End of April, Prelude to May

A PRELUDE TO MAY

Crocodile Farming: If You Can't Protect Them, Raise Them

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 19 No. 52, April 30, 1996

On the cover: Rico Yan

On “Let’s Save Our Planet” section of Mr. & Ms. April 30, 1996 issue is a very interesting article about “Crocodile Farming” with the subtitle “If You Can’t Protect Them, Raise Them” (p. 18).

“Righteousness gives life, but violence takes it away.” – Proverbs 11:30, The Good News Bible in Today’s Modern English Version.

Pinay Matematika: Paradoksiko



Pinay Digest Taon 2 Blg. 26, Abril 30, 1994

(First Anniversary Issue)

Ang pang-pitong isyu ng “Pinay Matematika” na ang paksa ay tungkol sa “Paradoksiko” (pp. 46-47).

“Lahat ng mga bagay ay nagsisidating na parapara sa lahat: may isang pangyayari sa matuwid at sa masama; sa mabuti, at sa malinis, at sa marumi; sa kaniyang naghahain at sa kaniyang hindi naghahain: kung paano ang mabuti, gayon ang makasalanan; at ang sumusumpa, gaya ng natatakot sa sumpa..... Ako’y bumalik, at nakita ko sa ilalim ng araw, na ang pag-uunahan ay hindi sa mga matulin, ni ang pagbabaka man ay sa mga malakas, ni sa mga pantas man ang tinapay, ni ang mga kayamanan man ay sa mga taong nag-uunawa, ni ang kaloob man ay sa matatalino; kundi ang panahon at kapalaran ay mangyayari sa kanilang lahat.” – Eclesiastes 9:2 & 11, Ang Biblia, Ang Banal na Kasulatan.

Incredible Babies

Celebrity World Vol 5 No. 246, April 29, 1996
On the cover: Ina Raymundo and Matthew Knaizeff Mendoza

For Celebrity World (formerly Movie Fan) second anniversary issue (April 29, 1996), I wrote a light-hearted article about “Incredible Babies” (pp. 64-65). Just read it and be amused!

“Every good and generous action and every perfect gift come from above, from the FATHER who created the lights of heaven. With Him there is no variation, no play of passing shadows. Of His own choice, He brought us to birth by the word of truth to be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.” – A Letter of James 1:17-18, The Revised English Bible.

Saving the Pasig River

MOD Vol. 26 No. 1182, April 29, 1994

On the cover: Mary Grace Tagle

The Special Feature article of MOD April 29, 1994 issue “Saving the Pasig River: It’s Now or Never” (pp. 8-9), I remember, took me quite a while to write. It took a lot of leg works and encounters with government red tape. Thankfully, at present, the condition of the river have somewhat improved.

“A good man’s words are like pure silver; a wicked man’s ideas are worthless. A good man’s words will benefit many people, but you can kill yourself with stupidity.” – Proverbs 10:20-21, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Kaalaman, Karunungan at Katotohana Blg. 1

Gintong Mariposa Taon 1 Blg. 12, Abril 28, 1992
Sa harapang taklob-pahina: Joey Marquez and Alma Moreno (when they were still together)
with their children (Jasm, leftmost, and Yeoj, in the middle),
and step-children (Vandolph, top right, J.V. bottom left, and Mark Anthony, bottom right).
Sa likuran taklob-pahina: Si Cristina Gonzales para sa print ads ng Sun Beach sandals.

Ang kolum kong “Kaalaman, Karunungan at Katotohanan” ay ginawa ko sa udyok ni Ms. Ernestina “Ernie” Evora-Sioco, na editor-in-chief ng MOD at executive editor ng Gintong Mariposa, at itinuturing kong isa sa mga naging mentors ko sa pagsusulat. Ito ay koleksiyon ng mga samu’t-saring kaalaman sa iba’t-ibang larangan. Gumamit ako ng penname – Newton Aresgala – sa kolum na ito, na anagram ng aking tunay na pangalan.

“Kung magkagayon, sasayaw sa katuwaan ang mga dalaga, makikigalak pati mga binata’t matatanda; ang kanilang dalamhati ay magiging tuwa, aaliwin ko sila at papalitan ng kagalakan ang kanilang kalungkutan.” – Ang Aklat ng Jeremias 31:13, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version.

Toxic Waste: The Philippines is not a Dumping Ground!

Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 142, April 28, 1994
On the cover: Morena Carla Ayllon Cabrera

An article I’ve been wanting to write since I entered the freelance journalism profession, “Toxic Waste: The Philippines is Not a Dumping Ground!” (pp. 6-8), is about an issue that is non-negotiable – the banning of the toxic waste trade.

“Tell those who do what is right that things will go well for them, because they will receive a reward for what they do. But how terrible it will be for the wicked! They will be punished for all the wrong they have done.” – Isaiah 3:10-11, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Math-O'Logics: Classic Partitioning Problem

MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 921, April 28, 1989
On the front cover: Precious Bernadette V. Tongko
On the back cover: Robert Jaworski for the Nescafe Master Roast print ads

In this MOD Filipina April 28, 1989 issue’s “Math-O’Logics” (p. 39), a classic partitioning (share of coconuts) problem is featured, which is in the realm of Diophantine equation. This is courtesy of Engr. Edward Y.C. Tan’s column “Math-E-Magic” published in the Thomasian Engineer. Vol. 20 No. 1, July 1978.

“Happy is he who has found wisdom, he who has acquired understanding, for wisdom is more profitable than silver, and the gain she brings is better than gold!” – Proverbs 3:13-14, The Revised English Bible with the Apocrypha.

Nonstop News Broadcast: The Battle for TV Supremacy Heats Up

Atlas TV Guide Vol. 11 No. 136, April 2011
On the cover: Top Chef host Kelly Choi and participant Marcus Samuelsson

For the Atlas TV Guide April 2011 issue, I was assigned to write a browse-through assessment of the Philippines’ top three television networks regarding their respective free-to-air dedicated news channel. It’s “Nonstop News Broadcast” as TV5’s Aksyon TV, GMA 7’s News TV and ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) go head to head as “The Battle for TV Supremacy Heats Up” (pp. 16-17).

“Good news from a faraway place is like a cool drink when you are tired.” – Proverbs 25:25, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Taal & Pinatubo: The Battle of Volcanoes

MOD Filipina Vol. 23 No. 1025, April 26, 1991
On the cover: Sarah-Ingrid Aurelia Reyes Brodett

The features article of MOD Filipina April 26, 1991 issue, “The Battle of Volcanoes” (pp. 12-13), I wrote barely a month-and-a-half before the massive eruption of Mount Pinatubo. It was a comparison between the destructive history of Taal and the possible awesome destructive power that Mount Pinatubo could unleash.

“The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth. The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory.” – The Book of Psalms 97:5-6, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Of ABS & Skin Photosensitivity

MOD, April 2013
On the cover: Anne Curtis

One of the featured cover stories about “abs” was assigned to me to write. My original title for it, “Before You try to be ABS-olutely Amazing, Know the Facts About Abdominal Muscles,” was quite lengthy. Understandably, the editor shortened it to “ABS-olute Reality” (pp. 14-15). The sidebar, “Simple Routines that Work” (p. 17) was originally part of the article. Nonetheless, the write-up turned out quite A-Okay!

Also in this issue is another assigned article on “photosensitivity.” Again, my original title “This Bothersome Thing Called Skin Photosensitivity” was re-titled “(Sk)insensitive” (pp. 38-40). I also did the sidebar “Nothing More Than Peeling” (p. 40).

 

 

 

“People learn from one another, just as iron sharpens iron.” – Proverbs 27:17, The Good News Bible in Today’s Engliah Version.

Sean Connery

Celebrity World (Formerly Movie Fan) Vol. 4 No. 194 (First Anniversary), April 24, 1995

On the cover: Patricia Miller & Eddie Zaguirre

For Celebrity World First Anniversary issue (April 24, 1995), I was assigned to do a bio-article of Sean Connery, one of my favorite Hollywood actors, for the magazine’s “Hollywood Spotlight” section.

“I have set the LORD before me at all times: with Him at my right hand I cannot be shaken...... You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is the fullness of joy, at Your right hand are pleasures for evermore.” – Psalms 16:8 and 11, The Revised English Bible with the Apocrypha.

Crossword Puzzles

Prime Editions Vol. 2 No. 13, April 23-29, 1987 issue
and MOD Vol. 25 No. 1129, April 23, 1993 issue.
On the covers: Shirley Sanchez Velasquez (Prime Editions) & Gia Macuja (MOD)

Two crossword puzzles for two different magazines.

“Being wise is better than being strong; yes, knowledge is more important than strength.” – Proverbs 24:5, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Ang mga Kahulugan ng Halik

Ratsada Taon 1 Blg. 3, Abril 22-28, 2013
Nasa bungad-pahina ang headline na “Ina ni Sen. TG Guingona Niratrat”
na isinulat nina Dennis Datu at Fred Dellava

Isang maiksing artikulo, “Ang mga Kahulugan ng Halik,” ay mula sa mga nakalap na impormasyon sa mga psychologist at sa Kiss and Tell, isang babasahing gabay ng National Marriage Guidance Council (NMGC).

“Ang mga nagsasalita ng katotohanan ay katulad ng mga humahalik sa labi.” (Iniliwat sa Pilipino) – Proverbs 24:26, Common English Bible.

Shark Facts

Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 245, April 22, 1996
On the cover: Regine Velasquez

The “Topic for the Week” of Celebrity World April 22, 1996 issue featured my article “Shark Facts” (pp. 10-11), containing interesting information of one of the most feared creatures in the oceans.

“Of all the creatures living in the water of the seas and the streams you may eat any that have fins and scales.” – Leviticus 11:9, Holy Bible, New International Version.

Bio-Intensive Gardening: Food Enough for the Family

Celebrity World Vol. 3 No. 141, April 21, 1994
On the cover: Shiela Samson Aycardo

Written 23 years ago, this article “Bio-Intensive Gardening: Food Enough for the Family” (pp. 10-11) is still applicable today.

“Unused fields could yield plenty of food for the poor, but unjust men keep them from being farmed.” – Proverbs 13:23, The Good New Bible in Today’s English Version.

TV's Butt-Kicking Chicks

Atlas TV Guide Vol. 10 No. 124, April 2010

On the cover: Chef Jean Christopher Novelii

Four of the 21st century “TV’s Sexy Butt-Kicking Chicks” were featured in this short info article (p. 10) of Atlas TV Guide April 2010 issue.

“Who is she who looks forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, awesome as an army with banners?” – The Song of Solomon 6:10, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Alam Mo Ba 'To: Ang Kakaibang Sakit na Porphyria

People’s Balita Taon 19 Blg. 027. Abril 19, 2012

Nasa bungad-pahina ang headline na “Mandarayang Gasolinahan Ipasasara,”

na isinulat ni Ara Romero

Ang kolum ko tungkol sa mga tribiya at kakaibang kaalaman, “Alam Mo Ba Ito?” na nagsimula sa People’s Balita noong 2010, at tumagal hanggang sa pagsasara ng pahayagan noong 2013. Sa isyung ito (Abril 19, 2012) ay tinalakay ang tungkol sa kakaibang sakit na “Porphyria” (matatagpuan sa pahina 10).

“Ang masama ay naggala saa’t saan man, pagka ang kapariwaraan ay natataas sa gitna ng mga anak ng mga tao.” – Mga Awit 12:8, Ang Biblia, Ang Banal na Kasulatan.

10 Summer Movies

TV Star Guide (later Atlas TV Guide), April 2004
On the cover: Jim Caviezel

Trivial note: Jim Caviezel has the same initials “J. C.” as the role he was portraying

in the Mel Gibson directorial The Passion of the Christ.

For those who want to rent or buy videos that has something to do with summer, this assigned article (brief info), “Summer Movies” (p. 15), which I wrote for TV Star Guide April 2004 issue has a list of 10 of them.

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” – The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians 2:8, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Facts from the Bible

Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 193, April 17, 1995

On the cover: Charlene Gonzales

The cover story, “Facts from the Bible” (pp. 8-10) of the Lenten issue of Celebrity World (April 17, 1995), supratitled “The Truth is.....” It featured many interesting facts found in the Holy Scriptures.

“Indeed, that is why we also thank GOD incessantly, because when you received GOD’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the Word of GOD, which is also at work in you believers.” – The First to the Thessalonians 2:13, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

The Transcendental Pi, Mnemonics and Memory Retention

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1128, April 16, 1993
On the cover: Rowena Moran

Math-O’Logics issue title “The Trandcendental Pi, Mnemonics and memory Retention” (p. 34) was (and still is) both informative and interest-provoking.

 

 

          The following poem (titled “Querries”) was written on July 5, 1988. The verses have a distinct feature. If you count the letters of each of the words in the poem and replaced them with the corresponding number of letters in each word, you will have 3.14159265358979323846264338327963528. This is actually the value of the circular constant “pi” correct up to the 30th decimal place (up to the word “sacrament”).

 
Can I love a lilac abandoned in winter sleep?
          Can times unmarked originate history forgotten?
                    Can my bow vanquish fear amidst an extant past?
                              Can the Redeemer opt to neglect sacrament
                                        beyond the place of covenant?

Also in this MOD April 16, 1993 issue is the short article/sidebar “Diamonds: The April Gemstone.... and More” (p. 7). It is about the industrial uses of diamonds.

“Great is our LORD, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” – The Book of Psalms 147:5, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.