C L I M A T E   C H A N G E

         One of the issues entering the Digital age in the 21st century is the concern of environmental crisis with the increase of usage of our natural resources and man-made activities. The demand for more material consumption that suits our wants and needs does not particularly look into the physical health status of our planet. An allegory that could be pictured with the same concept can be seen in Thanos' philosophy in the movie "Avengers: Infinity War. Overpopulation would be a problem for the human race’s society due to scarcity of resources corrupted by human actions. The issue of climate change is an environmental issue is something that still cannot be seen by everyone but once it surface; it will be felt in a global aspect.

         Seen in the Philippine context, climate change is felt through the last decade. The typhoon Haiyan and Yolanda, both one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the century are known as two of the most disastrous natural disasters. And these two events happened in the same decade. Coincide? I think not. Billions of properties have been damaged and multiple lives were taken by these two natural phenomenon. A third-world country located at the Pacific ring of fire prone to more earthquake, volcanic eruptions and typhoons that is surrounded by Pacific ocean where most typhoons are created should make all Filipinos be more aware of the Earth's sudden outbursts. At anytime, anywhere in our country, any natural catastrophe could occur thus affecting the lives of the families already poverty stricken.

         I believe that these are the effects of the innovations of two corrupting forces of human nature: greed and selfishness. With these two combined attitudes, we are neglecting our surroundings' health and continuously focusing on the material things that satisfy our wants in the short term.

         What can we do? How should we Filipinos react to this adversity? Filipinos are known to have "puso" and whatever the consequences are there ways we could always be resilient and cooperative in times of need. But in times of prevention, discipline should always be in the hearts and minds of all Filipinos of every demographic status, with no exceptions. Use of smoke-belching automobile, non-stop use of air-conditioning unit, use of hairspray, burning of garbage and plastics or throwing away trashes in the sewer and rivers are some of the actions that naturally comes out habitually to Filipinos. For these actions to be stopped, the first thing they need to know is to be aware. Their awareness of these actions that are bad for our environment would make them rethink of their usual bad habits. And once they have known the adverse effects of their bad actions, altering them to do good ones would be the important thing to slowly and step-by-step help Mother's Earth guide to wellness. Doing the little things by being aware of one's water usage, reducing wastes, travelling by foot or bicycle or planting a simple plant/tree could eventually lead to a cleaner atmosphere.

        In a world full of disorder, there is silence found in the conscience of man. We are the only ones capable of changing our own environment, but subsequently we are also the ones who destroy it. Let us all be the change we want to see in a better, sterile environment.

Film Critique 

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) 

by Guillermo del Toro

       Ofelia, along with her mother Carmen, is set to meet her stepfather, Captain Vidal, in a remote place in Spain. In an instance, Ofelia was led by a fairy into a labyrinth and eventually met the Faun. The Faun persuaded Ofelia that she is the chosen one, the princess. Faun gave Ofelia three tasks for her to achieve “immortality.” The first task was to reclaim the key from the big frog. Ofelia easily did the first task and gave immediately the key to Faun. She also advised how to pacify her mother who is sick. She was given a mandrake root that supposedly will calm her mother’s illness. The second task was to retrieve a dagger from the Pale Man. In the lair of the Palm Man, Ofelia ate grapes. The Pale Man chased Ofelia and ultimately escaped his wrath. The Faun was disappointed to Ofelia’s actions and refused to give her the third task. Meanwhile, Captain Vidal, was met with an act of terrorism imposed to his village and captured Doctor Ferreiro who was killed later on. Captain Vidal caught Ofelia handling the mandrake root. Carmen threw the mandrake root into the fire as she instantly felt pain, screaming. She dies while the child inside her womb lived. Ofelia was locked in the bedroom while Mercedes is imprisoned. The faun went to Ofelia and asked about her baby brother. The faun said that an innocent’s blood is required to open the underworld and her baby brother would be the key. Ofelia refused as the faun also refused to help her also. Captain Vidal caught Ofelia holding his baby brother while talking to no one. Captain Vidal shot Ofelia as he retrieves the baby. The rebels surrounded the outpost and commanded the death of Captain Vidal. The baby was treated to the care of Mercedes by the request of Captain Vidal as his last words. Mercedes brought the body to the labyrinth and offered Ofelia’s blood as the offering instead of the baby. This was the third task and the faun proved Ofelia that she as “Her Majesty” and died afterwards.

      The story was a combination of two important themes: the existence of war and fantasy. The presence of war was seen from the first scenes of the movie until its end. It shows the sternness and the tension seen from the group and the rebels. This particular theme was seen during the times of World War I, World War II and other prominent wars that transpired throughout human history. From just a mere protection of their village against rebels, the movie depicted how dreary it is to be in the atmosphere of being in the state of war. Also, seen in the movie was the presence of fantasy. This theme is present in the different folklores and myths of the Filipino culture. The terms “duwende,” “engkanto,” and “sirena” are said to appear in the mystical and secluded places in provinces. The movie depicted fairies and creatures that led to Ofelia’s death in the end. It shows how humans can interact with the supernatural and our belief in it that may endanger lives of the real humans.

        I found the movie interesting as it tackled an interesting take on one of the themes of the movie, fantasies and fables. The plot was well-written to show how the beliefs of humans, especially that of the child (Ofelia), can be manipulated through the three dreadful tasks given without compromising her security. The standards of showcasing fantasy set in such fables and mythologies were raised as it widens the creativity and imagination to showcase such concepts presented through its production, casting and the film’s settings. The gore shown in the scenes of the movie showcased reality and its cruelty. This depicts how oppression was seen in the commands of the acts of war. The themes present in the movie made the Pan’s Labyrinth a masterpiece of combining dark, gore, fantasy present in the times of war. If I were to rate the movie, 5 being the highest, I would give the movie 4.3/5.0. I would definitely encourage my peers to watch this movie if they have similar interests to this kind of movie.

From February 12 to 15, 2018, held at the Quadricentennial Square, the annual Pistang Tomasino was launched by the UST Simbahayan Community Development. It featured different indigenous communities coming  from Bulacan, Tarlac, Laguna and other provinces that offer their home-grown products to the Thomasian community. These chosen partner communities were here to promote not only their products but as said by the head of the community development office of the Accountancy department, hopefully it can showcase the beauty of the existence of what we have in our colorful culture.

The park was in a different atmosphere, different from the usual place flocked by students practicing, as it filled with numerous stalls, vendors of distinct garbs and various domestic products. The banners, flags, music and the details made it feel like I am on a local market in a rural area. While strolling, I saw three distinct products that enticed me to buy their products:

1. The famous balut

It is one of the distinguished delicacies of our country that can only be either awfully despised or loved, there is no middle ground. I loved it, so I bought it. This Filipino street food which is a fertilized duck egg is a stamp of being a true blooded Filipino. If you don't have the guts to eat the beaked duck, you are not worth to be a Filipino. This is the saying that passed on from generations to generations. The fear of eating the duck with its beak and head seen can be easily surpassed after sipping the tastyfluid/soup and tasting the yolk, chick and often, the rock.

The balut sold in the stall was made in Sitio Layak, Brgy. Anupul, Bamban, Tarlac. Bamban, famous for its Rome-like structure and numerous resorts still finds a way to preserve their traditions. These landmarks paved the way for a modern way of celebrating feasts instead of rice fields or farms. Their livelihood also became more technologically advanced, but one of the product that a typical humid place in our country that can make is Balut. These eggs sold were grown and produced in their own lands and was incubated until the 16th day. The 16 days of incubation makes the duck look less developed with their beaks and head fully formed. As I popped open the balut, the amniotic fluid which is always the best part of my experience in eating balut was sipped until the last drop. Afterwards, I was offered to try along their vinegar with a bit of spice and some rock salt. Flavor after flavor, my upper lips became whitish from the vinegar.

Embedded in our culture, eating baluts is one of the experience that Filipinos will continue to savour and this product will continue to sell like hot cakes. The price for a balut is Php 15.00.

2. The favorite Filipino breakfast/merienda

Usually made with cocoa, rice, milk and sugar, this rice porridge was part of our food menu. In a morning, a rainy afternoon, a midnight snack, it does not matter at what time of the day this meal could be eaten. It would still retain its sweet and hot taste. Added with an evaporada, condensed or powdered milk, the sweetness of a chocolate can be in the grasp of a rice meal.

The Champorado was cultivated in Kalinga by the Kalinga Organic Unoy Rice Farmers' Association. Farmers here are known to mill their rice grains into different products: noodles, wine, chili paste and champorado. What this rice field sets apart from a typical rice field is their way of cultivating their rice without the use of pesticides and fertilizers.

I bought a cup of Champorado since I was enticed by my classmate to buy one because of its good taste. I am a fan of eating this sweet food and if given the chance to see someone selling one, I would do it in a heartbeat. The Champorados were covered in rice cookers to preserve its temperature and taste. Added into the cup full of Champorado was condensed milk in a spiral motion. Mixed it all up, I wanted to spread the sweetness of this food up to the last drop as I knew I would enjoy do it. The hot feel of the food made it also more appetizing.

Sweetness is part of the taste that Filipino tongues would always crave for. A sweet rice meal that would suffice our stomach with flavor will definitely sell among all potential customers. The price for a cup of Champorado is Php 20.00.

3. Espasol the Pasalubong!

Laguna and espasol. These two words correlate with each other. Espasol orginated from Laguna as it shows how they value patience and hard work. These delicacies are made from rice flour, coconut strips and coconut oil, a merienda worth to fill our cravings. The product was made in Nagcarlan, Laguna, one of the best towns in Laguna that produces the best Espasol along with towns Los Baños, Alaminos and Pagsanjan. Having known its origin, I was  definitely asssured that my money was worth the taking.

I bought a pack of Espasol with my classmate and shared 3 pieces each. Upon opening, the rice flour was intact and plentiful in just a piece of the delicacy. It was tasty as every bite was stocked with the sticky, soft, sweet taste. As easy as it may have looked, but proper procedures were done that made each piece thick and dry enough.

This toasted rice flour even if it may not be from Nagcarlan would still be easily sold in the markets because of the varities of its flavors and the sweet, thick mouth-watering merienda that we would always crave for. The price for a pack of Espasol is Php 50.00.

Come and visit next year's annual Pistang Tomasino to buy more of this local products!