Aquinian Herald Volume V, Issue 1 (September 2016)

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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

UNIVERSITY

Campus security tightened University revamps main entrance, turnstiles installed

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SYSTEM UPGRADE.

Aquinas University is ensuring the strict monitoring of students, employees and visitors' access to the campus with the new system installed at the beginning of this school year.

PHOTO BY NICOLE BANTON

BY PATRICK JOSEPH N. SECILLANO / ARIANE GISELLE C. SANTOS

Security in AUL campus gets a shiny new upgrade.

Part of the overhaul of the AUL’s main entrance (Gate 2) is the installation of turnstile gates with infrared ID scanners to better monitor access of students and personnel inside the campus.

The administration sees that this new fixture will ensure the stricter implementation of the “no ID, no entry” policy of the University.

“This will help further instill security, order, and discipline inside the Aquinas campus,” Fr. Edwin Lao, O.P., the VP for Admin and Finance, told students in a convocation held on August 4.

The technology is similar to the ones used by the LRT or MRT, where the C A M P U S S E C U R I T Y | PAG E 2

AUL eyes int'l standardization

COLLEGE AND SENIOR HIGH

TOTAL TERTIARY POPULATION

BY VAL C. LAURIO

THE UNIVERSITY is aiming for an ISO certification by the succeeding academic year 2017-2018, with its systems and procedures now being set and prepared to comply with the international standards The International Standardization for Organization (ISO) is a nongovernmental organization with members from 163 countries and 3,368 technical bodies to take care of standard development. There are more than 21,000 international standards and related documents that have been published by ISO, almost covering every industry, from technology to agriculture S TA N D A R D I Z AT I O N | P A G E 2

KEEP UP DATED O N LIN E!

ENROLMENT STATS DISTRIBUTION PER COLLEGE

221 887 594 241

1,943

CASE

as of June 2016

19.5%

CHS

CBMA CEAFA

SENIOR HIGH POPULATION

DECREASE

418

FROM LAST SEMESTER'S

2,414

as of June 2016

361

45

12

0

Academics

Arts & Design

TechnicalVocational

Sports

Data from the Office of the Registrar

Senior high school opens, impacts tertiary dept

BY MARIAN JUSTINE H. YOROBE / JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO

AQUINAS UNIVERSITY finally opened its doors to the pioneer batch of the K to 12 Senior High School (SHS) Program after more than four years worth of preparation.

This marks the first year of the full implementation of the K to 12 program, with no freshmen enrollees in the tertiary level.

As the whole country starts implementing the additional 2 years to the previous 10-year basic education cycle, the University’s tertiary department endures changes as it adjusts to the radical changes in the educational structure.

The academic year 2016-2017 opened on June 13 to a total of 418 Grade 11 students who enrolled into three of the four different tracks offered. This S E N I O R H I G H | PAG E 4

wesbite: bit.ly/aquinianherald | blog: medium.com/aquinian-herald |  /AquinianHerald  @AquinianHerald

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Overpass to rise outside University

BY ARCHIE NER

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NO ID, NO ENTRY. The recent renovation of the AUL main entrance saw the addition of turnstile gates that

require students and employees to tap their IDs to enter the campus.

Campus security...

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turnstile gates scan for the information from the passengers’ magnetic cards before giving them entry. Thus requiring a small upgrade to the ID system as well.

Student IDs now contain digital information that will be flashed on LCD screens upon entrance. This include their name, year and course, photo ID, etc.

“It's a system that could monitor the presence of the students inside the campus.

It's a system that could monitor the students and their liabilities, not only financial but also their other documents, and also their grades among other things,” Fr. Lao explained.

Additionally, this new system will reportedly have a mechanism that automatically notifies parents via text message when their child enters or exits the campus.

Meanwhile, Physical Plant and Facilities Management Office (PPFMO) Assistant Director, Edherlyn A. Auditor, noted that aside from security, one of the reasons for the overhaul of the Gate 2 was to provide a better, more convenient area for visitors.

The entrance has a wider space now, with

STANDARDIZATION...

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and healthcare.

In this certification, the University sets for ISO 9001: 2015 that focuses on the Quality Management System (QMS), which is a strategic decision for an organization in improving performance and to provide a sound basis of sustainable development initiatives. Some of the benefits of this include providing services that meet customers’ requirements and satisfaction which are also

PHOTO BY FRANCESNICOLE BANTON

improved and added facilities such as a receiving area for visitors and other waiting persons, a refurbished guard house, and a comfort room.

The project started March this year, soon after the end of the second semester classes.

This, incidentally, coincided with the heavy road construction work of the Yawa Bridge widening project that partially affected and blocked the school’s entrance.

To those wondering, Auditor denies that this was what prompted AUL to renovate Gate 2, and that the project had long been in the books. “It was just a coincidence that the widening of the Yawa Bridge and reconstruction of the road in front of the University was scheduled first before the construction of entrance gate has started. The turnstiles, wirings, LCD TV's were already delivered; we were just only waiting for the construction to be finished.”

Asked about the project’s budget, PPFMO said it came from the ‘physical plant improvement fee’ collected from the students.

The project was completed by June in time for the beginning of this school year, with the installed turnstile gates fully operational by July. ■

included in some of the goals of the university.

A year-long preparation will be done before the ISO audit on May and June of 2017. As of the first quarter of the academic year, the University is undergoing the planning stage which involves the awareness orientation with concessionaires and outsourced personnel, identification of QMS team, Internal Quality Auditors, training and workshop on QMS principles, requirements and applications, and formulation of the quality policy.

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LEGAZPI CITY mayor, Noel E. Rosal, announced during the Oplan Balik-Eskwela on June 7 the plan of the local government to construct a pedestrian overpass as a response to the increased danger of crossing to and from the university.

Earlier this year the road and bridgewidening project in Rawis was completed and the benefits are already observable. The said project was also proposed by Rosal and was pledged to the university community in the same event three year ago to help decongest traffic in the University's area.

However, with the wider road, it was observed that the flow of traffic can be speedier and can pose risks to students and other pedestrians crossing to and from AUL. This was discussed by the Office of Student Services (OSS) to the mayor for appropriate action. It was agreed that the construction of an overpass would be necessary.

The proposed project has already passed the legislation process and is already one of the priority projects of the city. Immediately, after fundings are sourced, the construction shall commence, according to Rosal.

For the meantime, police presence and visibility in the area is assured in order to ensure safety of the students.

“Safety and security of the students is always a priority,” Student Services Director, Jesus A. Barizo, emphasized during an interview after the program.

Oplan Balik-Eskwela is an annual event in AUL before classes start in June, which aims to ready the students and the employees of University for the incoming academic year. It has also served as an avenue for students and administrators to raise problems and discuss solutions before they open AUL's doors for a new school year. ■

Faculty squeeze in tertiary dept 'normal' in K to 12 transition

BY KRISTINE C. ARIENDA

THE FIRST year of the K to 12 transition saw major impacts to the University's tertiary department, particularly the teaching force.

A number of professors and instructors resigned or were displaced from their teaching posts in the tertiary level as the senior high school opens. This led to delay in the start of some of the classes with instructors still unavailable for at least three weeks into the start of the academic year.

Each college acknowledged the lack of professors in some programs and its cause N E X T PAG E

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With project cost now up by 10 million,

Covered court project starts construction

BY MA. JOAN B. SAULER / CLAIRE B. GALLANOSA

THE PREVIOUSLY proposed 25 million-peso building project approved March of 2015 upped its cost to Php 35 million, along with assurances from the Office of Administration and Finance that the additional amount will not be student-funded. The construction started this year after a long delay.

The preparation for the establishment of the said covered court started two years ago, including the planning, the conceptualization of architectural, electrical and structural design, as well as soil testing. However, the execution only started last year.

According to Fr. Edwin A. Lao, the school's VP for Finance and the project's head, they are using “cast-in-place concrete,” a special technology which involves mixing and casting the concrete on site.

They are using this technology since the traditional way of digging is not advisable for a swampy ground of the building site. Some reports revealed that there used to be a river located at the site formerly connected to Yawa River. Thus, the foundation is done by drilling and not by digging.

Lao likened the method to how oil is pumped by a machine during oil exploration. The building would be 15 meters high and the foundation must be 15 meters deep as well. After drilling, the manual construction would start and there would be 64 holes to support the erect structure.

The project was referred to the students two years ago through representatives in the form of parents in the basic education, elementary and high school, and a student consultation with student leaders for the college department. A 1,000 the transition to K to 12.

“I think all schools are affected by the transition to the K to 12 program. One of the primary issues we encountered, as deans, is that some of our faculty members resigned at the time that the teaching schedules have already been distributed three or four days before the opening of classes giving us no time to search for replacements,” Dean Celeste Yanzon of the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) remarked.

Similarly, Silvino Balasta, Jr., the department chair of Social

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DRILLING. The construction of the proposed student-funded covered court finally started amid a year's delay. Currently,

a 15-meter deep foundation is being drilled, and the project is expected to finish by next year. PHOTO BY NICOLE BANTON

“

If the students are very concerned with the trees, how much more we, who are adults and are responsible for the young people coming after us?

peso contribution per year was agreed upon. It will take an estimate of 7-8 years to collect from the students but the covered court is expected to be functional next year.

In the consultation, the budget proposed was Php 25 million but they still need to furnish the building with sound system, movable stage and basketball rings, and so an additional Php 10 million was added to the total project cost.

Student concerns It has been observed that there would be trees that need to be cut downnear the building site. Lao assured that if there would be trees to be cut down, it would be minimal.

Sciences in the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) maintained that most of the departing employees did not notify their office in time, adding that some even notified as late as the enrollment period was ongoing.

“Most of those that resigned were not full-time but were parttime teachers who then decided to pursue full-time jobs at public senior high schools,” Engr. Javier R. Vicera, the dean of the College of Engineering Architecture and Fine Arts said.

Unlike the other colleges, the

"If the students are very concerned with the trees, how much more we, who are adults and are responsible for the young people coming after us?" said Lao. Students also asked why a covered court is needed when the AUL Dome is present. Some also asked why the school didn't prioritize the salary increase of the employees which they think is the root cause of the shortage of faculty members.

Lao responded that the construction of the covered court is intended as an assembly space for students, and a space for sports, drama presentations, and different organizational activities.

College of Health Sciences (CHS) affirms that they were not critically affected in terms of faculty.

“There are no problems with the availability of the professors or schedules. We already devised a plan beforehand, along with the fact that our college is small in population to begin with,” said Dean Vicente Peralta of CHS. “This problem is normal for this type of transition. Our current solution is hiring new faculty.

We already have several new professors and they’ve started teaching the subjects assigned to them. However, as students have

C O N ST R U C T I O N | PAG E 5

noticed, they are still not enough.

Balasta explained.

Classes that were dissolved because the school was still unable to hire instructors had scholars concerned about their scholarship's retention.

In a student convocation, Dean Marytina Raquel Bonganay of CASE assuaged the concerns saying that the dissolved classes will be replaced by other offerings in the same curriculum so that they will still meet the required number of units they need. ■

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COMMUNITY

US hospital ship docks in Legazpi for humanitarian aid effort

BY JOHN PAUL B. GARRIDO

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GETTING ACQUAINTED. The pioneer batch of the AUL's senior high school address their queries in the open forum

during an orientation seminar on June 14 at the AUL Dome. AUL welcomed 418 senior high students this school year.

PHOTO BY OAPA

Senior high school opens, impacts tertiary dept C O N T I N U E D F RO M PAG E 1

is more than 200 students lower than the 600+ projected enrollees from pre-registration.

According to the registrar, the enrollees, much like AUL’s tertiary population, comprise of students from Albay and the other provinces of the region, as far as Masbate and Catanduanes, as well as Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. The University announced last year that it will be offering the four tracks of the SHS program: Academic, Arts and Design, TechnicalVocational, and Sports.

Enrolment data from the Office of the Registrar shows that the Academic track currently has the biggest population, with 361 students, as it includes four areas or “strands” namely: General Academic Strand (GAS), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMS/HUSS), Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM). These strands are based on the College Readiness Standards (CRS) given by the Commission on Higher Education.

Meanwhile, the Arts and Design track has 45 enrollees. This is the preferred trackfor junior high students of the Special Program for the Arts (SPA). The Technical-Vocational track, which is based on the learning outcomes and performance criteria from the Training Regulations of TESDA, has 12 students. The University offered the Sports track but had noenrollees this year.

Impacts in the tertiary dept This transition, evidently, does not only affect elementary and secondary levels, but also the tertiary level which won’t see freshmen

enrollees this year. DepEd data shows that a total of 1.5 million students entered senior high this year; 67% of that are in the public school system.

According to Ms. Lilian L. Legson, current Coordinator for the Senior High School Program of AUL, preparations began as early as 2012 and was independently handled by the University.

One of such effects is the reduction of units from the College General Education curriculum to 36 units; which was originally, 63 units for Humanities and Social Science programs and 51 units for Science, Engineering and Math programs. This is due to the transfer of courses in English, Literature, Math, Natural Sciences, Humanities, and Social Sciences to the Basic Education syllabus.

As of now, AUL is adjusting to this transition by orienting transferees and other old students who still need to comply with the old curriculum to immediately enroll the subjects, which are to be omitted within the next school year. In case of new transferees and unavailability of class offerings, they may still opt to enroll to a special class.

In terms of infrastructure, AUL allotted a maximum of 16 classrooms for the expected 600+ students who pre-registered but only 10 sections were formed from the 418 students who officially enrolled. Rooms in the St. Thomas Building previously used by the college population were converted to accommodate the senior high school.

Decreasing the number of classrooms utilized by the tertiary level had no effect on the scheduling of classes. Rooms previously unoccupied due to its subpar situations are now being used as substitutes and are being repaired.

The problem arises every term examination. The tertiary has insufficient rooms for the three-day exam. Students who are affected are informed S E N I O R H I G H | PAG E 5

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines - USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), the biggest hospital ship in the world, returned to the Philippines in Legazpi City, Albay for this year for the annual military exercise and multinational humanitarian effort dubbed the “Pacific Partnership” (PP) by the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Fresh from their first mission stop in East Timor, the ship entered Legazpi’s seaport on June 27, deploying more than 1,000 American sailors for two weeks of humanitarian care mission - medical missions, disaster response and management trainings, engineering projects, cooperative health engagements, and other community relations events not only in Legazpi but other places in the province as well.

Pacific Partnership is the largest humanitarian and disaster responsepreparation mission in the Indo-AsiaPacific. It was conceived after the disastrous Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami back in 2004, and then officially deployed for the first time in 2006. The Philippines was one the first countries the initiative has visited.

At the center of this giant humanitarian initiative is the USNS Mercy ship. It is equipped with state of the art medical facilities and highly-trained medical personnel. More than 3,000 local patients were treated both aboard and off the ship during its two-week operation in Albay.

One of its key missions is to offer a mobile medical facility that is both proficient and flexible in delivering full hospital services to support philanthropic operations like these, as well as for disaster response.

Former Albay governor and now congressman, Joey S. Salceda, believed that hosting the PP will be an opportunity for Albay to show off its eco-tourism wealth and its disaster and environmental programs.

Albay is a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and a UN global model for Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction. It has also been considered a “laboratory of natural disasters and climate change adaptation” The deputy mission commander of the PP2016, Capt. Mike Spruce of the Royal Australian Navy Reserve said that a key aspect of the mission stop in Legazpi, aside from medical assistance, was the disaster relief symposium. “The Philippines suffer awful natural disasters, so it’s vital that as partners we know how to work together to enable faster relief.”

This is the ship’s second visit to Legazpi.

The first one was in March 1987 during one Mercy’s first ever humanitarian aid deployments, just as Albay was hit by super typhoon Sisang. ■

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Assurance Officer, lead focal persons, lead document controller, lead internal quality auditor with representatives from Rector’s Division, Academic Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Admin & Finance.

In an interview with the project’s quality assurance officer, Ms. Michelle Arandia stated that the main reason for the ISO certification is to deliver the best quality service to clients, primarily, the students and parents. She also added that after attaining client satisfaction, the University also wants to achieve client advocacy where the clients themselves promote the University. Anothe reason is to be unique and distinct from other local schools and be at par with the international set-up.

ISO 9001: 2015 is the revised version of ISO 9001: 2008. Other schools in Albay with the same certificate includes Bicol University, Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges Foundation and STI-Legazpi Campus. ■

The formulated policy of the University’s commitment in terms of quality is: “In its dedication to provide holistic formation, instruction, research, creative work, governance, management and community service, and its pursuit to continually improve its educational system for the satisfaction of its clients, Aquinas University of Legazpi is committed to excellence by setting quality objectives, based on national and international standards.”

Quality manual formulation to the implementation of the Quality Management system is scheduled from the second to the final quarter of the academic year.

The organizational structure for the Quality Management System includes the AUL Executive Committee, headed by Fr. Edwin A. Lao, O.P, the Quality Management Representative, followed by Deputy Quality Management Representative and Quality

It would also accommodate the PE classes of senior high and college students. He also mentioned that even if the covered court is finished, there would be no assurance that existing infrastructure could answer the congestion of the growing population of the students.

As to the latter concern of the students, he said that there is no connection between the salary increase and the shortage of the faculty.

He clarified that private institutions really can't keep up with the standardization of salary in state universities for it would only cause an increase in tuition fees which would be another burden to the students. The construction of the multi-purpose covered court has nothing to do with the said issue, he voiced. ■

PNoy inagurates Yawa Bridge, checks Tibu Pumping Station

BY JANIN B. VOLANTE

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USNS MERCY. The world's largest hospital ship, the centerpiece of the multinational humanitarian cooperation,

Pacific Partnership, anchored off the coast of Legazpi for two weeks to carry out medical missions and disaster management symposiums.

PHOTO COURTESY U.S. PACIFIC FLEET//FLICKR.COM

SENIOR HIGH...

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to take the test during the subject’s regular schedule.

As for the faculty, some instructors and professors from the college department were given teaching loads for senior high. The need for instructors in the senior high level caused professors in the college level to apply for posts offered by DepEd. Some professors in Aquinas applied and were accepted before the beginning of this semester. The sudden transfer of professors gravely affected the schedules pre-constructed last, as these professors were also predetermined to teach during the current

semester.

The unforeseen reduction in the number of faculty members adversely affected the schedule of classes because there was not enough time to hire replacements. Thus, they had to work around the availability of the remaining faculty member which resulted in the dissolution of classes namely Filipino 103, English 103, and English 107.

Insofar, the university has complied with the requirements of DepEd in terms of the teaching staff and facilities, as the permit to run the program has already been issued. ■

PRESIDENT BENIGNO Aquino III (PNoy) led the inaugural drive-through of the newly expanded Yawa Bridge from Barangay Bonot to Barangay Rawis and proceeded to an inspection of the recently erected Tibu Pumping Station on May 5, 2016 .

The bridge connects Legazpi City’s downtown commercial district to some of its northern barangays and to Albay’s first district. A fund of Php 83.5 million was allocated to expand the former two-lane bridge into four lanes in order to alleviate traffic congestion, facilitate the passage of commuters and trade vehicles, and improve the flow of tourism in the city.

The renovation work on Yawa Bridge started September 2014 and was completed March, 2016. Although in an interview with Engr. Orlando Rebato, he told the Aquinian Herald that the projected completion was set on March 2015. There was a total of one year delay in the construction.

After the inauguration, President Aquino visited Tibu Pumping Station in Barangay San Roque for the unveiling of the marker and an inspection of the newly constructed facility. Set near the mouth of Tibu River, the said pumping station is designed to prevent the entry of sand bar that could cause the clogging of river. This is part of the Legazpi City Urban Drainage Improvement Project, which intends to solve the flooding concern in the commercial district and surrounding areas.

Joining the President for the inauguration and inspection were Congressman (then Albay Governor) Joey Salceda and Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal. ■

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EDITORIAL

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GOING CONCERN  @goalwardpsyche

Rona Maricar C. Miña

Addressing rape culture

editorial

Strike the kill list

'His list became a weapon that he uses to taunt the suspected drug lords into confessing.'

The Filipinos were riveted when President Duterte announced that he possesses a list of the names of suspected drug lords or those connected with drug syndicates and the illegal drug trade in the country. From then, we often hear him threatening those on the list to surrender or face dire consequences. It is now aptly referred to as "The Kill List." And once people get a whiff that they are in that list, they come running to Malacañang to insist they are innocent. Duterte's list include some prominent political figures and businessmen, where most claim of their innocence, some don't bother to turn up. His list became a weapon that he uses to taunt the suspected drug lords into confessing.

This list includes politicians from Legazpi. It is quite alarming that the names of our honourable leaders are tainted and accused as the protector of illegal drugs. Even if this allegation is true or not, we believe that there will be negative effects regarding this issue.

First, the trust of Legazpeños to its

local officials will decline. Trust gained from their constituents is important because they are the beneficiaries of the services that these leaders will provide. It is similar to a customer-seller relationship, wherein the seller was to make their customers satisfied with the goods or services they provide.

Trust is a fickle thing. Even the possibility that the accusations are true, people will feel betrayed by their leaders. Since these officials are the faces of the local government, low trust from the people may also mean low participation in local government programs. It is vital to have a strong bond between the leaders and residents in order to have successful programs in the community.

The questionable integrity of the political heads may also disrupt the already established connection with the investors coming from the outside community. The issue may influence the financiers’ decision in investing in the locality. The supposed jobs and revenue that the possible invesEDITORIAL

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E D I T O R I A L B O A R D & S TA F F RONA MARICAR C. MIÑA editor in chief KARL B. BRIGUERA / WENDELL T. CILOT associate editors JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO / ARCHIE NER managing editors JANIN B. VOLANTE features IVY JONNA M. TOLOSA KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE sports SIDNEY CHRISTIAN MONTAS literary JOHN PAUL B. GARRIDO graphics and design KENNETH M. OSABAL circulations and logistics CLAIRE B. GALLANOSA / ARIANE GISELLE C. SANTOS news

special reports (devcom)

staff writers Ma. Joan B. Sauler, Kristine Marie B. Arienda, Val C. Laurio, Mariane Justine Yorobe, Patrick Joseph Secillano, Melissa R. Mesias, Justin Roman Amargo, Benedict Urot, Rochelle Briones, Hobispierre Alzaga, Vanessa Barrameda, Chiara M. Martinez, Mark Raven Fraile, Denmarc Joshua Betonio artists Xyrus Araneta photographers Kevin Geva, Paul R. Mendizabal, Frances Nicole Banton, Angelique Busgano, Carlo Baritua

NIKKI T. ESTEVEZ publications adviser

If a person is raped, you should look for the rapist — not the reason. That should be inculcated in this society of victim blaming.

As I turn on the television, I saw another scene of victim blaming televised in the whole world. In the segment of the noon time show, Eat Bulaga, the winner retell her experience when she was sexually harassed by her husband’s friends while she was drunk. Jose Manalo and Sen. Tito Sotto who are hosts of the show responded with words of blame to the girl.

“Kababae mong tao shot shot shot ka,” followed up with “Umiinom ka na nga, naka-shorts ka pa! Trying to compose herself, I can sense the painful glimpse of the woman. Those words are hurtful words that shouldn’t be said and forecast live because it’s really an insensitive act that adds to the victim’s suffering.

It’s really ironic that the two hosts' behavior do not coin'Rape culture cide with the segmakes the world ment’s purpose and less safe for name - All for Juan, Juan for all: Bayaniwomen.' han of D’ Pipol.

Victim blaming means denouncing the girl for what she drank, what she wore and how she acted, instead of blaming the culprit. We can notice it here in the Philippines.

Because of the mentality of many that women should have the characteristics of the conservative Maria Clara, women who didn’t conform to that idea are being blamed if they are harassed. For me, the issue here is not about how she dressed or alcohol. It’s about rapists. This act is done in order to protect privilege and deflect accountability. Some people are arguing that “Men will always be men” and that women should act and dress in a proper way for them not to be a victim of rape. This the most stupid and primitive excuse for pardoning this criminal, despicable act. There’s no cultural justification for dehumanizing another human being. Victim blaming is just one of the effects of rape culture.

Rape culture is the normalization of sexual violence against women. It is manifested in the society’s attitude and institutions. The images of objectification and violence against women are so common and we’re practically desensitized to them. A lot of people are oblivious to its consequences.

Statistics say only 40% rape cases are reported and only 10% ever lead to an arrest. Only three rapists will ever spend a single day in prison out of 100 rapists.

This leniency is a big part of Rape Culture. Women are afraid to come out because of the stigma and fear of getting catcalled and even blamed for getting raped.

They hide it to protect their family from the shame and criticism of the community. The long process in the justice system is also not helping. The agony of waiting for the proceedings to end and the emotional stress of the victim as they relive it in their legal testimonies for the rest of the world pick apart or feast on, frankly adds insult to injury to put it mildly.

Rape culture makes the world less safe for women.

It puts the burden of safety on women’s shoulders, and blames them why they don’t succeed. This is the kind of culture we must put a stop to. How can we dispel this culture?

To address rape culture, we need to confront our GOING CONCERN

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RUN NO MORE  thesunwontset

 @karlbriguera

Janin B. Volante

Karl B. Briguera

The killing fields

Without a doubt, the causality of how rampant extrajudicial killings are in the Philippines is beyond alarming.

The aggressive rhetoric in the war against drug kingpins in the country has swayed the majority of the public to condone the lack of due process in terms of the law.

The new President’s strong stance on the use of outright violence has been clear since his phenomenal electoral campaign. This “tough guy” persona has convinced the majority of his supporters that he is the only catalyst for real change in the country. President Duterte, nicknamed “The Punisher” for his inclination to swift street warfare type of justice, has since inspired both law enforcers and vigilantes alike to take up arms in his crusade against crime and illegal drugs.

The killings have never been this alarming. During the weeks leading up to his inauguration as the new president of the Philippines, the so called “all-out war on drugs” was already well on its way. As if on cue, law enforcement agencies simultaneously raided “well-known” drug lairs, arresting suspected ‘smalltime’ drug pushers and executing them on the spot if they see any form of resistance. This only justi-

'Is the collateral damage the price for this new “safer” society?' fies this new brand of shoot-firstask-questions-later protocol by saying that the said suspects allegedly fought back or resisted arrest.

Well-known drug communities were shocked to the core when they saw how grave the situation has become in such a short time.

Hundreds die in the first few weeks of the new Duterte administration, and thousands of confused drug users march in droves right into already cramped correctional and rehabilitation facilities just to avoid being murdered in front of their families.

Is the collateral damage the price for this new “safer” society? In the hundreds of recorded drug related murders under the new administration, a portion of that represents men, women and children who were maybe at the wrong place at the wrong time. Time and again we VA N TAG E P O I N T

Congratulations, Philippines!

You’ve elected a self-admitted murderer, dictator, liar, and sexist as our new president. While after elections there is generally that collective concession of giving the newly voted leader a chance, I am here honestly hoping Duterte doesn’t deliver on some of his promises, particularly his vows of killing 100,000 suspected criminals, targeting journalists for assassination and shutting down Congress if they oppose him to list some.

The initial sarcasm aside, I do understand why people support Duterte. I see where those who voted for the rash, ironhanded mayor are coming from. In his campaign he presented himself as a simple man fed up with the system and offered radical change. The Filipino people have been hurt; they feel like the system has failed them. They feel as if previous leaders who have governed this country fall under the umbrella of “traditional politicians,” either corrupt or simply incompetent. Every failed promise from a candidate turned government official feels like another stoke at the burning rage at the unjustness of it all.

Then Duterte comes along with

'The Filipino people have been hurt; they feel like the system has failed them.' his frank, authentic rhetoric complete with an assurance that he is not one of those trapos. He represents a subversion of the system. The same system that has failed and robbed Filipinos for a good part of its existence. He promises to get rid of criminality in the first three to six months of his term even if he has to kill said suspected criminals without due process. His campaign capitalized on the anger, jadedness and fear of the masses and they lapped it up, not thinking of the consequences and ethics of his propositions. And Duterte’s proof that he is the one to bring the often alluded to “change” to this country? “Look at what I did in Davao,” he says.

I hate to burst his and his supporters’ bubble, but his claim that Davao is the safest, most peaceful place in the Philippines is frankly a sham, a RUN NO MORE

| PAG E 1 7

NOTABLE NOTES  @cookentmonster

Kenneth M. Osabal

Awarding yourself Awards. Merits. Recognition.

These are the things that make a student look and feel more accomplished. But behind these accomplishments lie great sacrifices and hardwork. Awards can be a symbol that some of us hold on to - to feel competent and to feel good enough about our ourselves to say, "I did my very best and have accomplished something!"

Other students may look at recognition as a small thing, but to others it isn’t. These serve as the fruit of their hardships. All the sleepless nights, coffee-turned-towater, balancing academics and extra-curricular activities, and antics to pull them through, they feel good that it all paid off.

But the problem here is, for one to recieve an award he or she must apply for it. Isn't ironic? After all that we’ve done to be success-

An indefensible choice

'It's a wondrous feeling for a student to have his efforts and sacrifices be recognized.' ful and accomplished, we, deep inside, we wish to be recognized by this institution and yet many processes must be undergone before we are recog- nized. It's very illogical in a way that we're the ones applying for awards.

Shouldn't the school itself be the one recognizing students for their efforts and hard work?

Yes, it is a prerequisite for the student services to thoroughly identify individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in academics, leadership, service, N OTA B L E N OT E S | PAG E 1 7

| PAG E 1 7

VOXPOPULI #IsigawMoAquinian “...dapat talaga ilibing na upang maging at magkasundo ang mga watak-watak na mga grupo.”  Al Kristian Bertes

"He is a war veteran who fought side by side with our guerrillas who thirst for freedom and a President that made the Philippines a better country."

Sang-ayon ka ba sa hero's burial para kay dating pangulong Ferdinand Marcos?

 Daniell Navera

"Bayani bang maituturing ang isang diktador na hinayaang daandaang Pilipino ang mamatay sa ilalim ng kanyang pamumuno?"

"Gusto naman nila ipalibing ito sa libingan ng mga taong nagpakahirap para matamo natin ang kalayaan?

Buhay pa ang mga ebidensya (Joel Lamangan, Ricky Lee etc). Respeto na lang din sa mga biktima. They need to heal."

"Just bury the dead."

 Mendiola Laurel

 Naomi Gwyneth

 Angelica Paula Vargas

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Albay hosts

Palarong Pambansa

BY MELISSA R. MESIAS

T

he province of Albay is famously known for as the home of the majestic Mt. Mayon and other beautiful sceneries that soothe our wanderlust. Numerous TV shows and magazines have featured various destinations that entice local and foreign tourists alike that our province is worth visiting.

According to Albay Governor Joey Salceda, with a budget of more than 300 million pesos, the Bicol University Sports Complex was built and other venues were improved.

Also, the security and emergency response team was factored in, with a ratio of one police for every four athletes and one emergency response volunteer for every 18 athletes, Salceda wanted Albay to be a good host and a memorable tourist destination for all Palarong Pambansa 2016 delegates and officials.

Transforming Communities, Transcending Boundaries Despite the El Nino's scorching heat, Palarong Pambansa 2016 delegates and officials, armed with their smiles and of course their umbrellas, braved the streets of Legazpi and paraded their regions' flags and colors.

With the theme: Transforming Communities, Transcending Through K-12, more than 12,000 student-athletes, coaches, and officials from the 18 regions have gathered in Bicol University Grandstand to formally open the sports event.

Department of Education (DepEd) conducts the Palarong Pambansa annually because it promotes that physical education and sports play an important role in Basic Education and most especially it forms a holistically-developed youth that is responsible and globally-competitive.

In addition, Salceda, in his opening ceremony speech said that these games will help our youth in realizing their roles in nation building. After all, the games require teamwork which is akin to the nature of nation building; the government and its constituents working together.

2016

After the speeches were done, the main highlight of the ceremony was the lighting of the urn. Since Albay was the host of the 59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa, the urn befittingly described the place.

It was a massive cauldron similar to the clay pots we see in Tiwi, Albay, and the cauldron was adorned with giant labuyos.

The massive cauldron was lighted by Gilas Pilipinas member and PBA star Terrence Romeo and athlete Francis Everesto, the first person with disability to hold the torch at Palaro.

Romeo pushed Everesto's wheelchair and together they alighted a crane which brought them near to the mouth of the cauldron to put the flame on.

Together they showed that in this year's Palarong Pambansa there will be no exclusion for person with disabilities.

Camaraderie and sportsmanship among the regions Eighteen regions from across the country, including the newly-formed Negros Island Region, are competing for the gold in more than 21 events in Palarong Pambansa 2016.

According to PSC Commissioner Jose Luiz Gomez the performances of the other regions are better this year. The playing field is now levelled between the regions because of the coaches, sports directors, and teachers, who took their time to train the student-athletes.

Competition for the gold might be tight but the National Capital Region (NCR) claimed its 12th straight overall championship in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa.

NCR, former champions since 2005, garnered a total of

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104 golds, 57 silvers, and 48 bronzes.

Meanwhile, Calabarzon, the second place, got 40 golds, 43 silvers, and 59 bronzes, and the third place Western Visayas, 35 gold, 35 silver, and 39 bronze.

For the special awards the winners were: Region X for the Most Organized Delegation and Best Billeting Center, Region IV-B for the Most Disciplined Delegation, Region VIII for the Delegation with the Most Number of Participants, and Negros Island Region for the Cleanest and Greenest Delegation.

All of the special award winner had received P40,000 and a trophy.

Till the next Palarong Pambansa After a week of intense competition, Palarong Pambansa 2016 came to an end through a closing ceremony attended by all of the 18 regions in the country at BU Sports Complex.

In his closing ceremony speech, Salceda thanked all of Palarong Pambansa delegates, coaches,

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officials, and supporters for giving Albay a wonderful opportunity to host the annual sports event, it was definitely a source of pride for Albayanos.

Furthermore, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro gave his parting message for all of the participants of the Palarong Pambansa.

He advised that a Palarong Pambansa player should not forget where he came from. He should never forget his first coach, mentor, and technical official who helped him along the way because at the end of the day if he knows how to acknowledge his roots then he will surely make it far.

Palarong Pambansa is not just about medals or a player's personal glory; the annual sports event documents the journey of all of the participants - player and coaches alike, that the recipe for success is perseverance, discipline, and most importantly, teamwork.

IMAGE CREDITS// TIMELINE DIGITAL PRODUCTIONS

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Daragang Magayon: Blending Culture with History

BY KENNETH M. OSABAL

T

hrough the efforts of the Provincial Government of Albay, the month-long Daragang Magayon Festival is annually celebrated in the month of April. It is a feast that prizes the ancient culture and mythology of the region during the pre-colonization period.

The main focus of the celebration is the reenactment of the tragic love story of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose death gave birth to the Mayon Volcano. The Legend of Mount Mayon which happens to be the mainspring and cornerstone of celebrating Magayon Festival recounts the appalling love story of Daragang Magayon, who then was considered to be the most beautiful damsel in her time at the Kabikolan, and a Tagalog warrior named Panganoron. Their tragic love affair was believed to cause the mounting of Mayon Volcano. The death of Daragang Magayon brought about the Mount Mayon, and the clouds and rains that often visit it are is believed to be the spirit of her lover Panganoron; while the rocks, the scary sounds and the earthquake, altogether convince to be the spirit of the envious and selfish suitor of Daragang Magayon, Paratuga.

Aside from being part of a rich history, Daragang Magayon Festival also features cultural events, sports and trade fairs. It is one way of enriching the culture of the people as well as giving venue to promote local products of Albay. Tourists from different parts of the world travel all the way to Albay to witness the beauty of Mayon Volcano and also to participate in various activities that the festival has to offer. Staying in Albay will never be complete if you haven’t tried the famous “sili-flavored ice cream.” Imagine this explosion of creamy coldness punctuated by the sharp heat of the sili. Cool, huh?

Experience everything as you embark on the unforgettable Albay adventure. Here, with the objective of exploring and experiencing Albay, it’s easy and fun to do. You will find easy-to-reach sites and destinations, delightful must-try Albayano cuisine, relaxation and wellness services, places for fitness and training and great pasalubong ideas.

Dagos po kamo!

IMAGE CREDITS// MAGAYON FESTIVAL FACEBOOK PAGE

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BURYING CAESAR

The debate on Marcos' burial at 'Libingan'

BY MA. JOAN SAULER

“A hero means a prominent or central personage taking an admirable part in any remarkable action or event; a person of distinguished valor or enterprise in danger, or fortitude in suffering; and a man honored after death by public worship because of exceptional service to mankind.” – Dr. Esteban de Ocampo (Historian, National Historical Institute) We often perceive “heroism” as an act of intrepidity. Sometimes, we give the title “hero” to someone who give pride to our country. That being said, anyone could be a hero – a beauty queen, a boxing champion, a teacher, OFWs. But as one of the controversial issues about our history arises, the true essence of heroism is pondered gingerly. The unending battle on the burial of the late President Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani has opened hope for his family and wounds for the victims of Martial Law. Filipinos have opposing views regarding this matter. Amidst the reign of terror during Marcos' presidency, there are still people who believe that the late president deserves to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Marcos loyalists firmly believe that the late president is the best president the Philippines has ever had. His tremendous and significant contributions to our country is just one of the vast reasons why he could be buried at the Libingan. The Marcos family also pointed out that FM's presidency and his track record in the military are basis for the burial at LNMB. Marcos was the President and the people put him in power two times. He served

the country and did what needs to be done. When people was being uncontrollable, he proclaimed Martial Law. It was said to be the right thing to do to end the anarchy. Our President, Rodrigo Duterte also stated that the law provides that Marcos should be buried at LNMB as he was a war veteran.

"Even if he was not a hero, he was a soldier."

On the other side, there is an arising wave of protests against this issue.

As the petitioners said, it is a battle between Marcos and the history. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) published a 17page treatise as to why Marcos should not have military honors and burial at the LNMB. It was cited that “Mr. Marcos’s military record is fraught with myths, factual inconsistencies, and lies. The rule in history is that when a claim is disproven—such as Mr. Marcos’s claims about his medals, rank, and guerrilla unit—it is simply dismissed. When, moreover, a historical matter is under question or grave doubt, as expressed in the military records about Mr. Marcos’s actions and character as a soldier, the matter may not be established or taken as fact. A doubtful record also does not serve as sound, unassailable basis of historical recognition of any sort, let alone burial in a site intended, as its name suggests, for heroes.” That alone is why it is necessary to check facts and historical records to know if the late president truly deserve to be buried at LNMB. And with all the allegations 3,257 victims of extra-judicial killings, 35,000 tortured, and 70,000 incarcer-

ated under Marcos’ dictatorship, so much unexplained wealth, economic catastrophe that led us to debt crisis, does Ferdinand E. Marcos deserves to be buried beside the honorable people who leave exceptional mark to our country? Does he, a person who did not even felt

sorry to the people he abused, to the people he robbed of a brighter future, should be hero-worshipped?

This fight against our history should cease because Philippines will never heal if people are divided, if people are drowned with their self or political interest.

IMAGE CREDITS// JOSEANGELITO-ANGELES.TRIPOD.COM, NEWSCENTRAL.PH

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MOVIES/REVIEW

X-Men: Apocalypse

BY JOHN PAUL B. GARRIDO

We begin in a silly and amusing CGI of Ancient Egypt, with pixelated yet realistic pyramids that would bear witness to the start of the convoluted Apocalypse.

Where the first mind-swapping mutant, dressed like a cake in purple makeup, would stir from his millennium-long sleep, stating his disposition to conquer the world (like a typical bad guy) and establish mutants in their rightful place just after watching television.

Like its predecessor, Days of Future Past, the first scenes of the movie mystifies us with the glaring fact this trilogy is all about Jennifer Lawrence a.k.a the villainess-turned-movie-protagonist Mystique, jeopardizing the authenticity of the material and hoping that her achievement from The Hunger Games Franchise will reflect for the overall success of the films.

Teleporting from Westchester to Cairo to Poland to East Berlin, the scene up with James McAvoy’s Charles Xavier and his gifted youngsters and some new recruits. Each individual story is skillfully crafted; particularly Michael Fassbender’s Magneto and his ill-fated accident that cost his family with magnitudes that are entirely predictable but still heartbreaking.

For the first time, we see the early beginnings of the soonto-be Cyclops, Scott Summers, played by Tye Sheridan as he discovers that seeing is incinerating, and the soon-to-be Phoenix, (and Queen in the North), Jean Grey played by Game of Thrones star Sophie Turner. Sheridan and Turner’s chemistry in portraying the beloved couple was quite deficient but they have acquitted themselves well in playing their respective parts. Turner manages to pull off the appropriate fear and uncertainty as Jean transforms into a powerful force at

the end, while Sheridan explores his incinerating mutation as an allegory for celebrating one’s peculiarities, even if they do mean that you might roast your school bully.

Evan Peters’ Quicksilver steals the movie once again. His slow motion scenes are the highlights of Days of Future Past and seeing more in ‘Apocalypse’ is a nerdy dreamcome -through. Kodi SmittMcPhee’s Nightcrawler is also remarkable, despite of the parentage conflict made by the plot changes.

While not every character excelled, Alexandra Shipp’s Storm is quite disappointing.

The hype for her portrayal as the corrupted-version of the young weather-controlling mutant was very much anticipated. But despite of the iconic Mohawk for the charac-

‘‘

Fortunately, ‘Apocalypse’ regains its momentum in the final battle.

★★★☆☆ ter and the computer generated, exaggerated weather effects, she failed to leave an impression to the audience. Same goes through with Lana Condor’s Jubilee, Olivia Munn’s Psylocke and Ben Hardy’s Angel, their existence in the film are not quite felt.

All of this would not matter if the main man could carry the film. Oscar Isaac’s award-winning performance was not quite expe-

rienced in Apocalypse. He is a ludicrously villain, spending mostly of his screen time organizing his ideal clique of horsemen.

His powers were terrifying and it was quite entertaining in the big screen yet it failed to have its effect due to his cringe-worthy appearance. He wanders around looking like a frosted purple monster and spouts pithy lines about how he will cleanse the world, saying: “Everything they’ve built will fall and from the ashes, we’ll build a better one!”. This could definitely be a ridiculous role for the actor but it is also frightening, kind of comical, and genuinely felt.

As a result of this misdirection, the film fell in the middle.

The Weapon X scene felt like a Spider-Man-cameo-turned-bad, and was stalling for time until the final city-wrecking battle.

Fortunately, ‘Apocalypse’ re-

gains its momentum in the final battle. Unlike most Hollywood showdowns, it is surprising until the end due to Apocalypse’s superficial immunity and the decision to take the combat into the subconscious.

The scene was very reminiscent to Inception a n d simulations that they do in the Divergent series.

To be honest, the director, Bryan Singer did an excellent job o f managing v a rious characters and locations. The overall direction, production, acting, and cinematography all tied up the complexity of his vision into an outrageously messy, unmistakably risky and constantly thrilling masterpiece. It is another example of an X-Men movie appreciating its essential strength of a kaleidoscope of exceptional powers. Unlike ‘The Last Stand’, this is a film in which it truly feels like anything can happen. It is not the perfect conclusion to the trilogy but the film is an experience, opening more fan-favorite scenes from the comics into countless possibilities, satisfying the inner nerds from within.

IMAGE CREDITS// X-MEN:APOCALYPSE: WWW.CO M IN GSO O N .N ET, TR A I L ER S .A P P L E.C O M

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BOOKS/REVIEW

OASIS OV ER H Y P E D :

a book review of

READY PLAYER ONE

BY JANIN B. VOLANTE

Have you ever been so hyped up and excited to read a book only to end up extremely disappointed when you finally do read it? That is exactly how I felt after ripping through Ernest Cline’s debut novel, Ready Player One.

I

first heard about the book themed clues embedded into online. I was looking for my the film and find the easter egg next read and Ready Player One he hid somewhere in the expancame highly recommended with sive virtual world he made. This critics calling it “an adrenaline sets in motion a scavenger hunt shot of uncut geekdom” and “a among many OASIS users who smart, funny thriller that both have been dubbed ‘gunters’-celebrates and critiques online short for egg hunters. For those culture.” Apparently the nov- unfamiliar with an easter egg it’s el’s pull came from its plethora basically a secret sign or whatnot of references to video games, embedded in a game or movie. films, and comic books from the The story follows protagonist ‘80s with a few Wade Watts, an of them hailing I have one piece of orphaned and from succeeding advice: get ready impoverished decades. Reviewteen living in to geek out to the a ers also enthused vertically about its fascifast-paced and stacked trailnating virtual park who witty prose, er scavenger hunt spends nearly but if you're all his time atpremise. So I picked the book looking for more tached to his up with high exvisor and depth, don't set the VR pectations. haptic gloves to bar too high. escape his terriReady Player One tries, withble life. We find out the expecthim in the mided amount of dle of the hunt finesse, to immerse readers in a for Halliday’s Easter Egg. As a world set in the not so distant character Wade Watts falls flat. future of 2044 where the prob- Ernest Cline writes him as if follems we face today like climate lowing a list of the usual tropes change, poverty, overpopula- in the Young Adult genre--a hero tion, the depletion of resources with a tragic past with the odds and the like have escalated so stacked against him and smartgreatly that most people take er than any of his competitors. solace and refuge in OASIS, an Aside from his unrelenting deonline virtual reality created by sire to find the egg and knowing multibillionaire inventor and the ins and outs of the ‘80s as ‘80s aficionado James Halliday. well James Halliday did and pinWhen the aged Halliday dies, ing after Art3mis, another gunta film called “Anorak’s Invita- er, the character doesn’t have tion” is released into the OASIS, much depth. announcing that his entire forMr. Cline doesn’t handle his tune and control of his company other main characters very well would go to the first person to either. Art3mis, the leading lady figure out the ‘80s pop culture of this story, who at first seemed

★★☆☆☆

to be a strong independent character mostly turns out to be a manic pixie dream girl, written in only to further the development of the male protagonist. Another problematic thing about this book is that one of its endgame plot twists involving a major character, probably an attempt at diversity, comes off more as an act of tokenism.

The writing style itself leaves much to be desired. While Ready Player One does prove to be an exciting page-turner, well, after the long and dragging exposition anyway, every scene and sequence is doled out in a “telling and not showing” manner. The lack of passable descriptions deters readers from fully engaging in the narrative.

A film adaptation is on the way and it seems that many of the scenes filled with lackluster prose would be better visually presented onscreen. The fast and action-filled bits will surely make for a good ride, every detail already set.

Despite these flaws, I did find a few things to like about this book. For one, the story really shines when Ernest Cline cleverly and effortlessly weaves together references in his prose.

Imagine a paragraph where Wade mentions in passing that in the 27 sector virtual world is an exact replica of the Star Wars galaxy situated right next door to the Star Trek universe, or a page where the top gunters pick out a robot as a reward in a level of the hunt and among the choices are Iron Giant, several

mechs from Gundam, and the entire line of Shogun Warriors. It was enough to get me flailing. There is a certain thrill of recognition and excitement you feel when something you’re a huge fan of gets a nod in some other piece of media you’re consuming. Although, there are points in this book where the sheer amount of references overwhelm the rest of the writing.

The witty dialog is also worth the read. The characters’ quips appear fast and often. They verbally spar whilst referencing movies, video games and comic books. They manage to quote Lando Calrissian in one scene and the movie “Airplane!” in another.

I found the plot fascinating enough. The premise outlined above was solid groundwork and the worldbuilding was good.

However, there are some parts where the story gets glaringly predictable and a tad boring.

Overall, Ready Player One had so much potential but just wasn’t able to live up to it. Had Ernest Cline reigned in a bit the pop culture references and focused more on characters and plot, this book would have been a lot more than an average read.

For anyone who’s interested in reading Ready Player One, I have one piece of advice: get ready to geek out to the fast paced and witty prose, but if you’re looking for more depth, don’t set the bar too high.

IMAGE CREDITS// READY PLAYER ONE BOOK: AM AN DASTHIN KIN GO UTL O UD.BL O GSPO T.CO M, S C R EEN R A N T.C O M

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LITERARY

T H E

I Walk These Halls

O F F I C I A L

S T U D E N T

P U B L I C A T I O N

by Janin B. Volante

It’s amazing how the entrance to a place familiar as the back of your hand can feel like such hostile ground a war zone where the only ammunition you have is your courage and a mantra in your head “it doesn’t matter if they judge me” you don’t convince yourself so you say it again more firmly this time “it doesn’t matter” you walk on a tide of

anxiety slowly rising with each step these people you’d rather they remain faceless in your mind some of them strangers who just think you’re weird or a recluse or an elitist or just plain terrible

others are friends who put on facades of fake glee you stomach it in as you take a path oft trodden perhaps they’re right a part of you wants to apologize, to whom in particular and how, you do not know, for being any or all of those things among many others unmentioned but you know that is an endless rabbit hole filled with pity and self-blame a fall that even Alice can’t survive a dark dungeon whose only shackled prisoner is you so the balance shifts you assuage fears saying all this oddness in you is not your fault you can’t help it nearer now you’re so much nearer to your destination ignore them ignore them ignore them you say you do not want to lose sleep

or your mind for that matter over the cruelty of people who don’t matter especially those who masquerade as friends the blackest corners of your heart label all of them scum of the earth just to offset the pain the doubt the confusion you chide yourself you are not like them you never fight back never you’ve confronted people before and every time you regret it it fuels the hate once a teenage friend you valued you lost because he taunted you but the tide pushes back even more drowning out reassurances it whispers to you you chose these so called

For When You Can’t

by Marian Justine H. Yorobe

F

rozen flames and broken wings constitute my graveyard of dreams. And like clothes from an old musty closet, I occasionally try to see if I could still ride the wind like I did in the past. But before I even jump off the board, fear strongly grips my toes and turn them cold. So, I stay back and watch everybody else dive in. With each one gone, I calculate and assess the losses and gains.

Will there be for this fall a plus that can trump the minus? Or will this be the end for that one man? You see, I dare not find the answers to these queries because I am coward. I hate knowing I could fail as badly as the next person does. But sometimes you'll find that this hate for failure can be beneficial. For if the will permits, it becomes that insatiable rage that has the ability to melt away the fear and let you succumb to gravity.

Faster and faster you will fall. You will plunge into the possibilities. From the pull of a challenge and the push of encouragement, you'll find yourself gliding through the flight of life.

friends you can claim circumstance decided for you but you never cut ties because you’re too cowardly to be alone so you must suffer and suffer with pride you do when the ruminations are all said and done you reach your destination a room blessedly empty you cherish the solitude and build up more courage to face the fray.

Artworks by Wendell Cilot

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The Unsolicited

by Marian Justine H. Yorobe

Days of the past haunt me And glide through my mind, Oh so naturally.

I sift through what remains And I find some, and then none Not one I could explain.

First, comes the ‘I wish’ Followed by the what-ifs with the couldhaves and would-haves Regret and disappointment served on a dish.

'Til, sprinkled with salt, Light melted my frozen heart And taught me none of it was my fault.

Invisible

by Aprilynmae Sharrae

I woke up in a sudden, I can still feel the booze but I am happy.

I am staring at you and starting to wonder, When will it be me?

When will you choose me?

AHAVA

I was there every step of the way, From your highs to your lows.

I never left, unlike your girls.

I have always been there.

Yet, you never saw me.

When will it be me?

When will you choose me?

by Ronalie A. Atento

Blue, pink, black and white, Different rays of bolding light, Woven and knitted inside their mother, Strengthened and filled with mightiest power.

I have always wondered if you have ever loved my presence?

I waited, waited and waited, Even though I already knew the answer.

The answer will always be NEVER. When will it be me?

When will you choose me?

From dust He formed, little babies were born.

Adam and Eve multiplied like sand in the shore.

He kissed them evenly like precious gems in His hand He took them seriously and paid for them.

Then there came a time, When all of your attention was mine.

“You finally choose me,” I said it in my mind.

But it only lasted for a while, Only until another girl came into your life.

When will it be me?

When will you choose me?

The Cross, the shame no one could stand.

How mighty He is that He do not condemn.

The struck of nail and every pierce in His hand, No one could tell how painful they are.

Our sins and transgressions He paid them full He does not condemn but traded them full Oh sons and daughters of Abraham come back and see what He has done.

He loves you fully, in this I stand.

Sonnet 3

by Jillian J. Estrellado

As fate dictates, the moon rises as the sun sets A person’s beginning becomes someone else’s end A flower withers so another can take its place Fortune frowned on us and Time was never our friend How did we reach such an understanding, of a thousand words passed between a glance?

Is it wrong to hope for a happy ending?

Before it even begun it has to end at once.

Even clouds lurk just behind the sunshine The imperfect shadows this perfect bliss Though unhindered even by the powers divine Only ours for a moment, a brief moment to cherish To find only to lose, the one to promise these words to “My heart is yours (do whatever you will) break it if it would please you.”

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She made you

She filled every missing piece inside of you.

She became your world, Forgotten that you are also someone’s world. so happy, Forgotten to look back, not knowing that someone is left behind.

You made a girl feel so unwanted, When all she ever wanted was your happiness.

When will it be me?

When will you choose me?

You have forgotten the person, Who has always remembered you.

You left the person, Who never left you.

You had hurt the person, Who only wants the best for you.

Unconsciously, you left her broken.

I won’t ask anymore for I already knew the answer.

It will never be me.

You will never choose me.

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SPECIAL REPORTS

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THE DISPUTES

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Basic Education

Is K to 12 worth it?

BY IVY JONNA M. TOLOSA

“Sisakit ngane biyo makapatapos kang aki sa pag-klase tangani na sa ibang tugang man mag-iskwela tapos mapadugang pa ki duwang taon ang gobyerno. Imbes mapadali gari mas lalo ninda pinadipisilan ang pamilyang Pilipino.”

"It is already quite a struggle to send a child to school, working hard for them to finish so their siblings could go to school as well, but then the government still added two more years. It's like they are making things even harder for the Filipino household," groused Alfredo Bigtas, a part-time ice scramble vendor, part-time welder, construction worker, and a hardworking father, when asked about his thoughts on the K-12 program.

Most people, if not all, fear change. However, it is a known fact that change is inevitable.

Even the Philippines is not an exemption to this universal truth. And in line with the many changes in our nation is the shift to an international system of education, the K to 12, which stirred varied opinions, mostly of dissent and doubts, from the public.

Maria Stefanie Lim, a college instructor and a single mother commented, “The idea is new and the intention is good but our culture is different from other nations. I don’t know if it fits.”

Before the implementation of the K to 12 program, ours was the last country in Asia and one of the three remaining countries worldwide to have 10 years of basic education, with Angola and Djibouti as the two others. This led to the dedicated campaigns of the government to shift from the old system to the internationally observed K

to 12 despite the oppositions against the implementation of the curriculum in the Supreme Court. This educational system has been long observed by countries, such as United States, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Egypt, and Iran, along with others.

K-12 consists of kindergarten, six years in primary education, four years in junior high school, and two additional years for senior high school. The

them to get decent entrylevel jobs after graduating from senior high school.

And that is through the integration of the awarding of National Certificate from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).”

Despite the reassuring words of DepEd, many students still cannot help but express their dissent against the program like Marie Christine Remolacio, a grade

“Sisakit ngane biyo makapatapos kang aki sa pag-klase tangani na sa ibang tugang man magiskwela tapos mapadugang pa ki duwang taon ang gobyerno.

Imbes mapadali gari mas lalo ninda pinadipisilan ang pamilyang Pilipino” Department of Education (DepEd) is confident that this change is going to enhance the educational quality of the Filipino youth for tomorrow and is equally confident that they are prepared for the pioneering batch of senior high school this year.

In defense of the common notion of parents who could hardly afford to send their children to college, Trina Duran an employee from DepEd reassuringly stated that, “It is actually our aim to help parents and outof-school youth groups in a manner that will enable

10 student who is somber about the two extended years of being in senior high school instead of heading directly to college, “Hindi po ako infavor dun kasi malapit na sana ako grumaduate kaso mapapatagal pa ng dalawang taon eh.”

On the other hand, there are some students like Cristelle Madela, also in grade 10, who are positive about K to 12. “Okay po sakin ang K to 12 kasi mas marami pa akong matututunan.

Mas madadagdagan pa ang credentials ko at mas maraming opportunities na

maghihintay sakin sa future,” she narrated.

Aside from the parental concerns with regards to food, transportation and other educational expenses, as well as students’ issue about delayed time of graduation, there is also a deep-seated anxiety from among the teachers about new duties and responsibilities expected of them.

Even if DepEd has been conducting seminars and teacher trainings for the new educational system, some educators still have unaddressed gray areas about the necessary adjustments to successfully implement the program.

Moreover, there remains a problem with language: What about Filipino? How about the English language? And we enrich the local dialect?

Isidora Ng, a junior high school teacher who wasn’t able to attend seminars and trainings about K-12 was still given modules to study and then is expected to teach the curriculum.

All that said, change is indeed inconvenient, nonetheless, every old thing was once new and growth entails struggles.

We must embrace the K-12 program, an initiative towards the improvement of our country, so we can all move forward. Albeit its apparent challenges, we must support it for its benefits to the future generations and to our nation in the years to come.

With the government’s efforts and with the support of the majority of our fellow Filipinos, it is assured that K to 12 will be all worth it at the end of the day.

IMAGE CREDITS// RAPPLER.COM, BALIUAGU.EDU.PH, OAPA

VOL. V, ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 2016

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tors will generate, will possibly decline. This means that the possible increase of the employment rate and local revenue will be put at risk. For example, an owner of a business from Davao wants to have a branch in one of the barangays here in Legazpi. After hearing the issue of barangay officials as protectors of illegal drugs, there is a possibility that he will think twice in opening the same business in the area. His trust in the security of the future business will decrease and it is more likely that he might withdraw his plans for that area.

On the other hand, the trust of the Filipinos in the government may increase because of the issue by showing that no one, not even politicians or judges, is above the law. But the problem is that the said trust is also uncertain because those who provided the list did not supply evidences. This will make the situation unfair to the people who are in the list.

Trust will not be built completely because of the doubt brought about by the claims.

This list is little more than idle speculation if there is no proper evidence and due process. All it did is to taint the names of the local leaders and induce doubt to the hearts of their constituents, effectively weakening their influence in the area. The real solution to this issue is to prove that the names in the list are really involved in drugs through court litigation. The judgement process should be fast and accurate. If the list is proven, then the officials must be replaced and in return earn the trust of the people. If the officials are not guilty, then, their names will be cleared and the trust will be rebuilt. We are in the middle of so many issues that will affect us to move forward as a nation. The longer this issue is hanging around, the more problems will arise. This must come to an end. ■

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culture and arts, athletics, and teamwork for them to be called "outstanding” and also they should recognize even the smallest merit someone got if they are promoting role modelling among students.

It's a wondrous feeling for a student to have his efforts and sacrifices be recognized. Some people say that recognitions are just flowers to your résumé but it’s not. Students used this as their inspiration to strive harder and for more. These are their gifts to their parents and loved ones for all their long hours of working just to send them to school. Isn’t it a ‘wow’ feeling? We all need to be recognized, for our existence and achievements to be acknowledged and praised by others.

Now that they’ve raised new standards on applying for awards. Would the students be still applying even they know that need to write articles for the publication, certify your volunteerism to the community involvement and pass everything knowing that they have more important matters to do? On some point, maybe the student services are trying to challenge every student, it’s like applying for a job, you need to pass requirements for RUN NO MORE

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see senseless deaths at the hand of this bloody war on drugs. Photos circulating of how this new brand of justice is being carried out shows us the morbid possibility that not even innocent families nor bystanders are safe when there is a suspected pusher in their community. We see women and children brutalized because they seemed affiliated to the drug trade. Indeed, the Philippines has turned into an ironic modern day Wild West, where justice is in the hands of anyone who holds the bigger gun.

Are we really safer than we were before? When the current state of this country casts a faint shadow

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myth if you will. While it may be true that before Digong became mayor way back in the late 80s the southern city was a cesspool of crime and communist rebel groups has improved since then. The official report released by the Philippine National Police ranks Davao fourth in the country in terms of crime rate, with a total of 37,684 cases from 2010-2015. According to the same report, the said city has the highest murder rate and the second highest number of rape incidents nationwide. It’s a very dishonorable move from his camp to make people overestimate his achievements, pulling the wool over voters’ eyes. If he can run for the highest post in government riding on the coat-tails of a false claim, what makes you think he’ll be honest with the people once he takes on the job?

One the biggest faults critics decry is Duterte’s utter disregard for human rights and due process.

Allegations of his involvement with the Davao Death Squad (DDS) have existed for years. The city police have denied the existence of a group responsible for the extrajudicial killings of people suspected of criminal acts, street children, sometimes people mistaken for someone and the wrongly accused. The mayor himself is more inconsistent in his response. At times he has denied the existence of and any complicity with the vigilante group, while at others he openly claims it.

During a May 24 live broadcast of his weekly television talk show he said, “Am I the death squad?

True. That is true.” He has also told political officers at a meeting in the United States Embassy that he actively supports the extrajudicial killings in Davao, and in another conversation with an Australian representative of the United Nations, “That is the way things are done here.”

The United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and the Philippine Commission on Human Rights conducted separate investigations and have all found evidence that the death squad does exist. A leaked US state document indicates that their government has “solid evidence” that Duterte is behind the extrajudicial killing group. Aside from the DDS, Duterte has vowed in many interviews and press cons that he will kill 100,000 more suspected criminals and dump their bodies in Manila Bay if he becomes president of the country.

I know a there are people, especially among his supporters, who don’t see Duterte’s cavalier attitude towards killing as something negative. In fact some of them think that this is exactly what the Philippines needs and that criminals deserve it.

But the thing is, he is violating the rights of anyone he targets for unlawful execution. The constitution has established rights for the accused to protect them from abuse and to assure that the state is not

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to the infamous Marcos regime? Where the people start fearing the government more than the criminals they are being protected from? Where one man’s voice silences the questions of all the people he has vowed to serve?

Let this so-called war on drugs be a solution for a better society rather than an escalation of passive aggression. Have we yet to learn that condoning violence only leads to more violence? We, as a nation, are better than that, we shouldn’t stand in silence while the alleyways of our history is being painted by the blood of injustice and fear, yet again. I sincerely hope that we won’t let this war on crime and drugs turn into a war on the poor, the marginalized and the unlucky. ■ convicting an innocent man. The way the death squad works is when someone is suspected of a crime or seen as menaces to community (perhaps that is how the street children mentioned earlier are perceived by the DDS) they are killed days later.

Our criminal justice system doesn’t even have the death penalty because our government realizes how capital punishment devalues the respect we place on human life. The logic goes, how can we say that killing is wrong morally when we sanction the killing of others? Besides, our justice system still is not perfect that there are innocent people convicted even through due process so if death penalty were law, basically the state would be executing guiltless individuals. The case with Duterte is even worse: he wants to abandon this due process in favor of just killing anyone he suspects of criminal activity.

These extrajudicial killings, those that have happened in Davao and those Duterte are threatening when he assumes presidency, seem to subtly draw parallels to a very dark time in our country’s history, the Martial Law era. Back then activists and detractors of the Marcos administration were kidnapped, tortured and/or killed extrajudicially.

We shouldn’t forget how we as Filipinos have been wronged so easily just because now the killings are done in the guise of getting rid of criminality.

Those human rights abuses were unjust then and these new exploitations are every bit as unjust now.

Another problem I take issue with about Duterte is his blatant misogyny. He constantly sexualizes women and boasts about his womanizing. He even made a very undignified rape joke about the Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamill who was taken hostage, gang-raped and killed in Davao. He lamented that he should have been the first one to rape her because she was so beautiful. To those who say that this was merely a harmless jape, I implore you to educate yourself on the damage that propagating rape culture does. When society trivializes and normalizes rape in everyday language as something to laugh about, it casts aside the experiences of rape victims and encourages sexual predators by implying that there is nothing wrong with raping people. Blurting out that crude statement during his campaign for the highest position in the country, Digong sets a ruinous example for citizens. In a similar manner, he commits another gaffe disrespecting women when he whistles at and catcalls journalist Mariz Umali during a press conference. This sexualization of women demeans half of the population he claims to serve.

More reflective on his politics is the fact that he has so few women cabinet members and those who are were assigned under the ‘Care Cluster,’ those that have to do with housing, welfare, edRUN NO MORE

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ucation and so on. He even stated in an interview that he would appoint women as cabinet members “if they’re good enough.” This is frankly so insulting. He doesn’t hold the men he appoints to that standard because he thinks they are ‘good’ by default.

Duterte says he is a supporter of women’s rights, touting the pro-women legislation in Davao (one of which by the way he broke with impunity when he catcalled Umali), and of LGBT rights, citing his positive stance on same-sex marriage. However his actions and words contradict this claim. Another example is the time he gave a speech at a mass wedding where he said he could give the brides a gift of something else, a euphemism for sleeping with them, but not the grooms because he’s “not a bayot” (a word for gay sometimes used in a denigratory way), implying that he thinks that’s a bad thing to be. Just because he favors legislation championing women and LGBT, it doesn’t mean that as a person he isn’t sexist or homophobic or just simply discriminatory. When he perpetuates derogatory speech and treatment of these groups and individuals, he is fueling the oppression of these already marginalized people and encouraging others to do so as well.

Despite all my complaints, there is really nothing concrete I can do about Duterte’s victory now. He’s the incumbent president. Like I said in the beginning of this piece people are willing to give him a chance. I suppose I am now resigned to the fact that I too will have to give President Duterte an opportunity to prove himself, but I will do so with a healthy amount of careful scrutiny and vigilance.

I just hope that he changes and will be open to the people’s will and criticism, considering the fact that he has aimed plenty of threats at journalists and Congress alike, part of mechanisms meant to put the executive branch in check. ■

GOING CONCERNS

C O N T I N U E D F RO M PAG E 6

underlying culture of objectification: one which conditions men to view women as things to be possessed rather than as people. Parents can encourage their children to understand and regulate their responses, emotions and reactions. They can teach their children to appreciate feelings of others.

Media portrays a big role in this issue. They should do their job to regulate and inform the citizens about the matter.

As a citizen of this country, we should change the culture in order for the abused women like the survivors we know would never feel the pain and ask themselves- “what have I done wrong?” We should instil in our minds that rapist cause rape not the victim. Let’s stop the shaming and start saving. ■

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you to be or not to be hired. It’s like a stepping stone towards the corporate world. They are giving us these “process” as training ground as we graduate in college we know what to do.

On the othetr hand, some students do not need recognition to feel good. They know that their skills, approaches, and leadership are making a difference. They get on with the job, leaving self-consciousness behind, negating the need for others to confirm how great they are.

As an Aquinian student born of gratitude, committed to excellence, forming minds and hearts, for the service of God, country, and humanity we are molded and educated to be the future leaders of our country. ■

Airways prone to tightening and inflammation pushed Lexie's parents to enroll her in swimming classes.

With lungs sensitive to allergens and sudden change in temperature, she should have been frightened of the pool’s water. But instead, she found herself a haven and eventually fell in love with the water. Daily and religious swimming strengthened her lungs and help her overcome her asthma. Now, she has upped her game is now conquering regional and national events in the sport. At an early age of 12, Krista Alexie M. Gojar, currently a student of Aquinas University Science High School, has already reaped more than a hundred medals for her sheer athletic intelligence and dedication in swimming. For the first and second quarter of this year alone, she earned 31 medals from the 2016 Palarong Pambansa and 7th Speedo G-League Long Course Competition. Securing a myriad of medals from individual and team events in swimming has cemented her stature as one of the most accomplished young athletes of Bicol.

When Lexie began swimming at four, her parents needed to do a lot of cajoling. Lexie’s mother laughingly shared, “It’s because she wanted to do something else and because of the couple of long hours in the pool.”

It was especially challenging because a child of her age would normally tinker with puzzles, dolls and toys. They also reminisced about some of the rewards they gave to Lexie to encourage her to attend her swimming classes. Luckily, it did not take too long for her to participate on her own. They saw in her that she treated swimming beyond being a sport or a hobby; it became her passion.

As they began to see her embrace the water more tightly, her parents and her eight-year mentor, Coach Renato Gueriba decided to send her to swimming competitions.When asked about how her first competition was like, she recounted, “Umiyak ako nun.”

But these tears were not characteristic of loss as she added to her previous statement, “Because I only got silver and bronze medals.”

Every day, for eight years, she was determined to improve her routines especially backstroke.“Yun yung una kong natutunan, backstroke.” Since then, it has become her lucky charm as it produced most of her medals in her events. One of the most remarkable ones is that which she earned from Palaro. She worked her way to best all individual and team events in the Regional Eliminations for the Palarong Pambansa since her debut. This 2016 marks her fourth and last year playing in Palaro, and Lexie

VOL. V, ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 2016

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Swim for myDream

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BY ARCHIE NER & SIDNEY CHRISTIAN MONTAS

became more determined than ever to earn another medal in swimming, and so she did.With a margin of victory of only 0.56 seconds, the young tanker nabbed the gold medal from Kyla Soguilon of Western Visayas in the 100m Backstroke Finals last April 12. The former student of Hope Christian School was the lone gold medalist of Bicol in swimming, as well as one of the only two athletes to bring home the gold for the region. Lexie with her teammates Zyrilyn Monica Anonuevo, Jammie Marie Mayor, and Isis Arnaldo also earned a silver medal in 400-meter Free and a bronze medal in 200-meter Medley for the Elementary Girls level.

Interestingly, she was very modest and half aware of all her achievements.

Lexie paid no mind to the number of medals and all its colors. She said she was only after excelling in the sport that she loved. As Lexie was asked about having interest in other sports, her face lit up, “Wala na, swimming talaga ang gusto ko.” Swimming was her shelter where a family beyond blood ties allowed her to grow as a person and at the same time, still helped her enjoy her youth despite the rigorous trainings.

Pursuing besting in any sport inevitably involves anxiety and nervousness since extreme competitiveness is a regularity. Often do athletes fall victim to this killer combo for it could signal the end to their respective careers, as a worst case scenario. “Kinabahan talaga ako. Syempre kasi last year ko na sa Palaro,” she said as she shared her pre-competition jitters. Nevertheless, she kept in mind the brief words Coach Renato told her before the finals, “Do your best.”

Alexie, as young as she is, still delivered and even used her anxiety and nervousness as the driving force to propel herself in the pool. Lexie understands that there is always pain in

every passion and she embraced it entirely. She directed her eyes at the end of the pool and reminded herself from time to time that it was the culmination of her months training and hard work.

With family and friends roaring their cheers and encouragement during her matches, nothing seemed impossible for her.

Out of the pool, Lexie is no ordinary student athlete. The time and effort she devotes to sports never hinders her academics.

As a matter of fact, she is a brilliant and determined student committed to excellence as she also competed in many academic contests in Math.

She has

also participated in MTAP and ranked 4th, competed in Math quiz in Karangahan, and landed 6th in Padunungan (also a math competition) last December, 2015. Lexie never fails to impress as she graduated valedictorian of class 2016 in Hope Christian School. Truly instilled in this young student athlete are focus, determination and the incredible drive to pursue excellence.

Lexie owes her achievements to the people who have supported her all the way. Guided by her supportive parents, she follows a strict schedule of training

in swimming and studying daily. Her mother always reminds her to strike a balance on both. “Basta mag focus lang sya lagi,” Lexie’s mother emphasized.

What is really remarkable is Lexie’s understanding, maturity and discipline as she trains and studies.

Even now as she has graduated from elementary, she still opts to join regional and national events. “Lalaban pa rin ako, kahit high school na.” Her dream dives deeper as she foresees joining the National team someday.

Also, gleefully saying she would love to represent the Philippines in a swimming event in the near future.

“

...there is always pain in every passion and she embraced it entirely.

IMAGE CREDITS// MAYON SWIM CLUB INC., KRISTA ALEXIE GOJAR'S FACEBOOK ACCOUNT

NEWSLETTER ISSUE |SEPTEMBER 2016

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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

SMASHERS SHINE IN NAT'L TOURNEY

BY ARCHIE NER

Aquinas University still proves to be home to the region's best table tennis players, as it continues to dominate various local and national competitions.

Wins third place behind Ateneo, La Salle

Aquinian smashers finished third overall in the 9th Magayon Festival National Table Tennis Tournament held on April 21-24, 2016 at LCC Malls Event Center, Legazpi City, championing over some of the most accomplished table tennis players of the country.

The contest was an open-category tournament participated in by teams of three from all over the Philippines.

Jerome Taller, Aquinian senior, together with AUL varsity alumni Kenneth Maligat and Jones Batalla, represented Aquinas University of Legazpi in the said tourney.

The 16 teams who joined the competition were divided into four brackets - A to D - during the elimination round. AUL aced bracket A giving them a pass to enter the final round.

In the final round, the Aquinian Aficionados competed against the topnotchers of each bracket. The winners were determined through a series of singles and doubles matches.

Meta- Ateneo and Meta- La Salle won first and second respectively.

Taller, who joined the same tournament last year and finished first runner-up, expressed his joy and sense of accomplishment after this year's tournament.

“Basta, palagi lang magkaisa at hardwork,” said Taller pointing out the importance of trust with one’s teammate.

ˆ AFICIONADO.

Aquinian smasher, Jerome Taller, competes for the second time in the Magayon Festival national table tennis tourney with the AUL team finishing third overall.

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INSIDE... f eature

Albay hosts Palarong Pambansa 2016 Read about the ambitious, 'sports tourism' themed Palaro this year... >> P-8 SEE THIS ISSUE IN F ULL D IG ITA L CO LO R :

f eature

Swim for my dream Krista Alexie Gojar, a loving daughter, a swimmer, an Aqunian, and a winner. >> P-18

FOR MORE ON AQUINIAN SPORTS, VISIT: bit.ly/aquiniansports Visit issuu.com/AquinianHerald