The Beacon Newsmagazine

Regulars

Editor’s Note 3 Angry Birds in the Twitterverse 4 The Filipino Activist 6 Science Breakthroughs 19 Factoids 22 Korni Komix 39

Table of Contents Featured Stories

Ateneo Hikes Tuition Fees…AGAIN! 5 Soar Eagles, Soar: Graduations, Goodbyes and Hellos 6 How Fares the Cleaning?

9 The Exchange 11 Looking Back at the Ateneo’s Christmas 12 The Ateneo’s Film Connoisseurs 14 When the Lights Turn Off 16 Behind the Flops of RF-ID 18 Carpe Diem, as the Eagles Flee the Nest 20 AMADA 23

Quality vs. Quantity: The Answer to the K+12 Dilemma 24 The Corona Impeachment Trial 26 A Story to Tell of the Pan Kada Dia 27 Of Togas and Diplomas: An Account

of Those Who Didn’t Have Them 28 ‘Di Lang Basta Babae 30 Soup for the People?

32 The Truth Behind the Transfer 34 A Quick Guide to Stress Management 36 Expressions and Preventions 37 Behind Books and Glasses 38 Graduation Shoutouts 40

ewsmagazine

The Beacon N

Editorial Board

12 Sy: 20011-20 Editor in Chief, Kelvin J. Culajara. Associate Editor, Sarah Gail C. Galvan. Copy Editor, Jam Camille Quintanes.

Assistant Copy Editor, Ridzanna Abdulgafur. Newsfeature Editor, Keith Joshua Dumpit. Filipino Features Editor, Ray Christopher Secuando. English Features Editor, John Xyrous dela Cruz.

Managing Editor, Neilson Nick dlS. Alinsañgan. Creative Arts Director, Micco Jay Bugtai.

Acting Creative Director, Frances Grace Florendo. Head Cartoonist, Almira Priscilla Drapiza.

Layout and Graphic Artists, Jessa Kristine del Mar & Farouk Susulan.

Cartoonists, Jan Meryl Luna, Anjomar Alcazaren, Jennifer Bantay, Fahad Alfad & Eunice Serneo.

Staff Writers, Rania Dawabi, Everlyn Jaji, Maybellene Joy Muesco, Marie Cyndie Domingo, Keith Laurice Demayo, Elimar Pingkian, Rovic John Eslao & Friend Hayzer Gregorio. Moderator, Ma. Ruth Tabuniar.

Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines. Publisher, Ateneo Studentry.

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EDITOR’s NOTE

School Year 2011-2012 was a witness to Ateneo’s ceaseless pursuit for excellence while it pledged to its mission of being one for others. From its commencement which was marked by numerous changes ranging from the law school to the chapel renovation, until the time when Ateneo opened its gates to aid the victims of Sendong, we now come to the end as our graduates toss their caps in relief and triumph.

In these moments, The Beacon Newsmagazine was among the crowd covering and featuring these stories to deliver to the greater majority. And while some of its stories were marked with feedbacks—both good and bad, we were one with the Ateneo in advocating the values of truth, honesty, and excellence.

We are proud to say that for this year, we also lived up to the advocacy of making everyone involved of anything inside and outside the Ateneo’s walls. Some of our writers went out of their comfort zones to expose certain truths within the campus.The others went through the pains of researching and interviewing to deliver stories which might be peculiar to most Ateneans, but are fundamentally important to every Zamboangueño and Filipino. We were one with the rest of the Ateneans by delivering certain stories and criticisms that are needed to enforce reforms.

Even if Beacon has been suffering financially for three years now, we made ways to ensure the sustainability of issues throughout the course of the school year. Even if we painfully sacrificed Beacon’s glossy form, but we paved ways for more and more substance in the magazine.

Writing, layouting, drawing and editing were always worth the sleeping hours and lunches skipped and the classes missed. We have been always proud and happy to serve the Ateneo students, their rights and their freedom.We always had faith in every Atenean as an agent of change.

In the end, we look forward to a better and stronger Ateneo Studentry, a more peaceful Mindanao, and a brighter Philippines. Long live the Freedom of the Press! Long live the little voices who, amidst harassments by certain officials and administrators, never hide in fear and bravely challenge the odds.

February-April 2012 | 3

OPINION

By Jam Camille Quintanes

Angry Birds in the

Twitterverse

The first time I created my Twitter account, I really didn’t know what to do about it. I created it for the sole purpose of following my favorite Hollywood stars and well, hoping one day they would reply to my tweets or follow me back. I must confess tweeting can be seriously addictive. You tweet something one minute, next thing you know you just can’t stop letting the world know the random things happening to you.

Recently, stories of celebrities versus their bashers have been taking over news programs. These haters reportedly attacked some celebrities with malicious and insensitive tweets about their career and personal life. The celebrities in turn, feeling the need to defend themselves, retaliate by responding with equally vicious tweets. These celebrities have been constantly pleading for respect to the people talking about them. “Tao rin kami” and “konting respeto” have been their cries toward the public.

However, this is proving to be an impossible response from some citizens of Twitterverse.

So here’s the deal. Twitter has become a digital storehouse of conversation. Gossip can spread like wildfire. A few exchanges of tweets here and there, next thing you know it’s a trending topic. And because the people are somehow disguised via their accounts, this gives them the guts to say anything without really thinking about it. The celebrities of course know this, and they also know that they are of public property.

As many as their fans are, somewhere, someone will dislike them and may use Twitter as an avenue to express that disposition. It is just INEVITABLE, and that’s the painful reality.

Celebrities or anyone for that matter, upon

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deciding to create a Twitter account, should’ve already anticipated that they are letting their guard down by exposing themselves to a world of both fans and haters. Furthermore, that conscious decision must mean that they are willing to live with the repercussions that choice may entail.

I am not saying that people, especially bashers, have all the rights and freedom in the world to criticize the celebrities because there is no such thing as that. The citizens of Twitterverse, knowing the power of those 140 characters, must be responsible in tweeting. They too, (or should I say, we too), have the burden of being able to stick with whatever we tweet and stand by it. We can still voice out our opinions and criticisms while being civilized and humane as possible. The celebrities on the other hand have to show strength in their character by not entertaining their bashers with the same ill-mannered tweets. Who knows, those bashers might just be some random person or even their own fans wanting to get some attention. And while the celebrities are religiously pouring out their emotions to fight back all their haters, on the other side of the line is the secret rejoicing of them haters as they enjoy the spotlight.

In this war where survival is success, composure is the key. Instead of wasting time and tears chasing after the bashers, one can simply click Block User, and boom out of your timeline forever. Because let’s face it, not everyone will like you and you can’t please everyone.

Before I forget, you can follow me on Twitter @jammyq. Happy Tweeting Everybody!

Tuition Fee...

AGAIN Simsimi: Hello!

Me: ADZU Tuition Fee Increase Simsimi: Salot!

It may seem to be just a casual conversation with Simsimi, but looking into reality, the issue regarding the impending tuition fee increase in ADZU next school year is driving both parents and students crazy.

It has been a usual reaction for the parents to feel anxious for every tuition fee increase, most especially those who are experiencing financial difficulties at the present..

Of course, who wouldn’t?

The tuition hike

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University is among the state colleges and private universities that will be imposing a tuition fee hike next school year. ADZU is reported to be imposing a 5% increase in all levels of education which include the elementary and secondary levels, the college unit and the graduate and medical schools as well.

According to Bro. Raymund Belleza S.J, Assistant to the President on Finance, the said tuition fee hike is due to the increasing inflation rate and the sweeping 4% increase in the salaries of the faculty and staff.Amidst Bro. Belleza’s explanation, the tuition fee increase still poses a negative impression on the part of the students.

The payers’ side

The imminent tuition fee increase brought about the attention of some students. As expected, almost everyone is against it. “It’s kinda harsh because not only do we have scholars here in school, but there are also some students who are working just for their education,” one student said.

It is quite true that there are scholars here in ADZU, although the situation of those who enjoy a full scholarship grants is far different from those who benefit from a 50% or less scholarship grants. In fact, it is graver for those who do not enjoy any scholarship grant for they would have to pay the full fees all by themselves. On the other hand, some students interviewed had stated that they are concerned of transferring to another college for they can no longer afford to be in the Ateneo.

Meanwhile, Bro. Belleza was quick to affirm that the decrease of enrolees due to persistent tuition hikes is very much expected. He pointed out, however, that tuition fee increases are not always absolute indicators of the enrolment rate since there have been times when the enrolment turn-outs have increased amidst a tuition fee increase.

Petition for reform

Tuition fee increases among colleges and universities have been long-standing national issues.

In response, students and youth organizations in certain universities have been demonstrating rallies, challenging their school administrators to open their inventory and accounting records in order to justify the said increases. Moreover, among the alternative solutions as proposed by protesters is the student representation in administrative affairs so that said representatives could participate in decision-making processes regarding major issues affecting the student body.

In the Ateneo, tuition fee hikes have been inevitable, and the fees have been increasing for almost every year. Sadly, only a few students are willing to engage in this pressing issue, and the rest remain silent and unconcerned.

What should the Ateneans do then? Should we stand and let our voices be heard? Are we going to demand reforms? Or are we going to remain still, knowing that this issue directly affects the student body and probably, everybody else’s future?

by John Xyrious Q. Dela Cruz |

Ateneo Hikes

Sources: http://www.philippinecollegian.org/more-than-300-tertiary-schoolsto-hike-tuition-in-june/ http://www.vencercrisostomo.com/students%E2%80%99challenge-to-ched-regulate-tuition-defend-student-rights-andwelfare/ http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20110517336913/Average-10-hike-in-colleges-tuition-justified--CHED http://www.noypi.ph/index.php/nation/3828-ched-282-collegesand-universities-to-increase-tuition-fee-this-year.html

February-April 2012 | 5

Soar eagles, Soar!

Graduations, Goodbyes and Hellos

By: Sarah Gail C. Galvan

If there is something that could bring together the student body that environmental protection or student leadership cannot do, it is the common desire of everyone to see their names posted in the College Lobby—the common desire to be able to graduate…finally!

The ceremony

On the 24th of March, the Multi-Purpose Covered Court (MPCC) was filled with proud students and parents as they celebrated the Baccalaureate Mass and Graduation Ceremony consecutively.

This year’s batch was led by Accountancy graduates Ralph Jorline Chua and Leyson San Juan, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. San Juan delivered the Welcome Address, while Chua wowed the crowd with his simple, spontaneous and inspirational Valedictory Address.

In addition, distinguished guest speakers were invited by the University to give notable speeches on realities after graduation. The first speaker was Most Rev. Romulo Valles, DD, the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga and the recipient of the Pro Deo Et Patria Recognition.

The second speaker was Ramon del Rosario, Jr., the President and CEO of PHINMA Corporation and Philippine Investment Management, Inc. and the recipient of Doctor of Humanities Honoris Causa.

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Musical pieces were played by the ADZU Concert Band as each of the graduates were called to march on stage to claim their diploma.

Certain students were also recognized with their respective distinctions: Almira Vanessa Ledesma (Theology Award), Everlyn T. Jaji (Islamic Theology Award), and Leyson San Juan (Philosophy Award).

As the program ended, the graduates were inducted officially to be part of the Ateneo Alumni Association by its President, Edwin Makasiar.

The shortcomings

This year’s Graduation Ceremony was headed by the School of Liberal Arts. Since there is no such thing as a perfect program, there were certain complaints that participants of the event

had, most especially the parents.

year,” Plaza said.

From a complaint that was posted in the Ateneo Issue Page, the contention was that the parents were disgruntled about the fact that before the ceremony started, everyone was asked to leave the MPCC only to enter it again.

Addressing this issue, Anne Plaza, the secretary of the School of Liberal Arts clarified that this was because during the mass, the graduates and their parents were able to sit wherever they chose to in the bleachers since the tickets that were

The testimonials

Graduation is an important event even in the eyes of undergraduates. Its essence, however, is multiplied a thousand times more for the graduates who have finally reached their goal when they first entered college.

As shared by Keith Señerez, “It felt wonderful that the crops of our sacrifice had bloomed. At the same time I felt bad because I’m leaving my home, but I know I’ll carry the values of this institution wherever I go.”

For scholars it was a matter of thanks similar to the experience of Ramonelle C h a r m a i n e Faustino, a BSMA graduate. “What reigned in my heart that day was the feeling of deep and sincere gratitude to all those who have been part of my college life.

My unending thanks goes to the given to them indicated only the seat plans for the Graduation Ceremony. So as to comply with the Almighty God, my family, to my benefactors, to Sir sitting arrangement, the parents were asked to Shing, and to SACSI.” leave the premises in the 30-minute interval before On the other hand, nursing graduate Jan the ceremony officially started. Accordingly, this Meryl Luna compared it to, “the feeling when you notice was even already announced to the students during their practice and they were told to relay the spend your week’s allowance on food trip.” message to their parents. Unfortunately, there were Luna continues, “Yeah, sure, it felt great those who did not forewarn their parents about it, and some parents stubbornly refused to leave on filling the tank with all that scrumptious food, but at the end of the day you’ll feel sick. Graduation [was their seats, further aggravating the situation. like that, it] felt great, but when everything was

So as to solve the matter, the people said and done, I crawled into my bed, and thought designated to control the crowd exchanged the about the future. I got scared. I got so comfortable tickets for the parents to those who were designated being a student that I didn’t know how not to be to sit there to avoid worsening the problem. “Crowd one. But then, we all have to move on. C’est la vie.” control has been the main problem in this kind of Photo by Marc Zuriel source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2834762835 events and this thing has always happened every Photo 977&set=a.2834759315889.2121517.1466389470&type=3&theater

February-April 2012 | 7

A ctiv The Filipino

ist

The Filipino Activist is a fugitive, he is the most despised.

He is rascal in the eyes of his government, in the eyes of the community and of the Institution.

The Filipino Activist is an imbecile in the view of his own people for he chooses to take the unusual path—the road less traveled. His family renounces him, for his existence endangers their lives. His peers mock him and of the choices he makes, for instead of plummeting into the bandwagon of graduating and earning and traveling somewhere far, far away, he chooses to stay.

OPINION

He chooses to stay not really because he is too sluggish and lazy and cynical about his dreams and ambitions—no.

He chooses to stay for he thinks there is so much to do for his country and for his people. And while the rest ridicules his odd decisions and of his surrender of everything which could have begotten him to greatness, he weeps in vain but stands unmarked and invincible.

By Kelvin J. Culajara

The Filipino Activist is a victim. He is the eye of a sniper, the scapegoat of every faceless goon, and his life is the ambition of every gun. He is the pawn to be silenced, the virgin to be seized and the saint to be hushed.

“He is an idiot,” some facetiously quip. “He is a pest,” others aggressively muse. But when he writes or speaks the truth and spreads his arms to the skies, the rest of the world just glares and listens in awe.

On the dark corners, the hoodlums so mighty and cruel, order his head to salvage them from conviction. The others order his execution in the sight of many to elicit fear and terror and declare dominion, until he thinks and speaks no more.

The Filipino Activist is the nation’s sacrifice for freedom and liberation.

As he curses in pain and cries out for help in the midst of the crowd of the helpless, the meek and deserters, he gives his last breath while his blood writes history and his story pales forgotten.

In honor of all our friends who have died martyrs in the hands of the oppressors. In honor of all our heroes who have fought for democracy and change.

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How Fares the Cleaning?

by Keith Laurice Arjine T. Demayo

For the information of everybody, there was a re-launching of the Solid Waste Management Program just this second semester (see The Beacon, Vol. 67, Issue 2). We surely have taken notice of the different-colored trash bins all over Ateneo campus in every floor of every building, and they are certainly more noticeable now, though still colored, but with pictures and labels on them to easily differentiate the type of trash and separate them accordingly.

The faculty and staff even received a memo from Fr. Antonio F. Moreno SJ regarding the changes to be implemented in managing wastes and keeping clean. The intent is to completely change not only the state of cleanliness and orderliness here in Ateneo de Zamboanga University, but also to make the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) a way of life in the community.

A number of policies were also implemented by the faculty and staff in compliance with Fr. Moreno’s memo. First, that the occupants of each office are responsible in maintaining the cleanliness of their respective offices. Second, the cleaning done by the Physical Plant personnel of all offices will be for three days a week only so as to have time to take on the areas that really need their attention. And at the end of the day, the faculty and staff are expected to bring home their biodegradable wastes, throw recyclables (e.g. plastic cups, etc.) in its respective trash bin, reuse and recycle papers and shred non-reusable papers once a week, and dispose of non-recyclables in their respective areas.

In an effort to gather support, as well as spread and develop awareness of the re-implementation of SWMP, a song was composed in the hopes of inspiring the students to keep the school clean. It was quite a catchy, upbeat song. And the students who performed the song were quite charming with their smiles and their wonderful voices blending perfectly. However, when a

Photos by Frances Grace Florendo

number of students were asked on their opinion about the effectiveness and progress of SWMP, majority of them answered the same question with variation.

“What’s SWMP?” This is clearly mystifying and a bit disconcerting as well. It makes one wonder if they even noticed the new, efficient-looking trash bins.

And if they did, they probably didn’t find anything remarkable about it.

It seemed the awareness wasn’t developed at all. And regarding this program, the students, as usual, remained apathetic.

After the initial baffling question, when these few students understood what SWMP is, a not-so-cool revelation was actually slipped.

Again, their answers varied but were ultimately the same: That the current program is ineffective; and that SWMP is not working quite as well as they expected. However, one was nice enough to state that, “People are slowly learning to segregate their wastes.”

Can this be considered as a success or a failure?

The waste bins are new and fresh-looking. But one can observe that despite the display of picture and label to differentiate which waste goes to which color of trash bin, students still mix them up without care. When a student is in a hurry to dispose of the trash he/she is holding, he/she would be looking for the nearest one.

Improper disposing always comes first. Segregating is not even in site. These are evident behaviors showcased by Ateneans who practice Apathetic Waste Management (if you know what I mean).

Editor’s note: In the article “SWMP at its dying blow”, the re-launching was spearheaded by the EcoWatch and not by SACSI. We are sorry for the mistake.

February-April 2012 | 9

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e

Th

Exchange

by Marie Cyndie Domingo

They say, the theories learned in class will not amount to the values one can learn unless experienced first hand. That is why for this whole month of February, the Social Awareness and Community Service Involvement, in partnership with the Philosophy Department of the School of Liberal Arts, organized The Exchange.

The Exchange is a program that exposes students to the different sides of reality outside the Ateneo by letting them work as common employees in different business establishments in the city. Some students served as service crew in restaurants and fast food chains, baggers in department stores, cleaning personnel in hotels, and farmers in the far-flung barangay of Dulian. In exchange for this experience, the workers from these establishments would come to Ateneo for seminar and workshop on different fields like basic accounting, creative writing, public speaking, customer service, and a lot more.

The exchange

There were a total of four batches that participated in the said program. Each student worked only for two days in their assigned establishments, and aside from proper grooming and courtesy, each participant was tasked to hide his identity as an Ateneo student.

In the orientation, Joan Mae Barredo of SACSI said that the rule was to help students be fully immersed in the experience. Admittedly, one cannot mitigate certain biases other people may have of Ateneans. The rule simply wanted to allow students to get the same treatment as their fellow workers. The tricky part, however, was on how the students would have to think of ways to hide his identity.

According to some participants, the most uncomfortable part of the exchange was to lie in order to not make it obvious that they were Ateneans. “My colleagues doubted about my identity, because I speak differently daw at parang hindi raw ordinaryong tao, [which is why] I needed to lie,” a student said.

When the rule flops

The first batch seemingly had the greatest advantage for their co-employees were unaware of their identities. By the time the succeeding batches took their turns, many said that it became more and more difficult

to hide their identities since many of their co-workers had started doubting.

Moreover, some even shared that there were others who jeopardized the experience by coming to the orientation wearing clothes which easily recognized them as Ateneans. “Others had heavy make-up, iyong ilan nagba-BlackBerry sa orientation, at meron pa nga nakaschool at nursing uniform pa noong pumunta sa venue even if Ate Joan instructed us all to just dress simply.”

The fulfillment of an experience

Minor glitches aside, the program received positive responses from the participants.

“Although I had imagined it to be this…[difficult], but never had I…[realized] that the amount of effort placed on doing these things amounted to this much,” one student said.

Some even said how hours of standing make you realize and appreciate the pleasure of sitting.

“I got to appreciate the things that most of us take for granted because of how privileged we are in life. It is amazing how two days in real work can affect a person’s perspective of things”.

Appreciating the simple things of life was given a whole different and deeper meaning through The Exchange. No one could ever realize the worth of a simple act of gratitude and a little smile unless one has really experienced having to work for hours without a sign of encouragement. But what probably was the best thing about this experience, was having to mingle with the people of different walks of life, and learning about their experiences, dreams, ambitions and stories.

In the end, The Exchange gave the students a lot to think about: things about life, reflections on where they are now and a clear vision of where they want to be. The Exchange opened realities of life to the students, and as well made them realize how choices affect the wheels of life.

February-April 2012 | 11

Photo courtesy by SACSI

ACteneo s hristmas Looking Back at the

’

By Keith Joshua Dumpit

Dubbed as the most destructive typhoon to have hit the Philippine islands in the year 2011, Bagyong Sendong proved its rage when it ruthlessly took the lives of at least 1,100 people in Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan City, Dumaguete City and some areas in Cebu. Northern Mindanao and Southern Visayas, though outside the Philippine typhoon belt, took the beating from the unforgiving storm, with Northern Mindanao experiencing the greater damage. Though Bagyong Sendong may not equal the devastation brought about by Bagyong Ondoy in 2009, it sure was saddening that it happened nine days just before Christmas.

the Tabang Sendong operation which ran through December 20 to 22 in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Brebeuf Gym. Within this span, students were encouraged to donate old clothing for men, women and children alike, canned goods, bottled waters, cash and other relief commodities. According to Mr. Mark Allan Palanca, the environmental officer of the SACSI, the amount of goods that the Ateneo has come up with from the various donations coming from students, faculty, staff and benefactors will not su ffice the number of victims in Cagayan De Oro and Iligan. However, with the initiatives of other charitable groups in Zamboanga City, the quantity of donations has soared to a greater number and hopefully will satisfy all the needs of the

Ignited by both the Christmas and Ignatian victims residing in evacuation centers. spirits, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, spearheaded by the Social Awareness and Community Of course, this event would not have been Service Involvement or SACSI, in association with achieved without the participation of volunteers. Yet, Xavier University in Cagayan De Oro City, established in this case, it was the students who chiefly took part

12 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

i n

the charitable endeavor.

According to Ms. Sheryl A n n

delivered approximately six times since the 22nd.

Potable water has also been one of the growing concerns of the people in affected areas. Floodwater has contaminated the pipelines in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, and it is believed that it will take months to revive the purity of the water in those cities. Fortunately, this was emphasized in the Tabang Sendong relief operation. Mr. Palanca added that among all the donations accumulated, water was the most visible. It was estimated that half or more than half of the gym was filled with water donations, since among the goods listed in the donation catalog, it was Abdukahil, water that the school was emphatic about. one of the SACSI’s head Conducting relief operations is not a novel idea formators, she in the Ateneo. For such a long time now, the Ateneo has was satisfied with how the students took time off to help been very consistent in their intentions of helping those in the sorting of goods, attesting that they were very who have been devastated by natural calamities, with much active during the event. Not only did individual their penultimate operation occurring just last March and independent students participate in the event, in Jolo when flashfloods wiped them out. With Ateneo organizations, led by the El Consejo Atenista, were aside, other schools have also been contributing in their also motivated to join in the event, in addition to some own little ways in similar operations. For the Sendong students swapping their Physical Education classes for sufferers, some schools in Zamboanga have been the relief sorting affair. sending out financial assistance and even manpower in order to hasten the recovery of the victims.

As to how the students were enticed to partake in the event is an interesting tidbit. Ms. Abdukahil shared Being the head of the Ateneo de Zamboanga that, through using various media such as Facebook University Quick Response Team (QRT), the SACSI will and texting, students were made aware of what was continue to coordinate and receive donations and help about to happen. Aside from the aforementioned, Mr. from volunteers and donors alike in order to appease Francis Jay Llenado, the Director of Student Affairs, the situation in the affected areas. As prompted by the also did room-to-room campaigning to ensure that university’s vision and mission, it is one of our duties everyone was well imbued with information as to how to provide assistance to those who are in need, and they may be able to help their brothers and sisters in Northern Mindanao, which is Western Mindanao’s the affected areas. immediate neighbor, might be one of the easiest places

With the sorting of relief goods ending on to help, considering the proximity between the two December 22, the immediate delivery of these regions. commodities took place subsequently in the afternoon.

With the aid of carrier truck, the first batch of goods Palanca assures that, for as long as Cagayan bound for Cagayan de Oro was sent, followed by de Oro and Iligan are in need, the Ateneo community the goods bound for Iligan. Carried by the truck were will be there to attend to their needs, and for future one 30-foot and three 40-foot container vans bound disasters which might be as devastating as Sendong. for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, respectively. Tzu Chi, the Ateneo will be there to offer a helping hand, so another organization doing relief operation for the when such a time comes that Western Mindanao is typhoon victims, also coordinated with the Ateneo under grave calamities, our fellow Filipinos will also be in the delivery of the goods. Overall, the Ateneo has there to return the favor.

February-April 2012 | 13

C The

Film onnoisseu

ATENEO’s

By Ridzanna Abdulgafur

....................................

The long scripts of drama, the big and bulky cameras, the lights, screenshots and a whole wave of ideas—all these captivated the purest essence of their story and brought their masterpiece “Ikot”, a critically-acclaimed film, into fruition.

were to do the film, it could have been different and easier because I was the one who wrote it. I already figured it out beforehand, and I wrote it to complement my original groupmates’ [ideas]. But since it turned out as that, it’s the director’s call to do it. I just had to collaborate with them.

The Beacon sits with Mass Communication students and film connoisseurs, and the brainiacs of Ikot: Ana Carlyn Lim (director), Ryan Joseph Murcia (director of photography and editor), and Johnars King Sumpo (screenplay head), as they talk about almost anything from personal experiences to their passions and film.

How was your experience? Was it…life-changing? Or, has it been so full of realizations for you?

Ana: The experience was really life-changing because this film served as an eye-opener to me that I have to try something new and discover myself more.

Ryan: We really had to be dynamic. I may [have] not complemented my director or scriptwriter but at the end of Jon: We were given different themes to write about, and I the day, we’re still friends. We didn’t have to take it personally. thought of writing about karma. [I felt that it] would be a Working with people of different visions helped me too in good idea [to write something about what] most of us can becoming a better person. relate with.

Jon: I learned how to give way to my director in order to Let’s talk about challenges in making the film. Was it very make the film successful.

Why did you write Ikot?

difficult doing it?

Ana: The moment I read the script, it’s like I wanted to bump my head on the wall because there were a lot of action scenes like gun shots and vehicular accidents [which are difficult to make].

Why do you create films? Better yet, what is it in film-making that makes you happy?

Ana: Watching my final output is one thing that makes me really happy. After all the hard work, seeing your finished product is worth more than anything. Secondly, you get to Ryan: The biggest twist in doing the film is that we only had witness different moments while doing the film and meeting two weeks before the presentation [date] when our teacher different personalities. It’s really not boring. exchanged the screenplay of our group. We had to change everything and make some adjustments. Although the script Ryan: Basically, the film itself makes me happy. I never of Johnars was easy to visualize because it was well-written, it realized that I [would] love films until I was in college was really hard to shoot since we lacked equipments in doing [already]. [Doing] film is…very exciting. You get to meet and work with different types of people and the fact that you certain scenes. make something out of art is really compensating.

Jon: The challenge for me was on how they directed it. If I

14 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

m urs

Jon: I just really love films because all the films have stories to tell whether they are based from reality or fiction. Every film has a certain point. It entertains you, it changes your life. Whatever you want to say, the film is the easiest way to build an emotion for people.

What does it takes to be a filmmaker?

to be one. And to be a filmmaker in the future, I think I just need to have more money.

Ryan: [I want to] direct a heavy drama film where I can let the audience cry, and win the highest award that I can get. [I also want to be] a celebrity.

Jon: I can see myself directing a film that can change the world.

Ana: It takes courage, discipline, and How can you contribute in the arts and culture of the city by inspiration to be a filmmaker. filmmaking?

...................................

Ryan: A lot! Everything. It takes a lot of personality, Ana: What I can contribute are the stories of different people motivation and ambition to make a film. [and make the audience realize] on how diverse they are.

Jon: It only takes one word to be a filmmaker—passion.

Ryan: My advocacy is for homosexuals. I want people to fully grasp the idea [of acceptance of the homosexuals].

I want people to understand and accept…us because we are all one and the same.

Jon: I think that is by attracting more people to go to the city through effective f i l mma king .

I also want to eliminate prejudice of other people toward other culture.

I want them to realize how the dispersed Do you have a vision of yourself, maybe, as future filmmaker? groups like the Subanen, Tausug, [and others] are as important What are your goals? as they are and deserve respect and acceptance [which are Ana: I don’t see myself as a future filmmaker but I’m hopeful inherent to them as] humans too.

February-April 2012 | 15

R

egardless of where people are, complaints seem to have a continuous surge.

Classroom chats, sidewalk conversations and radio commentaries seem to have the same underlying criticism; that is, the power outages appear to be happening in inappropriate circumstances and they keep on disrupting people’s activities without any short notice. Particularly students who were nearing the end of their annual academic tenures, blackouts appear to be an extra baggage to their undertakings. Not only were subjects getting more and more difficult, but not being able to study in the dark yielded even heavier distress.

Aquino: rehabilitation is the key!

President Benigno Aquino III finally put an end to the clamor when he declared that neglect was the primary reason for the power crisis in Mindanao. He added that the Agus 6 hydroelectric power plant in Iligan City, which is responsible for providing power in Mindanao, has not been in great shape for the last couple of years.

Since the power plant was established 59 years ago, it has been in dire need of upgrading for a very long time since its components were only sustainable for 30 years. Aquino, nevertheless, has ordered the National Power Corporation to revitalize two Agus 6 generators, and in doing so, this might cost the government a robust P2.6 billion for a 30 month-reparation period.

Simultaneous with the rehabilitation of the Agus 6 power generations, the Philippine government also intends to establish two coal-fired power plants, which might take two years to come into fruition. When these proposals by the government get realized in two years time, power outages are less likely to dominate Mindanao and, to an extent, the whole country. With the government emphasizing that these proposals would yield definitive actions, the President has requested people to become patient during these times, as the power outage crisis will persist until next year. Yet, the government’s word is that this dilemma would be culminated in 2014, that is, when new power plants are erected and existing power generators are upgraded.

Emergency powers Because today’s citizens are much more preoccupied than before, two years of persistent power outages may seem to be too much for them to bear. With that, Councilor Jimmy Cabato and Luis Biel III have expressed their acquiescence to President Aquino’s plea to the House of Representatives to vest him with emergency powers to be able to solve the power crisis in Mindanao. Although this request has not been settled yet due to the objections of numerous senators since the problem is still at hand’s reach, Francis Escudero and Antonio Trillanes see no wrong in granting Aquino with emergency powers.

On the other hand, Cabato said that the President should investigate the activities of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), which supplies power to the Mindanao grid, since the Mindanao Development Authority has accused NGCP of creating “artificial power outages.”

Moreover, the NGCP is also rumored to be on the verge of privatization, and that, when this happens, NGCP will be free from any price regulation and therefore, will tend to increase their rates, leaving consumers even pressed by the burden of power hikes.

Of coal power plants Abreast with this issue is Conal Holdings, Inc. persistent proposal to establish a coal power plant in the city. The proponents of this believe that the establishment of the power plant will somehow stabilize the power supply of the city. Nonetheless, Councilor Cesar “Jawo” Jimenez claimed that the P10 billion proposed power plant construction will not be pursued, unless the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issues an Environmental Compliance Certificate to facilitate the implementation of the project.

As of the moment, the DENR has not spoken regarding such matter. Since this has not taken a step forward into realization, the establishment of the coal power plant in Zamboanga will, therefore, not play a significant role in the current power crisis. Nevertheless, when this plant gets erected, this might just ease the future power crisis Zamboanga city might face.

When the Light

16 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

The glaring repercussions

Temporary cure

Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III, on the other hand, has expressed tremendous dissatisfaction with the way the crisis is being handled. Pimentel, being a native of Cagayan de Oro, has been alarmed as to how this predicament might affect the livelihood of people in Mindanao, drive students out of focus in their studies, lead to unemployment, trigger investors to back out from prospects and cause Mindanao’s tourism to decline. With that, Pimentel has called for an assembly among Mindanao legislators to come up with immediate solutions that will address the current problem. Pimentel is eyeing to raise questions as to why energy planners did not anticipate the emergence of this problem and did not stabilize the reserve supply of energy when the predicament began to surface.

Still, the power outages remain persistent and are foreseen to be occurring at longer time spans at approximately 8 hours per day beginning this April.

As of yet, the only clear and immediate solution to this problem is the purchase of additional power from the Therma-Marine Incorporated (TMI), the nearest power supplier at hand. The Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO) and the city government, hand-in-hand in this proposition, have clarified that the additional power supplied by TMI will still be inadequate when compared to the city’s power demands; hence blackouts will continue to recur in the city. As opposed to the long term solutions provided by the national government, the purchase of power barges from TMI will take into effect in just a short span of time and therefore, even before 2014 steps in, blackouts in Zamboanga City will become moderately lesser.

However, despite the government’s clear demand for patience among people, businessmen in Zamboanga are still infuriated by the length of the period at which the problem will be eased. Zamboanga’s economy, predominantly involved in fishery and retail, are gravely affected by these, as small-scale businesses cannot afford purchasing expensive power generators to supply electricity when power outages occur and entrepreneurs are overcome by the fear of going bankrupt when they take the move. Entrepreneurs, particularly in the canning industry, have declared that the recurring power outages have continuously disrupted their production process, and therefore, have affected the quantity of products they are able to manufacture.

Fortunately for students, the vacation period has set in and studying in the dark has been erased from their list of major concerns. Yet, business establishments are unlucky as their use of generator systems during blackouts will take a toll on their expenses. This evidently shows how power outages can be a brick in the pockets of entrepreneurs, and as for the students, this year’s summer vacation may not be their best but this might definitely be their most scorching one.

ts Turn

Nevertheless, when the additional power are incorporated in the city’s power grid, the long hours of power outages will be trimmed down and that Zamboangueños will be able to enjoy their amenities much better than before.

References: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/167763/aquino-power-crisisin-mindanao-caused-by-long-neglect http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/news/13top-stories/9302-cabato-biel-support-special-power-foraquino-to-solve-power-crisis-.html http://ph.news.yahoo.com/senate-wary-house-keen-noypowers-175641674.html http://www.goldstardailynews.com/northern-mindanao%7C%7C-x/8892-pimentel-calls-for-immediate-govtintervention-to-fend-off-power-crisis.html

Off

By Keith Joshua Dumpit

February-April 2012 | 17

Lately, students were appalled about the frequent times when the RF-ID scanners were not functional especially because the equipments were new and therefore, expected to be operating consistently and without any problems. Beacon then interviewed Mr. Eugene Kanindot, Director of the Center for Information and Technology Services, to get the lowdown of what’s really going on, and to dig further about the operation of the RF-ID in the campus.

Mr. Kanindot was vehement in reiterating that the RF-ID was to basically give the students, faculty and staff less hassle when it comes to monitoring them as they enter or exit the campus. Rather than the usual assessment of

the entire process becomes ineffective. “Kung saan kasi naka-connect iyong mga readers, before sila makapunta sa Computer Center, it has to go through some jumps [na] naka-connect sa HUB. Sometimes the HUB is not working, kung kaya hindi nakaka-read”. HUB is a device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together and making them act as a single network segment.

Since the data read by the computer also goes through the Admissions and Scholarships Office and the President’s Office, it is also prone to be ineffective if the connection in one of the offices is down. Therefore, if one of the HUBs in this entire process is down, then the entire process fails to work and function.

Major blackouts around the city also caused the scanners to flop. And even when the lights are back on, the people responsible for maintenance, if unaware of what to do, are unable to return the scanners for its operation proper.

Kanindot also adds that it only takes one quick restart to allow the readers to work again. But for some reason, some security guards who are in position to do this, are unable to do so.

the security guards that can take quite some time and create a long line in the entrance, the RF-ID was there to put everything in quiet order. The students and teachers would just place their IDs in front of the scanner and it would automatically read their IDs. Well, that makes a perfect picture especially if you’re running a little late. No holdups in line and no need to wait for everyone to move on.

That perfect scenario is disrupted when for some instances the said readers wouldn’t work. Although many thought that the equipment itself was not operating, Mr. Kanindot assures that the technology is perfectly working and in good condition. The information read by the scanners go through a long line of connections before they reach their final destination. And if during this process the information is disrupted by certain connections, then

18 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

The last school year was a testing period for the RFID. Up until now, problems and other concerns regarding this are taken into account and addressed for solutions. According to Mr. Kanindot, they are planning to change the equipment into another stand-alone type where there is no need to connect to a computer, rather it’s connected straight to the HUB.

We all know how this goes. Purchasing a new set of equipment will definitely be another expense. And some students have already doubted how much of our tuition has actually been spent for the acquisition of RF-ID. Are we really getting what we paid for? Technically, yes.

Since the equipment itself is working properly and other factors are causing the problems, the scanners are doing what they’re supposed to do. And if only with proper manning and maintenance, it’s a little too early to buy another type of RF-ID.

SCIENCE Breakthroughs

By RidzannaAbdulgafur

Be thin with chocolates!

Stimulants tail off high achievers!

Stimulants like coffee have become a part of everyday’s drink for millions of people just to stay awake and alert especially in graveyard shifts or in an extensive review at night.

While it may improve unengaged workers’ performance, a new study suggests that caffeine and amphetamines can have an opposite effect for others. It slows down the high motivation of people who naturally favor the difficult tasks of life that come with greater rewards.

A lot of people perceive eating chocolates as an unhealthy diet, because according to them, it makes them fat. However, recent study conducted byDepartment of Medicine of University of California gave a major objection to this idea.

When stimulants are given to coward people, they worked significantly harder compare to people who are brave enough to embrace challenges that resulted to a decrease in their motivation.

Psychologically it affects the brain mechanisms The study showed that adults who eat chocolate of people that determine how much cognitive on a regular basis are actually thinner than effort one has to expend in decision-making for those who don’t. Modest and regular chocolate accomplishing the tasks. consumption is indeed calorie-neutral. The metabolic benefits of eating modest amounts of Indeed, stimulant drugs affect the amount of chocolate might lead to a reduced fat deposition mental attention people devote to achieve their per calorie and at the same time, offset the goals. added calories.

The researchers found out that adults who consume chocolates more (but with moderation) had lower body mass indexes than those who ate chocolate less often. This was also despite the fact that those who eat chocolates more often did not eat fewer calories nor did they exercise more.

What good news for those who already have a regular chocolate habit and for those who may wish to start one. But don’t forget that too much and too less of chocolates isn’t a good thing to be slim.

February-April 2012 | 19

By John Xyrious dela Cruz

School Year 2011-2012 has finally come to an end. A remarkable and notable end indeed, for the Ateneo has once again produced fully fledged eagles that will now spread their wings to the fullest extent. These full grown eagles will now embark on their respective journeys toward the challenges of reality and toward the bigger picture of life. And as they bid the Ateneo goodbye, they will always carry with them their alma mater’s ideals of excellence, spirituality and citizenship.

Exhibited by this year’s graduates, Carpe diem, which means “seize the day,” is an entreaty to enjoy the present and place little worry on the future. Ateneo’s centennial graduates relish their delight and happiness that at last, they have finally marched into the main entrance of the MPCC, stepped up on stage and received their diplomas with pride, confidence, and a sigh of contentment.

Carpe D the Eag the N

graduates recall, these events in their lives were the challenges that they faced before the dawn of March 24, 2012.

“My four-stay in the Ateneo was like a roller coaster ride. It had a lot [of] ups and downs...” from the words of Leyson San Juan, class salutatorian

As they enjoyed every moment of their of this year’s batch of graduates. Truly, college life graduation, they did not seem to worry about the offered numerous and countless experiences and days to come, nor did they remember their wonderful challenges in academics, school activities, social pasts in the Ateneo. They seemed to be lost in a life, and personal issues. frenzy of their own happiness of graduating. We shall now take a glimpse on their college diaries, Face-off with Challenges right into their pasts and at the same time, take a What do you suppose were the challenges serious look on a crystal ball, looking forward for that a college graduate experienced in his fourtheir futures. year stay in the Ateneo?

Recall and Remember

Walking into the Gate 2, parading along the catwalk, chatting by the L-bench, stalking ladies by the lounge, hearing and spreading gossips along the kiosk area - these were all part of a typical college life. And these moments were all but kept in the diaries of their cerebrum. As the

20 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

• Contesting for the right to use the kiosk against the parents of grade school students.

• Squeezing right into a mob of students to photocopy some notes in Selex.

• Furiously waiting for the slow process of enrolment to finish.

• Cramming for midterm and final

Diem, as gles Flee Nest examinations.

• Praying hard just to pass a long exam in NCM or Accounting.

• Meeting deadlines for the theses, feasibility studies or the due video presentations.

• Meeting new friends and forming new cliques.

• Passing a long exam in Calculus.

• Surviving the Chemistry class of Sir Pajarito.

• Memorizing the entire handouts of Fr. Yatco.

• Dissecting a cat and identifying its two hundred-plus bones for a Biology requirement.

You might think that these challenges are very much funny, stupid and out of this world. But these challenges are true in nature. Looking beyond the amusing and comical challenges presented above, were challenges that strayed far from academics but more on the graduates’ personal aspects.

• Will I graduate on time?

• How do I see myself 5 to 10 years from now?

• What will I become after graduation?

• Is my resume and transcript impressive enough to guarantee a stable job?

• Are there still jobs available for my field?

These may sound like clichés but these were the real challenges that every graduating student felt and experienced. They studied hard, they encountered sleepless nights, answered difficult examinations, placed under extreme pressure to comply the requirements given, just to be able to look for a solution for these greater challenges.

These challenges carry with them answers, filled with uncertainties and doubts that clouded the minds of our fresh graduates.

Front liners

“The timing of the current graduating batch lends itself perfectly to a critical point in the development of our country, where forces such as globalization and technological advances is posed to radically change how our economy ticks. Our graduates will entrench themselves at the forefront of dealing with these realities despite being scattered into all the sectors of society, undoubtedly contributing to the development of each of them,” says class valedictorian Ralph Jorline Chua.

As graduates of the Ateneo, a lot are expected from each and every one of them. This year’s graduates are at the front line of gaining and developing much better for the welfare of others and for the country.

Photo Sources: (from left most) https://www.facebook.com/photo. php?fbid=367393266638761&set=a.367393226638765.9817 3.100001042721649&type=3&theater; https://www.facebook. com/photo.php?fbid=3272348801459&set=t.727456835&ty pe=3; (Frances Grace Florendo); (Marc Zuriel) https://www. facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2834762835977&set=a.283475 9315889.2121517.1466389470&type=3&theater

February-April 2012 | 21

22 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

By Marie Cyndie Domingo Love is like water which can take any form. It can flow in any surface, and like a stream that reaches out to the community who can hardly go to health centers. For inanimate rocks, it can extend to people outside your this, the AMADA program provides cold chain facilities to store medicines and other items. own circle—those you barely know.

Selfless love can be expressed helping those who are in need—those who are not reached by the services and luxuries most people enjoy. It is with such great love that one can selflessly aid these people regardless of relations, culture, and social status.

Currently, it is serving forty-three communities in the city. AMADA has partnered with seven of these communities to allow for more sustainable development for the people they help by meeting with them quarterly.

In addition to the communities that AMADA aids, it It is this kind of value that inspired the Center of also provides additional medicines to places like the Community Extension Services (CCES) to establish a city jail and other areas as far as Basilan. AMADA also program which provides health care to the marginalized opens its doors to other communities which are in need areas in Zamboanga City. This program is the Ateneo of their services.

Medical Assistance for Doctorless Areas (AMADA).

All these efforts to promote health and wellness among In partnership with the School of Medicine and the the people who are living in marginalized communities College of Nursing, the primary goal of AMADA is have paid off greatly. Accordingly, it has now increased to provide access to health and medical services to the the immunization of children in these areas. Illiteracy poor and indigent, in isolated areas where government rates among children have also decreased. People get more health services aside from those which are given doctors are barely sent to serve. by the local government.

Among the services that AMADA provides are medical services, health promotion, and preventive health care. AMADA continues to aid the people they serve and hope They also help in the community organization and for an improvement in the health of their communities. development by providing trainings on livelihood skills Truly, a project like this is in-line with the Atenean and team building. The community health volunteers value of service for others. And for eighteen years, they in the specific communities are also provided with continue to exist consistently pursuing the cause which trainings to help them reach out to people within the they started from, that is love and service for people.

February-April 2012 | 23

K+12

Quality vs. Quantity: The Answer to the

Dilemma

| | || | | || | | | || | | | | | | | | | | | | | In a nutshell, K-12 means kindergarten and twelve years of elementary and secondary education. It is an additional two years to the ten-year basic education that we have before we get to enter college. The Department of Education has announced that in regards to this, the model that the program will be adapting is the K-6-4-2 model. This model involves kindergarten, six years of elementary education (Grades 1-6), four years of junior high school (Grades 7-10), and two additional years of senior high school (Grades 11-12).

The goals of the K-12 program is to produce productive citizens who are able to compete and meet the standards of the global arena, uplift the quality of education in the Philippines and to allow senior high school graduates the opportunity for a career seeing that the additional two years will serve as a specialization period for students on their chosen career track.

The question then is, “Will the program really be feasible and beneficial in a Philippine setting, especially here in ADZU?”

Quantity?

It is of no surprise that the present state of education in the Philippines is quite poor. Even in Ateneo where it promises a quality education, it is still difficult to maintain this promise when the number of teachers is decreasing and the quality of basic education being taught is also dwindling.

With all those problems, would the act of adding two more years of basic education before one can enter college be the answer to our problems?

The Aquino administration and certainly the administration in the university do think so. The benefits, in fact, are both micro and macro in extent.

24 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

By: Sarah Gail C. Galvan

The best is that in having an enhanced curriculum with the additional two years of high school, students can have more time to master the basics and prepare for their future careers. This will allow college curriculums to devote themselves entirely to mastering the major subjects of the student’s chosen field. Furthermore, Atenean graduates could now be recognized abroad since the new system will meet the entrance requirements of foreign schools.

But is the problem really about the lack of time in teaching the students basic education or could it be more?

Quality?

Indeed it could be said that K-12 is the key to development. In fact, there are a number of benefits as aforementioned. But the fact of the matter is, does the program really kill the root of the problems or would it just bring more problems?

From what we can see in status quo, majority of

high school graduates, even those that have graduated from ADZU, are ill-equipped to handle advancing to a higher education of study. Some find it even difficult to pass their minor subjects such as English111 or Math101. Why is that so?

One of the factors could be because even if the time they spent in high school will be extended, it would not work if they are not really being taught well or even being taught at all. Like for example the story shared by a student that their high school Economics teacher did not bother to teach them at all. Instead, it was one of their classmates who had to do the teaching for the

others in class.

From these stories, it could be said that the claim of a quality education is questionable. So does the fact that adding two more years of THAT kind of teaching would solve things? It does not really seem so. We cannot become productive citizens and globally competitive workers with that kind of quality of education.

But does that mean that the K-12 program should not be imposed in ADZU?

Fr. Moreno: K-12 is the way forward

From an interview with Father President Antonio Moreno, S.J., he announced that indeed ADZU will be implementing the K-12 program, although, he is still waiting for the legislation that mandates for all schools to have the additional two years in their curriculum.

The plan now is for ADZU to revise its curriculum to become “K-12 compliant.” This means that when the legislation is pushed through, ADZU would be ready for the mandate. Although, it will be implemented in the next school year, 2013-2014, at the latest, since plans for the revision of the curriculum will end by this coming October.

For these reasons, Fr. Tony declared “I am for the K-12 for that’s the way forward.”

Of course, there might be disadvantages when the University will change its curriculum. The number of enrollees might decline. As explained by Fr. Tony, this could happen because parents might prefer the ten year system because of the lesser expenses incurred given that most parents would want their child to go to college.

Furthermore Fr. Tony stated that, “Actually, we are really not ready for this. You have to have new textbooks, you have to rearrange your faculty, and so on and so forth.

It’s just too soon …We’re not there yet.”

But despite these misgivings, ADZU will still proceed with its plans. Because as Fr. Tony explains, this is not merely a dilemma on quality or quantity anymore, for the benefits gained from adding the two years in our basic education system and the drive to improve the quality of our education must be done simultaneously.

In Fr. Tony’s words, “You have to do both. It’s not just saying that you add two years and that’s it. You really have to, if you want to have educational reform, it’s not either or. You have to do both – quality and the number of years. It’s not either or.”

However, Fr. Tony states, “What we are planning is even without the legislation, we will offer plus two courses.

Now these plus two courses (vocational courses) are courses that do not need [a college degree] … to be able to work.”

Simply put, when the first batch of the revised curriculum for K-12 have graduated from their fourth year in junior high school, ADZU will give them the choice to take the additional two years to work after graduation (i.e. working as a Teaching Aid or a Call Center Agent) or to forego these two years and proceed to college. Either way, as long as there is no legislation yet, the students are not mandated to take the two years of senior high school.

The reasons why ADZU will be taking this step were shared by Fr. Tony as one, “The nation is lagging behind. We are one of the two countries in the world with only ten years in basic education,” and two, “If our students go out abroad they are asked this question – How many basic education years did you study? If you say ten years they will say – That’s lacking, it’s not enough. So therefore … our professionals, when they go there [they] are not treated as professionals.

They are treated like technicians.”

February-April 2012 | 25

The Corona Impeachment Trial

By Neilson Nick dlS.Alinsangan

R

enato Corona was accused of charges and was seen unfit to sit as Chief Justice by over 188 congressmen who signed an impeachment complaint against him.The said impeachment complaint was signed last December 12, 2011, and the trial has officially commenced only last January 16 of this year, ensuring Corona’s place in Philippine history as the first ever Chief Justice to be impeached and put in trial.

T

he said complaint contained 8 grounds for impeachment, including his alleged partiality and subservience in cases involving the Arroyo administration from the time he was appointed as associate justice to the time of his 'midnight appointment' as chief justice. Also some of the complaints included his failure to disclose to the public his statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth, and his blatant disregard of “the principle of separation of powers by issuing a status quo ante order against the House of Representatives in the case concerning the impeachment of then Ombudsman Merceditas Navarro-Gutierrez”.

At this instance, Corona bears the burden to prove his innocence in all of the eight allegations for when at least one of the eight allegations against him was proven to be true, he will eventually lose his post.

The impeachment immediately became the talk of the nation.Majority expected

26 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

it to be a success, with the convincing case and statements forwarded by the prosecution at the onset of the impeachment; it seemed that Corona’s fate was sealed. In a televised interview, House Justice Committee Chairman Niel Tupas maintained his confidence over the matter, and even bragged that the prosecution team has ”a very, very strong case against the Chief Justice”.

Out of 8, only articles 2,3, and 7 remains.

Article 2 is about Corona’s failure to disclose his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth, Article 3 is about his failure to meet and observe the standards which provides that "[a] member of the judiciary must be a person of proven competence, integrity, probity, and independence", and Article 7 is about Corona’s partiality in granting former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Jose Miguel Arroyo a Temporary Restraining Order, allowing them to escape prosecution.

However, during the course of the trial, various incidents happened which changed the public’s impression on the outcome.Accordingly, Corona’s bank records as presented by the prosecution turned out to be fake, as PSBank branch manager Anabelle Tiongson added that the said documents“did not come from our bank” and “are not replica of genuine documents".This then caused a stir. The prosecution being so careless to present such a questionable document in an impeachment trial was surely a huge blow on the prosecutions’ credibility.

People now are beginning to question the prosecutions’ competence and if their grounds for impeachment has even sound basis. A lot deem it to be a political mess with “disinterested…, bored, [and] sleepy audiences”.

Shortly after the fake document incident, On February 28, 2012, the prosecution has expressed their desire to drop 5 of the articles of impeachment in which SenatorJudge Miriam Defensor Santiago berated them for.

"It's boring. Parang hindi totohanan eh, umeeksena lang ‘yung mga pulitiko eh.

Gusto lang yata ma-media lang” said Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles in a televised interview.

What started out with so much vigour is now moving to a sweet decline. While a lot have expressed their doubts of it as a political distraction to entertain and make a show in preparation for the 2013 senatorial elections, the rest hopes that things will get better in impeachment trial and results will be for the good of the public.

A Story to Tell of the Pan

http://kerlynb.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Bake-Pandesal-or-Pande-Sal-the-Everyday-Filipino-Bread (photo source)

Some students do many sacrifices just to continue their studies and maintain their grades to finish the course that they want. Sometimes, they tend to sacrifice some of their resources such as lunch money to fill in their needs for other requirements such as photocopies or class contributions. With these sacrifices, it leads to them coming to class with an empty stomach which makes them unable to concentrate very well in their studies.

Luckily, a program in the Ateneo exists to aid them with their aching tummies. The Pan Kada Dia is a food subsidy program for students who do not have enough money to spend for their daily lunch meals. The program was patterned with Ateneo de Davao University’s Our Daily Bread that helps scholars who do not have enough budget for food.

The initial funding began with the Siu Hua Yu foundation, which was named after an alumna who died of a vehicular accident. The program was also named after her, hence calling it the Siu Hua Yu Fund or Pan Kada Dia program. The program continues to run because of the help and donations sent in different amounts by sponsors and alumni.

The process of the program starts with an application which is open to all interested students. A personal interview will follow, and after that, Mr. Conrado Z. Balatbat, director of the Office of Scholarships, will begin posting a list of people qualified for the program.

The student-beneficiary gets his coupon worth Php30.00 to Php35.00 at the Scholarships Office and claims the food at the canteen. This happens daily—from Monday to Saturday.

Kada Dia A Story to Tell

By Elimar Pingkian

Kuya Jay is one of the students who benefit from the program. He works as a student assistant in one of the offices of the Ateneo. Even with the help of being a student assistant in an office, sometimes, his allowance in school is not enough for him to afford spending for his requirements, paying his contributions and even buying his own lunch. “Minsan, hindi na ako naglalunch kasi kailangan ‘yun pera para pamphotocopy sa mga lectures, meron din iba sa contributions [sic]…”

Fares, handouts, photocopies, and contributions are just some of the reasons why students like Kuya Jay do not take their own lunch meals anymore. Even though he has his daily allowance, he says that little was only left of it since he needs to spend it initially for his fare and for other academic necessities like photocopied handouts.

Knowing that he needs to spend his money wisely for him to survive schooling and maintain his grades, he just decides to skip his lunch.

With the help of the Pan Kada Dia program, students like Kuya Jay are now able to eat a decent meal without having to worry if they still have money left to spend for their photocopies. Also, they can now spend a day in school without feeling the pain of hunger just because they skipped lunch. Knowing that there are people helping them, this experience makes them strive hard in their studies and become inspirations for others, too.

Editor’s note: Kuya Jay is a pen name of the interviewee.

His pen name is not suggestive of his gender.

February-April 2012 | 27

Of Togas and Dipl An Account of Those Who Didn’t Have Them

March 24, 2012 --- For most, this day marks deliverance same to that of being saved from a sinking Titanic: those who held on and undermined the threats that went their way ended up on a sailboat leading them to a place of hope and brighter opportunities. Nonetheless, as for those who let go on this day, they ended up drowning in their own sea of despair, the consequence of what seemed to be a struggle deficient of drive and effort to keep

28 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

them hanging on despite the grave presence of obstacles.

It’s a no-brainer that this day was Graduation Day.

An Opportunity Imaginable yet Unfulfilled For whatever personal reasons, those who did not triumph on this day were definitely having a trough in their lives.

They were an inch close to grabbing

those togas and coming up the stage to receive their diplomas, but this vision seemed to have blurred at this point.

For the sake of anonymity, the authors of these testimonies will not be named.

It is clear that one difficulty in succeeding one’s course is the lack of drive to excel in one’s chosen path. At some point, all efforts become completely invested, leaving the student drained out of any enthusiasm to push further. “El first is, I think, on the time. Sayang kasi. Kay

Swimming through the current

lomas: by: Keith Joshua Dumpit

poko ya lang era pero yan give up pa yo,”claimed one student. Time may have played a considerable role in such a failure.

Another thing that has hindered those who did not graduate was that they did not seize opportunities to be able to fervently study their subjects and learn how to deal with academic letdown. “Sana naiwasan [sic] ko ang magretake [ng] subjects para nakasabay ako sa regular batch,” said one student. “If hindi ako nag-give up magstudy sa ibang subjects, hindi ako makaretake [sic],” the student added.

As the cliché goes, we learn from our mistakes.

Instead of learning from them, students were instead disheartened and did not consider the failures as motivational factors to help them emerge from the depths of academic despair. They fell short on using “failures in a positive way,” as one student described it.

To put it simply, some of those who did not graduate were simply preoccupied with leading their own pack of students in their respective student organizations, and some claimed that a complacent attitude towards their studies has blocked them from having their academics come into conclusion.

Emotional Gravity

What they feel may be something they would never forget throughout the rest of their lives.

Not only is failing to graduate low points in the lives of the afflicted people, but it may also be a ruin for the parents of those who did not graduate, whose efforts have not been translated into their desired outcome. Worst, seeing one’s child undergo such an upsetting predicament may be a stab at the parents’ hearts.

They can never blame their subjects, or their course for that matter, for their failure. They are the ones who determine their own success, and it is up to them as to how they motivate themselves to keep them going through all the ups and downs of studying.

They mustn’t be held back by the “icebergs” that come their way. On the peripheral, they may seem devastating, but deep within, they provide privileges for individual development: a development in terms of emotional maturity, which make them realize that the cliché is, after all, effective.

These people, our college students who failed to march dressed in their togas and claim their diplomas, are capable of becoming models themselves and serving as such may help spread the beauty of such a brief yet hackneyed phrase. By regaining their composure and taking a shot at their academics once more, provided that efforts are inculcated, there is no doubt that success will follow.It’s about time for them to rise back from their sea of anguish and swim back towards the shore: a chance cut short but still very achievable.

February-April 2012 | 29

‘DI LANG BASTA Commemoration of the International By: Sarah Gail C. Galvan

T

he month of March is not merely reserved for a student’s relief of having the school year officially end nor is it merely associated only to the joy of a graduating student. The month of March signifies something more that can be found in what should principally be the equal counterparts of men in the social stratum – WOMEN. For indeed it is true, that March marks the celebration of the International Women’s Month.

In line with this, the month sees to it that everyone is called – men and women alike, to grasp the concept of advocating for women’s rights and for their equal status in most patriarchal societies. Furthermore, in the light of recent events such as the increasing number of calamities that wreaked havoc all over the country, the effects caused by climate change, the theme for this year’s celebration according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) is “Women Weathering Climate Change: Governance and Accountability, Everyone’s Responsibility.”

According to the PCW, “The theme aims to help build gender-responsive resilient communities that are responsible and accountable, and prepared for any disaster that may come their way. It further aims to underscore the role of women as powerful agents of change in relation to disaster risk reduction and at the same time to highlight that climate change mitigation and adaptation is everyone’s responsibility.”

With the theme set out and the overall goal for the International Women’s Month laid, it should be of no surprise that ADZU too, chose to partake in the celebrations. So what did ADZU do to commemorate International Women’s Month?

For women, the students.

In ADZU, there is an existing organization that prides itself for its social awareness and action for societal issues (i.e. women empowerment, environmental protection). There was even a former group that aimed for the equality of all genders within the school, the

30 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

Gender Taskforce.

However, despite the existence of such organization, the one to take the initiative to celebrate International Women’s Month was not them. Rather, it was a group of students from the Mass Communications Department that decided to do a film fest in honor of the month with the theme of, “’Di Lang Basta Babae.”

The festival showcased six short films each with a different perspective on the nature and status of the women today in Philippine society.

Some focused on women’s relationship with men, as can be seen in Sentido Imahenasyon and Mofu, two short films directed by Johnars Kenneth Sumpo. Sumpo shared that Sentido Imahenasyon “stated a message about the current situation of the idea that women today are almost always just objects of men’s fantasy. Women today are always victims of exploitation, harassment, and all sorts of violence. If men would just narrow their mindset that women are in fact the other half of their humanity, maybe they will realize that women are beyond their false imagination.”

For the short film Mofu, Sumpo took a more existentialist approach with the same focus on women and men’s relationship with each other, explaining that “Mofu is both a man and a woman. It only says that men and women are inseparable. Both men and women are one; a single specie that can’t survive without the other.

Women today are overlapped by the superiority of men’s stature in the society. Everyone is subject to change, and everyone is also in control of these changes. If women would just think that men are reflection of their identity, then they will realize that they can also do whatever men can do.”

Another short film became notorious for going outside of the box of the common conception of women, for it delved into the complexity of those that are women in heart but not by nature. This is the short film Sausage directed by Ryan Joseph Murcia. He relayed that, “Women’s Month is not only about those who are biological[ly] women. It also transcends to those who feel that they are women, like feminist poems that also

BABAE: l Women’s Month transcend to those who can relate to it, like homosexuals and transsexuals. Sausage is a story of a transsexual and her emotional journey from the moment she became a transsexual. Sausage is the representation of strength within women and their capacity to make decisions in life no matter how absurd it is to others. It is the strength to stand [up] to what you believe in.”

Other short films such as Un Diutay Mundo, Charade, and Ikot, which were directed by Ana Carlyn Lim, portrayed story lines and characters that were in line with the goals and values celebrated during International Women’s Month.

Thereof, we can see the efforts of these Ateneans should not be wasted. In the mindset that we have in ADZU today, indeed there is neither discrimination nor the mentality that women are inferior. A positive on our side given that there are still existing schools within the country that cannot shed their patriarchal dominating attitudes in regards to the opposite sex.

As Ateneans who have pledged to be men and women for others, it is our responsibility to inculcate in others an open-minded attitude when it comes to dealing with women. As Ateneans, it is our moral obligation to keep tabs on the progress of women empowerment today in the Philippines such as the current clamor for vetoing the Revised Penal Code to which may have decriminalized vagrancy, yet still maintains that prostitution is a crime thereby perpetuating the abuse, exploitation and women of a number of Filipinas.

As Ateneans, let us not waiver. Let us do this for the Filipino Maria.

Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DiLang-Basta-Babae/317255014990823

February-April 2012 | 31

Things have slowed down after a while since the uproar over the SOPA and PIPA bills.

There has been a period of caution following the postponement of the SOPA bill. Now people are coming out of their shell and ventured out to have fun in the world of Internet once more. Though what do we know exactly about SOPA and PIPA? Besides the fact that the two words sound similar to ‘soup’ and ‘people’?

SOPA or Stop Online Piracy Act is a Senate bill proposed by Lamar Smith with the goals of empowering U.S. law enforcement to fight online trafficking of copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods.

PIPA is a House bill that came first before SOPA and had went under a re-write before it came to be called PIPA a.k.a. PROTECT IP Act and further, Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act. Takes a mouthful to say it, just give it a try.

The goal behind PIPA is similar to SOPA except that this proposed law gives power to the government and copyright holders to restrain access to rogue websites that violate the copyright infringement law.

by Keith Laurice Arjine T. Demayo

Soup for the

People?

32 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

There have been a few points raised against these two bills although PIPA had already been passed.

One is that their proposal of the use of Domain Name System blocking which many criticized will ‘break the Internet’. Hackers would offer workarounds to private users to allow access to government-seized sites and possibly jeopardize security if the sites were a scam. This will ‘break’ the Internet in a way that shows the drastic changes in how users surf the net, disrupting their flow of secure surfing.

There have been some experts who support the bills that say this worry is unfounded as this method is already being used in different countries such as Austria, Belgium, and South Korea, with no serious problems so far.

White house officials even posted a statement saying that any effort against online piracy must be made without censoring legal websites and must not restrain innovation of both small and large businesses, and that they must avoid creating new online risks and possibly disrupt the underlying

architecture of the Internet. The other point is the possible loss of freedom of speech and innovation. For example, there are organizations that use circumvention software that help democratic activists get around online censorship mechanisms. SOPA and PIPA would basically outlaw this tool used by activists to circumvent censorship in countries such as China and Iran. Another concern is that venture capitalists refuse to invest in online startups if these bills are passed. Not to mention that big, veteran companies can easily get rid of small-time, rival companies with claims of copyright infringement and force these new companies to close down even before they could show their services.

A proposal in SOPA states that this bill will allow the government to target sites that provide circumvention tools, putting a restraint on protected speech and damage online innovation.

We have heard of Wikipedia organizing a ‘blackout’ to show opposition against the proposed bills.

It made a lot of impact and with big companies like Google, Mozilla, Wikipedia and other powerful online influences showing their anti campaigning, the protests against SOPA and PIPA were loudly heard. Many major and minor sites wrote articles against these bills and even provided a link to a site where you could sign your name in a petition against them. Other tactics were to send emails to people to ask them to join the fight against SOPA and PIPA.

Social networking sites like Gaiaonline.com even made anti-SOPA items, one that completely censored a user’s avatar, and another, a bar of soap that covers the mouth of the avatar with the word SOPA on it.

Even so, not all agree and believe the righteousness of these online influences. Online communities admire them for fighting for their rights to freedom of speech and innovation. Yet there are blogs that say that these same influences are hypocrites because without the users’ awareness, Google and etc. have been trafficking informations and links, curbing the rights of freedom of speech online and somehow making freedom an illusion.

Though the main problem being addressed by SOPA and PIPA were to stop piracy from spreading and becoming easily accessible, the possible results in undertaking these bills lean more on suppressing freedom of speech and innovation and less on actually affecting online pirating, or so an article from Forbes.com

states. If we’re talking about taking down copyrighted objects then DMCA or Digital Millennium Copyright Act is on the job. Sites like YouTube comply to this and take down copyrighted videos within a certain period of time after receiving a DMCA notice without penalty. However, SOPA and PIPA propose the blocking of DNS which certainly blocks only the address of the site but does absolutely nothing about the IP address.

If the user was just a normal user trying out the site displayed in the results after a search, the user wouldn’t be able to see the blocked site. That is the legal route.

But hackers, pirates and criminals hardly use the legal route simply because it’s too easy to get caught. If they wish to open the blocked site, they will just type the IP address and access the contents of the blocked site. And the pirating copyrighted products continue without a hitch.

Both sides of this debacle have staggering proofs. We can either let SOPA and PIPA happen and see for ourselves how they work out. Or we can stop it from existing before anything changes for better or worse.

Senator Ron Wyden however placed a hold on SOPA and PIPA because of concerns over possible damage to freedom of speech, innovation, and Internet integrity. The Obama administration broke their silence, stating “While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.”

Sen. Patrick Leahy and Rep. Lamar Smith threw in the towel. Scheduled votes were off and it was back to the shelves for these two bills thanks to the Obama administration who tipped the scales in the Internet users’ favors. This victory will most probably last until after the 2012 elections, a temporary win. And that as they say, is that.

February-April 2012 | 33

The Truth Behi Student life dictates that the person we always need to was interviewed to clarify the matter. Asked if the reason remember from a list of school officials, aside from the for why he transferred Sir Llenado from being the DSA President, is none other than the person that is responsible for handling student matters – the Director of Student Affairs (DSA). This is why Francis Jay Llenado, the DSA, has been a prominent figure in our college life.

Because to whom can we turn to if we had complaints about our teachers? To whom do we turn to if we had criticisms on a new system? To whom do we turn to if we wanted to assure ourselves of what our rights as students are? These are all under the jurisdiction of the Office of Student Affairs headed by the DSA. Therefore, the existence of this particular school official is important for us and any changes that may occur are changes that we must vitally have knowledge of, especially if it concerns something major such as the changing of Directors.

Hence, we must know and discern the truth from the rumors spreading around on: What was the real reason behind Sir Llenado’s transfer as DSA to University Security Chief ?

False When the news that Sir Llenado was not going to be the DSA anymore for this coming school year was confirmed and became of public knowledge, there were a lot of theories that were shared as to why that happened. The one theory that became well-known was because Sir Llenado did not have the proper academic qualifications to become the DSA to begin with, therefore, he was transferred. Yet, is there any truth to such a theory?

explained further that, “If you ever want to develop the nonacademic side of things especially in a university like the Ateneo, then you must get somebody who is qualified to handle the office, qualified in the sense that he must have an MA or a PhD (i.e. in Developmental Studies, Organizational Development), which I don’t have right now. I did have some units but I wasn’t able to complete it.”

Although, Sir Llenado clarifies that this is not really the To truly confirm of its certainty, the question was asked reason as to why he was transferred. So to truly claim that to Sir Llenado in an interview to which his answer was, indeed the rumors were false, Fr. Tony Moreno, President, “Maybe. I’m not qualified also to be the Director.” He

34 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

ind the Transfer By: Sarah Gail C. Galvan

and appointed him as the University Security Chief was indeed because of a lack of academic qualifications, Fr. Tony replies, “Absolutely not. That’s a problem here. I always hear that – rumors and murmurs. They don’t hold truth. He lasted for 17 years. That is not true, absolutely not.

And I don’t know where they are getting their rumors.”

years that he has been the DSA, the longest term that a person stayed on as DSA to date, the appointment is still the right choice according to Fr. Tony. He says, “I issued a memo and the memo is something like we do not want people to stay forever in one position. You have to move people, even the Deans…In other words, we do not want people to stay long in their jobs because they have to be rotated also.”

These reasons were also the same reasons that Sir Llenado gave when he was asked on why he was transferred.

The Transfer

So if the rumors and In this regard, since we now know why Sir Llenado was theories were false, what transferred, the question then is: Who will be the one to then was the true reason take his place as the DSA for this coming school year? behind the transfer?

Fr. Tony shared that from a list of qualified individuals, the one they chose to become the new DSA was Mr. Steve Dimaguila of CSIT. This decision is based on a Fr. Tony explains that set of nonacademic qualifications which according to Fr. he chose to appoint Sir Tony are, “Good rapport [with the students], you have Llenado as the University a command of people, acceptability…somebody who Security Chief, seeing as can deal with the administration and the students, and the former Chief, Roy somebody who can enable students to become better Rolena, resigned last students, [to become] better persons.”

January, was because, “He was working with security and we felt that he was the best person for this kind of work. As to how Sir Llenado is personally taking the transfer, He is security conscious. He knows people outside. He he shares, “Situations come and go, and you know we just has some plans on how to make the campus very secure. have to meet these challenges, these changes. Nothing That’s really the main reason. We feel that he is the top is permanent except change. I don’t also want to be a choice and that he has good command of our security burden by not accepting…because we will be under one forces here. He can get information from outside. He has family, the Ateneo family and whatever things that I can all the qualities that we would really want for a person for do to help the school, I will. Even becoming a janitor I a very sensitive position like that.” will.”

True

So, despite Sir Llenado’s achievements for the seventeen

February-April 2012 | 35

Experiencing stress is a normal thing (only when in small doses) because it gives motivations in order to deal with the different challenges that come.

When you have trouble coping with stress, your body gets affected both psychologically and physically. And when it gets too much, stress can eventually lead to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disorders, and even cancer.

When people experience stress, it seems that they are unable to gain control of their lives. Gaining control is one thing that a person must remember in coping with stress. Achieving control is not a short-term goal, it requires much discipline and determination and so, two steps should be first finished in order to manage one’s stress effectively.

Stress Management Photo Source: http://myfitnessdepot.com/fitness/ top-10-causes-of-stress-and-how-to-beat-them/

Everything begins with identifying the sources of stress. This part is not that easy because usually your stressors do not appear to be that obvious. In

#1: Avoid unnecessary stress Make a to-do list. It helps you prioritize the things that you need to accomplish immediately. As you prioritize your tasks, the things that should be done are at the top of the list while the unnecessary ones are located at the bottom of the list.

Prioritizing the tasks that you need to do will help you eliminate pointless tasks and finish the important ones on time. #2: Alter the situation The manyana habit or procrastination wastes time. Instead of postponing something essential just to do something irrelevant, manage your time properly and stick to it. Managing your time wisely by making your own schedule will help you finish your task on time and lessen the burden if ever you will have other things to do in the future. #3: Adapt to the stressor.

If you are already stressed and about to give up, think positively.

This can help you regain your confidence and continue with whatever things left to do. Look at the big picture. If you are worried of a low grade in a quiz, yes, think about it, but not too long. Will your feeling of disappointment solve anything?

If not, then there can still be other ways to cope. #4: Accept things you cannot change.

This is where regret comes in. Yes, you may feel the regret if ever you have disappointed yourself or someone, but do not get yourself stuck in the past. Instead of focusing on why you

knowing what the sources of your stress are, look into your habits, excuses and behavior. Accepting your identified sources of stress makes it easier for you to manage the pressures that you experience.

After identifying your own sources of stress, look at how you currently cope with them. Think of how you currently face your stresses in life and classify whether the strategies that you do make you healthy or unproductive.

Some strategies in coping with stress are unhealthy. They just temporarily reduce the stress that you feel, but may eventually worsen in the end. Some of these unhealthy strategies are smoking, procrastination, social withdrawal and anger displacing on others.

Once you have identified your own sources of stress and looked at your current strategies in coping, other steps will guide you in managing your stress successfully.

did not have a good grade on an exam, try to put your focus on achieving a higher grade for the next exam. Focus on things that you can still control.

You can also express your feelings. Talk to a friend. Even if you cannot anymore change the situation, having someone to listen to you can somehow lighten the burden that you feel. #5: Make time for fun and relaxation In short, relax! Stress will always be part of every person’s life. All you have to do is handle it in a way that will not leave you feeling as if you are carrying the whole world on your back. Give some “me” time, interact with others and always keep your sense of humor. Remember, laughter is the best medicine. #6: Adopt a healthy lifestyle.

What else does it mean? Of course, take care of yourself.

Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and avoiding vices such as alcohol will help you increase your resistance to stress.

These strategies are just some of the many things for you not to avoid, but to handle your stress in an effective way. Stress will always be there, but remember, it is only you who is in control of your life and not the events or the people around you.

By Elimar Pingkian

A Quick Guide to Stress Management 36 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

&

Expressions Preventions

by Kelvin J. Culajara

Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites have dominated the virtual market as they attracted millions of users world-wide. Obviously, in these sites, one is able to interact with people on a wider spectrum, post status messages and upload pictures and videos.

While the rest of the world celebrates their usefulness in both personal and commercial levels, the debates and discussions regarding their harms on privacy are slowly becoming feistier as more and more users turn out to be “victims” of their features.

In recent years in the Ateneo, nobody from its students have been suspended from the graduation ceremony or expelled from the university on the ground of indecency (except the fact many years ago, a handful of Ateneans were involved in sex scandals). However, there has been an increasing rate of Ateneans patronizing these social networking sites, which then leads us to think that soon enough we might have a case similar as Saint Theresa’s College’s, if they are left unwarned about the setbacks and possible repercussions.

Not only celebrities have slipped off the pit of these sites. Recently, a16-year old student of Saint Theresa’s College was banned by the administrators from joining the graduation rites after she posted in Facebook some photos of her in bikini while holding a cigarette and a bottle of liquor. Meanwhile, a group of young men also suffered the same predicament when they uploaded a photograph of them kissing while they were wearing their school uniform. The main focus on this is that, such sanctions were harnessed through a media which is a social-networking site: Facebook.

What makes us even more furious is on the increasing trend of fights, bashings and harrassments involved by some Ateneans in Facebook. One third year student even addressed us a concern that her uploaded pictures in Facebook were used by a poser in a bogus account.

Later she discovered that the said poser used her name and private information and sent out friend requests to her friends, and that upon seeing the Wall of the said account, it was filled with explicit, obscene and humiliating status messages. In moments like these, everyone must be reminded of the following to avoid trouble:

• Treat your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr or any other accounts as an extension of yourself. Be cautious of the messages, pictures, videos and notes that you post or upload.

• Avoid uploading anything (notes, pictures, videos, etc.) with very sensitive contents. You don’t wanna be the next scandal superstar in town.

• Only add the friends who are already within your clique.

Steven Levy has stated it clearly (see Newsweek, June 23, 2008), “…The purpose of maintaining a [friends] list is not to see whose friend belt has the most notches…[but] to keep in closer contact with those who are

already in one’s social circle.”

• Never forget to sign out from these sites once you’re done.

• If possible, limit the viewing availability of your status, pictures, videos and notes.

• Avoid including very personal information like home address, telephone or cellphone numbers, your son/daughter’s full name, etc.

• Avoid replying to bashers.

After all they’re not worthy of any attention.

• Do not hesitate to block users who offensively harass you online.

• In case of a bogus account, inform your friends and those within

your contacts immediately. If the poser is easily identifiable and within the hold of the Ateneo, report to the DSA immediately.

Some might argue, “But if our accounts are extensions of our identities, why do we have to limit the way we would want to express ourselves?”

Actually, that question is a very good one. But in a world where information is accessible in a nick of time, and in a sphere so virtual and so vast that anyone around the globe can have access to anything you post online, then you must exercise maximum caution.

February-April 2012 | 37

38 | TheBeacon Newsmagazine

As a nerd, people think that I bury myself in video games and books and that I would rather hear the

Truthfully, behind these thick glasses and books, and my inherent social awkwardness, I yearn to be accepted for who I truly am and not of how society wants me to be.

For years I went by carrying this label with me. Though I was not necessarily bullied by people as much as what is portrayed by the media, but I believe that I have been ostracized because of this.

Not because people wanted to, but because people did not understand my way of living.

They say, all nerds have these commonalities ranging from their physical appearances to their interests. Since my friends normally describe me as an unattractive girl yet highly intellectual who loves video games and books, I have always conceded and accepted the fact that I’m doomed to be a nerd.

By Marie Cyndie Domingo

Even though our era celebrates uniqueness and individuality, it is ironic how people are still so much stereotypical. They place people in these labeled boxes and expect them to act as such. These boxes even have check lists to follow, that is why people say that I’m a nerd.

I thirst for this kind of things. I love to feel the breeze touch my face or hear the waves of the ocean all under the blue sky and bright sun.

One of my wildest dreams is to go to Italy. Not many know this, but I love to cook. I love the sizzling sound of meat touching the hot oil or how the kitchen fills up with different smells all so wonderful! But the thing I love most about cooking is how every bite of what you have created turns into different emotions, and not one bite has the same magnitude as the other. And this feeling of extreme euphoria is something I think will be appreciated more in Italy, where people appreciate good food more than anything. Food that is not just presented good but tastes even better. How great would it be to have that kind of adventure, a food adventure as one might say?

silence than be appalled by the music that blasts on the radio. But good music has always been one of the things I love. I may not be like most people but I am still human.

Music has always charmed its way to me and I cannot explain why it so appealing. Musicians like Adele, Jason Mraz, and the Eraserheads are some of my favorites. My room echoes with their music every time I cave in and just be lost in my dreams.

I do not think I have the courage to un-label myself yet, but I believe that one day will come when I will do, when people will begin to truly wrap their hands around the idea that individuality and uniqueness are really present, when there would be no invisible caste system to surround us. I believe in that one day, in that one day where I can finally break free.

in, I would be more accepted. But people who are labeled cannot just un-label themselves. It is like society has programmed itself to view people with labels on their heads. It is like an invisible caste system. Not like those of olden times but a caste system which tries to separate people based on what society thinks they are. It is but unfortunate that we conform to such.

Photo Source: http://www.cbsnews.com/2300-204_162-10005150.html?tag=page

It is very unfortunate that I cannot share these things with other people.

Maybe if I dress up or if I try to blend

Not because I stay indoors does it mean that I neglect to appreciate the beauty of the world. It would be just like those books I have read, of a wheat fields and vast oceans, that magical feeling of having to stare out into the skyline and watch the sun rise and set. And though they may all look the same, but every time feels differently.

It is only unfortunate that people do not see me for who I am and worse they do not try to understand that I can be more than what they want me to be. Even when I would try to reach out to them in my own ways, I only end up embarrassing myself and creating an awkward atmosphere.

Behind books and glasses

February-April 2012 | 39