My Hero: Mila dela Rosa

My Hero: Mila Dela Rosa
by Melchor F. Cichon
July 29, 2013

"Tonight, while watching the tv series of Korina Sanchez on heroes in the ABS-CBN, it reminded me of how Ms. Mila Dela Rosa financially helped  me. When she learned that I was operated on my colon cancer, and I had to buy medicine for six months, she pledged to financially help me for my medicine. And she did it for six months. What made it unusual is that we never had met personally, except for our acquaintanceship at the internet."

I wrote this short article on July 31, 2011 about Mila.

Let me tell you more about Mila.

Mila or Milesrn in cyberspace is a nurse.

Born in Poblacion, Lezo, Aklan, Mila now resides in Lezo, Aklan after her long stay in California, USA.

And she is motherly. I felt this when she learned that I was operated. She shared to me her expertise in nursing. She gives me tips on how I should take the post-operation treatment. Not only that, Mila is a happy lady. Her motto tells it all: A smile is contagious, be a carrier.

But she is not only a nurse.

She is also a poet.

And a singer, guitarist and composer.

Have you heard her song, Hambae Inakeanon, which she posted in You Tube?

It was in http://my.akeanon.com that she first showed her talent in poetry.

She sent some of her poems in Iskul Bukol and later in Haiku in Akeanon.

She writes in English, Tagalog  and in Aklanon. But she writes much better in Aklanon, especially luwa.

Some of her haiku have been featured in The 32 Best Aklanon Poets, edited by Melchor F. Cichon, May 2009; Matimgas nga Paeanoblion: anthology of poems written by Aklanons, edited by Melchor F. Cichon, 2011.

Then her book, Haiku and Luwa, which came out in 2010.

Let us look into some of her poems:

Hay, pangabuhi ko!
Kahapon eang nagsweldo
Dinaea sa Gaisano
Sipot pati sinsilyo.

Here she shows her sensibility on our culture—the one-day millionaire syndrome.

This next poem shows her concern on our environment.

Bagyong Undang

Among eambon sa pangpang it suba
Sa palibot, may kamunsil nga magapa.
Pag-agi it bagyo ag baha,
Inanud, pati mga manok ag baboy nga alaga.

Her love and respect to her father can be seen in her poem:

Dungganong Ama

Nasyon nga gindipindihan,
Banwa'ng tinubu-an,
Pamilya'ng gingiyahan,
Nagakasubo, bangud sa imong pagtaliwan.

But Mila can also write love poem. Here is one of them:

The Lone Traveler

dusk-
the lone traveler hurries home
to kiss me goodnight

When I opened a thread in http://my.akeanon.com on Aklanon tongue twister, Mila contributed. Here is one of them:

Ginbageot it sanggot ro masapnot nga gunot.

Here are some of the poems which has written:

The Dawn

pay day--
walking home my mother
in hurried strides

ripening grains--
not a single field
without a scarecrow

summer picnic--
not one table
without paper plates

another Saturday--
pen in hand
open journal on the table

warm afternoon--
in the bamboo stairs
the kids look like stairs

full moon--
the snail crawls silently
towards the rose bud

one chinese, one filipino
both understand
the language of mahjong

day after day--
up down, up down
this elevator is never tired

in a canyon--
I called my name
it answered my name

rough seas--
the sailboat, i see
i don't, i see

first of may
first cry
first born

janitor's day off--
under the table
crumpled paper over another

drained cup--
the child's head
is tilted backwards

damp soil--
something green
sticking out

summer inn--
coming and going
not a face seen

May--
in some other town
smell of letson

after the harvest--
the farmer rests his back
on the back of his carabao

coming from the barn
the farmer and his cow--
daybreak

halfway through my breakfast
a knock at the door
darn! this cat

breezy afternoon--
the bamboo teaches
other bamboo to sway

quiet night--
lightning, then thunder
small head under a pillow

morning walk—
enjoying the neighbour's garden
until the dog.

dawn—
the milkman and the newspaper boy
on a deserted street

afternoon nap—
on the cool haystock
the kid and his dog

tiny hands grasped
tangled hair, in ponytail
a smile.

toddler...
he learns to walk
to win a marathon.

rag doll –
a child's friend waiting
in the attic.

dark highway—
the deer and my headlight
meet eye to eye

corner street café
cold cup in hand
torn pages of journal.

corner street cafe'
cold cup in hand
torn pages of journal.

summer picnic—
bring this, bring that
bring the kids

rainbow colored
canopy of wildflowers
dancing with the breeze.

many springtime passed
chose caution over passion
chances slip away.

summer heat—
water and sweat dripping
after I took a bath

blue sky
blue sea
red sailboat

mid summer day—
the policeman stands in the curb
watching the traffic

pouring rain—
one umbrella
shoulder to shoulder

after the rain—
the bucket
is still in our living room

following the dirty road
the old man
bends from his waist

whitewashed tombstones
lining up the hill
heroes rest

windy afternoon—
the coke can rolls
into the empty parking lot

in the old porch chair—
he and she
admires the green fields

Doctor's clinic—
walking out alone
in his mind.

sandlot—
imprints of rubber shoes
over another

frosty day—
Mamma's sweet voice calling
warm embrace.

winter fog—
flickering porch light

foggy afternoon—
the golden gate bridge is lost
in my rear view mirror

fresh snow—
pine cones blend
with the slopes.

winter break—
the old cabin
is filled with laughter

windy afternoon—
salty water
dampens the sailor's face

pain
a thin line
that divides comfort

in my car—
the smell of old spice
after he's gone

dusk-
the lone traveler hurries home
to kiss me goodnight

moonless night—
the firefly glows
in its own light.

Oval office
the new leader stares
out of the window

one pillow
over another, and another
what a view from my bed!

summer--
her blouse blends
with the couch

Tig-aeani

tag-aeani
napuno
ro taeagbasan nga madaeom

tig-aeani--
ro hugom it kamuros
nagapangarsada.
Memorial Day, May 28, 2007

sa Italia paborito ro lasanya
sa Pilipinas,
humay ag tinuea.

nina—
kahapdi naga tumoy
sa bilog nga eawas.

mga pamisaea
sa tagipusuon ginhuptan
handumanan ni lolo.

eangaw--
sa humay, sa suea
sa'ng ilong

Sukoe nga rosas
Haead ko kimo
Tatay, daeha sa imong pagpanaw.
March 23, 2007

Mga Luwa

Abu ra'ng kahangawa
Ham-an baea sa Alaska
Alas onse it gabi-i
Mahayag pat-a.

Sa manabaw nga sapa
May aeogsok nga nagapuka-puka
Dakpon ag ihawon
Manami nga suea.

Hinali ako'ng nagbugtaw
May gakinaeay sa among pantaw
Eaom ko manakaw
Kuring gali nga manggaw.

Tanan nga estasyon
it radyo ag telebisyon
ro balita hay pagtaliwan
ni Michael Jackson.

Nagapamatuod
nga hasta makaron
ginadayaw pa imaw
gihapon.

Sa ospital nga akong gina obrahan
Pasyente namon puro magueang.
Maskin siing lugar nga andang adtunan,
Siya'ng may kariton ro andang saeakyan.

Hambae ni Iska
Simple'ng pangabuhi ro gusto nana
Kun imaw mag-asawa
'Di bale'ng gwapo, basta abu 'ra kwarta.

Hay, pangabuhi ko!
Kahapon eang nagsweldo
Dinaea sa Gaisano
Sipot pati sinsilyo.

Ro Amerika
Naga problema sa ekonomiya
Kun paalin solbaron,
Naga palitik si Obama.

Kwarta'ng kabakeanan nakon
Sa pagbaliya it kaean-unon
Kada adlaw kun akong huyapon
Hustong pangmatrikula sa sangdag-on.

Pag-abot ko sa amon
Namalikwa ako it kueon
Linugaw ro ga eupon
Ay madaeum ro taeagbasan namon.

Si Toribio
Bitbit pirme tigib ag martilyo
Pamanday anang trabaho
Halin it Lunes hasta't Domingo

May puno it mangga
Sinikpaw ko ra-a bunga
May tumugpa sa'ng ueo ag alima
Ha kuhit ko pati baeay it paea.

May akon nga kilaea,
Sa gaeastusan, pirming kum-kom ra tudlo't alima.
Sinakon kana: "kun amat, ring tudlo untaya"
"Hin-aga sa ilabas, ikaw ro karatista"

Hueas nga mapilit
Nagadukot sa panit
Abi toto, paligos eon
Ay ring hugom maanghit.

Salbahe'ng mga pispis
Sinubeang ro eroplanong U.S. Airways
Makina nasamad, ro eopad pabaling-baling
Sa suba it Hudson lumanding.

Buean it Marso
Ro silak 'ga kangito-ngito
Nagahueat it Hunyo,
O manog-arado.

Among eambon sa pangpang it suba
Sa palibot, may kamunsil nga magapa.
Pag-agi it bagyo ag baha,
Inanud, pati mga manok ag baboy nga alaga.

Daga eang sinimo
Kun bayangon abo'ng mahimo
Kueon, kaang, banga ro produkto
Ginapabugae sa banwa it Lezo.

Pag-abot ko sa amon
Namalikwa ako it kueon
Linugaw ro ga eupon
Ay madaeum ro taeagbasan namon.

Nasyon nga gindipindihan,
Banwa'ng tinubu-an,
Pamilya'ng gingiyahan,
Nagakasubo, bangud sa imong pagtaliwan.
****A tribute to:
Mr. Juanito Ponce Dela Rosa
WW II Veteran, Legislator, Family man
May 16, 1922 - March 9, 2007

Tongue Twisters

Abu nga bukbok ro gabok nga baeayan it eangbon.
***
Ginbageot it sanggot ro masapnot nga gunot.
***
Nagsikop si Onyok it alimatok sa suok.
***
Nagsinoe-ok it bahae ro hilong nagwinakae nahueog sa kanae.
***
Ro bayawas sa may tupas gintapas ni Tomas.
***
Ro eago nagahinukae sa kanae.
***
Ro maeapuyot nga lasaw ginpabahaw sa kaeaeaw.
***
Ro saewae nga ginsab-it sa kurae, ra tahi barobae.
***
Sa manabaw nga bobon, nagaeutaw-eutaw ro gagaekon.
***
Si Islaw nagkutaw sa baeanaw nga manabaw.
***
Si Lilibit nagbitbit it bitlag.
***
Sinueod sa bayuyot ro sinagpot nga dukot.

Ma. Regina S. Villaruz: The Practical Lady

Ma.  Regina S. Villaruz: The Practical Lady

 

by Melcichon, July 12, 2013

"Do something, while waiting."

This is a wise word from a young lady, Ma Regina Villaruz.

Rej, as she is fondly called by her friends, was born on September 22, 1988 in La Paz, Iloilo City, although her father, Mr. Rodolfo Villaruz,  is from Sara, Iloilo while her mother, Mrs. Erlinda Salvago- Villaruz, is from Leyte.  

Rej's father is the author of the now out-of-print book, Break the Shell, which was published in 2004.  This is a book that provides ample samples on how to write a knocking resume, and more.

Rej studied her kindergartin and her Grade I at St. Mary Academy of Capiz, in Roxas City. When her parents moved to Iloilo City, she enrolled at the Iloilo National High School in Jaro, Iloilo City.  She was a CAT officer here.

While in the elementary, Rej wanted to work as a cashier to have more money, but then when she reached high school she dreamed  of  becoming  a computer woman because she wanted to type and earn money. And she made use of this desire while she was still in high school by typing the research papers of her classmates. Hence, she was able to buy pairs of pants, shoes and other things she needed in school.

She did the same thing while in college.  She earned extra money by typing the reports of her classmates. Aside from this, she sold cellphone load. 

She still does.

This is an example of what she says: Do something, while waiting.

Like any other teenager, Rej changed her mind. She wanted to become  a medical technologist. For lack of money, Rej did not realize this dream. Finally, with some hesitations, she decided to take up a library science degree mainly because her father encouraged her to take up that course.

Her father knew that there are only very few library science graduates in the country and there are thousands of elementary and high school libraries in the Philippine that badly need licensed librarians to manage their libraries. Aside from this, there are hundreds of  colleges and universities in the country that surely need professional librarians to meet and to meet the requirements of accrediting bodies like DepEd and the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA). This is not to mention some corporations and government agencies that hire librarians to manage their libraries. And of course, there are a lot of possibilities to work abroad.

So she enrolled at the University of San Agustin for the Bachelor of Library and Information Science degree. She graduated in 2009.

True  enough, immediately after graduation, Rej landed a job at the Professional Electronics Institute as a librarian. She stayed there for  more than  a year. But she transferred to the Dominican College of Iloilo, in Zarraga also as a librarian. But she stayed there only for three months. After which she tried working in a call center, and she was lucky to have landed at Sabant Technologies, Inc. She worked here from September 2010 to May, 2011.

After her work at Sabant Technologies, Inc., she concentrated in cellphone repair business together with her beloved partner, Randy Espartero. 

While observing on how to repair a cellphones, she eventually became a cellphone technician herself. 

But then, librarianship was calling her.

When she learned that St. Therese-MTC Colleges Library was looking for a library personnel, she applied. She was accepted. Now she works again in the library.

When I asked her what's lacking with today's library science education, she said that a lot of library science  graduates cannot communicate well, more particularly in written communication.

Of course, this is not a stressor  for her because their curriculum focused more on cataloging, and other technical aspects of the course. The writing aspect was left behind. That could be a reason why many library science graduates find it difficult to write effective letters and reports.

But this is not really a stressor,  since effective writing can be learned through constant practice.

Meanwhile, her stress relievers are her son, Raine Matthew Villaruz Espartero, and music.

Let me quote her:

"I subscribe myself to music because music is my other option for stress reliever. Music is my only buddy when I'm alone. Music is my spirit in life. Without music, life would become complicated, dull and boring."

That's Rej, the practical lady.

Emil Cris Nismal: An All-Around Computer Technician

Emil Cris Nismal: An All-Around Computer Technician

July 9, 2013 at 12:32pm

by Melcichon
July 10, 2013

"Huya ko, Sir."

This was the immediate reaction of one of the busiest employees of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City, when I told him I wanted to write a profile about him.

He works from 9:00 a. m. to 6:00p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays, he works from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Between these periods, he could hardly sit and relax because from time to time, a faculty or a staff from outside of his department would call him to set up a multi-media in a classroom or at the audio-visual room, or somebody's printer or a computer set is not functioning well. So he practically runs from his fourth floor office to the first floor and back or to the other building. Then back again to his office to answer to another request.

"I feel tired, Sir, going up and down for the nth time," he would sometimes tell me.  To ease him, I sometimes talk to him about some funny incidents in the library so he could smile or laugh.

I am referring to Mr. Emil Cris Nismal, a computer technician of ST. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City. He is assigned at the Library Department where this writer is his supervisor.

Emil, as most of his co-workers call him, was born on January 28, 1991 in Matlong, Lamba, Banga, South Cotabato. His parents are Mr. Mario Nismal and Mrs. Gloria Nismal. Both of his parents are from Miag-ao, Iloilo. His parents went to South Cotabato to work in the farm of his uncle. It was also there where he took his elementary grades. While in the grade school, Emil was always in the honor rolls, except when he was in Grades I and 5.

In May, 2005,  his parents decided to return to Miag-ao, Iloilo for good after living in South Cotabato for 25 years.  So he had to enroll in Miag-ao National High School, but then he had to transfer again to Kirayan National High School, also in Miag-ao during his 3rd year high school. It was there where he graduated.
While in the elementary, he wanted to get an engineering degree because he was fond of tinkling some electronic gadgets, but then he changed his mind to agriculture because his parents were farmers and he was raising chickens.  But again, his interest shifted to computer science after he attended a career seminar while he was in high school. He thought that there was much prospects in this area.

He enrolled at Iloilo Technical College, Iloilo City, and graduated  there on April 15, 2011 after finishing a two-year course in Computer Hardware Servicing. Then he took an NC II exam and he passed it.  Immediately after that, he was hired as a computer technician at St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site.

And then almost every hour of his duties, his technical services are needed.

But Emil is not just a computer technician. He is a walking Hiligaynon dictionary . I often ask him to translate some English words into Hiligaynon. One time, I asked him the Hiligaynon term for the egg yoke and the color violet. His answers: batog and tapol, respectively. That was the first time I ever heard of those words: batog and tapol.

Because the Internet Station is always filled up with students, faculty and staff, it is not unusual that someone would accidentally leave his or her cell phone or money.

One afternoon, Emil came to me and informed me that he found a new cellphone which was left in the Internet Station where he works. I accepted it and kept it while waiting for its rightful owner to claim it. Thirty minutes later, the lost and found cellphone rang. The caller informed me that he was looking for his cellphone.

I told him to come to my office to claim it. And he came. After some questioning, I gave back his cellphone. We photographed him while he was receiving his lost and found cellphone.

I wrote a letter to the head of HRD informing her of the exemplary action done by Mr. Nismal. Later his name with his picture was posted in the College Bulletin Board with a banner: Honest Employee of the Month. For more than three months now, the announcement is still posted in the said Bulletin Board.

So I asked Emil, why he did not keep it. And he said:  "kay bal-an ko kinahanglan man to sang tag-iya. Madamo pa na maabot sakon kon mag-abot ang tiempo."

This was not the only incident that Mr. Nismal had returned lost and found items at the Internet Station.There was also a time when someone had forgotten his wallet inside the Internet Station where Emil works. The following day, its owner came and Emil gave back the wallet with all the money intact.

Thinking that education is important for his promotion or self-development, Emil wishes to enroll in a BS Computer Science degree. In fact, I am have been encouraging him to study further. But he is not financially ready for it yet. That’s the reason why he could not give me the exact date as to when he would enroll again.

When I pressed  him for the exact time,  he said, "Next school year, Sir."

He reiterated the importance of education.  Once he told me, “If only I had been good in my high school years, my life would have been better today."

So, he said, "If you have the opportunity to study, grab that opportunity. This is the only heritage that nobody can take it away from you."

Amen!

Emil Cris Nismal: An All-Around Computer Technician

Emil Cris Nismal: An All-Around Computer Technician

by Melchor Cichon (Notes) on Tuesday, July 9, 2013 at 12:32pm

by Melcichon
July 8, 2013

"Huya ko, Sir."

This was the immediate reaction of one of the busiest employees of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City.

He works from 9:00 a. m. to 6:00p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and on Saturdays, he works from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.

Between these periods, he could hardly sit and relax because from time to time, a faculty or a staff from outside of his department calls for him to set up a multi-media in a classroom or at the audio-visual room, or somebody's printer or a computer set is not functioning well. So he practically runs from his fourth floor office to the first floor or to the other building. Then back again to answer to another request.

"I feel tired, Sir, going up and down for the nth time," he would sometime tells me.  To ease him, I sometimes talk to him about some funny incidents in the library so he could smile or laugh.

I am referring to Mr. Emil Cris Nismal, a computer technician of ST. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City.

Emil, as most of his co-workers call him, was born on January 28, 1991 in Matlong, Lamba, Banga, South Cotabato. His parents are Mr. Mario Nismal and Mrs. Gloria Nismal. Both of his parents are from Miag-ao, Iloilo. His parents went to South Cotabato to work in the farm of his uncle. It was also there where he took his elementary grades. While in the grade school, Emil was always in the honor rolls, except when he was in Grades I and 5.

In May, 2005,  his parents decided to return to Miag-ao, Iloilo for good after living in South Cotabato for 25 years.  So he had to enroll in Miag-ao National High School, but then he had to transfer again to Kirayan National High School, also in Miag-ao during his 3rd year high school. It was there where he graduated.
While in the elementary, he wanted to get an engineering degree because he was fond of tinkling some electronic gadgets, but then he changed his mind to agriculture because his parents were farmers and he was raising chickens.  But again, his interest shifted to computer science after he attended a career seminar while he was in high school. He thought that there was much prospects in this area.

He enrolled at Iloilo Technical College, Iloilo City, and graduated  there on April 15, 2011 after finishing a two-year course in Computer Hardware Servicing. Then he took an NC II exam and he passed it.  Immediately after that, he was hired as a computer technician at St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site.

And then almost every hour of his duties, his technical services are needed.

But Emil is not just a computer technician. He is a walking Hiligaynon dictionary . I often ask him to translate some English words into Hiligaynon. One time, I asked him the Hiligaynon term for the egg yoke and the color violet. His answers: batog and tapol, respectively. That was the first time I ever heard of those words: batog and tapol.

Because the Internet Station is always filled up with students, faculty and staff, it is not unusual that someone would accidentally leave his or her cell phone or money.

One afternoon, Emil came to me and informed me that he found a new cellphone which was left in the Internet Station where he works. I accepted it and kept it while waiting for its rightful owner to claim it. Thirty minutes later, the lost and found cellphone rang. The caller informed me that he was looking for his cellphone.

I told him to come to my office to claim it. And he came. After some questioning, I gave back his cellphone. We photographed him while he was receiving his lost and found cellphone.

I wrote a letter to the head of HRD informing her of the exemplary action done by Mr. Nismal. Later his name with his picture was posted in the College Bulletin Board with a banner: Honest Employee of the Month. For more than three months now, the announcement is still posted in the said Bulletin Board.

So I asked Emil, why he did not keep it. And he said:  "kay bal-an ko kinahanglan man to sang tag-iya. Madamo pa na maabot sakon kon mag-abot ang tiempo."

This was not the only incident that Mr. Nismal had returned lost and found items at the Internet Station.There was also a time when someone had forgotten his wallet inside the Internet Station where Emil works. The following day, its owner came and Emil gave back the wallet with all the money intact.

Thinking that education is important for his promotion or self-development, Emil wishes to enroll in a BS Computer Science degree. In fact, I am have been encouraging him to study further. But he is not financially ready for it yet. That’s the reason why he could not give me the exact date as to when he would enroll again.

When I pressed  him for the exact time,  he said, "Next school year, Sir."

He reiterated the importance of education.  Once he told me, “If only I had been good in my high school years, my life would have been better today."

So, he said, "If you have the opportunity to study, grab that opportunity. This is the only heritage that nobody can take it away from you."

Amen!

*******
First published in my Facebook account, July 9, 2013

Reysa C. Alenzuela: the Far Reaching Intellectual of the Philippine Librarianship

Reysa C. Alenzuela: the Far Reaching Intellectual of the Philippine Librarianship

by

Melchor F. Cichon, RL, MLS, MM(PM)
June 11, 2014

On January 26, 2010, the Philippine Association of Academic Libraries awarded her for the Best Library Program for 2009 (Institutional Award).
In July 2010, she again received an award. This time it came from the Embassy of the United States of American as Locally Employed Staff of the Month.
And then on May 25, 2013, the University of the Philippines Library Science Alumni Association (UPLSAA) and the University of the Philippines School of Library and Information Studies (UPSLIS) awarded her as a Young Achiever's Award.
Here is the citation from UPLSAA and UPSLIS:

"For her outstanding contribution in the field of librarianship and for her contributions in developing libraries across the country; for her untiring effort to educate and mentor; for her exemplary dedication, competence and integrity in the practice of her profession which earned her prestigious awards from Embassy of the United States; and for her dedicated service to the profession and her staunch leadership that guides as well as inspires."

The lady I am referring to is no other than Dr. Reysa C. Alenzuela, or Rysa among her friends.

A native of La Paz, Iloilo City, Rysa was born on March 4, 1977.

Because I used to call her Reyza or Ryza, she emphasized that her Mom didn't think of Rizal when she named her Reysa.

Intrigued with this unique name, I checked the internet, and this is what I found:

R is for rapport, friends seek you.
E is for enjoy, your life can be fun!
Y is for youthful, your eternal look.
S is for success, in all you will do.
A is for accepting, your forgiving nature.

After graduation from high school, she took Bachelor in Secondary Education, major in English and Library Science, 1994-1988, at the University of San Agustin, cum laude.

Not satisfied with an education degree, she enrolled again at the University of San Agustin for a Bachelor of Laws degree, while taking up Masters in Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree at the University of the Philippines in Diliman.

But she left the BAR when she needed to choose between becoming a lawyer or a Master in Library and Information Science.

And still unsatisfied with a masters degree, she went back to Iloilo City and enrolled for a Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Iloilo, Iloilo City.

I asked her what made her decide to take up library science. And she said:

"Never had a chance to know that librarianship was a profession. My parents expected me either to take up Political Science or Biology. They wanted me to take long courses. I landed in Bachelor in Secondary Education. Since I used to faint when I see numbers (hyperbole intended), I opted to take Bachelor in Secondary Education major in English but with my lofty goal to get an edge over others, I decided to have a double major -- so I opt for Library Science. If BLIS has been approved then, I would have taken up BLIS."

So I asked her again, "Why did you chose to become a librarian when your first choice was English?", and her answer was straightforward:

"Some paths are winding but all lead to our purpose (I always believed in higher purpose) It wasn't by choice, it's more of pragmatism. I don't exactly know the scope and depth of librarianship then. I just wanted a course where I can be sure I land a job after graduation and I have better chance to be promoted so I decided to take the road to librarianship. I've always been working out to be a good planner as you can see. Though I love books, I love to do research, there were several detours. I took up Bachelor of Laws dreaming of becoming a lawyer. I also thought of studying abroad in linguistics but when another opportunity knocked - to become the Director of University of Iloilo Learning Resource Center, I chose to focus and commit myself to librarianship. Supposedly archives. But all my job led me to managing libraries/ information center which I did for more than 15 years."

And when the Thomas Jefferson Information Center needed a director, she transferred there. And for several years she efficiently directed this center.

While she was managing this information center, engaging activities have been introduced by the US Government. One of these is gaming in libraries. So she and her team adopted and introduced games. They purchased game boards for the 14 network of libraries all over the Philippines. It clicked. Their readers shoot up.

She discussed the mechanics of this novel idea in her paper: "American Corners and It’s Benefit to the Filipino Public: Promoting Games in the Library”, 2nd National Congress of Special Libraries in the Philippines, August 2-3, 2012

To reach more readers outside of their library, she decided to link with academic institutions in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Their library donated some books and audio-visual materials to their linkages for the benefit of the children and adult. She discussed this idea lengthily in her talk entitled: Power by Numbers in Accreditation: Collaboration, Linkages and Partnership”. PLAI- Western Visayas Summer Conference. May 24- 25, 2013, in SAEFDEC-AQD, Tigbauan, Iloilo.

In this concept, she introduced five points that can push the library into a better information center of any institution.

The first point that she wishes to happen is the Paradigm of Shift. She said that to expand one's expertise is to look for library partners who can share their best practices and perhaps their resources to serve as a basis in forming one's capability.

The second point that Dr. Alenzuela wishes to share is the long standing partnership with other libraries. This way, a give-and-take relationship will be fostered to help develop each other's capabilities.

The third point Dr. Alenzuela would like to happen among the librarians is by altering the way they do things. She said that when librarians venture to the unknown way of doing things, they become innovative. They are encouraged to find a new way in solving an old problem.

The fourth point Dr. Alenzuela informed the participants is to create a better library by instilling unit collision with other librarians. This means "sticking together."

The fifth and last point Dr. Alenzuela wants to point out is by "Working together". Indeed, any work or problem, for that matter, can be done easily if only every member of the group will work together. She said that "when people work together, collaboration is at its best. And a lot can be achieved and it's more fun."

These and other programs introduced by Dr. Alenzuela or Rysa at the Thomas Jefferson Information Center earned her respect from among Filipino librarians and the officers of the Thomas Jefferson Library.

With that, she was given award as Locally Employed Staff of the Month by the USA.

Of course these are just part of the many accomplishments Rysa has done to Philippine librarianship.

Despite her busy schedule, she still finds time to read papers on various aspects of Philippine librarianship, as a guest speaker or as a paper presenter. Here are some of them, as partly mentioned earlier:

Guest Speaker. “Power by Numbers in Accreditation: Collaboration, Linkages and Partnership”. PLAI- Western Visayas Summer Conference. May 24- 25, 2013.

Guest Speaker. “National Conference of Public Librarians”. November 6-8, 2012

Paper Presenter. “The Thomas Jefferson Information Center Network : Shaping the Narratives of Dynamic Engagement.” 3rd International Symposium on Emerging Trends and Technology in Library and Information Science . Guna, India. October 26-27, 2012

Resource Person. Lecture on “Building Dynamic Engagement in Libraries”. Dumaguete City. October 18, 2012

Resource Speaker. “American Corners and It’s Benefit to the Filipino Public: Promoting Games in the Library” 2nd National Congress of Special libraries in the Philippines. August 2-3, 2012

Chair, Souvenir Committee. National Book Week 2011. Philippine Librarians Association, Inc.. November 24-30, 2011

Presenter. “Social Networking Tools and Rules for Libraries Converging in the Social-Media Driven Environs” 4th Rizal Library International Conference. October 21-22, 2010

Control Officer/ Facilitator/ Organizer and Moderator/ Lecturer in 35 fora, symposia, conferences, trainings all over the Philippines from January 2009- May 2011.

For some reasons, Rysa left Thomas Jefferson Information Center and temporarily returned to Iloilo City.

Since librarianship is in her blood, she sought employment in among the big universities in Iloilo City. And she found, not only one but two.

Presently, Rysa is employed as a lecturer at the Central Philippine University, and as a Bachelor of Library and Information Science (BLIS) Coordinator at the University of San Agustin, Iloilo City.

Based on her accomplishments, it seems that she has already reached the peak of her career as a librarian. She has been a director of one of the most prestigious information centers in the Philippines, has been published in a book, has been awarded by the most prestigious institution in the Philippines, and has been invited as guest speakers in national conferences.

So I asked her this question: Now that you are a successful librarian, what else would you wish to be?

Here is what she said:

"I'd wish to promote awareness of the importance of Archives and to develop library/ information science (LIS) education in the region into a world-class 21st century competitive one.

"Archives is a very important endeavor oftentimes neglected or given the least priority but without these valuable materials our legacy, our society will be placed in oblivion. I do hope that soon I can promote it at least in WV.

"We know that the pace of Library Information Science (LIS) development in the Philippines is uneven -- mostly in the Capital Region. I wanted that LIS participation be also amplified in the region. We have great potentials. Having been working in the academe for a few months, I've seen the potential for growth in terms of graduates in the Visayas and Mindanao considering the demand aside from the undeniable fact that there is a great need for professional librarians. We need to produce more graduates to face the quick turn over (transfer) and potential brain drain. A lot of highly qualified LIS leave the country for a greener pasture. For mentors and academicians, we should not take it as a threat. Rather, embrace this opportunity to show to the world that we can produce globally competitive graduates. We can supply the local and international demands with highly qualified graduates"

Since Rysa is teaching graduate library information science subjects, I asked her opinion on what else should be done to make library education in the Philippine more competitive to other professions in the Philippines.
Below is her answer:

"Despite the changes in our jobs as librarians brought about by emerging technology, LIS is still stereotyped as old fashioned bookworms. Maybe we can strengthen our collaboration so we can be more visible, our impact and role in nation building be felt. To cite a few, we have a great role in promoting respect for intellectual property; we are the most authoritative profession to speak up for free access to information; we bridge the road to deepen understanding of culture; we have sophisticated knowledge on evaluating and retrieving reliable information. We should do more proactive and engaging programs and keep up with fast pace of emerging technology. Thus LIS education should lead in the promotion of a culture of research, should inculcate that sense of pride in the profession, develop curricula that is geared towards honing creative, innovative and dynamic professionals."

That is Rysa, the far reaching intellectual of the Philippine librarianship.

******
Sources:
Personal interview with Dr. Reyza Azenuela, June 8, 2013
Her biodata.
The meaning of names. http://www.themeaningofnames.org/?n=Reysa&m=9&d=22&y=1999&go=Go. Retrieved: June 11, 2013

Ma. Rhona J. Pelasol: A Super Achiever

Ms. Ma. Rhona J. Pelasol: A Super Achiever

by

Melchor F. Cichon, RL

May 2, 2013

I first met her while I was attending a department head meeting at St. Therese-La Fiesta Site, Iloilo City. She was silent almost throughout our meeting except when she was asked by our presiding officer, Dr. Ma. Teresa S. Sarabia to talk about the results of her recent research.

Dr. Sarabia is the president of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Molo, Iloilo City, the college that produces champions.

It was then that I knew that she is the Research and Development Coordinator of St. Therese-La Fiesta Site. She was then presenting her findings on Managing Iloilo River Towards Biodiversity and Sustainability.

I was amazed by her presentation that I thought I should someday write about her.

My interest on her grew stronger when I learned that among the faculty and staff of St. Therese-MTC College, she received the most number of awards for the School-Year 2012-2013 in the recent Foundation Day Celebration of the said college. She received 12 awards. I repeat, 12 awards for her researches and presentation of researches in various national and international conventions.

Looking at her curriculum vitae, I noticed that in 2012, she wrote alone or with her colleagues the following papers which she read in various national and international conferences :

1. Igcabugao: A Potential Tourist Destination in the Southern Part of Iloilo, Philippines presented in the 5^th Regional Scientific Conference and Annual General Assembly held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines, January 27-28, 2012.

2. Igcabugao: A Potential Tourist Destination in the Southern Part of Iloilo, Philippines presented during the 6^th Global Business Conference held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Manila, Philippines, February 4, 2012.

3. Level of Awareness Towards Solid Waste Management Among Residents of Five Coastal Barangays in the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo presented in the 5^th Regional Scientific Conference and Annual General Assembly held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Arevalo, Iloilo City, Philippines, January 27-28, 2012.

4. Managing Iloilo River Towards Biodiversity and Sustainability presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

5. Awareness and Practices on Waste Disposal Among Restaurants Along Iloilo River presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

6. Level of Awareness Towards Solid Waste Management Among Residents of Five Coastal Barangays in the Municipality of San Joaquin, Iloilo presented during the 5^th International Conference and Scientific Meeting held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Molo, Iloilo City, February 15-17, 2012.

7. Iloilo River Eco-Park and Sustainable Development: Inputs Towards the Full Rehabilitation of Iloilo River presented during the 20^th Annual Philippine Society for Educational Research and Evaluation (PSERE) Conference held at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime UIniversity, Arevalo, Iloilo City, May 10-11, 2012.

8. Loom Weaving in Oton, Iloilo, Philippines: Awakening the Awareness of the Local Folks and Its Economic and Tourism Benefits presented during the 10^th Asia Pacific Council on Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Education (APacCHRIE) held at Diamond Hotel, Manila, Philippines, June 5-8, 2012

9. Public-Private Sector Participation in Managing Iloilo River Towards   Biodiversity and Sustainability presented during the International Research Conference for Globalization and Sustainability held at Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City, Philippines, August 14-16, 2012

10. Iloilo City:  A Potential Convention Destination presented during the World Research Festival 2012 by PAIR and IAMURE held at Marco Polo Plaza Hotel, Cebu City, Philippines, August 22-25, 2012

11. Defining and Redefining the Graduates: The STMTCC Thrust on Institutional Development presented during the Research Seminar and Forum organized by Research Educational Development Training Institute (REDTI) held at Capis Mansions, Roxas City, Capiz, Philippines, August 29-21, 2012.

12. Quality Assurance Monitoring and Evaluation: A Program for Institutional Excellence presented during the 12th Annual South East Asian Association for Institutional Research (SEAAIR) held at Promenade Hotel, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, November 6-8, 2012

When I looked at her list of seminars/workshops that she has attended in 2012,  I noticed the following:

1.       Strategic Planning Workshop, April 13, 2012, Multi-Purpose Hall, St. Therese-MTC Colleges, Molo, Iloilo City, Philippines

2.       Seminar Workshop o Digital Technology: Its Application to Qualitative and Quantitative Research, September 6-7, 2012 at Casa Pilar, Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, Philippines

3.       International Training on the Management of Journal Publications, Performance of Editorial Boards, and Scientific Writing for Journals, December 6-7, 2012 at Grand Men Seng Hotel, Davao City, Philippines.

The above lists triggered my interest on how she was able to write 12 scientific papers in one year.

The BS students of St. Therese-MTC Colleges, La Fiesta Site, Iloilo City, are required to submit  research papers as a partial requirement for their respective degrees with the help of their research advisers.

These submitted researches can be elevated by their research advisers into full fledge researches. Because the research's data, related literature and analysis of the data are almost complete, it would now be easy for the research advisers to develop these student researches into scientific papers. All he or she has to do is to improve its presentation of objectives and problems, revise its review of related literature, improve its recommendations and add its impact on the focused area of study.

That could be the reason why in one year, Mrs. Pelasol was able to produce and present 12 scientific papers in various scientific conventions here and abroad. She is indeed an epitome of a person who works while the others are sleeping. She told me that her motto is: work and work.

Ms. Pelasol was born on February 14 in Zarraga, Iloilo where a lot of farmers are culturing catfishes.

As a child Ms. Pelasol joined the Legion of Mary, a religious group whose main objective is "to give glory to God through the sanctification of its members, who offer their services to their pastor to aid him in the performance of spiritual works within the parish community."

As she grew older, she joined cooperatives. Her knowledge on cooperative was improved when she took her Bachelor of Science in Management and her Master in Management, major in business management degrees at the University of the Philippines in the Visayas, Iloilo City.

During her spare time, Ms. Pelasol would play badminton together with her friends, or she would tender her vegetable garden.

"I prefer vegetable garden than flower garden", she said, "because I love to eat fresh vegetables."

That could be the other reason why Ms. Pelasol is a super achiever.