Ang Pamantasan 3rd Issue (November-December)

INTRAMUROS, MANILA NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

TOMO MMXIV VOL. 39 NO. 03

ANG PAMANTASAN The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

3 NEWS

PLM CELEBRATES “MALAAKTIBISTA” ESSENCE FOR CHRISTMAS, LAYGO SAYS

Contrary to the previous years’ “generic” celebration of the annuallyheld Pasko sa Pamantasan (PsP)...

4

ROLE OF THE STUDENTS IN GENUINE AGRARIAN REFORM

This September, nine farmers from EDITORIAL Hacienda Nene got massacred by paramilitary groups still...

7

Illustration by: Michael Jay Manan

FILIPINO MOVIE AND TV COMMERCIAL CULTURE IN CHRISTMAS

The tradition of watching movies FEATURES during the Christmas season, especially before or on Christmas...

2 NEWS

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

SSC launches 1st University Health Fair, KOPiSKO

BY RAVEN KHATE VILLALUNA Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila’s Supreme Student Council (PLM-SSC) initiated Kalinga – Oplan Pangkalusugan para kay Isko (KOPiSKO), the university’s first ever health fair on December 12, 2018.

To promote a healthy lifestyle, maintain proper posture, and teach ways to take care and empower the psychological and emotional well-being of the PLM students are the main purpose of the project.

“Aside from mental health and physical health, kung pa’no rin mami-maintain ‘yung posture ah—or body shape ng isang PLM student since nga syempre, minsan nawawala tayo sa composure like, hindi na natin masyado napaprioritize ‘yung mga bagay na ’yun since na [because of] acads,” said Alexandria Cruz, College of Business and Government Management Student Council (CBGM-SC) Representative and KOPiSKO’s head organizer.

She added that the whole SSC itself is the one who proposed the health fair, aiming to advocate the three aspects of health, and upholding that all these should be equally prioritized.

In line with their objectives, the SSC held activities such as

seminars, contests, booths, and aerobic exercise in partnership with the Office of Guidance and Testing Services, College of Engineering and Technology, College of Nursing, College of Physical Therapy, and College of Science.

The seminars included Mental Health Seminar handled by the College of Science Student Council (CS-SC), which lectured the PLM students about mental health issues and how to address them; Anti-Microbial Resistance Awareness and Prevention Seminar, administered by College of Nursing Student Council, giving the students knowledge about proper drugs prescriptions and their effects to our body; and Body Postural Problem Seminar, managed by College of Physical Therapy Student Council, which aimed to educate students about fitness and postural problems.

However, Cruz mentioned that the health fair was supposed to focus on mental health alone and be held last October, along with the Mental Health Month.

“It’s supposed to be na— before kasi dapat talaga nakafocus siya sa mental health since na before, the plan was to… [be] held last October kasi ‘yun ‘yung

celebration of Mental Health Week ‘yung sa—no’ng October.

Pero hindi kasi siya naging ano eh, conducive,” she added.

She also confirmed that the event was not perfect and a full success. In the scale of 1 to 10, she gave a rating of 7 in terms of the accomplishment and the outcome of the Health Fair.

According to her, the activities of the event were promulgated to only a small portion of the student population of the university and they were only able to gain an overall estimated number of 300 students who participated the KOPiSKO, which is less than their target and expected number of participants which is approximately 300 to 500.

But regardless of the shortcomings, she stated that it was satisfactory as a first execution of a university-wide health fair.

No further activities aligned with the Health Fair were planned and discussed yet by the SSC as a second step to this program for this academic year, said Cruz.

But according to her, it would be favorable if the next batch of SSC will continue and further improve the said health fair.

PLM-ROTC cadets join camp visit

BY MAUREN MERCA Five batches of Pamatasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila-Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (PLMROTC) Unit cadets paid visit to Camp Riego de Dios in Tanza Cavite to experience Limited Warfighting.

The camp visit included set of activities such as rope course, obstacle course, zipline& slide for life, rappelling, familiarization firing, and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) identification, that is designed to develop soldierly skills.

The five batches, accompanied by their instructors, went to the site on the following dates: November 18, December 2, December 8, December 16, and January 27.

The said activity is free of charge and in which the ultimate goal is to add capacity to the force with proper military training.

It also aims personal growth of the participants by enhancing their leadership skills.

Camp Riego de Dios is the

headquarters of the Philippine Army Reserve Command which strongly concur to the importance of the ROTC cadets experiencing such activities to engage in basic military training and military environment to be able to familiarize them with the purpose of the program and show how relevant reservist are in the military organization.

While the PLM-ROTC unit sent its cadets for limited warfighting, they simultaneously held a Christmas Party for the whole unit on December 16, 2018. The celebration included games and performances from cadets and is remembered by the water activity of the program using water guns, water balloons, water tanker and improvised spray bottles.

On the same day before the festivity was the graduation of the Cadet Officer Candidate Course (COCC) and promotion of C/LTC Mariella Garcia 1CL. After more than a semester of

serious training, eight COCCs were promoted to 4th Class Officers with the rank of Cadet 2nd Lieutenant (C/2LT) namely: C/2LT Dennis Magallon Jr. 4CL, C/2LT Ryan Joseph Palenzuela 4CL, C/2LT Ma. Justine Rivera 4CL, C/2LT Fatima Galman 4CL, C/2LT Tricia Anne Magsino 4CL, C/2LT Hannah Madhel Espiritu 4CL , C/2LT Andre Roldan 4CL, C/2LT Edrea Mae Ramacula 4CL. Meanwhile, C/LTC Mariella Garcia 1CL, Corps Commander of the PLM “Rajah” ROTC Unit 2018-2019, is promoted to Cadet Colonel.

To end the graduation ceremony, CPT Raymond Monterey (SC) PA, 2007 PLM “Rajah” ROTC Corps Commander, advised the newly graduated batch of officers to spare no effort in both their academics and corps responsibilities as well as to consider a career in the military after graduating in PLM.

e

rid P o k Is

BY MECAELA GUMADE

PLM makes its way to PRSP Grand Prix’s Grand Finals Representative “Team Marsh” of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) was hailed as one of the Grand Finalists in the Digital Video Category of the 2018 Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) Students’ PR Congress and Grand Prix held at Augusto-Rosario Gonzalez Theater of De la Salle-College of St. Benilde last November 23 and 24, 2018.

“Team Marsh” was comprised of fourth year Communication students: Czieloh Villajin, Vanessa Maandal, Irish Matias, Xena Dizon, and Eunice Narvadez.

Other participating schools include Ateneo de Manila, De la Salle (DSLU)-Dasmarinas, DSLU-Manila, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, San Beda University, University of Asia and the Pacific, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, UP Manila, University of Santo Tomas (UST) Manila and UST Angelicum.

The awards were handed by PRSP President Ritzi Ronquillo and PRSP Vice President-External Norman Agatep.

PLM ranks 7th on Nurse Licensure Exam 2018 With the passing rate of 91.38%, the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) placed 7th on the list of top performing schools on the November 2018 Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE), according to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Aljon A. Fabic topped the board examination as he ranked 7th on the list of NLE’s topnotchers.

The NLE, taken by 58 PLMayers, was administered by the PRC in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga last November 17 and 18, 2018.

PLM gets 72.80% on BLEPP Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) garnered a 72.80% overall passing rate on the Board Licensure Examination for Psychologists and Psychometricians (BLEPP) held last October 2018.

Having an 80.40% passing rate, Mario Tenedero Dela Cruz ranked 10th on the list of topnotchers on the said board examination.

The BLEPP was administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in Manila and all regional offices nationwide.

PLM reaps 100% passing rate on ChE Licensure Exam On the November 2018 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM) aced a 100 percent overall passing rate, as released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

The results were posted by the PLM official Facebook page, commending and congratulating the passers.

The board examination was administered at PRC testing centers in Manila and Cebu.

PLM lands 4th on Physician Licensure Exam Ranking 4th as one of the top performing schools in September 2018 Physician Licensure Examination, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila gained 98.37% overall passing rate, outperforming its 98.15% overall passing rate last 2017.

The College of Medicine posted the results and commended the passers for yet again bringing such recognition to the university.

The licensure examination was taken by 123 PLMayers, and has an overall 4,542 takers.

3 PLM celebrates “mala-aktibista” essence for Christmas, Laygo Says NEWS

VOL. 39 / NO. 03

BY MILES SINFUEGO, DWIGHT ULEP

Contrary to the previous years’ “generic” celebration of the annually-held Pasko sa Pamantasan (PsP), Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila-Supreme Student Council (PLM-SSC) President Maria Patricia M. Laygo said that this year’s PsP had the integration of the main essence of the SSC to the celebration of Christmas itself — to uphold students’ rights and freedom, by tackling social issues and making the student-body aware of those.

With the theme of “Celebrate the Spirit of Giving,” PLM celebrated Christmas season with Organizations’ Fair, Musicapella, Dance Battle, Pamantasan’s Next Singing Idol, and Keep Going; Campus Tour, organized by the SSC, last December 17- 19, 2018.

“We tried to incorporate ‘yung essence ng pagiging SSC at ‘yung essence ng Pasko, so parang mala-aktibista ‘yung tema natin,” Laygo said.

The PLM Organizations’ Fair with the theme “Lakas Isko” was first held on June 19 & 20, 2017.

This year’s theme is “Stand for Your Rights, Fight Ignorance,” was spearheaded by Bianca Nicole Castromero, College of Science (CS)-Student Council Representative.

“Para mas maging maalam ‘yung mga estudyante. Pero kung sa orgs naman, isa siyang fundraising event para sa kanila,” Castromero said when asked on the objectives of the event.

The Organizations’ Fair was not originally a part of this year’s PsP, rather a separate event that was

Society of Information Technology Enthusiasts poses in front of their booth.

Photo Courtesy: PLM Supreme Student Council

initially to be held last July. The said event’s initial disapproval was due to “internal problems” pointed

by Castromero, in which there were required documents that the council was not able to submit on time.

Overall, as per the head organizer, the fair was a success to deliver its objectives to the students of the university, “May lapses, pero ito naman, nakikita ko naman ‘yung parang, ‘yung output niya. Ayon, madaming estudyanteng pumupunta, masaya din ‘yung bawat orgs, saka

kahit magkakatabi ‘yung mga booth, mayro’ng nagkakaro’n ng interaction sa bawat isa”.

Laygo added that the execution of this year’s organizations’ fair did not just uphold students’ rights, but also have broadened to the extent of human rights. She cited the installment of PLM’s Freedom Wall replica on the SSC’s booth at the Org Fair, wherein students had the chance to write their sentiments and opinions about the university.

“Ginawang vertical garden ‘yon with such a questionable motive, ‘no?

Parang bakit mo gagawing vertical

Kean Cipriano, together with his band, Callalily, performs their first song. | Photo by Shaira Oca

garden ang isang venue kung saan na-a-uphold ang constitutional rights ng estudyante?,” the SSC President added pertaining to the sudden takedown of the scholars’ Freedom Wall.

Moreover, aside from the delay and technical violations of the events, Laygo reasoned out the financial problem the council has encountered in organizing.

“Maraming problems din ang naencounter, especially sa fund din, kasi this year, hindi pa rin namin nakukuha ‘yung lahat ng fund na dapat nasa ‘min. As in walang— no collection. I mean, subsidized kasi tayo sa CHED ngayon, wala pa kaming nakukuha any of that, so nag-rely lang talaga kami sa money na na-produce nitong merch and ‘yung sa ni-turnover”.

CS, with their chorale group, Serenata, took home the crown in this year’s Musicapella; the Magnitudes from the College of Business and Government Management (CBGM) placed first in the Dance Battle; Belicia Camacho’s performance made her college, College of Physical Therapy (CPT) to made it on top of Pamantasan’s Next Singing Idol; and The Rambutans from the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) is this year’s Battle of the Bands champion.

The aforementioned events were spearheaded by SSC Auditor Kurth Dustine Samar, CBGM College Representative Alexandria

Danielle Cruz, CBGM College Representative Kenneth Aawitin, and CET College Representative Renz Jerome Cometa, respectively.

On the last day of PsP, Rockalyt, Frizzle Anne, Rice Lucido, Earl Generao, Unify Youth, and Callalily performed at the University Activity Center for the scholars.

Meanwhile, Kevin Maghinang, a 4th Year BS Biology student, performed on stage with the pop band Callalily, “I was at the front that time. My friends kept shouting and pointing my name. Kean looked at our direction and he pointed at me. I can only describe it with one word, ‘Nervousness’. I was happy I got chosen, but I was also nervous. Why? While I was walking to the stage, in my mind, I was like ‘Ano ulit yung chords nun?’ kasi sobrang tagal ko na ‘di tinutog ‘yun.

Kaya ako kinabahan kasi baka nakalimutan ko na ‘yung chords ng “Pansamantala”. When I’m finally on stage, I felt the combination of ‘Surreal’ and ‘Nervousness’. I was there with Callalily, in front of a big crowd”.

With all the events for the student body, Laygo asserted that upholding the SSC’s “true main goal” does not stop in PsP; rather, the council has planned to hold educational discussions to increase the level of political discourse amongst the students, and silent protests inside the campus, along with seeking legal help from outside the university.

4 EDITORIAL

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

Linguistic Imperialism in an Americanized Country

EDITORIAL

MILES SINFUEGO

Deerstalker

EDITORIAL

Role of the Students In Genuine Agrarian Reform

This September, nine farmers from Hacienda Nene got massacred by paramilitary groups still not prosecuted up to this day. (Dubbed) as the Sagay 9 massacre, it is now part of the long list of peasant killings not only under the Duterte administration, but also in all of Philippine history. This culture of impunity has got to end; and it is high time to highlight the role of the youth in the agricultural revolution the country is waging.

All of the victims were members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers, a farming organization.

Their group was on-strike due to them being denied rights to becoming beneficiaries of the land Hacienda Nene. The landowner, Gov. Alfredo Marañon III, managed to frame the farmers on strike as trespassers on private property following the exemption of Hacienda Nene from being redistributed. To make matters worse, the state managed to go so far as to insinuate that the NFSW were enemies of the state by being a legal front for the New People’s Army, further invalidating the farmers’ cause and endangering the lives of those involved with the protest.

The youth has the obligation and the privilege to know better. The Philippines, despite having hectares after hectares of agricultural land, has been haunted by the problem of land distribution for a long time. Ever since the abolishment of the Spanish-run encomiendas to make way for US imperialism, Filipino farmers have called for fair land distribution, waging protests and tactics against the unfair (at huwad na repormang lupa) land reform policies put out by the government. This was what led to the formation of the Kilusang Magsasaka ng Pilipinas (KMP), a militant union of farmers, and various other farming groups. Since agriculture is the backbone of every country’s economy, this now becomes a multisectoral issue—manifesting the need for the youth to take part in the agrarian struggle.

A close analysis of our current education system yields its fundamental characteristics being colonial, commercialized, and repressive. Its colonial aspect stems from its very origins: education in the Philippines was originally for America to have a grip on the Philippines in cultural terms. To be context-specific, agricultural education in mainstream institutions is oriented towards making profit through maximizing exports (of raw materials) and dependence on imported commodities. [Under our semi-feudal society, most rural lands are owned by for the sake of exporting raw materials.] In addition to this, our education system molds students, from an early age, to cater to foreign interests under the guise of globalization. Combating the colonial nature of education through taking the nationalist route would be an essential step towards addressing the problem of land distribution.

Additionally, the privatization of education in the Philippines—thus manifesting its commercialized nature, our education system molds students, from an early age, to cater to foreign interests in the name of profit. This is taken up a notch by the K-12 program, which trains students in the name of global competitiveness. Progressive and critical thinking is usually discouraged, limiting the students to their studies and repressing critics of society at large.

The process, systematic as it may be, is not that smooth, considering that the goal of this campaign is against the status quo. More often than not, farmers involved in the campaign are met with redtagging, harassment from both private and public institutions, and, if worse comes to worst, extra-judicial killings. This problem continues to manifest itself up to this day, and it is still as bloody and merciless as before. This is why tHere is a need for a united democratic front against this culture of impunity, with the students an essential part of it. Generally, we are educated to prioritize individual success over collective action, orienting the attention of our knowledge towards neoliberal tendencies—sheltering us from what is truly happening to the marginalized, if not making us a cog in the machine that would maintain the status quo.

Nothing is more alarming than having the citizens of your country almost illiterate to speaking and using the proper grammar of our native language whilst having the brand of one of the most English proficient speakers in the globe. Adding weight to the problem is the government being blind and denying of the noticeable issue of how as time passes, our countrymen seem to forget the essence of our language, hence by removing General Education (GE) Filipino subjects in tertiary education.

One should know that language is more than just a means of communication.

Embedded with it are our culture and traditions that have been ongoing and being preserved for centuries. The death of Baybayin, an ancient script used mostly by the Tagalogs until 1668, already imposed a huge loss of our ancestral domain. Losing the Filipino language, which is mostly spoken in the country, paves way to deterioration of our cultural heritage which holds our identity and what unifies us primarily as descendants of the same civilization.

The stagnation of our national language can be blamed because of the sudden sprouting of slang words and phrases caused by people replacing English loanwords in the Filipino lexicon through transliteration.

The accountability lies within the norm enclosed in the education system we are being raised in, wherein the notion is that speaking in English language is the key for global competency, as the aforementioned is hailed as the most spoken language in the world. As true and sad as it be, the lexical mix-up stirs confusion and illiteracy of our own language.

The devaluation of the Filipino language can be seen in the academe and literary industry also. Most academic works and terms, even originated and authored in the Philippines and by a Filipino, are written in English, and are seemingly influenced by Western culture—which is one of the reasons why people tell that Filipinos seem not to have their own identity. In the literature industry, there is only a little market for Filipino written and authored books, as most prefer works in English. But one cannot really blame a Filipino who does not masterly know his native language, as then again most of our textbooks are actually written in English because of the influence of the colonization of the Americans who brought us our known education system today. However, it is just infuriating to read and hear even the “educated” Filipinos write and say, “nalang,” “padin,” “takbo ng takbo,” “walisin mo diyan sa pinto,” “kamusta ka?’” “papunta palang ako,” “iba’t-iba,” “paroparo,” etc. What’s worse is Filipinos caring less about wrong usage of Filipino grammar than when someone used “Your” vs.

“You’re” wrong.

It is just right that the decision of the Supreme Court to exclude Filipino and Filipino Literature as required core subjects in college curriculum is being questioned and criticized by groups of advocates of the Filipino language. The court’s defense for the ruling that the abovementioned subjects are already being taught in high school is absurd and a blatant disregard for our cultural heritage.

More than it, it is an etymological fight and westernized identity problem that we are sadly losing at the grasp of our own.

EDITORIAL

VOL. 39 / NO. 03

Hate Speech is Free Speech Last November 7, 2018, uttering profanities is no longer permissible for Baguio City residents after the Baguio City Mayor Maurcio Domogan ratified Ordinance 118, Series of 2018 that forbids “cursing, cussing, expressing insults or the use of foul language to express anger or any other extreme emotion in establishments frequented by students, from pre-school to college level.”

Establishments like computer shops, arcades and schools are anticipated to follow the ordinance and business establishments that are mostly patronized by the children are obligatory to put signage prompting populaces of the policy. Educators and guidance counsellors are requisite under the ordinance to reprimand students caught cursing and a student perils expulsion in case of repetition of the violation—but still depends on the exclusive prerogative of the school. If ever a tourist voiced out a profane language, he/she should be informed about the ordinance.

Whilst cursing ban maybe helpful to teach children at their young age of shunning swearing, it can go against the law.

The cursing ban inhibits people’s freedom. Cursing is a part of freedom of speech

not until when you attack the certain individual that is the focus of your cuss. Words that are profane are commonly said when we are excited, extremely sad, and angry. Cursing has become normal in today’s society. It has become a part of our everyday conversation especially to the preteens and adolescents. As part of our freedom, Social Media Sites (SNS) permits anyone to post anything at any time.

Our timelines are frequently occupied with vulgar language and we are not even phased by it. Our mass media comprising TV channels and Radio stations and movies and series we watch appear to be fewer and fewer censored. So with the lyrics of the modern music.

Exposures like these somehow build the acceptance of cursing words in the present generation which made them to be reflected as “normal.” It does not completely and certainly define you as bad person if you curse more than the average person.

Despite the fact that the Philippines has no national law enjoining the utterance of profanity in public, Atty.

Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson, said that the anti-profanity ordinance in the schools, computer shops and business establishments in Baguio that are mostly

visited by children might go in contradiction of freedom of speech. Panelo also said that when the ordinance is raised before the courts, it might not pass the constitutional test.

People are entitled to say what they want to say.

Long time ago, conservative wisdom held that swearing was not a helpful response to pain.

Many psychologists assumed that profane words actually make pain feel worse. But, it now became a myth. First ever, psychologists have found that cussing may serve an important function in relieving pain.

According to the recent study conducted by Richard Stephen, a psychologist and a writer, with his students, proven that swearing out loud aids and helps those who have a lower pain tolerance withstand physical violence.

Bad language could be good for you, another study shows.

Timothy Jay, a psychologist at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts who has studied the use of profanities for the past 35 years. He believes that cursing is more than just aggression. “It allows us to vent or express anger, joy, surprise, happiness. It’s like the horn on your car, you can do a lot of things with that, it’s built into you.” he remarked.

Sure these words are not

5

ARISTOTLE CASTRONUEVO

Against the Wind

nice words but they provide an alternative substitute to physical pain. There’s still a big question mark on how will the ordinance will be enforced well in the city. Citation, fine, jail?

Does everyone (the locals) need to record others while hurling obscenities in public?

How could you track down everyone who has sworn in public? And what about the young children using the words, what if they are not listening to their parents?

When you make common things banned on grounds of morality or forbidden to use, that law will probably fail. Look at the 18th Amendment in the US, the banning of alcohol that actually created an organized crime. If we ban something as common as swearing, I doubt anyone will want or even obey that law because of how arbitrary it would be.

Profane words are just extra expressions we use that have the same meanings as other words.

We just give them bad connotations because they were used in the place of insults. There is no prevailing reason to censor any kind of

speech.

The Local Government Unit of Baguio City is correct in wanting to clip swearing at a young age. It would be better, however, to weigh the possibility of raising more awareness rather than the total implementation of the ordinance or mandatory banning across the city. They should consult first and have a comprehensive review about the ordinance with the constitution, psychologists, educators, parents and even student groups to discuss measures for swearing among the children since the ordinance is mainly dedicated for the children who are students and could cause great effects on their studies.

The intention of anti-profanity may be beneficial, but if not implemented well, there’s a well-known saying about what paves the road to hell.

Dropping the F-bomb (f*ck) or other expletives may not only be an expression of agony, but also a way to lighten it. Swearing is a part of the poetry of language. Think about it... When you curse: Are you murdering someone?

Stealing something? Assaulting anyone? Committing copyright?

No one is harmed by usage of swear words especially if they are not used in a derogatory context. Profaning is nowhere near as evil as those crimes.

Ang Pamantasan The Official Student Publication of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shaira Mae Oca MANAGING EDITOR Miles Erichelle Sinfuego NEWS EDITOR Raven Khate Villaluna ASST. NEWS EDITOR Mecaela Mae Gumade LITERARY EDITOR Anne Nicole Carig FEATURES EDITOR Keanne Andre Escobar FILIPINO EDITOR Ina Francesca Gonzales SPORTS EDITOR Kent Marvin Mojica

ONLINE EDITOR Nisha Hernandez STAFF Alaiza Elaine Manansala / Mauren Merca / Jerome Tresvalles / Peter Gabriel Buntan / Dwight Justley Ulep / Sharmaine Mararac BOARD SECRETARY Nicole Anne Mendoza

TECHNICAL ADVISERS Prof. Norliza M. Nordan Prof. Luningning P. Galindez

CIRCULATIONS MANAGER Aristotle Castronuevo ART/ILLUSTRATION Peter Gabriel Buntan / Paul Barongan / Ivan Rosero LAYOUT Raven Khate Villaluna / Anne Nicole Carig / Peter Gabriel Buntan / Nisha Hernandez / Mauren Merca / Shaira Mae Oca / Mecaela Mae Gumade

6 FEATURES The Filipino Christmas is considered to have the world’s longest Christmas season—lasting from early September up to early January of the next year, and truly, there is nothing like the Filipino Christmas. Unlike other countries, Christmas decorations, lights and our ever-famous parols would be put up as early as September. Our countdown for Christmas takes in the form of attending Misa de Gallos or Simbang Gabi, which is a novena of dawn Masses from the 16th of December up to Christmas Eve. There are several traditions that are put to life during the season, varying in the same way as each region have their own version of adobo. For instance, after dark, a dramatization of Joseph and Mary’s search for Bethlehem is performed. In the Tagalog Regions, it is called the panunuluyan, while in the Visayan Regions, it is called the daygon. Other areas have their own respective cultural rituals—all equal in beauty.

However, our Christmas is not entirely about the grandeur of its decorations, celebrations and traditions. It is centered in our faith.

Its main highlight is Christmas Eve where families will gather at a simple Noche Buena banquet in their homes to celebrate the Savior’s birth. It would seem that the exception of our Christmas lies on its pure and delicate simplicity.

A panorama of this exceptional Christmas is only rightful to be seen in the eyes of a child. There is this common expression in the country saying that the season is meant for children, and we might as well experience it by association.

In the midst of Christmas carols and dancing lights, three children

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

Vivid Fading Lights

BY NICOLE MENDOZA

Specialty parol taken from Capiz | Photo courtesy: Market Manila (http://www.marketmanila.com/archives/a-capiz-parol-shell-christmas-lantern)

found each other in a warm welcoming street. Two children were visitors from faraway lands, while one was residing in the fifth home from the third block of the street. The child who lived there, Martino, greeted the visitors in a friendly way saying, “Hi! Is [this] your first time celebrating Christmas in our small barangay?”

One of the children answered, “Yes, but isn’t it too early to put up the Christmas trees and to sing Christmas carols? September is just ending.” Martino replied, “Here, in our small barangay, it is never too early to celebrate Christmas.”

From then, Martino narrated their traditions as they welcome the season and their gatherings as they celebrate Christmas.

He described it in intricate detail as the two visitors listened in awe and fascination. He said that during September, Christmas trees and streets are illuminated by vivid lights. Halfway through the

month, children would be singing Filipino Christmas carols in front of homes to receive treats. By October, families would be allotting resources to fulfill the Christmas necessities including the queso de bola, tsokoláte, noodles and pasta, fruit salad, pandesal, relleno and hamón. Some would even raise their chickens or budget for lechon in preparation. As mid-November strikes, there would be presents under Christmas trees and treats inside Christmas socks. Everyone would be under the Filipino Christmas rush. At the advent of Christmas in December, people would be completing a novena called the Misa de Gallo. “Christmas is almost…” He paused and without notice, times have changed. These children and their friends have grown and aged with time. In these streets, some houses are already emptied. Some people faded while some went on their different paths. Priorities have changed,

and so did the small barangay.

After a long pause, he continued saying that he can vividly recall and remember the last warmest Christmas in that town. In that year’s 24th of December, he woke up due to the sound of a mango that fell on the roof of their house— the alarm clocks of their time. Knowing that the mangoes are already ripe, he volunteered to climb up the trees to get some. Some of his closest friends volunteered to skin the mangoes after he gets them while others offered to prepare the bagoong. They grew up together, witnessed a thousand of first times together and spent quality time almost every day in their lives— such indelible memories that shall live on forever. This group of friends did not comprise a thousand members, but their bond can endure beyond the quality of camaraderie today.

After eating the best mangoes in town, the rest of the day was spent to cook for the banquet

later at midnight, comprising of the Christmas menu necessities.

After going to church, they would be opening the presents one by one. As the clock strikes the 12th of midnight, they would be gathering in front of the dinner table to have Noche Buena— the simpliest epitome of the Filipino Christmas.

The next day, he woke up due to the sound of chattering people. As he got off from bed, he knew that his relatives and some neighbors are already at their house. The first thing he did is that he ran to the Christmas socks and got his treats, together with his brother. His parents would be giving everyone their pamasko, or Christmas trees.

At late afternoon, the entire street would be closed. There would be palaro and paagaw or games for children and even, children at heart.

Afterwards, the adults would be playing Binggo. At nightfall, a long series of tables would be placed in the middle of the street accordingly in preparation of a street-long feast. Consequently, large portions of varying delicacies would be brought out from houses. After a short prayer, the feast commences.

He ended his narration by saying “Iyan ang pasko sa amin. Ngayon, lilipas ang pasko nang lilipas ang pasko.” In this fast-pacing world, we are no longer noticing that time is continuously passing year after year, a decade after the other.

Unconsciously, we are riding with the current instead of creating lifechanging waves. In the end, the two visitors are two distinct observers— the one who came from a different country and the other one is you, a Filipino trying to understand our identity and sometimes the lack of it.

Christmas at the time of TRAIN

BY KEANE ANDRE ESCOBAR

The holidays are fast approaching, and so is the collective urgency in preparing for festivities. In the weeks preceding Christmas, thousands of people start to flock towards shopping malls—mostly in a frenzied chase for holiday promos and last-minute Christmas gifts.

This is especially evident in Filipino culture; when we, as a people, prelude our celebrations with an elegant feast, when we encourage the giving of crisp aginaldos, monitos and monitas, when we come up with any excuse to give and receive gifts, in general. This culture then becomes fodder for companies to promote the

consumption of their products in the spirit of giving and receiving.

It is arguably this concept that perpetuates consumerist values which just add to the burden the Filipino working class already carries. in addition to that, another (specter) is about to make celebrating Christmas harder: the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

In a nutshell, TRAIN aims to bring a more progressive tax collecting scheme that is said to benefit Filipinos. As reported by the Department of Finance (DOF), the Filipinos are stratified into specific classes (in this respective order): poor, subsistence poor, near poor, middle class, upper class, and the top taxpayers. By evening out the

playing field in the form of cutting income taxes to increase take-home pay and excise taxes, the income of the middle class increases by up to 7.0%, all the while cutting the income of the upper class by 9.0% and the poor by less than 0.5%.

Looking at the findings objectively, the effects of this law seem to be good in the long run (a necessary sacrifice, as largescale companies and commodity sellers may say). What it completely disregards is the volatility of living in poverty, where a slight decrease in income can mean life and death for many. This proves to be detrimental to the majority of Filipinos living on or under minimum wage. Due to the Regional Wage Board, there is no set value for a national minimum

wage, but rather it is different in each region (with NCR’s being the highest at 537). With prices of commodities getting higher at a standard rate across the country, wages in provincial areas get lesser purchasing power compared to urban minimum wages, which are weak enough as it is.

With the various tax cuts and excise taxes, recent rates of inflation have reached new heights; with the most recent one being 6.7%, the highest in Southeast Asia. In addition to that, the excise taxes applied on sweetened beverages and automobiles (thus leading to increasing transportation rates) are adding an unnecessary burden to that of the average individual, especially one that

works in an urban area.

Because of its evident benefits to the middle class and higher, it was ironically dubbed

by Duterte and its authors as “the greatest Christmas gift” they could give to the Filipinos.

This is where one would see the disparity between the rich and the poor and the relationship between economic standing and culture.

Christmas is already a consumerist activity in and of itself—add to that the quintessential feast of sweets and staples on the dining table, and then you have yet another luxury taken from the poor: the luxury to celebrate an integral part of their culture.

FEATURES

VOL. 39 / NO. 03

7

A Misinformed Nation

The parents of the lady meet their son-in-law. | Photo Courtesy: AlaskaMilk’s “First Christmas - An Alaska Milk Presentation” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47WgFDH6m8w)

Christmas in Cemetery?

BY ARISTOTLE CASTRONUEVO

Filipinos are recognized globally as one of the countries celebrating the historic Yuletide season.

Perhaps, one of the factors that influenced this country to facilitate this yearly was the past influence of colonization, especially the Spaniards that invaded our beloved country for more than 300 years.

Regardless of the family’s financial budget or lack thereof, it is evident that Filipinos love to celebrate Christmas for as long as possible.

Undeniably, we are known for having the world’s longest and merriest Christmas celebration starting from the first day of September, where we can start hearing the Christmas songs until earlier parts of January.

As part of the Filipino custom, one cherished religious tradition is to attend nine (9) days of Simbang Gabi (Early Morning Masses) that runs from December 16 until Christmas Eve. During midnight of December 31, families gather altogether for the media noche, as they welcome the New Year.

Moreover, as a conventional celebration, a typical Filipino family looks forward to noche buena, where families gather to sit down for dinner at their home on Christmas Eve and enjoy food specifically made for the evening— a day of family closeness where everyone wishing good cheers and glad tidings, and when they give and open presents.

However, have you ever imagined going to your departed loved ones in a cemetery not to

commemorate All Soul’s Day and instead, celebrating the most awaited holiday in the Philippines which is the Christmas? New, strange and uncomfortable as it may sound, loved ones who have already passed away may be given a great chance to be with his family in this one-of-a-kind celebration.

One Christmas morning, a barangay was shaken alive at a public cemetery in Iloilo City. First seen in the Philippine Star. this peculiar celebration of Christmas in the Philippines can be found in Barangay Tanza at Timawa Zone II. The said barangay, with houses a public cemetery, was said to have adorned the wide area with Christmas decorations including Christmas lanterns, Christmas trees, lights, and even a Belen. The incident was documented as the very first ever Christmas celebration in a cemetery in December 2014, not only in Philippine history, but also the entire world.

The workers of cemetery who started this unconventional way of celebrating the holidays only intended to have a Christmas party but later thought of conducting a Christmas decorating contest in their barangay’s cemetery for them to have a livelier atmosphere, due to the Christmas symbols give a welcoming sight and reminisce the memories of their departed loved ones. The residents living in the vicinity have expressed that the real spirit and true meaning of

Christmas celebration should not include only the living, but also our loved ones who have already passed away. Tourists and visitors that came to the cemetery felt excitement over this unconventional event, showing acceptance of this new way of celebrating Christmas. Undoubtedly, some of them never leave the chance to stay late at night and enjoy the colorful decor, blinking lights, bright lanterns and tall Christmas trees spread around the boneyard.

People are commonly frightened of cemeteries and this way of celebration breaks that stereotype.

Those who were buried at this public cemetery are now part of Christmas celebration. Fun fact, the cemetery primarily caters to indigents, but relatives of prominent Iloilo families and Japanese soldiers and officers who died during World War II are also buried there.

Indisputably, Filipinos are one in a million because of our global talents, multiple skills and bravery in any potential risk. We tend to think creative and imaginative things and exceptionally find our ways to become blissful and pave way to the unconventional side pattern— and this celebration of Christmas in cemetery is the best example.

Although this celebration gives us joy and a twist of exhilaration, let us not forget the main purpose of celebrating Christmas, the magical birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Filipino Movie and TV Commercial Culture in Christmas

BY JEROME TRESVALLES

The tradition of watching movies during the Christmas season, especially before or on Christmas day, was part of Western culture adopted by us Filipinos in the late 1990’s. Despite it not originating from the Philippines, it doesn’t take away the value of what it has given us today. Historically, this tradition of Filipinos watching films on Christmas day is due to the schedule of the formerly known Metropolitan Film Festival which is set on Christmas Day, now known as the Metro Manila Film Festival.

The tradition has continued to be the only film festival that opens on December 25th, encouraging Filipinos to watch locally made films.

With that said, despite tradition dictating it to be shown during the holiday season, the topics being dealt with by the film may not be about Christmas. With popular modern releases such as The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin and Ang Tanging Ina Mo, all of which deal with everyday issues such as homosexuality and filial solidarity, these films portray the Filipino’s desire for a joyous and jolly Christmas gathering through a sense of community.

On the topic of commercials, Filipinos have managed to emulate the tear-jerking essence of ads in Thailand into an art form that can teach meaningful values and still manage to tug at your heartstrings.

One example that hits close to home is Alaska’s commercial, the seemingly harmless milk company has managed to make thousands of youths cry over their commercial, one which depicted a family’s first Christmas without their beloved lola, a big hit to the gut for those who feel scared of the prospect of celebrating Christmas without the familiar face of their grandmother.

Another commercial to note is Levi’s way of presenting their customizable outfits as a way of reminding loved-ones (especially those who need extra care) that there is someone looking over their shoulders. The commercial depicted a father gifting his blind son a denim jacket with studding in braille that reads “Andiyan lagi si papa.”, a formula that’s sure to make you lie in your own tears.

In the spirit of Christmas and Filipino resiliency, the Filipino will always find a way to make the best out of a situation. The movies and commercials we see, despite companies’ agendas to make more money, will always be part of our culture as Filipinos because it is our nature and our values that are being reflected in those films. We should thank them for it, because it is a subtle reminder of what we Filipinos are and being reminded of our values is always a great way to start and end the Christmas season.

8 LITERARY WHY SHE WRITES

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

HEADLIGHTS IN THE SURFACE

BY SHARMAINE MARARAC

BY ANNE NICOLE CARIG

Pen was her dagger, her mightiest sword, and paper was her shield.

She believes that writing is a vestal act of bravery and her words are her power.

She writes to reveal the untold, to narrate a persistently veiled story which was never spoken, which was never simply told.

She writes to express in a creative way, in a figurative sense that only those who are willing to imagine could understand, to stimulate a world different from reality.

She writes to inform, to let the masses know that there's a life beyond the standards of living set by the society, there's a life between the lines, within the words.

She writes to inspire, for words are susceptible of convincing the heart, of changing a fallacious perception, and of making an utterly sorrowful life matter.

She writes to illustrate, to describe a beautiful world we could've had if only everyone's a little bit less greedy, if only everyone learns to appreciate the little things.

She writes to keep the memories, to store all the captured candid moments, for they once happened in her life, for they once made her feel happy and sad.

She writes for the sake of art, to give iridescent meanings, to embellish symbols, to give color to every sad story, and to paint this dull and faint world.

She writes for she is a fighter, -- a fearless one.

The menace of mortification stood before her, but, she still chose to take the battle.

Most importantly, she writes to continue living, to cultivate this God-given talent, for she believes that there's no life if she'd refrain herself from writing.

Commuting in Manila is a whole new level of hell.

Hours of beating around the clock for a few minutes of progress in exchange of a whole day’s worth of wasted time and money seemed a better choice, and so he would just look up occasionally and allow the red, yellow, and white blend in and out of focus through the glass before him, contemplate behind the hundreds of other passengers in their own car just dying to go home, pass time, and hopefully arrive before the end of humanity.

This may be the worst day ever.

Among the other worst days, today was most gruesome because he lost all day to chance. She sat the farthest from him as possible on the other side of the leather - resolute, cold, indignant, and she wouldn’t look.

“I told you. I knew this wasn’t a good idea.”

To their right, a foreigner was making a scene after colliding with a local delivery boy. Clearly the former’s fault, he was flailing superiority over an inconvenience that was losing

everyone their patience. What was it that made people so proud?

“Not like we could’ve done something else” He decided to check her expressions for the last time but she wouldn’t budge.

The argument outside turned into shouting and curses which only meant more people would get involved and agitate the situation, or maybe not. Perhaps, all of them there in that highway were too busy dealing with their own problems that they couldn’t care less about what seemed like soon to be a battle of fists and illogical excuses. Maybe, they didn’t want to be part of the trouble of caring. Unfair, he thought.

But like everything else anyways, he resolved.

She only sighed and sighed some more. “No, we could have.”

Finally glancing over at him now, “We could have tried another way.

You know, sometimes you forget you don’t know everything.”

He really doesn’t know anything.

People did care enough to ease the tension between the two drivers from earlier. At some point, their once hot faces embraced softer features and apologized for

rude commentaries. Like the infinite rows of headlights before them, the two eventually blended together to match the long night ahead.

This was the worst day ever. He scrambled with words and ended with none. He has lost his day to a good chance-of taking the smoother route, of leaving at the right time, of taking the side of a bullied stranger, of finally doing the right thing, or of resolving unfinished ends- because he did not know any better.

“I’m sorry.”

And she was furious, but for the longest time, she understood.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Tomorrow, when all has been shared and settled, maybe then she wouldn’t have to be so aggrieved, or him so confused. Perhaps, they wouldn’t have to miss another chance to understand and be understood, to pack up in time, pick the right road, and spend their time waiting.

This may have been the last of the last days- it hadn’t been the worst day after all.

GUARDIANS OF THE SHOAL

BY ANNE NICOLE CARIG

Once, they were deployed far away from home, yet the government seemed to be turning a blind eye, snared within the ghastly place of persistent humdrum, and their lonely wails were never heard. living in complete shambles, and consistently hunted by the feeling of despair. The terror of an emerging bloodshed lingers by the shore accompanied by the splashes of the ceaseless waves, The sun laid its coy fingertips, but they remained firmed and never petrified Casting a vibrant yellow glow, despite the derision of the foreign invaders. the only light instilled within the hopeless vast array of desolation, nostalgia, and eternal solitude.

In a thin fabric of sheet and frail barks of wood, they confide themselves to sleep, As the time stretches forth, uncertain of what kind of tomorrow awaits, the prolonged loneliness further strengthens, uncertain of what life has stored for them in a distant refuge. and flickers amid the blazing battle for our territory, but the glorious end is still far off their sights.

They have fired shots, riddling holes, hurling stray bullets for vague chances, The peculiarity of the place creeps every night, and in this long-lived fray, as the moon shimmers in its luminous light. they have learned to adapt and thrive.

Underneath lies the tiny string of hope that perhaps, on the next day – this strife will end.

Until the last drop of their blood, they have long held on to the promise The deafening silence howls in the wilderness, to harbor the islands in stalwart fervor, the peril of rupture stood before them and to protect what is undoubtedly ours.

LITERARY

VOL. 39 / NO. 03

9

SAUDADE

BY ANNE NICOLE CARIG Time. Once it ran like tumbling snow, meeting ends with my greatest foe -- a foe that keeps my nights jittery, the fear that days will never tarry. Time, on the long run of chasing and holding on, has become a loathsome endeavor I have perpetually contended with.

To transcend time, I have always tried, but invincible, it always goes beyond until it was out of my reach.

When I was 7, I would always cry myself to sleep. I was too naive to understand why is there a need to go through kilometers of calvary, far away from home, just to make a living. I was too young to know that when the night turns deep, I was not the only one who dawdles myself in morrow. Because somewhere, far away, there is also someone who has her mattress drenched with tears, yearning to hold me into a tight embrace under the blanket sheets.

meadows of greens, and beneath are these cutely wrapped little presents. “Christmas is fast approaching and she will be home soon. Hopefully.” I consistently told myself.

The rowdy swarm of people filled the entire place; some hearts are too vulnerable to let go, some faces are plastered with smiles of exhilaration to welcome someone home, and some are just wandering in solitude. It is astonishing how all these emotions are present within a single place -- the airport. Engulfed within the halls where the smoke of homecoming and the smoke of departure simultaneously lingers, I was lashed in the feeling of excitement. The person I’ve long yearned to be with is going home to celebrate the season of Christmas with me. Finally.

When I reached 13, I knew she was trying to crossover the fine lines, to mend what was broken, and to bridge the forming gaps between us. Being left behind is a catastrophe that is inescapable yet still painful despite its certainty. During the process, it’s just either you surpass all the stages successfully or lose yourself along the way. At 13, I learned that life is about outlasting the Days turned to months and subsequently, years. At the age same battle over and over again, because if not, you will of 18, I was matured enough to understand her sacrifices in When I turned 9, I had no one to attend with during the lose yourself to the pitfall of forlorn and despondency. a peculiar place, enduring the constant nostalgia abiding in special events in school. I do not really know why I had to the chilly nights. I would still cry in my sleep but this time, attend a family day all by myself. Though I had a choice At the age of 15, I realized that it is not the partition that I am strong enough to comfort myself, strong enough to not to, I still choose to. Perhaps, it is because humans scares me. It is the fact that reality might just wake me up assure myself that days are fleeting, and she will be home soon. are naturally fond of testing our pain threshold. And pain one day and mandate me to forget everything as though hones us to thrive through hoops of constant challenges, they never happened at all. Someone asked me why I loved Raw moments are always fleeting when you are at and teaches us to be the stronger versions of ourselves. reading books with sad endings. I paused. At the back of the most blissful peak. The glimmering lights once my head, I thought, “I knew the ending is going to be a again start fade out, the children singing carols The bombastic sounds of laughter and frenetic giggles melancholic one but is it really word to look forward for a begin to cease, the gifts were unraveled from their coming from the excited students arouse throughout the reverse ending? Perhaps if I believe, the impossible will be fancy wraps, and it is now time to bid farewell. Again. entire campus. Among the boisterous crowd of chanting, there possible.” I smiled and replied, “Sad endings are nice, too.”

I sat, caught in the snares of my thoughts, wishing that I also have a A billow of rain dramatically pattered against the window, and family who is never absent. All this time I thought it felt too lonely At 17, I have mastered the art of being okay -- or at I gaped upon the night sky. The moon shrank farther and I because I was selfish. But I have come to realize that it was the least seem okay. Growing up to a refuge where people felt the anxiousness of separation devour me bare. We have other way around -- I was too selfish because I felt lonely. temporarily come and then eventually go, I have learned once again lost our strife against time, as I watch you walk to adapt to a life where distance inevitably impedes so away with your baggage and leave the corners of this house.

At the age of 11, in a facade of material wealth, I gradually felt many chances for the little things in life that we have the affirmation of affection. But that was not what I needed, failed to savor. Yet, I have always hold on to that last As I stare in vacancy, my eyes caught a note pinned at I needed someone who will not disappear when the morning straw of hope that this perennial battle against time and the door beside my sock. It was written by a mere 7-yearfades to black, someone who will stay by my side but that is also distance has its end. And soon, we can genuinely be happy old-me who wishes nothing tangible but permanence. someone I cannot have. For so long, it has been a sad tale of without having to worry about the goodbyes of tomorrow. two persons from two different places, bounded by great dis“Santa Claus, I will not wish for candies or a tance yet so little time, where one wants days to hastily pass Jingles and carols start to lull me in my sleep, the barbie doll. What I want for Christmas is for by while the other one could not miss the last plane home. glistening lights twinkle amid the dark vastness mom to come home and never leave again.” of the dire alleys, empty spots are occupied by

BACK HOME BY: SHARMAINE MARARAC

Tick Tock. Fat, thin hands race over who places No.1.

Like a fool in the cycle, she waits for her turn to run 10..9…5…. minutes is absolutely agonizing She watches the others to her left and right One has hair so straight and long and yellow, bored-looking, charming The other with eyes cold, soft white skin and blue glittering around it She looks down and checks her button intact How much longer?

and louder Spectators linger somewhere, or everywhere we cannot look She listens… for the whispers among the cheers What were the shadows saying? Did she look good?

LAST RESORT BY: SHARMAINE MARARAC

Herbosa stood gloriously amidst the dark, its hectic existence its deepest, unspoken secret of the night.

The moonlight proudly forms its sheets over the streets In their beds, children slumbered and dreamt solemnly In their homes, mothers prayed and listened religiously The fathers acted tough, if not rambling outside Doors are locked, always, if not until morning light Outside, the real world unveils, and none but few come see

In ichor they rejoice; through power they convict, and in the faith of all that’s good, a shot is clicked Those from the bloody roof watch and close the blinds To hide away the secrets they say, to keep the light alive they try To let one be safe, the sacrifice must be done – shadows dead

Tick Tock. She can’t help but admire the glamour Slowly, she breathes and holds each time Staying careful of her buttons, her lace, their conjecting eyes And in the morning, when silence is served Flattery rains all night long, and here was the A child may not sleep untroubled again, never-ending drought a mother may not hear, not more than she’d Tick Tock. She keeps her hands to herself and A single voice waves out from the ocean of weep, count remarks and a father may not exist, 5…4…3.. minutes to eternity It was hers, and it was exhausted of the applause The watchdogs keep awake all night long or someone – perhaps from the miserable or Meals are to be missed, and today she 5…4…3…2…1 competes Time is running out, and the girl has finally yielded Catching, sniffing, desperate for stench so born with it, may never be found again, low All around the women dressed tall in indulHungry predators preying for lamb in flesh lost, unwanted, unjustified gence This is not a battle she needed winning.

Tondo will never be the same again. and bones Men in their expensive suits, muscle-proud She comes home and loosens her buttons

10 FILIPINO

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

LUBID

BY INA GONZALES

Malamig na sahig sa masikip na silid katabi ang mapagdalamhating oras na nagpapaalala sa malagim na nakalipas. Hindi maikakailang ang lahat ng ito ay dulot ng kanyang pagkakasala subalit hindi rin maiiwasan ang kanyang pangungulila sa kalayaang dati’y kanyang malambis na tinatamasa, sa piling ng kanyang pamilya.

Ngayon ay sa mas malalamig na ang mga gabi, at ang tanging yumayakap sa kanyang nangungulilang kalooban ay ang pagsisisi at kadiliman habang ang sumisipin sa kanyang pusong namamanglaw ay ang pag-asa na isang araw, kanya muling makakamtan ang pinakaaasamasam na kalayaan.

Sa paglipas ng isa nanamang araw, ang mga siklo ng kalakaran sa bilibid ay tila nakaprograma na sa kanyang isipan. Ang mga trabaho at pang-araw-araw na gawaing kahit papaano ay tumutulong sakanyang matustusan ang kanyang sarili, gaya ng pagiging barbero at pagbuo ng mga pigurinang gawa sa papel,

ay siya ring nagiging kanyang katuwang upang mapabilis ang oras na kanyang ginugugol sa loob ng kulungan.

“Ok lang, sanay na rin naman ako eh. Ilang taon na rin naman akong nakakulong lang dito kaya parepareho lang araw-araw. Maliban nalang kapag may bago o ‘pag may umaalis [na preso] dito.”

Sa tatlong taon at paparami pang mga araw na kanyang iginugugol sa loob ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology o BJMP, sa isang munisipalidad sa Pampanga, si Jay na 39 taong gulang ay patuloy na nananahan sa likod ng rehas ng bilangguan. Siya’y inaresto sa kanilang bahay noong Mayo 2015 ng may kasong paglabag sa R.A. 10591 o “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act” sapagkat siya ay nahulihang ilegal na nagmamay-ari at nagbebenta ng mga baril.

“Nagbebenta rin kasi ako ng mga baril no’n, gaya ng caliber 45, inaamin ko naman ‘yun. Pero tago lang naman ‘yun, pandagdag lang

sana sa panggastos lalo na’t lima na ‘yung mga anak ko, baby pa ‘yung bunso. Syempre mas malaki na ‘yung gastos eh ‘di naman kasya ‘yung kinikita ko kasi barbero lang ako, tapos minsan suma-sideline lang sa iba.”

Ilang hunta ng mga serye ng hearing na ang naganap para sa pagbabakasali ng kanyang paglaya subalit sa kasamaang-palad, siya pa rin ay hindi napagbibigyan. Mayroon din siyang pahayag na dinagdagan umano ng granada ang mga armas na nakalap mula sa kanya. Ito ay nagsilbing mas malaking balakid sa kanyang paglaya sapagkat ang pagkakaroon ng granada ay hindi pupwedeng i-bail. Ngunit, hindi na rin naman ito bago sa kanilang kaalaman sapagkat mas pagtutuunan ng pansin ang kaso ng mga mas kapangyarihan. Hindi na maikakaila ang katotohanan na ang hustisya ay nakakamit ng mga mas mayayaman.

Tatlong taon na ang lumipas at tatlong araw ng Pasko na ring wala ang kanyang presensya

bilang haligi ng tahanan sa kanyang asawa at limang mga anak. Hindi man lang niya magampanan ang pagiging Santa Claus sa kanyang mga anak sapagkat imbes na siya ay makapaghanap-buhay upang makapagbigay ng mumunting regalo, siya’y nakakulong lamang.

Hindi maikakaila ang bagabag sa kanyang damdamin at maging sa kalooban ng kanyang mga kapwa preso ang pangungulila lalo na sa kapanahunan ng Pasko. Dahil dito, para kahit papaano ay maibsan ang kanilang kalungkutan, nagsagawa ang mga opisyal ng BJMP ng maliit na Christmas party para sa bilanggo na kanila namang pinagipunan at pinagtrabahuhan upang maisakatuparan.

Sila ay naging isang malaking pamilyang nagtulong-tulong upang magkaroon ng simpleng salu-salo at mga palaro na nagbigay-saya sa kanilang mga nangungulilang puso.

At sa pagsapit ng pinakahihintay na araw ng taon, ang araw ay sumikat ng mas maliwanag at ang simoy ng hangin ay animo’y naging mas

matamis sapagkat hinabaan ng mga pamatnugutan ng BJMP ang oras ng pagdalaw upang magkaroon ng mas mahabang pagsasama ang mga preso kasama ang kanilang pamilya sa araw ng Pasko.

Sa mga palitan ng yakap at halik at mga baong pagkaing sinamahan ng mga kuwento, ay nagsalu-salo ang bawat pamilyang nagdiwang sa loob ng bilibid kasama ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay na pinagkaitan ng kalayaan. Mababanaag ang mas matamis na mga ngiti at mas masiglang mga halakhak sa kabila ng lahat ng kasamaan at katiwalian pumapaligid sa kanilang mga pagkatao, sa tulong ng kanilang mga pamilyang nagsisilbing lubid na sumasagip sa kanilang kawastuan upang magsilbing inspirasyon na kumapit at magpatuloy sa laban ng buhay.

Makikita paring kahit patuloy ang kalupitan ng kasamaang sumisira sa konsensya ng mga tao, maging anuman ang kanilang kadahilanan, ay mayroon pa ring pagmamahalang kailanman ay walang makatatalo.

iba’t ibang pagkain. Tuwing umaga bago pumasok si Piolo sa eskwela, tumutulong siya sa kanyang ama sa pagtitinda. Ito ang nagsilbing pundasyon ng pamilya Mejia para sa kanilang gastusin sa araw-araw.

Kung kaya’t ang tanging hiling ni Piolo ngayong Pasko ay magkaroon sila ng maayos na buhay para hindi na mapagod ang ama sa pagtitinda.

Sa darating na bagong taon naman, nais ni Piolo na maging maayos ang kalusugan nilang mag-ama upang hindi sila dapuan ng anumang sakit. Ang selebrayon ng Pasko at bagong taon ay hindi tungkol sa kung gaano karami ang handa niyo bagkus ito ay patungkol sa diwa ng pagmamahalan at pagbibigayan. Tulad ng isang musmos na gaya ni Piolo na may inosenteng pag-iisip at munting kahilingan lamang, ay mababatid natin na ang isang simpleng bata ay

mulat na sa totoong kahulugan ng Pasko.

Kaya naman hindi lang sa hiling kumakapit si Piolo dahil lagi siyang nangunguna sa klase nila tuwing magtatapos ang taon. Pag-aaral at ang ambisyong maging manlalayag ang nagpapalakas ng loob kay Piolo para hindi matakot na lagpasan ang anumang unos na dumarating sa kanyang buhay. Kaya naman tunay na pinagpala ang pamilya Mejia dahil kay Piolo sa kanyang pagiging isang mabuti at responsableng anak.

Maliit man sa inyong paningin, may pangarap at ambisyon rin.”

At ‘yan ang kahulugan ng Pasko – Pagkilala sa iba’t ibang uri ng Pilipino.

HILING

BY MARCO PADORA

“Ang wish ko ngayong Pasko, sana po magkaroon kami ni Papa ng maraming pera para marami po kaming pagkain at hindi na po kami maghirap.”

Marahil ay nasa murang edad pa lamang, ngunit hindi tulad ng karaniwang mga bata na tuwing sasapit ang Kapaskuhan ay mga bagong laruan, damit, at gamit ang kahilingan; si Piolo Mejia, anim na taong gulang, ay may munting panalangin sa Panginoon – ang mabigyan sila ng kanyang ama ng magandang buhay.

Kabilang si Piolo sa milyunmilyong kabataang umaasa na sana’y mapagbigyan sila ni Santa ngayong Pasko.

Mga mata’y nagsusumamo at mga labing bukambibig ay “sana matupad ang aming hiling” ang namumutawi sa

lahat ng kabataan sa mundo.

Si Piolo ay isa sa mga musmos na makikita mo tuwing hapon na naglalaro at pagala-gala sa lansangan ng Intramuros, Manila.

Masaya at walang humpay ang kasiyahan kahit sa kabila ng mga ngiti sa kanyang labi at kaligayahan tuwing Kapaskuhan ay ang natatagong lungkot sa kanyang kalooban.

Katuwang ang ama, hinaharap ni Piolo ang araw-araw na hamon ng buhay. Naulila na kasi ito mula sa kanyang ina habang siya ay pinapanganak at ang tanging alaala na naiwan ng kanyang ina sa kanya ay ang pagmamahal nito na walang katumbas saanman siya naroroon. Sabi nga nila, ang tunay na pagmamahal ay walang pinipiling oras at panahon. Basta pagmamahal ng ina ay iba sa lahat.

Syempre, ganoon din naman ang

pagmamahal ng ama nito sa kanya.

Pagmamahal ang simbolo ng Pasko kung kaya sa araw na ito, nais ni Piolo na ipagdiwang ang kapanganakan ni Hesus, wala man masyadong handa na nakahain sa hapag basta’t kasama ang kanyang mga mahal sa buhay na laging nandiyan para suportahan siya sa kanyang mga pangarap ay sapat na. Ayon kay Piolo, hindi na siya naghahangad ng mga materyal na bagay gaya ng ibang bata dahil mas gusto niyang may makain sila upang may lakas sila para kumayod at mag-ipon para sa kanilang pamilya.

Sa maliit na barong-barong na gawa sa kahoy sa Intramuros, dito matatagpuan ang limang taong gulang na tindahan nina Piolo.

Simula ala-sais ng umaga bukas na ang tindahan nila hanggang alasdyis ng gabi para magtinda ng mga

SPORTS

VOL. 39 / NO. 03

GONE TOO SOON:

11

Lariba embarks journey of a true warrior

BY KENT MOJICA

Commitment, Passion, Bravery – these things have been proven to be the key for us to succeed in what we want in life amidst life battles. Ian Lariba, the first-ever table tennis player to represent the country in the 2016 Rio Olympics in which she also served as the flag bearer of the Philippine delegation, embodied these virtues while facing true battle in life.

She was a three-time UAAP MVP after leading De La Salle to three table tennis championships during her five stint with the school.

A graduate of BS Management of Financial Institutions, Lariba consistently brought pride as a Lady Paddler, awarded as the Rookie of the Year in UAAP Season 74, Most

Valuable Player in UAAP Season 75, 77, and 78, and hailed Athlete of the Year in UAAP Season 77 and 78. She remained undefeated throughout her UAAP career.

As a native of Cagayan De Oro, the sport she was initially interested in was badminton but at the age of nine, she started playing table tennis which turned into a feat where she learned to love thesport more before finally landing a spot in the De La Salle University varsity team.

Unfortunately, in the peak of her career, the 23-year old athlete succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia

in May 2017, according to the Philippine Olympic Committee. She was expected to aim for the Asian Games and a return to the Olympics in 2020 following her olympic stint, but her diagnosis dimmed the hope of her come back to international competition.

Faced with the biggest battle of her life, the Olympian proved to be a fighter to the very end. Lariba went out of her way and inspired others to remain brave in the midst of adversity.

According to

Imelda Lariba, her mother, her daughter spent the last year of her life serving as “ambassador for cancer patients”, especially among children. In addition, Lariba used to speak before the Rotary Club of Bacolod at the “Bahay Aruga” institution and at St. Lukes about her battle with cancer.

The elder Lariba recalled how her determined daughter spoke about her experiences during treatment and admission, and inspiring kids by telling them that they should not be discouraged and depressed.

“It is important that people should know her and her contributions to sports, being the first Filipino Olympian from table tennis”.

Olympian Ian Lariba flaunts exceptional prowess during Rio Olympics. | Photo courtesy: foxsports.ph

Remembering a PH Basketball Legend: Loreto “Bonnie” Carbonell

BY MECAELA GUMADE

Legend Carbonell as Hall of Fame Awardee Photo courtesy: Abante

Basketball can be seen as an undeniable part of Filipinos’ lifestyle, being widely-enjoyed and has been influential ever since this sport was introduced to our country. It is a sport that encourages and even bring together families in front of the television during national and international games such as NCAA, PBA and NBA. It is one of the famous sports where a lot of teenagers aspire to be known and esteemed like the prominent

figures in this field are. Like all people who are remembered because of their contribution and greatness, September 23rd of this year marked the 1st death anniversary of the renowned basketball legend Loreto “Bonnie” Carbonell.

The forward of the basketball team which placed seventh at the historic 1956 Melbourne Olympics died last 2017 because of cardiac arrest at the age of 84 years old.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS Bonnie’s interest in

basketball first blossomed on the hills of Davao City. He came from a humble family and he pursued the sport through continued practice as he walked hours from home to Ateneo de Davao where he was discovered by an American Jesuit priest, Father Richard Cronin, who first thought him the back dribble technique that would later he’ll be quite known for.

Paving his way towards more success in the field, he helped the national team to win

the bronze medal at the 1954 FIBA World Championship. He then represented San Beda, his alma matter, in the NCAA along with other athletes and he scored 48 points in a game in 1956, toppling down the scoring record of Carlos Badion of Mapúa. He also became one of the athletes that formed the national team headed by another Philippine Basketball legend Caloy Loyzaga for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, where they placed seventh.

His score was averaged to 6.4 points per game.

H i s further achievements included the gold they bagged in the 1958 Tokyo Asian Games, where he was also recognized as one of the top scorers. He also made possible for the national team to be qualified for the 1960 Rome Olympics by leading the team to win in the Asian Confederation Basketball Championship, the competition that determined Asia’s participants to the Olympics and world championships. Unfortunately, he didn’t made it to play in the 1960 Rome Olympics because he acquired sinusitis. He hadn’t

played basketball since then.

FROM PLAYER TO COACH He may not been able to once again play in the court but Bonnie never left the basketball world. He instead continued to reign the field as he became coach in 1974 for the YCO Painters, his old team, to win the MICAA championship.

He also led the San Beda basketball team to its backto-back NCAA championship titles in 1977 and 1978.

In 1984, he coached Beer Hausen Brewmasters in the PBA all the way to the AllFilipino finals but lost against Great Taste. He remained to be San Beda’s basketball consultant for the rest of his life and that’s when the Red Lions experienced their winning streak. ““The priests said I am their good luck charm,” Carbonell joked.

Loreto Carbonell, known as “Bonnie” by his family, friends, colleagues and fans, will be always remembered not just for his contributions but also by his nature as an inspiration; a strong-willed athlete and coach that never falter in the face of challenges but rather thrive in it.

12 SPORTS

ANG PAMANTASAN/ NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018

PH, SET FOR SEA GAMES 2019 Marking the 4th time to host the SEA Games, the Philippines’ preparations thrash in full swing

BY FRANCESCA GONZALES

Team Lakay stalwart barrels through waters to save 3 lives, dies a hero

BY KENT MARVIN MOJICA

Filipinos raising the Philippine flag during the opening of SEA Games 2005 at the Quirino Grandstand | Photo courtesy: Rappler

Upon laying the groundwork for a total of 56 sports and 529 events, the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) doubles its efforts as Filipino athletes train the hardest in preparation for the most anticipated 30th South East Asian (SEA) Games which will be held from November 30-Dember 10 in four different venues in the country.

The biennial event proves to be a much awaited occasion for the 11 countries in South East Asia who gears up to participate in this multisport competition as the Philippines organize its facilities in Clark, Subic, Metro Manila and Tagaytay as the host, for the fourth time since 1981, of the 30th year of the aforesaid athletic meet.

Filipino athletes seek to reclaim the triumphed overall championship title in 2005 where they amassed 113 gold, 84 silver, and 94 bronze medals through the three

categories of sports that they will be competing in the 2019 games.

The tournaments to be staged in this edition will include Compulsory Sports, Olympic and Asian Games Sports, and the Regional Sports.

“Our hosting of this biennial event comes at a time when the government has embarked on an ambitious infrastructure development program. From our seamless network of highways that traverse the plains of Central Luzon to the Clark International Airport to the world class facilities the we erected for this games (in New Clark City), we can confidently claim that the Philippines is indeed ready to become a regional hub of international sporting events,” Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said.

With the theme, “We Win as One”, the 2019 SEA Games aspire to weave unity, cooperation and the desire to work together in a diverse

community to contrive and achieve peace, progress and inclusivity for all the activities in this edition of the Games.

“In all our activities for next year’s Games, we should embrace the spirit of unity. We are one and we win as one,” Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee Chairperson Alan Peter Cayetano stressed.

The countdown has begun and day by day, the athletes that will represent the country continue to train with the goal to snag the gold.

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are among the difficult contenders as reflected from the result of the previous Asian Games.

Preparations still carry on to cater the biggest event of 2019 that is more than just a battle of strength and skill among the nations in South East Asia. But who will prevail? We shall see.

Philippines’ own Team Lakay, also known as Lakay Wushu or Lakay MMA, is undoubtedly one of the best and most successful mixed martial arts stables in Asia, if they are not the best already.

Once the final ONE Championship event wrapped up this December, the Baguio City-based squad housed an unaccustomed four world champions out of the promotion’s 11 total divisions, and each one of them proved why they deserve to be at the top of their stint.

But amidst these victories, sad news grappled Team Lakay after their stalwart, an upcoming fighter, passed away after saving three people in his group, drifting out to sea of La Union and drowned. This team’s young gun, Igor Sebio Donga-el, 29, was laid to rest after being carried away by large waves in the process of saving two boys and his girlfriend.

The group went to San Fernando, La Union for the Christmas Party but what happened was really unexpected.

One of the team’s female members said that she saw the three getting farther from the shore and seek for help.

Consequently, Donga-el was the first on the scene who was able

to bring the three to shore but he couldn’t completely finish his instant bout against the large waves. “I looked closer to what was happening and was shocked to see three (2 boys, 1 girl) people going further and further away into the deep sea. I turned my back around, shouted for help along with others,” Pearl Alvarez said on a Facebook post.

Alvarez added that when they can’t see Donga-el, concerned residents went out in the middle of the sea to look for Igor.

Unfortunately, after several minutes of looking and waiting, the fear was confirmed. The young hero was brought back to shore lifeless. The seas won the battles as its waves mightly tossed his lifeless body.

“You will never be forgotten,” said Eduard Folayang, the current ONE Championship world lightweight champion. “You saved three lives “Igor, you taught us an important lesson in life. Nothing defeats the purpose of life when it ends for the purpose of sparing lives,” said Team Lakay coach Mark Sangiao.

Donga-el was rushed to the nearest hospital but wasn’t able to survive.

PLM student-athletes gird up their loins for 2019 Intramurals

BY ANNE NICOLE CARIG

This coming 2019, studentathletes from the Pamantaan ng Lungsod ng Maynila will be given an elusive chance to utilize their prowess in extremely competitive sports like basketball, badminton, chess, cheer dance, table tennis, and volleyball.

With the theme, “Building Camaraderie and Unity through Sports”, the PLM Intramurals is set to be held at the Rajah Sulayman Gymnasium and University Activity Center from the January 31-February 13.

The objective of the PLM

Intramurals 2019 is to instigate impartial opportunities for students to evince their flair in vast fields of sports, to establish solidarity within teams, and to strengthen the friendship among the college departments throughout the 14-day event.

The last intramurals held in the university was during the school year of 2016-2017, thus, making this year’s intramurals even more exciting not just for the participants but for the entire PLM community as well.

During the 2017 Intramurals,

the College of Medicine was hailed as champion in the women’s division of basketball.

As for touch rugby, which unfortunately was put into halt this time, the defending champions for women’s division were the sharks from College of Science.

Representatives from each college department are anticipated to participate in the said official matches.

The participating colleges are the College of Business, Government, and Management, College of Science, College of Engineering and

Technology, College of Nursing, College of Physical Therapy, College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and the College of Law. The inclusion of table tennis, chess, and cheerdance in this upcoming intramurals’ sports line up have also induced exhilaration and rapture among the students.

The expected highlights of the event are the traditional parade of teams and muses, the marvelous stunt execution in cheer dance competition, and of course the most-awaited sports games.

Simultaneous to this upcoming

event, the classes are still expected to persist. The students will only be eligible and allowed to watch the games during their vacant periods, or with their respective professor’s discretion.

Above all the crystal and glass awards, plaques, and certificates of recognition, the greatest deals that matter most are the unchanging fidelity, the adamant dedication, and the stalwart fervor that are expected to be manifested by the players throughout the games.