Aquinian Herald (Volume IV, Issue 1) - Newsletter Issue by Aquinian Herald

AUGUST 2015 | NEWSLETTER ISSUE

V O L . I V N O . 1 | A .Y. 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

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T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T PU B L I C AT I O N O F A Q U I N A S U N I VE R S I T Y O F L E G A Z P I • Legazpi City, Philippines

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE>> devcom WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS Students speak up about "student apathy." >> Page 16

P25-M building project prompts increase in fees SPECIAL PROJECT FEE, UPS IN MISCELLANEOUS FEES INTRODUCED

feature AQUINIAN ARTISTS Dancing to the rhythm of life. >> Page 8 culture GEORGE R.R. MARTIN'S A

SONG OF ICE AND FIRE >> Page 11

EIGHTH RECTOR'S SECOND TERM. Fr. Ernesto Arceo, in his reinstallation address during the Mass of the Holy Spirit, stressed on the importance of ensuring quality education and improving the University's research output and academic accreditations.

BY A LDRIN C. BROSAS

The cost of education in Aquinas University went up this academic year.

photo byjade//oapa

The administration has recently proposed a 25-million peso infrastructure project, a covered court and multi-purpose building, along with an increase in the miscellaneous and other fees. In a series of public consultations held on February 26, 2015, the Office of Administration and Finance (OAF) headed by Vice-President for Finance, Fr. Edwin A. Lao, O.P., discussed the increase in fees they’re proposing namely a 40% increase in the intramurals fee from Php 100 to Php 140, and the introduction of a “special project development fee” of Php 500. The university student publication, Aquinian Herald, also appealed for fee increase from its current Php 30 THE INCREASE publication fee to Php 125 per semester, which is collected as part of the “other fees” of the TOTAL INCREASE IN THE MISCELLANEOUS students’ total fees. AND OTHER FEES PER SEMESTER Special project fee A big part of the proposed increase will INTRAMURALS FEE be due to the special project development fee intended to fund the construction of a multi-purpose building INTRAMURALS FEE that is estimated to cost at around Php 25

P635.00

P100+40ˇ=140.00 P30+95 = 125.00

+500.00

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Arceo enters second term as Rector and President BY J A N I N B . VO L A N T E

The University’s eighth Rector and President, Fr. Ernesto M. Arceo, O.P., was reelected by the Aquinas University Board of Trustees and was formally installed into the office in a ceremony during the university-wide Mass of the Holy Spirit on June 8, 2015 at the AUL Dome. Arceo first held the office in 2011, succeeding Rev. Fr. Ramonclaro G. Mendez, O.P. who served three terms for twelve years (19992011). Very Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner III, O.P., Prior Provincial of the Dominican Province of the Philippines ARCEO ENTERS

AUL SIGNS MEMO OF INTENT TO ‘INTEGRATE’ WITH UST THE PLANNED integration of Aquinas University with top Philippine university, UST, was officially signed. In a report at the official website of the Dominican Province of the Philippines, AUL, along with two other Dominican schools, the Angelicum College Quezon City and Angelicum School Iloilo, signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with University of Santo Tomas (UST) to work into integrating

before increase new fee legend: w w w . a q u i n i a n h e ra l d . w i x . c o m / h o m e | / Aq u i n i a n He ra l d

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the three Dominican educational institutions with the revered and longstanding tradition and standards of UST education. This integration is in accordance with one of the objectives of the Order’s Acts of the 10th Provincial Chapter, particularly Act No. 123 which states: the “Dominican Province of the Philippines moves towards integrating all the Dominican institutions within two venerable and historical educational traditions, that of Letran (1620) and UST (1611).” The MOI signing was part of the AUL SIGNS

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@ a q u i n i a n h e ra l d @ a q u i n i a n h e ra l d

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million. Fr. Lao pointed out that AUL’s current school function venue and sports facility - the AUL Dome - is not fully and properly equipped for Physical Education classes and other student and cultural functions. The dome, according to him, while a good venue for university-wide gatherings and sporting events, is not intended nor fit for the said purposes. Hence, the conception of the project. The proposed fee is that of Php 100 per month which is a total of Php 500 per semester. The said fee will not only be collected from the college students but also from the elementary and high school departments, which means the said building is not exclusive for the tertiary department. OAF’s estimation projects the paying student population to an average of 4,000, already factoring in on the calculations the implementation of K to 12 in 2016 and the opening of the general curriculum program for the high school in the next academic year. About 4,000 Aquinian elementary, high school, and college students will pay for

P U B L I C A T I O N

COURTESY OF OFFICE OF ADMIN AND FINANCE

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P25-M project...

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the infrastructure project on an installment basis for the next seven years. Meanwhile, the administration is looking to start the construction immediately in the middle of this year. “We would like this covered court to be operational by the first year of the implementation of K to 12 which would be on A.Y.. 2016-2017,” Fr. Lao said. Fr. Lao also clarified that while the collection of funds would take years, the construction will just take months. The covered court The multi-purpose building, will be erected where the tennis court and the two basketball courts now stand, just adjacent to the AUL Dome and the Fra. Angelico or the College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (CEAFA) Building. It will have a floor area of 1,188.50 square meters (the size of our present tennis court and the small basketball court). According to Fr. Lao, it would have been extended all the way through the other basketball court but it would destroy the aesthetic view of the Thomas Aquinas chapel. The cost of the construction will amount to exactly Php 23,770,000 at Php 20,000 per square meter. The VP for Finance pointed out

NEW CULTURE & SPORTS CENTER. The exterior perspectives of the planned

covered court and multi-purpose building which will mainly serve as the new venue for P.E. classes and for student and cultural functions

- THE FIGURE S -

P23,770,000 COST OF CONSTRUCTION

P1,230,000 SOUND SYSTEM AND OTHER FURNISHINGS

P25MILLION TOTAL PROJECT COST

ˇ P500.00

AMOUNT TO BE COLLECTED FROM STUDENTS STARTING THIS SEMESTER FOR

7 YEARS 4,000

PROJECTED NUMBER OF PAYING STUDENTS FROM ALL LEVELS

that the cost per square meter is higher than the average Php 13,000-15,000 rate (as with the case of the construction of the Student Pavilion). Construction will be costlier because the site is swampy that instead of the normal method of excavation to lay down the building’s foundation, they will make use of the “piling” method which will involve heavy machinery and pricy materials. The rest of the Php 25-million budget will be allocated for the furnishing of the facility with a state of the art sound system, movable stage and the like. Miscellaneous and other fees OAF explained that the increase of the intramurals fee will aid the Welfare for Sports and Fitness Center (WSFC), that usually shoulder expenses during the intramurals. “What happens during intramurals is that the actual funds allocated for the said event always come up short, so a portion of the athletics fund are used to cover that. It shouldn’t be the case because those funds should

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PoliSci senior takes top prize in world tourism marketing tilt

“We would like this court to be operational first year of the implementation of K to 12 which would be on A.Y. 2016-2017.”

BY JANIN B. VOLANTE

WATER. FIRE. Love.

- FR. EDWIN LAO, O.P, V P FO R F I N A N C E

be allotted to support our sports programs,” explained Michelle Oñate, Head Controller of the Finance office. The athletics fund supports the school’s sports program including the training and equipment for the athletes who compete annually in regional and national collegiate sports meets, as well as the operation and maintenance of the AUL Dome. Meanwhile, the student paper, Aquinian Herald, pushed for an increase in the pub fee, from Php 30 to Php 125. “Three years since its revival, the publication has burned through most of the accumulated funds from years back and the Php 30 publication fee per semester won’t be enough to keep us in the black in the near future,” Associate Editor, Aldrin Brosas told the students during the consultation. Students expressed concern about the more than 300-percent increase. It was then explained that the pub fee is economically outdated and an increase is necessary. Fr. Lao backed this up by reminding students that there hasn’t been an increase in the pub fee for almost nine years with the publication inactive for five years of it. “The publication’s bread and butter is the publication fee. They don’t just need to do this, they’re constrained to do this,” Fr. Lao commented. Student reception The proposed increase in school fees were met by favorable reception from the students, except for concerns against the infrastructure project. Don Kevin O. Hapal, student leader and founder of the political party Sinag, asked during the consultation if an infrastructure project is what the university needs right now. “Two years ago, a tuition fee increase was imposed mainly to improve instruction and the salary standardization of teachers. I feel that we are still having problems in that respect, so if we’re to proceed with this project, I’m asking if we already solved the issue on the quality of instruction.” Allan Navales, the outgoing Supreme Student Council (SSC) vice-president, on P25-M PROJECT

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These are three things Political Science senior Patrick Joseph I. Estillomo thought best describe the mystique of the province of Albay, through his minute-long video entry in the World Tourism Marketing Challenge of the 1st Dux Gregis International Youth Convergence at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Taking the top prize in the competition, his video showcased Albay as the most viable tourism destination in the Philippines. “I wanted to present it in a way that when people who are not familiar with Albay first step here and they see Mayon on a clear sunny day, what they feel in that moment, that feeling of splendor, I wanted to capture that in the video,” he told Aquinian Herald. He commented that it was not just Mayon he wanted to exhibit but also the many things one can do in Albay to entice the audience into watching the video and to visit the province themselves. Estillomo attended the conference with Antoniette Charmaine Sambajon, the Supreme Student Council President and a 3rd-year BS Psychology student.

The Tuxedo Institute of Asia sponsored and organized Dux Gregis, a four-day international conference, to provide the international youth leaders community with advanced and updated youth program & community development concepts, plans and templates. The leaders’ convergence was composed of eight World Issue Discussions by international executive speakers, five international competitions, and five program development sessions. The eight World Issue Discussions focused on Leadership Development Programs, Humanitarian Communications:New Age Journalism, Gender Sensitivity, Business Globalization through Financial Market, Climate Change and World Disaster Management, World Cultural Arts Commercialization & Licensing, International Leadership, and World’s

“...when they see Mayon on a clear sunny day, what they feel in that moment, that feeling of splendor, I wanted to capture that in the video." PHOTO COURTESY SSC FACEBOOK PAGE

Student leaders team up to bridge student gaps in annual summer camp INCOMING STUDENT leaders of student councils and university and college-based organizations gathered for of the Aquinian Young Leaders' Summit (AQYLES) on May 28-29, 2015 at Viento de Mar Resort, Bacacay, Albay. On its eighth year as a summer leadership training camp for the University's student leaders, AQYLES was themed “Bridging the Gap: Putting Oneself in Another Else’s Shoes.” It aims to “bridge the gap” among students and student leader, and also to combat student apathy - one of the problems the incoming SSC administration pledged to solve. The summit conducted team building activities and talks, particularly on the University's thrusts. Guidance Director, Prof. Maja Francisco, MaPsy gave a talk on emotional maturity, a discourse on academics and excelling on them was led by Prof. Patrick Gerard Paulino, Ph. D. and also expounding on the leaders' moral formation was a talk by VP Religious Affairs, Fr. Roberto Reyes, O.P. Participants were divided into five

caption caption caption

heterogenous groups as one of the aims of the event is to foster fraternity and community among the different student organizations in Aquinas University. The summit was organized by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) in coordination with the Office of Student Services. ■ BY ARIANE GISELE SANTOS

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� 3000+ Aquinians join nat'l simultaneous fire, earthquake drills The University, commended again as the only university in the city consistent in conducting emergency drills, joined the rest of the country in the nationwide fire and earthquake drill on July 22, 2015 around the campus, with almost 3,000 students, faculty, personnel, and parents.

photo by jade//oapa

NEW YEAR, NEW FACES. The fresh faces of enthusiastic Aquinians

University welcomes 600+ new Aquinians � NY health expert lectures on asthma, debunks buko juice as 'cure' Dr. Alphonso Quinones of

the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York, gave a lecture on Asthma Epidemiology and Pathophysiology at the university's College of Health Sciences on July 1, 2015. In a query raised during the lecture about buko juice is a legitimate remedy for asthma, he explained that there's no evidence or study linking or validating it. He however assures that this doesn't mean the two are totally unrelated.

ABOUT SIX hundred freshmen and transferees this academic year was welcomed in Pamiridbidan 2015, the University's annual Orientation Seminar (OrSem) for newbies on June 19, 2015. The University, through the efforts of the Office of Student Services (0SS), Office of Guidance and Testing (OGT), Supreme Student Council (SSC) and the college councils, helped introduce and acquaint the new Aquinians with the University's policies, facilities and offices, faculty and personnel, and institutional activities. The program also introduced the newbies to the different university and

THE COLLEGES BY THE NUMBERS

1,CBMA 159 760 CEAFA

345 CASE 290 CHS

P25-M PROJECT

AUL SIGNS

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ORA hosts� Dominican youth encounter The Office of Religious Affairs' (ORA) Center for Campus Ministry (CCM) conducted the DOMNET-TEC (Dominican Network- Teens Encountering Christ) on August 6, 2015 at the AUL Dome. The encounter, according to ORA, is a "high intensity overnight activity where students are challenged to experience God personally."

the other hand,views the project positively as it would be beneficial to the AUL community. “Hangga't ang hangarin ng anumang gawain o proyekto ay ang ikauunlad at ikabubuti ng komunidad ng mga Aquinians, ako ay sang-ayon rito,” said Navales. He then called upon the administration to make good on the promise that this building will be operational as soon as possible. More Aquinians weighed in on the issue of the covered

college-based organizations they could join. The whole day event was split into two parts. The morning was dedicated to the orientation seminars prepared by the four colleges, initiating freshmen and transferees to their respective colleges and its policies, faculty, and student organizations. In the afternoon, all the newbies congregated at the AUL Dome for the university-wide welcoming program, where Student Services Director Jesus A. Barizo discussed the University Student Handbook. Booths were also set up by student orgs for introduction and recruitment. ■ BY CLAIRE B. GALLANOSA C O N T I N U E D F RO M PAG E 1

court. “The project seems like a good idea but I’m just uncomfortable with the students paying for every dime of the project’s budget. Sana naman may part din yung school,” said Seralyn Sarza, a BS Accountancy student. Harold Ternio, a BS Electronics Engineering senior said, “They should just buy more books and instructional materials to improve our performance in the board exams instead of this.”■

celebration of the 43rd Founding Anniversary of the Dominican Province of the Philippines held in December 2014 at the Buenaventura G. Paredes, O.P. Building, University of Santo Tomas. The memorandum was signed by UST Rector, Fr. Herminio Dagohoy, O.P.; AUL’s Rector and President, Fr. Ernesto Arceo, O.P.; Fr. Ferdinand Bautista, O.P. (Rector, Angelicum College) and Br. Lauro de Dios, OP (Director, Angelicum School). Fr. Arceo closed the ceremonies with a vision that the four institutions will together bear the name University of Santo Tomas. ■

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Student's faculty eval now automated THE STUDENTS' evaluation of their professors is now easier than ever. The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) recently upgraded the way, students evaluate their professor's performance, to a computerized system from the manual and time-consuming process of going from room to room to serve students with evaluation forms. Geared towards modernization, reduction of costs, and overall improvement of the way the University measure quality of instruction, the computerized Student Evaluations for Teachers (SET) was introduced to Aquinians on February 20-24, 2015 at the MITC Laboratories. The SET is 20% of a professor's total evaluation score per semester, with the rest coming from the college dean, the

program chair, and a self-evaluation. “It’s a lot easier now compared to the old way where classes are usually interrupted to evaluate. Some of us don’t really get to evaluate all our professors because only a selected sample of students are handed the evaluation forms,” commented Jinky Borlagdan, a student from the College of Business Management and Accountancy. The software used in the automated evaluations was developed as a master's thesis of CEAFA faculty, Prof. Fe Aguila, and an outsourced programmer, Millicent Villaroya. ■ BY JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO

“It's going to be a slow and tedious process, but in the end, the delivery of quality education is assured.” - FR.

ERNESTO ARCEO, O.P,

RECTOR AND PRESIDENT

ARCEO ENTERS

C O N T I N U E D F RO M PAG E 1

and also the Chairman of the AUL Board of Trustees, was the Principal Celebrant and Homilist for the Mass of the Holy Spirit during the Installation ceremony. The University Ring and University Medallion were presented by Rev. Fr. Roman L. Santos, O.P., Vice-President for Financial Affairs and Treasurer of Aquinas University of Hospital Foundation, Inc. and Assistant Treasurer of AUL, and by Dr. George M. Colorado, CESO III, Acting Director IV of Commis-

tions (MLE) as 7th and 4th place sion on Higher Education-Re- respectively. The pre-school and gional Office No. V respectively. elementary departments of the Aquinas University Integrated First term and forward Schools (AQUI) gained governOn his first term, Arceo implement recognition in 2013. mented new ranking and salary Arceo also stressed the need scales for the administrators, for accreditation of all the Unifaculty and non-teaching per- versity’s academic programs in sonnel based on internal equity, order to enable the University to which resulted into an increase give the students the quality edin tuition fees come 2012. ucation they deserve. Also, during that tenure, the With the University aiming to University was able to offer two be a “research university,” the new health science degree pro- Rector remarked that quality grams - the Bachelor of Science instruction, sufficient quality in Pharmacy and in Medical research outputs, and quality Technology - in partnership community service and extenwith Dominican affiliate, Uni- sion programs will be the desirversity of Santo Tomas. able outcome of complying with As he addressed the uni- accreditation requirements. versity community during the “It’s going to be a slow and installation ceremonies, Arceo tedious process, but in the end, noted the University’s accom- the delivery of quality educaplishments the past years par- tion is assured... It’s not difficult ticularly the improvement of to envision. What is hard is to the performance in licensure realize our dream. But with colexams, mentioning two Aquin- laboration, hard work, commitians who placed in the top ten ment, dedication and discipline, national topnotchers of the 2012 we shall be able to achieve, if Bar Examinations and the 2013 not fully, at least sufficiently, our Midwifery Licensure Examina- vision.” ■

(FROM LEFT) Most Rev. Msgr. Ramon C. Tronqued imposing the University Medallion; Fr. Arceo receiving the University Ring from Dr. George M. Colorado, CHEd Region V

Acting Director; and Most Rev. Fr. Gerard Francisco P. Timoner as the main celebrant of the Holy Mass and the Installation Ceremonies

photos by jp lanuza

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EDITORIAL

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P U B L I C A T I O N

FURIOUS CURIOSITY  @buzzedAaaawldwin

Aldrin C. Brosas

Why Aquinian Herald needed a raise

editorial

Patching up Aquinian student politics "But on matters of student democracy and the right to choose our leaders, the students' voice must be held to the highest standard."

last year, we seemed to be finally on the verge of combating apathy to student politics with a historic 75-percent student poll turnout. A big step up from what the records show about the last five years or so yielding voter turnouts that barely average a quarter of the student population. Likewise, it was the same year when we were finally past the time when positions are there for the taking by unchallenged candidates because only so few would run for office. All positions last year were duly filled by at least two candidates from the two competing parties. However, this year’s student elections took yet another disappointing twist and turs. First, only one slate was able to file candidacy - the newly-formed Sinag Party. Instead of Sinag playing the underdog challenger to the usual bipartisan race between CLAWS and Reporma, the new party somehow ended up the only players. According to old members of the Coalition of

Leaders Advocating for the Welfare of the Students (CLAWS), they had no lineup this year because they decided to disband to break the party’s growing “elitism” and create a new party [i.e. Sinag] that is “more diverse and issue-oriented.” Some members of CLAWS ended up in Sinag. The League of Liberal Reformists (LLR-Reproma) after already forming slates around the time of the filing, didn’t push through for reasons still unclear. Comelec said that this was a surprise as they initially expected at least three slates this year. Secondly, the unopposed polls yielded only two out of the four college councils with elected officers, as CHS and CBMA were unable to form a slate. Also, the daunting tasks of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) now falls on the hands of only six people. Aside from the vacancies in the CBMA and CHS, not everyone from Sinag was able to get the required votes to win. The candidate running EDITORIAL

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E D I T O R I A L B O A R D & S TA F F

RALPH B. ORENSE editor in chief JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO / KARL B. BRIGUERA associate editors RONA MARICAR C. MIÑA / KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE managing editors JANIN B. VOLANTE features JESUS L. DAWAL, JR. devcom MELISSA R. MESIAS ARCHIE NER literary JOHN PAUL B. GARRIDO art and graphics WENDELL T. CILOT circulations and logistics FAYE ANDREA TERWEL / PATRICK JOSEPH N. SECILLANO news

sports

Ma. Joan B. Sauler, Claire B. Gallanosa, Ariane Gisele Santos, Ivy Jonna O. Tolosa, Denmarc Joshua Betonio, Kristine Marie B.Arienda, Rona Althea Balmedina, Val C. Laurio, Patrick Joseph I. Estillomo, Justin Roman Amargo, Gian Lorenzo Ombao, Mark Jude Ballon, Shara Mae Sergio, Pia Genorga artists Japhet Palmares, Janelle Faith Lim, John Alcantara, Sam Macasinag, Florence Argarin, Juvic Moyo, Kaye Maureen Gregorio photographers Juliene Olaño, Kevin Geva, Paul R. Mendizabal, Clarkson L. Antiquiera, Andrew Villaflor, Frances Nicole Banton layout Kenneth M. Osabal, Karl Briguera publication design Aldrin Brosas staff writers

MA. ANGELICA SAJUELA technical adviser

The Aquinian Herald has increased from its current Php 30 publication fee to Php 125. Now before everybody start screaming of outrage or proceed to hurling rotten fruit at us, or worse, decide to not care at all, please hear me out. First, a bit of history. The Aquinian Herald you know now was born out of the ashes of the university student publication AQ Phoenix, which was absent in the university life for quite some time - five years to be exact (2007-2012). However, in that span of years when students didn’t hear from the publication, fees were still being collected along with the tuition fees resulting to the publication fund We will strive to accumulating quite keep working with a sum. In 2011, one student by the name one vision in mind – to be your voice, of Roger A. Abitria IV felt it outrageous unhindered and that the students unbiased, towards aren’t getting anya better Aquinian thing from the pub fee they’re paying for community, in mind every year. and in spirit. Through the aid of these funds, the student publication started anew in 2012. We were able to furnish a well-equipped publication office, train a new blood of campus journalists and send them to regional and national journalism workshops, and over the last thirty-six months, produce sterling outputs any Aquinian can be proud of despite its infancy as a campus paper. The publication, you might say, is still barely out of the baby walker. We are still learning to walk. But with our lack in years we more than made up for our persistence and dedication to give our all in providing the service you deserve – to be your voice, to be your sounding board on issues relevant to our life as students; to be nothing other than fair about anything we say or write. Granted, this paper wasn’t without its faults and shortcomings. We do not claim to be perfect or always right. But like a child just learning to walk, we weren’t about to let a few stumble stop us from standing our ground and doing right by you, our publishers. Our presence as the watchdog in the University, dare I say, remained steadfast despite the resistance we’ve faced on our early years in service. No matter how many times we got calls about how we had portrayed them or their office or the entire university in bad light. No matter how many times the word ‘libel’ was thrown our way that was either meant to scare us into silence or maybe just because they can. Or no matter how sometimes we felt people (some of them colleagues and friends) held some sort of grudge against us for not sparing them the wrath of our criticism. We weren’t out to criticize or point out the bad and the ugly things just because we could. Our goal was same as everyone here: to grow and to achieve great things as an academic community. To do that, we need to see and understand what needs fixing. To quote from American TV character Will McAvoy of HBO’s The Newsroom, “the first step to solving

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FURIOUS CURIOSITY

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LINE OF SIGHT

M I N D - O V E R - M AT T E R

 @IamEyeSight

 jill.estrellado@gmail.com

Ralph B. Orense

Jillian J. Estrellado

Look in the mirror Whenever there are changes that happen in the University, we students would immediately respond with complaints. It is our right and we should be heard because we’re the ones who are paying the school to give us what we deserve as students. Aquinian Herald has called the attention of school administration several times now because we want them to resolve certain issues that will make things better for the school and its students. However, over the last four years of my stay in the University, I have noticed something from the behavior of its students, and it really bothers me. Complaints from students keep on coming about how the school struggles to give us high quality education despite the continuous rise of tuition fees. I couldn’t agree more on that, except that some of the students who are grumbling about the issue are the same students who don’t seem to care about the school. We love to complain about the said issue, but how many of us are really attending our classes? How many of us are paying attention to the lessons being taught by our professors? How many of us

“

... if we want things to be better for us, some changes would need to come from us. Plain and simple.”

are doing our assignments and projects without plagiarism? How many of us complainants are actually doing our part to make ourselves better? Let us admit it, AUL won’t be able to provide us with the things that we deserve, but they are doing their best to give us the best that they can. Some of us may not be satisfied, but shouldn’t we be doing our part as well? You might tell me that you’re no longer motivated because of this and that, but if you won’t do your part as a student, then what will you gain? Our situation with the school is similar to how we treat our government. We keep on complaining about how our leaders continue to fail to give us what we deserve, but we as citizens keep on violating the simple rules and laws that our leaders implement. LINE OF SIGHT

RUN NO MORE

Janin B. Volante

A dose of veritaserum

“

...this whole string of events show that honesty on both sides could and should go a long way.”

First, is the existing university statute or policy stating that as a Catholic institution, the University accepts for membership in its academic staff only those who adhere to or respect the doctrines of the Catholic faith in their teaching or research activities. This means that Aquinas University has every right to screen the applicants according to its principles. It is not discriminatory because the actions taken by the university in this matter were rooted in the laws that govern the RUN NO MORE

Post-adolescent Philippines Philippine politics has never been boring, especially when it comes to the presidency—until now. In the past, we have had very interesting presidents, and the Filipinos have been well represented. We’ve had rich presidents, poor presidents, religious ones, presidents from the military, from the business sector, a revolutionary, lots of lawyers, educators ,a mechanic, a would-be murderer, a dictator and of course an actor. Now we have a president who has led no revolution, did not put or even attempt to put up martial law in order to control the whole country, people did not rise up in arms for or against him, nor have been accused or convicted of any illegal wrongdoing. He dutifully dotted his i’s and crossed his t’s and thus in relation to previous presidents—boring. His last and final SONA was inspiring stuff really, though I wish it were less of a rehash of his previous SONAs and not so much blaming on the previous administration. I like how he emphasized that his goal, along with his aggressive anti-corruption scheme is for the Philippines to be a first world country. This feat is impossible to achieve

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I hope our nation would get over over its rebellious adolescent phase already, and move on to its more mature and relatively boring phase.” given his one, three-year term as a president but could provide a good starting point for the future. Still, I’m a fan of numbers and looking at all those positive percentages made me feel good, at least the numbers do not lie. And the Philippine economy is not going down the drain, as some people would like to believe. We have some growth in terms of increase in GNP, increase in employment rates, decrease in poverty rates, etc. Though I admit I do not know how a 6.2% increase in GNP affected my day-to-day living but hearing the decrease in crime rate made me sit up straight. In Metro Manila, the numbers went from 919 to 444 cases of theft, robbery and carjacking every week and 37 to 23 homicides a week, a significant decrease certainly but still an alarming value. M I N D - OV E R - M AT T E R

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 @thesunwontset

To err at some point is inevitable. However, there is no excuse for not correcting a mistake or clarifying something while there is still a chance. That is why some of the points should be rectified and amended in the last opinion article written in this same column. It talked about a professor wishing to go by the pseudonym Risvan who felt like he was being unjustly treated because of his religion. He was told he cannot teach here anymore because he is non-Catholic. He appealed to the Rector and the Bishop about the matter in two letters respectively. In the article, I said I thought it was not right how he was dealt with. But there are two things that were brought to my attention after the article came out that show he was most likely not treated unfairly after all.

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VOX POPULI ISIGAW MO, AQUINIAN!

Hindi makatarungan. Nag increase na nga sa tuition, may dagdag pang isang porsyento.

“hindi dumaan Sang-ayon ka sa tamang ba sa patong na consultation. nakakagulat, 1% sa tuition hindi ako bilang penalty handa.” sa late payment  @buzzedAaawldwin

nito

"Hindi. Paano na lang kung wala naman talagang pambayad ng - Ailea Faye Especial, 3 BSBA-MM tuition fee?"

 Mark Jude Ballon, BS

"Okay lang sa akin kasi yung tipong nauulit na naman yung pag-process ng payments ng employees. May reason naman kung bakit." - Kenneth Agudo 5 BSCE

"Sa ngayon, oo. Nung student convocation nasabi na naimplement na daw na pag on time magbayad, may discount na 1%. 'Yun yung benefit. Tatanggalin naman daw yung penalty pag natuto na ang mga estudyante. - Ryan Christian Bueno, 3 BSBA-FM

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Dancing to the rhythm of their art BY IVY JONNA O. TOLOSA

Aquinian Herald took a sampling of promising Aquinian talents who excel in their passion for art, music, and dancing. We found three active members of university and college-based student organizations dedicated to the arts - the AUL Dance Troupe, AQ Band, ProDigi Creatives, and START (Student Artists), the organization of Fine Arts majors. The expression of one’s emotions, principles, and imagination has become highly overrated but has created one if not the most important need of the world—beauty. And it is present everywhere, in every place, in every person. It’s just the way of perceiving things that varies. Plato said art is that which brings life in harmony with the beauty of the world. The human need for beauty is filled in

Jaenelle REDILLAS it was summer last year

when the AUL Dance Troupe first got the news. They're representing the Philippines in an international cultural festival. Jaenelle Redillas or "Jay," as how she prefers to be called, is one of the senior members of the group that brought home the silver prize of the international cultural dance festival in South Korea, July last year. Doubting themselves was one of the initial reactions besides glee. To compete internationally, and then represent the Philippines no less, is an unimaginable pressure. After mulling over the gravity of the challenge, they finally came to their senses and decided to brace themselves instead of letting it get the best of them. But the preparation only began in June - a month prior to the competition - that only served to double their anxiety. And not just that. They couldn't just plunge into dancing right away. The planning and logistics involved in putting together their international entry took all of three weeks. That meant, the actual rehearsal for the dance only took a week before the competition. They arrived three days earlier

by art in all its different forms. We see the exquisiteness of the world we live in through the interpretations of the artists who render them in their works. Let us get to know two people who expose us to the beauty that we don't usually see on our own.

PHOTOS BY CLARKSON L. ANTIQUIERA

in South Korea and spent most of that extra time practicing. Jay shared that before their performance, the thrill of getting to perform before an international audience was drowned by a sense of inferiority over the earlier performances like that of Thailand, China, Korea , or Kenya. “Ay, wala na. Ang gagaling nila”, she remembers exclaiming in discouragement, and added that even the person who recruited them seemed to be losing heart too. But just when they're about to perform, she recalled saying a silent prayer, to let go and let God take maneuver. And they danced their heart out. As the winners were about to be announced, she reveals that most of them already decided that they lost and that they should just accept defeat. They convinced each other that the experience was enough to make them feel winners already. But it looked like they’re getting ahead of themselves. As the host proclaims

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Philippines as the silver prize winner, she remembers the utter surprise of the team, as their tears started falling. This was the dance troupe's biggest achievement yet, and Jay counts this experience as one of her most memorable. As she recall that experience, Jay, a third year Tourism major confessed that unlike all the other members of the group, it was her first dancing competition, and a novice in cultural or ethnic dance. She noted that her interest in dancing first sprung when she was in the fifth grade. And by that time, she only did modern and hiphop dancing. Her only exposure to dancing was limited to school activities. It was only during college that she was introduced to cultural dance. Asked what inspired such interest at a young age, she sheepishly looked back to a moment when she was a little girl when she wanted to be a twirler just like her older sister. “Gusto ko rin nyan!” was her first response. The rest, as they say, was history as she fell in love with dance all the way to her high school days.

Life is boring without action and rhythm. Every movement is a dance.

She's motivated to do better in her dancing whenever she sees a good performance, whether on TV or live. If there’s another kind of dance she wants to try and learn, she enthusiastically pointed out ballet. Before choosing to pursue Tourism here in Aquinas, Jay admitted to wanting to study Audio-Visual Communication in Bicol University with her passion in photography and directing. But her parents strongly discouraged it believing that a promising future in it is elusive. But Tourism wasn't just a second choice. It was also her lifelong dream to be a flight attendant. Asked if she'd give up dancing when the time comes, she strongly pointed out that there's no reason she won't be able to do both. Maybe not professionally she can't, according to her, but she can never fully give it up. Getting a lot of mataray first impressions, Jay laughed and explained NEXT PAGE

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that she’s used to it. But she describes herself to be a kind, friendly, pet-loving, adventurous, and artistic person. When people talk about her, she wanted to be known as the simple gal who dances well and is friendly. Why does she dance? She believes that “life is boring without action and rhythm, and every movement is a dance.” But what about those who can't dance. There are even those who claim to have two left feet. But apparently, Jay believes otherwise. Jay shared a story about a friend in the dance troupe who happened to join the team just for the sake of the scholarship. Dancing was not in really in her tune. She reveals that that girl is now of the group's best dancers. “Express yourself in dancing. Practice hard. Train yourself,” she encouraged those who want to learn but are too scared or intimidated. Notably, unlike some, Jay knows what she wants. And dancing was her way of selfexpression as she chases her dream. As her final advice goes, “If you have a goal, focus on it. Don’t ignore your passion.” >> f r o m a f a m il y o f se v en ,

all singers, one ended up an all-around musician and a multimedia artist. And that gift was bestowed on the youngest of five siblings - John Paul. John Paul or "JP" for short, fell in love with music quite early in his life. Growing up in a musically-inclined family, it was obvious where his interests would be. He began to expel his boundless energy on the drums at the age of four and explored other

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THE LEADER OF THE BAND. The exterior perspectives of the planned covered court and multi-purpose building which will mainly serve as the new venue for P.E. classes and for student and cultural functions

musical instruments since then. Around third grade, he started playing the keyboards, the piano and the organ. Later on, he was strumming the guitar and plucking the bass. In high school, he had the honors of writing their graduation song. Now, he is a member of the AQ Band, and has written and produced the University's Chistmas jingle for the last two years. It's remarkable to know that he didn’t had much formal training for the musical instruments he can play. He didn't appreciate it like on his formal keyboards class, which was more about note reading, to which he admits he’s slow at. So he shook it off at the time. He's not a fan of the tutorial or conventional style of learning. Watching how people work is his own teacher. “I am most of the time inspired by the works of other people, mainly getting my musical ideas from mere observation”, he shared. About musical artists he like, JP could only settle on one - the UK-based band, Coldplay. He then explained that he doesn’t patronize mainstream music as much as he used to. As he entered college, he became more meticulous in picking the songs he’d listen to. “Today’s music is lifeless and less dynamic. It has become stagnant because of section repetitions.” He says he’d much prefer the music of the 80’s and 90’s. So if an all-around, talented

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Whatever you do in life, know your roots. You must have the answer to a ‘why’ and then try to live that passion out.

PHOTO BY KEVIN GEVA

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musician doesn’t care much for mainstream music, what does he listen to? Christian Music. After having explored a good variety of music, JP recently went back to the music he’d grown up to. He listens mostly to Hillsong and as of late, Planetshakers. In fact, he along with the rest of his family are in as a praise and worship team of musicians in their church. He explains that Christian music has no particular genre unique to it. It covers a vast genre of music (e.g. Pop/Rock, Mellow, Blues Jazz, Rap, etc.) Aside from being a musician, JP also considers himself a “techie” by heart. This led him to explore multimedia applications in the computer, tinkering with sounds and visual media. He is in fact, a founding member of the university student org dedicated to the digital and multimedia arts - ProDigi Creatives. Talking about the degree he decided to pursue, JP didn’t have much problem finding the perfect pitch. Though, a tad far from his musical inclinations, this Fine Arts junior believed it was a perfect fit for him. Fine Arts students are expected to already have drawing skills upon entry. It’s surprising to discover that some didn’t. JP admitted to struggling with drawing, especially portrait. He has more inclined to art in the digital aspect. Fortunately, he belonged to the pioneer batch of the new curriculum of Fine Arts that tackles visual arts the conventional way for its first two years and focuses on modernism and technology on the latter two. But later, he discovered that the only way to master Fine Arts is to get all its principles by heart so he worked hard on his drawing. He attended a training seminar and finally got the principles to doing portrait. JP describes himself as a minimalist. He does things the simple way and picks simpler choices. Never a customer of sophistication, he dreams of a simple life in which he only does what he loves to do. With his achievements and abilities, he actually feels uncomfortable about attention because according to him, he is very ordinary. “Whatever you do in your life,” he advised, “know your roots. You must have the answer to a ‘why’ and then try to live that passion out.” In all of this, he believes that God for now is just simply calling him to unselfishly share what he has been freely given. P25-M PROJECT

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Be one with your work. Put yourself in your art. Place yourself in your pen, your brush, or your instrument.

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A KID. A BRUSH. A BLANK PAGE. These are the three things Joey could best describe himself with. Unique to his personality, it seemed that his kid-like disposition is imperative to his artistry.

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He believes that God is the greatest Artist, the Author of beauty and he is His own brush—His instrument in painting the glory of this world (to which he pertains as his personal legend). And lastly, he humbly sees himself as a blank page that is still in great need to be filled. There is nothing more rejuvenating than to witness someone with great passion for what he does. And Joey possesses that. He could spend his entire day or even his entire life painting without getting run-down. Every stroke of his brush relieves his stress and it’s basically what makes him happy. Way back in kindergarten, Joey started drawing and drawing well. Later on, he was receiving recognitions and joining competitions left and right. Behind his craft is an inspirational person who shaped Joey into the artist he is today and the artist he is to become later in life—his father. He shared that his father taught him almost everything he ought to know about life and art. When he was younger, instead of buying coloring books, his Papa would draw images and compile it, and he would color them. What’s an artist’s outlook in life? Knowing the Divine Creator to be the greatest Artist over all and living in His divine creation makes a difference. Joey believes that God created a wonderful world. And he, he only sees it. Being an achiever calls people’s attention. And whenever they praise him and watch in awe, he makes them fall in love with arts by encouragement—that everything in life can be learned. From someone who seems to already have a God-given talent even before he was born to say this, it gives people who aren’t as gifted as he is hope—that it’s never late to discover or acquire a new talent. Obviously, art is anything more than work to him. Whatever his emotion, he throws himself to paint. So it is only in and/or with arts that he is able to express himself. He added that he is more of a visual than a word person. Joey recalled a frustrating experience from

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BELARDO

EDITORIAL

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for the top post, Antoniette Charmaine Sambajon lost to ‘abstain’ by 22 points, and CASE-SC candidates for business managers both came up short by two points. These vacancies were filled by appointments made by the Rector and the respective deans of the colleges. The ruling to appoint Sambajon, in particular, drew criticisms from various student groups and organi-

a few years ago that he took to himself for quite a long time. He lost a district poster making competition to which he reflected the result. Yet he was sent to the regionals just because there was no other choice. It hurt him, not to mention another refutable defeat on the said competition. From then on, he promised himself he was never going to be just another representative by default. He has to be chosen according to his work. Among all the mediums, he enjoys watercolor painting the most. Equaled to a person, he explains that it is graceful and sensitive. One of his remarkable pieces to date is a watercolor painting that sold in an exhibit in the Capitol. As an artist, he sees everything in life colorful; each hue depicting a significant role in serving its sole purpose—beauty. He also defends that no matter how dull or dark a color may be, it helps to amplify the brighter ones. No matter what happens in life, he believes that there will always be at least one thing if not many to appreciate. His father once advised him to stay curious. If one is curious, he is open to learn more. He was also advised not to believe it

zations. The Office of Student Services (OSS) recommended Sambajon’s appointment to the Rector and President despite some students’ clamor to reconsider insisting that democracy and the voice of the majority be upheld. An appeal for reconsideration from this publication, and other incumbent members of the Supreme Student Council was brought to the OSS and the Rector’s attention. In response, OSS clarified the repercussions of voting abstain. In an

when people say how good he is in what he does because man has the propensity to stop working to get better when the praises start to get inside your head too much. To those who are beginning to channel their own art—whether it be with music, painting, writing, or anything else, he also shares a piece of advice. “Be one with your work. Put yourself in your art. Place yourself in your pen, your brush, your instrument so you can fully express the real you.” Every young artist aspires to be a national artist. But for now, he merely desires to have his own exhibit and continue to exploit himself in contests. He leaves his own dictum, “Stay curious. Gawin mo ang gusto mo.”

There is an encouragement to pursue something. To dance with the rhythm of your heart, of what you love. To chase that dream. So if they decided to dance to the music of their art, what about you? ■

election, when someone chooses to vote ‘abstain,’ this doesn’t automatically mean that they are against the candidate. Voting for abstain generally means declining to vote for or against a candidate. It can be that they don’t know the person running for the post, or for other reasons, just doesn't want to vote. This means that the students who voted abstain essentially handed over OSS the power to recommend somebody else for the post. But in this case, OSS chose the only candidate who dared to run

than appointing someone who didn’t. The courage and willingness to serve by these students, especially Sambajon, after all, should not go unnoticed. At this point, all we can really do is rally support, a vote of confidence if you will, not just to the appointees but to the entire council. Sambajon, like her entire slate, ran for the student council without any opponent. Despite what’s considerably a comfortable situation, they did make EDITORIAL

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The cries of laughter, ruling elite, he emanates the effects courage, prudence, of warfare on the ordinary people, betrayal, and fear without glamorizing it. And the filled the throne political tactics are similarly enroom of a king. thralling. Bodies were seen, But despite the clever touch of gyrating from one reality to the story, not everything post to another, is so convincing. Westeros is from one life to filled with a bunch of various another, with their religions, the jumble of which swords pervaded doesn't seem sociologically bewith blood. The king lievable and the religious beliefs was guarded by a bloc and practices aren't always conof armor, continued to vincing. Martin is also clever in hanset fire among the wolves dling the existence of magic and prophecy of the north. But despite the in the story, avoiding pointless explanations protection, a of the unexplainable, mighty cry of making readers think BOOKS defeat was about possible answers heard and it was to the mysteries behind. from the fallen Although these are king, bitten by inevitably less coherent Six decades since Tolkien captivated young and adult readers alike with the his lion behind to the idea of a typical his back. Middle-Earth saga centered on a ring of power, the epic fantasy genre makes a medieval reality like: a The saga of A comeback to mainstream pop culture with George R.R. Martin's bloodier and priestess giving birth Song of Ice and to a demon, resurrectdarker saga of quest for power, this time for the so-called 'Iron Throne.' Fire begins with ing decaying corpses - by john paul b. garrido the fall of a king, and seducing boys for the conclusion rituals, the very plausiThere is so much in George R.R. Marand a new beginning of a so called "game of bility of the rest of Martin's creation makes tin's saga that follows the path of a typical thrones," trembling the noble houses and them stand out. fantasy story, ranging from the lives of the people in the fictional lands of WestMartin tells the story by shifting the royalty, dragons, knights and even zombies. eros. The series chronicles the struggle for point of view around a number of characBut Martin also offers much that is unorpower among several aristocratic houses in ters, introducing new voices as the saga thodox, twisting familiar cliché into a new the Seven Kingdoms, an imaginary medieprogresses, with hidden surprises in every form of adrenaline for the readers, he won't val nation that somehow resembles a part chapter. The switch in perspective makes fail to surprise you in every phase of the of our reality. As the inspiration behind the figures who had previously seemed unseries. Despite the fact that many fantasy HBO’s hit TV show, Game of Thrones, which likable appear in a new light. And a number novels nowadays present an idealized thrust the novels to sudden popularity of times a character is introduced “middle ages” setting almost a decade now since the first book and given enough time and form unrecognizable to hisMartin's world that we feel we know them that came out in 1996, Martin’s saga tells readers torians, he understands is tenacious, with we grew into liking them, only to to expect the unpredictable. the limitations of history The plot is really convoluted. The story as a source for fiction. rough edges for die out of the blue. There is no focuses on the monstrous zombie-like His world is tenacious, blazing swords, shying away from the presence creatures called White Walkers from the of death in this cynical, horrible with rough edges for north that are moving towards the ice wall blazing swords, shades shades of blood, grey world of his. that protects the kingdom of Westeros. The ‘Game of Thrones’ bandof blood, grey tears, and tears, and a world full Despite of the dangers it could bring, wagon is traveling around the a world full of complexiof complexity and the whole kingdom shatters as different world, and many people are ties and adversities. adversity. leaping on in order to know the appellants to the throne compete and no The battles and one has time to listen to warnings about fate of their favorite characters. campaigns that hold the threats known from ancient stories. MeanAs of the moment, the saga is story conveys somewhile, the last heir to the fallen dynasty still on-going, with five volumes thing of the chaotic that had ruled Westeros for three hundred of a planned seven out so far. It and repugnant nature years, rises to avenge her family is already a notable masterpiece to of medieval combat, ranging name, equipped with newly be added to the cluster of fantasy from feuds, rapes, mutilations, bred dragons, is wandering literature, but its longevity will treachery, and casual slaugharound the continent plandepend on how Martin brings it to ter. Although majority of his ning for her revenge. the end. ■ central characters are from the

George R.R. Martin’s

SONG of ICE and FIRE

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IMAGE CREDITS// A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: HBO, BAN TAM BO O KS | PHOTO ART BY AC B

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EF F E RV E SC E N C E IN THE MIDST OF

IN VI S I B L E L I G H T

All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr BY JANIN B. VOLANTE

ANTHONY DOERR’s U.S. National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See, interweaves the stories of a blind girl living in Paris with her father, the locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, and of a prodigious German boy with an affinity for building and fixing radios, fated to work in the coal mine complex of Zollverein. Their paths cross during World War II in the walled city of Saint-Malo. Doerr pulls off an enthralling tale with an elegant subtlety of emotion and great sensory imagery. The intricate narrative, however, was weighed down by a writing style with fragmented sentences and inaccurate language for 1930s to 1940s Europe. The novel is written in alternating chapters between the two main characters and cuts back and forth through time, starting with the bombing of Saint-Malo by the Allied Forces then going back a decade earlier to Marie-Laure’s tour of the museum and Werner’s discovery of a broken radio, and then jumping back to Saint-Malo and its trapped occupants, and so on. Marie-Laure LeBlanc has congenital cataracts and goes blind when she is six years old. Her father, the keeper of the keys at a big museum, refuses to let her spiral into self-pity and builds an intricate scale wooden model of the neighborhoods close to them so she can navigate its streets with familiarity. It is right when Doerr says that the despair does not last long. Marie-Laure learns to be self-reliant and strong despite her disability because of her father’s patience. Every Tuesday her father tests her mastery of the model and the streets around her and has her lead them home. She is frustrated at consecutive failures and is intimidated at first at how big the world is. But eventually she succeeds. Every year on her birthday, her father places a puzzle box which she has to solve to get a present and a Braille book beside it on the dining table. She grows to love Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. She spends the rest of her time learning about mollusks

with Dr. Geffard, a scientist from the museum, admiring the curves and apertures of the shells by way of touch. The author describes everything with great sensory detail. We experience the world as Marie-Laure experiences it. Doerr may not be able to wow the reader with visual descriptions in the blind girl’s chapters but we hear the sounds she hears, smell the scents she smells and feel the sensations she feels. We read of “an amphitheater of noise and fragrance: in the fall it smells of traffic and castor oil, bread from the bakery” and of “she can hear the bombers when they are three miles away. A mounting static. The hum inside a seashell.” Meanwhile, three hundred miles away in Germany, Werner Pfennig is fascinated by the crude radio he and his sister Jutta find behind a storage shed. He restores it to working condition despite not having any formal education in electronics. The siblings, who look distinctly Aryan with hair as white as snow and blue eyes, were allocated some years ago to the care of Frau Elena in the Children’s House after their father died in a coal mining accident. Jutta finds a length of copper wire that they attach to the radio, allowing them to listen to foreign broadcasts. They occasionally hear the propaganda of the Nazis, but what really fixate them are the scientific lectures by a French man they happen upon while tuning the radio. “What do we call visible light?” the voice over the radio asks. “We call it color. But the electromagnetic spectrum runs to zero in one direction and infinity in the other, so really, children, mathematically, all of light is invisible.” You would think that the title behind the novel is obvious upon learning about Marie-Laure’s blindness but reading this line makes you realize that the connotation goes beyond that. There is also the paradox presented by the Frenchman of the brain being locked in total darkness yet having all the power to construct in the mind a world full of light. These motifs appear throughout the

novel, even alluding in Marie-Laure’s perspective to a world beyond that which we can see, “To shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness. Beneath your world of skies and faces and buildings exists a rawer and older world.” Werner’s talents are noticed by German Nazi officers when one of them fetches him from the orphanage to fix the expensive Philco radio of a wealthy powerful couple. He is offered a spot in an elite Nazi school that only takes the purest and the best of Germany’s youth where he will be trained to use his abilities in the war. Werner sees this as a chance to escape the bleak fate of working in the mines where his father perished as it is decreed mandatory by the government for all boys when they turn 15. In 1940, Marie-Laure and her father flee Paris as the war inevitably reaches the city. The Museum packs up its specimens and artifacts and sends them off to country estates in fear of the Nazis getting a hold of the priceless pieces for Hitler’s planned museum: a trove of the greatest achievements in human culture. It is said that the Museum of Natural History in Paris is in possession of the Sea of Flames, a 133-carat blue diamond with a red core that legend has it brings immortality to its owner and misfortune to his loved ones. Marie-Laure dreads that her father has been near it. As if confirming Marie-Laure’s fears, the director of the Museum tasks the locksmith to carry the gem or perhaps a replica of it to prevent the Germans from finding the stone. The LeBlancs evacuate to Saint-Malo where Marie-Laure’s agoraphobic great-uncle Etienne lives. He has been afraid to go outside ever since the last Great War where he watched his brother die. Marie-Laure does not know that the Sea of Flames or one of the copies is hidden inside the wooden model of Etienne’s house, part of the larger model of Saint-Malo that she must learn to traverse, until

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...tells a story of emotion but not sentimentality. The emotion from the events subtly rises out of the pages. It is not forced from wellworn tropes.

★★★★☆

after her father is arrested and sent to a concentration camp. The National Political Institute of Education that Werner is sent to is ferocious and strict. Young boys are fed the ideologies of the führer. They are made to point out the weakest among them, who must run lest he be caught and beaten by his fellows. Yet here, Werner enhances his technical skills. He impresses his instructor with his swiftness in building Morse code circuits and radios. He still dreams of becoming an engineer. He endures the school for the education he receives from it and not so much that he believes in the cause of the Nazis. Eventually, he starts doubting himself for becoming tolerant of the ugliness and violence the war thrusts upon him. He becomes a soldier triangulating radio transmissions of the resistance. This is what brings him to Saint-Malo, one of the last German strongholds, where he discovers a blind auburn-haired girl part of the French resistance. This split perspective between two people caught on opposite sides of the war gives us an insight of what happens in their lives, in their childhood as it is interrupted by the clash of their countries. It shows how the German people, despite what innate goodness,

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MOVIES/REVIEW HOPEFUL SMILE. Eddie Redmayne's remarkable performance as Stephen earned him an Oscar this year, with Hawking himself dubbing it "broadly true." Redmayne said in an interview, "He’s [Hawking] unable to move the vast majority of his muscles, but he smiles, and there’s a spark in his eye."

THE THEORY of EVERYTHING is the cinematic biography of one of the most notable figures of modern science, Stephen Hawking. Saying that this movie is just another biopic is an understatement, in a way that, this is a movie talks about life, love, and humanity. This premise alone is great to know especially now that films rarely dwell in this kind of simple and humble scope. Nowadays, it’s a cheesy romantic comedy or an overly dramatic action movie or a musical (with a twist). Prominently, this film follows the life of Stephen (Eddie Redmayne) and Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones) battling through numerous obstacles both in their careers and personal lives. This lets people know how inspiring the struggles of Stephen were because people are rarely aware how much he has sacrificed throughout his world-changing career. This is a story of how science, religion, family, and love fits in the chaotic mess we call the universe. There are four things that make this movie highly recommended: THE CHEMISTRY. Redmayne and Jones’ striking portrayal of Stephen and Jane certainly gives a sense of passion and charm. Each scene of them as a couple will drag you through the twist and turns of relationships. The couple will take you with them through the triumphs

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could have done what they did. All the Light We Cannot See tells a story of emotion but not sentimentality. It does not rely heavily on whatever sympathy the circumstances of the characters evoke. You do not pity Marie-Laure for being blind or Werner for being an orphan, both children caught up in war. The emotion from the events subtly rises out of the pages. It is not forced from well-worn tropes. Ultimately, the time jumps and alternating

the

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EV E RY T H I N G "...a masterfully done, artistic and very affecting biopic."

★★★★☆

A REVIEW BY KARL B. BRIGUERA

of their romance, but will also drag you through their agonies, their pains. Although some critics would argue that the romantic angle of the film is a letdown, I say that the film should be seen as a whole, not just individual parts mashed together.

entirety told in a very intimate way so that people could absorb each life changing moment for Stephen. THE MATERIAL. Primarily based on the memoir of Jane Hawking, “Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen” the movie is the written account of their 25-year marriage. With such an intimate and detailed source, the script was made so full and rich, the movie couldn’t be any more convincing. Being one of the most famous and influential people of this century, Stephen Hawking’s life as a person isn’t much of a popular topic. This movie will change everybody’s mind. People may not realize that Stephen, before the fame, was also a normal person, but with dreams that were out of this world.

EDDIE REDMAYNE’s Oscar-winning performance is one of the film’s highlights. His mastery of the character will definitely convince you every scene of the way. The way he believably communicates Stephen’s sickness in a way that it is not forced or even “scripted”, so to speak, and how true he mimics the gradual side effects of ALS. This was truly a role of a lifetime for him. THE DELIVERY. James Marsh, the director, clearly understood the essence of this movie, and did not stray too far away from the book where it was based from. Throughout the movie, the pace of it is really easy to go along with. Even with its great cinematography, there isn’t much of a gimmick to distract you from the message of the movie. The

LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. Hawking (Redmayne) courts Jane (Felicity Jones) before his ALS diagnosis

perspectives add to the suspense of the story. You keep turning the pages wanting to find out how the characters meet and then once you come across the dastardly diamond hunter, Sergeant Major Von Rumpel, you fear for Marie-Laure and Etienne. This book has all the elements of a gripping tale that asks questions about life, humanity and morality in the face of war, and that resonates with you long after reading the last page. The book’s writing style is laden by fragmented sentences that are sometimes lyrically beautiful

The Theory of Everything was a masterfully done, artistic, and very affecting biopic. It will inspire you in whatever endeavor you may have now. It will make you reconsider your situation in life and will motivate you more to pursue your own goals as heartfelt as Stephen Hawking did. If not, I’m sure you’ll find something to relate to in this wonderful film. ■

but impede the flow of the narrative. Also, the European characters’ tendency to sound like modern-day Americans with expressions like, “Are you feeling okay?”, “Sure,” and “What do you care?” is inconsistent with the culture and time period the story is set in. While a bit off-putting, these small flaws do not take away from the great reading experience that is All the Light We Cannot See. I highly recommend this brilliant book for all fans of historical fiction and those just looking for a good read. ■

IMAGE CREDITS// ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE: TAL GORETSKY AND LYNN BUCKLEY - SCRIBNER; THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING: FOCUS FEATURES; | PHOTO ART BY ACB

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Heartbea

by John Paul B. Garrido

Another night, another cry, From the lonely knight from the war. Hoping that the tears will dry, From the dreadful baptism of fire.

Out of our minds, Treasured by vine. Out of the night We hold it tight.

Tears of sorrow filled his eyes, Been hit by sizzling ice. Not knowing how to survive, The hardship of life.

Out of the fright, Fades into light Baptized by thine, Apple of might.

Striving to be on top, But yet suffered another flop. The desire of this lonely knight, Was then out of sight.

All in our lines, One of a kind. You look around, To stand on ground.

Mirages of empathy filled his gaze, During his hour of disgrace. On two armies who battled to play, Only two knights remained. His foe decided to strike, With a flash of lightning, commence his flight. Holding his sword upright, Hoping to smash him, through his sight.

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Be rising up, To fight the hounds. Sweet roar of life, It passes by. Artworks by Wendell Cilot

But after the blood shedding All lives went fading. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know if it's an incubus, Or a precious destiny that he needs to choose.

Falling Fast and Falling Hard

Life comes to flight, It closes by. Life comes to white, It ends to fly. Open your eyes, The story begins. Close your eyes, It pauses within.

Artwork by Xyrus Aran

Feel the rhythm, It continues back. Alter breathing, It suddenly stops.

by Melissa R. Mesias

A year ago, I had a feeling that a hole was carved out of my chest. A hole that is huge enough to make its presence known. Every night was a misery to me, pillows were stained with tears and sobs filled the room. Every morning was an agony, the moment I open my wearied eyes, to the moment where I have to tell myself to get up and face the world because it is not the end of it. It was a period where eating, thinking and other important things a human being should do was inconsequential to me. I just want to be home and lay down on my bed and let the hole swallow my whole body. It hurts too much to be betrayed by the one you love. The person who made all those efforts to break all my walls down. But in a matter of time not only the walls did he break but also my heart. Days, weeks and months had passed and the hole was being filled up by my friends and family. I was slowly getting out of my misery. I was enjoying my life again. I told myself that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m back to the life of the living; it is the time to stop feeling dead. And then summer came along, it was a summer spent with some of my closest friends. We stepped out and stepped up our boundaries. We worked and experienced a lot of things. And one of those things was staying in a place new to us. A place where I never expected to find the least of my concern, which is, romance. I was determined not to fall for anyone, that I have to find myself again and repair the walls. I was doing fine and so I thought I was until I met this guy. He is

certainly not the most interesting guy in the new bunch of people I had met and honestly, I was annoyed with him. Annoyed with the way he walk, talk and do things. He was completely the opposite of my standards for a man. But I guess fate had a plan for us. One day, my friend and I got into a fight because of a misunderstanding at work. I was so depressed and tired of the turn of events. I went inside the bedroom, covered myself up with the blanket and cried. After crying my heart out, I stood up and there he was, asking me if I was okay. The only person who asked me if I was okay. Starting from that moment I realized that there is more to him that meets the eye. After work we had a habit where we talk all night about things that happened in our lives and we watch the sun rise together. It was a nice feeling, getting to know someone in this kind of way. Soon I realized that I was falling for him. I was falling in love with a guy who has a girlfriend. Things would be easy if I was the only one who had feelings but he confessed that he was falling in love with me too. After a month, our work ended and all of us will be going home. For the both us, it means going home to reality. The reality where we have both our own separate lives, his life with his girlfriend, and N E XT PAG E

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The Damsel in Distress 11.

by Karen Daniele Besmonte

She counted. The cobwebs dangle over her like an enormous canopy. The air is eerily damp and she can make out whispering voices from a distance. “It has been almost two weeks since I last caught a glimpse of him, I must do something,” muttered Serena to herself. The other hostage heard her and made a quiet sign symbolically saying “keep quiet if you still love your life”. Of course, she did. In fact, the reason why she is here is the very reason why she ought to live, by hook or by crook.

1 week and 4 days ago “Come Tristan! You must see this,” Serena called over to her cherished little brother. They are in the beautiful mountain of Harayana in the North. This is a promise to her little Tristan who dreamt of seeing the legendary Harayana Deer. The odds must be in their luck for the beautiful beast is standing just inches away from them. “Whoooooaahhh, come deerie, I want to touch her ate,” pleaded young Tristan. “Shh, keep quiet! The townsfolk say it is perilous just to come to its lair, much more attempting to touch it.” A brooding fear began welling up within her and she tightened her hands holding Tristan’s. Other than being dangerous, the townsfolk also warned of the bad luck that comes along with beholding the uncanny deer. “We must leave now, it is getting dark. Are you happy now my little king?” inquired Serena. Tristan giggled and wisecracked, “The happiest of all I must say, my servant.” As they were about to take a step, the Harayana Deer tensed and seemed to smell a menace lurking nearby. Serena was frightened and wrapped her arms protectively over Tristan’s fragile shoulders. It is not Artwork by Karl Briguera them that made the deer wary, there are other people-hunters or perhaps... terrorists. She could not even make out the word in her mind, fear overwhelms all her senses. She also felt the uneasy breathing of her brother. They must

leave now or never. They began silently crawling and as they advance, she can also feel their captor advancing. She tightened her grip on the moist fertile soil as she relentlessly prays for her brother’s safety. As if on cue, her brother accidentally slipped in a long trail which perhaps was the Daraglian Traila shortcut to the bottom of the mountain. But before making out that the trail actually leads to safety, Serena first thought that her brother fell in one of the deep pits of the forest so she shouted at the top of her voice which alarmed their captors. And it was too late. When she opened her eyes, her own blood clouded her vision but she can make out at least two other persons in the small hut. Tristan! Her mind shouted. She fumbled for her little brother who might be hurt too until she remembered the last scene when she was still conscious. Lo! “At least my brother is safe; but, what will happen to him without me? I am the only one he has now. I must find a way”. They are already orphans, their parents died a year ago and losing her would be too much for little Tristan. Now In a matter of seconds, four menacing men stood before her and the other captives. One was in his mid-20s, two are in their late 30s and the oldest was in his early 40s. “Oh look who’s awake, we have been waiting for you sweetie”, said the man who appeared to be their leader. By their looks, they must be the latest talk of the town, the fugitive men ran after by the government. There are no terrorists in Harayana long before last year. But these men fled to the beautiful mountain and enjoyed their unbeknownst stay until this day. If the tidings are true, there must be six other men to complete the company. “What’s your name”, asked the Asian guy beside her. “I am Serena”, she replied laconically. “Oh, this is my wife, Sam”, he said woefully while looking at his hurt better half, “and I am Andy, your forehead does not look good”, he finished. Raul (the second in command of the team) heard their talk and immediately came in and shot them one “dare to talk again and you are dead” look which is even more terrifying than a bullet itself. No one attempted to speak again until silence won its kingship and they all lay lifeless on the heart-stopping, cold and inhuman floor. Things went on like this for one week and four days. Serena’s wound got worse and much more her forlornness slowly devoured all hope left in her.

FA L L I N G FAST A N D FA L L I N G H A R D C O N T I N U E D. . .

my life of being solitary at the moment. But coming back home did not change what we felt for each other. And soon enough things got complicated; people were getting hurt, things were turning out worst and the inevitable had to happen. Hearts have to be broken, again. At the end, he had to choose and to tell you he didn’t choose me. It was heartbreaking that he chose her instead of me. That all I have of him are the memories we shared. Yes, I cried and I was expecting that the hole will be back again. But it didn’t, it was different. This time, my world was full of whys. Now, everything and everyone is a why for me. Why are you in my

life? Why did I meet you? Because if I know why, then I know what is your purpose. As for him, I now know why he came into my life. He taught me a lesson; that letting someone you love go does not mean that you are giving up and neither is it a sign of weakness. It is the acceptance of the fact that you can't be with him at present and that you are strong enough to face the world alone, to find and be the better version of yourself before anything else. What we had are memories, forever etched in me. You are always the summer I won't forget.

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WHY YOUR VOICE MATTERS Students speak up about student apathy BY KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE

COME STUDENT elections season, it has become a candidate or slate's favorite battle cry – to conquer student apathy. It’s that chronic disinterest on school matters and issues among students in Aquinas University. The signs and symptoms have been apparent for some time now. Low election turnout, unopposed student elections, small attendance on school and student events, the almost nonexistent school spirit, and the decline of activity and membership of the university and college-based organizations. Students who cared enough diagnosed it. Apathy. The Aquinian apathy, they called it. Acknowledging that it has become a problem in the school was only the first step. The second, was to try and do something about it. “We really did our best and doubled our efforts to come up with activities that would encourage the students to get involved,” said Marvin Ray Bermillo, College of Health Sciences Student Council President. “In particular, our council conducted events which were never done before and which are based on students’ suggestions. However, student apathy still won over all our efforts.” Issues and controversies in the society are pretty hard to miss nowadays with our access to the media now heightened more than ever. We see how our fellowmen react to these. Some conduct rallies and public demonstrations, or express their malcontent through social media. While that in some form is getting involved, how many are those who actually act on them. Is it simply just jumping into the bandwagon when we join in on the conversation or we comment on an issue on our Facebook status? Or do we genuinely care? To be true, it is better than the lack of response. Generally, when people talk about it, they care enough. The lack of action after can be another story. It is a sadder reality that some of us just shrug it off, knowing an issue and commonly say, "Ewan" or "Kay" and just that. In the same manner here in the University, it can be like pulling teeth getting the students to engage or speak up about student issues and partake in student activities without incentiviz-

ing them. “It is really sad to note that most student leaders spend so much time and effort in planning and conducting events for the students, but in the end, will be frustrated to find out that students were not able to appreciate it,” said College of Arts, SciFILE PHOTO / ROMEO L. DIESTA, JR. ences, and Education Student Council (CASE-SC) Secretary, Alliza Maura Naupan. Undeniably, both the University's departments and the student councils try their best to conceptualize and organize activities that's not only for the students' welfare but something they'd want to be involved in. In all fairness, the University have unique activities like the Organization Days, the inter-colGUIDANCE INTEGRATION. The University is also legiate AUL Fashion Show, the AUL Paskuhan doing its part in addressing the problem with (patterned from UST's annual Christmas cel- the students' lack of involvement. The Guidebration of the same name), or the Rokyaw ance Integration Program, introduced in 2004 during the University Week celebrations. was integrated into the university's curricuUniversity and college-based student orga- lum with cultural formation as one of its main nizations also try to dedicate every activity on goals. Students earn points by attending differtheir constituents’ needs. ent activities in the school. This curricular re“Not everyone will be interested in a partic- quirement is to be completed by Aquinians for ular activity,” said Maricar Nota, a second year two semesters. Tourism Management student. “We have differBut since 2013, this program was integratent personalities but at least majority, if not all, ed in every semester of a student's average must find the activity interesting and this can four-year stay in the university, setting a new be done by asking the students’ opinions first.” required number of guidance points to obtain Supreme Student Council Vice-President, each academic year. This also requires them to Allan Navales said that the SSC already seeks get periodic counselling and testing with the the suggestions of the students, “We had sug- OGT. gestion boxes for the Acquaintance Party and The Office of Guidance and Testing (OGT) AUL Paskuhan because we really want to give reiterates that students are free to choose the what the students want.” events from which they can obtain points proBut the council can only do so much when vided they accomplish the required number. most of the students didn't really care enough These events can be (but are not limited to) to put in their thoughts and suggestions. institutional, departmental or organization-

ˆ teeth getting "...it can be like pulling the students to engage or speak up about student issues and partake in student activities without incentivizing them. "

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WHY SO APATHETIC? “There are many reasons as to why some students fail to participate in school events,” pointed out Office of Student Services Director, Jesus A. Barizo. “One reason is that there are students who are inside the class and do not want to be disturbed, those who are focused on their studies; while there really are those who are reluctant to attend”. CHS President, Marvin Bermillo added, “Quality of student leadership is also a factor as well as hectic academic schedule. During their free time, students choose to rest rather than participate in events.” In Famaele Nica Carriaga's opinion, “It is really quite hard for me as an accountancy student to attend activities considering our hectic schedule and the pressure of keeping within the program's quota. But I do my best to

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be able to attend the activities.” want to in the future. It is true that academic excellence must “Aquinians are talented and smart, among be our priority. After all, it is the main the best that the region can offer,” the hopeful reason why our parents pay for our edu- and devoted Marvin said. “But in order to soar cation. high, each and every one must realize and Nevertheless, it is not our mind alone believe in his or her potential, unleash it and that must be nurtured. As what the uni- then utilize it for the holistic development of versity's thrusts (i.e. academic excellence, one’s self, the university and the community.” moral formation, and emotional maturiIndeed, students must realize their selfty) want to instill in us, we ought to want worth first before being able to immerse fully to grow not just academically but most in school activities. In addition, everyone of all, holistically. must understand the importance, It is then good to note, effects and implications of there are Aquinians who an activity to them such “Quality of student still see the goodness as the elections for them to care, express leadership is also a and act. factor as well as hectic If we will engage ourselves in reacademic schedule. solving important During their free issues at university level, certaintime, students ly we will do the choose to rest same for the sake of our beloved rather than country. participate in In that case, the events.” old habits of just complaining without acting can finally be thrown out of the window. - JESUS A. BARIZO, To Marvin all hopes remain high-spirited OSS Director and as of now, it is the best weapon against student apathy. ■

"...there are students who are inside the class who do not want to be disturbed those who are focused on their studies."

and benefits of engaging in school activities. “It [the activity] relieves my stress. We need a break from our studies once in a while,” said Thomas Neil Buquid, 3rd year BS in Hospitality Management student. Ryan Christian Bueno, a enthused, “Activities build students' confidence, we all need it to be at our best.” Despite the fact that many are able to appreciate the significance of student involvement, there are still some who do not. Envisioning Aquinas University as a center of academic excellence and spiritual formation where students are inspired, proud and united should not remain a mere vision. In line with this, Aquinian, Lourdelyn Bobis calls for the showcasing of talents of each and every Aquinian in the future events. Joshua Echaluce meanwhile, added jokingly, “Having free snacks in all activities won’t be bad.” It is one common aspiration for everyone in the university to eradicate apathy. Surely, even those who do not participate as of now would

ILLUSTRATION BY Wendell Cilot

al events which are merited corresponding points. “Students enrolled in Guidance can attend any activity as long as it enhances their personality and develops their competence in their chosen field,” said Kurt Essa Rastrullo, Officer-In-Charge, OGT. Guidance points aims to encourage students to participate in school activities while giving them the freedom to choose what capture their interests. Some students attend for the sake of compliance to a requirement. As a result, they fail to understand the importance and the benefits of the activity to them.

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FURIOUS CURIOSITY

P U B L I C A T I O N

any problem is to acknowledge that there is one.” That's always been what we've strived for - to cultivate a healthier and more mature breeding ground for exchange of opinion and criticism so we can grow as an institution and also as individuals. I believe we're getting there. Progress is slow but we shall be in it for the long haul. It is then just an added bonus that organizations like the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) or the regional and national tertiary press bodies (i.e. Cris Hugo Awards, RTSPC, LHEPC, Rayterista) recognized this paper and its members on their commitment to excellence in this field. To be true, Aquinian Herald has put Aquinas University on the map in terms of outstanding campus journalism. So let’s get to the heart of the matter. First, let it be said that this increase is overdue. What the paper has achieved was thanks to the backing of the finances that accumulated during the years it was inactive. But the current rate (Php 30) will just not be enough to sustain and keep the paper operational in the future. Why an almost 300% increase, some of you asked. Remember that there

was no paper for more than four years, that the current rate is economically outdated. Having burned through most of these funds, our financial security as one of the most active university-based student org in the school is at risk. We were constrained to the only solution: raise the fee to a rate that is more reasonable to the quality and the rising costs of the services we provide - both editorial and extra-editorial. And so a proposal was filed to the Office of Administration and Finance (OAF) and we got the nod to proceed with the democratic channels of dialogue and public consultation. Through dialogues with the SSC and the CSCs, and a public consultation on February 26th, Aquinian Herald got the students’ nod. Our finances for the last three years and the proposed expenditure plan after the increase were detailed in the consultation. I leave you then with a promise. You can count on an even better Aquinian Herald. Rest assured that with our improved resources along with the combined passion and dedication of our members, we will strive to keep working with one vision in mind – to be your voice, unhindered and unbiased, towards a better Aquinian community, in mind and in spirit. ■

LINE OF SIGHT

MIND-OVER-MATTER

Sometimes, instead of blaming the leaders, or in this case, the school administrators, why don’t you take a look in the mirror and ask yourself about the things that you’ve done to make yourself a better student or person? I am not against the students who are demanding to be heard. However, if we want things to be better for us, some changes would need to come from us. Plain and simple. Kill student apathy! ■

Next year we will have another chance to pick our leader. It’s a nice to have a break from the extravagance and excitement of Philippine politics every now and then. I hope our nation is over its rebellious adolescent phase, and move on to its more mature and relatively boring phase. Who knows, maybe if we keep it up, have lesser drama and focus on the stuff that really matters maybe we’d have a chance to actually grow as a nation. ■

RUN NO MORE

the conversation with his superior. However, the administration insists that Article 24 in the statutes has long been existing. Secondly, in his letter, Mr. Risvan claimed that he was never asked about his religion during the hiring process. Nonetheless, it has been made clear that in the personal data form that he submitted when applying for the post it is written that he was a Roman Catholic despite the fact that he was already converted to Islam. When asked about this, Mr. Risvan said that he wrote he was Roman Catholic so that there wouldn’t be any inconsistencies in the papers he submitted, especially his birth certificate. Misunderstandings on the part of the administration about his religion and how it adhered to the hiring policies could be attributed to this. We cannot fault the University in thinking for a long time that he was Catholic when hiring him and then implementing their policy when they found out he wasn’t. It has been shown that Mr. Risvan was not treated as unjustly as he had imagined. The University just exercised its rights in managing its staff. Whatever the case may be, whether the policy had long been in effect or only effective as of November, this whole string of events shows that honesty on both sides goes and should go a long way. ■

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the effort to try and win the students’ votes. In some ways, Sambajon is better than someone who did not have the guts or the willingness to run at all. Two problems were clear after this and we can’t keep ignoring them anymore. One, voter education needs work. The confusion about voting ‘abstain’ as opposed to voting ‘no’ to a candidate is an obvious sign that the student body needs to be more educated. This publication vows to help in that front. And second, why are the appointments made by the admin? Questioning the legitimacy of the appointment, at this time, might be hollow because the process was well within the terms of the electoral code. According to the AUL Electoral Code, in the event that no winners are proclaimed for failure to garner the required votes, appointments will be made by the admin. In the case of the SSC, OSS submits recommendations for the consideration and approval of the VP for Academic Affairs and the Rector and President. Sambajon’s appointment duly went through this process. What we can and should question is the stipulation in the electoral code where we hand over the power to appoint our student leaders to the administration when a candidate fails to get the required votes. After all, shouldn’t the word student in student council still mean something? Shouldn’t it be ultimately the decision of the students? This is not to undervalue their judgment or completely dismiss the administration’s right to intervene. But on matters of student democracy and the right to choose our leaders, the students’ voice must be held to the highest standard. But to be fair, if the admin don’t make the appointments, is there an official entity or body represented by students that can? Unfortunately, there isn’t. So we push for the incoming student council to make good on their promise to re-establish the council’s legislative and judicial board. It’s high time that the decision-making on matters like these are made by duly-elected members of the student body, not the admin. Only then, can we push for amendments in our electoral code. With what appears to be an unstable climate for student politics, we never seem to run out of problems to talk or complain about. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. But we believe the time we stop complaining or talking about problems would be the time when everybody ultimately stopped caring. If one is allowed to be optimistic, it could be that we were finally able to stabilize the growing problems from within our electoral system. As we try and patch up these holes in the system, let’s not forget that we are the system. We fail, the system fails. We can blame it on the growing culture of apathy, or settling for mediocrity. We can point fingers and blame the other for the things that go wrong but ultimately, the only way to ensure progress is when everything works the way they ought to. Exposing the holes and flaws unfortunately is not enough. In truth, it’s only the first step. We simply can’t stare at the problems until they go away. Question is, are we empowered enough to take those next steps? We should find out in the next student elections. ■

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institution. If they saw that Mr. Risvan’s different religion did not coincide with their hiring policy then they were obliged to inform him of it and to tell him that it meant withdrawal of employment from the University. It was explained to me that our university as a Dominican educational institution is primarily engaged in evangelization. The academic staff has a role in this evangelization, embodying examples of the Catholic faith. The obligation of imparting Christian values is not only left to religious education professors. This is why it is a requirement for all employees to be of Roman Catholic affiliation. The reasons for the actions were valid and no injustice has been done. As a private Catholic institution with an article in the University Statutes about employing individuals in accordance with its religious orientation, with clear-cut goals necessitating it, the University is allowed to have preferences in its employees without stepping on any basic rights. Despite this, Mr. Risvan still contests that the said policy has only been recently made and an advisory was disseminated to all departments declaring the rule effective as of November 17, 2014, months after he wrote the letters and after

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Gov. Salceda eyes nat'l games as tourism event

Albay gears up for Palarong Pambansa ‘16

Q UICK TALK EX-TIGER NOW PRO B-BALLER OVERSEAS JANNO I. CUNANAN, a Management graduate

of AUL in 2010 and a former varsity member of the men's basketball team, is making a name as a professional basketball player in Cambodia. A star player import of Davies' Paints of the Cambodian Basketball League (CBL) with other former Aquinians, Aimar Sabayo and Victoriano de Luna, both varsity alumni too. Aquinian Herald checked in with Janno, who is currently based in Cambodia, and talked about basketball, being idolized, and life in a foreign land. - B Y A L D R I N C. B R O S A S How did you end up in the Cambodian Basketball Leagues? I was scouted by Chris Borja - he's also a graduate of AUL - and his brother is a friend there in Legazpi. He was also my mentor and he took care of our documents last year so we can come here and play.

The provincial government of Albay, led by Gov. Joey S. Salceda, is looking to add a unique twist to the Palarong Pambansa next year, after winning the bid to host the national games since it first hosted in 1952. The Palarong Pambansa is the Department of Education’s annual nationwide sports meet for elementary and high school athletes. The Albay governor, who had been a big advocate in promoting tourism in the province rolled out his plans to launch the games as a massive tourism event, as they expect 15,000 athletes, officials, and spectators from across the country. In a report by PIO-Albay posted in the province’s website, Roderick Mendoza, the provincial sports coordinator, shared their plans for the games, specifically Gov. Salceda’s aim to boost local economy by tapping into the “tourism potential” of this event. By scattering the 21 events of the games across the province’s towns and three cities, all overlooking the scenic view of UNESCO World Heritage site candidate, the Mayon. Volcano, visiting athletes and spectators would be in for a “world class” tourism experience. This is evidenced by recent recognitions in national and international travel marketing fairs, including the Berlin ITB 2012, the London WTM 2013, the Shanghai ITM 2013, and the Department of Tourism promotions in Hong Kong in 2014. “My guidance to Team Albay, the 2016 Palaro technical working group, is to design a ‘multi-venue’ layout, that shall distribute participants in different sports sites around the province; so they can enjoy our global standard tourism areas while competing,” Salceda said in

a Philippine Star report. The event will not come in cheap, with the facilities costing about Php 850-million. Php 750 million of which was approved by President Aquino and was recently released as the construction starts. The local government of Albay forked Php 150-million to add to the ambitious construction of the structures with the exterior and interior designed to showcase the best of Albay's products and delicacies like the abaca, pinangat, and pili nut. The Albay Sports Complex located at Travesia, Guinobatan started construction in 2014 and will serve as the main venue. It will have an international standard oval-track and a grandstand. The design of the main arena, which will have a seating capacity of at least 6,000, was designed after the indigenous plant fiber, abaca. The Albay Astrodome will be the venue for the gymnastic events. The dome will undergo a facelift that will feature a pinangat-inspired exterior. Meanwhile, the proposed Guinobatan Sports Complex, with a seating capactiy of 2,500, will have a pili nut design concept, and the puto-shaped Oas Arena with sinamay salapid or coco coir finish With these improved sports facilities, Albay is also set to host the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) national games in April 2016. This also signifies Albay's edge as a convention center in the country. The province is even aspiring to host bigger sporting events like the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games or the Asian Games. This year's national Palaro was hosted by Tagum, Davao del Norte. ■ With reports by A.C. Brosas

What was it like playing for the first time in a foreign country? Did you expect to get the 'Best Foreign Player' award your first year there? Siyempre, may halong kaba kasi naninibago ka pa. But I told myself to not let that stop me in giving my 100-percent. Buti na lang at sa first game pa lang, mukhang na-impress ko naman sila. No, I didn't expect it kasi maraming magagaling, but my mindset and attitude at the games was always to give it my best. Was it a long-time dream to play basketball professionally? It's really my dream to play professionally. Di ako nabigyan ng pagkakataon sa PBA kaya siguro dito ako dinala ng pangarap ko. How do you prepare for a game? Any pre-game rituals? A lot of practice and condititioning. Sa spare time, jogging and siyempre napaka-effective ng prayers kaya di dapat mawala 'yan. What can you say about Cambodians as people? How do you feel being a sports figure there? They have high regards to Pinoys here, not just in basketball but other professions as well. As a sports figure dito, nakakataba ng puso na ma-idolize, na gagawin nila lahat para maging close sa'yo (laughs) and at the same time, overwhelming din. What do you miss most in AUL? Our daily practice. Mga 4am pa lang nasa dome na kami; and then of course, the professors na mababait at talagang suportado kami noon, like sa Gov's Cup. What advice can you give to Aquinians who might want to pursue the same path as yours? Practice lang at determination, and of course, disiplina sa sarili. Most importantly, lalo na sa mga varsity natin ngayon diyan, dapat pagsikapan nila na makatapos ng pag-aaral. ■

Janno Cunanan receiving the Best Foreign Player award for 2014 in the CBL PHOTO COURTESY OF J. CUNANAN

NEWSLETTER ISSUE | AUGUST 2015

A Q U I N I A N H E R A L D V O L . I V N O . 1 | A .Y. 2 0 1 5 - 2 0 1 6

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T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F A Q U I N A S U N I V E R S I T Y O F L E G A Z P I • Legazpi City, Philippines

INSIDE... ALBAY GEARS UP FOR PALARONG PAMBANSA 2016

To showcase the best of Albay through "sports tourism" >> P-19 FEATURE quick talk

EX-TIGER NOW PRO BALLER OVERSEAS Quick interview with ex AUL varsity and now professional basketball player in Cambodia. >> P-19

TO KEEP UPDATED ON AQUINIAN SPORTS, VISIT www.aquinianherald.wix.com/ home#!sports

Malaya smashes her way in two table tennis tourneys

BACK ON TOP. AUL Tigresses snatch back the Governor's Cup volleyball title from last year's champs DWCL Lady Falcons in a close finals game at the Albay Astrodome last February. photo by clarkson antiquiera

AUL TIGRESSES DODGE DWCL LADY FALCONS,

Reclaim Gov's cup volley title BY RONA MARICAR C. M IÑ A

After BEING dethroned as champions last year, the AUL Tigresses sent an emphatic statement when they reclaimed the Governor’s Cup women’s volleyball title this year against their longtime rivals, DWCL Lady Falcons, in the finals match held at Albay Astrodome on February 17, 2015. The Tigresses, who lost the twice to beat advantage see

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against the Lady Falcons of the Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL) during their previous game, looked sluggish at the start of the deciding game. This allowed the Lady Falcons to take advantage. Led by their team captain Roxanne Bigtas, sister of Tigresses’ setter Rosalie Bigtas, the DWCL stormed past AUL for a 25-21 first set win. Slowly but surely, the Tigresses showed their aggressiveness as they started to impose their dominance against the Lady Falcons as the game progresses. With stars f ull

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Christina Raña, Ashlee Razon, and Edcel Co taking charge, AUL successfully avoided an upset by winning the last three sets 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 on their way to the championship. “I just told them to enjoy it,” said Tigresses coach Arnold Beringuela. “We lacked focus in the first game, so I just told them to loosen up and have fun.” Meanwhile, the men’s volleyball team weren’t as successful as their female counterparts as they exited the Governor’s Cup on a fourth place finish. ■

ONCE AGAIN, Aquinas University’s Table Tennis Club made it clear that they have some of the best netters in the region, finishing with runner up honors during two prestigious Table Tennis tournaments they participated in June. Maria Fe Malaya grabbed the bronze medal in the Open Women Category of the Vicent Hao Chin invitational held on June 13-15, 2015 at Jesse M. Robredo Colliseum, Naga City. Six days later, she finished as the first runner up in Tabak Festival Table Tennis tournament held at Tabaco Pei Ching School, Tabaco city. Meanwhile, one of AUL’s fast rising netters, Jones Batalia finished first runner up in Men’s Open Division of the Tabak Tourney. “I can say that our team is continuously improving but we’re still training hard to sustain the momentum of our varsities,” said Table Tennis Coach, Sam Aguilar. Aquinian netters will see action next in the Penafrancia Table Tennis Championships in Naga this September. ■ BY RO N A MA R I C AR C . M IÑ A

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