Will Gilas survive in Spain?

With the FIBA 2014 World Cup starting in a few minutes, the Philippines, which qualified for the first time in 36 years after clinching silver in last year's FIBA Asia Championship, will be struggling to fight the other top powerhouse teams coming from the different continental championships for a chance to bring home the elusive world championship title.

With the Gilas Pilipinas finding itself in Group B, the way to victory is surely not that easy as they first need to face off great rosters of players coming from the teams of Croatia, Greece, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Senegal in the elimination round and needs at least two wins to proceed to the semifinals.

Asian Championships

Gilas qualified in the World Cup for the first time in 36 years after beating South Korea in the semifinals of the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship held in Manila, the country's capital city, last August 1-11 last year. However, Iran beat the Philippine national basketball team in the finals.

Iran, the Philippines, and South Korea earned the three berths allotted for Asia to participate in the World Cup starting today in Spain.

World Rankings

After last year's Asian finals, the FIBA World Rankings named the Philippines one of the biggest climbers, having rose climbed 11 spots, and now rank 34 from 45.

2019 Bid

Samahan ng Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan confirmed last July 17, 2014 that the country is bidding to host the FIBA 2019 World Cup, announcing through SBP that there are now four possible venues to be used, the Mall of Asia Arena, Smart Araneta Coliseum, Philippine Arena and a to-be-built arena in Cebu.

The Philippines previously hosted the basketball world championship in 1978.

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DACS Sportsfest 2014 officially begins

Participants from the different colleges and universities in the city will try to edge each other out again as they compete for supremacy in this year’s edition of the Davao Association of Catholic Schools (DACS) Sports Fest which opened last Wednesday, Aug. 27, at the Holy Cross of Davao College Gym.

The event is being staged in host school Holy Cross College of Davao (HCDC) until the first week of October with the theme, “Waging Peace, Forging Solidarity in Mindanao through Culture and Sports”.

This year’s sporting events will include Chess, Badminton, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Swimming, Volleyball, and Basketball. The various events will take place in different venues, with the basketball, taekwondo, and chess games to be played at the HCDC Sta. Ana Campus. Volleyball events will be held at the Philippine Women’s College (PWC) Campus in Matina, while Badminton events will take place at Wheels and More in Bajada. DMMA Colelge of Southern Philippines will be hosting the swimming events, while Table Tennis events will be held at Spin Davao in Torres.

When asked how he felt after winning a match between the PWC in the elimination round, Coach Howard Delgado of St. John Paul II College of Davao Saints was glad about the game result.

“I feel great. [But we are still in] the elimination round. We need to win the games [laban] sa mga remaining teams namin sa elimination in order to qualify in the semi-finals,” he said.

Delgado also stated that they are eyeing to defend their title of being the champion from last year’s tournament.

“We have our daily practice. Nag-paid off yung daily practice namin. At the same time, we’re the defending champion of this league, so I told my players na kung pwede, kunin pa kung kaya kunin,” he added.

In an interview on how they give their focus on winning the games, Team Captain Michael Cañete of the Saints stated that good communication is a must in their strategy.

“For the tournament, in the first game kailangan na makuha ang panalo kasi sa laro, merong talo, merong panalo. Di masasabi [kung ano ang kalalabasan ng mga laro]. Kaya sa first game, kalangan natin kunin ang panalo. [We make] our play simple and communicative to each other,” he said.

According to Frederick Yahya, a player of Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) Blue Knights, their team’s take on winning included heavy weekday trainings.

“Practice lang ug taman tapos naga-ready na mi sa mga kalaban. Naga-practice na mi’g play. Ginahandaan namu ang games kay gusto jud mi mudaog,” he said.

Game events will take place every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of September, with the basketball semifinals and finals matches extending through October 4 and 11, respectively.

View the full schedule of games here:
https://www.facebook.com/atenews/photos/pb.164207110278988.-2207520000.1409315371./825888694110823/?type=3&theater


This article was published by Atenews, the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao University, under the same author. For more university news updates, go to Atenews.

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HS, College teams battle in Beach Volley Fest

Island Garden City of Samal – It was a clash of wit, flair, and strategy as various high school and college volleyball teams duked it out for the first Blue Knights @ Bluejaz Beach Volley Festival held at Bluejaz Beach Resort and Waterpark last weekend, Aug. 23-24.

According to Event Organizing Head Mario Mojica, the tournament aims to promote beach volleyball.

“The purpose of the event is to give a playing venue for the players, [and] to show their skills in playing beach volleyball, kasi ang beach volleyball, wala, ginakaligtaan na. So this is the first na katuyuan na ma-develop ang sport.

“This is an Olympic sport. So, kinahanglan, naa pud ta’y ma-develop nga players ani,” he added.

Holy Cross of Davao College (HCDC) triumphed against DMMA College of Southern Philippines (DCPS) in the College-Men’s Division championship. University of Mindanao (UM) Tagum placed third.

In the College-Women’s Division finals, UM Davao B defeated UM Tagum, while UM Davao A settled for third place.

UM Tagum A came out strong in the High School-Boys Division vs. Pablo Lorenzo National High School, who placed over UM Tagum B for second and third place, respectively.

It was an all-in victory for Tagum National High School in the High School-Girls Division, as Tagum NHS B took home gold and Tagum NHS A clinched silver, with UM Tagum rounding off the top three.

When asked on how it felt to have both of her teams playing against each other for the High School-Girl’s Division championship round, Tagum NHS A and B Coach Felannie Caasi was elated.

“Pirti jung lipaya kay wala man jud mi nag-expect nga [makasulod sa championship] because ang [mga] kalaban nila is kusog then praktisado kaayo. Wala pud mi practice nga pareha sa preparasyon nga gihimo sa [mga] kalaban,” she said.

The victory was made even sweeter for Caasi, as the event was nothing short of a family affair; her daughters play for Tagum NHS B, her son for UM B, and her husband coaches the latter.

Edmar Flores of HCDC, the College-Men’s Division champions, said that the success was not only his.

“Happy mi kay bisa’g init kayo ang adlaw, napaningkamutan namo na madaog mi. Salamat kaayo labi na kay God, salamat kay naa siya, ug sa amung ubang teammates nga naga-support, sa amuang school, ug labi na sa nagpadula, Ateneo, daghang salamat,” he said.

The two-day tournament was made even more exciting with activities such as the Island Foam Party which featured DJ Torch and Wacky Masbad, and a Fire Dance presentation.

RESULTS:

•College – Men’s Division
Champion: HCDC
1st Runner-up: DCSP
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum

•College – Women’s Division
Champion: UM Davao B
1st Runner-up: UM Tagum
2nd Runner-up: UM Davao A

•High School – Men’s Division
Champion: UM Tagum A
1st Runner-up: Pablo Lorenzo NHS
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum B

•High School – Women’s Division
Champion: Tagum NHS B
1st Runner-up: Tagum NHS A
2nd Runner-up: UM Tagum


This article was published by Atenews, the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao University, under the same author. For more university news updates, go to Atenews.

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BM emerges Sayawtenista 2014 victor

There were no words to describe, no more choreographs to dissect, no more actions to scrutinize. There was only the Business Management division, the victors, the one and only standing tall and proud.

It was an intercultural experience as the nine divisions brought the eager crowd around the globe with their magnanimous performances exported from the four corners of the world.

It was nothing but success as the three-day 66th Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) College Fiesta culminated with a boom and a bang – that is in the form of the Sayawtenista 2014.

The School of Nursing

Hours before the start of the event, the Martinez Sports Complex in AdDU Matina was already jam-packed with the people who have witnessed the taking place of a history.

Students from the nine divisions hoped and prayed for the victory of their respective entries but in the end, there was only one who has withstood all the strategies and energies consumed by the other eight.

The Accountancy division first took the stage with the atmosphere of the ancient Egyptian culture.

The Humanities and Letters division tried to outshine the latter through their well-rehearsed Chinese performance.

Third to present was the Viva, Español performance of the School of Education as they brought the audience to the culture of the Kingdom of Spain, highlighting Flamenco, dance sports, and the tap-dance.

The Natural Sciences and Mathematics division recapitulate the traditional Filipino culture as they represented our very own country, the Philippines. Included in their presentation were a katutubong sayaw, Tinikling, the different tribes, and some props including the wild boar and saging (banana). The story revolves around a topic of pang-aabuso sa kalikasan or abuse of nature. This made them grab the second place.

The Computer Sciences division presented the United State of America on the other hand with a theme of time travel. Hip-hop was also highlighted.

The Social Sciences division was all fiesta-like as they included Carnaval in their representation of the Latin-American country of Brazil, with matching Samba, which made them third placers.

Eighth to present was the Business Management division, the victors which portrayed the richness of the Muslim culture in Malaysia, particularly a love story. The intricate hand movements of the female dancers as well as their face expressions and body gestures captured the heart of the crowd, which made them catch the Golden Snitch.

The BM division also conquered last year’s edition of Sayawtenista.

Last to perform was the School of Engineering and Architecture. They successfully represented the exotic culture of Mongolia through their fierce dance moves.

It will be another prolonged year before the dawn of yet another era of like ambiance. One thing is for sure then, that burning drive of excitement will still live in our hearts and when the moment of truth comes again, that nostalgia will yet be relived.

The question is, will the BM division make it to the Hall of Fame and clinch the grand slam for Sayawtenista next year?

Nine divisions. Only one victor. Who will triumph next year as each struggle for the moment of truth?

Are you ready?

Photo from Atenews

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66th Ateneo College Fiesta

The scorching heat of the sun embracing the bosom of Davao City clearly isn't enough to withstand the fire that will set your spirits ablaze as the 66th Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU) College Fiesta marks its commencement - this time with a new hope, a new atmosphere, and a new reality.

The summer time was prolonged as the Business Management division took Ateneo to the sandy beaches of Surigao.

The school's nine divisions shouted their hearts out as the fiesta parade started after the holy mass held at San Pedro Cathedral, San Pedro St., Davao City, yesterday morning.

University President Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ greeted the Ateneo community a happy fiesta, in an interview after the holy mass.

"I wish everybody a happy fiesta! This is a celebration of hope, and of Mary our patroness," he said.

The Group Dance Showdown set the Roxas grounds on fire after the ribbon cutting and banner raising events were held.

Standing tall and proud, the Accountancy division beams up for their twice-in-a-row victory in the Group Dance Showdown competition. Will they be able to be Hall of Fame-rs and steal the grand slam title next year?

Winners' Tally Recap:

Champion: Accountancy

First Runner-up: School of Engineering and Architecture

Second Runner-up: Humanities and Letters

Debaters and speakers also showcased their talents in the Ignatian Cup.

Winners' Tally Recap:

Debate Champion: School of Education

Debate First Runner-up: Accountancy

Extemporaneous Dialogue Champion: School of Education

Extemporaneous Dialogue Runners-up: Business Management,

School of Engineering and Architecture

Made by ArtCo. A student take a pose of her henna tattoo.

Ms. Gay University candidates strike a pose during the CCO Gimikan held at the Dot's Park. The coronation night of the said pageant will be held in September 20 at Cap Auditorium in Davao City.

Before the Musikan 2014: Stories of Love took place, there was a Fire Dance event first, which was held at the Roxas grounds at roughly 6pm.

The Social Sciences division during the parade.

Some of the events to be held today are Talentenista, Children's Hour, and Popcorn Night. The celebration will continue on the next two days.

Photo credits: Atenews

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Conserve Water

       Wanted: Water for survival!

Water is practically everywhere. In fact, over 75% of our planet is made up of water, but only a little percentage of it is potable and is usable for daily activities. But as societies grow and technologies rise, it is our duty to save the scarce resources—wherein water belongs—that could be slowly fading away at this day and age.

Every drop counts.

Water at its current state is abundant in the country but is rare in some parts of the world. In some parts of the Middle East, people buy water with an expensive price, while they recycle it in Singapore. Here in the Philippines, water is practically everywhere that is why we tend not to care whenever it is wasted.

Water is a daily necessity that is why it shouldn’t be taken for granted. It may be abundant but it is limited. We should be grateful that we are able to drink water eight times a day or so, or utilize freely when we bathe, or brush our teeth, or wash the dishes, or the clothes, or whatsoever actions that involve water.

In connection with this, there is a need within each one of us to be catalysts of nature in our own little ways, because our contributions, no matter how small, will save the next generation, and furthermore, the human race.

       Conserve water.

How to save water

Click the link below:

http://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/

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Mobile Phones: So Much More

Wifi hotspots. 3G services. Portability. Touch-screens. The once futuristic perception of advanced technology is all offered by the gadget you are now carrying in your hands.

The modernization of the 21st century indicates a competent era when we speak about technological services. In the Philippines alone, you seldom or even no longer could observe a person who does not own a mobile or cellular phone. A concrete proof of this is our country being penned as the “text messaging capital of the world.”

In schools today, nine out of ten students own a cell phone and are very active Facebook users. According to Emerjon Seniagan, a recent high school graduate of Maryknoll Academy of Cateel in Cateel, Davao Oriental, cell phones are essential tools of communication.

“I use my cell phone on a daily basis to keep in touch with my family and friends,” he said.

Groupie

Consequently, he also utilizes the device for Internet surfing and researching.

“I browse the Internet using smart phones to be updated with the latest trends. I use it instead of laptops because it is portable and has easy access,” he added.

Text messaging and Internet surfing

Cellular phones have contributed to the progress of one’s nation. The reasons being:

First, we exchange text messages and calls in just the blink of an eye through the aid of cellular phones, whereas it is time-consuming through the old-school mail, or snail-mail;


Second, the consumption of cell phone loads implies that cellular networks are earning, therefore contributing to the country’s economy;

Third, having owned a cell phone implies that our economy is growing due to the fact that we can afford to buy such device.

Calls

Indeed, the widespread of cellular phones has created impact all over the world as technology unfolds more innovations of it. Internet, movies, music, games - all in one! A sign that we are progressing as time flies.

With cell phones around, life is so much easier.

Gaming

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Photo Fiasco: The 2013 NSPC Archive

The overwhelming experience at Ormoc still lingers my memories though this year's National Schools Press Conference has already signed off a month now - it still is fresh and very much alive.

It is in my humble beginnings that I became aware how big a writer will be if the very least of his fruit of labors is being a participant of the coveted confab. In a writer's case, if you have already paved your way throughout the NSPC, that only means one thing - you belong to the elite, the ones I consider as a natural gift and not a synthetic talent.

As my journey ends with my senior year just around the corner, the challenge was another regional victory and qualify for the Pampanga nationals in April next year. In any circumstance, as humble as I can bare these words, I now am part of the elite, and the reputation of being a national qualifier just recently will be put to a ruination if I face not only the brink of failure but failure itself. I may now be feared by my fellow contenders but I, myself must confess that I also am afraid of what surprises the future might bring. But there is no backing out now, it's now or never, it's do or die, confidence must kill the fear within me, within myself. 

And when the time comes, my battle cry for my slot at the nationals begins. No matter what occurrences may come, I will fight. I need to win this. 

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Newspaper Layouting: Not Just Some Work

Our different layouts

As for a student collaborative writer, lay-outing papers are not just some work, but a way of life. I, myself have ventured the art of honing perfect-looking papers for high school throughout the years, and since opportunity finally had the courage to show up, it might be the time to take some advantage of this humble talent.

The first layout of the team's collaborative publishing layout artist

Just recently jet-lagged from the national campus press tilt, the annual NSPC, when I was dumbfounded after halting to a realization that my teammates could have a chance to embrace the great probability of vying for the Collaborative Publishing victory come DSPC 2013 and even make it big in the regionals.

Collaborative Publishing is a new, fun and exciting press-con group event composed of seven members, each in English and Filipino mediums in elementary and secondary that are tasked to produce a four-page publication that contains a news page, an editorial page, a feature page, and a sports page.

Since my field of expertise specializes in Copyreading and Headline Writing, I could not enter myself in such event and had to select a few to be taught of. The way I see it, this was a hard job for me, but summer will be a great start to prepare the chosen team. "The more you practice, the less you bleed in battle," cliche that still brings incessant inspiration to us campus journos.

So what I did is start first on the lay-outing over the first week of the tear-jerking col-pub session. I have presented some of my works where my trainee may draw inspiration in creating her own design. I thought this could get far but the potential is clearly evident with her work that I am amply satisfied with it for a first-timer.

My layout for our school publication

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A Mother's Day Special: Kay Inay

“Ang awiting ito’y para sayo

At kung maubos ang tinig di magsisisi

Dahil iyong narinig mula sa labi ko

Salamat! Salamat…”

Hindi ko lubos na mawari kung sapat na ba ang maialay ko itong natatanging musika ni Yeng Constantino upang magantihan man lang ni katiting ang pawis at hirap na kanyang pinuhunan sa aming magkapatid magmula pa ng mahimbing pa kaming natutulog sa kanyang sinapupunan.

Ang aking ina’y sumisimbolo sa bawat inang nagsusumikap sa bawat tahanan mabigyan lamang ng karampatang buhay ang kani-kanilang mga anak sa bawat araw na ginawa ng Maykapal.

Gaya ng aking inay, bawat isa sa kanila ay nakikipaghabulan sa oras at pilit bumabangon bago sumapit ang bukang liwayway upang magtrabaho. Bawat isa sa kanila ay kinakaya ang mga pasakit na dala ng mga suliranin upang mapagtagumpayan ang hamon ng bawat araw. Bawat isa sa kanila ay pasan ang daigdig, daigdig na walang ibang ginawa kundi ang pagbuhatan sila ng kamay na mapait na karanasan lamang ang kinukubli.

Ang Inay ay hindi naiiba sa pangkalahatan. Nasa kanya na lahat ng maaaring makitang katangian sa isang natatanging magulang. Maaruga. Mapagkalinga. Maalahanin. Malambing. At higit sa lahat, mapagmahal. Ngunit ang mas nangingibabaw sa lahat ay ang walang katapusang sakripisyong kaya niyang ilaan sa pamilyang ito dahil lang sa mahal niya kami.

Kay Inay, marami pong salamat sa walang hanggang pagmamahal na ibinibigay nyo po sa aming magkapatid, at ipagpatawad nyo po kung minsa’y nagiging pasaway po kami’t sumusuway sa inyong utos na alam naman po naming kapakanan lang ng bawat isa sa ami’y inyong hangad. Wagas pong pagmamahal ang iniaalay namin para sa inyo ngayong Araw ng mga Ina.

Sa lahat ng mga magulang, taos-pusong pasasalamat ang nais kong iabot sa inyong lahat sapagkat naririyan at naririto kayo palagi upang suportahan gabayan kami sa bawat hakbang ng aming buhay.

Sa mga oras na ito’y maluha-luha ko pang ipinagpapasalamat sa Panginoon ng lubos dahil nabigyan ako ng isang natatanging inay. Sa iyo, minamahal kong nanay, “Salamat! Salamat…” at ika’y aking naging Tanging Ina. 



Photo credits: wishespoint.com

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Pro-Nature: Make the Right Choice

Burning plastics is a bad habit. Don't burn plastics.

Ignorance and laziness. Either of the two can create a huge impact from the human race that can later lead to impairment of the earth.

With these intolerable acts, incorporated with the human nature of being selfish, it is highly regretful to say that our very wealth in our forests are fading slowly, and even very noticeable no immediate remedy can humanity ever sustain.

With the unpleasant effect the raging storm named ‘Pablo’ has left to the people of Cateel, the town is now highly in risk of like disasters, and due to the fact that majority are unaware of their wrongdoings, they become instant contributors of distraction to the balance of ecosystem, resulting to another ‘Pablo’ episode that might strongly happen in the coming days.

The community is trying to rebuild the lost haven that is the once prosperous Cateel, but the way I see it, we were lured to the wrong road, that is why it is such a work to save this bosom place, let alone Mother Nature, especially the world.

Several months after the aftermath, people are still engaged with clearing operations, striving hard to attain cleanliness and beautification at best, but by using the method that is incorrect.

Burning garbage or pag-dok­ as locals used to say is extremely hazardous, not to mention the trashes I cautiously am talking about are purely made up of plastics. Our environs grew weaker and weaker whenever one of us involves ourselves in such activity.

Take it from science: burning plastics is a very unsafe practice of cleaning, let alone the risks to our health as well as our nature. The said process is cancerous and can ruin our respiratory system, and worse our whole body. In the other hand, the dark smoke conjured by burning plastics contain poisonous gases that depletes our ozone, resulting to global warming, and later climate change.

In my opinion, ignorance and laziness takes charge from here. If not uneducated, people become indolent in trash segregation, and only engages self to a much quicker way. Out of laziness, we aren’t even taking 
interest in recycling, let alone the rest of the four Rs – reuse, reduce, and restore.

At this day and age, each one of us are tasked to cure the unending wounds our nature has thoroughly suffered. The youth are the new generation and the future lies in our hands. We need immediate solutions, and I know we can put a stop to this illness that we, as one society, have once started.

Just an eco-friendly reminder: Avoid burning plastics.

Sea of Waste

Photo credits:
saamyspeaks.blogspot.com
badlani.com
sprinterlife.com

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Trees are Crying

“Whoa!” he muttered. He was up from a shrieking nightmare. He dreamed of that tragedy—drastic, tyrannical. Mang Romel was severely sweating. He was squirming in the frantic shadows of that regretful occurrence. But Juan fully recovered. Mang Romel learned his lesson.

Juan was a sophomore student from Magsaysay High School in Compostela Valley. He was a consistent honor student from first grade up to present. He was hardworking. Very valiant in his bravery to protect and conserve nature, in concision he was a student-environmentalist. His intellectual capacity was a great help in promoting the ‘No to Deforestation’ campaign his school supports, but even he himself do not have the nerve to put a stop to his father’s wrong doings.

Mang Romel was a loving father and husband. But of all works he was capable of doing, he ended up as an illegal logger. There’s no other work he could be involved to, especially if one doesn’t know how to read and write. His son, Juan keeps on provoking him to change lives. Why not become a farmer instead? He always keeps pursuing his mother, Aling Sonya to help him stop this insanity, but all Aling Sonya knew was that it was the only way to sustain their needs.

One day in the midst of November, Juan and his friends were climbing up the sloppy steps of the slippery hills from school. The rainy season has begun. Rain keeps pouring heavily from all over the place. Juan and a couple of students were the last to head to their houses, which were situated in the next village.

When they almost reached the topmost part of the sloppy hill, Juan realized that the trees were gone. Stumps were only left. They were like fingerprints remained as evidences. Juan thought carefully. The trees were present yesterday. A whisper leaped to his ears. He suddenly climbed fast. Covered in water, he immediately reprimanded his father to stop the malevolent action. There could be something happening in the near future if this agony prolonged.

It was raining more the next day. The sky was dim. The clouds conjured small thuds of thunder. Students were heading home from school. As they reached the topmost hill again, Juan observed a lonely picturesque. There were small falling debris—few rocks, but more roots and stems from trees cut above.

Juan rushed home. He was angry, very disappointed. He was wet. The rain grew out of cruelty. He had another conversation with his father.

“I can’t help it, son,” Mang Romel worryingly uttered. “You have you needs. I’m your father, and I need to do my duty. This is the only way I can earn enough money to atleast keep us alive.”

“But,” Juan insisted. “But, what about the trees? It is crucial to stop this matter because we will be the ones affected by the calamities.”

“No more buts,” Mang Romel argued in a hushed voice. “Now, get some sleep.”

It was a sunny day next morning. The breeze of fresh air wandered upon Juan’s face. He was ready to go to school. But as he nearly reached the topmost hill as he climbed down the muddy slope, a huge cliff from above collapsed and Juan was never to be seen again.

A neighbor witnessed the tragic fate Juan landed on. Aling Linda, panicking, ran to Juan’s residence and told her kumare, Aling Sonya, that her son was hit by a mudslide on the hill.

Mang Romel shrank from torment the moment he heard the news.

“My kid! My poor kid!” he cried in grief. “I’m sorry I didn’t spare my ears to listen!”

He was watching the melancholic scenery while the people rescued his child. The unending rain started to drop. The sun began to hide.

Faint-hearted, Aling Sonya’s heart was pounding. She was in extreme dilapidation. Her soul was wrecked as any mother’s soul would be if her child will be lost. There was a scarcity of happiness. The people were devastated.

The search and retrieval operation continued. It was haphazard for the people to help find the victim, so the local government put an action to this. The mayor sent a wee-scrutinized team from Davao.

The spouse didn’t lose hope even though the longevity of the rain is still very much alive and getting heavier. It was very dark, but the search and retrieval team didn’t stop. After an hour of searching, the body was found. And to everyone’s relief, Juan’s heart was still beating.

Manong Romel cried again, but Aling Sonya cried most. Juan was rapidly brought to the nearest hospital down the village. It was a ten-minute ride before he was secured inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Sonya was praying. Romel was regretful. Both were wet. Both were in tears of bereavement.

After an hour or two of observation, the doctor finally got out of the room, wearing a broad grin. It was a sign. Mang Romel approached and asked the doctor what’s the diagnosis.

“You’re in luck,” said the doctor. “He’ll recover before you know it.”

Mang Romel told his wife that Juan’s gonna be alright.

Juan’s third day of admission in the hospital brought his father tensions.

“Whoa!” he muttered. He was up from a shrieking nightmare all because Juan tapped his shoulder. Mang Romel shed tears. He dreamed of that tragedy. It was haunting him. He was sweating. His eyes were bulging out as he was squirming into the frantic shadows of that circumstance, protuberant—never to happen again, since he was back, Juan fully recovered. His father was wailing in apology. Mang Romel learned his lesson. It was obnoxious to be engaged in deforestation and that it only brings horrendous misfortune.

Trees are life. We shouldn’t abuse it, because in the end, we’re the ones who shall suffer all the consequences of such acts.

I wrote this article sometime in August last year and decided to share it with the readers given the fact that this story is somehow related to the tragic aftermath supertyphoon 'Pablo' has left in Cateel.

Photo credits: Mr. Olan Emboscado of The Travel Teller

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What's Up, Cebu!

Chronicling the Queen City of the South only means one thing - royalty. Not literally do I mean rich but this stunning place is wealthy of landmarks and a history's comfort zone.

After the coveted national press tilt in Ormoc City, we were given a chance to drop by in Cebu and stroll for at least three hours before taking our flight to Davao. Although we only get to see its beauty in a short span of time, I was already astonished with the vibrant atmosphere the Cebuanos were showcasing, and the influence the Spaniards left was truly worth our sightseeings.

It was Saturday morning, April 13th, when the three-hour wander finally began. It was a scorching hot day for a visit at Sto. Niño Church. The Spanish heritage site was spectacular inside, and out and I would like to commend how exquisite the enormous altar is. But it isn't just it. What's really up for the tour was the gorgeous grotto of Sto. Niño just resting inside. Get up close and personal, and pray.

The Spanish heritage doesn't stop there, just outside the church waiting for you to feel its ambiance is the spledid Magellan's Cross - with Koreans, literally! Aside from the huge cross placed at the center, what's really seeking my attention were these neighboring Asian tourists. Though I'd rather get some picture with the city hall right in front, where the whole controversial suspension  story of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia took place.

Before we arrived at the very end of our tour, some mall relaxation embraced ourselves. Hello, SM City Cebu! Well, off course, it was the bookstore I went right after I was inside. It was satisfying, the whole city extravaganza, the entire Cebu escapade. It was royalty.

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