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front cover

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Editor’s Letter >>>Editor’s Letter >>>Editor’s Letter >>>Editor’s Letter >>>Editor’s Letter >>>

stimuliThe success of every endeavor generally manifests itselfin its seismic impact, whether enormous or minute. The responseto the last issue of the Stimuli Magazine could be called a smallseismic convulsion.

Remember the ad which we put out about themagazine’s search for staffwriters? Well, that ad generated aninflux of inquiries from STI students all over the archipelago,galvanizing students from Baguio to Pagadian to send in theirstories in the hope of placing among the lucky eight.

Your response to such a simple search proves only one thing: that the writingdown of words on a piece of paper remains a source of inspiration and perhaps, aweamong the youths of today. That the need for the written expression is as vital as thebasic need for food and nourishment since it stirs the imagination and gives rise tohopes and dreams.

The words you have written also allow us to know you better and more intimatelyas an audience. You are no longer bodies occupying space but voices, whispers,laughter, tears, imagination. Your words gave you a face. We can hear you now and wewill continue to listen everytime you want to speak.

Elbert de GuzmanVP for Marketing

Malou EspinaAVP for Corporate Affairs

Nerissa M. QuizonAssociate Editor

Adonis TierraJubbie DeocosRoland Laroda

Jouie DominisacRaymond LopezMarivic Fellores

Francis HernandezJaycee de GuzmanContributing Writers

Wowie del RosarioDonna DiamanteRosell Villariba

Cristina MagsinoPao Cansino

Artists

Stimuli is a publication of the STIEducation Services Group.

For comments and suggestions, pleasewrite to Stimuli 5/f Philippine FirstBldg., Ayala Avenue, Makati City. Tel.887-8447 loc. 6986, fax 891-3734,stimuli@stihq.net

<On The Cover>

Clockwise from left: Jabbar, Karen,Philip, JM and Lou Ann show us whythey are standouts. Cover Design byPao Cansino.

Table of Contents >>>Table of Contents >>>Table of Contents >>>Table of Contents >>>Table of Contents >>>

Dear MiSTI 3MiSTI again gives advise tothe troubled and the lovelorn

Want to be a Jedi Knight? 6Marivic Fellores tells you how in “Ambition”

Pepe 7The tale of a love lost in Mexico

Cover story 8Meet last year’s standouts

The Write Stuff 12The eight winners of our searchfor the Stimuli writers

Campus News 22The latest events in ourgrowing STI family

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Dear MiSTI,

I can’t take it anymore being consumed with guilt. My friend ismad at me for playing a joke on her. Do you think I should notmake her my friend anymore and not notice her as if she wasnot there? Please help me. I can’t take problems with closefriends. Ang dali niya magalit. Hindi rin niya ma-take pati mgajokes ng iba. Please reply ASAP.

She’s

Low self-esteem

MiSTI gives heartfelt answers to your innermost questions as well aspractical advice on money, work and school.

Dear SHE’s,Hi, She’s.Ganyan talaga sa friendships, may mga tampuhan at awayan. That’spart of the dynamics of the relationship. May gagawin siyangkaiinisan mo at ganon ka rin naman sa kanya.You did not say bakit mo siya biniro but again, ang biruan ay kasamadin sa relasyon ng mga magkakaibigan. Ang kaibahan nga langmedyo kinasama ata ng loob niya ang sinabi mo. Minsan kasi di dinnatin tantiya kung matatawa ba ang mga pagsasabihan natin ngmga jokes na sa atin ay walang kamali-malisya. Obviously,dinamdam niya yon.What you can do perhaps is apologize. Akuin mo ang kasalanan atsabihin mo sa kanya how sorry you really are. Wag yong hindi nalang kayo magbabatian at parang hindi magkakilala kungmagkasalubungan. Sayang naman ang pinagsamahan niyo kung saunang test ng friendship ay susuko na kayo agad.Another thing. Maybe you can send her this message para namanmalaman niya gano ka ka-sincere sa paghingi ng tawad. Love, okaylang na mag-kaasaran kayo minsan ng mga friends mo. It goes toshow that you care for each other kasi may napapansin kayongnakakaasar sa isa’t-isa. Kung wala at deadma lang kayo, yon angnakakatakot.

MiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTI

Joke, Joke, Joke

Dear MiSTI,

Ang akin pong problema ay ang kawalan ko ng tiwala sa aking sarili, sa aking gawa o sa aking trabaho. Nagtapos ako ng Comp. Tech.dito sa Bacolod last March. Two months after my graduation, nakapasok ako ng trabaho bilang isang computer tech sa isangcomputer store dito sa Bacolod. Gusto ko sana bigyan mo ako ng payo kung ano ang maaari kong gawin para magkaroon ako ngtiwala sa aking sarili. Thank you.

Mr. BacolodDEAR MR. BACOLOD:

“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” This is from the book “The Alchemist” by PauloCoelho and it talks about young people like you who are afraid of doing things they like because they fear criticism, or worse, to be theobject of ridicule. Belief in ourselves happens when we face what it is that we fear the most. These fears can come in the form ofinferiority complex, ang takot na makisalamuha, ang kawalan ng tiwala sa sarili at kakayahan. Self-confidence is a state of mind likelaughter and joy. It needs to be strengthened by even the smallest things, approval from friends, from parents, from peers, even yourself.But you know what? The mere fact that you graduated and managed to land a job two months after graduation is already a point in yourfavor. Relax and enjoy the moment. Don’t think about yourself too much. We all go through that phase but the good news is that oncewe get over it, everything becomes smooth sailing after the first hurdle.

MiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTI

UtangDear MiSTI,

Hi! Sana mapayuhan mo po ako sa problem ko dahil hindi ko natalaga alam ang aking gagawin. Angkan kami ng mayayamanang kaso Dad ko lang ang mahirap kasi hindi siya nag-aral namabuti noong pinapag-aral pa siya ng granddad ko.

Kaya ngayon wala na po kaming pera dahil hindi na ponagkakasya yung pera niya para sa aming mga anak niya. Apatpo kaming sabay-sabay na nag- aaral eh. Wala naman siyangmalaking pera para tustusan kami ng sabay-sabay. Nasa firstyear college na po ako. Yon pong 1st sem ko eh nakihiram langpo ako ng tuition from my Tito. Sabi ko sa kanya, hanggangngayon lang pong 1st sem. Di ko po kasi alam kung papaanoko mababayaran yong hiniram ko. Nag-apply po ako as astudent assistant dito sa school namin at natanggap namanpo ako. Binigyan po ako ng discount kaya P4,000 na lang angbabayaran ko. Sana po matulungan niyo ako sa problema kongito.

Wanoa

DEAR WANOA,

Mararapat siguro na kausapin mo ang Tito mo at iexplain sa kanyaang problema. Sa tingin ko naman ay maiintindihan niya angkalagayan mo ngayon. Matutuwa pa nga siguro yon kasi makikitaniya gaano ka kapursigidong mag-aral dahil naghanap ka ngmapapasukan para matustusan lang ang pag-aaral mo. Minsankasi wag ka ring mahiyang humingi ng tulong sa ibang tao, lalo na’ttiyuhin mo naman. Hindi kasamaan ang aminin na paminsan-minsanay kailangan din natin ng tulong para makarating sa ating paroroonan.Malay mo, kung narating mo na ang gusto mong marating balangaraw ikaw naman ang makatulong sa kanya. Good luck.

MiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTIMiSTI

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STI Colleges Cubao, Guadalupe and Taguig, led by school administratorsConcepcion P. Balajadia, and Glenmar D. Cabigas, proved its collective IT edge overother IT schools by organizing the error-free and accurate tabulation results of Ms.Earth 2003 and Star In A Million Grand Finals.

Ms. Earth, an international beauty-for-a-cause pageant was produced by CarouselProductions and shown over ABS-CBN last November.

The tabulation software with Delphi 6 and Visual Basic programming languagesdesigned by Albert Cariño (STI Guadalupe IT Instructor) for Ms. Earth 2003 was abreakthrough since the accumulated scores obtained by the candidates wereautomatically computed and flashed on screen.

Cubao, Guadalupe and Taguig displayed the same winning streak when ABS-CBN once again tapped them to officially tabulate results of the Star In A Million GrandFinals. STI Cubao’s Jojo Aniag and Czar John Panganiban designed the powerful systemfor the star search show.

STI College Guadalupe and Taguig marketing supervisor Cristina Go said thatwith these back-to-back assignments, the three STI Colleges successfully sustained themomentum of reliability gained from the Ms. Earth experience with its partnership withbroadcast giant ABS-CBN.

STI CUBAO, GUADALUPE AND TSTI CUBAO, GUADALUPE AND TSTI CUBAO, GUADALUPE AND TSTI CUBAO, GUADALUPE AND TSTI CUBAO, GUADALUPE AND TAGUIGAGUIGAGUIGAGUIGAGUIGSPEARHEAD TSPEARHEAD TSPEARHEAD TSPEARHEAD TSPEARHEAD TWO IMPORTWO IMPORTWO IMPORTWO IMPORTWO IMPORTANT EVENTSANT EVENTSANT EVENTSANT EVENTSANT EVENTS

STI College Calamba held it firstleadership training for student leaders atVilla Carmelita, Pansol, Calamba City lastAugust 15-16, 2003. The Leadership cumteam-building seminar-workshop wasattended by officers of the school’s eightstudent organizations/clubs. Facilitatorswere Dr. Cristina A. San Jose, Prof. Eli G.dela Noche, and Ruth Ann E. Loyola.

Dr. San Jose opened the workshopby emphasizing the importance of correctfinancial management for the organization’sviability. The student leaders were taughtthe process of making a budget proposaland budget review. They were alsoencouraged to consult the facilitatorsregarding the format to be used in makinga budget proposal. Some of the topicsdiscussed were the qualities and functionsof a good leader and the characteristics ofhigh performance teams, five dysfunctionsof a team and the stages of team development.

STI COLLEGE CALAMBASTI COLLEGE CALAMBASTI COLLEGE CALAMBASTI COLLEGE CALAMBASTI COLLEGE CALAMBAHOLDS FIRST LEADERSHIPHOLDS FIRST LEADERSHIPHOLDS FIRST LEADERSHIPHOLDS FIRST LEADERSHIPHOLDS FIRST LEADERSHIPTRAINING FOR LEADERSTRAINING FOR LEADERSTRAINING FOR LEADERSTRAINING FOR LEADERSTRAINING FOR LEADERS

Three STI College Lucenastudents grabbed the first place in theInter-School Academic contest heldlast September 5, 2003 at the ManuelS. Enverga University Foundation(MSEUF).

The students were MirasolAbogadil, BSCS 1; Lawrence CyreMelgarejo, BSCS 111; and JennilynMelo, BSCS 111. The three won overcontestants from other well-knownschools like the Sacred Heart College,City College of Lipa, Southern LuzonPolytechnic College (SLPC) Lucban, DeLa Salle Batangas, Maryhill College,Calayan Educational foundationIncorporated (CEFI) and MSEUFCandelaria.

The group received a score of80 points, which outclassed the CEFI’s71 points and MSEUF Candelaria’s 61points.

STI COLLEGE LUCENASTI COLLEGE LUCENASTI COLLEGE LUCENASTI COLLEGE LUCENASTI COLLEGE LUCENABAGS GOLD

Students were encouraged toperform leadership activities like buildinga structure using available materials andfollowing specific criteria in judging thatchallenged their leadership qualities.

Facilitators then discussed the T-P Leadership Questionnaire results bygiving the delegates feedback on the kindof activities or action plans theysubmitted. The group was also challengedto look into activities that would not onlybe beneficial to their organization but alsoto the whole school community.

— by RA Loyola

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Error-free tabulation during the 2003 MissEarth beauty pageant.

Student leaders spearhead the team-building seminar.

The winning streak for Star in a Million.

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STI College Legazpi recentlyprovided technical support and softwaredevelopment for the automatedregistration of delegates to the 1st AreaMedia summit held last September at theAlbay Astrodome in Legaspi City. Thesystem had capabilities to print thecertificates of attendance and conduct theelectronic raffle, and was developed by 2ndyear BSCS student Francis dela Rama. STILegaspi also provided computers withinternet access for the participants’ MediaCenter, allowing them to easily transmitarticles to their respective media outfits.More than 300 members of the ProvincialPress Clubs of the Philippines (PPCP) andthe Publishers and Editors League of thePhilippines (PELP) attended the summit.

STI COLLEGELEGAZPI

SPONSORS 1ST AREAMEDIA SUMMIT

STI LIPSTI LIPSTI LIPSTI LIPSTI LIPAAAAA’s’s’s’s’sSEARCH FOR THESEARCH FOR THESEARCH FOR THESEARCH FOR THESEARCH FOR THE

CAMPUS HEARTTHROBSCAMPUS HEARTTHROBSCAMPUS HEARTTHROBSCAMPUS HEARTTHROBSCAMPUS HEARTTHROBS

STI CALAPAN’S TECH WIZARDS

A milestone event took place atSTI Labangon, Cebu City last July. Theschool held its first ever Mr. and Ms. STIsearch for 2003, which was won by AllanInoc and Carmi Martillan, respectively.Runners-up were Vincent Leogran andPrincess delos Santos (1st), and ChristianBrigoli and Roselyn Gepitulan (2nd).

STI LABANGONSTI LABANGONSTI LABANGONSTI LABANGONSTI LABANGONHolds 1Holds 1Holds 1Holds 1Holds 1ststststst Ever Mr Ever Mr Ever Mr Ever Mr Ever Mr. & Ms.. & Ms.. & Ms.. & Ms.. & Ms.

STI Contest Last JulySTI Contest Last JulySTI Contest Last JulySTI Contest Last JulySTI Contest Last July

S T I C O L L E G E B A LS T I C O L L E G E B A LS T I C O L L E G E B A LS T I C O L L E G E B A LS T I C O L L E G E B A L A N G AA N G AA N G AA N G AA N G AH O S T S “ M U LH O S T S “ M U LH O S T S “ M U LH O S T S “ M U LH O S T S “ M U L T I M E D I A M A G I C ” S E M I N A RT I M E D I A M A G I C ” S E M I N A RT I M E D I A M A G I C ” S E M I N A RT I M E D I A M A G I C ” S E M I N A RT I M E D I A M A G I C ” S E M I N A R

The Computer Society of STICollege Balanga recently hosted a two-hourseminar for students and teachers ofdifferent national high schools in Bataanlast September. Dubbed “MultimediaMagic”, the seminar was a group effort bymembers of the computer Society and theirteachers. Among the topics discussed wereAudio, which focused on picture and textmanipulation in creating a poster usingAdobe Image Styler; Video, which focusedon media clip editong and video creationusing Pinnacle Studio; And Animation,

The Tech Wizards of STI Calapan isa group dedicated to the study ofcomputers. It also actively competes withother STI schools in friendly techiecompetitions. To improve the activities ofthe club, the group held a meeting lastOctober, which resulted in the delineationof roles by its officers.

Club president Francis Hernandezdivided the officers according to ClusterA, composed of the systems analysts whichwill focus on programming; and Cluster B

which focused on the movement of text,shapes and pictures using flash. Eachpresentation was headed by the STI Balangafaculty composed of Lala Paguio (Audio);Tina de Leon (Graphics); Rodolfo Ecamina(Video); and Jeff Aguinaldo (Animation).The invitees were also encouraged to createtheir own sound, imagery and animationin an allotted testing room to try forthemselves what they have just learned inthe two hour seminar. -- Haygelyn Empleo

composed of the systems engineers whowere tasked to handle basic PCtroubleshooting.

Presiding over Cluster A areHernandez; vice president Billy Balbaira,group secretary Pia de Jesus, and groupauditor Gretchen Manalor. On Cluster B aregroup treasurer Christine Maniwang, PRODonalyn Balita, business managers ReynanteLim and Larry Panopio.

The Society’s advisers are teachersDerick Moreno and Edrian Fernando.

— Francis Hernandez

Fresh, young, good looking, smartand, of course, popular, these are theattributes of a campus heartthrob. STILipa’s Campus Heartthrob search, however,also recognized campus personalities whonot only look the part of a campus figurebut someone who epitomized all the goodqualities of a true STIer. But unlike thetraditional search which needed preferredvotes from a handful of judges, this onerequired popular votes from students,faculty, and staff members. STI Lipa’scertified campus heartthrobs for 2003 were

head-turners Julie Vinas (BSBA) and RomeoPaalala (BSCS). Runners-up for 2nd placewere Hanessa Adano (BSBA) and MarvinMacatangay (DCET); while May Ann Ona(BSCS) and Leugim Aquino (ACT) placedthird.

CAMPUS NEWS

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Romeo Paalala Julie Viñas

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Marivic C. FelloresB.S. in Business Administration — STI e-college Southwoods

Ambition

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What do you want to be when you grow up?

As a child, I was always asked this question. I wantedto be a member of That’s Entertainment. When I started mystudies at a Catholic school, my teachers inspired me to be anun. In fact, my best friend and I made this pact when wewere nine that we will enter the same convent when we turned18. This ‘calling’ went on until first year high school.

By the time I was 14, my ambition changed as oftenas Madonna reinvented herself. At one point, I wanted to bea high school teacher, a History professor, then a writer. I alsohad fantasies of being the next Cheche Lazaro, the sixth SpiceGirl, and, ehem, the queen of Prince William.

Now at 19 and most of my dreams laid to waste, I amup for the ultimate ambition. I want to be a… JEDI! Ok, itmay sound out of this world but what the heck. To be a Jedi isto be invincible! Here’s why:

1. A Jedi cannot Love

Now, it isn’t as tragic as it may seem. Ask anyonewho has had his heart broken and he’ll agree, to love is toendure pain. Too much love can be lethal. Call me crazy but Itell you, I’d rather cry because I’m alone than because theperson I love the most cannot love me back.

2. A Jedi knows no Fear

Now that crimes are so rampant, it’s hard not to worryall the time. I worry about my cell phone getting snatched, ora loved one being murdered. Why can’t we be just like thoseJedi’s in Star Wars, trained from childhood to suppress fearand eliminate it in their whole system when they grow up.

3. A Jedi Knows no Hate

If people are capable of loving too much, the samegoes for hatred. Just look at what’s happening in our societyright now and it’s enough to make your insides twist in disgust.

4. Lightsaber

Probably the coolest weapon in the world! If I haveone, I’d be the ultimate protector of the weak. Criminals canbring out all their guns, ice picks or balisongs, but with justone wield of my Lightsaber and they’ll be running for theirlives.

5. Lastly, I want to be a Jedi so that the FORCE iswith me always.

It will keep my spirits up. No matter what obstacles Imay face, the Force will keep me balanced.

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Once upon a time back in high school, I met Pepe.He was the cutest and most adorable blonde I had ever seen.At first glance, you wouldn’t think him anything special. Itwould be in the next few minutes you spend with him thatwould make you think differently.

I had spent my second year of high school in Mexicobecause of Dad’s job. It was a real culture shock for me and mysister. There were different and exciting new things toexperience – spectacular and magical sights, romantic sounds,enticing and appetizing smells, mouth-watering hot dishes totaste, a new yet strangely familiar language and culture, and afriendly people who thought themselves plain and ordinaryyet in my eyes were untainted and beautiful.

Okay! I know it sounds too good to be true. Mydescription might sound like something you’d read on a travelbrochure but all this, to me, are real and true. I guess I did fellin love with this distant land. And part of my falling in lovewith it could be because of Pepe.

When I first got there, I hated everything aboutMexico. I loathed the food (Avocadoes are not supposed tobe spicy!); I despised the music (Mariachis are totally boring!);I abhorred the fact that nobody spoke any English (Hello-oh!Your neighboring country is the US, for crying out loud!).And then I met Pepe.

Pepe’s father left when he was a baby and his motherhad died recently. The people at Dad’s shrimp hatchery werenot a very rich lot but they took him in all the same. Dad tookpity upon seeing him scrounge for food at the office’s kitchen.So being the nice guy that he is, Dad took him home andintroduced him to the family. Mom wasn’t very enthusiasticwith Pepe staying at our place at first, but she gave in rightafter my sister and I pleaded with her.

Pepe was as shy as I was. And since I had only gottenso far as the usual greetings and no entiendo (I don’tunderstand) in our Spanish lessons, our leading to a longconversation in a language we both understood was quiteremote. But he smiled and warmed up to me. I guess I lookedodd enough to him to be worth any curiosity. And from thenon, we became good friends.

In our one-year stay in Los Mochis, in the state ofSinaloa, Mexico (look the place up), there were so manyexperiences I wouldn’t trade for anything. I had a great set of

friends, good grades, an understanding of the language(finally!), and all in all, a life free from worry. My friends and Iwent dancing, saw the latest flicks, attended slumber partiesand picnics, and basically, did what every kid turning teenagerour age did. I loved my life.

The atmosphere at home was great, too. We wereliving the good life. The fridge was always fully stocked withscrumptious midnight snacks. The two-storey house was fullyair-conditioned. We had a TV set upstairs and downstairs. Wehad cable – a necessity for anyone staying in a foreign-speaking land. But most importantly, Pepe had filled the housewith love.

Every day, he would wake up as early as we did,sometimes, even earlier. His eyes would shine; hoping todaywould be the day he would go to school with us. And when wewould leave, he would look sadly at us until we disappearedaround the curb. When we get back from school, he would runhappily down the stairs to see us. During the weekends, wewould all go out to the river delta near Dad’s farm and gofishing. Pepe would stay behind at the farm to meet up withold friends. Pepe loved his life.

Then, the day came when we had to go back to thePhilippines. Nobody really told Pepe about it. We just saidthat we will find a new home for him – some place where theycould take better care of him. But I think he knew somehow.

I wasn’t very happy to leave my friends behind,especially Pepe. We tried to convince Dad into taking Pepewith us. I mean, we were Pepe’s family now. But he said theprocess would take too long and would be very draining foreveryone. A few days before we left, I was watching TV tocheer myself up. I had the whole downstairs to myself and wastrying not to cry. Pepe suddenly sat beside me on the couchand started crying. He didn’t say a word and I, not wantingto spoil the moment, silently wept with him. With his head onmy lap, and my hand smoothing his hair, we silently said ourgoodbyes. It was at that moment that I knew how much Iloved him. He was the only cat I ever did, and probably everwill, love.

Last we heard in an e-mail from our neighbors, Pepehad found his way back to our front porch. He probably stillsits there, silently waiting for his owners to return.

Gotcha! I had you there for a sec, didn’t I?

Jouie Dominisac3rd Yr BSCS – STI College General Santos

Pepe

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Choosing people to put on our cover is always an interesting and exciting work. Its starts with a theme and

before you know it, an idea has taken root. Take for example this issues’ cover. The idea was to feature the

standouts of 2003 – either STI students, schools or organizations — which made the past year truly memorable.

Hence, the pick of the bunch: good-looking couple JM Larracas and Lou Ann Cruz, quiet yet persevering

Jhun Castromero, triumphant STI Capiz, confident Karen Bautista, and sports champions Al-Jabbar Nain J. Sangkula

and Philip Tauro, Jr., and super achiever Mark David Gan.

All of them share one thing in common: they are standouts in any crowd.

The Lady is also a Beauty Queen

If Lou Antonette Cruz seems familiar it’s probably because

she is. She was crowned Ms. STI 2003 and her pretty face has graced

reams of school marketing materials STI produced last year. An

outstanding beauty, 19-year old Lou Ann is the youngest of seven

siblings, which perhaps explains why her mom is very protective of

her. “She never let me watch a movie on my own,” she confides

about her mother. An avowed homebody, Lou Ann is a freshman at

STI Legaspi where she studies BS Computer Science. Typical of pretty

girls her age, Lou Ann is very popular especially with the opposite

sex. But her mom won’t let her have a boyfriend yet. What does she

look for in a guy? Someone who fears God, is responsible, and who

loves his family and himself.

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Twenty-year old Felipe B. Tauro, Jr. first became interested in playing snooker at

age eight while spending time in a neighborhood ‘tambayan’ near his mom’s

office. This passion is to grow years later and will culminate in Philip winning a

silver medal at the 2001 SEA Games and a bronze medal at the 2003 SEA Games

2003 in Vietnam. An STI Taft scholar, Philip spends his time training for the

next international competition that will hopefully propel him to world-ranking

status. An only child, Philip also dreams of meeting a girl

who has a sense of

humor, romantic

and may diskarte

sa buhay. “Okay

lang kahit hindi

siya mahilig sa

sports,” he laughs.

The Snooker ChampionThe Snooker ChampionThe Snooker ChampionThe Snooker ChampionThe Snooker Champion

This Computer Whiz Wants to be a Cop

Twenty-one year old JM Larracas in person

has a funny and engaging personality. The

good-looking student of STI Legaspi who

ran away with the Mr. STI title in 2003

came to the shoot with his pretty cousin

Nikki in tow, proving that good genes

definitely run in his family. He is also

somewhat of an oddball in his family

because of his passion for anything

military. He dreams of entering the

Philippine National Police Academy

(PNPA) and becoming a respected

military officer someday. This dream is vigorously

opposed by his parents who want him to follow in the footsteps of his cousins

and sister: pursue a career as a flight steward. Born May 30, 1982, JM is single

(he just broke up with his gf) and wants to meet a tall, slim, and loveable

Filipina beauty who is simple and has a sense of humor.

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MR. KickboxerAl-Jabbar Nain J. Sangkula is already a champion at age 22. He

won the bronze medal for the Pencak Silat (Indonesian martial

arts) category in the 2003 SEA Games held in

Vietnam. Before that he won gold

for the same category in a local

championship and another bronze

in the 2003 Asia-Pacific

championship. Jabbar is from Jolo,

Sulu and he’s here in Manila to fulfill

a scholarship grant in STI Taft, one of

the prizes he won for winning in the

SEA Games. Regular morning trainings

have kept Jabbar from the curious eyes

of most of his schoolmates. Born on

August 22, 1981, Jabbar attends his

classes in the evenings and spends his

leisure time either surfing the net or on a

date with his girlfriend.

Loren Legarda’s ChoiceWhen Sen. Loren Legarda graced the STI commencement exercises in November,

she walked up to a line of admiring graduates, pointed to a slim quiet girl in a toga and

immediately offered her a job. The girl’s name is Karen Bautista,

who graduated with top honors from STI Kalentong.

“Una nga hindi ako naniwala kasi ang impression konon sa mga pulitiko manloloko,” reminisces theloquacious Karen. Legarda was to prove her wrong.

“Nong pumunta ako sa office niya, expected na nila ako.Dalawa nga dapat kami kaya lang hindi ata puwede yongisa.” Working for a popular senator was an eye-openerfor Karen. For one thing, the work is very demanding

and she has to adhere to the demands of a very

deadline-conscious boss. “Istrikta si Ma’am pero mabait,”she said of her boss. To get her mind off the demands

of her job, Karen often goes mountain trekking with

friends. “Masarap. Nakakawala ng lahat ng pagod,” shesays of her hobby. A no-nonsense girl, the 27-year old

Karen is looking for the same qualities in a boyfriend.

“Ayoko ng maliit, dapat good conversationalist, at gusto komay sense ang sinasabi.”

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The ChameleonThe ChameleonThe ChameleonThe ChameleonThe Chameleon

Twenty-year-old Mark David Gan was not an achiever

back in high school. But this did not stop this STI College Bacoor

student from testing the waters with his latest brainchild, the

‘Chameleon’ (an image steganography software) wherein he

formulated how to effectively discover covert communications in

the Internet.

So remarkable was the Chameleon that when Mark

joined the 1st Annual SGETECH Cup, an inter-IT school software

design competition organized by local IT corporation, SGETECH,

the Chameleon placed 2nd among a number of entries from 20

colleges and universities in Metro Manila.

Mark pocketed P50,000 from the SGETECH Cup. Strong-

willed and focused, Mark

now has a renewed pride

in his heart that defines

personality—a far cry

from his underachiever

days in secondary

school. Indeed, the

competition has made

Mark realize the

possibility of

reaching for your

dreams by just

putting all your

efforts and

keeping your

fingers crossed as

well.

The ChameleonThe ChameleonThe ChameleonThe ChameleonThe Chameleon

Wit and endurance. These two traits

made Jhun Castromero, a GHP awardee, lab

facilitator and active student of STI Balagtas,

win the TESDA Provincial Skills Olympics -

InfoTech Open Category held last Sept 10 - 11,

2003 at the TESDA Regional Office, Guiguinto,

Bulacan. He battled it out with participants from

ACSAT Baliuag, STI Sta. Maria and another

vocational school from Bulacan to get the Gold

Medal Award. With his coach Marvin Castro, they

won a close fight

with an IT

Instructor from

Acsat Baliuag

who bagged the

Silver Medal

Award. Jhun

took home

P4,000 and

the gold

medal.

The GOLD medalist

STI Capiz bested other IT schools in the area when it was chosen by the Capiz Provincial Office of Technical

Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) as its preferred examination center for the Trade Skills Exam.

According to Lourdes Narciso, officer-in-charge of the TESDA Trade Skills Exam, STI Capiz had the most

advanced facility needed by TESDA to effectively implement the test.

“The examiners are very comfortable taking the skills exam because of the good setup of the computer

laboratory,” Narciso said. She added that these comments came from the examiners themselves.

“When we give the exam in other schools, the examiners felt uneasy and uncomfortable because of the poor

facility and laboratory setup. If I were to rate the facilities here in STI Capiz, I will give the school a 9 out of 10 points,”

Narciso said.

The TESDA Provincial Office has been conducting on a monthly basis the Trade Skills Exam in STI Capiz since it

started its operation last June 2002. With this positive response, other government offices like the Capiz Division Office

of Department of Education (Dep-Ed) and the GSIS Provincial Office have also conducted their encoding jobs in the

school.

The Best among the Best

1212121212stimuli

The Stimuli Magazine is supposed to chose eight people to writefor the mag starting this issue. They’re actually eight but we’re going tofeature only seven of them since Donz Tierra of STI La Union was late insending his one-paragraph introduction and picture. (He tells me he’sbusy with the Convention so maybe he has a legitimate excuse).

Anyway, the eight of them won because they represent what theStimuli is all about: young, vigorous and visionary. They were chosen fromthe dozens who also joined the search because we saw potential in them:the potential to be rich, creative sources that could make a difference in thethinking of many people.

Some of the articles featured in this month’s issue were written bythese same intense, creative individuals. We welcome them as family andwe hope you do as well. But for now let’s get to know them individually,

shall we?

ROLAND LARODA

I’m tall, dark, and innocent looking daw sabi ng mga

barkada ko. I’m friendly and can get along with

any types of people. I’m in my First Year of

study pursuing a Diploma degree in

Computer Electronics Technology at STI

San Pedro. I’m an adventurous guy. I play

volleyball and badminton. I like hiking and

painting and going out with my friends at

the internet cafe to chat and surf.

I’m a third year BSBA student fr

om STI

Southwoods. I was born on the th

ird of

March 1984. I consider myself a t

ypical

Piscean: perceptive, honest, loyal

, and helpful. “Ambition” was writ-

ten out of my frustrations and o

f my being a fanatic of the Star

Wars trilogy. Other than that, I a

m also a sucker for the Lord of the

Rings trilogy, X-men, and Parokya ni

Edgar. In my spare time, I love to

hang out with my friends from bo

th STI Southwoods

and Batangas, watch movies,

listen to music, write, and read

just about anything. I’m proud to

say (trust me, I’ve never bragged

about it) that since my first year

of college in STI Batangas up to

now in Southwoods, I’ve been a con

-

sistent dean’s lister.

During my free time, I like to write

poems and short stories.

I have a pet, a dog named Chabby.

I love romantic music,

even rap. I also like to read

books and educational

magazines. I spend time playing

computer games; and if

there’s a chance, during the summe

r vacation, I like going

to the beach, just sitting on th

e shore from noon till

midnight. Watching the sunset

makes my day complete.

MMMMMARIVIC ARIVIC ARIVIC ARIVIC ARIVIC FFFFFELLORESELLORESELLORESELLORESELLORES

RRRRREYMOND EYMOND EYMOND EYMOND EYMOND LLLLLOPEZOPEZOPEZOPEZOPEZ

I am 19 and more popularly known as Kiko. I’malso known in the web as francisloves, for Iam a very loving person. I love literature,particularly poetry; reading books such asphilosophy, natural sciences, and The Bible;

and web surfing sites which offer personality tests andsocializing like Tickle; and building personal web pages. You couldvisit my love site at http://geocities.com/jesusbewithus. Youcould know me a little more and about my life through my poem,The Face in the Picture. My three greatest assets? My gentleheart, my adaptive mind, and my cute face - all from God.

FFFFFRANCISRANCISRANCISRANCISRANCISHHHHHERNANDEZERNANDEZERNANDEZERNANDEZERNANDEZ

I’m a junior at STI College San Fernando and takingup BSComSci. I’ve been joining several STI academiccompetition since my freshman year, including theImpromptu Speech, Essay Writing Contest, andrecently, the IT Matters of Tagisan ng Talino held inMakati City. I consider myself as hard-working anddetermined because I want to accomplish m y manyaspirations in life.

JAYCEEDE GUZMAN

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1313131313stimuli

Behind the petite physique and thick glasses is a Jouie Dominisacwho is, at times, philosophical and sarcastic or wacky and perkydepending on her characteristically Piscean mood swings.Because of her father’s job, Jouie, along with her mother and hersister, has been to Australia, India and Mexico. During the threeyears she has already spent in STI–General Santos, she has beenSupreme Student Council President, a Disk Jock for KillerbeeGensan and has won prestige for the school on severaloccasions, the most recent win being first in an on-the-spotessay writing contest held during the T’nalak Festival sponsoredby Tampakan Mineral Resource Corporation. She now works asan editor-in-training for its community and corporatenewsletters. Jouie spends the little amount of free time she getstaking care of her web-based Neopets™.

JJJJJOUIE OUIE OUIE OUIE OUIE DDDDDOMINISACOMINISACOMINISACOMINISACOMINISAC BBBBBIE IE IE IE IE DDDDDEOCOSEOCOSEOCOSEOCOSEOCOS

My name is Jubbie Bigornia Deocos

, born under the “bull” sign,

24 years old and a 3rd year BSCo

mSci student of STI College

Iloilo. I came from Dumangas, Iloil

o, the home of a brave and noble

people. I am 6 feet tall, of medium b

uilt, black-haired and a moreno.

I study and at the same time work

as a student assistant here

in STI. I am hardworking and deter

mined, plus a nature-lover, a

poet and dreamer. I like simple thi

ngs with aesthetics appeal. I

also appreciate nature and the wond

ers of the world, all of which

fill life with their colorful kaleidos

cope.

%

%

DELEGATES TO MS. EARTH 2003 plant trees along withstudents and staff members of STI College Balayan duringa visit last September. The Ms. Earth contestants broughtenvironmental awareness to Batangas with a ‘Beauty for aCause’ fashion show that challenged students to do theirpart in saving Mother Earth. Also in photo are STI HQ areamanager Umbert Virtucio (2nd from left), STI College BalayanCOO Ellen Cristy Dimaano (3rd from left), and Dean NelsonM. Andal (extreme right).

Remaining true to its commitment of providing education beyondthe classroom and at the same time offering its students an extrasource of livelihood, STI has again renewed its partnership withJollibee Foods Corporation for the “Earn While You Learn” (EWYL)program. Now on its second year, the program has alreadybenefitted more than 250 STI students who worked as part-timecrews in several Jollibee branches nationwide. The Jollibee mascotis seen in the photo with some beneficiaries of the EWYL program.

BEAUTY FOR A CAUSEBEAUTY FOR A CAUSEBEAUTY FOR A CAUSEBEAUTY FOR A CAUSEBEAUTY FOR A CAUSE

EARN WHILE YOU LEARNEARN WHILE YOU LEARNEARN WHILE YOU LEARNEARN WHILE YOU LEARNEARN WHILE YOU LEARN

%

1313131313stimuli

Educational and entertaining: these are two ingredients that make STI’s NationalInformation Technology Convention (NITC) a cut above the rest. In the past, the NITCbecame a forum for well-respected IT experts to talk about new ICT trends before anappreciative audience. Unfortunately, though the content of their speech offered tons ofinformation, the delivery was quite uninteresting. In later years, innovations were made tomake the Convention more interesting and appealing. The most impressive of these wasthe use of customized MTV video teasers introduced by the father of multimedia Mr. DavidAllen Uy to launch each topic.

Each show was also complemented by top-notch speakers like Mr. Alvin Koh Relleve andMr. Raoul Espedido who stamped their individual mark on the show with their own brand ofelegance and wit. When the IT Caravan was included in the Convention program, guestspeakers like Spanky Enriquez, Elbert de Guzman, Stanley Dimain, Jojo Recio (STI CollegeCubao) and Ricky Bunag (STI College Bacoor) enlivened the show and made it trulymemorable.

UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTSSometimes, even the most perfectly planned event has a way of turning out unexpectedly. Here are some insights on these funny ‘incidents’:

During a show in Marbel, South Cotabato in February 2001, the LCD projector used on a presentation suddenly went kaput. Fortunately, it wasthe last topic and the presentation was on its last few slides. In an attempt to appease the restless crowd, we immediately asked Onemig Bondoc,our featured artist, to perform. The crowd went berserk and the incident was forgotten.

Another memorable experience was the Davao IT Caravan. Minutes before the event, the leadcomputer suddenly crashed! Luckily, we had previously loaded a similar software to the computerof Mindanao Area Manger Mr. Buboy Luza. We immediately loaded his computer to the program andsaved the day for another rousing presentation.

Resource speaker Stanley Dimain was taken by surprise when the lights suddenly went out duringthe 7th NITC in Ormoc while he was presenting “The Wonders of Animation”. Luckily the venue hada generator. Unfortunately, the venue of the IT Caravan in Gen. Santos City had no generatorwhen the city was hit by a power shortage. Good thing STI College GSC managed to borrow agenerator from a nearby establishment. A good thing, too, that the capacity crowd was stillthere to witness the event.

Speaker Jojo Recio entered his hotel room and received a shock when he found a note on atable that read: “To our dear Guest, please be advised that there are two thieves runningaround the hotel. Please report any suspicious looking characters – The Management!” Hefrantically searched the room for his belongings and was about to panic when he later realizedthat the penmanship was familiar and realized that he was a victim of a prank!

TRIVIA, CHISMIS, ETC.Did you know that Ms. Carol Banawa dedicated her hit single “Tanging Yaman” to Vice President for Marketing Elbert De Guzman who was thenone of the most sought after speakers of the IT Caravan when he was still an Area Manager during an IT Convention in Iloilo?

A good friend of the STI Events team, Chubi del Rosario regularly plays badminton with IT Caravan speaker Jojo Recio of STI College Cubao andSTI HQ’s Events Coordinator Arnel De Leon.

Teen idol Dino Guevarra regularly mentions in his spiels that he is having tutorials with select STI people when all we did was teach him the basicfundamentals of computers.

Rafael Rosell visited Baguio, Palawan, Kalibo and Cebu this year and asked the audience to greet his mom, who was in Norway, a “MerryChristmas.” He then recorded the crowd’s greeting on his video camera.

Luis Alandy and Tin Arnaldo serenaded the Mr. & Ms. STI finalists in the 19th Anniversary Celebration at the Enchanted Kingdom. Funny thing wasthat when they signed on for the event they were off screen sweethearts as well, but when the event commenced they had a bitter falling out.The pair later reconciled and was a guest during the 8th run of the NITC in the Visayas.

For comments and other insights about the NITC kindly email stimuli@stihq.net and put the title NITC. We would very much welcomeyour comments or personal stories about the NITC.

Th

e long queue says it

all.

Guest artist Rafael Rosell.

1414141414stimuli

Speaker Henry Tenedero . . .

We opened in Baguio on November 2003.

Our hard-working Proware team.

STI’s 4th Invitational Bowling Tournament

BOWLER OF THE YEAR

Men’s Division Tony Del CarmenSTI College Sta. Rosa

Women’s Division Evangeline SabaterSTI College Parañaque

TOURNAMENT RESULTS

President Nick Jacob (5th from left) with the

NITC team.

Yours truly doing the ocho-ocho.

Champion TeamSTI COLLEGE STA. ROSA

1st Runner-upSTI COLLEGE PARAÑAQUE

2ND Runner-upSTI COLLEGE CUBAO

STRIKE MASTER

Men’s Division Tony Del CarmenSTI College Sta. Rosa

Women’s Division Evangeline SabaterSTI College Parañaque

HIGH GAME MASTER

Men’s Division Jojo AraniegoSTI College Novaliches

Women’s Division Donna Jhoy GodioSTI College Caloocan

SPARE MASTER

Men’s Division Jojo AraniegoSTI College Novaliches

Women’s Division Grace BalagtasSTI College Cubao

1515151515stimuli

... and speaker Jojo Recio.

1616161616stimuli

Joseph Davidsen ChoiBS Computer ScienceSTI College Bacoor

Mark David C. GanBS Computer ScienceSTI College Bacoor

Jacqueline Q. BanzonBS Computer ScienceSTI College Balanga

Academic Honors and Special Awards 2nd Sem SY 2002-2003 >>

Alvin C. SiaBS Computer ScienceSTI College Lucena

Certificate in Cyber Programming

Marc Louie Pechuanging STI Antipolo

Jerrick B. Magpatoc STI Dasmariñas

Enrico R. De Guzman

STI College Guadalupe

Diploma in Computer andElectronics Technology

Michael Louie Valencia STI College Fairview

Rodrigo Feril Jr.

STI College Las Piñas

Associate in Computer Secretarial

Mae O. Cayona Regie C. Ellana STI College Alabang

Associate in Computer Technology

Sonia S. Delos Reyes Jefferson J. Lulu STI College Balanga

Irwin T. Tong STI Cagayan De Oro

Aileen Belong Michael John D. Tagasa STI College Marikina

Associate in Office Management

Leny M. Atchico STI College Angeles

Jessica Marquez STI College Lucena

Certificate in Cyber Programming

Stanley Sioteco STI College Angeles

Luis Anthony Oliveros Josefina Marigondon STI College Antipolo

Edmund Sandrino STI College Bacoor

Eduardo R. CardinalMelduard De GuzmanSTI College Guadalupe

Diploma in Computer andElectronics Technology

Herzhelyn S. SonDonald N. ConstantinoSTI College Bacoor

Leonilo C. Malgapo Jr.STI College Calamba

Mark Aaron B. CejeroSTI College Cubao

Stanley C. Silo, Jr.STI College Fairview

Gloria AlbanielEmman N. SingsonSTI College Las Piñas

Roberto D. AgasSTI Rosario

Reynaldo PlandanoSTI Sta. Maria

Benjamen B. Manlapaz Jr.STI Surigao

Crisanto D. RiveroSTI Taguig

Diploma in Computer Studies

Charlyn M. DaratoJenefer S. CagasSTI CDO

Vincent Philip UySTI Mandaue

Jefferson O. LaderasJaydee GravadorMaricel JoseDahlia BernardoEdgardo FelicianoEdison LajarcaMichael DadoSTI Sta. Maria

Louver N. GabatoSTI Tacurong

Ma. Nena A. BerroGerald P. PiguingSTI Tanay1616161616

stimuli

Associate in Computer Technology

Anna Marie G. Echavez STI College Bacoor

Diploma in Computer Studies

Amiel Belen STI España

Diploma in Electronic CommerceProgramming

Davidson R. Santos STI Kalentong

Diploma in Information Technology

Francis Joseph A. Lapid STI Rosario

1717171717stimuli

Rhodalynn C. RonaSTI Urdaneta

Sheelah R. GarciaRodel D. RoderosDaniel P. NgRoden C. ZalamedaSTI Kalentong

Jo Anne B. De LimaSTI Pasig

Mario O. Buhay, Jr.STI Kidapawan

Lorenzo S. RifeSTI Cagayan De Oro

Cherry E. GervadoDaryl P. SechongSTI Iligan

Mylene M. MagnaseLuz S. SianoSTI Maasin

Novell J. TagailoSTI Ozamiz

Beverly H. TabangMary Joy B. GenerSTI Puerto Princesa

Elaine AyranSTI College Antipolo

Karen B. BalbuenaHope L. OngcoSTI Dumanjug

Ma. Christine P. LuchieLouivels D. CauntoyRowena C. GarciaSTI Marbel

Diploma in Electronic CommerceProgramming

Diploma in Information Technology

Diploma in Office Skills andManagement

Joseph Davidsen Choi STI College Bacoor Area and National Level Winner

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Gilbert E. Nero STI College Baguio (Lucban)

Czar Adrian J. Libunao STI College Balanga

Michael A. Brobio STI College Calamba

Diploma in Computer Studies

Eduardo A. De Castro STI Balayan

Christine C. Maceda STI Maasin

Edward Monsanto STI Mandaue

Mark Samonte Sherwin Padua Michelle Chavez Mary Grace Olalia Benjamin Gaqui STI Tanay

Diploma in Computer and Electronics Technology

Mary Grace A. Catud STI Calapan

Roneil S. Jaropojop STI Calbayog

Khevin H. Donguines STI Kalibo

Karen F. Jebulan STI Sorsogon

Edona Ombe Remie Cruz STI Tanay

STUDENT OF THE YEAR(CHED)

Diploma in Information Technology

Lilibeth Joyce A. LabayoMarjorie J. YordanSTI Iligan

To All the Academic Honoreesand Special Awardees,Congratulations!

1717171717stimuli

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Anastacio Bayani, Jr. STI College Lucena

Wilson Mendoza STI College Olongapo

BEST THESIS

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science

Alfred Cahigas Dino Doria Arnel Flormata STI Dagupan

Frederick De Mesa J’ Lou Mancenido Ginalyn Rabuel Oscar Vincent Talavera STI Lucena

Oliver Mataga Paul Bernard M. Cuyugan Wilfred S. Zapanta STI College San Fernando

Ryan Jay D. Perez Randy A. Luis Vanessa M. Reyes STI College Tarlac

1818181818stimuli

if i were President for a day things I would do

Once upon a time, a mother was readying for a

few minutes of rest and relaxation after a long and

demanding day. Her young son, however, had other plans

for his mother’s time. “Read me a story, Mom,” the little

boy requested. “Give Mommy a few minutes to unwind then

I’ll be more than happy to read you a story,” answered his

mother. The little boy, however, was insistent. The mother

then tore off the back page of the magazine she was

reading which contained a full-page picture of the world.

She tore the picture into several pieces then asked her son

to put them back together. Only then, she said, would she

read him a story.

The mother then resumed her siesta. A short

while later the little boy announced that he was finished.

To the mother’s astonishment, the entire picture of the

world was completely assembled. When asked how he

managed to do it so quickly, the little boy explained that on

the reverse side of the page with the world on it was

another picture -- one of a young boy like himself. “You

see, Mommy,” he said, “Once I got the little boy together,

my whole world came together.”

Much like the little boy in the story, each of us has

a responsibility to put our worlds together. Right before our

eyes, we are becoming men and women, and in this

process, we are building character.

Just what is character, though? Horace Mann

wrote, “Character is what God and the angels know of us;

reputation is what men and women think of us.” Yet

another anonymous source said, “If you create an act, you

create a habit. If you create a habit, you create a character,

and if you create a character, you create a destiny.” So

who is right? I guess the answer to this question depends

on an individual’s own values and experiences.

During graduation, some of the graduates leave

school without a complete understanding of trigonometric

functions. Some may not have mastered the English

grammar or fully understand the history of the Philippines,

but none will graduate without character. The one thing

that we will surely gain from our entire schooling is

character.

The facets of our character will reveal themselves

as we adjust to life after college, go to work or start a

family. The values that were instilled in us in school will

become part of our character.

The marks we will make in this world will be

determined by our character. Life may test us but obstacles

will only make us stronger. The biggest mistake we could

make is in giving up. But none is greater than in not trying

at all.

things I would do

Contributed by: Ann Hudson 3rd year BSCS, STI-Dagupan and

Angeline Belza 2nd year DCS, STI-EC Naga

10101010101010101010 Lead and inspire ordinary people in the fight against terrorism.

5555555555 Gather all my unwanted and unused things and make a presidential garage saleoutside Malacañang.

4444444444 Pass a law that will change the quality of education in the country; then instruct the DepEd to give more books to poor students.

3333333333 Assign all the NP officers to clear the area and display roasted pigs on the streets ofManila for a feast.

2222222222 Lead the NSTP students in a nationalclean-up of the environment.

1111111111 Make a 30-minute State of the Nation address via satellite and share the gospel of God rather than talking about the problems of the country.

8888888888Prosecute politicians who steal money from government coffers.

7777777777 Give my countrymen free mobile phones with prepaid loads worth P1,000 each.

Give support to public hospitals in terms of low-cost medicines and clean facilities.6666666666

9999999999 Command the Napocor, Simpelco, Decorp, etc. to exempt the people from paying the PPA bills as a gift.

Character is DestinyBy Donz Tierra

BS Computer Engineering - STI La Union

If i were President for a day

Send in your thoughts about this topic:“10 things i wouldn’t do on my first date”

1818181818stimuli

10101010101010101010

1919191919stimuli

MessagesWORDLESS

THE

Though words are still the major tool in communication,there are things that words can never fully express:

A glance can suggest a thousand words.

A smile may mean happiness and greetings.

A frown indicates sadness and loneliness.

A touch on the hand inspires a dying soul.

A mother’s loving touch assures us of her unconditionallove and care.

A father’s pat on the shoulder uplifts, encourages andtells us that nothing is impossible.

A friend’s hug expresses warmth, depth and sincerity.

A gentle kiss adds strength in the relationship as timegoes by.

Wordless messages may seem silent but could touchdeeply and affect and touch our hearts.

For words aren’t enough to express what we truly feel;knowledge is nothing without application.

by Krysh Ann LintagBSCS 3-A, STI San Fernando, Pampanga

WORDLESSOF

Messages

Maraming maraming salamat po sa pagtugon ng

aking request. I’m sure magkakaroon ng malaking

impact para sa akin ang pagpublish ng mga

naisulat ko sa Stimuli. Marami po kasi

nagagandahan sa magazine ninyo lalong-lalo na

po ang ibang school. Akala nga po nila ay

binibili po ang magazine na ito sa napakalaking

halaga. Hindi nga po sila makapaniwala na

binibigay lang po ito sa amin kaya po mataas po

ang pagtingin ko sa Stimuli. Thank you and

more power. God Bless.

PPPPPJ of SJ of SJ of SJ of SJ of STTTTT I PI PI PI PI Puerto Pruerto Pruerto Pruerto Pruerto Priiiiincesancesancesancesancesa

Sounding Board >>>

PowerPower

2020202020stimuli

Love’s Philosophyby Peter John Villon

The fountains mingle with the river,

And the rivers with the ocean;

The winds of heaven mix forever,

With a sweet emotion;

Nothing in the world is single;

All things by a law divine

In one another’s being mingle;—

Why not I with thine?

See! The mountains kiss high heaven,

And the waves clasp one another;

No sister flower would be forgiven,

If it disdained its brother;

And the sunlight clasps the earth,

And the moonbeams kiss the sea;—

What are all these kissings worth,

If thou kiss not me?

You Never Can Tell by Mark Joseph

You never can tell when you send a word like an arrow shot from a bowby an archer blind, be it cruel or kind, just where it may chance to go.It may pierce the breast of your dearest friend, tipped with its poison or balm,To a stranger’s heart in life’s great mart it may carry its pain or its calm. You never can tell when you do an act just what the result will be,But with every deed you are sowing a seed, though the harvest you may not see.Each kindly act is a corn dropped in god’s productive soil;You may not know, but the tree shall grow with shelter for those who toil. You never can tell what you will do in bringing you hate or love,For thoughts are things, and their airy wings are swifter than carrier doves.They follow the law of the universe, each thing must create its kind,And they speed o’er the track to bring you back whatever went out from your mind.

Do you still remember me?by Catherine Armenio

STI Palawan

Do you still remember me?I was the one in the window who smiled.I was caught in the crowd’s eyeAnd held in your eyes for a while. Do you still remember me?I was the one in the doorway who laughed;I was the one running after you,for more than a mile and a half. And the sun went down,and the sun came up;We had spoken once in silenceThat should have been enough. Do you still remember me?I was the one in the distance who criedI was left all alone by the highwayAnd the highway is empty and wide.

The Dreamby Peter John VillonSTI - Puerto Princesa

Love, if I weep it will not matter,And if you laugh I shall not care;Foolish am I to think about it,But it is good to feel you there.

Love, in my sleep I dreamed of waking,White and awful the moonlight reachedOver the floor, and somewhere, somewhereThere was a shutter loose- it screeched!

Swung in the wind - and no wind blowing-I was afraid and turned to you,Put out my hand to you for comfort-And you were gone! Cold as the dew.

Under my hand the moonlight lay.Love, if you laugh I shall not care,But if I weep it will not matter-Ah, it is good to feel you there.

2020202020stimuli

2121212121stimuli

Pity By Mark Joseph

Painby Peter John Villon

A PITY beyond all telling Is hid in the heart of love: The folk who are buying and selling, The clouds on their journey above. The cold wet winds ever blowing, And the shadowy hazel grove Where mouse-grey waters are flowing, Threaten the head that I love.

Strangeby Christian B. San Diego

They say a word that makes you blind, They speak just to put you down They’re shaping you into a different person

As strange as the one you don’t even know.

People stare deeply into your soulas if they know you.

That’s why they easily judge and conclude.

Don’t let them push you into the dark. Nor let their hands conquer your life.

Try to cover your ears sometimes and listen to what your heart says,

For the heart is the mirror of yourself.

Our Queer LanguageBy Heriya Kintog

STI College-Cotabato

I think you already knowOf tough and bough and cough and doughOthers may stumble, but not youOf hiccough, thorough, though and through. Well done? And now you wish, perhaps,To learn of less familiar traps?Beware of heard, a dreadful wordThat looks like beard and sounds like bird. A dead? It’s said like bed, not beadFor goodness sake don’t call it deed!Watch out for meat and great and threatThey rhyme with suite and straight and debt. A moth is not a moth in motherNor both in brother or in botherAnd here is not a match for thereNor dear and fear for bear and pear. And there’s a dose and rose and loseJust look them up and goose and chooseAnd cork and work and card and ward,And font and front and word and sword. And do and go and thwart and cartCome, come, I’ve hardly made a start!And dreadful language? Man alive,I’ve mastered it when I was five!

Memories or DreamsBy: Peter John V. Villon

Once I’ve loved and cried,Was left without telling whyFlowers wither and trees diedAnd so did my trust and pride.

Never again shall I love,Even look at women’s smileFor they will only stab at your heartWith a dagger from theirTreacherous hearts.

All is fair in love they saySuch it is in fairytales,But fate seems to be unfairFor the mistress of my love is PAIN.

Age has narrowed my choices and forcedChanges in my ways, so I invent a pastNever really lived and envision a futureThat exists only in my secret dreams.

No sorrow have I for the ways of my youthJust sad the choices are no longer the same.For in truth this is one shame of aging,Living now as I must, not as I choose.

Caught between two worlds, the life I’ve lived,And the life of dreams that I wish were real,Now I live the way I had chosen becauseThe body can no longer do the mind’s dreams.

And so I live with memories I never had. Why?Youth was spent imagining someday futures.But I awoke to find the future was todayAnd I had only thoughts, hopes, and dreams.

I am older with some dreams left behind,But still I think of ways to give myself theYouth I never lived; thus, I have found anotherSorrow of age—living dreams I never had.

If care is not taken, unreal memoriesAre given life. Frequently I wish thatSome dreams had been real so today I couldRelive memories instead of unlived dreams.

History slightly rewritten but without harm;A snip here, a tuck there and what was smallBecomes large and what was undone—done.A few liberties taken to enhance the past.

But isn’t this the privilege of gaining age:Mixing dreams and memories as if both wereThe same, and adlibbing the truth to exciteAll who listen even if no one else believes?

Deep inside I know things wereNot as I recount, nor were my deedsQuite as brave as I like to remember.But are they memories or dreams?

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Congratulations, GRADUCongratulations, GRADUCongratulations, GRADUCongratulations, GRADUCongratulations, GRADUAAAAATES!TES!TES!TES!TES! STI graduates take their turn at the podium during

the Network Graduation at the PICC, Plenary Hall last May. Some2,581 STI students from different STI schools attended thegraduation rites which were witnessed by special guestsSenators Ramon Magsaysay, Jr., Raul Roco and DTI head MarA. Roxas. Some 26 STI schools participated in thecommencement exercise including Alabang, Antipolo, Caloocan, Cubao, EDSA-Crossing, España, Fairview, Guadalupe, Kalentong, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Marikina,Muñoz, Novaliches, ORCA, Parañaque, Pasay, Pasig, QuezonAvenue, Recto, San Pedro, Southwoods, Taft, Taguig, andTondo. U

STI is now the official partner of the Philippine SportsCommission (PSC) in the development of sports in the country.PSC chairman Eric Buhain (middle, in barong) said so himselfin a letter addressed to STI top executives Elbert de Guzman(left) and Peter K. Fernandez (right) during the launching ofthe 2003 Mindanao Games. To go by their reactions, delegatesto the Games seemed happy with the partnership.

Bulletin Board >>> Bulletin Board >>> Bulletin Board

STI PSTI PSTI PSTI PSTI PARTNERS WITH PSCARTNERS WITH PSCARTNERS WITH PSCARTNERS WITH PSCARTNERS WITH PSCThree beautiful women created a stir when they visited the STIoffices in Makati last November during a General Assembly. It’sobvious on the elated smile on host Mhel Garrido’s (aka Bill Cosme)face as he gazed at (from left to right) Ms. Poland Marta Matyjasik(Ms. Earth-Fire), Ms. Costa Rica Marianela Zeledon (Ms. Earth-Water),and Ms. Honduras Dania Prince (Ms. Earth 2003). The three beautiesgraced the event to personally thank STI for its help in ensuring thesuccess of the beauty pageant. STI Cubao and Guadalupe developedthe tabulation system for the program.

MS. EARTH 2003MS. EARTH 2003MS. EARTH 2003MS. EARTH 2003MS. EARTH 2003

U UUSTI students nationwide have pooled their resources to donate

for a good cause —to bring the real meaning of Christmas tostreet kids in Metro Manila. Together with Childhope AsiaPhilippines, STI sponsored a kiddie Christmas party alongPeñafrancia St., Paco, Manila and gave street children fromLuneta-Lawton in Manila, Caloocan City and Guadalupe, MakatiCity a truly memorable day. The kiddie Christmas party wasmade possible through donations from STI students collectedduring the school’s 20th anniversary celebration last August atthe Enchanted Kingdom. The street children were joined bySTI Academy students from Las Piñas who participated in thegames and activities prepared for them. STI’s official mascotOwlie and the Jollibee mascot also partied with the kids duringthe activity. 1

STI STUDENTS GIVE TOSTI STUDENTS GIVE TOSTI STUDENTS GIVE TOSTI STUDENTS GIVE TOSTI STUDENTS GIVE TO STREET CHILDREN STREET CHILDREN STREET CHILDREN STREET CHILDREN STREET CHILDREN

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