Ophelia Dimalanta 

Born: June 16, 1934 Died: November 04, 2010

Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta was an editor, poet, author, and teacher. She was born in San Juan City in the Philippines.

Dimalanta has several works anthologized in local and foreign journals; has published three books : Anthology of Philippine Contemporary Literature, Readings from Contemporary English and American Literature, and The Philippine Poetic; and a collection of poems, Montage, which won the Iowa State University best poetry award(1969), and first prize in the Palanca Memorial awards for literature(1974).

She was a founding member of the Manila Critics Circle and an honorary fellow of the Philippine Literary Arts Council. In 1999, she founded the UST Center for Creative Writing and Studies and presently serves as its dynamic director.

Cirilo F. Bautista hailed her as "not only our foremost woman poet but also one of the best poets writing now, regardless of gender."

Her poems show the evident influence of T.S. Eliot and Wallace Stevens. Her later poetry draws from a wider range of influences, among them Sylvia Plath, Anne Sexton, and Denise Levertov.

Dimalanta believes that "The older you become and the more mature your art becomes, the more you realize that you have your own identity."

Mrs. Dimalanta also wrote books and critical reviews, handled literature and creative writing classes at the University of Santo Tomas Graduate School, Faculty of Arts and Letters, and De La Salle College . She also aquired a Ph.D. in Literature from the University of Santo Tomas.

In 2002, UST published Dimalanta's verse drama, "Lorenzo Ruiz, Escribano: A Play in Two Acts", with a Filipino translation by Florentino H. Hornedo and Michael M. Coroza. It was premiered on 22-24 February 1994 at UST in a production directed by Isagani R. Cruz.

Dimalanta lived with her family in Navotas City.

Works

Poetry

•           Finder Loser

•           Montage (1974)

•           Time Factor (1983)

•           Flowing On (1988)

•           Lady Polyester (1993)

•           Love Woman (1998)

•           Passional (2002)

•           The Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta Reader, Volume 1, Poetry (2005)

Criticism

•           The Philippine Poetic

Anthology

•           Anthology of Philippine Contemporary Literature

•           Readings from Contemporary English

Prose

•           The Ophelia Alcantara Dimalanta Reader, Volume 2, Prose (2006)

Drama

•           Lorenzo Ruiz, Escribano: A Play in Two Acts (2002)

Honors

•           Poet and Critic Best Poem Award from Iowa State University (1968)

•           Palanca Awards for Poetry (1974, 1983)

•           Fernando Maria Guerrero Award (1976)

•           Focus Literary Award for Fiction (1977, 1981)

•           Cultural Center of the Philippines Literature Grant for Criticism (1983)

•           Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas from the Writers' Union of the  Philippines (1990)

•           Southeast Asia (SEA) Write Award from King Bhumibol of Thailand (1999)

•           Parangal Hagbong, University of Santo Tomas (2008)

 

Finder Loser by Ophelia Dimalanta

More than half of my life

I spend searching for lost

objects ( papers, receipts,

old letters, pills and whatever

else) and causes and the rest,

losing and finding, and losing

them again, found or otherwise;

losing what I have in good

measure, finding what

I can’t almost have-

One perpetual lifetime probe,

Forever rummaging through

Bureaus and drawers and pages

Of my life’s past disarray…

And so when I finally go

keep vault unlidded for I

shall surely sit up and look

around to pursue this search,

holding on to dear life,

or to dear death, does it matter-

they are one in the proper

time but not till then,

I shall go on seeking out

lost faces and faiths in the

cold, collecting, calculating

crowd, sadly aware that later

but an unbreath away

I shall lose them all again;

as I was won’t, losing all

in this final irretrievable

lose of my death time

or perhaps, possibly, yes,

death will be kinder and oh, yes

allow me at last this

flowing final find.

Sources:  

http://opheliaalcantaradimalanta.inmemoriam.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophelia_Alcantara_Dimalanta

https://zyneensky.wordpress.com/2012/06/16/finder-loser-by-ophelia-a-dimalanta-8/

-Krystelle 

Achievements Author Editor Honors Inspiration Poet Teacher Works

01:55

Volunteerism is an act of doing something initiatively without any legal concern or interest.

The principles of Volunteering: Why have them?

Principle 1: Volunteering benefits community and the volunteer.

In volunteering, a person must engage with happy thoughts to achieve a positive result for both the community and themselves.

 

Principle 2: Volunteer work is unpaid.

I remember that I was one of the volunteers who helped those families in Samar, Leyte. When Typhoon Ondoy came here in the Philippines, most of the families has suffered of lack in food supplies as a result of chaotic.  The student council from our school went there and helped. As we are helping packaging a full of food supplies, I remember someone who told me this and say, –

“You don’t need money in order to make someone’s happy, all you need to give is love – the love that is priceless and it can share it to someone.” I smiled and nodded my head.

 

Principle 3: Volunteering respects the rights, dignity and culture of others.

To ensure that volunteering action does not have a negative impact on the rights and dignity of others in the community.

Volunteering is ALWAYS open to the public. Anyone can help without asking for in return.

Based on what I’ve researched, in the Philippines, children make up 37% of the population. Many of them still do not enjoy their rights to play, learn and be protected from violence. UNICEF friends and supporters will uplift those children’s rights in the Philippines.

It’s really sad to hear, right?

Many newscasters from GMA network made a lot of documentaries about the happenings here in our country. Does the government made a change for our country? Well, for some people they would say yes but, for me? My answer would be no.

Why?

Our politics here is a disaster.

How and Why?

Ask yourselves.

“We have the ability to vote for the candidates who is willing to rule and change the world but, the problem is – we are to blind to find a perfect leader even though, no one is perfect. And you know what it is? The truth is, our country is corrupt!” Perla said. (Our economics and taxation teacher)

We agree.

“It is easier to find men who will volunteer to die, than to find those who are willing to endure pain with patience.”  Julius Caesar

-Krystelle

Change Difference Heart Inspire Kind Peace Unity Volunteering Volunteerism World

01:43

Smoke

The gaseous products of burning materials especially of organic origin made visible by the presence of mall particles of carbon.

Last three years ago, The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) stand not to halt its anti-smoking campaign despite a Court of Appeals (CA) ruling was lauded by a public health think tank. 

The advocacy group also condemned the tobacco industry for bullying government agencies such as the MMDA that strongly implement tobacco control policies.

I remember once my grandmother told me a story about her husband named, Jesus. My grandfather was a chain smoker before, I don't even remember when he started from smoking, probably friends' influence?

Before, grandmother told me that he was really addicted in smoking. She just told about it out of the blue. Decades have passed, tobacco was made and became popular to all men. Smoke here, smoke there... smoke everywhere! 

I'm not saying that I'm criticizing a person but, I knew that one of our former presidents here in the Philippines influenced people. Can someone guess who is that? 

The answer is, Former President Fidel V. Ramos. If I'm not mistaken he has a lot of pictures holding tobaccos but, it doesn't mean that he is a bad person. I've searched everywhere about him and I found out his daughter died because of lung cancer. 

Fidel Ramos daughter Jo dies of lung cancer

'DON'T SMOKE' Former President Fidel Ramos portrait of his daughter Jo at Funeria Paz in Sucat, Paranaque City.

The second of Ramos’ five daughters, Jo was remembered for her accomplishments in music and sports, mainly as a vocalist-musician and a bemedalled water skier.

“(Former first lady Amelita) Ramos stopped smoking cold turkey seven years ago, after 25 years of smoking. Me, I stopped 25 years ago. She (Jo) did not stop,” Ramos said.

“Paalala (remember), smoking is bad for the health because Jo was a victim of a very vicious lung cancer,” he stressed.

Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/18700/fidel-ramos-daughter-jo-dies-of-lung-

When my grandfather watched a documentary about smoking cigarettes -- he was shocked and decided to stop from smoking. He continued himself on activities that makes him happy and healthy. 

Here are some tips on how to become a healthy person (just like my grandfather): 

First, MOVE! 

Replace cigarettes by sweat-including physical activities that you enjoy or would like to try.

Second, HAVE FUN!

Look around for activities that you enjoy and that will allow you to laugh.

Third, POSITIVE THINKING!

If you're capable of thinking a pretext to smoke, you should also be capable of finding an excuse not to smoke. It's a matter of positive thinking. 

Fourth, RELAX! 

Sleep a lot. Stretch out, breathe deeply or yawn, decorate your environment and learn some relaxation techniques. 

Fifth, REWARD YOURSELF! 

Reward yourself regularly with the money you save by not buying cigarettes. 

"Smoking kills. If you're killed you're lost a very important part of your life." 

-Krystelle

Dead Exercise Happy Influence Negative Positive Smoking Thoughts

06:05

October 26-30 2015

The SoM (School of Management) students unified business, engaging the students to know what’s in for the SoM week. There are sixteen activities are scheduled for each dates and it is assigned by different courses under the SoM organizations.

Last October 26, all students and the professors went outside to proclaim the changes of the week events. Accountancy, Business Management, Marketing & Advertising and Tourism students joined the most awaited event of all time. It is the time to test our abilities in recreational activities such as, Running Man and Sports fest. Also, it is the best time to meet new friends from other courses in which I can share my experiences here at Asia Pacific College.

I, on the other hand, was roaming around each floors and ask many people in different organizations because, I was assigned to be a writer for this big event. It is a great opportunity to know what I’ve got and to prove my knowledge when it comes on writing. Though it was exhausted, still I had so much fun with my bandmates in APC Band. I played some selected songs in which people might know and sing with us. I also performed on stage with my friend as he played an acoustic guitar while, I was singing. We sang two songs from our favorite bands; Blink 182 and Maroon 5. I know from the start, I am not a good singer at least he back up me through the entire whole song.

Speaking of bands, my friend from Business Management encouraged me to play badminton. At first, I refused but, she is pleasing me to play but, I’ve got no time to argue with her so, I immediately went to my dorm and change outfit into an athletic form. Thank God, that I lived here and still, my badminton racket was still inside of my room. On the first game, I got nervous and scared because, I know I didn’t have much time to practice and I was really busy before the week starts.

In the end, my friend and I won and considered as the Champions in Badminton. I thought, I would messed up because, I don’t have time to practice and exercise as well. So, the next day, I’ve got massive shoulder pains on my right arm but, still I continued from attending the class. Knowing that we don’t have class the whole week, I was happy and I could feel the stress ease the pain.

Last night, the student representatives under the SoM candidates, joined the most highlighted event of all time – Mr. and Ms. SoM night. The organization held at the Auditorium. Sixteen candidates, one dream. Who will be crown as Mr. and Ms. SoM night?

Before the event ended, two candidates won from the pageant last night, same candidates from Marketing & Advertising. Jennah Rose Cruz was awarded as Ms. SoM 2015 and Karyll Lapuz as Mr. SoM 2015.

For me, it was the best week that it happened in my whole life because, I experienced to be happy and free college student through the hell days.

-Krystelle

APC Band Badminton Bands Candidates Events Freedom Happy Music Pageant Photography Schedule Seminar Sports fest The RAM sessions

23:37

Foster the people

Arctic Monkeys

Fun

MGMT

Coldplay 

The 1975

"Real bands save fans. Real fans save bands." ~ Michael Clifford (5 seconds of summer) 

When I was very young, my Dad wants me to learn any kind of instruments as I refused, I said no. But, when I tried to learn playing piano, I was addicted to learn and continue playing it. Normal people says that if you're in a band, makes you a bad influence to others. Prove them wrong, folks! The truth is, you wanted to see yourself and who you wanna be. 

My Dad is inspiration when it comes on music. He wants me to be a good pianist and someday, I can share my knowledge to somebody else. Believe it or not, I'm already teaching kids on how to play piano as for me, I learned something from it. 

Being a musician, you should be patient. Being a musician, you should inspire others. Being a musician, be a lover. 

One time, my friends (Kristine and Kelly) and I went to the place where we can choose our dream organization. When I saw the band organization, I got scared and nervous because, I know they wouldn't pick me as a pianist. So, I refused and think negative. My friends forced me to sign my name up. I told my Kristine that I wouldn't make it because, for sure those people who've written on the list are those person who are really talented. But, Kelly said that I can make it because, I know how to play piano. I smiled. 

One day, it was our Algebra class and there's a calling for new members as musicians in the organization I signed up for. I stood up and shouted, "Sometimes, you have to take risks." My friend smile. My friends and I went out of the classroom and decided to go at the Auditorium to perform. I was very nervous because, I'm the only one who will perform using piano and I was the first one who called up. 

But, before that I saw my high school friends was watching the performers on the stage. I moved closer and talked to him. He said, "Don't be afraid. I know, you can do it. Just trust me." I nodded. When the girl asked me that it was my time to perform, I took a deep breathe and walk cautiously. I could feel the people was watching my flaws. I'm scared. 

The first three songs I've played was, Someone like you by Adele then, followed Thinking out loud by Ed Sheeran and last but not the least, Ang Huling El Bimbo by Eraserheads. When I was playing, I remember my Dad because, he give me hope and strength. I prove to myself that in front of many people, I can still perform. 

Weeks have past, I lose hope because, I didn't received any messages or calls from the organization. And I tried another organization and that is, RAMpage. I apply for as a news writer. I don't know why, I apply this application form even though, I'm always pessimist writer. Now, I have already two organizations: APC Band & RAMpage. 

I feel blessed when I finally had this two dreams I was praying for.

Wise words from the author/blogger/writer:

"Just remember, there are so much things that will come eventually. If you wanted to make it happen, do it. If you wanted your dreams come true, chase it. Don't say it tomorrow, just do it. Things happen for a reason, if not that's not the thing you was looking for. Trust God and believe in him."



-Krystelle

Alternative Arctic monkeys Bands Believe Chase Coldplay Dreams Foster the people Fun God Indie Inspiration MGMT Music Pop rock The 1975 Trust

22:03

Par-a-syte

: an animal or plant that lives in or on another or plant and gets food or protection from it.

: a person or thing that takes something from someone or something else and does not anything to earn it or deserve it. 

The 17-year-old Izumi Shinichi lives with his mother in a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo. One night, worm-like aliens called Parasytes invade Earth, taking over the brains of human hosts by entering through their ears and noses. One Parasyte attempts to crawl into Shinichi's ear while he sleeps, but fails since he is wearing a headphones, and enters his body by burrowing his arm instead, taking over his right hand and is named Migi.

Because Shinichi was able to prevent Migi from travelling further up into his brain, beoth beings retain their intellect and personality. As the duo, encounter other Parasytes, they capitalize on their strange situation and gradually form a strong bond, working together to survive. This gives them an edge in battling other Parasytes, who frequently attack the pair upon realization that human brain is still intact. Shinichi feels compelled to fight other Parasytes, who devour humans as food, while enlisting Migi's help.

(Source: myanimelist.net)


I've never seen a Japanese movie before but, when I've finished the movie ~ I was speechless. To be honest, I'm not a fan of any other films of other countries, I've only watched American movies. But, this is a great movie! I didn't know that they will released another movie and I can't wait to watch it again.

On the first scene, I was disgusted when the worm (Parasyte) entered to the man's ears and the next morning, seems changed. And suddenly, his wife ate her as I close my eyes I heard my friends screaming. Good thing, I didn't try to see how the man ate his wife. I know, Japanese people are really good at drawing Manga and I praised them for making a good concept for making this movie especially, other works they've published too.

I was very curious about the worm enters to Shinichi's body although, the Parasytes are bad influence to the humans. But, when the character's point of view has shown, the Parasyte has a good character on this story. The reason why, Migi (Parasyte) entered to Shinichi's body it's because he has a mission to accomplish and that is, to prevent Parasytes.

The saddest part is, his mom died because, the police man killed her as the worm enters to her body and become an alien. Actually, I really don't know how and where these Parasytes came from but, based on what I've watched, for sure it's humans' nature. It wouldn't happen if the human started this massive problem.

The only reason why the worm attacked humans it's because, this is the reason on how to lessen the population in Tokyo and start a new evolution of aliens. Millions and millions of humans have been affected by these Parasytes and Shinichi is the only one human half alien that can controls himself.

That moment when he killed his mother but, apparently her soul has been owned by someone and Migi called it, A. How he can survive with this kind of situation, as his' mother died? And no one will provides his needs in the future.

I remember my niece told me by her words of wisdom and she says,



"You should cherish the moments with your loved ones because, someday you don't know that they'll be gone and regretting the things you've been missed." 


Just remember, these only are fictions and you should enjoy your life!



-Krystelle

Alien Devour Enjoy Human Izumi Shinichi Life Migi Parasytes Survival

20:43

"Strength or weakness
we're still together
we are the youth of tomorrow
In bigger places
we are the champions
we're the beginning of the end" 


On October 07 2015,

The competition was held in MPH 1, Wednesday at exactly ten in the morning. The contestants couldn't wait to show their presentation to everyone, proving their best on what they've got.

Five contestants. One dream. Five contestants. One champion.

Wednesday class, before the competition, our Professor in Grammar and Communication told us to pick a leader and that leader they've chosen was me. It was a pleasure to be their leader, yet I told myself that I've taken another responsibility should be done. As a leader, there are disadvantages and advantages of being a leader. The disadvantages of being a leader is, you don't have much time to take a break for yourself once in a while. And one of the advantages of being a leader is, you can rule them all but, in a good way. Of course, I cannot do that but, I can strict to them.

Being a leader, you should hear your followers' suggestions because, you can have another idea and expectations from them. The best thing that you and your followers connect to each other is, communication and you should plan of a nice place of meeting.

I don't want to be called as the best leader because, they have a lot of expectations from me like, they don't want to see nor hear something against me. Yes, it's really hard to be a good leader because, sometimes in real life you don't know what's your first priority.

Remember, priorities and responsibilities are really different. 

Priority is something that is more important and needed that should be dealt first while, Responsibility is a task that is required to do. So, I've been asking myself of what is more important, studies or responsibilities?

These photos represents on how we build our teamwork although, there is misunderstanding when we're having a practice after class. Before the competition, I heard my friends from Marketing that they have already the things they needed for the competition, I was shocked. I have to admit it, I was cramming that night because, no one saves me and then, I wasn't in the middle of our composition for the cheers and chants. So, what I did the next morning was, I shouted inside the room and tell what I feel for our section.

Believe me, I am the person you wanted to talk and be friends with but, I am different when I got mad. I am deeply mad at them that day. I bursted all my anger at them and talked about being a leader. Anyways, that was past now and now, we're already looking forward in the future.

Way back from high school, I've been a leader in various clubs and especially, in activities inside the classroom. So, I had a background when it becomes on leadership but, doesn't mean that I am great leader or probably the greatest leader you've ever heard. They say, that I can rule them. They say, that I can be tough. They say, I can be kind and truth is, I've never been one of those three I have mention.

Here's the photo wherein I was holding the trophy. I have to admit, I've never thought that we won on that day because, I know, that we don't have cooperation and I know that we will mess up. But, in the end, it was all vice versa. I was happy after all. I told them on that day that I will treat them with a box of pizza from S & R if we awarded as champions but, then again they kept teasing me with the word, "pizza."

Moving on, I would like to thank my friends, Jillian Valenzuela & Charella Gonzales who have been always there for me when I'm almost giving up as being their leader. Also, my parents who have been endless supporting me and the course I'm taking right now. Thank you so much! :)






"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader." ~ John Quincy Adams







-Krystelle

 

Advantages Competition Composition Cooperation Cramming Disadvantages Downs Family Friends Leader Pink Pizza Trophy Ups

10:00