BALIKTANAW DANCE TROUPE Baliktanaw Dance Troupe had proven its worth as the best dance group in the City of San Jose Del Monte after garnering several awards and recognitions from different competitions and performing in various prestigious events. They are not only cultural dancers but versatile performers dancing myriad of genres from pop, interpretative, and folk dances. Know more details on page 5.
the breakdown HISTORY
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years of FCPC’s excellent service to the community. FEEDBACK
100% passing rate of Licensure Examination for Teachers for Sept. 2012 STUDENTS’ CHOICE
884
People like the FCPC website. STRAIGHTFORWARD
Writing, for me, is the best cure. It’s like crying – bringing out all your emotions until there are no more tears to shed and no more words are left to describe oblivion. Rubielyn Diaz on what the Campus Journalism is for. HOW MANY
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Awards collected by First City elementary and high school journalists in the 2012 Division Schools Press Conference. The grade schoolers emerged overall champions.
2016 K+12 INFO
The first year when the K to12 system will be implemented across all year levels.
COMMITTED TO ITS MISSION
FCPC head to First Citizens: We will continue to improve our school BY REGGIE BRIX ESPEJO
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y building newer facilities, First City Providential College will offer students an enhanced environment conducive to learning as new infrastructures will soon rise in the campus as a part of the school’s ongoing transformation. A five-storey building and a covered court will be the next project of the school. “This is an evidence that we are serious to fulfil our new tagline, ‘The First and the Best’,” said Teacher Echel Simon-Antero, principal, “we will not stop improving the school.” The new building to be called Balagtas Hall that will soon stand alongside Rizall Hall and Plaridel Hall with 30 rooms for accommodating more students in First City. The said building will be occupied for offices and more educational facilities like laboratories and classrooms. Meanwhile, the covered court that will replace the court in the quadrangle will soon be the place of all the sports activities like the Intramurals in the school. The court will be like the size of two
basketball courts. “The covered court will be a perfect place for us, school’s athletes, to hone our capabilities,” said Aaron Miguel Borja, III-Peridot and basketball varsity. This covered court will help nourish and boost the competence of the school varsities on basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and badminton in the competitions. “I’m glad that the school will soon have a bigger covered
ZENITH OF SUCCESS. For 29 years, First City continuously provides quality education with ILLUSTRATION BY ROMEO VALDERAMA the emergence of the Balagtas Hall and covered court.
court that will serve as training grounds for our young athletes,” Teacher Bonifacio Dunghit Jr., MAPEH teacher and basketball coach, said. These are among the First City’s transformation and improve-
ment. Changes and improvements were already made on the PE uniform and logo. “It is an indication that First City is continuously improving as an emblem of excellence,” Teacher Emily A. Crisostomo, English teacher and School Paper Adviser, said.
K TO 12 LAUNCH SUCCESSFUL
DepEd, CSANPRISA team up for better execution BY KAREN AGCAOILI
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he K to 12 Program of Department of Education (DepEd) is now implemented for the Academic Year 2012-2013. It is to enhance and lift the quality of education in the Philippines. The ne w c ur r ic u lum is redesigned in line with appropriate learning resources and the desired competences and skills of a K-12 graduate. Deficiencies are filled in and competences are strengthened mainly in the core areas- English, Mathematics and Science. The model that is currently proposed by DepEd is the K-6-4-2 Model. It involves Kindergarten,
WHAT’S NEWS INSIDE
six years of elementary education, four years of junior high school (Grades 7 to 10) and two years of senior high (Grades 11 to 12). On the contrary, First City Providential College is all set for the said program to achieve the added two years of education. Teachers of FCPC and other schools attended a seminar held in Function Hall last May 23 for the Division Training of Teachers in the Private Schools on the implementation of the 40 week curriculum for Kindergarten and Grade 1 in the K to 12 Basic Education curriculum to educate and aware the participants on the implication of the topics on subjects of First City Providential College.
SC cultivates backyard Garden PAGE 2
MAKE HEADWAY. K to 12 is now being implemented in all schools nationwide to improve PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO the quality of education in the Philippines.
OPINION
FEATURES
SPORTS
WORDTRADE PAGE 9
Crossing the Chasm: The Potential of Journalism in Building the Future CENTERPAGE
Royal Stars shine in CSANPRISA debut PAGE 20
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PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO
First City Review
NEWS
FACES OF VICTORY. FCR scribes pose with their trophies and medals for a victory shot at 2012 DSSPC.
For sustainable development, SC backs Green Project School bats for more parent partnership in K to 12
BY ALEXANDRA ARCELLI MANUUD
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rotecting the Planet is everyone’s job. This is the motto that motivated the student council as they organized the Green Project. Using FCPC’s vacant lot, SC aims to produce backyard garden through collecting 1.5 empty coke bottles, last August 15. These served as base for the plants they plant. Recent studies raised concerns about the safety of some plastic containers. This aids in reducing problems with it. When exposed to heat, plastics may leach bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical that may cause brain problems in fetuses and children, as well as prostate and breast problems in adults According to the reports, the SC collected a total of 1, 567 bottles from the First Citizens. “We are willing to extend our hands for the attainment of a greener environment.” said Nicole Ramos, III-Amethyst. These collected bottles are now being used at the back of Rizal Hall building planted with different kinds of vegetables. Meanwhile, aside from the used bottles, FCPC extends the activity by using old tanks in planting more plants as observed in a vacant area. Furthermore, faculty members had undergone training during their Professional Growth Seminar with the topic “Organic Farming for Sustainability“ last summer to be equipped with knowledge and skills in teaching students about backyard gardening.
BY ISAIAH PANGANIBAN
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GREEN THUMB. Rubielyn A. Diaz, SC secretary, with her fellow First Citizens, supports the new backyard garden as PHOTO BY CHRISTIAN NICDAO part of the greener FCPC.
T. Jean to studes:‘No more cyberbullying’ BY JOHN MICHAEL DE PANO “For the students to be more disciplined” That was the statement of Teacher Jean P. Castillo, guidance counselor of First City Providential College, on the adding of new rules this academic year 2012-2013. The new rules focused on having a grave offense if one student posted or blogged defamatory remarks and unwanted or things not suited for students. On the first day of classes, class advisers emphasized and explained a number of changes implemented and added to the handbook. “These new rules were added and implemented because the school princi-
pal, Mrs. Echel Simon-Antero, recommended it to us to further prevent or avoid Cyber Bullying,” Teacher Jean stated. “As the technology advances, awareness must be raised to avoid cyberbullying and to optimize its usage,” Teacher Allen Belisario quoted. Castillo said that she created the new rules to further strengthen the existing rules and regulations of the school. Meanwhile, holding or hosting of celebrations or parties, even gatherings in First City and the collection of food or even money are strictly prohibited at the campus. These new rules implemented this school year 20122013. FCPC will further study the things that might improve First Citizens circumstances especially now that the Student Council is open for comments, suggestions, and reactions. These were made for FCPC to live up to its theme for the year, Continuous Improvement: Facing Challenges for Quality life.
o clarify the rules and regulations, new grading system, and the newlyimplemented K to 12 program of First City Providential College, a parent conference was held at the FCPC Function Hall, last June 30. The meeting was attended by the parents of kindergarten, elementary (Grade 1 to Grade 6), and Grade Seven students. The parents came in three batches to avoid crowding. The first batch was the parents from kinder and grades one to three. On the other hand, the second batch was the parents of Grade 4 to Grade 6 students. Meanwhile, the third and last batch was the parents of grade seven students. The rules, regulations, and the new grading system were discussed and talked about in the meeting, using powerpoint presentation, prepared by the assigned teachers. While, the newly-implemented K to 12 program was discussed by Mrs. Echel Simon-Antero, First City’s school principal. During the meeting, Teacher Echel also discussed the ESC scholarship grantees from grade seven. She said that she is very happy to announce that there are 323 ESC scholarship grantees from grade seven. Meanwhile, after the said conference, the parents went and proceeded to the assigned classrooms to have a talk with their child’s class advisers.
Naig captures Miss Alma Mater 2013 crown BY JOHN MICHAEL DE PANO “ I n t e l l i g e n c e , b e a u t y, a n d confidence”. These were the edges of Patricia Mikaela J. Naig as the key of winning the Miss Alma Mater against 11 fellow contenders in “Search for Miss Alma Mater 2013”, November 28, FCPC Function Hall. She proudly showed her elegance and beauty on her casual, sports and formal wears. “I am so blessed. I will continue being humble, and of course, like my answer in the ‘question and answer’ portion, I’ll be a good example, living the values of First City not only inside the school, but also in the community”, Naig stated. According to T. Sheng Echanis one of the judges of the said event, they did not have a hard time finding the winner because from the start, Naig stood out among the
MODERN APHRODITE. Beauty in First City’s Function Hall as the new Ms. Alma Mater and her court were crowned. PHOTO BY VIVA QUITON
I will continue being humble,... I’ll be a good example, living the values of First City not only inside the school, but also in the community. MIKAELA J. NAIG MISS ALMA MATER 2013
candidates. “We were all sure about Pat, especially me because she was pretty on her casual wear, her shoes and clothes matched “, T. Rose added.
Meanwhile, Rubielyn Diaz (IVAguinaldo), was also awarded as the Miss Loyalty; Caroline Dino (IV-Jacinto), Miss Excellence; Chynna Fianza (IV-SSC), Miss Wisdom; and Marielle Laciste (IV-SSC). Miss Knowledge. The ‘Search for Miss Alma Mater’ is an annual competition at First City Providential College for fourth year high school female students who have natural beauty, talent, and intelligence. Aside from these, participants of the said competition should have a good record and did not violate any of the school’s rules and regulations to prove that she is a good example among the First Citizens. Meanwhile, winners will be crowned at the Loyalty Turnover Rites at the San Jose del Monte covered court on February 1. The said program was spearheaded by the student council headed by T. Lilibeth Siquig.
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june to december 2012
PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO
Filustrados to take path to knowledge BY JOHN MICHAEL VINCENT DE PANO
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he doors of the Filustrados Art Club are once again opened for the talented students and for those who are willing to learn the different kinds of art at First City Providential College.
ANSWERED PRAYERS: (left) Patricia Lee Yanga becomes emotional in her winning moment. (upper right) L-R Adviser Allen Belisario, Photojournos Zaira Mendoza and Christian Nicdao flash their awards in the Division Schools Press Conference. (lower right) Scribes strike a pose after winning numerous awards.
CHAMPIONING PRIVATE SCHOOLS
FCPC makes history in press confab
PRESSCON
BY JOHN MICHAEL VINCENT DEPANO
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irst City Review and UNA campus journalists bagged awards in the 2012 Division Secondary Schools Press Conference as First City Providential College emerged as first runner-up in the competition held at Muzon High School, September 14. Zaira Mendoza, Photojournalism (Filipino); and John Michael Vincent De Pano, Copyreading and Headline Writing(English);topped the categories as they won first. Reggie Brix Espejo , Copyreading and Headline Writing(English);Christian Nicdao, Photojournalism (Filipino);and Angelo Rabanillo, Photojournalism,(English);bro ught home second place in their respective categories. On the other hand, Rojan Elmo Barcelon, Editorial Cartooning(English); Jasmine Galano, Editorial Cartooning(Filipino); and Allan Roi Balce, Sports Writing(English);finished as third place. They will advance to the 2012 Regional Schools Press Conference, to be held at the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, on October 24. Meanwhile, Rhennie Anne Regacho won fourth place in Copyreading and Headline Writing (English). “I was very happy that all of my hard work and determina-
tion paid off,” Regacho said when asked on how she feels after winning. Jun Angelo Padilla, Editorial Writing (English); and Franz Ace Manansala, Feature Writing (Filipino) finished fifth place in their categories. Robin Patrick Mecate, Feature Writing (English); Viva Hozanne Quiton, Photojournalism (English); and Hans Cynel Miranda, Sports Writing (English); bagged the sixth place award. Meanwhile, Jeanette Agustin won eight place in News Writing (English). Three Copyreaders finished back-toback as Karen Agcaoili, Glen Erika Mañalac, and Patrica Lee Yanga won as eighth and ninth in Copyreading and Headline Writing (both English and Filipino)respectively. It is a back-to-back win for Editorial Cartooning as Arjay Yangson and Kent Albert Baldonado won 10th and 11th
in Editorial Cartooning (both English and Filipino). Veronica Agustin won 11th in Copyreading and Headline Writing (Filipino),while Freddie Vicente finished as 12th in Editorial Cartooning (Filipino) . “All of these would not be possible without our school paper advisers Romeo Valderama, Krsna Rebulado, Aiza Brioso, Emily Crisostomo, and Allen Ray Belisario,”Reggie Brix Espejo, a copyreader, said in an interview. All these awards helped First City finish as 3rd overall in Filipino categories, 2nd in English categories, Champion in private schools, and first runner-up overall. First City Providential College Principal, T. Echel Simon-Antero, and VicePresident for Academic Affairs, T. Estrella O. Simon; extended their congratulations to all the winners of the said competition.
Baliktanaw Dance Troupe wins back-to-back BY JOHN MICHAEL VINCENT S. DE PANO
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“I am very happy. I am also thankful that my hard work, prayers, and determination paid off ’” Garlan stated in an interview. First Citizens who really trooped in to cheer and support for the Baliktanaw Dance Troupe while sporting their t-shirts emblazoned with the school’s motto “The First. The Best” were full of joy when the results were announced. Meanwhile, third place goes to the Tanghalang Bagong Sibol, and the second place was nabbed by our own Baliktanaw High School Dance Troupe. Mrs. Estrella O. Simon, the Vice President of FCPC, and Mrs. Echel SimonAntero, the First City Principal, were beaming with pride over this new feather added on First City’s cap.
Cartoonist up for NSSPC ‘13 BY JHON RONNEL ZAMORA
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third year student will compete in the National Press Conference (NSSPC) in Ormoc, Leyte, Apr. 7-12. Rojan Elmo Barcelon, IIIEmerald, bagged first place in Editorial Cartooning in the 34th Regional Secondary Press Conference (RSSPC) in San Fernando, Pampanga, Oct. 24. This made him a delegate for the upcoming NSSPC since rank 1,2,3 winners of RSSPC are the qualifiers for the said upcoming competition.
POSTER-MAKING CONTEST
5TH INTERPRETATIVE DANCE WORKSHOP FESTIVAL
irst City Providential College’s Baliktanaw Dance Troupe bagged the championship crown as they won first in the 5th Interpretative Dance Workshop Festival held at SM City Fairview, last June 24. The high school Baliktanawers danced their way to get the 1st runner up trophy in the said event. “I am very proud of them. At the same time, I am very happy too. All of our sacrifices and hard work paid off for us and to win the championship,” the troupe’s coach, Director Robert Ramirez Jr., said in an interview. On the other hand, Miko Garlan, III-Onyx, also won the Most Promising Dancer award and nabbed the Best on the spot choreography award.
Bringing in clear goals and objectives, the program aims to show to the young First Citizens the several forms of art which serve as treasures of the country that needs to be really valued by the people. Filustrados President, Louie T. Francisco said that the club aims to find the art lovers. “The whole club’s objective is to find all the ones who love art. So, we made many projects and plans to broadcast our views to the First Citizens,” Francisco said in an interview. The art club launched many projects for the academic year 2012-2013. The first presentation of the members will be colorful as the “Debuho” painting exhibit and Body Art Painting at the CSJDM Star Mall, from November 30 -December 14. “We all count to learn so we did these things. |The talent on doing art is a true gift. Do not think that you do not have potential. You have one,” Francisco added. Art class adviser T. Romeo Valderama, a multi-awarded artist, continues to guide the club.
Young artist’s hardwork paid off BY JOHN MICHAEL DE PANO
A CHAMPIONS. Tanawers jump for joy after bringing home the bacon in the 2012 GFV Interpretative Dance Workshop Festival. PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO
fourth year First Citizen once again proved her best as she shone in the On-the-SpotPoster Making Contest of the Water District, San Jose del Monte, Dec. 13. Themed “Water and Sanitation: A key for progress” JasminGalano, IV-SSC, won 1st place defeating contentenders from 37 different schools both Public and Private. “Jasmin is a hard working contestant. She also has initiative in improving her craft. These are the attitude that would bring a contestant to success,” Teacher Romy, Galano’s coach, said.
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First City Review
VERBATIM “It’s unfair when people say “i don’t feel the change [in the PH].” You wanna feel it? THEN BE PART OF IT. Stop global whining!” ANNA OPOSA, Ambassadress for Philippine Seas “I teach the children how to wash hands properly, brush their teeth daily and bathe regularly. I believe that some of these street children we save will pay the act forward to help champion their own communities,”
Editorial
FIRST CITY REVIEW EDITORIAL AND BUSINESS OFFICE Room 24, Old Building, First City Providential College, Francisco Homes, Barangay Narra, City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan
KESZ VALDEZ, Filipino awardee of the International Children’s Peace Prize
SURVEY
Better Sorry Than Never
COMPILED BY ARPHILLE ADRIAN ERIBAL, PAMELA QUIBEN AND DARLAN LLOYD GRAGEDA
What’s your take in Cybercrime Law? I’m not in favor because of their many demands. 0916897**** It’s very exaggerated and needs revision. 0935160**** It is useless because we can stop cybercrimes if we know our limitations. 0915807**** It should be revised because some of its provisions are not appropriate to implement. 0920248****
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It seems to be selfish because it limits our rights to speech. 0908238**** It’s nice however some people just misinterpret its good provisions. 0905441**** We need this to reduce the cases of cyber bullying. 0905840**** Implementing this is a right decision because it can be a threat to the users of Social Networking Sites who are abusing its good features. 0905458**** This can be a great problem because it is very hard to adjust. 0906765**** It is the best solution ever made by our government. 0933600**** It is irrelevant because it is blocking our freedom. 0923281**** Some of its provisions are inappropriate. 0915974****
n the particular play of events, wherein child abuse and harassment are both rising, DepEd launched a counteracting policy last May 3, 2012 called The Child Protection Policy. It aimed to improve the welfare of children and give legal protection to all ages below eighteen. As an observation, this seems to be an irony to the fact that the cases of child abuse have risen steadily for the past years. It is an insult to the memories of children who suffered and died at the hands of other people. They have good intentions, but they should have done it earlier. As seen on the government site www.gov.ph, 3 out of 10 kids in grades 1-3 and almost 5 out 10 in high school students experience violence in school, with teachers as main perpetrators. In a different world with the laws more stern and its government more active on the law keeping and lawmaking, prisons would have been filled not only by the petty criminals but also teachers who have not got any anger management problems. With Article 15 Section 36 of the 1987 Constitution, “ The state shall defend the right of children to assistance, including proper care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial
to their development.”, that means the parents and guardians too, are legally in jurisdiction to this bill. In summary, we, as superiors to some and inferior to others, should treat each other with respect. Men are born equal; we should not be treating others mere animals or slaves. Children, in their natural state, are proven to reenact parts of their lives, whether positively or negatively, further on. Therefore, as the next generation of parents, they should be cared for and given rights, to sustain intensive learning and a proper state of environment. Without this, we cannot be sure of what will happen to the future, what with the people who abuse children physically, mentally, sexually and verbally. We can only hope that the children survive the encounter. But as the ones concerned, children must also take a part supporting CPP with their own hands. Even though they are delicate, we must see to it that they learn early to think and act for themselves. That is what adults are for to train and nourish the young to become the next great leaders. They should not be overwhelmed by the fear of handling big tasks, and we should not be, too. Having children who can act independently should be a norm for us with the higher and faster learning available. Even today , technology aims
to improve the education for everyone by taking pedagogies and teaching principles to the point of evolution. This should be to our advantage. Today’s children should now learn to infuse the concepts of CPP in their lives, with the help of their parents, they can achieve more. Therefore, the only mistake of the government is their delay in publishing and polishing the policy, if this was done 10 years earlier, 20 years earlier, even 30 years earlier, the world would have been different. Crush sites would not have popped up, bashers would have been lesser, and at least evils of this world be reduced. Possibilities are endless, so are their consequences. No one is to blame but every one of us. Why have we not thought about this before? We do not know, so many things have come and gone without us thinking about it. In the end, men are all proven as flawed even in thinking for themselves. Some may think of holes about it, but surely a majority will agree and impose the policy. This can also alleviate the worries of some parents who are eager to give their children a life away from harm. Some may say that this doesn’t help our children find some backbone, but the rules of CPP do not agree. It helps our children become independent and fend for themselves in school or
First City Review The Official Student Publication in English of First City Providential College City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Region III
EDITORS-IN-CHIEF Rubielyn A. Diaz ASSOCIATE EDITOR Reggie Brix L. Espejo MANAGING EDITOR Robin Patrick M. Mecate CIRCULATION EDITOR Karen C. Agcaoili
Sections NEWS John Michael Vincent S. De Pano FEATURES Adrian Paul L. Yosa LITERARY Carolina Fe Herrera SPORTS Hans Cynel Miranda PHOTOGRAPHY Viva R. Quiton, Angelo Rabanillo
REPORTERS Alexandra C. Manuud, Jeanette S. Agustin, Jhon Ronell Zamora, Isaiah Reuben Panganiban, Marielle Ann L. Givero, Janine D. Demayo,Charlene L. Caloracan, Darlan Lloyd Grageda III, Jun Angelo S. Padilla, Arphille I. Eribal, Ira Lemuell V. PalmaRalph Emerson D. Dugan, Allan Roi D. Balce, Peter Charles M. Romerde, Rhennie Anne Regacho, Patricia Lee T. Yanga, Michaela Laxamana, Manuelito G. Busante, Coleen L. Fulay CARTOONISTS Jovan Vincent A. Malate, Maru Aleksi S. Medina, Maria Celina L. Yosa, Rojan Elmo C. Barcelon, Emmanuel B. Maglasang
even in their homes. Furthermore, it helps define caring and loving extended to children. Some may use “tough love” as a pathetic excuse for abuse, but there are certain limits for that kind of love. Tough love is not punishing and disciplining children to the point of abuse and torture. It is about the love of a parent to a child that drives him or her to discipline the child. This law also applies to teachers, relatives, and other people who care and nourish the child. If they really care about and love the little ones, they should have compassion and patience in teaching them. They should not extort or take advantage of them. With this as a reminder, there are two dangers in life, over thinking to the point of doing nothing but thinking and overusing of that “gut-feeling” in doing things. To ensure that we do not fall on both, we should use the CPP as a reminder of life. The CPP was a well thought of idea, but it is delayed. Therefore, we should know the limits of the word “enough”. We should not rush to things even though it looks the right thing to do. We should always keep our guard and balance our thoughts. After that, we should act immediately. With this as lesson, we could go on in life with purpose and success in mind.
ADVISERS Allen Ray Belisario Aiza Brioso Emily Crisostomo Krsna Rebulado Romeo Valderama LAYOUT ARTIST Bernard Rebulado PRINCIPAL Echel Simon-Antero VICE PRESIDENT Estrella Simon PRESIDENT Leonardo Simon
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First City Review
Respecting Conviction This country enjoys democracy – Therefore let us let the others have the freedom to express their own beliefs and let us respect them.
APARECIUM Rubielyn Diaz
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n a democratic country like the Philippines, a person’s belief should never be used against him – nor should he be, even in the slightest, be discriminated for having his own opinion. Philippines is just one nation; yet despite this integration, some Filipinos still suffer indifference because of the never – ending issue that is discrimination. Our brothers are distressed by the feeling of being misunderstood in their own country for the reason of having a different religious belief. But why should this be the reason for the gap among brothers? In a recent issue, Filipino Muslims protested against Google and YouTube after releasing an anti – Islam film that featured Egyptian Muslims attacking Egyptian Christians while the Muslim police forces
just stood and watched. The rest of the picture showed scenes featuring the main character that was referred to as the Prophet Muhammad. To the Muslims in Zamboanga City, the concept was blasphemous as it portrayed a false personality of their holy Prophet. Despite this, Google still refused to remove this film for they believe that doing so would violate the freedom of expression. After all the protest, the farthest that our Muslim people got is the banning of this film in the country. This is one of the many issues gearing toward vast misunderstanding among religions. Because of the misinterpretations we fail to see that we hurt more than just their religious sensibilities. However, the gap we have stretches wider as this misunderstanding reaches the point of discrimination. Our Muslim sisters are forced to take off their veils or “hijabs” if they want to continue with their work. In some cases, due to the ignorance of some clinical instructors and hospitals, they force Muslim nurses to re-
move their hijabs as they believe that the veils are dirty and would transmit microorganisms to the patients. Furthermore, hospitals say that patients are traumatized when they see nurses with veils as they immediately think of terrorists. At some point, some of them even resign because the policy or the maker of the policy refuses to be questioned. This deprives our Muslims sisters the right to carry out their beliefs as people would fear and even discriminate them, thus forcing them just to quit their jobs in order to preserve their religious conviction. Removing hijabs, for the Muslims, is like asking them to remove their undergarments – and forcing them to do so is scraping their dignity. Discrimination issues among religions do not stop here. There are many more stories, and these are what makes it harder to understand another religion’s belief. Our misconceptions are the root of the discrimination and abomination that those prejudiced feel.
We cannot stop it all but we can all try. More than the misinterpretations that we have amongst our religions, we share a brotherhood. Despite our difference as persons and believers, we should remember that in this one nation, we, as the Filipinos, are all held responsible. We have longed since forgotten what it felt like to be one with our folks in Mindanao. There has always been a certain boundary between Muslims and other religions. But why should that be? Why should we make our brotherhood suffer just because we are stubborn enough to not understand their own religious beliefs? This country enjoys democracy – Therefore let us let the others have the freedom to express their own beliefs and let us respect them. Everyone has a different point of view, and it does not mean that just because only 9% of the Filipinos are Muslims, we should already degrade what they believe. The respect what the majority believes, therefore they should be respected well.
Beating the Deadlines
Procrastination can kill. It can kill time, efforts and most of all, our health. We should not rely on procrastinating...21st century teenagers should channel their A-game and become as productive as possible.
SQUARE OFF Robin Patrick Mecate
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rocrastination can kill.With the growing industry of the century today, procrastination is indeed the most cliche thing that occurs to the living, mostly teenagers. Teenagers procrastinate to avoid the things that they are obliged to do such as paperworks, projects or performance tasks. However, procrastinating cannot only lead to unfinished tasks but also a lot of pressure and stress. It induces stress by the deadline pressure. As teenagers do this during their high school days, they take this habit with them to college making that
demanding moment more stressful too. For example, stoking themselves up with a lot of caffeine, high energy drinks and sugars to stay awake to put up an all nighter to get a job done, cram at class to get it in and leave the class to get a good day sleep, missing the day’s lecture that will be included on a test. Although they can finish a job with procrastinating still there are many aspects that can be affected when doing this ‘process’ that teenagers are so fond of doing. Nowadays, no teenagers are exemptions to the rule. Even genii are also victims of procrastination. Clearly, only a genius can stay up all night and get high grades but someone this smart would not need to focus for very long that’s why there are no reasons to put it off. With this kind of brainpower that they rely on, they do their homeworks
on the exact day of the deadline. As a matter of fact, even hoping that school could be cancelled tomorrow due to tsunami, earthquake, storm, meteor shower or a massive protest against or for the government is also a form of procrastinating. With the indefinite extension of the due date of their works, teenagers have reasons not to do their works simply because they rely on shattering consequences such as those that are stated above. The breakdown is, it doesn’t make sense. Teenagers nowadays induce themselves to procrastinating without knowing the disadvantages that they might or they will soon encounter. Stress, being the most dangerous product of procrastinating, is the unhealthy effect of procrastination. Even though that they might finish
a job with doing it, still they are not impervious to stress and if they get used to that kind of mantra-like kind of doing works, who knows where they can end up to. Procrastination can kill. It can kill time, efforts and most of all, our health. We should not rely on procrastinating especially on the 21st century today when there is a lot of things to do and a lot of tasks that need to be done as soon as possible. 21st century teenagers should channel their A-game and become as productive as possible. Procrastination is not unstoppable. It should not be a guilty pleasure of a 21st century Youth. We should always bear in our minds that without pain, we will never gain whenever we are meeting the deadlines.
Frontier Jitters We cannot reject the idea until we try it.
BRAZEN Janine Demayo
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here is no other way than to move forward, but as we are trying yet again to expand our horizons, it does not necessarily mean that we should leave our former standpoint. Newsweek, one of the top magazines for decades, has announced that they will terminate publication by the end of the year and will only be accessible online. People suspect that Time, an equally prominent magazine, will eventually have a similar predicament. Sooner or later, digital media will rule the next generation. Print media will cease to exist. This is not a time for us to
be grieving the end of an era, but the time to celebrate the birth of a new frontier. As we look forward to the promises of tomorrow, we must not forget the discoveries o f yesterday; we learn to face the change and to value the merits of the past. The best course of action now is to unite our future with our past, which is after all what the present is made of. We must have this kind of perspective always intact. There’s no reason for print media to be wiped out. It has after all, provided us with comprehensive and insightful ideas, centuries of useful and meaningful information, it has unquestionably served us well. It is one of the reasons why we are where we are now. We are duty-bound by print media’s generation services not to its continuity but to its appreciation. Regardless of what the future holds for mass media, digital media was meant for our convenience. Its practicality makes it an ideal media source. It wasn’t made to
compete with current mass media. We cannot reject the idea until we try it.All we could really hope for at this point is that nobody forgets the assistance the prints gave us. If online is too difficult and complicated for you, use prints. The birth of digital text has replaced purchasing reading materials. If it does not fit you, it is not obligatory to replace the other option to make your choice. For others, bigger is better, for some, things don’t really change. Everybody is looking for different things. You cannot force people on what they have or to just move on. Yes, we have benefitted from print media but the unfolding of a new era inevitable. IWe must constantly embrace change. We should not feel sorry for the loss of print media but rather be thankful for its services. And in the worst case scenario, print media may be lost but by that time we have already found what we need.
Although majority may be greatly considered, it is still not entirely and as long as people need it, it will be there. If they don’t anymore, then that’s the only time it will be gone for it means that our need has already been met. Then, there is nothing to be feared. It will certainly leave evidence of mankind’s indecision on whether to stay put or to move on the pages of our history. We are anticipating the end of another era facing one that promises a brighter future and infinite possibilities for our people. Whatever may happen, some ten or twenty years from now, we will look upon the time that man had learned to make connection yesterday and tomorrow while withstanding the force that keeps us moving toward change. Let us face this new frontier without regrets for the past but with full hopes for the future while altogether being thankful for what we had and will have.
letter Dear Editor,
Health Check A couple of years ago, we underwent sets of health checkups twice. For the first half of those school years, we could adjust our diets based on the BMI and collated data. However, I noticed that we just filled out a medical form during the enrollment and didn’t follow up. Make it one Since the dawn of the EAR (a requirement for every lesson), accomplishing notes has become interesting. When the school year 2012-2013 opened, the said task seemed to be tedious because it had become an addendum to the previous journal, which in most cases, the questions we are required to answer are considered responses to Application and Reflection. Active Participation As a part of the concerned students, we are asking you to put up this matter for the sake of everyone. As FCPCians, we are encouraged to believe in democracy and all sorts of freedom. Therefore, we are asking for the right to freely suggest and constructively criticize ideals for the school. We are also asking for an active and collaborative participation of the parents and the teachers.
Yours truly, Clark Lawrence Dipos
ENVY
BY KENT ALBERT BALDONADO
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First City Review
june to december 2012
practice of he ingsoelse’s ak o rk
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standpoint
WORD TRADE
CONTRIBUTED BY MAVERICK RUSSEL A. FLORES 1ST YEAR , BA JOURNALISM, UP DILIMAN
FIGURES
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his apology addressed to the Kennedys, the senator remarked with high esteem—“Copying, imitation is the highest form of flattery.” The logic of the statement arouses a question— how shall a man be flattered when his own words were claimed by another without his permission? Treat words as Philippine territory. The world and her inhabitants share it with millions of Filipino citizens. However, its citizens maintain the boundaries and ethics of possession, and any forced claim by other countries on this land, the government esteems as perpetration. Not much of flattery there. Besides the above statements, Sotto’s camp kept uttering statements in attempts to escape his mistake. On Pope’s accusation, Villacorta remarked that blogs are in the “public domain,” and its contents were “meant to be shared,” which he declares as proof that there has been no plagiarism. In contrary, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, plagiarism is “to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one’s own; to use on (another’s production) without crediting the source,” which in simple philosophy,
8.546M underemployed
out-of school youth
478,000 employment generation
4Ps
involves text online. Sotto also remarked on Kennedy’s 1966 Day of Affirmation speech, which he allegedly plagiarized, “Marunong na palang managalog si Kennedy?” He blatantly proclaimed that when translated to Filipino, an English statement is disqualified for plagiarism, which according to Former University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication (UP-CMC) Dean and Prof. Luis V. Teodoro is a clear flaw. This argument also has “no ethical merit,” according to Kennedy’s daughter. In her letter, Kerry, also the President of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, also exclaimed that her father’s speech was intended for global human rights, which Sotto manipulated against the right to contraception, an offense to her and her father. Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, also against the RH Bill, denied Sotto’s “plagiarism,” for “no member (of the legislature) shall be questioned nor held liable in any other place for any speech or debate in Congress or in any committee thereof,” he cites from Article VI, Section
P16,841
a year a person earning less than this amount is considered poor
11 of the Philippine Constitution. Take Teodoro’s words; “It’s not what the Constitution says, and it’s no longer the RH bill, that are at issue. It’s the reputation of the Philippine Senate not only before Filipinos but the world.” Cal Thomas said, “In a free society, government reflects the soul of its people.” Is this the reflection that Filipinos want? A leader who has low to almost no regard for respect of another’s brain child? The senator is just one of those who foster a “culture of impunity” in this nation, says Teodoro. Villacorta, and even Former Sen. Ernesto Maceda, even refers to plagiarism as an accepted and rampant member of the Philippine Senate. So much for international image, for school anti-cheating policies, for intellectual property codes—the nation’s leaders themselves now celebrate unjust imitation as a family member. No wonder Sotto’s acts were regarded with little commotion from the Senate’s four corners. “You accuse me of anything under the sun, but I will not change my position on the RH Bill. I will be against the distribution of…im-
16.6%
COMPILED BY DARLAN LLOYD GRAGEDA
SOURCE: 2012 National Statistics Office, http://www.malaya.com.ph
Ability Is the Basis Then if the family is having this ability to make our country progressive, there’s nothing wrong with the dynasty.
SEEKER
Charlene Caloracan
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ffective family politicians join into the game as the fight in politics gets tougher, closing opportunities for others to be the leader, but hold the trust of the public and have the ability to govern the country. Political dynasty is ver y common in our country since the first republic is built. In fact, there are many families are popular because of their surname’s position such as the Magsaysay’s, Cayetanos, Villars, Angaras, Revillas, Belmontes, Pacquiaos, and Estradas. F i l i n g t h e a nt i -
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Treat words as Philippine territory. The world and her inhabitants share it with millions of Filipino citizens.
HAVE YOU BOOTLEGGED?
by 2015 Philippines’ commitment to halve the poverty rate under the MDG program
or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program is an effort of the PNoy admin to combat poverty
morality.” Those are Tito Sen’s own words. No, this is not an issue of contraception. Above is a model of selfdefeating logic—a person who just committed an immoral act of intellectual; dishonesty in gross objection of immorality. Words are important, so and even more are actions. If one cannot even grant respect to any of those, then one has no right to ask for the same. As for the Filipino reputation, there is no cure but for its countrymen to learn from this official’s example, at least to salvage what little moral image the Philippines still possesses.
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ometimes the most important yet the simplest words are the ones people frequently dismiss. As for Senator Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, at the peak of what might be one of the Filipino Senate’s most argued upon scandal, he may have forgotten to look up the words “respect,” “dignity,” and “reputation”—both of his own and of his countrymen—in the dictionary of responsible leadership. It took a publicized letter from Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Former US Atty. Gen. Robert F. Kennedy—whose words Sotto used in his final speech against the Reproductive Health bill without citation—for the senator to admit his flaw. The scandal erupted mid-August, when US blogger Sarah Pope pointed out her unacknowledged words nestled inside Sotto’s Senate speech against the Reproductive Health Bill, which was confessed on later by his chief of staff, Hector Villacorta. These two cases ushered months of scrutiny from various sectors, and mostly, social media-active Filipinos. These months, however, did little to make the senator realize the magnitude of his actions. In
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ave you committed any of these acts? Then you may are guilty of Sottoism—a term from urban dictionary which means committing plagiarism. Test your honesty rate with this checklist. I submitted a performance task, assignment and a research work directly copied from internet or book and took it as my own. I copied an assignment from a classmate.
dynasty bill will prohibit families to join politics again or will have only one representative. It was once presented at late 1987 and got a majority in the senate but defeated in the House of Representatives. Commission on Elections (COMELEC) worries about implementing this bill if the senate consists of politicians included with political dynasty. But Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago stated that anti-dynasty bill needs to be implemented as soon as possible or before the upcoming elections on 2013 and she will help for that. This should not be implemented because these families are always re-elected over and over again and means that the public trusts on them than any of the other politicians. More over, the opportunities that will be opened could be get by much untrustworthy people that only wants to be rich using the taxes of the public. And not all of the dynasties are guilty with neither corruption nor any other crimes in politics. On a survey, 60% of correspondents said that there’s nothing wrong with political dynasty. It shows that public itself
said that political dynasty will not make the Philippines crash and will likely help our country because of the efficiently families running for positions. Additional to that, dynasties are can be found not only in politics but also in many professions such as agricultural, industrial and commercial where ability and power is the one which is measured. “Do not forget that the power of the people is absolute, and that power includes the right to choose who will govern them,” said Congressman Jose Victor “JV” Ejercito-Estrada. Ability of the politician is the basis. Then if the family is having this ability to make our country progressive, there’s nothing wrong with the dynasty.
I translated an article word for word. I misquoted the words of an author. I invented a bibliographic source for certain words/ ideas. I shared an idea taken from a public figure and literally told everyone I actually said or wrote it. I forwarded quotes through SMS without citing the persons behind those quotes. I created a piece of art without modifying anything. I posted a status in any of the social networking sites without citing the source. Many actually liked it.
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2013 Elections: Are you aware, First Citizen? BY CAROLINA N. HERRERA
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he nation will yet again be tested of its own decisive ability to choose a leader and in the upcoming 2013 General Election to be held on May 13, 2013 in all regions of the country. This midterm elections will be conducted to select whoever shall succeed the offices in the Philippine Congress, Legislative and all other local selected official seats in the Philippine provinces and municipalities and the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao. In a democratic country like ours, this election is considered to be one of the most important phenomena not only to the government but to the people, as well. Despite the overcrowded poll precincts, people anticipate this one day for, after a long time at last, will they be reminded again of the power vested in them by the democracy. Let us also be reminded that Spiderman sealed the film “With great power comes great responsibility.” Citizens are bound to the responsibility of not only answering but resolving the final answer to the question, “Who shall lead us?” 18,022 national and local positions will be voted on for these upcoming elections. Each and every post in the government is essential to the development of our country as a whole. Then again, deciding the keepers of the citizen’s trust and the leaders of the Philippines and its regions is a crucial step in this democratic nation. However along this hype, are you aware of the upcoming midterm election, First citizen? Survey says that 12 over 15 First Citizens are well aware are interested about the upcoming elections. According to Coleen Ortiguerra of III-SSC, one of the respondents, “As a student and part of the Philippines, we need to know the changes that are happening in our country. We are affected. (Trans.)” Subsequently, students have to be wary of the country’s resolve and must be smart on choosing the right leaders who will guide them. But as what is obvious, majority of the first Citizens surveyed are only able to recognize celebrities turned politician like Manny Pacquiao. Most also recall politicians famous because of their early ‘concealed’ campaign commercials. And, only some remember full-time country servers who will run for office in 2013. In a few months time, the battle of the powerful leaders will took over and it remains the people to act as judge to this never ending rivalry. Now, there are three things left to say, stand up, step up with eyes wide open, and ready for the final showdown. Be aware.
First Cit
june to december 2012
The BIGGEST HEADLINES v
2012 v
PERSON OF THE YEAR: Barack Obama. He is both the symbol and in some ways the architect of America which is the leader of the world.
BUZZWORD: YOLO(You Only live Once) The acronym was popularized by rapper Drake used to humiliate Obama hugging the First lady. The tweet made history 22 minutes after the re-election.
TOP MEME: Call Me Maybe TOP OPINION: “You’re not special“ by David McCullough Jr. WORST NUMBER: 26 people killed in Connecticut School Shooting.
SOURCE: YAHOO.COM
CROSSING THE CHASM: THE POTENTIAL OF JOURNALISM IN BUILDING THE FUTURE e
SKYSCRAPER f
BY ROBIN MECATE
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ear Friend, Let me share this little thing I read from this book called, “The Perks of being a Wallflower” written by Stephen Chbosky; “You see things. You keep quiet about them. And you understand. You’re a wallflower.” Now my dear friend, I am not saying that you are indeed a wallflower. However, sometimes you need to put your feet down on the ground and see the world just like they see it; How the wallflowers see it and how they try each and every day to be accepted and finally be a part of the Planet they’ve been trying to get in ever since they stepped a foot on high school. You may not know me but this I’ll tell you. I am a senior and I go to the same school like you. I wear the same uniform and the same identification card that you have, well of course we differ in our names. I have the same subjects just like my fellow seniors have and I am a proud campus journalist. There are lots of things that you still don’t know about me. I am a coffee addict. I want to study architecture in college. Also, I want to be an author of a bestseller book. Well, if it’s not that hard for you, I have an account on wattpad and maybe you can take a time from your busy schedule to read one of my works. And I am a leader. I am a Corps Commander and I lead 68 senior officers and at least 60 cadets. So much for an introduction, right? But my purpose is not to make you hate me rather I want you to know my story and maybe you can take something from it. It could be a tiny piece of advice or if we share the same fate, you can take everything with you including the thoughts inside my head that I secretly wrote. Being a leader is a real tough job. If you are a leader, you should be this and you should be that. In short, you should be everything, for people will make you drop dead on the ground if they found out that you’re a whining cat inside a ten foot tall monster acting like a leader. Well, I despise that thought, because I am a leader but I have to admit that I can’t really do anything. But I do know one thing, I don’t have to do all the things they want me to do because I am the boss of myself and I can do those things with the skills and knowledge that I am capable of. It’s flexibility. It’s the only way for someone like me to lead without giving up myself from the person they want me to be which for me, is stereotypical. And that is something that I learned from campus journalism especially in my category, feature writing. We all have our own freedom to express what is in our minds without the concern of anybody and what best is. We can make a story out of it. We can make our own experiences into stories for people to read, understand and live up.
Being a campus journalist made me wise and patient and that affected my kind of leadership. Though I should be more dominating, I crossed to the other path to prove that respect cannot only be earned in terms of making people fear you rather they should respect you for the noble things you did for them whether they can see it or not or whether they’ll appreciate it or not which in fact, saddens me. You may not know a lot but this I would not bother telling you, when I became a campus journalist, I’ve realized that I will not achieve anything if I put on another shoe that doesn’t fit me and that is almost the same with being a leader why would I turn myself into someone which is the complete opposite of me? I am uniquely different. I see things. I keep quiet about them. And I understand just like a wallflower – unnoticed yet see the world in its true value. So my dear Friend, now that you understand what a wallflower means, may you take it well and seriously. If you are a leader, always put your feet on the ground and see the world just like how we see it. And take everything you believe and know and make yourself your own Skyscraper.
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DIFFERENCE FOR THE NEXT f
BY RUBIELYN DIAZ “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” - Dr. Seuss hange – it is the only thing constant in this world. Years from now, I might be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a journalist, and I might just be the person that would write a controversial article about you – the next leader of the nation. But whether or not you do become the next president of the Republic of the Philippines, what’s important is that within you the idea of becoming a leader is planted. Being the next president is not the only leadership position in this society. A simple teacher can be a leader, same as with a carpenter or a lawyer; for what a leader needs are followers and followers are easily gained once an aptitude for making change and kindling care for the nation is inside you. So, in simple terms, along your preparation to become whatever you will be in the future, you must also prepare to become a leader. And that is where I come in. I have turned the world upside down in search for an inspiration to write this article. I am a campus journalist and I am writing this article way past its deadline. But more than the brain exhaustion that I feel, I am here to help you realize that we have to be ready for the future. And along with that, I am here to tell you what can help you become a true leader. No one holds the future therefore controlling it is impossible. Youth of today will become teachers, lawyers, carpenters or politicians. In the future, one of us will sit alone in a swivel chair behind a shiny mahogany table; his picture will be seen in all the provinces with the Republic of the Philippines logo. And that person might be you, or maybe me. We are being prepared to face the ‘larger’ world. By sending us to school, grown-ups are confident that we will learn everything we need to be able to stand tall amidst challenges. But more than the knowledge of identifying linear functions or scalars and vectors, we have to be equipped with far more competence and attitude that will establish the
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identity we will need to show the people. School is the training ground for that as it does not only provide us with academic excellence, it also hones us in many more different fields. And there is one special field that hones more than just the talent and skills that someone like you might have – campus journalism. I am not being biased here. I am just establishing the idea that after the Department of Education approved Republic Act 7079 in the year 1991 – the nation was able to give birth to campus journalism, which now trains budding writers and leaders. Campus journalism develops the traits and talents in every student. But what are those traits and talents? Patience –Yes, a person’s patience can be developed elsewhere. But patience does not only cover deep and long understanding, it requires acceptance. It is not in the snap of a finger that a person can instantly become better at his field, or it is not in the blink of an eye that everything around him will change positively. Everything undergoes a process, and along every process is a mistake and it is in accepting that mistake, understanding it and using it to make oneself better, can one actually say that he is patient. And that is developed in campus journalism as each article that was written and thought for comes back with red marks and upsetting comments. Writing and Oral Skills – The ability to write can be developed, but not everyone is born a writer. Same as with giving speeches – not everyone has the capability to speak in front of hundreds of people and channel out his thoughts. Transferring thoughts into the form of words can be very challenging, as it requires proper skills – skills that can be very well developed in the field of campus journalism as the person is trained in all aspects of writing whether it may be creative or informative. Confidence – Confidence is being able to stand with self-belief – and this is greatly essential in everything that we do. To be able to stand with confidence is simply showing everyone that you have what it takes. In becoming a leader, you must stand amidst your followers and those other people with confidence. Your posture must suggest that you are not a leader for no reason and that you know what you are doing. And this is perhaps the greatest gift campus journ can give. It is in this field that every writer will experience facing great people and interviewing them for news – and what will be most important is to never shy away no matter how great the person is. And that feeling of succeeding after such an interview is infinite and really boosts confidence. Awareness and Sense of Responsibility – Knowing that you have an obligation and knowing how to fulfill that is one example of having a sense of responsibility. It is not all the time that a person can count on others to do tasks that are needed to be
done. And in campus journalism, even with 70 or more writers, you still have to finish your own job as no one else will do it for you. Most of all, you have to have a say in the issues that plague the nation as it concerns you as a citizen. Campus journalism raises the awareness not just of the readers of the paper but the writer himself. Rationality – Absent-minded decisions will always wound those who made the decision and the ones affected. Everything must be well thought of and every decision must always concern those who might get hurt. This is practiced in campus journalism as it is not all the time that an article can be published; before publishing, the welfare of those who are involved must always be taken into account. Passion – Exhaustion will all be forgotten so as long as you are doing something that you want and love. Being a leader requires passion for it is never easy to become one – it needs all the will in the world, and being passionate about the craft and responsibility of becoming a leader is one. Same with being a campus journalist, coming up with a great article is hard, but as long as you love what you are doing and you have the heart for writing, you will succeed. These are just some of the things that are honed in campus journalism that will help every leader in the making. Everyone can be a leader and everyone can have these traits, but it does not mean that we all have to be leaders in order to ignite change. All we need is care – in order to make a difference in this world, we have to care for what we have. The future is what we are preparing for here, and if we do not show the proper concern, we may not have any more future to prepare for. There is such a very high expectation in the word future – as if having it is the highest privilege and you should be able to make the best of it. Maybe that is true, but how can one possibly ready himself for the unknown? We can spend forever in preparing ourselves to become the best – to exceed excellence, but we will never succeed. There is no assurance of what might happen once we, the youth, are old enough to play a greater role in the society. Yet while we have no capability to fully prepare, we do have the ability to at least ready ourselves so as to be strong and firm when we become not just the common follower but a leader. So I guess the great question here is, will you someday change to become a great leader? And moreover, what difference will you make? Years from now, nobody will even remember that this article was ever written. But as you read and understand this now – a difference is made.
e THE STRAIGHT PATH f BY MARIELLEANN L. GIVERO
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he servant leader of the hour… It is not until 30th of June, year 2010 did Benigno “NoyNoy” Aquino III seize the 15th presidential position and coined the term PNoy (President Noynoy). The fact that his parents, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino and Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. are legends, garnered him the public attention and this attention became beneficial to easily sell himself to the Filipino Nation. The country was gravely moved by his promise to lead as an example. Along with the perks of being one of the most powerful persons in the Philippines, he also imparted the responsibility to manage a 300,000 sq km country into his own hands. With the evident mess from the former presidents of the Philippines left behind for Noynoy, the public media has popped the big question, has the Aquino administration finally fulfilled its promise? Is President Noynoy an effective leader? Like all regular politicians, we are fed up by promises. The nation was introduced to a new system of rules and administration. Back then, the former Arroyo administration was greatly despised and it earned PNoy the favor of the unanimous Filipino population. But according to the public media, the Aquino administration seems to quickly descend from high praises and lose the public’s support, which earned him lesser votes and support from the Filipino population. It was only when July 14, 2012, according to an online survey known as Rankopedia.com,
ILLUSTRATION BY BERNARD REBULADO
PNoy was voted ‘Worst World Leaders’. As expected by our economists and politicians, PNoy could never erase all the pieces of mess left behind for him within limited time. It would be a big jump start and as for the question if the Aquino administration finally fulfilled its promise, the simple answer is not yet. Yes, the Philippines is minimally progressing but it is not much noticed, since the nation’s problems are bigger than the administration’s achievements. As for the question asking if PNoy is an effective leader, first of all, ‘good’ leadership has a different meaning from ‘effective’ leadership. The word good is an evaluation of the end result rather than the leader’s actions. Did it achieve good purposes? The word good leadership meant that being able to use resources wisely and his authoritarian command produced good results, while the word ‘effective’ means someone who manages to command someone to do what they want regardless of the outcome of that command. Therefore PNoy is no doubt an effective leader since he managed to authorize under his members because of his strategy to employ close friends, but if we are comparing to the works, we cannot strongly say that PNoy is a ‘good’ leader. Let me end this article with a simple quotation from Sam Walton, “There is only one boss – the customer. And he can fire everybody in the company from the chairman on down, simply by spending his money somewhere else.” In our case, it is by simply transferring where our loyalty lies…
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SPORTS FEATURE
PINAS SPORTS
SAVING KICK I
A look back at what happened in sports in the Philippines in 2012.
BY ALLAN ROY BALCE
He’s more than his name.
t all started as an unarmed combat between the three rival Korean Kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje. And ever since, Taekwondo became international and made its way to the very place of First City Providential College. Who would know that First City will be filled with masters when it comes to Korean Martial Arts? Well, If you’d ask me, we are indeed full of talented and skillful students when it comes to Taekwondo and that is because they have the most prolific coach and that is none other than, Coach Hope Amahit. Amahit, known as a National Instructor and National Referee, was the former Taekwondo coach of New Era University. He was also categorized as a 3rd Dan and became one of the most valuable coaches in First City for years. Along with other coaches who won many titles as well, Amahit indeed embarked his history in First City. Amahit’s team already won three times in their four tournaments and has garnered over 200 medals for 5 years. However, this year wasn’t the lucky year for his team because of the lack of participants for the competition. But this sudden change of faith didn’t stop Amahit to train his students intensely with the knowledge that he has. With his diverse coaching skills that he has furnished for years, he has helped a lot of his students to make it to the top of the Taekwondo world. “As part of my training, whenever my students miss one or two sessions they will have to go back to zero to regain their stamina and learn their lessons. In that way they will be able to race those who are ahead of them” coach Hope Amahit said. He also added that his students are like metals that whenever they are exposed to tardiness, they will rust and they may have to learn from step one again. With his determination that reflected among his students, he has now around 600-700 students and still counting. Amahit also encourages his students to showcase their skills to their friends or relatives to inspire them to become a Taekwondo student and reminds them that Taekwondo isn’t something to brag to others. “Quality. This is all that I can put to my service even though that the students aren’t so many” Amahit added. With that kind of mindset, no wonder that First City hired Hope Amahit to become the coach of the Taekwondo team, with that kind of heart for service, he’ll surely have a lot of things ahead of him, more blessings and more championships. Truly, First City Providential College is a home of only the
PHOTO FROM NET
FOOTBALL
AZKALS enter Suzuki Cup with 143rd World Ranking Seat
A ROADHOUSE KICK: Coach Hope Amahit unleashes strong kick during PHOTO FROM AMAHIT’S PROFILE an intensive taekwondo training.
First and the Best. Coach Hope Amahit truly signifies that famous line that trends on First City today. In the near future, Amahit’s team will surely give more to our Alma Mater, more wins and more golds until their very last kick.
On the Other Side of the Fence is HOPE
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ladiators need to experience setbacks because if you can come back from them it shows just how great you are. Pacquiao is a gladiator himself. Despite the horrifying loss against the Mexican fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez, the People’s Champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao remained undisputed in front of his kababayans. After getting knocked out cold at the sixth round of their fourth and maybe final bout at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Pacquiao gets up, preps up not for a rematch but for the Filipinos who were torn by the super typhoon Pablo. “Boxing is my passion but public service is my calling,” he said. Being elected as the Congressman of the Sarangani province really extended the ability of Pacman to help his countrymen. At a different angle, Pacman now is not merely a boxing icon but the voice of his constituents in Mindanao. “I know the life of nothing,” the fighting congressman uttered in the postfight interview. Pacquiao’s story is one of those inspiring rags-to-riches fame. He dared an adventure to Manila beginning as a no-name boxing trainer on a shabby gym. He fought many fights and experienced setbacks—which are seemingly usual for everyone. Now, he’s among the richest and the most popular men in the country. Despite his success, he remained humble and approachable.
Having encountered various bends in the road to success, Pacquiao showed to the world why losing is not that painful and downsizing. It meant he sustained back-to-back defeats in his career after losing to Timothy Bradley in June. He reflected the Filipinos’ spirit—resilience. On being down to the canvas, he said that getting hit and falling is part of boxing. He admitted that he lost not because of the change of religion or ignor-
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...the ability of Pacquiao to rise to his feet despite the devastating blow could just spur the rest of his country folk to do even better, wherever they are in this world.
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BY TYRON JAMES O. GONZALES BS BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PUP-STA.MESA, MANILA
First City Review
ing his mother’s plea for his retirement but because of his overconfidence during the fight. It could go either of two ways: the sight of Pacquiao lying face down on the canvas could dampen the spirit of Pinoys struggling against lonely, difficult conditions just to “survive”; or the ability of Pacquiao to rise to his feet despite the devastating blow could just spur the rest of his country folk to do even better, wherever they are in this world.
zkals Enter Suzuki Cup with the 143rd world Ranking Seat. Energized after November 7 announcement, the Philippine Azkals stormed through the qualifying round to enter the 9th Edition AFF Suzuki Cup November 24, 2012 held at Bangkok, Thailand. “ We are so happy right now and we feel so proud that we entered the tournament,” said Azkals’ star player Phil Younghusband. The Azkals jumped four places to 143 after winning against Chinese Taipei and Bahrain, running 2nd behind Vietnam at 138 at the Southeast Asia Region and No. 20 in Asia. Aside from the Philippine Azkals, seven other countries will take part in the said journey, including Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore at Laos. These 8 teams were divided into two groups, Group A; Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar while Malaysia, Indonesia and Laos consists Group B. “It’s a reflection of the improvement of the national team,” Philippine Football Federation President, Mariano Araneta stated. The Azkals’ will have its first match against the resilient Thailand national team this coming November 24, 2012 8:30 P.M at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium, Thailand.
TENNIS
Murray clinches US Open
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aking into account his stature as a veteran player, Andy Murray persevered in his fifth finals appearance to bring down defending champion Novak Djokovic in a 3-2- (7-6, 7-5, 2-6, 3-6, 6-2) register to bag himself his first Grand Slam title in the 2012 US open. This achievement placed Murray as the first British to win a major title since Fred Perry made his historical title back in 1936. “Relief is the best word I would use to describe how I’m feeling right now. Yeah, very, very, very happy that I managed to come through because if I had lost this one form the two sets up, that would have been a tough one to take”, said Murray. The British contender mounted for a dominant 2-0 rally, but Djokovic easily curved back with clutches on the third and fourth for a two-all tie, then Murray took the deciding set. “The beginning of the fifth set was the turning point”, said Djokovic”, “I should have not lost the two breaks in a row. After that, it was really tough to came back. And, you know, I definitely congratulate him because he came up with big serving when he needed to “. The heated dispute reached its conclusion after four hours and 54 minutes of action which both players described as ‘incredibly tough’. This win served as one of the important highlights in Murray’s career, including his Olympic gold medal grabbed a few weeks ago, with a plan to extend his collection in the days to come.
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First City Review
PBA LAUNCHES NEW SEASON
The Philippines prestigious D-League opens its new season with a shuffle of coaches and rookies. Update yourself on page 18
LUCKILY LOCKED THE LAD It was a counterpunch at the nick of time. The Mexican boxer proved he’s a tough nut to crack. Know what’s the real score on page 19.
Sports
Trailblazers settle for 3rd Place Overall BY HANS MIRANDA
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TIP-OFF. FCPC and GCA prove their might in an intense clash in CSANPRISA Men’s Basketball match. PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO
he First City Trailblazers finished third overall at the City of San Jose Private Schools Association (CSANPRISA Men’s Volleyball Finals last October 1, Pecson Ville Covered Court. With a lot of players and fresh legs available, the Ebenezer Christian Academy team feasted on the fatigue of the badly outnumbered First Citizens and sealed the deal with a beautiful 25-16 win to snap a 3-1 set victory. Spiker Richard Abalos unleashed 5 of his 16 markers to steal the spotlight in the 3rd set, 25-23, keeping the dream alive for First Citizens. Blazers Captain Kevin Estrada alongside Christian Dela Pacion hailed
Napakalapit na namin. Siguro kinulang lang talaga sa tiyaga at sa bilang. Babawi kami sa susunod. FIRST CITY COACH TOYCO
11 points apiece to show some resistance, creating a worthy challenge for Ebenezer Christian Academy Incorporated. Overwhelmed by the merciless barrage of attacks blasted by Ebenezer, the Trailblazers lost the first two sets, 18-25, 22-25, forcing them to struggle in the latter parts of the game. “Napakalapit na namin. Siguro kinulang lang talaga sa tiyaga at sa bilang. Babawi kami sa susunod,” First City Coach Toyco. In the overall rankings, the class J School reigned as first followed by Ebenezer at second, and FCPC at third. The local team now aims to take revenge by next year.
FORCE. With their powerful spikes, the FCPC Trailblazers prove of the best players in CSJDM. PHOTO BY ZAIRA MENDOZA
Royal stars shine in CSANPRISA debut Ta e k w o n d o Te a m Brings Home 3 Golds and Silver
In the first-ever CSANPRISA tourney, the First City hoops team proved they’re a class apart by tearing down competition. BY RALPH DUGAN
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arving their names in CSANPRISA Men’s Basketball Tourney, First City Providential College Royal Stars rocketed to second place in the first year of their young franchise career, September 29, at Genesis Christian Academy. Leading FCPC’s charge, captain ball Armando Cabias, pushed through Genesis Christian Academy (GCA) and Paulette College in their first matches before falling short in a tough finals game with La Conception Saints, 39-42. Cabias registered a game-high 20 point performance for the royal stars in their finals match to lead his for the royal stars in their finals match to lead his team in their counter attack efforts, but failed to finish as Serrano Saint Duo took control to grab the first spot. “Excellent na para sa amin to, kasi nagpagod naman yung mga bata ko at magandang ensayo na sa amin yung pakikipag tune-up sa ibang school, sa madaling salita, magandang simula ito.” FCPC head coach Bonifacio Dunghit said. The Royal Stars started their dominant run early in the tournament, finishing their first clash with GCA, 28-23. It was followed by a 14 point win blowout against Paullete College in their second game, 56-42, to chalk up two quick wins in their campaign. The 5’7 Cabins Louise Batingan, and 6’0 center Aaron Borja’s basketball brilliance brought them a combined 29 point package in their triumph over Paullete College. Borja, Cabias, Batingan and Royal Cañete will be playing for LCC Saints after the CSANPRISA in preparation GO EXTRA MILE. Royal Justine Cañete strives hard to surpass the GCA opponent during the for the division meet. CSANPRISA basketball championship game at GCA covered court.
Cerdenia ensures 4th in City Meet BY ALLAN BALCE
Amahit takes centerstage as he saves FCPC through hid deadly kicks. Turn to page 12
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laying with carious offensive tactics in her arsenal, Ma. Jovelle Cerdenia worked her way up to fourth place in the overall ranking of the City of San Jose Private School Association (CSANPRISA) Table Tennis (elementary girls) elimination, Colegio de San Jose del Monte, September 25. Cerdenia took her winning drive through the city meet after trudging against
competitors from Group G. The First Citizen grabb ed herself her first tally after a 2-0 set match against CSJDM player Jelan Legarta with 11-2 and 11-5 registers. W i t h her impressive ball control and a
combination of amazing coordination, Cerdenia grasped another win via 2-0 record over Gabriel Geslava of Sienna, 11-7, 11-2. Cerdenia’s campaign continued as she covered for another 2-0 victory against Camille Varibio of Immaculate Heart of Mary School (IHMS) 11-0, 11-2 to take her place in the rankings. FCPC’s table tennis gal carred her name in her Alma Mater’s history with her 4th place stint.
BY HANS MIRANDA
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ocal Jins moved on the top of the CSANPRISA Taekwando Competetion after a series of action-packed matches at Calvary Christian Academy last September 26. The First Citizens reigned on 3 difficult divisions; Elementary Level 3 (Girls), High School Bantamweight (Boys) and High School Lightweight (Boys), each with gold awards. Sharing a slot on the spotlight, the silver medalists showed sportsman-like manner to their respective division champions. John Ryan Fajardo, FCPC’s Blackbelter scored a twin 1-0 round victory via a round house kick to his opponents temple that knocked him out cold on the mat during the Bantamweight finals. With a one-sided down win, Lawrence Oreino snatched the gold with a dominating 6-2, 4-3 2-round victory in the Lightweight division. Outmatching 4 rivals, Jastine Alpajora made her way to the gold medal in the level 3 of the Elementary Stage. On the other hand, Althea Secuaten, Jared Tesalva and Carl Angelo Paulo landed one step short from the first spot with 8 silver pieces on their hands. Tesalva kicked his way through 8 opponents but ran out of steam during the championship match. Falling short on the last of the 5 contestants, secuaten landed 2nd and Paulo lost the sole match against his only opponent in the PHOTO BY ANGELO RABANILLO Elementary Level 1.
2012 FCPC SPORTS TEAMS EMERGED AND WON a Basketball a Table Tennis a Badminton WE DOMINATE
a Taekwondo a Volleybal