The SMITE

CNU Balamban reigns over Talent’s Nite

A night full of loud cheers from each respective department and satellite campuses were heard as their bets and reps dazzle the stage showcasing their hidden talents.

The annual competition proves that the 20 candidates has something to offer not just beauty and wits but also talents.

Twenty candidates vying for the title best in talent but in the end, there top 3 hailed in no particular order. Thus, CNU Balamban dominates as their two pair of candidates bagged the two spots of the said title.

In an interview with The Smite, Era Rachele Arienda, a Bachelor of Elementary Education student said that she was surprised to know the result.

“I felt so surprised and it feels like everything is worth it kay 2 days ra gyud mi nag practice ato and really worth it ba kay sa tanang effort nga among nabuhat ato, buntag hantod 10 pm gyud mi nag practice ato, feeling overwhelmed gyud kaayo mi and worth it gyud tanan” she said.

Asked if she were to choose a facebook reaction to summarize her feelings the whole night, she chose the wow reaction.

“Wow gyud siya kay first time in history kay na recognize ang Balamban kay wala gyud baya mi sauna gyud” she added.

In a separate interview with Erika Roselyn Adlawan, also representing the CNU Balamban, she said that considering the time-constraint, they practiced just within two days.

“Ang preparations namo kay within this week, 2 days ra gyud siya pero gi overtiman namo siya which is all worth it kay wala mi nag expect nga ma portray namo siya ug tarong” she said.

Asked to what she feels after the results for the talent’s nite competition

“Fulfillment dili lang kay para namo kundi para sa tibuok CNU Balamban kay for the first time na recognize gyud ang CNU Balamban and murag na break gamay ang stereotypes” she added

Indeed, satellite campuses seemed to receive such stereotypes. Whether you’re from different campuses, there’s one thing for certain and that is to represent the voice and the spirit of what being a true Normalite really is.

The wow facebook reaction seems to be the candidates’ favorite as she chose the latter to summarize her feelings.

“Wow gyud kay wala gyud mi nag expect na shock mi kay ang amo lang is ma portray lang namo ug tarong among gi-practican more than enough na gyud na.”

Truly, the Talent’s Nite competition was absolutely a show. The candidates had the guts to perform their talents i.e. different kinds of dancing may it be classical, modern and even interpretative dances. Spoken word poetry was also showcased. Catch our 20 candidates live later tonight at Samuel Mac Clintock Hall for the coronation night.

CNU Balamban representatives for Mr. and Ms. CNU

Women Breaks Barrier in Sports

Cebu Normal University- Joining in a male dominated sport i.e basketball, how does a patriarchal system works for those women who engage in such?

Living in today’s society where gender roles and stereotypes are highly imposed; men are expected to act masculine while on the contrary, women as feminine. Shera Godinez, a 2nd year BSTM (Bachelor of Science in Tourism Major in Sustainable Management) student opposed to such archaic belief.

Godinez, a member of the CNU Medellin Women’s Basketball team is an epitome of this year’s Intramural, themed as “Breaking barriers through excellence in sports”

In an interview with The Smite, Godinez said that her passion in wanting to join a basketball match started as a child, where watching and attending basketball games served as a bonding with her father.

“Actually, pag intrams namo sa Medellin, first time gyud to nako niduwa kay pag high school namo wala man gyud Basketball sa girls kay lage tungod babaye” she said.

“Pag first time nako niduwa sa screening kay wala gyud ko nag expect nga daghan naka ingon nako nga naa koy potential nga muduwa nga mu screening sa among basketball team ba” she added.

The women from the different basketball teams battling it out for supremacy

According to her, there’s no special treatment when it comes to trainings. Regardless of the gender, one must undergo a rigorous training. No excuses thus equal treatment is expected.

Choosing a male-dominated sport to engage, receiving sexist notions and remarks from people is inevitable. However, she firmly believes that as long as you love what you are doing then everything will fall into place.

“Para nako dili man hindrance nga babaye ka. Maski babaye ka or lalaki man as long as ganahan ka muduwa wala gyud makapugong nimo”

Indeed, in a society where gender roles can be vividly noticed especially in the field of sports, women are slowly breaking the barriers and the traditional sexist stereotypes imposed upon them.

Words by: Daniella Mhari Tan

Photo captured by: Trisha Mae Sigue

Cramps? Grab a banana

Steven Dogillo (left), a CNU Medellin swimmer

As an athlete, proper discipline and training is essential to be fit and ready for the games. Selecting the right food to eat before and after the competition is a key essential for winning.

For swimmers, being wise when choosing the food intake is a must. In fact, all athletes must observe proper diet and to eat what is best for them.

Earlier before the competition, swimmers from the Cebu Normal University-Medellin Campus were observed to be eating bananas. When asked about why they did, Steven Dogillo, a swimmer from the Medellin campus answered, “Banana contains potassium that helps swimmers not to get cramps easily especially during swimming”.

Scientifically, banana is rich in potassium that is essential in muscle function. Also, it contains high natural sugars and is easy to digest which is not heavy in the stomach. Who wouldn’t like banana? Aside that it tastes good it is also a healthy fruit.

That’s how important this simple fruit is. Though bananas do not assure winning it can certainly help a swimmer become healthier and safe which is crucial for the enjoyment of the sport. So, throw your aces, eat banana.

Words by: Wilma Elicano

Photo by: Alayza Jane Sanchez

CNU MEDELLIN: INGREDIENTS TO BAGGING THE FIRST DAY AWARDEES

Dashing unit colors, loud cheers, cameras from the press and the nonchalant proud screams from the supporters are heard as Cebu Normal University opens the annual Intramurals. Different colleges compete for the throne as well as different campuses of the university are invited to participate.

In the week long celebration, parade of colors as well as dashing smiles and endless talents will be showcased from the students. Everyone’s aim is to sit on that throne, isn’t it? The throne on top that symbolizes supremacy and pride.

Now, what does it really take to sit on that throne? Does it impose such standards that needs to be a must-have for each of the contender? Cebu Normal Medellin Campus can for sure answer these questions. As the first day of Intramurals’ had started, the CNU Medellin already bagged the special awards for the said day.

CNU Medellin Campus students in their dance palabas

Looking how these contenders had sacrificed all their sweat and efforts is ended a hard work paid off, even if it was just the first day. The first one will always be the biggest step towards the ultimate goal like how a baby first learned to step for the ultimate goal of walking. But how did we learn to walk? How did we feel the success of enjoying the achievements we have if it weren’t for the steps that we undertook. What’s the secret of CNU Medellin on bagging the awards?

Dedication. From late night practices, to never ending repeat lapses as well as minor injuries and undertakings such as support, were experienced by the contender. As Mr. Jay Jumar Bacunawa, an instructor of CNU Medellin had disclosed, this year’s batch of athletes is composed of youth from different degree programs as well as a variety of attitude that had been shaped together and had decided to work as one for the main goal, no not just winning, but as well as making the school proud. Being a student athlete may sound like a piece of cake, beginning to think that yes they just stand their and do what they usually do like shoot the ball, defend the goal and the likes but no, being a student athlete is much more than that. It is about the passion that had lit up the dedication of these youth to make their school, families and friends proud and to use their talent for themselves and for other people.

Discipline. The most repeated word by everyone when being asked what it takes to win is discipline. What does it really mean to be disciplined? Does this mean following the game rules? Making sure not to foul out in a game? Or maybe, being humane still despite the tension in the court and the game proper? Yes, all of these are part of the big idea of discipline. Being disciplined for them, simply means abiding to what they are taught to do so. It means that they followed the rules set for them as an athlete because no one knows them better than the people who coached them, right?

The presentation of the yell as well as the Dance Palabas had moved the winning moment of CNU Medellin. They may not won the first place but they collected all the special awardees of the day. These may be considered small but big things come from small things after all.

“City or not, you are still studying in the same school” Mr. Bacunawa informed his athletes whenever they feel like they are inferior as they did not came from the city. Indeed, the uplifting spirts also of support circles will always be one of the reasons why an individual believes in himself or herself. In this case, win or not, Intramurals will be the game of fun and being acquainted.

Trisha Mae Franche P. Sigue| The Smite

Photo by: Alayza Jane Sanchez and Michelle Grace Baculao

CNU Opens Intramurals 2019

Cebu Normal University officially opened Intramurals 2019 participated by College of Teacher Education (CTE), College of Art and Sciences (CAS), College of Nursing (CN) and from the satellite campuses, CNU Balamban and Medellin, earlier this afternoon.

Charle Michael Lucrida, this year’s runner for torch lighting

This year’s intramurals is themed: “Breaking barriers and achieving excellence through sports” which will be enacted for the next 4 days.

As part of the opening, the CNU Pop-jazz rendered a dance presentation which gained applause and screams from the crowd.

Loud yells and chants were heard from the students as they were called to cheer and represent their teams during the Saludo competition.

This year, each team made sure to have serious preparations and are having high expectations to prevail and bring home the anticipated trophy.

Recalling last year’s event, CTE was hailed as the overall champion and has been undefeated for 2 consecutive years already.

The event was supposedly to be held in Cebu City Sports Center but
there is no power supply due to the fire incident last October 18, 2019, hence, the opening was moved to the centennial stage.

Sports and competitions are expected to happen inside Cebu City Sports Center, San Antonio basketball court and inside CNU main campus.

Words by: Wilma Mae Elicano & Jiezel Chavez
Photo by: Alayza Jane Sanchez & Michelle Baculao
TheSmite|CNU

Not all Heroes wear Capes

I can still vividly remember the first time I stepped my foot in a four-cornered classroom, full of faces in which I didn’t know of and there I was hiding behind my mother’s back, afraid to socialize, separation anxiety perhaps. Tears began to fall as my mom tried to situate me in a chair with no one that I could talk to and there she was, with her angelic aura, assuring me that everything will be okay and I should stop bawling my eyes out. Everytime I hear the word patience, it has a face and it’s her, my kindgergarten teacher. One time, my earrings fell off and I went to her and asked if she could pierce it back and said “Ayaw na tang-tanga langga, pretty raba ka ana” and even now, I always feel incomplete everytime I step out from my house without any earrings dangling on my ears thus there are no days where I haven’t wear any such. Maybe, as a child, all the uttered positive words from a teacher will be forever inculcated to you. Yes, talking about impact.

Senior year. Took up Humanities and Social Sciences as my track, one of the factors as to why I took up the latter was to avoid any subject that would require calculations, yes, pertaining to math. I hate math with a passion. Not to sound dramatic but I would tremble in fear even just hearing the word alone. Life really doesn’t work out as how we want it to be. Thus, I really took the Statistics and Probability course since it’s a prequisite. First day of our meeting, I was quiet, my friends were curious why I suddenly gone aloof when I used to participate in class a lot. While our teacher gave us an inkling regarding to the course, there I was thinking what if I’d be be called in an oral recitation considering how dumb I am when it comes to math? Days passed and I realized our teacher’s strict aura was just a facade. Underneath, he was a great teacher and he never missed a lecture without cracking jokes in class. Hence, the-math-hater within me just slowly vanished. He has the ability to make a difficult topic into a well-explained one, in a way that his students can understand easily. I started to love math because of him.

Those were just few memories with my teachers I could share. It is with them where I am at my best. Former and present teachers created a huge part of me where I am equipped with necessary skills in engaging in this battlefield called life and with that, I am honored and thankful. Being an educator is a noble profession. You get to instill knowledge to your students and create an impact to their lives. They are our parents in our so-called second home, playing an essential role in guiding us towards the right path and in achieving our aspirations in life. A thank you would be an understatement, nonetheless we are fortunate enough to have these modern day heroes in shaping and molding of who we are today. Indeed, not all heroes wear capes, sometimes, chalk and books are enough to save the future of our nation’s hope. To all the educators our there, saving the lives of the people, one lecture at a time, Happy Teachers’ Day! Thank you for your service!

Words by: Daniella Mharie Tan

Photo by: Alayza Jane Sanchez

The Freedom of the Watchdog

Every year, the press or the media industry here in Cebu celebrates Cebu Press Freedom week which commemorates the freedom of the press which was made possible through the sacrifices and efforts made by the media people who were killed and arrested during the Marcos regime.

This year, the 27th Cebu Press Freedom week jumpstarted with a holy mass offering officiated by Fr. Roberto Ebisa. This annual celebration started from 1984 to the present time. But why is there a need to uphold press freedom in the country? Is press freedom something worth celebrating for?

A democratic country like ours needs a “watchdog”. A watchdog that can show us the state of our country in the hands of the elected officials at all times. Which means, without press freedom, we cannot be aware of the things that are happening in our government. Without press freedom we can be compared to an unplugged microphone. Usable but useless.

We also owe it to the press for playing a big part in the revolution against the Marcos regime. Also, the press is responsible for keeping the people outside of Manila updated on the events that transpired during the revolution.

Press Freedom is celebrated not only to commemorate the importance of the press in our country but also to show the media personalities of the past that we still give importance to the media that they fought hard to preserve and we have proven this time and time again by continuing to adapt with the times such as digitalizing the news to keep up with the preferences of the readers of today.

There is a need to uphold press freedom in this country because of the state of our country because of the state of our country in the present times. Filled with corrupt politicians and incompetent leaders, our country needs a watchdog who will expose the truth to the people. Press freedom is something worth celebrating for because we, the people of this country, need it.

Words by: Kyle Villamor Sarona

Normalites give out Sentiments on No Homework Policy

Students in Cebu Normal University give out their sentiments about the ‘No-homework’ Policy filed in the senate.

The photo above shows the Cebu Normal University Campus
Photo by: Michelle Baculao

73.3% out of 30 random students from different colleges in CNU disfavored the Bill according to the interview and survey conducted by The Smite.

Sen. Grace Poe authored Senate Bill 966 that bans teachers from giving homework to students from Kinder to Grade 12 and is applicable to both public and private schools in the country.

Moreover, the Bill states that homework policy is allowed only if it is minimal and does not take more than 4 hours to be done.

“Ang gusto natin, lahat ng pormal na pag-aaral, assignments, projects, whatever, gawin sa loob ng eskwelahan. Pag-uwi nila, libre na sila, freetime na nila to be with their parents, with their friends,”
Leonor Briones, DepEd secretary said as the DepEd supports the bill.

On the survey done by the Smite publication,
Mr Joelis King Aying , Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science student said “I ,myself can attest that having homework can assess you on how much you understand your lesson” in contrary to the DepEd’s stand.

In addition , Mr. Mark Anthony Loregas, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science said “No homework policy is not the best idea to have quality time with the family ” emphasizing his disfavored stand about the said bill.

Contradicting the idea of Mr. Loregas, DepEd added that the students “find balance between their academic development and personal growth by having ample time for enjoyable activities with family ” as one of the benifits of the policy.

In the presented statistics, the remaining 26.67% out of 30 students shows their stand favoring in th said bill.

Ms. Antonette Feliz A.Calimot said “I agree with the No Homework Policy bill because school activities can be accomplished within the time frame in school” in the conducted survey.

Moreover , while the proposed bill was welcomed by the DepEd, on the other side , teachers groups are in the opposite.

” We are not issuing homework to burden our students. It is demanded of us by the K to 12 program, so much [so] that our performance evaluation system ensures its implementation” said ACT National Chairperson, Jocelyn Martinez

The No Homework Policy bill or also known as senate Bill 966 was first filed last August 27,2019 and still pending in committe last August 28,2019.

Words by :
Jiezel Mae Chavez | Wilma Elicano | Harold Regodos | CNU

The Realm of Mass Communication

News digests. Oral recitations. Interviews. Written outputs. These are some things people from the field of Communication does. It all started years ago when a national reporter by the name of Doris Bigornia covered a live rally where throwing of rocks, glass were evident from the people and the persistent push back from the authorities had been heard and aired. Struck with the idea of helping and uncovering the truth for people, my fire of passion for Communication had started. I then told myself, “Someday I want to be like her”. From small school activities to Regional Press Conference to which I had indulged, I had strong develop my love for Communication and what’s more to that, is not just about the competitions you will be winning but the people you meet along the way as well as the experience it may entail.

Speaking genius. She-who-sleeps-but-can-answer-the-oral type of people, silent but studious ones, opinionated ones and most of all the never ending questions being thrown to professors to every topic that can awaken the interest. Normal scenarios of such is present everyday. No we are not annoyingly noisy, more like academically noisy individuals who are never afraid to share their opinions and insights to people. Studying with these bunch of people made me realize I am not the only me in the world. They all felt like home. To tell you the truth also, we may argue but there was never a competition that circulated in the classroom.

Video editing. Photo captions. Impromptu articles. Promotional materials. Trust me, you can not survive the degree without learning how to use all the video editing and photo tools the Internet can offer. Sleepless nights are spent to edit such masterpiece but isn’t learning these a stepping stone to accepting the profession I had always wanted? Mass Communication is not just about being the reporter everyone can see or heard on different medium, but it is also being behind the camera. Being the scriptwriter, production people who aids in the success of news companies.

Emotional breakdowns. Academic anxiety. I-give-up-situations are existing especially when all articles had been backlogged. Crying while encrypting had been an obvious situation for me as I crippled on the 16th paper I had written for an article. Writer’s block had always been my enemy and had been the caused of puffy eyes the day I come to school again. Never give up anyway, it is for the dream. The dream of not just being of help to your family and the people but the dream of being happy as one’s dream is attained.

Deep breaths. Silent prayers. Silence. Different emotions are evident as one of our professors shuffled the index cards of everyone to choose the lucky one to answer his recitation that can be liken to a criminal asked in court. I can never ever forget the look on my block mates faces as they sighed deeply when it was not their name summoned to answer. “You guys are speaking genius, why be scared for an oral recitation?” Believe it or not I also asked myself the same question. One individual may be someone who posses the ability of five different person speaking in one, but the tension you will feel even if years may past is still alive. Oral recitations are everywhere, one must learn to also read different news from all over the world everyday.

Bus tickets, empty pockets, local delicacies. Never ending travels. School ID’s had been very useful because of the discounts. It may sound funny and a total “I am broke” situations but it is the field work where you can learn a lot. Engaging with the citizens being one with the people makes you realize who you are helping for and what your field is all about. Looking at the realities of the people especially in the ruralities had made me realize I want to help these people.

“Why take up Mass Communication?”, a question that had been repeatedly asked by my peers and even my family. I looked up and smiled. Perhaps, Mass Communication may not produce a good pay in the future but Mass Communication will surely enable me to help the society which needs awakening. I chose the field because of my drive to help the people, it is for the society.

-Trisha Mae Franche P. Sigue, CNU, The Smite

Mass Communication = Mass Commportable?

Enrolling in a degree program where learning camera angles, production and technical design and a tons of paper works, others deemed as just a walk in the park. Now, what it’s like to have a glimpse in the life of a communication student.

Typically, a communication student is armed with confidence, passion and dedication; skills that you will harness and hone throughout your journey. Studying in the field of communication can be full of uncertainties. Designated schedule of interviews might get cancelled, last minute preparation for an activity given in a short span of time, deadlines, corrupted files and more inconveniences may it be minor or major. Faced in an unexpected situations. Thus, one must really possess the value of resiliency and resourcefulness. The field may be filled with uncertainties but one thing is for certain and that is the burning passion that fuels us in aiming for the best version of ourselves.

People tend to have misconceptions with regards to our chosen degree program. Tagged as “MassComm=MasCommportable”, really they don’t have any inkling what it means to be a communication student. Despite of not having courses that deals with scientific data and mathematical formulas, systematical way of lessons perhaps however being in a field where the free where there’s no exact or right usage of formula in the free flow of ideas that expect you to think critically. Immersing with people with different personalities hence culturally diversed, a struggle of the communication students usually face.

Jack of all trades, master of none but better than a master of one. In the field of communication, we are naturally diversed, versatile perhaps. Excellence may it be from the field of photography, writing, broadcasting and other specialization. Thus, knowing and possessing different skills in various fields of expertise is essential in aiming to excel in the media industry.

Contrary to the popular belief, a day in the life of a communication student is not just limited in a four-cornered classroom but rather immersing since theory alone without practice is useless. Actually applying the knowledge hence outcome based form of education. Studying in the field of communication got people into thinking negative connotations. It’s more than just “masscommportable” as people labeled us. Equipped with the necessary skills and required perseverance, bright future awaits for us all.

By: Daniella Mhari Tan