AN EXPOSITION: SUPERSTITION

KATRINA P LORETO

III Lavoisier

When you hear the word superstition, what comes to your mind? I guess it’s all about beliefs, practices and excessive imaginations. Superstition is all about irrational beliefs that future events are influenced by specific behaviors without having a causal relationship. It is already a belief, practice or rite irrationally maintained by ignorance of the laws of nature or by faith in magic or chance. Therefore, superstition is ignorance. We always have unreasonable or excessive belief in fear or magic in everything we do. It is passed from generation to generation which means that even in the historical life, people would already believe in such superstitious beliefs. It is commonly applied to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, prophecy and spiritual beings.

Examples of superstitions vary greatly from one country to another. An example of a superstition that is commonly believed by the public is Astrology. Even though it as considered as one of the superstitions, it is still a study that’s why people are more likely to believe it and apply it in their everyday lives. In Afghanistan, it is said that if you see a magpie sitting on a wall, a message will be coming for you. In India, it is considered bad luck if someone sneezes while you are leaving your house. The remedy is to come back into the house and wait for a few hours before leaving. In Italy, there is the fear of the number 17 rather than the number 13. This originates from Ancient Rome, where 17 was written as XVII, which can be re-arranged as VIXI in the meaning of “I have lived”, so “I’m dead”.

In China, people say that one should not sweep or dust on New Year’s Day or good fortune will also be swept away. This is also the same in the Philippines. Here, we have a lot of superstitious beliefs handed down from our ancestors and we call it the “pamahiin”. Filipinos believe that if a black cat crosses their path, it would be unlucky for them. Although, some countries, such as Britain, believe it is lucky to see a black cat. Some believe that walking under a ladder will bring bad luck and it is also a common belief that breaking a mirror will bring seven years of ill fortune. Sometimes, it’s kind of irritating when all these superstitious beliefs are affecting our normal action and making us paranoid of the bad effects it will bring if not followed.

Nowadays, it is already common for everyone to follow it because it has been habitual already. Just like the buildings built in the cities, some have no 4th or 13th floor because they believe that these numbers are homophonous with the word “death”. Even without scientific explanations and valid reasons, we tend to follow them and even teach it to the future generations because of our fear that its bad effects might happen. Superstition really controls our mind and actions and it is truly powerful.

WHEN JUAN WAS ONE

AN EXPOSITION

Ma. Inna Palaña

III Roentgen

Juan lives in an abode that is gratis, cosmic terra firma with dense tropical features that is ostentatious enough to the eyes of those who seek immense prosperity. His life was as simple as living in a paradise until those foreign powers came to existence and held Juan’s liberty in a long time. Thus, this made Juan De la Cruz undaunted to have fisticuffs or scuffle, yet they chose the power of pen to have a revolution combined with the word “nationalism”.

Nationalism. Never a simple word yet has a simple meaning: devotion and loyalty to one's own nation; patriotism. This is the reason why Philippines was freed from all the foreign countries that colonized them; the reason why Dr. Jose Protacio Mercado Rizal Alonzo Y Realonda died because of his power over writings; the reason why the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng Bayan was born; the reason why hundreds of women joined the suffering their husbands; the reason why the Filipinos were freed from the tight clutches of Marcos; the reason why Ninoy Aquino was assassinated; the reason why we had this bloodless revolution and the reason why Filipinos will never be underestimated.

Sometimes I thought what will happen if Philippines never had this nationalism. I felt sad looking at those pictures of the People Power Revolution. Children with their mothers on EDSA, praying the rosary, crying, hope that a new Philippines will rise and tanks on the streets, while men fought with it. Having nationalism in a country is not a joke. It would take big hardships to unite all the Filipino individuals around the world, but in the case on EDSA I, nationalism was vast. It was like a disease that spread worldwide, and it was repeated in EDSA II when the Filipino community joined forces for Pres. Estrada to resign on his position.

But nationalism of the Filipino people did not start in the EDSA revolution. It started when Ferdinand Magellan discovered the islands of Humonhon and Limasawa, made friends with the Datus that made Lapu-Lapu, the Datu in Mactan, angry. He fought and killed Magellan. After that brawl, Spaniards started to win the Philippines. The Filipinos were somewhat blind about the truth that they are the rightful owners of their land but after 300 years, the katipuneros lead by Mabini and other known Filipino heroes fought for the country’s freedom. Other Filipinos held as slaves were inspired and was awaked by the acts of the Katipuneros.

Now our country will never suffer as much as those Filipinos way back into time. Thanks to them why we have this kind of living. Nationalism is a symbolism of the heroism Filipinos in the past made, and this just proves no matter what, Filipino community will always be a united country.

STAND UP AND DO YOUR PART

AN EXPOSITION

Kishishita Kaye Daria

III Lavoisier

Are you a Filipino? No? Or you just don’t admit that you are? Are you also one of those Filipinos that don’t know they are Filipinos? Is it really a shame for many people to say, “Hey, I’m a Filipino!” Are you that influenced by the aliens that tried to own our land for you to be ashamed of letting other people know who you are? Geez, there really is a new and scary world out there.

There had been a lot of trials, battles, conquers, wars, and revolutions in the Philippines. No doubt why Filipinos nowadays are “immune” of the tragic things around them. Starting from Luzon, Visayas, up to Mindanao, there will be two forces firing canyons to each other. The government of the current time receives a lot of negative issues not only from the opposition but also from the ordinary Filipinos. All the bad things that can be done by a government official are obviously acted in front of the eyes of the people. I wonder why even 1 in millions of Filipinos nearly 100 million can’t stand up there, speak his heart out, and make everyone’s eyes open to the virus that is spreading in our country. Is it that hard to own Jose Rizal’s pen? Is it that hard to use Andres Bonifacio’s bolo? Is it that hard to borrow even at least one-fifth of Apolinario Mabini’s brain? Is it that hard to be like our heroes? Is it that hard to save the Philippines from the evil? Is it that hard to be a real Filipino? A Filipino that can fight until the end just to see his motherland waving its hands up high with a smile in its face.

It is not that hard. So what are you waiting for? Bumming out there and doing nothing wouldn’t help. Don’t be another pest and add up to the Philippines’ burden.

A simple concern for our country if summed up would be of great help. Not maybe now but someday… for sure there would be a “someday”. It’s not that late for you to do something. Stand up, and do your part.

SUPERSTITIONs

AN EXPOSITION

Gieanne Malimban

III Lavoisier

Superstitions are beliefs or practices for which there appears to be no rational substance. It is from the Latin word superstitio, which means "standing over." In Latin it is used as an unreasonable or excessive belief in fear or magic, especially foreign or fantastical ideas. This also means a "cult" in the Roman Empire which is a belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge.
Superstitions are beliefs that result from ignorance and fear of the unknown. Ignorance of natural causes leads to the belief that certain striking phenomena express the will or the anger of some invisible overruling power, and the objects in which such phenomena appear are forthwith deified, as example, in Nature-worship. Conversely, many superstitious practices are due to an exaggerated notion or a false interpretation of natural events, so that effects are required which are beyond the efficiency of physical causes. Curiosity also with regard to things that are hidden or are still in the future plays a considerable part. With this qualification in mind, superstitions may be classified roughly as religious, cultural and personal.
Nearly all persons, in nearly times, have held, seriously, irrational beliefs concerning methods of warding off ill or bringing good, foretelling the future, and healing and preventing sickness and accidents. Superstitions have been deeply influential in history. Even in so-called modern times, in a day when objective evidence is highly valued, there are few people who would not, if pressed, admit to cherishing secretly one or two irrational beliefs or superstitions. Such superstitious ideas persist not withstanding the evidence which oppose their validity.

SUPERSTITION OR FAITH

AN EXPOSITION

Adriel Dominic Fernandez

III Bohr

Superstition is defined by the dictionary as the irrational belief in a particular thing, event, etc, such as the belief that black cats bring bad luck. But superstition seems merely to be an observation or a conclusion of what happens after having a common experience. I do not really believe in negative superstition, so I wear the number thirteen on my batch shirt. But that is just my opinion, and I am not writing an editorial. There are a lot of different kinds of superstitions in different areas. There are those about luck, behavior, marriage or love, children, and much more besides.

Then there is also faith. What is faith? It seems definable in many ways, which I shall not indulge in. Said to be confidence, trust, or loyalty, it most often the religious kind of faith. Like superstitions, there are also many kinds of faiths - some of which divide into even more groups! Faith is far more solid and far stronger than superstition, or so many people believe. Nowadays, people prefer potent faith over irrational superstition.

Will it be superstition or faith? Such a thought-provoking question! Sure we can merge these seemingly opposite beliefs. But if we were to choose only one, which would it be? I am afraid I do not hold the key to answering this query. I like better if someone else were to debate on this endlessly tiresome dilemma. Also, I could go on, but someone who is superstitious might get the wrong idea and challenge a person’s faith, or vice versa.

GOOD TASTE

AN EXPOSITION

Precious Irish Genosa

III Bohr

Do you have a good taste when it comes with deciding on something? Like what you should wear, what you should eat and what you should do to your hair?
Taste in the general sense is the same as preference. It is also a sociological concept that is needed in our daily lives. There are people who have a good taste and there are also people who have a bad taste. A Person that possesses good taste is widely accepted in our society. The notion of taste in aesthetics was associated with manners and good habits that are of innate nature, and also referred to one's appreciation for beauty. Taste is a quality that is independent of the style.
Individual tastes are shaped by certain aspects of social practices and position within society. Everyone wants to be associated with those who are considered to be more developed intellectually and artistically and therefore tend to consume corresponding cultural products. Defining a good taste is so hard. Because a good taste can only be determine if the person have the same taste with his critics. Defining a Bad taste is also not that easy. It is generally a title given to any object or idea that does not fall within the normal social standards of the time or area. Varying from society to society and from time to time, bad taste is generally thought of as a negative thing, but also changes with each individual.

THE ARTISTIC TEMPER

AN EXPOSITION
Michaella Giuliana Arriola
III Bohr

Edgar Allan Poe reached new heights in literature just because he was, in every sense of the word, drunk. Being drunk and fated for misfortune doubled up the spice of his gloom and the fantastical illusions he got that penetrated his writings so much so that the Franks will revere him as the Father of Horror and Mystery. And, the French are frank people, dun’cha know? This point of reasoning truly takes a cake of many of the proof that customs of society never mesh perfectly with genius terms.
Another example of a great misunderstanding is the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The guy cut off his ear, for Pete’s sake, and died alone under a bridge in Italy. After his death, his works were recovered from his workshop and many other places and only then was he appreciated for the beauty that was his art. The same went for Edgar.
These artists were discovered after their time was due and we never got to thank them or praise them—but I suppose that the pain they felt was the price for their art. The paragon that is society scrutinizes such talents and sometimes so much so that it pulverizes the dream of the maestro and destroys his life and the talent mauled forever.

ENCHANTED

AN EXPOSITION

Grace Ria Bernadas

III Roentgen

Charm, from the French word charme, meaning “incantation” and from the Latin word carmen, meaning “enchantment”. That’s right! That is exactly the feeling you get when you find someone attractive, you feel enchanted—charmed. As if someone cast a spell on you and you strangely feel attracted towards that person. That is what a person’s charm can do.

It is a phenomenon similar to a black hole; it sucks you in like a vacuum and there is no escaping it.

Perhaps you have already experienced admiring or having a crush on someone, whose looks are just a little bit higher than the mediocrity level. Well, that may be for others, but for you, you find that person much more appealing than the rest of the crowd. That is a person’s charm. Of course this also depends on a person’s aesthetics or sense of beauty; you can categorize people as beautiful, pretty, good-looking, cute and of course the one that does not fit in these categories, charming.

That is probably the reason why a lot of weirdly paired couples exist today. I speculate that the reason behind this phenomenon is pheromones. Pheromone is a chemical that triggers a natural behavioral response in another member of the same species. However, for every person, they carry a distinct and unique type of pheromone, which can only be responded to by a few people whose pheromones’ nature reacts to that specific pheromone. Sounds too complicated? It’s really not.

Have you ever experienced having a person tell you “You smell good, what perfume do you use?”, even though you are not wearing any. What they actually smell is your body oils or pheromones and he or she only seemed to have smelled it because he is the only person who can strongly react to your pheromones. And regardless of what you look like that person might just fall head over heels in love with you. That is the grounds for one person’s charm, well, for me at least.

So whenever you encounter a person and asks you the same question, be ready, for he might be just the one for you—your… Prince CHARMING.

COMMON SENSE

AN EXPOSITION

Sean Ephraim Paulino

III Becquerel

Maybe it would take you a while just realizing that a joke’s punch line has already been pulled off, maybe you would end up having called “slow” by your classmates and friends and you find it difficult to do, understand and comprehend practical things. This only means you lack or miss to use your common sense.

Common sense is a special sense that I personally refer as the real “sixth sense”. It provides us the ability to interact and socialize with each other in another intellectual level that would make us different from animals that rely only on their instinct. For example we encounter the feeling of hunger. In this situation relying on our instinct would make us end up getting the closest available food in sight even if it is not ours, but thanks to common sense besides from ethics of course we tend to refrain to do such behaviors. Another example is when your friend is trying to pull a prank on you. Now being able to adapt in this situation and observe such “fishy” behaviors means that your common sense is in action.

For people who had been being able to use their common sense also means that they do have the advantage to think fast and take opportunities that could change their life.

LEARNING

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
JOSEPHINE INOCENCIO
III ROENTGEN

Being a student in a prestigious school would definitely confirm that your high school life will be a mess. It would be full of school works; cramming for a test, a 15-minute project and a copy-paste assignment. Sometimes, a critic teacher or a tomorrow-is-the-deadline teacher would handle one of your subjects and you really need to cope up to his class so you will not get failing grades. Yes, pressure is everywhere. But, you’re a high school student so this will mean that friends and acquaintances are also everywhere.

My life as a sophomore student is very exhausting yet exciting. I experienced different problems and trials that made me cry. There were so many things that made my second year life remarkable. We do not have our own rooms and I was a bit chubby before. There were also times that I was called in the Faculty room because I cheated. I eat my “baon” with Katherine during our first break. We were always together. I am happy when I am with her because she is so funny. My second year in Makati Science High School is the last year that I was with him. I was very sad. I was not able to attend the dance night and even his graduation. And yes, I cried a lot.

I am a junior student now, a member of III – Roentgen. I have already been humiliated many times and been hurt. I am still happy, though, with the current section and I am glad that I have some of my old classmates but I do not have Katherine now. I have been talked about without my knowledge and everyone got mad at me. Why? Simple. I cheated. Funny but humiliating. And now, I do not see him as often as before but we still find time to see each other.

My life here as a student is very rewarding. I learned how to be strong and face all the obstacles as long as I can hold back the tears. I also learned how to suppress my emotions so that I cannot hurt others. I learned not to talk because I am scared of what others will say about me. I am scared in this reality, life. And maybe, forever.

One thing is, I learned how to be happy.

ARTISTIC TEMPER: A WRITER’S PILLAR

MAYLENE MANZANO
III ROENTGEN

For a writer, it is very difficult for them to start one’s literary piece. The first words are the hardest parts to write. Sometimes, it would even take them an hour or two to finally start their writing. Have you ever wondered why is that so?

In the world of the Arts, they have this so called Artistic Temper. One may say it is anger or tantrum. Some might even say it is no different from annoyance. But the term Artistic Temper does not necessarily mean any of those said.

Artistic Temper is an emotional condition which is considered as the outburst of an artist’s creativity which inspires him to be able to accomplish a masterpiece. This is usually observed in writers, most especially among those neophytes who always dream to someday be a writer. Have you ever noticed that when the wee hours of the night start to envelop the city, you suddenly have this urge to write? But then there are also times that no matter how much you want to write, you feel like the cursor in the monitor is annoying you, mocking you in the times you cannot even type a single word.

Writers cannot write at an instant. Most writers cannot write the literary piece that they really want to achieve unless he is in the mood or he has, as we have said, the artistic temper going in his whole system. It greatly affects the whole piece the writer made. Usually, a writer’s work reflects the mood he was in when he wrote his writing. It mirrors the writer’s emotions, which is brought up by Artistic Temper.

One good example is the saying that your creativity only comes to you during wee hours of the night, probably around past midnight or so. Well, actually, it is a good thing for the writer’s part. You see, once silence takes over, he can fall deep in serenity and he will be able to think more clearly than in a very noisy surrounding. It really makes us in the mood to write and write and write. And it really is something. It is true.

SUPERSTITION

BEREN BELLO
III ROENTGEN


A black cat… a broken mirror… sweeping at night… knocking on wood… Our grandmas and grandpas always say that they are bad luck. We follow it without even proving it. What are really superstitious beliefs? All of our old relatives say that we must guide our life with beliefs; such like a broken mirror can give you bad luck for seven years. Biblically and scientifically speaking, superstition never existed. Why some people, especially Filipinos, follow such beliefs?

Superstitions are unconfirmed beliefs, especially with the supernatural. It is handed down from one generation to another generation so each story has a different version. Not so convincing after all because it changes every time it is handed down to one generation. Why do we, especially Filipinos, believe in superstition? First of all, it is a part of our culture. Early Filipinos believe in the supernatural like engkantos, aswangs, kapre and white lady. The Filipino culture is so colorful that fiction is always accepted as the truth. Example, some of the Ethnic groups worship anitos to bring good harvest and especially rain. Second, older Filipinos threaten the younger ones with superstition. Filipinos are exposed to superstition because at a very young age. They know what multo is. Lastly, superstition of Filipinos are influenced by foreigners, especially the Chinese. Feng Shui /fung suy/ are introduced by the Chinese. Some Chinese told Filipinos that feng shui is very effective that it really brought them luck. The Filipinos, that want more luck than they have, immediately follow. He rearranges his house so that it is in front of the rising sun. In the Bible, no verse said that superstitions are real. We are the first Christian country in the whole Asia and we strongly believe in superstition. How Ironic!

For me, superstitions are only part of our rich and colorful culture. It is not made to be a guide in life. We can talk about it but never apply it. Believing in superstitions are like believing in other gods besides Jesus. It is clearly against the Ten Commandments. Let me tell you, if you believe in superstition you are in a serious trouble. Believe in God. SUPERSTITIONS CAN COLOR OUR STORIES BUT NOT ARE LIFE.

FASCINATELY CHARMING

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
Christine Anne De Ubago
III Becquerel

Charm is something that can either be fascinating, attracting, enchanting, or lucky thing. Charm is something that someone can or cannot possess; and it can also be some sort of an amulet to avert evil.

Each and every one of us has our own ways of being charming. Have you ever questioned yourself why Princes in fairy tales have the word “charming” in their names? Maybe because they possess a certain characteristic that makes him charming, like handsome or simply being a heroic character. Being charming does not only appear in fairy tales, but it is also observed in real life relationships. Before having infatuations with our peers, we look for certain “charming” characteristics that are synonymous to ours. It may either be attractive physical appearance or simply just a charming smile. Charming is a characteristic that is very catchy and fascinating.

The other meaning of charm is what we call a lucky charm or an amulet. Many superstitions from all over the world are believed when wearing or owning a lucky charm. It may have different meanings or effects to people and one of the most known beliefs is prevention from evil. Many people are not so confident in living the normal life. They say that there is no harm in trying unless there is a spell that is cursed on that certain charm. A Chinese tradition like Feng Shui practices the possession of certain charms to live a wealthy life. There are other charms like bewitching charms when you curse your foe or love charms when you want a person to like you.

“Charm” or being “charming” depends on the person’s determination to be liked or to possess characteristics of super humans. If you want to impress, then be charming. If you want to get what you want and you’re not contented with what you have, then believe in charms. It is fascinating and simply enchanting.

CHARMED

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
Hanna Camille Carlos
III Lavoisier

What is charm? Charm is more likely to be compared to charisma than to be with fascination. It naturally comes from a variety of people in our world. I suppose it is even impossible to define it accurately. For it appears to be elusive. People with their distinctive charms usually influence other people easily. Moreover, they can persuade them or even inspire them as much as possible. It is quite incredulous but appears to be very convincing.

Now, I can even say that often times, people get carried away by someone's charm-- irresistable charm. It is referred to as a certain quality of an individual which sets him apart from ordinary people. I even see it as a very rare personality of a particular idividual. Some think of it as a magnetic force coming from a person, pulling you towards him, and then you'll just know you cannot resist it anymore.

I must admit that it, a charm from another person, has hypnotized me before or perhaps until now. Someone's charm has worked already on me. I hyperventilated. I cannot concentrate on other things then, because I was so stucked in that very particular and strange charm. I thought that those people with charm thrusted upon them are blesed. Because I consider that having it is very helpful with communicating and persuading which would actually help me with my planned proffession.

For me, charm is not all about the looks and appearance for it means to me in a different way. Charm, in my opinion, is something that is natural in an individual which would cause others to believe him or to have their trust on him. Though, I believe, every person in this world has their own charm, in distinctive ways. Some might notice, some might not. But we must admit that our breathes could be taken away by another person, with that charm, in ways we never see.

But despite the strong emotions they induce in others, people with charm appears to be very confident, calmed and focused. For example, in this particular, highly-appreciated novel, Twilight, portrays a very charismatic character named Edward Cullen. He is popular because of his undeniable beauty. So to say, he has the so-called charm and he has a extremely great effect on other people, regardless of their gender.

Now charm owns a great range of definitions. But one thing is for sure, for I believe, that it is absolutely a divine gift.

Who wants to be charmed?

TRULY A TREASURE

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
Mark Ungson
III Rutherford



What could possibly make our lives easier than the usual? I would presume scientists to make it. But is there really a way?

And voila! I have realized that in acquiring scientific attitudes, life would never be so difficult. Here are some scientific attitudes that we ought to remember.

First is perseverance. We must always put our best foot forward in every task. We must never give up and continue to search for the solution of our problems.

Second is empiricism. Simply said, we must “look and see.”. Underlying this is the belief that there is one real world following constant on the rules in nature, and that we could through the real world , build our understanding.

Third is determinism. We must push through in all of our endeavors and learn that through sheer determination, nothing could get in our way.

Also, we also need to believe that all problems have solutions. Major problems have been tackled in the past, from wars to the sending of man to the moon. Other problems like poverty and pollution have known causes and therefore solvable- perhaps not easily but possible.

Another attitude is parsimony. We must prefer simpler ideas over unnecessary complexities. We must always keep in mind that a very difficult problem only has the simplest of all solutions,

Another important attitude is being open-minded. We must always bear in mind that we are different and that we have our own opinions. Being open-minded is so essential that failing to do so would limit our intellectual freedom. That is why we always need to listen to each other's opinions.

Life is always like an endless cycle of hard work, problems and trials. There will come a time that we will be tired in struggling. But we should never stop. We must imitate our beloved scientists. We must believe that through these scientific attitudes, we may fall once, twice or even more but we will always find the solutions to the adversities that may come to us. With these attitudes, we can attain an easier life for it is by this way that led to inventions and discoveries that were never believed to be possible ever before.

A LITTLE OF COMMON SENSE

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
Dhalaine Bautista
III Rutherford

Common sense - mostly used to show common knowledge. It’s like, referred to as something that everybody knows and is very common to everybody. People, most of the time, use it to answer very trivial questions. Some just to show boastfulness, but not always.

I use common sense, although I rarely say the term. Come to think of it, everyday of our lives, we use it, even without knowing it. From the time you wake up, up to going home from school. Most of us, refer to it as beliefs, some are just understanding.

I know little of it. It’s not really something I would talk about, but it seemed interesting enough to catch my attention. I haven’t really thought about it. From a source, it said that common sense has two meanings in the philosophical world; one, a sense of things being common to other things, the second, a sense of things common to humanity.

What I’m explaining now, I guess, is the second definition, “common to humanity”, meaning not usually the things people don’t know, but things people tend to ignore, because it’s common.

Based upon the judgment of one’s self, we think of it as true. We can tell people that it’s only common sense because we have experienced similar scenarios. It is the opinion of which many believe in. It is the combination of knowledge and experience, which people have possessed from the day they were given their first breath of air.

People carry their common sense everywhere. You can’t really leave the house without it now, can you? Without it, I guess, many would be stupid. Very important, yes, truly, undoubtedly it is the ultimate must have for everyone, not only the guys, the girls, the third sex, the old, the young, everybody. What about you? How do you define common sense?

The True Essence of Common Sense

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE

Annicalou Cruz Tañaquin
III- Ernest Rutherford

“Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense.
- Buddha

Common sense, a philosophy that is always misunderstood, is just a simple idea that many of us cannot comprehend. It is defined philosophically with two meanings; a sense of things being common to other things and a sense of things common to humanity.

If we analyze, common sense is referred to as a phrase which means- an idea most people agree on. In this, they use their common understanding. Some people use the phrase to resort to their beliefs and propositions which in their own point of view is true and accepted. Most of us don’t rely on scientific ideology instead, we just believe what we think is true.

Many philosophers have different outlooks on the common sense. Like Aristotle and Ibn Sina they believe that it is a state where all your senses come together to become one. Locke and the Empiricists, they define it as the sense of things in common between disparate impressions.

In addition to that, there is a pamphlet by Thomas Paine entitled Common Sense. Here, Paine tackles about his arguments about the British rule despite the independence of their country. As I understood it he is fighting for the rights of American because he believes that the freedom of their country. For him it is a native idea that freedom is the condition of them being politically free but as he sees it, still their territory is under the British Monarchy.

To sum it all up, common sense is just an idea, an opinion there is no such thing as an average common sense- wherein everybody should follow this and that. Common sense is purely a point of view, each one of us has his own common sense and we need to respect it. We don’t have the right to tell someone he has no common sense for people in this world think differently and act differently, and we need to understand that.

My Artistic Puke is Pretty

AN EXPOSITORY ARTICLE
Jasper Hannah M. Castro
III-Becquerel

It was quite natural for me to transform into a fully pledged visual arts geek throughout my life. At the wake of my brain, my mother put into the grip of my hands a pencil or a pen and anything to write on. Of course, at the age of three I wasn’t able to compose essays and so, I resorted to shapes, colors and lines.

Ever since the obsession started, it already had its dark side. When I was still a toddler, the occasional production of good stuff was already in contrast to the negative effects of an artistic streak, which were usually forms of vandalism on expensive books and furniture.

Now, as a teenager, I’ve become overly imaginative and individualistic. Artistic is more of a lifestyle than an aspect in life. My fandom with art inspired a way of freelance thinking. This attitude of mine has caused many an argument. I seldom compromise and usually stand out.

Another is the unrelenting passion towards the arts which also has its backfire. “The end justifies the means,” a book said and I agree. Oh, but to be able to produce great finery requires sacrifices including those you did not expect ruin. Artists in a split-second after possessing their materials can become autistic perfectionists that not everyone finds admirable.

In the process of being devoted in creating something aesthetically satisfying not only to the viewers but also to me, the creator, I become an irritable person. I normally would disregard hunger and sleep if I were in the middle of making something. In context to that, I would disregard other external forces such as other humans as well. I’d tell them “later” or even worse if they do something that really affected the outcome of my work, which would be: “Go away!” in a sincerely pissed voice. .

When I look back though, I’m glad. I love all my works and I appreciate how they continue to evolve. When you start saying that your yesterday’s work sucked, it comes with great pride because of the fact that you are better now. But! I must admit that I’ve dented a lot of relationships because of my artwork. If I don’t piss them while I’m in my mode of being a Michelangelo under the ceiling, I would probably be thoroughly defensive about my works towards them after.

Every artsy person knows that the temper comes with the perks and I’m not so sure any of us are really willing to change anything about it. You see, this temper pushes us to improve, to concentrate, and to find meaning in our freelanced and almost directionless lives. Arts to us gives us something to look forward in, it’s somewhere we feel insured. Our artworks are our offspring, our self worth. So I guess that I’m really content with my artistic temper as long as I’d be wise enough to choose where to work: somewhere solitary.

THE EARLIEST BIRD

UNEDITED COMPARISON-CONTRAST COMPOSITION

Luis Alfredo E. De Mesa

III-Becquerel

As with any rivalry, the facts speak for themselves. With that said, as with any rivalry, the emotion, the stakes and the competition speaks a little bit more to the true results. This was always the case when speaking of Chamberlain and Russell. The facts do not tell the total true story behind one of the greatest one on one rivalry in basketball history.

Wilt “the stilt” Chamberlain, the 7-2 310 pound giant who played center considered as the best offensive basketball player until the coming of Michael Jordan, recorded numerous individual records during his illustrious 13 years in the NBA(National Basketball Association). Despite winning all the individual awards amassing several records, even recording 100 points in one game, capturing that elusive NBA title remained ghost to him. Until he realizes the value of team play and selflessness, his team won 1967 NBA title after dethroning the Boston Celtics and ending a string of 8 straight NBA titles. The next 2 years would prove to be hard for him as they were defeated by the aging Boston Celtics and Bill Russell. Old as he may be entering the 70’s, he served as a role player, leading the league in passing, a common waterloo for big men, and helped his team the Los Angeles Lakers win a title before he retired in 1972. He was the antagonist of the two during their rivalry but as Russell retires he soon won the hearts of many people.

William Felton “bill” Russell, a diminutive center played a brand of basketball never seen in the early roots of NBA through defense, was the cornerstone that helped Boston Celtics become one of the greatest dynasties in the history of sport and team play. He led a team valuing the virtues of selflessness, teamwork and hard work. In spite of being inferior in size versus most of the big men in the NBA, he became a force to be reckoned with although he doesn’t posses a great offensive game like his rival Chamberlain, he preached defense and teamwork to his teammates as his team the Boston Celtics won 11 titles in 13 years and for Russell 5 MVP awards. In the later parts of the dynasty the Boston Celtics were aging and lost to the up and coming young and talented team led by Wilt Chamberlain the Lakers. After the loss the Celtics, led by player coach Bill Russell, fought back and won the last 2 titles in the 60’s beating the heavily favored Lakers in each of the years and soon after Bill Russell retired and the Celtics mystic soon faded away. Though their mystic was lost, they paved the way for other teams and show how it is to really win a championship.

The rivalry of Chamberlain and Russell showcased the action inside of the court with their opposite perspective to the game of basketball but both proved to be great in their own way. It only shows that Chamberlain was the best but Russell proved himself to be the Greatest and Chamberlain was Superman and Russell was the Kryptonite. Their contributions to the game of basketball may be different (offense-defense) but their love and passion for the game remains the same. Through the years no one has seen a rivalry as big as this, until Magic versus Larry Bird, in the time dubbed as the “Golden age of basketball.”