By Jasmin Lorraine Tan and Ma. Monica Licaros
Recognition and appreciation are two things that are given to personalities inside Bulacan State University (BulSU) for their work and the honor that they bring to the university; two things that add icing to the already sweet taste of the cake of victory that an achiever tends. Two things, however, that for some instances, the BulSU administration is loathe giving.
Behold: students and organizations who give honor to the university and is worthy of acknowledgment because of their unparalleled contribution to BulSU and to the society. Unfortunately, they are not given the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. Some of them carry their BulSUan flags as they compete against other famous universities in the country, while some show their benevolence through their charitable programs. Despite their undeniable hard work, it is disheartening that their efforts are just being ignored.
However, it is not about having huge tarpaulins of congratulations. For them, it is in the ‘simple’ appreciation that their own university can offer them.
Sand Woman Returns
Another BulSU pride in the person of Ma. Monica Regalario of CIT-Drafting, a BulSU graduate, seems to be ‘overlooked’ by the university.
Regalario brought BulSU once again to the limelight, after grabbing a spot in the recent Talentadong Pinoy 3rd Battle of the Champions as its fifth Hall of Famer held at Quezon City Memorial Circle last May 5. Known as ‘Monica: The Sand Artist’, Regalario is among the eight individuals with the best talent acts in the country. She is under the tutelage of Joseph the Artist, Talentado’s second grand champion who saw her potential in the craft of sand art. Despite this, Regalario made her own name as a sand artist and wasn’t overshadowed by her mentor.
“Workmates kami ni Joseph the Artist sa LIFE Museum. [Noong] year 2010, kinuha niya ako as sand art assistant niya, tour guide ako no’n [sa LIFE Museum]. Nakita niyang sanay ako mag-drawing kaya ako ‘yong kinuha niya. Siya ‘yong nagturo sa’kin,” imparted Regalario.
She won several times until she reached the status of being one of the Hall of Famers of the prestigious talent show. But, it wasn’t that easy as she was always being compared to her mentor who was the former champ.
“Sa lahat ng performances ko, ‘di maiiwasan na mai-compare ako sa dating champion, kaya gumawa kami [ni Joseph the Artist] ng paraan para maiba ako sa kanya. Nagtuluy-tuloy ‘yong swerte [ko] hanggang makarating ako sa Hall of Fame and makasali sa Finals,” said Regalario.
Although she failed to bring home the bacon as the third grand champion of the said contest, she finds herself a winner because of the friends and experiences she got through it.
On the university’s no-support for her stint in Talentado, Regalario clarified that she was not disappointed with it. “Wala naman akong tampo sa school kasi in the first place, hindi naman kami lumapit sa kanila para humingi ng support. ‘Yon siguro ‘yong mali ko. Medyo busy-busy-han kasi sa Talentado, as in sobrang ngaragan para sa Finals no’n kaya hindi ko na naisip ‘yong mga gano’ng bagay. Kaya okay lang ‘yon.”
But then, she admitted that she would be overwhelmed if there would be any recognition from BulSU. She just thought that maybe, the administration didn’t really know about her being there and making it big.
“Mas okay talaga ‘yon kung na-recognize man lang kahit papaano. Kaya lang, ayun nga. Sinasabi ko naman sa mga VTR ko na sa BSU ako graduate. ‘Yon nga lang, siguro hindi nila napapanood ‘yong show,” bared Regalario, who extends her gratitude to her fellow BulSUans who supported her in their little ways like simple facebook messages.
Youth leader deluxe
Being a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, Adrian Edsel Gonda already attained a standing not just given to anybody except for those who could render exceptional leadership and service.
Gonda is now on his second year as the youth chair of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Pungo, Calumpit, Bulacan. Aside from this, he is also the SK Federation President of Calumpit and the Secretary General of the SK Provincial Federation.
Because of his tremendous endeavours, having those three responsibilities on hand, he was acknowledged for being the Most Outstanding SK Federation President of Bulacan in the 2011 Gintong Kabataan Awards (GKA) last December 2011, joining the ranks of Best Child Actress Xyriel Anne Manabat, co-BulSUans Talentadong Pinoy Season 17th Hall of Famer Ferdinand ‘Makata-tawanan’ Clemente, Bb. Pilipinas-World 2010 Czarina Catherine Gatbonton, and a few more. GKA is an annual distinction given by the Provincial Government of Bulacan in cooperation with the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PYSEACTO) to individuals or groups of Bulakenyo youth who did their best in their own different fields of work or expertise.
In addition to his achievements, he was also chosen by The Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Awards (TOSKA) as the Most Outstanding SK of Central Luzon, an award that took him a hard slog to make the cut out of many applicants.
“Medyo kinabahan [ako]. Pero no’ng nag-start na [‘yong interview], nawala na ‘yong kaba ko. Kasi ready naman ako sa lahat ng itatanong. Tiningnan kasi do'n 'yong accomplishment report ko [as SK President]. Do'n sa GKA at TOSKA, may interview at validation kaya 'di ganoon kadali manalo. Contest kasi parehas 'yon,” shared Gonda.
Gonda also said that he didn’t submit the report to make fame for himself. “Personally no’ng manalo akong SK President, naging inspirasyon ko na 'yong mga gano'ng awards to work harder and harder as SK. Gusto ko kasing mailuklok ang Calumpit at saka 'yong sector ng youth sa mataas na uri ng pagkakakilanlan. Kaya I strived hard para manalo,” added Gonda.
The 2012 TOSKA was part of the Second SK Central Luzon Youth Summit 2012 attended by public figures and officials together with the SK regional participants, in celebration of Sangguniang Kabataan’s 20 Years of Genuine Leadership.
Although his great achievements weren’t recognized by our university, he’s not having bad thoughts about it. But he said that he would appreciate any form of acknowledgement from the Admin. “I-recognize man ako o hindi, okay lang naman sa'kin. Pero mas okay kung meron [recognition from BulSU]. Ma-feature lang ako sa Pacesetter, masaya na ako,” added Gonda jokingly.
But he left a message for us BulSUans. “Nananawagan ako sa mga kapwa ko BulSUan na maging huwaran sila gamit ang maliit nilang kakayahan,” ended Gonda.
For want of recognition for more arguments
BulSU Debate Society (DS) has already joined various competitions over the years. Some of them are the Philippine Intercollegiate Debate Championship which took place in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman wherein Jed Herradura (who is now a member of BulSU Lexis Debate Varsity), Karl Christian Salazar and Josef Aniag made it to the Top 150 Speakers of the Philippines.
In addition, DS also competed in the Luzon Inter-Varsities Debating Championship in UP Los Baños in which former Student Government President Brian Carpio became one of the Top 50 Best Speakers of Luzon, while Salazar and Aniag made it to the Top 100.
"Madami pang ibang public speaking competitions. And I must say, we looked forward talaga sa CIRPS (Center for Inter-institutional Research Policies) na makasali kami individually kasi sure na do’n kami mapapansin ng admin," shared Karl Christian Salazar, Vice-president of DS.
Moreover, Salazar also told Pacesetter that they do not receive any financial support from the BulSU administration during the past years. DS shoulder all the expenses—registration fee, accommodation, transportation, food, and other necessities. Aside from this, they do not have their own office where they can conduct their trainings, and they also do not have their own trainer.
Fortunately, because some of those who emerged as winners in the CIRPS Cultural and Literary Festival 2012 were debaters from DS and Lexis, BulSU administration agreed to give them financial assistance for their registration fee in the competition that they joined recently. This was a big favor to them, but they still had many other expenses and necessities to attend to.
"We solicit. When I say that, I mean, we solicit from our parents' pockets and sa lahat ng pwedeng lapitan. From politicians to the professors. Kaso at the end of the day, usually wala kaming nakukuha kaya talagang kan’ya kan’yang diskarte," said Salazar when asked how they manage to shoulder all the expenses during competitions.
He also admitted that aside from the news articles being published by Pacesetter regarding their triumph in different competitions, they do not receive any other form of recognition. Somehow, this makes them feel unappreciated.
“At first, honestly, we felt neglected. Kasi we kept on competing bringing not our names but the school's. Na sana kahit 'di sagutin 'yong registration [fee], at least the recognition afterwards comes. Kaso wala talaga," ended Salazar.
Rock your world
Rock Our Music Association of Students in the University (ROMASU) has another story. With every beat of the music they play, an ounce of help is offered to their chosen organizations. But sadly, they do not receive financial support or recognition from their own university in their aim of doing charity for the less-privileged. Like DS, they do not have their own office. ROMASU gets by with the members’ intense passion for music and unwavering dedication to help. But sometimes, passion and dedication were not enough. The members make use of their own instruments, but at times of events when more instruments are needed, the group has no choice but to rent. Ever heard of anything paid with just passion and dedication?
"Hindi kami binibigyan ng appreciation at suporta sa kabila ng pagtulong namin sa mga nangangailangan," said Nico Villaceran, member of ROMASU.
Some of the organizations that were already aided by ROMASU are the Bahay Ampunan Nina Jesus, Maria, Jose, and the Home for the Aged. In order for them to collect money for their funds, all of their members contribute P20 every day, they also conduct room-to-room solicitations, sell ice candies, and put up henna tattoo booths. Each of ROMASU’s members works hard for their intention of helping the organizations in need.
"Mahirap ['yong ginagawa namin], pero masaya naman kasi marami kami at nagiging isa para lang makatulong," Villaceran stated.
Even though their organization is unaided and independently pursuing their projects, ROMASU still keeps on striving to keep their charitable programs successful. They said that they will not stop with their aim even though they do not receive any assistance and appreciation. Their efforts still pay off though, every time they feel the gratitude of the people they help. But then, just like the other unrecognized heroes in BulSU, they also have some wishes addressed to the BulSU administration.
"Ang masasabi ko lang sa admin, hindi lang po mga talended dancers, actors and actresses, symphonic band, singers ang mayroon sa BSU. Nandito po kami, ang ROMASU. Kami po ay naghihintay lang ng inyong tulong. Hindi lang po para sa 'min kundi para pa po sa mga matutulungan pa namin," Villaceran told Pacesetter.
PRAISE from the admin
Contrary to the sentiments of the above mentioned unrecognized heroes, President Mariano De Jesus said that they give recognition in a simple way to the students who give pride to the university. He mentioned that he considers students who win in quizzes, place in different board and bar examinations, and all the others who bring honor to BulSU as the university’s unrewarded heroes.
“We recognize [them] in a very simple manner like certificate of recognition. Sometimes, through blowouts just like in the sports, literary and cultural. And my plan is to institutionalize na para maging policy na. Baka malagyan ng cash incentives,” De Jesus explained.
There is this called Programs and Awards Institution for Service Excellence (PRAISE), which is currently headed by Dr. Remigio Musca. PRAISE intends to honor outstanding university employees in any form of tribute which may be through certificates, cash and the like. Patterned after this, President de Jesus has been pushing to put up a committee who will cater to the recognition of exceptional BulSUans.
“Meron tayong PRAISE pero mga employees lang ang covered no’n. May papers na ‘yan, kaya nga lang naka-insert siya sa PRAISE. Ngayon ang gagawin ko, ipe- present ko siya [committee] sa Board Meeting para ma-institutionalize na. Ayoko kasi ng puro papel lang [certificates]. Hindi naman nila maisasangla ‘yon,” joked President de Jesus.
A cake with icing is always better than a cake without
They are just ‘some’ of the achievers who, up until now, bring their hearts out to still battle in BulSU’s name and have already proven their unwavering efforts and dedication despite receiving no recognition.
Yes, the true essence of hard work may not be about the prize that may come afterwards. That prize won’t serve to make these people superstars or won’t even make them brag on what they are capable of, that prize would boost their motivation even more, to make them feel that life is not unfair.
Injustice comes when these people try to put the university’s name on the limelight concerning academic excellence, skills, natural talent and the arts but only the university is being applauded. While the woe of these students remains unheard by the administration due to the booming sound of eminence which is the only sound they can hear.
After all, heroes are not just those people in the form of still statues seen at the parks, or those who can fly, extraordinary might or lasers in their eyes. They could be workers, parents, teachers, students. You can even be one.
Recognition and appreciation are two things that are given to personalities inside Bulacan State University (BulSU) for their work and the honor that they bring to the university; two things that add icing to the already sweet taste of the cake of victory that an achiever tends. Two things, however, that for some instances, the BulSU administration is loathe giving.
Behold: students and organizations who give honor to the university and is worthy of acknowledgment because of their unparalleled contribution to BulSU and to the society. Unfortunately, they are not given the recognition and appreciation that they deserve. Some of them carry their BulSUan flags as they compete against other famous universities in the country, while some show their benevolence through their charitable programs. Despite their undeniable hard work, it is disheartening that their efforts are just being ignored.
However, it is not about having huge tarpaulins of congratulations. For them, it is in the ‘simple’ appreciation that their own university can offer them.
Sand Woman Returns
Another BulSU pride in the person of Ma. Monica Regalario of CIT-Drafting, a BulSU graduate, seems to be ‘overlooked’ by the university.
Regalario brought BulSU once again to the limelight, after grabbing a spot in the recent Talentadong Pinoy 3rd Battle of the Champions as its fifth Hall of Famer held at Quezon City Memorial Circle last May 5. Known as ‘Monica: The Sand Artist’, Regalario is among the eight individuals with the best talent acts in the country. She is under the tutelage of Joseph the Artist, Talentado’s second grand champion who saw her potential in the craft of sand art. Despite this, Regalario made her own name as a sand artist and wasn’t overshadowed by her mentor.
“Workmates kami ni Joseph the Artist sa LIFE Museum. [Noong] year 2010, kinuha niya ako as sand art assistant niya, tour guide ako no’n [sa LIFE Museum]. Nakita niyang sanay ako mag-drawing kaya ako ‘yong kinuha niya. Siya ‘yong nagturo sa’kin,” imparted Regalario.
She won several times until she reached the status of being one of the Hall of Famers of the prestigious talent show. But, it wasn’t that easy as she was always being compared to her mentor who was the former champ.
“Sa lahat ng performances ko, ‘di maiiwasan na mai-compare ako sa dating champion, kaya gumawa kami [ni Joseph the Artist] ng paraan para maiba ako sa kanya. Nagtuluy-tuloy ‘yong swerte [ko] hanggang makarating ako sa Hall of Fame and makasali sa Finals,” said Regalario.
Although she failed to bring home the bacon as the third grand champion of the said contest, she finds herself a winner because of the friends and experiences she got through it.
On the university’s no-support for her stint in Talentado, Regalario clarified that she was not disappointed with it. “Wala naman akong tampo sa school kasi in the first place, hindi naman kami lumapit sa kanila para humingi ng support. ‘Yon siguro ‘yong mali ko. Medyo busy-busy-han kasi sa Talentado, as in sobrang ngaragan para sa Finals no’n kaya hindi ko na naisip ‘yong mga gano’ng bagay. Kaya okay lang ‘yon.”
But then, she admitted that she would be overwhelmed if there would be any recognition from BulSU. She just thought that maybe, the administration didn’t really know about her being there and making it big.
“Mas okay talaga ‘yon kung na-recognize man lang kahit papaano. Kaya lang, ayun nga. Sinasabi ko naman sa mga VTR ko na sa BSU ako graduate. ‘Yon nga lang, siguro hindi nila napapanood ‘yong show,” bared Regalario, who extends her gratitude to her fellow BulSUans who supported her in their little ways like simple facebook messages.
Youth leader deluxe
Being a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology student, Adrian Edsel Gonda already attained a standing not just given to anybody except for those who could render exceptional leadership and service.
Gonda is now on his second year as the youth chair of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Barangay Pungo, Calumpit, Bulacan. Aside from this, he is also the SK Federation President of Calumpit and the Secretary General of the SK Provincial Federation.
Because of his tremendous endeavours, having those three responsibilities on hand, he was acknowledged for being the Most Outstanding SK Federation President of Bulacan in the 2011 Gintong Kabataan Awards (GKA) last December 2011, joining the ranks of Best Child Actress Xyriel Anne Manabat, co-BulSUans Talentadong Pinoy Season 17th Hall of Famer Ferdinand ‘Makata-tawanan’ Clemente, Bb. Pilipinas-World 2010 Czarina Catherine Gatbonton, and a few more. GKA is an annual distinction given by the Provincial Government of Bulacan in cooperation with the Provincial Youth, Sports, Employment, Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (PYSEACTO) to individuals or groups of Bulakenyo youth who did their best in their own different fields of work or expertise.
In addition to his achievements, he was also chosen by The Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Awards (TOSKA) as the Most Outstanding SK of Central Luzon, an award that took him a hard slog to make the cut out of many applicants.
“Medyo kinabahan [ako]. Pero no’ng nag-start na [‘yong interview], nawala na ‘yong kaba ko. Kasi ready naman ako sa lahat ng itatanong. Tiningnan kasi do'n 'yong accomplishment report ko [as SK President]. Do'n sa GKA at TOSKA, may interview at validation kaya 'di ganoon kadali manalo. Contest kasi parehas 'yon,” shared Gonda.
Gonda also said that he didn’t submit the report to make fame for himself. “Personally no’ng manalo akong SK President, naging inspirasyon ko na 'yong mga gano'ng awards to work harder and harder as SK. Gusto ko kasing mailuklok ang Calumpit at saka 'yong sector ng youth sa mataas na uri ng pagkakakilanlan. Kaya I strived hard para manalo,” added Gonda.
The 2012 TOSKA was part of the Second SK Central Luzon Youth Summit 2012 attended by public figures and officials together with the SK regional participants, in celebration of Sangguniang Kabataan’s 20 Years of Genuine Leadership.
Although his great achievements weren’t recognized by our university, he’s not having bad thoughts about it. But he said that he would appreciate any form of acknowledgement from the Admin. “I-recognize man ako o hindi, okay lang naman sa'kin. Pero mas okay kung meron [recognition from BulSU]. Ma-feature lang ako sa Pacesetter, masaya na ako,” added Gonda jokingly.
But he left a message for us BulSUans. “Nananawagan ako sa mga kapwa ko BulSUan na maging huwaran sila gamit ang maliit nilang kakayahan,” ended Gonda.
For want of recognition for more arguments
BulSU Debate Society (DS) has already joined various competitions over the years. Some of them are the Philippine Intercollegiate Debate Championship which took place in the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman wherein Jed Herradura (who is now a member of BulSU Lexis Debate Varsity), Karl Christian Salazar and Josef Aniag made it to the Top 150 Speakers of the Philippines.
In addition, DS also competed in the Luzon Inter-Varsities Debating Championship in UP Los Baños in which former Student Government President Brian Carpio became one of the Top 50 Best Speakers of Luzon, while Salazar and Aniag made it to the Top 100.
"Madami pang ibang public speaking competitions. And I must say, we looked forward talaga sa CIRPS (Center for Inter-institutional Research Policies) na makasali kami individually kasi sure na do’n kami mapapansin ng admin," shared Karl Christian Salazar, Vice-president of DS.
Moreover, Salazar also told Pacesetter that they do not receive any financial support from the BulSU administration during the past years. DS shoulder all the expenses—registration fee, accommodation, transportation, food, and other necessities. Aside from this, they do not have their own office where they can conduct their trainings, and they also do not have their own trainer.
Fortunately, because some of those who emerged as winners in the CIRPS Cultural and Literary Festival 2012 were debaters from DS and Lexis, BulSU administration agreed to give them financial assistance for their registration fee in the competition that they joined recently. This was a big favor to them, but they still had many other expenses and necessities to attend to.
"We solicit. When I say that, I mean, we solicit from our parents' pockets and sa lahat ng pwedeng lapitan. From politicians to the professors. Kaso at the end of the day, usually wala kaming nakukuha kaya talagang kan’ya kan’yang diskarte," said Salazar when asked how they manage to shoulder all the expenses during competitions.
He also admitted that aside from the news articles being published by Pacesetter regarding their triumph in different competitions, they do not receive any other form of recognition. Somehow, this makes them feel unappreciated.
“At first, honestly, we felt neglected. Kasi we kept on competing bringing not our names but the school's. Na sana kahit 'di sagutin 'yong registration [fee], at least the recognition afterwards comes. Kaso wala talaga," ended Salazar.
Rock your world
Rock Our Music Association of Students in the University (ROMASU) has another story. With every beat of the music they play, an ounce of help is offered to their chosen organizations. But sadly, they do not receive financial support or recognition from their own university in their aim of doing charity for the less-privileged. Like DS, they do not have their own office. ROMASU gets by with the members’ intense passion for music and unwavering dedication to help. But sometimes, passion and dedication were not enough. The members make use of their own instruments, but at times of events when more instruments are needed, the group has no choice but to rent. Ever heard of anything paid with just passion and dedication?
"Hindi kami binibigyan ng appreciation at suporta sa kabila ng pagtulong namin sa mga nangangailangan," said Nico Villaceran, member of ROMASU.
Some of the organizations that were already aided by ROMASU are the Bahay Ampunan Nina Jesus, Maria, Jose, and the Home for the Aged. In order for them to collect money for their funds, all of their members contribute P20 every day, they also conduct room-to-room solicitations, sell ice candies, and put up henna tattoo booths. Each of ROMASU’s members works hard for their intention of helping the organizations in need.
"Mahirap ['yong ginagawa namin], pero masaya naman kasi marami kami at nagiging isa para lang makatulong," Villaceran stated.
Even though their organization is unaided and independently pursuing their projects, ROMASU still keeps on striving to keep their charitable programs successful. They said that they will not stop with their aim even though they do not receive any assistance and appreciation. Their efforts still pay off though, every time they feel the gratitude of the people they help. But then, just like the other unrecognized heroes in BulSU, they also have some wishes addressed to the BulSU administration.
"Ang masasabi ko lang sa admin, hindi lang po mga talended dancers, actors and actresses, symphonic band, singers ang mayroon sa BSU. Nandito po kami, ang ROMASU. Kami po ay naghihintay lang ng inyong tulong. Hindi lang po para sa 'min kundi para pa po sa mga matutulungan pa namin," Villaceran told Pacesetter.
PRAISE from the admin
Contrary to the sentiments of the above mentioned unrecognized heroes, President Mariano De Jesus said that they give recognition in a simple way to the students who give pride to the university. He mentioned that he considers students who win in quizzes, place in different board and bar examinations, and all the others who bring honor to BulSU as the university’s unrewarded heroes.
“We recognize [them] in a very simple manner like certificate of recognition. Sometimes, through blowouts just like in the sports, literary and cultural. And my plan is to institutionalize na para maging policy na. Baka malagyan ng cash incentives,” De Jesus explained.
There is this called Programs and Awards Institution for Service Excellence (PRAISE), which is currently headed by Dr. Remigio Musca. PRAISE intends to honor outstanding university employees in any form of tribute which may be through certificates, cash and the like. Patterned after this, President de Jesus has been pushing to put up a committee who will cater to the recognition of exceptional BulSUans.
“Meron tayong PRAISE pero mga employees lang ang covered no’n. May papers na ‘yan, kaya nga lang naka-insert siya sa PRAISE. Ngayon ang gagawin ko, ipe- present ko siya [committee] sa Board Meeting para ma-institutionalize na. Ayoko kasi ng puro papel lang [certificates]. Hindi naman nila maisasangla ‘yon,” joked President de Jesus.
A cake with icing is always better than a cake without
They are just ‘some’ of the achievers who, up until now, bring their hearts out to still battle in BulSU’s name and have already proven their unwavering efforts and dedication despite receiving no recognition.
Yes, the true essence of hard work may not be about the prize that may come afterwards. That prize won’t serve to make these people superstars or won’t even make them brag on what they are capable of, that prize would boost their motivation even more, to make them feel that life is not unfair.
Injustice comes when these people try to put the university’s name on the limelight concerning academic excellence, skills, natural talent and the arts but only the university is being applauded. While the woe of these students remains unheard by the administration due to the booming sound of eminence which is the only sound they can hear.
After all, heroes are not just those people in the form of still statues seen at the parks, or those who can fly, extraordinary might or lasers in their eyes. They could be workers, parents, teachers, students. You can even be one.