FINDING YOUR Organization Fit

Writer: Audrey Calonge college is like moving to the next phase of your life; but this time, you get a chance do it with a clean slate or perhaps, the better you . It gives you the opportunity to redefine yourself, work on the potentials that are deep inside you, and become the supreme version of yourself. Students from the higher batch would prove this right, as they have exposed themselves, in one way or another, to school activities and organizations: Plenty of which have opened doors and got them to discover the field where they truly excel. So if you are still tiptoeing your way towards a remarkable college experience, why not gas it up by joining an organization? Last June 18-21, 2013, every corner of the MMJ upper lanai transformed to a head turner. Extra-curricular organizations set up their own booths, showcased their collaterals and prepared gimmicks to entice potential members,particularly first year students. Become an instrument of change MC COMELEC and Chi Rho Publications were very assertive in their hunt. MC COMELEC wasnt just on the lookout for staffers, they also invited first year students to run for office, the First Year Council. We are looking for those who are dedicated to serve, [to be] flexible and energetic. Students who are willing to be agents of change, Therese Vitug said, Chairperson of MC COMELEC. On the other hand, Chi Rho Publications unleashed the budding journalists within us with a life-sized press I.D. photo booth. Previous issues of the newsletters, literary folios, and Caritas magazines were handed out to spark more interest among the students.

Entering

Choose your advocacy Miriam College upholds its four core values: truth, justice, peace, and integrity of creation. There are four advocacy centers and each of them focuses on one core value and inspires Miriam College students to support and spread their advocacy. Inquire, volunteer, and become an active part of the Institutional Network for Social Action (INSA), Women and Gender Rights Institute (WAGI), Environmental Science Institute (ESI), and Center for Peace Education (CPE). Pax Christi and UNESCO Youth Club have one thing in common: they are looking for dynamic individuals who are willing to go on outreaches, organize exhibits, attend conferences, and represent Miriam College in various non-governmental organization affairs. They aim to reach out to potential members from other courses so that they may widen their networks beyond the International Studies Department. Globally inclined International linkages strengthen the AIESEC network, which Miriam is proud to be a part of. AIESEC holds leadership trainings and internship opportunities both nationwide and internationally. Their initiatives include promoting advocacies, raising them in the international arena, unleashing the leader within each member, and creating impact that will boost and strengthen AIESEC Philippines. Build up your skills Some organizations in Miriam may require a certain skill, but dont be disheartened because skills can be learned. If you have that burning passion and willingness to learn, youll get along just fine. Company of One is a dance troupe who performs

not only within the halls and walls of Miriam College but also compete for the glory of Miriam College in various competitions. As a group, Company of One emphasizes that it does not necessarily need to be impressed by moves but rather, by the heart who dances for God. A similar nature exists within the Debate Society that is after the quality and loyalty of its members. We want members who would stay and are willing to participate in trainings and competitive debates, said Angeline De Leon, President of Debate Society. Miriam College Varsity Teams were also present during the Recruitment Week. Futsal, Basketball, Swimming, and the Pep Squad are just few of those that you can join in. For most of them, interested auditionees dont need to be an excellent player upon try-outs, although it is a bonus. As long as you have the dedication and drive to learn, theyll be open to have you. Kianna Subido, the MC Futsal Team Captain, said, Even if you have no clue as to what Futsal is and how to play it, if you have the patience, if you are willing to learn the sport and be one with the team, then you can definitely try-out. Dont be left behind! We all have plans on having the best school year. First year students are probably busy getting the hang of their college lives, but make sure not to miss out on joining organizations. They arent just there to enhance your talents, unleash the artist within you and whatnot, they exist because all of us should belong somewhere with people who we have a common ground with . So, if you want to make friends that are likely to last a lifetime, joining school organizations is the way to go. If you missed the recruitment week, visit the Council of Leaders Area at the 2nd floor of the Caritas Building.Dont hesitate to strike up a chat with organization officers and learn more!

Here Comes the Blue Batch!

first day in college? How anxious were you to meet new people, to enter a new school, and to start a new beginning? College is not just a chapter in ones life; it could be a start of a new book filled with stories could last a lifetime. It is where someone may perhaps meet her bridesmaids in the future or where one could persistently strive to achieve her life-long dreams. College is a place where you get to start anew, have a once-upon-a-time all over again and aim to have a happily-ever-after at the end. As the new school year started, the corridors of Miriam College were once again filled with fresh young faces, some in civilian clothes. We see them along the cafeteria, trying to strike a conversation with different people. We see them in the halls, in a daze, stumbling toward their classes, aiming to start their college life in the best possible way. We see their dazzling blue IDs everywhere they are the first year students of Miriam College, Batch 2017. Through an ambush interview conducted by Chi Rho Publications, lets see what some freshmen have got to say in their first-week stay in the Blue and Gold of Miriam! My first day was a bit shocking for its my first time to enter an exclusive school. Totally no boys to mingle with and I was like, sana wag ako maging tibo . I could see a lot of pretty faces and I felt like, 'God, bat napunta sa kanila ganda ko?' Overall, college is almost the same as high school; sanay na rin po akong ma-stress nung High School. What's different now is that we go to different rooms for different classes. - Nikaela Jan SJ. Cortez (BA Communication) My first day was a very memorable one kasi I spent my 4 hours and 30 minutes break inside and outside of Miriam College, with my sophomore friend named Ate Yno. I was like, "Ganito pala pag may vacant pag college. Wala naman kasing ganito pag high school." Except for the vacants, syempre nakaka-culture shock din because this is an all-girls school and I came from a co-ed school nung high school. And of course, everyone's praying to pass all of the subjects, especially those sa mga terror na prof so there, so far so good. - Gianinia Nicolla C. (Continuation, see next page)

Can you still remember your

Writer: Julie Anne D. Ines

Literary Pieces Literary by Studentsdents Pieces by Students-

THE CHI

Experience
Writer: Christine Joy F. Aragon

RHO
it brought them, and how Chi Rho has influenced their lives in general. Let us take it from the people who have been through it all. We were privileged to take a glimpse into the busy lives of Tamara Subido (T), Nicole Lualhati (V), and Johanna Go (J), the Associate Editor, Feature Editor and Senior Layout Artist of Chi Rho 2012-2013, respectively. the HEU community that promotes the 4 core values, truth, peace, justice, and integrity of creation in every activity and issue being released; and to put my passion and hobby into good use. Even though I took an Environmental Planning and Management course, I never saw it as a deterrent [to restrict me] from doing what I love. Apparently, I didnt apply as a writer. I love writing. But I can Q: WHY DID YOU JOIN CHI also be too biased. Compared RHO? with layouting and design, I find it T: Firstly, I didn't really have lighter and playful to experiment anything to do during college with colors and graphics, I find except study, and occasionally solitude in that, too. hang out with friends, I was Q: DESCRIBE YOU CHI RHO bored. I didn't really have many EXPERIENCE - BEST AND ambitions toward the school WORST ONES. press, but I have always been a part of it since elementary T: I honestly don't think school. I think the familiarity I have a "worst" or a "best" drew me in, when I was looking experience, though that could for something to do. Eventually, always be because of my passive I saw it as a way to improve my temperament. However, I can skills and add to my credentials. share that all the frustrations it also became a source of and joys and stress and pride for me, but my primary achievements are all part of the motivation for Chi Rho was that job. As an editor, you sometimes it gave me something to do in get irritated with your writers and school, something to occupy artists for missing deadlines, my time and thoughts, and frustrated that they don't allowed me to meet new and even own up to it, or pass interesting people. some half-assed effort as V: I love reading; and as an articles. You get frustrated extension, I fell in love with writing with your own limitations, too. Ive had a lot of written because you can't chase after articles since high school that every member and always rely I never had the guts to publish. on someone else. As a team, But for the first time, my short the Chi Rho members should be story was published in the Lanai interdependent on each other, during my freshman year. Thats as well as have initiative and when I thought that my articles assertiveness to collect the were good enough and that it can correct information and properly be published, so I joined Chi Rho. synthesize it in a single article, J: Back in high school, Ive plus the conviction to back their always planned to join the school writing. It was stressful as hell publication, but never really did to develop these traits with the pursue it. Im always hesitant expectations ADSA, the faculty thinking that Im not qualified and staff and especially the enough to contribute a front student body have for the page or campus paper worthy publications. It does make article. When I reached college, each great release immensely I gathered all my guts to apply satisfying, though. [It was] in Chi Rho. It took me 2 years Difficult, but satisfying. to finally decide that I should be V: My best experiences are part of the campus publication usually whenever my articles get team. I have three reasons why published. Its always so fulfilling I joined Chi Rho: to introduce to see my name printed on the an innovative and creative newsletter. My worst though are approach in campus journalism; whenever I feel like what Im to encourage the wide doing isnt enough especially participation and awareness in (Continuation, see page...)

Sitting as if paralyzed by the forceful breeze of the FX air conditioner And all her eager eyes can see behind those soggy glass windows are overly familiar. It was enraging, and quite nauseating; She was dying dying to buy everything. When she reached her destination, the driver asked Have you paid already? Realizing that death was still a less bearable option, she nodded silently. She thought This is something new and also fun . Then she went on and soon, it became an addiction. In dreams she had let herself drown, She lied and hid secrets even to those she called her own, She cheated her way through life for the sake of living young. Soon, her secrets became skeletons in her closet with lies becoming attached with her tongue. Then she wanted to have people, not love them, So she created a mask that would allow her to do so. She played them like dolls with her tiny little fingers, And left them confused and used once she has found a better place to go

FX

By: Bea Lopez And later, she wanted things beyond her capabilities so she did things beyond imagination. She stole many from people and Jesus with papers, friends, lies, and a gun. Years had passed, and time run faster. She was stuck in bliss upon which illusion was still higher.

A Good Night for a Goodnight

By: Alisa Reynaldo

journalism and creative writing. Chi Rho, with its rich alumni unrelenting service to the student body, has definitely been a legacy. base, has fashioned alumni that are now Not only does it constantly graduates produce newsletters, magazines, professionals and famous in and folios that reflect the culture their respective fields. To deliver of the Miriam College community, relevant information and make it also correspondingly paves this more relatable, we have the way for aspiring writers by contacted recent graduates and offering a platform for practicing asked them a few questions effective leadership, responsible regarding their experience, where experienced getting a [violation] (Here Comes the Blue Batch slip for forgetting my ID, and continuation...) First week, full of adjustments writing an apology letter to and sobrang depressing kasi ADSA about it. I thought that the walang block. Independent living students would be posh and talaga, walang naaasahan. all that, but they're not. They're Mahirap makisama. Sobrang easy to get along with and ewan, mixed emotions kasi you'll get your 'kalog' moments talaga ako. Nandoon ako with them. I can say that I'll be sa mode na OKAY lang. having an interesting year here in Hindi happy, hindi rin ganon ka- Miriam College. - Nancy Fernandez (BS Psychology) sad. - Monique Aubrey E. Exciting na nakakakaba, Gonzaga (BS Psychology) I was lost away from grabe! Kasi hindi mo pa alam home but now I'm part of a kung ano bang meron sa gigantic home, and I'm happy college tapos kung yung mga that I found it or it has found me. magiging professors mo terror ba. -Maimai Duatin (BS Biology) And honestly, yung ibang Well I thought everyone was students parang medyo maaarte maarte and conyo speaking but siguro kasi hindi ko pa sila no, students of MC are awesome kakilala and the way they speak, and easy to get along with. parang Oh my gerd!- Elaiza Darlene Quibuyen (BS Joyce Ardiente (BS Leisure Leisure and Tourism and Tourism Management) Its nice din pero its not Management) My first week in MC was so easy kasi ang layo ng really something. I had no idea pinanggalingan ko, Caloocan pa where [to go] or what to do for my pero alam kong magiging six-hour break so I just stayed masaya naman. So, magoutside the school. I felt like a loner aadjust na lang, kasi ako because I didnt have any friend lang talaga mag-isa dito galing in my classes. It was kind of hard sa school ko. Masaya din yung to approach new people because mga professors, di sila ganun they might think that Im "fc" ka-strict di katulad ng high [feeling close] but the whole MC school. Sa tingin ko nga ang community is so approachable, college, parang high school din though Im still adjusting with pero mas pinasaya lang. - Tricia the environment because this is Garcia (BS Accountancy) Truly, I could say that the not a co-ed school and I came freshmen are unquestionably from one. I find the community welcoming and so far, my stay ready to face their new beginning, here has been fun. - Jean Katlyn to write their new book and fill it Castro (AB International Studies) with stories that they could look Coming from an all-girls back to in the future. Seeing school surely helped me adjust excitement and happiness on in college. Seeing girls from their faces makes it seems as if left to right made me feel that their ready to dive into the whole it's still high school; only that college set-up. Beyond their faces you're the one going to your of eagerness, courage and professor's class, experiencing hope, is a desire to just enjoy free cuts and commuting from their stay and make it a your house to MC and back. meaningful one. So, we better Anyway, my first two months were, watch out for the big wave shall I say, unforgettable. I already because here comes the blue batch!

Chi Rho, with its sixty years of

Little Girl
By: Denise Fuderanan

The little girl falls in love with a dream. She ventures to pursue it; bright eyes, transparent thoughts and heart for all to see. Every breath is spent with purpose, every ache endured. She speaks of it like its within her grasp, like one would of his home. Her words unfailingly spill like milk on cold kitchen tiles, they are unyielding and free-flowing, and with zeal so palpable its difficult to remain untouched. I hope you never lose your spirit, her father tells her one night. The little girl laughs, That wouldnt be possible!

The Bark Has Forgotten Language

By: Trish Shishikura

At first youd think, she keeps writing about dogs. How their branches snap because storms keep coming and going here in the tropics, where pineapples grow, decay, then become one with land as though they were something alive like a child uttering, ma-ma. Stuttering on this universal language. The first word. Ang unang salita. Youd think: God, inventor of all things.

Dot-like lights covering the dark sky And blankets Suddenly on her way home, she realized embracing the evening A cat sits on the couch that something was wrong. Those familiar things outside the soggy and stares glass windows made her shiver to the While a bright face l ooks down on me core. When she reached her destination, the I hear bees hovering on bedsheets driver asked Have you paid already? And I hear a cloud She simply said I must pay. She handed him coins and something whispering in my ear massive and indescribable in her heart 'Enough, the town is already murdered!' has finally been set free. When she went home, she told all truths 'Cease the day,' a soft mattress added she could remember, Realizing that her life was more wasted Looking at the foam of coffee melt than ever Shes sitting as if paralyzed by a forceful Sighs were exhaled and expressed breeze far different from an FX Ooh's and ahh's echoed air conditioner. When she saw everyone, she goes home in the thin air And the leaves in front for visiting her drifted apart With a silver fork poked Then behind the cold and terrorizing on the apple prison bars, Her pale lips formed a kind of smile that Letters were stitched on two marbles was long lost Because finally, she has everything she Drawing lines needed to be paused could ask for. For a wooden stick fell FREEDOM on the ground No more dust on books, But she learned about snakes that hissed just curves lies, knives that were sunk into backs and Then no longer was feet that stepped on heads for leverage, the mind sane and it caused the fire in her chest to waver. Tomorrow, there in the East is a lamp And it wavered and receded until it was A new quest is to be discovered Another battle to be fought but a remnant of what had burned. and won She remembers falling in love with a Only then can a soldier dream, once, back when she was a little dream again But for now, even a nap won't do girl. She continues to pursue it, regardless; Though all that was wanted sunken eyes, guarded thoughts and is a curl Pillows at my back, steeled heart. not under my hair She wants to shriekwants to scream, It wasnt like this before!but its too Time to absorb words late, so she stops herself, only barely, and like a sponge reminds herself of the role she needs to Stop temptations and sit straight play. Her words, after all, would be Feed the sheep with for naught if its over spilled milk. some more grass Pepper and strawberries over cherries Imagine a long white paper of blanks But children discover speech Truly, really, this night, by instinct, learn to bite on tongues, then forget: salamat po, arigatou gozaim- tonight is... A good night for a goodnight asu. Basics are never forgottenWash the dishes. Dry the clothes. Turn the mattress over. Close the door.

Literary Pieces by StudentsLiterary Pieces by Students-

Flames
By: Krista Eviota

To Hold On A S o c i e t y o f Our Own To Making Hope

By: Andrea Celina T. Zabalo By: Trina Baclayo The rain, it pours, Heaven weeps tonight. The stars cry out, while comets wail. The sympathy flows in abundance. On your right hand are shards of broken glass. Your dreams and shattered hopes, You bleed so hard, your heart breaks. Do you still want to breathe? As hard and hopeless life may be, Is it worth giving up? Or will you pick up the pieces of your heart And stand up with pride again? You are a warrior, scarred but not fallen. You are a living proof of hope. The sun will always rise, the rain will stop, Rise, breathe, live. Learn from falling. Smile form crying. There is hope, Do not give up. We are the shards under your feet, The ashes that fall on your eyes We command you We are the strings that keep you alive We bore the holes in your face, Cut the line between your lips We are the spaces in your hollow heart The voices that echo through your ears We are the emeralds in your dreams, The salt that numbs your tongue We are the dragons in your sleep We breathe fire to your lungs We have come to cleanse you, to chastise, To break, to take all that you claim yours Grief is what we bring; pain, demise Blood to stain your hands, acid on your sores We lie to hurt We hurt to kill We kill for love And love to steal We are the seeds of agony, Planted in the minds of the needy, The greedy, the weak We live to see, to laugh at your catharsis You do not belong here and neither do we You were the ones who created us, can't you see? We are the creators now On your knees and bow down before me

Flames, so hypnotizing, How the embers dance, How the fire destroys, How the heat feels. Flames, so alluring How the skin blackens, How the smoke rises, How the fire crackles. Flames, so loving, How it surrounds me, How it melts me, How it caresses me. Flames, so deliciously painful, How it burns my skin, How it sears my lungs, How it devours my body. Flames, so merciful, How it saves me from a world of pain, How it takes me from a life of desolation, How it wakes me from an endless nightmare.

(The Chi Rho Experience continuation...) when I became the Features Editor. I felt like I wasnt performing well enough. I was always second guessing myself and I guess that was the worst I ever experienced. J: Im not lying if I told you that I never had any worst experiences in Chi Rho. There are situations where we had to cram in order to make it on our deadlines, but I dont consider it as the worst. It is inevitable to experience something like that and I do hear the same stories shared by the other campus publications team. On another note, the striking and memorable experiences that I had are during our release of the Chi Rho issues. I actually make it a point to deliver it directly to the students and other offices so that I can see their reactions, or if they expressed any interest to read it. Im thankful that my friends are being supportive and have convinced some of them to

read Chi Rho. Its heart-warming that all the collective effort of the Chi Rho team didnt go to waste. That is when our hard work really pays off. Another would be during our Lanai deliberation; it is impressing to read the creative and witty entries of the students, professors, and other contributors. Even some of our alumni still submit their entries for Lanai. This is one proof that creativity stands out in Miriam College. Q: WHAT WAS THE BEST THING CHI RHO TAUGHT YOU? V: Chi Rho taught me that there is power in words and that there are things that I can do even if Im not brave enough to do it. Chi Rho also taught me how to deal with lifes challenges by giving me a taste of rejections and acceptance. J: The most significant thing that I learned in Chi Rho is not to underestimate the power of

being well-informed. Awareness is a stepping stone that creates a lot of possibilities to change or improve something. With this, it became a habit of mine to read the news daily (well, I read online news), and to do some quick researches to clarify its credibility. Its all about how you understand the situation that makes it easier to think of ideas and make it more effective in sharing the information. Q: WHAT WAS YOUR MOST FULFILLING TASK/ARTICLE? WHY? T: I don't have one. Certainly, some articles I wrote had more effort and should be theoretically, more fulfilling than some. To me, however, everything I've ever written for Chi Rho held something of a personal value to me (sans the few news I wrote), and they are something I wish to share. Since I was mainly a literary writer, it's up to the

readers to enjoy and interpret as they will. If they get anything at all from all the word vomit, then that to me is most fulfilling as a writer. V: Writing the editorial titled, Holier Than Thou was very fulfilling since it talks about my strongest advocacy which is fighting for equal rights especially those concerning the LGBT community. It was actually inspired by an anti-gay campaign that Ive seen along Katipunan which bothered me, and being able to write about it was very liberating for me. Going through their responses, one can conclude that the Chi Rho experience offers an individual a wider variety of practice and involvement that would be helpful when we finally leave the four corners of Miriam College. It only goes to show that the publication provides a unique and hands-on training system that remains a relevant exercise for the holistic formation of the students in Miriam College.