UST CON Pioneered Research Conference for Nursing Students

By: Charmaine M. Parado and Maria M. Katreena Eslava

In line with its 65th founding anniversary, the University of Santo Tomas - College of Nursing (UST-CON) organized and hosted the 1st International Research Conference for Nursing Students (IRCoNS) in the country last March 9 to 10, 2011 with the theme Stimulating Creative Minds towards New Frontiers in Nursing Research.

The two-day international research conference, attended by 765 national and international delegates from 29 local and international institutions, was formed with an aim to “heighten the awareness of its participants on the significance of research in the practice of nursing as a profession”. It paved the way to showcase different research works conducted by nursing students around the country.

It was started with Fr. Pablo Tiong’s welcome remarks where he encouraged the Nursing researchers to “...research about what we are going to do with so many nurses.” He also mentioned that section 10 of the RH bill is insulting for the Nursing profession as it is the part that says contraceptives will be considered as “essential” medicines – drugs which manufacturing and distribution must be funded by the government. He added, “Aside from the physical beauty, I appreciate the nurses and the nursing profession.”

Afterwards, Hon. Carmencita Abaquin, Chairman of Board of Nursing (BON), gave her keynote speech, entitled The State of the Nursing Profession in the Philippines, discussing the functions of the BON.


Thereafter, Professor Wendy Michele Cross, the Head of Australia’s Monash University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery, started the series of plenary sessions with a discussion entitled, Collaborative Investigation: Research beyond Borders.

On the same day, Prof. Allan de Guzman of UST CON and UST Graduate School enlightened everyone with his Critical Appraisal of Qualitative-Quantitative Researches where he clarified that one is not better than the other. According to him, the approach would depend on the researcher and the blindspots or blankspots to be explored. As he said, “Life at times is deceiving. Research at times is deceiving.”

Gracing the event was the Philippine Nurses’ Association President Teresita Irigo-Barcelo who gave a talk entitled Nursing Research and Nursing Practice: Bridging Gaps, Building Links. She tackled the importance of nursing research not only as a mere paper work that has to be submitted as part of the curriculum requirement but an important factor in improving the profession.

The last speaker for the first day of the conference was Prof. Roger Watson, the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Nursing. He shared some pointers and tips on how to get research works published in various research journals with his talk, Writing for Publication.

The second day began with Qualitative Research: Looking through the Lens of Humanity by Prof. Erlinda C. Palaganas the President of the Philippine Nursing Research Society.

Then, Professor Lourdes Marie S. Tejero, currently the head of the Research and Creative Writing Program and Assistant Dean of the University of the Philippines College of Nursing, explicated on using theory development in nursing with her talk Theory Development in Nursing and Application in Nursing Practice.

Thereafter, various concurrent sessions including Evidenced-based Practice in Nursing by Prof. Roger Watson and The Leadership Journey by Prof. Carol Jorgensen Huston were held. The different sessions showcased the studies of both graduate and undergraduate researchers who tackled nursing therapeutics, health promotion, maternal and child nursing, nursing administration, nursing education, oncologic and gerontologic nursing, and care for special population and chronically ill patients. A total of 112 researches about the aforementioned topics were disseminated in the conference either through an oral presentation or a poster presentation.

“The presentations during the conference have proven that undergraduates can come up with a comprehensive and quality research,” said UST College of Nursing Dean Glenda A. Vargas.
“I was very impressed by the sort of projects being done at undergraduate level,”said Journal of Clinical Nursing Editor-in-Chief Roger Watson. “I think the students need to think about trying to get published,” he suggested.

Dean Vargas, who was also the over-all chairperson of the event, said that she feels happy that the event happened in UST as the College celebrates its 65th year and the Quadricentennial anniversary of the University.

“Research will always challenge students to exceed [what we usually expect from them],” Dean Vargas said. “It has been a fruitful gathering that underscored the research development and creative efforts of both students and faculty,” she concluded.

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UST-CON Juniors Shine in this Year's Vaudeville

By Ana Katrina Pagkalinawan

Last November 18, the University of Santo Tomas-College of Nursing (UST-CON) junior students performed selected Disney classics live at the Medicine Auditorium in Vaudeville, a sophomore project of the Nursing Central Board of Students (NCBS) for the college week celebration.

Different sections from the third year level were paired up and given a particular Disney movie to present on stage which included favorites like Aladdin (III-1 and III -3), Hercules (III -2 and III -5), The Little Mermaid (III -4 and III -7), Beauty and the Beast (III -6 and III -10) and Mulan (III -8 and III -9).

The Medicine Auditorium was packed with the Thomasian Nursing community waiting for the start of the roster of presentations. With only a few weeks of preparation and practice, the juniors did not fail to deliver. The Beauty and the Beast group graced the stage first and set the standards for the other sections with their choreography and voice power. Hercules followed suit and wowed the audience with their creativity in portraying the mythical beasts in Ancient Greece. The third production was that of Aladdin, where Genie (Joseph Abello) swept the audience away with his own set of antics. The Little Mermaid, on the other hand, amazed the audience with Ariel's (Maricris Elopre) powerful voice under the sea. For the last performance, Mulan shocked the audience when Mulan (Jia Phi) decided to cut her hair during the play in order to pass for a man.

The awarding ceremony transpired in the Nursing auditorium on November 19, with The Little Mermaid tying up with Aladdin for the first place finish. On the other hand, Hercules settled for the runner-up position.

The complete roundup of winners for the Vaudeville is as follows:

First Place - Little Mermaid and Aladdin

Second Place - Hercules

Best Screenplay - Mulan

Best Musical Score - Little Mermaid

Best in Stage Design - Little Mermaid

Best in Poster - Beauty and the Beast

Best Male Lead - Nikart Caparas as Aladdin

Best Female Lead - Maricris Elopre as Ariel

Best Villain - Alexander Bagunas as Jafar

Most Liked Character - Joseph Abello as Genie

Performers were grateful for the recognition received by everyone. "We were really not expecting to win but we were all really hopeful for the best and God blessed with so much more", said Bernadeth Feliciano (3-4), co-director of The Little Mermaid.

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Paano mo ilalawaran sa isang bata ang Pasko?

Column: Sigwasan ng Buhay

Ni Mary Grace Marteja

Maaari nating sabihing ito ang isa sa pinakamakukulay na pagdiriwang sa buong taon, maliban sa mga pista. Ito ang panahon kung kailan araw-araw kinukuyog ng mga tao ang mga malls at ibang pamilihan para makapamili ng iba’t ibang pandekorasyon sa bahay. Pinakasikat na dito ang Christmas tree na karaniwang sinasamahan pa ng kung anu-anong pansabit. Tila ba kalbo ang naturang puno kung wala ang mga palamuting yaon; may kumikinang na mga bilog, hugis-estrelya, at parihabang kinaluluguran ng mga nakamamalas nito. Hindi rin mawawala ang mga parol at Christmas lights na nagbibigay-kulay sa mga bahay tuwing gabi.

Maaari rin nating ilarawan ang mga gabi sa tuwing Pasko. Nagsisilipana ang mga batang nangangaroling ng mga pamilyar na pamaskong awitin. Gamit ang mga tansan, lata at patpat, nakalilikha ang mga bata ng kanilang tugtugin. Sa panahon nga ngayon ay may mga dala ng gitara ang ilang nangangaroling. Mayroon ding pare-pareho pa ng damit upang mas maging presentable sa paningin ng iba. Minsan ay sinasamahan pa iyon ng kaunting indayog ng balakang at pitik ng mga daliri. Karaniwang pera ang ibinibigay ng mga taong-bahay na kanilang naaabutan.

Isa pang hindi mawawala sa ating kultura ang kabi-kabilang mga Christmas party, sa paaralan man o sa opisina. Punong-puno ng kasiyahan ang ganitong okasyon. Kabilang na rin sa ating tradisyon ang pagbaha ng mga regalo – laruan, damit, sapatos, bag at kung anu-ano pang abubot na panregalo. Magastos man ay tila hindi na iyon alintana ng mga Pilipino. Ang mas mahalaga’y makapagpasaya ng kapwa at maging masaya na rin.

Sa madaling araw naman, gising na agad ang mga tao upang dumalo sa misa de gallo o simbang gabi. Maaari rin namang magsimba sa gabi ngunit mas maraming mga tao ang pinipiling magsimba sa madaling araw. Isang motibasyon para gumising ng maaga ay ang paniniwalang kapag nakumpleto mo raw ang siyam na simbang gabi ay maaaring matupad ang iyong pinakahihiling. Pagkatapos ng misa, samu’t saring kakanin ang nakabalandra sa harap ng simbahan. Pinakauso rito ang kulay-ubeng puto bumbong at dilaw na bibingka bagaman hindi rin naman patatalo ang suman at matamis na taho.

Sa bisperas naman ng Pasko tiyak na abala sina ate, nanay at lola sa kusina para sa noche buena. Para silang mga mahikera na sa bawat kumpas ng kampay ay magkakaroon ng milagro sa iyong harapan…mga masasarap ng pagkain! Hindi mo aakalaing ang mga walang kabuhay-buhay na sangkap mula sa palengke na minsan pa’y may masangsang na amoy ay mapagbabagong-anyo nila at magiging malinamnam na mga putahe. Amoy pa lang ng mga iyon ay tiyak na maglalaway ka na at agarang kakalam ang iyong sikmura. Anupa’t ‘pag iyong napagmasdan na ang mga nakahain, tiyak na hihilingin mong sana ay Pasko na lamang araw-araw. Nadadagdagan pa ang sarap ng salu-salong ito kung kumpleto ang buong pamilya.

At pagsapit ng mismong araw ng Pasko, magsisimba ang buong pamilya at magpapasalamat sa biyaya ng kanilang tinamasa ngayong taon at tatamasahin pa sa hinaharap. Pagkatapos ng misa, karaniwan na sa mga Pilipino ang magpunta sa bahay ng mga ninong at ninang, na tila inaasahan na ang pagdagsa ng kanilang mga bisita sapagkat mayroon tiyak na ihahaing minandal at ibibigay ng pamaskong-regalo o salapi sa mga batang tuwang-tuwa.

Sa kabila ng masayang pagdiriwang na ito, masasabing ang mga bata ang mga magiliw na saksi sa kagandahan ng Pasko. Sila ang karaniwang sabik para dito—dumako pa lamang sa kanilang isipan ang imahe ni Santa Claus at ang sako-sakong mga regalong dala nito ay tila abot na sa kanilang tainga ang kanilang mga ngiti. Bakas sa kanilang mga mata ang isang uri ng ningning na nagpapahiwatig ng busilak na kaligayahan—lalo na kung nakakatanggap na sila ng mga regalo mula sa kanilang mga magulang at mga kaibigan. Hindi nakapagtatakang sa tuwing palapit ang Pasko’y wala nang ibang bukambibig ang mga kabataan kundi ang Christmas party na kanilang dadaluhan, mga regalong kanilang ibibigay at ang mga aginaldo na matatanggap sa kanilang mga ninong at ninang.

Kung tutuusin, ating masasabi na kasing-ningning ng mga Christmas lights at kasing-garbo ng isang Christmas tree ang imaheng pumapaimbulot sa isipan ng isang bata sa tuwing naririnig niya ang salitang “Pasko”. At minsang tayo’y naging mga bata’y naramdaman rin natin ang kasabikang ito.

Ngunit, isang tanong ang dumadako sa ating mga isipan.

Puro ningning at kagandahan lamang ba ang nagbibigay-kulay sa Pasko? Ano nga ba ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko?

Ngunit hindi rin dapat natin kalimutang ipabatid sa isang bata na hindi lahat ng tao ay may kakayahang bumili ng Christmas tree o kahit simpleng parol man lamang. Hindi rin lahat ay nangangaroling dahil lamang gusto nila ngunit dahil kailangan nilang kumita ng kahit kaunting barya. Hindi rin lahat ay nakapupunta sa mga Christmas parties at nakasasali sa palitan ng mga regalo sapagkat kailangan nilang maghigpit ng sinturon kahit kapaskuhan. Lalong hindi lahat ng kahilingan ay matutupad nang dahil lamang sa nakumpleto mo ang siyam na simbang gabi. May mga tao ring hindi pa nakararanas makatikim ng noche buena sa buong buhay nila o kung may nakahain man sa hapag na ubod ng sasarap, hindi naman buo ang kanilang pamilya.

Higit sa lahat, dapat malaman ng bata na ang Pasko ay ang araw ng ating paggunita sa pagsilang at pagsasakripisyo ni Hesus upang mailigtas ang sanlibutan mula sa kanilang mga kasalanan. Hindi lamang sa mga bagay na nabibili ng salapi umiikot ang tunay na kahulugan ng Pasko. Walang tutumbas na kulay, kinang, kasiyahan at kainan sa araw na ito kung hindi rin lamang isasapuso ng mga tao ang pagpapasalamat sa Maykapal, pagbibigayan, pag-unawa at pagkalinga sa isa’t isa.

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Tunay na Kaibigan

Ni Jia Arianne Phi

Sa una’y mapagpanggap at akala mo’y kasundo
Ngunit ang tunay na katauhan sadyang itinatago.
Ilalarawan ko sa iyo itong kaibigan na kaaway mo.
Kapag kaibigan siyang maituturi’y,
Pagbibigyan ka kahit minsa’y mapanuri.
Sa bawat galaw siya ay nakabantay
habang ang kaba mo ay walang humpay.
Umaapaw ang takot mo ‘pag nagkamali
Subalit ang sagot lang naman niya ay ngiti.
Hindi kaagad-agad magagalit.
Mahaba-haba ang pasensyang nakakubli.
May pagkakataong siya naman ay kaaway.
Sa tunog ng bawat yapak niya, ikaw ay nangingisay.
Takot sa mga tanong niyang ‘di mo masagutan
Piniga mo na ang iyong utak ‘di pa rin matuklasan
Minsan ay malulusutan
Datapwat madalas ay nag-aabang ng iyong katapusan.
Matanong, mabusisi at minsa’y makulit,
Madalas pa nga’y masungit.
Sumama man ang araw mo sa kanya
At ika’y nanliliit sa kanyang pagkutya.
Isipin mo na lang ang pagod niya
Sa pag-aaruga at pagpapaalaala
Upang ika’y ‘di magkamali sa harap ng iba.

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WANTED: BAYANI

ni Elmer C. Hibek

Lagi at laging nangangailangan ng
bagong bayani ang aming kawawang
bayan. Sa bawat yugto ng aming
masalimuot na kasaysayan, tinutuldukan
ang bawat kabanata sa pagtatampok ng
mga bayaning ang kabayanihan ay ipinagdiriwang
sa peryahan. Sapat ng kabayaran sa mga
bayani ng aming bayan ang sila’y maitala
sa pahina ng aklat ng kasaysayan, sauluhin
ang kanilang mga pangalan upang ipangsagot
sa mga tanong sa pagsusulit sa paaralan.
Sapat ng ipagpatayo sila ng mga estatwang
nababalot sa lumot at namamalimos
ng konting pagtingin. Sapat ng alalahanin
sila sa mga espesyal na araw gaya ng
kaarawan o kamatayan kasabay ng pag-aalay
ng mga mumurahing bulaklak. Sapat ng banggitin
ang kanilang mga pangalan at ilang piling mga
salita sa panahon ng pakikibaka. Sa isang bayang
gaya ng sa amin na walang gunita, walang laman
ang mga salita, walang pakialam sa pagdaralita,
at walang alam gawin kundi pagpuputa, isang
bayani ang hinahanap namin upang pansamantalang
magpakita ng kakaiba’t kakatwang kabayanihang
pag-uusapan ng ilang sandali at saka ibabaon
ng walang kabaong. Sa nakalipas na panahon,
ang mga pangalang Lapulapu, Dagohoy, Silang,
Rizal, Bonifacio’t Aguinaldo’y mga alingawngaw
na lamang sa karimlan. Sa kasalukuyan, laksa-laksa
ang nominado sa pagkabayani ng aming bayan.
Pambansang libangan na sa amin ang pagluluklok
ng mga bayaning mainam na palamuti sa pera, museo’t
liwasang bayan.

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Hallucination

Nicco Valenzuela

Drenched in the darkness of a well-lit room
with the stench of wakeful substance abuse
Jazz music playing as background irony
A harmonious scene ruined by the existence of me

Rust squeaks as motion near the hinges
The darkness slowly overcomed by blindness
"Is it her? Could it really be?"
The split-second scene enables me not to see

The blinding light, the outside breeze
I clear my throat as I seem to freeze
Choking with anticipation, dying with fear
Again I ask, “Is she really here?”

As pupils constrict, and the heart beats faster
The long brown hair and her eyes grow clear
A pleasant sight of relief and anger
"Nope. Not her. She ain’t gonna be here"

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Here

By: Mari Begonia A. Cinco

I sit here looking for truth
Among the vast pages of men
The time that told of many things
That held truth without having to show facts
Though some facts indeed lay here
It is the truth I am after
And looking among the words of men
How much harder it is to find truth than the mere facts

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Imitations

By: Mari Begonia A. Cinco

What is it in those who inspire
That all I want to do is follow
And decide to march their march
And fight that right they talk about?
What is it in those who influence
That I dare step forward and say aye
That I go just like that with them
Along with other men in the shadows
Fighting either for what is foolish or what is wise?

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In My Place of Dreams

By Mari Begonia A. Cinco

I once had golden lands of blossoms sweet
An array of castles with kings and queens
With crystal waters right nearby each hill
In my Place of Dreams

I once had fairies fly in spring
The ugly badger in winter sleep
Had toys come to life and decide to dance
In my Place of Dreams

Those many treasures I would find
And keep collected with gold in mines
The ships I sailed and conquered so much
In my Place of Dreams

And there were nights of endless flights
To English Towns and French streams
I had storks deliver baby cubs in trains
In my Place of Dreams

The dolls were there, always babbling
About their tasteless creams
When I served them tea in Cairo, Egypt
In my Place of Dreams

Then came those many evil things
That wanted to bite and scratch
But my tin soldiers would not allow that
In my Place of Dreams

There were the set of glass wings
That I used to fly all over passed
The many worlds I could see
In my Place of Dreams before

I dove into the depths of seas
With mermaids, corals, moray eels
And sang along with guppy fish
In my Place of Dreams


Then by daylight all would stop
For breakfast, Mother called me
And scold me if I stayed up too late
In my Place of Dreams

The many wonders I could see
Among the nights of mystery
Adventures I dared to take on
In my Place of Dreams

Perhaps I have grown old enough
To keep all this inside a box
But now and then I peak inside
To see my Place of Dreams.

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Radiance

By: Alec Joshua R. Uy (III-10)

Could I find you on Orion's shoulder?
Or does the Aurora Borealis blind my eye?
Could I find you amidst Cancer
or when Betelgeuse shines bright in the midnight sky?

Could you be one of our closest neighbors,
Across the vast vacuum breadth?
One of the twenty-six astral favors,
In which the light finds its strength?

Please, if you may, show me your radiance,
Your beauty, your love, your warmth and your grace,
Please, if you may, give me this chance,
To see a glimpse of your heavenly face

No matter how searing or scorching
However extraordinary or bizarre,
I would bear your emissions a-burning
If you would fall for me, my radiant star

If you would just fall for me... My radiant star.

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Rising

By: Mari Begonia A. Cinco

When the bird sings in the fresh morning
Just as the sun rises awake
And the blossoms shake away the dew of their face
I feel it is a must to sing with that bird
That bird which makes the dawn such a sweeter thing

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Seasons

By: Alec Joshua R. Uy (III-10)

My love for you revolves into changing seasons
Summer, autumn, winter, spring
Each season emanates the reasons why I love you
Although no metaphor can flawlessly explain why I do.

As the radiant summer sun shows its splendor,
So will I radiate my love and affection.
The sun shines to make the sparkling diamond sea
The sun shines upon our sincerity.

As the leaves of autumn fall before our eyes
So does my heart fall for you, over and over again.
Back and forth, the leaves fall apart
Back and forth, like the falling of my heart.

As the cold winter breeze whispers a faint melody
So does my soul murmur a love song for you.
A love song eternal, a love song undying
A love song to fill our hearts until our death’s dawning.

As the flowers start to bloom in tranquil spring,
So do I grow ever fond of you in my heart.
Flowers bloom to face the glorious day
Flowers bloom like how our love may

And as the cycle repeats itself
Our skin would grow weaker, our hair would turn paler
Our hearts come closer,
And our love grow stronger.

Because as time passes by
You and I will never part.

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UST CON Reawakens Thomasian Nursing Spirit with International Conference

By Ma. Kristel M. Nadlang

The University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing (UST CON), in cooperation with the UST Nursing Alumni Association, Inc. (USTNAAI), continued its Quadricentennial celebrations with the 4th Thomasian International Nursing Conference last January 21 and 22 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

The two-day intellectual affair was participated in by the senior students, alumni and faculty members of the college as well as guests from other institutions.

With the theme, Thomasian Nurse: Building the Church, the Nation and the Family: Our Birthright and Destiny, the conference sought to create the perfect venue for exploring the portals of the nursing profession—practice, education, leadership and research. Furthermore, the aforementioned event underpinned the trends, challenges and issues affecting nurses in the present and the key role they play towards the country’s development.

Renowned personalities in the nursing profession graced the conference as they delivered their speech in the plenary sessions outlined for the two-day event. Among the speakers was the former dean of UST CON, Sor Paz T. Marfori, who delineated the very essence of the Thomasian nurse in her talk entitled, The Professional Nurse according to Mind and Heart of St. Thomas Aquinas.

Highlighting UST-CoN’s culture of excellence was the college’s very own Dr. Divina Sanchez-Grossman, Vice President for Engagement of the Florida International University who shared how the institution helped her in her professional career abroad.

Also present in the event was Ms. Kathleen Fritsch, the Nursing adviser of the World Health Organization (WHO), who delved deeper into the status of global health care in the region including the Philippines in her talk, Global Health Care: Impact on Nursing Employment and Professional Demands and Initiatives.
Another known personality in the event was Dr. Jude Guiang who is a faculty member of the UST CON. He delivered a lecture-discussion in one of the concurrent sessions that transpired in the conference. In his talk, Smoking: To Quit or Not to Quit....That is the question, Dr. Guiang stressed the health hazards brought about by smoking and the withdrawal symptoms to be experienced by people who would like to quit the habit.
Out of all the sessions, the prime highlight was the Kapihang Tomasino Nars wherein a panel of notable Nursing personalities imparted their thoughts and opinions on the theme, BEYOND 2011: The Challenges to Thomasian Nursing Leadership and Excellence. The highly distinguished panel was composed of the following speakers: Sor Paz Marfori, former dean of the UST-CoN; Dr. Teresita Barcelo, Philippine Nurses’ Association (PNA) President; Dr. Amelia B. Rosales, member of the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Nursing (PRC-BON); Dean Glenda Vargas, dean of the UST CON; Mr. Pete Reuben Calixto, executive director of the Philippine Nurses’ Association of America (PNAA) Foundation; Mr. Ferdie Luyun, UST Nurses Association of America (USTNAA) President and Mrs. Inocencia Ida S. Tionko, USTNAAI President.

“The 4th International Nursing Conference was one of the most educational and interactive conferences that I have attended as the speakers were able to tackle the current trends and issues in the field of Nursing and even discussed them in a manner that was understandable to all, especially to us students,” beamed Nursing Central Board of Students (NCBS) President Royce Jasper Ong.

Mr. Ong also commended the outstanding attendance of the alumni from all over the world who participated in the conference. He said, “But what made the conference memorable were the alumni of our college who attended the conference. Their reception and excitement were the cherries on top on what was a successful conference.”

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Keeping the Fire Burning: UST Nursing Education to Go Global

By: Michelle Angelique O. Parreňas

The University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing (UST CON) welcomed its 65th year of existence with its annual Benavides Lecture held last January 24 at the Medicine Auditorium.

With the theme, Nursing at 65: Calibrating the Standards of Excellence, the symposium centered on the advancement of the student nurses’ learning experiences throughout the years. Spearheaded and hosted by UST CON Secretary Ma. Cherry G. Tanodra, the event started with an invocation led by Julius Alvendia (II-1) followed by the singing of the national anthem by the Nursing Chorale. Rev. Fr. Julius Paul C. Factora, college regent, then delivered his opening remarks after which the guest speaker was introduced. For this year’s Benavides Lecture, Dr. Divina Gracia Sanchez-Grossman flew all the way from the United States to speak before the junior and seniors students of the college. Dr. Grossman, a proud alumna of the UST-CoN, works as the Vice President for Engagement at Florida International University (FIU) in the present.
Being a graduate of the college, Dr. Grossman knew by heart the culture of excellence upheld by the UST CON with its solid curriculum. “With its strong grounding in humanities and sciences and with its distinctive, rigorous and challenging curriculum, UST Nursing is a good place in inculcating the seed of excellence, allowing it to germinate and flourishes it into becoming a full blown tree,” she acclaimed.

Furthermore, she tackled the importance of student advocacy, activism and leadership in solving the country’s top health problems. She took time to emphasize that these health problems could be prevented through the nurses’ efforts in the community.

The highlight of the talk was Dr. Grossman’s proposal of developing a partnership between UST CON and FIU wherein student nurses of both institutions could discuss various cultural issues and learning experiences through the use of technology.

To sum it all up, here are Dr. Grossman’s key plans for the future:

1. Assemble and align the resources of UST, in collaboration with the UST Alumni and the World Health Organization (WHO), to the health and well-being of underserved community
2. Build a news program of communication engagement and health education through a three-way partnership
3. Collaborate in developing a doctorate program in philosophy (PhD) integrated triad
4. Incorporate curricular context and public policy

Refreshing the crowd were Philip Lorena (III-6) and Maricris Elopre (III-4) who rendered a song medley.

Thereafter, the panel of reactors composed of Dean Imelda Javier from the University of Perpetual Help in Las Pinas, Asst. Prof Mila Llanes and NCBS Vice President Nielson Dane Gustilo shared some reactions and insights from Dr. Grossman’s speech. The floor was also opened to entertain questions and comments from the audience.

With the torch passed to the next generation of nurses, she ended the event with the statement, “Together, let us help change the world by beginning with the end in mind and by making small steps to success.

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UST Nursing Chorale Stages Comeback in Himig Tomasino

By: Hazel Vera Tan

After three years of being away from the limelight, the UST Nursing Chorale (UST-NC) participated in this year’s Himig Tomasino, an annual intercollegiate competition organized by the Student Organization Coordinating Council's (SOCC), held last February 19 at the Medicine Auditorium.

Though they still had some conflicts with their schedules in lecture classes and duties, they were able to resolve the problems and challenges that they previously met. “In every organization, there are problems and challenges,” UST-NC President Charlene Tabora said, “I guess some of the reasons why we only joined now was due to financial constraints and lack of preparation because as nursing students, it really is very difficult to budget our time and balance extracurricular activities with the curricular ones.”

But with much perseverance and lessons learned from the previous year, the Nursing Chorale has staged its much-awaited comeback. “Once the team for Himig Tomasino was already formed, we already started with our practices,” she said. Also vital to their participation was the support and encouragement received from their adviser, Ms. Estelle Rose M. Lerma, RN, MAN and their new conductress, Ms. Victoria Ro. M. Katigbak.

Though their efforts were valiant, the Nursing Chorale fell short and the UST High School Glee Club emerged as the champions followed by the runners-up, UST Chorus of arts and Letters, and the UST One Voice Engineering Chorale.

Although, UST-NC was not fortunate enough to place in this year’s competition, their spirits were not dampened and they had smiles fixated all over their faces as friends, families and fellow students greeted them in the holding room after the show.

“We aimed to place in the 2011 Himig Tomasino and each of us gave our best very best. In the end, we just lifted everything to God. We’re all thankful and proud that we were able to compete again and represent our organization, alumni, and most especially out college in front of our families, supporters and opponents.”
True enough, although they did not bring home the bacon, they fought well. Good job UST-NC!

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Senior student Shines in Nursing Idol Valentine’s Day Edition

By: Diannesa April F. Golosinda

In line with the 65th anniversary celebration of the University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing (UST CON), the Nursing Central Board of Students sought to unleash the singing prowess of the Thomasian student nurses in this year’s special edition of the Nursing Idol last February 14 at the Medicine Auditorium.
Hosted by Dane Gustilo, NCBS Vice President and Raiza Wan-Wan Chua, NCBS Assistant Secretary, the competition had eight contenders from different levels who gave their best rendition of different love songs.

Six respected personalities formed the panel of judges in this year’s competition: Ms. Sundee-Pearl Arroco and Ms. Estelle Rose Lerma, UST-CoN faculty members; Mr. Paulo Azul, member of the UST Singers; Mr. Ken Lizardo, member of Coro Tomasino and a three-time judge of the contest; Ms. Armarie Cruz, one of the top 12 finalists in the Philippine Idol and Mr. Danny Javier, a member of the music icon Apo Hiking Society, who graced the stage once again after the group’s retirement on May 29 last year and performed the songs Awit ng Barkada and ‘Di Na Natuto.

Donna Mae Sison (IV-9) brought home the bacon as she serenaded the crowd with her own adaptation of Shania Twain’s You’re Still the One. The second and third places were bagged by Julius Alvendia (II-1) with his version of Erik Santos’ I’ll Never Go and Jacob Solis (II-9) who sang Bryan Adam’s Heaven, respectively.

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NASA Grabs Second Place in Pautakan 2Q11: The Quadricentennial Battle

By: Michelle Parreñas

With fifteen colleges of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) vying for the championship title, the Nursing Association of Student Achievers (NASA) emerged victorious and landed second in the team category of the Pautakan 2Q11: The Quadricentennial Battle held at the Medicine Auditorium on February 28.

The College of Nursing’s winning team was composed of Team Captain Jose Antonio Daite (IV-3) and members, Mark Deneb Armenia (IV-1), Lisha Alyanna Reyes (IV-8), Cernan Oliveros (III-8), Jailene Faye Rojas (III-9), Angelica Pineda (II-8) and NASA President Maryland Estigoy (IV-4) who also represented the college in the individual category. They were guided and supervised by NASA adviser, Ms. Kristine Gail Iglesia together with their coaches Ms. Melanie Turingan and Mr. Loen Andrei Soriano. The seven-man team ended up as a runner-up to Team Engineering and the Team Arts and Letters.

The group’s expertise and experiences in joining different intercollegiate academic competitions made them climb to the top.

“Landing on the second place is already quite an honor because there are fifteen colleges that are competing. It just goes to show that our team has the ability to win it; we just have to continue what we have already started,” Estigoy said.
With their hard work and aspiration to make a name for the College of Nursing, they studied diligently while having some fun during their training every Sunday.

“I guess we need to study and prepare even harder. The team would need to put additional focus on the areas which we deem as our waterloos such as Humanities and Math. We need to try even harder to study on our strengths such as Science, UST history and General Information. But amidst the air of competition, we must not forget to just have fun and give all our best,” beamed Estigoy.

With the support of the Nursing community, they were able to obtain what they deserved.

“In behalf of NASA, we are really very thankful that a lot of people have shown their support for our team on this year's Pautakan. We hope that the college will continue their support because in every competition that NASA joins in, it's not just for the welfare of the organization but for the whole College of Nursing as well,” she concluded.

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Animal Lovers Show off their Pets in this Year’s Pet-sonality

By: Ana Katrina Pagkalinawan

The Search for the Ideal Thomasian Nursing Pet-sonality 2011 kicked-off the University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing’s (UST CON) 65th year celebrations last February 14 in the Dean’s Garden.

The program, hosted by Michelle Lim (II-6) and Khayla Ignacio (II-5) featured eight pets competing for this year’s crown. These four-legged contenders pulled off adorable tricks which left the spectators in awe.

Winners were announced in the Medicine Auditorium right after the Nursing Idol. Shamu, a Chihuahua owned by Marivi Grace Mercado (IV-7) emerged as the winner of this year’s Petsonality while Martin Bondoc’s (II-2) Truffles, also a Chihuahua was declared the Petshionitsa.

“I really did not expect Shamu, my pet Chihuahua, to win. In fact, she does not have any special talent that I know [of]. She just eats, sleeps, plays with mojo or her bone most of the time and that’s it. I just joined the contest for fun. Being a pet lover or “mother” to my dogs, I just want to see what they are like on stage, nothing more. Nevertheless, I’m happy that Shamu won and I feel like a proud parent,” exclaimed Ms. Mercado after her win.

UST CON Faculty members Mr. Rene Tadle and Dr. Rodolfo Angeles also participated in the contest with their very own beagles in tow.

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Nursing Community Cooks Up their Own Version of Showtime

By: Diannesa April F. Golosinda

Thomasian nurses from different levels showcased their talents and brought entertainment to the crowd in the University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing’s (UST CON) own version of the popular noontime program, Showtime, last February 14 at the Medicine Auditorium.

Similar with the original program, the entire audience were given score cards bearing numbers 1, 5 and 10 to be used in judging the performances. In addition, some trivia regarding the history of the UST CON were also imparted to the whole crowd as the college celebrated its 65th year foundation.

The program started with performances from the Nursing Chorale, Nursing Dance Troupe (NDT), Nursing Pep Squad and the surprise guests PoinTen, a Filipino-Korean girl group. This girl group rendered four tracks from their debut album which they promoted after the performances.

Four groups coming from different levels showed what they got on stage. The panel of judges was composed of the following: Ms. Therese Saldana, reigning Ms. Ideal Thomasian Nursing Personality, Ms. Artadi and Mr. Elmer Hibek, UST-CoN faculty members, Mr. Mervyn Tan, Editor-in-Chief of the Nursing Journal and Mr. Joseph Gaerlan (IV-5). The group Dagtang Lason, composed of level IV students, won the event and received a cash prize of 3,000 pesos after delighting the audience with their funny and enthusiastic dance number. Mr. Gaerlan even gave them a perfect score, exclaiming, “Binuhay niyo ang katawang lupa ko!”
The list of scores given by the panel of judges was as follows: Boys Night Out – 38/50; IV-3 Rockers –46/50; B-Boys – 40/50 and Dagtang Lason – 50/50.

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‘Team Nursing’ Cops Second Place in Social Science Quiz Bee

By: Michelle Parreñas

The Nursing Association of Student Achievers (NASA) settled for a second-place finish in the team category of the 5th Social Science Quiz Bee held on February 10 at the Medicine Auditorium.

With the guidance of their adviser, Ms. Kristine Gail Iglesia and team coach Ms. Melanie Turingan, the participants pushed hard and tried to outsmart the pool of representatives from the other colleges. Team Captain Ma. Aristhea Resurreccion (IV-8) headed the four-member delegation together with Christine Bernadette Manalo (IV-6), Drazen Junio (III-5) and Marvin Hitosis (I-4) in the team category. Nursing beat the Education and was fighting for the first place alongside the Pharmacy but trailed behind the latter by a 10-point margin.

“We’re just continuing to fight for ourselves, for the team, the organization and most especially for the college”, said Resurrecion.

For the individual category, Nursing representative Christopher Bryan Reyes (IV-8) fell short of a few points and failed to make it to the top allowing the Engineering to take the first place while Commerce and Arts and Letters took the second and third place, respectively.

In preparation for the competition, the participants geared up by reviewing a variety of subjects such as Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, Economics, Taxation and Agrarian Reform (ETAR), Rizal Course, Political Science (Philippine Government and Constitution), Current Events and UST History every Sunday with the help of NASA alumnus, Robi Liabres.

“The process of training and preparing for the quiz bee has never been easy for all of us. The fact that we are all newbies in this competition and the thought that Nursing has never been out of the top three posed a huge pressure upon us but at the same time it made us believe that we would be able to make it with the thought that if the alumni were able to make it, then, certainly, we also can”, Resurrecion said.

Furthermore, she added, “We just want to thank all the professors who have supported the team in their endeavors, especially to Ma’am Iglesia, for her support and Ma’am Turingan who has always been there for us, Ma’am Medrana, Ma’am Balgomera, Sir Origenes, Sir Hibek, Ma’am Villarama and Ma’am Maravilla.”
NASA first joined the competition in 2006 and from then on, they have always landed on the top three positions.

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Griffins Pawn Titans, Grab Nursing Cup Basketball Title

By: Alfred Benedict R. Garrido

February 24, 2011, Perpetual Help Gymnasium- Led by sweet shooting from guard Philip Cyrene Fernandez, the Junior Red Griffins devoured the Senior Green Titans, 66-61, to step on champion’s podium in the basketball leg of the 2010-2011 Nursing Cup.

Fernandez fired 11 points including flares of three consecutive 3-pointers early in the third quarter to spark the cold engines of the Griffins and set up an ambush for the Titan’s trouble. Alongside Fernandez’s free-flowing three’s, the Griffins gained fuel from Ramon Henry Dickson’s superb offense and Miguel Porcuna’s defensive heroics. Dickson nailed 14 points for the Juniors while Porcuna tucked 11 points and monstrous rebounds under his belt.

The green army led by Zaphiel Capuno struck for a final push under the 4 minute mark of the last period, chasing the full speed Griffins and cutting the red-themed jerseys lead to four, 59-55. With star forward Miguel Zamora fouled out with 9 points, Fernandez, Dickson, Porcuna and the rest of the gang built the needed defensive wall making sure the Seniors won’t taste the glory of the champion’s land.
“Every shot we took, either missed or made, is dedicated to all our batch mates who gave utmost support for the team”, Fernandez said. “Each of them is the reason why we became champions.”

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VENGEANCE: Nursing Women’s Football Team Ripped Medicine for Gold

By: Alfred Benedict R. Garrido

A year and ninety full minutes are not enough for the Nursing Women’s Football team to gain vengeance and leave the ghost of the past as they buried the Faculty of Medicine Women’s Football team in a dramatic penalty shootout, 5-3, crowning themselves champions of the 2010-2011 UST Goodwill Games Football tournament

After the majestic rematch of last year’s finals transpired to a scoreless full time, the fate of the game is laid on the boots of five gladiators from each army.

Nursing’s captain Nikka Aquino, who played huge in every outing, began the charge by drilling the first goal providing the lift for Nursing, 1-0. Star midfielder Lady Anne So and freshman hard hitter Neeza Velasquez traded blows against Medicine’s pure power, scratching the scoreboard at 3-3. With the scores tied and the chip on the line, Nursing loaded its final ammo. Sophomore fever Roni Mendoza stabbed the fourth dagger for Medicine’s trouble, 4-3, before Nursing’s goal keeper Shayne Palma dove in for a heroic save denying Medicine booter Carissa Dumancas’ equalizer. Before a celebrating sideline, Defender Lani Sarmiento hammered down the last nail in the grieving Medicine’s cold coffin, 5-3.

“It’s just the will to win,” said Aquino who gains her first title in three years of play for the squad. “Even if we were all tired, in pain and out of breath, we just continued to push ourselves”.

The Road to Redemption
Last year at that very moment, silence deafened the Nursing sideline and the sound of the whistle marking full time broke the team’s hearts, knowing that the 1-0 scoreboard did not favor their side. But that did not end there. While the Faculty of Medicine grabbed the coveted crown, that whistle - that ending - without their knowledge, was Nursing’s first step to redemption.

After a painful and hard summer and being refreshed by loads of rookies, the Nursing Women’s Football team emerged from being a surprise underdog last season to a full blown contender. And, after a year of teeth gnashing, they unleashed fury to start the season this year, punishing teams like the College of Accountancy and Goodwill games giant Faculty of Engineering. It turned out, the elimination round is a piece of cake, with cherries on top.

Tangled with a streaking Commerce team, the quarterfinals was uneasy after all and took a lot of effort to victor in. The unending stoppage and blow out defense by the St. Raymund’s-based booters gave Nursing a fight to the wire. Every piece of weapon that Nursing has was equally matched by the golden-themed ladies. Commerce has courage, power, will, and spirit. Name every Nursing weapon, they have it. But the difference settled late in the second half when a goal was scored. Commerce, though filled with arms in their arsenal, didn’t have Nikka Aquino. The Nursing’s captain is the sole treasure, Nursing’s time bomb exploding to blemish the boards, 1-0, and pull the team up straight into the semifinals arena.

Right after the Faculty of Medicine cemented their place in the finals, the painful memory from last season made Nursing more desperate in doing the same. But the College of Architecture, fierce as they were had other plans as they stood tall by Nursing’s way like hungry wolves craving for flesh. The February 19 showdown against Architecture for the right to face Medicine for the championship is not so different from what Nursing took from Commerce. Solid defense, energy, powerful offense, and a dose of physicality were fired by both troops driven by their will to win. It was, again, late in the second half when Architecture knew what they were missing. Despite the tough spirit showcased by the maroon-streaked force of Beato Angelico, nothing and no one on that day can be tougher than Nikka Aquino herself. Nursing’s messiah received a cleared ball from way up the field, stopped the leather with a single touch then launched a powerful strike that sent the ball at the bottom right corner of the goal and the Architecture goalkeeper in piles of dust. That single play was the final shovel of dirt piled in the Architecture’s grave.

“It was the passion, determination, and hard work that made us go this far”, Aquino says after clearing Architecture off their road to redemption. “Like what coach (Simeon Dalisay) said, you can’t step on the field and just give half of yourself, you have to give a hundred percent and nothing less”.

With that victory, the rematch that everybody had been waiting for was set to happen. The College of Nursing, with all the hard work, the sacrifice, the hunger, and the will to win, locked horns with the Faculty of Medicine who was looking to defend their title against the same team whom they left in disaster last year. With both teams filled with fuel and fire, the fight has once again taken them to their limit, giving the name in front of their shirts pride and glory.

“We both deserve to win but I think our team will be determined enough to go the extra mile and win this,” said Nursing midfielder Lady Anne So before clashing with their nemesis. The majestic shootout did not only prove the words of So, it forced history not to repeat itself as Nursing burr holed Medicine to take full grasp of the moment that they have been fighting for and took the championship to their possession.

After all the bleeding and the sacrificing, when the smoke clears and the title fully at Nursing’s hand, three Nursing stars earned individual recognition being keys to new heights reached by the squad. With unending effort and dedication in clearing lose balls, staying in front of her opponent and chasing for breaks, sophomore Lani Sarmiento was named Best Defender of the season. Known so well by her heroic save of Medicine’s equalizer in the shootout for gold, Shayne Palma was named Best Goalkeeper. Nikka Aquino, with all the powerful strikes she took, with all the blasting goals she landed, with the unmatched leadership she had, and with all the celebrations she danced, won Most Valuable Player award for the season. “I feel honored and happy to receive it,” said Aquino, “But I would not have done it without my amazing team.”

Still, the moment belongs to the whole Nursing community who saw their warriors sacrifice, bleed, and fight for what they believe in, especially to the Nursing Women’s Football team who survived the rage of disasters by winning the ultimate prize of the Thomasian sports pinnacle and earning redemption in the perfect time and in the moment they wanted it most.

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The Nursing Women’s Basketball Team: Another Step Backward

By Alfred Garrido

Last August when the biggest sports spectacle in UST opened, team Nursing seemed to carry every piece of high caliber guns, loaded with sharp bullets, on their waists. It is as if the Nazi armies have awakened once more with the chaos brought by the World Wars. This has been the picture of how team Nursing would dominate and conquer.

Last October, the first charge to greatness ended on a retreat as the mighty spikers of the college suffered a last minute nuclear bombing by determined opponents. That leaves spaces for filling. Now that the calendars flipped its pages to November and December, somebody’s Christmas must be in shades of bloody red. That leaves the question of who will be slapped of burning torch in the midst of the snow flaked battle field, this time the hard court.

Led by senior Lena Althea Cruz, the Nursing Women’s Basketball team survived the group stage of the UST Goodwill Games and advanced straight to the quarter finals. Being tangled up with teams like Engineering and Architecture did not stop the green and gold cagers in setting up a rematch with Commerce, the team which gave them a beating on that November 22 opening juggernaut.

With high spirits and bitter memory of their first meeting, Nursing has never been more determined in tearing the yellow-themed amazons apart to force their way into the final four of the tournament for the first time in recent years. But the claws of history have been sharpened prior to the clash and, as the famous line goes, history repeats itself, this time even worse. Despite the noble efforts from Cruz, junior sensation Pamela Ayson, and the rest of the gang, Nursing spilled their diesels allowing the flaming Commerce team to blast its way to victory, 87-20, at the nearly jammed P. Noval gymnasium.

The whole four periods have been crucial for Nursing, seeking ways to improve their defense and execute plays. But the stunning might of Commerce has been there the whole time nearly breaking every Nursing possession and grabbing boards out of no where. Commerce’s defense had been too sticky that Nursing was in full restraints the whole time. Thereafter, when the fog was cleared, it was another hard loss for the St. Martin de Pores based cagers.

Another chance may have gone away and another team may have been out for now, but the nobility gained by the Nursing Women’s Basketball team has been their ultimate prize and a prize for the college to own. Being part of the ‘Great Eight’ was never easy. It is never hard either, it is simply deadly. The brilliance and strength they poured down in surviving the group stage is enough to call them great. After all, they have been proven winners this season giving the College of Architecture quite a beating. And most importantly,

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Nursing Bows to Education

By Nikolai Lorenzi A. Torio

November 25, 2010- The Nursing Men’s Basketball team learns a lesson from their Education counterparts as they suffered a 74-92 loss in a spirit breaking match at the jam-packed UST P. Noval court.
Held to just 8 points in the first half, sophomore stellar Allen Madrazo showcased a scintillating performance in the 3rd period where he scored 14 of his 27 big points to help Nursing stay on a striking distance, 53-71, after trailing by as many as 24 points. Junior star and former Tiger cubs guard Mike Mallari also chipped in 9 markers for Nursing.

Refusing to give up the white flag, Nursing’s powerful retribution enfeebled Education’s suffocating defense as Nursing started a 7 to nothing spurt with 2:10 left in the 3rd that sent the Nursing crowd into frenzy. Nursing fought until their last breath taking advantage of the penalty shots but weren’t able to hinder Education’s reinforced counter attacks.

“They were lacking their starting center Oriondo but we were missing our defensive plays,” Nursing guard Bryan Lagutao explained.

Education standout Reyes delivered 8 of his 15 points early in the 1st quarter as they relied on their awe inspiring defensive stands throughout the game and came with a masterful win. The Education Basketball team sealed the deal by applying a menacing defensive blanket that shut down Nursing’s run-and-gun type of offense.

“They [Nursing] just committed lapses so they lost the game,” Reyes said. “We are now looking forward to our chances in the quarterfinals and hopefully securing a semis berth.”

“We should focus more in improving our defense. It’s just a matter of great defense and the rest [including offense] will follow” Nursing Coach Jayvee Ignacio admitted, “I am looking forward to the Nursing Varsity Council’s project known as the Visiting Varsities Agreement which invites FEU-CON, Bulacan State U-CON, and the like to play an exhibition game against our Nursing Basketball team.”

The Scores:
Education 92―Arcangel 17, Reyes 15, Bautista 12, Guanlao 12, Miutante 11, Guevarra 6, Valera 6, Umipig 4, Uy 4, Mimay 2, Dimalanta 1, Magawed 0, Oriondo 0, Suiza 0.

Nursing 74―Madrazo 27, Mallari 9, Marañon 8, Yutangro 5, Dagunan 5, Puddao 4, Paulino 4, Santos 4, Avellanosa 2, Bautista 2, Ducanes 2, Lagutad 2, Lo 0, Prado 0, Soriano 0.

Quarter Scores: 29-23, 52-33, 71-53, 92-74

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Nursing Bows to Education

By Nikolai Lorenzi A. Torio

November 25, 2010- The Nursing Men’s Basketball team learns a lesson from their Education counterparts as they suffered a 74-92 loss in a spirit breaking match at the jam-packed UST P. Noval court.
Held to just 8 points in the first half, sophomore stellar Allen Madrazo showcased a scintillating performance in the 3rd period where he scored 14 of his 27 big points to help Nursing stay on a striking distance, 53-71, after trailing by as many as 24 points. Junior star and former Tiger cubs guard Mike Mallari also chipped in 9 markers for Nursing.

Refusing to give up the white flag, Nursing’s powerful retribution enfeebled Education’s suffocating defense as Nursing started a 7 to nothing spurt with 2:10 left in the 3rd that sent the Nursing crowd into frenzy. Nursing fought until their last breath taking advantage of the penalty shots but weren’t able to hinder Education’s reinforced counter attacks.

“They were lacking their starting center Oriondo but we were missing our defensive plays,” Nursing guard Bryan Lagutao explained.

Education standout Reyes delivered 8 of his 15 points early in the 1st quarter as they relied on their awe inspiring defensive stands throughout the game and came with a masterful win. The Education Basketball team sealed the deal by applying a menacing defensive blanket that shut down Nursing’s run-and-gun type of offense.

“They [Nursing] just committed lapses so they lost the game,” Reyes said. “We are now looking forward to our chances in the quarterfinals and hopefully securing a semis berth.”

“We should focus more in improving our defense. It’s just a matter of great defense and the rest [including offense] will follow” Nursing Coach Jayvee Ignacio admitted, “I am looking forward to the Nursing Varsity Council’s project known as the Visiting Varsities Agreement which invites FEU-CON, Bulacan State U-CON, and the like to play an exhibition game against our Nursing Basketball team.”

The Scores:
Education 92―Arcangel 17, Reyes 15, Bautista 12, Guanlao 12, Miutante 11, Guevarra 6, Valera 6, Umipig 4, Uy 4, Mimay 2, Dimalanta 1, Magawed 0, Oriondo 0, Suiza 0.

Nursing 74―Madrazo 27, Mallari 9, Marañon 8, Yutangro 5, Dagunan 5, Puddao 4, Paulino 4, Santos 4, Avellanosa 2, Bautista 2, Ducanes 2, Lagutad 2, Lo 0, Prado 0, Soriano 0.
Quarter Scores: 29-23, 52-33, 71-53, 92-74

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Off to a Good Start: Nursing Lady Booters Grab First Win

By Alfred Garrido

December 2, 2010- With the cloak of runner up pride wrapped around their pectorals, the Nursing Women’s Football team opens their season in victory, edging the army from Accountancy, 1-0, to grab their first win in the ongoing UST Goodwill Games.

Junior striker Nikka Aquino gave nursing the needed blast at the 44th minute in the middle of an offensive struggle, striking and launching a rocket speed ball through the hands of Accountancy’s ace goalkeeper, slaughtering the back of the goal and sending the entire Nursing crowd into frenzy.

“Anxiety got the best of us during the first half. (But) then again, we realized that we can push ourselves more. The determination to win and perseverance to play our game brought us the point and the lead”, says Aquino, who plays her third year for the team and was vital to the squad’s runner up finish last year.

Alongside Aquino’s offensive blast, nursing gained charge from midfielder Lady Anne So and freshman rookie Roni Mendoza for fierce spirits attacking with every opportunity laid down the green field. The spectacular saves from Nursing’s rookie goalkeeper Shayne Palma created an invincible wall that catapulted every strike that the enemy tries to fire. At that, Nursing began with a flawless 1-0-0 record.

Nursing steps into the season with perspectives greater than winning their first game. Coming up short last year, the team seeks to gain closure to the nightmare that has been haunting them since dropping 0-1 to the Faculty of Medicine, disarming them from the precious chip. This time, all eyes are set to winning the championship. The live persecution brought by Nursing on their first game is just a teaser of bigger things to come. One thing is for sure, the women’s football team’s greatest battles are yet to be fought.

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Under my Wings

By John Martin F. Musones

I have been sent from heaven to guide you
Shed by the star’s light, I remained smiling
He who’s born in the manger out of town
Cloaked the dark sky with greatest singing

The cold breeze entered the open window
In their posture, the toy soldiers stood
Each little leg shudder cold in furrow
Out of the box they lined with utmost mood

A pyramid of boxes piled beneath
Completely covering the tree’s big roots
What a joy to be casted by a sheath
Of laughter and clanging of children’s boots

At the end of this festive season
They turn the radiance off my only sight
Again, I will go back to our prison
And fold my wings to hide my inner flight

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The Wall Between Us

by Sheena Fabunan

On the night before Christmas, I prayed in this home, wishing to God that I wasn’t alone.
Mary sadly smiled at the man she loves.

Despite the significant time that passed, this smile was no different from the one she gave him on Christmas day some two years ago when he finally decided to leave the family. The smile was every bit as painful and searing, feeling like a foreign entity on her face. Time has not begun its healing process just yet.
It was actually one of the regrettable things in the world for Mary. In certain times when she would linger in a dreamy limbo, her thoughts would sometimes solidify into a piercing moment of clarity. She eventually came to realize that some events needed to occur in a certain way, and most of the time, fate’s way included plenty of misery and pain. And there isn’t a lot one can do about that, except endure and hope that time would eventually make it less painful. But until now, nothing has even remotely begun to fill the large gaping hole he left in her life.

“Hey,” she said in cheerful tone while forcing a smile, “How’s your Christmas going?”

And just the same, Joseph smiled as he gazed at her. The real expression in his eyes emitted some form of unreadable detachment. Mary couldn’t see, but there was a plethora of sadness brewing just beneath the surface of his face. He made sure it stayed that way.

He knew he chose to leave her, but still, every meeting brought with it searing pain that he knew slowly tore out her heart. It was still too real and painful no matter how many days had gone by. He knew it hurt her far too much than she was willing to admit. He also knew that despite the pain he caused her, she still hoped that he wasn’t suffering too.

“Alright, the weather’s a bit rough on me,” he said chuckling, “How are the kids?” He felt miserably terrible for leaving them all.

“They miss you,” she said plainly.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he said. She wondered why he didn’t reciprocate her statement. Their conversation won’t last for very long now. It was too strained but both wanted the same thing, “Take care of them,” he said, biting the urge to tell his wife that he wanted to come home and that he misses his children more than anything in this world.

“Yes. You take care too,” she responded.

He knew that some things have to keep moving. It’s important to keep up with the times, know what you need and work hard to get that. Set priorities; put what you want aside to make way for better things. And to get somewhere with all of these, big sacrifices have to be made.

“I miss you a lot,” she said. Her eyes finally let the tears escape. She touched the computer screen bearing his face with one pale hand as he did the same thing on his side of the world. For the past two years, this served as their only mode of communication. Working overseas involved too many hours and adjustments, but it brought home the money they needed to secure a future for their children. He said he will lift them out of their debts and out of poverty, but this is just one of the costs of the deal. He gave a sad, lonely smile.
“I miss you too,” he finally said, knowing he meant every single word. His work has not been kind to him, but he wasn’t about to tell her that. They both kept things from each other now, trying not to worry the other side. They’re both realizing that they are slowly losing their connection because of the secrecies that come with caring about someone; but, they couldn’t bring themselves to talk about the subject when they’re both struggling to stay alive.

They could still fix this, but it wouldn’t be soon. They both said their heartfelt ‘I Love You’s’ to each other, knowing deep inside that there was nothing much they could do about the two hearts that are breaking on Christmas Day.

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One Christmas Eve

by Sheena Fabunan

Fran concentrated on sprinting. Her sneakers loudly padded on the concrete while she hoped for the world to slow down, taking little notice of the vibrant Christmas lights that made her city glitter brightly in the night. The rest of the world became a blur in her blinding speed; her mind barely registered the aroma of freshly baked bread lightly wafting in the air on the Christmas Eve.

She skidded to a stop near a lamppost. Her breathing hitched and fogged in the cold. She could somewhat feel an asthma attack coming but she forced herself to control her breathing. NOT the time, she scolded herself. Sweat was forming on her forehead as she frantically tried to recall which street to take to get to the church. Mass was going to start in two minutes, and tardiness was an abomination. This was the last mass of the night and if she didn’t make it in time, her Simbang Gabi wouldn’t be complete. It was a necessity that her series of midnight masses would be completed to perfection. A very important (albeit stupid, she later thought) wish was on the line.

Decided to finally turn right, she darted past the crowd and ran across the streets ignoring the stitch forming on her side. She concentrated all her efforts on running. Please God! She frantically prayed in her head as she darted past every person she saw. Just this one time, delay the mass! Delay the mass! Delay the mass!
Over the horizon of some stands, she could make out the outline of the church ahead of her. She felt adrenaline surge through her veins as her legs moved faster and her heart pounded in her chest as newfound power emerged.

And just as quickly as hope had come and as close as she was, Fran realized that she wouldn’t make it. She felt her chest tightened, her heart beat faster and her breaths coming in long drawn out wheezes. She was having an asthma attack and apparently, one has to slow down when those things happen.
The girl had no choice but to stop moving. She patted the back of her jeans for her inhaler, only to realize, to her horror, that it wasn’t there. She forcibly shrieked a curse to the night sky above as she lowered herself down, punching her fist hard against the concrete floor. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing; it was the best she could do.

How could she forget her inhaler? She felt her eyes flowing with tears, not from the asthma attack, but from the sheer failure of her plan and yes, perhaps also a little from her stupidity. All her effort to wake up early for Simbang Gabi was futile.

On the side of the street sitting 200 meters away from the church, she felt the loneliness of her situation and remembered why she went through all the trouble of completing the Novena. It’s a boy, she thought, It’s always a boy. And this particular boy, to her, had a heart that she felt she should win over. Perhaps, her desperation drove her to think that completing a series of Eucharistic celebrations would finally make that possible.

She snorted through her asthma thinking that that was a very desperate move even for her already rock bottom standards. She heard herself emitting dry sobs as her breathing worsened, barely aware of the happy Christmas songs distantly playing in the background. She reasoned putting her head down between her knees; maybe her motivation to go to church wasn’t as pure as God would like. Her asthma has never flared this bad before.
Fran resigned to her situation and was seated basking in her moment of failure when she felt a light tap on her left shoulder. Her eyes slowly traveled up and met an open hand extending to her face. In that hand was an inhaler. She looked up to thank the kind person who would ever consider offering to a complete stranger (who could be rabid for all they knew) a personal artifact such as an inhaler.

His brown eyes met hers. She felt her heart beat slightly faster and her breathing dramatically improved, even without the use of an inhaler. She would recognize that face even if she died three deaths in a completely different universe. The boy smiled down on her and extended a gloved hand to help pull her up.

“Lucky I have asthma too, huh?” the boy said laughing, “At least it became useful this time. Are you going to church? We can go together. I think the mass was kind of delayed,” he prattled while helping her dust off.
Perhaps, fate was kind tonight.

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Night

By Jezrell Allida

I can hear the trembling of guitar strings. It coincides with the shivering voices of young fellows, joyous at their mellow. “The chorus of carols seems to fill the night with magnificence and glamour,” I said to myself as I walked slowly toward the breeze that blew violently. I then gaze upon the dark sky tinted with the glimmering stars. How beautiful it was! The lights of different colors dazzle in my eyes. They are dancing to my delight! The biting cold softens down my tolerance. It is inevitable back then and I have to pass through the lamp-lit street. However, the way home is a little dark. The moon shines up in the heavens above, illuminating the golden carpet of rice fields below. This time, this sight is about to be reaped and harvested like our world, I think. I feel something is about to come. A festiveness celebrated by us. A season of sharing and giving, I suppose.

I turn my back and the breeze blows peacefully. The rushing of leaves tap my feet and so I stare on it for a while. I feel something has fallen before me. To my inspection, a piece of paper sinks into the picture. I pick it up, unroll and read quietly. It is a letter addressed to Santa and curiosity sends me reading the next lines. Probably, a preschooler wrote it - few misspelled words and a childlike penmanship. It seems to be an ordinary letter but as I read it, it seems that something more is to be expected. To my surprise, the writer asked for everyday to be Christmas. I can’t help but smile as I close the note, rolling it again. As expected from a child who only looks forward to the wonders of life far from the reality adults are facing of, I think to myself. At the back of my head, a memory of the past comes to existence. A panorama of my childish days changes the present dark way into a house, lightened with incandescent bulb. Once a night, I wrote something addressed to my dear friend Santa and asked that Christmas will be forever so I could receive gifts everyday. How childish I was! It is so wonderful to be a child, to be on those good olden days where the world goes round and round. Those simple things I’m looking for gave me happiness in those good olden days.

Then reality seeps in. The coldness of the night once again makes me shiver hard. I continue walking and as I pass the old acacia tree, a boy runs toward me. He then asks if I saw a paper on my way and so I hand the letter to him. He smiles contentedly and graciously in reply. He said “Thank you manong! I thought I lost it but if I did, it doesn’t matter. My wish will come true anyway.” In a split of second, the boy runs away from me until he disappears from my eyes. I’m standing, still and alone. The wind blows again, mildly and calmly. Only from that point I realize why I keep on asking something from Santa. Why do I keep on wishing Christmas to stay forever? Why do I keep on walking on this way home, gazing upon the sky filled with stars as I hear songs of Christmas carols? It is because I believe I would find true happiness. I always believe in things I wish for, that someday, it would be a reality. Someday, it will be my future and my life.

To my surprise, I’m just a few walks away from the very door of our house. My little brother approaches me as I enter the house. He then asks me what he would write to Santa Claus this Christmas. I then smile at him. I ask him, do you believe in what you are wishing for?

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Miracles

by Thea Marcelo

Miracles are gifts from the heavens above
Something to rejoice and remember in delight.
These gifts from our Father, the Lord in the sky
Surely they’re marvels worthy of our smiles.

They defy explanation,
Don’t need much but our appreciation,
But how come we neglect, maltreat and abuse
These gifts given to us in awe and utter wonder.

Food, shelter and decorations to hang,
People, parties and presents galore,
Offered to us with so much awe and pleasure
Yet how much we forget their worth and value.

Miracles are given for a purpose –a reason,
Entrusted to us without contempt nor question.
All it need is our word –our vow,
That we will surely be true
Not only in heart, but also in soul.

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Manger

O, little night sky, your stars shine brightly
Over the lamp-lit town of skyscrapers and cars.
A minute ticks away as I look on to a lifeless desk,
While I stack and pile boxes and sheets in cabinet’s drawers.

Every table and desk so spick and span,
I swear they’d shimmer and glimmer in many ways that they can.
I hear the people outside, all joyful and merry, but my silence is the one deafening me.
And it seems as though this room has its own mood… the silence rings again.

The night grows still as the city goes to bed,
But the night grows longer as the lady shouts into the night.
Oh, heaven and earth, rejoice tonight as a tiny cry echoes through the hall
Because in a manger, away from home, a child is born… Such a heavenly sight.

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Little Dreams

By John Martin Musones

The roof of their tiny shack glistened elegantly before the street lights in a December night of merriment and glee. The people hurriedly journeyed the busy streets of Manila where his family had just slept for a day’s success in work. What a joy in his face when he recalled how satiated he was during his breakfast meal with his brothers and sisters, how happy he was when his friends teased his manually crafted parol made from newspapers and magazines, and how hurt he was when his mother scolded him in his stained, three-day old shirt. He slept in his small corner with his family. It was satisfying… another day has ended.

That December morning sun was steaming hot; every single men scorched in its rays drenched their shirts with sweat. He was lively under the sunshine as he always was. Run! He was fast, swift, and sneaky. Stop! A huge white gate clad with colorful Christmas lights and fancy decorations stood out in the village he passed. Reindeers jumped and jigged over the high roofs. Santa Claus smiled in his sleigh near the crafted chimney in that mansion’s crown. Joseph held his sister’s hand and sighed.

“Isn’t he beautiful?” Maria leaped towards him and gave him a big grin. She has always been sweet to him even though he always cheats her in a game of taguan and deprives her of the morning coffee.

“Santa Claus? With that beard, I’d rather settle for a goatee!”

Maria puckered her face and crossed her arms as if defending herself from a lawyer.

“Can’t I kid? Of course he is! I just hoped he will go back this night for another treat. We’ll pretend that we are sleeping so that we can sneak out and see him in action.”

Joseph held his white sock in his other hand. “Hope this would fill with coins and candies again,” he added.

The night was filled with colorful lights. Joseph and Maria hurriedly went home and ate their festive dinner – a plastic for six from their favorite carinderia. As usual, they slept early; they needed energy for their early morning routine. The two covered their bodies in such a way that their eyes were the only pearls shining against the moonlit opened window. They could see Joseph’s little sock swaying with the breeze of the night. As their tiny vision of that sight gently faded for a cold night slumber, a hand reached for the hanged sock which quickly detached it from their weary hearts.

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Lights

By Lettrice

What I enjoy most about Christmas
Among the many delights
Is solemnly sitting by the porch
Looking at the lights

The lights that glitter like the stars
The ones around each house
For it brings something glad into my heart
When I see them about

I know not what is inside of me
That stirs around this sentiment
Perhaps it’s how lights reflect on the souls
Of Christmas’ merriment

What glee, what glee! What solemn glee!
Yet I shed some tears
For Christmas lights end by Christmas night
And I’ll have to wait again ‘til next year

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TUWING PASKO

Ni: G-Clef

Nag-iba na ang simoy ng hangin
Alam na, na Pasko’y paparating
Mahirap man ang buhay, ngiti’y pipilitin
‘Pagkat tuwing Pasko, problema’y lilimutin.

Simbang gabi ay kukumpletuhin
Maaga man, dapat gumising
Gagawa ng listahan ng bibilhin
Panregalo man o mga lulutuin.

Sa Noche Buena, konti man ang pagkain
Basta’t kumpleto ang pamilya, kahit ano pa ihain
Alitan sa pamilya o magkakaibigan ay aayusin
Sama ng loob at hinanakit, lahat ay tatapusin.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mga nakasanayang gawain
‘Wag kalimutan, tunay na kahulugan at hangarin
Dahil hindi lamang sarili ang dapat isipin
‘Pagkat Siya ang dahilan ng Paskong ating sasalubungin.

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Paskong Pinoy!

Ni: G-Clef

Ilang linggo, ilang araw, ilang oras na lang ba
Bago tayong lahat ay kumai't magsaya?
Magbigay, mag-alay, magdulot ng ligaya
At magpasalamat, magpasalamat sa Kanya?
Ayan na, ayan na, parating na naman
Pasko na ating inaasam-asam
Ang bawat araw na dumaraan
Ay atin nang binibilang
Christmas tree sa mga bahay ay itinatayo na
Ang iba'y nagpaplano ng pagkaing ihahanda
Sa labas, umaawit ang mga bata
At tayong lahat ay nakikisama sa pagkanta!
Simoy ng hangi'y nag-iiba
Ang paligid ay napupuno ng saya
Umindak, kumanta, magpalaganap ng ligaya
Paskong Pinoy ay tunay ngang kakaiba!

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PASKO NA?

Ni: Romelia B. Aquino

Pag-aaral ay sadyang mahirap na pasanin
Paano pa kaya sa mga estudyante ng Narsing?
Babad sa ospital,sa pag-aalagang masinsin
Nakatayong magdamag araw-araw pa man din

Masarap namang mag-aruga
At tumanggap ng pasasalamat mula sa iba
Ngunit wala nang oras sa pamilya
Pati para sa sarili’y naubos na.

Wala nang alam sa mundo.
May giyera na’t nagkakagulo
Ngunit nakatutok pa rin sa papel na blanko
Nasa isip ay ang mga grado.

Ilang punit na lang sa kalendaryo
Sasapit na muli ang pagsilang kay Kristo
Ulan, araw, mga pagsusulit at malalaking libro
Kinabukasa’y masasabi na lamang “Ay! Pasko na? Pasko!”

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Pasko na sa USTe

ni EMI

Walang dudang Pasko na sa Uste
Sa malamig na hanging sa lahat bumabati
Mga punong nagliliyab sa liwanag
Makukuat na plamuting nag-iindakan
Pamaskong konsyerto na lubhang masaya
Mga pagtitipong puno ng galak at sigla
At mga pusong nakalaang magbigay tuwina

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PAG-IISA

ni EMI

May pangil ang pag-iisa.
Kapag bumaon sa kaibuturan
ng kamalayan, walang patawad
na sumisipsip ng lakas; walang
awang pumupugto ng hininga;
walang galang na pumipiga ng
damdamin; walang pitagang
naglalantad ng nagnanaknak
na sugat ng kaluluwa.

Mapag-ampon ang pag-iisa.
Mapagkandili sa sinomang
naghahanap ng katahimikang
bumabasag ng katinuan at
nagpapasuso ng di madamulat
na kapanglawan. Sadyang
maunawain ang pag-iisa kaya’t
wala itong kapalagayang-loob;
tinatakasan ngunit di matalikuran;
itinatatwa ngunit kinikilala nang
ganap ng pusong mapagbata.

Laging uhaw sa pag-unawa ang
pag-iisa. Laging gutom sa pagkilala.
Laging namamalimos ng pagsinta.
Laging nananabik sa paghihintay.
Laging nakikibaka sa pagtatamo
ng puwang sa katuturan ng buhay.

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MAGKATABI

Ni Pillow

“Uy,” mabagal akong lumingon sa nagsalita. Ah, oo. Si Jason nga.
“O?” Ganyan na naman ang mukha niya. Mukhang clueless.
“Tahimik mo,” sagot niya sabay kunot ng kanyang noo. “Okay ka lang ba?”
“Oo.” Gano’n lang. Isang tanong, isang sagot. Pinanood ko siyang lumingon muli sa nilalaro nilang computer game. Wala pa kasi ang aming propesor kaya nagsilabasan ang mga laptop at iPod ng mga tao. At kasama si Jason sa mga nakatutok sa laptop.
“Girl,” lumapit si Bettina, “gusto mo ba ako samahan mag-shopping? Girl, wala pa akong regalo para sa mga tao!”
“Late kasi matatapos ang klase natin. Tapos, may miting pa sa org. Bukas na lang kaya?”
“Girl, I’m FULLY BOOKED.” Nakakatuwa talaga kapag pumipilantik ang mga daliri ni Bettina. Baklang babae, kumbaga. “Wala na akong time!”
“Kung sa bagay, exams na next week….”
“Hindi pa ako nag-aaral, girl. I need all the time in the world!”
“Haha! Sira ka talaga. Sige na nga. Wala rin naman akong gagawin mamaya.”
Tumingin nang bahagya si Bettina sa direksyon ni Jason.
“Wala kayong date?”
Kasama ‘nun ang isang ngiting kinikilig kahit isang taon na ang nakaraan nang maging kami ni Jason.
“Sus, wala. ‘Kaw talaga.”
Wala naman talaga. Hindi mahilig si Jason sa dinner dates o sa panonood ng sine. Napaisip tuloy ako kung ano ba ang hilig niya. At lalo pa akong napaisip kung bakit hindi ko alam ang mga hilig niyang gawin namin.
“Pero girl, late na. Divisoria tayo. Parang hindi safe without a guy. Yayain mo na lang.”
“Kaya na natin ‘yan. May kasama man tayong lalaki o wala, hindi pa rin talaga tayo ligtas.”
“Kahit taga-buhat?” Ngumiti ang loka. Ito talaga.
“Hay naku, Maria Bettina Francisco.” Sumimangot na ako upang ipahiwatig na iyon na ang aking pasya.
Siguro mula ‘nung naglakad kami sa Divisoria hanggang sa mga panahong naluluha na ang mga tindera sa katatawad ng magaling kong kaibigang si Bettina, nakapagtataka dahil panay ang tanong at utos niya sa akin. Pulos na lang “tawagan mo na kasi”, “magparinig ka na’t mabigat ang dala natin”, “hindi safe, girl” at “bakit ba ayaw mong papuntahin si Jason?”
Sa totoo lang, ang huli niyang tanong ang pinakamahirap sagutin. Hindi ko masabi sa kanya na may panahong nag-text ako kay Jason dahil sobrang bigat ng dala ko, at nag-reply lang siya para sabihin kung saang room kami. Naroon na raw siya kaya hindi na niya ako mapupuntahan. Hindi ko maikwento na sa tuwing nagpapasama siya kung saan-saan ay handa akong samahan siya. Ngunit kapag ako naman ang nagyayayang maglakwatsa, madalas niyang sinasabi na nakakapagod raw, kahit isang jeep lang ang sasakyan namin. At marami pang mga bagay na hindi ko masabi sa kanya. Hindi na lamang ako nagsalita. Wala rin namang mangyayari.
Noong nakasakay na kami ni Bettina sa jeep ay napaisip ako ng malalim sa kabila ng pagod na bumabalot sa aking mga paa.
Ano na nga ba ang nangyari sa amin ni Jason?
Noong una kilig na kilig pa ako dahil nakikita ko talaga ang pagkalinga niya. Marunong siyang magbukas ng pinto para sa babae at marunong maghatid lalo na kung madilim na ang gabi. Pero sa paglipas ng panahon, napansin ko na parang ako na lamang ang gumagalaw at nagbibigay. Kung anong hiling niya’y siya namang bigay ko, kahit gaano kahirap. Lahat na lamang ay para sa kasiyahan niya. Hindi na niya magawang maglaan ng panahon at pagkalinga para sa iba. Nawawala na ako sa mundo niya.
Sa huli, nakaraos kaming dalawa ni Bettina, sa pamimili maging sa mga akademikong pagsusulit. Lumipas ang panahon at sa isang iglap, dumating na ang pinakahihintay na Christmas Party.
Noong naroon na kami sa handaan ay tuwang-tuwa ako. Lahat nagkukuhanan ng litrato at nagtatawanan. May nagbubulungan kung sino ang nabunot ng bawat isa para sa exchange gift. Mayroon ding nasa kusina at kunwaring nanonood lang sa nangyayari roon samantalang inilulublob na ang daliri sa carbonara sauce. Nakilaro naman ako ng Wii kasama si Bettina.
Bumukas ang pinto.
Pumasok ang isang pamilyar na mukha. At napainom na lang ako mula sa aking basong puno ng juice.
“Hon,” pumalibot sa aking baywang ang kanyang braso, “kanina ka pa?”
“Oo, kasabay ko sina Bettina.”
Umurong ako para maabot ang isang baso at tamang-tama lang dahil napabitaw siya.
“Gusto mo ng juice?”
Umiling siya at bago pa siya makapagsalitang muli ay may tumawag sa amin para lumingon sa isang bagong-bagong DSLR. May mga nagparinig ng “class couple” at “kiss naman”.
Konting dikit ng katawan. Nakahilig ang ulo sa may balikat ng lalaki. Nakahawak ang kamay sa brasong nakapaikot sa baywang. Nakangiti na parang bagong kasal.
At naulit ang mga pagkakataong ganito.
Pose. Click. Pose. Click. Pose. Click.
Ako ang pinakamasayang girlfriend sa buong mundo.
Sa bawat dikit ko kay Jason at sa bawat tukso ng aming mga kaklase ay lalong sumasakit at nangangawit ang mga pisngi ko. Sa bawat pagtawa ko nang marahan at pagpalo ko sa mga braso ng mga kaibigan ko kapag binabanggit nila kung gaano kami ka-sweet, parang mga punong tubong nag-uunahang umapaw ang aking mga luha.
“Guys, exchange gifts na!” sigaw ng aming presidente.
Magkatabi na naman kami ni Jason. Magkadikit ang mga hita at minsa’y nagtatama ang aming mga braso. Lahat ay nagsasabihan ng “Merry Christmas!” sa isa’t isa.
Nakakatawa. Sa gulo ng aking paligid, hindi ko magawang ngumiti. Hindi ko magawang ibigay ang relong gustong-gusto niya. Ilang linggo bago ang party, hindi ako makapaghintay na ibigay ang regalo ko. Alam kong matutuwa si Jason. Pero totoo pala ang mga sinasabi nila. Hindi mo kayang ibigay ang wala ka.
Tumingin sa akin si Bettina at kumindat pa. Nginuso niya ang kahon na nasa kamay ko. Ngumiti ako at tumingin kay Jason.
Pero sa bawat pagkakataong lumilingon ako sa kanya ay nakikita kong wala na ako sa mundo niya. Maaalala lang niya ako muli kapag mayroon na akong maihahandog sa kanya.
Tapos na kasi ang mga camera. Tapos na ang mga tuksuhan.
Halos lahat ay nakatayo na at sumasayaw nang biglang tumugtog ang kanta ni Lady Gaga.
Nawala sa aking paningin si Bettina at nagsimula akong mahilo sa mga nagsisigalawang katawan na aking nakikita. Nakadagdag pa rito ang mga nagkikislapang dekorasyong pang-Pasko.
Ang usok, ang hiyawan, ang sayawan… parang lahat na ay nakapaligid sa akin…parang masyado silang malapit...para akong naiipit sa isang maliit na kahon na ang kasama ko lamang ay si Jason.
Lumalapit. Sumisikip. Naiwan kaming magkatabi.
Hindi ko na rin siya maramdaman sa huli.

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KRITIKO

Ni: Romelia B. Aquino

May sariling mundo,
Binubuhat ang sariling karga.
Ano itong naririnig ko?
May mga panibago na namang kritiko.

Paulit-ulit, paulit-ulit
Umaalingawngaw sa hangin,
‘Di na mapakali.
Bakit kaya ‘di ko mawari?

Sumusulpot bigla
Ngunit ‘di nawawalang parang bula
Tumatatak sa isipan ko
Tumatatak sa isipan nila

Saksak dito, saksak doon
Nag-iiwan ng pasa’t
May bakas ng mga latay
Sa puso’t isipan ito’y humihimlay

Pagkakaibigan at pinagsamahan
Saan na napunta?
Kung tuluyan nang nalimuta‘y
Baka ang sunod ay ako na.

Read more...

HUWAG MONG HANAPIN ANG PASKO

ni EMI

Huwag mong hanapin ang Pasko
Sa masikip at masangsang na mga kalye
ng Recto’t Divisoria;
Sa magarbo’t maningning na mga mall
sa Makati’t Maynila;
Sa mga mamahaling regalo’t handaan
sa mga pagtitipon;
Sa masaya’t magulong mga pasyalan.

Huwag mong hanapin ang Pasko
Pagka’t ito’y kusang minsang dumating
Na di binigyang halaga’t pansin ng mundong
Sa dilim ay nakagupiling.

Nang maganap ang unang Pasko’y
Iniukit na ito ng Mesiyas sa puso
Ng bawat taong Kanyang hinirang.
Sa Kanyang pagdating binuksan Niya
Ang puso ng sangkatauhan, at doon
Siya’y isinilang upang maghari magpakailanman.

Huwag mong hanapin ang Pasko sa labas.
Bakit di mo buksan ang salawahan mong puso
At masdan ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko
Sa katauhan ng Sanggol na payapang nahihimlay
Sa sabsaban ng iyong puso.

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Footbridge

ni Kennrick Glenn Garcia Magdangal

Ayon sa salaysay ni “Jane dela Cruz” (hindi tunay na pangalan):

“Nagmamadali akong umuwi noong gabing iyon. Maging ang mga pasaherong kasabay kong naglalakad ay nagmamadali rin. Ubusan kasi ng upuan sa mga bus at dyip at ayokong abutin ng hatinggabi sa lansangan. Gabing-gabi na. Kailangan ko nang umuwi.

Ubod nang traffic. Bugso sa kahit saan mang gawi ang mga taong ‘di magkamayaw sa kalalakad. Ang ilan, hindi rin mapakali. Ang mga sasakyan naman ay halos magkadikit-dikit na rin. Napaka-traffic. At hindi ko kayang maipit dito kaya’t binilisan ko ang lakad. Hindi pwedeng ‘di ako makauwi. KAILANGAN KO NANG UMUWI.

Dali... Bilis…

Nang makita ko ang FOOTBRIDGE, nakahinga ako nang maluwag. Kaligtasan. Ang footbridge ang aking kaligtasan; ang bayaning magtatawid sa ’kin sa kabilang panig ng buhay—ng masalimuot na kalsada.
Pumanhik ako agad. At nang nasa tuktok na ako, nahirapan akong maglakad. Tila ba may mabigat na kadenang humihila sa ’kin pabalik. At nang naroon na ako sa kalagitnaan ng footbridge, eksaktong layo sa magkabilang panig, ako’y napatigil.

Bumigat ang aking paghinga. At natuon ang aking atensyon sa napakaraming tao mula sa iba’t ibang sulok ng lansangan. Lakad nang lakad. Walang kapaguran. Walang kapayapaan. Napakaraming taong may iba’t ibang kasawian. Ang iba’y may layunin, subalit ang iba’y panaginip lang ang naaabot ng imahinasyon.

Sa gilid naman ng kalsada, matayog na nakatayo ang mga higanteng billboard na may mga modelong nakangiti sa akin. Nakangisi. Pinagtatawanan ako. Ang ilan nama’y nakatingin pailalim. Tila may masamang binabalak sa akin. Ang napakalaking mall naman sa aking kaliwa, patay-sindi ang mga ilaw.

Ito ang aking huling sulyap sa katotohanan.

At tila bumilis ang galaw ng mundo ko. HINDI NA TUMITIGIL ANG GALAW NG MGA TAO! LAKAD! LAKAD! LAKAD! PATAY-SINDI ANG MGA ILAW! ANG MGA SASAKYAN SINGITAN NG SINGITAN! ANG GULO NG LANSANGAN!

Ang ingay! Libu-libong mga busina at tugtugin. Hinahaluan pa ito ng malungkot na tinig ng bulag na kumakanta sa footbridge. Sigawan nang sigawan. Bulyawan nang bulyawan. Kailan ba ito matatapos? ANG GULO! ANG GULO NG LANSANGAN!

Bumigat lalo ang aking paghinga. Ang aking mga paa, hindi ko na maigalaw. Sumigaw ako nang buong lakas. “Saklolo!” Ngunit wala ni isang pumansin sa akin. Daanan pa rin ng daanan ang mga tao sa footbridge.
Nagbago ang lahat at naging kakila-kilabot ang mga pangyayari. Hinihiyawan na ako ng bulag na umaawit. Sinisigawan naman ako ng mga traffic enforcer at mga driver na nasa ibaba ng footbridge. Galit na galit sila sa akin. Nagtitilian pa ang lahat – matanda at bata – lahat. Sumigaw silang lahat sa hindi ko maunawaang dahilan. At napakalakas ng mga busina. Walang tigil! Walang kasinglakas!

“AHHHH TIGIL! TAMA NA! TIGILAN NINYO NA ‘KO!” hiyaw ako nang hiyaw. Ngunit tila ‘di nila naririnig. Pumikit ako at umiyak. Sa isip na lamang ako sumigaw. Ayoko na ng ganitong buhay! ‘Di ko na kaya! At sa muling pagmulat ng aking mga mata... nawala ang ingay! LAHAT NG INGAY AY NAWALA. Kinumutan ako ng nakatutulig na katahimikan. Paghinga ko na lang ang tangi kong naririnig. Isa-isang namatay ang mga ilaw sa paligid – sa billboard, sa mall, at mga ilaw ng mga sasakyan! Dumilim ang buong paligid.
At napatingin ako sa buwan. Siya ri’y dumilim. Hindi ba’t ito’y nangangahulugang ang araw rin ay dumilim? Wala na nga bang bukas pa? Nakita ko ang libu-libong mga bituin na isa-isang nahuhulog mula sa langit. Sumasabog silang lahat na parang mga kuwitis. Naging abo na ang mga bituin. At nagdilim ang lahat.
KADILIMAN AT KATAHIMIKAN. Niyakap ako ng takot at kilabot. Ano itong nangyayari? Hindi ko maintindihan. Dumilim ang paligid... Dumilim ang lahat sa akin! Wala na akong makita ni gatuldok na liwanag. Isinumpa ko ang kalagayang hindi maunawaan ng lipunan. Dumapa na lang ako’t umiyak. Humagulgol. Takot na takot.

Maya-maya’y may narinig akong isang kalmadong tinig ng isang babae, “Dito ang daan pauwi Jane. Halika, ituturo ko sayo.”

Kilalang-kilala ko ang boses na iyon. Tama. Hindi ako maaaring magkamali.

Wala akong makapitan. Dilim at katahimika’y umaalingawngaw sa ‘king isip. Hindi ko na kaya. Wala na akong makita pa. Nagtiwala ako sa tinig na ’yon. Tumayo ako at sumunod sa kanya.

”Dito ka dumaan. Halika, sige, huwag kang matakot... Itapak mo lang ang mga paa mo. Dahan-dahan lang, baka madulas ka... Dito ang daan pauwi Jane. Ihahatid kita.”

Takot na takot ako. Sumunod ako sa kanya. Ang tinig niya at ang aking hininga lang ang naririnig ko.
”Magwawakas na Jane... Malapit ka nang makauwi...” aniya.

Sa isang iglap, isang matandang lalaki ang biglang sumigaw... “HUWWAAAGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

At kasunod noon, narinig kong bigla ang sigaw ng mga tao sa malawak na lansangan. Tila may nasasaksihan silang hindi pangkaraniwang pangyayari sa footbridge. Isang pangyayaring ipagluluksa ng kanilang mga gunita, habambuhay.

Maya-maya pa’y narinig ko ang napakalakas na busina ng isang bus.

Hindi ko na alam kung ano pa ang mga sumunod na nangyari.

Ang alam ko lang, masarap pala sa pakiramdam na tila nakalutang ang mga paa mo sa ere, kahit tatlong segundo lang.

***

(Mga alaala niya’y naglulublob ngayon sa putik ng kanyang sanktwaryong anim na talampakan ang lalim. Nawa’y silayan siya ng Dakilang Liwanag. Gayundin ang mga buhay pa niyang katulad na inililibing ng lipunan sa madilim na seldang tinatawag nilang “Kabaliwan”.)

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