jammed up the attention of the youths -- even thought of technology as a powerful creator of virtual friends-- has anybody ever evoke paying attention to her advices or care for a minute of talk with her? I still retain the vision of the child’s eyes in the poster-making contest--that intense feeling of being proud as he received the medal while holding his masterpiece. The poster shows a picture of a woman, not a woman with a myth beauty but a woman holding the splendour that no words could ever cage. With a pearl-size sweat that runs in her dry skin traces with age-lines, the woman is seated on a wooden bench brushing dirty jeans out of the dirty clothes that was worn by the family over a week. Absolutely this naive child sees her mother as a hero. It is a shameful moment for me, for I have never thought of how she plays a big part in my life as much as the fact that I never thought of her becoming my hero.

While the photograph still jogs my memory of her beauty that gradually steals by time, everyday of our life would always hark back of her greatness as a woman of passion, patience, reverence, braveness, concern and fidelity. Now that I am hearing her cracking bones, seeing deep pain searing as she walk, completely aware of how much she fight the coldness of the night that caused her too much ache--I know that my hero is weak for a battle. But then, I do not think I have said how much I admire and love her. So before I and you loses our grip over the time, and before this materialistic world thwart us of appreciating extraordinary individual in our life, let us take time to be thankful for them and learn to know their worth. In this world we can be offered with unlimited stuffs but only our mother could offer us her life undoubtedly… So the next time you would think of your hero, would you consider her as one?

--- Alicia N. Magtira ---