HERALD VOLUME III, ISSUE 2 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 - A P R I L 2 0 1 5
A Q U I N I A N
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF AQUINAS UNIVERSITY OF LEGAZPI Legazpi City, Philippines
VIVA ROKYAW. CBMA cultural street dance performers, with the University's other departments hoist color during the annual Rokyaw, culminating of the U-week celebrations. PHOTO BY KEVIN GEVA
P25M project prompts raise in fees SPECIAL PROJECT FEE, UPS IN MISCELLANEOUS FEES PROPOSED
Psych major is next SSC prexy
By ALDRIN C. BROSAS
THE COST of education in Aquinas University is set to go up in the next academic year. The administration has proposed a 25-million peso infrastructure project, a covered court and multi-purpose hall building, along with an increase in the miscellaneous and other fees. In a series of public consultations held on February 26, 2015, the Office of Administration and Finance (OAF) headed by Vice-President for Finance, Fr. Edwin A. Lao, O.P., discussed the increase in fees they’re proposing namely a 40% increase in the intramurals fee from Php 100 to Php 140, and the introduction of a “special project development fee” of Php 500. The university student publication, Aquinian Herald, also appealed for fee increase from its current Php 30 publication fee to Php 125 per semester, which is collected as part of the “other fees” of the students’ total fees.
NEW CULTURE & SPORTS CENTER. The exterior perspective of the proposed multi-purpose hall building which will be the new venue for PE classes and other student and cultural functions. COURTESY OF OFFICE OF VP FOR FINANCE
DEVCOM
Special project fee A big part of the proposed increase will be due to the special project development fee intended to fund the construction of a multi-purpose hall that is estimated to cost at around Php 25 million. Fr. Lao pointed out that AUL’s current function venue and sports facility - the AUL Dome - is not fully equipped for P.E. classes and other student and cultural functions. The dome, according to him, while a good venue for university-wide gatherings and sporting events, is not fit for the said purposes. Hence, the conception of the project. The proposed fee is that of Php 100 per month which is a total of Php 500 per semester. The said fee will not only be collected from the college students but also from the elementary and high school departments, which means the said building is not exclusive for P25-M PROJECT, PAGE 2
inside
Why your voice matters
Students speak up about 'student apathy' By KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE
COME STUDENT elections season, it has become a candidate’s usual battle cry – to conquer student apathy. It’s that chronic disease of disinterest on school matters and issues among students in Aquinas University. The signs and symptoms have been apparent for some time now. Low election turnout, unopposed student elections, small attendance on school and student events, the almost nonexistent school spirit, and the decline of activity and membership of the university and college-based organizations. Students who cared enough diagnosed it. Apathy. The Aquinian apathy, they called it. Acknowledging that it has
become a problem in the school was only the first step. The second, was to try and do something about it. “We really did our best and doubled our efforts to come up with activities that would encourage the students to get involved,” said Marvin Ray Bermillo, College of Health Sciences Student Council President. “In particular, our council conducted events which were never done before and which are based on students’ suggestions. However, student apathy still won over all our efforts.” WHY YOUR VOICE, PAGE 14
F E AT U R E
F E AT U R E
A Portrait of Pope Francis after his visit to the Philippines PAGE 6
Aquinian Artists: Dancing to the ryhthm of life PAGE 8
INCOMING THIRD year BS Psychology student, Antoniette Charmaine L. Sambajon, the standard bearer of this year’s new political party, Sinag, is taking the Supreme Student Council (SSC) seat from marketing management senior and outgoing SSC president Bob M. Balderama Jr.. Students cast their votes during the 2015 Synchronized SSC and CSC Elections on February 9, 2015, with the unopposed poll's results yielding dispute over the ruling to appoint candidates who lost to 'abstain.' Sambajon, who failed to get the required votes after losing by 28 points to the 522 abstain votes, was appointed by the Rector and President, per the Office of the Student Services’ (OSS) PSYCH MAJOR, PAGE 3
Law stude rules nat’l essay contest By MELISSA R. MESIAS
STRESSING ON the importance of excellence in law education in the face of the globalized economic landscape, Aquinian Law freshman, Aaron Marc M. Dimaano takes the top prize for the 2nd Philippine Association of Law Schools’ (PALS) Essay Writing Contest in December 2014. Dimaano, a Political Science graduate of the university, is at present, taking the dual program Bachelor of Laws and Master's in Legal Studies at the AUL Graduate School. The theme of the contest was LAW STUDE, PAGE 2
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
‘Rokyaw’ celebrates faith BY KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE
A CREATIVE avenue for cultural education, the University’s annual cultural street dance and theater festival, Rokyaw, culminated this year’s University Week (U-Week) celebrations. On February 5, the St. Dominic Grounds was filled with spectators consisting of Aquinians and invited elementary and secondary students from different schools in Legazpi City. The festival was participated in by the different colleges and departments of the University including the AQUI (Aquinas University Integrated Schools) and the nonacademic departments. The first part of the affair was the cultural street presentation of each contingent around the university followed by dance exhibitions at the St. Dominic quad. The second part was for the festival's main event – the presentation of original Bicolano plays centering on the theme "Buhay na Pagtubod, Tibay Paurogon” (the direct Bicol translation of the University Week’s overall theme, “Living Faith, Learning for Excellence”) and highlighting virtues the university uphold. The College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts’ (CEAFA) entry Pagtubod, Liwanag sa Tahaw nin Diklom (Faith, the Light in the Midst of Darkness), featuring a story of determination and faith in the face of disaster, won as the festival’s best play. Other productions that stood out were Mautik o Dai Mautik (To Lie or Not to Lie), Aquinas University Integrated Schools’ (AQUI) production, which won second place; Biyaya kan Pagtubod (Blessing of Faith) by the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA), which claimed the third place with its light take on living in faith ROKYAW, PAGE 3
Student's faculty eval now computerized THE STUDENTS' evaluation of the University’s faculty is now easier than ever. The Human Resource Management Office (HRMO) recently upgraded the way, students evaluate their professors to a computerized system from the manual and time-consuming process of going from room to room to serve students with evaluation forms. Geared towards modernization, reduction of costs, and overall improvement of the way the University measure the quality of instruction, the computerized Student Evaluations for Teachers (SET) was introduced to Aquinians on February 20-24, 2015 at the MITC Laboratories. The SET is 20% of a professor's total evaluation score per semester, with the rest from the college dean, the program chair, and a self-evaluation. “It’s a lot easier now compared to the old way where classes are usually interrupted to evaluate. Some of us don’t really get to evaluate all our professors because only a selected sample of students are handed the evaluation forms,” commented Jinky Borlagdan, a student from the College of Business Management and Accountancy. The software used in the automated evaluations was developed as a master's thesis of CEAFA faculty, Prof. Fe Aguila, and an outsourced programmer, Millicent Villaroya. ■ BY JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO
AQ deb soc launches Savonarola Cup BY GELLI MAE V. GAMUL
LIVING FAITH. A street dance performer and student from the College of Health Sciences holding an image of the child Jesus or the Sto. Niño, during the annual Rokyaw Festival. eb
PHOTO BY PAU L M E N D I Z AB AL
‘The Feast’ leads annual Lenten recollection THE FEAST ministry speakers led Aquinas Legazpi’s (AUL’s) Lenten three successive days on 2015 at the AUL Dome.
musicians and University of Recollection for February 26-28,
This year’s recollection strayed from the conventional format of formal talks, instead featuring songs, preaching, dances, and games. Rockword Band, headed by preacher, writer, and musician Bro. Alvin Barcelona encouraged students to get to know Jesus and live their lives with Him. He also made sure that students were able to relate to his
P25-M project... FROM PAGE 1
tertiary students. OAF’s estimation projects the paying student population to an average of 4,000, already factoring in on the calculations the implementation of K to 12 in 2016 and the opening of the general curriculum program for the high school in the next academic year. Essentially, 4,000 Aquinian elementary, high school, and college students will pay for the infrastructure project on an installment basis for the next seven years. Meanwhile, the administration is looking to start the construction immediately in the middle of this year. “We would like this covered court to be operational by the first year of the implementation of K to 12 which would be on AY 2016-2017,” Fr. Lao said.
message, emphasizing that, “Jesus is fun.” The Office of Religious Affairs (ORA) conducted the event, so that undergraduate students were required to attend the recollection on February 26, the graduating students on February 27, and the employees on February 28. Bro. Alvin and his companions are part of the Feast, a ministry founded by bestselling author and preacher Bo Sanchez who has become a prominent Catholic media figure through his books and weekly worship gathering of the same name at the PICC. ■ BY JANIN B. VOLANTE Fr. Lao also clarified that while the collection of funds would take years, the construction will just take months.
The covered court The multi-purpose building, if approved, will be erected where the tennis court and the two basketball courts now stand, just adjacent to the AUL Dome and the Fra. Angelico or the College of Engineering, Architecture and Fine Arts (CEAFA) Building. It was reportedly modeled from that of Ateneo de Manila University’s covered court. It will have a floor area of 1,188.50 square meters (the size of our present tennis court and the small basketball court). According to Fr. Lao, it would have been extended all the way through the other basketball court but it would destroy the aesthetic view of the Thomas Aquinas chapel.
THE ANNUALLY held Don Buenaventura Regional Debate Cup in Aquinas University is now the Savonarola Debate Cup: Bicol Asians Debate Festival. The debate cup was named after Girolamo Savonarola, a valiant Dominican friar who lived during the Renaissance. The rename was in line with "institutionalizing" the U-Week events (that is, naming events after Dominican figures). The debate festival was held on January 31-February 2, 2015. Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) ripped it to the top with both of their teams finishing and facing off in the final rounds. The winning team was comprised by Michael David Tionloc, Kristine Diane Guevara and Antony Dihiansan as the opposition for the motion "all-out war is the best solution to attain peace." Aquinas University Debate Society (AQDS) participants, Don Kevin Hapal, Janin Volante and Jonalyn Bazar made it to the semi-finals. Other participating schools were Bicol University (BU), Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy (BUCSSP), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) and University of Nueva Caceres (UNC). The Savonarola Cup also opened the competition to high school debaters. A project of the AQDS in partnership with the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE), AQ Politika and Pilosopo AQ, the cup's motif was "Go Greek!" in line with the World Debate Competition that will be held in Athens, Greece this year. ■
Law stude... FROM PAGE 1
anchored on how globalization is reshaping the contours of the legal landscape, with the objective of giving law students an opportunity to discuss on how they, together with their own law schools, can respond to challenges of globalization. Dimaano's essay entitled “A Flattening World of Law and its Challenges to 21st Century Law Education" stood out over the more than 50 entries including the works of second placer, Vincent Joseph Cesista of the Univesity of San Carlos, and third placer, Jesslie A. Sunga of the University of Santos Tomas. ■ The cost of the construction will amount to exactly Php 23,770,000 at Php 20,000 per square meter. The VP for Finance pointed out that the cost per square meter is higher than the average Php 13,000-15,000 rate (as with the case of the construction of the Student Pavilion). Construction will be costlier because the site is swampy that instead of the normal method of excavation to lay down the building’s foundation, they will make use of the “piling” method which will involve heavy machinery and pricy materials. The rest of the Php 25-million budget will be allocated for the furnishing of the building with a state of the art sound system, movable stage and the like.
Miscellaneous and other fees OAF explained that the increase of the intramurals fee will aid the Welfare for P25-M PROJECT, PAGE 3
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
P25-M project... FROM PAGE 2
Sports and Fitness Center (WSFC), that usually shoulder expenses during the intramurals. “What happens during intramurals is that the actual funds allocated for the said event always come up short, so a portion of the athletics fund are used to cover that. It shouldn’t be the case because those funds should be allotted to support our sports programs,” explained Michelle Oñate, Head Controller of the Finance office. The athletics fund supports the school’s sports program including the training and equipment for the athletes who compete annually in regional and national collegiate sports meets, as well as the operation and maintenance of the AUL Dome. Meanwhile, the recently revived student paper, Aquinian Herald, pushed for an increase in the pub fee, from Php 30 to Php 125. “Three years since its revival, the publication has burned through most of the accumulated funds from years back and the Php 30 publication fee per semester won’t be enough to keep us in the black in the near future,” Associate Editor, Aldrin Brosas told the students during the consultation. Students expressed concern about the more than 300-percent increase. It was then further explained that the pub fee is economically outdated and an increase is absolutely needed. Fr. Lao backed this up reminding students that there hasn’t been an increase in the pub fee for almost nine years with the publication inactive for five years of it. “The publication’s bread and butter is the publication fee. They don’t just need to do this, they’re constrained to do this,” Fr. Lao commented.
Student reception The proposed increase in school fees were met by favorable reception from the students,
Rokyaw... FROM PAGE 2
and prayer. Meanwhile, College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE), College of Health Sciences (CHS), the Non-Academic Personnel, and the Center for Community Involvement together with a partner community, also presented stories of optimism, education and learning, love and devotion respectively. Rokyaw, which used to have a wider audience on the actual streets of Legazpi City, is now on its fourteenth year. “Rokyaw aims to educate both performers and audiences in Legazpi about Bicol culture and the varied creative expressions of the Bicolanos,” said Maria Veronique Berdin, Chairperson of Rokyaw Committee 2015. “It is a venue for speaking stories previously unheard by voices usually muted or constrained in our society.”
U-Week 2015 The U-Week officially opened with a mass in honor of St. Thomas
except for some concerns against the infrastructure project. Don Kevin O. Hapal, former student leader and founder of the political party Sinag, asked during the consultation if an infrastructure project is what the university needs right now. “Two years ago, a tuition fee increase was imposed mainly to improve instruction and the salary standardization of teachers. I feel that we are still having problems in that respect, so if we’re to proceed with this project, I’m asking if we already solved the issue on the quality of instruction.” Allan Navales, the incumbent Supreme Student Council (SSC) vice-president, on the other hand,views the project positively as it would be beneficial to the AUL community. “Hangga't ang hangarin ng anumang gawain o proyekto ay ang ikauunlad at ikabubuti ng komunidad ng mga Aquinians, ako ay sang-ayon rito,” said Navales. He then called upon the administration to make good on the promise that this building will be operational as soon as possible. More Aquinians weighed in on the issue of the covered court. “The project seems like a good idea but I’m just uncomfortable with the students paying for every dime of the project’s budget. Sana naman may part din yung school,” said Seralyn Sarza, a BS Accountancy student. Harold Ternio, a BS Electronics Engineering senior said, “They should just buy more books and instructional materials to improve our performance in the board exams instead of this.” Incoming SSC Vice-president, Jonalyn B. Bazar, on the other hand, criticized how the consultation was conducted. "I'm calling for the admin to conduct another student consultation where a good majority of the students can actually attend, not just the student leaders." ■ Aquinas during the Opening Salvo on January 29, and a religious talk, Hururon Aquinas. Other events include St. John Macias Trade Fair, the Savonarola Regional Debate Cup, Fra. Angelico Art Exhibit, and the St. John Macias, Fra. Angelico, St. Raymond de Peñafort and St. Martin Lectures. Fr. Roberto Reyes, O.P., University Week 2015 overall chair, said that the main objective of U-Week was to allow students to have learning outside the class through lectures by esteemed speakers regarding relevant topics. According to him, it’s also a good avenue for Aquinians to interact and learn from others. He also noted that one major change this year was the institutionalization of the events by changing the names after Dominican saints and friars. Majority of U-week’s events were lectures, which is in line with the “academic excellence” thrust of the university. “University Week instills an academic yet festive spirit in the students and the entire university”, Fr. Reyes remarked. ■
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Psych major is next SSC prexy recommendation. Her appointment stirred some criticism from some students who thought that the voice of the student was apparent when the abstain votes won out. Ralph Orense, the editor of Aquinian Herald, wrote in a letter asking the OSS to reconsider: "... we believe that the voice of the students should be upheld." However, OSS argued that their recommendation to appoint Sambajon is well within reason and does not necessarily disregard the majority vote of the students. “To vote ‘abstain’ does not mean to vote ‘no’ for Ms. Sambajon. It actually means to refuse to vote for or against someone,” said Student Services Director Jesus A. Barizo. Meanwhile, Sambajon addressed the students’ qualms regarding her appointment. “To those who criticize my appointment, I would like to tell them that they have no reason to worry. I am here to serve the
student body and it goes without question that your goals are my goals. I am not in the position to argue about the legitimacy of my appointment but I would like to refer those who have questions to the Commission on Elections.” Ralph Erik Bermas, the COMELEC chair, said that the electoral code specifies that in case the need to appoint arises, recommendations are to be made by the OSS with the approval of the VP for Academic Affairs and the Rector and President. Other officers elected were: Jonalyn Bazar (2 AB PolSci), vicepresident; Linda Fei Castro (3 BSTM), secretary; Georgia Aileen Obligado (3 BS Chem), treasurer; Roja Gonzalgo (3 BSTM), auditor; and Jose Paolo Bodino (3 BSIE), P.R.O. Newly elected college council presidents are freshman Philosophy major, Angelica Paula P. Vargas for the College of Arts, Sciences and Education and Charlene de
la Vega (2 BSCS) for the College of Engineering Architecture, and Fine Arts. The other two colleges who didn't have a slate this year now have their appointed officers. Faith Marquez (3 BSN) is College of Health Sciences' next council president, and Lovely M. Quintos (3 BSTM) for the College of Business Management and Accountancy. On the point of the elections having only one political slate, Bermas remarked that it was a surprise that the elections went unopposed because they were expecting at least three parties with LLR-Reporma, CLAWS and the newly-formed Sinag Party. The election turnout this year dropped considerably with a total turnout of 1,133 (68% of the student population) from last year's historic 1,854 (75%). ■ BY ALDRIN C. BROSAS / With reports FROM JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO
FACE-OFF. Ralph Erik Bermas (right), the Comelec chair, addresses a question on behalf of a student, to Sinag Party standard bearer, Antoniette Charmaine Sambajon (left) during the Harampangan 2015 student forum.Feb
PHOTO BY PAU L M E N D I Z AB AL
‘AH’ one of Bicol’s best campus papers BY ARIANE GISELLE SANTOS
IN ITS third year as the University’s student publication, Aquinian Herald (AH) maintains a spot in Bicol’s top five tertiary campus papers after finishing as the Fourth Campus Paper of the Year (Tabloid) during the 15th Regional Tertiary Schools Press Conference (RTSPC) held on January 7- 10, 2015 at University of Saint Anthony (USANT), Iriga City, Camarines Sur. The publication’s sole entry in the group categories, the Aquinian Herald tabloid also took seven out of eight other major awards for tabloid: Second Best Sports Page, Second Best Column/Opinion Page, Second Best Literary Page, Third Best DevCom Page, Third Best Page Design, Fourth Best Feature Page, and Fifth Best Editorial Page. In the individual contests, Editor in Chief, Ralph B. Orense finished as third overall highest pointer after taking home first place in Sports Writing (English),
second place in Feature Writing (English) and fifth place in News Writing (Filipino). Orense was also elected as president of the regional student press organization, Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ). Meanwhile, Don Kevin Hapal, Social Media Editor, won second place in Editorial Writing (English) and fifth in Layouting; and Jillian Estrellado, Associate Editor, won first place in Poetry Writing (English). This qualified Aquinian Herald to the national presscon in Tugegarao City on February 5-7, 2015. In the publication’s second year of entry in the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference (LHEPC), two of the AH delegation won in the individual contests. Orense placed third in Sports Writing (English) and Hapal won sixth place in Editorial Writing (English). The student paper was also awarded seventh Best News Page and tenth Best DevCom Page for
the tabloid category.
More regional recognition This year also marks the publication’s initial entry in Rayterista, The Bicol Universitarian’s annual press convention. Held on November 20 to 23, 2014 at Sto. Domingo, Albay, the 7th Rayterista Regional Press Convention gathers various tertiary student publications for journalism workshops and individual contests. Faye Andrea Terwel, staff writer, won overall fifth highest individual pointer, first in Sports Writing (Filipino), and third in News Writing (English) while Karen Daniele Besmonte, Literary Editor, took third place in Editorial Writing (English) and in Development Communication Writing (English). Another staff writer, Patrick Joseph Secillano, placed fourth in News Writing (English) and Archie Ner, Sports Editor, claimed the third spot in Sports Writing (English).■
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
Editorial
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
Patching up
LAST YEAR, we seemed to be finally on the verge of combating apathy to student politics, with a historic 75-percent student poll turnout. A big step up from what the records show about the last five years or so yielding voter turnouts that barely average a quarter of the student population. Likewise, it was last year when we were finally past the time when positions are there for the taking by unchallenged candidates because only so few would run for office. All positions last year were duly filled by at least two candidates from the two competing parties. However, this year’s student elections took yet another disappointing twists and turns. First, only one slate was able to file candidacy - the newly-formed Sinag Party. Instead of Sinag playing the underdog challenger to the usual bipartisan race between CLAWS and Reporma, the new party somehow ended up the only players. According to old members of the Coalition of Leaders Advocating for the Welfare of the Students (CLAWS), they had no lineup this year because they decided to disband to break the party’s growing “elitism” and create a new party [i.e. Sinag] that is “more diverse and issue-oriented.” Some members of CLAWS ended up in Sinag. The League of Liberal Reformists (LLR-Reproma) after already forming slates around the time of the filing, didn’t push through for reasons still unclear. Comelec said that this was a surprise as they initially expected at least three slates this year. Secondly, the unopposed polls yielded only two out of the four college councils with elected officers, as CHS and CBMA were unable to form a slate. Also, the daunting tasks of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) next school year will fall on the hands of only six people. Aside from the vacancies in the CBMA and CHS, not everyone from Sinag was able to get the required votes to win. The candidate running for the top post, Antoniette Charmaine Sambajon lost to ‘abstain’ by 22 points, and CASE-SC candidates for business managers both came up short by two points. These vacancies were filled by appointments made by the Rector and the respective deans of the colleges. The ruling to appoint Sambajon, in particular, drew criticisms from various student groups and organizations. The Office of Student Services (OSS) recommended Sambajon’s appointment to the Rector and President despite some students’ clamor to reconsider insisting that democracy and the voice of the majority be upheld. An appeal for reconsideration from this publication, and other incumbent members of the Supreme Student Council was brought to the OSS and the Rector’s attention. In response, OSS clarified the repercussions of voting abstain. In an election, when someone chooses to vote ‘abstain,’ this doesn’t automatically mean that they are against the candidate. Voting for abstain generally means declining to vote for or against a candidate. It can be that they don’t know the person running for the post, or for other reasons, just don’t want to vote. This means that the students who voted abstain essentially handed over OSS the power to recommend EDITORIAL, PAGE 5
HERALD A Q U I N I A N
Why Aquinian Herald needs a raise The Aquinian Herald is increasing its current Php 30 publication fee to Php 125. Now before everybody start screaming of outrage or proceed to hurling rotten fruit at us, or worse, decide to not care at all, please hear me out. First, a bit of history. The Aquinian Herald you know now was born out of the ashes of the university student publication AQ Phoenix, which was absent in the university life for quite some time. Four years to be exact (2007-2011). However, in that span of years when students didn't hear from the publication, fees were still being collected along with the tuition fees resulting to the publication fund accumulating quite a sum. In 2011, one student by the name of Roger A. Abitria IV felt it outrageous that the students aren’t getting
RALPH B. ORENSE Editor in Chief ALDRIN C. BROSAS Associate Editor JILLIAN J. ESTRELLADO Associate Editor RONA MARICAR C. MIÑA Managing Editor JANIN B. VOLANTE News Editor JESUS L. DAWAL JR. Features Editor KARL B. BRIGUERA Graphics Editor ARCHIE NER Sports Editor KAREN DANIELE BESMONTE Literary Editor DON KEVIN O. HAPAL Social Media Editor MELISSA R. MESIAS Circulations & Logistics Manager MA. JOAN B. SAULER Circulations Manager Staff Writers Ivy O. Tolosa, Patrick Joseph N. Secillano, Claire B. Gallanosa, Faye Andrea M. Terwel, John Paul B. Garrido, Ariane Giselle C. Santos, Angelica Paula P. Vargas, Kristine Marie B. Arienda, Gelli Mae V. Gamul, Denmarc Joshua Betonio, Liera O. Sarza Photography Kevin Geva, Paul Mendizabal, Clarkson L. Antiquiera Art Jason Patrick O. Alcazar, Wendell T. Cilot, John Xyrus F. Araneta Editorial Cartoon Karl B. Briguera Layout/Design Aldrin C. Brosas, Jillian J. Estrellado, Kevin Hapal JOHN RICHARD B. MORENO Publications Adviser The university publication office is located at the AUL Dome. Any comments, letters, and contributions can be directly addressed to our office, or sent through e-mail at aquinianherald@gmail.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aquinianherald Visit our website at www.aquinianherald.wix.com/home
Furious Curiosity
stand firmly as we do our job, and as we do right by you, our publishers. Our presence as the watchdog in the University remained steadfast despite the resistance we’ve faced on our early years in service. No matter how many times we got calls about how we had portrayed them or their office or the entire university in bad light. No matter how many times the word ‘libel’ was thrown our way that was either meant to scare us into silence or maybe just because they can. Or no matter how sometimes we felt people (some of them colleagues and friends) were holding some sort of grudge against us for not sparing them the wrath of our criticism. We weren’t out to criticize or point out the bad and ugly FURIOUS CURIOSITY, PAGE 14
For the greater good
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF AQUINAS UNIVERSITY OF LEGAZPI
MEMBER OF THE COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES (CEGP) and the BICOL ASSOCIATION OF STUDENT CAMPUS JOURNALISTS (BASCAJ)
anything from the pub fee they’re paying every year. T h r o u g h By Aldrin C. Brosas the aid of these funds, the student publication started “To be true, Aquinian anew in 2012. We Herald has put Aquinas were able to furnish University on the map a well-equipped in terms of outstanding publication office, train a new blood of campus journalism.” campus journalists and send them in providing the service the to regional and national students deserve – to be your journalism workshops, voice, to be your sounding and over the last thirty-six board on issues relevant to months, produce sterling our life as students, and to outputs any Aquinian can be be nothing other than fair proud of despite its infancy about anything we say or as a campus paper. write. Granted, the paper Aquinian Herald, you wasn’t without its faults and might say, is still barely out shortcomings. We do not of the baby walker. We are claim to be perfect or always still learning to walk. We right. But like a child just are still trying to get the learning to walk, we weren’t hang of this. However, that about to let a few stumbles didn't mean we'll let that stop us from being able to hinder us in giving our all
Last February 26, a consultation was held with the heads of various departments and student leaders regarding a series of increase in fees proposed by the Office of Administration and Finance (OAF) and the Aquinian Herald. The admin has proposed an increase in the intramurals fee from Php 100 to 140 per semester and the introduction of a “special project fee” worth a whopping Php 500 per semester. In the same consultation, the publication was also able to present its increase proposal of Php 125 from its current Php 30 per semester. First off, the publication fee. This is explained in its entirety in another article so I shall be brief. The main reason for this increase is merely to keep up with the times. The publication fee hasn’t increased in well over nine years and at this time,
it has become a necessity. We need to compensate with the advancing By Jillian J. Estrellado inflation rate as the prices of supplies and printing costs “In this shifting economic go up each year. and educational Secondly, the intramurals fee. landscape, priorities I think this one must be set on what’s would be greatly going to help more appreciated by in assuring we’ll be those who actively participate in competent in our chosen the intramurals. fields and professions.” This increase means more budget definitely not the least, the for the athlete’s uniforms, introduction of the "special equipment and other project development fee" for expenses during this activity. the multi-purpose covered The admin felt it necessary court building project. It due to the shortage of funds will start construction no the players and coordinators later than this year, and is always experience the past expected to be completed years. The fee will be split before we open for the senior into the first and second high school in 2016. It will semesters to make it easier cost about Php 25 Million. on our pockets. Now, Php 25 million isn’t And last but most just short change, not even
Mind-OverMatter
for an institution like ours. So with the special project fee, everybody (not just the tertiary department but also the high school and elementary) has to chip in 500-pesos per semester, for the next seven years. In total, we are faced with a 635-peso increase next semester. It was amusing to watch the reaction on my friends’ faces when I tell them this, usually ranging from exaggerated outrage to surprised indignation. Aside from a few colorful remarks on the ever increasing prices on practically everything on earth, many are resigned to the idea. One could do a lot with 500 pesos these days, a week’s allowance even. It is commendable, how the University has been greatly visionary these past few years in terms of improving our physical facilities, like the fully MIND-OVER-MATTER, PAGE 14
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
The blame game In recent news, we learn of the unfortunate developments surrounding the fateful police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Under the dangerous operation codenamed “Oplan Exodus,” 44 out of the entire contingent of the Philippine National Police - Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) were killed during an 11-hour long shootout between the SAF, MILF, and a splinter force of the BIFF. The mission was to serve arrest warrants to the high-ranking terrorists, Zulkifli bin Hir (alias Marwan) and Abdul Basit Usman. The “misencounter,” as it had been dubbed, stirred a big controversy as to the mission’s details, planning and execution. It was hard to take a broad view on the entire issue what with it still under investigation and considering that some new facts may still come to light. As the country mourns for the 44 sons lost in a mission seemingly shrouded by mystery and treachery, it was only a matter of time before the public diverted their understandable grief to anger and outrage and to expressing their deep desire for truth and justice, in any way they can. Time and again, we see how Filipinos react to national issues and controversies. Some may say we Filipinos tend to put the hyper in hyperboles, with reactions ranging from angry demonstrations along busy streets or people vandalizing public property. And there are those who have taken to ranting in multiple social media platforms to express sympathy and outrage. But there’s reasonable outrage
Vantage Point
By Karl B. Briguera
“I think that the precious freedom our forefathers fought so hard for is not fully understood and appreciated today.” and there’s ridiculous nonsense. Suddenly, ranting just meant lashing out through hateful words without any thought if it only adds to the confusion and misinformation. With comments vastly ranging from bashing people, to empty threats, or sheer nonsense that was maybe trying to be amusing, it is really hard to grasp what people actually stand for nowadays. One thing’s for sure, this era of the social media caused such a massive shift in how public opinion is shaped and voiced. Freedom of expression took on a whole new level where people can say whatever it is they wanted to say, paying no mind to the fact that it might have consequences. But within social media’s clutter of opinion, there seem to be one dominant sentiment: “Who is to blame?” Was it the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the said insurgents who shelter these terrorists to tirelessly continue sowing anarchy and terrorism in the Philippines? Was it the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the said future administrative body of their region? Was it President
Aquino and his administration for their “incompetence and insensitivity?” Or is it the flawed mechanics of the "peace process" that is ongoing in Mindanao that escalated into such violence and armed conflict? These are just some of the accusations flying left and right as to who was to blame for the death of more than 70 people from all sides, with hundreds of civilians displaced from their homes due to the violence. And as the public interest swarms towards seeking justice, apologies and sympathies may never be enough. It’s saddening for me that in a time of national crisis like this, people tend to stay divided and resort to finger-pointing and playing the blame game, than uniting as a nation in working for a common goal – be it for peace, justice or prosperity. We can see how hypocritical the nation has become. Politicians blaming each other for the system they uphold, the young blaming the elderly for the backwards world we live in, the old admonishing the young for meddling with what should be the “adult’s affairs,” and people who were sworn to keep the peace now telling us that violence is a necessary risk. I think that the precious freedom our forefathers fought for is not fully understood and appreciated today. When at times like this, scapegoating becomes the household solution, it would be really hard to seek justice when we focus our energies on looking for someone to blame, when really, there is no one to blame. ■
A Christian’s open letter to the Moros Dear Moro brother/sister: Assalamu 'Alaikum! You must be tired. I can only imagine how long your journey for self-determination have been. I can feel your disappointment when suddenly, just when your dream is finally in the grasp of your hands, you find yourself having to defend your beliefs, aspirations and very existence from the scrutiny of the society you thought have finally opened its mind to accept you. Do not worry for you do not have to explain your Filipinoness to me. Rest assured, I know your battles and that I am not only one who does. You are a Filipino, and I’d gladly call you my brother/sister anytime. Forgive our brothers and sisters from the North who cries foul against your ethnicity - they are driven by anger and ignorance. They do not know your history - your centurieslong struggle against oppression, poverty, and discrimination. They do not understand your battles and why you have to fight them. It's so easy for them to call for an all out war when they have not seen the terrors of war - or when it's not their lives at stake. One day, I pray to God, they’ll realize that their cries for ‘one nation’ is only possible when they finally accept your story, the story of the Moros, as the story of the Filipino people as well. One day, they will realize that diversity is strength and has always been what has made our country as unique
Law so bad, and a lot of other Filipino do as well. Dear friend, I ask you one thing - be strong and continue dreaming. By Don Kevin O. Hapal Let not the foul cries from the North discourage you from chasing your dream when it’s already right in “...our religions may front you. You’ve fought for so long, set us apart, but deep now’s not the time to back out. I within my heart I know, know you’ve been doing this us for that at the core of every years, but I ask you to cry harder and a little longer. Cry harder until religion is love.” the world finally understand you and your dreams. Cry even harder and beautiful as it is now. than the cries of the misinformed I know how kind and peaceand propagandists. Keep threading loving a vast majority of your people through the path of peace. are. And so I feel your pain when I assure you that I share the same you have to constantly defend your dream with you. One day when the character from those who judge you war is over, I can finally visit you in based from their biases on what your homeland and see for myself you believe in. One’s religion does the beauty of the south that many not define one's character. We have people have fought to claim. I’d love our own evils too. Christians are to get to know you and your people just as much capable of committing even better. crimes. I understand that not all of In my dream, I see a day when you are part of the armed conflicts you can walk peacefully in the - not all Moros are members of street with people staring at you revolutionary groups. not because of fear and hate but Thank you, brother/sister, for because they want to get to know grieving for our fallen 44 soldiers. you as well. I’ll boast to all my But please let me grieve for the friends that I have a Muslim friend 120,000 Moro casualties of war in and you can tell your people that Mindanao as well. I know you’ve you have a Christian friend by your lost a lot during your struggle side as well. Wouldn’t you just love family, friends, home, and freedom. that? Nobody deserves to have to wake Dear friend please remember: up to the sound of gunfires. Nobody our religions may set us apart, but deserves to live in fear of dying or deep within my heart I know that losing a love one. Nobody deserves at the core of every religion is love. to die for wanting his/her people to And love is what keep us as one live better lives. I understand why nation, with the BBL or not. ■ you want the Basic Bangsamoro
Tongue Twisted
A dose of veritaserum To err at some point is inevitable. However, there is no excuse for not correcting a mistake or clarifying something while there is still a chance. That is why some of the points should be rectified and amended in the last opinion article written in this same column. It talked about a professor wishing to go by the pseudonym Risvan who felt like he was being unjustly treated because of his religion. He was told he cannot teach here anymore because he is non-Catholic. He appealed to the Rector and the Bishop about the matter in two letters respectively. In the article, I said I thought it was not right how he was dealt with. But there are two things that were brought to my attention after the article came out that show he was most likely not treated unfairly after all. First, is the existing university statute or policy stating that as a Catholic institution, the University accepts for membership in its academic staff only those who adhere to or respect the doctrines of the Catholic faith in their teaching or research activities. This means that Aquinas University has every right to screen the applicants according to its principles. It is not discriminatory because the actions taken by the university in this matter were rooted in the laws that govern the institution. If they saw that Mr. Risvan’s different religion did not coincide with their hiring policy then they were obliged to inform him of it and to tell him that it meant withdrawal of employment from the University. It was explained to me that our university as a Dominican educational institution is primarily engaged in evangelization. The academic staff has a role in this evangelization, embodying examples of the Catholic faith. The obligation of imparting Christian values is not only left to religious education professors. This is why it is a requirement for all employees to be of Roman Catholic affiliation. The reasons for the actions were valid and no injustice has been done. As a private Catholic institution with an article in the University Statutes about employing individuals
Editorial...
FROM PAGE 4
somebody else for the post. But in this case, OSS chose the only candidate who dared to run than appointing someone who didn’t. The courage and willingness to serve by these students, especially Sambajon, after all, should not go unnoticed. At this point, all we can really do is rally support, a vote of confidence if you will, not just to the appointees but to the entire council. Sambajon, like her entire slate, ran for the student council without any opponent. Despite what’s considerably a comfortable situation, they did make the effort to try and win the students’ votes. In some ways, Sambajon is better
Run No More
By Janin B. Volante
“...this whole string of events shows that honesty on both sides goes and should go a long way.” in accordance with its religious orientation, with clear-cut goals necessitating it, the University is allowed to have preferences in its employees without stepping on any basic rights. Despite this, Mr. Risvan still contests that the said policy has only been recently made and an advisory was disseminated to all departments declaring the rule effective as of November 17, 2014, months after he wrote the letters and after the conversation with his superior. However, the administration insists that Article 24 in the statutes has long been existing. Secondly, in his letter, Mr. Risvan claimed that he was never asked about his religion during the hiring process. Nonetheless, it has been made clear that in the personal data form that he submitted when applying for the post it is written that he was a Roman Catholic despite the fact that he was already converted to Islam. When asked about this, Mr. Risvan said that he wrote he was Roman Catholic so that there wouldn’t be any inconsistencies in the papers he submitted, especially his birth certificate. Misunderstandings on the part of the administration about his religion and how it adhered to the hiring policies could be attributed to this. We cannot fault the University in thinking for a long time that he was Catholic when hiring him and then implementing their policy when they found out he wasn’t. It has been shown that Mr. Risvan was not treated as unjustly as he had imagined. The University just exercised its rights in managing its staff. Whatever the case may be, whether the policy had long been in effect or only effective as of November, this whole string of events shows that honesty on both sides goes and should go a long way. ■
than someone who did not have the guts or the willingness to run at all. Two problems were clear after this and we can’t keep ignoring them anymore. One, voter education could use more work. Second, why should the appointments be made by the admin? The confusion about voting ‘abstain’ as opposed to voting ‘no’ to a candidate is an obvious sign that we need to be more educated. Information campaigns should be intensified. This publication can and promise to help in that front. Questioning the legitimacy of the appointment, at this time, might be hollow, because the process was well within the terms of the electoral code. According to EDITORIAL, PAGE 13
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
A PORTRAIT OF POPE FR BY JESUS A. DAWAL, JR.
"Only by becoming poor ourselves, by stripping away our complacency, will we be able to identify with the least of our brothers and sisters."
WE KNOW him as the Vicar of Jesus Christ, Successor of the Prince of the Apostles, Pontiff of the Universal Church, Primate of Italy, Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Roman Province, Sovereign of the State of Vatican City, Servant of the Servants of God, and now, as Lolo Kiko. Truly, we Filipinos have grown fond of Pope Francis. His visit made an immaculate etch within our hearts and memories. Who he is from the smallest to the bigger things we learned about, thanks to the extensive coverage of the media. We saw his seemingly boundless energy, or his affecting smile, or even learned about his apparent fondness for sweets. But on what he said and did here in the Philippines, what did it show about him? Setting aside the sensational portrait the mainstream media has painted during his visit, let's talk about the legacy he left in the course of his short stay in the country. The People's Pope. While it is true that as his designations suggest, he occupies a very exalted position. But
in his visit to the Philippines, he proved that it doesn’t make him feel any superior than the poor and the broken. One prime example of this is how he sympathized with the Yolanda survivors in Leyte. Most of us saw that moment on TV. He was delivering a very honest and humble homily at Tacloban Airport amid the pouring rain and the occasional gust of wind of the looming tropical storm. All he had was an ordinary raincoat which wasn’t any different from the ones the Yolanda survivors were wearing, and we’re not talking about any member of the clergy but the Roman Pontiff himself. He delivered a short message yet its sincerity pierced through the heart of every broken person there. “So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to say to you, but the Lord does know what to say to you,” admitted Pope Francis. “Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silent and walk with you all with my silent heart.” One day before the pontiff’s visit to Tacloban City, he delivered a speech at Malacañang in which he expressed his confidence that “the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the different
religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal. In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.” Is this a premonition of what would happen in Maguindanao, just a few days after his speech at Malacañang? Would what he said still matter, in light of the demise of our 44 SAF commandos? And one of the messages he spoke of that ricocheted off the walls and the pillars of the whole Philippine archipelago, from the foundations of the Supreme Court to the slums in virtually every region of our country was of the undying issue of corruption and poverty. He made sure to tell everyone, “to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor, and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child in the life of the community.” He seemed to have approved of the decision of the Catholic Bishops of the Philippines to declare this year, 2015, as the Year of the Poor.
GRADUATION ni ma. joan b. sauler AT PATRICK JOSEPH N. SECILLANO
“Maligayang pagtatapos, Aquinians!” Hindi ba't kaysarap sa pakiramdam na matapos ang ilang taon sa kolehiyo, eto at ga-graduate ka na? Dito mo masasabi sa sarili mo na ang lahat ng pagod mo sa pag-aaral ay magbubunga na; masusuklian na ng isang diploma na siyang magdadala sa'yo palapit sa iyong mga pangarap. Ngunit bago pa man dumating ang napakahalagang araw na ito sa buhay mo, sigurado akong ika'y magbabaliktanaw at sasariwain ang mga alaalang nabuo mo sa iyong buhay kolehiyo. Mga alaalang sadyang hinding-hindi mo malilimutan. Gaya na lamang ng mga ‘to... Naaalala mo pa ba ang unang araw mo sa Aquinas? Hindi ba’t ika'y puno ng pag-asa na marami kang matututunan sa bawat asignaturang kunkunin mo? 'Yung panahon na sabik na sabik kang makilala ang mga bago mong guro at kaklase? O yung buo sa loob mong pagaabang sa mga pagsubok na alam mong haharapin mo sa loob ng ilang taon. Alam mong ang unang hakbang mo papasok sa iyong classroom ay isang simula ng
paglalakbay na babago ng buhay mo. At mula sa tagpo ng unang araw na iyon... Halos araw-araw kang nagmamadaling bumangon mula sa iyong higaan dahil alam mong mahuhuli ka na sa klase. Madalas maghapon at magdamag ang ginugugol mo sa pag-aaral dahil sa mga pagsusulit na paulit-ulit na nagpasakit sa utak mo. At may mga pagkakataong ilang sunod na gabi ka nang nagpupuyat para lang makapagpasa ng mga requirements sa nakatakdang oras. Pero minsan talaga, may mga pagkakataong mapapa-awang na lang ang bibig mo sa mga surprise quizzes na alam mong wala kang maisasagot. Lahat ng mga ito ay ilan lamang sa mga pang-araw-araw na eksena na naging bahagi ng iyong hangaring makapagtapos ng kolehiyo. At hinding-hindi maaaring kalimutan ang iyong mga kaklase na sa maliit man o malaking paraan ay bahagi nang buhay mo, hindi lang bilang estudyante kundi bilang tao. Bawat isa sa kanila’y naging bahagi ng mga alaala at karanasang dadalhin mo habambuhay. Mga kaibigan
mong nakasama sa kulitan, harutan, tawanan, at kasiyahan sa loob at labas ng paaralan. Mga taong nakinig sa mga problema at hinaing mo sa buhay. Mga nakasama mo sa kalokohan, o sa inuman, at maging sa paggawa ng mga di-maiiwasang pagkakamali. Mga pagkakamaling nagturo sa iyo ng mahahalagang aral sa buhay. At siyempre, hindi mo maaaring kalimutan ang mga taong nagsilbing gabay mo sa iyong buhay estudyante mga propesor nating pumuri, pumuna, nagpaalala, umintindi, nakialam at nagbantay sa bawat galaw natin sa loob ng klase. Maging ang mga simpleng tindera sa canteen, mga janitor, gwardiya, at iba pang mga tao na iyong nakasalamuha dito sa Aquinas. Hindi man sila mga taong palagi mong nakakasama o nakakausap, minsan sa iyong buhay Aquinian sila'y naging bahagi nito. At ikaw! Siyempre, oo ikaw! Bilang estudyante, ano ang markang iiwan mo sa ating pamantasan? Ikaw ba ay outstanding sa matataas mong mga marka sa klase, o kaya nama'y aktibo sa iba't-ibang mga
programa at mga organisasyon? O baka naman outstanding ka dahil madalas kang kainisan ng propesor mo? Nakakatuwang isipin di ba? Teka, ilang beses ka bang nangopya? O baka ikaw ang
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
RANCIS Visit PHILIPPINES after his
to the
There are still many noteworthy things that could be written about Pope Francis’ brief stay in the Philippines and on what those words and gestures implied and how it impacted every Filipino, and, borrowing from the Apostle John’s resignation in ascribing all of the acts that Jesus Christ did on earth. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole sixteen pages of Aquinian Herald’s March 2015 issue would not have room for the things that would be written. However, what the pontiff said would remain as they are - words - until the hearers of them did something about it.
of proclaiming the radicalism of the Gospel in a society which has grown comfortable with social exclusion, polarization and scandalous inequality.” The question is, as to what extent are we willing to identify
you are called to build bridges, to pasture Christ’s flock, and to prepare fresh paths for the Gospel in Asia at the dawn of a new age,” he said. His heart's cry. Sure, there are
The challenge and the call. “Do you love me?” were the first words that came out of the Vicar of Christ during his homily at the Manila Cathedral on January 16, 2015. Of course, RAIN OR SHINE..Pope Francis, despite the bad weather in Tacloban City, led the Holy he didn’t hear everyone’s Eucharistic celebration in honor of the Yolanda victims, while donning a yellow raincoat like answer to his question that everyone else in attendance who gladly braved the wet and the cold. time, but by now it should be clear as day. with the least of our fellowmen? many who stand in opposition not Addressing the issue of poverty, The answer to that is the challenge just to Pope Francis’ words, but to and since this is the Year of the itself. his convictions, and we’re not on Poor, he explained that “Only In the same homily he the authority to invalidate any of by becoming poor ourselves, by reminded us of our calling, not them. But what’s amazing is his stripping away our complacency, just as a country with the majority fortitude, nonetheless. will we be able to identify with the of its people as Catholics, but as a Maybe the People’s Pope isn’t least of our brothers and sisters. shepherd tending Jesus’ own sheep. into the business of pleasing any We will see things in a new light “Today you carry on that work person or institution, be it religious and thus respond with honesty of love. Like them [bishops, priests, or not. and integrity to the challenge and religious of past generations], Maybe the only One he’s intent
at pleasing is none other than God himself. And maybe, to accomplish that, he’s looking at Jesus Christ as the model. In all of his homilies and speeches last January 16 and 17 the name Jesus alone was recorded to have been mentioned from his lips 25 times. This Jesus Christ he’s referring to wasn’t the nicest person during his time. Yes he was gentle, forgiving, and understanding to the deviant, the sick, the oppressed, the condemned, and the sinful - who isn’t? But he also fearlessly spoke against the Pharisees, Sadducees, among others who were not just the religious authorities in the Jewish society that time, but those who held themselves in high esteem when it comes to holiness and righteousness. Of course not everyone in the Jewish ruling council that time was part of those whom Jesus opposed; there was the Pharisee Nicodemus to whom, in their conversation, Jesus explained the most popular “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Maybe the reason Pope Francis isn’t repulsed by those with strange infirmities is because Jesus touched the sick and the social outcast with tender mercy. Maybe the pope cared for the Filipinos a lot because Jesus reached out to the non-Jews as well. Maybe the pope isn’t willing to judge and condemn the homosexuals, and others is
because Jesus didn’t condemn the prostitute caught red-handed either. And maybe he stressed his point of never neglecting the poor is because Jesus wouldn’t let anyone come home without having lunch either, regardless of the numbers of the grumbling stomachs. But maybe, the reason the pontiff, despite his exalted position, still remained humble and compassionate is because Jesus didn’t allow people to make him king by force when he miraculously multiplied the five loaves of bread and the two pieces of fish, thereby satiating the 5,000 men who listened to his Sermon on the Mount, with the women and their children. Indeed the pope, just like Jesus, knew whom to give all the glory to. That despite the Filipinos’ distinct trait of extreme fanaticism he didn’t gain any pride from all those Pope Francis mugs and Pope Francis shirts, not to mention those towels thrown at him. “I’d like to tell you something close to my heart. When I saw from Rome that catastrophe [typhoon Yolanda] I had to be here. And on those very days I decided to come here. I am here to be with you – a little bit late, but I’m here. I have come to tell you that Jesus is Lord,” he told the Yolanda survivors in Tacloban. Maybe, he still tells us that same thing too, right at this moment. ■
‘FEELS,’ atbp. naman iyang buhay pag-ibig na yan? Sinasabing ang kolehiyo ang maghahanda sa atin sa real world, ang huhubog sa atin sa pagiging mga adults. Paniguradong nasubok ang tatag ng iyong damdamin nang ika'y nagkaroon ng crush, hanggang sa ikaw nga ay mafall, at ang kinahantungan din nito'y ikaw ay naging bitter. Nagmahal ka't nasaktan. Nagmahal ka at minahal ka din. Minahal ka ngunit hindi mo mahal. Gusto mo rin magmahal pero olats kaya nakikihugot ka na lang. Ang corny kung iisipin ngunit hindi tulad noong high school, ang mga karanasang ito sa pakikipag-relasyon ang ilan sa mga nagbigay ng kulay at pait sa ating paghahanda sa "totoong buhay" sa labas ng paaralan.
Karl Briguera
nagpapakopya? Nanghingi at namigay ng papel, nang-asar at napikon? Naging mabuti ka bang estudyante o naging sakit ka sa ulo ng iyong guro’t mga kaklase? At
siyempre,
mawawala
ba
O di ba? Di ba? 'Yan tayo eh. Karamihan sa atin, kapag binalikan ang buhay kolehiyo, ito ang mga karanasang pinakamaaalala. Tiyak akong maraming ka pang kwento at hindi na sapat ang babasahin na ito kung atin pa silang iisa-isahin. Ngunit ang mahalaga, sa pagbalik-tanaw nating ito ay iyo ding napagnilayan na sa pagtatapos na ito, ikaw din ay papalapit sa isang bagong simula. Isang bagong
kabanata. Ngayong ga-graduate ka na, oras na para magbigay-pugay sa iyong mga guro, magpasalamat sa iyong mga naging kaklase, yumakap sa iyong mga magulang, at magsaya dahil sa panibagong mundong naghihintay sa'yo. Panibagong mga pagsubok, panibagong mga kaibigan, panibagong mga alaala. Kaya’t magsaya ka! Ah! Tinatanong mo kung ano ang mga naghihintay sa’yo pagka-graduate mo? Ikaw lang makakasagot niyan, kaibigan. Anuman iyon, hangad namin ang iyong tagumpay. Kung ikaw ay kumikita at naghahanapbuhay na, marahil ay ito na rin ang panahon kung saan magsisimula ka nang magbalik sa iyong mga magulang. Payo lang namin kaibigan, suklian mo ang lahat ng paghihirap nila. Magbakasyon kayo sa mga lugar na hindi pa nila napupuntahan. O kaya naman araw-araw mo silang dalhan ng pasalubong. Iparamdam mo sa kanilang hindi sayang ang paghihirap nila ng mahigit sampung taon para lang makapagtapos ka. At kung pakiramdam mo, gusto mo
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLICKR/ PAPIST; CATHOLICNEWS.ORG
munang magpahinga, magliwaliw, at magsaya ng ilang buwan o taon, nasa sa’yo iyan. Sulitin mo ang panahong meron ka. Sana lang, hindi mo makalimutang meron kang mga tungkuling dapat gampanan ngayong graduate ka na. Dapat kang makatulong hindi lang sa sarili at pamilya mo, kundi maging sa lipunang kinabibilangan mo. Ang bigat ba? Ngiti lang, kaibigan! Ang pinakamagandang magagawa mo pagka-graduate mo ay siguraduhing magiging masaya ka sa anumang desisyon mo sa buhay. Hindi na ito gaya ng dati. Sa iyong pagtatapos sa kolehiyo, magsisimula ang panibagong klase na kung saan lahat ng masasalubong mo ay ang iyong magiging mga kaklase at ang mundong ito ay ang magsisilbing classroom mo sa matagal na panahon. At ang magiging guro mo? Ang buhay mismo. Kaya muli, kaibigan, binabati kita! Maligayang pagtatapos!
(P.S. Nawa'y hindi ka naman gaanong nabagabag.) ■
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
AQUINIAN
ARTISTS Dancing to the rhyhthm of life BY IVY TOLOSA
In celebration of the National Arts Month this February, Aquinian Herald took a sampling of Aquinians who excel in their passion for art, music, and dancing. We found three active members of university and college-based student organizations dedicated to the arts - the AUL Dance Troupe, AQ Band, ProDigi Creatives, and AUL START (Student Artists), the organization of Fine Arts majors. >> The expression of one’s emotions, principles, and imagination has become highly overrated but has created one if not the most important need of the world—beauty. And it is present everywhere, in every place, in every person. It’s just the way of perceiving things that varies.
brings life in harmony with the beauty of the world. The human need for beauty is filled in by art in all its different forms. We see the exquisiteness of the world we live in through the interpretations of the artists who render them in their works. Let us get to know people who expose
us to the beauty that we don't usually see on our own. GRACE AND BEAUTY. Jaenelle Redillas, a member of the internationally-lauded, AUL Dance Troupe,
Plato said art is that which
Jaenelle REDILLAS IT WAS SUMMER LAST YEAR when the AUL Dance Troupe first got the news. They're representing the Philippines in an international cultural festival. Jaenelle Redillas or "Jay," as how she prefers to be called, is one of the senior members of the group that brought home the silver prize of the international cultural dance festival in South Korea, July last year. Doubting themselves was one of the initial reactions besides glee. To compete internationally, and then represent the Philippines no less, is an unimaginable pressure. After mulling over the gravity of the challenge, they finally came to their senses and decided to brace themselves instead of letting it get the best of them. But the preparation only began in June - a month prior to the competition - that only served to double their anxiety. And not just that. They couldn't just plunge into dancing right away. The planning and logistics involved in putting together their international entry took all of three weeks. That meant, the actual rehearsal for the dance only took a week before the competition. They arrived three days earlier in South Korea and spent most of that extra time practicing. Jay shared that before their performance, the thrill of getting to perform before an international audience was drowned by a sense of inferiority over the earlier performances (e.g. Thailand,
PHOTOGRAPHY: CLARKSON ANTIQUIERA / KEVIN GEVA ART DIRECTION: KARL BRIGUERA / PHOTO ART: A.C. BROSAS
China, Korea, Kenya, etc.) “Ay, wala na. Ang gagaling nila”, she remembers exclaiming in discouragement, and added that even the person who recruited them seemed to be losing heart too. But just when they're about to perform, she recalled saying a silent prayer, to let go and let God take maneuver. And they danced their heart out. As the winners were about to be announced, she reveals that most of them already decided that they lost and that they should just accept defeat. They convinced each other that the experience was enough to make them feel winners already. But it looked like they’re getting ahead of themselves. As the host proclaims Philippines as the silver prize winner, she remembers the utter surprise of the team, as their tears started falling. This was the dance troupe's biggest achievement yet, and Jay counts this experience as one of her most memorable. As she recall that experience, Jay, a third year Tourism major confessed that unlike all the other members of the group, it was her first dancing competition, and a novice in cultural or ethnic dance. She notead that her interest in
‘’
dancing first sprung when she was in the fifth grade. And by that time, she only did modern and hip-hop dancing. Her only exposure to dancing was limited to school activities. It was only during college that she was introduced to cultural dance. Asked what inspired such interest at a young age, she sheepishly looked back to a moment when she was a little girl when she wanted to be a twirler just like her older sister. “Gusto ko rin nyan!” was her first response. The rest, as they say, was history as she fell in love with dance all the way to her high school days. She's motivated to do better in her dancing whenever she sees a good performance, whether on TV or live. If there’s another kind of dance she wants to try and learn, she enthusiastically pointed out ballet. Before choosing to pursue Tourism here in Aquinas, Jay admitted to wanting to study Audio-Visual Communication in Bicol University with her passion in photography and directing. But her parents strongly discouraged it believing that a promising future in it is elusive. But Tourism wasn't just a second choice. It was also her lifelong dream to be a flight attendant.
Life is boring without action and rhythm. Every movement is a dance.
Asked if she'd give up dancing when the time comes, she strongly pointed out that there's no reason she won't be able to do both. Maybe not professionally, she can't, according to her, but she can never fully give it up. Getting a lot of “mataray” first impressions, Jay laughed and explained that she’s used to it. But she describes herself to be a kind, friendly, pet-loving, adventurous, and artistic person. When people talk about her, she wanted to be known as the simple gal who dances well and is friendly. Why does she dance? She believes that “life is boring without action and rhythm, and every movement is a dance.” But what about those who can't dance. There are even those who claim to have two left feet. But apparently, Jay believes otherwise. Jay shared a story about a friend in the dance troupe who happened to join the team just for the sake of the scholarship. Dancing was not in really in her tune. She reveals that that girl is now of the group's best dancers. “Express yourself in dancing. Practice hard. Train yourself,” she encouraged those who want to learn but are too scared or intimidated. Notably, unlike some, Jay knows what she wants. And dancing was her way of self-expression as she chases her dream. As her final advice goes, “If you have a goal, focus on it. Don’t ignore your passion.” >>
FROM A FAMILY OF SEVEN, all singers, one ended up an allaround musician and a multimedia artist. And that gift was bestowed on the youngest of five siblings John Paul. John Paul or "JP" for short, fell in love with music quite early in his life. Growing up in a musically-inclined family, it was obvious where his interests would be. He began to expel his boundless energy on the drums at the age of four and explored other musical instruments since then. Around third grade, he started playing the keyboards, the piano and the organ. Later on, he was strumming the guitar and plucking the bass. In high school, he had the honors of writing their graduation song. Now, he is a member of the AQ Band, and has written and produced the University's Chistmas jingle for the last two years. It's remarkable to know that he didn’t had much formal training for the musical instruments he can play. He didn't appreciate it like on his formal keyboards class, which was more about note reading, to which he admits he’s slow at. So he shook it off at the time. He's not a fan of the tutorial or conventional style of learning. Watching how people work is his own teacher. “I am most of the
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
A KID. A BRUSH. And a blank page. These are the three things Joey could best describe himself with. Unique to his personality, it seemed that his kid-like disposition is imperative to his artistry. He believes that God is the greatest Artist, the Author of beauty and he is His own brush—His instrument in painting the glory of this world (to which he pertains as his personal legend). And lastly, he humbly sees himself as a blank page that is still in great need to be filled. There is nothing more rejuvenating than to witness someone with great passion for what he does. And Joey possesses that. He could spend his entire day or even his entire life painting without getting run-down. Every stroke of his brush relieves his stress and it’s basically what makes him happy. Way back in kindergarten, Joey started drawing and drawing well. Later on, he was receiving recognitions and joining competitions left and right. Behind his craft is an inspirational person who shaped Joey into the artist he is today and the artist he is to become later in life—his father. He shared that his father taught him almost everything he ought to know about life and art. When he was younger, instead of buying coloring books, his Papa would draw images and compile it, and he would color them. What’s an artist’s outlook in life? Knowing the Divine Creator to be the greatest Artist over all and living in His divine creation makes a difference. Joey believes that God created a wonderful world. And he, he only sees it. Being an achiever calls people’s attention. And whenever they praise him and watch in awe, he makes them fall in love with arts by encouragement—that everything in life can be learned. From someone who seems to already have a God-given talent even before he was
time inspired by the works of other people, mainly getting my musical ideas from mere observation”, he shared. About musical artists he like, JP could only settle on one - the UK-based band, Coldplay. He then explained that he doesn’t patronize mainstream music as much as he used to. As he entered college, he became more meticulous in picking the songs he’d listen to. “Today's music is lifeless and less dynamic. It has become stagnant because of section repetitions.” He says he'd much prefer the music of the 80's and 90's. So if an all-around, talented musician doesn’t care much for mainstream music, what does he listen to? Christian Music. After having explored a good variety of music, JP recently went back to the music he'd grown up to. He listens mostly to Hillsong and as of late, Planetshakers. In fact, he along with the rest of his family are in as a
KID AT HEART. This artist's childlike disposition encourages to be as curious as a child and live out one's passions
born to say this, it gives people who aren’t as gifted as he is hope—that it’s never late to discover or acquire a new talent. Obviously, art is anything more than work to him. Whatever his emotion, he throws himself to paint. So it is only in and/ or with arts that he is able to express himself. He added that he is more of a visual than a word person. Joey recalled a frustrating experience from a few years ago that he took to
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Joey
Be one with your work. Put yourself in your art. Place yourself in your pen, your brush, or your instrument.
BELARDO
himself for quite a long time. He lost a district poster making competition to which he reflected the result. Yet he was sent to the regionals just because there was no other choice. It hurt him, not to mention another refutable defeat on the said competition. From then on, he promised himself he was never going to be just another representative by default. He has to be chosen according to his work. Among all the mediums, he enjoys watercolor painting the most. Equaled to a person, he explains that it is graceful and sensitive. One of his remarkable pieces to date is a watercolor painting that sold in an exhibit in the Capitol.
praise and worship team of musicians in their church. He explains that Christian music has no particular genre unique to it. It covers a vast genre of music (e.g. Pop/Rock, Mellow, Blues Jazz, Rap, etc.) Aside from being a musician, JP also considers himself a "techie" by heart. This led him to
As an artist, he sees everything in life colorful; each hue depicting a significant role in serving its sole purpose—beauty. He also defends that no matter how dull or dark a color may be, it helps to amplify the brighter ones. No matter what happens in life, he believes that there will always be at least one thing if not many to appreciate. His father once advised him to stay curious. If one is curious, he is open to learn more. He was also advised not to believe it when people say how good he is in what he does because man has the propensity to stop working to get better when the praises start to get inside your head too much.
explore multimedia applications in the computer, tinkering with sounds and visual media. He is in fact, a founding member of the university student org dedicted to the digital and multimedia arts - ProDigi Creatives. Talking about the degree he decided to pursue, JP didn't have much problem finding the perfect pitch. Though, a tad far from his musical inclinations, this Fine Arts
doing portrait. JP describes himself as a minimalist. He does things the simple way and picks simpler choices. Never a customer of sophistication, he dreams of a simple life in which he only does what he loves to do. With his achievements and abilities, he actually feels uncomfortable about attention because according to him, he is very ordinary. "Whatever you do in your life," he advised, "know your roots. You must have the answer to a ‘why’ and then try to live that passion out.” In all of this, he believes that God for now is just simply calling him to unselfishly share what he has been freely given. >>
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Whatever you do in life, know your roots. You must have the answer to a 'why' and then try to live that passion out.
junior believed it was a perfect fit for him. Fine Arts students are expected to already have drawing skills upon entry. It’s surprising to discover that some didn't. JP admitted to struggling with drawing, especially portrait. He has more inclined to art in the digital aspect. Fortunately, he belonged to the pioneer batch of the new curriculum MUSICAL of Fine Arts that tackles visual arts the conventional way for its first two PRODIGY. JP years and focuses on modernism and Lanuza is a technology on the latter two. self-trained muBut later, he discovered that the only sician who lives way to master Fine Arts is to get all its for the simple principles by heart so he worked hard pleasures on his drawing. He attended a training of life. seminar and finally got the principles to
John Paul LANUZA
To those who are beginning to channel their own art—whether it be with music, painting, writing, or anything else, he also shares a piece of advice. “Be one with your work. Put yourself in your art. Place yourself in your pen, your brush, your instrument so you can fully express the real you.” Every young artist aspires to be a national artist. But for now, he merely desires to have his own exhibit and continue to exploit himself in contests. He leaves his own dictum, “Stay curious. Gawin mo ang gusto mo.”>>
There is an encouragement to pursue something. To dance with the rhythm of your heart, of what you love. To chase that dream. So if they decided to dance to the music of their art, what about you? ■
10 Another night, another cry, From the lonely knight from the war. Hoping that the tears will dry, From the dreadful baptism of fire.
HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
lemorte by John Paul Garrido
by John Paul Garrido
Heartbea t
Tears of sorrow filled his eyes, Been hit by sizzling ice. Not knowing how to survive, The hardship of life.
Out of our minds, Treasured by vine. Out of the night We hold it tight.
Out of the fright, Fades into light Baptized by thine, Apple of might.
Striving to be on top, But yet suffered another flop. The desire of this lonely knight, Was then out of sight.
All in our lines, One of a kind. You look around, To stand on ground.
Mirages of empathy filled his gaze, During his hour of disgrace. On two armies who battled to play, Only two knights remained.
Be rising up, To fight the hounds. Sweet roar of life, It passes by.
His foe decided to strike, With a flash of lightning, commence his flight. Holding his sword upright, Hoping to smash him, through his sight. But after the blood shedding All lives went fading. Don’t know if it's an incubus, Or a precious destiny that he needs to choose.
Life comes to flight, It closes by. Life comes to white, It ends to fly. Open your eyes, The story begins. Close your eyes, It pauses within. Feel the rhythm, It continues back. Alter breathing, It suddenly stops.
Artwork by Wendell Cilot
The Damsel in Distress
11.
She counted. The cobwebs dangle over her like an enormous canopy. The air is eerily damp and she can make out whispering voices from a distance. “It has been almost two weeks since I last caught a glimpse of him, I must do something,” muttered Serena to herself. The other hostage heard her and made a quiet sign symbolically saying “keep quiet if you still love your life”. Of course, she did. In fact, the reason why she is here is the very reason why she ought to live, by hook or by crook. 1 week and 4 days ago
by Karen Daniele Besmonte
so she shouted at the top of her voice which alarmed their captors. And it was too late. When she opened her eyes, her own blood clouded her vision but she can make out at least two other persons in the small hut. Tristan! Her mind shouted. She fumbled for her little brother who might be hurt too until she remembered the last scene when she was still conscious. Lo! “At least my brother is safe; but, what will happen to him without me? I am the only one he has now. I must find a way”. They are already orphans, their parents died a year ago and losing her would be too much f o r little Tristan.
“Come Tristan! You must see this,” Serena called over to her cherished little brother. They are in the beautiful mountain of Harayana in the North. This is a promise to her little Tristan who dreamt of seeing the legendary Harayana Deer. The odds must be in their luck for the beautiful beast is standing just inches away from them. “Whoooooaahhh, come deerie, I want to touch her ate,” pleaded young Tristan. “Shh, keep quiet! The townsfolk say it is perilous just to come to its lair, much more attempting to touch it.” A brooding fear began welling up within her and she tightened her hands holding Tristan’s. Other than being dangerous, the townsfolk also warned of the bad luck that comes along with beholding the uncanny deer. “We must leave now, it is getting dark. Are you happy now my little king?” inquired Serena. Tristan giggled and wisecracked, “The happiest of all I must say, my servant.”
Now In a matter of seconds, four menacing men stood before her and the other captives. One was in his mid-20s, two are in their late 30s and the oldest was in his early 40s. “Oh look who’s awake, we have been waiting for you sweetie”, said the man who appeared to be their leader. By their looks, they must be the latest talk of the town, the fugitive men ran after by the government. There are no terrorists in Harayana long before last year. But these men fled to the beautiful mountain and enjoyed their unbeknownst stay until this day. If the tidings are true, there must be six other men to complete the company.
As they were about to take a step, the Harayana Deer tensed and seemed to smell a menace lurking nearby. Serena was frightened and wrapped her arms protectively over Tristan’s fragile shoulders. It is not them that made the deer wary, there are other peoplehunters or perhaps... terrorists. She could not even make out the word in her mind, fear overwhelms all her senses. She also felt the uneasy breathing of her brother. They must leave now or never. They began silently crawling and as they advance, she can also feel their captor advancing. She tightened her grip on the moist fertile soil as she relentlessly prays for her brother’s safety. As if on cue, her brother accidentally slipped in a long trail which perhaps was the Daraglian Trail- a shortcut to the bottom of the mountain. But before making out that the trail actually leads to safety, Serena first thought that her brother fell in one of the deep pits of the forest
Artwork by Xyrus Araneta
Artwork by Karl Briguera
“What’s your name”, asked the Asian guy beside her. “I am Serena”, she replied laconically. “Oh, this is my wife, Sam”, he said woefully while looking at his hurt better half, “and I am Andy, your forehead does not look good”, he finished. Raul (the second in command of the team) heard their talk and immediately came in and shot them one “dare to talk again and you are dead” look which is even more terrifying than a bullet itself. No one attempted to speak again until silence won its kingship and they all lay lifeless on the heart-stopping, cold and inhuman floor. Things went on like this for one week and four days. Serena’s wound got worse and much more her forlornness slowly devoured all hope left in her.
HERALD
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Introvert's World by Melissa Mesias
Alone In the narrow path Alone In the winding road But there comes a time That I have to keep Some friends who are with me through the deep Looking back I was out of place in their midst Returning now, it is still the same I'm still a stranger all the way A few persisted to break the walls Enough to make me care at all For I was used to walk alone It made me learn the value of being true
Artwork by Karl Briguera
Also, it taught me not to impose myself to those Who does not care For being alone signifies that you are more happy Than to be with a fake company
Falling Fast And Falling Hard
A
by Melissa Mesias
year ago, I had a feeling that a hole was carved out of my chest. A hole that is huge enough to make its presence known. Every night was a misery to me, pillows were stained with tears and sobs filled the room. Every morning was an agony, the moment I open my wearied eyes, to the moment where I have to tell myself to get up and face the world because it is not the end of it. It was a period where eating, thinking and other important things a human being should do was inconsequential to me. I just want to be home and lay down on my bed and let the hole swallow my whole body. It hurts too much to be betrayed by the one you love. The person who made all those efforts to break all my walls down. But in a matter of time not only the walls did he break but also my heart. Days, weeks and months had passed and the hole was being filled up by my friends and family. I was slowly getting out of my misery. I was enjoying my life again. I told myself that I’m back to the life of the living; it is the time to stop feeling dead. And then summer came along, it was a summer spent with some of my closest friends. We stepped out and stepped up our boundaries. We worked and experienced a lot of things. And one of those things was staying in a place new to us. A place where I never expected to find the least of my concern, which is, romance.
by Jillian J. Estrellado
There, a soft little bundle on the ground In that dark corner, not making the smallest sound But listen closely (not with your ears) and hear my plea Let me tell you a would-be story that didn’t see the light of day Sunshine and warmth on my face Are but thoughts in the breeze So are dolls, toy cars and a hug All of which I will never have
Artwork by Karl Briguera
My mother’s sweet smile Or the look of my father’s approval Are memories of someone else’s life Not by me, not even perhaps The world will never know my laughter Nor the earth be damp by my tears No flowers wilting in my unmarked grave No loved one singing me praise My mother never heard my plea She turned deaf ears to my memory Being alone and utterly confused She turned and ran, rather than be cursed Yes, a curse that’s what I could have been To a young girl or a mother of ten But pray consider other possibilities I could have been a Picasso, a Leonardo or the next Bill Gates! I must have done something wrong To deserve a fate as simple and abrupt as being thrown To immediately find eternity in this tomb Perhaps I moved too much in my mother’s womb? I would have liked to see the world in all its glory To have joy and pain, love and fury A chance to live before I die You were all given a chance, why didn’t I?
a girlfriend. Things would be easy if I was the only one who had feelings but he confessed that he was falling in love with me too. After a month, our work ended and all of us will be going home. For the both us, it means going home to reality. The reality where we have both our own separate lives, his life with his girlfriend, and my life of being solitary at the moment. But coming back home did not change what we felt for each other. And soon enough things got complicated; people were getting hurt, things were turning out worst and the inevitable had to happen. Hearts have to be broken, again. At the end, he had to choose and to tell you he didn’t choose me. It was heartbreaking that he chose her instead of me. That all I have of him are the memories we shared. Yes, I cried and I was expecting that the hole will be back again. But it didn’t, it was different. This time, my world was full of whys.
I was determined not to fall for anyone, that I have to find myself again and repair the walls. I was doing fine and so I thought I was until I met this guy. He is certainly not the most interesting guy in the new bunch of people I had met and honestly, I was annoyed with him. Annoyed with the way he walk, talk and do things. He was completely the opposite of my standards for a man.
Now, everything and everyone is a why for me. Why are you in my life? Why did I meet you? Because if I know why, then I know what is your purpose.
But I guess fate had a plan for us. One day, my friend and I got into a fight because of a misunderstanding at work. I was so depressed and tired of the turn of events. I went inside the bedroom, covered myself up with the blanket and cried. After crying my heart out, I stood up and there he was, asking me if I was okay. The only person who asked me if I was okay. Starting from that moment I realized that there is more to him that meets the eye. After work we had a habit where we talk all night about things that happened in our lives and we watch the sun rise together. It was a nice feeling, getting to know someone in this kind of way. Soon I realized that I was falling for him. I was falling in love with a guy who hasArtwork by
The Cry of the Unknown
As for him, I now know why he came into my life. He taught me a lesson; that letting someone you love go does not mean that you are giving up and neither is it a sign of weakness. It is the acceptance of the fact that you can't be with him at present and that you are strong enough to face the world alone, to find and be the better version of yourself before anything else.
Weldell Cilot
What we had are memories, forever etched in me. You are always the summer I won't forget.
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BOOKS / MOVIES / TECH / ART / TELEVISION / FOOD / TRAVEL / LIFESTYLE / MUSIC / THEATER /‘TATAK AQUINIAN’ BOOK REVIEW
EFFERVESCENCE
in the midst of
INVISIBLE LIGHT
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr BY J A N I N B . V O L A N T E ANTHONY DOERR’s U.S. National Book Award finalist, All the Light We Cannot See, interweaves the stories of a blind girl living in Paris with her father, the locksmith at the Museum of Natural History, and of a prodigious German boy with an affinity for building and fixing radios, fated to work in the coal mine complex of Zollverein. Their paths cross during World War II in the walled city of Saint-Malo. Doerr pulls off an enthralling tale with an elegant subtlety of emotion and great sensory imagery. The intricate narrative, however, was weighed down by a writing style with fragmented sentences and inaccurate language for 1930s to 1940s Europe. The novel is written in alternating chapters between the two main characters and cuts back and forth through time, starting with the bombing of Saint-Malo by the Allied Forces then going back a decade earlier to Marie-Laure’s tour of the museum and Werner’s discovery of a broken radio, and then jumping back to Saint-Malo and its trapped occupants, and so on. Marie-Laure LeBlanc has congenital cataracts and goes blind when she is six years old. Her father, the keeper of the keys at a big museum, refuses to let her spiral into self-pity and builds an intricate scale
wooden model of the neighborhoods close to them so she can navigate its streets with familiarity. It is right when Doerr says that the despair does not last long. Marie-Laure learns to be self-reliant and strong despite her disability because of her father’s patience. Every Tuesday her father tests her mastery of the model and the streets around her and has her lead them home. She is frustrated at consecutive failures and is intimidated at first at how big the world is. But eventually she succeeds. Every year on her birthday, her father places a puzzle box which she has to solve to get a present and a Braille book beside it on the dining table. She grows to love Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days and Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. She spends the rest of her time learning about mollusks with Dr. Geffard, a scientist from the museum, admiring the curves and apertures of the shells by way of touch. The author describes everything with great sensory detail. We experience the world as Marie-Laure experiences it. Doerr may not be able to wow the reader with visual descriptions in the blind girl’s chapters but we hear the sounds she hears, smell the scents she smells and feel the sensations she feels. We read of “an
MOVIES
T H E O RY
Redmayne's remarkable performance as Stephen earned him an Oscar this year, with Hawking himself dubbing it "broadly true." Redmayne said in an interview, "He’s [Hawking] unable to move the vast majority of his muscles, but he smiles, and there’s a spark in his eye."
the cinematic biography of one of the most notable figures of modern science, Stephen Hawking. Saying that this movie is just another biopic is an understatement, in a way that, this is a movie talks about life, love, and humanity. This premise alone is great to know especially now that films rarely dwell in this kind of simple and humble scope. Nowadays, it’s a cheesy romantic comedy or an overly dramatic action movie or a musical (with a twist). Prominently, this film follows the life of Stephen (Eddie Redmayne) and Jane Wilde (Felicity Jones) battling through numerous obstacles both in their careers and personal lives. This lets people know how inspiring the struggles of Stephen were because people are rarely aware how much he has sacrificed throughout his world-changing career. This is a story of how science, religion, family, and love fits in the chaotic mess we call
zero in one direction and infinity in the other, so really, children, mathematically, all of light is invisible.” You would think that the title behind the novel is obvious upon learning about Marie-Laure’s blindness but reading this line makes you realize that the connotation goes beyond that. There is also the paradox presented by the Frenchman of the brain being locked in total darkness yet having all the power to construct in the mind a world full of light. These motifs appear throughout the novel, even alluding in Marie-Laure’s perspective to a world beyond that which we can see, “To shut your eyes is to guess nothing of blindness. Beneath your world of skies and faces and buildings exists a rawer and older world.” Werner’s talents are noticed by German Nazi officers when one of them fetches him from the orphanage to fix the expensive Philco radio of a wealthy powerful couple.
the
A hopeful smile. Eddie
THE THEORY of EVERYTHING is
amphitheater of noise and fragrance: in the fall it smells of traffic and castor oil, bread from the bakery” and of “she can hear the bombers when they are three miles away. A mounting static. The hum inside a seashell.” Meanwhile, three hundred miles away in Germany, Werner Pfennig is fascinated by the crude radio he and his sister Jutta find behind a storage shed. He restores it to working condition despite not having any formal education in electronics. The siblings, who look distinctly Aryan with hair as white as snow and blue eyes, were allocated some years ago to the care of Frau Elena in the Children’s House after their father died in a coal mining accident. Jutta finds a length of copper wire that they attach to the radio, allowing them to listen to foreign broadcasts. They occasionally hear the propaganda of the Nazis, but what really fixate them are the scientific lectures by a French man they happen upon while tuning the radio. “What do we call visible light?” the voice over the radio asks. “We call it color. But the electromagnetic spectrum runs to
of
EV E RY T H I N G A REVIEW by K A R L B R I G U E R A
...a masterfully done, artistic biopic
the universe. There are four things that make this movie highly recommended: THE CHEMISTRY. Redmayne and Jones’ striking portrayal of Stephen and Jane certainly gives a sense of passion and charm. Each scene of them as a couple will drag you through the twist and turns of relationships. The couple will take you with them through the triumphs of their romance, but will also drag you through their agonies, their pains. Although some critics would argue that the romantic angle of the film is a letdown, I say that the film should be seen as a whole, not just individual parts mashed together. EDDIE REDMAYNE’s Oscar-winning performance is one of the film’s highlights. His mastery of the character will definitely convince you every scene of the way. The way he believably communicates Stephen’s sickness in a way that it is not forced or even “scripted”, so to speak, and how true he mimics the gradual side effects of ALS.
This was truly a role of a lifetime for him. THE DELIVERY. James Marsh, the director, clearly understood the essence of this movie, and did not stray too far away from the book where it was based from. Throughout the movie, the pace of it is really easy to go along with. Even with its great cinematography, there isn’t much of a gimmick to distract you from the message of the movie. The entirety told in a very intimate way so that people could absorb each life changing moment for Stephen. THE MATERIAL. Primarily based on the memoir of Jane Hawking, “Travelling to Infinity: My Life With Stephen” the movie is the written account of their 25year marriage. With such an intimate and detailed source, the script was made so full and rich, the movie couldn’t be any more
★★★★☆
convincing. Being one of the most famous and influential people of this century, Stephen Hawking’s life as a person isn’t much of a popular topic. This movie will change everybody’s mind. People may not realize that Stephen, before the fame, was also a normal person, but with dreams that were out of this world.
The Theory of Everything is definitely great movie to see as it will inspire you in whatever endeavor you may have now. It will make you reconsider your situation in life and will motivate you more to pursue your own goals as heartfelt as Stephen Hawking did. If not, I’m sure you’ll find something to relate to in this wonderful film. ■
Love at first sight. Hawking (Redmayne) courts Jane (Felicity Jones) before his ALS diagnosis.
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
Editorial... He is offered a spot in an elite Nazi until after her father is arrested and sent school that only takes the purest and the to a concentration camp. best of Germany’s youth where he will The National Political Institute of be trained to use his abilities in the war. Education that Werner is sent to is Werner sees this as a chance to escape ferocious and strict. Young boys are fed the bleak fate of working in the mines the ideologies of the führer. They are where his father perished as it is decreed made to point out the weakest among mandatory by the government for all them, who must run lest he be caught boys when they turn 15. and beaten by his ...tells a fellows. Yet here, In 1940, Marie-Laure and her father flee Paris as the story of Werner enhances war inevitably reaches the his technical skills. emotion but not He impresses his city. The Museum packs up its specimens and artifacts sentimentality. instructor with his and sends them off to swiftness in building The emotion from Morse code circuits country estates in fear of the Nazis getting a hold of the the events subtly and radios. He still priceless pieces for Hitler’s dreams of becoming rises out of the an engineer. He planned museum: a trove of the greatest achievements in pages. It is not endures the school human culture. It is said that for the education he the Museum of Natural History forced from well- receives from it and in Paris is in possession of worn tropes. not so much that the Sea of Flames, a 133-carat he believes in the blue diamond with a red cause of the Nazis. core that legend has it brings Eventually, he starts immortality to its owner and misfortune doubting himself for becoming tolerant to his loved ones. Marie-Laure dreads of the ugliness and violence the war that her father has been near it. As thrusts upon him. He becomes a soldier if confirming Marie-Laure’s fears, triangulating radio transmissions of the director of the Museum tasks the the resistance. This is what brings him locksmith to carry the gem or perhaps a to Saint-Malo, one of the last German replica of it to prevent the Germans from strongholds, where he discovers a blind finding the stone. auburn-haired girl part of the French The LeBlancs evacuate to Saint-Malo resistance. where Marie-Laure’s agoraphobic greatThis split perspective between two uncle Etienne lives. He has been afraid people caught on opposite sides of the to go outside ever since the last Great war gives us an insight of what happens War where he watched his brother die. in their lives, in their childhood as Marie-Laure does not know that the Sea it is interrupted by the clash of their of Flames or one of the copies is hidden countries. It shows how the inside the wooden model of Etienne’s German people, despite what house, part of the larger model of Saintinnate goodness, could have Malo that she must learn to traverse, done what they did. All
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★★★★☆
the Light We Cannot See tells a story of emotion but not sentimentality. It does not rely heavily on whatever sympathy the circumstances of the characters evoke. You do not pity Marie-Laure for being blind or Werner for being an orphan, both children caught up in war. The emotion from the events subtly rises out of the pages. It is not forced from well-worn tropes. Ultimately, the time jumps and alternating perspectives add to the suspense of the story. You keep turning the pages wanting to find out how the characters meet and then once you come across the dastardly diamond hunter, Sergeant Major Von Rumpel, you fear for Marie-Laure and Etienne. This book has all the elements of a gripping tale that asks questions about life, humanity and morality in the face of war, and that resonates with you long after reading the last page. The book’s writing style is laden by fragmented sentences that are sometimes lyrically beautiful but impede the flow of the narrative. Also, the European characters’ tendency to sound like modern-day Americans with expressions like, “Are you feeling okay?”, “Sure,” and “What do you care?” is inconsistent with the culture and time period the story is set in. While a bit off-putting, these small flaws do not take away from the great reading experience that is All the Light We Cannot See. I highly recommend this brilliant book for all fans of historical fiction and those just looking for a good read. ■
FROM PAGE 13
the AUL Electoral Code, in the event that no winners are proclaimed for failure to garner the required votes, appointments will be made by the admin. In the case of the SSC, OSS submits recommendations for the consideration and approval of the VP for Academic Affairs and the Rector and President. Sambajon’s appointment duly went through this process. What we can and should question is the stipulation in the electoral code where we hand over the power to appoint our student leaders to the administration when a candidate fail to get the required votes. After all, shouldn’t the word student in student council still mean something? Shouldn’t it be ultimately the decision of the students? This is not to undervalue their judgment or completely dismiss the administration’s right to intervene. But on matters of student democracy and the right to choose our leaders, the students’ voice must be held to the highest standard. But to be fair, if the admin don’t make the appointments, is there an official entity or body represented by students that can? Unfortunately, there isn’t. And so we push for the incoming student council to make good on their promise to re-establish the council’s legislative and judicial board. It’s high time that the decision-making on matters like these are made by duly-elected members of the student body, and not the admin. Only then, can we push for amendments in our electoral code. With what appears to be an unstable climate for student politics, we never really run out of problems to talk or complain about. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. But we believe the time we stop complaining or talking about problems would be the time when everybody ultimately stopped caring. But if one is allowed to be optimistic, it could be that we were finally able to stabilize the growing problems from within our electoral system. As we try and patch up these holes in the system, let’s not forget that we are the system. We fail, the system fails. We can blame it on the growing culture of apathy, or settling for mediocrity. We can point fingers and blame the other for the things that go wrong but ultimately, the only way to ensure progress is when everything works the way they ought to. Exposing the holes and flaws unfortunately is not enough. In truth, it’s only the first step. We simply can’t stare at the problems until they go away. Question is, are we empowered enough to take those next steps? We shall find out in the next elections. ■
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he cries of laughter, courage, There is reality like: a priestess giving birth prudence, betrayal, and fear filled the so much in to a demon, resurrecting decaying throne room of a king. Bodies were seen, George R.R. corpses and seducing boys for rituals, gyrating from one post to another, from one Martin's saga the very plausibility of the rest of life to another, with their swords pervaded that follows Martin's creation makes them stand with blood. The king was guarded by a bloc of the path of out. armor, continued to set fire among the wolves a typical Martin tells the story by shifting of the north. But despite the protection, a fantasy the point of view around a number mighty cry of defeat was heard and it was from story, of characters, introducing new the fallen king, bitten by his lion behind his ranging voices as the saga progresses, with back. from the hidden surprises in every chapter. The The saga of A Song of Ice and Fire begins lives of royalty, switch in perspective makes the figures with the fall of a king, the conclusion and dragons, knights who had previously seemed unlikable a new beginning of a so called appear in a new "game of thrones," trembling the light. And a number noble houses and the people in of times a character the fictional lands of Westeros. The is introduced and series chronicles the struggle for given enough time power among several aristocratic and form that we feel houses in the Seven Kingdoms, an we know them that imaginary medieval nation that Six decades since Tolkien captivated young and adult readers alike with the Middle-Earth saga centered on a ring of we grew into liking them, somehow resembles a part of our power, the epic fantasy genre makes a comeback with George R.R. Martin's bloodier and darker saga of quest for only to die out of the reality. As the inspiration behind power, this time by claiming the seat in the Iron throne. - by john paul b. garrido blue. There is no shying HBO’s hit TV show, Game of away from the presence characters are from the ruling elite, Thrones, which thrust the novels to of death in this cynical, he emanates the effects of warfare sudden popularity almost a decade now since and even zombies. But Martin also offers much His [Martin's] world horrible world of his. on the ordinary people, without the first book came out in 1996, Martin’s saga that is unorthodox, twisting familiar cliché The ‘Game of Thrones’ is tenacious, with glamorizing it. And the political tells readers to expect the unpredictable. into a new form of adrenaline for the readers, bandwagon is traveling rough edges for around the world, and many tactics are similarly enthralling. The plot is really convoluted. The story he won't fail to surprise you in every phase of But despite the clever touch of blazing swords, people are leaping on in focuses on the monstrous zombie-like the series. Despite the fact that many fantasy reality to the story, not everything shades of blood, grey creatures called White Walkers from the north novels nowadays present an idealized “middle order to know the fate of is so convincing. Westeros is filled that are moving towards the ice wall that ages” setting unrecognizable to historians, tears, and a world full their favorite characters. with a bunch of various religions, protects the kingdom of Westeros. Despite of he understands the limitations of history as of complexity and As of the moment, the the jumble of which doesn't seem the dangers it could bring, the whole kingdom a source for fiction. His world is tenacious, saga is still on-going, with sociologically believable and the adversity. five volumes of a planned shatters as different appellants to the with rough edges for blazing swords, shades religious beliefs and practices throne compete and no one has time to of blood, grey tears, and a world full of seven out so far. It is already aren't always convincing. Martin listen to warnings about threats known complexities and adversities. a notable masterpiece to is also clever in handling the from ancient stories. Meanwhile, the The battles and campaigns that hold the be added to the cluster of existence of magic and prophecy last heir to the fallen dynasty that had story conveys something of the chaotic and fantasy literature, but its in the story, avoiding pointless explanations ruled Westeros for three hundred repugnant nature of medieval combat, longevity will depend on of the unexplainable, making readers think years, rises to avenge her family ranging from feuds, rapes, how Martin brings it to the about possible answers to the mysteries name, equipped with newly bred mutilations, treachery, and end. ■ behind. Although these are inevitably less dragons, is wandering around the casual slaughter. Although coherent to the idea of a typical medieval continent planning for her revenge. majority of his central
George R.R. Martin’s
A SONG of ICE and FIRE
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IMAGES>> ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE: TAL GORETSKY AND LYNN BUCKLEY - SCRIBNER; THEORY OF EVERYTHING: F O C U S F EAT U R ES ; A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE: H B O, B A N TA M B O O K S | PHOTO ART BY AC B
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
from page 1..
Why your voice matters Students speak up about 'student apathy'
Issues and controversies in the society are pretty hard to miss nowadays with our access to the media now heightened more than ever. We see how our fellowmen react to these. Some conduct rallies and public demonstrations, or express their malcontent through social media. While that in some form is getting involved, how many are those who actually act on them. Is it simply just jumping into the bandwagon when we join in on the conversation or we comment on an issue on our Facebook status? Or do we genuinely care? To be true, it is better than the lack of response. Generally, when people talk about it, they care enough. The lack of action after can be another story. It is a more alarming reality that some of us just shrug it off, knowing an issue and commonly say, "Ewan" or "Kay" and just that. In the same manner here in the university, it can be like pulling teeth getting the students to get involved and participate in student activities. “It is really sad to note that most student leaders spend so much time and effort in planning and conducting events for the students, but in the end, will be frustrated to find out that students were not able to appreciate it,” said College of Arts, Sciences, and Education Student Council (CASE-SC) Secretary, Alliza Maura Naupan. Undeniably, both the university's departments and the student councils try their best to conceptualize and organize activities that's not only for the students' welfare but something they'd want to be involved ni. In all fairness, the university have unique activities like the Organization Days, the inter-collegiate AUL Fashion Show, the AUL Paskuhan (patterned from UST's annual Christmas celebration of the same name), or the Rokyaw during the University Week celebrations.
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University and college-based student organizations also try to dedicate every activity on their constituents’ needs. “Not everyone will be interested in a particular activity,” said Maricar Nota, a second year Tourism Management student. “We have different personalities but at least majority, if not all, must find the activity interesting and this can be done by asking the students’ opinions first.” Supreme Student Council VicePresident, Allan Navales said that the SSC already seeks the suggestions of the students, “We had suggestion boxes for the Acquaintance Party and AUL Paskuhan because we really want to give what the students want.” But the council can only do so much when most of the students didn't really care enough to put in their thoughts and suggestions.
Guidance integration The university is also doing its part in addressing the problem with the students' lack of involvement. The Guidance Integration Program, introduced in 2004 was integrated into the university's curriculum with cultural formation as one its main goals. Students earn points by attending different activities in the school. This curricular requirement is to be completed by Aquinians for two semesters. But since 2013, this program was integrated in every semester of a student's average four-year stay in the university, setting a new required number of guidance points to obtain each academic year. This also requires them to get periodic counselling and testing with the OGT. The Office of Guidance and Testing (OGT) reiterates that students are free to choose the events from which they can obtain points provided they accomplish the required number. These events can be (but are not limited to) institu-
...there are students who are inside the class and do not want to be disturbed, those who are focused on their studies; while there really are those who are reluctant to attend. - J E S U S A . B A R I Z O , Student Services Director
Furious...
FROM PAGE 4
things just because we could. Our goal was same as everyone here: to grow and to achieve great things as an academic community. To borrow a quote from American TV character Will McAvoy of HBO's The Newsroom, "the first step to solving any problem is to acknowledge that there is one." And I believe we have contributed a lot to a healthier and more mature breeding ground for exchange of opinion and criticism towards our growth not just personally, but also as an institution. That alone felt very fulfilling. It is then just an added bonus that organizations like the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) or the regional and national tertiary press bodies (i.e. Cris Hugo Awards, RTSPC, LHEPC, Rayterista) recognized 'Herald' and its members on our commitment to excellence in this field. To be true,
Aquinian Herald has put Aquinas University on the map in terms of outstanding campus journalism. So let's get to the heart of the matter. First, let it be said that this increase is overdue. What the paper has achieved was thanks to the backing of the finances that accumulated during the years it was inactive. But the current rate (Php 30) will just not be enough to keep us in the black in the near future. Why an almost 300% increase, some of you asked. Remember that there was no paper for more than four years, that the current rate is economically outdated. Having burned through most of these funds, our financial security as one of the most active university-based student org in the school is at risk. We were constrained to the only solution: raise the fee to a rate that is more reasonable to the quality and the rising costs of the services we provide - both editorial and extra-editorial.
tional, departmental or organizational events which are merited corresponding points. “Students enrolled in Guidance can attend any activity as long as it enhances their personality and develops their competence in their chosen field,” said Kurt Essa Rastrullo, OfficerIn-Charge, OGT. Guidance points aims to encourage students to participate in school activities while giving them the freedom to choose what capture their interests. Some students attend for the sake of compliance to a requirement. As a result, they fail to understand the importance and the benefits of the activity to them.
Why so apathetic? “There are many reasons as to why some students fail to participate in school events,” pointed out Office of Student Services Director, Jesus A. Barizo. “One reason is that there are students who are inside the class and do not want to be disturbed, those who are focused on their studies; while there really are those who are reluctant to attend”. CHS President, Marvin Bermillo added, “Quality of student leadership is also a factor as well as hectic academic schedule. During their free time, students choose to rest rather than participate in events.” In Famaele Nica Carriaga's opinion, “It is really quite hard for me as an accountancy student to attend activities considering our hectic schedule and the pressure of keeping within the program's quota. But I do my best to be able to attend the activities.” It is true that academic excellence must be our priority. After all, it is the main reason why our parents pay for our education. Nevertheless, it is not our mind alone that must be nurtured. As what the university's thrusts (i.e. academic excellence, moral formation, and emotional maturity) want to instill in us, we ought to want to grow not just academically but most of all, holistically. It is then good to note, there are Aquinians who still see the goodness and benefits of engaging in school activities.
And so a proposal was filed to the Office of Administration and Finance (OAF) and we got the nod to proceed with the democratic channels of dialogue and public consultation. With the dialogues with the SSC and the CSCs, and a public consultation on February 26th, Aquinian Herald got the students' nod. Our finances for the last three years and the proposed expenditure plan after the increase were detailed in the consultation. I leave you then with a promise. You can count on an even better Aquinian Herald. Rest assured that with our improved resources along with the combined passion and dedication of our members, we will strive to keep working with one vision in mind – to be your voice, unhindered and unbiased, towards a better Aquinian and Dominican community, in mind and in spirit. ■
ILLUSTRATION BY WENDELL T. CILOT
“It [the activity] relieves my stress. We need a break from our studies once in a while,” said Thomas Neil Buquid, 3rd year BS in Hospitality Management student. Ryan Christian Bueno, a enthused, “Activities build students' confidence, we all need it to be at our best.” Despite the fact that many are able to appreciate the significance of student involvement, there are still some who do not. Envisioning Aquinas University as a center of academic excellence and spiritual formation where students are inspired, proud and united should not remain a mere vision. In line with this, Aquinian, Lourdelyn Bobis calls for the showcasing of talents of each and every Aquinian in the future events. Joshua Echaluce meanwhile, added jokingly, “Having free snacks in all activities won’t be bad.” It is one common aspiration for everyone in the university to eradicate apathy. Surely, even those who do not participate as of now would want to in the future.
Mind-Over...
FROM PAGE 4
air-conditioned classrooms in the M-Bldg., the Mac computer laboratory for the Comm and Fine Arts majors, the refurbished laboratories for our chemistry and health sciences programs, the newly-installed solar-powered street lamps inside the campus, or the shiny new computers in the ITC lab, being my personal favorite, finally replacing the last of the ancient units there. These causes are noble, as far as I can see, and for an institution like ours, it is inevitable that these cost us money. As I may have mentioned in a previous article in this very same column, we pay for everything in this world, one way or another. But we can count that the effects of what we pay for will ripple through years even decades into the future. However, it’s not easy to ignore what my colleague pointed out during the consultation. Is this extravagant building what we
“Aquinians are talented and smart, among the best that the region can offer,” the hopeful and devoted Marvin said. “But in order to soar high, each and every one must realize and believe in his or her potential, unleash it and then utilize it for the holistic development of one’s self, the university and the community.” Indeed, students must realize their self-worth first before being able to immerse fully in school activities. In addition, every-one must understand the importance, effects and implications of an activity to them such as the elections for them to care, express and act. If we will engage ourselves in resolving important issues at university level, certainly we will do the same for the sake of our beloved country. In that case, the old habits of just complaining without acting can finally be thrown out of the window. To Marvin all hopes remain highspirited and as of now, it is the best weapon against student apathy. ■
really need right now? In this shifting economic and educational landscape, priorities must be set on what’s going to help more in assuring we’ll be competent in our chosen fields and professions after we graduate. As students of a private institution, besides our studies, we also worry about how much we're getting our money's worth - every single centavo of them. Isn't it true that we value and should value more the things we pay a lot for? So in retrospect, I feel a bit reluctant to pay for something that will possibly not benefit me directly during the course of my remaining years here in AUL. Is this simply one of the sacrifices we lay down in the collective fight against ignorance? Or perhaps a call for us to think altruistically? To think of the greater good? This building might not benefit some of us much, especially those graduating next year, but the coming generation of Aquinians surely will. ■
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HERALD A Q U I N I A N
The Official Student Publication of Aquinas University of Legazpi
Gov. Salceda eyes nat'l games as tourism event
Albay gears up for Palarong Pambansa 2016 By RALPH B. ORENSE
THE PROVINCIAL government of Albay, led by Gov. Joey S. Salceda, is looking to add a unique twist to the Palarong Pambansa next year, after winning the bid to host the national games since it first hosted in 1952. The Palarong Pambansa is the Department of Education’s annual nationwide sports meet for elementary and high school athletes. The Albay governor, who had been a big advocate in promoting tourism in the province rolled out his plans to launch the games as a massive tourism event, as they expect 15,000 athletes, officials, and spectators from across the country. In a report by PIO-Albay posted in the province’s official website, Roderick Mendoza, the provincial sports coordinator, shared their plans for the games, specifically Gov. Salceda’s aim to boost local economy by tapping into the “tourism potential” of this event. By scattering the 21 events of the games across the province’s towns and three cities, all overlooking the scenic view of UNESCO World Heritage site candidate, the Mayon. Volcano, visiting athletes and spectators would be in for a “world class” tourism experience. This is evidenced by recent recognitions in national and international travel marketing fairs, including the Berlin ITB 2012, the London WTM 2013, the Shanghai ITM 2013, and the Department of Tourism promotions in Hong Kong in 2014. “My guidance to Team Albay, the 2016 Palaro technical working group, is to design a ‘multi-venue’ layout, that shall distribute participants in different sports sites around the province; so they can enjoy our global standard tourism areas while competing,” Salceda said in a Philippine Star report. The event will not come in cheap, with the facilities costing about Php 850-million. Php 750 million of which was approved by President
QUICK
TALK:
Albay Astrodome (pinangat)
By RALPH B. ORENSE
THE SHORTLIST of the countries that might host the world basketball tournament tournament has been trimmed down into two Asian countries.
Albay Sports Complex (abaca basket weave) Oas Arena (puto wrapped in coco coir)
SPORTS TOURISM. The national games next year will showcase Albay's "orgullo" through the proposed venues, as seen above, as the province incorporate the concept of sports tourism b
Albay Sports Complex (abaca handbag)
GRAPHICS COURTESY OF ALBAY-LGU FACEBOOK PAGE
Aquino and was recently released as the construction starts. The local government of Albay forked Php 150-million to add to the ambitious construction of the structures with the exterior and interior designed to showcase the best of Albay's products and delicacies like the abaca, pinangat, and pili nut. The Albay Sports Complex located at Travesia, Guinobatan started construction in 2014 and will serve as the main venue. It will have an international standard oval-track and a grandstand. The design of the main arena, which will have a seating capacity of at least 6,000, was designed after the indigenous plant fiber, abaca. The Albay Astrodome will be the venue for the gymnastic events. The dome will undergo a facelift that
will feature a pinangat-inspired exterior. Meanwhile, the proposed Guinobatan Sports Complex, with a seating capactiy of 2,500, will have a pili nut design concept, and the puto-shaped Oas Arena with sinamay salapid or coco coir finish With these improved sports facilities, Albay is also set to host the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) national games in April 2016. This also signifies Albay's edge as a convention center in the country. The province is even aspiring to host bigger sporting events like the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games or the Asian Games. This year's national Palaro was hosted by Tagum, Davao del Norte. ■ With reports by A.C. BROSAS
Tigers alum... FROM PAGE 15
Once the stars of the University’s varsity team, Cunanan, Sabayo, and De Luna led the Aquinas Tigers to multiple titles in the Governor’s Cup and the now defunct Mayor’s Cup from 2007-2011. They were also part of the delegation that represented Bicol in the 2011 PRISAA nationals in Zamboanga City. The three were recruited to the Cambodian Basketball League after being scouted by coaches in the past. They will begin their quest to reclaim the title when CBL open its 2015 season this month. ■
On March 17, 2015, the central board of FIBA has announced that Philippines and China are the top choices to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup. The said countries have undergone thorough assessments from the organization’s evaluation team, which visited both countries in the last couple of months. The FIBA commission inspected the Philippine Arena in Bulacan, Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, which hosted the 2013 FIBA Asia Championship, and Araneta Coliseum. They also inspected the sites of the planned SM Cebu Arena and Solaire Gymnasium, two other target venues for the international basketball meet. The Philippines first hosted the tournament, then known as the FIBA World Championship, in 1978. The country turned heads as a viable host for the World Cup after a successful staging of the FIBA Asia Championship in 2013. ■
EX-TIGER NOW PRO B-BALLER OVERSEAS
JANNO CUNANAN,
a Management graduate of AUL in 2010 and a former varsity member of the men's basketball team, is making a name as a professional basketball player in Cambodia. A star player import of Davies' Paints of the Cambodian Basketball League (CBL) with other former Aquinians, Aimar Sabayo and Victoriano de Luna, both varsity alumni too. Aquinian Herald checked in with Janno, who is currently based in Cambodia, and talked about basketball, being idolized, and life in a foreign land. - B Y A L D R I N C. B R O S A S How did you end up in the Cambodian Basketball Leagues? I was scouted
the first time in a foreign country? Did you expect the 'Best Foreign Player' award?
by Chris Borja - he's also a graduate of AUL - and his brother is a friend there in Legazpi. He was also my mentor and he took care of our documents last year so we can come here and play.
Siyempre, may halong kaba kasi naninibago ka pa. But I told myself to not let that stop me in giving my 100-percent. Buti na lang at sa first game pa lang, mukhang na-impress ko naman sila. No, I didn't expect it kasi maraming magagaling, but my mindset
What was it like playing for
PH, China on shortlist for FIBA‘19 hosting bid
Guinobatan Sports Center (pili)
and attitude at the games was always to give it my best. Was it a long-time dream to play basketball professionally?
It's really my dream to play professionally. Di ako nabigyan ng pagkakataon sa PBA kaya siguro dito ako dinala ng pangarap ko. You recently moved to Cambodia. Are you planning to stay long and
Janno Cunanan receiving the Best Foreign Player award for 2014 in the CBL PHOTO COURTESY OF J. CUNANAN
pursue a career in basketball? I plan to pursue this as
a career and patuloy pa ding mag-hanap ng magagandang opportunities, but I don't want to stay long here. Mas gusto ko pa din kasi diyan sa atin. Any upcoming games? And speaking of games, how much do you prepare for a game and what are your pre-game rituals? There's one coming
What can you say about Cambodians as people? How do you feel being a sports figure there?
They have high regards to Pinoys here, not just in basketball but other professions as well. As a sports figure dito, nakakataba ng puso na ma-idolize, na gagawin nila lahat para maging close sa'yo (laughs) and at the same time, overwhelming din. Who do you think love basketball more? Cambodians or Pinoys? Pinoys. Football
up on March 28. Soft opening ng season 3 ng CBL.
kasi talaga ang pinaka-sport nila dito. Basketball is still an emerging sport here.
A lot of practice and condititioning. Sa spare time, jogging and siyempre napaka-effective ng prayers kaya di dapat mawala 'yan.
Are there teams you follow here in the Philippines? Any favorites? I look up to James
Our daily practice. Mga 4am pa lang nasa ome na kami; and then of course, the professors na mababait at talagang suportado kami noon, like sa Gov's Cup. What advice can you give to Aquinians who might want to pursue the same path as yours? Practice lang at de-
termination, and of course, disiplina sa sarili. Most importantly, lalo na sa mga varsity natin ngayon diyan, dapat pagsikapan nila na makatapos ng pag-aaral. ■
Yap the most so I follow his team, Purefoods. What do you miss most in Aquinas University?
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHNOM PENH POST
BACK ON TOP. AUL Tigresses snatch back the Governor's Cup volleyball title from
last year's champs DWCL Lady Falcons in a close finals game at the Albay Astrodome last February. PHOTO BY CLARKSON L. ANTIQUIERA
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AQUINIAN HERALD - VOLUME III, ISSUE 2 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 - A P R I L 2 0 1 5
AUL Tigresses dodge DWCL Lady Falcons,
Reclaim Gov’s Cup volley crown By RONA MARICAR C. MIÑA
AUL fields smallest delegation to PRISAA nat’l games since ‘03
AFTER BEING dethroned as champions last year, the AUL Tigresses sent an emphatic statement when they reclaimed the Governor’s Cup women’s volleyball title this year against their longtime rivals, DWCL Lady Falcons, in the finals match held at Albay Astrodome on February 17, 2015. The Tigresses, who lost the twice to beat advantage against the Lady Falcons of the Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL) during their previous game, looked sluggish at the start of the deciding game. This allowed the Lady Falcons to take advantage. Led by their team captain Roxanne Bigtas, sister of Tigresses’ setter Rosalie Bigtas, the DWCL stormed past AUL for a 25-21 first set win. Slowly but surely, the Tigresses showed their aggressiveness as they started to impose their dominance against the Lady Falcons as the game progresses. With stars Christina Raña, Ashlee Razon, and Edcel Co taking charge, AUL successfully avoided an upset by winning the last three sets 25-17, 25-21, 25-22 on their way to the championship. “I just told them to enjoy it,” said Tigresses coach Arnold Beringuela. “We lacked focus in the first game, so I just told them to loosen up and have fun.” Meanwhile, the men’s volleyball team weren’t as successful as their female counterparts as they exited the Governor’s Cup on a fourth place finish. ■
FOR THE first time in more than a decade, Aquinas University sent its smallest delegation yet to the Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) National Games, with less than ten players, on April 11-18 at Iloilo City. AUL, usually one of the schools to have the most athletes in Bicol to advance to the nationals, will only be fielding seven players this year, following an unimpressive performance in the regional selections in . “I think we were not able to win as many games as we wanted to because we did not have much time to prepare for the event,” explained Wellness for Sports and Fitness Center (WSFC) Director, Edward Jaucian. "We were not able to train properly because of the tight schedules of some players, and this was the result," he added. Headlining the delegation of AUL will be four members
inside
TIGER ALUMS SHINE IN CAMBODIAN PRO BASKETBALL LEAGUE
QUICK TALK
Ex-Tiger now a pro baller overseas Up close and personal with AUL Tiger alum, now professional player, Janno Cunanan. PAGE 15
NEWS
Albay gears up for Palarong Pambansa 2016 To showcase Albay's best through 'sports tourism'
PAGE 15
/AquinianHerald @aquinianherald
By RALPH B. ORENSE
an early deficit to outlast Camarines Sur in the Finals 85-71. "Everybody contributed to the success of the team," said Ravago, who is making her third consecutive trip to the national meet. Jhanna Francisco (Taekwondo), Eric Perez, and Rachel Valladolid (Athletics) complete the roster of AUL's athletes in the games. Aqunian stars Jerome Taller (Table Tennis), Maruelo Ferreras (Basketball), Renzo Buenconsejo (Volleyball), and Christina Raña (Beach Volleyball) weren't so fortunate as their performance wasn't enough to get them past the regional tournament. LADY CAGERS. Three of AUL women's basketball team's finest, "I guess the win was just not led by Aira Ravago (center) Someone Someone (left) and Someone Someone (right) headline AUL delegation to the national PRISAA meant for us," said Raña, who meet in Iloilo City.last Fuary. PHOTO BY RALPH B. ORENSE graduated this March. The Bicol region will have of its basketball women's Cassandra Llanera, Albay's varsity team. Led by the junior cagebelles won the regional a delegation of about 250 superstar Aira Ravago, sharp championship by quickly athletes, coaches and officials shooter Sharmaine Velasco, decimating the province this year, as they try for a better and reliable scorers Maria of Sorsogon 83-30 in the finish than the last two years' Therish Adornado and Krehsia eliminations and overcoming sixth place. ■
By FAYE ANDREA M. TERWEL
FORMER MEMBERS of the Aquinas University men’s basketball team made their marks in the foreign land when they led the Davies Paints, a team that plays for the Cambodian Basketball League to a first place finish in the 2014 CBL season. Janno Cunanan, Aimar Sabayo, and Victoriano De Luna were part of the team that fell short of a championship when they lost 56-54 to Pates 310 in a
thrilling finals match held on December 6, 2014 at the Olympic Stadium in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Though the Paints started sluggish, Sabayo’s defense and Cunanan’s scoring kept their team at a striking distance throughout the game. The Paints even had a torrid run in the final five minutes with Sabayo and Cunanan leading the charge. Clutch baskets from the duo even
cut the deficit to one, 55-54 against the Pates with under 30 seconds left in regulation. However, Cunanan missed his driving layup and it sealed the win and the title for Pate. Despite the loss, Cunanan was awarded the 2014 Best Foreign Player award. Sabayo received the same award in 2013 when the Paints won the CBL title. TIGER ALUMS PAGE 15
Janno Cunanan (center)
PHOTO COURTESY OF PHNOM PENH POST
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