High

Scene: Funeral Mass

We are here today to remember our friend, our classmate, and most of all, a person very dear to us, Raymond. In my eulogy today, I don't want to highlight his death, I would rather talk more about his life, reminiscing about when he was still in our midst, breathing the same air we are all thriving on, standing firm among us. Now I would like you to create a mental picture that I am he, and that he is talking to you.

"And the winner of the Palanca Award is...Mr. Raymond Faustino!"

Raymond Faustino.

I like the sound of that name; the sweet music of my 5-syllable name...and most of all, the prestige that has come with it. Now, sitting in the back in this old cinema chair, with everyone showing their approval with their applause as I take my bow, only one thought runs through my mind. Yes. I got the recognition that my hard work deserves.

I've been a writer for two years now and I am proud to have already written scripts for three movies, authored six books and am currently writing a daily column for a local tabloid. My colleagues say I am a literary genius. I owe it all to my mind, frivolous and vulnerable, yet firm in purpose. It is much like a factory, where raw resources enter, are quickly processed piece by piece and... Presto! A vivid idea, commonplace yet innovative.

Writing is my passion- it is an intoxicating drug to me, like a stimulant that arouses my creative mind, like a depressant that represses my true feelings, like a laxative which purges the ideas out of me, like an analgesic that numbs my physical pains. Like a drug, it gives me a feeling of being "high", an intense feeling of satisfaction given by the melody of words and the lullaby of thoughts. Words are indeed as powerful as they are captivating. But alas! With all these mind-made experiences, I am not satisfied. Somehow, I long for more...I thirst for more...

With all my heart put into paper, I sense that my brain is left drained. Whenever an idea takes shape, it makes a quick exit as soon as the legible blots of ink pervade the subtlenessof my paper. I recognize that my mind only does one thing: processing. Period. Nothing gained, nothing retained.

It's a form of delirium. I begin to see the characters I had written about, even some by other authors as well. I see them personified. Maybe it is just me seeing the persona of my characters in other people or maybe just a product of my imagination, delusions of uncertain origin. My mind goes completely astray. I have difficulty discerning fact from fiction. Seeing fierce-looking harpies and lovely angels, I think that it is all just bliss, something that would fade in time.

Soon, those delusions become more and more frequent. I start seeing more and more of the made-up world- much like stepping into a storybook but one with some clear connection to the headlines in your daily newspaper. A window has opened to the unknown, to the bizarre. I see dwarfs among my kitchen canisters, an opening to Dante Alighieri's version of hell in my own office, and lastly, suddenly, there she is: the perfect woman that I myself had created. She had ended up as one of those crumpled papers-a rejected idea that has remained forgotten until now.

I tried to convince myself that it is just one of those delusions that I frequently have, but it is really her I see standing a few feet away from the jump-off point in our building, standing in melancholic contemplation, with her face turned back, her long black hair dancing with the wind, crying in despair. And I, a hopeless romantic, have only one thing in my mind: to end all her misery, for I cannot bear to see the sadness of my creation. I come close to her… she stands still. I envelop her with my arms, thinking of giving in and reaching out to the dark abyss. I surrender. This is a feeling I can’t write with words alone-grammar was too constricting to let me express it- and if given the chance to write down what I feel, it will surely end up like a crossword puzzle, from which ideas are hard to discern. I am lost in my thoughts. All I sense now is the crisp gust of wind and the fading street lights as we join in this sweet surrender...

The lights fade.

It blacks out… and I have no one to blame except a mad literary genius’s mind.

This story is written by Raymond John Naguit.

Wowowee: An Eye Opener

12:00 pm. Lunch time,a break from the usual adversities of a Filipino. It is the time most likely spent by the driver-sweet-lover to eat heartily in the turo-turo or the much needed stress time out by the office "Ser Armando" types. Truly, Juan dela Cruz does not forget the usual tanghalian. But of course, it wouldn't be complete without the noontime shows which indeed plays a vital part not only in our everyday lunchtime but also in our culture.

Now.Who could site a better example other than Wowowee?

One thing I admire the most about it is its ability to get the taste of every filipino and keep it to the highest possible notch. It becomes so entertaining that you consciously or unconsciously memorize the lyrics of the songs/jinggles by Willie Revilliame,of which my musically sensitive ears aren't very pleased. But since everyone appears to enjoy it, (Yes. even your nearby kanto boy and my 6 year old brother knows it by heart) I think I'd let it pass. I myself admit into giving in to tunes of Boom Tarat Tarat and Igiling-giling. But I tell you, the fun of doing it in your private homes is incomparable to going to the studio to strut your stuff! Although the thought of millions of people around the world are watching which made me feel VERY anxious, it is still a memory worth keeping.

Another thing which I find very commendable is the show's effortless display of our trademark virtue which is abounding hospitality. Although I find it exaggerated at times, it surely does pay off in our tourism sector, NO WONDER Ace Durano (Secretary for the Department Of Tourism) got Willie in his latest commercial. It's more of like a gradeschool open house where the teacher makes the usual bonggang bonggang salubong to the parent and if possible and appropriate,I have no doubt that they won't consider hanging garlands of sampaguita then shouting: Mabuhay! Tuloy po kayo..While the visiting/prospective parent taken aback. OK. I was exaggerating. Its so sad when you have to out it.

Now to the negative side. Feel my bitterness?haha

Of all the positive mentioned above,of course there would be my usual negative comments on some things which some of us wouldn't even waste their irreplaceable neurons on. First is the shows hint of division amongst the rich and the err... not-so-rich people. I personally witnessed this when we lined up before the shooting. The long line was divided into two: one of the normal people and the other for people who they call "TFC Subscribers". Somehow I sensed that my occipitofrontalis muscle (muscle used for raising the eyebrows) contracted. What do I call it? its OPPRESSION. The TFC subscribers were given top priority in the line where they eventually got seated way ahead of us thus getting better seats. This is SOCIAL INJUSTICE people!

Another thing is the show's concept. In my point of view, the show is focused all about the povery and misfortunes of the people with some segue on their love and family life. Look at what those people can do just for a hefty sum of 5000 Php! Although I am not blind to the fact that hefty sum may mean life and death to them but what I see here is SELF DEGREDATION which we filipinos are known for abroad. I can testify it by the usual things people say to Willie anticipating that they are the next contestant to be interviewed. It goes something like this:

"Magandang Hapon Kuya Willliiieeeee!!!! Nagtraysikel lang po ako dito tapos binenta ko lang po yung kalabaw namen para may pambayad ng pamasahe Paaappppiiiieeee!! May sakit po nanay ko at ang tatay ko'y kakaopera lang at yung kapatid ko kasalukuyang nakakulong ngayon... tapos hinahanap ko po yung nawawala kong kapatid sa labas na anak ng nanay ko sa isang Amerikano.. (then Willie asks for a message to his half-brother) Hey,ip yor watching da Tea-eff-sea channel ryt now..im here.. Thank you to the Tea-eff-sea channels!"

...

The result? It served as a media for sharing problems which are supposedly shared only to the intimates. The thing here is that, it somehow provides a "False Hope" for some who's mentality is "the more dramatic your story,the higher money Willie will give you". Which sometimes becomes irritating because most of the time, their sometimes-fabricated,sometimes-exaggerated stories doesn't convince me for obvious reasons. Yet,there are still some whose sincerity eminates that acts as a lachrimator to me.

But alas! those mentioned above is incomparable to the last uncommendable thing I see which is the EXPLOITATION OF WOMEN. It can be seen, from the not-so-brainy portrayal of the lady dancers to the "Ang guapo mo talaga Papppiiiieeee!!!*Hugs and Kisses"

And now, after Willie's suspension in the said noontime show, everyone kept on saying, "Mahal namin sa Willie" or something like that. Is this a sign of his political ambition?

Open Juan dela Cruz' eyes.

Be the judge.

Pampanga/PIMPanga as the Next Economic Center of the Philippines

Pampanga as the Philippines' Economic center in the future-an inevitable phrase. This may not be seen so clear to some Filipinos but still...for decades now,the Central Luzon province of Pampanga is not less than a sleeping giant. Much more like a explosive waiting to be activated and when that inevitable time comes (which I believe would be 5 to 10 years from now), an economic boom would be the result.

With these bold statements above that I blabbered about, it would seem that I work as a fortuneteller that appears on the boobtube (especially when Chinese New Year starts) unless I support my statements with justifiable reasons. To explain it briefly (No,I won't give you a lecture on Economics 101) I'd site some factors which I think would predispose Pampanga as the next economic center of the Philippines.

First, Location is one important factor, for here we can identify more often than not the resources that the province gets. If you look at the map, the said province is strategically placed in the center of Luzon,giving it easy access to the capital which is Manila while being surrounded by the provinces of Bataan and Zambales in the south,giving it access to bodies of water thus showering us with some marine resources. Also along the perimeter is Nueva Ecija,Tarlac,and Bulacan thereby on the aspect of agriculture,it can be said we are not to be left out.

Second reason are the future plans that our President promomised. One of which is the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) which would provide easy travel to Subic, thus increasing tourist flow in the areas of Angeles City.Another is the Diosdado Macapagal Airport which would soon be catering to international flights. Oh! who could forget the promised LRT station which would be connected to the ones in Manila (which I am not very familiar with) which means easy transportation for me! Yay!

Third reason is the immense tourist attraction. Through the years, Pampanga has been one of the visited places for festivities and events. Some of which are: Hot Air Baloon Festival, Giant Lantern Festival and the Holy week celebration called Maleldo. As you can see, Pampanga is both a city and a province in one. Urbanity sans the pollution. Another thing which I observe to be a big factor in our international tourism sector is the NIGHTLIFE. Then and there in Angeles City you can spot bars and clubs which are frequented predominantly by foreigners of every nationality. No longer are Americans different from the Kampampangan culture since they've been in these lands since the ancient time of Clark Airbase. With this,the picture of a tall meztizo American with a Dark-skinned artificially blonde Filipina wearing shimmy short skirts while made up with a full blast make up with matching high heels and chandelier earrings (possibly her wife...) and her family isn't a disturbance anymore- a thing that a average Manilenyo would find weird,if not disgusting. Forgive me for the exagerration,but soon enough I think my description would bear its benefits.Consider this situation:


Filipina works in a bar. (Dancer,Prostitute,Waitress,etc.)

American likes Filipina.

American marries Filipina.

American supports family of Filipina.

Filipina's familymay/may not rise from poverty.

If yes,decrease in poverty percentage.Good for the government

American and Filipina have Kids.

Increase in the Filipino-mestizo population.

Increase American population.

Increase in English speaking people. Maybe Good for the government

Probably a higher literacy rate. Good for the government

Attraction of foreign investors due to decreased language barrier. Good for the government

Increase investments. Good for the government

Increase foreigner population.

Increase in prostitution.

Increased exploitation of women.

Sigh.

Teacher's Subjectivity

Ever heard of the line that goes like this? -"...We teachers don't make your grades. You are the ones that make them. We only compute for them..." Got the picture of your dreaded and/or loved teacher? Yes, I myself heard that line epochs ago. Based from experience, they tell their students that line during "crucial" situations such as but not limited to:

a) When the student got a low grade and its basically the students fault
b) When the teacher is trying to explain the "role" of the teacher
c) When the teacher is being asked, "Mataas po ba magbigay ng grade si Maam _______"
d) When the subject is really difficult
e) When a student complains about the grade that he got
f) When a student fails to submit an assignment.

Back to the topic, In my own opinion, that overused line is invalid but would really make a fine argumentation. Through the years,it became more like a monologue from a script sans the feelings, it shifted from pure concern to merely mouthing it, or at least it was just the way I perceived it.

In this world where every this has been said, everyone is entitled to his own way of expression and this made individualism an entitlement rather than the conservative perception of expression as a privilege. With this, ideas of subjectivity grew and simultaneously got mass support and teachers are no exemption. In my college days, I recognized that grades are subjective,just as people are. A learning experience I can relate to that is our occasional questioning amongst our selves in our class, "Bakit ung prof ng ibang section mataas magbigay ng grade?". Now, it so clear to me, our professors have their own different standards which the students must cope to. So the saying "...You make your grades..." is not acceptable since the grades are the subjective evaluation of a teacher to a student. In analogy, it is the student that makes the poem, but it is the teacher who interprets it, and that interpretation is highly subjective.

I do not hvae anything against my past or present professors, just want to ponder on some things which I believe, in my own subjectivity, is important. No matter how you do in your academic life, it is what you learn is important, not the grade. (but I am not disclosing the fact that it will really help you in your future). To my readers, please enlighten me more on this topic =)

According to Lia Tagulinao,

Me naman, i believe that students DO make their grades. personally, whenever i hear someone complain about their grades like, "*%&#!@^$ yang ma'am/sir (whoever) na yan, ang baba magbigay ng grade!" hello, hindi naman yan inimbento lang ng prof. ikaw may gawa niyan. kung mababa yan, ikaw ang may pagkukulang. (sometimes, sira-ulo rin yung ibang profs dahil nagtatanong ng hindi niya tinuro, but mostly, it's our fault naman haha.) grades aren't subjective in the sense that they have bases, which are the requirements. they don't create our grades out of thin air.

the thing that bothers me is that the system isn't standardized. tama ka, hindi nga pare-pareho yung profs. and feel ko yun yung problem. hindi sila pareparehas ng tinuturo, ng pinapa-quiz, ng pinapagawa. so naturally, magkakaroon rin ng discrepancy yung grades, and i don't think that's fair. i think everyone in the batch should be getting the same thing, coz hello, we're paying naman the same tuition for the same course in the same school, so we all expect to get the same thing, right?

in our high school kasi, the teachers for each subject really go into meetings para same sila ng level of difficulty, requirements and stuff like that. para nga fair.

I agree Lia, naisip ko kanina ung sbi mo na they aren't subjective in a sense that they have bases pero nakalimutan ko lang. Nako, tama yan, we should aim for standardization, kaso there's such a thing called academic freedom ng mga profs which we have no jusrisdiction on. =)

i guess academic freedom on the part of the profs is fine in other universities where the students also have the freedom to choose their profs. eh ang daya satin, we don't have that privilege. :| so since wala tayong freedom, dapat sila din wala. hahaha.

Night Shift: Isang Pag-aaral ukol sa Student Prostitution

I. Panimula

Sa gitna ng krisis na ating kinakaharap ngayon, hindi natin maikakaila na ang kahirapan ay ang ating pinakamatinding suliranin. Dagdag pa rito ang malaking porsyento ng mga mamamayan ang walang trabaho, kaya naman maraming Pilipino ang pumapasok sa mga ilegal na gawain o kabuhayan, tulad na lamang ng prostitusyon--ang pagkakaloob ng sekswal na serbisyo kapalit ng pera. Kaugnay nito, mapapansin din ang lumalaking industriya ng student prostitution o ang pagpasok ng mga magaaral sa prostitusyon upang matugunan hindi lamang ang kanilang gastusin sa paaralan, kundi pati narin ng buong pamilya. Ngunit hindi natin maiiwasan na itanong sa ating mga sarili: ito nga ba ang sagot sa kanilang suliranin?

Sinasabing ”easy money” ang prostitusyon, at maari ring masabi na ito’y nakatutulong sa pagreresolba ng mga pinansyal na problema. Ngunit kapalit nito, nahaharap naman sa iba’t ibang uri ng panganib ang mga indibidwal na pumapasok sa ganitong kabuhayan.

Ang mga kabataang nahaharap sa ganitong uri ng suliranin ay natatambad sa iba’t ibang karamdaman na maaaring makuha sa pakikipagtalik. Ang mga student prostitute ay maaari ring maging biktima ng pang-gagahasa, pang-aabuso, at samu’t saring banta sa kanilang mga buhay. Dagdag pa rito, ang trabahong ito’y nagdudulot ng unti-unting pagkawala ng dignidad ng isang tao. Masasabing ang prostitusyon ay sanhi rin ng pagbaba ng tingin ng mga student prostitute sa kanilang mga sarili.

Sa pagpapatuloy ng pag-ulagta ng pangdaigdigang ekonomiya, mahihinuha ang hindi mapigilang pagtaaas ng bahagdan ng mga pumapasok sa ganitong trabaho. Ito ang nagudyok sa aming grupo na magsagawa ng pananaliksik ukol sa student prostitution.

II. Layunin

Sabi ng ilan, “money is the root of all evil”. Taliwas naman sa pahayag ng aming grupo ang kasabihang ito, bagkus ang kawalan ng pera ang pinaguugatan ng kasamaan. Dahil sa kahirapan maraming kabataan ang napapasok sa mga ilegal na trabaho gaya na lang ng prostitusyon. Ang Pilipinas bilang isang konserbatibo at Katolikong bansa, ay kinokonsidera ang prostitusyon na hindi katanggap-tanggap at kahiya-hiya. Ang paninging ito ay nagdudulot ng diskriminasyon kung saan ang mga student prostitute, na ang tanging nais lamang ay ang makatulong sa kanilang pamilya at ang makapagaral, ang nayuyurak. Layunin ng pag-aaral na itong maglahad ng mga impormasyon ukol sa kalagayan ng mga student prostitute sa kasalukayan nang sa gayo’y mamulat ang madla sa estado at iba’t ibang isyung kinakaharap ng mga student prostitute, at kahit papano’y mabago ang paningin ng tao sa kanila.

Mga Kaugnay na Pagaaral at Literatura

I. Prostitusyon

Ang Prostitusyon, ayon sa Canadian Encyclopedia at sa West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, ay ang pagbenta o paggamit ng sekswal na serbisyo (halimbawa: oral sex, sexual intercourse) para kumita ng pera. Ayon naman sa Brainy Quotes, ang prostitusyon ay isang gawain kung saan inaalay ng babae ang kanyang katawan para sa pakikipagpagtalik sa lalaki.

Ang prostitusyon ay itinuturing ng karamihang relihiyon na ilegal o makasalanan, at ang mga prostitutes ay pinapaniwalaang mababa ang antsas, estado o katayuan sa komunidad. Sa West’s Encyclopedia of American Law, ang prostitusyon ay inilalarawan bilang isa sa pinakamatandang propesyon sa mundo. Ayon rito, ang prostitusyon ay tumatalakay sa malawak na class lines, mula sa mga mahihirap na “streetwalkers,” hanggang sa mga “abusive pimps.” Sinabi rin ng West’s Encyclopedia of American law na ang isang prostitute ay habang buhay na mananatiling isang prostitute at hindi na ito maaalis sa kanyang pamumuhay. Ayon sa kanilang pagsusuri, na taliwas naman sa pagkakahulugan ng Canadian Encyclopedia, parehong mga lalaki at mga babae ang pumapasok sa ganitong trabaho. Dagdag din nila, marami ang nahahawahan ng karamdaman (mga sexually transmitted diseases) sa ganitong trabaho.

Ayon sa Canandian Encyclopedia, ang prostitute ay isang sex worker na nagbebenta ng sekswal na serbisyo. Mula naman sa isang artikulo ni Perkins (1991), ang prostitute daw ay isang babaeng pumapasok o sumusubok ng pakikipagtalik para sa pera at kabuhayan.

II. Mga Salik na Naguudyok ng Pagpasok sa Prostitusyon

Ayon sa Ministry of Justice Law Review Committee (2008) at sa Canadian Encyclopedia, nakikipagsapalaran ang mga tao sa ganitong trabaho unang-una dahil sa problema o suliraning pampinansyal. Karamihan sa kanila ay walang makain sa kanilang mga hapag-kainan, walang pang matrikula, o walang panustos sa pamilya.

Para naman sa ibang tao, ang pagiging isang prostitute ay isa lamang libangan. Sila ay nasisiyahan sa ganitong uri ng trabaho o di kaya nama’y sadyang mausisa at gusto lamang makaranas ng ekspiryens.

Ang iba’y maaaring dahil sa impluwensya ng mga kamag-anak, kaibigan, o kaklaseng nagtratrabaho sa mga club o barikan. Ang pagkakaroon ng isang sirang pagsasama sa pamilya ay maaaring magbunsod sa pagiging prostitute ng isa sa mga kasapi nito.

III. Kalagayan ng Prostitusyon sa Pilipinas

Ang prostitusyon sa Pilipinas ay itinuturing na ilegal sa batas. Isa itong seryosong krimen na pwedeng magtungo pa sa panghabang buhay na pagkakakulong. Ayon sa The International Labor Organization(ILO) at The Coalition Against Trafficking in Women-Asia Pacific (CATW-AP), umabot ng kalahating milyon ang bilang nga mga prostitutes sa Pilipinas, noong taong 1993 at 1994, at 400,000 naman noong 1998. Ang prostitusyon ay nakaaapekto sa turismo lalong-lalo na sa Pilipinas, mas kilala ito sa tawag na “Sex Tourism” kung saan ang pagbibigay aliw ang dinarayo ng mga tao. Ang prostitusyon sa Pilipinas ay kumekeyter sa mga lokal na kostomer at mga dayuhan na siya namang madalas na maging kliyente ng mga nasabing prostitutes. Kahit na ipinagbabawal ang mga ganitong gawain, hindi maiiwasan ang mga ito. At kahit marami na ang mga nahuhuli, hindi pa rin nasusupil ang prostitusyon.

Ang mga syudad na may mataas na insidente ng prostitusyon ay ang Angeles, Olongapo, Subic Bay, at Pasay city na karamihan sa mga kostomer ay mga foreign businessman galing sa East Asian at Western Nations (Wikipedia.org).

Ang prostitusyon sa Olongapo City at Angeles City ay pinakaprominente noong panahon na nanatili ang mga Amerikano dito at magtayo ng kani-kanilang baseng pangmilitar, ang Subic Bay Naval Base at ang Clark Air Base. Nang ang Bulkang Pinatubo ay pumutok noong 1991, sinira nito halos lahat ng Clark Air Base at sinara ito ng U.S. noong 1992.

Dahil rito humina ang industriya ng prostitusyon sa kalapit na lugar, ngunit noong pinasara ni Mayor Alfredo Lim ang mga barikan na sangkot sa prostitusyon sa Ermita sa Maynila, karamihan sa mga ito ay lumipat sa Angeles City, kung saan nakahanap sila ng mga bagong kostomer na nagsilbing dahilan sa pagtaas ng turismo sa lugar na iyon. Ibang tourist areas tulad ng Cebu ay nagkaroon din ng mataas na insedente ng prostitusyon noong mga panahon na iyon.

IV. Student Prostitution o Children Prostitution

Ang student o child prostitution ay mga estudyante o mga kabataang nagtatrabaho bilang isang sex worker para kumita ng pera (Cantarini, 2007). Ayon naman sa International Labour Organization (ILO), tumutukoy ito sa mga batang nasa edad na 18 at pababa. Sinabi din ng ILO (Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999) na ang child prostitution ay isa sa pinakamalupit o pinakamasama na uri na child labor. Binigyang diin sa Convention na ang mga ganitong uri ng child labor ay dapat ng itigil.

Ang mga kabataang prostitute ay maagang naharap sa sexual intercourse. Karamihan daw sa kanila ay napapasok sa ganitong trabaho dahil napagdesisyunan nila na suportahan ang kanilang pamilya. Ang iba, hindi na matiis at naaawa na sa kanilang mga magulang. Sisinasabi rin naman na marami ang nagtatrabaho bilang isang prostitute at hindi ito ipinaaalam sa mga kamag-anak.

V. Mga Panganib na Hinaharap ng mga Student Prostitutes

Ang mga panganib na pwede nilang harapin ay maaaring pang-madalian o pang-matagalan (Hongach, 2007). Ang mga pangmadalian o tinatawag ding intermediate ay ang mga pambubugbog o pisisikal, mental, at emosyonal na pagpapahirap.

Ang mga pangmatagalan naman o tinatawag ding long term dangers ay ang mga sakit tulad na lang ng Sexually Transmitted Diseases, drug addictions, adverse psychological effects, at maaari din namang kamatayan. Ang pinakapanganib o kapalit ng pagiging isang prostitute ay ang mataas na probabilidad na sila ay makakaranas ng violent assault. Maaari din silang makaranas ng rape at abuso.

Natatakot ang mga estudyante na nabibilang sa ganitong trabaho na magsumbong sa mga nakakataas dahil iniisip nila na baka hindi seryosohin ng mga otoridad ang kaso at sila pa mismo ang huliin.

III. Paglalahad ng Sariling Pagaaral

A. Metodolohiya

Napag-alaman namin mula sa mga babasahing aming nasaliksik na ang mga lalawigan ng Zambales, Olonggapo, at Pampanga ang itinuturing na sentro ng prostitusyon. Kaya naman napagpasyahan ng aming grupo, kasama ng isang gabay, na tumungo sa Pampanga upang masaksihan namin kung ano mismo ang nangyayari sa nasabing kalakaran. Tinuro sa amin ng aming gabay ang daan papunta sa pugad ng mga prostityut at kami ay nakarating sa Fields Avenue sa Clarkfield, Pampanga. Dahil kami ay nasa minor na edad pa lamang , kami ay nagpasama sa aming gabay at aming tinahak ang red light district at “area” para makahanap ng aming mga respondente. Gamit ang video camera nagdokumento kami ng aming mga nasaksihan. Doon sa red light district, nakilala namin si Warren, isang callboy sa isang bar. Sa pagtungo naman naming sa lugar na kilala sa pangalan na “area”, aming nakilala si Meagan, isang disi-nuebe anyos na pole dancer na napatapak na rin sa kalakaran ng cybersex. Isa rin si Roland, isang dating student-macho dancer, sa mga naging respondente namin. Inanyayahan naming sila sa bahay ng isa naming miyembro upang makapanayam.

Gumamit ang pangkat ng mga instrumentong pangdokumento tulad ng video camera at voice recorder sa pagkalap ng datos.

B. Representasyon at Pagsusuri ng mga Datos

Sa aming paglalakad sa Fields Avenue (isang kalye papunta sa bungad ng Clark Air Base), aming napatunayan na tama ang isa sa mga nasaliksik naming datos—na bulgar at talamak ang prostitusyon sa Angeles, Pampanga. Sa mga oras na iyon, pagkagulat na may halong hiya ang aming naramdaman sa kadahilanang ubod ng dami ang mga prostityut na nagkalat at sumasayaw pa mismo sa gitna ng kalye habang nagaalok ng mga kostumer. Maging kaming mga menor-de-edad ay kanilang hinihikayat na pumasok sa barikan.

Sina Warren at Roland Sa likod ay ang bugaw nila

Nang makapanayam na namin ang aming mga respondente, naungkat namin ang mga saloobin nila ukol sa iba’t ibang isyung kanilang hinarap at kasalukuyang kinakaharap. Kabilang dito ang kanilang dahilan sa pagpasok sa ganitong kabuhayan, mga pagsubok na kanilang dinanas o dinaranas, ang mga hindi makakalimutang karanasan at iba pa. Bago nagsimula ang panayam, hindi namin sila nakitaan ng negatibong kilos o reaksyon sa kanilang mga mukha; sa madaling salita, masasabing palagay ang loob niya sa amin.

Salaysay ni Roland, isa siyang dating student-macho dancer at callboy na ngayo’y may-ari na ng isang carwash business. Siya ay trenta’y dos anyos na at may asawang dati ring prostitute at ngayon ay may trabaho na bilang “bugaw” (manedyer ng mga prostityut, Wikipedia.com). Ayon sa kanya, hinikayat siya ng kanyang kaklase noong nasa kolehiyo pa siya. Nakadagdag pa raw dito ang problemang pampinansyal upang pumasok siya sa ganitong trabaho. Iba naman ang aming nakuhang sagot kay Meagan, isang babaeng prostityut, batay sa kanya, pumasok daw siya sa ganitong trabaho upang mag-enjoy at pangalawa na lamang raw ang pera. Lubha raw ding naka-apekto sa pag-aaral ni Roland noon ang kanyang naging trabaho sa gabi sa kadahilanang mula alas-diyes ng gabi hanggang alas-singko ng madaling araw ang oras ng pagtatrabaho niya noon. Pumapasok siya sa kanyang pinagtratrabahuhan gabi-gabi at madalas raw ay umaga na siya ng umuuwi at lasing na lasing. Dagdag naman ni Warren, kasalakuyang nagtratrabaho bilang isang macho dancer, na ang trabaho nila ay nakakataba rin dahil sa laging pag-inom ng alak kaya’t pagsapit ng umaga, matinding pagdidiyeta ang kanilang ginagawa upang mapanatili ang hubog ng kanilang katawan na nagsisilbing puhunan nila. Matagal-tagal na rin nagsilbi sina Roland, Warren at Meagan bilang mga prostityut kaya hindi maikakailang marami na silang ekspiryensya na napatunayan naman ng makulay kwento nila sa amin.

Ayon pa sa pagsasalaysay ni Roland, mahirap ang naging trabaho niya. Nang itinanong namin kung papaano ang proseso ng kalakaran, ang naging unang sagot niya ay “Mahirap.” At dagdag pa niya rito, “Sa trabaho namin, kumbaga, pinapa-asa mo yung guest, parang niloloko namin. Matapos mong bigyan ng serbisyo ang isang guest o kostumer, kailangan mo pa itong makumbinse na muli kang balikan at gustuhin ka lalo para pwede mo siyang hingan ng kahit anong materyal na bagay na gusto mo: Hingi ka yung hanggat kaya niya, pabili ka ng sasakyan, negosyo.” Dagdag pa niya, “hindi kami pwedeng bumigay o ma-in love­ sa mga guest dahil mawawala ang pokus namin sa trabaho.” Maidadagdag dito na maari pa nila itong ikapahamak—ikapahamak dahil karamihan ng mga guest nila ay may asawa’t kapag natuklasan ang relasyon nila, maaaring hindi lang kulungan ang ikahahantong nila, kundi kamatayan din. Kwento pa niya, nagkaroon na ng pagkakataon na tumalon siya sa palabas ng bakod ng kaniyang guest dahil nasa labas na mismo ng bahay ang asawa ng kostumer niya at galit na galit na kinakatok ang pintuan ng bahay dahil sa hinalang may ginagawang pagtataksil ang asawa nito. May katrabaho rin siya dati na nakaranas nang magtago sa aparador sa bahay mismo ng kanyang kostumer dahil nasa labas mismo ng aparador ang asawang pulis ng kanyang guest at may hawak-hawak na baril habang kinokompronta ang asawa nito. Depensa niya, ang may kasalanan ay ang mga guest na may asawa na at hindi sila, dahil kung hindi sila naghanap ng aliw sa kanilang mga dancer, hindi sila magkakaproblema ng ganoon. Nang kumustahin naman namin ang relasyon ni Roland at ng kanyang asawa na dati ring isang prostityut, wala naman daw silang nagging problema ukol sa trabaho. Dahil sa pahayag ng magasawa, nahinuha ng grupo na tinuturing ng mga respondente na hiwalay ang trabaho sa kanilang personal na buhay.

Karaniwan lamang raw na ganoon ang magiging kilos ng mga may asawa—ang maghanap ng kalinga mula sa mga prostityut sa dahil kadalasan ay hindi nila mahanap ang kanilang inaasam na “mainit na pagmamahal” mula sa kanilang mga asawa, buhat ng wala lagi sa bahay ang asawa dahil sa trabaho o dahil sa hindi pagkakaunawaan sa isa't isa. Mula rito, nahinuha ng grupo na ang pagproprostityut ay may salik ng panloloko at pambobola sa guest at nagtataglay ng masidhing mga epekto tulad ng paghihiwalay ng magasawa at ang tuluyang pagkabuwag ng pamilya.

Si Meagan, isang prostityut

Naitanong din naming kung nagkasakit na siya dahil sa kaniyang trabaho. Sagot naman niya ay “hindi”. Nagkakaroon daw sila noon ng weekly check-up o ang tinatawag nilang smear para sa seguridad nila pagdating sa kalusugan. Sabi niya, kailangan din ang pagpapacheck-up para na rin sa lisensya nila bilang mga dancer na nakikisalamuha sa iba’t ibang tao: mga babaeng nasa kabataan pa, mga ginang na, at maging mga bakla, nagiging kostumer nila. Salaysay naman ni Warren na siya ay nahawa na ng STD na tinatawag na Gonnorhea at napagpasyahang magself-medicate at huwag nang pumunta sa doktor dahil sa hiya. Mahihinuha ng grupo na ang mga balor tulad ng “hiya” ay hindi pa rin nabubura sa ating konserbatibong kultura

Ayon kay Roland, naging napakalaking tulong naman raw sa kanya lalo na sa pamilya niya ang kinitang perang nanggaling sa pagtatrabaho niya bilang isang macho dancer. Doon niya kinuha ang pangkain nila sa pangaraw-araw pati na rin ang pambayad ng upa sa bahay. Hindi niya ikinaila na naging stepping stone niya rin iyon para makapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral sa kolehiyo’t magkaroon siya ng sariling negosyo ngayon. Ang payo naman niya sa mga nagbabalak at sa mga nasa ganoong trabaho na, ‘’Tutal andyan ka na rin lang, trabauhin mo na. Magpursigi ka lang ng magpursigi. Magpursigi ka para pagdating ng araw, at least, nagtrabaho ka man sa ganyan, sasabihin nila sa’yo, ‘at least yan, nagtrabaho yan at gumanda ang buhay.' Hindi yung nagtrabaho siya dyan pero wala pa ring nangyari sa buhay niya.”

Sa kabuuan ng aming panayam, masasabi naming naging sinsero at tapat ang aming mga respondente sa pagsagot. Nagkaroon ng oras na seryoso ang aming pag-uusap, at nagkaroon din naman ng tawanan. Mula dito, mahihinuha namin na kuntento sila sa trabahong napasukan at kinabibilangan nila. Tama nga ang nasa datos namin: ang kadalasang dahilan ng pagpasok sa ganitong trabaho ay kahirapan. Nagiging isa sa mga paboritong pasukan ng mga estudyante ang pagiging prostitute dahil sa madaling kumita ng pera dito. Ngunit sa kasamaang palad, marami ang hindi nagtatagumpay dahil karamihan sa mga ito nakakabuntis ng guest, o kung hindi naman ay nabubuntis mismo ng guest. Maraming suliranin ang maaaring masalubong ng isang estudyante sa ganitong trabaho, ngunit sa kabila nito, ayon na rin kay “Roland”, maraming aral ang matututunan ng isang kabataang pumapasok sa ganitong klase ng trabaho.

IV. Konklusyon, Rekomendasyon, at Bibliograpiya

A. Konklusyon

Sa kasalukuyan, hindi natin maikakaila na laganap ang kahirapan sa ating bansa. Maraming pamilya ngayon ang walang makain sa kanilang hapag-kainan, walang disenteng tirahan, at walang permanenteng pinagkakakitaan. Lumobo din ang bilang ng mga kabataang hindi maipagpapatuloy ang kanilang paga-aral dahil sa kakapusan. Kung hindi nama’y pinagsasabay nila ang pagaaral at pagtratrabaho. Ang iba’y estudyante sa araw, waiter o waitress naman sa gabi. Ang ilan ay naninilbihan bilang mga clerk sa library ng kanilang mga unibersidad. At may mga ilan na nagtratrabaho bilang mga prostitute.

Mababa ang tingin ng ating komunidad sa mga prostitute. Ngunit naitanong na ba natin sa ating mga sarili kung ginusto ba nila ito? May magagawa pa ba sila? Nais ng pangkat na sa pananaliksik na ito, maiiba ang mga pananaw ng madla sa mga student prostitute.

Sa aming pag-aaral, natukoy namin ang dahilan ng ilang mga estudyante kung bakit sila napasok sa kalakarang ito. Natalakay din ang iba’t ibang isyung kinakaharap ng mga nasabing student prostitute. Napag-alaman ng aming grupo na kadalasa’y napapasok ang mga kabataan sa ganitong uri ng kabuhayan unang-una dahil sa kakulangan sa pera. Hindi nila ginustong mapasok dito ngunit dahil sa mabilis ang kita, na nakakatulong sa pagtitipid ng oras, napilitan silang makipagsapalaran.

Ang mga student prostitute ay mga mag-aaral din gaya natin. Kung tutuusin masmabuti pa silang mga estudyante kumpara sa atin. Sila’y determinadong makapag-aral at makamit ang kanilang pangarap, mula’t rin sila sa matinding pangangailangang makatapos upang maiahon ang kanilang mga pamilya.

Naugnay man sa ganitong propesyon, ang mga kabataang ito’y nagpakita ng matinding pagsasakripisyo para sa kanilang pamilya at pagsusumikap upang makamtam ang kanilang mga pangarap sa buhay. Nawa’y seryosohin ng lipunan ang mga isyung kinakaharap ng mga kabataang ito upang mabigyang kalutsan ang kanilang mga problema nang sa gayo’y sila’y makapagbagong buhay.

B. Rekomendasyon

Kaugnay ng nasabing konklusyon, buong pagpapakumbabang inererekomenda ng aming grupo ang mga sumusunod:

a. Para sa mga estudyanteng nagigipit at nangangailangan ng pinansyal na suporta, sana’y pag-isipan ninyong mabuti ang mga desisyon na inyong gagawin upang matugunan ang inyong mga pangangailangan. Nawa’y lubos niyo nang naunawaan ang mga masamang dulot ng mga trabahong mabilis ang kita gaya na lamang ng prostitusyon.

b. Para sa mga kasalukyang nagtratrabaho bilang isang student prostitute, sana’y huwag kayong mawalan ng pag-asang mapabuti ang inyong kalagayan.

c. Para sa madla, sana’y maging bukas ang inyong kalooban sa kalagayan ng mga student prostitute nang sa gayo’y inyong maintindihan ang kanilang kalagayan at kahit papaano’y magbago ang tingin ninyo sa kanila.

d. Para sa mga mananaliksik, sana’y inyong pagibayuhin ang pananaliksik sa pamamagitan ng higit pang relevant na mga datos, pagdaragdag ng bilang ng mga respondent, at pagpapalawak ng sakop na respondent, nang sa gayo’y higit pang mapalawak ang kaalaman hinggil sa mga student prostitute.

C. Bibliograpiya

Ambrogi, R. J. (2008). Porn Star, Hooker, Law Student. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://legalblogwatch.typepad.com/legal_blog_watch/2008/08/porn-star-hooke.html

Bangkok Post. (2001). More students selling sex for extra cash. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.thailandlife.com/thaiyouth_39.html

Bullough, V. L. "Prostitution in the Later Middle Ages. " Sexual Practices and the Medieval Church. Ed. Vern L. Bullough and James Brundage. Buffalo: Prometheus Books, 1982, pp.176-86.

Cantarini, A. (2007). Child Prostitution in the Philippines. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.slideshare.net/andrea1129/child-prostitution-in-the-philippines2

Farmer, B. (2007). Cambridge students 'work as prostitutes'. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/1565748/Cambridge-students-‘work-as-prostitutes’.html

Hickenbottom, I.L. (2002). Prositution: Then and Now. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~ulrich/femhist/sex_works.shtml

Hongach, W. (2007). National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_US&PageID=1494

Hughes, D.M. (2007). Factbook on Global Sexual Exploitation The Philippines. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa http://www.uri.edu/artsci/wms/hughes/philippi.htm

McLeod, D. (2008). PIMPS IN SCHOOLS: Boys running prostitution ring in four institutions. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20080118/news/news1.html

Montaldo, C. (2007). Prostitution: A Victimless Crime?. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://crime.about.com/ad/a/prostitution.htm

Perkins, R. (1991). Working Girls: Prostitutes, Their Life and Social Control. Nakuha noong Pebrero 15, 2009 sa

http://www.ncjrs.gov/App/publications/abstract.aspx?ID=133758

Riva, M. (n.d.). Prostitution in the Middle Ages. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.brown.edu/Departments/Italian_Studies/dweb/society/sex/prostitution.shtml

The Canadian Encyclopedia. (2007). Prostitution. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0006521

West Encyclopedia of American Law. Prostitution. Nakuha noong Pebrero 15, 2009 sa

http://www.answers.com/topic/prostitution

Wikipedia.Org Encyclopedia. (n.d). Prostitution. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://www.aboutsociology.com/sociology/Prostitution

Wikipedia.Org Encyclopedia. (n.d). Prostitution in the Philippines. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_the_Philippines

Wikipedia.Org Encyclopedia. (n.d). Prostitution of children. Nakuha noong Enero 3, 2009 sa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_of_children

Worst Forms of Labour Convention. (1999). Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182), Article 3. Nakuha noong Pebrero 15, 2009 sa

http://www2.ohchr.org/english/law/childlabour.htm#wp1046402

Click here for related videos.

This research is done by Naguit, Raymond John, Paras,Neil Patrick, Cotaco, Allen Christian, Torres,Paolo, and Bustos, John Patrick under the supervision of Asst.Prof. Zendel Taruc of the University of Santo Tomas College of Nursing. No part of this study could be replicated, duplicated, or distributed without permission from the aforementioned authors.

Nursing Diagnoses and Interventions for UST Nursing Students

1. HyperSTRESSia related to...
-emotional stress sa classmate or ka-RLE (pwede rin sa professor/clinical instructor)
-failing grades in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Parasitology
-overflowing quizzes and homeworks
-additional BIGTIME requirements of minor subjects (Literature,Filipino,English Theology)

Interventions:
-Classmate therapy (Okay lang yan! Ako rin mababa eh...)
-Problem Solving (24/7 na pag-aaral,walang tulugan)

2. Narcolepsy related to...
- impaired sleeping pattern
-extremely boring class
-extremely therapeutic voice of the lecturer

Interventions:
-Social interaction (Kwentuhan sa seatmate)
-Provide stimuli (PSP,DOTA, etc.)
-Chest Physiotherapy-Percussion and Vibration (para magising ung classmate mo)
-develop a coping mechanism (kunwari nakikinig, pero tulog na pala)
-administer crackers (or kahit anu na makakain para picnic)
-administer analgesics (to bear the lenghty sched)
-administer overdose amounts of caffeine

3. Anxiety related to...
-CUTOFF!
-failing grades in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Microbiology and Parasitology

Interventions:
-Classmate therapy (Okay lang yan! Ako rin mababa eh...)
-Problem Solving (24/7 na pag-aaral,walang tulugan)

4. Hyperalgesia related to...
-increased sensitivity to pain related to hyperSTRESSia
-extension of lecturer
-sabay sabay na quizzes

Interventions:
-bear with it. May magagawa ka pa ba? hayy...
-undergo SE (Shifting Examination.hihi =P)

5. Allodynia related to...
-extension of lecturer

Interventions:
-inspect from head tu to (for signs and symptoms of hyperSTRESSia)
-pain rating scale
-Hoy! umayos ka... nag extend lang professor mo, nag-iinarte ka na dyan.hehe =)

There's no Business like Showbusiness!

I.The costumes, the scenery, the makeup, the props
The audience that lifts you when you're down


II.The headaches, the heartaches, the backaches, the flops
The sheriff who escorts you out of town


III.There's no business like show business
Like no business I know ...


With the untimely collapse of nearly all the businesses in the world, only one trade remains stable, SHOW BUSINESS. True, there really is no business like show business, from the factory to the final product,everything is superficial. It all revolves around the "show" with the hint of business at the background. With all the lights, make up and other aesthetics as the capital, the stage comes to life and has come to endure. Like a business, people come people stay, and people go. Change is something constant and inevitable.


IV.Everything about it is appealing
Everything the traffic will allow


Aesthetics play a huge factor in this trade, from the giant laden billboards on EDSA up to the surgical "enhancements" of Dra.Vicky Bello that most TV personalities avail. To sum it all up, I believe aesthetics is everything that is left in show business. It had become the home of the perfectly sculpted bodies or chisled faces with mediocre performance just to serve the purpose of entertainment. Yes, physical appearance is the name of the game. Through the years, the "artists" which we see on the boobtube shifted to become "celebrities" instead, it has become a question of "Sino ang maganda/guapo?" rather than "Sino ang magaling umarte?" Its like everyone could be an artist these days, model-turned-actress has now proliferated job descriptions. Even normal people, can become artists through the showbiz passport reality shows like Pinoy Big Brother and Pinoy Dream Academy to name a few. SHOWBIZ: AN OPEN HOUSE. Come one! Come all!


V.No where could you have that happy feeling
When you aren't stealing that extra bow


Sadly, albeit the premise of easy come and easy go idea that governs showbusiness, people still keep their hopes high with regard to their "Hollywood dream" (or in our case..uhm... ABS- CBN dream?) Maybe because people believe in the illusions of vanity that showbiz has to offer by giving them pretty clothes and a great deal of money involved,but I think that it does not go entirely so.


VI.There's no people like show people
They smile when they are low


Can you recall those two masks used to depict theater? One with a disturbing smile and one with a franatic frown? That's showbiz. Its all about pretending, acting at its finest. Conceling their bad side when at public or sometimes do something bad to get sensationalized. Its the trade I dread to proliferate our country


VII.Yesterday they told you you would not go far
That night you opened and there you are


VIII.Next day on your dressing room they've hung a star


IX.Let's go on with the show!
The show!

"There's No Business Like Show Business" is an Irving Berlin song, written for Annie Get Your Gun and orchestrated by Ted Royal. The song, a salute to the glamour and excitement of a life in show business, is sung in the musical by members of Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in an attempt to persuade Annie Oakley to join the Wild West Show.

TARA TOMASINO! TULONG TAYO!

WHAT: TULONG TOMASINO: Donation Drive for ONDOY VICTIMS
WHEN: TUESDAY, September 29, 2009
WHERE: ROOM 202, TAN YAN KEE STUDENT CENTER
TIME: 9:00 A.M.

TULONG TOMASINO: Donation Drive for ONDOY Victims

In response to the increasing number of typhoon victims who need help, the Central Student Council thru its Committee on Community Development and in coordination with the local student councils, will be having a donation drive starting Tuesday (tomorrow), September 29, 2009, 9:00 A.M.

You may donate goods (e.g. canned, biscuits, noodles), usable clothes and cash.

Priority items for relief goods are as follows:
1.) Food - water, milk, bread, crackers, noodles
2.) Clothes
3.) Beddings
4.) Medicines - Biogesic, Diatabs, Alaxan, Advil, Neozep
5.) Baby needs.

These donations will be first given to our Thomasian victims, any residual donation will be forwarded to Sagip Kapamilya ABS-CBN foundation.

Also, for those who want to be VOLUNTEERS, go to CSC office tomorrow 9 A.M. and look for Joko Balisa (CSC Treasurer, OIC for Community Development Advocacy).

Thank you very much. TARA! TOMASINO TULONG TAYO!


CSC Advisory: In view of CHED announcement, classes will resume on Monday, October 5, 2009. This is official. Please pass!

For more details click here

New Org Advisers for UST Nursing Student Organizations!

The UST College of Nursing (USTCON) faculty and studentry are in for a real change as new appointments have been made not only for the executive positions but for the student organizations level as well, this year. UST College of Nursing Regent, Rev.Fr. Julius Paul C. Factora, RN, O.P. shared, “Its time now for change since the 2-year maximum term of some organization advisers already ended, plus it is also a means of professional development for the faculty members and for the organization itself”.

Newly added in the Organization Advisers roster is clinical instructor, Dennis Cuadra, RN for Red Cross Youth Council – Nursing Unit, replacing former RCYC adviser, Asst. Prof. Thelma Abellardo RN, MEd. “My experience working as the NCBS 2002-2003 Vice President really helped me a lot in the managerial aspect”, Cuadra said in an interview with the Nursing Journal. He adds, “My plan as the new RCYC adviser is to make the organization more visible with the primary goal of organizing the system [RCYC] first as an organization.”

Shifting from one organization to another, former Medical Missions Inc. – Nursing Group (MMI) adviser, JN Junille Paat RN, MHSS is now the Pax Romana adviser which is formerly under the supervision of Gawad Benavides awardee, Asst. Prof. Editha Ocampo, BS Med Tech., MEd. “As the new organization adviser, I plan to have more activities that will foster camaraderie among members as well as meet the main objective of Pax Romana which is to share the peace of Christ to the whole nursing community.”

Filling the newly vacated Medical Missions Inc. – Nursing Group advisoral seat is June 2002 Nursing Licensure Exam 18th placer, Ms.Brenda Luy, RN. “I want to supervise the students in dealing with missions and maximize their skill/potential wherein MMI would serve as their training ground. I would also like to emphasize the spirit of volunteerism among the students and make them aware of the different situations in the country thus making them more open-minded.” As for plans as an organization adviser, she aims to nurture potential student leaders as well as make the group more independent. “Kung baga, support lang ako, sila na ung magcarry-out”, she says.

Meanwhile, the rest of the student organizations retain their advisers.Estelle Rose Lerma,RN (Nursing Chorale) , Assoc.Prof. Elmer C. Hibek, Ph.D. (Nursing Journal), Monaryn Borbo, RN (Nursing Dance Troupe), Melanie Turingan, MA (Nursing Association of Student Achievers), John Vincent Ignacio,AB (Nursing Varsity Council) and lastly, ian Carlo Torres RN, MAN and Assoc.Prof. Anita Cabezon, RN, MPH (Nursing Central Board of Students).