Mga Amigo, Mga Amiga

 

Mga Amigo, Mga Amiga

ni Melchor F. Cichon

April 30, 2020

 

Mga amigo, mga amiga

Dali kamo sa karsada.

Mahayag ro ugsad.

Mahampang kita't tinubigan.

Kon sin-o ro mapirde,

Maditso sa tunga.

Pareho kara:

Kon magbahoe ako,

Gusto ko mangin piloto

Nga owa't eroplano.

May hasob-eang ako nga daeaga

 May hasob-eang ako nga daeaga Abaw a, gapahueoy-hueoy gid ka mata Ugaling nasandad sa gausli nga bato. Ahay, nagbukoe ra ueo.

**Ni Tay Itsong

April 24, 2020

Mga Bag-o Ko nga Luwa

 Mga Bag-o Ko nga Luwa
Ni Tay Itsong
***On-going 

 

Igto sa amon
May tikong baboy.
Ginsueod imaw sa tikong tangkae.
Ro gabahug kana hay tikong tomboy.
***April 25, 2023

  

May hakilaea ako nga daeaga.

Kon tawgon imaw hay Marites.

Daywang kurso ra natapos:

Master in Maritesology ag Master in Marisolsology.

***April 25, 2023

Nag-agto ako sa suba

Agod magdakop it mga paka

Agod isumsuman ni Tatay

Sa tinangway nana nga tuba.

***April 25, 2023

 

Abril paeang Paskwa eon sa Kalibo.

Ro suga abi igto hay "patay-sindi."

***April 24, 2023

Kon ugsad, gamahae ro pasayan ag isda,

Pero gabarato kuno ro atay.

Ham-an baea?

Abu abi kunong silhig nga makitang gaeupad kon ugsad.

***April 24, 2023

Nag-agto ako sa opis,
Nagkaon ako igto it ibis.
Umabot ro sangka huwis.
Nagkanta it lawiswis. 
***April 24, 2023

Nagpaligos ako sa banyo.
May hakita ako nga bao.
Gintao ko kay Lolo.
Gintongtong nana sa ueo ko.
***April 24, 2023

Nonoy, magtueok ka sa waea,

Pero kon magtueok ka sa tuo,

Siguraduhon mo nga ona ako

Agod kon maghiyumhiyum ka kakon, mahiyumhiyum man ako kimo.

***April 23, 2023

All reactions:

1Nynn Arwena G. Tamayo

 Nonoy, hasayran ko nga outstanding ka
Imaw ron nga igto ka pirme sa guwa’t opisina
Gabantay it nagaaeaging mga daeaga
Samtang nagahueagog eon ring ueobrahon sa opisina.
***April 23, 2023

 

Tag buhi pa si Tatay ag si Nanay,
Owa gid ako kakita kandang nagaaway.
Kon gabukae ra dugo ni Tatay,
Ginapainum imaw it tubi nga halin sa banga ni Nanay.
***April 23, 2023

One, two bato.
Three, four bapor.
I love you before
Until the moon and the sun have lost their flavor.
***April 23, 2023
 

 

Kon hiagto ka sa banwa't Lezo
Pareho eang nga owa ka kabisita igto
Kon owa ka't pasalubong nga buti ag kueon
Nga produkto it banwa namon.
***April 22, 2023

Saea, daywa, tatlo

Hakwaton eon naton ro baeay ni Lolo Itsong

Ag isaylo sa may puno it butong

Agod indi eon ra paghapayo’t kapreng perming hilong.

***April 22, 2023

 

Kon ikaw papilion

Anong kolor it rosas ring pueoton?

Puea, puti, berde, asul o itum?

O basi gusto mo ro dueaw nga nagatao’t kahamungayaan?

***April 22, 2023

 

May sambulig ako nga sab-a

Nga ginregalo ko kay Maria.

Ginkinaon na hasta mag-aga-aga.

Ahay, sa ospital imaw dayon ginpurga.

***April 22, 2023

 

Sa ibabao it niyog

May tumogpang banog

Agod mag-inum it tuba sa saeod.

Ahay nahilong, nahueog.

***April 22, 2023

 

Igto sa Lezo,

Kun alas tres it Viernes Santo,

Ro mga unga gatumbo-tumbo

Agod magtaas kuno.

***April 22, 2023

 

Sa atop it among kamalig

May magkae nga galigid-ligid.

Kon owa ko madiparahi sa maeukong ko gid

Nga may tinueang manok tumogpa.

***April 22, 2023

Pag-agto ko sa Boracay
May nasub-eang ako nga daeagang Bukay.
Nagpangayo ako kana it tinapay,
Gintaw-an nana ako't mainit-init nga monay.
***April 21, 2023

May ginbitay ako nga monay
Sa kilid ku among baeay;
Pag-agi ni Lola Bilay,
Ginkuhit na ku anang eaway.
***April 21, 2023

May sangka eake nga haras-haras
Nga nag-eugad sa among baeas;
Mayad eang ay ro mga nag-aeagi
Hay mga meron nga may ikog it pagi.
***April 21, 2023

Ro mga bituon sa eangit,
May nagakilo-kilo, may nagakurapkurap;
Pareho man sa eugta
May nagadayaw, may nagaeaguta.
***April 21, 2023

Ro mga mata mo Inday hay daw ugsad nga buean.
Kun magtueok, may daea nga duyan;
Matueok sa waea, matueok sa tuo,
May pagtueok nga ginaduyog ako.
***April 21, 2023

Kon ako mangasawa
Pilion ko ro taga-Ibajay.
Bangod owa sanda kapanghayhay,
Pirming malipay ro sueod it pamimaeay.
***April 21, 2023

Kon ro jeepney driver hay a sweet lover
Ag ro pulis hay a never ending lover
Ag ro seaman hay your forever man,
Ano ro tawag sa piloto, a forever transferee man?

***April 21, 2023

Kon madumduman ko ro banwang Banga,
Madumduman ko man ro nagbastid kakon nga maambong nga daeaga.
Ay gali rang mga sueat kana ginabuesa ku naga-obra
Sa post office ku andang banwa.

***April 21, 2023

 

Para Kay Bing

 

Para Kay Bing

Ni Melchor F. Cichon

April 20, 2020

 

Kon ako eon lang nga isaea

Ag mahayag ro ugsad,

Ginapanumdom ko ikaw.

Ginapanumdom ko

Ro gabii nga daywa eang kita

Galingkod sa Tambak

Gatan-aw ku humbak

Nga gapaeapit katon.

Gapamati ku kanta it baeod

Nga amat-amat nga nagapalinong

Ku atong paminsaron.

Huo, ginapanumdom ko

Ro gabut-eak nga adlaw

Ag ro silak

Nga nagaharu katon

Sa adlaw-adlaw.

Ag bisan ro asaw-asaw sa buean it Mayo

Ag ro bagyo kon Agosto,

Ginapanumdom ko.

Ag ginapanumdom ko

Ro oras nga maski mauean

Ginabakean mo ako't akong bueong

Ag maski madueomdueom pa hay ikaw gabangon

Agod ako hay eahaan it baeon.

Ginapanumdom ko ron.

Ginapanumdom ko

Ro atong mga unga sa anda nga pagdaeagko

Hasta mag-abot si Sean Marie sa atong euyo.

Raya tanan kon hidumdoman ko

Nagakaeaduea rang kahidlaw,

Rang kamingaw.

Rang kalipayan nagalig-on.

Pero kon umabot ro oras

Nga indi eon ako makadumdom,

Panumdumon mo man ako.

alone

 alone--
softly, she touches the vacant bench
overlooking a silent pond
***Melchor F. Cichon
April 18, 2023

 

dumaan nga sapa

 

dumaan nga sapa--
mahinay eon ro kala-kala
it mga paka

***Maeara
April 18, 2011

Alone

 Alone

Alone
She floats
Facing the blue skies
On a silent seashore,
While her companions
In a beach resort's cottage
Keep on giggling.

***Tatay Itsong
April 8, 2023

Ikaw Gid Lang Rang Itanum

 ikaw gid lang rang itanum
sa ang tagipusuon
ugsad
***Melcichon
April 11, 2014

Alone

Alone
    Melchor F. Cichon
    April 8, 2023

 

 

Alone

She floats

Facing the blue skies

On a silent seashore,

While her companions

In a beach resort's cottage

Keep on giggling.

***Tatay Itsong

April 8, 2023

Mangutana Ka Pa Baea?

 

Mangutana Ka Pa Baea?

ni Melchor F. Cichon.

April 4, 2020

 

Mangutana ka pa baea

Kon ham-at madaeum ro atong taeagbasan?

Kon ham-at naeueonod kita sa utang?

Kon ham-at squatter kita sa atong banwa?

Ag pag-eumpat ni Corona sa atong banwa

Ro bugas nga nabaton ta,

Samtang ginaquarantine kita,

Hay sinako ag mahumot-humot pa!

Mangawa ka pa baea

Kon ham-at gapang-eapaw ro basura

Nga nagaeapta sa ginabaha natong karsada?

Kon ham-at ro mga puyo ag pantat owa eon sa suba ta?

Matanga ka pa baea

Sa bubungan mo nga ro daeaura makita?

Masandig ka pa baea sa inyong dingding nga gakawil-kawil

Ag basi kamong daywa hay eumagpak pa?

Bukon abi't mas mayad pa

Nga mag-ugyon ka

Sa mga handum nga diyosnanon

Ag may bueawanon nga aga-aga?

My medals, etc.

 

Book Review: Fish Processing Technology in the Trophics

 

Book Review: Fish Processing Technology in the Trophics
Melchor F. Cichon
July 20, 2006

A comprehensive book on fish processing technology in the trophics was written by Jasmin Espejo-Hermes. It was published in 1998 by Tawid Publications

All said, Espejo-Hermes is a specialist in tropical aquatic products, having had extensive experience in the handling, processing, product development, and marketing of fish and other aquatic products. She holds a Master of Science in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology) from the College of Fisheries (now the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), University of the Philippines.

As stated by Dr. Leonor M. Santos, the author's former professor at the University of the Philippines, in the Foreword, of this book "is a most welcome addition to the very few books by Filipino authors on this topic....The inclusion of procedures for products found in the tropics makes the book a valuable reference for teachers, students and extension workers. On the other hand, the author's review of research work on the different processing technologies, especially those undertaken locally, serves the researcher well."

The book is divided into 17 chapters.

Chapter 1 deals on the status of fish processing in the world, in the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries. It also gives basic information on the nutritional importance of aquatic products.

Chapter 2 focuses on the handling of fresh (wet) aquatic products. It points out how bacteria, enzymes, hygiene and sanitation can contribute in the spoilage of aquatic products.

Chapter 3 to 11 gives the various methods in preserving fishery products from chilling to canning.

Chapter 12 gives the types of additives and their purpose.

Chapter 13 discusses on minor aquatic products like seaweeds, fish oils, shark fins, jelly fish, fish protein concentrate, sea cucumber, fish meal, fish silage, and shells and shellcraft.

The rest of the chapters deal on marketing of aquatic products, packaging of aquatic products, quality assurance in fish processing and waste management.

In addition to some illustrations, this book carries a 14-page bibliography, appendices, and an accurate subject index.

If we look at it, this book really is a comprehensive one and it can be used not only as a reference material for fish technology classes but will also serve as a review material for the Professional Regulation Commission Board Exam in fisheries technology.

The Parable of a Friendly Student

 

 

The Parable of a Friendly Student
Melchor F. Cichon
Monday, July 24, 2006

Raymond, a fourth year college student, has always been coming to the library not only to read and borrow books but also to meet friends. He would often ask me reference questions on fisheries, and since I am a fisheries graduate myself, I can easily give him the materials he needs. If I could not find one, I would refer him to the SEAFDEC-AQD Library in Tigbauan, Iloilo. This library has a vast collection of materials on fisheries. And the chief librarian of this fisheries institution is an old friend of mine, so I find no difficulty in asking her help.
Since Raymond has been familiar to me, he has become a sort of friend like other students. So I trusted him with some reservations, of course.
He would freely browse our collection of books and journals, just like any other students in our library.
One morning, Raymond saw the exhibit of books and a school organ I displayed along our corridor. These materials could be seen through our glass divider.
He got inside the library and proceeded to the displayed materials. Then he came to me and asked me if he could photo-copy one of the displayed books. I told him, he could.
But he changed his mind. And he put back to the display the book that he showed me. Then he left the library.
Suddenly it came to my mind to see the displayed materials.
I suddenly noticed that the first page of the school organ, Pagbutlak, was missing.
I went out and checked whether he was still around.
He was gone.
Immediately, I informed my colleagues about the missing page one, and the person who probably has taken it out without permission.
Few minutes after, Raymond came to me and asked me why I wanted to talk to him. One of my co-workers had spotted him inside the library and he was informed that I wanted to talk to him.
I asked him why he took the first page of Pagbutlak.
He denied. I told him he was the only person who came to the library that morning. And he acknowledged it.
He told me he did not go the displayed material.
But I told him, he even showed me the book he wanted to photocopy, which was one of the materials on display.
OK sir, he said.
But he still denied having taken the page.
I told him, he would just return it and that would be all right.
OK, he said, he would replace it with his old copy tomorrow.
OK, I said.
So I waited for him.
That was one week ago and he has not returned to me yet.

The Parable of a Friendly Student

The Parable of a Friendly Student

Melchor F. Cichon
Monday, July 24, 2006  

Raymond, a fourth year college student, has always been coming to the library not only to read and borrow books but also to meet friends. He would often ask me reference questions on fisheries, and since I am a fisheries graduate myself, I can easily give him the materials he needs. If I could not find one, I would refer him to the SEAFDEC-AQD Library in Tigbauan, Iloilo. This library has a vast collection of materials on fisheries. And the chief librarian of this fisheries institution is an old friend of mine, so I find no difficulty in asking her help.
Since Raymond has been familiar to me, he has become a sort of friend like other students. So I trusted him with some reservations, of course.
He would freely browse our collection of books and journals, just like any other students in our library.
One morning, Raymond saw the exhibit of books and a school organ I displayed along our corridor. These materials could be seen through our glass divider.
He got inside the library and proceeded to the displayed materials. Then he came to me and asked me if he could photo-copy one of the displayed books. I told him, he could.
But he changed his mind. And he put back to the display the book that he showed me. Then he left the library.
Suddenly it came to my mind to see the displayed materials.
I suddenly noticed that the first page of the school organ, Pagbutlak, was missing.
I went out and checked whether he was still around.
He was gone.
Immediately, I informed my colleagues about the missing page one, and the person who probably has taken it out without permission.
Few minutes after, Raymond came to me and asked me why I wanted to talk to him. One of my co-workers had spotted him inside the library and he was informed that I wanted to talk to him.
I asked him why he took the first page of Pagbutlak.
He denied. I told him he was the only person who came to the library that morning. And he acknowledged it.
He told me he did not go the displayed material.
But I told him, he even showed me the book he wanted to photocopy, which was one of the materials on display.
OK sir, he said.
But he still denied having taken the page.
I told him, he would just return it and that would be all right.
OK, he said, he would replace it with his old copy tomorrow.
OK, I said.
So I waited for him.
That was one week ago and he has not returned to me yet.

# posted by Melchor F. Cichon @ 9:04 PM 0 comments

Thursday, July 20, 2006

 

Book Review: Fish Processing Technology in the Trophics

A comprehensive book on fish processing technology in the trophics was written by Jasmin Espejo-Hermes. It was published in 1998 by Tawid Publications

All said, Espejo-Hermes is a specialist in tropical aquatic products, having had extensive experience in the handling, processing, product development, and marketing of fish and other aquatic products. She holds a Master of Science in Fisheries (Fish Processing Technology) from the College of Fisheries (now the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences), University of the Philippines.

As stated by Dr. Leonor M. Santos, the author's former professor at the University of the Philippines, in the Foreword, of this book "is a most welcome addition to the very few books by Filipino authors on this topic....The inclusion of procedures for products found in the tropics makes the book a valuable reference for teachers, students and extension workers. On the other hand, the author's review of research work on the different processing technologies, especially those undertaken locally, serves the researcher well."

The book is divided into 17 chapters.

Chapter 1 deals on the status of fish processing in the world, in the Philippines and other southeast Asian countries. It also gives basic information on the nutritional importance of aquatic products.

Chapter 2 focuses on the handling of fresh (wet) aquatic products. It points out how bacteria, enzymes, hygiene and sanitation can contribute in the spoilage of aquatic products.

Chapter 3 to 11 gives the various methods in preserving fishery products from chilling to canning.

Chapter 12 gives the types of additives and their purpose.

Chapter 13 discusses on minor aquatic products like seaweeds, fish oils, shark fins, jelly fish, fish protein concentrate, sea cucumber, fish meal, fish silage, and shells and shellcraft.

The rest of the chapters deal on marketing of aquatic products, packaging of aquatic products, quality assurance in fish processing and waste management.

In addition to some illustrations, this book carries a 14-page bibliography, appendices, and an accurate subject index.

If we look at it, this book really is a comprehensive one and it can be used not only as a reference material for fish technology classes but will also serve as a review material for the Professional Regulation Commission Board Exam in fisheries technology.

Parable of a Sweet Tongue

Parable of a Sweet Tongue
Melchor F. Cichon
Tuesday, July 25, 2006 

Every member of the library knows that Senag has a sweet tongue, yet she can make a deal with her co-workers. And when she is able to get what she wants, she will forget her promises. I do not know what power she has that she can twist the minds of her co-workers in her favor.

My wife called me up that she is allowing me to borrow money from our cooperative for Senag. So without any hesitations, I loaned five thousand pesos for Senag. She promised to pay the loan in a month's time.

Two months after, she has not paid the loan. She told me she was still waiting for her loan to be released by the GSIS. So I waited. But when her loan was released she just kept.

I noticed that she was always banging the door of the library when she gets inside or when she goes out. And she was always out of her desk--doing something else.

Six months passed and still she has not paid the loan under my name. She has many other reasons for not paying the loan.

And two years have passed, still she has not paid the loan.

I prepared an agreement that she is responsible to pay the original loan plus its corresponding interest . She agreed. And she signed the document.

Three years after, she has not yet paid the loan. This time, she said she could not pay it because her daughter would go to Singapore as part of her practicum and so she needs money.

But when you look at this woman, she would always buy merienda as if she has no debt. She would wear new dresses. I just do not know whether she buys them in the ukay-ukay or somewhere else. She would always tell our co-workers that she had bought new things for their house.

I have been thinking of filing estapa case to this woman so that she would be forced to pay me and she would stop her unethical behavior.

But I do not know why I cannot even talk about it with a lawyer.

Meanwhile, I can not loan money from the cooperative because of my outstanding debt.

Vernon R. Totanes: the Filipino Blograrian

 Vernon R. Totanes: the Filipino Blograrian

by

Melchor F. Cichon
July 27, 2006

He must have been influenced by his Ateneo elementary librarian for his decision to pursue a librarian profession.

Or it could be his real love for books and service to his fellowmen like his retired parents that he sticks to librarianship.

His mother, Mrs. Florentina Totanes, a retired public school teacher, taught him his ABCs and 123s, and his father, Major General Virgilio Totanes, who taught him how to read—with intelligence. He was born in Quezon City, 18 August 1973.

Whatever it is, Von, as he is fondly called by his friends, has elevated further the library profession in the Philippines by bringing closer the Filipino librarians to the world of the internet.

Or spefically, "it has brought Filipino librarians and libraries into the consciousness of people who just assumed that what they knew about us (librarians) was all they needed to know."

His website, Filipino Librarian (http://filipinolibrarian.blogspot.com ) and his blogging activities were given an international exposure when he delivered a paper, Blogging 101, in the General Conference of the Congress of Southeast Asian Librarians (Manila, Philippines, March 25-30, 2006).

In this paper, he expounded, among other things, the importance of blogging.

And it was through his blog that his name has become famous among bloggers, and his writing skill has improved.

Von is now in America on his way to Canada for his PhD degree at the University of Toronto this August.

Hopefully, he will be the next Filipino librarian with a PhD degree, although he said: "i haven't really been officially a librarian since i graduated and got my license in 2004... except on the blog. it's really ironic".

Parable of the Sandwiches

 

Parable of the Sandwiches
Melchor F. Cichon
Thursday, July 27, 2006

 

The university librarian called for an emergency meeting to discuss how the university library staff would participate in the forthcoming university anniversary.
So the library was temporarily closed for a total participation of the staff in the meeting.
So the meeting was held.
For more than an hour the library staff discussed the activities.
Then they discussed on what to eat for lunch.
One staff said that the staff just buy food at the university canteen.
Then somebody said that they buy sandwiches from a known food stand.
This was approved by the whole group. No question, except that a sandwich might not be enough for a lunch. But then nobody objected on the decision to buy sandwiches for lunch.
The next day, a staff member canvassed on the prices of the different sandwiches.
When he returned to the library, he told the administrative officer of the prices of the different kinds sandwiches.
By then somebody changed her mind and refused to buy the sandwich. This encouraged other staff not to buy it.
The administrative officer had told everybody else about their decision not to buy sandwiches anymore, except the university librarian and the readers services head..
When the readers service head learned about it, he inquired why.
It turned out that one staff member from the technical section backed out from the agreed decision.
He just wondered why the university librarian did not act on this. It turned out that she herself did not know of the change of the decision.
When she knew it, she did not raise any voice.
Later it was decided that the group would just bring his/her own food.
The issue here is not on what to eat for lunch.
But on the implementation of a group decision and how the group decision was suddenly dropped without the approval of the group that made it.
And the lost library services to the students while the staff were discussing on what to eat for lunch.

The Parable of the Missing Book

 

The Parable of the Missing Book

by
Melchor F. Cichon
Monday, July 31, 2006

Monday is almost always a busy day in the library.
It is the time when students would return the reserve books they borrowed the week before, and reserve books anew for the next day.
One mid-Monday morning, one of the staff of a library noted that a reserve book has not been returned by Jane, not her real name. It turned out that that particular book was the only copy available in the library. And some students would like to borrow it because they would have a test the following day.
Later in the day, the staff saw Jane. She asked her of the book. Jane asked the staff when the book was borrowed.
"Last Saturday."
"But Ma’am", said Jane, "I was in Antique last Saturday. So I could not possibly borrow it. You can see on the list of students who came to the library that Saturday."
The staff checked the attendance. Jane’s name was not there. But the name of a certain Josephine appeared in the list. Josephine belongs to the same school where Jane studied and they were not in good terms.
"Can I see the book card, Ma'am?"
"Look Ma’am,’ this is not my ID Number, and beside that is not the way I write my name. Somebody else must have borrowed it. But definitely not me!"
"Right," said the staff, "the ID number here lacks one digit—there are only six instead of 7."
The staff requested Jane to help find the culprit.
"O.K. Ma’am."
The staff informed her supervisor of the missing book.
The supervisor inquired how it happened.
Early Saturday morning, a female student came to the staff to reserve a book. The student was asked to fill-up a reservation slip. Since it was Saturday the policy of the library was to issue the reserve book immediately after it has been reserved.
At that time, the book was still being used by a student from the other college. And since the book had been reserved by someone else, it has to be given to the person who reserved it.
Because of confidence, the staff issued the book to Jane without even asking for her ID card.
But the problem is the staff could not remember the name of the student who signed out the book. Nor her face.
The following day, the news of the missing book was all over the college where the book was being used.
Fortunately, it came to the attention of the student who was using it before it was issued to a female student. The problem was he did not know her name, although he could recognize her once he saw her again.
Another student came and informed the supervisor of her knowledge of the missing book. She was around when the book was issued to the student and she mentioned her name, Josephine.
When the supervisor learned about this, he called for Josephine to come to his office.
Josephine came the following day.
When the supervisor asked her about the missing book, she denied. She was somewhere else that day.
But the supervisor showed her signature in the list of library users that particular Saturday. The supervisor further told her that somebody saw her signed the book card and when the library staff gave the book to her.
Josephine just kept quite.
Then she said, I could not have taken it out illegally.
The supervisor told her to bring her parents on a particular day and time to the University Librarian for a meeting.
The supervisor also informed Jane to bring her parents to the University Librarian for the same purpose.
After this, the supervisor briefed the university librarian on the missing book and that the parents of both Jane and Josephine would come for a meeting with her on that particular time and day. The witnesses were also informed to attend the said meeting to shed light on the matter.
Prior to the meeting, the mother of Josephine texted Jane. She was asking for an apology of what had happened.
The day of the meeting came.
All the important characters were present: Jane and Josephine, their respective parents, the two witnesses, the library staff who issued the book, the university librarian and the supervisor.
It turned out that the parents of Jane and Josephine are friends, and that Jane and Josephine were friends when they were still in high school.
After presenting the evidences: the book card, the overnight reservation slip, attendance sheet of those students who used the library, the supervisor presented the witnesses to. After they testified, the mother of Josephine informed the group that indeed it was her daughter who checked out the book, except that the book got lost. But they are willing to pay the whole price and they requested that the matter should no longer be brought somewhere else.
After the testimony of Josephine’s mother, she was told to ask for forgiveness.
And Jane and Josephine hugged each other.
When Jane was asked why she took out the book illegally, she said that she has a grudge on Jane because one time Jane marked her absent in a certain activity. Josephine said that Jane was not really around in that activity.
What lessons can be learned from this incident?
Never trust all your users. Some maybe honest, but others are not.
Checking of ID card is a must before any library is issued to the borrower.
Be friendly to students because someday they might help you solve your problem.
Be vigilant.

Maria Leonica N. Orbista: A Multi-Talented Young Lady

 

Maria Leonica N. Orbista: A Multi-Talented Young Lady

by Melchor F. Cichon

March 15, 2015

My usual duty at Aklan Catholic College in Kalibo, Aklan is Friday and Saturday. But because I had to attend an important meeting, I asked permission that I would report for work one day before my work schedule. And my decision to work earlier was a blessing in disguise. There was a Broadway Musical presentation at ACC.

There I learned that there are a lot of talented students at Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan. I noticed this when I saw their Broadway Musical Presentation on March 5, 2015.

One of those talented students was Miss Maria Leonica N. Orbista. She turned 20 on March 8, 2015.

A native of Libacao, Aklan, Leonica is the only child of her parents, also natives of Libacao, Aklan.

She noticed her talent in music when, at about three or four years old, she could compose songs. Because she could not still write, she asked her friend to write the lyrics of her songs. Since then she has been composing songs and writing their lyrics. That was also the beginning of her love for poetry. Some of her poems can be read in her Facebook account.

When she was in the grade schools, she was asked to join in a contest on nature wherein the tune must have a lyric. She composed the song, and wrote its lyric herself. In her high school days, she joined in the pop song and dance competitions. Because of her singing talent she represented their town in regional athletic meets. She also joined in the regional oration contests.

I asked her if she has recorded her songs, and she said that she has posted her songs in her Facebook account. One time, she said she collaborated with her Scottish boyfriend in recording one of her songs, but the recording was not pushed through because they broke up.

She wanted to enroll at the College of Music, University of San Agustin, but her father did not like it. So she enrolled at Aklan Catholic College, Kalibo, Aklan. And it was a blessing in disguise.

This college, she said, has been giving her much opportunities to excel in her talents.

In her first year college at ACC, she joined the editorial staff of their school organ, The Aklan Collegian, as a lay-out artist. And two of her articles were published there. One of which is entitled: Aklan's Nito Industry: Paving its Way to the Top (Aklan Collegian, June-October 2013, p. 18). Also at ACC, she represented her school in the PRISAA oration contests.

When the ACC presented its successful broadway musical presentation on March 5, 2015, Leonica was its lead performer. She sung, she danced, and she delivered oratory pieces.

When I asked her what else she wants to accomplish, she said that she wants to teach. But she said that after she has taken her BSE degree, she wishes to take up some units in psychology and business management so that she will have better understanding of people's characteristics and she would have more knowledge on how to deal with them. And then she would go abroad, perhaps in Australia so she could extend more helps to her fellowmen. "What's the use of having so much talents or resources if you cannot share these with others? Just like our Lord, Jesus Christ, who shares his overflowing love and talents to everyone even to those who condemn him. It is my passion to help those people who have less in life and who have no opportunity and strength even just to take care of themselves."

She further said that she loves to sing because she feels that she is free when she is singing.

"Where did you get all these inspiring thoughts", I asked her.

"From my surroundings. I observe them closely. And I reflect on them when I am alone. And perhaps from my grandfather, Mamerto Orbista. He is an architect."

"Perhaps this is the result of your being away from your parents," I told her.

"Not at all,"she said. "I have these wisdom that have been developed in me through my constant evaluation of what's going on around me. But let it be known that I truly love my parents. And they do not forget me. My father has built me our house where I have lived with my grandmother. And he shoulders, along with my grandfather, my educational expenses. My father lives with his wife, not my mother, in our town, but in a different barrio."

Aside from singing and composing songs, Leonica loves photography, dancing, declamation, and playing guitar, and painting. She hopes to learn to play violin.

Perhaps because of her many extra curricular activities, she has not been an academic scholar in college. But she said, "I could be."

"Anyway", I told her, "one can be an outstanding person after college if one has the determination to accomplish his dream."

Before I ended my interview with her, she asked me for five points to remember. I told her:

1. Take care of your health. That's the greatest wealth anyone can have.

2. Learn more and more knowledge everyday. That's the greatest opportunity to do while we are still alive.

3. Share your knowledge to anyone who needs it. This will be your greatest contribution to mankind.

4. Be kind to everyone, even to your enemy. That's the best bridge you can get to attain happiness. And note that there is no happiness without wisdom.

5. Love your parents. Without them, you are not here.