Facing Disability in its Eye

Jenica Joy P. Cabaguio and Abegail L. Topado

“It was ability that mattered, not disability, which is a word I’m not crazy about using.”

--Marlee Matlin

Living with disability requires a lot of resourcefulness and tons of courage for there are lots of hurdles to conquer. Disability is something that needs to be dominated. For Gerwen Mangubat, a nineteen year old student enrolled in the BS Accounting Management program, he had gained more than what he lost — all because of his perception that his disability enabled him to cross the struggling and tangled lifelines of his being. He had his arm hit by loose electric current when he was nine years old. Since then, he learned to live his life without the aid of his left hand.

Raised in Ibaan Batangas, young Gerwen found it difficult to accept what happened to him early on in his life. “Why him” was his usual question to himself. His difference made it hard for him to do what other kids did during childhood. Sometimes, loneliness loomed over Gerwen. He struggled a lot when hanging out with others because he always felt like he did not belong. Having no left arm used to bring a sudden feeling of discouragement to Gerwen especially when the flashback of the accident struck his mind.

Everyday was a new struggle for Gerwen. But with the aid of people around him, he was able to survive the challenges of living without the ‘full package’; of having lost something really important.

Good thing he had his family, friends and teachers who faithfully believed that he could do all things a normal person could do. They served as his motivation and support system to move forward and to surpass the barriers in his life.

His being special did not mean he would be jarred by difficulties. Instead, he worked to become as effective as other people. He did something about his lot in life. Having lost his right hand did not mean that he would be weak.

He was positive that he could still attain his interests and reach his ambitions — that he could fulfill his dream as an accounting management practitioner. In fact, he was grateful for what he had. All the blessings made him a strong individual.

He left a piece of advice for people who are in the same situation as his, “Huwag nilang isipin na ‘yun ang kanilang kahinaan, ang gawin na lang nila ay gumawa ng paraan para sila ay maka-angat upang makamit din nila ang buong tiwala sa sarili. Lahat ng ‘di magandang pangyayari sa buhay ay may kapalit na mas maganda (People must not think that that (disability) is their weakness, what they should do is to think of a strategy to lift their spirit as this will help them gain complete self-trust. All negative events in life will have good returns),” said Gerwen.

Gerwen, when seen together with his classmates and friends, was just like any other student in BatStateU. Yes, there’s something lacking in his body parts but this fact did not prevent him to become a person whose determination and conviction brought him to heights of unparalleled success. In fact, Gerwen’s personality and values system were even more intense than other people. He proved that there is no disability in life that could mar a person’s dream to succeed. Really, his strength of character, his resolve to go beyond his limitations and his passion to embrace his weakness and build on them made him a model student and person whom everybody will surely emulate.

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Unweaving the Complexity of Teenage Pregnancy

Unweaving the Complexity of Teenage Pregnancy

Jandel Christian B. Pempil and Joshua D. Hiwatig

                “She runs vivaciously with her innocent giggles and unending laughs. Her bare face is kissed by the soft sunlight while the wind blew gently her long and perfectly curled manes.” The immortalized character of Nene in the now defunct teleserye, Katorse epitomizes the complexity of teenage pregnancy and the social dilemma which a young mother faces amidst oppression and public scrutiny.

                The sexual revolution in our country tremendously burdens teenagers to gain sexual experience. Teenagers have been exposed to sex through various media like the internet, television and magazines. Indeed, the interest in such sensitive topic like sex somehow creates an impact which triggers adolescents to explore what sex is out of sheer curiosity. Teenagers deem sex nowadays as a rite of passage especially for males which is a lousy excuse just to justify their machismo.

                For a conservative country like the Philippines, sex and teenage pregnancy are difficult topics to deal with. The conservative society strictly suggests that it is not appropriate for young individuals to engage with sex without the vow of marriage. Indeed, it is a custom which most believe in because chastity is purity. But, does this norm guarantee that teenagers will totally abstain from practicing sex? Does this assure that teenage pregnancy rate will remain at rest?

                Sadly, without proper guidance and knowledge, teenagers will continue to explore their bodies and end up doing sex. Worse enough to say, such irresponsible action could lead to teenage pregnancy.

Ms. Rebecca B. Singson in her article “Teen Pregnancies in the Philippines” for the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that “The University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI) conducted Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality study in 2002 and found out that 26 percent of Filipino youth nationwide from ages 15 to 25 admitted to be having premarital sex experience. What’s worse is that 38 percent of our youth are already in a live-in arrangement.”

The 1998 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) revealed that 3.6 million of our teenagers or 5.2 percent of our population got pregnant. In 92 percent of these teens, the pregnancy was unplanned, and the majority, 78 percent, did not even use contraceptives the first time they had sex.

In an interview, Angelo (not his real name in order to keep his real identity), a teenage father narrated, “I was definitely shocked upon knowing that my girlfriend was pregnant. It was definitely not in our plan and I was very troubled for our future”. Indeed, most teenage pregnancies are not anticipated and in fact most adolescents are not aware that a single intercourse could result to pregnancy.

“I first opened my situation to my boyfriend, Angelo. I knew my parents would keep on blaming me if I tell them what happened. Fear dominated my mind. My parents worked hard to send me to school but then I felt like I disappointed them so much. I cried most of the time when this thought crossed my mind,” Angela (not her real name in order to keep her real identity) shared.

The dilemma in teenage pregnancy is very palpable. Maria, a student and a young mother mentioned, “I was definitely embarrassed. I felt like all eyes are set on me and I am really ashamed.  Despite my situation, I thought of my baby as a blessing and believed that this shall come to pass.” The public never fails to judge a teenage mother. This is because premarital sex which is the culprit is believed to be immoral; when in fact, ignorance should be blamed.

Teenage mothers undergo emotional crisis which is associated with social acceptance. Tamara related, “I got really depressed upon knowing that I was pregnant that time. But when my parents and family showed that I am very much accepted, I was able to recover from my depression”. Teenage mothers become more sensitive with their emotions. It is vital to show them support and understanding which in return could give them strength and motivation.

In most cases, young mothers opt to abortion to conceal the disgrace which teenage pregnancy brings. In the case of Maria, she mentioned, “I thought of abortion at first because I am not yet prepared to take this huge responsibility. I am still studying and my boyfriend just recently passed his board examination. I also do not want to fail my parents. But then, I realized that every baby is a blessing and I am glad that I kept my baby. Everything went well with God’s mercy.”

                Ignorance in sex and its whereabouts should be alleviated in order to prevent premarital sex which leads to teenage pregnancy. And, where exactly is it best to start? The answer can be found at home. Parents should take responsibility in guiding their sons and daughters regarding their curiosity about sex. It is best to advise them when their interest about sex strikes. And when that happens, be realistic. Be straightforward in discussing about it and in reminding them the consequences brought by premarital sex.

Remember, prevention is better than cure. But to think of it, there is no cure for teenage pregnancy but only the courage to face it. So, in order for these teens not to get trapped in this extraordinary situation, encourage them to abstain from sex and respect their body as the temple of the Lord.

As a final note, Tamara shared the life lessons she learned from her experience, “For those teenagers undergoing same experience as I did, it’s normal to feel anxious and shocked at first. But, never let those feelings dominate your system as they may cause you to do stupid things you might regret in the future. People may spread rumors, spit upsetting words, or drag you down emotionally. They may even force you to stop attending school or worse, separate you from your own home. All negative and awful situations might arise from your early pregnancy but never let these eat up your strength and strong discernment of keeping the baby.

“I’m lucky because nobody caused me such pains when I was pregnant. But if you feel like you already hit the end of the road and when everything seems to fall apart, be reminded to feel God’s presence in your heart. Everything will fall into place in God’s perfect time. Just pray for His guidance; never stop praying. At the end, you will see the fruit of all your sacrifices, your firstborn angel, a true blessing from God. All your doubts and worries will vanish together with the hate you felt the first day you learned about your pregnancy. Love will rule over and you’ll be more than thankful that your baby came into life,” she ended with a smile.

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Of Memory and Perception: Filling the Gaps in Between

Of Memory and Perception: Filling the Gaps in Between

Joshua D. Hiwatig

Limitless – a Hollywood film which deeply explored the human brain interaction by way of a tiny, pellucid pill which can actually defy the limits of how the brain functions and for some unbelievable reason, be a tool to be at the world’s top. It was like having the perfect brain. However, it only works for a definite time and one must take the same pill as long as he wants toplay the role ofMr. Know-it-all. In the movie, the downside of such drug weighed as much consequences as what the odds provided. We can therefore state that a person who took the magical pill must be experiencing problems with his ability to perceive things. This is a common problem which disturbs millions of people around the globe, and will continue to gloom the days of the next generation if not prevented.

The constant change that we have today, be it environmental, socio-economic, or political, is greatly affecting the way we think alongside our mental capacity. Several factors are accounted as pursuant of such toxins that aredeemed poisonous to the human brain. True enough, these factors act as barriers, blocking the necessary information we need whenever we find the need to access them. So, what are the major factors which are crucial to human memory’s survival?

Stress Distress

College students experience stress and that is perfectly normal, but at the same time, totally unavoidable. Loads of school works continuously flood a student’s to-do list which eventually turns into blocks of stress filling up every space of his brain.

Researchers were able to identify two hormones responsible for this inevitable condition. The first hormone is commonly known as cortisol, a stress hormone that circulates around your body whenever you feel stressed or anxious. The other one, which is far more dangerous and exhibits undesirable effects, is corticotopin, also a stress hormone that disrupts how our brains collect and store memories. Both hormones, if present on high levels, may cause forgetfulness especially if one is exposed in a stressful environment for a long period of time.

Memory Bites

                Our eating habits act as the determinants of ourhealth today and in the years to come. Most importantly, these habits serve as an indicator whether our brain receives the necessary nutrition it needs or we are just eating our way to dementia.

                Fatty, cholesterol-rich foods are themain culprits for high blood pressure which further results to clogged arteries and blood circulation problems;alcohol isknown as a depressant agent which predominantly slows down reaction time and thought process; zinc, iron and B vitamins deficiency could increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, concentrating and recalling difficulties are also apparent. Alarming as it may sound, such facts are ignored or maybe, people just accidentally forget them.

Information Overload

                Information in this era takes the world to new heights, providing a full wave of technological escalation and gadget evolution to humanity. On a negative note, today’s blast of information can also degrade the quality of our brain in processing information being served by the changing times, as suggested by some researchers.

                For instance, Facebook is considered as one of the most visited site not only in the Philippines, but across the world at large. Heaps of information is being transferred to and fro and according to neuroscientists, this activity can lead to short attention spans, sensationalism, inability to empathise and a shaky sense of identity.

                All three factors stated contribute to the death of neurons which are essential to human thinking. Moreover, emotions, ageing, estrogen (for women) and medicines also aid the slow waning of memory.They all bring nothing but harm to our temples of wisdom, eating up those precious memories we stored for years and formidably turns everything to black.

                On a positive note, memory loss could be prevented. Simple activities such as listening to Mozart’s music, relaxing of one’s mind during breaks andfeasting on tuna meals and omega-rich foods could actually boost the brain’s ability to think and focus. Through this, the brain would be more effective when handling simultaneousinformation, further maximizing the efficiency of the brain.  Recalling the names of our future grandchildren wouldn’t be that hard if we take good care of this mass of intelligence contained within our heads.

“Human memory is adapting to new communications technology.

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Loming Batangan: A Genuine Pinoy Treat

Loming Batangan: A Genuine Pinoy Treat

Bryan John A. Magoling

Whether if it’s the peak of a withering summer’s day or just any other gloomy weekend after a horrible final exam, there will always be one comfort food that many Batanguenos and students alike would never hesitate to take a bowl of— Lomi. After all, who could resist the pleasures of experiencing the cracking chicharon in your mouth, the savory pork melting in your taste buds and that warm, thick bowl of soup oozing down to fill your hungry appetite?

As many of you may already know, Lomi is a hot, thick, noodle soup dish which is usually mixed with egg, pork meat and innards. Its toppings may vary from the addition of fish balls to sausages and even chicharon. With calamansi, sili and toyo as condiments, it produces a unique taste that perfectly blends all four flavors perceivable to a human’s delight on food.  Despite serving it in regular sized bowls, its thickness will certainly make anyone up and running for hours due to its high caloric value. Undeniably, it is known as one of the most common belly busters in many Filipinos.

Although this dish was originally introduced to us by the Chinese, different variations from region to region became available throughout the years. The most popular among these variations would probably be that of Batangas. Since the 80′s, different lomi houses mushroomed along roads and towns of the province just to serve the growing demand of its fanatics. Some of those which can be found in the city are as follows:

Oh Brotha!

Served with an appetizing presentation, oozing with meaty toppings, and with a distinct flavor to its noodles, Brader Louie’s remains one of the top contenders to beat in the long chain of lomi houses scattered across Batangas city. After recovering from an unfortunate fire incident early this year, they were still able to reopen for business to serve their long line of loyal customers. Ranging from a mere Php 30.00 a bowl up to the most expensive price of about Php 60.00, anyone can already get the hype of tasting this one of a kind delicacy. This proves to be an effective marketing strategy toward most students as they really take time to consider affordable but delicious meals.

Too Big to Fit in Here

Probably one of the strongest there is in the lomi industry when it comes to longevity, Jocas’s Lomi House and all its branches all over town are known for serving humongous bowls of delight sided with a heap of toppings ranging from home-made meat balls to popular street foods like kikiam and squid balls. And for a reasonable price of around forty-five to seventy pesos a bowl, who wouldn’t indulge into this tummy-filling win-win?

It Comes in Threes

            Lastly, with its strategic location near schools in the city, the ever famous 3 Kids’ Lomi House also stands as one of the popular choices among students and many other lomi-fanatics. One of their strong points resides in the fact that they serve with an ample amount of mouthwatering lomi for a very affordable price of only forty pesos a bowl. Homed far from the busy streets but still easy enough to go to, 3 Kids brings an inviting and relaxing ambiance to its costumers which always entice them to coming back for another.

            With all three of the most popular lomi houses in Batangas enumerated, it only leaves us to the one true King of this one of a kind treat. And the verdict is… Well, that’s up to you of course. As the saying goes, everything is but subjective. Not everybody will like what you taste is good, but one should always reserve the right to taste it.

We Filipinos have long been known as one of the most adaptive and innovative classes among our kind. The minute we see something special, we nurture it and try to let it thrive from our creative hands. And just as how lomi came to our country, we made sure that it will grow as big as it is now. From a simple noodle dish, we made it ours; into a bowl that would serve delight not only to those with hungry tummies, but to those who seek peace and tranquility to their search for a genuinely pinoy treat. 

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A Half-Bitten Anecdote

A Half-Bitten Anecdote

Louie Florentine A. Sanchez

ASIDE from being the executive who used to wear black mock turtleneck and rugged rubber shoes, Steve Jobs is known as the man behind the weighty revolution called Apple rage. No doubt he’s one of the world’s greatest innovators and the avant-garde of novelty and modernization. His finicky and fussy ego in technology which transfigured the antediluvian modes into something men have long wished for made him as he was.

The first step

It was in 1976 when the trio of Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak (who worked for Hewlett-Packard) and Ronald Wayne (who worked for Atari) first fabricated the very first radical digital computer. It was a hand-built wood-framed built-it-yourself pocket calculator which is so far-off from the standards of a good electronic gadget today— no keyboard, no mouse, no monitor and even a hard drive. Jobs was a college dropout way back then but who would have thought that their simple junk work in the garage, with all their native sense of design, will lead to the inception of Apple I.

The first Apple computer had a startling sale in the market; being bought for $666 each! Because of this, Apple I was considered to be the most collectible PC of all time. After the success of Apple I, Apple conceived more inventions like the Macintosh, the Macintosh TV, the iMac and the Pippin to name a few.

An initial glitch

            In 1985 the Apple board members voted to fire Steve Jobs out of the company due to being so “uncontrollable.” According to his co-workers that time, it was difficult working with Steve. With all his ideas flowing into his mind, he always wanted to go for what he thinks is right without further considerations. He was just inclined with making beautiful objects and not with their probable upshots to mankind and even to the profit for the company.

            After his desistance to Apple, he had bought the Graphics Group which was later renamed Pixar. He tried to focus himself into devoirs far from Apple. But Apple is Steve Jobs, and Steve Jobs is Apple. Apple is the expression of his personal ethos and ideals. Jobs’ termination to Apple caused a crash to the company’s earnings; with Microsoft Windows, Apple’s top competitor, taking on the seat. Apple had no choice but to bring Jobs back and believe in his conviction.

A great comeback

In 1997 with the company’s full support, Jobs came back to Apple and became its de facto chief. The original founder of Apple became a better and responsible leader and inventor that time.

In his speech at Stanford University in 2005, he said being fired from Apple was the best thing that had happened to him. He said, “The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again, less sure about everything. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life."

He also added "I'm pretty sure none of this would have happened if I hadn't been fired from Apple. It was awful-tasting medicine, but I guess the patient needed it."

            One year after his comeback, the iMac was introduced and turned out to be the best selling personal computer in the US. And after less than one year (just that quick!), the second wave of iMacs was introduced.

“Hint: It’s Not a Mac”

            Apple continued to soar in skyrocketing heights during the late 1990s. Jobs’ management to the company created business wise performance and their profit overwhelmingly multiplied with continuous introduction and improvisation of appliances and gizmos. But Apple is so unpredictable and their inventions are so arbitrary and in 2001, they released a new innovation which Jobs teased as “It’s not a Mac!” That was the birth of the very extraordinary music player, the iPod.

            The iPod entailed the launch of iTunes digital music software and the iTunes, which is a more convenient means of legal downloading of music. Since iPod’s unveiling, 170 million units had already been sold and is continuously being bought in the world.

            Not contented enough, Jobs debuted two more Ipod versions for different applications like the iPod Nano and the iPod Video.

Sophistication and Resignation

            After the iPod comes the iPhone then the iPad afterwards. And Apple seems to be in the perfect smooth sail until in August 2011, Jobs resigned as the CEO of Apple; but he remained to be the company’s chairman of the board. As announced in his resignation, “Unfortunately, the day has come. I can no longer meet the duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO.”

His abandonment to his position gave him the opportunity to focus in his health. It can be remembered that he was diagnosed with cancerous tumors in his pancreas in 2004 and they were affecting him exceedingly. 

Salient Leaving

In 2004, he had undergone a successful surgery for a rare form of pancreatic cancer called islet neuroendocrine tumor. Patients of this kind of tumor are said to have a high survival rate most especially if the disease is removed promptly.  But after the operation, Jobs was still in series of medications while he was becoming skinny and the effects of his disease being more vulnerable. Despite of this, he still worked for Apple until the day before his death.

At 3 PM on October 5, 2011, Jobs passed away due to complications from relapse of his previously treated pancreatic cancer resulting in respiratory arrest. The world, not just Apple, lost a visionary and Promothean genius the society has never had since him.

His great love for technology bore countless innovations—the products of his brilliance, passion and desire, which improve and uplift the standards of human life. Steve Jobs will forever be remembered. He will forever be an inspiration to those who wish to soar exalted heights than the usual (regardless of all the pitfalls).

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