I actually have missed writing anything of any sort, that's why I've decided to blog things in this wee hour. (It's almost midnight and I couldn't sleep.)

My yearbook picture
Photo Courtesy: Chada Photo Studio

The last time I blogged was 2 years ago. It was about my friends I guess, who apparently, aren't very close to me anymore. If I were to put in detail all that happened, I would have a lengthy blog. I'll talk about other things instead.

In those months, well, years, that have passed, so many things happened. I actually went to many places like Samal City, Cavite and Manila for Personality Enhancement Trainings. I had my internship in far-flung areas of Dinagat and Nonoc Islands in Mindanao where I learned to endure 40-ish Celsius of heat. I've presented a technical paper to bigwigs. I've been Vice President of my organization, became SG Secretary. I became an honor student (unexpectedly) and graduated with, yes, flying colors.

I have missed the ways of  writer. The composition of words that make aesthetic effects and making of literary articles hunt me every now and then. However, my destiny is different now. I'm headed to becoming a scientist.

GROUPIE. A group picture with my co- SMC
scholars in a presoanlity devlopment training
in Samal City, Davao del Norte on October 2014
Photo by Jhofille Alvaro

I graduated March 22nd this year. From that day to as of this writing, I am unemployed. I considered not applying to any job to concentrate on my board review and exams on November. I'd like to pass. I'd like to make a name. Hence, I spend so much time reading and studying. It's been mundane yet challenging, since I am motivated to earn money as soon as I get a license. You can't earn that much if you're not licensed here in the Philippines.

Will be in Manila next month for review, Will be back in November or when I have some time. Hope to fill this blog with useful texts you can read.

Adios!


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Surprise!

Surprise!

This, indeed, is the catchphrase that played over by stubborn mind for a couple of months now. This word, that was born due to a word play with some friends became an expression I and a number of people share.

I have entitled this blog "Surprise!", because I have finally blogged after a 10-to-the-nth years.

To be honest, I decided never to open my blog after I resigned in the publication I was in. I just do not want to touch the increment details. What's important is that I have had overcome those 'dark days' and I have officially commenced my life's golden age. The golden times is marked by the presence of this blog (as an index fossil marks a beginning of a stage. hehe. Geology stuff.)

Wanna ask what happened after an eon of quiescence? Well, this overview will do:

First, I am proud to tell you that after I resigned nearly over a year ago, I have became a full time rock-mineral-mountain-mapping addict. Yes. The campus journalist who was crazy for scouting news-worthy events and appealing feature articles is now a science freak whose interest is in something others have almost no idea in.

I am proud to have summarized Dana's Manual of Mineralogy, the Bible of Minerals; and I am ambitious to make a summarized version of this for release. I am currently working on another book. This is giving me a hunch that I will be engaged in Geology researches in the coming years.

Dana's Manual of Mineralogy cover page (1848)

In the second semester of SY 2013-2014, I, together with some friends had geological mapping in  Manlipac, Bais City. Manlipac is a mountainous area, about 300 masl (meters above sea level, a, Geology jargon). We made an open traverse in a select area; and we produced a map of it with the scale of 1: 2500.

#TeamSurprise boys near a fault in a sandstone outcrop.

My team's first geological map. Scale 1:1,000

In this mapping activity, I became close with nearly catatonic people (just kidding), who crack very humorous (sarcastic) jokes that will either make or destroy your day. Let me give a sample.

Friend A: Unsa man nang Philippines? (What is Philippines?)
Me: Unsa man? (What is it?)
Friend A: Kato man nag pens ni Philip! (That is Philip's pens.)

See? Isn't it jaw-dropping? Oh, here's more:

Friend B: Kabalo mo unsa ng Fita? (Do you know what Fita is?)
Me: Unsa man? (What is it?)
Friend B: Kato man ng si Fita sa Hunger Games! (He's the Fita from the Hunger Games.)

And guess what? Friend B even made a meme of it. Here it is:

I'll respect whatever emotions you feel right now. I'll be zip my mouth. Leave a comment if you want to explode. *insert grin here*

Even if these friends of mine are crazy, I consider them as family. This is because they know how to make me chuckle at my stressed, bad hair days. hehe. I hope you'll met them sometime. By the way, they are the same people I talked about earlier in this post. We call ourselves #TeamSurprise. (Reasons implied in text.)

A picture of #TeamSurprise eating at McDonalds. Happy crazy people. From left to right Jossel 'The Hearthrob' Punay, In blue, Omar 'Boy Surprise at ang Pasimuno ng Lahat ng Kawaleyhan' Soberano, In jersey, Dan 'Boy Printer' Rubas, Vincent-Ann 'Girl Guwapa' Villegas, Kris Marie 'Naseye-ne-eng-lehet' Obnimaga, Rio 'Sponsor at Naseye-ne-eng-lehet II' Ruelo and The Agonized Loner.

Leaving the publication gave me new perspectives. These perspectives gave me new thoughts and ways of leadership. I have succeeded in leading a speech choir group. We won champion in a college competition. More so, I was Secretary of the Geology Students Society in our university. I am now elected Vice President for External Affairs.

NORSU-GSS Logo

More so, I am the president of our Youth Worship Culture, a group consist of young adults in our church who worship the Lord in Spirit and in truth.

The Youth Worship Culture celebrates the goodness of God on Friday nights. See poster above for details. I hope you guys will be there to worship our God with us. 

I think that will be all for now.

See you in my next blog!

More Neophyte Column Writers

Apart from those I mentioned earlier, there are two more opinion writers who will show our university what they’ve got. Read along and know them.

Ariel Briones Dizon
Assistant News Editor
Column Name: The Mysterious Codes

Every news article begins as a mystery for every news writer.  He asks statements to the concerned and airs it the simplest way he can.  The medium of publication is thru codes.  The codes are in the form of words.  Thus, the Assistant News Editor shall unveil the mysterious codes behind all issues that need to be exposed.

Arean Fel Ensalada Dorio
Assistant Features Editor
Column Name: The Introspective Scholar

Being introspective or reflective is a trait that the Assistant Features Editor has.  The opinions that she writes are mere objective views from her open mind.  She is a scholar—which connotes the poignant reason for her column name.

You may come to The NORSUnian office and see the opinion writers for suggestions and other matters. You can also e-mail them.  Here are their e-mail addresses:

·         The Arbitrary Pointer, Jessie P. Dolia (EIC) - jessiedolia@facebook.com

·         The Intrepid Journo, Joeylen A. Dela Cruz (Assoc EIC) - joeylend@facebook.com

·         The Genteel Paradigm, Rujonel F. Cariaga (News Ed) - rujonel@facebook.com

·         The Vitreous Crystal, Jirah Kim R. Quinamot (Features Ed) - jirahkim.r.quinamot@facebook.com

·         The Mysterious Codes, Ariel B. Dizon (Asst News Ed) - arielbrionesdizon@facebook.com

     The Introspective Scholar, Arean Fel E. Dorio (Asst Features Ed) - areandorio@facebook.com

New Faces for Columnists

The die is cast, and a new generation of opinion writers has sprouted from the fertile soil of our publication.  Mentioned hereunder are the people who will make history at Negros Oriental’s only state university.  

Joeylen Artillo Dela Cruz
Associate Editor
Column Name: The Intrepid Journo

Intrepid or fearless campus journalism—that is what the Associate Editor is crusading.  She shall be the shoulder to lean on for the oppressed students who want their minute voices be heard.

Rujonel Ferolino Cariaga
News Editor
Column Name: The Genteel Paradigm

Genteel and paradigm, these are two words which connote that the News Editor is passionate in showing the university community ethical and epitomized campus journalism.  He shall emphasize moral values and correct behavior to the studentry.

Jirah Kim Radones Quinamot
Features Editor
Column Name: The Vitreous Crystal

Vitreous is a type of a mineral luster.  Minerals have crystals which are the geometric figures formed by a definite crystal form.  Crystals are associated with a picture of clarity.  Vitreous means glassy.  Ergo, the vitreous crystal implies the Features Editor’s dedication to transparency in the university.  He shall defend the truth by presenting balanced and fearless statements of the concerned on the issues he is investigating.

The dawn has arrived for the aforementioned. Pray for them. They need intercession so that they may have God’s provision of knowledge, and they will be successful this year.

One of Those Mundane Days

It’s really a grave shame for a literary editor of a student publication not to have an updated blog.  Ergo, from this day on, I will arrange my time so that I can update you with what's happening in my life.

Let me commence…

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Today's Funny Situation

My teacher in History 111 asked me to get her globe inside her office in the middle of our class.  Since I am the obedient type, I did as she requested.  I sprinted towards the office and finally got the material.  I then hurried up to go back in our room so that I can catch up with her lesson. 

Upon entering the Arts and Sciences Building, I lost track in my thinking and entered a wrong room.  Unfortunately, I realized that I had a wrong entry when I walked through the middle of the room.  I heard chuckles of students that meant a poignant ridicule.  I seriously did not like that.

After a few minutes, I decided to move on and considered it as a lesson.

Today, I learned two lessons.  First is to accept that we commit errors due to recklessness.  Second, deal with a situation like a man; enjoy every emotion and mistakes in life, for it is lived once.

Goodbyes and Beginnings

     The semester has just ended, and most of our pub's editors will graduate.  Hence, a new set of editors was elected by the staff last Friday, March 22.  The first part of this blog is dedicated to the graduating editors.  In this portion, you will see their photos and my sentiments to them.  The next part is for the new set.  You'll see photos of the new editors and read information on them.

The Graduates

Name: Rolyn Jane P. Catanus

Position: Outgoing Editor-in-Chief

Course: Bachelor in Elementary Education

Major: General Curriculum

Award in Graduation: Magna Cum Laude

Sentiments:

     Ate Rolyn! Mingawon jud ko nimo ate.  Wa na jud ko'y laing makit-ang babaye parehos nimo.  hehe.  God bless sa imong endeavors.  Stay humble.  Keep smiling.  Keep the good attitude.

Name: Albert C. Umbac

Position: Outgoing Associate Editor-in-Chief

Course: Bachelor in Secondary Education

Major: Biological Science

Sentiments:

     I will miss your jokes.  I will miss the way you speak.  I will miss your presence.  Ikaw man gud ang pinakakengkoy sa mga editors! hehe.

Name: Ryan E. Gantalao

Position: Outgoing Features Editor

Course: Bachelor of Science in Geology

Sentiments:

     Nang 'dahil sa'yo, natutunan kong magsulat ng mga magagandang features.  I awe you so much Kuya! Ayaw kog kalimti ug manrabaho na ka.  Adtuon ra niya tika sa imong minahan sa Benguet. hehe.

Name: Pol Anthony M. Eso

Position: Outgoing Webpage Designers, Artists and Photographers (WAPU) Unit Head

Course: Bachelor of Science in Geology

Sentiments:

     He is a "mahusay na alagad ng sining".  Ang galing mo talaga kuya.  I'm looking forward with working with you in the future.  See you sa minahan! hehe.

Name: Myrna B. Alarcio

Position: Outgoing Business Manager

Course: Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Sentiments:

     I will miss your mature and practical way of giving advices.  I will miss your tagline, "Badge holder!"  I will miss those times when you're in the office making your business stuff.  I hope to see you one day in your psychological clinic.  

Name: Lycel D. Caingcoy

Position: Outgoing Assistant Business Manager

Course: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration

Award in Graduation: Magna Cum Laude

Sentiments:

     Your calm.  Your beautiful.  Your smart.  That's how peculiar you are.  I'll really miss you ate. And wait... Please keep our dirty little secret. hehe.

The New Editorial Board

Name: Jessie P. Dolia

Position: Editor-in-Chief

Course: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics

Info:

     Kuya Jessie is a person with profound goals in life.  According to many staffs, he is a funny person.  He's very good at speaking in English, and he takes time to teach us news writing.  He is so far, the outgoing news editor of the pub.

Name: Joeylen A. dela Cruz

Position: Associate Editor-in-Chief

Course: Bachelor of Mass Communications

Info:

   

     She's my twin sister! hehe. (just kidding) She's a very good writer.  She was the first senior writer whom I collaborated with for a news article.  Because she was my mentor, I learned so many things.  I am very confident she can give her full support to Kuya Jessie.  

Name: Rujonel F. Cariaga

Position: News Editor

Course: Bachelor in Secondary Education

Major: Mathematics

Info:

     He's a Godly dude who balances his time for the pub, his religious group and his studies.  He's perhaps, the most mature in the group.  He's really focused in his relationship with God.  He knows how to deal with people, and he loves solemn Christian music.

Name: Jirah Kim R. Quinamot

Position: Features Editor

Course: Bachelor of Science in Geology

Info:

     Wa man ko kaila ani niya. Kamo, nakaila? Waley man kuno ni siya.  Halatagan ni siyag award.  haha.  Ang pinakananing ug pinakamacho pud kuno.  

Name: Ariel B. Dizon

Position: Assistant News Editor

Course: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Info:

     Kung padaghanay ug nauyab, siya na juy mudaug. haha. lol.  He calls himself Mr. Mysterious for some reasons.  He usually hoards news articles.  When in the office, he's usually with her co-assistant editor, Arean which gave me an idea of writing a story, "Assistant's Love Affair" *insert a grin here*. There's nothing really special between them.  It's just that they make a good pair.

Name: Arean Fel E. Dorio

Position: Assistant Features Editor

Course: Bachelor of Science in Geology

Info:

     Arean is my friend since high school.  She's good in expressing herself through writing.  She has a humble and patient personality.  She's very open-minded.  That's why I like her.  By the way, we're both Geology students, kaya magkasundong-magkasundo kami!

Name: Mayette Hanna F. Diez

Position: Webpage Developers, Artists and Photographers Unit (WAPU) Head

Course: Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering

Info:

     She's commend-worthy.  Besides being a Civil Engineering student, she's an efficient photographer.  According to the previous WAPU head, she's a very patient woman. Ang galing!  By the way, mahilig siyang kumain ng hopia (joking aside). hehe.  

Name: Princess D. Ebo

Position: Business Manager

Course: Bachelor of Mass Communication

Info:

     She's this school year's top writer applicant.  She's really a good writer.  From writing news and features, she shall now succumb into business work.  Kayang-kaya ng pretty powers ni Ate Cess yan!

Name: Jela Mae T. Ruales

Position: Assistant Business Manager

Course: Bachelor of Mass Communication

Info:

     She's silent, yet has so much in mind.  She's efficient in news gathering.  She writes so much since she's a Mass Comm stude.  Alam kong keri niya to! Siya pa.  Kakain lang 'yan ng German bread, at okay na ang lahat.

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Ewan

     Habang tinitingnan ko ang mga drafts sa aking blogger profile, nakatawag sa akin ng pansin ang mga pictures ng file na ito.  Hindi ko nagustuhan ang dating sulat ko tungkol dito, kaya I reverted it to draft at ginawan ng ibang istorya. hehe.

     By the way, ang mga pictures na nasa blog na ito ay pawang mga random picks ko lang sa archives ng pub.  Feel ko lang mag blog kaya narito ang mga pics.  Hmmm, gawan kaya natin ng istorya ang mga ito.

Stressed Faces.  Pagkatapos ng isang nakakapagod na biyahe at Day 1 sa isang press conference, hindi pa rin natinag ang 'vanity powers' ng The NORSunian staff.  Kahit haggard look at stressed, heto, nagpoposing parin. ja-ja-ja! Kilalanin niyo po silang lahat. Eto po. Front Row (left to right) Ate Rolyn Jane P. Catanus (EIC), Ate Mayette Hanna F. Diez, Leonil 'Shadasha' Dayado, Karlo Billy Rubia (ang nakatagong naka pink) and Kuya Ryan 'Adkinalambay' Gantalao. Second Row (from left to right) Kim Eden Felize Belnas, Kuya Rujonel F. Cariaga, Ariel Dizon, Ate Pricess D. Ebo (mukha lang ang makikita), Kuya Jessie P. Dolia, John 'Rotrot' Rio, Kuya Albert Umbac and the Agonized Loner. 

Imbestigahan natin ang larawang ito. 

Mula dito mahihinuha natin na: si Kuya Rujonel ay nagdadalawang isip na magpapicture, Si Ate Princess ay nag-eenjoy sa kanyang katabi, bored si Kuya Albert, bagong gising si Ariel, nag-iisip ng ipapakain sa amin si Leonil, prepared si Kuya Jessie, worried si Kuya Rotrot, grabe ang poise powers ni Kim at gutom na ako!

Posing sa vanity wall.  Parang sakit na kumakalat ang vanity sa loob ng opisina.  Honestly, hindi ko maaasahan na madadala pa ang ganitong sakit sa labas ng pub.  Kaya heto, nakakita lang ng vanity wall, eh, yun na!

Eto lang po sa ngayon.

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