K.I.S.A.W CNU

Monday, March 23, 2009

Articles

THE ANNUAL ENGLISH MONTH OPENS ONCE MORE

As the month of February opens its dates this year, ESOL (English Studies and Other Languages) also opens its annual celebration of the English Month with its Theme: Cross-Cultural Cosmos of Language and Letters. The grand opening celebration starts with a Holy Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Mike Fortich and celebrated together with the English faculty, English major students and the administration at the CNU Kalambuan Hall, 8:00 in the morning of February 6, 2009.

The English Month celebration, an almost whole month celebration, has been set with series of activities related to literature, English and other languages such as Cebuano and Spanish, prepared by the English Fellows (organization composed of English major students both in CAS and CTE) adviser, Ms. Ma. Eden Camocamo and the English fellows officers and English faculty.

THE OPENING PROGRAM

Following the Holy Mass is the Opening Program held at the same venue. It started with an Invocation, a song interpretation by Ms. Johanna Ruth Tan and followed by the singing of the National anthem led by Ms. Maricon Senerpida. There is a production number performed by the group of students called “Kubla Khan” showing the beauty of poetry, song and dance.

To formally welcome everybody, Dr. Carmel Vip Derasin, Associate Dean of CAS (College of Arts and Sciences) gives her warmest welcome address quoting “English language remains a culture in the CNU way of life”. This is followed by the formal declaration of the opening of the ESOL Month by the dean of CAS, Dr. Corazon Prejoles. Then Dr. Angel O. Pesirla delivers his message highlighting, “English makes the universe one”.

Since it is an ESOL Month Celebration, there are presentations such as poem interpretations: (1) Pagsubay- interpreted by the 3rd year students and (2) Somewhere I Have Never Traveled- interpreted by the 4th year students. After the presentations was the announcement of the series of activities for the whole month celebration by the English Fellows adviser, Ms. Camocamo, aiming to make the whole month of February festive and informative.

THE SERIES OF ACTIVITIES

1. Grand Opening- Eucharistic Celebration
Opening Program
Launching of Book Fair with its Theme: A Movable Feast
(February 6-13, 2009 at 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
2. Mugna 2009- Literary Award through Creative Writing in the form of short stories,
poetry, essay and other.
(Deadline of Submission of Entries: February 20, 2009)
3. Echoes of the Heart
(February 12, 2009, at the Inner Court, 5:00 pm)
4. CineU- a film festival
(February 16-20, 2009, at the Student Activity Center, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm)
5. Award’s Night
(February 19, 2009 at the Convention Hall, 1:00-5:00 pm)
6. Radio and TV Broadcasting Competition
(February 19, 2009, at the Convention Hall, 1:00-5:00 pm)
7. Cebuano Festival
(February 25, 2009, at the Convention Hall, 1:00-5:00 pm)
8. Hispanidad
(February 27, 2009, at the Convention Hall, 10:00-12:00 nn)
9. Book Raffle Draw
(February 27, 2009, at the Convention Hall, 1:00 pm)
10. Speech Feast
(February 27, 2009, at the convention Hall, 3:00 pm)
11. Closing and Awarding Ceremony
(Right after the Speech Festival)

BOOK FAIR LAUNCHING

A ribbon cutting is done by Dr. Angel O. Pesirla together with Dr. Corazon Prejoles and Dr. Carmel Vip Derasin as a signal that the book fair is launched which is themed “A Movable Feast”.

The Book Fair is for the purpose of raising funds for charity works”, said Dr. Galleon, the English Department Head. The Book Fair is participated by National Bookstore, TSINELAS Inc., Niña Bookstore, PowerBooks and Book Sale. This Book Fair will end at February 13, 2009.
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spirit of english

February in Cebu Normal University is not just a month for the hearts, but it is also a month of celebrating the language at heart, which is English, the universal language. This language brings together two different people from different culture and country to understand and relate each other. Thus, English is celebrated and given honor during this month.

Early in the morning of February 6, 2009, Cebu Normal University premises has been occupied by students and faculty, arriving one at a time, throwing one foot far from the other in order to create longer steps, running to and fro, carrying bags, cameras, props and all other necessary things. Excitement can be found in the faces of these English-language loving people in the campus. On the other area, at the Students’ Activity Center , book sellers are getting busy putting up and setting each book in the tables and shelves. There is a Book Fair.

When the clock’s short strikes at number 8 and its long hand at number 6 (supposedly it must be 8:00 but they are not Americans though they speak English language, they are Filipinos), black-wearing English students and faculty gathered together at the Convention Hall to celebrate the Holy Mass, a traditional thing whenever there is an important affair in the campus. Everybody sings together the liturgical songs, psalms, and responses in one strong voice and language, headed by the very powerful voices of the CNU Chorale.

After an hour, the mass ended and the opening program started. As usual, there is a production number, welcome address, declaration of the opening of the English Month, as they’ve been calling. The most memorable speech of the program is that of Dr. Angel Pesirla’s (VP Academic Affairs) message to the English-loving people. When he starts to hold the microphone on stage, everyone’s ears are on him, listening to his foreign-like voice, when he starts to hold the microphone on stage. At the start of his speech he said, “The theme: Cross-Cultural Cosmos of Language and Letters simply means that through English, the universe is one.” Then, he added, “It has become not just a property of one or two nations but it belongs to the world now. So, we have to be proficient in the language.” He is amiably a speaker with little words but each word is full of meaning as if it hits to the innermost soul of your body. Everyone is speechless including me. I t made me realize how important my course is and I start feel fortunate. He is totally right since English has become a medium of relating each other despite the diversity of cultures and languages of the world.

Dr. Angel Pesirla stresses the text in the official English Fellows t-shirt, saying, “Imagine Shakespeare without English….Imagine the world without us.” He said that as a linguist it must be taken pragmatically, giving importance to the use of the language and its implications. The language has become the way of life by most of the people today. Why? Because he said, “English is inevitable. You cannot evade English.” This makes me think that maybe one day, people all over the world will only have one language to speak, English, and it may be possible. People nowadays are studying the language, from the youngest kid to the oldest adult, everyone knows the language well. They cannot avoid the language; it’s like tempting them to learn.. Most of all, they are proud of it and honored to have learned the language.

Without further a due on the VP’s speech, he proudly closes it saying, “You cannot do anything without me, English. I am English (as if he is).” And everybody in the hall burst into laughter because deep inside each people there including me, know knows that he is right and is proud also to say, “I AM ENGLISH”. Thus, the question, “Can you imagine the world without English?” Can simply be answered, “Of course, not!”

The program goes on with the spirit of the language flaming and blazing within each person’s heart in the hall. It ends with everybody, including me, so much inspired to have possessed the language. The whole day is celebrated with all festivities, happiness and the most important is the information that everybody learned from the start of the day until its end. That’s how satisfying that day is.

By: Maria Theresa Buscato
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KINSA MAN NI SILA?

Kinsa man neng teacher sa CNU nga pirme lang jud makalimot. Inig sud sa klase muana dayon nga, “Is this My class?” Unya balik2x pa jud ang leksyon. Amnesiahon ka mam? Kung mao na undang nalang mam oi.. Luoy kayo and mga students nimu walay makat unan.

Kinsa man pud ning teacher nga muana, “PhD vs Undergrad? This is fun!” Maldita kau c mam oi. Kblo man me mam nga wala me ikabuga diha nimu kay naa ra me sa imong kiting. Ayaw lang sad me inana oi. Dli d i pwede muask og questions? Ikaw nalay kamao.

Kinsa man pud ne ang guard nga mura jud og wider-wider lang ai… Kung wafa gane ang muage sa gate nya magtsinelas or mag micro mini skirt ky dli jud iconfiscate ang ID unya gane og nihit kau og dagway kay tawgon jud daun nya dli rba jud muundang kng dili makuha ang ID. Palaban pa sa OSA. Oki r man unta na guard kng fair pa mu. Mureklamu jud me kay unfair bya sa amua part. Just do your responsibility all the time with fairness and justice. Part man siguro na sa inyo training dba? Or kon dli gane ako lang tudlo nin u be.

Naa puy teacher nga kada meeting sige lang og hisgot sa ilang imported-material-made house. Apil pa d I na mam? Pagleksyon pud tawn panagsa mam oi. Makatulog nalang jud me usahay kay lay challenge ang leksyon.. Naiuman nalang ang sem, balay ra ninyo ang naa sa among huna2x mam. Maluoy tawn ka sa imo mage estudyante mam. Future teachers bya me. Kuyaw na kong musunod nimu. Unsaon nlang ang world.

Kinsa man pud ning teacher nga inig sulod sa room kay mug ot kaau og face. Dli jud madrawing. Gahe p jud kau og heart. La jud kaluoy c sir oi. Bsag nangayo na og pasaylo ang mga estudyante dli lang japon. Paeta pud ana sir oi. Asa naman ang Code Of Ethics ana sir? Kung maglagot ka sa ua ka estudyante, ayaw apila tanan sir oi. Muana bya dayon si sir nga “Im using my discretion.” Oki r man na basta naa ka sa right place sir ha. Unya usa pa sad, pagdicuss pud sir oi, ayaw pagtest kn la pa ka kadiscuss. Musamot ju me kahagbong ana sir kay la jud me knowledge sa mga terms sa imu subject.

NOTE:Kung kaila mu nila, just kip it yourself ha…...Secret ra na nato….

By: miss hu
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Esol renews Echoes

Last February 12, 2009, Thursday, the Esol Department conducted its annual activity, Echoes of the Heart held at the Convention Hall.
One of the highlights of the celebration of the English month is the echoes of the heart, usually celebrated few days before, or on Valentines Day. It is a poetry reading activity usually participated by teachers from the different faculties.
This year’s echoes of the heart started with a production number which showed the beginning of the world based on legends, till the present times. It highlighted the Greek mythology, the famous writers such as Shakespeare, Robert Browning, and Emily Dickinson and so on. It also shows the famous literary characters such as Romeo and Juliet, the gods and goddesses of mount of Olympus and so on. The finale of the production was the coming of the queen of England, Queen Elizabeth II, accompanied with the fountain of the fire. Queen Elizabeth II was portrayed by the English Fellows’ adviser Ms. Eden Camocamo.
Right after the presentation, the poetry reading followed. Aside form the teachers there were also students who read their own composition. Like the “Samad” by the II-G student. Dr. Marita Nalam’s composition entitled, “There’ll Always Be”, was also given tribute. It was sung by Mr. Lito Diones with Special participation of his student who acted as if they were lovers. Others were, “A Dream Two Days Before the Valentines Day”, composed by Mr. Mark Alvin Recto and was read by Ms. Halzi Duites, which gave an had an intimate theme. Another was the “Horizontal Wall” of Mr. Dave Reroma, which was read by Ms. Duites and translated to another language by Mr. Reroma. And the last was “I Owe To You” by Mr. Jeffrey Ocang Which was read by himself. The program concluded by the speech of Queen Elizabeth (Ms. Camocamo).
Charlito Codizar, an English major who was also watching the event said that this year’s Echoes of the Heart really differed from the previous years’. He added that the presentation’s pacing was fast and it didn’t only presented pure poetry reading and the production was amazing and that he didn’t felt boredom.
The activity started at 6:00 p.m. and ended at around 7:00 p.m. the overall production was accompanied by music and sound effects which gave a realistic ambience. It was participated mostly by the AB Literature students and directed by Christian Licen in cooperation with Dr. Nalam, the literature coordinator; and the rest of Esol Faculty.

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Caranza parade blows CNU off

The celebration of Caranza started with a parade led by Pro-7 band last February 6, 2009, Friday, at around 2:00 pm at the CNU main gate.
The pared held in connection with the celebration of Caranza. It was participated by the former dean of Cas and now the VPAA (Vice President for Academic Affairs) of CNU Dr. Angel O. Pesirla, the present dean of Cas, Dr. Corazon Prejoles, and the Associate Deans, Dr. Carmel Vip Derasin for the School of the Arts and Dr. Pesole for the school of the Sciences, and all the teachers from Cas. They were grouped into three kapulungans; the Kapulungan ni San Jose, Kapulungan ni Birhen Maria, and the Kapulungan ni Santa Cruz.
The different kapulungans were identified by their costumes. The Kapulungan ni San Jose were in their gods and goddesses costumes (teachers from the school of the Sciences), Kapulungan ni Birhen Maria were in Hawaiin outfits (teachers from the school of the Arts), and the last was the Kapulungan ni Santa Cruz in their rural costumes (teachers from the school of Humanities).
Meanwhile, people in the university can’t help but shout when Mr. Jervin Alegado and Mr. Dominador Dawa out stage everyone in the parade. Mr. Alegado came out wearing a white gown with a veil, a bridal gown in particular. The said teacher is handling a computer subject and is popularly known to be a homosexual. On the other hand, Mr. Dawa without hesitation, walked in front of the mob almost naked. He almost revealed all the parts of his body. He wore a piece of clothe just enough to cover his private part. Both teachers belonged to the Kapulungan ni San Jose.
The parade ended at the convention hall wherein different kapulungans were introduced as they enter the said venue.
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CNU—COLLEGE OF NURSING
CONQUERORS IN THE 2ND INTERCOLLEGIATE DEBATE

A brain versus brain combat took place in the Kalambuan Hall last Student Day with the Cebu Normal University-College of Nursing as the emerging exultant.
With the topic “that 4-day class be imposed”, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the College of Teacher Education (CTE) started their heated debate at 10:00 in the morning of February 20, 2009, Friday. The CAS contestants were on the affirmative side and the CTE the negative. The members of the affirmative side were Rubie Joy Pregoner, Joni Encabo, Christian Rey Licen, and Princess Mondejar. The members of the negative side were Emilia Abadilla, Jessalyn Rusiana, Rosemarie Ybañez, and Charizze Herrero. Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon acted as the moderator.
The members of the board of judges were the following: (1) Venil Lovely E. Bolambao, who graduated cumlaude in Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2007) at Cebu Normal University and currently mastering in Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing. She was awarded Best Rebuttalist in her argumentation and debate class. (2) Jiolito L. Benitez who was a champion in Extemporaneous Speech Category (USJR). He is currently teaching in CNU. (3) Jovanni F. Villacora who earned the degree Bachelor in Philosophy (Ph.B). He was a winner in Extemporaneous Speech Contest (SCSC) and a champion in Expository Writing Contest.
Today, the country is suffering from great economic crisis. Because of this, people needs to lessen their expenses and consumption. Thus, the affirmative side reasoned that the 4-day class should be re-imposed in order to lessen the expenses of the parents and students, lessen electricity consumption in the school, and other school-related expenditures. They added that the 5-day class gives burden not only to students but also to some teachers who have other teaching jobs aside from CNU. On the other hand, the negative side reasoned that the 5-day class should be continued to solve the scarcity of classrooms, to enable the students to have proper lunch break, and to spend in co-curricular activities or research. They relied much on the behaviorist theories and/principles of prominent philosophers of education like Dewey, Skinner, and etc. They claimed that both teachers and students are capable of adjusting with the changes around them like that of the imposition of the 5-day class.
For almost two hours of exchange of views and opinions, the judges declared the affirmative side as the winner. The award for the best speaker went to Abadilla of the negative side. The Best Debator award went to Pregoner of the affirmative side and for the Best Rebuttalist award went to Mondejar of the same group.
After an hour break, the winner of the first match (CAS) faced the defending champion (Bachelor of Science in Nursing). The CAS was still the affirmative side while the BSN was the negative. The BSN group was composed by Krizia Catherine Tosorio, Wennonah Marie Rabusa, Mickail Lim, and Shayne Mendoza. The moderator remained Dr. Galleon.
The members of the board of judges were the following: (1) Diplomat Alvin Cloyd H. Dakis who earned the degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (USPF-2007). He was awarded Best Impromptu Speaker and was a representative for Region VII for Extemporaneous Speaking. He also received the award National Champion of the Inner Wheel Club International Extemporaneous Speaking Contest. (2) Atty. Mark Philipp H. Opada who finished law degree at USC, Cebu. (3) Mr. Levi Atibula.
Given the responsibility to affirm the topic “Open Enrolment System be Implemented”, the CAS group presented the following reasons: aiming for new ways, freedom of students to choose schedule, as a support to working students, Friday as a free-day. The negative side reasoned that the Open Enrolment System should not be implemented because the open class is an experimental. According to them, there is no need to change the system since it was successfully functioning until the present days. They added that there would be difficulty between student-student and teacher-student interaction if this system would be imposed since block sectioning would not be followed. They also reasoned that the entire school is not yet ready for that change.
After an intermission number, Mr. Opada announced the negative side as the winner and presented the following awards: Best Speaker-Rabusa of the negative side, Best Debator-Lim of the negative side, and Best Rebuttalist-Mondejar of the affirmative side.
The very heated session of clashing ideas ended with the shaking of hands of both parties. Whether the audience agreed or not, the decision of the judges was irrevocable. Still, BSN group maintained their hold on the title “the champion of the 2nd intercollegiate debate”.
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PISTA SA PUTING TABIL YEAR 3: CINEMASA

Dr. Yap and Student Film-makers did it Again!

As the clock stroke 7:17, the excited viewers all acknowledged God’s presence led by the Sining Dilaab. It was followed by the singing of the national anthem still led by the same group.
The emcees turned the stage over to the most dynamic and versatile professor, Mr. Januar Yap, the father of Cineu and the adviser of the participating classes, who warmly welcomed everyone in the hall acknowledging the presence of Leonardo Chiu, a veteran film-maker, Dr. Corazon Prejoles, and Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon. In his speech he said, “Take this as a tribute to the first batch who created this”.
After a long and uneasy wait, the participants held their breath as Dr. Prejoles together with Ms. Jessica Arnaiz announced the 1st award-Best Screen Play which was received by the “Filipina Exchange” whose competitors were “Happy Birthday”, “Suicide Booth”, “Bayad sa Utang”, and “Berdeng Gugma”. In his speech, Emmanuel Jones Monte, a member of the “Filipina Exchange” said, “Why would I not make a happy film that would make everyone laugh?. He further quoted Dr. Yap saying “Everything goes down to your story.” He added, “The story you should create should be genuine, not superficial.”
The members of the “Happy Birthday” cheered aloud when they were chosen for having the Best Cinematography out of four competitors—“Paraiso”, “Stay”, “Paano na Kaya”, and “Filipina Exchange”. The award was given by Mr. Galleon and Ms. Maxim Quizon.
The Best in Editing award went to “8:29” of the second year college students. The competitors were Suicide Booth, Biyahe Tayo, and Futterbergz. Mr. Jeffrey Ocang and Ms. Quizon gave the award.
The Best in Documentary Award which was given by Mrs. Mary Ruth Uy and Geraldine Labrador, went to “Jade Court Girls”. As Mr. Dave Reroma said, the film talks about “a minor prostitute…This will help us see what reality is.” The two other competitors for the award are “Disguyze” and “Pungko-Pungko: sa Redemptorist”
The 5th award—Best in Music Video went to Biyahe Tayo with competitors “Paano na Kaya” and “Akin Ka Nalang”.
Dr. Galleon and Ms. Regine Villahermosa handed the trophy for Best Director Award to “Happy Birthday”. Biyahe Tayo and Paano na Kaya also competed for this award.
The Kapamilya Award in Student Film Making went to “Piso”. The award for the
Best Actor in a Supporting role went to Unabia. The award for the Best Actress/es in a Supporting Role went to three persons: Julie Ann Villahermosa, Margot Peñaflor, and --------.The Best Actor/Actress in the Lead Role Award went to John Mark of “Bayad sa Utang” and Janice Ducay, of “Happy Birthday” respectively.
Mr. Chiu said “In a rate of one to ten, I give your young film makers ten for the effort.” In his speech, Dr. Galleon stressed out how he was thankful to Dr. Yap saying, “Januar has been the gem in our department that I cannot let loose.” He further added “I want Cebu, Region VII, and hopefully the Philippines will recognize our communication students.”
When almost everybody thought that the awarding ceremony had already ended due to the long break in the awarding ceremony, the emcees called the attention of everyone for the giving of the Special Citation Award that was received by the Suicide Booth, the Best Picture Award for the Filipina Exchange, and the Green Screen Award for Charlotte Cadavez.
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PISTA SA PUTING TABIL YEAR 3: CINEMASA

Dr. Yap and Student Film-makers did it Again!

As the clock stroke 7:17, the excited viewers all acknowledged God’s presence led by the Sining Dilaab. It was followed by the singing of the national anthem still led by the same group.
The emcees turned the stage over to the most dynamic and versatile professor, Mr. Januar Yap, the father of Cineu and the adviser of the participating classes, who warmly welcomed everyone in the hall acknowledging the presence of Leonardo Chiu, a veteran film-maker, Dr. Corazon Prejoles, and Dr. Joseph Sol Galleon. In his speech he said, “Take this as a tribute to the first batch who created this”.
After a long and uneasy wait, the participants held their breath as Dr. Prejoles together with Ms. Jessica Arnaiz announced the 1st award-Best Screen Play which was received by the “Filipina Exchange” whose competitors were “Happy Birthday”, “Suicide Booth”, “Bayad sa Utang”, and “Berdeng Gugma”. In his speech, Emmanuel Jones Monte, a member of the “Filipina Exchange” said, “Why would I not make a happy film that would make everyone laugh?. He further quoted Dr. Yap saying “Everything goes down to your story.” He added, “The story you should create should be genuine, not superficial.”
The members of the “Happy Birthday” cheered aloud when they were chosen for having the Best Cinematography out of four competitors—“Paraiso”, “Stay”, “Paano na Kaya”, and “Filipina Exchange”. The award was given by Mr. Galleon and Ms. Maxim Quizon.
The Best in Editing award went to “8:29” of the second year college students. The competitors were Suicide Booth, Biyahe Tayo, and Futterbergz. Mr. Jeffrey Ocang and Ms. Quizon gave the award.
The Best in Documentary Award which was given by Mrs. Mary Ruth Uy and Geraldine Labrador, went to “Jade Court Girls”. As Mr. Dave Reroma said, the film talks about “a minor prostitute…This will help us see what reality is.” The two other competitors for the award are “Disguyze” and “Pungko-Pungko: sa Redemptorist”
The 5th award—Best in Music Video went to Biyahe Tayo with competitors “Paano na Kaya” and “Akin Ka Nalang”.
Dr. Galleon and Ms. Regine Villahermosa handed the trophy for Best Director Award to “Happy Birthday”. Biyahe Tayo and Paano na Kaya also competed for this award.
The Kapamilya Award in Student Film Making went to “Piso”. The award for the
Best Actor in a Supporting role went to Unabia. The award for the Best Actress/es in a Supporting Role went to three persons: Julie Ann Villahermosa, Margot Peñaflor, and --------.The Best Actor/Actress in the Lead Role Award went to John Mark of “Bayad sa Utang” and Janice Ducay, of “Happy Birthday” respectively.
Mr. Chiu said “In a rate of one to ten, I give your young film makers ten for the effort.” In his speech, Dr. Galleon stressed out how he was thankful to Dr. Yap saying, “Januar has been the gem in our department that I cannot let loose.” He further added “I want Cebu, Region VII, and hopefully the Philippines will recognize our communication students.”
When almost everybody thought that the awarding ceremony had already ended due to the long break in the awarding ceremony, the emcees called the attention of everyone for the giving of the Special Citation Award that was received by the Suicide Booth, the Best Picture Award for the Filipina Exchange, and the Green Screen Award for Charlotte Cadavez.
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WHAT’S FEBRUARY IN CNU?

February in Cebu Normal University is not just a month for the hearts, but it is also a month of celebrating the language at heart, which is English, the universal language. This language brings together two different people from different culture and country to understand and relate each other. Thus, English is celebrated and given honor during this month.

Early in the morning of February 6, 2009, Cebu Normal University premises has been occupied by students and faculty, arriving one at a time, throwing one foot far from the other in order to create longer steps, running to and fro, carrying bags, cameras, props and all other necessary things. Excitement can be found in the faces of these English-language loving people in the campus. On the other area, at the Students’ Activity Center, book sellers are getting busy putting up and setting each book in the tables and shelves. There is a Book Fair.

When the clock’s short strikes at number 8 and its long hand at number 6 (supposedly it must be 8:00 but they are not Americans though they speak English language, they are Filipinos), black-wearing English students and faculty gathered together at the Convention Hall to celebrate the Holy Mass, a traditional thing whenever there is an important affair in the campus. Everybody sings together the liturgical songs, psalms, and responses in one strong voice and language, headed by the very powerful voices of the CNU Chorale.

After an hour, the mass ended and the opening program started. As usual, there is a production number, welcome address, declaration of the opening of the English Month, as they’ve been calling. The most memorable speech of the program is that of Dr. Angel Pesirla’s (VP Academic Affairs) message to the English-loving people. When he starts to hold the microphone on stage, everyone’s ears are on him, listening to his foreign-like voice, when he starts to hold the microphone on stage. At the start of his speech he said, “The theme: Cross-Cultural Cosmos of Language and Letters simply means that through English, the universe is one.” Then, he added, “It has become not just a property of one or two nations but it belongs to the world now. So, we have to be proficient in the language.” He is amiably a speaker with little words but each word is full of meaning as if it hits to the innermost soul of your body. Everyone is speechless including me. I t made me realize how important my course is and I start feel fortunate. He is totally right since English has become a medium of relating each other despite the diversity of cultures and languages of the world.

Dr. Angel Pesirla stresses the text in the official English Fellows t-shirt, saying, “Imagine Shakespeare without English….Imagine the world without us.” He said that as a linguist it must be taken pragmatically, giving importance to the use of the language and its implications. The language has become the way of life by most of the people today. Why? Because he said, “English is inevitable. You cannot evade English.” This makes me think that maybe one day, people all over the world will only have one language to speak, English, and it may be possible. People nowadays are studying the language, from the youngest kid to the oldest adult, everyone knows the language well. They cannot avoid the language; it’s like tempting them to learn. Most of all, they are proud of it and honored to have learned the language.

Without further a due on the VP’s speech, he proudly closes it saying, “You cannot do anything without me, English. I am English (as if he is).” And everybody in the hall burst into laughter because deep inside each people there including me, know knows that he is right and is proud also to say, “I AM ENGLISH”. Thus, the question, “Can you imagine the world without English?” Can simply be answered, “Of course, not!”

The program goes on with the spirit of the language flaming and blazing within each person’s heart in the hall. It ends with everybody, including me, so much inspired to have possessed the language. The whole day is celebrated with all festivities, happiness and the most important is the information that everybody learned from the start of the day until its end. That’s how satisfying that day is.

By: Maria Theresa Buscato
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Friday, March 20, 2009

Articles

What’s new in CNU?

By: Chirie Mae Salan

Cebu Normal University has undergone a lot of changes for the past 2 years, but now that it has its new president, changes had been seen upon the university. What’s new in CNU? Here are some…….

New president

CNU welcomed Dr. Marcelo T. Lopez as it’s newly elected president replacing Dr. Ester V. Velasquez as she ended her term last September 25, 2008. The inauguration took place in front of the administration building of CNU last December 12, 2008. Teachers and selected students were there to witness the inauguration, wearing Filipiniana dresses and Barong Tagalog for the gentlemen. Weeks after the declaration of the newly elected president, abrupt changes were felt inside the university. The changing of number of school days, instead of 4 day classes, it turned out to be 5 days. Will the president’s decision of the 5 day class and open class worth praising? Well, it’s for you students to answer…..

Open Class

Students were stunned and as well as shocked when the mayors informed their respective sections that the administration have already decided to formally implement the “open class” this June 2009. The open class system has already been fixed and will be implemented on June. This system of enrollment showcase independence of the students to choose a schedule they wanted. Instead of relying on their section, the students have to work for themselves. There will no longer be mayors in each sections. Information may just be disseminated through bulletins. Others said that this system is beneficial only for working students, but most of the normalites were against it since this may be the reason to loose the “camaradere” of the students among themselves. Will this system be advantageous or the other way around? Normalites, you must react on this…

5 day classes

Different reactions of the students bang around CNU campus the first day of the implementation of the 5 day classes. The implementation of the 5 day classes is a big boom, since this would not just be a students’ problem but so as the parents’ concern. Students from the province who’d weekly went home would be the immediate affected.. Instead of spending 2-3 days with their families, that would have be 1-2 days because of the implementation. “ why change the system nga naandan na? just for such reason ila lang gyud usbon?” said Marie, a BS bio student. The open class could be beneficial in any other way but it could also brings chaos and confusion to the students.

These are just the few changes in CNU. Will these changes be for good or the other way around? It’s up to you students to decide. What will be the next new in CNU?....WATCH OUT FOR IT…

If you want to react about this issues please send your comments to

chiriebloomz@yahoo.com

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February...The Month of Hearts

February has and always been the month of romance. But since when? Why is it that during this month we exchange cards, chocolates, or even flowers with our loved ones? Is it just for love's sake?

According to legend, the holiday has its roots in the ancient Roman festival of Lupercalis or Lupercalia, a fertility celebration commemorated annually on February 15. As Christianity came to dominance in Europe, pagan holidays such as Lupercalia were frequently renamed for early Christian martyrs. In 496 AD, Pope Gelasius recast this pagan festival as a Christian feast day circa 496, declaring February 14 to be the feast day of the Roman martyr Saint Valentine, who lived in the 3rd century.
Which St. Valentine this early pope intended to honor remains a mystery. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, there were at least three early Christian saints by that name. One was a priest in Rome, another a bishop in Terni, and of a third St. Valentine almost nothing is known except that he met his end in Africa. Rather astonishingly, all three Valentines were said to have been martyred on Feb. 14.

Whoever this St. Valentine is, no one really knows for sure. But one thing is certain though, we owe our thanks and gratitude to that early pope, Pope Gelasius, the person who made Valentines Day the annual celebration we Filipinos celebrate with full gear each year.

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"There is no Frigate Like a Book"

The sun shined on February 6, 2009 with a smile. It is because the day is set to make the students travel from their very own seats to the different parts of the globe, see creatures great and small and experience an adventure of love, happiness, inspiration and hope. How all those things worked? Of course, there is nothing more fascinating than the power books have.

With the opening of the English Month, the CNU English department held a different kind of banquet open to the whole CNU family. At about 8:00 in the morning, the awaited book fair was officially opened.

The Name

The book fair was inspired after a work by the great American writer Ernest Hemingway which also adopted the same name as his book, “A Movable Feast”. This book by Hemingway is a set of memoirs of his travels in Paris as part of the American expatriate circle of writers in the 1920s. This contains the personal accounts and experiences of the author in the 1920’s Paris. He provided details of the places he went to and even gave the exact name of the restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments that he can find in the place. The book is considered one of his greatest works and was published on 1964.

Meanwhile, Emily Dickinson has its own share of the baptism of the book fair’s name. According to Miss Duites, a faculty member of the English department said that the poem “There Is No Frigate Like a Book”, is the inspiration of A Movable Feast book fair. The poem talks about the wonders that a book leads a reader. Like a frigate, a medium sized warship, a book encourages us to think and discover our inner thoughts. A good book does not only entertain but also lets the reader wake up from the realities of life through the magic or words, may it be fiction or non-fiction. Thus, the book fair is an invitation to everyone to explore the universe; its mysterious laws and living emotions that we may not notice, yet lurking and waiting for the right time to be felt.

The “Bookkeepers”

No, no, no. It’s not the “bookkeepers” that you have in mind. These people don’t have to do with numbers or any profession connected with financial activity. They are our friends from the different book stores. National Bookstore, Power Books, Booksale, and Tsinelas Foundation participated in this inorganic banquet. After all, the students are gathered in the Student’s Activity Center because of the books they sell.

It is very interesting to know that it is the first time for our Booksale friends to participate in events such as a book fair. “Ambot lang, kusog tingali kaayo and convincing powers sa inyong head kay na convince man nila ang among boss para mu apil ani nga event.”, quoted the Booksale saleslady. She said their book store is not really interested in book fairs because the sales are not that good. Plus, several of the items are damaged after the fair. Fortunately, the people in charge for the book fair were able to convince them. Meanwhile, it is not the first time for National Bookstore, Power Books and Tsinelas Foundation to attend such event.

One interesting fact is that the book stores are not only there to gain profit but also to inspire and help. The Tsinelas Foundation is a non-government charity organization that helps the children from the mountainous areas. The books that they sell were donated by people who believed in their legacy. The profit earned will go to their foundation. See? From every book you buy, you don’t only satisfy your mind but at the same time you were able to help other people.

The Flavors of the Feast

The each item in a mountainous pile of books is jam-packed with ideas thus making the light bulbs on your head glimmer with ideas. Genres like romance, suspense, inspirational and even feel-good books are all present, ready to be grabbed by children of all ages. Novels by the famous Danielle Steel and Sydney Sheldon are also available. Who will forget to check if the sensational vampire saga by Stepanie Meyer made it to the feast?

Speaking of books, there are also other “school stuff” available for all students. The book’s other half, bookmarks, are also hanging on Power Books and National Bookstore’s stalls. Each of them contains words of wisdom so that while reading your favorite books, we are also inspired by the messages it brings us. Other school necessities like pens, pencils, pad paper and stationeries were also displayed. All of these made the gathering more festive.

The whole CNU was there to relish the feast. Though not all of the students were able to grab a bite because of financial constraints, at least they were there to be fascinated and let their eyes feast on every book so that when time comes and money will not be a problem, they know exactly what to have.