Student :D

Student On the Go!

John Remar G. Añasco

“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.”

“No two individuals are exactly alike”. The preceding statement reminds anyone that each person in this world is created by the supernatural with distinct characteristics. Given those distinctions, a person then has his/her ways on how he/she will spend his/her life productively. In a small institution like COC – PHINMA, anybody could then just easily recognize a person by his/her face or by name, because students usually meet in the canteens and corridors.

In school, there are two major classifications of students the passive and the active students. The passive students are the students who just come to school to attend classes, pass their assignments and projects, hang- out with friends and then go home.  On the contrary, active students are the ones who do more what a regular student does. These students are commonly scholars of an academe.

Talking about active students, one of the most active students of COC- PHINMA perhaps, is Chester John D. Pasco. Chester, as being called by his friends, finished his elementary education in Camp Evangelista Elementary School. Way back his elementary years, he considered himself as a person who has a number of dreams to pursue and ambitions to reach. A person with a vision, indeed. Moving on with his life, during high school, he considered this phase of his education crucial since he had been through a lot predicaments during this part of his life. It was during his third year when he was consigned to the second section far from being a consistent part of the cream of the crop. During fourth year, he was then back to the top. He then showed off his prowess in writing by being the Editor in Chief of his school publication. Luckily, in God’s will, Chester was granted the Presidential Scholarship during the second grading period. If it was given during the commencement exercises, he could have then not received it since he did not make it to the top during the final grading due to contentious reasons.

Moving on to his tertiary education, Chester’s first choice was to take up AB- Mass Communication but then he suddenly realized that he wanted to take up the course that will challenge him to take the board exam. So, he enrolled in the BSE- English program of COC- PHINMA. By nature, Chester is an active student. He cannot just let things pass by. As much as possible, he would really want to help. Later on, he was elected as the Vice Governor of the Education Student Body Organization. Then he applied for another position in the Student Publication of COC- PHINMA- the Oro Collegian. For two years now, Chester has become the Feature Editor of the Oro Collegian and hopefully, the next Editor- in- Chief. Meanwhile, he is still the college’s Vice Governor for two consecutive years as he was favored by most of the education students.

At present, Chester is now in his third year of being an education student. Every Saturday, he leads the Education Outreach in Macanhan as he believes that this serves as his stepping stone in finding his journey to becoming a successful teacher in the near future. He is also rendering free tutorials for those education students who are having difficulties in some of their Professional Education subjects.

Indeed, Chester John’s story proves that a student may serve two masters at the same time. Anybody may then excel academically while giving service to his co- students and to the community as well. A student just needs the determination and the drive to accomplish the things that he/she needs to do. Just like Chester, he does things with strength of mind and everything positive follows. I hope this article serves as an inspiration to other students.

Breaking the Monotony

Breaking the Monotony  

John Remar G. Añasco

“I have always loved the beach. The smell of the salty water, the wind in my face, the gentle roar of the waves, all combine to create a sense of peace and calmness.” This aphorism from an anonymous writer reminds someone that if one seeks for relaxation, peace of mind, and time for himself/herself, there’s a place where tranquility, stillness and calmness can possibly be felt, - the beach.

In a student’s life and journey toward achieving the pinnacles of one’s field, it is already  given that most of a student’s life will be spent in the four corners of the academe where he/she enrolled. Sometimes, life in school may get boring because of the monotony of the activities that transpire each day. Making one’s assignment, preparing one’s self for school, attending classes, conversing with friends, complying exhausting projects and meeting the deadlines are just some of the usual stuff that a student does whenever he/she is in school. Tiring, isn’t it?

Students do need time to relax and discover places that are away from the four corners of the classroom. It’s something new when a class holds their session not in the premises of the school but rather in the beach. Just like what the teacher of the Mass Communication students of COC- PHINMA did. She opted to hold their three (hour) class outside the campus to let the students actually see and feel the hidden treasures of a beach. Interesting!

On the Subject

            As future media practitioners, the vigorous Mass Communication students of COC-PHINMA excitedly attended their class on Writing for Print which teaches the students the basics on writing praiseworthy news articles and feature articles. The subject may sometimes be tricky but with sheer determination and tremendous focus on the students’ part to get the gist of the lessons in Writing for Print that will be discussed by the teacher, the subject will then turn out as an undemanding subject and that students will feel at ease about it.

On the Students

            The gorgeous and the exquisite third year Mass Communication students of COC- PHINMA, together with their undeniably alluring instructor, Mrs. Braziel L. Ongcachuy, have decided to spend their 3 hour class in one of the most visited beaches here in Misamis Oriental, nonetheless, the Ajis Beach Resort.

On the Beach

Ajis Beach Resort was a perfect venue for the discussion of the students. The wind blows through their hair. The warm sun bathes their skin. Soft fine sand caresses their feet. The waves sing to a perfect rhythm and the Talisay trees gently sway against the breeze. If one loves the sun and the sea, the beach is the right destination for anybody. The sea was very calm that day; it was on a sunny Monday. Since it was not a weekend, anyone can only then spot of a lesser number of people who are spending their time and relaxing in the beach. “Let’s call it a day!”That was exactly the line which one of the students said after their discussions with regard to the various types of Feature articles.

Indeed, breaking a monotony can be one of the best techniques of a teacher to impart knowledge to his/her students. Students, in no doubt, are also seeking for a new environment aside from the classrooms where classes are supposed to be done. However, who would not want to learn and enjoy at the same time? As what they say, learning should be fun.

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BA-I-RAN

An Indie- Film produced by College of Arts and Sciences, Cagayan de Oro College- PHINMA,  in cooperation of its students from the Mass Communication Department.
The film was shown for three days which competed for various awards. Its competitors are JOJO PILOSOPO from the College of Education and PIKTYOR from the College of Management and Accountancy.

The red carpet Awarding Ceremony was held at the school's auditorium.
Below is the list of awards bagged by BA-I-RAN.

Thank You COC-PEN'S Indi- Film Festival..
I was able to bag my first acting Award..
Congratulations BA-I-RAN!
*Best Picture
*Best Screen Play 

*Best Musical Scoring
*Best Director
*Best Supporting Actor
*Best Actress
and of course
* BEST ACTOR(myself)

MY P-H-I-L-O-S-O-P-H-Y in LIFE

“No two individuals are alike”, a cliché adage that reminds me that each of our traits, talents, beliefs and even our philosophies in life vary from one another. A person’s philosophy will vary depending on one’s life experiences. I believe that no two people will have seen life in the same way. There would be many people that have similar philosophies on life but none of them would exactly be the same. I will share my ideas and thoughts on what is my philosophy in life. The way I have experienced life has made me change my way of thinking more than once, and I am sure it will change again. What is my purpose in life? What is anybody’s purpose in life? That’s a mundane question that we all deal with, why are we here, what is the point of life?
If I would have asked these questions a couple of years ago I would have answered it with, “I have no idea”. Back then I really had know idea why I am here, or what I am supposed to be doing. It seems that all I cared about was to be happy and enjoy life to its fullest. I would live with the philosophy of, live one day at a time.

As a second year, AB- Mass Communication student of COC- Phinma, I believe that I have many more years left on Earth, and in my life span, I should have accomplished my visions in life. Personally, I stand on my own principles about life. I have my own principles when it come to love, life, relationships, studies and other things that would affect my life in the near future.
As a good son of my parents and a brother to my siblings, I am looking forward to giving them a a well-off living. That’s why, as early as now, I am liable when it comes to my students and as much as I could, I should maintain a high grade. I am doing this because I know that I wouldn’t be able to reach the pinnacles of my field without focusing well on my studies.

Three of the most important principles that I firmly stand with about life is when it comes to duties and responsibilities, my set of standards in life and when it comes to love. My view in life about duty is that duty for me is that of a commitment to someone or something. It involves some risks & sacrifice. My standards in life in achieving my goal is to be what I am & to become what I am capable of becoming. Goal planning challenges me to give my life a direction by
making some exercises & strategies. I keep in my mind that God gave me the freedom
to control my own life.I make sure I enjoy myself in achieving my goals in life. I
commit myself to it. On the other hand, my standards in life in making a choice is to work hard, do my best & let whatever happens happen. I believe that the single most important thing we can do in life is to serve the purpose for which we were created. This is my principle in life. My view in life about love is that love comes from God. I believe that to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength and Love your neighbor as yourself are the two most important things in life. I would like to share some of my favorite verses in the bible about love: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres." - 1 Cor. 13:4-7 , "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16).

And lastly, I am so resilient with this line that says, “Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
give the world your best anyway”.

Tatarin (Descriptive Essay)

One of the best dramas I have ever read was the drama entitled “Tatarin” by Nick Joaquin. Personally, I would like to thank our Philippine Literature instructor Mr. Joseph Estroga for giving us the chance not only to read but to watch the movie Tatarin. The task given to me now is to write a narrative essay regarding the conflict in the drama Tatarin and I should relate it to any of my significant experiences in the past. Go on and read this blog post and you will be able to know the conflict that I have chosen and the experience I have related with it.


The type of conflict that I have chosen in the drama was the conflict between man and himself. This conflict happened when Juanito (the son of Don Paeng and Doña Lupe) had a role confusion. The role confusion that I am referring here was when Juanito had a difficulty on identifying on what role he should play, will he remain to be a boy that is being supervisioned by his maids and his parents or will he be a señorito that will be partly independent from his parents and be followed by his housemaids. Yes! That scene indeed cuffed my attention. It happened near the Balete tree during the day fo the feast of St. John when Juanito and a housemaid happened to meet there and they had a tête-à-tête. During their conversation, Juanito was palpably conscious on the way he talks and acts that’s why in the end of their talk, Juanito asked the maid to if they could have a kiss on the lips so that Juanito will be able to prove to himself that he is no longer a juvenile lad. When I’m going to connect the scenario to my past experiences, the first thing that will come into my mind is when I have experienced role confusion way back my High School years. During that time, my family and relatives kept on convincing me that I should not act like a girl. They have done it because they have noticed that I started to possess womanly characteristics. Since then, I was confused on how will I react to different situations. Will I be a man? Or a man trapped in a man’s body? But now, I decided to be who I am. I have chosen that thing that will make me completely happy. I have no regret on whom and what I am right now. What matters most is that I am happy as well as the people around me.


Life is indeed full of enigma. And as human beings, we often face confusions. We just have to deal with these confusions in the right manner. Because these confusions are tests for us to develop a higher reasoning when it comes to making a decision. To my colleagues who are experiencing role confusion, worry not! You just have to be you. Stick on the thing that makes you happy. Be true! Be you! God Bless Us All!!

I did not REGRET

“Experience is the best teacher”, an adage that reminds me that no man is ever created perfect by the supernatural. Yes! I did a lot of mistakes in the past but I did not regret to experience its consequences. For without those challenges, I won’t be able to become a stronger and tougher person.

If only I have the time machine with me, I would like to go back to my Grade II in Elementary. During that time, I started to acquire womanly characteristics from my girl friends around me. There, I started begun to carry out some of their ways of talking and reacting to different situations. I then started to get attracted with the same sex which I personally don’t know why. During that time, I had two choices whether to continue being a gay or to refrain from being such. But I chose to be happy I chose to be me and I chose the thing that will make me feel free. Although I am happy with my status right now, sometimes the regret on the decision I made keeps coming in my mind. Because of that decision, I had been to heartaches and the sad reality is I had experienced the ache of loving someone who doesn’t care for me. I t may sound funny but it’s true. But I know that the greatest love of all is just around me. Thanks to all my family and friends for their unending love and support.

“No two individuals are alike”. So, my decisions are certainly not the same with yours. I’m rare. And, in all rarity there is great value. Because of my great rare value, I do not have to imitate others. This is me, the real me.

An opinion on EARLY MARRIAGE

Everything has its perfect timing, a cliché maxim that reminds someone that he should not be on a rush on the things he does. Nowadays, many juvenile lads and lasses are getting married. So, what are my views on early marriage?

As part of the teenage society, I continuously and deliberately observe drastic changes in the society. One of these noticeable changes is the rising number of teenagers getting married. And this happens because of numerous reasons like family related problems, peer pressure, scholastic problems and a lot more. Teenage years should be spent for friends, fashion, fun and worldliness but what happens now? Teenagers are getting married in a young age. What happens to these teenagers? Of course, they will not be able to spend the entire duration of the teen years for school, family and friends but their attention will be focused on their married life. As proven by a number of studies, early marriages mostly result to divorce and annulment cases which result to a broken family. As a youth, I should say that this is not yet the right time for us to get married because this time is intended for us to go to school and gear ourselves for the betterment of our future. And thus, we should first weigh the pros and cons of whatever decision that we intend to make.

Time is Gold. So let us not waste the opportunities around us. Day by day, let us seize every opportunity that will come into our way. Let us live life with hope and faith that one day, we will be able to see a brighter future. And before we enter the kingdom of love and get married, we should first reach the pinnacles of our fields.

How do I see myself a couple of years from now

Each day unfurls surprises which are naturally unprecedented. A very catching line that reminds someone that life will forever remain as an enigma. Anyone in this world has his plans for the betterment of one’s future. So, how do I see myself a couple of years from now?

A number of years from now, I will be marching at the Atrium of Limketkai Mall and will receive the diploma for my degree and will be awarded with honors by Dr. Chito B. Salazar and the rest of the College Deans of COC- Phinma. At that fleeting yet momentous moment, I will see my whole family and friends in full force clapping their hands as I stride on the aisle. I will then congratulate my c- scholars for making it to the finish line. After graduation, I will have a tour to the different scenic panoramas of the Philippines namely: Boracay, Puerto Princesa’s Underground River and of course I should experience the thrill and excitement the thrill and excitement of the Zip Line ate my Hometown- Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. Also, I will not miss the chance to roam around the flabbergasting Manila Ocean Park and the enormous SM Mall of Asia. After the time for friendship, fun and worldliness, I will prepare for my life-long job. I am really looking forward to teach in the tertiary level and become an effective and efficient instructor. Also, I will strive hard in order for me to become a part of the prominent ABS- CBN Company.

The choices you make today will determine your tomorrow. That’s why, as early as now, I am weighing the pros and cons of my decisions because I know that my future depends not on anybody but on me.

 REFLECTIVE ESSAY- THE SMALL KEY 

In every relationship, there should be trust between couples. A man should give his full trust to his woman and the woman should trust her man. Nowadays, it’s undeniable that many couples are experiencing marital problems maybe because a man searches for another woman and vice versa. I have never been into a serious relationship yet that’s why I am clueless why it happens. If someone enters into a serious relationship, he should be ready for commitment and being committed takes a lot of sacrifices. The story “The Small Key” tells someone that no relationship is perfect it is a matter of a couple handle a certain misunderstanding. Pedro forgave her wife not even thinking twice. For me, that’s the essence of love, being ready to forgive and forget just to save the relationship.

The story “The Small Key” was written by Paz Latorena. Personally, at first, I did not appreciate the story because its ending was vague I mean it did not give a clear ending. But after the discussions, I was then able to get its central theme which is TRUST. As human beings, we cannot escape from being tempted by the things around us. Being tempted can possibly be abstained if and only someone resists the temptation. As a social being, I have been observing the things that are happening in the society most especially to the teenage society. As being noticed, many teenagers are gauging into a boy- girl relationship and mostly if not all did not last long. So I can say that if someone plans to be in a relationship, he should not be in a rush. Everything has its perfect timing. Someone should prioritize his priorities first. Prioritizing priorities means someone is ready to reach the pinnacles if his field.

In any relationship, the essence of trust is not in its bind, but in its bond. So hold the hand of the person who will never release your hand rather than the person you love. A very nice adage that reminds someone on the importance if trust in every relationship. Love is indeed just a four letter word that is so easy to say, so easy to spell but so hard to understand.

WHO AM I?

Biographies are but clothes and buttons of the man- the biography of the man himself cannot be written. – Mark Twain

No two individuals are alike. Therefore, your life story is definitely different with mine. I am John Remar G. Añasco and I have been existing in this world for 17 years already. I was born on May 10, 1993 (which is an election day). My name John Remar was derived from the name of St. John and Re- from Ricardo and Mar-from Marivic. My father is Mr. Ricardo L. Añasco. HE is a hardworking type of a person who tries his best to sustain the needs of our family. Meanwhile, my best friend who is my mother is Mrs. Marvic G. Añasco. I consider her as my best friend because with her company, I am free to share my secrets and sentiments. That’s why; I have been considering my “Mama” as an inspiration to do good acts. I have two siblings, they are Jeramae Jay and Jude Mark.

One of the most challenging tasks as a son is to be a good student. Way back my Elementary years, from Grade I- Grade VI I have excelled academically. That’s why, when we had our commencement exercises, I was awarded as Second Honorable Mention, Best in Filipino, Best in Hekasi and Journalist of the Year. My High School sojourn was the greatest contributor to the betterment of the way I act, speak and think. During those precious years, I’ve met different types of teachers. Some had inspired me while others did not. My greatest achievement when I was in High School was when I marched as the Second Honorable Mention of our batch. I was so proud of myself for that achievement for among the fourteen sections in the Fourth Year level, I ranked fourth after the four grading periods. Aside from that, the best thing that ever happened in my High School journey was when I met my group, “The Juragistas”. And we believe that “Being a bitch is part of our charm”. We’ve shared lots of memories together. Some are just passing but most ideas made us laugh out loud. And that’s the primary reason why I consider my High School life as the most enjoying, brain twisting and worth remembering period in my life. It’s a piece that will be tattooed in my heart forever. And now, I am on my second year being an AB- Mass Communication student at Cagayan de Oro College. And fortunately, I was granted the Presidential Scholarship wherein I need to maintain a G.W.A of 1.75. I am a very determined learner so it won’t be that hard for me to maintain that grade. I am a good learner and will do all the work with responsibility, hard work and reliability.

At this very moment, you may be saying to yourself that you have any number of admirable qualities. You are a loyal friend, a caring person, someone who is smart, dependable and fun to be around. That’s wonderful, and I am happy for you, but let me ask you this: are you being any of those things to yourself?

I would like to describe myself as a very straight forward person who likes to take things on his stride in a very level headed manner. Life is quite exciting to me as it has galores of opportunities and experiences to offer and I feel one should always make the right use of it. I am adventurous by nature for I like to take up new challenges. It gives me the zeal and impetus to work towards excellence. One thing I firmly believe in is that one should always strive towards individual betterment, in whichever form it may be. Therefore I’m never tired of beginning where others end. The only single quality I don’t like about myself is my short attention span on events I do not enjoy. I am a listener and a responder but everyone knows when something is boring. Most things do not bore me often but there are some picky things that do not catch my eye. Learning something new definitely does not bore me a bit.

It’s indeed true that each day unfurls surprises and is naturally unprecedented. In my case, I am considering every single day as precious. Why? Because I believe that each day enables us to acquire more knowledge and leads us to get closer to reaching the pinnacles of our fields.

♥MY GRAB BAG ICE BREAKER SPEECH♥

In this speech, I’ve introduced myself to my instructor and classmates. I’ve also shared three objects that represent my dreams and aspirations in life. I am hoping that you will spare your time to read my speech. Thank you!

Each day unfurls surprises and is naturally unprecedented. Today is just an ordinary day but today, we commence to gain more knowledge and get closer to reaching the pinnacles of my field. I am John Remar G. Añasco and it's my 2nd year being an AB- Mass Communication student.

Each of us has our own way to represent our dreams and aspirations in life. Well then, the first object that could represent my dedication to reaching my dreams and aspirations in life is a STAR.

Secondly, I know that I wouldn’t be able to reach that STAR without focussing well on my studies. That’s why the second object that’s in relation with the first one would be a BOOK (a book filled with knowledge).

And the last object and definitely not the least is the representation or it reminds us that we have God in our lives.And it's a CROSS.

The STAR represents the peak that I’m trying to reach it represents success. And reaching the pinnacles of our fields is everybody’s want. The BOOK symblolizes knowledge, and for us to be successful in the near future, we should get ample knowledge by exerting the best effort that we could give towards our studies. And most importantly, the CROSS reminds us the we have God in our lives. He will direct us in the right way and will guide us to be excellent in our studies.