DSSTCJ shares history with new coffee table book

COFFEE TABLE

DSSTCJ shares history with new coffee table book

Los Baños, Laguna – Along the foothill of Mt. Makiling lies an edifice dedicated to St. Therese, the youngest doctor of the Catholic Church. Through the years, she has planted seeds of love and performed miracles inside this previously dubbed “Godless institution” by Dr. Paul B. Zafaralla. And before the saint, with his head bowed in reflection, is Zafaralla himself rewriting her history.

The Diocesan Shrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus have stood as a fortress of the Catholic faith and served the pastoral needs of the University of the Philippines Los Baños for more than six decades. It wasn’t until recently that Fr. Luis A. Tolentino raised the idea of recording the church’s history through its very own coffee table book of which Dr. Zafaralla was given the task to write.

“We just became a shrine… and so, it was necessary that the story actually of this church be printed between covers starting with the first word in the 1920s….” Zafaralla said.

In line with the church’s call for elevation and in keeping with the demands of the parishioners and service, the coffee table book aims to inspire people and make them realize the importance of prayer.

Parts of the book include the experiences of some parishioners and the miracles they have witnessed through the intercession of St. Therese, their patron. “You’ll be surprised to find out that there were many miracles that defy even ordinary thinking.” Zafaralla exclaimed.

As of now, the book is expected to be finished and published by December this year. He explained that he rescheduled his dates with the press three times already because when parishioners learned about the book, they submitted their own inputs and finding out that they were very substantial, added them to his work.

Zafaralla clarified. “Kung ibebenta, it’s not to make money. It’s simply to maybe recall investments. Not a return of investments but simply to make even, but I don’t know the business side of it.” However he is sure that if it is to be sold, proceeds will be used to support the projects and programs of the diocese.

Zafaralla then urges parishioners to support other upcoming projects, programs and activities of the diocese. “Whatever these are, I’m sure that all these programs will taper to our love for the Lord Jesus Christ through the intercession of St. Therese and Virgin Mary” he said.

The Media Writer I am

In the beginning of the semester, we rated ourselves as media writers. Back then I couldn’t even call myself as such. Now, although I know I still have a long way to go, I like to believe I’ve grown into a media writer with potential at least.

I’ve certainly improved my resourcefulness thanks to the many opportunities that came with being a DevCom student, such as going to various events and places around the university and Los Baños, and meeting all sorts of people for interviews and data gathering.

As a DevCom student, we don’t have much time to be shy. So I’ve stepped out of my box considerably since the beginning of the semester.

I like to think I’ve become more resilient now too. I still self-sabotage like it’s a competition and I’m out for the gold, but I don’t give up on myself as easily now. Testament by the bags beneath my eyes, who have only become more prominent as the days came and went.

And thanks to the many seminars and classes available in the university, I’ve learned a great deal about validating information. The how’s, and the why’s. I’ve developed this skill especially during our news writing assignments during lab.

Good to be Better

Its good to be better. At week 2 of the this weekly write we are tasked to rate ourselves on how we perceived ourselves as a media writer. After a sem, finally at Week no. 18 I have reviewed how I rate myself fromthe beginning. I examined that I rate myself almost all 3 on all the categories of qualities of a good media writer.

A grade of 3 which symbolizes neutral rating due to the fact that I, myself wasn’t confident enough as I have judt started. But after several months of stay and a lot of learning from the beginning up to the last week. I concluded that I have improved myself even in the smallest way possible. I develop myself as a media writer. To write effectively and to write with purpose bearing in mind the possible readers of my writings. I have developed my curiosity, love for people and also seevral qualitied that a media writer should possess. As of this moment. I would rate myself 4, not yet perfect as I know that it is only the beginning of a much more dangerous battles, a battle after in which will develop ourselves to be better and will serve as our purpose as part of the nation.

To be better, is to improve oneself. There may be no abrupt improvement but what makes it so important is that we try to make something better everyday. We form and shape our collective self based from our own learnings from our personal experiences. We ought to perfect ourselves in its fullest extent. In this way, we can fulfill our duty of giving back to our nation.

“Each morning is a new beginning, to do things better”

Refresh

I started as a shy development-communicator-in-training. I was never really confident about my skills. But my mistake back then was never really believing in what I’m capable of which led to settling to the bare minimum I could do. After a whole semester in the College of Development Communication, I have gained a lot of lessons that I could surely use throughout my DevCom journey.

Being a development communicator needs to get out of their comfort zone. How are we going to be able to help and reach out for others when we let our fears hinder us from flying high?

Before, I gave myself (2) to almost all of the qualities such as: curious, imaginative, loves to read, and the others. However I gave (1) to qualities such as persevering and industriousness, because I knew to myself that struggles never hindered me from pushing harder and aiming higher. The quality I struggled with the most is resourcefulness. I couldn’t approach people and make connections because of my lack of confidence and drive in exhausting all the possible sources.

I’ve learned to be more resourceful by being curious and inquisitive when it comes to data gathering. Engaging with people will make it a lot easier for the data gathering process. I tried stepping out from my safe space and tried approaching people. Data gathering being the backbone of the content a writer would be making, is a very vital process. With that, one semester has taught me to give importance to this process and step up my game in exhausting sources of information.

In the skills of a media writer what I struggled the most with are data gathering, validating information and writing clearly and effectively which with (2) being its rating. Among the skills, It’s hard for me to write clearly and effectively. As a creative writer, I had a difficult time simplifying ideas and being direct to the point.

With the help of the lab exercises which helped us greatly in becoming news writers, I learned how it really is important to write clearly. Moreover, it made me realize how hard it is to write clear sentences for the audience. I still couldn’t give a (1) rating to this skill, as well as the other ones because I know I could improve more as I continue my DevCom joruney.

The whole semester has been tough. It was my first time in journalism. There were days that I felt like giving up the dream because of my lack of confidence. However, if I stop then I surely couldn’t make it. Thus, this semester made me tougher and stronger when it comes to facing new challenges. There will surely be a lot of road blocks ahead, but that shouldn’t stop you from improving and working harder.

Una sa lahat,

First sem is almost over! What are the top things you wish to tell yourself from this semester?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=16EAcpZmYH-ni5_JZL99-H0sGy9zLrpLz

December na, ang bilis ng panahon! The end of the semester is just right around the corner, and it’s getting tougher and tougher by the minute. Sabay-sabay na deadlines and exams, plus SEA games, tapos traffic pa sa SLEX, ang dami pang readings sa PI 10, portfolio sa ARTS 1… may idadagdag ka pa ba?

“To cram is no longer an available option.” In fact, it should never be. At ‘yan ang unang-unang sasabihin ko sa aking Freshie self. Sabi ng Prof namin, pwede lang mag-cram hangga’t splendid ang output na maipapasa mo. But in my case, that is impossible. I can never work in my best within a time pressure. So, Elysse, do yourself a favor and do what needs to be done ASAP.

Ay, nag-set ka ba ng goals ngayon? This is the second most important thing that I overlooked. One day, nag-iisip-isip ako kung ano na ang nangyayari sa buhay-kolehiyo ko. Bakit ganito ako mag-effort, parang joke time. Dun ko naalala na wala akong tina-target na goal, may it be a grade or a characteristic. Kaya ang ginagawa ko na lang ay come-what-may at nagiging mediocre ang mga outputs ko. Ang daling mawalan ng gana na magsikap sa panahon ngayon, but that should not be an elusive mindset over any of us. Show some grit and resilience. Sabi nga ng kuya ko, kapag babato ka, ibato mo na ng malayo. That way, hindi mo man maabot ang target mo, malayo pa rin ang narating mo. Elysse, hindi ka nag-sha-shadow boxing. Put up a good fight.

Ang hirap pumorma, no? ‘Yan kasi, ang daming dala na damit, hindi naman makapili. Pero now that I’ve gotten my feel of Elbi, napag-desisyunan ko na magbawas ng damit. Ang hirap din kasi iuwi. At since aesthetic trend naman ngayon, why not go and try to have a minimalist lifestyle sa dorm?

Oo nga pala, baka nakakalimutan mo: ‘wag kang judgemental. Ang dami kong nakilalang tao na hindi ko inaasahan yung personality nila. Not in a negative way, just not how I expected. May mga tahimik na kwela pala, may mga boisterous na ang soft pala ng feelings nila… Guard your heart ang keep an open mind. It will be good for everyone to be friends with everyone. Learn from others, befriend their souls, grow together.

Remember why you started. I had to do this multiple times, more than once in a single day, lalo na kapag nakatakip yung ilong ko pag dumadaan ako sa Sperm Bridge at iniisip, “Bakit ba ko daddito.” There are times when you could answer that right away, confidently and surely, but there will also be times when no answer is true and concrete. Kapag ganon, imagine yourself as a practicing devcom in your desired field. Visualize yourself in the future, your family, and the people you want to reach or the problems you want to address. Isipin mo yung sweldo, if thet will make you feel better. Isipin mo yung lugar kung saan ka kinatagpo ng pangarap mo. Isipin mo yung pikit-matang pagsasakripisyo ng pamilya mo para pag-aralin ka. Diba, napabangon ka. Kaya tapusin mo ‘to.

God is with you, acknowledge Him. Mawala na ang lahat, ‘wag lang ikaw sa will ni Lord. Mawala na ang lahat, ‘wag lang ang delight ni God. Bata ka pa lang, nababasa alam mo na ‘to: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Makalimutan mo na ang lahat ng sinabi ko dito ngayon, ‘wag lang ito.

Tis the season in UPLB

Every year at BER months, we know that Christmas is near. We can sense that breezy feeling of the wind that touches us, making our nights colder. This time, I witnessed the lighting ceremony of the Christmas decorations in UPLB for the first time, which amuses me. The moment that the lights turns on, I felt the feeling of having UPLB as my another home that I can visit anytime.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hvtFAeIPmIv5VVEazmX3uD52dW-g0uER/view?usp=sharing

Groupmates:

Buenaventura, Stephen (UV-2L)

Bueta, Mia Carmela (UV-2L)

Dulay, Hendrix (UV-2L)

Uy, Catherine (UV-2L)

It’s Christmas in UPLB

The lighting of the university’s giant Christmas tree and other Christmas decorations tells us that it’s already Christmas in UPLB!
The theme of this year’s installation is Paskuhan sa Barrio, featuring a life-sized Belen and a mini park with fountain. The lighting ceremony was held on the evening of November 19 with a program entitled Pasko sa Elbi: Isang Pasasalamat. It was attended by Chancellor Sanchez, university vice chancellors, faculty members, staffs, students and Los Baños residents. Part of the event were performances from UPLB Choral Ensemble, Dr. Antonio Jesus, UPLB Street Jazz Dance Company, and the UPLB Filipiniana Dance Troupe. Also, a mini bazaar was opened at the parking lot of the University Housing Office.
Setting up these ornaments at the UPLB main gate started thirteen years ago in 2006. This marks the beginning of holiday season and the coming end of the First Semester.
Here is a video prepared by Group Binhi showcasing the highlights of UPLB’s annual treat for the community.

Group Binhi:

Kate Abulad
Marian Illinon
Louisse Parado
Shann Elyse Pasion
Mark Genesis Topinio
Maria Thresha Ursolino

Hometown

My hometown, Ibaan a second class municipality is a small municipality in the province of Batangas. It has 26 barangays in which within a land area of 68.99 square kilometers or 26.64 square miles which constitutes 2.21% of Batangas’s total area. Its population was determined by the 2015 Census was 52,970. Only 1.97% of the overall population of Batangas Province.

According to the Bureau of Local Government Finance, the annual regular revenue of Ibaan for the fiscal year of 2016 was P122,147,502.81 which is 9.90% higher than of 2015 but the increase is relatively lower compared to the increase in 2015 from 2014 (11.61%). Ibaan’s small land area was cultivated mainly by sugarcane crops among any other agricultural crops. Our municipality was known for its indigenous occupation, “lako” or “paglalako” in which can be chronically dated in the early history in which town people of Ibaan called “Ibaenos” produce several kinds of crops to bring it to different places in the province of Batangas.

REFERENCE:

Ibaan Batangas.(n.d.) retrieved from https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r04a/batangas /ibaan.html retrieved on Nov. 13, 2019

A PLACE TO VISIT: LAIYA, a home away from home

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdZOWERscng

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1-eao9FZr7YK1b3nV1MmPVtYgR2hdp1wR

I will always look forward to going back to you, Laiya.

Laiya is one among the 42 barangays of San Juan, Batangas. A place with good food, good people and new experiences that are in store for you. If you seek adventure and challenge we have the tour going to “Naambon Falls” that directs you to heaven at the peak of Mt. Daguldol.

Laiya is where you can find both fun and excitement as it is where the famous beaches of San Juan can be found. Activities in land, water and above the air is available so it is a good place to take your family and relatives for the best vacation experience, I think everyone needs once in a while. And take note, this comes with a budget-friendly price every family can surely afford.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, start planning that first-time visit and you’ll surely want to go back.

“Sinsay dine sa Laiya, kita’y magkwentuhan habang humihigop ng mainit na kape.”

Chillin’ like a Villain

Being a college student is one of the very tedious and tiring aspect of a persons life. It is an era wherein education turns to a responsibilty and we are expected and pressured to comply to every work our professors assigned us up to passing every exam which might be too overwhelming and blow our minds.

But fear not because here are some of my on-hand tips on how to stay cool, comfy, chill, and to keep your head above water amidst the flooding stess college life gives:

If you tend to have free time sleep like a baby.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DGRbTzMaw7_NPEzwYTCp5CqmNWiCmXrz/view?usp=drivesdk

Not exaggerating things but sleep is the most deprived privilege from every college student during their college life and it is considered rare and an ultimate luxury if you have 8 hours of peaceful sleep due to deadlines and endless all nighters and studying that is why in free time especially at weekends and in lucky occasions when classes are cancelled it is highly suggested that we sleep and recharge our bodies to have enough strength and energy.

2. Always and always eat like a spartan.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DB7v_x9MMa94xW-xOLenKy8SlIKRPKb1/view?usp=drivesdk

I know for sure that as college students we are perpetually stress and one of the best ways to relieve it is by eating a lot. We should always sat snacks from time to time especially when reviewing and also invite our colleagues to eat with us to different food places and restos near our university—foodtrip at its finest!

3. Get drunk. Responsibly.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DB93sgJebwNvD7dNUzEthAScLPirs-oq/view?usp=drivesdk

This last tip may be a little controversial but for me it is a matter of preference and also a must-try may it be a couple glasses of wine, bottles of beer, up to shots of vodka it is okay to unwind and go to parties to chill at your free time. By this i don’t mean to be wasted and blackout drunk but the purpose of this is to calm our nerves and keep us relaxed. This could also give us chance to socialize to other people, make memories, and have fun. But we must always aware of our limitations. Again this is optional and is preferential.

To conclude, college life is nothing but a roller coaster ride and we must always choose to enjoy it. We must learn to pacify ourselves and do things that makes us happy.

Even if its a little scary(;.