• The Rafflesia arnoldii
• BY: MAYA S. CIUBAL
• 

  
  
• The flower with the world's largest bloom is the Rafflesia arnoldii. This rare flower is found in the rainforests of Indonesia. It can grow to be 3 feet across and weigh up to 15 pounds! It is a parasitic plant, with no visible leaves, roots, or stem. It attaches itself to a host plant to obtain water and nutrients. When in bloom, the Rafflesia emits a repulsive odor, similar to that of rotting meat. This odor attracts insects that pollinate the plant.
• Another enormous flower found in Indonesia is the Amorphophallus titanum, or Titan arum. It is also known as the "corpse flower" for its unpleasant odor. Like the Rafflesia, the Titan emits the smell of rotting flesh to attract pollinators. Technically, the Titan arum is not a single flower. It is a cluster of many tiny flowers, called an inflorescence. The Titan arum has the largest unbranched inflorescence of all flowering plants. The plant can reach heights of 7 to 12 feet and weigh as much as 170 pounds!
• 
  

  07:09
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

ATHENA

BY: PRECIE AURORA

Having a pretty face among the Goddess

And an excellent beauty among the rest

Goddess of wisdom, beauty and battle

The Goddess who owns that title

Wisdom for all who needs to be guide

Beauty that gives you pride 

Pretty face can deceive

When you don't have wisdom so much to keep

I am a greek not a wick

I am a God not a coward

I help those needy, not those greedy

Call my name, and be right there gladly

Whenever you hear my name

Hope you're willing to be tame

All I have is good intention

That's to give your life a direction

Real ATHENA have a transparency

The Goddess who has purity

The beauty is not just outside, but inside with soul

That's classic, for lifetime, don't fade and doesn't smell foul

PAIN

BY: LADYLYN VARGAS

She's been hurt by her past, her past that crash her into pieces, past that imprisons her self to bitterness. She forgets the value of her strengths and beauty. It's like a nightmare that cause her to a miserable life. A life that is full of tears, regrets and burdens. She lost all of the hopes that she has. Failed Love stymied her happiness.
She lost all the opportunities that she might encounter when she doesn't yield into her emotions. Emotions that murders the possibilities that she might be happy. Her world left her behind. She's living with the dead purpose in life. She is in a thousand days of twinge. The luster of sweet life has been abolish. But all of a sudden I found you walking along the streets of this admireable scenery and you captured my heart. My tears are gone I've been set free in my unpredictable life. The time has come, you lead me into the real me. You enlighten my way. Yoy made me strong. You made me better. I realize that life is beautiful, magical and surprising. You make my dreams come true. You change me and mold me as a fighter with my past. And I am so blessed when I found you in this place.

NANGARAMOAN BEACH

BY: VERA SHANEEN MANICAP

An exciting getaway experience with the guarantee of modern conveniences within reach is what Sta. Ana in the Cagayan Valley Province offers to visiting tourists. The 2nd Class Municipality resting on the edge of Northeastern Luzon region (636.5km from Manila) is home to the Cagayan Special Economic Zone; that being said, one will expect to see grand casinos and other gaming facilities and high-end hotels and restaurants but the other face of Sta. Ana is a simpler, scenic, historical and captivating way of life you’ll experience by the shoreline and in the mainland. A place to relax and to escape the pressures of the city life while re-connecting with the natural wonders of nature then, Nangaramoan Beach’s crystal blue water, white coral and rock formations and lush green forest is highly recommended for travelers who have a taste for the sun, sand and the beach.

Staying in Nangaramoan Beach is simply breathtaking although the place is not considered to be developed as you will expect from other touristy and leisurely beaches in the Philippines like the Boracay Island in the western Visayan Municipality of Malay, Akan Province. But on top of it all, Nangaramoan has its advantage because few people visits there which is an ideal way to enjoy a stress-free getaway that too many people and beach activities bring.

During high tide the beach can be enjoyed swimming but be mindful only of the rocks however when low tide comes it is best to say to just enjoy the large white coral rocks appearing on the beach front. You may also try to stroll along the coastline taking pictures, collecting sea shells for a souvenir or just sitting or lying on the sand somewhat like meditating. Presently, almost all resort in the Nangaramoan Beach is beeping up their construction but here’s a look of what to expect. Accommodations are simple but comfortable; the sleeping cabins are just the right size for a one bed to fit, spacy floor area for extra mattress, air-conditioned and a private toilet and bathroom. There’s no television, internet and cellular networks. Sleeping quarters vary from other resorts in the area.

It is advisable that you bring extra foods or snacks when staying in Nangaramoan because convenient stores are far located in the town proper. Some fishermen are selling their fresh catch of fish for a cheap price and you may even request to have it cooked for you. The place is abundant in marine life that is why a taste of seafood is a must try.

Aside from Nangaramoan Beach, you also have the chance to discover other white sand beaches in the area like the Anguib Beach, Mapurao and Puzo Robo Beach where you can do swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. You may also do hiking, trekking and sight-seeing by visiting the Palaui Island where the 18th century lighthouse Cape Engaño is located; Manidad Island, Crocodile Island, Gotan Mangrove forest and waterfalls.

To get a glimpse of the captivating marvels of Sta. Ana shoreline there are convenient means of transportation available like air and land travel. From Manila you may take a 45-minute flight going to Tuguegarao City and from there take a van or bus bound for Sta. Ana-travel time is about 3 hours. On the other hand, you may take a bus from Manila bound for Tuguegarao or directly to Sta. Ana-but be patient because travel duration is about 14 to 16 hours. Once in Sta. Ana, your beach choice of destination is very accessible by means of a quad-cycle or private vehicle. Less worry on the bumpy ride because the roads leading to the beach area are newly cemented.

BALUARTE

BY: CHERRY ANN ANGCAY

Baluarte” or “fortress” —it’s name emblazoned on a rise for all to see. As of this writing, Chavit has a collection of exotic animals which include about nine tigers and a lion, ostriches, deer, a yellow snake, ducks, a stable full of miniature horses and on the softer, gentler side, a butterly garden of over 500 varieties. It’s open to the public and there are still no entrance fees at this time. All you need do is to tip the guides generously for the time and trouble it takes to bring you around. Be warned that not everyone is given the privilege of touring the innards of his private house. It’s a selective process and largely the luck of the draw. The grapevine tells me t VIGAN has plenty of other points of interest to offer. Go see Chavit Singson’s hat occasionally, the man who is seen frequently with Manny Pacquio, if he is in the mood, conducts the tour himself. I suppose that depending on the timing, the volume of the crowds and how you come across to the guide on the day you visit, you may be given the chance to explore Chavit’s Baluarte, which is appropriately named. It sits atop a strategic high point of Vigan real estate, that can give advance warning of the approach of enemies from the ground and air, in times of war while affording a magnificent nearly 180 degree view of the horizon where the sky and the South China Sea merge and meet seamlessly in deep shades of shimmering blue during quiet times. Chavit’s older house sits on a bluff and can be accessed by stairs carved in stone from the reception area where Aries, our guide, gave us a comprehensive tour of Baluarte and its features. There’s a lot of thought that went into this house and it shows. Chavit Singson is the colorful, controversial self-proclaimed “Tiger of Ilocos” and two color photo cut-outs of Chavit cuddling with two of his pet tigers meant to greet visitors to his enclave make sure you remember that image of power, strength and wile clearly. You somehow wait and listen for the movie soundtrack of Rocky’s “Eye of the Tiger” to play off the sound system dramatically to complete the presentation. There’s nothing of the sort though. For the moment, you forget the controversy he was embroiled in, the “Jueteng gate” that helped topple one Philippine presidency years ago as you explore his lair, or come to think of it, perhaps this is just one among others. After all, a really smart tiger in a jungle full of foes, must have two strongholds at least, one public and another one, far beyond probing eyes. A chapel stands just before the approach to the house and grounds itself. You can’t help noting a rich man’s toy— a bright yellow 2-man submarine gathering dust like a fish out of water— splayed hopelessly just beside the cooped up South American alpaca probably wondering what the heck he is doing in Vigan instead of grazing an Andean mountainside. Ostriches strut about chasing a flock of ducks on the grounds. A “tiger” such as this one with the financial clout and strong and loyal political base can always hold his own jostling and moving with the powers-that-be while surrounding himself with a coterie of armed bodyguards for self-preservation. It takes serious money to build, maintain and preserve a place such as Baluarte.

SORROW

BY: JANE DARAWAY

         He hears our cry Have you ever felt as if no one was there for you when you faced a difficult and trying time? Perhaps King David's words reflect what you were feeling:" I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me"(Psalm 142:4) David wrote Psalm 142 when he was hiding away in the darkness of a cave.This is how one Bible commentator described David's emotional state and how he dealt with his anguish:'' The bitter water rose up to the brim; what was to be done? He must pour out the wormwood and the gall, he could not keep it in' so he lets it run away as best as it can, so that his heart may be emptied of the fermenting mixture. But he took care where he out poured his complaint.... He exhibited his griefs to one who could assuage them." The book of Psalms is filled with true lament and the expression of raw emotions. Trough the centuries this precious collection of Hebrew poetry has helped bring hope and piece to millions of Christians in times of distress and heartache. We can experience the same things. For even in the cave of despair, when we feel lost and lonely, we're even alone. God is with us (Psalm 139:7). As Psalm 142 reveals, we can bring our complaints to Him. In fact, He's our best confidant. His perfect love, wisdom and power will provide what we need. Because of that truth, David could say to the Lord," You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life". No matter the difficult circumstances around us or the desperate feelings within, God cares deeply for us( 1 Peter 5:7). He hears our cry and draws us close, even in the darkness.

Cagayan State University

By: Airene Tejano

            The Cagayan State University (CSU) is the largest state institution of higher learning in the Cagayan Valley Region, in terms of enrolment and number of curricular program offerings. The University was established through Presidential Decree 1436, later amended by Republic Act 8292 by the integration of all public supported higher education institutions in the province of Cagayan.

            Officials, employees and select students coming from the eight campuses of the University gathered at the CSU Andrews Gymnasium to witness musical treat starred by a live band group made up of students from CSU Sanchez Mira, who won first place in in this year’s live band co The Board of Regents of the Cagayan State University has approved the adaption of CSU’s academic sash named “Cagay” effective this school year.

            In its third quarterly meeting held on October 15 at the national office of the Commission on Higher Education, the Board unanimously decided for the implementation of the sash which replaces the traditional academic gown popularly known as “toga”. In petition of the Philippine Association of State Colleges and Universities (PASUC) Culture and Arts Festival in Bicol.

            The University offers courses in liberal arts, social sciences, law, medicine, allied professions, business and economics, natural sciences, engineering, technology, agriculture and fisheries, and teaching, among others. It offers the most graduate and under graduate courses of all the universities in the province of Cagayan.