1995 PHILIPPINE PRESS SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY JOURNALISM AWARD

Celebrity World Vol. 4 No. 229, January 1, 1996
On the cover: Dolphy and Vandolph

It happened 22 years ago and it’s still quite nice to reminisce. My article “An Education on Philippine Endangered Species” won the top price in the 5th Annual Philippine Press Institute Science and Technology Journalism Award.

“You (GOD) are my rock and my protection. For the good of Your name, lead me and guide me.... You guide me with Your advice, and later You will receive me in honor.” – Psalms 31:3 and 73:24, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Fiction: The Yuletide of '92 and Other Poetic Memories

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 22 No. 34, December 15, 1998

On the front cover: Fathers and sons Michael de Mesa and Ryan Eigenmann,

and Mark Gil and Gabby Eigenmann.

On the back cover: Sharon Cuneta for the Alaska Milk print ad.

A short story written in prose and poetry for a special lady from Cabiao, Nueva Ecija.

“The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, and he saves those whose spirits have been crushed.” – Psalms 34:18, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Computer Comfort: Ergonomics You Should Know

MOD Vol. 38 No. 1826, December 4, 2006

On the cover: Justine Gabionza, 2006 Miss Tourism Queen International

This is suggested read for those who spend much time infront of computers.

A profile of Hollywood actress Reese Witherspoon.

On MOD’s Starliners section, “Hollywood Trivia: Career Starts, Secrets, and Dreams.”

“When life is good, enjoy it. But when life is hard, remember; GOD gives good times and hard times, and no one knows what tomorrow will bring.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Movie Review: Moonstruck & Gone,Baby, Gone

TV Star Guide Vol. 8 No. 96, December 2007
On the cover: Paula Abdul

Two movie reviews: Moonstruck (p. 19) and Gone, Baby, Gone (p. 30)

TV Star Guide Vol. 3 No. 36, December 2002
On the cover: Jennifer Aniston

An entertainment puzzle that I concocted for the Yuletide issue of TV Star Guide.

“Sing for joy to GOD, our strength; shout out loud to the GOD of Jacob. Begin the music. Play the tambourines. Play pleasant music on the harps and lyres. Blow the trumpet at the time of the New Moon, when the moon is full, when our feast begins.” – Psalms 81:1-3, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Math-O'Logics: Algebra Problems

MOD Filipina Vol. 24 No. 951, November 24, 1989

On the cover: Zendle Anne Carbonnel

In Math-O’Logics, more Algebra problems were discussed as requested by a reader.

“LORD, You have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are GOD..... For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it past, and like a watch in the night..... So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – The Book of Psalms 90:1, 2, 4 and 12, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

MY FIRST JOURNALISM AWARD

MOD Vol. 25 No. 1106, November 13, 1992
On the cover: Margaret Elaine Ortiz Lanuza

This time around, it was me and the exclusive three-part special report, “The Philippines: Land of Earthquake and Volcanoes,” I have written a year before that was featured in MOD. Aside from the Science and Technology Journalism Award from the Philippine Press Institute, I was also conferred a “Lifetime Achievement Award” by Atlas Publishing.

“Love wisdom, and she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will bring you honor. She will be your crowning glory.” – Proverbs 4:8-9, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Math-O'Logics: The Factoring Path

MOD Filipina Vol. 21 No. 897, November 11, 1988
On the cover: Revital Mor (Miss Israel and

1988 Miss Asia-Pacific Quest Second Runner-up)

On Math-O’Logics, solving Algebra problems by factoring, hence the subtitle “The Factoring Path.”

“Teach me Your ways, O LORD; make them known to me. Teach me to live according to Your truth, for you are my GOD, who saves me. I always trust in You.” – Psalms 25:4-5, The Good News Bible in Today’s English Version.

Fiction: To Share a Dream

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 21 No. 29, November 11, 1997

On the cover: Jomari Yllana and Aiko Melendez

A short story titled “To Share a Dream.”

“There is a right time and a right way for everything, yet people often have many troubles. They do not know what the future holds, and no one can tell them what will happen.” – Ecclesiastes 8:6-7, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

Pinay Matematika: Nakalalamang Nga Ba ang mga Intsik sa Math?

Pinay Digest Taon 2 Blg. 36 at 37, Nobyembre at Disyembre 1994

Tampok sa dalawang magkasunod na isyu ng kolum kong Pinay Matematika ang pagtalakay kung “Nakalalamang Nga Ba ang mga Intsik sa Math?”

People’s Balita Taon 17 Blg. 180, November 1, 2010

Tampok ang headline na “Lolo Humabol sa Undas”

na isinulat ni Jimmy Boy Mendoza

Ang aking dalawang trivia and information columns – Sexopedia Pinoy Edition at Alam Mo Ba Ito? – sa People’s Balita.

 “Mag-ingat kayo upang hindi kayo mabihag ninuman sa pamamagitan ng walang kabuluhan at madayang katuruan na hindi kay Cristo nagmula, kundi sa mga tradisyon ng mga tao at sa mga alituntunin ng mundong ito.” – Ang Sulat ni Pablo sa mga Taga-Colosas 2:8, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version.

Fiction: Beyond What Reasons May Offer

Mr. & Ms. Vol. 22 No. 27, October 27, 1998
On the cover: Migui Moreno and Meryll Soriano

An intriguing story, “Beyond What Reasons May Offer,” is about an unintensional incest, between a couple who loved, married and had a wonderful family life until they found out later that they were father and daughter. Based on a real-life story.

Miscellanous Weekly Vol. 8 No.174, October27, 197
On the cover: Alta Tan
 

Another magazine trivia quiz section, Maze Match, I made exclusive for Miscellaneous Weekly. This issue is about Hollywood actresses’ real names.

“If a person sins, and commits any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the LORD, though he does not know it, yet he is guilty and shall bear his iniquity.” – The Third Book of Moses Called Leviticus 5:17, Holy Bible, The New King James Version.

Alam Mo Ba Ito: Ano ang Trivia?

Dalawang magkasunod na isyu ng People’s Balita
Taon 17 Blg. 164 & 165, October 13 & 14, 2010

Sa mga mahilig sa “trivia,” ito ay para sa inyo.

“Sa pagsunod sa utos mo, ako’y iyong pangunahan,

      pagkat dito nakakamtam ang ligayang inaasam.....
Ako’y bigyan mo ng dunong at ng tunay na kaalaman,
      yamang ako’y nagtiwala sa utos Mong ibinigay.”
      – Mga Awit 119:35 at 66, Magandang Balita Biblia, Tagalog Popular Version

The Most Significant Events in the World (1974-2004)

MOD 30th Anniversary Special, October 2004
On the cover: Tingting Cojuangco and daughters Mikee and China

As usual, I get to write the broadest and no-nonsense anniversary feature story, “The WORLD,” that is the most “significant events (in the world) in the last 30 MOD years.”

And I am also featured as one of the contributors, “writers who have made MOD the country’s number one weekly magazine.”

“..... GOD’s rule is forever, and His kingdom continues for all time.” – Daniel 4:34, The Everyday Bible, New Century Version.

The Philippines: Land of Earthquakes and Volcanoes

MOD Filipina Vol. 24 Nos. 1048, 1049 & 1050, October 4, 11 and 18, 1991
On the covers: (From left to right) Alma Concepcion,
Jeanette Chavez Ipapo, and Bernadette Cruz

          In the middle of 1991, just after Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption, broadcast journalist Lito Villarosa began a series of exposé regarding the controversial Marikina Valley Fault System. According to Villarosa, he saw a bunch of documents in the defunct Ministry of Human Settlement on its way to the junk bin. When he tried to read the contents, it turned out to be a 1976 commissioned report of the United Nations Disaster Relief Organization (UNDRO) Coordinator to the former Ministry of Human Settlement headed by then First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, detailing a systematic vulnerability analysis of Metro Manila area with regard to disasters like earthquake and flood. There was also a comprehensive study regarding the Marikina Valley Fault System. To cut the story short, he gave me a copy of this report, which was very interesting to me because it is related to my profession as a structural engineer – knowing areas where earthquake damage can be prominent is an important part of structural design.

          Together, we conducted extensive research on the subject and simultaneously revealed to the public what we have uncovered: Villarosa through the broadcast media and me through the pages of MOD Filipina magazine as an exclusive three-part special report titled The Philippines Land of Earthquakes and Volcanoes  (SEE the posted version in https://erneelawagan.blogspot.com/2009/09/philippines-land-of-earthquakes-and.html).

          Exactly a year after, the article won for me the grand prize in the Second Annual Science and Technology JournalismAward sponsored by the Philippine Press Institute and the Philippine Geothermal Inc (SEE the story featured in MOD November 13, 1992 issue).

Part I – A Study of Our Restless Terrain

 

 

Part II – The Marikina Fault System: The Truth

Conclusion – The Marikina Fault System: The Consequences

“And in that hour a great earthquake occurred, and a tenth of the city fell; and seven thousand persons were killed by the earthquake, and the rest became frightened and gave glory to GOD of heaven.” – Revelation 11:13, New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.

Lahar!

MOD Filipina Vol. 24 No. 1047, September 27, 1991
On the cover: Candice Robyn P. Corral

The term, “Lahar,” became the daily topic of discussion as an aftermath of the Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption. It became the scourge of Central Luzon, when it overran the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga and Tarlac, especially when the government then was inept to the suffering of the people and only busy itself in vindictive politics.

On Math-O’Logics, more about the circular constant pi, the early formulas devised by different great mathematicians to calculate its value.

“You say, ‘We have made a treaty with death and signed a pact with Sheol: when the raging flood sweeps by, it will not touch us; for we have taken refuge in lies and sheltered behind falsehood.....’ I (GOD) shall use justice as a plumb-line and righteousness as a plummet. Then hail will sweep away your refuge of lies and floodwaters carry away your shelter.” – The Book of the Prophet Isaiah 28:15 & 17, The Revised English Bible.

My Choice of the 14 Greatest Mathematicians of All Time

MOD Filipina 14th Anniversary Special, September, 1988
On the cover: Francesca B. Davila

The magazine is dated September 1988, but it’s actually not MOD’s anniversary month. The komiks-sized teenage-oriented magazine, Sixteen, founded by Mars Ravelo, from which MOD evolved was first published by Pilipino Komiks, Inc. on June 22, 1968. Then on December 6, 1974, it literally grew to an 11” x 13” tabloid-sized Sixteen’s MOD Filipina. Barely 10 months later, on October 10, 1975, dropping the “Sixteen” from its title, the magazine became MOD Filipina, and now caters to women. Lastly on July 3, 1992, the subtag “Filipina” was removed, and it became simply MOD.

Since, however, this 14th anniversary special was dated September 1988, I find it proper to start the month of September with this issue. It was a tradition in MOD that for every anniversary, the magazine showcased some write-ups about its writers and contributors. I was among those featured as “MOD Jr. Writers.”

Another tradition of MOD’s anniversary specials are articles pertaining to its anniversary number. In this case the number “14.” This issue is loaded with articles with “14” on the titles including the ones I contributed: “World’s 14 Most Incredible Coincidences,” “My Choice of the 14 Greatest Mathematicians of All Time,” and even my column Math-O’Logics shared a short “punch” on the number 14.

“The Word became a human being and full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw His glory, the glory which He received as the FATHER’s only Son.” – The Gospel According to John 1:14, The Good News Bible in Today’s English 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.

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.