Culture Nurture: The Essence of Christmas in the Shadow of Commercialism By: James U. Sy Jr.

Villa Angela Christmas Dispaly, just in front of Sander's (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo). Christmas… the first things that come to mind are Christmas trees and Christmas lights, Santa Clause, Christmas shopping, Christmas parties, gifts, holidays/vacation, etc. Unfortunately, in the midst of all the revelry, many Filipinos tend to lose sight of the original purpose of Christmas. The name itself is rooted in Christ, not a surname, but a title given to Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. The Hebrew Mashiach, which means “the Messiah/ Anointed,” has been translated to Greek Khrīstos, which gave rise to Crīst (genitive Crīstes). The Latin missa, which is the celebration of the Eucharist, led to mæsse. Taken together, we have the Middle English Crīstesmæsse, a phrase first recorded in 1038, and which gave us the Christmas of today - “Christ's Mass.” Thus, Christmas is actually a celebration for Jesus Christ, specifically his birthday. The “Christ Mass” service was the only one that was allowed to be conducted after sunset (and before sunrise the next day), so Christmas is celebrated at midnight. Now you have an idea why we have Simbang Gabi. Non-Catholic Christians (i.e. Protestants) have pointed out, on many occasions, that Christmas trees and Santa Clause, as well as the commercial trappings that go with them, have nothing to do with the birth of Christ (which is true actually). Some went even further by questioning the validity of December 25 as the “real” birth date of Jesus Christ. The simple truth is that the Bible did not state when Jesus was born so no one really knows his “real” birth date. The Catholic Church, through Pope Julius I, established December 25 as the “official” birth date of Jesus Christ, just a few years after the first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on that date (in 336 AD), during the time of Constantine, the first Christian Roman Emperor. We have songs that tell us to “Give love on Christmas Day” and to share our blessings, values which form part of the foundation of the Christian doctrine and an illustration of our God being a merciful and forgiving one. Christmas is a chance to renew our bond with our family, whom we tend to neglect in the rush of our daily lives. It is also a time to thank God for the blessings He had given us. No matter how poverty-stricken we are, we are still blessed; all we need to do is to look at others and see that we are better off somehow. That’s why we have to share. It is Christmas and we are happy because we know that there is a God who looks after us and will help us face life with conviction.

GMA Kapuso Stars Bond With Bacoleños in Masskara Mall Shows By: James U. Sy Jr.

Fabio Ibe (left) and Ken Chan, lead stars for GMA's "Destiny" Rose," with the Bacolod media during the GMA Kapuso Press Conference on October 11, 2015 at the Courtyard, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Fabio Ibe (left) and Ken Chan, lead stars for GMA's "Destiny" Rose," during the GMA Kapuso Press Conference on October 11, 2015 at the Courtyard, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Lovi Poe (left) and Benjamin Alves, lead stars for GMA's "Beautiful Strangers," answering questions of the Bacolod media during the GMA Kapuso Press Conference on October 11, 2015 at the Courtyard, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Lovi Poe (left) and Benjamin Alves, lead stars for GMA's "Beautiful Strangers," answering a question from NDB feature writer James U. Sy Jr. during the GMA Kapuso Press Conference on October 11, 2015 at the Courtyard, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo).

Lovi Poe (left) and Benjamin Alves, lead stars for GMA's "Beautiful Strangers," during the GMA Kapuso Press Conference on October 11, 2015 at the Courtyard, Planta Hotel, Araneta St., Bacolod City (James U. Sy Jr./NDB photo). GMA Network, with 65 years of making a difference in the entertainment industry, joins the Bacoleños in celebrating this year’s Masskara Festival with consecutive Kapuso Mall Shows by its stars at t6he heart of the City of Smiles. Award winning actress Lovi Poe and Kapuso hearthrob Benjamin Alves of Beautiful Strangers personally met and bonded with the Bacoleños during their mall show on October 11, 2015, 5:00 PM, at the SM City Bacolod Main Atrium. They were joined by Chinoy rising star Ken Chan and Brazilian-Japanese actor/model Fabio ibe, the lead stars of the afternoon primetime teleserye Destiny Rose, who gave special numbers to the excitement of the fans. Still trying to catch their breaths, Bacoleño fans were again treated with another Kapuso Mall Show the following day, on October 12, 2015, still at the SM City Bacolod Main Atrrium but this time with the stars of Buena Familia - Asia’s Pop Sweetheart Julie Ann San Jose and co-stars Julian Trono and Jake Vargas – gave performances for the enjoyment of the fans as well as play fun games with them. The Kapuso Mall Shows were highly successful with the fans getting the chance to see their idols in person. Prior to the 2-day Kapuso Mall Shows, the GMA stars also met up with the Bacolod media to update them of the developments in Beautiful Strangers, Destiny Rose, and Buena Familia as well as the careers and new projects of the visiting stars. The Bacolod media got a better glimpse of the characters portrayed by the Kapuso stars and how they give life to them on the screen. Oliver Amoroso, GMA’s Head for Regional strategy and Business Development Division said, “Every year, GMA network is always happy to celebrate with the Bacoleños for the Masskara Festival. Bringing to you GMA’s biggest Kapuso stars is our way of extending the Network’s gratitude for Bacolod city’s unwavering support.” Fans of Kapuso stars can get hold of the latest regional events by following GMA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gmanetwork and GMA regional TV at www.facebook.com/GMARegionalTV and on Twitter and Instagram via @GMARegionalTV.

National Seminar on Filipino Concludes Today by: James U. Sy Jr.

The Pambansang Seminar-Worksyap sa Filipino: Seminar sa Pagsulat ng Korespondensiya Opisyal, Ortograpiyang Pambansa at Masinop na Pagsulat was held by the Kapisanan ng nga Manunudlo ng Filipino sa Negros (KAMFIL) in cooperation with La Consolacion College (LCC)-Bacolod and Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino (KWF) starting on June 29, 2015 at the Masskara Hall, People's House and will end today June 30, 2014.at LCC-Bacolod. Speakers were Virgilio Almario, National Artist and President of KWF, Dr. Edgar C. Samar, Associate Profrssor at ADMU, and G. Jomar I. Cañega, Linguistic Specialist, KWF. Officers of KAMFIL are Mary Rose Banas (President), Leah Cansancio (Vice President), Jose John Mendez (Secretary), Jovitte O. Arroz (Treasurer), Anelia B. Bascos (Auditor), Racquel D. Casiple (PIO), Razel G. Superficial (Business Manager), Annelee O. Baguna (Sgt.-at-Arms), Edna Fregil (Adviser), and Blossom A. Briones of KCC, Mary Grace Arsenia of DLNHS, Rommel Arguelles of Nazareth Institution, Tracy S. Larioza of SNHS, Junalyn C. Librarian of BCNHS, Miriam Bayles of Luis Hervias National High School, Romesita P. Arro of Bago City College, Shirley Jane C. Bernadas of Inocencio V. Ferrer Memorial School of Fisheries, Analita T. Batisla-on of NOHS, and Lorelyn A. Antipuesto of LCC-Bacolod (Board Directors).

CHMSC Faculty Attended 24th COMEPP National Convention by James U. Sy Jr.

Five faculty members represented Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) during the 24th COMEPP National Convention, which was organized by the Council of Management Educators and Practitioners in the Philippines (COMEPP) recently at the Bagiuo Country Club, Bagiuo City. Coming from the Fortune Towne Campus were Prof. Manuel I. Ramos, CPA, MBA, Dean of the College of Business Management and Accountancy, and Jay Jay M. Pisuena, Ph.D., Chair, BSBA Program; and from Binalbagan Campus, Geofrey Rivera, Jose Joey Tierra, and Jovelle Vergara. The theme of the convention was, “A New Vision for Management Education: A Response to the ASEAN 2015 Integration.” It was held to 1) appraise management educators and practitioners, professionals and students on the status of ASEAN management education as well as gain perspectives on the roadmap to ASEAN 2015; 2) provide an oppurtunity for delegates to gather insights and information in preparation to the challenges and oppourtunities of ASEAN; and 3) provide a forum for attendees to share their thoughts and ideas in conceptualizing posible action plans to meet said challenges and oppurtunities. The convention was meant as a preparation for the ASEAN community integration in 2015. Speaker was Mr. Pakea Cheliah. Dr. Pisuena was elected as one of the Board of Directors of COMEPP, National level during the convention.

CHMSC, BACIWA, UNO-R Team Up for Mangrove Planting by James U. Sy Jr.

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT) led by Dr. Ma. Teresa B. Ballados, Dean of the Graduate School, and Dr. Jay Jay M. Pisuena, Chair, BSBA Program, Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA) employees led by Interim General Manager (IGM) Engr. Mario G. Macatangay, and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) commerce students worked together to successfully plant 600 propagules in Brgy. Pta. Taytay, Bacolod City last September 6, 2014. The CHMSC-FT Graduate School initiated the plan for a tree planting activity as part of its outreach program. BACIWA, which had the same idea for its corporate social responsibility (CSR), approached the CHMSC-FT Graduate School Student Council (GSSC) for a joint project. The mangrove planting activity, which was funded by BACIWA, was conducted in cooperation with Brgy. Capt. Leah A. Palma and the Pta. Taytay Brgy. Council. The aim of planting more mangroves is to have more trees that will prevent a sudden flood surge during bad weather and typhoons. The CHMSC-FT Graduate School, composed of 19 Master in Business Administration (MBA) and 14 Master in Public Administration (MPA) students, opened the activity with a simple program with Dr. Ballados and Dr. Pisuena giving their welcome addresses and inspirational speeches. Games were played and songs sang. BACIWA, who prepared the food, and the 11 UNO-R students joined CHMSC-FT thereafter. Those who supported the mangrove planting from the MBA program were Ma. Theresa D. Bais, Rollen P. Balquin, Jovelyn Canoy, Shereene May Cauntoy, Analin P. Cortejo, Rodha Marien D. Dimate, Leah A. Estañol, Rochelle Fuentebella, Jona Genalagon, Janice D. Juarez, Kenrose Lagayo, CPA, MBA, Sol Evelt F. Orciso, Ranil Gabriel A. Orcullo, Marites Pagunsan, Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua, Jane L. Perono, Rosalie Ruiz, Leilani A. Sarrosa, and James U. Sy Jr. Those from the MPA program were Fatima E. Aguaray, Ria Ang, Melanie Balbuena, FlorA Mae Domingo, Engr. Geronimo Ermio, Leo Carlo D. Esteves, Marivic O. Gale, Sandra Granada, Teresita B. Lopez, Benjie Onay, Susanita O. Pagunsan, Loreen N. Platigue, Rodeza Rioto, and Lemuel J. Sapa. Of these, 6 were employees of BACIWA. Representing UNO-R were Lorenz Diocson (Banking), Kent Cedrick Duran (Acctg. Tech.), Chenie Marie Ellab (Banking), Reymart Empig and Edtessa Mae Entrina (Marketing), April Nanette Eramis, Kim Marian Espeja, and Cristy Estander (Banking), Sharmie Galve (Bys. Mgt.), and Kimberly Gavilan and Llian Marie Gellegani (Banking), The UNO-Rians are under Mr. Antonio Gargarita in the subject Corproate Social Responsibility (CSR). BACIWA, which is committed to provide safe, abundant, affordable and potable water to the most number of Bacoleños, followed up with another planting activity the week after.

CHMSC Sends Delegates to Global Research Conference by James U. Sy Jr.

Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) faculty/researchers together with international delegates from Thailand during the Global Research Conference Across Disciplines 2014 hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, West Visayas State University, recently at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City (John Gerald A. Pilar photo). Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) was represented by John Gerald A. Pilar, MAEd, and Richard M. Pabelona of the Fortune Towne Campus and Christine Bustamante of the Alijis Campus during the Global Research Conference Across Disciplines 2014, an international research conference, which was hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences, West Visayas State University, recently at the Sarabia Manor Hotel and Convention Center, Iloilo City. The conference theme was “Crossing Borders Through Research.” Its purpose was the sharing of ideas, tools, and breakthroughs in research that may provide enriched understanding and pathways to new frontiers in life and agricultural sciences, natural sciences, languages, communications and information technology, mathematics and science education, social sciences and humanities, and health, medical sciences, and wellness. The specific objectives of the conference were to 1) update researchers of cutting-edge research methodologies with global applications, 2) share homegrown research outputs to an international audience, 3) highlight research initiatives of international researchers in different disciplines, 4) bridge research gaps among countries through collaborative research, and 5) provide a venue in sharing best practices in research. About 227 researchers were in attendance, about 100 presented their papers. Pilar and Pabelona were among those who presented their researches. Pilar teaches Englsih and Technical Writing while Pabelona instructs in Computer Programming.

“Paglaum” Editorial Board Formed by James U. Sy Jr.

The Editorial Board of Paglaum, the official Graduate Studies publication of the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT), was recently established under Resoultion No. 2014-001 during a meeting at the Faculty Office, CHMSC-FT, Brgy. Estafania. The creation of the Editorial Board was a step forward towards the achievement of one of the requirements for the institution’s upgrading from a college to a university - an official publication for the Gradual School. Dr. Ma. Teresa B. Ballados, Dean of the Graduate School, with the recommendation of Dr. Ma. Johanna Ann R. Bayoneta, approached James U. Sy Jr. of MBA 1 to led the team that will produce the first ever publication for the Graduate School of CHMSC-FT. The Editorial Board is composed of James U. Sy Jr. (Editor-in-Chief), Rodha Marien D. Dimate (Associate Editor-in-Chief), Marivic O. Gale (Managing Editor), Jesseth P. de los Santos (Lifestyle/Events Editor), and Rollen P. Balquin and Annaliza “Lissy” Tan-Perigua (Columnists). Sy, a Full Time Instructor at Bacolod City College (BCC), holds a BS degree in Marketing Management from the University of St. La Salle (USLS). He has 16 years experience in writing since 1998, having written thousands of articles for not less than 13 newspapers in Region 6 and a journal in Manila. He is currently a Columnist and Feature Writer for Negros Daily Bulletin (NDB), writes for 3 other newspapers, and was formerly Reg. 6 Correspondent for Rapid Journal (Manila). Dimate, Audit Assistant-Internal Audit at Lopez Sugar Corporation, holds a BS degree in Accountancy (Class 2009) from the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Fortune Towne Campus (CHMSC-FT). She served as Editor-in-Chief of the Technopacer, the official undergraduate publication of CHMSC-FT, from 2007 to 2009. Gale, State Auditor 1 at the Commission on Audit (COA), holds a BS degree in Accountancy also from CHMSC-FT. She served as Feature Editor for the Technopacer. De Los Santos, an Account Manager at Shorecloud Corporation, holds a BS degree in Nursing from USLS. She served as Managing Editor of St. Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) Batch 2001 Yearbook and has submitted article for Sun Star Bacolod in 2004. Balquin, Member Consumer Services Coordinator for the Central Electric Cooperative (CENECO), holds an AB English degree from Bago City College (BCC) with 15 units of Supplemental for Education. He conducts periodic seminars for the consumers of CENECO. Tan-Perigua, a Client Service Associate (CSA 4) (General Services) at Banco de Oro (BDO)-Capitol shooping Branch, holds a degrre in Liberal arts and commerce major in Applied Economics and Business Management from USLS. She has written for both The Clarion (Tay Tung High School) and The Spectrum (USLS). The board had unanimously decided to invite John Gerald A. Pilar, MAEd, as their Adviser, and to adopt “Paglaum” as the name of the official Graduate Studies publication, in reference to the old name of the institution, Paglaum State College. Pilar, who had completed academic requirements (CAR) for his doctorate degree with the specific dsicipline of applied linguistics, had served as Adviser for Technopace in 2013. The accreditation papers of the Graduate Studies publication is currently under scrutiny for recommendation by Ernesto Java Jr., Ph.D., Coordinator, Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and Prof. Ma. Isabel D. Tubera, Executive Director, and approval by Renato M. Sorolla, Ph.D., SUC President II, thru Prof. Edwin B. Villaruz, Director, Student Affairs.