by Deliza Maye Fernandez

BALAGTAS - Along with the warmest celebration of most of the Filipinos in the country are the policemen and traffic enforcers who seem to engage into the cold Yuletide season.

Three policemen of Balagtas Municipal Police Station have agreed to the point that Christmas also means giving up the celebration for the sake of duty.

“Matagal ko nang binura sa kalendaryo 'yong Pasko. Basta’t nasa linya ng military kasi, walang Pasko,” said SPO1 David Gumaraos.

Just like him, Intelligence Officer Aguilar seemed to have the same outlook on the concept of Christmas.

“Malungkot din kasi walang celebration. Ang primary objective kasi namin eh magsilbi,” he admitted.

PO3 Boifacio Ruma, however, said that doing their job during holidays is as overwhelming as one celebrates the Christmas in the typical way.

“Abnormal kasi 'yong duty namin. We celebrate our Christmas in the street because we protect the community to maintain peace and order. 'Yon na ang pinaka-Pasko namin,” Ruma asserted.

On the contrary regarding the lame views on Christmas of the policemen, the traffic enforcers also have conflicts in their schedules but they always make it up for Christmas.

Rolando Alcaraz and Ed Reyes stated that they always make time for their family because they believe it’s the true meaning of Christmas.

“Hindi pumapalya 'yong pagsisimba namin ng pamilya, pagkasimba sa umaga, deretso na sa trabaho,” Alcaraz added.

These five people who are always in service may have their own way of spending their holidays but the common denominator of serving the people would always be present in them.

 

by Dahren Sta. Ana

The entire Chapel of Sto. Rosario was filled by a large number of residents of Barangay Look 1st and Lugam who attended the first day of Misa de Gallo or Simbang gabi, December 16.

Almost one thousand residents of the said barangay adhere in the first day of the Christmas tradition.

According to Sister Theresita Faustino, Chapel president, they expected that a lot of devoted Catholics will come in the first day of Simbang gabi.

“Siguro Kulang-kulang mga isang libo kasi punung-puno eh, dito lang sa loob eh apaw na apaw ang tao. Inasahan na namin 'yon kasi ganoon naman talaga kapag unang araw ng simbang gabi. Mga more or less one thousand people,” she said.

Faustino also noticed that many Catholics attended the Misa de Gallo than the ordinary mass. “Mas marami 'yong nagsisimba ngayon kasi 'yong simbang gabi ay isang pinakamahalagang pagdiriwang ng sansinukob, ng buong mundo, kaya 'yong simbang gabi ay talagang pinaghahandaan ng buong mamamayan.”

Meanwhile, almost half of the attendees chose to stand outside the chapel until the mass ended.

“Masikip na kasi sa loob tapos mainit pa, unang araw kasi ng misa kaya ang daming tao, dito na lang kami sa labas, dinig din naman 'yong sinasabi ng pari,” explained Rosalie Santos, 35. 

“Ayos lang kahit nakatayo kami, ang importante na naman 'yong salita ng Diyos,” said Beth Mendiola, 51.

“Hindi naman kasi namin kaya gumising nang maaga para maupo sa loob eh, ayos na kami dito,” said Mirna Ilag, 61. 

On the other hand, for the preparation of Misa de Gallo, the church coordinators and sponsors set a meeting to talk about the preparation in this coming December 23.

One of the things they talked about is the painting of the church. 

According to Sister Catherine Santiago, one of the coordinators, first, they discussed the plan of painting the church to make it more beautiful before Christmas comes.

“Una, pagpapapintura dahil gusto natin sa araw ng pasko eh maganda 'yong ating simbahan,” she said.

It was Pascual Pacho Chico who sponsored the materials to be used in the painting of the chapel.

Second, Christmas decorations to be put up were also discussed. The money to be used will be coming from the funds of the chapel.They also talked about the things that will be used, including the choir who will sing every morning.

“Ang simbang gabi ay paghahanda para sa pagbabalik natin sa Diyos. Kilalanin natin ang Panginoon higit sa lahat,” Sister Catherine ended.

The Holy mass in Sto. Rosario chapel starts at 5am in the morning led by Rev. Father Willy Lucas, the Parish priest.

 

by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

The Multimedia Division (MD) from the College of Arts and Letters (CAL) finally executed a successful film showing activity after failing from its first attempt last year.

In line with the week-long celebration of Bulacan State University’s (BulSU) 108th founding anniversary last December 3 to 8, the organization set up a mini theater in room 209 of the Federizo Hall.

Students from different colleges chose among various classifications of movies such as Indie, Asian, Local Mainstream and International Mainstream, and were able to watch a particular movie for only five pesos.

According to Ivan Christoper Arevalo, the Head Writer of the organization, the film viewing activity had already taken place since last year, also in the Foundation Week celebration of the University.

Yet, the activity has only been recognized this year because of well and early preparation, promotion and execution.

“2011 pa lang may activity nang ganito, pero hindi successful. Nagkulang kami sa plano, preparations, promotion and execution. Ngayong year, naplano talaga namin nang husto, and nagkaroon kami ng maagang promotion through putting up posters sa buong campus para maraming makaalam,” said Arevalo.

Arevalo considered the project to be effective since many students were able to watch films. He said, “Marami kasing varieties ng movies kaya marami silang napagpilian. And nakatulong nang malaki ‘yong pagpapakalat ng posters sa buong BSU.

“Nakakatuwa kasi kung last year hindi naging productive, ngayon na-appreciate talaga ‘yong efforts namin,” he added.

On what project the fund will be used for, Arevalo said it will rely upon the decision of the whole organization. Yet, he said it may be for the use of the CAL’s further activities like the Sibul Film Festival and CAL Night on February, or for the MD projects alone.

Moreover, the Multimedia Division also organized a photo exhibit or what is popularly known as Photalk, which usually occurs twice or thrice a year.

This year’s theme was, “A Vision from a Short Trip,” showing several creative snapshots taken by the organization’s members themselves, displayed along the corridor of Federizo Hall’s room 2009.

Students were free to view the photos, and can vote one which he thinks is best. The member whose photo receives the highest number of votes will be rewarded later on a certificate of recognition of “Best Photo Award.”

Elton Marcelo, a three-time MD Dude and the Head Researcher of the organization said, “Masaya ang buong org kasi na-appreciate ‘yong photos, kasi ‘yon naman ang passion ng org eh [photography].”

 

by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

In line with the celebration of Bulacan State University’s (BulSU) 108th founding anniversary, a mini bazaar had been set up inside the campus last December 3 to 8.

Booths of affordable grilled goods, pastries, desserts, clothing, various accessories, nail art, henna tattoo and bike rental services filled the grounds of BulSU’s Heroes Park as the College of Business Administration (CBA) launched its 4th Entrepreneurial Trade Fair.

29 sections from the CBA participated in the exposition this year, including five more from the College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP), showing their special innovative thinking and skills.

According to CBA Dean Helen Baesa, the participation in the fair was not handed as a requirement to their students. It was merely the sense of support and taking part in the college annual project that encouraged the students to join the event.

“Hindi requirement ang pag-join sa Trade Fair. Not projects, talagang cooperation and support lang, kasi para sa kanila [estudyante] rin naman 'to, nai-a-apply nila kung ano ‘yong natutunan nila, at natututo pa lalo. Wala ring incentives.” she said.

Baesa also pointed out that the college did not benefit from the proceeds collected from the Trade Fair. In fact, 3% from the total gross sales acquired in the entire expo were given to the winners of their college’s other contests and events, and also for their gift-giving project in Bethany.

“Walang napunta sa college. ‘Yong pinaghirapan ng mga estudyante, nabalik rin sa estudyante,” Baesa continued.

Meanwhile, participants shared their experiences and means of work during the Trade Fair.

Cavin Ventura, a third year Entrepeneurship student and was from the Amalayer booth said, Actually third time nang sumali ng section namin, ever since first year pa lang kami, kasali na kami. Ngayong third year ang naka-assign sa’min products, dati no’ng first year food, second year service. Share-share kami, contribution, tapos araw-araw may in-assign na magbabantay ng booth.

For a first timer, Jordan de Guzman, a first year Accountancy student and was from the Coffee Pastries Atbp. booth, “Hindi siya requirement, talagang gusto lang naming na maki-join. Bilang first year pa lang kami, nangapa pa pero naka-adapt naman.”

Aside from the Trade Fair, the CBA also pioneered other activities such as Cosplay Contest, Declamation Contest, Bingo, Boodle fight, and X Factor.

 

by Kattryn Erryc Sayo

Bulacan State University (BulSU) started the week-long celebration of its 108th founding anniversary with a vibrant opening ceremony held at the Activity Center, December 3.

Students, faculty members and college administrators assembled to witness another remarkable event in the history of the progressing university.

This year’s theme was “Pagpapalaganap ng Galing at Karunungan sa Pag-unlad ng Lipunan”, proving that the university ought to continue its social responsibility towards progress, through sense of competence and prudence.

BulSU President Mariano de Jesus mentioned a brief background of what is now considered a well-known university in Central Luzon.

He also acknowledged the improvements and achievements in the different departments in the academe such as the College of Criminal Justice and Education (CCJE), College of Engineering (COE) and College of Education (COED) together with the Laboratory highschool, and the developmental programs of other BulSU campuses.

Also stated by the university president is the continuous competence of the literary and cultural division including the College of Arts and Letters (CAL), College of Social Science and Philosophy (CSSP) and the College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA); the athletic reign of BulSU in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) headed by the College of Physical Education and Recreation and Sports (COPERS); and the efforts of the staff behind Pacesetter, the university publication.

“Nais kong banggitin sa inyo na sa buong region, ang BulSU ay tinitingala sa kagalingan ng mag-aaral. Lahat po kayo ay contributory towards the success of Bulacan State University. So sana po ay patuloy tayong magsama-sama sa pagpapalaganap ng kagalingan,” said de Jesus.

Meanwhile, BulSU Vice President for Finance Evangelina Custodio encouraged everyone to join and unite in the celebration of the university’s 108th year of quality service.

She also mentioned a few activities to be expected in the celebration of the foundation week, “Tayo po ay nasa simula pa lamang ng ating isang linggong selebrasyon. Marami pa tayong masasaksihan. Katulad ng paggawad ng loyalty award sa mga tapat na empleyado, mga palaro kung saan may tagisan ng talino at tagisan ng lakas, at marami pang iba.”

A lot of activities were organized in the six-day festivity which were prepared by various school organizations, colleges, student government and others such as the Entrepreneurial Trade Fair, Cosplay Contest, BulSU Promising Pop Superstar, Oblation Run, Photalk, Film Viewing Activities, Fun Run, BulSUans Got Talent, Bingo, Boodle Fight, Debate, Declamation Contest, X Factor and Job Fair.


 

by Dahren Sta. Ana

Several activities and events were prepared in the weeklong celebration of Bulacan State University’s (BulSU) 108th founding anniversary, December 3-8.

The Faculty Union, Non-teaching Personnel Association and Alumni Association hosted the foundation week this year in which they were given a one and half month to prepare for the celebration of another successful year of BulSU.

Last year, the College of Industrial Technology (CIT) and College of Information and Communications Technology (CICT) are the hosts of the foundation week. 

The first day of the celebration started with an Alay Lakad wherein numerous students from different colleges adhere to walk from Malolos Sports and Convention Center up to BulSU’s Activity Center followed by a thanksgiving mass and then the most awaited opening program.

According to Faculty Union president Ms. Hermogena A. Bautista, one of the significant parts of the foundation week was the opening program wherein their objective is to give a short yet enjoyable opening.

“One of the significant events is the opening program, comments given by officials, faculty members and students. They were not bored, they enjoy the balloons and the dove plus the cake which were distributed for almost 500 faculty members and students and there is just only a brief opening program, not boring,” said Bautista.

In the six-day celebration, there were various activities and event organized like the Entrepreneurial Trade fair, various exhibits, games, film showing, contests. But then, the awarding of the Loyalty Award to chosen BulSU personnel is said to be one the most important events in the celebration, which was held in the activity center last December 7.

“First, the opening program then followed by the Benefactors Day and the Loyalty Award which according to the faculty members and non-teaching personnel, it is the most important part of the foundation week celebration,” said Bautista.

Furthermore, talking about difficulties in the preparation of the foundation week, Bautista said, “Although we have encountered problems and difficulties we are able to solve everything and I think handling an occasion like this is a challenging one. Although I have a lot of challenges as faculty president this is the one whom I believe I was able to surpass.” 

Buatista is the one who took charge of the program; the list of activities were submitted to her and later on approved, and then she assigned the venues to avoid conflicts.

Giving her message to the BulSUans, Bautista ended, “They should always do something to make BSU number 1”.


 

by Christine Mae Juan

The Student Government of Bulacan State University (BulSU-SG) organized the talent show “BulSUans Got Talent” as part of Bulacan State University’s 108th founding anniversary weeklong celebration.

According to BulSU SG President Julius Dado, the event was intended to give BulSUans a chance to show what they’ve got.

From the 30 participants who attended the audition held last November 22 at the Valencia hall, only 18 contestants passed for the next and final screening on November 27.

From the 18 contestants, only the top 12 competed in the grand finals held last December 4 at the Valancia Hall.

From the 12 great finalists, only the best of the best will be chosen and considered as the first ever Bulsuans Got Talent 2012 grand winner.

In the end, John Ryan Laloon and Marberie Zanra Cruz won the title. They are best known as the dancing duo or “RyChii”.

“Masaya kami kasi sa lahat ng pagod at hirap, napasaya at pinalakpakan kami ng maraming tao. Do’n palang para sa akin panalo na kami,” Laloon said.


 

by Dahren Sta. Ana

For the first time, the Technical Education and Skill Development Authority (TESDA) adhere in the celebration of the 108th Founding Anniversary of Bulacan State University (BulSU).

Free haircut and massage therapy are a few of the services that the BulSUans experienced as the TESDA offered their free services as their contribution in the celebration of the foundation week, held at the activity center last December 5.

There were TESDA Specialistas from the towns of Pulilan, Guiguinto and San Jose Del Monte present in the event.

According to Director August Santos, the training of those TESDA spacialistas was being sponsored by the Local Government Units (LGUs), Department of Social Welfare Development (DSWD) and Civic Organization. It is called as short-term courses which only takes for more or less than a month to finish.

TESDA is open for all ages who want to join their short-term program. “Kahit sino pwede, kahit na may edad na at walang ginagawa, kung gusto kumita ay pepwede silang magsanay o mag-training under TESDA,” said Santos.

In addition, Santos said that TESDA volunteers are not given salaries, “Hindi namin sila binabayaran. Sila ay kusang nagseserbisyo o voluntary, ang hinihingi lang namin sa part ng school o munisipyo ay mabigyan sila ng miryenda o pagkain.”

This free service program started since Secretary Joel Villanueva was elected and started to work in TESDA. He was the author of the TESDA Specialista.

 

by Deliza Maye Fernandez

Bulacan State University - No less than 25 members of Alpha Phi Omega (APO) fraternity expressed their selves as they run naked along the BulSU campus for a clean and peaceful 2013 elections, December 5.

“Ito ‘yong way namin para sabihin ang concern ng APO,” said Raffy Rasariaga, a former president of APO Chapter F Solon Kappa.

“Sa ibang lugar, marumi ang eleksyon kaya ito ang way namin para maging inspirasyon na sana eh maging mapayapa ito,” he added. 

According to Rasariaga, running naked with advocacy symbolizes the Naked Hero who doesn’t hide anything and is just concern on a particular issue of the country.

It was in 2006 when the Oblation-Run tradition started in BulSU. However, it was originated in University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, during the time of Martial Law.

In the present, universities such as Far Eastern University, Holy Angels University and Lyceum University do the Oblation Run aside from BulSU.

Meanwhile, joining the event is not mandatory but it is a voluntary act at any places where it is being held, as long as a person is a member of APO.

Once na naging APO member ka, mararamdaman mo naman ‘yong excitement na sana makatakbo ka rin,” said Rasariaga.

 

by Deliza Maye Fernandez

Bulacan State University - Two sections of sophomore students of Accountancy made a three-combination business called Kilabooth League as part of the weeklong celebration of the university’s 108th founding anniversary, December 3-8.

“As accountancy students, hindi kami pwedeng mag-rely sa iisang booth kasi alam namin na in the first place, marami kaming competitors,” said Neri Royce Lazaro, president of section A. 

Booths were divided into three categories: a bike rental wherein everyone can rent each bike for P10.00 every 15 minutes; a photo booth where everyone is assured for the best quality photo they will have; and, the Harana booth wherein the talents of the students of the section will be shown as one requested a song to play which is based on the list of the songs they were capable of playing. 

All the bicycles used for rentals were from Plaridel and the students/entrepreneurs just rode into it all the way to the campus. 

The Harana booth was originally created for the lovers in BulSU so they can use it to dedicate songs to their boyfriends or girlfriends. However, it was also available to the students who just want to listen and enjoy the music.

The overall profit of the Kilabooth League will go to the fund of the section for the project of renovating the rooms in the building of College of Social Science and Psychology (CSSP).