GIFTS OF COMPASSION, AFFECTION, AND PROVISION

by Catherine V. Adaniel

       “Wherever there are people giving gifts, exchanging cards, I believe that Christmas is truly in their hearts.” 

        These popular song lyrics written by Jose Mari Chan reverberate all over the Philippine streets and households, along with glowing and blazing lights, vibrant parols, and ingenious Christmas decorations joined by unusual embellishments, when the festive season is all around the corner. Solely, hearing the word “Christmas” is enough for the human stimuli to exhilarate their nerves and let out the sense of thrill and enthusiasm. 

        To one side, the festival of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ does not only pirouettes around the joy of caroling, parties, special Christmas dinner, as well as in extravagant and picturesque Christmas sites and attractions. Beyond these are the smiles and glee of individuals who gave and received love through giving – the greatest gift of life and the secret of living. 

     With this essence, dwelling in their minds, pure souls, and genuine human nature, Capiz State University Burias Campus, through the initiative of the Supreme Student Council, NSTP/DRRM Office, Research Extension Office, Future Leaders of the Philippines Burias Chapter, Rumbuhan Teen Center, and of the Student Affairs and Services, arranged a donation drive. Dubbed as “CAPSU Cares”, the endeavor aimed to alleviate the plights of the victims of the Tropical Storm Paeng, which wrecked the town of Mambusao in October. 

      Two days prior to the actual day, Christmas came early as the organizers served as the Santa Clauses who brought gifts to the people targeted by the natural calamity. In return, they witnessed the smiles worth a thousand words and the incessant ‘thank you’ to the contributors who made the season bursts with delight. 

     Scrumptious foods above the table and the mouthwatering aromas of bibingka and puto bumbong outside the church, bustling roads and recreational spots, and heaven-like carols echoing everywhere are just usual scenes of the yuletide. Unseen are the moments of great compassion, affection, and provision.

 SHARE-A-JOY 2022: GIVING CHRISTMAS JOY TO THE PRESCHOOLER KIDS OF BURIAS DAY CARE CENTER

by Mayrel Joy P. Arroyo

      Giving from the heart nourishes your soul and fills your life with joy. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To find yourself, lose yourself in the service of others.” Giving takes something out of yourself, but allows you to expand beyond earthly limitations.

        In light of the aforementioned dogma, the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DABE), through the efforts of Philippine Society of Agricultural Engineers, Pre-Professional Group (PSABE PPG), carried out the annual Share-A-Joy Program on Dec. 19 at Burias Day Care Center, Burias, Mambusao, Capiz.

     According to Ms. Daneca Florentino, PSABE-PPG Burias Chapter President, “Since 2009, the program has constantly proven that the gift of joy comes when people learn to share their blessings to others through the expression of kindness and generosity to indigent preschoolers every Christmas. This year, PSABE-PPG catered to the preschool kids from Burias Day Care Center, together with their parents and teacher.”

     To fill the milieu with overflowing delight and extra joy, BSABE students and faculty members members prepared gifts and each child received a toy, a pack of fruits, biscuits, and a spaghetti set for their Noche Buena.

        Furthermore, PSABE-PPG officers and members presented a dance number to entertain them on top of the many entertainment, and surprises for children and the audience.

      “The Share-A-Joy program indeed allows us to reap the joy of seeing the bright smiles, laughter, tears of joy, and gratitude from these children,” Ms. Florentino further expressed.

 GLITZ AND WIT: ROAD TO THE CROWN

by Erica Mae G. Cala

Mr. and Ms. CAPSU Burias 2022 candidates perch elegantly at the stage while waiting for their turn in the question and answer portion. 

        Blinding lights, booming music, wild cheers and loud applauses - yes, that's a pageant!

       Filipinos are known to be one of the biggest fans of pageants. For the longest time, we have seen how it became a source of entertainment in our country. Festivities and celebrations cannot be completed without it. It has to happen. In this regard, school context is no exception. In fact, it is one of the platforms where some of the famous beauty queens discover their love for pageantry. It's not just a place for fun and excitement, but also a way of discovering oneself and finding one’s innate qualities. It's not just about glitz and glamour, it is also about wit and grit.

      The world of pageantry can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Exciting for the audience and nerve-wracking for the contestants – somehow, these are true. But, not entirely because it could also be nerve-wracking for the audience, but exciting for the contestants. Nevertheless, everyone shares a common question in their mind – who will be the winner? With all the steps and turns, clapping and shouting, who would know?

      These describe best the recently concluded Mr. and Ms. CAPSU Burias that was held during the Intramural Meet at CAPSU Burias Gymnasium last Nov. 17. For the very first time, again, after two years of pandemic, the event finally kicked off. Five departments clashed for the crowns, including the College of Education as Mentors Team (Joshua Nepomuceno, Jingky Abale, Kristine Jill Llegue, and Keinth Villacastin), College of Education as Mentors Team (Joshua Nepomuceno, Jingky Abale, Kristine Jill Llegue, and Keinth Villacastin), College of Management as the Bankerz Team (Rita Mae Sioco and Jerecho Once), College of Agriculture and Forestry as D'Champs Team (Romelyn Nastor and Kim Ferro), Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering as the ABEngers Team (Angel Mae Miguel and Kent Begona), and the Laboratory High School as the SMASHERS TEAM (Mary Estelle Reanna Loja and Zaniel Baranda).

     As they vied for the title, they walked the stage and displayed their individuality. The whole gymnasium thundered with the echo of squeaks and screams coming from the audience as they gave their best ramps and poses in every category. Everybody was in the moment of rush and blast. The audience was in the middle of making the loudest cheer they could give.

       As the pageant came closer to the announcement of winners, everyone was getting a grip on their seat. They went all out on supporting their bets. The awarding of winners started with the minor categories for the male and female contestants. These included Best in Production Number bagged by Keinth Villacastin and Mary Estelle Reanna Loja, Mr. Friendship awarded to Joshua Nepomuceno, Mr. and Ms. Photogenic snatched by Jerecho Once and Romelyn Nastor, Best in Swimwear grabbed by Joshua Nepomuceno and Mary Estelle Reanna Loja, while Best in Barong Tagalog given to Keinth Villacastin, Best in Filipiniana given to Rita Mae Sioco, and Best in Interview seized by Zaniel Baranda and Angel Mae Miguel.

       The awarding of the major categories was the most heart stopping portion of the event. The venue's atmosphere got more intense as the announcement of awardees began to unfold. Results were out!

      Kent Begona from the ABEngers Team and Romelyn Nastor from D'Champs Team were declared the 3rd Runners Up. Followed by the 2nd Runners Up, Keinth Villacastin of the Mentors Team and Mary Estelle Reanna Loja of the SMASHERS TEAM. Zaniel Baranda of the SMASHERS TEAM and Jingky Abale of the Mentors Team were proclaimed the First Runners Up. Joshua Nepomuceno from the Mentors Team hailed as Mr. CAPSU Burias 2022, with Angel Mae Miguel from the ABEngers Team as Ms. CAPSU Burias 2022.

       Indeed, the road to the crown is long, loud, and nerve-wracking, yet fun, exciting, and entertaining. It is not only filled with shouts and screams, but also, with delight and proud moments.

 FINALLY BACK IN THE GAME: INTRAMURAL MEET REOPENS AFTER A TWO-YEAR HIATUS

by Erica Mae G. Cala

CAPSU Burias faculty, staff, and students enthusiastically participate in the unity dance led by the students from the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd).

       The loud beat of drums and lyres, colorful banners representing every department, flaglets on every side of the road, attempting to wave on their own as they were blown by the wind, fun chants signifying victory, lighting of the flame of sportsmanship, raising of the university color, and who would forget the long walk from the Corner Stone to the Review Stand, and the unity dance despite the muddy terrain caused by an overnight rain shower—these were how Capiz State University (CAPSU) Burias Campus enthusiastically welcomed the 2022 Palarong Pampaaralan after a two-year break due to the inconspicuous adversary.

      Dr. Rodyard B. Madiclum, the Campus Administrator of CAPSU Burias, used a well-known English proverb in his welcome remarks that said, "All work and no play make Jack a dull boy." As a response, CAPSU Burias' players showed no reluctance to prove that they are not "Jack," but rather, stood on their own and played in a friendly yet competitive manner, continually bringing the names of  their departments with them.

         With the theme “Embracing Sports, Culture, and the Arts beyond the New Normal”, this event has sparked a desire among students to demonstrate the art of winning, teamwork, and most importantly, losing. With every kick, everyone aimed for a win; with every serve, someone hoped that it will bring the opposing team's score down; with every strong smash, the team hoped that it will not outsmart them; with every sprint, the player hoped that they will reach the finish line; and with every bounce of the ball, they hoped to make a 3-pointer shot.

      In the cards, the daring Mentors Team of the College of Education (COE) bagged the overall champion title, followed by the D’Champs Team of the College of Agriculture and Forestry (CAF); third, the Bankerz Team of the College of Management (CM); fourth, the ABEngers of the Department of Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering (DABE); and fifth, the SMASHERS TEAM of the Laboratory High School (LHS).

       But, are these accomplishments, trophies, and certificates already enough to recognize their efforts? Indeed, no. Looking past the facade of every athlete's victory, one can see their overnight practices, sweats, and mountains of homework as university students, and that should never be overlooked.

     When asked about their preparation, Keinth Villacastin, a student-athlete from the Bachelor of Physical Education (BPEd), said, "My preparation for the intramural match is that I have to manage my time efficiently for practice and rehearsal for pageantry and sports… as well as a fourth-year college student, I have my tasks in FS and at home.”

       Without a doubt, players have been up all night preparing for this re-opening. Betting on coins, each one had been itching to connect with one another after being stuck in their own homes.

      Mayrel Joy Arroyo, one of the players for Sepak Takraw, added, "We did practice all day and exerted efforts into our game, and indeed, it tested our time management skills because we need to have time for ourselves, especially in our academics, but in the end, we tell ourselves that it doesn't matter whether we win or lose, as long as we have fun."

     Ultimately, the intramural competition is a venue that has evolved into a realm for fostering camaraderie, enhancing brotherhood and sisterhood, utilizing one's skills, recognizing one's potential, and providing opportunities for individuals to compete in regional competitions. We'll never know; maybe one of these hundreds of athletes will one day represent CAPSU Burias in the national competition. Let us keep the possibilities open.

 

 SHOCK AND SPLENDOR

by Charlene J. Dela Cruz

After three years of modular learning, students finally take up examinations through face-to-face mode, a reset for the many.

“Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you go on even though you’re scared.” – Angie Thomas

            The pandemic has tested the resilience of students, and the decision to take the face-to-face exam was not an easy one. It required them to overcome their dreads of returning to school, step out of their comfort zones, and face the challenge head-on.

          This January, students of Capiz State University Burias Campus proved that they have the courage to face their fears and take their face-to-face final examinations. After three years of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a significant milestone for the students to go back to the traditional classroom setting and experience, over again, the accustomed learning and teaching processes.  

It was not an easy journey, but these students manifested remarkable grit in taking the final exam. They prepared diligently, studied hard, and mustered the strength to come to the examination hall. They took their seats, put their fears aside, and began to answer the test papers.

           Unquestionably, they proved that they are more than capable of rising to the challenge. They showed that they have the persistence to pursue their dreams, even in the face of adversity, as well as the spirit of determination and hard work that make anything possible.

As you, students, move forward in your academic journey, remember this moment and the dedication you showed. Always believe in yourself and never give up on your dreams.

        In the words of Nelson Mandela, "It always seems impossible until it's done." Keep pushing forward, keep striving for greatness, and keep being brave. You have the power to achieve anything you set your mind to.

 SECOND SEM ENROLLMENT MARKS FACE-TO-FACE CLASSES PREP

by Blossom Pearl O. Villorente

According to Top Hat, student enrollment is a process of signing up for school, specific classes, or programs.

After completing the requirements and other processes, applicants will be admitted to a particular school. Indeed, it necessitates thorough preparation. As the second semester approaches, clearing away your backlogs, or INCs, or what we used to call incomplete, and a number of conditions must be met by the students. Like clockwork, students fill out paperwork and wait in a long line at the registrar as each department opens admission for the second semester, the beginning of the much-anticipated face-to-face classes.

         "During the enrollment process, it is just like a roller coaster experience. You have to undergo a lot of procedures and follow a step-by-step process. However, I was able to cope with those processes and just enjoy the flow because this would perhaps be the last time to experience enrolling as a college student," James, a 4th-year college student, said.

            As an institution that encourages orderliness and still abides by the COVID-19 rules for faculty, staff, and students' safety, different schedules were given to various departments in order to control the crowds. Moreover, the process of making plans to attend an institution and the number of students in that institution were given importance as signs that students would finally return to the campus as the school reopened for face-to-face classes.

           "During the enrollment process of the second semester, I felt tired and accomplished at the same time. Tired because of the long queue at the registrar and the long walks from the department to the administrative building and vice versa for the signing of clearances. At the end of the day, I felt accomplished for the first time in my college life. I got to enroll myself face-to-face," Tin, a 3rd-year college student, commented.

            Indeed, applying to college can be exciting, but requires a lot of dedication toward our academic interests. Supported by this statement is the concluding answer of Mr. Villasis, who says that we must keep in mind that such experiences during the enrollment process are like our lives – you have to take the stairs because there’s no elevator to success.

CAPSU BEGINS 2023 WITH UNIVERSITY SPORTSFEST, CONFERENCE 

by Dhavie Bless P. Fabro

Upholding the incessant appreciation of the University of the significance and value of sports, culture, and arts, as well as of connection and fellowship, Capiz State University (CAPSU) held the 16^th University Sportsfest and Conference on Jan. 3 to 6 at CAPSU Main Campus, with Tapaz Satellite College serving as the host. 
          
       The onset and the realization of sport, cultural, and art events, two years after its all-out termination, beyond the new normal enabled the Roxas, Pontevedra, and Burias Campuses, and Dayao, Sapian, Sigma, Mambusao, Dumarao, and Tapaz satellite colleges to gather and clash in various sport events, cultural contests, and artistic activities that took place in different venues.

         For Anjelo Dela Cruz, a student-athlete, “Representing CAPSU Burias in the 16^th University Sportsfest and Conference brings joy to myself. I am extremely proud and happy that apart from learning new badminton techniques and enhancing my skills, I have got the opportunity to bring pride and honor to my school after unwanted adversities and hindrances.”

Raising the banner of CAPSU Burias, the Fighting Rams, composed of student-athletes and contenders for the culture and the arts festival, geared up and compete to bring home medals and trophies and with this being said, the Fighting Rams bagged the silver during the Sepak Takraw (Women) championship game, garnered the top spot in the Short and Sweet Play (Dialogue) Contest,  won the third place in Dance Sports – Latin American Category, ranked third in Pagsusulat ng Sanaysay, hailed as the second best in Chess (Women), grabbed the third place in the Folkdance Competition, seized awards during the Mr. and Ms. CAPSU 2022, won the first place in the Instrumental Solo, snagged the second spot in the Pop Solo (OPM) Contest, and ensured spots in the regional athletics for chess, swimming, and badminton. 

          “Being one of the RSCUAA players in Badminton (Women), I feel so honored and proud because out of eight campuses, I am one of the athletes who were selected to represent not only the Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE) Department, but also the CAPSU BURIAS team,” Sharmain Alegre, Regional SCUAA (State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association) Qualifier, said.

The event that ran for four days covered sport events, such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton, cultural and art events, including radio drama, sweet play, essay writing, and many more, and also, the Mr. and Ms. CAPSU 2022, which are all participated by selected students who represented their respective campus or satellite college.