h a n d u r a w a n

No Place Like Davao

2008-05-20T02:36:00.000-07:00

Davao City is known as the “Promised Land” for several reasons. First, it produces an abundant and wide variety of fruits. Aside from the common Philippine fruits such as mangoes and bananas, one can find durian, pomelo, and mangosteen in Davao; and they are relatively sweeter as well. Fruit production in Davao is more successful compared to other parts of the country due to natural factors. Primarily, the geographical location of the city is outside the latitude where typhoons commonly pass, which is why Davao doesn’t experience any storms, and therefore, the harvest isn’t affected. Also, Davao has fertile and massive land areas available for cultivation. Moreover, the fruits are first class because Davao has natural irrigation, being a watershed that collects rainfall. Indeed, Davao is filled with overflowing blessings from the land.

Second, Davao has affordable and accessible beaches. Beaches in Davao have cheaper entrance fees compared to other beaches in the Philippines. For example, the entrance fee of Jones Beach Resort in Talomo costs only Php 15-20. It is also near the city proper. It takes about twenty minutes jeepney or taxi ride. In fact, most Davao beaches are just one ride away from the city proper compared to other cities in the Philippines where you have to ride a boat just to get to the beach.

Finally, we Davaoeños know who to call when there’s a fire, an accident, or a cat stuck in a tree. Davao is the only Philippine city with a social service system simply called “911.” 911 is like a multipurpose customer service department. 911 can help you with virtually anything. For instance, if you were stranded in the long and isolated Diversion Road, it won’t last for long. 911 will come to the rescue, offering transportation to the nearest highway. What’s more interesting is that you don’t have to pay a cent! You can’t dial these three numbers in Manila or Cebu and get the services offered only here in Davao. Truly, if you want to live in a land of bounty, beauty, and security – come home to Davao.

mga kagwang! :D

2008-05-19T18:21:00.001-07:00

Editorial Ek Ek

2008-05-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

“Sometimes it’s better to be lost anywhere in this world where you can ask directions than be lost inside yourself where redemption lies in your hands alone.”

- Anonymous

“Alone” is a very frightening word. People do things in order to be not “alone”: be identified through your “gang”; be identified through your parents; be coined through your teachers, because through association comes connections—being not alone. We are all in constant search for “belongingness” in our own communities, yet, we neglect to be acquainted with ourselves, and who we really are.

Before, we had submitted to the cultures of our parents, accept everything, feeling guilty when we did something against their commandments. Religion, values, and language, we inherited these things from them. In high school, we submitted to “peer” pressure. Smoking, cutting classes and integrating a rebellious streak to your personality--- these were and still are the products of this social “initiation”. Why are we afraid of being left alone?

Preaching is not my cup of tea, but this “Afraid of Being Alone Syndrome” clearly needs a response. We should not be afraid to know ourselves, or be left alone, because at the end of the day, we really are alone. I remember Sharon Olds’ “Sex Without Love” poem:

they are like great runners: they know they are alone

with the road surface, the cold, the wind,

the fit of their shoes, their over-all cardio

vascular health--just factors, like the partner

in the bed, and not the truth, which is the

single body alone in the universe

against its own best time.

We are the sole sculptors of the masterpiece we call our life, and no one else—that’s what I want to say.

This online magazine was formed to immortalize our struggles—as the sole operator of our lives. The staff aims to capture the memories that had made us who we are, and share it to people who are still searching.

On behalf of the staff, I welcome you to the first issue of our magazine—Handurawan.

Divina Amor Germina
Editor-in-Chief

A Cup in Hand

2008-05-19T07:59:00.000-07:00

Among all kinds of coffee available, instant coffee is the most advantageous, because along with its easy accessibility, cost, and the effective boost it gives, instant coffee as simple as it is, is also a soothing treat. I like drinking lots of coffee especially during early mornings where dew still covers the earth, and silence is only broken by the sound of chirping birds and the occasional wake up call of roosters. I enjoy the amalgam of a teaspoon of black, powdered coffee with lots of creamer and sweetener. Holding that cup full of hot coffee relaxes me, as my shivering palms and fingers absorb its fleeting heat. As the warmth ascends and touches my face, its scent, like a mocha cake, soothes my every nerve. Then, in every sip is a clash of a bitter and sweet ensemble, completely different but a perfect complement to the other. It brings warmth that engulfs the whole body, kick starting the brain’s machinery for another day’s work ahead.

Dannel Patrisha Grace H. Hiquina

Putoseko

2008-05-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

Melts in your mouth, not in your hand. You’re definitely thinking about m&ms but no, I’m going to talk about the Quezon Province’s delicacy, Putoseko. It’s a round and white biscuit with a powdery feeling in the fingers. The combination of milk and coconut scent invites you to grab a piece. When you take a bite, you’ll have to dig your teeth deep in it to get a portion in your mouth. If you opt not to crunch it and just let the biscuit melt, you’ll feel the powder slowly melting and the sweetness exploding inside. Sometimes, you may even have the feeling that you’re being choked but it’s all part of the experience. It will take a while before the biscuit turns into something soft. You’ll feel the thickness of the powder on your tongue, smooth and creamy. The taste is a mixture of sweetness and milk that you can’t help but take another bite.

Ross Fievanni A. Inguillo

Floating

2008-05-19T07:36:00.001-07:00

In learning how to swim, it is important to learn how to float first. First, you should learn the basic kick that will keep you floating in the water, the breast stroke kick, a swimming stroke in which both arms are extended and pulled back together in a circular motion while both legs are thrust out and pulled back together. See how the frog kicks in the water, it’s as simple as that! Imagine you are in the deep water in a standing position, just bend your knees as far as you can while keeping your feet together and stretching your knees away from each other. Then kick downwards as hard as you can while spreading your feet apart as far as you possibly can. After that kick, straighten your lower body then back again to the first step. When you are in the water, you don’t need to do that kick always; just do it once, relax you body, trust in yourself that you won’t drown and let you body float in the water, later you’ll realize you’re floating in the water. When you feel that you are going down, don’t panic, just kick again and do the same process. The very important thing that you should always remember is that you should not panic, don’t let the water swallow you; instead think that the water is carrying you. And that’s it, now you already know how to keep yourself floating in the water. However do not try to do this alone because it’s just your first time. You should have someone who knows how to swim to supervise you while you’re learning how to float.

Malkuth Richard A. Anggadol

Floating

2008-05-19T07:36:00.000-07:00

Malkuth Richard A. Anggadol

Badminton

2008-05-19T07:35:00.000-07:00

Badminton offers a wide variety of basic strokes and players require a high degree of skill to perform them effectively. One of these is the forehand stroke. Forehand strokes are executed with the front of the hand leading and it’s performed with proper body position and precautions. In the midcourt, if you’re right handed, do the right forehand grip; position your body in the center of the court with the right foot forward and left foot backward, both bent slightly, making sure that your body is a bit diagonal to the face of the court so that you can monitor all sides. In the rearcourt, it is advantageous and advisable to throw as many forehand strokes as possible because you can create more powerful and invincible shots. To do that, position your right foot forward, midbent and your left foot backward also midbent but slightly diagonal and apart from your right, raise your right hand (with the racket) and return the shuttlecock using upper forehand strokes; it is advisable to hit the shuttlecock when it’s still above you to produce a more aggressive and power shot. With the proper position, the forehand stroke can easily be executed and performed with minimal stress and body strain.

Nel A. Paronda

Love Confession

2008-05-19T07:33:00.000-07:00

It was my first love confession. It was a Monday evening when I rode with my best friend on his motorcycle to my girl’s house. As we were getting closer to the house, I saw her uncle standing outside, so I told my best friend to drive faster so that the uncle would not see me. But I was spotted anyhow so we stopped. Her uncle interrogated me for almost half an hour before calling my girl to face me. We were at their porch, we talked for almost three hours, we talked about our happy moments in high school, in college, our experiences, changes, and finally, we arrived at my most awaited part, the confession. At first I was hesitant to say the words, but because of the time pressure, the rain, and her aunt singing a romantic Filipino song in their living room before us, I was compelled to say that I love her. At first, she didn’t want to answer it but I still continued chatting with her. In the end I told her that it was my last visit, and if ever she won’t accept me, I will never go back to our place again because I have no reason to come back if not for her. I don’t know if it pressured her so much that she instantly said yes, and that answer felt like an angel blessed me for eternity. I was so happy that I wanted to shout but I couldn’t utter a word, I wanted to jump but I couldn’t move. I really can’t describe how I felt that time, it was an overflowing joy and my heart was pumping so much blood. I held her hands and I couldn’t breathe. I did not notice the time until my insistent best friend interrupted and told me that it was already time for us to go home because he was very sleepy. My girl wished me good luck and safety as we depart. It was the most memorable night of my life.

Nel A. Paronda

Guilty Pleasures

2008-05-19T07:31:00.000-07:00

One of my unforgettable experiences playing in Sequel Internet Café is the first time my friends and I played overnight. It was like having a sleep over in a friend’s house, the only difference is that we were not in a friend’s house and we did not sleep at all; we instead played games the whole night. I can still remember that night, after the Freshmen Night event, around midnight last year. I was so exited that time because at last, for the first time, I could experience playing computer games with my friends overnight. As we got closer to the place, my excitement kept on growing. When at last, we arrived, to our surprise and disappointment, there were no vacant computer units for us, even though there are almost a hundred computer units in that branch. So we just waited for units to be vacated. It was around 3 o’clock in the morning when I felt my eyes wanting to close shut but still I resisted. It was already 6 o’clock in the morning when we stopped playing and went home. Our parents of course, did not know about all these “mischievous acts” we did; what’s important was that we had done nothing wrong, except for the little lies we told to cover up for what we had done. In my case, I told my parents that after the Freshmen Night, I stayed the rest of the night in the EBL dormitory and went home the following morning. The guilty feeling is always there, but there is one thing that’s important for my friends and me and that’s the clean fun we experience once in a while.

Malkuth Richard A. Anggadol

Pet Bunnies

2008-05-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

The most unforgettable experience I had when I was 11 years old was when I brought my pet rabbits to school. I was in the sixth grade at that time and we had a project in our science class, which was simply taking care of pets. My father didn’t allow me to take our pet dog to school because of the trouble it may bring, so he thought of a solution. I had always wanted to have a pet rabbit, giving my father an idea on which pet to buy. After we bought a pair or rabbit that was a gray male and a brown female in Pet World, I carried them to school inside a box. From the school bus, students asked if those rabbits were mine and proudly I said yes. Then inside the classroom, my other classmates were really curious at what I had brought. When I showed them the rabbits, they kept saying how cute and small they were like a large wad of cotton. The highlight of it all was when they complimented me on my ownership of the rabbits and that they were envious that I had them as pets. The overall feeling of having them and taking care of them is the most wonderful reward any owner can have with their pets.

Marijoy B. Gualberto

Expect The Unexpected

2008-05-19T07:26:00.000-07:00

After we transferred to our new house in Buhangin, it took a long while before I was able to go back in San Pedro to attend mass there again. This was probably why I looked at the place in a different light. Now there are already different food stalls, newly opened shops, and many faces you won’t even recognize. As I walked out of the church to buy DVDs in the nearby shops, it felt like people were running in a rat race. Everybody was walking very fast as if they were late for a meeting or something, while I on the other hand was taking my time looking at the trinkets being sold by the sidewalk vendors. I stopped by a stall to look at something that interested me, when I felt that somebody was trying to open my bag. A mixture of dread and anger washed over me and I was ready to shout and pounce on whoever that person was. When I looked behind, I saw a small kid in his dirty clothes and mismatched slippers. I really didn’t notice him following and observing me until the time he attempted to open my bag. I didn’t know how to react, what was I supposed to do or say to him!? In the end, I just walked away, wondering how many small children there are picking pockets just to have their next meal. What will these children’s next victims do to them if they’re to get caught? Don’t they have parents to feed them? I went home with a heavy heart still seeing the face of that little kid.

Carmi Denise C. So

San Pedro

2008-05-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

San Pedro, considered to be the center of Davao City, is where you will find the city hall, old cathedral, and various shops all in one. On Sundays after the mass, you’ll see people coming out of the church like soldier ants from their anthill. As you walk away from San Pedro Cathedral, it’s like making your way to the battlefield because you’ll have to squeeze yourself into the crowd, making sure that your belongings are still intact and your cellular phone or wallet in your possession. Snatchers are everywhere pretending to be shoppers or bystanders so you’ll never notice how they orchestrate their schemes. Everywhere you look, you’ll surely see a swarm of people either dressed in their office uniforms or in their casual wear ready to shop till they drop or just hang around Rizal Park. On the park, you’ll notice the senior citizens entertaining themselves with a game of chess or dancing Cha-cha and Swing and even see little kids running around, being chased by their parents. You’ll see people coming out from everywhere, crossing the streets, out from stores and places nobody else knew existed. You’ll see vendors left and right shouting out, convincing you to buy their items. But worst are the beggars popping out of nowhere with their hands stretched out; others even follow you to the point that you’ll get tired of saying “No!” Cars and PUVs blow their horns, stopping wherever they want to without even caring if it’s a loading and unloading zone. Strolling in San Pedro for a whole day will probably leave you burnt out and in need of a long night’s rest.

Carmi Denise C. So

Play Like A Child

2008-05-19T07:20:00.001-07:00

It was just a typical afternoon when my younger brother called me to play in the next block. I was only eight years old at that time and loved to play outdoors. He was running. So, I ran after him. We took the shortcut and there was a small canal without water but sand. I was running so fast that I slipped as I tried to cross it. I found myself lying on the ground, face down with my left leg in the canal. I could hear my brother laugh at me. When I stood up, I was shocked to see blood all over my shirt. My left cheek hurt and I realized I had been injured. I went home crying. My mother scolded me for playing outside instead of helping her do house chores. I felt it was unfair to me because I was the only one being scolded even if we all knew that my brother also played outside. But, I knew she was worried for me, too. After a few days, I had a fever and my right cheek became swollen. My parents became more worried. We went to the hospital and I got an anti-tetanus injection for my injury. After that incident, I still continued playing outdoors because I knew it’s my right to enjoy my childhood.

Ross Fievanni A. Inguillo

School Lessons

2008-05-19T07:13:00.000-07:00

The school is where one’s mind is being sharpened, talent honed and skills developed in order for one to be prepared in facing the challenges of the real world someday. Although the educational system is designed such that it brings more emphasis on the academic area, experiences gained inside the school through extra curricular activities or simply by just socializing, help create memories full of life-changing lessons relevant on really how to live life.

I’ve transferred schools twice so far in my academic life. And throughout, I’ve learned some ways on how to deal with others during the first few days of school. These are critical days because they will greatly influence your social relationship with others for the rest of your stay in that new school. First, you should always wear a smile, especially on the first day. People will tend to judge who you are based on how you look or the way you talk. A smiling face always radiates an impression of friendliness. Next, you need to find a group of friends. Knowing you are not alone will make you feel more at ease and confident. Since most likely, you don’t know anyone yet, take the initiative of asking the names of your seatmates or your other classmates, rather than waiting for them to do it first. They will eventually reveal their true colors in the succeeding days, which is good because it will enable you to decide if you want to stay and develop friendship or just remain as acquaintances. There is really no standard in making friends because a friendship is a magical thing; it’s impossible to decipher how it happens. Another thing, remember to avoid talking about your previous school. Your new classmates will think you are comparing and/or complaining, which is rude and may acquire you some “stabs in the back.” Also, try to be very attentive during classes because you are still adjusting to the whole class environment of your new school. Who knows, you might still need to climb a few more notches up the ladder. Lastly, try very hard to learn fast the school’s culture. What are the terminologies being used, like what do they call the places, or the means of transportation? Who are the teachers you should look out for? Which canteen serves student friendly meals? Knowing the norms of your school will let you adjust quicker and will help you connect with others as well. A change is something not everyone likes because it’s inconvenient, but a change also makes you stretch your capabilities and lets you do better in life as a whole.

One way of dealing with change is to get involved. Getting in the school band is one of high school’s highlights for me. When I was a kid, whenever there were parades in town, I had always admired the bands that were performing with their eye-catching uniforms and the harmonious convergence of their instruments. I’ve always dreamed of playing the lyre, because it makes melody come alive, which basically is the heart of the band. And so, when I transferred to a new school during my sophomore year, I decided to join the school band. But of course, there were no short cuts; I had to pass the auditions first. I didn’t have the instrument at that time, so I had to borrow one from friends of friends. Also, since nobody had the time to teach me, I could only depend on myself. I found out that the lyre is actually one of the easiest musical instruments to play, and it can be learned in a matter of hours, if you’re diligent enough. So I practiced and practiced, played every afternoon after classes for weeks. I had to memorize the pieces also, since bringing a copy of the chords was not allowed. Then, the big day came. Like all auditions, it was nerve-wracking, my head was throbbing frantically and I couldn’t keep still at all, I felt like my stomach was heaving. Pressure mounted because I had to perform, by myself, in front of the bandmaster, the upper class band members and the rest of the audience. I was literally shaking and started having cold feet about the whole thing. But it was too late to back out anyhow, my name was the next one called. I slowly paced center stage on the basketball court. It was really scary at first, beads of sweat trickled down my forehead, my hands were frozen cold and my heart was skipping a hundred twenty beats per minute! Then, I heard myself playing, then kept on pounding those pieces of tiny metal, trying to avoid mistakes while keeping the precise tempo in my head. Thankfully, I gained confidence in the process, and it was soon over. That day, I was one of only two people, out of the many who tried, who passed the auditions and became an official member of the band. Indeed, if you want something really bad, you don’t quit when you are tired; you stop only when you’re done. If you don’t want regrets in the end, against all odds be only the best that you can be and no lesser than that.

Dannel Patrisha Grace H. Hiquiana

It's Where We Belong

2008-05-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

The UP Mindanao student body is a collage of different personalities and can be classified in many interesting ways. First is through bags. Bags have always been part of a student’s life because they carry your belongings. If you’re a UP Mindanao student or someone who has been there, you’ve probably seen these students with distinct kinds of bags. The students with backpacks are the hardworking students. They always bring books and school stuff in them. They are commonly seen in libraries or benches alone. During classes, they always place their bags behind them or in an empty chair, assuring that no one will sit besides them. Carrying their backpacks with them resembles turtles that always bring their home. Students with shoulder bags are the “kikays”. They always bring “kikay” kit and other cosmetics. They are more concerned about enhancing their appearance for their boyfriends or to get one, or two if they have none. Student without bags on the other hand are the lazy ones. They do not even bring notebooks and pens. They are the type that is just happy-go-lucky in their studies. Your bag choice generally connotes what kind of an image you want to show because your bag carries what belongs to you that reflect who you are as a person in general.
Next, if you are a UP Mindanao student, you generally fall into being a dormer, boarder, or resident. If you smell a distinct scent of pungent, overnight body sweat in the air, early in the morning, your seatmate is probably a resident of the E.B.L. Dormitory. They often miss their showers because the dorm normally runs out of water daily in the morning. The dormers are the ones who wander around campus in their pajamas or evening wear, but always manage to be in their rooms, in time for bed check. The dorm is also a haven of youngsters. This is because only the freshies can tolerate the excessive breeding ground of microorganisms they call the communal bathroom, and also, they are the ones who have not yet been infected with the “Water Deficiency Syndrome.” The boarders outside campus are those who have all the time in world. Because no curfew restricts them, they are the ones who can stay in the campus till dawn, or play Dota in an Internet café overnight. If you see a student with wrinkled clothes and dark, panda eyes, you have probably spotted a boarder. Downtown residents usually are the ones most well dressed and well fed among the three. Their ironed clothes, polished shoes, and healthy snacks especially prepared by mama/papa, are all topped by their fast access to resources like extra money. However, you can’t easily find the residents in campus; they’d rather spend their free time in Shoe Mart than here in UP Mindanao far away from the civilization. Indeed, after a day’s struggle in the battlegrounds of UP Mindanao, it is reassuring to go back to the security that safety, freedom, and familiarity the home brings.
UP Mindanao students have their own “ammo in the battlefield” to be judged within the community their outfits. Another way of classifying them is by the way they project themselves. There are three general types of outfits for a UP Mindanao student. They are the “Fashionista”, “Casual”, and “Latagaw” people. The Fashionista are those students who want to show off their eye-catching appearances that resemble a fashion runway even though their runway is only in school or the Kanluran grounds. They have this desire to stand out or be recognized among all the other students. They hold this uniqueness with the way they present themselves towards others. Then there are those “Casual” people who don’t show off much and just want to get along with the majority of the community. They are those who want to be accepted as “normal” people. And then, there are those students who don’t care what other people will say about them. These students are the “Latagaw”. They hold a rule that “rules” or norms don’t matter to them. They have this strange appearance as if they haven’t had taken a bath. But in reality, they do care about what others think about them, they want others to think that they don’t care. They actually have the same pint as the Fashionistas, who want to be different. Outfits therefore, are not just a necessity for they are more than that. Outfits hide our true identity and help us project our chosen personality.

Some may find this nonsensical, or immaterial for college life, academics matters more. However, that’s not true---partly. An ant functions well in an ant hill, and a hat in a head, this goes the same with students. Students need to feel that they belong, to a community, to a drawer in the UP system where they can consider as their niche. Myriads of drawers compose UP Mindanao, and they are like lactobacilli shirota strain, “Nag mu-multipy sila!” Amidst this, students have to find a place where they can be comfortable enough to function well, as students, and as individuals. Now, “Do you know where you belong?”

My Home

2008-05-19T07:03:00.000-07:00

One place that is very dear to my heart is our house in Madrid, Surigao del Sur. Our house is a “bahay na bato type.” It’s a cube –shaped, two-storey dwelling place, with a concrete ground storey plan and a wooden second floor. Our house is surrounded by many colorful San Francisco

and gumamela plant together with some fruit-bearing trees like guava, mango, and avocado. I love to rest under the shade of our mango tree because of the sweet relaxing breeze, along with the scent of flowering plants and the melodious singing of birds. A traditional nipa roof insulates the house from too much heat and the freshness of the air given off by the surrounding plants provides the house with natural ventilation. We have jalousies made of dried-kiln narra—old but durable. The flooring is made from the finest wood in our place—the tanguile, which becomes polished shine even if you just wipe it with a rag. Lying in the living room feels like a haven where I can contentedly feel at ease. Truly, living a simple life at home together with the family, our house brings comfort.

Nel A. Paronda

Fixing A Broken Home

2008-05-19T06:59:00.000-07:00

Turning a decrepit house and lot into millions is not difficult, if my mother has anything to do with it. When I first saw the sprawling two story house on Champaca Street, Mintal three years ago, I complained, “No Mama, we can’t live in there!” Indeed the house was hideous. The auburn gutter hung lifelessly with the rivet holes apparent as my glasses; also, the once imposing terrace was painted with a fusion of jade and canary peat; and, the white-marble balustrade and adobe walls were covered with soot and grime. Inside, the 400 square foot floor plan wasn’t quite impressive. The crimson floor was covered with dog shit and mosquito infested puddles. The scent of wet and rotten wood nauseated me, and the enveloping dust triggered my rhinitis. The house was just like our life that time, dirty, hopeless, and just about ready to collapse after my father’s affair and my parents’ subsequent separation. But my mother was deaf to my complaints--- she was bent on making a new life and a home out of this dump they call Mendoza Apartment. She bought gallons of Zonrox and packets of Shine Master floor wax. She turned the floors from a field of dog manure into a gleaming artwork a prince can dance on. She restored the narra doors, countertops, and stairs into their old shining glory. She painted the walls lemon and cobalt blue---a far cry from the dark and depressing avocado green it had boasted before. It started with a room, then two, then all of the rooms; I didn’t even notice that the dump I had rejected has turned into the home I call now. Truly, this is my mother’s genius--the alchemy of the Mendoza Apartment. However, like the cracks on the adobe walls, and the scars on the narra countertops, there are still some things that my genius mother can’t restore---alone.

I thought everything was all right, but it wasn’t. Last year, on a rainy September evening, I was roused from sleep by the pounding of the rain. I heard the “tick-tack-tick-tack” noise in the kitchen and I was curious to find out what it was. The ceiling was stained with a translucent brown liquid, and on the floor were puddles of rain water. Our roof had a hole, and it was a very big hole, but I just ignored it. I had guessed that my mother would clean it up---as always. But I realize now that cleaning merely the mess is different from fixing the roof. The next day, my brother ran away. It was not some melodramatic, emotional, and teary absconding; in fact, we only noticed that our brother had gone when we were about to eat dinner. There was no “I hate you!” letter, “don’t bother to find me!” letter, or even, “bring back my father!” letter, my brother just quietly slipped away from our home, unnoticed, and neglected. My mother and sister thought that he had run away because he had failed in a Mathematics exam, and was afraid of the punishment, but I believed otherwise. It was about my father, and the fact that my brother felt that he was abandoned and alone with all these silly females surrounding him. We called 911 and asked for their help. We searched for him, and by midnight, when my mother and sister were frantically combing the Mintal market for him, he returned. Sweaty and hungry, he told me that he had gone to the church just a number of blocks away from our home, and prayed that my father would come back. No “pamalo” touched his butt, no hand slapped him, because we knew, that no matter how my mother mended our house and our family; no matter how happy I was with the way things were; and no matter how contented my sister was with staying silent, there was one person whom we had conveniently ignored. Nothing can heal the wound that my father’s abandonment inflicted upon him, and our home, but understanding. I realized then, how our home was perched precariously on a precipice, with just a gust of wind, it could fall, and crumble quickly away. Our home still needed a lot of fixing, starting with the hole in our roof, something that my mother cannot do alone.

Divina Amor J. Germina

How To Cook Adobo The Tagalog Style

2008-05-19T03:01:00.000-07:00

I love the taste of the adobo that my Mom cooks. Once, I asked my mom why it tastes different from the ones served here in Davao. She told me that it was a recipe of her grandmother in Manila. Compared to the “normal” adobo, this recipe originated from Laguna. To cook the Tagalog Adobo, you should first prepare all the ingredients. You need chicken or pork meat, chicken liver, vinegar, soy sauce, chopped garlic, oil, ground pepper, sugar and salt to taste. In a pot, combine all the ingredients except oil and some chopped garlic for later frying. In a medium fire, let the mixture boil for 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken liver is soft enough to mash. Separate the chicken liver from the mixture and remember not to stir so that there will be no bitter taste in your food. Mash the chicken liver then add it again to the mixture. Let it boil for another 15 minutes or until the meat is tender enough. Turn off the fire of the first mixture then in a separate frying pan, put some oil and fry the garlic until it turns golden brown. Transfer the chicken meat to the frying pan from the original mixture then stir until you see the oil of the meat come out. Add some of the original sauce on the pan then let it fry for a few minutes. When the adobo sauce thickens, your Tagalog Adobo is cooked. Serve it while it’s hot.

Carmi Denise C. So

My Least Favorite Vegetable

2008-05-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

A pale green vegetable that resembles a bell pepper but with a more pointed edge without the sleek texture – that is the okra. I don’t like eating dishes with okra. Not that I’m against eating vegetables but this particular vegetable I really avoid. This innocent looking vegetable may resemble other green vegetables but when it touches the insides of my mouth, I instinctively know that it’s okra, my least favorite vegetable. Most people cook okra by boiling it, or adding it to a dish. It doesn’t taste totally bad at all; it tastes like a mixture of leafy vegetables like cabbage or pechay, and it’s healthy and nutritious too. It doesn’t give off offensive or strong odor, which may be the reason for others disliking it. For me however, not only is it slimy in the mouth, it’s also quite disturbing too especially when chewing on it where you have to struggle with its sliminess along with its little annoying seeds. Some may consider the okra to be their favorite vegetable but for me, it is far from making the list.

Marijoy B. Gualberto

Papaya

2008-05-19T02:58:00.002-07:00

The food that I really hate is a ripe papaya fruit. Back when I was 13 years old, I really loved ripe papayas, but because my mother kept on telling us and forcing us to eat papaya three to four times a day, it really changed my appetite. Eating papayas over and over again, I vomited on our floor and kept on going back to the comfort room to put an end to my aching stomach. I can still remember that it smelled like an aromatic rose perfume, but now I think it smells like vomit. I can also remember that it tasted like a very sweet mango when I first tasted it, but now it tastes like vegetable, such as celery hearts without the celery flavor. It’s not as sweet as other tropical fruits and it has a kind of rotten flavor that I’m not fond of now. The papaya is really soft but I imagine that it is like chewing dung. I really don’t want to eat a ripe yellow papaya again.

Maria Theresa N. Magdolot

Durian

2008-05-19T02:58:00.001-07:00

Eating durian is an experience like no other. In Mintal, durian trees abound, so, in durian season, Mintal will welcome you with a waft of durian’s scent: pungent as the jackfruit; addictive as rugby; and, strong as coffee. My favorite variety, Arancillo, is like a balled porcupine, with shades ranging from olive green to khaki depending on the ripeness, is usually no bigger than a basketball. Although the physical appearance of durian is daunting, its taste makes up for it. Eating the “aril”, or the flesh of durian, is like reveling in a roller coaster ride. Its amalgam of milky sweetness and slight bitter taste explodes in the mouth like a bottle of soda that’s been shaken; its sticky and soft consistency matches up with a soft sweet potato; its long lasting aroma rivals with the scent of “tuyo”. You can gobble up every durian in sight, and still hunger for more, simply because you can’t forget its scent. It’s like ambrosia some say, but it’s more than that. While eating durian can transform you into a god from a mere mortal, it is also the perfect example of yin-yang. It’s not as bitter as ampalaya or as sweet as sugar; but it is created by nature to complement each taste such that one can’t function without the other---this is durian’s distinctive bittersweet taste. Come to Mintal, and taste the fruit favored by the gods.

Divina Amor J. Germina

Hawaiian Tuna in Milk

2008-05-19T02:56:00.001-07:00

When I went home last week, she cooked a strange dish. It looked like chicken curry but it’s not. My mom called it “Hawaiian tuna in milk.” When I noticed its sauce, I first thought that it was cooked in coconut milk but she said that it was evaporated milk. The thought that it was cooked with milk made my stomach turn. The smell of the dish was dominated by the pineapple, which gave a sour smell like a rotten fruit. And she just placed it in a bowl without adding some colors or some decorations in it. It looked so boring to eat like a plain chiffon cake. But we had to eat it because my mom took efforts to prepare that food and I didn’t want to disappoint her. So, just to show appreciation, I ate it. She was very excited to hear my comment on the food. She was smiling while she was watched us eat. It didn’t turn out as bad as I had expected, the food tasted delicious. The tuna absorbed the sour taste of the pineapple and the sweetness of the milk made the tuna taste like chicken. It’s one of my favorite dishes now.

Anna Isabelle G. Graza

Squash Flan

2008-05-19T02:53:00.000-07:00

I will never forget the time my roommate shared with me his lab-made squash flan. It was made out of mashed squash with condensed milk, butter, sugar, and eggs. The color of the squash radiantly contrasted from the steamed flan; it had golden-colored toppings because of the caramel sprayed all over the flan. The smell was so inviting due to the milk and butter that perfectly mixed together with the egg yolks and cream. It was my first time to taste a squash flan. When it melted in my mouth, it was very slimy and I felt like I was eating sweet sandy lard; it really had an awfully weird taste.

Nel A. Paronda

Siomai Of Teepin

2008-05-19T02:51:00.000-07:00

The food I always crave is the siomai of Teepin. It’s just like “kwek-kwek”, “isaw”, etc. It can be found in every branch of Sequel, a famous Internet Café here in Davao City. Siomai is made of ground meat formed into a small circle and wrapped in flour dough that is also used in lumpia. Their siomai is the best that I had ever tasted, its taste is far better than in any other restaurants. Every time I play at the Sequel Internet Café or just passing by on the sidewalk, I really can’t resist buying one. When the vendor opens the cover of the steamer, the smell of fresh steamed siomai bursting in the air will truly make you feel hungry. Even if it is just served in a small paper plate with just toothpicks, you will not mind it because of its delicious taste. Though it looks like any other siomai, it has a unique taste. Its sweetness is just like honey if you eat it without any sauce. And with sauce in it, you can truly make a perfect snack, but even more with rice. It is also soft to chew on like bread that makes it easy and fun to eat. I think the mixture of its sweetness makes it more delicious with other secret ingredients in it. That is why I consider this siomai as one of the best street food there is.

Malkuth Richard A. Anggadol

Pastel Of Camiguin

2008-05-19T02:49:00.000-07:00

The Pastel of Camiguin is one of my favorites because of its sugary taste. Soft bread filled with delicious yema, which is like a golden soft cream, as sugary as condensed milk. In fact, the concept of making pastel is from the old Filipino tradition of bread with condensada sandwich. The smell of the pastel is really inviting because of its sweet-smelling scent. Although there are many flavors to choose from, the original yema flavor is my favorite. For this reason, I can say that pastel from Camiguin is the best. The taste is unusual and the smell is unique. It is only available in my hometown, Camiguin.

Herald Jan B. Boborol

Nestle Chocolate Overload

2008-05-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Nestle Chocolate Overload, I simply can’t get enough of this ice cream. Whenever I feel sad or heavy in the heart, ice cream is a must. Just by looking at it, with the fudge and bits of chocolate and marshmallows all over it, I can’t help but dip my spoon in it. When I get to have my first taste of it, it feels like something relaxing and wonderful enters my body. A spoonful of ice cream makes me think I’m putting puffs of clouds in my mouth with its cotton candy sweetness. It’s so soft and creamy in the tongue that I don’t dare swallow it fully. I have to let it melt in my mouth so I can feel the cold wash over me. Sometimes, I get to chew bits of chocolate, peanuts, and marshmallows, which make eating ice cream so much fun. I can taste the saltiness of peanuts, the bitter taste of chocolate, and the sweetness of the ice cream all at once. It’s as if I am digging for treasures and every bite is richness itself. I cannot stop myself from digging in until there is nothing more left in the cup.

Carmi Denise C. So

How To Search In The Internet

2008-05-19T02:45:00.000-07:00

The most common method in researching today is through the Internet. For beginners, here are the steps on how to do an effective search. First, you have to identify the important ideas of your search. You have to choose the keywords that best describe these ideas. Then, choose what search engine to use. This is a website where you can view the list of website links about the related topics on your search depending on the keywords you have encoded. Google and AltaVista are the most commonly used engines. For example, if you are going to search about the top ten most expensive paintings, you can use the keywords, top ten most expensive paintings. If you want a more specific search, you can include information such as the year and the place. Other search engines also allow you to include quotation marks, a plus sign or a minus sign to expand or contract your searches. Combining these terms will help you create a more specific search: "state universities" +Philippines tells the engine to search the exact phrase state universities that must include the term Philippines. You can also try to think about words that may occur in an article you want and type in several of those words. Then, evaluate the results from your search. You can modify your search if needed by revising the keywords or using other search engines. Sometimes, you have to try several attempts to find what you’re searching for; patience is required in order to get it right.

Ross Fievanni A. Inguillo

Drowning

2008-05-19T02:43:00.000-07:00

After my high school graduation, my classmates and I had a party in Sto.Niño Cold Spring. Of course, were very happy to graduate so it’s time for celebration. It was around 10 in the morning when we arrived at the spring. Each of us brought food. After a couple of hours, we decided to eat our lunch. After we ate, I decided to swim. Suddenly, one of my classmates pushed me into the pool. While in the pool, I suffered muscle cramps in my thighs. It hurt so much that I couldn't move anymore. I tried to get back to the edge of the pool but I failed. I tried to move but I couldn't swim. I tried to shout but I couldn't speak. I almost drowned to death. I felt the water coming into my mouth and the weakness of my entire body. I looked up at the sky and questioned, “Is this the end?” I heard the splash of the water in the pool and the people laughing and talking around me. It felt like I was going to die but luckily, my female classmate helped me out of the pool and relieve my muscle cramps. I rested for a moment. Afterwards, everything went back to normal. We continued to be happy despite the fact that I almost drowned. I survived the most breath-taking experience of my life, and got back in the water—for me, that’s all that matters.

Herald Jan B. Boborol

Riding A Bike

2008-05-19T02:41:00.000-07:00

Riding a bicycle for some is such a hard thing to do. In my case, I had learned riding it for only two weeks with all the pains and wounded knees. When learning how to ride a bicycle, it is first important to have determination. A determined person will try very hard to attain his/her goals in life. First, ride on your bicycle. Try stepping on the pedal and balance yourself. Remember to not panic if you lose balance. It’s all right to fall down many times. Stand up and try again. Repeat the process until you obtain the right balance. Be sure you don’t hit a person when you’re riding it. Press the brakes if necessary. My determination to learn how to ride a bicycle helped me attain my goal of being able to drive it.

Herald Jan B. Boborol

How To Solve A Rubik's Cube

2008-05-19T02:39:00.000-07:00

Taking a Rubik’s cube as an analogy for life, I think it's all too easy to get stuck in a rut, where you're not happy with the way things are, but you're not quite uncomfortable enough to risk making them worse. So, I’ll show you how to solve a Rubik’s cube. You should solve the first layer first then make it as your base. Name the remaining sides as front, back, left, right, and top. The first layer should have three horizontal same colors. Next solve the second layer. You should place the second layer centerpiece on its right position. Then take one side and turn the third layer centerpiece on its right position but the color on top of it should be the same color on its right. Otherwise, you should do the second layer completion method in reverse. Turning your cube’s layers does this method. Facing your chosen side, you should turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the right side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the front side of the cube clockwise, turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the front side of the cube counterclockwise, and turn the right side of the cube clockwise. After you are finished, you will see a cross in the top but if there’s none, you should do the cross method.
The cross method begins with turning the right side of the cube counterclockwise, then turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the front side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the front side of the cube clockwise, and turn right side of the cube clockwise. If you can’t see a cross in the top, do the cross method again.
The next thing that you should do is the double method. The double method is where you can form a “fish pattern” and a “double fish pattern”. The method is done when you turn the left side of the cube clockwise, then turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the left side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the right side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the left side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, and turn the left side of the cube counterclockwise. When you have a double fish, do the double method again until your third layer’s four corners are in their right position. The final step is to place the third layer’s centerpiece in its right position. All you have to do is to turn the right side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the right side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube twice clockwise, turn the right side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube clockwise, turn the left side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the left side of the cube clockwise, turn the top side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the left side of the cube counterclockwise, turn the top side of the cube twice clockwise, and lastly turn left side of the cube clockwise. Your cube is now arranged. In this way you’ll feel more comfortable in solving a problem at a time and fixing your way through the mess when another ones come.

Maria Theresa N. Magdolot

Videoke

2008-05-19T02:34:00.000-07:00

I love singing videoke style. People get shocked because they often see me as an introvert, a shy or timid person, sometimes, even reclusive, but lo and behold, I love to hog the microphone! My classmates would even pry my fingers open with steel bars in our annual Christmas party just to get me to let off the microphone. I was not like that at first: I usually stuck with my “image”---that I can’t carry a tune, my heart palpitates, and my knees turn to jelly with the thought that I have to sing in front of many people. I have my videoke addict father to thank for that, because he doesn’t think that videoke is for entertainment, but a competition. I also hate to fail; I’d rather curl up and die than sing on a videoke because the machine scores the singer! But those are a thing of the past. I got over that through three rigorous steps: First, little pigeons, perish the thought that you can’t do it. Release your inhibitions, my BACA classmates would say, have fun, drink if you have to, but lucky for me I don’t have to. I have a very fertile imagination, I envisioned myself drunk while singing my own rendition of “You Give Love A Bad Name”. I was quite effective--in being drunken and uninhibited. Second, choose a partner with the same caliber as you. If you’re going to face the music, literally and figuratively, it’s more fun to have a “karamay”. I had once tried a duet with my sister, who’s a member of their university chorale, and it was depressing. The difference in our voices was really apparent as oil and water. This kind of duo dampens the enthusiasm. But, that was before my “debut” as a videoke addict; now, I can confidently say that I can match her, maybe not in the high notes, but at least in enthusiasm. Finally, never ever think that videoke is for “high quality singers” only. In fact, I suspect that videoke was made for the musically challenged people. True, singing in videoke machines is a very daunting experience, and even the brave and mighty can fall, but remember, I did it and had fun, so can you.

Divina Amor J. Germina

My Alternative Sweet Haven in Cagayan de Oro City

2008-05-19T02:26:00.000-07:00

From any point in the city, entering through the bounds of Limketkai Drive, you can easily notice the sudden change of scenery. From the busy section of the city, it shifts to the long and wide road bounded by many elegant mahogany trees. When entering Limketkai Drive, small establishments aside from the two malls, which are the Limketkai Mall and the Robinsons Mall, greet you along with some hotels like Grand Caprice, which are the only tall buildings found at the Drive. Pollution is less around Limketkai Drive because of the trees and the mountainous terrain at its far side. It may seem like a subdivision with its wide road, but without the presence of residential homes. As you pass through the road with the mahogany trees along, they give you a light sensation because of the shade they cast. Then along a curve of the road, you will notice the signature colors of McDonalds. With a few more turns, more parking spaces are spotted and some several known banks as well. Fronting the Limketkai Mall, there’s a huge covered plaza with benches arranged along at the center where they form a circle. There lies most of the memories I had with my high school friends when we just wanted to have a good time after school or anytime of the day.

Marijoy B. Gualberto

Sequel Internet Café

2008-05-19T02:23:00.000-07:00

Of all the places that I’ve been to here in Davao City, one of my favorites is the Sequel Internet Café, which has many branches here in Davao. I choose it because, first, it has many features. Besides being one of the biggest Internet Café with almost a hundred units in every branch, the performance of their computer units is fast and every computer has flat screen monitors that allow you to enjoy whatever game you want to play. In addition, the place is very comfortable; every computer unit has enough space and with a chair wide enough for you to sit comfortably. The place is also cool with their large air conditioner. Moreover, it is one of the most affordable Internet Cafés in Davao with a rate ranging from Php 4 to Php 13 per hour depending on how long you will play. Second is the ease of access of their different branches, which can all be found along the main streets of Davao. Just like every big Internet Café, Sequel is open 24 hours a day. Moreover, there are also some street foods and fast food chains around so that when you feel hungry, it’s easy to find food. Last is their security; Sequel is in fact the only Internet Café in town that has a security guard in every branch. So there is no doubt why Sequel is one of my favorite places in town.

Malkuth Richard A. Anggadol

Mergrande

2008-05-19T02:18:00.000-07:00

If there is a place in Davao that I like to talk about, it’s the Mergrande Beach Resort. Mergrande (from two French word ocean and big) boasts of the grandeur of its ocean that enhances nature’s beauty. This place may be common to others but for me, it is the place where one can achieve peace of mind. Mergrande is not the expensive type of accommodation that only rich people can afford. It is also one of the only three out of twelve local beach resorts that passed the city’s water quality standards for coastal waters. Walking past the resort’s main entrance door, you will see a playground with castles, seesaws, merry-go-round, etc; a basketball court and a tennis court on your right side, then a function hall on your other side. Along the way, you will also see an 18-hole golf course, a billiards table, a dart table, and a mini bridge over a stream filled with carps. You will see the view of the sea while feeling its cool breeze and the mirror clear swimming pool. At the center of the place is a mini canteen and a restaurant where you can hang around with you family and friends. Different cottages: air-conditioned cottages, pirate air-conditioned cottages, and fisherman non-air-conditioned cottages are offered. The resort also has a dormitory for ninety persons. Take a break at Mergrande. It is only twenty minutes from the city proper.
I can still remember the first time when our family went to the Mergrande. I was only 13 years old back then. While on our way to the beach, we got lost. I remember seeing a narrow path with lots of trees that took us twenty minutes before getting back on track. After we arrived, my sisters and I rushed to our cottage and looked at the view of the sea. I didn’t quite understand the smell of the beach. Somehow it smelled like mixed salt with grilled seafoods. Our parents told us that we should dress up and get ready to swim. We wore our swimsuits fast even though we knew that we were going to take a swim in the sea where there were lots of people. That’s how kids are, not minding what other people will think because all they want to do is to have fun. Not like teenagers or adults who are too conscious of other people’s impression—if they look fat, slim or glamorous after a dip. Before diving into the sea, it took me about five seconds wondering how many pails of water are in the sea, and then I walked slowly towards the sea. Little by little, I felt the ice-cold water engulf my body but after a second or two, my body temperature adjusted. After an hour and a half, my day at the beach ended with me feeling like pollen in the sky—free from worries.

Maria Theresa N. Magdolot

Tagum Freedom Park

2008-05-19T02:08:00.000-07:00

There are colorful lights from lampposts around you. Concrete benches, tables, and chairs are occupied with different unfamiliar faces. On the other side, a live local band is playing on the stage with people singing with and cheering for them. You can smell the different kinds of street food like kwek kwek, banana cue, and isaw being cooked at the stalls surrounding the park. These are things you typically see in Tagum Freedom Park especially during nighttime. But even if the sun is up, the park is still filled with people. It’s not only in the night where you can feel the city alive. You can see children playing with and running around the cold water being spewed from the ground, students hanging out with their friends, doing homework or even rehearsing for a dance presentation, and people coming in and out from adjacent Internet cafes on the other side of the road. Every Christmas, the towering 153-feet tall Christmas tree, made of pipes and steel, filled with twinkling colorful bulbs is an attraction. If you’re looking for a place to hangout with your friends, then Tagum Freedom Park should definitely be your choice.

Ross Fievanni A. Inguillo

View From the Top

2008-05-19T01:40:00.000-07:00

Before reaching our place, roughly a hundred kilometers south of Davao, you first have to travel on the long and winding road of this mountain that separates our town from the municipality of Malalag. There, is a gallery of nature’s masterpiece, my favorite scenery in the land. When riding a bus or car, I always anticipate taking a glimpse of this mountain view glory that draws my sight like a magnet. It makes me want to get out of the vehicle everytime and just stand and stare at this living, breathing portrait. It is of course, the outlook of the little town where I have lived most of my life – Sta. Maria, Davao del Sur. Now, imagine yourself standing on the side of the old country mountain road. Farthest in the horizon is the outline of Mt. Apo, stretching from east to west, built like a brawny giant faithfully guarding the treasures in display. Then lies the wide expanse of the blue, crystal sea where dozens of fish cages that grow all kinds of seafood are scattered, like a floating village. Tanglad Sea is further adorned with two, small islands; their uncharted appearances add to the overall effect of paradise. In the east view is an ocean of coconut trees, as if reaching their long, healthy, green fronds up to the heavens. This breathtaking scenery proves that Sta. Maria is indeed one of the towns in Davao del Sur that is a reservoir of natural bounty.

Dannel Patrisha Grace H. Hiquiana