MY MOTHER

MY MOTHER
By: Staci Warren

My mother kept a garden,
A garden of the heart,
She planted all the good things
That gave my life its start.

She turned me to the sunshine
And encouraged me to the dream,
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rain came,
She protected me enough-
But not too much because she knew
I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example
Always taught me right from wrong-
Markers for my pathway
That will last a lifetime long.

I am my mother’s garden.
I am her legacy,
And I hope today she feels the love
Reflected back from me!

This poem is from the book “Chicken Soup for the Soul.” I was really inspired by this poem. At first I thought it was just a simple letter of gratitude for a mother, thanking her for the gift of love and for caring for her children. The main idea of this poem really struck me.

I am a daddy’s girl. I have a closer relationship with my father compared to my mother. I have a lot more fun being with my dad rather than my mom. This poem made me realize that my mother is also a special one. A special someone who will give me values all throughout my life even without my father beside me.

When I read this poem, tears fell on my cheeks. I thought to myself, “Hey, you are lucky for having a mother beside you. Remember that not everyone is blessed to have a mother.” Some of the stories I often hear was that their mother died while giving birth.

I love my mom and I don’t want her to think that I neglect her patience, affection and care. She taught me to love and care for people that made me stronger everyday. I am a mother’s garden and I love the way she loves me.

-Michelle Patingo

P-NOY Deliver First State of the Nation Address

The entire nation bore witness when President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, also known as P-NOY, was inaugurated on June 30, 2010. After his inauguration, President Noynoy went straight to work. The next thing the Filipinos watched out for was his first state of the nation address. The SONA is one of the duties expected of the president. Usually, the first SONA is the most important and most crucial as it reports on the current status and plans the new administration for the country.

P-Noy’s first SONA was presented before a joint assemblu of the senate and congress at the Batasan Pambansa in Quezon City. Senator Juan Ponce Enrile maintained his seat as Senate President while Congressman Felician ‘Sony’ Belmonte was elected Congressional House Speaker.

Senator Enrile and House Speaker Belmonte were one of those who met the president when he arrived at Congress. President Aquino’s speech lasted for about forty minutes. He mentioned that the former administration spent Php 45.1 B this year, adding that 20 percent of the budget is nearly depleted. He also said that Php 1.4 B or 70 percent of the calamity fund had already been spent by June from which Php 108 M was received by the entire province of Pampanga. He noted that these funds were given on election month.

Anomalies and Irregularities

The president also cited anomalies in the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) about their funds. MWSS payroll was Php 211.5 M in 2009 and bulk of this went to additional allowances, bonuses and benefits beyond the 13th month pay. Its’ board of trustees got hefty allowances and bonuses that amounted to Php 2.5 M in a year but pensions of retired employees are still in arrears. Even the La Mesa Watershed wasn’t spared since housing was provided for top MWSS officials many of Arroyo’s Midnight Appointees.

Anomalies in the DPWH Road Users’ Fund were discovered. Ill-conceived projects also arose. According to President Noynoy, some Php 3.5 B was released for typhoon victims five days before her term ended. He found out questionable storm rehab projects. He also said that politics dictated NAPOCOR’s moves that taxpayers end up paying for its debt. irregularities in the MRT Project were also reported. There were also anomalies in the NFA regarding rice purchases. NFA’s debt reached a whopping Php 171.6 B in May of this year.

To stop these problems from happening, the president said that all projects will be scrutinized so that no unnecessary expenses would occur. Charges will be filed each week against tax evaders and smugglers. P-Noy reported that half of the extra-legal killings under his administration are nearly resolved. An executive order creating the Truth Commission will be signed with the week.

Investor-Friendly Philippines

The president stressed that investor confidence in the Philippines will happen under his leadership. He added that public-private partnerships will help solve the massive deficit in the country’s debt. In his speech, Aquino reported that private groups have shown interest in shouldering government infrastructure projects. Such agreements will also help boost funding for education and social services, as well as for the tourism and agriculture industry.

P-Noy’s administration is set to prioritizes job creation and giving assistance to the different industries. He called on local government to streamline their processes for entrepreneurs.

Priority Laws, Peace Talks

The administration will push for Fiscal Responsibility Bill, which will limit the spending bills only for appropriations that have identified a source of funding. President also said that the Procurement Law should be amended to avoid another NBN-ZTE scandal.
He also reiterated that an Anti-Trust Law is need to scrap monopoly and cartels that kill competition. He compelled Congress to pass the National Land Use Bill; amend the National Defense Act; and push for the Whistleblower’s Bill. There is also a need to review outdated laws to ensure harmony in legislation. His government further seeks to strengthen the Witness Protection Program.

The president promised not to repeat the mistakes of the previous administration regards to the Mindanao peace situation. Talks with the More Islamic Liberation Front will resume after Ramadan. To the CPP-NPA-NDF, the president encouraged them to present concrete solutions
as the government remains open to ceasefire and dialogue.

President Noynoy told the Filipinos that this is a time for sacrifice. To the media, he asked them to guard their ranks, be fair, truthful and elevate the level of public discourse.
Towards the end of his speech, he addressed the public to monitor their leaders and engage instead of complain. President Noynoy believed that the country’s fate is in the hands of God and of the people. His mandate is proof that Filipinos can still hope for change.

-Charmaine Ann Purugganan

Book Review: Fallen

“What if the person you love cannot be yours?”

Author Lauren Kate teases readers with the little question at the back of her latest book, Fallen.

Fallen is a good story for readers who wish to read something dark, gothic and romantic. This fictional love story involves Lucinda Price and Daniel Grigori, students of an old school called Swords & Cross located near in a vast and foggy cemetery.

Lucinda Price has something everyone might think was weird. Shadows lurk around her, making her life miserable. She meets Daniel Grigori, a mysterious and handsome guy in school. But there are still some things that must be revealed as Lucinda tries to investigate the life of her love.

The novel moves through the scenes quickly that any reader might end up reading chapter 1 to chapter 5 in one sitting. Lauren Kate keeps in simple and straightforward in describing the unfolding events.

If you are tired of reading something ‘vampire’, Fallen is a very good book to read for those who like something about heaven.

-Camille Nuñez

BPI: “Paulinians, SAVE for your Life”

On July 26, 2010, the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants and Junior Finance Executives conducted the BPI on Call: Financial Wellness Seminar.

The seminar encouraged the students the value of saving and investment in the earlier time possible. The event taught participants how to create their own budget and savings plan.

“Being wealthy is the ability to continue your preferred lifestyle without actually working.” Said Mr. Eric Barroquillo, the workshop facilitator, Senior Manager of BPI Field Sales Department and a writer of Kerygma Magazine.

He added that only 2 percent of people currently enjoy their retirement. About 23 percent of Filipinos are still working in their retirement years, while 75 percent depend on the support children of support of children and relatives who work.

The seminar outlined five steps in developing a budget and savings plan. These includes determining your fund source, itemizing your expenses, setting aside a minimum fixed investment, living within the balance and monitoring your progress.

“You should have financial discipline. You should save before spending and remember that earnings less savings mean expenses.” Mr. Barroquillo concluded.

The seminar was held in the Founder’s Hall. St. Paul Manila was represented by primarily by the College of Business and Management (CBM) students.

Correspondent: Camille Nuñez

The Highlights!!! The Jaime V. Ongpin Journalism Seminar

The Talk: Moderated by Ms. Melinda Quintos De Jesus

The selected students from St. Paul University Manila Mass Communication Department

The Panelist with their certificates

Students with Ms. Kara David who wished to be a History teacher but end up being a journalist!

Mr. James Trottier of Canada Embassy awarded the 2010 Marshall McLuhan fellow to Mr. Ed Lingao.

A picture with Mr. Ed Lingao and Mr. James Trottier

Iskolarship Para sa Kabataan

Dinagsa ng maraming magulang noong nakaraang Hulyo 15, 2010 ang unang araw ng pagbubukas ng tanggapan ni Valenzuela 2nd District Congressman Atty. Magtanggol "Magi" Guinigundo. Nais ng mga magulang na mapabilang ang kanilang mga anak sa mga magiging iskolar ng kongresista.

Dala-dala nila ang mga kinakailangang dokumento upang maging kuwalipikado ang kanilang mga anak sa nasasabing iskolarship. Ang mga kinakailangang dokumento ay ang mga sumusunod: Voter's I.D. ng mga magulang -- bilang katunayan na sila ay mga mamamayan ng lungsod, birth certificate ng bata at sertipikasyon na may lagda ng guro at punongguro ng paaralan -- bilang patunay na doon nag-aaral ang bata.

Ang nasasabing iskolarship ay magkakaloob sa mga mapipiling mag-aaral ng P 500.00 kada buwan bilang kanilang allowance. Kaya naman noong nakaraang Hulyo 19, 2010 ay nagkaroon ng maikiling programa sa mababang paaralan ng Marulas para sa pagkakaloob nito ng allowance ng mga mag-aaral. Sa kabuuan, 105 ang mga mag-aaral na nabigyan ng tig P 500.00.

Mababa ito kung ang pagbabatayan ay ang kabuuang bilang ng mga mag-aaral sa nasabing paaralan na hindi bababa sa 2,000. Kaya naman magkakaroon pang muli ng pangalawang beses na pagbibigay ng iskolarship sang-ayon narin sa kahilingan ng mga magulang na hindi pinalad na mabalitaan kung kailan ang araw ng pagsumite ng mga kinakailangang dokumento at kung anu-ano ang mga kinakailangang dokumento na dapat i-sumite para mapabilang ang kanilang mga anak sa iskolarhip.

Isa sa laman ng plataporma ni Gunigundo ay ang edukasyon. Kaya naman, bilang pagtupad sa kanyang mga ipinangako sa taong-bayan, kanyang ipinagpatuloy ang kanyang proyekto noong kanyang nakaraang termino.

Correspondent: Queenzel Fajardo

Water, I Love You. Please Love Me Too

Recently, news reports have filled media about water shortages. We all know that water is very important and without it, it is like an ultimate damnation in our lives. It is hard to take a bath, it is hard to do the laundry and it is hard to clean oneself especially when “you do your everyday thing” in the bathroom.

Angat dam’s status is very alarming, that its volume is starting to decrease due to the effects of El Niño which comes every SIX years. The dam supplies more than 90 percent of the domestic water supply of Metro Manila, home of 12 million people. If it continues to worsen, many towns in the country might get affected.

“The impact on our customers with the continuing supply reduction will be as bad as Maynilad if we don’t practice responsible and wise usage of water now.” Jeric Sevilla, head of Manila Water’s corporate communications said.

What should we do? As normal citizens we can do nothing but to cooperate and understand the problems we are experiencing.

1. We can use used water from the laundry to clean the toilets and floors
2. Use a brush or cup when you are going to brush your teeth. By that, you EFFECTIVELY LIMIT the use of water.
3. Moderate the use of shower.
4. Repair water tubes to avoid excessive waste of water.
5. Make sure that your faucets are closed. Remember, every single drop is water that can be used.

These are simple things we can apply. In this way, we can show how we appreciate water and in return, it will love us back by giving us what we need. Let us not waste water. It is a gift that we must treasure.

-Camille Nuñez

Metro Manila Damay sa Hagupit ni Bagyong Basyang

Bagyong Basyang: Isang kuha mula sa satellite ng PAGASA

http://www.bazicsnewsfeeds.co.cc/2010/07/update-on-bagyong-basyang-typhoon.html

Inaasahan ng karamihan na tatapat ang Bagyong Basyang sa Hilaga at Gitnang Luzon ngunit, maraming nabigla nang bumulusok ito sa Metro Manila at idineklarang Signal no.2

Kinagabihan ng Martes naranasan din ng buong Metro Manila ang lakas at bagsik nito dahil sa katakot takot na malakas na hangin ang pinaramdam sa lahat.

Madaming probinsya ang naapektuhan sanhi ng bagyo.madaming buhay ang nawala. Madaming biyahe din ang naantala. Madaming mga poste ng kuryente ang nasira dulot ng bagyo nung gabi ng Martes at dahil doon ay nagkaroon ng malawakang brown out kabilang na ang Metro Manila.

Dahil nga sa pagtama din ng bagyo sa Pilipinas, partikular sa isla ng Luzon, inaasahan na ng iba na madadagan ang tubig sa mga ilog at dam. Isa na dito ang Angat Dam kung saan kumukuha ng suplay ng tubig ang mga tao sa Metro Manila.

Ngunit sabi ng PAGASA na kung may nadagdag man daw na tubig sa mga dam at ilog, ito ay konti lamang dahil malalakas na hangin lamang at konting tubig ulan lamang ang dala ni Bagyong Basyang.

Correspondent: Princess Rio Canlas

SPU Manila Freshmen Initiation: Heroic and Fanstatic Pinoy Komiks

What’s the stitch?

A creative and heroic theme highlighted this year’s Freshmen initiation as SPU Manila welcomedFreshmen students by making them wear their Pinoy Komiks costumes.

A freshman student dressed as a violet bird

The "Timawas" characters from Gerry Alanguilan's comic book.

Mars Ravelos' famous work. DARNA!!!

Freshmen students (babies) were partnered to a senior Paulinian student that will be called her Parent. The parent has the obligation to dress her up creatively and willmake her wear a costume in relation to the theme of the initiation program. This year’s initiationis about Pinoy Komiks so they were dressed up as Filipino comic protagonists like Darna,Lastikman, etc.

The program was organized by the Supreme Student Council.

Mr. Gerry Alanguilan with a group of Nursing students.

Mr. Gerry Alanguilan, a well-known comic artist in the country who created the famous Lastikman, was the featured guest of the program. He was a graduate of architecture in the University of Sto. Tomas but end up being a comic book writer and artist.

During his little speech, Alanguilan was amazed about the creativity Paulinians unleashed during the program. He also spoke about the vast improvements and impacts of the comic industry of the country.

The initiation program also showcased some skits and dances performed by the different colleges of SPUManila. A parade took place and by afternoon, is the organization recruitment for Freshmen took over in order forthem to be engaged in co-curricular activities.

A band called 'Dictionary' rocked the stage.

By twilight, the Freshmen Socials Night began as different college bands performed until 8:30pm.

Correspondent: Camille Nuñez

Noynoy's "Red Alert" Inauguration

Security in Metro Manila was on Red Alert during President Benigno Aquino III’s Inauguration last Wednesday, June 30, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand. The newly elected President of the Philippines had taken his oath of office in front of all the Filipinos who went there to see the start of his leadership. Different people from all over the country also went there to give support to our President and to witness that historic event in our nation.

Safety was in the hands of the AFP and the PNP on that day. They secured the area and assured that no threat would take in place. Many PNP were scattered all over Metro Manila, securing the place especially in Luneta and Quirino Grandstand.

Bag inspections and checking of media devices were done by the PNP as a measure for the safety in the Inauguration. While the event was on-going, security people roamed the place to check for malicious threats or unusual acts. They held their positions in place to keep an eye for any things that would happen.

Filipinos who went there were satisfied with the good measure of safety they conducted for the President and the people who became a part of it. Rowena Bartino, a fish seller who witnessed the event said, “Ayos naman ang ginawa nilang pagbabantay sa Inagurasyon ni Noynoy. Para walang gulo.”

People were hoping for the best, not just in the Inauguration but the whole term of President Benigno Aquino III. That the security and safety of all the Filipinos would be in the good hands.

Correspondent: Joyce Villareal

A Cloudy Start for the New Administration

It has been constantly raining for the past few days and the Philippine atmospheric geophysical and astronomical services administration (PAGASA) forecasted that on the day of inauguration of President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Simeon Aquino III and Vice President-elect Jejomar “Jojo” Binay, it would rain. June 30, 2010, hours before the inauguration heavy rain did pour leaving the Quirino Grandstand, the venue of inauguration, muddy and the rest of the streets of Metro Manila slippery.

“Fertilizer Fund Scam” on 2004, “Hello, Garci” on 2005, “NBN ZTE Broadband deal” on 2007, “Euro Generals” on 2008, “Con Ass or CHA-CHA” on 2009, and the “$20,000 dinner” on 2010 were some of the issues faced by our former President, now Congresswoman of 2nd district of Pampanga, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the past nine years of her Administration. Several impeachment complaints were filled and several rallies had taken place yet the Arroyo Administration surpassed all of these. As a new administration takes over, several unresolved problems of the Philippines and unfulfilled promises were left by the Arroyo Administration.

The stepping down of Arroyo administration from the position and passing of the power to the Aquino administration was considered as a historical event for the year. Another chapter has been added to the history of the Philippines. People from all walks of life gathered at the Quirino Grandstand to witness the inaugurations of P-Noy and Vice President Binay. The place was filled with supporters both of Aquino and Binay. Some were there only because they were required to attend the event, yet you can see and feel the excitement of each and everyone who attended the inauguration. There is this atmosphere of hope enveloping the whole Quirino Grandstand. Everyone hopes that the newly elected administration will put an end to the crisis that the Philippines have been experiencing for such a long time now. High spirits, high hopes would be a great description of each Filipino our country for the next six year.

Does the weather on the day of inauguration mean something? Would the duration of the Aquino administration be something like what the weather was during June 30, 2010? A cloudy-rainy start but at the middle of the day, the sun shined giving warmth to each and every Filipino and ending the day with a blissful night and a hope for new and better days to come.

Correspondent: Niña Mae Mendiola

Simply Being YELLOW

The shades of colors define their meanings. In the case of yellow, there are different associated meanings to it. Yellow can mean creativeness and intellectuality. It also symbolizes wisdom. This color signifies joy and happiness. It can also clear one’s mind that results to alertness. The easiest color to catch one’s attention is that of a pure, bright and sunny yellow.

For the past few days, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) have forecasted that it would rain on the day of the inauguration. On the day itself, it rained “cats and dogs” during the wee hours of the morning. But, rain or shine, representatives of incumbent President Benigno “Noynoy”

Aquino said that everything will go as planned. Can everybody still expect a sunny yellow day?

Filipinos know that when yellow is mentioned we immediately think of the late President Cory Aquino and everything related to her. And so, as a child follows the footsteps of his parents, President Noynoy Aquino will always be associated with this color.

Accordingly, on June 30, 2010, the Quirino Grandstand became a yellow field full of excited supporters from different walks of life and from different places who came to witness a yet another history in the making. Many diplomats and VIP’s arrived early for the inauguration. This event marks the peaceful transfer of power from an outgoing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to an incoming President Noynoy Aquino.

At exactly 12 noon as commanded by the 1987 Constitution, President Aquino took his oath as the Philippines’ 15th president before Supreme Court Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales. Vice-president Jejomar Binay also took his oath before Carpio-Morales a little earlier.

Followed by his oath-taking, President Aquino finally gave his inaugural speech that lasted 8-10 minutes in which he mentioned about change especially in the government and how he would be an example to the entire nation. He ended by telling Filipinos to follow the right path which signaled the crowd to cheer him on.

For Aquino this is just the beginning of his 6 year term as president. His first 100 days in office will be a very crucial time as all eyes will solely be focused on him. This does not mean that Filipinos will not do anything. As the remaining symbolisms for yellow, the nation used its creativity, intellect and wisdom during the 2010 elections. Now, it must again use these three along with alertness to safeguard and make the Philippines a better country for the future simply by being “Yellow”.

Correspondent: Charmaine Purugganan

Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino sworn in as 15th President of the Philippines

On June 30, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand, Manila, Noynoy Aquino was inaugurated to be the president of the Filipino people, including the many who supported other candidates.

About 500,000 people witnessed the occasion. Besides the family and the cabinet members of the new president and of Vice President Jejomar Binay, the place was filled with thousands of his supporters; even celebrities participated in the said event. Despite the tight crowd, many Filipinos from different age groups attended but majority of them were the youth.

The Oath of Office was administered to president-elect Aquino at exactly 12 noon by Associate Justice Conchita Carpio-Morales.

All together as one, people listened to the president as he rallied the Filipinos to help our country in terms of participation and discipline. And he, as the Chief Executive of the whole country, should lead by example, and would be the first to follow the rules that he is tasked to propagate.

One of his supporters said, “Surely, people would not keep their eyes closed in watching his first 100 days as everyone wishes the the Philippines see a new shade of yellow shine brighter than the rest.”

Only time will tell how effective Noynoy will be as the president of the republic and this marks a new start for the country.

“Kayo ang boss ko” – he said, the words that struck the whole nation and hoped to be granted.

Correspondent: Genebelle Quilo