A Go-getting Soul

“Si Larry, he`s responsible. May leadership skills siya and he`s wise. Alam niya kung ano ang kailangan niya`ng mga gawin. Ayaw magpatalo sa kahit ano`ng bagay, competitive. Pero, mabait at friendly. When he loves and wants something, hindi siya titigil hanggat hindi niya `to nakukuha o `di siya nag-iimprove,” states Larry’s close friend Alexx.

John Larry Abillar Jr., fondly called ‘Larry’ in JCA was born on the 26th of November 1994. He is the second child in the family and a member of the distinct ALAK JR of JCA.

The five-foot six inches senior currently plays as the small forward of the JCA Roaring Lions Basketball Varsity Team.

Larry is totally hooked on playing basketball and is fond of hitting the sack as well. He also shares how much he loves food and how food loves him which shows in the boy’s chubby stature.

He is very much interested in the English and Economics subjects.

Nevertheless, Larry is not only composed of a jolly personality but an ambitious soul too. He states that he dreams of becoming a pilot someday. “Gusto ko talagang maging piloto,” he says with a smile.“Pero pangarap ko rin talagang makakain ng 10 ft long na Snickers,” he humorously added.

Moreover, the charismatic boy looks for a lady who has the brains, the height, and the heart- a girl he'll give a free ride on his jet.

Nothing is too impossible for someone like Larry Abillar. He dreams and does everything to hold his dream on hand. Up up and away boy!

Kabataan, may pag asa pa!

Ika-111 taon na mula nang inialay ni Gat Jose Rizal ang kanyang buhay para sa bayang sinilangan. Sa pagbagsak ng martir sa lupa ay siya namang pagbangon ng pag asa. Pag asang kanyang iniatang sa mga balikat ng kabataan. Isang pangarap na maiahon ang Pilipinas sa lugmok ng kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng talim ng isip ng makabagong henerasyon. Kabataan, asaan ka na nga ba ngayon?

Kabataang nadadawit sa mga eskandalo at panggagahasa. Kabataang hindi na makapag aral dahil sa pagkasugapa sa droga, shabu, marijuana at iba pang ipinagbabawal na gamot. Kabataang walang ginawa kundi lustayin ang pera ng mga naghihirap na magulang. Kabataang natuto nang pumatay. Kabataang halos isuka na ng lipunan sa kahihiyan. Kabataang sumasalamin sa kabilang dako ng pangarap ni Rizal.

Ngunit kung buhay pa ang bayani hanggang ngayon, alam kong hindi siya titigil sa paniniwala sa kakayanan ng kabataan Pilipino. Dama kong patuloy na mag aalab ang kanyang pag ibig para sa mga ito. At imbes na mamuhi, alam kong mas hihimukin at mamahalin pa niya ang mga ito sa kabila ng buong mundong tumutuligsa na sa kanila.

“Magagmit kayo ng bayan.” Ito ang mga katagang binitiwan ni Punong Mahistrado, Renato Puno nang may kumpiyansa. Isang Rizal na hindi nagsasawang manalig na pag asa pa rin ng bayan ang mga kabataan.

Ayon kay Corona, dapat maging mulat ang mga mata ng henerasyong ito sa proseso ng edukasyon. Karapat dapat lamang seryosohin ng mga kabataan ang pag aaral ng wasto dahil ito lamang ang tanging tulay sa maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa kanilang buhay at sa bansang Pilipinas. Sa ayaw man o sa hindi, dadaan at dadaan sila sa pag prosesong ito.

Tunay nga naman na ang pag aaral ay susi sa tagumpay. Isa itong armas na makatutulong sa mga kabataan na patunayan ang kanilang mga sarili.

Huwag nating biguin ang mga taong nananatiling umaasa sa kakayanan ng kabataan kagaya nina Corona at Rizal. Huwag tayong pumayag na maging imahe nalang tayo ng pagiging sakit sa ulo habambuhay.

Kung sa bagay, malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating. Maaaring may mga pagkakataong napapaliko ang ating landas. Maaaring ilang beses na rin tayong nabangga. Ngunit ang mahalaga ay ang patuloy nating pagtayo, paglaban at pagpapatunay na kaya nating magbigay pugay sa bayan.

Kabataan, hindi pa huli ang lahat.

Pearl of the Orient named ‘cultural capital’

Colonized by three distinct nations- Spain, Unites States of America and Japan. A remarkable culture greatly influenced by the Malays, mixed with Pre-Hispanic and non-Christian ethnicity. When will different races see it rise above the pacific?

Finally, the world recognizes the complexity of the Philippines and its culture as it has been named to be the culture capital of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for 2010 and 2011. While Singapore was chosen to be the next cultural center of the region for years 2012 and 2013.

Being the first ever country to be given the recognition by the 10-member association of Southeast Asia, the board of ASEAN has decided to make Manila host the 4th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers Responsible for Culture and Arts (AMCA) and the 6th Senior Officials Meeting for Culture and Arts (SOMCA) in Clark, Pampanga in March. Together with the culture ministers' meeting, the 4th ASEAN Festival for Arts will as well, take place.

With the theme: The Best of the ASEAN: From Ancestral Roots to New Artistic Routes of Expression Mobilizing Cultural Diversity for the UN-MDGs, the organization aims to achieve the Millennium Development Goals not by might but persuasion, not by force but by the liberating use of arts. To help the government eradicate the most dreaded diseases of today’s society by the feature of talents of the Asia’s best artists.

ASEAN countries will illustrate their “best” through different presentations. A book, a film, or any other production will do as long as it will make their culture be of big help in bringing the countries in Asia together in achieving the MDGs.

"Together, unified in the ASEAN region, we shall overcome and win the war against poverty and environmental degradation to assure the survival and dignified life on earth of our children and coming generations," according to presidential adviser on culture Cecile Guidote-Alvarez.

As of now, NCCA prepares a lot for the upcoming festival and events with Executive Director Cecile Guidote-Alvarez and other government sectors including the Department of Foreign Affairs, and the Department of Education leading.

National Commission for the Culture and the Arts performs the best of their part to contribute to the flourishing field of arts and in order to prove that our country is really a place of a wealthy cultural heritage to be pronounced as capital of prosperous customs.

From zarzuelas to kundiman, from komedya to folk dances. Everything sprouts from a historical background. Philippines is even more than deserving to be the cultural capital of the Pacific.

Mankind shared equal yoke

All parts of the globe have felt the year passed every race and every life.

I have seen the ups and downs of 2009, mostly downs. And I considered myself as forsaken and rejected.

Time flits as quick as the vapor vanish in air. Yesterday is always the old science of tomorrow and what happens today is nothing but history for the next generation.

It was the first time I swallowed my precious pride and begged for some politicians’ money because my school has nothing to give us, not even a penny for the printing of our campus paper. The very first time I got kicked out of class because I overstayed at my journalism class for some undone articles.

But considering what others have gone through, I am not the only one affected by the past year. I am not the single one who took part of it but the world shared equal burden.

It is only now that I have realized that the planets don’t only rotate on my own axis but also revolve around the sun. I may live in my own peculiar world, but outside is a worse scenario than my childish dilemma.

Being at the top of my class, and seeing the dreadful digits of 89 on my card is a slap on my face. I feel humiliated and stripped down to nothing but shame. I see people laugh at me and throw insults on my face. I see it in my mind, I really do.

If this already means life and death to me, then what do you call the fateful experiences of my kababayans during the wreckage of typhoon Ondoy? Death and death as it is.

Every little thing in this world is affected by any means. Whether you are a celebrity or an ordinary fish ball vendor along the streets, you are part of it. 2009 and everything that comes within it doesn’t have the power to choose whom to influence. You and I aren’t exempted

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson died at 50, the first ever black president of the United States was inaugurated, and Great Britain entered recession. Everything is possible and doable.

Time flits as quick as the vapor vanish in air. Yesterday is always the old science of tomorrow and what happens today is nothing but history for the next generation.

At least now, I am pretty conscious that one life and another is affected by every ticking of the clock. That I am not located in the worst possible situation on earth.

Maybe this time, I could handle something like 89 on my report card and gulping my pride, knowing that everyone got their fair share of 2009.

"A Mirror To Filipinos"

- A reflection of President Noynoy Aquino's Inaugural Speech.

President Benigno Simeon Aquino III now is the torch bearer. Every Filipino looks up to him with great reverence, hoping that the fire would continue to burn within his heart and give back to his motherland.

In P-Noy's speech, he has given hopes to his countrymen. He didn't fail to submit to the moral standards of God, of men, and of the constitution.

Humility- This is one great thing that I have found in Noynoy.It is obvious that he never dreamed of becoming the most powerful man on the land. He didn't desire for fame and glory. And though he came from affluent clans, he rejects special treatments and choose to be one with the Filipinos.

Service- Noynoy has the heart of service. He has the compassion and eagerness to revive our country. He prefers to serve the Filipino people than his own personal interests. He does not take advantage.

Integrity- "Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap."- this was the Liberal Party's slogan last election. I do believe that P-Noy would not dare steal from the Filipinos. He would probably not shame his parents.

Noynoy is someone worth it. He is a man of truth, humility, and justice. A mirror of a true Juan Dela Cruz.

2010 Automated Elections: Are we ready?

Hope for the best and expect for the worst. The Philippines yet, has many more hurdles to conquer before it succeeds in electing the 14th president of the Republic.

The Commission on Elections as of now has approved to have the P11.3 billion fund for the automation of the upcoming 2010 national elections. And it is already time to reinforce Republic Act 8436 entitling COMELEC to conduct the said automation. All is set up. But until now, the public still mistrusts the try our government will be giving. Should we pursue automated elections then?

First, Filipinos fear the misuse of the machines and other probable conflicts it may cause us, especially to our old ones who have limited knowledge of using the computer in spite of globalization and the up rise of technology.

Second, IT specialists believe that the counting machines are more likely to malfunction despite of numerous testings conducted. The skepticism as well of the legislature highly affects every decision that the Commission on Elections will be making.

Third, different sectors including the Makati Business Club worries over delays caused by the late delivery of the machines that we will be using. It is feared that this automation poll project of COMELEC might fail and just fall back to the traditional manual counting if the new system was not in place by May.

Lastly, such conflict and unrest could give President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reasons to declare the most dreaded failure of elections which will make her questionably stay in position beyond the expiration of her term on June. Now, are we prepared?

The automation, however also brings forth a big change in Philippine history. If it is to pursue just like what COMELEC Chairman Jose Melo promises to the public, the country would be able to be in track together with other highly developed nations towards growth and development. And the credibility of the computerization is of big help to stop ballot-buying and other forms of cheating.

A lot of ifs and consequences are at stake here. Any wrong move would ruin everything. In spite of all the doubts, we think, an attempt for change that would carry the country to progress is and would never be in vain.

Aquino-Yap break up: A mirror to Filipino marriage?

The Philippines’ Queen of All Media confirms intrigues spilling over tabloids about her ‘rumored’ break up with husband James Yap during her last appearance on The Buzz. Another failed marriage to count?

Kris Aquino conveys that she has come to her end after trying so hard to survive their marriage. Reliable informants close to the couple say that the tendency of Kris controlling James are likely to emphasize their differences due to dissimilar socio-economic backgrounds as well. Moreover, Kris says that this is already final. That she thinks that a matrimony that lasted for no more than 5 years is definitely over.

Shaking circumstances of a married life however, are not only meant to be experienced by stars and celebrities. Ordinary couples do. But the question is, if your differences clash through each other all the time, when you don’t agree with other’s opinions, and when you find it hard to work it out, is breaking up the only option? Maybe, the new word synonymous to it- Divorce.

Divorce cases in the Philippines are undeniably in a rise. Married couples frantically see it as a quick fix to unresolved problems. An escape to complications that marriage has brought them. They marry and are madly in love. After a year, get impatient and dump each other, leaving children with no parents. Then marry again. It is but an endless cycle.

If all couples are as hopeless as Kris and James, what more could happen? How many more children could lose a complete and happy family?

If all mothers would be controlling as such, how many more fathers would look for another woman? If all husbands would be as defensive, how many more wives would tend to nag? Logic. Marriage is a give and take process. Marriage is a lottery, but you can't tear up your ticket if you lose. It is sacrifice to the most awful way.
Marriage is sacred.

We are Filipinos. We are basically loving, warm, patient, and family oriented. We are indeed, attached to our culture. Therefore, divorce should never end up as a choice to ‘break free’ from what’s supposed to be God’s gift.

Kris and James Yap’s story is a lesson learned. Some may have the same scenario, but not all. Filipino marriages must be still worth it all.

Sex Education: A boon or a bane?

A newly impinged DepEd memorandum on sex education has once again shaken the foot stool of Catholicism, plagued by criticisms and legal assaults in spite of the urge and goodwill to inform the Filipino youth about the sensitivity of sexuality.

The Department of Education has recently included the sex education campaign in elementary and high schools’ curricula, as the most probable solution towards curbing the country’s population rate to over two percent. This was blamed to be the reason of desperate poverty and the unstoppable rise of the Philippines’ growth rate.

Yet, the Catholic Church and powerful conservative crusaders have disagreed to the principles that sex education is promoting and filed an injunction, requesting a ban to DepEd’s program.

"Sex education in schools is not the answer to our population problem and poverty," Eric Manalang, head of the conservative political party Ang Kapatiran firmly conveyed.

If they say that this is not a potential cure to our growing number, then this must even be worthy to pursue concerning our youth’s sexuality. If the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines does not agree to what the government sees, maybe they’ll give way in order to provide our teenagers a broader knowledge in regards to handling their sexuality.

"It promotes promiscuity among children... it does not promote the proper values that we want our children to receive in schools and we believe sex education should strictly remain a family affair." Manalang added.

Well I don’t personally believe that sex education would ruin the moral standards of the Filipino youth. Instead, this would help them be aware of the changes that they undergo and will make them understand themselves. This would also give them a clearer perception of out-of-marriage sex.

On the other hand, fund's Philippine Director, Suneeta Mukherjee said that this program’s opponents have nothing to fear.

"We are not encouraging people, or children, to have sexual relationships, we are only helping students handle their sexuality as part of the process of growing up," Mukherjee explained. "Children at this age are very sensitive and must be taught by people in authority." She added.

I strongly believe to what Director Mukherjee stands for. The education department must be too precautionary on this.

However, I rigidly resist to opening up sex education to elementary students. Children below 13 years old must be exempted to this program because it is simply not suitable to their understanding and might serve as deadly poison to their young minds. I am personally against teaching them anything about sex because this would undoubtedly spoil the innocence that we should carefully restore and treasure inside of them.

Sex education is definitely a boon. I don’t find what’s wrong in being informative to students like I am. We are undergoing into the adolescence level. Sometimes, or most of the times rather, teenagers do not tend to understand themselves which at times, leads to early pregnancy, or accumulation of HIV and STDs. They need help. We do.

Moreover, we are undeniably curious and hungry for exploration. Adolescents need proper guidance. If not given the attention and supervision, another life might be turned into nothing. Due to observation and personal stories I have encountered, too many lives were wasted because of what? Ignorance? Curiosity? Lack of knowledge?

YES to adolescents, NO to children.

Teenagers, let us be matured and responsible enough in approaching this topic. Let us grow up and not laugh at “sex education.” Because in the end, we would never like to suffer.

"We just want the children to make responsible decisions.”- Suneeta Mukherjee

The Evolution of a Writer

Behind a twist of fate lies a purpose. Behind unpathed waters comes an undreamed shore.

I always knew what I wanted to do with my life. I only see myself doing nothing but battling in court, fighting for sound judgment. Except for that, my vision seems to be blurred and my mind in refusal to entertain any other possibilities. I thought my dreams would only fight on for a single reason. Not after I found my first love…………. writing.

My journ class opened that door of realization to me. I really considered it fate at first. In the first place, being a writer wasn’t totally a serious dream for me, not even a mere fantasy. But during that time, I had no better choice but to give it a try. It wasn’t easy, though.

My junior year was a roller coaster ride. I can still vividly remember how my journ class has given me a hell of a ride. NO Math quizzes, unexcused absences, awkward stares from my classmates when entering late in class, so on and so forth. The long list goes on. It was really a year packed with dramas when one of my classmates had to cry in order to get away from a visit at the Guidance Office. Actions when we rumble out of panic and suspense when we sneak inside the classroom, wishing that we don’t get caught. There maybe perks, but twice as much with the perils. Yet, I have managed to stand and move on.

Why? I didn’t know. Maybe to show off and impress. Too way back then...

For the endth time, I would admit how difficult it was for me to excel in journ. I think I have given my best. Not even my best but my ALL. All I really desired before was to top and be recognized in the smallest possible way just to quiet my ego. Yes it was selfish, I know how self-centered I became. But that wasn’t the end.

Losing slapped me straight in the face. Tumbling down on the ground made me incapable of grasping any glimpse of hope on hand. I tried to quit for several times. Raise my hands and shout “I give up!” just to escape my paranoia. All I waited was an answer from God. Another lose could have made me quit. But I surprisingly won. Weird wasn’t it?

However, the voice inside my head didn’t stop to bother. Yet, I still do not have the answer my ear expected to hear. I didn’t know what was holding me back and what was asking me to stay, where the boost was coming from.

How come? I couldn’t figure out. I didn’t understand.

Days, weeks, and months have passed us by. Finishing, polishing and funding for Ignite’s contest issue. Every Ignitero shared equal burden with each other. I saw and experienced the meaning of “teamwork” in the persona of my classmates. In that period of time, I have realized that no individual star has shined. No one was personally lifted up high and magnified for said contributions. We shined as one huge ball of fire.

Change has stricken me that moment. Unknowingly, I wasn’t doing things for myself any longer. I suddenly forgot serving my personal interests and thought of how the people around me desperately needed a hand. The immature bratinella suddenly vanished. No more spoiled brats. Only a firm writer ready to battle remained.

I grew up. I grew up in the true essence of writing. The selfishness of the girl who never dreamt of being drawn into the unseen world of creativity vented to be a native of the realm of imagination.

She has found her first love in the craft of writing. She has evolved to be a great writer in the making from an egotistical feminist. She has learned to mingle and to laugh. To jump out of her comfort zone and reach out. She has proudly tried and fell short. She has learned the value of friendship and fellowship. She has finally found a tunnel out of her tiny, peculiar world. To take the courage to explore the greatest material in the art of writing- the world.

Why are you here? Of all places, why here?

I am here because this is where I belong. I grew in love of the fascinating charms of writing and I can not imagine my life without it. I am here because this is where I linger to escape reality and find serenity in its beauty. I am here because I now, dream of becoming a writer who’ll influence thousands of lives. A person who seeks judgment not only in the power of argumentative reasonings but also through the clutch of a pen and a paper.

I guess I have no other reasons to stay here. My passion and love for writing, I believe, is more than enough to keep me going no matter how tough it may take. I have evolved into a writer willing to learn, fail, to try again and to succeed at the end of an exasperating day. A writer who has the heart to discover the earth’s mysteries and to probe the depths of the ocean.

It may not be an in-born desire. Cowardice was already excluded. Cause out of fate and guts, I was founded in what is called a true love, a rekindled passion.

Let us not fear to stroll and to explore, to leave no unpathed waters and undreamed shores.