Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Courting Education


Usually, a man would make the smallest gesture and wait for a woman whom he likes to make a rebuttal. Given that the response is be positive, the man moves in with big gestures of romance before “going in” or asking the woman for the favor of courtship.

This process of courtship is somehow the way I see my progress in education. I’ve had three years to acquaint and familiarize myself with the course. The first year was an introduction. The second year was the wake-up call or decision time where I was given the chance to leave or stay in this path. The third year was designated to knowing the course as it truly is; but knowing that there is only one more shot to leave education or stay. Now that I am in the fourth year, I am ready to give out my big gestures of romance to my course.

Practicum is one, if not, the most awaited subject in the whole curriculum. I see this as a part of my pre-courtship to education. My primary expectations in this subject is not far from what I would expect from a woman.

Just like courting a girl, through this subject, I will have some discouragements about my course. I will make some wrong decisions from time to time but it would be alright. It is a give and take process, so I will give my best but not expect that my best would always be the benchmark of excellence – education, just like women have many standards to reach.

My expectation may not be as grand as others but courtship was never that complicated. I expect nothing but my best and nothing but the toughest and hardest challenges that my mentors could give. I know excellence is out there waiting to be claimed and I shall take it as a present for my course

Education is not a temptress that lures and traps students to her whim. She is a gentle woman whom you must tame and know so that you may learn to love. My outputs for this last semester are the “big gestures” of my love for education and my grades will be her response. Should I walk down the aisle with the red carpet and stand on the stage with my head held high and my arms raised with a diploma in my hand, I shall be able to court her in the first years of my career.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Origins


In February 28 and 29, 1939, General Paulino Santos landed in the land of what is now known as General Santos City. The land was originally taken as a settlement for the second world war. People all over the Philippines were brought to GenSan to work for the government and populate the said land.

Luis Belthran Sarcon Majaducon a young man from Santa Barbara, Iloilo went to GenSan in 1940 to work and to study with his siblings. During his first year in General Santos City (at that time was still a municipality) he joined in the 116th guerilla force in combat to the Japanese.

Times were hard during the first decade in General Santos Municipality. In 1949, Luis's wife, Elena bore their first child, my father, Herman Majaducon. In early 1951, Conlu, one of Luis' friends started a business concerning livestock (pigs).  Luis worked for Conlu as a driver.

Through the years, Luis and Elena had more children. Their friend, Conlu had one of the most convenient store in GenSan. During the time when Luis was working for Conlu, every item that his children require were easily acquired in this store through deduction from wages.

All of Luis' children studied in Lagao Central  Elementary School (the first elementary school in GenSan to offer the whole grade school  course). Herman studied high school in Notre Dame. During this time, the Marist Brothers had already divided the famous Girls and Boys campus located in San Pablo Street, Lagao.

As told by Herman, the only times when the boys and girls were able to mingle were during the holidays. Christmas parties were the only allowed time for the boys to invite the girls to a small gathering where boys would chip in to buy viands like lechon and the sorts. Girls of their time would do the same, preparing cakes and salads.

In 1968, Luis sold a parcel of his land in Rivera St. This land is now known as the Amadeo Compound. The money that was acquired was used to buy a jeep. He quit his job in Conlu's business and started to drive his jeep from GenSan to Malandag. During this time, gasoline for a round trip would only cost three pesos. Costumer fair would only range from 70 centavo to one peso.

trivia: Jeeps did not have routes before in GenSan. Every passenger was delivered straight to their home.

In 1972, times were hard for Luis. During this time, he wanted to settle in his remaining land in Rivera St., Lagao. He sold his jeep and one of his cows for cash to build a house. Luis had been gathering wood from his jobs since 1963. These wood along with the money that he received from his sold items, were used to build the two story building that still stands in Rivera St., Lagao, now known as the Majaducon compound.

Luis' eldest son, my father, Herman, took up liberal arts in Notre Dame (Marist Brothers Campus) in his first two years in college (school year 1965-1966; 1966-1967). Herman, took his studies to Davao. He studied Criminology in the University of Mindanao for two years (school year  1967-1968; 1968-1969).

He stopped studying to work various jobs. In 1981, after more than a decade of working for different companies, he finally met my mother, Nenita Bonda Sarillosa in Koronadal City (Marbel). Nenita, at that point, thought she was going to marry her boyfriend; but for some reason, she broke up with him and Nenita ended up marrying Herman.

"Mabilis si Boy" as stated by Herman. (Boy was a very famous nickname during his time)

Trivia: most Filipino families have a "tito boy".

In December 18, 1982, Herman and Nenita engaged in wedlock. Their first child, Lowill was born in May 28, 1983 - May 28, Herman's birthday.

In the first years of their marriage and life as a full family, Herman and Nenita worked as vendors outside the gates of Notre Dame (Dominican Sisters campus). "Banana candy" or  better known as "minatamis" were their first products sold.

On the second day of January year 1985, Alexander, their second child was born. Times became much harder for the Majaducon family. To cope up with the expenses, Herman started to work double time and overtime. Nenita, even though a mother was squeamish  in dealing with "dirty" laundry. Because of this, Herman had to "take care" of the "dirty" laundry every night after work (during these times, diapers were myths).

In late 1988, Herman and Nenita had earned enough money for capital to start a business. The couple decided to engage in the world of ice cream making. These business started out by order and pick up - a costumer orders and picks up his/her order at Majaducon compound.

During the first two years of their business, Nenita recalls a friend that really helped them rise above the odds. Their neighbor Beth Ng was a kind and helpful woman who worked for the canteen of Notre Dame (Marist Brothers Campus). Aware of the current status of Herman and Nenita, she offered a job to work inside the canteen of Notre Dame selling ice cream by scoop.

After two years of business,  Herman and Nenita had already regained their capital and had earned enough money to make renovations for their house.

Originally, Herman and Nenita was staying in what is now known as the Oranza compound in Rivera St., Lagao. In the year 1985, Herman started to build a house in the Majaducon compound by hand - working only every weekend mixing cement and stocking hollow blocks and wood. After months of hard labor, "Boy" had finally finished his hand made house with some help from his siblings and in-laws.

In March 4, 1990, Blas Herman Luis, was born. He was the first child in the Herman's family to stay in the Majaducon compound. At this point, the ice cream business was starting to boom and expenses were very moderate.

Three years later, I was born. Supposedly, my name was John or David, but my father thought it would be better to name me after a king of war; so he named me Arthur. In May 9, 1993, the last child of Herman's family was born and named after a war shocked King.

Almost a decade later, year 1997, Herman bought a truck. This truck was used to make massive delivery of ice cream and ice. In early April of 1998, during a trip to Kidapawan, Herman's family was involved in an accident. Our truck, had a slight break malfunction, no one really remembers what happened but that accident took one of my cousins and almost killed my brother Alex. It rendered Herman, my father a handicap, almost breaking his arm off. But blessed as our family is, God favored my father to keep his arm but almost completely paralyzed (for some reason, there was no scratch on me, lost my slippers though)

In 2000, our family completely recovered from the accident financially, mentally and physically. Almost a decade later, Herman's family, moved to a land that was for lease.  In November 2009, Herman's family lived in separate houses. The house in the Majaducon compound was occupied by the education students namely, me and Alex. The house in Mercado, the one for lease is called the Ice Cream House occupied by the Marketing students, Lowill and Blas.

Year 2012, the Ice Cream Business called "Lowill and Alexander Electro-mix Ice Cream" still stands in Ice Cream compound in Rivera St., Lagao being one of the oldest businesses in General Santos City.

Herman's eldest, Lowill, married in 2005 to Elena and was borne Luisa Dorothy Psalm. Luisa is the first grandchild of "Boy'. Luisa was born on July 2, 2004. Her name was taken from Luis, my grandfather, who died in July 1, 2004.

Alexander was married recently in 2012 to Mira. Herman's second grandchild is expected to be born this January.

Me and Blas are still studying undergraduates. Blas, a marketing student in Notre Dame of Dadiangas University and me an education student in Ateneo de Davao University. Alex is currently undergoing is Masters degree course in Ateneo as well, working on weekdays in GenSan and traveling to Davao every weekend.

I write this, in the hope of letting the next generation of our bloodline know how we came to General Santos City and what we did to survive and how God blessed our Family time after time.

God bless our family more.

Friday, October 5, 2012

The clear book


"Bay, asa ang thesis?" or sometimes "pakitago sa akong assignment". These are the frequently asked questions and favors that I receive every day.

Why?

My everyday routine starts with a cup of coffee and checklist. Did I take a bath? Check. Did I eat? Check. Do I have everything I need? Check - one notebook, three pens and a spare pen for a classmate who may be in need, my laptop with its gadgets and a clear book.

There are two essential items on my checklist that I must carry every day. One is my laptop and the other is my clear book; but more importantly, the clear book. The laptop is my input device and is essential for mobile projects; more important than that is my clear book which carries all the output data that I possess.

Leaving my laptop at home is like going out without combing my hair. I can live with it. But leaving my clear book behind is reckless and is like losing one limb. I simply cannot operate without my clear book.

What is in the clear book?

The clear book holds my thesis, assignments, my classmates' assignments, my notes and photo of me and a lovely lady for inspiration. Take my clear book away and I end up losing my dignity as a student.

Why did I choose to use a clear book?

The answer is because it's free. I've had it since high school as a sorter for my musical pieces. When I entered college it became my right hand and carrier of every vital data I receive.

The black finish and strengthened fastener started out carrying small and simple knick knacks from assignments and quizzes. After a while, the burden grew. Thesis, DTRs, IDs, fillers and many more were inserted my black book. Sooner than I can realize, my clear book is slowly reaching its limits.

Why not buy another?

The answer is still quite simple. Because it was free. As human as we are, I tend to keep the childish sentiments of my clear book as a gift from my music teacher and a tool that I have used so many times for so many years.

Everyone has their little things that they can't replace. My clear book is one of mine.

Where would I be?


Among all others, I couldn't figure her out. She had a friendly smile with an intimidating atmosphere around her. Apart from her small and almost weightless bag and a phone that never leaves her hand, I couldn't find one thing in common that would lead me befriending this woman. But perhaps it is that caprice that led me to notice her in the first place.

Days had passed and I have pursued my interest to meet this lady. I wasn't so smart to not avoid her but I wasn't too timid to ignore her either.  With a rushed up script of pick-up lines, I tried to suave my way into friendship. And just like that,  so it began the stage of acquaintance.

My new friend, lady and me: we did everything together. We were partners in every activity - assignments, group works, pair works, you name it. I wasn't always fair with the responsibilities. In fact, looking back now, I would wonder if I ever was fair at all.

Even if we did have that mutual foundation of respect, I would always wind up making her do the dirty work. When it came to experiments, I would always turn to her to fix the settings in the microscope, write the data, and all the other things that no one wants to do. I was stubborn and lazy, but in spit that, I would always find her standing by my side.

Of course, all things didn't go well forever.

Sooner or later, we had to start a fight. Small bickers were sprouting from every end of our friendship's castle. Not all fights had a happy ending and not all fight were the same. Even when it came to our feuds and mishaps, I always find it funny how we can "diversify" the type of bicker that we were having. Note-planting, chair-moving, and many types of abuse that we can inflict to each other, we tried. In the end, small fights were always cured with a simple apology.

Not all fights were that easy to let go though. When real war would set between me and her which most of the time is my fault, we often need intersessions. On one cold war that we had, about financial affairs, I had to rely on her sister and mom to get me back on track with our relationship. Needless to say, the relentless plea and countless apologies always seem to get her back to the mood.

I have a patient friend. She knows I'm no good and she knows it takes time for me to learn some manners; but the second chances with this woman do not seem to have account.

On the first cold war that we had, I remember her saying "I can always forgive but I cannot forget".

At the end of the day, the bittersweet words and the threatening gestures would always be ended with a smile. As always, it was her pardon that I would seek.

About two years went by. I and my friend started another fight. This one was just reckless as I never know when to shut up.

Regardless of the reason for our feud, I was mostly shock by the cause of our reconciliation. For a reason far beyond my control, my friend would be leaving soon without the assurance of coming back to our school. She thought it would be best to set aside needless battles and treasure small moments as it occurs.

With every project we did, I grew bolder and more persistent; after every fights and misunderstandings that we had, I became wiser and more humble. I wasn't supposed to change this much. These facts were lingering in my mind.

As I stood there listening to her words of farewell, my heart pounded my chest and my  eyes felt a tear that if not carefully held would recklessly flow down my cheeks. Only days are left before she leaves and might not return.

As I look back on the things we did together and how I was before I met her. It makes me wonder: Where would I be in my life if I had not met her?

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Don’t save it all for Christmas day


The Philippines is known to have the longest Christmas in the world. For the Filipinos, the season of giving starts as soon as the "ber" months (September to December) begin - ranging up to four months of celebration.

Ateneo de Davao University's students takes this opportunity to share not just cheers of greetings but cheers of giving. In an expedition to Bukidnon that the English majors of Ateneo took, students met with the native group of the Matigsalug tribe with whom they try to get into the Spirit of Giving.

On the first day of September, students from Ateneo gathered to an amazing group that wishes to extend their blessings unto others - bearing gifts of rice and preserved goods. These goods are the only allowable donations that the group could give even if they would desire to give more.

In Bukidnon, the group met the native group of the Matigsalug, a group of people found in Tigwa-Salug Valley, Bukidnon. The name Matigsalug means "people along the Salug River or as its called now the Davao river." this group's form of income include farming and selling bracelets.

Students gave their best to bring glee to this people by extending their gifts through buying native products from them. The Matigsalug were well accomodating. They accepted the treats and presents that the students brought and the universal language was spoken at the end of the day.

Christmas time is fast approaching. The students in this trip wishes not only to give but to inspire more of us to help and share to those who are less fortunate.  Time is too short to keep every blessing to yourself. Everyday is a day for giving as it was given to you itself. Give with purpose and give with a smile. As the song goes " don't save it all for Christmas day".

Gizmos in the Gazebo


The gazebo is the most crowded area in Ateneo. It is similar to a jungle filled with business where you can find students doing there homework, requirement, and idleness. But mostly, the gazebo is home to the most techy students of the school, and these students are armed with the most advanced set of gadgets.

Gadgets are known to be the sword and shield of the students in the gazebo, and with the midyear just passed, new gadgets release have been set. The laptops, portable speakers, and iphone 4s that we most often see in the gazebo might be phased out this year by the new gadgets that are coming out.

The first and most long awaited gadget that would spark everyone's interest might be the new iphone 5. With its release just within this month, many students have considered trading in there new iphone 4s to acquire this new gadget. Even with its overpriced value, more and more students are seemed to be fascinated with the new technology called the LTE which is said to be faster than a regular wifi connection. This new edge that the iphone has is just one of the many upgrades that it took since its recent predecessor, the iphone 4.

Gaming laptops have also been sighted to increase in number as the school year progressed. Most students with laptops stay in the gazebo for an extended period of time not just to study but to indulge in an epic gameplay of their choice. Although, there is no specific brand of laptop that overpowers the rest, the most common sticker that you can see in these laptops is the trademark of NVIDIA, a company well known for making Graphics processing Unit. Simply said, NVIDIA makes any game faster, more defined and more realistic. More on NVIDIA, keep your heads up on the rising 3D gaming laptops that are rising in release this year.

Due to the construction that is going on, the exponential increase of the population in the gazebo has cause the gazebo volume to extend its noise - turning the gazebo into a catastrophic ensemble of disaster. To keep up with this noise, students who are in need of dance practice or movie editing have resorted to either earphones or portable speakers. High definition earphones have taken over the classics with the most common brand that overwhelms others - beats. Also in the audio category, portable speakers are now coming into field in the hall near the gazebo for dance practice.

With the gazebo slowly becoming a hive for the techs, more and more demands are being brought up to the school. The most common of demands is the faster router for faster internet connection. The wifi system of the school is the foremost its tech world.

As more and more students are gathered in Ateneo gazebo, the school is warned to prepare for a greater energy consumption and vast number of students asking for more plug outlets. Only time will whether the new building would help reduce the number of students in the gazebo when it is finished or not.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Flooded field


The consecutive heavy rains during the past few months have taken its toll on the students of Ateneo. Recent events have reported that students had been stranded on separate building of Ateneo, rendering them unable to leave school or to go their next class.

Stranded students complain first about the unroofed gaps between the buildings of the school. Such requirements like paper works or paper mashie are of constant danger of the rain. Even those who carry waterproof bags are getting cautious.

Umbrellas for students use was once provided by the school. But the increasing number of students in Ateneo proved to be more than the school can accommodate. Not only are there few number of available umbrellas, the majority of umbrellas ready for use are mostly degraded by wear and tear.

Unfortunately, the heavyweight of the rain problem is the numerous flooded areas of Ateneo. These areas include the path from Canisius and Bellarmine buildings to the guard house; the Home and Econmics classroom located in Dotterwiech building; and the most popular flooded fields of Finster going to Jubilee Building.

Students who are stranded in in one building are unable to go their next classes; those who do manage to report to their classes either takes of their shoes and pulls up their pants; or, comes in to class with a set of dirty uniforms and wet shoes.

There are also a large number of students who absolutely refuse to walk in the watery deep because of their awareness of the present bacteria in the water. The effects of dirty water on foot includes the worsening of wounds on foot, blisters, fatigues and strains.

These floods are also causing more students to be more vigilant because of the impending danger of accidents. Students who stay in their building during floods are safe from trouble but those who choose to run through the waters are in danger of slipping and falling down. There had been no recent reports of such accidents but it is given that the school does not want to wait for such incidents.

The students are somehow grateful for the on duty guards of the school who have taken matters into their hands. Their recent acts of compensation include making bridges between buildings using chairs and platforms. They are also seen escorting students from one building to another during low level flooding.

Rising concerns are asking the school to do more in combating this recent floods. Students ask the school to fix the landscape, make pathways with roofs and to build proper drainage systems that are constantly maintained.