As the World Grows, Must the Forests Go?

Plus! Vol. 2 No. 15, August 1996

One of those rare instances where my byline was printed as “Ernie” instead of “Ernee.” Well, this is also a rare instance that I’ve written for this magazine. Nonetheless, this article – “As the World Grows, Must the Forests Go?” – talked about the importance of the (rain)forests amid the growing world population.

“For wickedness has become aflame just like a fire; thornbushes and weeds it will eat up. And it will catch fire in the thickets of the forest, and they will be borne aloft as the billowing of smoke.” – Isaiah 9:18, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Math-O'Logics: Adventures in Paradox

MOD Filipina Vol. 23 No. 1043, August 30, 1991

On the cover: Ashley Ledesma Tenore

Let’s go to an “Adventure in Paradox” in Math-O’Logics.

Also in this MOD Filipina August 30, 1991 issue is a poem “Ode to a Mulberry Leaf.

“He who keeps watching the wind will never sow, and he who keeps his eye on the clouds will never reap.” – Ecclesiastes 11:4, The Revised English Bible.

The Diminishing Dugong (Mr. & Ms. August 29, 2000)

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 24 No. 17, August 29, 2000
On the cover: Robin Eric Menk and Mickey Ferriols

The dugong (scientifically known as Dugong dugon), locally known as baboy-dagat, is a very rare sea creature, perhaps the only remaining living species of its family.



Mr. & Ms. Vol. 19 No. 18, August 29, 1995
On the cover: Robin Da Rosa and Mikee Cojuangco

Inset: Kevin Costner

I’ve written and sent this article, about the “good” effect of Mt. Pinatubo’s ash to the ozone layer, to different magazines. At least two of them published it. SEE March 20, 2017 post.

“YOU are the GOD who does wonders; YOU have declared Your strength among the people.” – The Book of Psalms 77:14, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Math-O'Logics: The Premier Issue

MOD Filipina Vol. 19 No. 835, August 28, 1987
On the cover: Maria Antonette “Monette” C. Ledesma

The first issue of Math-O’Logics. I could say this is a collectible item. It’s my pioneering column, the first column in Philippine journalism history that discusses mathematics. Who would ever thought that a woman’s magazine would venture to publish a math column? But Mrs. Ernie Evora Sioco, MOD’s editor-in-chief, believed in me and gave it a chance. It became very popular especially among students, teachers and professionals. I could even say it “formulated” my path to a second profession – that of a freelance writer.
In fact, Math-O’Logics is the only column recommended by the Department of Education and several schools as a must-read for students. The column ran for more than 100 issues spanning six years.

“To the man with insight, it is all clear; to the well-informed, it is all plain. Choose my instruction instead of silver; choose knowledge rather than the finest gold. I am wisdom, I am better than jewels; nothing you want can compare with me.” – Proverbs 8:9-11, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Hollywood Money Matters

MOD Vol. 37 No. 1815, August 28, 2006

On the cover: Toni and Cathy (Alex) Gonzaga

More trivia about “Hollywood” celebrities, this time regarding “Money Matters.”

“The love of money is the root of all of evil, and in pursuit of it some have wandered from the faith and spiked themselves on many a painful thorn.” – The First Letter of Paul to Timothy 6:10, The Revised English Bible.

The Cherry Hills Killer Landslide: Lessons Learned

MOD Vol. 31 No. 1457, August 27, 1999

Anne Katherine Lacanilao Laserna

It happened 18 years ago. Disaster struck at the Cherry Hills subdivision in Barangay San Luis, Antipolo City. Massive landslides killed more than 50 residents and totally destroyed many houses. A subdivision was built in an area that is not suited for residential purposes, and developers even failed to comply with the requirements of National Building Code.

"Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great." – The Gospel According to Luke 6:47-49, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

The Elusive Emmy



Atlas TV Guide Vol. 11 No. 140, August 2011

On the cover: Giada De Lauretiis

For the trivia hunters, “The Elusive Emmy” is a loadful from the “television equivalent” of the Oscar.

“Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” Proverbs 20:30, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Rice: Going With the Grain

MOD August 2012

On the cover: Georgina Wilson

Simply an article about the staple food of Filipinos – rice.

“Let those who wept as they planted their crops, gather the harvest with joy! Those wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest.” – Psalms 126:5-6, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

What You Should Know When Buying a House



Moneysaver Vol. 4 No. 8, August 1995

Here is were being both an engineer and a writer works well for me.

“By wisdom a household will be built up, and by discernment it will prove firmly established. And by knowledge will the interior rooms be filled with all precious and pleasant things of value.” – Proverbs 24:3-4, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Movie Review: The Touch (2002)

TV Star Guide Vol. 8 No. 104, August 2008

On the cover: Andy Samberg, Seth Meyers and Amy Poehler

An assigned movie review of the 2002 film The Touch starring Michelle Yeoh and Ben Chaplin.

“The LORD saves righteous men and protects them in times of trouble. He helps them and rescues them; He saves them from the wicked, because they go to Him for protection.” – Psalms 37:39-40, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Call Centers and the Sex Trade: Is there a Link?

Spiff Vol.1 No. 6, August 2008

On the front cover: Jean Irish Ang

On the back cover: Richard Gutierrez for MET Tathione print ad

“Call Centers and the Sex Trade, is There a Link?” Read and find out.

“A man that is loving wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he that is having companionship with prostitutes destroys valuable things.” – Proverbs 29:3, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures

Crossword Puzzles

Sports Weekly Magazine Vol. 7 No. 377, August 21-28, 1981
On the cover: Eddie Chavez of Northern Cement (Philippine Training Team)
forces a “jump-ball” against a Russian Youth Team player.
Northern Cement won, 85-74.

One of my earliest crossword puzzle published (the seventh, in fact) by Sports Weekly.

Mr. & Ms. August 2005
On the cover: Lucky Manzano and Anne Curtis
 

In contrast, this crossword puzzle is probably the last one published by Mr. & Ms. The once very popular weekly magazine became a so-so monthly after the change of editorship. Soon enough, it closed down. I included it here for nostalgia’s sake.

 

In contrast, this crossword puzzle is probably the last one published by Mr. & Ms. The once very popular weekly magazine became a so-so monthly after the change of editorship. Soon enough, it closed down. I included it here for nostalgia’s sake.

Superfacts About Superman

Prime Weekly Edition Vol. 2 No. 27, August 20, 1987

On the cover: Maria Theresa Chamorro Marin

This article, “Superfacts About Superman” is quite old, 30 years to be exact. I was a fan of Superman then and now.

“The way of the LORD is strength for the upright, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.” – The Book of Proverbs 10:29, Holy Bible, New King James Version.

Math-O'Logics: The Quadratic Equation



MOD Filipina Vol. 20 No. 885, August 19, 1988
On the cover: Marissa “Mariz” Camurungan

In Math-O’Logics, “The Quadratic Equation” and the derivation and usage of the Quadratic Formula were briefly explained.

“... Stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist and the protection of right living on your chest.” – Ephesians 6:14, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Math-O'Logics: Mathematics for Woman in the House

MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 937, August 18, 1989

On the cover: Raquel “Rax” Hizon Mababangloob

In Math-O’Logics, subtitled “Woman in the House,” a simple puzzle solved with the aid of mathematics and logic.

“She (The wife) rises while it is still dark and apportions food for her household, with a due share for her servants.” – Proverbs 31:15, The Revised English Bible.

Movie Review: Nancy Drew (2007)

TV Star Guide Vol. 8 No. 92, August 2007

On the cover: Tyra Banks, and on the insets (from top counterclockwise) Matt Damon,
Alessandra Ambrosio and Jeremy Piven

An assigned write-up, “The Return of the Teen Sleuth” is a movie review of Nancy Drew (2007). If you haven’t seen Britney Spears’ younger sister, she’s the star of this film.

“Avoid the passions of youth, and strive for righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who with a pure heart call out to the LORD for help.” – Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy 2:22, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Typhoons and All that Forecast

MOD Filipina Vol. 23 No. 1041, August 16, 1991
On the cover: Nina Diaz Ongpin

A basic informative article and news review about typhoons. Notice I already included the word "supertyphoon" in the article, and this was written more than 26 years ago.


“The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked. The LORD has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet.” – The Book of Nahum 1:3, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Pinay Matematika: Ang Panala ni Eratosthenes

Pinay Digest Taon 2 Blg. 33, Agosto 15, 1994

Sa Pinay Matematika, tinalakay “Ang Panala ni Erastothenes” na isang paraan ng pagtukoy ng mga daglit na bilang (prime numbers). Para sa English version, tignan ang August 9, 2017 post na Math-O’Logics:Sieve of Eratosthenes.

 

“Mangagmasid kayo sa gitna ng mga bansa, at tumingin kayo at mamangha kayo ng kagilagilalas; sapagka’t ako’y gumagawa ng isang gawain sa inyong mga kaarawan na hindi ninyo paniniwalaan bagaman saysayin sa inyo.” – Ang Aklat ni Habacuc, Ang Biblia, Ang Banal na Kasulatan sa Wikang Tagalog.

At Laguna de Bay: Fish Kill (Again)!

Celebrity World Vol. 3 Nos. 158 and 159, August 15 & 22, 1994

On the covers: Angfourgettables,

Dyords Javier, Isay Alvarez, Pinky Marquez and Mon David (left)

and 1988 Supermodel of the World Marilen Espino

A two-part special report, “Fish Kill, Again” is about an environmental disaster cause by human negligence and ineptness. My editor, Leonila Garcia, allowed a “personal commentary” at the end of the second part, so that I could vent-out my disgust regarding this grave matter.

“For if the word spoken through angels proved to be firm and every transgression and disobedient act received a retribution in harmony with justice, how shall we escape if we have neglected a salvation of such greatness in that it began to be spoken through (our) Lord and was verified for us by those who heard Him, while GOD joined in bearing witness with signs as well as portents and various powerful works and with distributions of holy spirit according to His will?” – To the Hebrews 2:2-4, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

The Philippines: Land of Earthquakes

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 24 No. 15, August 15, 2000
On the front cover: Mel Gibson, with Jim Carrey (Inset)
On the back cover: Gary Valenciano for Alaska Milk print ad

This article, “The Philippines: Land of Earthquakes” is actually an updated excerpt of the 3-Part Special Features article I wrote for MOD Filipina (October 4 to 18, 1991), “The Philippines: Land of Earthquakes and Volcanos” for which I won my first Science & Technology Journalism Award given by the Philippine Press Institute.

“In the same hour there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city was destroyed. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and those who did not die were very afraid and gave glory to the GOD of heaven.” – Revelation 11:13, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Will Superman Beat the Curse?

MOD Vol. 37 No. 1814, August 14, 2004
On the cover: Vina Morales

You’ve probably heard or seen most of the items in this article somewhere else, but my article “Will Superman Beat the Curse?” (written just after the film showing of Superman Returns, starring Brandon Routh) is still an interesting read. Well, simply because it’s Superman.

“Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.” – Luke 6:28, Holy Bible, New Living Translation.

How to Teach Children Virtue (Mr. & Ms., 2001)

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 25 No. 17, August 14, 2001

On the cover: Raymond Bagatsing and Lara Fabregas

“Virtues are not taught by forcefeeding. It should, instead be inserted in everyday interactions.....”

“..... Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, to brotherly kindness love.” – The Second Epistle of Peter 1:5-7, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.