Paglayag | Volume I Issue 1

FEATURE MAGAZINE OF SIRMATA NOVEMBER 2021 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

FROM THE EDITOR Hanggang saan tayo paroroon sa pagtahak ng landas ng pag-ibig, EDSEL HARRY TURDA pagkawasak, at paghilom? EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Mula sa pagkasabik ng bukang-liwayway, hanggang sa muling pamamaalam ng dapit-hapon, ikaw ang nag-iisang namamangka sa JAMICO CRIS JINGCO gitna ng malawak na katubigan, na tila napag-iiwanan ng panahon ALTHEA DELA CRUZ ngunit hindi ng pag-asa’t pagkakataon. ASSOCIATE EDITORS Iyo nang tuklasin ang mga kuwento ng buhay sa magkaibang mundo ng CHRISTELLE ALYNNA S. AGUSTIN imahinasyon at reyalidad. Katulad ng bangkang sinasagwan patungo sa islang nais ANGEL ALYSSA PASCUA makamit, ito ang magsisilbing pahinga ng puso’t kaluluwang unti-unting napapagod. RIZZA SWERTE URBINA Ito na ang paglalakbay at ating paglayag! MANAGING EDITORS GRAZIELLE REINA S. LARAN EDSEL HARRY TURDA MARIA ANNA JESSICA ROSQUETA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF CIRCULATIONS MANAGERS CONTRIBUTORS SHAINA DWINE PABLO NEWS EDITOR JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG // FEATURE EDITOR SHE’S A 4TH YEAR BA COMMUNICATION STUDENT, WHOSE ONLY WAY OF EXPRESSING HERSELF IS THROUGH JESUSA MAE SOMAOANG WRITING. SHE’S FOND OF TAKING PHOTOS OF THE SKY AND SUNSETS. IF NOT BUSY WITH ACADEMICS OR WRITING, FEATURES EDITOR SHE’D BE BUSY FINISHING A WHOLE ANIME/KDRAMA/CDRAMA/JDRAMA SERIES. PRINCESS ALYZZA A. CALAMAYAN GRAZIEL MAE RAMAT LITERARY EDITOR A 20-YEAR-OLD CAFFEINATED STUDENT NURSE WHO WANTS TO BE A PROFESSIONAL JAPANESE-ENGLISH MANGA/ LIGHT NOVEL TRANSLATOR OR A SEA TURTLE SHELL BRUSHER (AMONG 99+ OTHERS). SHE WRITES WITHOUT ADRIANNE LORENZO CORPUZ RULES, ONLY WITH FEELINGS. SPORTS EDITOR JAYSON SABONG ISSUE LAYOUT BY: A MAN ILLUMINATED BY THE FIRE AND EMPOWERED BY THE HEART. HE IS A PHARMACY STUDENT, A SIRIB YOUTH SCHOLAR AND EXCHANGE STUDENT OF KU-EOL PROGRAM, A PROLIFIC FEATURE, SCI-TECH WRITER & CARTOONIST NEIL BRYANT BALIAO SINCE GRADE SCHOOL AND A BROADCASTER DURING SENIOR LEVEL. VISUALS EDITOR JULIA KATRINA P. BONOTAN ANTHONY JOSEPH V. DUYAO A 20 YEAR OLD LIVING MESS. HER TIME IS SPENT OCCASIONALLY IN WRITING, REGULARL READING, MOSTLY LAYOUT ARTIST FIGURING OUT WHAT TO DO IN LIFE, AND SOMETIMES UNINTENTIONALLY GETTING INTO PAINFUL SITUATIONS THAT EVENTUALLY TURN OUT WELL FOR HER. IAN PAUL R. VILLANUEVA; DANA MERYLL GAPAS; GRAZIEL MAE G. RAMAT; KYLE NOJEN O. ANDRES; KYLE NOJEN ANDRES A SIMPLE-MINDED DUDE WHO TOOK BA-COMM AND JOINED SIRMATA AS HEAD START. DESIRES TO BECOME A JAMES CARLO LUCAS; WARREN RACILES; MARY BUSINESS JOURNALIST, SO HE AIMS TO ENHANCE HIS WRITING SKILLS THAT A PRO ENTREPRENEUR HAS FROM GRACE TAJON; MARC LOUIE PASION WRITERS / FEATURE ADVERTISING TO TOURISM. STILL LIKELY TO SPACE-OUT WHEN READING BIG WORDS. CASMIR REMYELL CADIENTE PHOTOJOURNALIST / AIRA NADINE Q. PASCUA; PAOLA JOY FRANCISCO; JESSA YRENEA A BSE FILIPINO STUDENT, DREAMER AND A NIGHT THINKER. FOR HER, WORDS WILL ALWAYS BE HER SWORD IN LUJEAN GUIEB; ILLUSTRATORS/GRAPHICS THIS CRUEL WORLD ARTISTS / WARREN RACILES EDMAR DELOS SANTOS; RANDY C. GIANAN JR.; A 3RD YEAR BS PHARMACY STUDENT AND DO LOVE RESEARCHES. HIS PASSION IN WRITING EVER SINCE HE WAS HYUNG SUN JAMES MAESTRADO; RYAND ANGELO YOUNG LEADS HIM TO PURSUE SIRMATA AS A LITERARY A WRITER FOR 3 YEARS. HIS PURPOSE IN CREATING IS TO UGALDE; JAYSON SABONG; JESSA MARIZ CORPUZ; HELP OTHERS UNDERSTAND LIFE EXPERIENCES, LESSONS, EMOTIONS AND ITS PROCESSES IN AN ARTISTIC WAY. CHRISTIAN JAY PERPUSE; CORRESPONDENTS / EDMAR DELOS SANTOS MR. BRYAN R. REALGO; DR. BRYAN ELI B. HE IS A FRUSTRATED STORYTELLER AND A YOUNG ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATE WHO LOVES TO WRITE STORIES SADORRA TECHNICAL ADVISERS / ABOUT THE EARTH. DR. EDITHA B. VALDEZ ENGLISH CRITIC / RYAND UGALDE PROF. DJOANNA D. PUNGTILAN FILLIPINO CRITIC / A RAY OF SUNSHINE, A BEACON OF JOY. HE IS A 1ST YEAR BA COMMUNICATION STUDENT. AS PASSIONATE AS EVER, DR. MARLINA L. LINO ILOCANO CRITIC HE GREW WITH HIS LOVE FOR ARTS AND JOURNALISM. WITH HIS DETERMINATION TO WRITE, TRUTH WILL ALWAYS BE BY HIS SIDE . RANDY GIANAN JR. A COMMUNICATION STUDENT WHO PURSUES THE DEGREE FOR FUTURE PUBLIC SERVICE. A STUDENT LEADER WHO SERVES HIS CONSTITUENTS FOR EXCELLENCE. STUDENT JOURNALIST WHO SPEAKS FOR FAIRNESS. WITHAL, A PERSON WHO SHINES THE COLORS BEYOND ON WHAT THEY COULD SEE.

24 IN THIS ISSUEON NOVTHE COVER 28 MIMIYUUH EMPANADA PAG-USAD SA 12 BAGONG LABAN ROOT OF THE ROOTS 20 14 ILOCOS NORTE P4 ADVENT OF AGRICOOLTURE FOR THE FUTURE P6 A WEAVE OF HERITAGE P8 ROCKY ESTOQUE: HIS FATE SOLIDIFIED HARD AS ROCK P10 THE OTHER SIDE OF APOLLO P13 TANIKALA NG KAHAPON P16 PANANGGUTIGOT ITI NAPENGDAN SITUASION P18 PASSION TO BE COMPASSIONATE P22 FOOTPRINTS TO HOME P26 A POOL FROM THE PAST: A SWIM TO THE FUTURE P30 A SPARK OF HOPE FROM THE WIZARDS P32 THE LIVING THREAD P34 PPC: A BRIGADE AGAINST DIABETES P36 TINKERBELL’S DIVING CHRONICLES

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY ADVENT OF AGRICOOLTURE FOR THE FUTURE JULIA KATRINA P. BONOTAN When we talk about farming before, address, especially on agriculture. Our population has the image that comes to our mind, been gradually increasing for years, and feeding each and is traditional farming, which every individual will be a huge challenge. Due to industrial includes plowing the farm land development and urbanization, we are losing arable lands with traditional tools like sickles, every day. The challenge now is what would be the best ploughs, etc., the use of carabaos option we have, in order to solve this dilemma? Scientists to plough the field, and harvest crops under the scorching have thought of “vertical farming” as an answer to this heat of the sun just to address the food security of our problem. nation. As a synergistic response to the demand of our ever changing society, we ought to continuously look for ways Unlike the traditional horizontal row farming that on how we are able to improve our way of living in various we’ve been accustomed to, the crops or food products aspects, especially on agriculture. are being stacked in a vertical manner, usually in layers. What’s good about vertical farming, is that it can be done Gone are the days when farmers were having even in urban areas. Shipping containers, greenhouses, a hard time just to harvesting their crops. Due to the used warehouses, and even skyscrapers can be used to tremendous advancement of technology, we already have stack the food products. By vertically stacking them, this various equipment to use in order to make things easier helps in conserving the space to be used, and because it’s a and more convenient for our farmers. These advancements closed environment, farmers can control the environmental became our basic armaments in our nation building, and conditions, in order for the food products to grow better, became our weapon towards achieving our nation’s goal. and more abundant. Vertical farming isn’t an entirely new But alongside these, we still have various problems to way of farming, as The Hanging Gardens of Babylon built PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 4 SIRMATA

by Babylonians was known for their advanced agriculture time and experimentation. It could be very costly to build systems. it, and economic feasibility studies haven’t yet been completed. In implementing Vertical Farming, we need Vertical farming is a great space saver, at the lots of money in order to turn this into realization, although same time, it doesn’t compromise the yielded crops of some parts of the Philippines have already used this kind the farmers. There are so many benefits in doing vertical of farming. And there are still problems on implementing farming. It improves year-round crop production, and this due to lack of finances. Pollination on crops would eliminates agricultural runoff. It also significantly reduces also be a problem. Pollination is very difficult and costly. the usage of fossil fuels (farm machines and transport It would involve higher labor costs, and relies too much on of crops). Vertical farming offers the possibility of technology. Power loss would be devastating sustainability for urban centers, and converts contaminated water into drinking water. It also adds energy back to The advent of technology has really changed the the grid via methane generation, and creates new urban way we live our life. Agriculture indeed plays a vital role in employment opportunities. Vertical farming also reduces nation building, and also establishing our future. Although the risk of infection from agents transmitted at the we have various technologies which can really help us, we agricultural interface, and returns farmland to nature, should always instill in our minds that working hand and helping to restore ecosystem functions and services and hand should always be executed for the greater good of lastly, controls vermin by using restaurant waste for humanity. methane generation But alongside these advantages, it also inevitably comes with drawbacks, which can be improved through PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 5 SIRMATA

CULTURE & A Weave of Heritage TRADITIONS BY JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 We have are still people who are trying their best to keep received these traditions alive, and make sure that the a future generations will still inherit them. heritage In his entry for the Abrenian Heritage Film of craftsmanship, of Festival 2021, entitled “Panaglaga”, Sir Melver aesthetics, of taste, of identity. Ritz Gomez, a mentor from the College of Our brands have the Arts and Sciences of Mariano Marcos State University, featured the Tingguian women of beauty to preserve Brgy. Uguis in Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte. In the and perpetuate documentary film, Sir Melver showcased how it. - Antoine Tingguian women weave small baskets that Arnault were lined with black strips of bamboo. Basket The word weaving in Nueva Era is revered as a lost skill. “tradition,” According to the weavers that were portrayed in originates the film, basket weaving is easy once you know from a how the process is done. They said that the ones Latin word who already know how to do it will guide you that means with the step by step process of it. One of the to transmit or weavers also mentioned that she got envious of the women elders who know how to weave to transfer to the baskets, so that made her ask them to teach her succeeding generation, of the handicraft. or to entrust for preservation. The first step in weaving these baskets, is of Traditions are vital in shaping course shaving the bolo or the bamboo that is someone’s identity, for many used as the primary material for the baskets, to believe that this tradition make sure that they would leave no gaps once serves as a guide, and it you weave them together. After shaving, the makes us who we are. But bolo would now be made into strips, and make as society progresses, most it a fine one. The weavers shared that once traditions are in danger of being they were done weaving, they would learn the erased or forgotten, and modernity whole process, including tying the rim, until it is slowly taking over. Fortunately, there becomes a finished craft. Another mentioned that she used to watch the elder women of the community while they were weaving, and she tried imitating them, until she learned how to do the said craft. For the weavers, basket weaving helps them a lot, especially because they are living a simple life, and weaving is also a source of income for them. The baskets from Uguis have a noticeable design with black color. The weavers revealed that it is because the color black doesn’t fade easily, no matter how many times you wash it. The excess bamboo is shaved into strips, 6 SIRMATA

and is used to smoke the bamboo strips used in weaving, called kuribot. It’s a native basket weaved from bamboo that’s why it doesn’t fade that easily. It was proven by the in various sizes that comes with a handle on one side, and weavers that it is better than using paint, as paint can be is usually carried over the shoulder. It’s an all-purpose and removed easily, while the smoked strips of bamboo have a heavy duty basket that is used by farmers to carry their natural dark color. harvests or weeds to feed to their goats, cows, carabaos, or One of the problems encountered by the weavers is when sheeps. Other than that, it can also be used as a storage for there is no one available to gather the raw materials they anything, and even as a waste basket. will use for weaving, since the males of the community are There’s one that’s called alat. It’s a cylindrical basket that also busy with their jobs, and the source of the materials was made from closely woven bamboo strips, and has a is a bit far. One of the materials mentioned is the dag dag funnel-shaped cover called serreg. It is often used as a or rattan, which is the material used for tying. Another is container for shell or fish catch, and is tied to a person’s the bamboo used for shaping, and all those materials can waist with a string. Another, is called balingato. It’s a trap only be obtained from the mountains. For the weavers, the made of bamboo strips, and is used to catch freshwater craft of weaving benefited them a lot. Some of the benefits crabs and shrimps. mentioned were, these baskets can be barter or to trade Our traditions are a legacy that our past left us. It is them with rice and money, which then be used to purchase something that shapes who we are, a brand that hopefully their necessities. can be passed down and preserved by the generations to The weavers expressed their sentiment for the new come. generation to try and learn the said craft, although they think that it might be difficult for them to do so, since there are now different jobs that are available. And most of these youths are no longer interested in the craft. They also expressed that life in Uguis was difficult, so the elder women learned how to weave as a source of income for them to be able to buy their needs and help support their family. The weavers’ only wish now, is for the new generation to learn the craft of basket weaving, in order for the said tradition to not to be forgotten. They expressed that this craft was a treasure that was gifted to them by their ancestors, and they always tell that to their children. Coincidentally, there is a similar tradition of basket weaving in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. One is called baki, a small type of basket that is made for hens for them to lay and hatch their eggs. In the town’s folklore, this basket was said to be the origin of the town’s name. They are usually being sold during the feast of the town that is being celebrated in November. Another type of basket that’s being weaved in Bacarra, is PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 7 SIRMATA

RAPERSONALITY long the busy road beside the MMSU Twin Gate, he passes by the assemblage of banners and tarpaulins of topnotchers from the different licensure examinations produced by Mariano Marcos State University. He suddenly stopped and raised his left hand towards the topnotcher from his college – he prayed and asked for benediction from the tarpaulin to manifest that one day, his face will also be shown on that exact location. Looking so antic, Rocky breathed in the possibility of making his dreams come true, and continued with his usual day – mastering chemistry. As a freshly-licensed Chemical Technician, Rocky Estoque opens his heart to teaching future chemical technicians and engineers with the hopes of giving back to the institution who molded him into the person he is today. SEALING HIS FATE The Sciences and Engineering are natural things that are embedded in Estoque ever since the beginning of his education. Recalling his college admission days, Estoque initially aimed to enroll himself in an Aeronautical Engineering course. But for most people, there are times that our plans do not work in our favor. Estoque was forced to enroll in another program, due to the limited course offerings, and university choices, as he was a DOST Scholar. Hence, Chemical Engineering at the College of Engineering of MMSU. “I was unsure about chemical engineering in the beginning. But as time went by, I started to get a hang of the course, and found love for chemistry. I am now very passionate about it and I do not regret my decision, because Chemical Engineering has a way to it.” says Estoque, chronicling his admission story. THE GLEAM AND GLARE OF COLLEGE From chemical bonding and solving complex problems, Estoque rose above every adversities, and graduated as Magna Cum Laude – but he said that his journey in earning his diploma was a roller coaster ride full of emotions. Estoque recounts the obstacles he had to overcome during his 5-year stay at MMSU-COE. Among the set-backs, he said that it was in his junior and senior years, when he experienced heavy hardships and disappointments. Just like any college student, this Iskolar ng Bayan also has his fair share of low and barely-passing exam scores. The lectures and problem sets given by his professors became more technical. Despite everything, he still managed to James Carlo R. Lucas ROCKY ESTOQUE: His Fate Solidified Hard As Rock PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 8 SIRMATA

serve as the Vice President of his course’s organization - Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers. His whole journey became worthwhile with the help of his friends and classmates. Estoque also reiterated the importance of choosing the right friends, with whom you can share common struggles. He shares, “Having my friends beside me made my college years bearable. They serve as my support system whenever I have problems. I would also advise the younger Stallions to always ask for help. Realize that we do not have all the knowledge that we need… therefore, you should be an open page for knowledge and suggestions. Be kind and understanding in all aspects.” SHACKLES OF COVID-19 The spark ignited by chemistry became Estoque’s driving force for all of his hard work. However, the impact of Covid-19 pandemic caused so much distress to his batch. From aiming to practice his passion for chemistry, he soon found himself in isolation and uncertainties. “My batch mates and I were very frustrated, because we did not know what to prioritize. Initially, I reviewed for Chemical Engineering Licensure Exam, but unfortunately, it was cancelled due to the pandemic, and on top of that, I got sick during that time. My review also has its own story of adversities because it was done online, and I was living alone in Batac.”. After all of the contemplations, Estoque decided to take the Licensure Exam for Chemical Technicians. Given the stress brought by the virus, and the exam itself, he still went through all the rigorous processes set by CoVid-19 restrictions, in order to travel to Baguio City, and take the exam physically. Along the way, MMSU and the College of Engineering were supportive to his batch, “MMSU helped the examinees to get their CoViD-19 vaccines, for us to tbe able to travel safely, and COE also gave us safety and sanitary kits prior to our examination.” Estoque shared. Notwithstanding the disappointments and reversals, Estoque achieved what he manifested years ago. He passed the October 2021 Chemical Technician Licensure Examination and placed 9th with 87.50 passing rate. It is truly evident that the moment of victory is sweeter, when you’ve patiently waited and worked hard for it. Therefore, you will appreciate the fruits of your labor even more. FOR THE STALLIONS “I am applying for a position in Mariano Marcos State University. While waiting for the Licensure Exam for Chemical Engineers in May 2022, I’ll try to balance my work and my review.” Estoque shared joyfully, after being asked about what’s next for him. As an Iskolar ng Bayan, Estoque is committed to giving back to MMSU and to help his adings achieve whatever dreams and aspirations they may have. As of this writing, Estoque’s congratulatory tarpaulin is posted at the exact same location, where he prayed and asked for benediction – like it had always been his fate. Younger students from his college are now the ones who are asking for benediction from his tarpaulin – it is a beacon of hope, and an image of possibility. A solid proof that hard work really never betrays. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 9 SIRMATA

SCIENCE & THE OTHER SIDE TECHNOLOGY BY WARREN S. RACILES AND OF APOLLO GRAZIEL MAE G. RAMAT “He came down furious from prophecy, order and beauty, agriculture non-living object? What if he chose to the summits of Olympus, with and archery… Apollo, the healer have electrical wires and rechargeable his bow and his quiver upon and plague-bringer… The latter, batteries instead of prayers as a his shoulder, and the arrows contradicting as it may seem to be, is lifeline? What if he now chose to help rattled on his back with the true as what the old stories tell him to us to live instead of shooting us with rage that trembled within him. He sat be. The sun god bringing wrath to the his cursed arrows to death? Can you himself down away from the ships with mortals who bury fury in his heart… imagine the mighty god of sun Apollo a face as dark as night, and his silver From the ancient world up to the here on earth, lying in a hospital bed, bow rang death as he shot his arrow in modern now, diseases are widespread inanimate and being practiced on by the midst of them. First he smote their and cannot be tamed down. And it clueless mortals? mules and their hounds, but presently seems like the gods haven’t forgotten Let’s just say that nothing is he aimed his shafts at the people us mortals, though only a few now impossible once you see him with your themselves, and all day long the pyres pray and pay tribute to their temples own eyes –not alive, but rather living a of the dead were burning.” –Iliad by in the sacred lands. Apollo, who once Homer, Book I brought dark wrath, will always shine manequin’s the mortals with blessings in the form life. Apollo. The Olympian of his blinding light. god of the sun, What if Apollo music and opted to poetry, interact with us as a PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 10 SIRMATA

Through hand-in-hand cooperation find on a human patient such as in and prayers, Apollo was brought to the neck; arms; thigh; wrist; behind Mariano Marcos State University as a the knee. The amusing part of this tool for his apprentices in medicine. manequin is that the blood pressure The Apollo Manikin which is can be taken from his left arm and an adult patient stimulator has lots of the oximetry sensor that can be lessons and undeniable benefits that it attached on its left hand. An ECG can showcase to the public. It has its for cardiac identification can also be own unique way of functioning such conducted together with synchronized that it enables students to see reactions cardioversion. It allows us also to to clinical interventions and like living inject IV on his right arm. What’s patients responding to any procedures fascinating now is that Apollo’s being performed in a realistic manner. natural software system management A software is used to run Apollo can be conducted or installed and used which opens up opportunities to the into our tablets, Mac, or a PC that are medical students to perform basic and free for controllers of the manikin advanced clinical skills without any most especially in its physiological risks to patients. Clearly, it defines a part. whole new way of educating people in The Apollo Manikin, lying this field and how possible that anyone in the COllege of Medicine, gives can practice it safely with the use of an edge to the honing and in the this manikin. improving of quality education to our An imitation of a human students. Also, College of Medicine being stranded into a doll- maybe offers a hand to other students of that’s the way we see as it seems and MMSU to experience the astonishing yes, because Apollo brought us a lot Apollo’s vast prowess in their certain of unique features. It has a realistic events, activities or occasions making skin in the industry. This creates a students amazed and mesmerized deeper more immersive and true to life most especially to the students who patient counter experience. While in are aiming and dreaming to pursue physiological aspect, it can conduct medicine as for their motivation. a convulsive and stimulate seizures Apollo… the sun god… the healer… ranging in different levels of severity. the plague-bringer… now gives a way Unlike any other mannequins, for his apprentices to advance in the Apollo’s eyes are reactive and can medical world and progress through blink at various rates and cry if he providing the best health for every needs to, which produces tears. The individual. tongue can swell to indicate external or internal symptoms and can be manually or mechanically ventilated. It also allows students to listen to breathing sounds with realistic chest movements with each breath that can be a clue whether the patient is breathing normally or abnormally. Although he may not have any heart, Apollo has impulses that can be taken in his realistic pulse points where it was located in the same areas we’d PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 11 SIRMATA

COVID-19 PAG-USAD SA BAGONG LABAN JAYSON SABONG “Tagu-taguan, maliwanag hindi’y makakatikim ka ng matind- mas bababa lamang ang kalidad ng ang buwan. Pakihusayang ing pangaral mula sa guro. Pilit na edukasyon kung patuloy natin silang magpanggap nang ‘di ka lamang iginagalaw ang kanilang mga uutusang magtanim ng mga butong maiwan.” Kasalukuyan kamay, upang maisulat ang sagot, na bulok sa maghapon. kong pinapanood kung ‘di mawari kung sagot pa ba talaga, o Sa muling pagsilip ng paano maglaro ang lahat para na lamang may laman ang papel bukang-liwayway, nais kong makita para lamang makausad sa susunod na na ipapasa. ang mga batang nagtatampisaw sa labanan. Ang iba'y bumubuhos na ang Maaaring nakikita mo silang tubig ng kaalaman. Makikita ko silang dugo dulot ng mga nagpuputukang nakaupo habang kaharap ang papel at nalulunod, subalit ikatutuwa ko ito, ugat sa ulong ‘di na kinaya ang matin- lapis, ngunit natitiyak kong ni isang lalo pa’t malalaman kong batis iyon ng ding bakbakan. Ang ilan ay nababawa- salita’y wala iyang natatandaan. May kamulatan. Hindi tayo nag-aaral para san na ang parte ng katawan at da- matandaan ma’y, ‘di mo mawari kung lamang sa diploma, ngunit nag-aaral han-dahan nang nanghihina, masasabi naintindihan ba talaga nila. Na- tayo para matuto bago tayo bumalik kong lubos na nagdurusa itong bansa. kakalungkot isipin, na dalawang taon sa lugar na kinaroroonan. Hihimlay Ilan mula sa sampung manlalaro ang na silang pinapakain ng mga panuto tayong walang sinayang, dahil hindi makapapasa nang kumpleto pa? at leksyon, subalit nananatili pa rin si- tayo namatay na mangmang. Pagsapit ng Lunes‚ simula lang gutom. Nakakaawa, tila niloloko Huwag sanang hayaang na naman ng bakbakan. Naririnig ko na lamang sila ng panahon‚ nakakuku- lumantak ang mga bata ng blangkong kung paano kumakalabog ang mga paa ha sila ng mataas na grado, subalit sila papel. At mas lalong huwag naman ng mga magulang na nagmamadaling mismo sa sarili nila'y alam nilang sila sanang humakbang pataas sa hagdan kumuha ng mga bagong kalaban. Sa ang naagrabiyado. para lamang maabot ang tuktok, kahit tuwing iaabot ito sa kanilang mga Kung muling magbubukas walang alam. Nawa’y ang sampung anak, matatanaw mo kung paano ang pinto para sa pagkatuto, nawa'y tatanggap ng diploma'y tunay na na- magsalubong ang mga kilay, at pag- unang bigyang pansin ang mga letrang punan ang mga patlang na hinihingan kurba pababa ng labi. Patagal nang naiwan sa kanilang mga ulo. Nawa’y ng kasagutan. Kaalaman sa bagong patagal, ay pahina sila nang pahina, kahit isang pangungusap, ay mayroon pahinang bubuklatin ng kabataan. hindi kagaya noong nasa eskwelahan, man lang silang naitago sa loob ng na kailanga’y aktibo’t agresibo, kung dalawang taon. Dahil natitiyak kong PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 12 SIRMATA

Tanikala ng Kahapon JESSA MARIZ G. CORPUZ Sa sobrang bilis nga ng mga sarili sa paglipat sa lugar kung saan ay sa labing apat na araw na nasa loob pangyayari ay tila nawawala mag-isa, at dito nga sumibol ang pani- ako ng lugar na parang selda ay hindi na ang isipan sa tunay na bagong kaba dahil alam ko na pagkat- ako pinatulog ng malikot na pag-iisip, estado ng mundong ginagal- apos nito hindi na normal ang tingin sa dahil sa takot na baka hindi na sikatan awan, hindi pa rin lubusang akin ng mga tao. ng araw, at hindi na muling makita maproseso na sadyang lumiliit ang Hindi lamang ang katawan ang bugbog ang mga mahal sa buhay. Naging mundo, ang lubid ng buhay ay paiksi sarado sa sitwasyong ito, dahil pati libangan ang paggawa ng mga senar- nang paiksi, hanggang sa hindi na nga utak at puso ay iginapos sa tanikalang yong malayo sa katotohanan, parang malaman kung saan kakapit upang sa sobrang higpit, na kung susubukan baliw kung ako ay titignan ngunit ganoon ay ipagpatuloy ang laban na kong kumalma ay dudugo ito at hindi hindi ko ipagkakailang nagbago ang hindi inaasahan, at upang maipanalo na makararamdam pa. Pinakiramda- pamamaraan ng pag-iisip at naging ang sitwasyon na kailanman ay hindi man ko pa rin ang paligid, kahit alam matatakutin at sunod-sunuran sa mga magugustuhan. kong imposible, sinubukan paring boses na namamahay sa aking isipan. Bukod sa hindi na alam kung sino, humingi ng tulong, kahit simpleng Akala ko pagkalabas sa seldang ‘yon natatandaan pa rin naman kung paano pag-uusap lang sana basta maramda- ay matatapos na ang pagdurusa, ngunit napunta sa sitwasyong tanging ang man kong hindi ako nag-iisa sa laban tila ito ay mas lumalala dahil hindi na maykapal na lamang ang pinanghaha- na sinusubukang lagpasan. Ngunit tila kayang humarap sa mga taong nad- wakan, at ang milagro na lamang ang bombang sumabog sa aking kalooban amay dahil sa dinulot na pangamba. daan upang maputol ang pangamba ng imbes na magagandang salita ay Lalo na at nalaman kong may mga na nabubuhay sa kalooban. Ngunit puro panghuhusga ang nakuha sa mga hindi nakapagtrabaho at nawalan ng dahil sa mga karamdaman na isa-isang taong hindi ko na itinuring na iba. suplay ng pagkain dahil sa pagbabawal lumitaw ay tila unti-unti rin na napu- Sinamahan pa ng paghigpit sa tanika- ng mga nasa kinauukulan na lumabas. putol ang pag-asang makaliligtas sa la, at ng mga boses na bumubulong sa Naging mas maingay ang mga boses hatol ng mga eksperto, hanggang sa aking isipan, na tama lang ang aking sa aking isipan, hanggang sa ang mga gumuho na parang buhangin ang pag- pinagdadaanan dahil hindi naman ako ito na nga ang tuluyang naghari sa asa dahil sa positibong resulta na hindi mabuting mamamayan. aking kalooban. nakatutuwa. Ngunit yumuko at pinalis Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na makita ang luhang nagbabadya, inihanda ang ang kaibahan ng gabi at umaga, dahil PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 13 SIRMATA

TOURISM HANDA NA, BALIK NA! EDSEL HARRY TUDA Malimit sumasagi laok ng mga manok. Ang lugar kung kamaynilaan, binagtas namin ang daan sa aking isipan saan malamig ang haplos ng hangin. patungo sa namimituing lalawigan sa na kay layo na Ang lugar kung saan nabuo ang aking hilaga. Sa daan palang, maaninag mo pala ng aking mga pangarap. na ang kombinasyon ng berdeng lu- narating sa bu- pain, bughaw na karagatan at matatay- hay. Sa lawak ng “Bilisan mo!”, ani ng kaibigan ko. og na bundok. Sa ganda ng bawat aking napagtagumpayan ay halos hindi tanawin ay nanaisin mong maging ko na matanaw ang lugar na aking “Paalis na ang bus, mahuhuli na tayo!” ibon, lumipad nang Malaya sa bawat pinanggalingan. Ang lugar kung saan tampok nitong mga lugar. sumisikat ang araw kasabay ng pagti- Mula sa maingay at mausok na PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 14 SIRMATA

WELCOME TO yan, nadaanan naming ang maning- ng kabayo ay parang hinahatak ako sa ning na siyudad ng Batac. Kita mo nakaraan. Parang hinahatak akong ma- ILOCOS NORTE! sa daan ang sikat na Empanada na bighani muli sa bayang pinagmulan. halos naging tatak na ng lugar. Si- Iyan ang aking nasilayan sa pambun- nong mag-aakala na ang batang si- Bumaba kami sa kalesa at sumakay gad nitong arko. Makasaysayang tig- yudad na ito ay isa na sa pinaka- sa isang pribadong sasakyan na ipi- nan ang pambungad ng lalawigang ito. malaki at progresibong lugar sa nadala ng aking ama upang kami ay Sa unang bayan pa lamang kakikitaan buong lalawigan. Ngunit, lung- dalhin sa Pagudpud. Dumaan ito sa na- na ito ng masidhing pananampalataya sod man kung ito ay ituring, pakabagong bypass road. Nakakatuwa sa Diyos, lalung-lalo na sa kanilang maayos at malayo parin ito sa naman, walang trapiko at napakaganda patron, La Virgen Milagrosa de Badoc. polusyon at ingay. Dahil ito ng malagintong palayan. Papuntang sa disiplinadong mga mama- pagudpud ay napatigil kami sa tore ng Nakawiwili naming pinagmasdan mayan ng “HOME OF THE Bacarra. Isang makasaysayang lugar ang malawak na karagatan sa bayan GREAT LEADERS”. dahil sa pagkasira ng tuktok nito dulot ng Currimao. Tahimik at sadyang ng isang malakas na lindol noong misteryoso ang lugar na ito. Sa bawat Diretso 1991. Sa kasalukuyan, nananatiling haplos ng alon ay parang naririnig matatag ito, ilang bagyo at lindol man mo ang sigaw ng bawat kuwentong naming binaybay ang lumipas. nakalimlim sa mga batong naporma ng aming sasakyan ang San mula sa tubig at hangin na yumayakap Nicolas, ang umuusbong na Pahilaga, nadaanana naming ang bah- sa bayang ito. Ang nakapapangilabot sentro ng kalakalan ng lalaw- agi ng Ilocos Norte na hinahaplos ng ay ang linis at sadyang natural na igan, halos parang parte ng tubig dagat. Mahuhumaling karin sa ganda ng dagat. Halos mapapaluha ka siyudad ng Laoag ang bayan napakagandang mga windmills na siya sa saya. na ito dahil sa tunay na di- naming nagdaragdag sa turismo ng nudumog ito ng mga tao dahil Tinahak ng aming sasakyan ang sa mga malls, lugar pasyalan, lalawigan. Taun-taon napakaraming pahilagang daan hanggang sa aming establisyimento at marami turista ang dumadayo dito upang marating ang patunay sa impluwen- pang iba. makita ng malapitan ang bawat siyang Espanyol sa bayan ng Paoay. windmill. Ang Paoay Church, na hinirang na Gayunpaman, makikita Malayo man ngunit narat- UNESCO Heritage Site ng Pilipinas parin ang liwanag na tunay ingdin namin ang aming ay kabighabighani. Grabe, sa unang ngang umuusbong sa siyudad destinasyon. Napakagandang sulyap pa lamang ay mamamangha ng Laoag. Dito ang sentro ng ka na sa ganda ng arkitektural nitong lalawigan. Sa Gilbert bridge pagmasadan ang paglubog ng araw sa estruktura. Parang ito’y isang ala-ala palang ay makikita mo na ang mapuputing buhangin ng lugar. Mala sa nakalipas na panahon. Panahon naglalakihang mga gusali, ang pulbos ito kung iyong hawakan at tila kung saan sakop pa ng Espanya ang kapitolyo ng lalawigan at mga ba nangingibabaw ang kamandag na Pilipinas. Luma ngunit kakikitaan ito sasakyang nag uunahan sa ganda nitong taglay. ng pagiging matatag. Matatag hindi patutunguhang destinasyon. lamang sa panahong tila nakalimot Doon tumigil ang napakahabang na, ngunit pati narin sa bawat unos na Tumigil ang bus at bumaba byahe. Kung saan nagsimula ang pinagdaanan ng mga taong nakapalig- kami. Doon ay nasubok kong lahat ng magagandang araw ng aking id dito. muli ang pagsakay sa kalesa. pagkabata. Sa lugar kung saan hindi Napakaganda ng aking paki- ingay ng busina at usok ng sasakyan Biglang liko pasilangan ang sasak- ramdam. Sa bawat paggalaw ang aking naging libangan. Kundi ang mga halakhak at larong naging tunay na kaagapay. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 source: turistaboy.com SIRMATA 15

NGGUTIGOCOVID-19 NGDAN SITU NAPE T ITI Randy Gianan Jr. PANA ASION PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 16 SIRMATA

Adon iti damdamag a simmangbay sipod panaglukatko kadagitoy matak, bigat iti Domingo, aldaw iti panagawis iti simbaan, panagrarambak dagiti tattao, ken aw- aweng dagiti kampana a tumagari gapo a mangrugin ti misa. Apagsangpetko idiay plaza, makitak ti kinailiw dagiti tattao iti maysa ken maysa. ket Nabayag a panawen met ketdin sipod nakakitanak dagiti taga- iti kakastoy a pasamak. Ngem, dinamagko daytoy COE a kas kunada. bagik. “Nagsubli kadin nga agpayso iti dati a Nagutigotnak pay a panagbiag?” Kasangoanan a kitkitaek daytoy aglawlaw makangngeg iti awan makaartap a malinglingdan dagiti abbong ti gudwa dagiti ruprupa a a cheers and yell ti CAFSD, “Go, makiininnistoria kadagiti paspasamak iti tunggal maysa. CAFSD! Fight! Fight! CAFSD!”, a kas Usto, ngem kasla haan. Kadagitoy a kanito, kunada, #UnigamesVibes! Nagutigotnak malaglagipko a nabayag metten a nakariknanak iti kastoy met a makapadas kadagiti naduma-duma a a pasamak, dagiti tattao nga agtitipon, agiinistoria, ken programa iti pagadalan a napnoan ribo-ribo a agkinkinnatawa. Malagipmo? Idiay pagadalan a napnoan tattao, makaamammo iti kabbaro a gagayyem nga sangit, bannog, ken sakrificio? Kadaydiay uppat a suli iti aggapo iti sabali a kolehio, no saan ket agbalin a kuarto, addaan pay laeng dagiti lagip a naibati idi maudi a paset kadagitoy a programa. tawen. Kadagidiay a tiempo nga awan pulos mairkna no Nagutigotnak a nakangngeg kadagiti istoria ketdi panagballaigi iti puso ken kararua gapo kadagiti ken iliw dagiti naibati iti face-to-face. Nagutigotnak kakadua. a makapadas iti naistrikto ken haan makitaan isem a Tunggal malagipko dagitoy, iyangangesak a nauneg maestra wenno maestro. Nagutigotnak a makapadas gapo ta ngan-ngani a mapasamak manen dagiti aglugan iti dyip inaldaw-aldaw. Ngem, ana ngata met ti napengdan situasion. Nagutigotnak a makapadas riknana a makisinnipat iti katawa, agsangit idiay hallway no kasano kadi ti biag iti kolehio. Addaannak gapo ta haanmo naala tay kayatmo a grado, no saan ket, iti maikadua a tawenkon nga agadadal ngem agtaray idiay catwalk ta adda kamkamatem a quiz, exam, sipod umuna nga aldaw, awan sabali a wenno klasem? sangsangoekon no ketdi tay cellphone ken Agdua a tawen metten sipod naibati iti pagadalan laptop ko. Nagutigotnak a makaraman nga awan ado a tao. Ngem ngan-ngani metten nga kadagiti istoriada manong ken umay ti namnama a nabayagtayo nga ararapaapenen. manangko kadayti legendary Ngan-nganin a maarakoptayo dagiti tattao nga ingget “COE Empanada”, bayagtayo a madi nakita ken nakamusta. Ngan- wenno no saan nganin a matungpaltayon dagiti planotayo no aglukat manen ti klasrum. Kasla daydiay situasion a makitkitak idiay plaza tunggal mangrugin ti misa, sumangbay to metten ti namnama a mangipatungpal arapaap ken ririkna a nabayag a naipasardeng gapo iti naamak a darepdep. Bassit nga oras langen, wen, agsublin iti dati ngem baro nga aglawlaw. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 17 SIRMATA

PERSONALITY Passion to be Compassionate Ryand G. Ugalde PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 18 SIRMATA

Food, clothing, and shelter: The This economics major undergrad Intelligence and personality three human basic needs for thought about how this event are sometimes two separate and survival. But to be a youth will compromise her academic distinct qualities that we either advocate, you may want to possess responsibilities, especially since have or don’t. These days, its rare these three things — wit, courage, she’s already at her most crucial year for us to see someone to use their and compassion. It’s not everyday as a student. But such opportunities knowledge into good use. Her that we get to meet a person who’s so may not come twice, and so, it all consciousness about poverty and passionate about addressing massive came down to a sensible decision to hunger became the foundation of societal issues within the international pursue her passion, when an alumna her burning desire to pursue her will setting. But a diamond in the rough, told her that the process of choosing to help other individuals. With her hailing from the North, representing representatives for the country is very promise to contribute to her existing the Stallions, had emerged to thorough, and that she was meant to organizations, this youth leader represent the youth. be in that arena. proved that she’s a woman of intellect Passion to address Poverty and character. When the opportunity came knocking at her door, Kristel Lyn When she was asked on what As of this writing, she is feeding Salvador didn’t hesitate to grab it. topic of discussion to talk about, she her mind with learnings with the A colleague introduced her to an chose the dilemma of poverty and participating delegates all over international conference, she knew lack of access to food and water— Southeast asia. She says that this then that she just had to do it. an advocacy close to her heart. The international conference will be The Ship for Southeast Asian and 4th and last year of her economics one of the last events that she will Japanese Youth Program, or SSEAYP, degree exposed her to different attend as a college student because is an annual exchange program economic and developmental related commencement exercises is fast organized by the cabinet office issues. And when the pandemic approaching. But she has proven that of Japan. Attended by 300 youth struck the world, it added fuel to her her journey towards her mission is leaders from 11 different countries, fire. The crisis served as a signal to just about to begin it aims to promote friendship and continually pursue what she started mutual understanding between and as a youth advocate. The conference They say that diamonds are among these youth leaders. It also will commence on the 28th of the most precious thing one could promotes international cooperation November, and will happen online. ever own in their entire existence. and an avenue to discuss relevant and When asked about her plans after While its true that we need a roof necessary agendas such as the United the conference, Kristel says that she over our head for comfort, garments Nations Sustainable Development will utilize the insights and learning to wrap us up when it gets cold, and Goals or SDGs. that she will obtain from the forum to food and water to satisfy our hunger, The Delegate Selection Process improve the movements of her current all these things can be attained with organizations focusing on charity and enough fortune. But none of these Joining an international conference outreach programs. things will make a change in the like SSYEAP goes through a certain society. At the end of the day, we process of selection. One must meet With great knowledge, comes need kindness. It may be an abstract certain qualification standards to even great responsibility concept, but it is what the world needs have a chance to enter. Kristel had today. to work on an impactful curriculum vitae, and gather certifications and proofs to confirm that she is an active member of existing organizations.This 21-year old youth leader admits that everything did not happen overnight. She had to exert extra efforts to build her credentials, join various seminars and conferences in both national and international settings. She submitted her application last August, and had to wait until September for the results. When her name was announced as an official delegate, the happiness she experienced was unimaginable, but the hesitation to push through quickly rushed in. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 19 SIRMATA

COVER STORY GRAZIEL MAE RAMAT’S ROOTS OF THE ROOT “Ayyaket! and Cordillera and the Iloko Minpintas of the lowlands, and have mo metten, surer–of the fact been living in the borders of ambit!” the two regions even before the I first smelled the that these old women were Spaniards have colonized the country. smoke, then the Scattered across the archipelago, laughter with a hint far more beautiful than I am during some of them settled in the provinces of adoration. When of Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain I turned my head to their young days. Province, Ifugao, Ilocos, Pangasinan, look where the voice came from, I saw La Union, Cagayan, Isabela, and the three old women puffing tobacco I learned that they are one of the Quirino. They share the same culture behind me–their missing teeth were and tradition, although rites and outshined by their warm and gentle elder women here in the community ceremonies aren’t celebrated in a smiles. Their faces are wrinkled uniform manner due to diversities with age, the lines signifying their where my mom grew up, and their among them. experiences. Today, my mom brought us here to I greeted them back with a husbands are one of the men who lead attend the tribe’s Begnas–a celebration hesitant smile, unsure of what they had to thank the deity Kabunian for the just said, and my mother translated their tribe–the Bago Ethnic Tribe of people’s productive and fruitful it to me in simpler terms. They said harvest, as well as to drive away bad I’m beautiful. My smile grew wider, mountainous Baugen, Ilukos–now spirits that may bring misfortune such called the Municipality of Salcedo, Ilocos Sur. They said that Bagos are the offspring of intermarriages between the mountain tribes of the PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 20 SIRMATA

as drought, and anxiety among the Although I am new here, they made heat of the sun, their wild hunts in the me feel like I belong in their family. treacherous mountains; them catching tribe people. “Because you are,” they said. fishes and crabs in the roaring rivers; The prayer was led by a tribe elder; or how they share coffees and tobaccos “It’s important to be familiar with our their chants sounded like it would on dewy mornings. really reach the deities. Foods were I never thought their music could be roots,” she said as we were driving served for everyone–pork, beef, this enchanting. It resonated with chicken, and freshly caught fishes their rich historical ancestry –and along the mountains and green pasture of different dishes; bibingka out of then I remember, I am really one cassava and glutinous rice made by the of them, I am of their blood. Their to our destination. I listened attentively elderlies, they also have tinubong and dance sakutik made me imagine the tupig. It all made my mouth water. The tribe wars that have happened in as she told us her stories when she adults were telling their own amusing the past which led to what the tribes have now; and the dance tadek which was a child. She had an adventurous stories while mimics the movements of a rooster, enjoying their represented by men in their bahag; and childhood, I can say. bubod or rice a hen, performed by women–moving wine, and I rhythmically back and forth, with the We went to their dap-ayan, a couldn’t help but colourfully woven clothing allop as a to laugh with them. representation of both their wings. kubo house spacious enough to Then I heard They might have been celebrating this it. The first, for years, but everyone is enjoying it accommodate the ones who will lead firm strike in anew. They look as amazed as I am a percussion —as entranced as I am. Although their the ceremony, like the chieftain of daily lives have been influenced by the instrument, dynamic changes of modern living, the tribe and the barangay captain, the sturdy trunk and branches of the bulikangkang as they call it, people of Bago Tribe are still deeply along with their men. Outside is producing a soft tone from connected with their ancient roots– its bamboo pieces that gave hundreds and hundreds of years ago where the rest of the me goosebumps–and then they that have been planted. came in different instruments, The elderlies and the young ones. The tribe people were —the gansa, one that I am men and the women. From generations familiar with. They came in to generations, this culture has been gathered, children series and patterns that made my passed down to preserve its richness. mind collectively remember their Here, before my very own eyes, I’ve playing around stories –them planting crops in witnessed it. their rice fields under the burning As a leaf from the newly budded here and there branch of the great tree, when the time will come that I will wither, I know to with myself–the roots where I came from will be the same roots that I will be their returning to. toys made out if indigenous materials like palsuot, sunay, and pilid-pilid. Some of them are with the elders who will be a part of the ritual. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 21 SIRMATA

TOURISM who woman w e n t born on As roaming around the Earth –quite the a Ilocos and Cordillera Region Adam and Eve story native Ilocano, you have in search for his wife Aran; we’re used to. probably heard the stories thereby leaving his enormous about Angalo’s footprints footsteps along his journey. Some people may say it is from your grandparents since Angalo and Aran, in the Ilocano way too typical for a myth, but you were a kid. If you have myth, were believed to be the myths, sometimes, do make not, well, Angalo is a giant first man a n d our minds actually wonder hunter that existed in the what could be the truth, right? prehistoric times, Angalo’s footprints can be found all over the Ilocos footptoriHnotmseGRAZIELMAEG.RAMAT Region like the one in the provinces of La Union on time trekkers. wind while you rest under the South, and Abra on the the fruit-bearing trees in northern part… and the closest Since it is not well-known, the area; or when you have footprint upon entering the there are no tour guides to laid your eyes on the serene Gateway to Ilocandia is the one accompany you which can and relaxing view of the located in Baringcucurong, the make you lost on your way lake acquired from Angalo’s welcoming barangay of the without proper navigations; footprint. Its undisturbed form Municipality of Suyo, Ilocos but there are actually some will make you realize that Sur. elder residents in the area there is so much more to it who climb the mountain to than just being a living myth – The footprint of Angalo in the check on their fruit harvests why it must also be protected area is well known to the and live stocks from time to and not only appreciated. locals of Suyo, Ilocos Sur, but time so navigating won’t be not to the neighboring towns. much of a problem. The lake is not just a It is a hidden gem resting on tourist spot, but it’s also top of a mountain which the What should you be prepared an ecosystem for animals barangay residents formerly for, then? The trek itself. Mt. and other organisms. Some call it ‘Mt. Tapao’, but since Tapao isn’t that high compared migratory birds, while on ‘Mt. Tapao’ is now referred to other mountains, but it can their long journey, stop by and to the other mountain with sure make your throat parch rest on the lake’s surface. It Suyo’s Marker; they generally and your knees wobble. It’s also serves as a home and now refer to the whole place good for cardio anyway, and breeding area for some fishes as ‘footprint’. It takes about all those sweat and out-of- and snails –a good snack for three to four hours to climb breath moments will be worth the birds on rest, I can say. and reach the spot for first it once you feel the gentle Other than that, the lake also PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 22 SIRMATA

PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 quenches the thirst of the residents’ livestock, most of them are cows and goats. It plays a big role serving as an ecosystem and in balancing the state of our mother nature. The footprint-turned-lake isn’t the only thing to look forward to, but also the view from the top as you behold the towns of Tagudin and Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, as well as the vastness of the West Philippine Sea. The trek and the destination is a perfect way to spend a weekend barkada picnic getaway, especially when you want to breathe from school or work related stress. Sitting on the rock formations under that prominent Duhat tree, one can feel like he can almost touch the sky –like how Angalo might have done during his times while in search for Aran… On the way back down, you can also visit the Burayoc Falls where you can take a good bath in the cold water rushing from a mine tunnel that came from the mountains. The ‘falls’, although not totally a falls, serves as another water source for the residents and their crops. Here, it is a perfect spot to cool down after the tiring yet enjoyable trek. Here, you can end while treasuring your journey. Here, you can reflect… Have you felt what’s more to the myth? Have you felt what’s more underneath it? The familiar feeling an Ilocano myth can bring… It is home. 23 SIRMATA

myPERSONALITY Hindi ko pantasya ang aroma ng barakong kape sa umaga, o kaya naman hindi na ginagamit na mga karayom at sinulid, na mas lalong nagpapagulo ang nawawalang diyaryo sa sala, kundi ang nakakarinding gumigising sa kanyang silid. Ngunit bumalik tayo sa alingawngaw ng makinang panahian sa‘kin, ay tuwing sisimulang ipadyak ni lola ang makinilyang nagpa- ni lola, na kung saan ay isang kalasag, upang ibangon sa tanikala ng hirap paalala sa akin ng paboritong kong artista. ang pamilya, at magsilbing daan upang maging tagapagtaguyod, sa likod ng Ang hilig manahi ng aking lelang, ‘di maikakailang panatiko siya ng mga maskara ng katatawanan. sikat at kontrobersyal na taga-disenyo ng mga isinusuot na saplot ng mga Unang Padyak: Sa Bayan ng Baclaran aktor at aktres, na makikita sa mga pelikula. Kung sisilip ka nga sa kanyang silid, ay ‘di maiiwasang mapakunot ang iyong noo at magsalubong ang mga Taong 1996, sa primerang lungsod ng Baclaran, kung saan lumaki, at kilay, at anino’y ‘di magtatagal. Higit pa rito, ang kanyang pagiging masinop, nagkamuwang, ang ngayo’y internet sensation na si Jeremy Sancebuche, o mas na kabaliktaran ng gabundok na kusot-kusot na mga tela, dagdag pa ang mga kilala sa bantog na pangalang, Mimiyuuuh. Sinubok man noon, sinusubok pa rin ng modernong panahon, sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng natatanging kakay PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 24 SIRMATA

myuiUmuhi Makina de gamit ang burda’t tela, na siyang naging susi upang mabuksan ay hindi ito nagpatinag at nagpatuloy siya, hindi lamang sa Padyak: ang pinto sa larangan ng Fashion Design and Merchandising, laban ng kaniyang buhay, kundi pati na rin sa laban, para sa sa Pamantasan ng De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde noong mga taong kaniyang pinaglalaban. Kung Paano 2017. Huling Padyak: Sa Ngalan ng Sariling Galak Kinayod ang Pagod para “Siguro may mga nagbago na rin sa buhay ko, katulad Wala ng mas tatamis pa sa mga ngiting, kayang ibigay ng Magtaguyod ng nakakakain na ako sa gusto kong kainan, nabibili ko na sariling pagsasakripisiyo’t pagsisikap. “Ang dream ko na lang rin somehow yung mga gusto kong bilhin,” ito ang naging po talaga for myself is maging genuinely happy po talaga,” Jayson Sabong pahayag ni Mimi ng kapayanamin siya ng PEP.ph. Hindi saad nito, kung ano pinaka ninanais na pangrap para sa sarili. maikakailang ang dating pira-pirasong tela na kanya lamang Sa burda na nagpapatingkad sa kwento ng isang inspiradong binuburda gamit ang mga kamay, ay siya ngayong dahilan mangangarap, bagaman hindi na mababago pa ang krokis, ay upang umangat siya sa buhay. Walang palya, o ni sira ng mapalad pa rin si Mimiyuuuh at hindi lamang dito natatapos makinang panahian ang tatapos sa nabuong kapalaran ng ang guhit ng kaniyang pagmamahal sa kaniyang sarili. tadhana. Walanag sino o anomang ang maaring pumatid sa ligayang tinatamasa nito ngayon. At walang burdang kupas Matingkad. Maningning. Masidhi. Ito ang mga katangian ng ang lilipas at malilimutan. bawat telang dumaan na sa hirap at pagsisikap. Sa pinag- Ikalawang Padyak: Sa Unang Yapak ng Halakhak sama-samang damit na naukit ni Mimi, hindi nito hinayaang kumupas at umalpas ang dibuhong naghahatid sa kaniya ng Sa animo’y hampas ng buhay, at sampal ng reyalidad sa tanging kagalakan – ang paggiliw. Natutunan nitong maglagay kasalukuyan, pagha-hanapbuhay ang kauna-unahang bubuo ngiti sa mukha ng bawat isa. Gamit ang bawat karayom at sa pira-pirasong dibuho, na siyang tatapos sa hagupit ng sinulid na pinagtibay ng mahabang panahon at sa tulong din kadukhaan, at ito ang ipinakitang gilas ni Mimiyuuuh, matapos ng Panginoon bilang sandata. Bagaman hindi tayo si Mimiyuuh, niyang bigyang kulay ang disenyo ng pinaka-aasam na buhay matutong mahalin ang kapamilyuuuh. ng kaniyang mga magulang. Hindi ako mapapalagay, kailanman, sapagkat tuwing ako’y “Hindi siya madali, pero kapag nakikita mong super happy nakikinig sa ingay ng kanyang makina de padyak, naaalala ng family mo, parang napu-push ka pa to work more. So work, ko ang ingay ng hagikgik,samahan pa ng paboritong linya, work, work for family po talaga,” sa mga katagang binitawan “Skkkrrrt, it’s your girl Mimiyuuuh!”, na siyang kumukumpleto ni Mimi, ito ang tumatak, at patuloy na tatatak, sa bawat isip sa aking gunita. Kasabay ang pinta ng kapalaran, ay ang at pusong patuloy ang pagpupursigi upang mabigyang gin- mithiing akay-akay, upang tuluyang mabuo ang dibuhong nai- hawa ang buhay ng kanilang pamilya. Gaano man kapait ang wan ng makinilyang walang patid sa pagbuhay ng panibagong pangyayari sa kanilang buhay, hindi nawalan ng pag-asa ang kulay. komediyante, upang ipagpatuloy ang nasimulang disenyo ng kanilang pamumuhay. Minsan mang nakaranas nang panlalait, at panghuhusga ng mga taong hindi gusto ang kanyang naisin, PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 25 SIRMATA

INFRASTRUCTURE A POOL FROM THE PAST: A Swim for the Future Graziel Mae G. Ramat When I was a freshman, it students from other colleges. The walls with had been embedded in my scaffoldings were high enough, that it did mind, that the university’s not give me a chance to even see how its day swimming pool is considered to day improvement is. All I know is it’s in as a treasure, hidden in a chest that can be a progress –with the slow and simultaneous found in my college –the Health Sciences in hammering of metal machineries which the main campus, adjacent to the university either wakes me up or makes me sleepy oval and lagoon. There is actually a small, during our afternoon classes. rusty signage that can be seen along our pathway, which says in a fading red paint In between those moments, I have wished ‘CHS Swimming Pool’, with its arrow the rehabilitation will make it in time when pointing towards the right direction. Yet, we reach our second year in college where when you peek a glance towards it, you can’t we have swimming classes for Physical see any sign of water or a pool, unless you Education. Then the pandemic happened really try to look beyond the high walls with and my supposed-to-be fun swimming scaffoldings enclosing it, since it’s under sessions became virtual lessons of swimming rehabilitation (which I believe for safety guidelines and exercises executed at home. purposes AND its surprise factor –you can’t Also, I am already in my third year at the change my mind for the latter). university. But whether or not the pandemic happened, I think the rehabilitation will take I’ve heard it’s been almost a decade that more time to finish which means we still it was not utilized, probably the reason cannot use it. Good things take time, indeed. why it’s not that much of a talk among the The pool was constructed in 1982 and PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 26 SIRMATA

“From the typical university pool inside our head, we can now imagine it anew as an Olympic-size swimming pool.” inaugurated on February 20, 1984. However, national government, and the university it was closed nine years ago before the administration and stakeholders, the rehabilitation has started, and after almost 37 university’s Olympic-size pool is yet another years since it was first inaugurated, it sure blessing and a step towards the goal of being did took it’s time and price for its anticipated a premiere university in our country by beautification, and was once again opened 2028. When face-to-face classes will resume, last January 22, 2021. there’ll be no more metal hammerings to be heard or high walls of scaffoldings blocking From the typical university pool inside our view as we behold the refreshing blue our head, we can now imagine it anew water of our Olympic-size pool. as an Olympic-size swimming pool, like the ones we see in TVs or in our phones, This pool, like the other infrastructures with a measurement of 50 meters by 20 in our university, will continue to serve as meters, a depth of 1.8 meters to 2.3 meters, landmark of success. And this pool, as it and consisting of eight lanes. Aside from always has been, will continue to be a part of that, near the pool is a new functional the lives MMSU students for generations and hall, accommodation rooms, and even a generations, until they reach their success gazebo for occasions and other recreational and find their own treasures. activities. This features makes it welcoming to everyone, and not just for swimmer- And who knows in the near future, the athletes who’ll make it as their training MMSU Olympic-size swimming pool ground. might train another Olympic gold medallist that will be representing the honor of our With the combined efforts of the university and our country? PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 27 SIRMATA

TOURISM ORANGE YOU GLAD IT TASTES GREAT? KYLE NOJEN O. ANDRES As you travel through the won- Ilocanos whenever they go out for with ders of Ilocos region, you'll a bite after a long day of work with native come across food stops and friends, a family get-together or even veg- stalls, particularly alongside roads, when going out on a romantic date. gies that have that giant skillet reserved But what makes this so mouthwatering solely for oil. What lies beneath that anyway? Of course, we're obviously grown pool of boiling grease will make your attracted immediately for its bright and meat wallet spring out of your pocket, since orange colored shell, which is made produced by this meal known as \"Ilocos Empana- with natural “Atsuete”, a food color Ilocanos. Shredded da\" will trigger your hunger senses you’ve probably never heard of before papaya strained from the juice and just by looking at it! that is extracted from reddish fruits to boiling monggo beans seasoned with Inspired by the Spaniards and show uniqueness of the Empanadas salt and pepper are one of the veggies their former Latin American coloni- from others. It sure is crunchy on the included. Gladly combined with an zation during their previous times in outside, but how about we explore egg cooked according to your desired the province of Ilocos, particularly in what the real flavor is on the inside? doneness because we all have differ- Batac City which this dish is origi- Evidently, the color isn't the only thing nated. This handheld food has always that makes this Empanada unique; the been a hit among Filipinos especially ingredients also get a special spotlight, PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 28 SIRMATA

ent taste vibes; don't hesitate to and served hot makes those perfect still waiting for? The entire region of ask if you want half-cooked or homemade feels. We’re not stopping Ilocos is always open with countless well done because each employee there just yet, hold your taste buds street food enterprises like Irene's Em- understands your fulfillment. That for something goes specially together panada from Vigan city, Batac City's alone is ordinary in the menu, but with that. Is it ketchup you may ask? Wide Riverside Empanadaan, and wait till you hear the best part of all Well, yes, ketchup is a good dipping Elvie's Sweet Empanada stand in the the flavors! Our cravings for meat sauce to raise the sweetness levels but streets of Laoag. Its low prices ranging will shine upon us as we taste the that’s not the main excitement I was from Php 35.00-50.00, that even high juiciness of Ilocos Longganisa! talking about. Filipinos value sourness school students can save budgets! It and spiciness in their dips, which is may be cheap, but it can surprisingly Coming from the old-fashioned why one empanada needs a best friend fill you up; and that’s a win-win my place of Vigan City where we known as \"Sukang Iloco\" (Ilocos Vin- friend! witness the taste of the most egar) that will wake your cheeks up tenderest and garlic-y sausages with its electrifying outcome; almost everyone knows that these two always we can find. Most people agree go together like Romeo and Juliet. that this is the main reason Bet you’re hungry from all why they savor this dish so that food talk, huh? So, what are you much. Mixing all these babies up PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 29 SIRMATA

PERSONALITY “CASaranay Napoleon Bonaparte once said, A leader is a dealer in hope. When Pandora opened the box, and all evil was released spreads hope in the world, Elpis remained. Bonaparte wants to express by giving little that leaders should spread hope around them. Through their simple actions, they can spread inspiration and smiles to people. assistance to the indigenous In times of uncertainty, student leaders are able to use their authority and display their leadership skills through lending help to people, other students, and also the community. They were elected by the especially now students, not only because they like someone to represent the student we are in times body, but also to have someone who will become a role model that of health crisis. they can look up to, and someone that can give them hope and inspiration. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Student Council, headed by its President, Maria Karel Mariñas, also known as Maui, launched a donation drive called CASaranay. They distributed donations to the Tinguian tribe of Brgy. Santo Niño, Nueva Era, Ilocos Norte, last November 12, 2021. It aims to extend help to indigenous people who were adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other natural calamities the community faced. The activity was in line with the celebration of Indigenous People’s Month last October. And they were able to collect over P30,000 worth of donations, and were distributed to 70 beneficiaries in Brgy. Santo Niño. “For us, a [donation] drive is not only comprised of giving and sharing, it is also a platform for us to learn charitable acts and realigning our motives by acquiring more perspectives,” said Maui. 30 SIRMATA

CASaranay spreads hope alumni, and other people who gave commitment. Therefore, CAS- by giving little assistance to the in-kind and cash donations. So, SC is consistent with its vision indigenous people, especially now everyone can make a difference in for excellence in Academics, we are in times of health crisis. our society. But, making a difference Integrity, Movement, and This activity shows how everyone starts with good leadership and Service. faces problems brought about by management. the pandemic and how students find ways to ease the sufferings of other The CAS Student Council has individuals. As Maui mentioned, there been very active and vocal in student are a lot of stories, told and untold, and concerns and creating programs seen and ignored. Thus, the donation for the community. Moreover, last drive establishes a bridge among the Academic Year, they were hailed as students to have a heart for community the first-ever Best College Student service and the indigenous people. Council Hall of Famer in the Mariano Marcos State University’s Maui shared that the donation drive celebration of students’ day in will not be possible without collective January. Thus, even after being participation. It will not happen recognized, the present officers of without the help of other academic the college student council still hold organizations, faculty, students, the past administration’s blood of PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 31 SIRMATA

CULTURE & TRADITIONS source: https://www.deviantart.com/melondramatics/ The Living art/APHOC-Timeline-of-the-Philippines-584455784 Thread PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 32 Graziel Mae G. Ramat SIRMATA

Click-clock. Click-clock. Get the cotton and soak it in sagut sap! Click-clock. Click-clock. Spool ‘em, warp, then heddle up! Click-clock. Click-clock. Let the hands and feet weave non-stop… Click-clock. Click-clock. …And the sound of the handlooms thread the present and the past! Animal prints. Floral designs. Lewd photos. Movie lines. These are just some of the trending cloth designs the world, ever since it changed its phase, could offer. These styles are the visible evidence of our present world –how both the wide range of art and the taste of the latest generation collided to produce such both exotic and minimalist designs. Since art is art, it doesn’t really matter whether it’s from the present or the past –and surely we can say that the old folks of our province chose to live with in the past, still out there threading and weaving the cultures of our ancestors with the present generation. Inabel, is an Iloco word which simply means “woven”, and is also a textile product out of cotton made in hardwood handloom using manual techniques practiced in the pre-co- lonial era that were passed down from generations to generations up until today. It’s a laborious process in the making, not just the weaving part, but also in the preparation of the cotton threads. Although it’s energy and time consuming, it is true what they say that efforts won’t fail you. With hard work and perseverance –a common trait which an Ilocano has –will truly lead you to the best outcomes you’ve been expecting. Inabel cloth is outstandingly depicted by intricate designs of stripes and geometric patterns intermingling to create an impression of flow and movement –whirlwind, whirlpools, oceans waves, and current of rivers, and anything that can be observed in the weaver’s surroundings. What makes these efforts very worth it aside from the fact that tourists buy them when visiting our place? The younger generation is also fond of these precious inabel products even though others may say it’s already out of our time. Many trendsetters are actually showcasing inabel products in the fashion industry and also includes it in their #OOTD –be it their top, scarf, or wallet with intricate inabel designs. No oldies are old enough when paired with the young ones. So yeah –time is flying fast. Things are changing in such a phase that some people could barely catch up. Let us all remember, the things in the past are part of our history which reflects us –our traditions and culture. It is just then a must that we value them the way we value our expensive collections of watches… Let us value inabel… consider its threads as are our lifelines anchoring us to the rich culture of our ancestors. Click-clock. Click-clock. Let the hands and feet weave non-stop… Click-clock. Click-clock. …And the sound of the handlooms thread the present and the past! PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 33 SIRMATA

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY PPC: “We are puny, we are sweet, we’re outrageously pink! Aiding humanity against sugary monstrosities, we are the Plum Pink A Brigade Carbineers!’ In the war-torn appendages of some inflicted Against bodies, precious plum pink soldiers armed with Diabetes metaphorical guns fight against the coal-black decay of sugar. Albeit, prematurely: Humans have learned another way to combat diabetes. A young scientist turned leader in the age- JULIA KATRINA P. BONOTAN old battle against diabetes is in the process of creating another way to fight back. An army of tiny, delicate and, dare I say, cute nonhuman life forms named Jamaican Cherries or Aratiles in Filipino. These non-human life forms are often neglected and taken for granted in their abundance, especially in tropical areas such as the Philippines, Mexico, and Bolivia. Little did anyone know that we could already have acquired an ally against diabetes if we had previously come to appreciate the plumpness and pinkness of Jamaican Cherries. But it’s not too late; the war is still in its prime. The outcome is yet to be decided. Before we all get ourselves knackered up about having new confederates, shouldn’t it be known how Jamaican Cherries fights against the rabid sickness caused by an insane amount of sugar? If you’re thinking about tiny and pink spherical fruits picking up their pitchforks and weapons, you’re, unfortunately (insert: very) wrong. Jamaican Cherries were found to contain antioxidants and found to be very useful in preventing sugar from illegally staying in your gut every time you eat. In other words, you eat them and they do their work. Consequentially, there will be no falling toes from anyone’s bodies in the future. On the flip side of a straight-up confrontation against diabetes, I’m afraid Jamaican Cherries aren’t a match. They don’t have the ability to reverse the occurring effects of excess sugar in the body and are therefore not actually a cure for diabetes but, more accurately, prevention of PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 34 SIRMATA

diabetes. Which is better because isn’t International Science and Engineering prevention better than cure? Fair (ISEF) in May of 2019. Although she It’s all well and good that we know our could not bring home the bacon, she was cherries but where did it all start? How did the awarded the Young Scientist Award by The idea of Jamaican Cherries against diabetes Gokongwei Brothers Foundation. Maria begin? It takes its roots from the time when Isabel Layson has said that she will continue the sickeningly sweet fangs of diabetes sunk to further improve her research, delving to its teeth into the flesh of the young student the specific compounds that are present in Maria Isabel Layson’s loved ones. Aside from Jamaican Cherries. Hopefully, we will be Maria Isabel Layson’s personal vendetta seeing an addition to the fighting force of the against diabetes, she was among the few PPC and we will perhaps take another step who appreciated the abundance of Jamaican closer to developing the cure to diabetes. Cherries and was proactive enough to do All in a day’s very hard work (only, the day is something with it. Then bam! All was well? composed of a year or more). Actually, she went back and forth to Iloilo and Manila to complete the research at the Food It is very well that we are in pursuit of and Nutrition Research Institute laboratory. ways to combat diabetes but wouldn’t it be a China Oil isn’t it? That people will be similar trillion times better for the general populace to her in dedication. Because she was so if instead, we were to avoid the precursors passionate about finding a solution to a of diabetes? If so then we would not have problem that she endured the long distance any need for any medication and would be and the probably high transportation cost, an example of excellent health. Amidst the never mind it all. To finish a project that she modern environment, we are not inclined believes will surely make a difference? China to avoid such sugary pleasures. So on we Oil indeed. go, to rely on the plumpness, pinkness, and In return to the efforts of the leader of the inconspicuous strength of the PPC Brigade. Plum Pink Carbineers, Maria Isabel Layson Fight on! was given the opportunity to participate in the Intel PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 35 SIRMATA

TinkerBell’sPERSONALITY JESUSA MAE SUMAOANG DIVING CHRONICLES Iwas watching Tinkerbell with Inday would namang mapahamak sila, so my baby cousin, and the scene document herself I need to be educated about shows Fairy Mary, the head of rummaging various these things, she expresses. the Tinker Fairies, where Tinkerbell dumpsters for any She also would show how she belongs, dismissing Tinkerbell when useful items, such cleans the items she picks up she brought back what they refer to as as appliances, fruits, by using a bit of water, and Lost Things, from the beach. For the vegetables, chocolates, baking soda, before she cooks older fairy, lost things are nothing but juices, shoes, lotions, and serves them to her family. trash, and thinks that they are useless. masks, pastas, ice In most of her vlogs, it can be But being a tinker fairy, whose talent creams, meat, fish, seen how she and her husband Chris, is to fix and create things, Tinkerbell and many more. She enjoy their dinners, although he’s thinks otherwise, and decides to often goes dumpster often quiet. Their daughter Christiana keep them, rather than disposing of diving along with her on the other hand, tends to feast on a them, as Fairy Mary told her to do. friend, Abby, at 9 in the That specific scene reminded me of a evening, an hour after famous Filipina vlogger that lives in the grocery stores and supermarkets Florida, USA. would close. At first, she would only randomly check the trash piles from Her name is Rona Meloche, her neighborhood, and get usable popularly known as Inday Roning. items. According to her, it’s already She’s a Filipina vlogger married to a common scenario in the US, to just an American, and lives in Florida, throw anything away, even if it’s only USA. She works as a part-time pet slightly damaged, has dents, or if the nanny and driver in the morning, and box gets torn a little. a dumpster diver at night. Dumpster diving refers to the act of salvaging When it comes to consumables, from large commercial, residential, she carefully inspects them, because industrial, and construction she feeds them to her family, and containers, in order to find items that shares them with her friends. Ayoko are discarded by their owners, but deemed useful for the picker. Hello, mga kaibigan, kalkal basura na naman tayo, is Inday Roning’s usual greeting in her vlogs. She really proved the phrase, may kayamanan/pera sa basura, to be true. In her interview with PEP.ph, she mentioned that she is able to save PHP 75K a month for her groceries and other necessities, just from dumpster diving. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 36 SIRMATA

lot of greens. Rona however, would Rona was doing a great job, and she was eat kamayan style, with one foot enjoying it, so he just let’s her do what she planted on the chair, just like how we does. When asked if dumpster diving was Filipinos would normally eat. prohibited, Rona answered that it wasn’t, as long as it doesn’t have No Trespassing. This habit doesn’t only entertain In one of her vlogs, a staff from an her household, but also her virtual establishment near the dumpster they were audience. Her husband expressed rummaging approached them, so Rona asked how proud he is of Rona, because if its fine for them and her friend to continue her dumpster diving adventures help dumpster diving, and the staff didn’t stop them save a lot for their groceries, them, rather, the said staff gave them the and he finds his wife’s hauling really items that the staff was suppose to throw interesting. He also expressed that away. Netizens who watched her vlogs call her dumpster diving as being madiskarte. For Rona, being practical and humble matters a lot. So iyan, mga kaibigan, diskarte lang iyan. Hindi tayo mahihiya. Bakit tayo mahihiya? Hindi naman tayo mag-feeling datu, she expresses. Rona grew up in a family that does farming as a source of income, which allowed her to learn how to be practical and resourceful. In the Brigada interview, Rona became a bit emotional, because she thought of the people that don’t have anything to eat, that’s why she at times would do giveaways of her hauls, so as to share them to those who really need it. According to her, dumpster diving comes from her heart, remembering how she grew up on a farm. She mentioned that she was proud of her job, and that she was glad she could help others from her dumpster diving adventures. Rona’s story made us realize how important it is to not waste anything, and to not take the things that we have for granted, because we don’t know how much others would wish for the things that we just throw away. Her story also taught us that there’s nothing wrong with being resourceful and practical, because it could help us in many ways. Her story will forever serve as an inspiration for us, and something that we will always learn from. PAGLAYAG NOVEMBER 2021 37 SIRMATA

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